Anti-Muslim riot in Bosnia

BANJA LUKA, Bosnia -- Bosnian Serb police have used tear gas and water cannons to beat back protesters trying to disrupt a mosque rebuilding ceremony.

Hundreds of Bosnian Serbs shouting anti-Muslim slogans attacked police with stones and bottles, injuring several officers, eyewitnesses told Reuters.

It was the second time violence has marred efforts to formally mark the re-establishment of Muslim religious life in the part of Bosnia now controlled by the Orthodox Christian Serbs.

A month ago rioters in the northwestern town of Banja Luka killed a Muslim man and forced the postponement of the cornerstone ceremony for rebuilding the 16th century Ferhadija mosque, which was destroyed in 1993 by Serb extremists seeking to drive out Muslims.

On Monday, hundreds of police in full riot gear sealed off the site to ensure the rescheduled mosque ceremony went ahead.

None of the guests - who included Muslim clerics, Bosnian officials and Western diplomats -- appearing to be affected by the ensuing violence.