After meeting Slavisa Petkovic, the minister in the Kosovo government in charge of refugee return, in Pristina on Friday, Eide said that there were many people who wanted to return and that they should be encouraged to do so.
Eide called on all parties to be constructive in this process, including the government in Belgrade, and appealed for restraining from inflammatory language.
The Norwegian diplomat said that the return was not only a technical issue, but was closely linked with the rule of law, safety and security, political climate, education, health and other issues, adding that headway must be made in many areas.
Kofi Annan's special envoy said it was important to see that representatives of Kosovo authorities were trying to become closer to returnees and in this context he commended efforts by Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi.
Eide declined to say whether he noted progress in Kosovo in relation to last year, adding that the first and only person who would see his entire report on Kosovo was UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
On Thursday, Eide held talks with Kosovo President Ibrahim Rugova, Parliament Speaker Nexhat Daci and PM Kosumi.
After his five day visit to Pristina, Eide will depart for Belgrade where he is expected to hold talks with Serbian leaders.