SADAKO OGATA HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE IN SARAJEVO ( Editorial: --> 2484 )

( Editorial: --> 2484 ) SARAJEVO, 20 Nov (Hina) - The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Sadako Ogata on Thursday called on both Bosnian entities to make first steps toward a more massive return of refugees. Speaking at a press conference in Sarajevo at the end of her two-day visit to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Ogata said she had received assurances from Alija Izetbegovic, Biljana Plavsic and Vladimir Soljic that they were ready to let minority refugees return. President Plavsic said she would welcome the return of Croats and Bosniaks to Banja Luka but asked that the problems of Serbs now occupying Croat and Bosniak houses be solved. I agree that no one should be thrown out on the street and that a humane solution has to be found, such as the construction or reconstruction of buildings those people could move in, Ogata said, adding that would be the first step. UNHCR was already working on preparations for such projects and this year it would set aside 50 million dollars for that purpose. It was important for political leaders to show goodwill and for donors to show readiness and financially support it, Ogata said. According to UNHCR data, 400,000 refugees and displaced people have returned to their homes in Bosnia-Herzegovina, but mainly to those areas where they make the majority population. Only 34,000 people have returned to those parts of Bosnia- Herzegovina where they live as a minority ethnic group. Those type of returns would be the biggest challenge in the next year, Ogata said. (hina) rm 202050 MET nov 97