Recognition for Slovenia, Croatia
One of the reasons given for American unwillingness to recognize Slovenia and Croatia as independent and sovereign states is the belief that such recognition would encourage the various nations in the Soviet Union to seek independence, and that it would undermine the power and authority of President Gorbachev.
Events in the Soviet Union have resulted in monumental changes. The era of Gorbachev is over. Boris Yeltsin is the new and powerful leader not only of the Russian Federation but also of the Soviet Union. His policy is to recognize the independence of the Baltic nations and to secure the independence of the Russian Federation. This policy is becoming a reality. The breakup of the Soviet Union has now become inevitable.
The Slovenian people and the Croatian people are becoming free and democratic. They have freely elected governments. They are nations and desire to be independent and sovereign states.
Slovenia and Croatia deserve independence and sovereignty as much as the Baltic nations. Slovenia and Croatia deserve recognition by the United States of their independence.
SANJA VISKOVICH
Pasadena
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