The Office of the High Representative condemns in the strongest possible terms the appalling acts of organised political violence, including injury to the Mayor Mile Marceta, which took place today in Drvar – just as we condemned the disgraceful incident which took place yesterday in Derventa.
Violence and intimidation, with the clear intention of halting the return of refugees and displaced persons to their homes, is totally unacceptable. It cannot and will not be allowed to succeed in its cynical aim.
Ambassador Klein, the Principal Deputy High Representative, has spoken today to President Zubak and to Vice President Soljic and demanded that every step be taken to put a halt to these actions. They undertook to take such steps.
The international community stands by those who wish to return to their homes in Drvar. We shall not permit today’s thuggery to stand in the way of that aim. We will hold those found to be guilty for orchestrating today’s violence fully responsible for their actions.