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An academic lifeline for Bosnia has been launched by the Association of University Teachers together with the World University Service (Austria), in a bid to help staff and students at stricken universities in Sarajevo and Tuzla continue their academic activities.

This follows a motion passed at the AUT congress in Weston-super-Mare outlining the desperate plight of the universities as a result of the civil war. The premises of some Sarajevo faculties and the country's National Library have been destroyed, food aid is inadequate and equipment is in short supply. All local AUT associations have been asked by David Triesman, general secretary of the union, to raise money as well as collecting books and equipment and offering suggestions for links with the universities. So far the AUT has raised more than Pounds 500 to be matched by similar donations from the executive. Cash donations should be sent to WUS whilst other offerings can be forwarded to Dr Zoran Pajic, at King's College, London.

Tuzla University comprises faculties of technology, mining and geology, electrical and mechanical engineering, medicine, economics and education.

Saravejo includes fine and dramatic arts, agriculture, architecture, dentistry, electronics, forestry, forensic science, law, medicine, pharmacy and physical education. It is hoped the first contributions can be delivered by the Tuzla convoy which leaves in July.

The convoy is in response to an initiative by the Tuzla District Trade Union Committee which is being supported by British trade unionists including the Scottish TUC and a number of trades councils. The Tuzla miners gave generously in 1984 to support the British miners' strike.