BOSNIA: GORAZDE: 1ST GROUP OF REFUGEES ARRIVE IN TOWN

(30 Dec 1995) Serbo-Croat/Nat

Hundreds of people gathered on the shattered streets of Gorazde Saturday to welcome the first group of refugees returning to the eastern Bosnian enclave.

Under I-FOR protection, two buses full of refugees arrived in Gorazde from Sarajevo to be greeted by relatives and friends who hadn't seen them for years.

These buses are the first from Sarajevo to Gorazde since just after the war erupted in April 1992.

Gorazde is the only Muslim enclave left in eastern Bosnia, and under I-FOR protection, freedom of movement is being tested.

The convoy didn't encounter any problems crossing the Serb-held territory.

They did, however, have to transfer into military and press vehicles after one bus broke down.

The people of Gorazde lined the streets cheering as the refugees reached their destination in safety.

Anxiously waiting as the bus pulled in the residents of Gorazde crowded around the bus hoping to recognise someone on the bus.

People were unable to contain their joy at being reunited with their families and friends as well as their sorrow for years of separation and for those who will never return.

The return of these refugees was organised only after checkpoints had been removed from the route, following the deployment of I-FOR troops in Bosnia Herzegovina.

SOUNDBITE: (Serbo-Croat)

Don't cry now, you're with your family. You don't have to worry any more
SUPER CAPTION: Woman sitting on ground with daughter in law

For many it has been a sad reminder of the victims of the war. One woman learnt of the death of her son when the bus arrived.

Another has not seen his family for four years.

SOUNDBITE: (Serbo-Croat)

Woman says: I lost my son.

Man says: Four years have past since I saw my family

SUPER CAPTION: woman and old man standing

Others met members of their families for the first time. A small boy was introduced to his grandmother who took him in her arms and kissed him.

SOUNDBITE:

Look son, this is your grandmother.
SUPER CAPTION: woman with family being shown a child

More convoys will follow in the next week with I-FOR protection and ultimately go without any problems.

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