DISPLACED CROATS VISIT PRE-WAR HOMES IN MOSTAR DISTRICT

( Editorial: --> 5662 ) MOSTAR, Aug 24 (Hina) - A group of about 40 Croat displaced persons on Monday visited their pre-war homes in Zakrizje, a Mostar district in the North Municipality which is mostly populated by Muslims. Most houses in Zakrizje were demolished in the Croat-Muslim conflict, while those that remained intact currently accommodate Muslim refugees mostly from the Bosnian Serb entity. Today's visit was led by Mostar Deputy Mayor Ivan Prskalo, who also invited the head of the Mostar regional office of the international high representative for Bosnia Martin Garrod and the head of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe office in Mostar David Foley. The visit refuted the claims made by international representatives who said that Croats did not want to return to their homes, Prskalo told reporters. He was disappointed to see that some houses had been turned into barns and emphasised that Croats wanted a dignified return, with ensured basic living conditions, including the assurance that their children will be able to attend school in the Croatian language. Garrod said it was obvious that Croats greatly wished to return to Zakrizje. He called on them to register for the return, adding the return was an individual's choice. According to Foley, the international community has at its disposal means to assist the return. He agreed that the current conditions in Zakrizje were very difficult. The head of North Municipality Suad Zahilic said the Croats' return was crucial for stabilising the situation in Mostar. He promised the municipality would consider the possibilities for financially assisting the reconstruction of houses in Zakrizje. (hina) ha 242020 MET aug 98