Ramic fled Jajce, northwest of Travnik, along with 74 other gypsies a year ago last week as the town was about to fall to rebel Serb forces. Five weeks later HVO officials sent the Jajce gypsies to nearby Travnik, which had fallen to the mostly-Muslim Bosnian army. Driven by Serbs from Jajce and by Croats from Kruscica, the gypsies finally came to rest in a dark, fetid schoolroom in Travnik. Mattresses cover the floor and drying laundry hangs from clotheslines strung across the room. We've lost hope.
Every day is the same now.
We have nothing to look forward to.'' About 80,000 gypsies lived in pre-war Bosnia. Contrary to their reputation for rootlessness, many had strong ties to their homes and farms and enjoyed steady jobs. Most are now refugees. Although dominated by Muslims, the Bosnian government still presents itself to the world as the only multi-ethnic, multidenominational force in Bosnia. Of all the factions only the government side would seem to have a claim to the gypsies' allegiance.