16:01, 12 February 2004

120 refugee families returned from Ingushetia to North Osetia in 2003

120 families of displaced persons returned to the places of their former residence on the territory of North Osetia for 12 months of 2003, according to the data by the Ingush State Committee on Refugees and Displaced Persons. If the Osetian party were more concerned, the process of the people's home-coming could be considerably accelerated, noted Kazbek Sultygov, chairman of the Committee.

"As of today, we have over 19 thousand applications in which displaced persons from the Prigorodny district of North Osetia ask for assistance in their return," said Mr Sultygov. The main reason for the local authorities not to allow the refugees to occupy their houses is the lack of personal security guarantees.

In the opinion of the Osetian party, the moral and psychological climate in many villages of the Prigorodny district has not become suitable yet, and the return of Ingushetians to these settlements can result in new disorders.

Author: Malika Suleymanova, CK correspondent

Source: Caucasian Knot