| Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC July 3, 2002 Addition of Names to Presidential Executive Order Targeting Western Balkans ExtremismOn July 2, the United States designated three additional individuals pursuant to Presidential Executive Order 13219 of June 26, 2001, which blocks the assets of persons "who threaten international stabilization efforts in the Western Balkans." This step was taken after the Department of the Treasury, in consultation with the Department of State, determined that these individuals have been actively involved in sponsoring, funding or directing destabilizing acts of violence in the Western Balkans, including Macedonia. The sanctioned individuals are: Gafur Adili, Nevzat Halili, and Kastriot Haxhirexha. All three have provided leadership or material support to armed insurgents in the Western Balkans. These insurgents, especially the so-called Albanian National Army, directly undermine regional stability and pose a threat to U.S. military forces currently deployed in the region. This action once again sends a clear message to extremist groups and their supporters that these tactics are unacceptable. We will use every means at our disposal to isolate these groups and deny their access to financial support. |
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