The World - News from Feb. 19, 1989

Poland’s banned Solidarity trade union said it would accept a government electoral reform that will guarantee parliamentary seats to the opposition but ensure a majority for the Communist Party and its allies. Solidarity spokesman Janusz Onyszkiewicz called the proposal a step in the right direction, adding that the union recognized the need for a transition period. “The authorities expect that the next elections will not be fully democratic, and we accept this idea.” Solidarity started broad talks with the government this month that are intended to result in the union’s re-legalization and a set of political and economic reforms.