THE former Swedish prime minister, Mr Carl Bildt, a key figure in rebuilding Bosnia, said yesterday he was deeply concerned about the abductions of 16 people in Sarajevo and said everything should be done to ensure freedom of movement.
"Freedom of movement will have to be guaranteed one way or the other and we would have to use those assets that are in place in order to try and ensure that freedom of movement," Mr Bildt said at Sarajevo airport.
His remarks appeared to deepen a developing crisis for Nato in Bosnia over the abduction by Serbs of 16 Muslims.
Mr Bildt, who as the international High Representative for Bosnia is charged with overseeing a return of civilian life, said he planned to raise the issue immediately with Nato's commander in Bosnia, Admiral Leighton Smith.
Mr Bildt said he was concerned the civilian operation should not lag too far behind the military one, but appeared to take the view that Nato should hold the line until that was achieved.