REMAINS OF 33 VICTIMS EXHUMED AT VUKOVAR'S NEW CEMETERY BURIED

( Editorial: --> 1039 ) VUKOVAR, May 2 (Hina) - The remains of 33 victims exhumed on Vukovar's new cemetery this week were buried Saturday with high military honours. The victims buried at Dubrava cemetery today included 23 Croatian soldiers, three policemen, two civil defence members and 11 civilians. The remaining six exhumed victims will be buried in other Croatian counties. Djakovo bishop Marin Srakic celebrated a mass in their honour. It was attended by several thousand local residents, the victims' family members, relatives, friends, representatives of the Croatian Government, Parliament, and the ministries of defence and the interior. In his speech, bishop Srakic recalled the crime which took place seven years ago to this day, when Serb aggressors killed 12 Croatian policemen in Borovo Selo. Vukovar Mayor Vladimir Stengl said the exhumation at the town's new cemetery was testimony to the tragic fate of Vukovar and the aggressor's inhumanity. "All who think that a better future for Vukovar may be built by sweeping the past under the rug of international shame are wrong. The criminals responsible for the destruction and death in Vukovar will have to answer", Stengl said. Vukovar-Srijem County Prefect Rudolf Koenig expressed his condolences on behalf of the County. "May 2, 1991 fortified us in our belief that numerous lives would have to give for sovereign Croatia. Today's May 2 must bind us to remember and never again allow a similar tragedy", he told the gathered. Condolences on behalf of the Ministry of Interior Affairs were expressed by Deputy Interior Minister Zlatko Gledec, who recalled the heroic defence of the eastern Croatian town. "The residents of Vukovar showed Europe how family, home, town and homeland are fought for", said Deputy Premier Ivica Kostovic speaking on behalf of the Government. As Christians we must forget hatred and revenge and continue to remember our victims and the tragedies which befell the Croatian people, he pointed out. Vukovar was the largest killing ground in Europe after World War Two, said Parliament vice president Vladimir Seks. He called on the gathered to continue living for what Croatian defenders died for. Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Croatian Defenders, Juraj Njavro said the international community failed to heed the cry for help of "attacked and wounded Vukovar". We must persevere and strive to bring those responsible for Vukovar's and Croatia's tragedy to justice, as this is the only possible way for lasting and genuine peace, he said. Also attending today's funeral were Parliament vice president Jadranka Kosor, National Trust Establishment Committee deputy chairman Ivica Vrkic, parliament representatives and others. A book of condolences was opened at the cemetery. To date, the remains of 82 victims have been exhumed at Vukovar's new cemetery. The exhumation will continue Monday, with about 1,200 bodies expected to be unearthed. Identified victims will be buried every Saturday. (hina) ha 021729 MET may 98