HDZ: ZAGREB SHOULD HAVE SQUARES FOR VICTIMS OF BOTH FASCISM, COMMUNISM

ZAGREB, May 9 (Hina) - The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) feels a deep reverence for all victims of fascism and in their honour Zagreb should name either a square or a street, HDZ president Ivo Sanader said in a statement on Tuesday. Croatia's largest Opposition party believes changing the names of squares or streets after each change of authority is not good. "The victims of fascism are Croatian greats just like the victims of communism, two of the biggest evils of the 20th century," the statement said, adding the HDZ believes Zagreb should have squares or streets named after victims of both fascism and communism, like the capitals of other formerly socialist states. The HDZ therefore advocates that Trg Hrvatskih Velikana (Croatian Greats Square) keep its name because it comprises the victims of both totalitarian regimes, and that another square or street be named after the victims of fascism and communism. The HDZ is of the opinion the issue should not be debated in the heated atmosphere of street rallies, but in calm, reasonable, tolerant standard procedure in the competent body, the Zagreb City Assembly. Croatia's alliance of anti-fascist fighters announced a protest rally on Trg Hrvatskih Velikana for today to demand that the square be given its previous name, Trg Zrtava Fasizma (Victims of Fascism Square). (hina) ha mm