The new bill proposals for water and water management funding have not provided safeguards against the uncontrolled privatization of water resources, a strategy for the export of water to countries that have a recognized need for a supply of drinking water, or safeguards against the illegal and uncontrolled extraction of gravel and sand from pumping sites. This has opened the way for highly interested multinational companies, as well as some socially and morally irresponsible local businessmen, to earn extra profits at the expense of the remaining national nonrenewable and renewable resources, warns the Commission.

At the session of the Justice and Peace Commission, there was concern due to increasing attacks against the Church and the right to express opinions, and support for the willingness of the Croatian political institutions, the parliament and government to resolve the unresolved issues with neighboring countries in the spirit of the existing international law and arbitration rulings of the Badinter Commission.

In response to a question on the place and role of the Society of Jesus in the Church and world today, Fr. Nicolás pointed out that the activity of the Society is evident in the areas of education in schools and universities, pastoral work, spiritual ministry and other services such as social centers etc., with the goal of helping people find the path to God.

At a press conference in Đakovo, Archbishop Srakić commented on the decision by the Church to relinquish 50 million kunas, adding that this amount is actually significantly higher since each diocese is also contributing charitable activity, and thus the Archdiocese of Đakovo-Osijek has set aside 25 to 30 percent during the past period.

Statement by the Croatian Conference of Bishops, Zagreb, July 24, 2009