US EMBASSY IN BOSNIA DENOUNCES INCIDENT IN TASOVCICI

( Editorial: --> 6319 ) ZAGREB, Oct 6 (Hina) - The United States Embassy in Sarajevo harshly condemned an incident that occurred in Tasovcici near Capljina, southern Bosnia-Herzegovina, on October 2. The Embassy demanded in a statement issued on Tuesday that a thorough and professional investigation into the violent incident be carried out and the perpetrators punished. The incident, in which one Muslim returnee was killed and another three were wounded, occurred following Thursday's blockade of the Sarajevo-Metkovic road near Tasovcici by Croat refugees, who protested against the return of Muslims to their pre-war homes. These criminal assaults were clearly organised to chase away unprotected people returning to their homes, the statement said. Expressing condolences to the victims' families on behalf of the United States, the Embassy stated that it would endorse efforts by the joint police in the investigation into the incident. We invite local, cantonal, federal and state authorities to double their efforts in order for similar incidents not to occur in the future, the statement said. The Embassy also requested an investigation into the role of Capljina's Mayor Kordic and police commissioner in the incident, to establish the extent of their responsibility. The US advocate cooperation with all those supporting the right of refugees and displaced persons to return to their homes, and readiness to help all Croats, Serbs and Bosniaks to return, the statement said. (hina) lml 061942 MET oct 98