ZAGREB, July 3 (Hina) - The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) condemned on Thursday an incident at a soccer match in Vukovar when a 14-year-old ethnic Serb was banned from participating, dubbing it as unacceptable and harmful.
ZAGREB, July 3 (Hina) - The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ)
condemned on Thursday an incident at a soccer match in Vukovar when
a 14-year-old ethnic Serb was banned from participating, dubbing it
as unacceptable and harmful. #L#
"We condemn every radicalism, extremism, and chauvinism," the
party said in a statement, advocating special protection for every
child.
The incident is contrary to the values on which Croatia gained
independence as a state in which all citizens are equal, read the
statement.
The organising committee of the Vukovar War Veterans' Memorial
Soccer Tournament, played last weekend, prevented the boy, a member
of the Mali Vukovarac soccer school, from participating because he
is of Serb nationality.
Committee chairman Petar Mlinaric said yesterday "the decision is
justified. That was a Croatian war veterans' memorial and (disabled
war veterans' organisation) HVIDR-a representative Slavko Juric
asked that only war veterans' children play in the tournament".
Mlinaric said the organising committee had agreed with the request
and that the coaches of the teams that were to play were notified.
(hina) ha sb