MISSING PERSONS' FAMILIES STAGE PROTEST OUTSIDE RED CROSS SEAT

ZAGREB, May 20 (Hina) - Family members of missing and detained Croatian defenders today gathered in front of the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross) seat in Zagreb, conspicuously carrying black - instead of red - crosses. The protesters handed a letter to the head of the ICRC mission in Zagreb, Alex Braunwalder, stressing that the "truth about the missing persons would alleviate the suffering of many families." A copy of the letter was earlier sent to ICRC President, Cornelio Somarruga. Braunwalder deplored the fact that the Red Cross had become black in the eyes of the families of missing persons. He stressed that Red Cross personnel were on their side, ceaselessly striving to find the missing and the detained. Family members gave Braunwalder a black cross, asking him to lay it at one of the mass graves in the occupied area. The protesters announced their intention to organise a similar rally every Saturday. Croatia is officially searching for 2,853 missing persons and detainees. The Yugoslav side last month disclosed the whereabouts of 70 people from that list, of whom 24 were alive. (hina) as 201525 MET may 95