PROGRESS ACHIEVED IN REFUGEE RETURN - SAYS UN'S OGATA

ZAGREB, June 7 (Hina) - The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Sadako Ogata, on Monday said progress had been made in the return of refugees and displaced persons, but added the implementation of a government return programme was slower than expected. Addressing a press conference in Zagreb marking the end of her visit to Croatia, Ogata said the majority of the problems stalling the return are related to the return of property and finding adequate alternate accommodation for persons who should move out of returnees' homes. Ogata said these problems existed during her previous visit to Croatia, but added legislation had improved in the meantime, and mechanisms had been envisaged to accelerate solutions. There are still some laws which need to be revised, she stressed. Security has also improved, Ogata said, adding other mechanisms facilitating the return had also been established. Focus must now be placed on other aspects, namely economic and social ones, she said. It is obvious that it is primarily up to the government to solve its people's problems, Ogata said, but added the UNHCR was willing to assist, and called on the international community to continue cooperating in view of facilitating the return process in various ways. The UN high commissioner said the situation in neighbouring Yugoslavia might induce Serbs to return, for which she added the UNHCR was ready. She thanked the Croatian government for the willingness it has demonstrated in assisting 5,000 Kosovo refugees. In response to reporters' questions, Ogata said the UNHCR would reduce overall means for reconstruction and be restrictive in allocating assistance in the future. Means will first of all be allocated to infrastructure and other projects of a community as a whole, which she said accomplishes much more in reconciliation and coexistence, and less in the reconstruction of single houses. (hina) ha jn