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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman
March 16, 1999

U.S. Condemns Car Bombing in Sarajevo

The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the March 16 attack on the Deputy Interior Minister of the Federation entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jozo Leutar, in downtown Sarajevo.

The car bomb attack left Mr. Leutar gravely injured. We are deeply concerned for the Minister’s health and the well being of his family, as well as the others injured in the incident.

The United States condemns all such criminal acts in categorical terms. We have offered to provide authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina with assistance in the form of law enforcement experts and other technical assistance to support the investigation that is now underway. An FBI expert based in Europe went to Sarajevo today, and we understand the FBI is sending officials to Bosnia.

It is unclear at this point who was behind this outrageous act, or what was the motive. We will not speculate on these subjects in the absence of evidence.

We also condemn recent bombings in Central Bosnia, which must be thoroughly investigated as well. At this time we do not see any specific trend of criminal violence, but will continue to monitor the situation closely. What is clear is that such senseless acts will not impede our common effort to implement the Dayton Peace Accord, nor will it divert us from the process of building a viable, multi-ethnic Bosnia and Herzegovina. The continued success of the Federation of Bosniaks and Croats is essential to this process.

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