Vukovar is a symbol of resistance and defense in the Homeland War in which Croatia won

"Vukovar is a symbol of Croatia's resistance and defense in the just Homeland War against the Greater Serbian Milošević aggression, in which Croatia won," said Prime Minister Andrej Plenković in a statement to the media in Vukovar where, together with members of the Government, he participated in the commemoration of the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Homeland War and the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Vukovar and Škabrnja.

It is particularly moving, the Prime Minister added, that just a few days ago the remains of several Vukovar defenders were found, including Jean-Michel Nicolier, who was posthumously awarded Croatian citizenship yesterday, as was his mother.

He thanked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Croatian Veterans’ Affairs Tomo Medved, all services, the police, the army and forensic experts who have been working hard in recent years to find everyone from the Homeland War.

He added that the state has invested a lot in the reconstruction and revitalization of Vukovar over the years, and it houses numerous memorial institutions, such as the Memorial Cemetery, the Homeland War Center and many others. In addition, Croatian Army has recently returned to Vukovar.

Therefore, today Vukovar is a well-functioning city, he emphasized, adding that the Government will continue, through all its departments, and especially through the Fund for the City of Vukovar, to invest in a better quality of life for all Vukovarians, as well as in a normal coexistence of all residents of that city.

After the commemorative program held in the courtyard of the Memorial Hospital, which holds a special place among the symbols of resistance in wartime Vukovar, the remembrance march set off, led by Croatian female war veterans, accompanied by the families of those who were killed, went missing, were murdered, forcibly taken, or have since passed away.

At the Memorial Cemetery of the Victims of the Homeland War, Prime Minister Plenković and members of the Government payed tribute to the victims of the Homeland War by laying wreaths, and participated in the Holy Mass for all those who died and went missing in the Homeland War.

The program will end with the laying of wreaths at the Memorial at the site of the mass grave at Ovčara.

Anniversary of the Škabrnja massacre with the message: There is no peace without finding the missing

A commemorative program marked the 34th anniversary of the Škabrnja massacre today, where one of the most horrific crimes of the Homeland War was committed on November 18, 1991.

Delegations and citizens from all over Croatia gathered in Škabrnja today to honor the murdered civilians and defenders.

The Government delegation included ministers Oleg Butković, Ante Šušnjar, Marija Vučković, Damir Habijan, Radovan Fuchs, Ivan Šipić, Tonči Glavina and Nataša Mikuš Žigman, as well as state secretaries Drago Matanović, Darko Nekić, Tonči Glavinić and Nevenka Lastrić Đurić.

The commemorative program in Škabrnja was marked by laying wreaths, lighting candles and paying tribute to the fallen veterans and civilians, with the message that the victims will never be forgotten and that the search for the missing will continue to be a priority for Croatian institutions.

Habijan: Croatia must not give up on seeking justice for victims

Minister of Justice, Administration and Digital Transformation Damir Habijan said that this day is filled with sadness, but also pride and hope, recalling that extremely serious war crimes were committed in that area, which still represent an image of humanity's defeat today, because no punishment can bring back the victims or erase the horror that occurred here.

He stated that there are currently 69 war crimes proceedings underway in Croatia, seven new ones were initiated this year, while 74 have been legally concluded. He also warned about the unresolved issue of 1,740 missing persons.

"Until we find the last missing person, there can be no peace," he said.

Progress in the prosecution depends on Serbia's cooperation, which he assessed as not being at a satisfactory level, and stressed that Croatia must not give up on seeking justice for the victims.

Butković: Croatia is building a better, more tolerant and safer society

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković said that he was particularly pleased with the large number of young people at the commemoration, because the transfer of memories to new generations is precisely the point of the commemorations.

"Today, 34 years after the tragedy, Croatia is building a better, more tolerant and safer society," Butković emphasized, adding that the residents of Škabrnja still bear a heavy burden due to unprocessed crimes, but he believes that judicial institutions are doing everything to change this.

Šipić: Along with the commemoration of the victims, we must turn to the future

Minister of Demography and Immigration Ivan Šipić emphasized that the commemoration is both a sad and proud moment, recalling the demographic losses in the Homeland War, including the deaths of hundreds of children and entire families.

He emphasized the positive trends in Škabrnja, where the population is returning, a new kindergarten is being built, and the capacities are already insufficient due to the increased interest of young families.

"For five months in a row we have had more births than last year, almost 800 more children in the first ten months," said Šipić, adding that Croatia, along with commemorating the victims, must turn to the future.

Only the future can save us, useless topics and discussions do not bring good, he added.

  

 

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