UN Prosecutor‘s Double Standards.

By Brian Gallagher 5 October 2005

http://members.madasafish.com/~opus/Croatia/Brian.Gallagher.051005.html

More information has arisen regarding the case of the
Croatian journalists who have been indicted by UN
prosecutors for disclosing the identity and testimony
of a protected witness in the Blaskic case. (For more
information, please see here:
http://members.madasafish.com/~opus/Croatia/Brian.Gallagher.300905.html

It transpires that the London based Institute of War
and Peace Reporting has repeatedly disclosed the
identity of the witness; shamefully not mentioned in
their recent reports on the journalists.

It is known that a 1997 decision relating to the
witness has been on the ICTY website for eight years,
identifying the witness. See it here

http://www.un.org/icty/blaskic/trialc1/decisions-e/70606PM113306.htm

In relation to reporting to that decision, IWPR
mentioned the name in their Tribunal Update 32 of June
9-14, 1997.

See it here

http://www.iwpr.net/index.pl?archive/tri/tri_032_3_eng.txt

In regard to that particular affair, the ICTY also
named the witness in their summary of a press briefing
in 2003 on their own website.

See it here (last paragraph)

http://www.un.org/icty/briefing/2003/PB170703.htm

The IWPR directly named the individual as a witness in
the Blaskic case in its Tribunal Update of 7-11
February 2000. This is of considerable importance as
IWPR named the witness before any of the dates
mentioned in the indictments. Most of the indictments
relate to 2004. However, the indictment against Josip
Jovic is for dates in 2000, the earliest being 27
November. The IWPR disclosure comes some months prior
to that. See it here.


http://www.iwpr.net/index.pl?archive/tri/tri_163_3_eng.txt

Mirko Klarin, then Senior Editor at IWPR, fully
disclosed the identity in Tribunal Update of 16-21
September, 2002. Klarin specifically states the name
of the witness and that he had testified in the closed
session in the Blaskic trial, and something of the
nature of that testimony. See it here.

http://www.iwpr.net/index.pl?archive/tri/tri_281_1_eng.txt

Klarin named the witness again in IWPR’s Tribunal
Update of September 30 - October 4, 2002 report on the
Milosevic trial. See it here.

http://www.iwpr.net/index.pl?archive/tri/tri_283_1_eng.txt

IWPR named the witness again this time written by
Emir Suljagic in Tribunal Update of 23-27 June 2003

See it here.

http://www.iwpr.net/index.pl?archive/tri/tri_318_4_eng.txt

The witness was named again by IWPR in a piece by
Stacey Sullivan in the 19 December 2003 Tribunal
Update. See it here

http://www.iwpr.net/index.pl?archive/tri/tri_338_5_eng.txt

A number of the IWPR reports were also placed on the
JUSTWATCH website by Andras Riedlemyer, who has
previously appeared in trials as an expert witness for
the UN Prosecutors.

See them here

Tribunal Update 7-11 February 2000
http://listserv.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0002&L=justwatch-l&D=1&O=D&F=&S=&P=75423

Tribunal Update 16-21 September, 2002

http://listserv.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0209&L=justwatch-l&D=1&O=D&F=&S=&P=49439

Tribunal Update September 30 - October 4, 2002

http://listserv.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0210&L=justwatch-l&D=1&O=D&F=&S=&P=15717

Tribunal Update of 23-27 June 2003

http://listserv.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0307&L=justwatch-l&D=1&O=D&F=&S=&P=11173

Tribunal Update of 19 December 2003

http://listserv.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0312&L=justwatch-l&D=1&O=D&F=&S=&P=61294

Recent articles on the indicted journalists by IWPR
have somehow failed to mention that they themselves
repeatedly named the witness. See their latest report
of 30 September by Janet Anderson here

http://www.iwpr.net/index.pl?archive/tri/tri_423_1_eng.txt

No action has been taken by ICTY prosecutors against
IWPR or their journalists - or indeed JUSTWATCH - for
naming the protected witness.

This raises the most serious questions. How is it that
action was taken against Croatian journalists and not
IWPR?

The Croatian journalists have a strong public interest
defence: A recent article in the New York Times quotes
Prosecution documents as saying the witness is "a
high-ranking politician who holds important state
responsibilities." . If such a politician in the
United Kingdom gave secret testimony at a UN court
against a British soldier the public would certainly
demand to know what was said and by whom. No doubt
the same would apply in the United States. Nobody
would accept protective measures. Why should it be
different in Croatia? Further, the public interest
case is strengthened by the fact that in the Blaskic
case, a miscarriage of justice occurred.

