U.S.A. CONDEMNS RECENT ATTACKS ON BOSNIAN CROATS

WASHINGTON, 30 Oct (Hina) - The State Department on Wednesday condemned last week's attacks on Bosnian Croats in Travnik area (Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina), asking that the perpetrators be discovered and prosecuted. The U.S. government strongly condemns and is deeply concerned about the growing number of violent incidents in the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina the targets of which are Croats and their cultural institutions, the State Department statement said. The United States expects the Federation authorities to use all available means, including the International Police Task Force (IPTF), to carry out an investigation and prosecute those responsible for the crimes, the statement said. The U.S. administration called on political leaders in the Federation to strongly condemn the incidents. Violent extremists cannot be allowed to obstruct progress towards the establishment of a lasting peace in Bosnia-Herzegovina on the basis of tolerance and multiethnic cooperation, the statement said. (hina) rm 301032 MET oct 97