In an interview with the French daily Le Monde, M. Giscard d’Estaing said that Turkey had "a different culture, a different approach, a different way of life". He added: "Its capital is not in Europe, 95 per cent of its population live outside Europe. It is not a European country."

Admitting Turkey to the EU would go "outside the continent" and prompt demands to admit other Middle Eastern and North African states, starting with Morocco, he said. Asked what the effect would be, he said: "In my opinion, it would be the end of the European Union."

Nevertheless, his sentiments reflect the views of many European politicians and illustrate that opposition to Turkish membership runs deep.

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.

Q: Is there religious liberty in Bosnia-Herzegovina?
Cardinal Puljic: It is a complex matter. The Orthodox Church, considered a state church, is in the federation's Serbian Republic. The Muslims rule in the Republic of Bosnia and, in fact, we are unable to get permission for the construction of new churches. Over the past 50 years, only one has been built in Sarajevo. I have been asking for permission to build three buildings for worship, but I have not yet received a reply.

In fact, many faithful are thinking of emigrating. It is a very subtle, sinuous discrimination..

Q: What has changed in your country since the Sept. 11 attacks?
Cardinal Puljic: Muslim leaders have condemned terrorism but there are resentments in regard to the West. Many do not accept the request made by the United States to our authorities to check if members of al-Qaida or other terrorist organizations are hiding in Bosnia.

Q: Is it true that many Muslim combatants have remained, who came to help Bosnian Muslims during the war years?
Cardinal Puljic: Many of them have married and are now citizens of our country. I don't know if they are terrorists, but I want to add something: The United States knew, since 1992, that there were foreign militias here of Muslim countries. But the U.S. didn't say anything.
Then, when I pointed it out to a high U.S. official, he paid no attention to my observation. On the contrary, he accused me of narrow nationalism. Only after Sept. 11 have they started to cry out, scandalized.

Q: In your opinion, what should Europe do in face of Islam?
Cardinal Puljic: I'm afraid Europe still doesn't know Islam well. It must wake up, not to launch new crusades but to be aware of the new challenge.
Muslims in Europe must be respected in their identity, as every religion must be in countries of Muslim majority. However, there must be insistence on the principle of reciprocity, it is a fundamental point. Europe itself is at stake, which cannot give up respect for liberty and the rights of the individual. And Bosnia, let this be clear, is in Europe.