DE LAMBERT: SFOR'S GREATEST CHALLENGE - RETURN OF REFUGEES

MOSTAR, 11 Dec (Hina) - The greatest challenge for the Stabilization Forces (SFOR) in Bosnia in 1997 will be the problem of the return of refugees and displaced people, stated General Xavier de Lambert, head of the IFOR multinational division in Sector South-East. De Lambert will officially hand over his duties to General Yves le Chatelier tomorrow. Speaking at a farewell press conference this evening at Ortijes airport near Mostar, de Lambert said that some European countries were planning to return part of refugees to Bosnia- Herzegovina during the next year. Their return would be accompanied by considerable difficulties, he added. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) would have a more decisive role and would supervise the destruction of heavy weaponry, de Lambert said. Asked whether he was familiar with a recent incident in which a group of men wearing military uniforms expelled an elderly women from her flat in western Mostar, General de Lambert answered affirmatively. He said the media failed to report that the woman was a Croat and not a Bosniac. Expulsions from flats were under the jurisdiction of the Federation police, de Lambert said, warning that IFOR would take adequate measures in case it proved that military persons were taking part in expulsions. (hina) rm jn 112154 MET dec 96