ZAGREB COMMEMORATES SEPTEMBER 11 ATTACK

ZAGREB, Sept 11 (Hina) - Following last year's September 11 terrorist attack on the US, Croatia reacted quickly and effectively and joined the defence of common values, US Ambassador to Croatian Lawrence Rossin said in Zagreb at a commemoration in honour of the victims of the attack. #L# On behalf of his country, Rossin expressed gratitude to the Croatian government and people for the solidarity and support in those most difficult moments. "On September 11, terrorists attacked civilisation itself and we wish that it had never occurred but after it, as President Bush said, we have the chance to write a new chapter of hope for mankind," Rossin said at the commemorative gathering organised by the US Embassy in Zagreb's Mimara museum. Croatian Premier Ivica Racan said that until September 11, many people lived in the belief that freedom and peace were untouchable but following the attack on the WTC that security disappeared. "We had to find out in the most cruel way to what measure our civil, democratic society is in fact vulnerable. The attacks in New York and Washington were not just attacks on the USA but attacks on freedom, democracy and tolerance and all people and countries who live in line with these values and who respect them," Racan said. Croatia, Racan reminded, immediately and actively became involved in the international anti-terrorist alliance and was prepared to contribute to the fight against terrorism. President Stjepan Mesic said at the gathering that was attended by high Croatian officials, ambassadors and many Croatian and foreign renown figures, that the fight against terrorism is not just an American fight. "It needs to be clearly stated: even though the USA was the target and victim of last year's attack global terrorism threatens everyone who considers himself a part of the world civilisation and democracy," Croatia's head of state said. Mesic said that the fight against terrorism should be conducted under the guidance of the UN and that in that way values of civilisation were not brought into question. President Mesic then pointed out that Croatia had given and would continue to give its active contribution to the international struggle against terrorism. The victims of the attack were remembered with a moment's silence while the heads of the four main religious communities in Croatia - Catholic, Jewish, Muslim and Orthodox - said prayers. (hina) sp it