No doubt the Croatian journalists concerned had
political motives for publishing what they did. That
is freedom of speech.

IWPR has presented no explanation or defence
whatsoever for revealing the identity of the witness.
Yet somehow, they have got away with it. And continue
to do so - their reports have been on their website
for years. There is no clear public interest case for
their revealing it.

IWPR is sympathetic to the ICTY. It also is London
based, and part funded by the British taxpayer. No
doubt that is connected to their apparent immunity
from indictment.

Journalists are entitled to be pro ICTY. However,
that does not mean the ICTY should consider them above
the law. Why should these Croatian journalists face
criminal charges and the strain and stress that must
create in their lives, whilst IWPR and its journalists
do not have to face that - despite naming the witness
prior to the dates of the mentioned in the indictments
of the Croats?

It is clear double standards, and the ICTY is
operating on a political basis; those that criticise
it face prosecution for repeating the name of a
protected witness, but those uncritical or even
supportive of the ICTY can do the same thing with
impunity.
And what of IWPR? Their latest reports on the
situation shamefully fail to mention that they
themselves named the witness repeatedly. What kind of
journalism is that? IWPR’s readers are fully entitled
to that information - yet it was denied to them. Given
that the taxpayer helps pay their wages, it is all the
more appalling. IWPR’s silence is a disgrace.

Of course, given that the witness himself has admitted
for years that he was a witness, the whole issue is
ridiculous. But that has not stopped the UN
prosecutors, led by the much criticised Carla del
Ponte, whose double standards will no doubt be
revealed in excruciating detail by the defendants.

The trial will be very interesting indeed.
 

THE BASKA TABLET
precious stone
of Croatian literacy

Support Josip Jovic and our journalists !

Dear All,

Send a support letter to his attorney Vinko Ljubicic at vinko.ljubicic@st.htnet.hr
Call his office, if you have some concrete way to help, like an attorneys advice or address and email that he could use for the case, contact with newspapers all over the world to interview Mr. Jovic...etc. Spread the word.

Letters to Josip Jovic email to: vinko.ljubicic@st.htnet.hr
Phone calls (from USA 011) +385-21487-152 ; +385-21487-154: +385-21487-155.

Send a letter to the organizations like:

Reporters Without Borderswww.rsf.org
Committee to Protect Journalistswww.cpj.org 

Thank them for their support, and ask them about, why was the support coming after the arrest.
Like they didn't know it before or? What is the reason, that CNN, Helsinki Watch, Amnesty International, are not stepping forward or stepping forward so reluctantly? Where is Christiane Amanpour anger right now? The fact is that, what is happening right now, is an attack on our sovereignty. Try to do that with an American journalist or forbid to even think about British or French. Not just it would never happen but Carla Del Ponte would lose her job in a matters of hours. And lets not forget that who ever is doing this, should be responsible for the consequences. To be more clear, this should be cleared to the bottom, not like 45 years sentence to our general , that was changed into no sentence. Is anybody reprehended for such a mistake? Did our General Blaskic got a compensation for such a torture? Did Croatia got an official apology? Did anybody at the Hague Tribunal lose the job? I would love to know. At least incompetence at the highest level.

Answer is that we have to do our part regardless what the world does or does not.

So, go and do it.

Nenad Bach

CROWN, Editor in Chief

Reporters Witjout Borders
International Secretariat :

Reporters sans frontières
5, rue Geoffroy-Marie
75009 Paris - France

Tel. 33 1 44 83 84 84
Fax. 33 1 45 23 11 51

E-mail : rsf@rsf.org
Web : www.rsf.org


Canada
Montreal
Emily Jacquard
1000 Fullum
MontrĂŠal, QuĂŠbec H2K 3L7
Tel : 1 - 514-521-4111
Fax : 1 - 514 521 7771
E-mail : rsfcanada@rsf.org 

Ivory Coast
Abidjan
BP 4401 - Abidjan 09
Tel / Fax : 225 22 44 67 15
Email : rsf.abj@africaonline.co.ci 

Japan
Tokyo
Maru Maru Bldg. 502
3-2-7 Yoyogi, Shibuya-Ku,
Tokyo 151-0053. Japan.
Tel : (03) 3379-1401
E-mail : michelt@galaxy.ocn.ne.jp 

