SARAJEVO, April 29 (Hina) - Implementation Force (IFOR) representatives in Sarajevo on Monday expressed satisfaction with the fact that there had been no incidents on Sunday when civilians crossed the borderlines between the entities
in Bosnia-Herzegovina. According to IFOR reports, crossings had been attempted on a dozen different locations, but the only successful one was a visit of Bosniacs to the Doboj cemetery, 110 km north of Sarajevo. Other crossings were prevented by IFOR or the international police when they estimated that refugees could have a clash with Serbs who gathered on roads, blocking passage.
SARAJEVO, April 29 (Hina) - Implementation Force (IFOR)
representatives in Sarajevo on Monday expressed satisfaction with
the fact that there had been no incidents on Sunday when civilians
crossed the borderlines between the entities in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
According to IFOR reports, crossings had been attempted on a dozen
different locations, but the only successful one was a visit of
Bosniacs to the Doboj cemetery, 110 km north of Sarajevo. Other
crossings were prevented by IFOR or the international police when
they estimated that refugees could have a clash with Serbs who
gathered on roads, blocking passage. #L#
"What happened yesterday gives us cause for a guarded
optimism", said UNHCR spokesman in Sarajevo Mans Nyberg. It showed
that the return of refugees must be organized and agreed on, he
said, adding that ministers for refugees in the Republic of Bosnia-
Herzegovina, the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Serb
entity could be expected to sign a special statement Monday, which
would confirm their obligations as regards the return of refugees
according to the Dayton Agreement. If this statement was not
signed, international peace coordinator Carl Bildt would undertake
necessary measures, Nyberg said.
UN High Commissioner for refugees, Sadako Ogata, would visit
Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina between May 5 and May 10, and tour
eastern Slavonia, Nyberg concluded.
(hina) ha mm
291348 MET apr 96