Slovenia
Slovenia’s discontent grew during the 1980’s with the Yugoslav federation. Slovenia wanted more autonomy within the federation rather than independence. Slovenia held its first multi-party elections in Yugoslavia in April 1990. This was the result after the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. The winning party called for independence, and nearly 90% of the population voted for independence in a referendum issued on December 23, 1990. Following the referendum there were political upsets. This included the Serbian refusal to give the rotating presidency to the Croatian delegate.
Slovenia and Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia on June 25 1991. The Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA) sent forces to both republic’s to secure Yugoslavia’s borders. In Slovenia, a 10 day war started in which Slovenia’s forces defeated the JNA. The JNA’s defeat allowed Slovenia to secure independence as well as international recognition as a separate republic. The European Union, which was led by Germany, recognized the independence of Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina on January 15, 1992. The United States recognized their independence on April 7, 1992.
Slovenia’s security and stability helped to create a stable democracy. The first presidential and parliamentary elections were held without any violence or government control on December 6, 1992. The citizens chose Milan Kucan as the president of the republic with 64 % of the vote.
Since their recognition in 1992, Slovenia has made economic reforms and joined international organizations. 700,000 people have found refuge in Slovenia because of the surrounding instability. Slovenia has been very quiet and safe and it only has some border disputes with Italy and Croatia. The troubled areas have caused Slovenia’s economy to fall and its hard to communicate with the West. This creates complications for the Slovenian quest for sovereignty.
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