Russia
Moscow
E-mail : rsf@rol.ru 

Thailand
Bangkok
Greenery House,
260/18 Lad Phrao 62
Lad Phrao Road, Kwang Bangkapi
Bangkok 10310, Thailand 
Tel : 66 2 933 7321
Mobile : 66 1 253 77 80
Email : rsfbkk@loxinfo.co.th 

United States
New York
Tala Dowlatshahi
Mobile : 1 917-239-0653
E-mail : tdowlats@hotmail.com 

United States
Washington
Lucie Morilllon
Reporters Without Borders
Southern Railway Building
1500 K Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington DC, 20005
E-mail : lucie.morillon@rsf.org 
Tel : (00) 1 202 256 56 13
 

Your aim to foster connection between second and third generations Croatians around the world is noble; you also provide a means for other people to appreciate and understand the Croatian culture and sports
 

To Nenad Bach,

Congratulations for having established a comprehensive and interesting website. Your aim to foster connection between second and third generations Croatians around the world is noble; you also provide a means for other people to appreciate and understand the Croatian culture and sports.

Many thanks for publishing the incredible photo of Bevan in his play in Tunisia. One of the handballers was surfing the net and found your website. Thence, the url was sent around and shared with everyone. It is a fantastic gesture that somehow it was acknowledging good play.

All the best in all your endeavors.

V. Calvert

op-ed:

Dear Mr. Calvert,

This is precisely why CROWN exist. Thank you for your kindness. I hope that Bevan didn't stop scoring.

Nenad

Link to article in subject:

(E) Handball - Croatia takes second place in the World 2005

http://www.croatia.org/crown/oldphotos/5007.htm
 

Zagreb Folk Dance Ensemble will perform October 14.

The "Dr Ivan Ivancan" Zagreb Folk Dance Ensemble is the largest and
most successful promoter of the Croatian folklore. A continuing high quality
of the ensemble has resulted in many travels and performances on almost all
important festivals and competitions in the world. Program wise, the
greatest strength of the ensemble are two-hour concerts where the concept,
beauty and the value of the choreography, songs, music playing and technical
performance, the stature and the youth of the ensemble comes to its full
bloom.
All those things make their performance impressive, and artistically
valuable.
Their ability to perform such shows many times in a row is a quality of top
performers. Please share with family and fiends. We welcomed everyone to see
these
outstanding performers. For more information you can visit their site at
www.zfa.hr

Friday October 14, 2005
8:00 PM
North Shore Center for Performing Arts
9501 Skokie Blvd
Skokie, IL 60077

$25 Advance Purchase
$30 At The Door

For further information and ticket purchases contact

Darinka Povrzenic
Darinka1@comcast.net
847-776-8478

or

Christa Gavran
cgavran@jenner.com
773-430-0353

Sponsored By Loza
 

CROATIAN BOOK CLUB OF NEW YORK

Our next monthly selection will be “Carrying the Farm on Her Back” by Eva Skold Westerlind. The book is available on www.amazon.com for $7.39 .

Meeting place: Croatian Cultural Center
Address: 502 West 41st Street, New York,NY (between 10th & 11th Avenues)
Dates: Every Third Wednesday in the month, October 19th, 2005 at 6 p.m.
Next book selection: “Carrying the Farm on Her Back” by Eva Skold Westerlind

Please read the book in advance.

A Croatian Book Club is meeting in New York City to promote Croatian culture. Our club offers readers the opportunity to participate in spirited discussions considering diverse viewpoints about unique subject material.

Each month, the facilitator will choose a “book of the month” that will be read by members in advance and discussed later at the monthly meeting. The monthly meeting will last from approximately 1-3 hours, depending on the vitality of the discussion, size of the group and availability of space.

Below is a partial list of books that will be discussed:

