YIHR put up a commemorative plaque to "Storm" victims

5. 8. 2010. PRESS RELEASE
APROPOS YIHR ACTION COMMEMORATING FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY OF OPERATION “STORM”

Zagreb/Knin, August 5, 2010.

Dear Sir or Madam,

Apropos the fifteenth anniversary of the military-police operation “Storm” conducted by the Croatian Army (HV) and the Ministry of the Interior (MUP) forces, Youth Initiative for Human Rights in Croatia (YIHR) marked civilian suffering in this operation through financial support by the Government of the Republic of Croatia.

YIHR put up a commemorative plaque by the road (at the northern departure point from Knin) along which exactly 15 years ago refugees from and around Knin were fleeing in a column, many of which left the area for good.

The commemorative plaque bears the following inscription:
5.8.1995. – 5.8.2010. / On the 15th anniversary of HV operation “Storm”, by this road thousands of refugees had walked along, the plaque is being put up by citizens of the Republic of Croatia who are offering the victims their apology for want of an apology by those accountable. / The plaque was put up through financial support provided by the Government of the Republic of Croatia.

Even though we failed to obtain the permit to put up this commemorative plaque, we believe that the administration of the Town of Knin will not remove it due to its great significance in acknowledging the victims’ suffering 15 years after the operation. Likewise, we hope that residents of Knin and the Republic of Croatia will refrain from destroying the commemorative plaque for the very same reason.

Lastly, putting up this commemorative plaque is not tantamount to labelling the entire operation and its intent as criminal. YIHR acknowledges efforts invested by citizens of the Republic of Croatia into liberation of Croatian territories from occupation, but in the process of democratization we deem it necessary to face up to the crimes committed, acknowledge them and apologize for them. Furthermore, it is essential that institutions put additional efforts into facilitating return of all the refugees on the entire territory of the Republic of Croatia. We hope that this year we will hear from officials of the Republic of Croatia sincere apologies to the victims.