New Documents on the War in Vukovar in 1991

U tekstu se piše o početku ratnih operacija u Vukovaru i razlozima za napad Jugoslovenske narodne armije na grad. Analizira se postratna situacija u Vukovaru, problem zarobljenih i nestalih lica i događaji vezani za zločin na Ovčari. Naučna literatura, posebno u Hrvatskoj, o ovim događajima veoma je obimna. U ovom radu ona nije šire eksplicirana jer je akcenat stavljen na do sada retko korišćenu izvornu građu prvog reda. Ona je široj javnosti postala dostupna nakon što je uvrštena u sudske spise “Međunarodnog tribunala za krivično gonjenje lica odgovornih za teška kršenja međunarodnog humanitarnog prava na teritoriji bivše Jugoslavije posle 1991” (International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991). Dokumenta se nalaze na javnoj bazi Tribunala u Hagu.Fighting over Vukovar in autumn 1991 was the most devastating conflict of war in Croatia. Military leadership of the Yugoslav People\u27s Army (YNA) decided to conquer Vukovar at any cost, which triggered prolonged attacks on this city. Whereas for Serbian public opinion Vukovar became a symbol of determination to protect Croatian Serbs, the battle for this city became a rallying cry in the history of contemporary Croatian state, and even a focal point in formation of its modern national and cultural identity. In this battle, the Yugoslav Army used its superiority in firepower and control over airspace, systematically bombing and almost completely destroying the city. “The operation Vukovar” therefore became the biggest catastrophe in the military history of that army. It also presented a turning point of international public opinion in favour of Croatia, contributing significantly to launching of procedure for recognition of Croatian and Slovenian independence. The aftermath of the Vukovar siege was especially chilling. The downfall was followed by conflict of the military and new civilian authorities, contributing to poor administration over the ruined city and its apocalyptic landscape. Looting and lawlessness ensued, culminating in deportation of Croatian population and mass execution of Croatian prisoners. This horrendous chapter of the Yugoslav war left a deep and lasting scar in relations between Serbia and Croatia