* “The Stone Fields” by Courtney Angela Brkic
* “Infidelities – stories of War and Lust” by Josip Novakovic
* “How We Survived Communism and Even Laughed” by Slavenka Drakulic
* “Neither Red nor Dead” by Stevo Julius
* “The Museum of Unconditional Surrender” by Dubravka Ugresic
* “The Banquet in Blitva” by Miroslav Krleza
* “The Turk and My Mother” by Mary Helen Stefaniak
* “Sarajevo Marlboro” by Miljenko Jergovic
* “Croatian Tales of Long Ago” by Ivana Brlic Mazuranic
* “Anna Marinkovich” by Edward Ifkovic
* “Carrying the Farm on Her Back – A portrait of Women in a Croatian Village” by Eva Skold Westerlind
* “Healing the Heart of Croatia” by Joseph Kerrigan
* “Goodby Dear Old Homeland” by Yasna Sikic Hood
* “American Dream - a Guy from Croatia” by Boris Miksic
* “Thorn Lace – Mojmir – A Migrant’s Lot” by Ina Vukic
* “Moments of Truth: Real Stories of Life Changing Inspiration” Mike Celizic
* “The Labyrinth” by Blanka Raguz www.blankaraguz.com
* “You’re Hired: How to Succeed in Business and Life from the Winner of the Apprentice” by Bill Rancic
* “Lovers and Madmen – a True Story of Passion, Politics and Air Piracy” by Julienne Eden Busic
* “Fix Our United States” by Krist (Chris) Novoselic www.dwstudios.net
* “Necessary Targets: A Story of Women and War” by Eve Ensler
* www.admit2.net Natalija Grgorinic & Ognjen Raden
* “The Bridge on the Drina” by Ivo Andric
* “Don’t Call Me Rosie” by Kathleen Thomas www.thomaswright.com
* Louis Adamic www.synapse.ne.jp/saitani/ or www.alibris.com
* “A Single Step” by Heather Mills McCartney, chapters on Croatia
* “Can You Hear Me Screaming?” by Eric Obenauf www.twodollarradio.com or www.CroatiaGifts.com
* “First Service” by Andrea Jaeger (Maja Muric) www.firstservicebook.com
* “Celestial Dancer” by Anthony Shafer alias Peter Celich
* “Letters to My Daughters” by Mary Matalin (Tomasevich)
* “The Passion to Skate: An Intimate View of Figure Skating” by Sandra Bezic
* Bogdan Radica – out of print


Most of the above books are available free of charge at the Public Library or may be purchased at www.amazon.com .

Book Club discussion questions and topics:

· What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the book? What do you think he or she is trying to convey to the reader?
· Do the characters seem real and believable? Can you relate to their predicaments? To what extent do they remind you of yourself or someone you know?
· What was unique about the setting of the book and how did it enhance or take away from the story?
· How do characters change or evolve throughout the course of the story? What events trigger such changes?
· In what ways do the events in the books reveal evidence of the author’s world view?
· Did certain parts of the book make you uncomfortable? If so, why did you feel that way? Did this lead to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect of your life you might not have thought about before?
· What did you find surprising about the facts introduced in this book?
· How has reading this book changed your opinion of a certain person or topic?
· Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does she or he achieve this?
· If the author is writing on a controversial issue, does he or she give proper consideration to all sides of the debate? Does he or she seem to have a bias?
· How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?


Facilitator:

Katarina Tepesh is a member of the International Women’s Writing Guild. Her essays, “Father’s Funeral” and “Babin Kuk” were published in Caprice and Quiet Mountain Essays.
“Yearning for Freedom in a Land of the Free” and “Red Tent” at Free River Press. Short story, “Anica, a Mail Order Bride from Croatia” has been published on the CROWN www.CroatianWorld.net . Katarina is also a member of the Storytellers - International Toastmasters Club, promoting writing, public speaking and leadership skills. Katarina comes from Zagorje region and now lives in New York City.

If you are interested in joining The Croatian Book Club (CBC) of New York, please contact Katarina by email tepeshk@aol.com  or telephone 212-744-1985.
 

Freedom from Despair Screenings in Australia

"Freedom from Despair," the multi-award winning film by Brenda Brkusic is touring Australia! Meet filmmaker Brenda Brkusic in person at this one and only chance to see the film "down under."
 

"Freedom from Despair" was just nominated for two International Documentary Association Awards, known in the industry as the highest honor in documentary filmmaking besides the Oscars - last year Michael Moore won an award there for his film Fahrenhiet 911.
 

