Croatian song on the charts

By Steve Painter

A peace song, "Stop the War in Croatia", hit number 13 on the national record charts in early December and could go higher.

Royalties from the recording, by Tomislav Ivcic, are being used to buy medical supplies for casualties of the Serbian invasion and the tens of thousands left homeless by the war. So far, about $100,000 has been raised.

The record's success comes despite its withdrawal from some stores due to protests from Serbian sources.

Meanwhile, 43 Nobel prize winners have called for an end to the war. Signatories of the peace petition include Bishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama. The petition was initiated by US professor Linus Pauling and two German chemistry professors, Robert Huber and Manfred Eigen.

Croatian President Franjo Tudjman has welcomed a suggestion by Germany's foreign minister that Croatia should become an associate nation in the European Community. Tudjman expects to discuss economic ties during a visit to Germany in the near future.

From GLW issue 39