TWO MINES FOUND OUTSIDE CATHOLICH CHURCH IN SARAJEVO

( Editorial: --> 9684 ) SARAJEVO, Dec 19 (Hina) - An explosive device was found outside a Catholic church in the Sarajevo district of Stup on Friday. The device, planted in front of the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was found by parish priest Luka Kesedzic in the morning, the Bosnian Catholic news agency KTA said. Local police blocked the whole area to prevent access to the church, evacuating all persons from the rectory. A cantonal police officer said unknown persons had actually planted two anti-tank mines fitted with timing mechanisms. The mines, placed outside the back entrance to the church, were defused shortly after noon. A large number of believers were expected to attend the church for confession on Friday as part of preparations for Christmas. This church, as well as other Catholic church buildings in Sarajevo, has been provided with police security since spring. (hina) vm jn 191820 MET dec 97