RALLY IN FRONT OF US EMBASSY IN ZAGREB: BLASKIC IS INNOCENT

ZAGREB, Mar 6 (Hina) - 'Blaskic Is Innocent', 'Return Blaskic', 'This is Vilification of Homeland War', 'Anglo-American Allies, Don't Imprison Croats' read some of the placards displayed by several thousand Croatian citizens, who gathered on Friday in front of the US Embassy in Zagreb protesting against the sentence the Hague war crimes tribunal imposed on general Tihomir Blaskic. #L# Speakers at the rally, which was organised by the Croatian Invalids of the Homeland War association (HVIDRA), said Croatian soldiers were united and would not allow further hand-overs to the Hague- based tribunal. As of today, Croatian soldiers are the other party which will have to be negotiated with and it will not be possible to neglect it on the political scene. All speakers stressed that Blaskic, who had gone to The Hague voluntarily, was innocent and unjustly sentenced. This rally demonstrates for the first time the unity of all Homeland War associations, said the president of the Alliance of Associations of Homeland War Volunteers, Zvonimir Trusic, addressing those gathered in front of the US Embassy. Explaining why the rally was being held in front of the US Embassy, Trusic said Croatian Homeland War soldiers wanted the US Government and administration to make the purpose of US engagement in Croatia and their requests clear. "As of today, we are the other side with which one will have to talk and it will not be possible to neglect us on the political scene," said Trusic, emphasising he respected the legality of the Government and Sabor. Trusic demanded a parliamentary debate on cooperation with the Tribunal, in the presence of representatives from Homeland War associations. He also requested that all relations with the Tribunal be frozen until the debate is held, until Croatia sets a clear state strategy toward the Tribunal, and until trials of Serb and Muslim criminals start. The president of the Association of Croatian Homeland War Volunteers, Tomislav Mercep, demanded that the constitutional law on cooperation with the Hague Tribunal be withdrawn. Representatives of Homeland War soldiers from Bosnia-Herzegovina said the rally showed that the Croat people in Bosnia-Herzegovina was not forgotten. Blaskic will remain in the hearts of all Croats because if it had not been for him, there would be no Croats in central Bosnia, they said. Intensive security measures were in force at today's rally, which was peaceful. At the end of the meeting, a dozen eggs and stones were thrown at the embassy building. The rally ended around 5 p.m. and protesters moved to St. Mark's Square, where they remained until 6 p.m., after which they dispersed peacefully. (hina) mm rml