CROATIAN GOVT DELEGATES LAY WREATH AT MEDVEDGRAD

( Editorial: --> 4150 ) ZAGREB, May 15 (Hina) - A Croatian Government delegation on Friday laid a wreath at the Homeland Altar on Mt Medvednica near Zagreb, in memory of the victims of Bleiburg and the Way of the Cross. On May 15, 1945, British forces returned soldiers of the Independent State of Croatia (NDH) and civilians who fled Yugoslavia to the Yugoslav partisans. It is estimated that partisans killed between 55,000 and 300,000 people at the Beliburg field, Austria, and on the way back (the Way of the Cross). "Today, on the 53rd anniversary of suffering of the innocent victims of Bleiberg and ways of the Cross, a Croatian government delegation laid a wreath at the Homeland Altar in memory of those who gave their lives for a free and independant Croatian state," Croatian Vice Premier and Finance Minister Borislav Skegro, who headed the delegation, wrote into the book of impressions. The delegation also included Administration Minister Marijan Ramuscak and Labour and Welfare Minister Joso Skara. (hina) drg/rm 151512 MET may 98