ZAGREB HEADQUARTERS PETITIONS PROTECTING DIGNITY OF HOMELAND WAR

ZAGREB, Sept 22 (Hina) - The Headquarters for the Protection of the Dignity of the Homeland War of the City of Zagreb and Zagreb County announced on Friday parliament would be petitioned to protect the dignity and all achievements of Croatia's war of independence from the former Yugoslav federation. Following the example by the eponymous headquarters from the southern Adriatic city of Split, the Zagreb headquarters organised the signing of the petition on several locations in the capital and all towns in Zagreb County. The headquarters were established, in other towns too, following last week's police action in which some members of the Croatian Army were among those arrested for war and other crimes. The headquarters believe the high-ranking state officials who applauded the operation are prejudging the arrestees' guilt and criminalising the war in which Croatia fought against Serb aggression. They demand a parliamentary debate on the matter, a government reshuffle, and launched the signing of the petition. The Zagreb headquarters will not rest contended with a parliamentary debate and "representatives' demagogic discussions," said Zvonimir Trusic. We shall not dissolve the headquarters as long as imputations continue to be levelled at Croatian veterans and the Homeland War's dignity is tarnished, he added, pointing out the headquarters would not consent to promises whose only aim was to alleviate tension and dissolve the headquarters. The spokesman of the Zagreb headquarters Branimir Peternel read out a statement pointing out the resistance to untruths about the Homeland War did not mean identification with the crimes. The press were denied an answer as to how many members comprise the 14 Homeland War veterans' and disabled persons' associations which established the Zagreb headquarters. "We know who we and how many of us there are," said Trusic. The Zagreb headquarters refuted claims made in the state television's evening news that MP Marinko Liovic was the founder and member of the headquarters. (hina) ha jn