Congress of the United States

House of Representatives
Washington. DC 20515

September 27, 1988

The Honorable Budimir Loncar
Federal Secretary for
Foreign Affairs
Embassy of the S.F.R. of Yugoslavia
2410 California Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008


Dear Mr. Secretary:


Welcome to the United States. Your presence here is most timely and welcome.


We are greatly concerned by current events in Yugoslavia. Reports of recent demonstrations in Yugoslavia indicate a growing potential for conflict between various ethnic minorities there, and we believe that the federal authorities in Yugoslavia should do all that is possible to protect the human and political rights of all minorities in your country. Specifically, we are troubled by published reports that indicate that the recent, positive trends in Slovenia towards a more pluralistic economy and political system are being threatened by the Army. We are also greatly concerned by recent large demonstrations which call for the denial of political rights to the semiautonomous provinces of Vojvodina and Kosovo. Any change in their status would clearly disenfranchise the majorities in these provinces.


Yugoslavia has a long history of toleration that has been greatly respected. We urge you to communicate to your government our desire to see that history of toleration carried on in these difficult times.


                   Sincerely,