it compares more to the Czech stateless Roma situation than what Croatia et al did
Oh, I didn't mean to say it was worse than the ethnic cleansing in other areas (didn't intend that, really). But it struck me as hypocritical as they moved toward the EU and emphasized how they avoided the bloodshed that occurred elsewhere. Yes, they avoided it, but they still ended up essentially trying to force non-Slovenians out. Like those who've been bullied will tell you, being totally ostracized is only slightly better than being punched in the gut.
But if the government changes this year, expect this to be solved: Borut Pahor vowed so, and I don't think the liberals would be opposed.
I hope it gets solved!!!!! I know that in the past there had been government intervention, but then citizens voted to deny residency rights (argh!). It's been a sore spot with me, because I too was proud of Slovenia for not descending into chaos, but then this happens.
Odd thought forming: As more of the ex-Yu republics join the EU, more will become eligible to eventually join the Schengen zone, meaning people would be able to travel between the republics like they did when they were all part of the same country. So after all the fighting, you could conceivably see them "rejoined" in a way....
they still ended up essentially trying to force non-Slovenians out
Well, some non-Slovenians. Not that plain racism would be better (it's worse), but the situation of ethnic minorities other than Roma and Serb is much better than elsewhere. Say, language use in official situations, inluding village name tables in different languages has been an issue all across the region, even in Austria, but not in Slovenia.
On the referendum: I did remember the issue vaguely, but I was a bit incredulous and had to check. I find (1) the 3 April 2004 referendum was non-binding, (2) participation was a mere 31%, (3) that after opponents called for a boycott. (Still, sadly I suspect they could well have had a - narrow - majority had there been no boycott, I found reports of late 2003 - early 2004 polls on the issue.) *Lunatic*, n. One whose delusions are out of fashion.
