Pressing issue in Croatia

THE European Union will increase financial aid to independent media in Croatia to try to promote more democratic change, an EU official said last night. The 15-nation EU wants to "promote democracy, human rights and civil society in Croatia", said Per Vinther, a special delegate of the European Commission in Croatia.

Greg Rusedski, the No 1 seed in the Croatian Indoor Championship in Split, pounded his way into the second round yesterday.

Three former Croatian soldiers yesterday accused top Croatian officials of "systematically covering up" the 1991 slaughter of Serbs and Croats in central Croatia.

Strolling around the capital of Croatia, it's hard to believe that until recently this was a country at war. With its medieval buildings, rumbling trams and rich cultural heritage, it's one of eastern Europe's lesser known treasures. And that's before you've tried a few glasses of its famous slivovia plum brandy. By Gareth Lloyd

Greg Rusedski joined Tim Henman in the quarter-finals of the Qatar Open last night. Rusedski defeated Karim Alami, of Morocco, in straight sets on a cool but calm evening. John Roberts reports from Doha.

No cars, no bikes, no rip-offs, no pretension - Dubrovnik is the ideal location for a romantic European break, says David Robson

A trial opens in Zagreb today where press freedom itself seems to be in the dock. Steve Crawshaw reports on crime and punishment, in President Franjo Tudjman's Croatia.

The first trains in six years started rolling between Serbia and Croatia yesterday. Marcus Tanner says this marks a milestone in the slow reconciliation between the two former Yugoslav republics that went to war in 1991.

Simon Turnbull talks to the import who quickly became a priceless asset

Robert Prosinecki will miss Croatia's key World Cup qualifier against Bosnia in Zagreb today - a match the home side must win to keep alive their hopes of a place in next year's finals in France.

GLENN MOORE

Newcastle take on more than just 11 men tonight. Glenn Moore reports from Zagreb

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