LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA PREVENT RETURN OF REFUGEES

REFUGEES $ SARAJEVO, 22 May (Hina) - A group of 11 Bosniac refugees yesterday visited the Sipovo area, southwestern Bosnia, from where they had been expelled by the Bosnian Serbs at the beginning of war in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The visit was organized by the United Nations Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). UNHCR spokesman Kris Janowski today stated that the atmosphere during the visit was mostly peaceful, except for provocations by several young people who were not from the Sipovo area. #L# The visit had not been announced and most of the local residents did not know what the visit was about, Janowski said, adding that the return of refugees in Bosnia-Herzegovina was very slow and difficult. 'Not a single refugee has returned to Republika Srpska, and only a smaller number of people visit their estates and work in the fields', he said. Situation on the territory of the Federation was not much better. The return of refugees to those areas is being prevented by the local authorities. Janowski stressed the case of Stolac (20 km southeast of Mostar), where the return of Bosniac refugees is being prevented by the local authorities. (hina) rm mm 221812 MET may 96