The long and comprehensive talk, Linta said, focused on the problems as well as good examples within the diocese. The officials highlighted the key role the diocese of Bihac-Petrovac, its Bishop and clergy play in helping the Serbian people stay on these territories. The main topics of conversation were economic development, the exodus of young people, problems of education in the Serbian language and Cyrillic script which the curriculum should follow, slow reconstruction of the destroyed houses and infrastructure and the social aspect of the Serbian people’s lives in general.

Linta said that the employment of Serbs in the public sector is also a problem because the authorities discriminate against them and prevent them from taking up positions in education, healthcare and public enterprises. One possible way of overcoming this might be opening a channel of conversation, with the Government’s help, between Belgrade and Sarajevo, opined Linta. He said that the Committee would compile recommendations with the help of Bishop Sergije and the homeland associations to forward to the Cabinet of the President of Serbia and the relevant institutions.

Bishop Sergije said that the people are optimistic and have faith and hope in survival and sustainable development, adding that he would do all in his power to make sure the people stay on the aforementioned territory.

The meeting was also attended by Committee Deputy Chairperson Mirjana Dragas and Committee members Doc. Dr Ivan Bauer, MA Ivan Kostic and Aleksandar Cotric.