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also available as Scanned original in PDF.BOX-FOLDER-REPORT: 120-1-68 TITLE: Independent Movements in Eastern Europe BY: Jiri Pehe DATE: 1988-11-17 COUNTRY: (n/a) ORIGINAL SUBJECT: RAD Background Report/228 --- Begin --- RADIO FREE EUROPE RADIO LIBERTY RADIO FREE EUROPE Research RAD Background Report/228 (Eastern Europe) 17 November 1988 INDEPENDENT MOVEMENTS IN EASTERN EUROPE (An Annotated Survey) by Jiri Pehe [*] Introduction: During the past few years, a number of independent groups have sprung up in Eastern Europe. Until now, no comprehensive list of the new political and civic organizations has existed. This annotated survey was written to fill this gap. It provides the names, membership, objectives, leadership, and publications of all the independent groups in Eastern Europe about which there is sufficient information. * * * BULGARIA The Independent Association for the Defense of Human Rights {Nezavisimo Druzhestvo za Zashtita na Choveshkite Prava). Founded: 16 January 1988 after six Bulgarian dissidents had sent an appeal to the CSCE Conference in Vienna, protesting Bulgaria's poor human rights record. Estimated membership: Approximately 130. Objectives: To campaign for liberalization of the laws on citizenship and travel and the abolition of the laws against "antisocialist propaganda"; to oppose the forced assimilation of the ethnic Turkish minority; to collect information on political prisoners and other cases of abuse of human rights; and to win registration as a legal association. Leading personalities: Iliya Minev and Tseko Krastev Tsekov. [*] Written in cooperation with Stephen Ashley (Bulgaria); Tom lives (Estonia); Barbara Donovan (German Democratic Republic); Petronela Gaal (Hungary); Dzintra Bungs (Latvia); Saulius Girnius (Lithuania); Halina Koscia and Witold Pronobis (Poland); and Vlad Socor (Romania). This material was prepared for the use of the staff of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. [page 2] RAD BR/228 The Independent Committee for the Defense of Ruse (The exact name unknown). Founded: 8 March 1988 at a mass meeting in Sofia that followed street protests in Ruse on 10 February 1988. Claimed membership: 200. Objectives: To protect the city of Ruse from chlorine pollution from the Soviet-built plant at Giurgiu (Romania). Leading personalities: Svetlin Rusev, Neshka Robeva, Sonya Bakish Todorova, Dimitar Dimovski, and Stefan Gradinarov. Turkish Associations. There have been occasional unconfirmed reports of Turkish associations opposing the BCP's assimilation policy. Amnesty International believes that one such group was established in northeastern Bulgaria in 1986. Objectives: To oppose the forced assimilation of Turks. Leading personalities: Ibrahim Ismailov Arifov, Kasim Ismailov Kasimov, Sali Ahmedov Aliev, and Ahmed Hasanov Aptullov. There have been reports of independent ecological groups forming in Bulgaria, but nothing is known about their aims or composition. Underground religious sects, such as the Church of God, also exist. CZECHOSLOVAKIA Charter 77 (Charts 77). Founded: January 1977 by 241 signatories. Current membership: Approximately 1,500 signatories. Objectives: To force the Czechoslovak regime to observe the law or change it where it does not correspond to international agreements to which Czechoslovakia is a signatory. Leading personalities: The group regularly appoints three spokesmen. The current spokesmen are Bohumil Janat, Stanislav Devaty, and Milos Hajek. Among the leading Charter 77 personalities are Vaclav Havel, Jiri Hajek, Ivan Klima, Ludvik Vaculik, and Eva Kanturkova. Publications: Informace of Charte, The Committee for the Defense of the Unjustly Prosecuted (Vybor na Obranu Nespravedlive Stihanych or VONS). Founded: 1978. Estimated membership: Several dozen activists, mainly Charter 77 signatories. The group maintains, however, a semi-independent status. Objectives: To inform both the public and the Czechoslovak institutions about the cases of people unjustly prosecuted (and persecuted) by the regime. Leading