Bosnia: catholic church in Donji Vakuf blown up

Sarajevo, March 1, 1997, (IKA) – The office of the ombudsman of the Bosnian Federation confirmed yesterday that the Catholic church of St. Mary Theresa in the central Bosnian town Donji Vakuf had been blown up on the night between this last Tuesday and Wednesday. Due to this serious incident, the President of Bosnia#!s Presidency, Alija Izetbegovic, sought from the Federation#!s Interior Minister, Mehmed Zilic, and his Deputy, Jozo Leutar, to increase security measurers to protect all Catholic buildings in the country. In a statement, Izetbegovic#!s office said that the attacks on Catholic buildings were obviously aimed at preventing the Pope#!s visit to Sarajevo and was part of enemy activities against a unified and democratic Bosnia-Herzegovina.