ZAGREB WAR VETERANS ON REACTIONS TO THOMPSON'S BEHAVIOUR

ZAGREB, Feb 6 (Hina) - The association of war veterans of the City of Zagreb and Zagreb County believes that pop singer Marko Perkovic alias Thompson's appearance and behaviour at a welcome ceremony for the world handball champions - the Croatian national team - did not offend anybody, contrary to claims by some media and Zagreb Mayor Vlasta Pavic. #L# Local war veterans on Thursday reacted to statements by Mayor Vlasta Pavic who said that "Thompson's behaviour offended the gathered citizens" in the capital's main square. They said that the mayor was obviously disturbed by "a multitude of nationally conscious and proud young Croats gathered in the square," and asked the mayor if she was authorised to decide who would sing at the ceremony in honour of the gold-medal winners, who, according to the veterans, had wanted Thompson to sing at the ceremony. The veterans believe that the salute "For Home Ready", which one of Thompson's songs begins with, cannot insult anybody, given that this is an old Croatian salute denoting preparedness for the defence of the homeland, used in the recent Homeland War by Croatian soldiers, one of whom was Thompson. (hina) ms sb