YUGOSLAVIA: SLOVENE OPPOSITION ISSUES DECLARATION

Created: 5/22/1989

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YUGOSLAV! A: Sloven* Opposition Issues Declaration

towaru gicaivi

political groups tooperateu led*

Leading independent political groups in the republic or Slovenia and the Communist Party have clashedraft-political declaration drawn up by Slovene opposition polilieal groups. The declaration, published in the Slovene press, callsultiparty system and parliamentary democracy in the republic, and more Slovene autonomy, including the right to secede from Yugoslavia. The Slovene party presidium rejected the declaration,eading Slovene politician on Friday criticized the increasing separatist tendencies in the republic Early (his month, several groups sponsored large demonstrations to protest the jailingournalist convicted last year of disclosing state secrets. Leaders from other regions have sinceleaders for being unable lo control their|lm^SIovcnr icaivrs arcightrope between their liberal constituency, which wants immediate and far-reaching political reforms, and federal and southern leaders, who fear the Slovenes will stray too far toward pluralism and separatism. To avoid extreme federal pressure. Slovene leaden are likely to try to rein in the political groups by appealing for moderation, relying on harassment,arresting the groups' leaders. Al the same time. Slovene officials will continue measured progress toward greater political pluralism, such as allowing independent

nerate under the auspices of official Communisi-

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