HDZ BH CONDEMNS THIS MORNING'S MURDER OF CROAT POLICEMAN

( Editorial: --> 1069 ) MOSTAR, July 31 (Hina) - The Presidency of the Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia-Herzegovina (HDZ BH) on Friday condemned the planting of an explosive device in Travnik this morning which resulted in the killing of a Croat policeman. In a statement issued on this occasion, the Presidency requested the international community and all relevant factors to do everything to find and punish the perpetrators of this latest and all previous crimes, thus putting an end to terrorist attacks against Croats in central Bosnia. The HDZ BH Presidency also requested that the highest representatives of the international community in Bosnia and the chairman of Bosnia's collective Presidency Alija Izetbegovic visit Travnik and condemn the crime on the spot. The statement recalled that this was the eighth murder of a Croat in central Bosnia, and pointed out that not one had been resolved and that no perpetrator had been apprehended. The HDZ BH Presidency emphasised this morning's incident was "the continuation in a series of crimes against Croats in central Bosnia and a direct attack on the implementation of Annexe 7 of the Dayton peace agreement", which stipulates the return of refugees and displaced persons. The Presidency believes "it is an undisputed fact that Croats in BH are the most exiled in comparison to (Serbs and Muslims), that their return is obstructed and that they receive the least assistance from the international community". Croat-controlled areas in Bosnia were the ones with the highest number of Serb and Muslim returnees, the statement said, mentioning Jajce, Zepce, Odzak and Drvar. The party Presidency stressed the HDZ BH supported the return of Croats to their homes, and in this respect the implementation of Annexe 7 of the Dayton agreement, but pointed out that eight murders and several serious woundings which had taken place in central Bosnia were the best indicator of obstruction to the Croats' return. Due to the complex situation, the HDZ BH Presidency instructed its member and vice president of the Croat-Muslim Federation of BH Vladimir Soljic to coordinate all activities aimed at improving security conditions and the return of Croats to central Bosnia. (hina) ha 311954 MET jul 98