BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA: RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF EVERYONE

VATICAN CITY, MAR 19, 2005 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon, Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls released the following declaration concerning the visit by Dragan Covic, a member of the collegial presidency of Bosnia- Herzegovina, to Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano:

"During the meeting, a valuable exchange of opinions on the current situation in the country took place. The president also gave the cardinal secretary of State his heartfelt best wishes for the Holy Father's speedy recovery.

"For his part, the secretary of State promised to pass on those best wishes to His Holiness, who nourishes deep interest and affection for all the people of Bosnia Herzegovina.

"The cardinal secretary of State then gave assurances that the Holy See well understands the current difficulties of the country, expressing the hope that all citizens respect the law and that everyone's rights are respected.

"In closing, His Eminence expressed the Holy Father's ardent best wishes to all the people of Bosnia Herzegovina, together with his hopes for peace and harmony among them.

"Finally the cardinal secretary of State presented a special greeting from the Holy Father to Cardinal Vinko Puljic, to the entire episcopate, to the clergy and to all the Catholic faithful of the country."
OP/BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA/COVIC:NAVARRO-VALLS VIS 050321 (210)

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