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SARAJEVO, BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA, October 7, 2002: Cardinal Vinko Puljic, archbishop of Sarajevo, has been discussing with representatives of European episcopates the difficulty of coexistence with Islam. The cardinal has been the host of the plenary assembly of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE). Excerpts from this very informative interview: Q: How are relations between Catholics and Muslims in Bosnia? Cardinal Puljic: Ten years ago, before the war, they were very good. However, from that moment, the situation has changed. The first sign was the arrival of humanitarian aid from Arab countries: It was distributed only to Muslims; it was prohibited to give it to Christians. Our Caritas (a Catholic aid agency), instead, made no ethnic or religious distinctions; everyone could benefit. However for them, the aid was a means to promote the Islamization of society. Q: Does this process continue today? Cardinal Puljic: Of course. They have not limited themselves to repair mosques damaged by the war. They have built very many new ones, more than 10 in Sarajevo alone, and, in addition, many Muslim schools, and an Islamic theology school. A massive propaganda financed by Iran, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia has also been launched — propaganda that at times does not spare harsh attacks on the Christian religion. I must say that the chief ulema of the Muslim community of Bosnia has condemned these periodic attacks. Nevertheless, they cause concern.”

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