Cardinal Etchegarary will participate in a "solidarity meeting" in Banja Luka, Bosnia, this weekend. The meeting is being organized by Justice and Peace commissions throughout Europe, at the invitation of the local Church. The purpose of the session is to increase international awareness of the severe difficulties that still afflict the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina, especially those who are ethnic minorities in their regions.
The meeting will also provide a demonstration of international support for the embattled Catholics of Banja Luka, a diocese which has seen severe suffering in recent years, and is now heavily involved in the efforts to promote reconciliation among ethnic groups and restoration of family homes.
Among the participants in the weekend meeting will be Cardinal Vinko Puljic of Sarajevo, former Polish prime minister T. Mazowiecki, and a variety of representatives from Church groups and humanitarian organizations.