DATE=05/12/2002

TYPE=EDITORIAL

NUMBER=0-09878

TITLE=EDITORIAL: BOSNIA AND U.S. AGAINST TERROR

INTERNET=Yes

CONTENT=THIS EDITORIAL IS BEING RELEASED FOR USE BY ALL SERVICES.

Anncr: Next, an editorial reflecting the views of the United States Government:

Voice: The government and peoples of Bosnia-Herzegovina are indispensable allies in the global campaign against terrorism. Authorities in Sarajevo have investigated and shut down terrorist networks. On May 1st, foreign minister Zlatko Lagumdzija (PRON: Lag-OOM-jee-ya) pledged continued support. "The world has split into a modern civilization and one of barbarism and terrorism," he said. "Bosnia-Herzegovina has chosen to ally with the civilized world. It has decided to be part of the solution, not part of the problem."

Mr. Lagumdzija made his statement the day after U.S. authorities announced that evidence gathered in Sarajevo had been used to prosecute officers of the Benevolence International Foundation, who are alleged accomplices of al-Qaida terror chief Osama bin Laden. The Bosnian government is continuing to investigate such activities, and new raids can be expected.

Like the people of Afghanistan under the Taleban, Bosnian Muslims know what a reign of terror means. In the war that devastated the country between 1992 and 1995, citizens were murdered, raped, and driven from their homes by ethnic extremists. Their sacred sites were defiled and destroyed.

The United States adheres to several basic principles in dealing with Bosnia-Herzegovina. First, Balkan Muslims are part of the European family. Their rights in their traditional homelands should never again be violated. Second, the perpetrators of war crimes against the citizens of Bosnia-Herzegovina will be brought to justice. Justice in war crimes cases will be impartial and fair.

The United States also recognizes that Bosnian Muslims have a unique role to play in relations between East and West, between the Islamic and non-Islamic communities of the world.

As Imam Senad Agic (PRON: Agich), spiritual leader of Bosnian Muslims in America, said, "Terrorism has no religion. A majority of Muslims should raise their voice. Islam should be reclaimed from extremists."

America has a friend in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Bosnia-Herzegovina has a friend in America. The war against terrorism has reinforced this bond. The campaign may be a long one. But America knows that with the help of the Bosnian Muslims and our other allies, terrorism will be defeated. The people of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the people of America will work together to promote a world of ethnic tolerance, religious pluralism, and the indivisible defense of human rights and dignity.

Anncr: That was an editorial reflecting the views of the United States Government. If you have a comment, please write to Editorials, V-O-A, Washington, D-C, 20237, U-S-A. You may also comment at www-dot-ibb-dot-gov-slash-editorials, or fax us at (202) 619-1043.