See it in the following cities in October:
 

Croatian Catholic Center - Blacktown screening with guest Brenda Brkusic, Sydney, NSW
Sunday, October 30, 2005 / 12:30 pm film screening (after mass)
$15 donation per person at the door, $10 for Seniors
70 Douglasa Rd, Blacktown, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Contact: Bob Barasic bobbarisic@yahoo.com.au
 

Croatian Club Sydney screening with guest Brenda Brkusic, Sydney, NSW
Friday, October 28, 2005 / 7:00 pm film screening (after screening party at Sundowner bar!)
$15 donation per person at the door, $10 for Seniors
921 Punchbowl Rd, Punchbowl, Sydney NSW, Australia
Contact: Bob Barasic bobbarisic@yahoo.com.au
 

Wollongong Catholic Center screening with guest Brenda Brkusic, Wollongong, NSW
Thursday, October 27, 2005 / 7:00 pm film screening
$15 donation per person at the door, $10 for Seniors
7-9 Bellevue Rd, Figtree 2525, Wollongong NSW, Australia
Contact: Bob Barasic bobbarisic@yahoo.com.au
 

Croatian Catholic Center - Springvale screening with guest Brenda Brkusic, Melbourne, Victoria
Sunday, October 23, 2005 / 12:30 pm film screening (after mass)
$15 donation per person at the door, $10 for Seniors
798-808 Springvale Rd, Keysborough, 3173, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Contact: Bob Barasic bobbarisic@yahoo.com.au
 

Australian Croatian Club - Cardinal Stepinac screening with guest Brenda Brkusic, Geelong, Victoria
Saturday, October 22, 2005 / 7:00 pm film screening
$15 donation per person at the door, $10 for Seniors
101-109 Separation St North, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
Contact: Bob Barasic bobbarisic@yahoo.com.au

Australian Croatian Club - Footsgray screening with guest Brenda Brkusic, Melbourne, Victoria
Friday, October 21, 2005 / 7:00 pm film screening
$15 donation per person at the door, $10 for Seniors
72 Whitehall St Footsgray, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Contact: Bob Barasic bobbarisic@yahoo.com.au
more info www.freedomfromdespair.com
 

Starring famous actors Michael York, John Savage, Beata Pozniak, and music by famous composer Nenad Bach
 

Ivo Pervan’s 'Colours of Croatia' exhibition in London

‘Colours of Croatia’, an exhibition of photographs by renowned Croatian photographer and photojournalist Ivo Pervan will take place in London from October 17th to October 23rd at the Royal College of Art. This is the first showing in the UK for a photographer whose posters have won seven prizes in world competitions and other numerous awards. The exhibition features twenty-seven photographs of landscapes; the spectacular images capture not just the beauty of Pervan’s native land but also a sublime, almost transcendental quality in the landscape.
The event has been organized and sponsored by Croatia Exclusive Ltd, a publishing and event company, and supported by the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in the UK.
Notes to Editors
‘Colours of Croatia’ will be displayed at the Royal College of Art until Sunday 23rd October.
High resolution images available for print.
For further information contact Croatia Exclusive on press@croatiaexclusive.com. Useful link: www.croatiaexclusive.com/ivo_pervan.htm .
London to taste Istrian wines
Eight winemakers from Istria are coming to London to present a diverse selection of wines in a one-day wine tasting event for trade and consumers. The event will take place on October 21st 2005 at Vinopolis (www.vinopolis.co.uk), a venue dedicated to the world of wine. The event will be complemented by an exclusive dinner where guests can meet the winemakers, enjoy their wines and sample fine Istrian cuisine that provides the perfect match for its splendid wines.
The winemakers:
• Ivica Matosevic - Vina Matosevic
• Moreno Degrassi - Degrassi
• Gianfranco Kozlovic - Kozlovic
• Marino Markezic - Kabola
• Antonio Ravalico - F&F Ravalico
• Moreno Coronica - ATC
• Marijan Arman - Vina Arman
• Andi Sipetic - Demian

The event has been organized by Croatia Exclusive Ltd, a publishing and event company and supported by the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in the UK.
Notes to editors:
1. High resolution images will be available for print.
2. For further information please contact Croatia Exclusive onpress@croatiaexclusive.com .
3. Useful link: www.vinopolis.co.uk .

Croatia Property Exhibition in London
Croatia Property Exhibition, the first of what will be a regular event in the UK takes place in London (Novotel Exhibition Centre, W6) on the 12th – 13th November 2005. Top agents and developers from around Croatia will be displaying their properties in the relaxed surroundings of one of London's top locations.
The exhibition provides an unrivalled opportunity to discover the buying power of UK property investors – and to meet prospective buyers actively searching for everything relating to the purchase of a home in Croatia. Visitors to the exhibition will meet property agents and developers specialising exclusively in Croatia and offering a fantastic choice of holiday and investment homes. For more information please visit: www.croatiapropertyexhibition.com.
For further details please contact organiser: Croatia Exclusive Ltd on +44(0)20 7665 4283 or press@croatiaexclusive.com .

