VUKOVAR VETERANS URGE DISAGREEMENTS BE SETTLED BY NEGOTIATIONS

VUKOVAR, April 21 (Hina) - An association of Croatian Homeland War veterans who defended the eastern town of Vukovar has said that it distances itself from individuals, associations and political parties that want to take advantage of war veterans. This association called "HUVBDR Vukovar '91" maintains that all conflicts should be solved through talks with institutions of authority in the Republic of Croatia," and in this context it condemns the calls for arms and provocation of civil war, read a conclusion this association made on Thursday at its annual conference. Members of "HUVBDR Vukovar'91" deplored "manipulation and criminalisation of the Homeland War by anybody in Croatia and abroad." They urge that it is high time that the aggressor be separated from those who suffered in the war and war casualties and that the two sides should not be treated equally as victims. They also insist on the adoption of a law on Vukovar and amendments to the law on Croatian war veterans so that volunteers be differently treated from other soldiers. Vukovar war veterans also hold that the law on associations should be altered with the aim of "forming exclusively one association at the state level that should take care of all veterans and casualties of the Homeland War." (hina) mm ms