Tide of refugees continues

August 9, 1995
From Correspondent Peter Arnett

BANJA LUKA, Bosnia-Herzegovina (CNN) -- The United Nations says Croatian Serb refugees trying to flee to safety in Bosnia are being driven back by fighting along the main escape route near Dvor, Croatia. Even for those who make it out, the journey is arduous.

As Krajina refugees descend on Banja Luka, they've encountered the mother of all traffic tieups: six miles of four-lane highway jammed with overloaded vehicles, many out of gas -- a mass exodus of people stalled.

Like other essentials, little gasoline is available in this west Bosnia town, the first major stop for the Krajinan refugee flow. Thousands are stranded, but some lucky ones, with extra gas, are moving slowly on their way in tractors, other farm vehicles, cars and trucks.

Officials say the refugee flow is well past the 100,000 mark, with no sign of stopping. Many are aiming for the Serb homeland, where some refugee camps have been established.

One group made a pit stop on the Bosnian side of the border, where local town people served prepared meals and had a doctor on hand to give roadside medical treatment. Most of the refugees were farming families carrying fruit and vegetables, but water seemed in short supply. The travelers were in an angry mood, bemoaning the loss of their Krajina homeland and blaming their condition on the international community's indifference.

As the refugees converged on Banja Luka, senior Bosnian Serbs and U.N. officials, including Serb political leader Radovan Karadzic, gathered to discuss the emergency. Dressed in uniform, Karadzic promised a Serb military offensive to retake Krajina. Earlier, he had blamed Serb President Slobodan Milosevic for the loss of Krajina.

Bosnian Serb refugee officials say that unless the international community can mobilize its humanitarian resources, the biggest problems will come later in the week. More stranded travelers combined with the continuing influx of refugees could turn a disaster into tragedy.

Tide of refugees continues

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