personalities: Vaclav Havel, Vaclav Benda, Otka Bednarova, Petr Uhl, and Jiri Dienstbier. Publications: Sdeleni VONSu. Polish-Czechoslovak Solidarity (Polsko-Ceskoslovenska Solidarita). Founded: Informally in 1978 as an informal Charter 77-KOR group; formally launched in 1981. Estimated membership: Several dozen. Objectives: To promote cooperation among independent movements in Poland and Czechoslovakia through regular meetings and publication of independent periodicals. Leading personalities: Jaroslav Sabata, Jan Carnogursky, Petr [page 3] RAD BR/228 Pospichalm, Vaclav Havel, Jacek Kuron, Zbigniew Romaszewski, and Petr Uhl. Publications: Informacni Bulletin Polsko-Ceskoslovenske Solidarity. The Democratic Initiative (Demokraticka Iniciativa). Founded: In the fall of 1987. Estimated membership: Approximately 200. Objectives: To work as "a social and political movement and to "contribute to our nation's democratic, free, and generally secure future." Leading personalities: Bohumil Dolezal, Emanuel Mandler, Miroslav Stengl, and Karel Stindl. Publications: Zpravodaj and Glosar. Association of Friends of the USA {Spolecenstvi Prate1 USA or SPUSA). Founded: March 1988 after unsuccessful attempts since May 1987 to be officially registered under the name Society of Friends of the USA {Spolecnost pratel USA). Claimed membership: Over 80 people, some of whom are Charter 77 signatories. Objectives: To promote friendship with the United States. Leading personalities: Stanislav Devaty, Petr Bartos, Pavel Jungman, Bedrich Koutny, and Petr Cibulka. Publications: Magazin SPUSA. Independent Peace Association {Nezavisle Mirove Sdruzeni). Founded: April 1988. Estimated membership: Several dozen young people. Objectives: The demilitarization of society, and the defense of the rights of conscientious objectors. Leading personalities: Hana Marvanova, Tomas Dvorak, and Lubos Vydra. Publications: an information bulletin. The Independent Ecological Group {Nezavisla Ekologicka Skupina). Founded: Date unknown (the group emerged in connection with the controversy over the construction of the Gabcikovo-Nagymaros dam on the Czechoslovak-Hungarian border). Membership: Unknown. Objectives: Protection of the environment. Leading personalities: Lenka Mareckova; the names of other leaders are unknown. The Initiative for Social Defense (Iniciativa Socialni Obrany or ISO) Founded: 8 October 1988 in Prague. Estimated membership: Over 30 activists. Objectives: Helping Czechoslovak citizens whose civil and human rights have been violated. Leading personalities: Rut Krizkova, Herman Chromy, Jan Litomisky, Augustin Navratil, and Josef Danisz. The Children of Bohemia (Ceske Deti). Founded: May 1988. Membership: The founding Manifesto was signed by 29 people. Objectives: The founding Manifesto appeared to be a Dadaistic prank. Since then, however, the group has participated in several actions organized jointly by Czechoslovak dissident movements. Leading personalities: Ivan M. Jirous, Petr Placak, Martin Choura, Martin Grusa, and Juliana Jirousova. [page 4] RAD BR/228 The Movement for Civil Liberties (Hnuti za Obcanskou Svobodu). Founded: 15 October 1988. Membership: The founding Manifesto was signed by 116 people in Prague, Brno, and Bratislava. Objectives: The Manifesto contained a 12-point program, which included demands for political pluralism; a new constitution; freedom in intellectual life; and freedom of religion. The groups wants to work as "a loose association of independent political groups and clubs, not subordinated to any center." Leading personalities: Among the signatories are leaders and members of all other independent groups in Czechoslovakia. The Committee to Protect the Rights of the Hungarian Minority {Vybor na obranu Prav Madarske Mensiny). Founded: 1987. Membership: Unknown, Objectives: To protect the rights of the Hungarian minority in Czechoslovakia. Leading personalities: Miklos Duray; the names of others unknown. The Committee for Solidarity with Ivan Polansky (Vybor Solidarity s Ivanem Polanskym). Founded: 12 October 1988, as an ad