Anniversary of the fall of Vukovar, Croatia

ZAGREB, 18 November 1998 - Seven years ago, terrible crimes were committed against the people of Vukovar. These crimes have been acknowledged by the entire world. They will not be forgotten.

We strongly believe that the individuals responsible for these crimes must and shall be brought to justice. The crimes were not committed by communities. Accusations of collective guilt only hurt the pursuit of truth and justice.

This anniversary is an occasion for mourning and remembrance. We hope that it also provides an occasion for looking ahead, an occasion for resolving afresh to abandon rigid prejudices and antagonisms - those bitter legacies of war.

Today, thanks to the efforts of the Croatian Government in partnership with the international community, basic security in the Danube Region has been achieved for most people (although not yet for all). In this sense, the conditions exist for the revival of the Region to commence. People who have sacrificed so much, who have shown patience for years, deserve to live in decent conditions once again.

We all know that renewal after conflict is difficult, and painfully slow. The only effective way to drive this process forward is through continued partnership and mutual respect. In particular, we hope that the dignity of this day will not be violated. The forces that destroyed Vukovar will not have been defeated until equal opportunities for prosperity are assured for all of Croatia's citizens.