The Croat National Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovinaexpressed its support for the retired Cardinal Vinko Puljić, emphasizing that he has been facing inappropriate public attacks following his recent statements.
In a press release, the Croat National Assembly blamed so-called radical Bosniak circles for these attacks.
“The Croat National Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovinaexpresses its full support for Cardinal Vinko Puljić, who has recently faced inappropriate public attacks from radical Bosniak circles due to his clear and principled positions on the necessity of full equality for the Croat people in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Throughout his entire pastoral service, Cardinal Puljić has consistently advocated for dialogue, peace, mutual respect, and the constitutional equality of all constituent peoples and all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” the statement read.
They emphasized that Puljić’s messages were never directed against anyone, but instead represent a responsible call for the respect of basic constitutional principles.
“Attempts to discredit and publicly pressure Cardinal Puljić for expressing his views on the rights of the Croat people represent an unacceptable attack on the freedom of speech, as well as on the right of the Croat people to legitimately represent their political and social interests. The Croat National Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina calls for mutual respect, the easing of political tensions, and a responsible public dialogue, with full respect for the constitutional structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the equality of all constituent peoples. The Croat National Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina will remain committed to protecting the legitimate rights of the Croat people and building a stable, European, and functional Bosnia and Herzegovina,” they explained.
In conclusion, they stated that the Croat National Assembly will support any well-intentioned conversation.
“At the same time, the Croat National Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to support all well-intentioned discussions and proposals for a more functional organization of Bosnia and Herzegovina coming from intellectuals, the academic community, religious representatives, and other social actors from Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad, which are aimed at strengthening mutual trust, constitutional equality, and the long-term stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” they concluded.
