Sarajevo, October 6, 2000 (IKA/KTA) — Archbishop Cardinal Vinko Puljić of Sarajevo met today, October 6, with the chairman of the Stability Pact Steering Committee of the International Community for the Return of Refugees, Hans Koschnik. The main topics discussed were perspectives and problems facing displaced persons and refugees who want to return to their former homes in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The number of those wanting to return was seen as encouraging, but the assistance provided by the International Community is still inadequate. Cardinal Puljić sharply criticized individual representatives of the authorities who “with perfidious pressures” are attempting to prevent refugees and displaced persons from returning to their homes. “In recent times, my faithful have experienced injustices. Those returning to the Republika Srpska have to prove that something was theirs before the war, while those who have been occupying property do not have to prove anything. On the field I have noticed that individual representatives of the international organizations have very negative attitudes toward Croats. The international community does not behave uniformly toward all the ethnic nationalities of Bosnia-Herzegovina. They attack Croats with particular gusto. I ask myself if they want us to leave these territories,” said Cardinal Puljić. Mr. Koschnik emphasized in the conversation that Croats must have prospects in Bosnia-Herzegovina and that politicians must recognize and do what is best for the people. The international community has placed too much emphasis on the question of rebuilding houses while the question of what people will live from after they return has been neglected. Cardinal Puljić thanked his guest for his understanding and emphasized that he will continue to criticize whatever jeopardizes the survival of the Croats in these territories, “regardless of what or whom it concerns.”