GOSPIC RESIDENTS PROTEST AGAINST CRIMINALISATION OF HOMELAND WAR

GOSPIC, April 19 (Hina) - More than 2,000 people from Gospic and the surrounding area gathered in Gospic on Wednesday, protesting against investigations and possible trial of Croatian soldiers by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Participants in the meeting requested that an end be put to the criminalisation of the Homeland War, and demanded from the Government and the Sabor to review the Declaration on Cooperation with the ICTY, which they believe is shameful and traitorous. The meeting was organised by a coordination of Homeland War associations from Lika-Senj County. The protesters reject accusations that Croatian soldiers committed crimes against Serb civilians in the Gospic area and request that investigations into crimes of Serbian aggressors against Croats start. The crowd greeted the Minister of Homeland War Soldiers, Ivica Pancic, with catcalls, not allowing him to address them. They shouted catcalls at the mention of Prime Minister Ivica Racan's government, resenting that it did not represent the interests of Croatian citizens and the state. More than 2,500 citizens have signed a petition against investigations and possible trial of Homeland War soldiers by the ICTY, which is being signed in Gospic. (hina) mm rml