DUBROVNIK COMMEMORATES FIERCEST ATTACK OF SERB-MONTENGRIN ARMY

DUBROVNIK, Dec 6 (Hina) - The southern Croatian city of Dubrovnik is today commemorating the most difficult day in its history, the ninth anniversary of a Serbian-Montenegrin army attack. Representatives of the army, police, county and the city of Dubrovnik, Homeland War associations, Croatian Party of Rights (HSP) and the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) today laid wreaths and lit candles in memory of all killed soldiers at Dubrovnik's central cemetery of Boninovo and a monument in front of the city's 'Libertas' hotel. Dubrovnik soldiers gathered on Mt. Srdj overlooking the city, the legendary point of defence, and commemorated December 6 1991. On that day, the Serbian-Montenegrin army launched on the city their strongest attack, which lasted until evening hours. Nineteen civilians and soldiers were killed in the attack and 60 people were seriously or lightly wounded. The ancient city of Dubrovnik and its cultural monuments suffered the fiercest destruction in the city's history. More than 500 projectiles fell on the city's historic centre, causing huge destruction. The buildings of the Dubrovnik Summer Festival and the Inter-University Centre and numerous palaces and housing facilities were burned to the ground. Many other facilities, such as the 'Libertas' hotel, were damaged by fire caused by shells. Several firefighters were killed in the vicinity of the hotel while trying to put out the fire. The brave Dubrovnik soldiers managed to resist the attack and beat the enemy on Mt. Srdj. Dubrovnik marks December 6, St. Nicholas Day, also as the Day of Croatian Soldiers. A room commemorating Dubrovnik soldiers will be opened at the city's 'Sponza' palace tonight. (hina) rml