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World IN BRIEF : CZECHOSLOVAKIA : Havel Seeks Vote on Nation’s Split

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From Times Staff and Wire Reports

President Vaclav Havel insisted that Czechoslovakia’s future should be decided by a referendum--not by an agreement between Czech and Slovak leaders that could split the country without a popular vote. A referendum “is so far the only constitutional way of making such a change,” he said. Czech leader Vaclav Klaus said a referendum has not been ruled out. But his agreement with Slovak strongman Vladimir Meciar provides for a “velvet divorce” through the two regional parliaments they will control rather than by a plebiscite.

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