LEADING STATE OFFICIALS LAY WREATHS AT ALTAR OF THE HOMELAND

( Editorial: --> 1874 ) ZAGREB, Aug 5 (Hina) - Delegations from the Croatian President's office, the Croatian National Parliament and the Croatian Government on Wednesday laid wreaths at the Altar of the Homeland at Medvedgrad near Zagreb on the occasion of Homeland Gratitude Day. The public holiday marks the anniversary of Croatia's military operation "Storm" during the summer of 1995 which liberated most of the country's then occupied territories. "'Storm', which was prepared, organised and carried out with the reason and strength of the Croatian nation, changed the relations of political and military forces in south-eastern Europe and the Balkans, in these shaken regions," wrote President Franjo Tudjman's chief of staff Hrvoje Sarinic in the official book of impressions, following his laying of the wreath. "Peaceful reintegration (of the eastern Croatian Danube River region) and (the) Dayton (peace accords) were direct consequences of 'Storm' and that is why it remains eternally built into the foundations of the Croatian state, and also in the stability of the region. "May there be eternal glory and gratitude to all those who made themselves a part of this greatest Croatian victory." The President's delegation also included presidential advisor for local government Franjo Kajfez, presidential war cabinet head General Darko Grdic and General Damir Krsticevic. The parliamentary delegation was led by Sabor President Vlatko Pavletic and also included House of Representatives vice-president Drazen Budisa and House of Counties MP and retired general Zvonimir Cervenko. "Following the Day of Statehood, today we celebrate the Day of Homeland Gratitude, combined in united and sincere gratitude to all those who over the centuries contributed to the realisation of the Croatian dream of an independent Croatia, especially those who gave their lives and endured the greatest sacrifices in the Homeland War," Pavletic wrote in the book of impressions. "Our gratitude also encompasses the Zrinski and Frankopan (princes), Vitezovic and Ante Starcevic, as well as all those contemporary (heroes) who unselfishly worked for Croatia, not seeking anything from her, but nevertheless prepared to give her everything." The government delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Milan Ramljak and included Deputy Foreign Minister Ivo Sanader, Deputy Finance Minister Mijo Jukic and Deputy Interior Minister Zlatko Gledec. "Laying a wreath on the Altar of the Homeland on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Croatia today, on the Day of Homeland Thanksgiving, is in a symbolic and deeply respectful way our payment of homage and expression of gratitude to the generations of known and unknown fighters for the freedom of the Croatian nation and for the sovereign, independent and whole Republic of Croatia," Ramljak wrote in the Altar of the Homeland's official book of impressions. (Hina) mbr 051340 MET aug 98