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24.4.2020. 20:09
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Victims' Groups Join WWII Camp Commemoration in Croatia
By The Associated Press, April 22, 2020

JASENOVAC, Croatia — Jews, Serbs, Roma and anti-fascists joined top Croatian officials for the first time in years Wednesday in commemorating the victims of a notorious World War II concentration camp, but the community representatives warned that more needs to be done to curb right-wing sentiments in the European Union country.

The delegations laid wreaths and flowers at the memorial site for the Jasenovac camp complex, where tens of thousands of people were brutally executed by the pro-Nazi regime that ruled Croatia during the war.

Annual observances at the memorial south of Zagreb mark the attempted escape by 1,073 prisoners as the camp was being dismantled and its remaining occupants killed in April 1945. No official program took place at this year's 75th anniversary commemoration to prevent crowds from gathering during the coronavirus pandemic.

Jewish community representative Ognjen Kraus said the attendance by victims' representatives was a sign of good will following their four-year boycott of the ceremonies for the Croatian government's alleged inaction in addressing far-right activity.

Kraus warned that he “most certainly" won't come next year, if nothing changes.

“I came to offer my hand. I am ready for serious discussion about the government's position toward the past," said Kraus. “We most certainly won't be here next year unless this is solved."

Right-wing sentiments that include glorifying the wartime Ustasa regime are strong among extremist groups in Croatia. Critics argue the current conservative government has failed to resolutely counter such ideas and the use of pro-Nazi signs and salutes.....