Zagreb, August 18, 2000 (IKA) — Doris Pack, president of the Commission for Southeast Europe of the European Parliament, traveled to Banja Luka on Thursday, August 17, where she will speak with local authorities in order to assess the current situation and determine whether the terms of the Dayton agreement concerning the return of refugees to their homes and population exchanges are being implemented.
“It is known that I have been attentively following the events in the Banja Luka region for a long time,” she said, noting that no politicians in the region are doing anything to support minorities and defend their rights, with the exception of Bishop Franjo Komarica who is actively assisting minorities, especially Catholics. “In Banja Luka, there are many meetings ahead of me, including meetings with representatives of the UN, UNHCR, the minister of the Republika Srpska for refugees, the mayor of Banja Luka, and the Serbian member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Doris Pack, pointing out that she will also attempt to determine whether the foreign aid intended for minorities is being delivered to them and to what extent the terms of the Dayton agreement regarding the exchange and return of property are being met. “Therefore, I must gather extensive information in order to evaluate the actual situation,” concluded Doris Pack.