HKDU, HSLS, SDP CONDEMN DESECRATION OF WAR HERO'S BUST

ZAGREB/VUKOVAR, Aug 11 (Hina) - The Croatian Christian Democratic Union (HKDU), the Croatian Social Liberal Party's (HSLS) youth and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) branch in Vukovar on Monday condemned Sunday's act of vandalism committed by unknown persons who poured paint over a bust in Vukovar, erected in memory of a commander of the town's defence in the war, Blago Zadro. #L# HKDU leader Anto Kovacevic and the HSLS youth said in statements that the incident was caused by people who could not accept the fact that an independent Croatian state had been established and successfully defended. "We hope that state officials, from the president of the republic to the premier, who demonstrate constant care for partisan fighters and the 'achievements' of Tito's dictatorial regime, but fail to show up at events marking Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day in Knin, would demonstrate concern about attacks on Croatia's state symbols and its heroes," the HSLS youth said in its statement. The SDP's Vukovar branch said in a statement that Zadro was a person who inspired confidence not only among Croats but also among Serbs who had remained in the besieged town. The SDP therefore hopes that yesterday's act of vandalism will not be the cause of any events that may threaten the safety of Vukovar's residents, the party said. (hina) rml