LOCALS CELEBRATE RETURN TO BARANJA

BELI MANASTIR, Aug 23 (Hina) - A series of events under the title "First Encounter of Peoples and Cultures in Baranja" was held on Sunday in Beli Manastir to mark return to the north-eastern Croatian region. Gathering in the central square of the region's largest town were a large number of "Baranjci" (the residents of Baranja), including those who had returned and those still waiting to return, and folkloric groups from Croatia, Hungary and France. Everyone then sung their way to the heavily damaged Catholic church of St Martin, where Djakovo-Srijem Auxiliary Bishop Monsignor Djuro Gasparovic lead mass. Monsignor Gasparovic recalled the fateful day of August 22, 1991, "which was the most difficult day for Baranjci who were expelled from their homes with only bags in their hands". We have returned with prayers and a preparation to renew what hatred destroyed, he said adding today was a celebration of united return to Croatian Baranja. Expressing gratitude to all those who had given their lives for freedom, the Djakovo-Srijem Auxiliary Bishop called on those still in exile to return soon. Following mass the folkloric groups performed songs and dances from their countries. Before the war Beli Manastir had 10,000 residents. Up to now about 2,000 had returned, said Beli Manastir Town Council assembly president Ivica Buconjic. Most of Baranja was under Serbian occupation for more than four years and then under United Nations administration until being formally returned to Croatian control at the start of this year. (Hina) mbr 231623 MET aug 98