THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR VUKOVAR CRIMES MUST ANSWER - SAYS OSCE

ZAGREB, Nov 18 (Hina) - Those who are responsible for the crimes committed in Vukovar and elsewhere must be brought before justice, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Mission to Croatia said on Thursday in a statement released on the occasion of the eighth anniversary of the fall of the eastern Croatian town. Eight years ago, horrendous crimes were committed against the residents of Vukovar, and the town's tragedy and the suffering of its residents will not be forgotten, said the statement.#L# The OSCE Mission believes a lot has been achieved in efforts to re- establish conditions for coexistence of all living in the area, but points out it is necessary to invest further effort to establish trust. The anniversary of the fall of Vukovar is an opportunity to mourn and remember, as well as to look ahead, the statement said. All that has been achieved in the reconstruction of wounded Vukovar, and in the reintegration of communities divided by the war legacy is testimony to the strength of Vukovar's residents, the statement said. A lot more has to be done to enable Vukovar residents to return and live together, with hopes for a better future for themselves and their families, the statement added, pointing out of key importance in the realisation of that goal was local economic revival. It is important to report every information about the fate of missing persons so that people may leave the tragedies of the past behind and turn towards the future, the OSCE Mission statement said. The Mission however believes guilt for the crimes must be viewed individually, and that accusations of collective guilt among communities are unfair and detrimental to efforts at trust restoration. We hope the dignity of this day, Vukovar Remembrance Day, will be respected, and that it will be an opportunity for the residents of this area to unite, concluded the OSCE Mission statement. (hina) ha jn