Thousands of Iranians who fought in Bosnia migrating to Europe
Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Monday, September 18, 2000
LONDON — Iranian fighters who participated in the wars in Bosnia and
Kosovo are illegally resettling in Western Europe.
Russian diplomats said many of the Iranian fighters trying to enter
Western Europe have participated in the current war in Chechnya. NATO said
the Iranians have not been training
in Bosnia but sources in the alliance acknowledge that the fighters have
been traveling with their weapons.
Their first stop has been Croatia and hundreds have entered the country
illegally over the last few weeks. Croatian officials have stepped up
security to prevent entry of the Iranians.
About 7,000 Iranian fighters, active during the 1995 war in Bosnia, are
trying to resettle in Western Europe. They are joining thousands of Iranians
who over the last few years have used Croatia as a transit route to Western
Europe.
The effort comes as Iranian fighters are being evicted from homes in
Serb-controlled Bosnian town of Bocinja. Bosnia contains the Serb, Croat and
Muslim communities.
Last week, Croatian authorities arrested 12 Iranian fighters as they
tried to cross the border into Croatia. The Iranians were found to have been
carrying weapons.
In August, 12 Iranians were reported to have drowned in the Safa river
on their way to Croatia.
A UN spokesman in Saravejo, Douglas Coffman, said Croatia has expelled
309 Iranians who illegally entered the country. Diplomatic sources said
Bosnian authorities have detained 22 Islamic fighters as well.
Croatia has demanded that Bosnia stop the Iranian emigration. Diplomatic
sources said thousands of Iranians stayed in Bosnia after the war, married
local Muslims and preached Islam fundamentalism.
Iran and Saudi Arabia are said to have increased their influence in
Bosnia as the country prepares to hold general elections in November. Over
the weekend, Saudi Prince Salman, governor of Riyad agreed to increase aid
to Sarajevo.
During his visit, Salman has opened mosques in several areas of Bosnia.
So far, Riyad has sent $550 million of aid to Bosnia
