FARMERS CONTINUE PROTESTING IN VUKOVAR COUNTY

VINKOVCI, June 28 (Hina) - The Croatian Farmers' Association and other associations of peasants and cattle breeders in Vukovar- Sirmium County, has been blocking most of roads in the county by tractors since 06.00 am Monday. The goal of the blockade is to back already known demands set by the Croatian Farmers' Association, and the blockade of roads will last as long as it is necessary, said the president of the Vukovar- Sirmium County branch of the Croatian Peasants' Party, Zdravko Kelic, at a news conference in Vinkovci on Monday. The leader of the local branch of Farmer's Association, Ivica Didovic told reporters that Iva Jemric - Rus, the head of the ruling HDZ party's community for peasants, had also given support in principle to this action, whereas some members of that community joined protesters at the blockade points. The Association is contacting trade unions and retirees' societies in order to receive their support as well, Didovic added. Police toured protest sites on Monday morning, but caused no problems, he said. Traffic has been impeded at seven spots on most important roads in the area of Vinkovci and Zupanja. In order to ensure necessary traffic connection between these two areas in eastern Croatia, farmers have not so far blocked roads in the Croatian Danube River Region. (hina) ms