Slavonski Brod, March 14, 1997 (IKA) – A meeting of persons exiled from the
Bosanska Posavina region [the Bosnian Sava River Valley] was held on
Wednesday, March 12. On this occasion, the Rev. Ivan Ćurić of Plehan, a
Franciscan and the parish priest of Žeravac near Derventa, asked for
support in returning to Plehan and facilitating a group visit to Plehan on
the feast day of the patron saint of the parish and church, St. Mark the
Evangelist, from the deputy senior representative of the international
community for implementing the peace agreement, Michael Steiner, who was
present at the meeting. The petition was presented to the representative
of the international community by the effendi of Slavonski Brod, Rasim
Zahirovic, on behalf of the Islamic religious community. “The Franciscans
are genuine friends of Bosnia. I saw that they work under difficult
conditions in northern and central Bosnia,” said Michael Steiner,
addressing the people of Bosanska Posavina. Mr. Steiner also mentioned
the forthcoming visit by the Holy Father and the constant support by the
Holy See for the return of all to their homes and a whole and indivisible
state with equal rights for all. At the meeting, organized by the
Association of Refugees and Displaced Persons from Bosanska Posavina, more
than a thousand persons from this region were assembled. They were also
addressed by the president of the Association, Prof. Ivo Križanović, who
stated that the Association seeks the introduction of an international
protectorate over Bosanska Posavina if the peace treaty cannot be
implemented. Most of Bosanska Posavina, 83% of its land, is owned by
Croats and Muslims but it is part of the “Republika Srpska” according to
the peace treaty. The deputy of the senior representative of the
international community asked many questions about the international
accords, emphasizing the request to implement Annex 7 of the Dayton
Treaty. Steiner stressed the importance of the elections that could
provide the international community with partners in the implementation of
the peace process. Mr. Steiner urged the refugees and displaced persons
to persevere in exercising their right to return to their homes. “If you
unite with all those who want to return to their homes, you will be the
strongest force in Bosnia-Herzegovina,” said Michael Steiner.