"For me, any linking of the HVO with fascism is pure political propaganda and such statements do not deserve serious comment," said Komsic, who during the 1990s war had been a member of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina and not of the HVO.
The visit to the Croat component of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Armed Forces in Bozan Simovic barracks and the HVO anniversary were the first such events Komsic attended.
"In the war the HVO courageously defended the freedom of Croats in BiH and of all those who advocated peace and coexistence... In the peace years, the HVO has been making a great contribution to BiH's integration with Euro-Atlantic institutions," said Brigadier Slaven Lasic, commander of the 1st Infantry Regiment, adding that members of the Regiment are participating in numerous international peace missions, including in Eritrea, Congo, Ethiopia, and Iraq.
On the occasion of the HVO's 15th anniversary, wreaths were laid at the monument to fallen veterans in central Mostar.