OSCE condemns violence, calls for security to be restored in Bosnia and Herzegovina

BUCHAREST, 7 April 2001 - The Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana, strongly condemns the organized violence against international representatives and Federation of BiH law enforcement officials in western Mostar and other HDZ-BiH controlled regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which took place on Friday 6 April.

A joint action by Federation of BiH Ministry of Interior authorities, Federation Financial Police, OHR, IPTF and SFOR was undertaken Friday morning to investigate allegations of corruption and illegal activities at Herzegovacka Banka. The operation involved the bank headquarters in Mostar and several branch offices throughout the country.

During the action in Mostar, a riot took place at the bank's headquarters, and several people were injured. Throughout the day, HDZ extremists organized riots in various parts of the country, which unfortunately resulted in several injuries among local civilians, police, SFOR soldiers and other international officials. International property and offices have been targeted specifically for vandalism or destruction.

The Chairman-in-Office has been informed by the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina that proper measures have been taken to ensure full protection of the personnel deployed in the areas concerned and the Mission will continue to give full attention to these issues.

The Chairman-in-Office calls upon all local authorities and political leaders in BiH to assist in ensuring that security is restored and that all violence ceases. Those responsible for instigating these attacks will be held responsible for their behaviour and any harm inflicted upon individuals, local or international. Furthermore, the Chairman-in-Office demands that all those who violate the law be prosecuted.

The Chairman in Office also reiterates his strongest support to the newly formed Government in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

For more information, visit the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina website: http://www.oscebih.org or contact Luke Zahner, OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, tel.: (++387/33) 292-449, or Victor Micula, Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, +(40-1) 230-75-70.