EXPLOSION AT ST IGNATIUS PARISH CENTRE IN SARAJEVO

SARAJEVO, Sept 3 (Hina) - An explosive planted in front of the St Ignatius parish centre's chapel in the Sarajevo district of Grbavica set off shortly after 02.30 hours on Wednesday. No one was injured, but significant damage has been done. The federal and cantonal police and members of the International Police Task Force and the Stabilization Force performed an on-the-spot investigation in the early morning hours. The archbishop of Sarajevo, cardinal Vinko Puljic, also visited this Jesuit seat in Grbavica, which during the siege of Sarajevo was controlled by Bosnian Serbs and suffered heavy damage during the war. After the liberation of Bosnia's capital, the St Ignatius parish centre was reconstructed and re-opened. Eight Jesuits, priests and novices from several countries live there now. Within the centre operates the parish's Caritas, which distributes 200 meals to the most needy everyday, as well as the Jesuit Refugee Trust organization, which assists people in the reconstruction of flats in Grbavica. (hina) ha mm 031340 MET sep 97