IPTF CONTROL VILLAGE OF GAJEVI, N. BOSNIA

SARAJEVO, 24 Jan (Hina) - As of today, the International Police Task Force (IPTF) will start joint patrols with local Serb police in the village of Gajevi, northern Bosnia, where 36 Bosniac refugee families are to return. The patrols would function in line with a special decision of the Stabilization Force (SFOR) command, U.N. spokesman in Sarajevo Alexander Ivanko stated Friday. #L# A group of some ten Bosniacs yesterday entered the village under the escort of American soldiers to inspect the ground and remove mines which were laid two days ago. The village of Gajevi is located in the inter-entity separation zone, on the Bosnian Serb territory. Not one of the families who were allowed to return will settle permanently in the village, as it is necessary to put up prefabricated houses first and secure water and power supply. Disturbing reports about the destruction of another abandoned Bosniac house arrived from Capljina, 20 km south of Mostar, Ivanko said. The house, located in the village of Cerimagovina, was completely destroyed in an explosion yesterday. According to reports by U.N. members in Bosnia in charge of human rights protection, more than 20 abandoned Bosniac houses have been destroyed in the area of Capljina, which is under Bosnian Croat control. (hina) rm mm 241334 MET jan 97