HVO unit anniversary near Derventa marked without incident, messages of coexistence sent: “Without our Orthodox friends, we could do nothing”

Although the public had been stirred in recent days by reports that an HVO unit formation would take place at the event, that did not happen.

Representatives of Croatian associations claim that the official invitation had been hacked and that the reports were false. The Veterans’ Organization of Republika Srpska (BORS) had accused members of the unit of war crimes against local Serbs and said the news of a possible formation had caused concern, prompting calls for a response from the RS Interior Ministry (MUP RS).

They said they had no objection to the religious part of the gathering, but objected to the memorial monument, which they say insults Serbian victims.

Ankica Coric, a returnee to Derventa, said the focus should be on coexistence and the good relations that local Croats and Orthodox Serbs have maintained for decades.

“Relatives of those who were killed are here and they want to pray for their loved ones in peace and be here in peace. I would especially like to point out that all families from this area who left and went out into the world have dear Orthodox families who help them, including with restoring their homes. We could do nothing on our own without our good Orthodox friends. My association could not function without good workers of all ethnic groups,” Coric said.

She added that they came “to open their hearts and think of all the deceased.”

Fra Ivan Nujic, parish priest and guardian of the Plehan Franciscan Monastery, said the tensions were unnecessary and were “muddying the waters in otherwise good and harmonious relations between communities” in Plehan.

“We want to emphasize that we are committed to building peace - not only reconciliation and coexistence, but truly establishing and preserving human relationships. Last year, on Derventa City Day, I attended a liturgy in Derventa and a memorial service for fallen Serbian soldiers as a Catholic priest. That is not a problem for me,” Nujic said.

He said all victims deserve equal respect and that the gathering should send “a message of peace and compassion for victims from any community.”

Ivan Coruka, head of the organizing committee, said someone had hacked his invitation for the mass, causing a misunderstanding.

BORS official Milovan Gagic said he was pleased the event passed peacefully and thanked MUP RS.

Local BORS members said they were uncomfortable with the monument and the context, but stressed they did not oppose the religious ceremony itself.