THE OLD Ottoman bridge in Mostar stood for over four centuries. It survived over 30 earthquakes and numerous wars. It was finally destroyed by the shells of the Croat HVO. Now a fragile footbridge, that only the bravest can cross, has been installed in its place.
This new bridge across the Neretva is a fitting symbol of the accords for a Muslim-Croat federation: a timid hope but perhaps also a new trap designed to snare the weakest.
The way in which the CroatMuslim federation is being formed greatly suits the nationalist parties. Non-nationalist and secular parties such as those who run Tuzla, risk being marginalised.
If the nationalist parties remain in charge there will be new forms of ethnic partition of Bosnia-Hercegovina with a federation split into cantons which will be emptied of their minorities.
There will also be a Serb Republic of Bosnia where ethnic cleansino will continue. It is reported that in Banja Luka there has been no let-up in ethnic cleansing.
The Basler Zeitung of December 2 reported they have eye-witness accounts of three camps, tainees, still in operation.
Some opposition to this new partition of Bosnia-Hercegovina is beginning to emerge. Seven hundred inhabitants of Sarajevo demonstrated against partition and for the right to live together.
On March 19. at the initiative of the Student Coordination Against Ethnic Cleansing, demonstrations and meetings were held in at least 13 major cities in Europe. Students from Belgrade, Zagreb and Pristina (Kosovo) took part.
Belgrade struggle When a delegation from the Coordination went to Belgrade they were met with complaints from Serbian students that they had been abandoned internationally, even though they had been fighting against the Serbian regime for several years.
Activities were also organised in the United States, Moscow and Israel. In Jerusalem Jews and Arabs demonstrated together against the ethnic partition of Bosnia-Hercegovina. In Paris over a thousand demonstrators took part in a demonstration. These are important beginnings that we have to build on.
The trams may be running again in Sarajevo, even along Sniper Alley, but the proposed Croat-Muslim federation is no solution. Printed by Tridant Press, Ede ties have been established in the southern port of Split in preparation for 20 - 25 lorries from campaigns in six or seven European countries which will arrive there by April 7.
Specialised lorries have been purchased for the journey through the Southern route through to Tuzla, and deliver it to the trade unions who will hand it to individual families.
The campaign in Britain sends a lorry from London on this stage on 2 April to link up with the campaign in France and then travel to Split.
The lorry has to be filled tion: IWA Britain 12-14 Thornton Street London SW9 OBL Tel 071 978 8622. • IWA International office: Box 6507, 11383, Stockholm, Sweden. Tel 08/612 1248. Fax 08/673 03 45.1.