Brussels, 09/05/2001 (Agence Europe) - On 7 May, the Swedish Presidency made the following declaration on behalf of the EU:
"The Presidency of the EU strongly condemns the unprovoked violence against people attending the ceremony laying down the foundation stone for the reconstruction of the Ferhadija Mosque in the town of Banja Luka in Bosnia and Hervegovina today. The Presidency deeply regrets that those who wish to reconstruct what was destroyed in the war are met with hatred and brutality. The Presidency is deeply concerned with the inability of the Republika Srpska authorities to secure a safe and peaceful environment for all participants in the ceremony, Bosnians as well as internationals. This inability contrasts glaringly with ambitions of Bosnia and Herzegovina for normalisation, international cooperation and European integration. The Presidency of the EU expects that the authorities will thoroughly investigate today's incidents and take harsh measures against those responsible for the violence and ensure that they are duly prosecuted." (See yesterday's EUROPE for the Statement by Commissioner Patten).