Lecture by Archbishop Nikola Eterović on the occasion of the anniversary of the international recognition of Croatia

"The Hague sentencing of the Croatian Six from Bosnia and Herzegovina does not take the historical facts into account. There are no historical data or reasons for a joint criminal enterprise. This verdict is not just and does not contribute to reconciliation! Let this verdict make Croatian politicians aware that the Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina must not be left alone but need help to exist and remain there. In this situation of general distress, I am interested in how to help the nation so that it does not become lost," said Archbishop Puljić in an interview for Croatian Catholic Radio (HKR).

We must not close our eyes before the obvious fact that since the Washington and Dayton peace agreements, particularly in regard to the manner of their implementation, in various ways members of the domiciled Croatian nation have been sent and continue to be sent messages that Bosnia and Herzegovina is not their homeland and there is no place in it for them.

In their conversation, they spoke of the very good and friendly relationship between the Republic of Croatia and the Holy See.

"Cardinal Stepinac was a defender of the truth, to which he not only bore witness with his words and teachings, but for which he also gave his life. Therefore, we are pleased to state that his sanctity has already been confirmed by the process of beatification. The Catholic faithful in Croatia may venerate Stepinac as a beatus, invoke him as a friend of God and view him as a model and witness in our time."