Holy See and Yugoslav Crisis (1991-1992)

The position and activity of the Holy See in the difficult Yugoslav crisis (before and after the declaration of independence by Croatia and Slovenia) have been consistent and fully in accord with the mission of the Church in the world delineated by the II Vatican Councel. From the very beginning the Holy See has drawn attention to the ethical and juridical principles now generally accepted in the international forum: the right of peoples to self-determination and the duty to respect the rights of every individual. It has supported the initiatives of the international community and has appealed for an end to the fighting. Finally, as a last resort to stop the escalation of the fighting, it acted in favour of a conditional recognition of The indipendence of Croatia and Slovenia. The procedure of giving conditional recognition was intended as a way of obtaining a formal commitment from the Republics to respect the conditions set out in the various documents of the CSCE, especially in relation to the defence of human rights, democracy and the protection of national minorities. But, the war has inflicted deeper wounds in all the Republics. Holy Father repeatedly address especially believers and religious leaders that they intensify dialogue and joint action to create an atmosphere of peace and cooperation between peoples who differ in culture, faith, history and language to live »together« in the »new Europe« that they too must help to build