Observers yesterday criticized the Slovenians' rejection of a bid to restore residency rights to citizens from other parts of the former Yugoslavia, saying it was a setback for democracy in the soon-to-be EU member.

"It is shameful that the solution of human rights violations is being continuously delayed," Slovenian human rights ombudsman Matjaz Hanzek warned late on Sunday after Slovenians voted overwhelmingly against the move.

On Sunday, 94.7 percent of voters rejected a bill seeking to do that, with only 3.8 percent voting in favor of the measure.

 

SOURCE: AFP, 6 April 2004