The struggle between those wanting strong central control and those favoring a looser federation would continue for many years.

Both Slovenia and Croatia have warned that they would secede if Yugoslavia was not remolded as a looser federation.

The main dispute today was over the European Community's proposal for a looser federation of sovereign republics.

And Slovenia and Croatia, which both issued independence declarations on Tuesday, after months of pressing in vain for a looser federation of Yugoslav states.

In January 1990, the Communist Party fragmented along national lines, with the Croatian faction demanding a looser federation.

The Croatian and Slovenian delegations demanded a looser federation, while the Serbian delegation, headed by Milošević, opposed this.

At the same time, Kremer chose the name 'Bund' because it implied a looser federation than the term 'Party'.

Serbia favors maintaining Yugoslavia's status as a federal republic; Croatia has advocated a looser federation of sovereign states.

The Slovenian delegation, headed by Milan Kučan demanded democratic changes and a looser federation, while the Serbian delegation, headed by Milošević, opposed it.

It could be he foresees a day when the Soviet Union becomes a looser federation of republics, nationalist tensions are thereby relieved and far fewer troops are required to maintain order.