SPLIT: NORAC, GOTOVINA & ADEMI PROCLAIMED HONORARY CITIZENS

SPLIT, April 12 (Hina) - Split County marked its day on Friday with the proclamation of Generals Mirko Norac, Rahim Ademi and Ante Gotovina as honorary citizens of Split-Dalmatia County and the awarding of honours for special merits in 2001, one of the awarded being the Central Headquarters for the Protection of Homeland War Values. #L# Amongst the groups awarded the most applause was given to Colonel Mirko Condic, with councillors standing up. Condic received the award on behalf of the Headquarters for the Protection of Homeland War Values. Members of the Opposition (SDP, HSS and HNS) did not attend the special session of the county assembly as they oppose the awards going to the Headquarters, which they consider the extended arm of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ). The Opposition also did not support the decision to proclaim Generals Norac, Ademi and Gotovina as honorary citizens, saying that this put pressure on the judiciary and in fact went against the three. All three are charged with war crimes - Norac is currently on trial in Croatia. An arrest warrant has been issued for Gotovina, who is wanted by the Hague war crimes tribunal, while General Ademi, who voluntarily surrendered to the tribunal, was released on bail pending the commencement of the trial. (hina) sp sb