BRIEFS AND COMMENTS
YOOO'.LAVIA: Succession Outlook
The open manner in urtich the regine has prepared for the successionarge degree of confidence in the government and party about the ability to govern uithtsut Presidentleast in the near tern. ib
rs Vladimir Bakaric,
eiabe
The leadership appears intent on convoying the outward appearancemooth transfer of power. Stevan Doronjski and Lazar Kolisevski, who filled in for Tito when he first became seriously ill in January, will now formally take over most of the late President's responsibilities and duties In the party and staterespectively. ehind-the-scenes power struggle, however, is likely to take placemall group of men in whom Tito has longreat deal of trusts This group includes Defense Minister Ljubicic. Interior Minister Herljevlc, and Presidii Milos Minic, and Stane Dolanc.
Bakaric, who Tito placed "in charge" bofore his death, is the "first among equals" in this group. In the months just prior to Tito's death, however, efforts to hove Bakaric named to one of the most important party posts, met with opposition. eated contest to fill this position appears to be taking shape around Bakaric on the one hand and Milos Minic on the other. Tito probably intended Bakaric to acttabilizing influence and to provide continuity as Yugoslavia movesollegial system of rule. Bakaric's efforts to play this role, howeverappear to be creating strains within the leadorship.
Despite tho opposition, Bakaric continued to grow in stature and prominence during the last weeks of Tito's life. As the last of Tito's World War II partisanhe has the right credentials to assume leadership. He also seems well suited to keep the country's diverse
nationalities and factions in line and arbitratethat are bound to arisj within the leadership. Be reportedly suffers from heart problems, and he may not be able to play an extended role in overseeing the transition.
The Yugoslav media effectively prepared the public for Tito's passing by reporting candidly on hiscondition. It also has helped to set the stage for the transition by emphasizing the correctness of Tito's road to socialism and by leuding Yugoslavin foreign and domestic affairs. Within an hour of Tito's death, Che official Yugoslav news agencytern warning that Yugoslavia will fight to pr serve its brand of socialism with all means available.
In at least one respect, Tito's death has come at an opportune time. The Yugoslav party, government, and people are unified in opposing the Soviet intervention inove all viewhreat to Yugoslavia. So long as the Yugoslavs believe that they are threatened by the USSR, the population should continue to stand behind Tito's successors. Although it remains to be seen how well the successors themselves will work togetherong period of time, they are likely to display an oyerriding sense of common purpose for the short term.
Original document.
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