FRANCISCAN MONASTERY, CHURCH IN BANJALUKA DESTROYED IN EXPLOSION

BANJA LUKA, May 7 (Hina) - The Franciscan monastery and church at Petricevac (in Serb-occupied Banja Luka) were destroyed in the blast of a set-off explosive device last night, according to sources that wanted to not to be named. The oldest, sick and bad-ridden Friar Alojzije Atlija, was killed in the blast. Other friars and nuns found shelter in the residence of the Bishop of Banja Luka, Msgr. Franjo Komarica. However, no report on their condition has been available so far. The latest crime in the Serb-held Banja Luka region, northwestern Bosnia, is yet another move aimed at eradicating everything that belongs to Croatian heritage and culture in the area. Serb authorities in the city have never taken any action to find perpetrators of such crimes or to protect innocent people and their property, according to the same source. (hina) mms 071004 MET may 95