Why are refugees of croatian nationality from Bosnia-Herzegovina being deprived of health and welfare benefits in the Republic of Croatia?

Zagreb, August 19, 1997 (IKA) — On Tuesday, August 19, Bishop Franjo Komarica of Bosnia went to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia to intercede on the behalf of refugee Croats from the Banja Luka Diocese and other areas in Bosnia-Herzegovina who presently find themselves in a confused situation. In recent encounters with numerous refugees, the bishop has learned that they have recently lost their rights to health and welfare benefits in the Republic of Croatia. This situation arose after Order No. 17/97 was issued by the Office for Refugees and Displaced Persons, signed on August 6 by the head of this office, Lovro Pejković , and sent to all the regional offices and centers for social work. Government representatives promised the bishop that they would reconsider this matter and that those affected will be promptly informed of their legal position and their futures, especially regarding their return to their homes, in which many have expressed great interest. The bishop of Banja Luka anticipates that the rights of these refugees will receive direct support, including the responsible representatives of the Church in Croatia, especially the Justitia et Pax Commission of the Croatian Conference of Bishops.