Croatia Exclusive
www.croatiaexclusive.com

New Products from Heart of Croatia
 

We have recently returned from a wonderful, 3-week buying trip to Croatia where we purchased some amazing and terrific products once again. We invite you to visit our store to see the vast assortment of items. You will see new products listed under almost every category; if you are in a hurry, simply click on "New Products" to get an overview of what we have in store for our customers! The items/products are far too numerous to list here, so we plan to feature new items each time we send out a press release!

Almost as soon as we returned from Croatia, we made a trip to Seattle for CroatiaFest, where we were one of the vendors. What a terrific festival, with many talented performers and best of all, the Seattle Center was filled to the brim with some of the most wonderful Croatian people we have had the privilege to meet. We will long remember this trip!

So, come visit HEART OF CROATIA, www.croatiagifts.com ., to see some of the items that we returned from Croatia with...

Melissa and Pam

This week, we feature Croatian artist Marija Mira Plevnik, who sculpts very beautiful clay figures dressed in narodne nosnje (national costumes).
See her work at:http://croatiagifts.safeshopper.com/326/cat326.htm?415


We are also featuring the work of Croatian textile artist, Gloria Pintar Sidar, who has created beautiful crochet-work using Croatian phrases. Her work can be viewed at: http://croatiagifts.safeshopper.com/325/cat325.htm?415

www.croatiagifts.com
or
http://croatiagifts.safeshopper.com

You are receiving this email from Heart of Croatia because of your interest in our Gift Shop, or because of your interest in Croatia. To ensure that you continue to receive emails from us, add info@heartofcroatia.com  to your address book today.

Melissa Pintar Obenauf and Pamela Lacko Kelley, Proprietors
obenaufm@alink.com
www.croatiagifts.com
 

Big Croatian Heart, Croatian-American restaurant in New Orleans reopened and is giving away food for free

By Mark Egan
Tue Sep 6,

On a devastated street corner in a gritty New Orleans neighborhood an
impromptu shrine stands as testament that even during the horror
visited upon this city by Hurricane Katrina, kindness is not
forgotten. Made of bricks from a nearby building destroyed by the
storm, the improvised structure protects a body that lies covered by
a white sheet. A cross fashioned of two pieces of wood found among
nearby debris marks the site as a grave, albeit a temporary one. On
the sheet covering the corpse are written the words "Here Lies Vera,
God Help Us." Before locals built this shrine, the woman had lain
dead on the street. Her body was bloated and brutally distorted,
untouched and ignored for almost a week by authorities who were
working slowly to evacuate the thousands left homeless. Since
Katrina and the floods that followed hit New Orleans, the city has
been struck by unexpected hardships.
Looting was rampant, refugee camps became the scenes of rapes,
murders and robbery. Many lost everything and lacked even food and
drinking water. But as the worst appears to have passed and most of
those left stranded have been evacuated, acts of kindness abound.
Dmitri Kachkov, a 35-year-old man who uses a wheelchair due to
extreme physical disabilities, knows about hardship -- his family
became refugees from Russia in 1997 and moved here. When Katrina
made them refugees again, they expected to sleep in their van. Just
before the storm hit, Kachkov and his parents drove north and took
refuge in a roadside truck stop.
Then a stranger -- Diana Cantello of Gramercy, Louisiana -- invited
them to stay at her home. "My mother cried at such unexpected
hospitality," Kachkov said. They spent nine days and nights at
Cantello's home, where a mother and her two children had also been
invited to stay. "Then yesterday it was my mother's 69th birthday and
they baked her a cake and bought her small presents. My mother never
expected such kindness, especially during this disaster," Kachkov
said on Monday after his family returned to Metairie, Louisiana, to
see how damaged their rental apartment was. Near the Kachkov home is
Drago's Seafood Restaurant. Since the storm raged more than a week
ago, five employees of the upscale eatery have lived on the premises
to protect it from looters who have destroyed businesses across the
city. Then on Monday the restaurant reopened, serving charred chicken
on pasta with a Cajun marinara sauce and ice-cold water -- a rare
luxury in this city in recent days.
The food was free to anyone who wanted it.
"We have decided that we will serve free food as long as our
resources last, probably until we give away $20,000 of free food,"
said owner Klara Cvitanovich. Cvitanovich, 66, who came here from
Croatia in her youth, was also shipping food out to poor
neighborhoods. "I can honestly say I have lived the American dream,
and now I have to give something back," she said.

© 2005 Reuters