DEPUTY HIGH REPRESENTATIVE CRITICISES CROAT AUTHORITIES IN VITEZ

( Editorial: --> 6248 ) SARAJEVO, Aug 27 (Hina) - The international community will investigate the role of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatian Defence Council (HVO) and Croatian War Invalids Association in preventing the return of refugees to central Bosnia, Deputy High Representative for Bosnia-Herzegovina Hanns Schumacher said Thursday. In an interview with today's issue of the Sarajevo-based daily "Oslobodjenje", Schumacher said he was disappointed with the behaviour of HDZ-controlled authorities in Vitez (central Bosnia), which failed to prevent flagrant violations of the Dayton peace agreement, especially its regulations on refugee return. Schumacher said he was not in the least intimidated by threats directed to him during his last visit to Vitez by a development minister in the Central Bosnia Canton, Josip Silic, who announced the signing of a petition demanding Schumacher's replacement. Our main objective was and still is to continue the process of return to Vitez...which was stopped by extremist forces on August 7, Schumacher said. The connection between the HDZ BiH, HVO and HVIDRA and their role in the recent events is being investigated, he added. The army and the party (HDZ) have to accept responsibility for statements and actions of this organisation (HVIDRA), which has influenced not only the events in Vitez but also the correspondence with the Office of the High Representative and other organisations, taking a clear stand against the Dayton agreement. These are the forces we are going to fight, Schumacher said. (hina) rml 271243 MET aug 98