UN ANNOUNCES INVESTIGATION INTO BEHAVIOUR OF CAPLJINA AUTHORITIES

( Editorial: --> 5034 ) SARAJEVO, Oct 2 (Hina) - Representatives of international organisations in Bosnia on Friday condemned the protest Croats from Capljina staged yesterday in an attempt to prevent Muslim displaced persons to return to their homes in Tasovcici. The blockade of the Sarajevo-Metkovic road was an obvious attempt at preventing the return of refugees, UN High Commissioner for Refugees spokeswoman Ariane Quentier told reporters in Sarajevo. She welcomed the engagement of NATO-led Stabilisation Force special units for the prevention of public incidents whose members on Thursday afternoon cleared the said road of displaced Croats from central Bosnia. Quentier said that Croatian media incorrectly reported about the reasons behind the Croats' protest. The return of 15 Muslim families to their pre-war homes was properly announced to local authorities 48 hours in advance, even though it did not have to be done, she said. The refugee return is a right which cannot be conditioned on anything, Quentier said, emphasising that the Muslim refugees had announced their intention to return two days in advance, as a sign of good will. UN mission to Bosnia spokeswoman Kelly Moore condemned the actions of local authorities in Capljina, a town in southern Bosnia, and especially the civil police's unpreparedness to protect the displaced and prevent demonstrations. Moore said an investigation would be launched to determine the exact responsibility for such action. According to SFOR spokesman Richard Saint-Louis, the SFOR's Italian policemen who yesterday dispersed the Croat protesters from the blocked road were acting fully in line with their mandate which envisages their engagement to ensure full freedom of movement in Bosnia. (hina) ha 021620 MET oct 98