Late Oxford University Professor Honored in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, February 2, 2012 - A late Oxford University professor has got her stone plaque of honor placed in the centre of the ancient Croatian town of Dubrovnik.

Philosopher Kathleen Wilkes was honored for her bravery when she refused to leave the attacked town of Dubrovnik in 1993 during the Croatian war for independence.

"She has helped to spread the truth about the sieged town of Dubrovnik," Mayor Andro Vlahusic commented on Wednesday when unveiling a plaque of honor.

Kathleen Wilkes refused to leave Dubrovnik despite of heavy bombing by former Yugoslav Army and paramilitary forces that had laid siege to the town.

Kathleen Wilkes died in 2003 and her ashes were laid to rest in the Adriatic Sea under the ancient walls that surround the town of Dubrovnik.

Into the stone plaque of honor is inscribed, "To our honorary citizen, Kathleen Wilkes, in memory of her longstanding friendship and courageous support during the 1991 to 1995 aggression."