_WORLD WATCH______________________________
______________________Bosnia____________________

Refugee crisis unsolved
Thousands remain homeless

Pope John Paul II called for renewed attention to the plight of refugees in Bosnia-Herzegovina, as he met with an international humanist group led by former Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling. 

The group headed by Pauling—who has been honored with the Nobel Prize for both chemistry and peace—met in a private audience with the Pontiff before traveling to Sarajevo, where they sponsored discussions aimed at promoting mutual understanding among different ethnic groups.

The Pope remarked that the refugee situation in Bosnia has not yet received adequate attention, and has not found a “satisfactory solution in the light of the Washington and Dayton accords” that brought an uneasy peace in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Pope observed: “The most difficult period has ended in Bosnia-Herzegovina, but the people’s suffering continues—especially the tragedy of refugees and exiles.” He noted that “tens of thousands” of people are still waiting for an opportunity to return to their old homes. 

“We cannot forget this tragedy,” the Pope said. Along with a lasting peace in Bosnia, he said, the international community should work to “correct existing social injustices” and ensure respect for “the inalienable rights” of those who suffered during the Balkan warfare.