RILEY CONDEMNS CROAT BLOCKADE TO SERBS' RETURN TO MOSTAR

( Editorial: --> 4384 ) MOSTAR, Sept 30 (Hina) - A blockade set up by Bosnian Croats in Mostar on September 26 to prevent the return of a group of Bosnian Serbs to a Mostar district with a majority Croat population was illegal, spokesman for the Mostar regional office of the international high representative for Bosnia said on Wednesday. The blockades were illegal as they obstructed the return and freedom of movement and were contrary to the Dayton peace agreement, Chris Riley told reporters in the southern Bosnian town. Riley accused local Croat authorities of doing nothing to remove the blockade. He also refuted allegations made by Croat officials that the Serb group's return had not been announced. Authorities in Mostar's Zapad Municipality were informed about the group's arrival 48 hours in advance, Riley said. He added that displaced Croats were turning a deaf ear to the international community's message that they could start returning to the eastern, Muslim-controlled part of Mostar. Those who temporarily moved into Croat houses in eastern Mostar are currently moving out, Riley said, adding that the international community had ensured money for the reconstruction of these houses. (hina) ha 301705 MET sep 98