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This morning, at the request of the High Representative, bank auditors entered the premises of Hercegovacka Banka in Mostar and several other localities. Their objective was to put in place a provisional administrator for the purpose of stabilizing the operations of the Bank in view of persistent reports of irregular transfers of money that might affect the individual depositors. Well-founded information indicates that this Bank is being used to finance illegal parallel structures. Extremist elements in the HDZ and its adherents responded to these activities with protests and gatherings which have unfortunately resulted in several injuries among local civilians, police, carabinieri, SFOR soldiers and other international officials. We wish to emphasize that threats of violence against individuals deliberate and calculated physical threats reminiscent of acts carried out in the war are a criminal offense and will not be tolerated. The threats discredit the cause of those making them, and of the Bosnian Croat people whom they pretend to represent. The people responsible for the threats, including the HDZ¹s leadership who have instigated them, are personally responsible for any harm inflicted upon individuals.
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