INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SET ON COMPLETION OF RETURN PROCESS

( Editorial: --> 0169 ) BANJA LUKA, April 28 (Hina) - Refugees have a legitimate right to return to their homes and the international community is determined to enable them to exercise it, High Representative for Bosnia- Herzegovina, Carlos Westendorp told the press on Tuesday before a regional conference on the return of refugees in Banja Luka. Westendorp said that return should be top on the agenda of all authorities involved in the multilateral return process, and that all overt and covert activities against Annex 7 of the Dayton Accords should stop. Attempts at obstruction of the peace process by criminal activities, such a those in Derventa and Drvar, will not be tolerated, Westendorp warned. The High Representative expressed the international community's commitment to "an immediate" return of refugees to the Bosnian Serb entity. The Croatian Government must facilitate the situation, as the problems of displaced people and refugees cannot be resolved without Croatia's assistance, Westendorp said. In a reference to the Government's wish to host a conference on Croatia's reconstruction and development in Zagreb in mid-May, he announced that the international community's attitude to that gathering would depend on Croatia's performance. He added he would personally inform the European Union, the Council of Europe and other international bodies about it. Special UNHCR envoy Nicholas Mooris said that another 1.8 million people lived out of their homes, and warned that there would be no lasting peace or stability if those people were not provided for in a fair manner. When asked by a journalist whether the international community would punish Croatia with sanctions if it did not meet its obligations, Westendorp said Croatian authorities were expected to behave in accordance with western standards, i.e. to respect the rule of law and human rights. "Croatia wants to become a normal member of the international family of nations, and we want to help it with that. However, if Croatian authorities fail to do that, they will have to face the consequences," Westendorp said. "If that happens the international community will be ready to suggest necessary measures. Even sanctions cannot be ruled out, but I would rather be an optimist." (Hina) jn mr /mb 281909 MET apr 98