The High Representative Wolfgang Petritsch, COMSFOR General Michael L. Dodson and UNHCR Chief of Mission Werner Blatter have invited ambassadors of countries assisting with the Return process to visit by helicopter key areas of return across the country on Wednesday 27 June, 2001.
The aim of the tour is to view progress in the return of displaced persons and refugees, including the implementation of property legislation, and to hear first hand from returnees about their reintegration problems and concerns.
This is the fourth such visit (previous tours took place in September 1999, March 2000, and August 200), designed to promote greater understanding of the return process and the problems facing those returning. This visit will be another opportunity to draw the attention and resources of the International Community to the return of displaced persons and refugees to their homes. A precondition for successful return, in particular to urban areas, is strict and efficient property law implementation.
Ambassadors or representatives of more than 20 nations will participate in the tour. Separated into three groups and accompanied by the High Retour. Separated into three groups and accompanied by the High Representative, SFOR Commanders, and UNHCR’s Deputy Chief of Mission Udo Janz, as well as staff from the respective agencies, they will visit a total of six return sites: Gornje Kolibe (Brod Municipality) and Janja (Bijeljina Municipality) in MND North, Mostar and Gornja/Donja Crnca (Visegrad Municipality) in MND Southeast, and Halapic (Glamoc Municipality) and Podgremec (Bosanska Krupa Municipality) in MND Southwest.
Unfortunately, seats on the helicopters are limited, but journalists are encouraged to visit the sites at the time of the visit. For exact timing, locations and other details, please contact the following:
| Gornje Kolibe | Sanja Hajdukov (RRTF) Sabina Nadzakovic (UNHCR) | 066 738 165 035 289 033 |
| Janja | Liljana Todorovic (OHR) Sabina Nadzakovic (UNHCR) | 055 211 277 or 055 211 266 035 289 033 |
| Mostar | Meriem Ladjabi (RRTF) Avis Benes (OHR) Adisa Eminovic (UNHCR) | 036 311 024 066 311 684 or 036 311 024 036 550 087 |
| Gornja/Donja Crnca | Sasa Stjepanovic (RRTF) | 066 519 985. |
| Halapic | Ratka Tomic (OHR) Jelena Stojakovic (UNHCR) | 051 330 200 066 624 632 |
| Podgrmec | Ljiljana Radetic (RRTF) Jelena Stojakovic (UNHCR) | 066 517 998 066 624 632 |