Minister Kotromanović in Vukovar

Ministers laid wreaths and lit candles at the “Ovčara” Memorial and at the Memorial Cemetery of Homeland War. Ministers Matić, Rajko Ostojić and Kotromanović then met at City Hall with representatives of veterans organizations from the Homeland War of the city of Vukovar. Vukovar defenders were introduced with the intention to introduce a medal – Hero of the Homeland War which would carry the name of commander of the defence of Vukovar city municipality Borovo naselje killed in the war, General Blago Zadro. “Blago Zadro was a true hero, like many other Croatian soldiers many of whom were Homeland War heroes”, Minister Kotromanović said.

Veterans Minister Predrag Matić expressed satisfaction with the meeting with the soldiers, saying that the ministry was open to all Croatian defenders and ready to help in solving the problems that this group faces. During the meeting the status of underage volunteers of Homeland War was discussed, the need of preventive health checks of Croatian soldiers, building a monument to the defenders of Vukovar, and other issues of importance to veterans.

In a media statement Minister Kotromanović stressed that the MOD in consultation with the Mayor of Vukovar would continue to assist in clearing and removal of war-damaged buildings by engaging engineering units, and that part of funds would be allocated for further development of the Homeland War Memorial Centre in Vukovar.

After the meeting with Vukovar defenders ministers visited Vukovar County General Hospital and Homeland War Memorial Centre in the 204^th Brigade Barracks in Vukovar. Visit to the City of Vukovar ended up by lightning of candles in remembrance of the Vukovar-hero Blago Zadro on Trpinjska road.