ALLIANCE OF BH CROAT ASSOCIATIONS CONDEMNS VIOLENCE AGAINST CROATS

ZAGREB, April 6 (Hina) - An alliance of Bosnian Croat associations on Friday expressed "concern about the use of force against Croats" in Bosnia-Herzegovina and requested that the international community and the Croatian government take into consideration views of the Bosnian Croat people, calling for peace and dignified conduct. "The Alliance of Associations of Bosnia-Herzegovina Croats calls on the international community and the Croatian government to pay more attention and show more understanding for the views of the Croat people in Bosnia-Herzegovina and establish dialogue with the lawfully elected representatives of the Croat people in the country," the Alliance said in a statement. The Alliance adds that it "respects decisions of the Croat National Congress as an expression of the legal and legitimate will of the Croat people." It expresses opposition to the attempt of the High Representative to introduce "forced administration." The association condemns Bosnian Foreign Minister Zlatko Lagumdzija for calling "from Zagreb for the establishment of illegitimate bodies in Bosnia-Herzegovina." The statement, sent to Hina, also conveys concern about "the use of brutal force against Croat civilians." "We also urge the Croatian government to raise above party views and defend the legitimate rights of the BH Croat people to which it is bound by the Dayton (agreement) and the Croatian Constitution," the statement said. (hina) rml