hoc group. (While several other ad hoc groups have been established in the past, this one may become a permanent association, as it is the first group in Czechoslovakia to attempt to organize independent publishers). Membership: The founding declaration was signed by 88 activists representing 31 underground publications. Objectives: To campaign for the release from jail of Ivan Polansky, an independent Catholic activist and publisher; and to set up a permanent center that will provide information on Polansky's situation. Leading personalities: Vaclav Havel, Petr Cibulka, Jiri Dienstbier, and Vaclav Benda. The T, G. Masaryk Association {Sdruzeni T. G. Masaryka). Founded: A group of activists called the Founding Committee of the T. G. Masaryk Association announced their intention to found the group on 14 October 1988. Membership: Unknown (prospective members are asked to write to the founding committee). Objectives: To promote Masaryk's "social, cultural and political" legacy. Leading personalities: Vaclav Havel, Eva Kanturkova, Daniel Kroupa, Martin Litomisky, Emanuel Mandler, Radim Palous, and Jaroslav Sabata. The Masaryk Society {Masarykova Spolecnost), Founded: In early 1988 a founding committee announced its intention to seek official registration. Objectives: To promote Masaryk's legacy and scholarly research into his work. Membership: Unknown (the members of the founding committee). Leading personalities: Prof. Milan Machovec, Jana Seifertova, Anna Masarykova, Dr. Karel Kucera, and Dr. Josef Hanzal. Helsinki Committee (Helsinsky Vybor). Founded: 5 November 1988 in Prague. Claimed membership: 20. Objectives: To support and publicize the Helsinki Accords and subsequent documents on human rights. Leading personalities: Jiri Hajek (chairman), Vaclav Havel, Radim Palous, Vaclav Maly, and Ladislav Lis. [page 5] RAD BR/228 The Jazz Section of the Czechoslovak Union of Musicians (Jazzova Sekce Ceskoslovenskeho Svazu Hudebniku). Founded: In the early 1970s as part of the official musicians' union. Problems with the regime started in 1985 when the group began publishing unorthodox material and developing its own program of independent activities. Estimated membership; about 5,000. Objectives: The promotion of jazz. Leading personalities: Karel Srp, Vladimir Kouril, Josef Skalnik, Cestmir Hunat, and Tomas Krivanek. Publications: a newsletter. The Association of Believing Catholic Laymen (Sdruzeni Vericich Katolickych Laiku). Founded: 15 October 1988. Membership: Unknown (the founding declaration signed by three spokesmen). Objectives: The Declaration of Intent has 12 points, including the demands contained in the petition for religious freedom in Czechoslovakia, which was signed by over 500,000 people at the beginning of 1988. Leading personalities: Augustin Navratil, Radomir Maly, and Frantisek Zalesky. ESTONIA Popular Front. (Rahvarinne). Founded: Unofficially on 13 April 1988; the founding congress held on 1 and 2 October 1988. Claimed membership: 60,000. Objectives: To speak out for Estonian national interests and support Gorbachev's perestroika as well as the ECP leadership. Leading personalities: Marju Lauristin, Mati Hint, and Edgar Savisaar. Internationalist Movement or Intermovement (Interrinne). Founded: 1988. Claimed membership: approximately 16,000. Objectives: To represent the interests of Russian workers in Estonia; and to support "internationalism." Leading personalities: Evgeny Kogan. National Independence Party (Eesti Rahvusliku Soltumatuse Partei or ERSP). Founded: Unofficially in January 1988; founding meeting held in August 1988. Claimed membership: 150. Objectives: To demand secession from the USSR. Leading personalities: Lagle Parek, Mati Kiirend, Juri Adams, Tune Kelam, and Eve Parnaste. The Estonian Group for the Publication of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact (Molotov Ribentropi Pakti Avalikustamise Eesti Grupp or MRP-AEG). Founded: 1987. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: The publication of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. Leading personalities: Tiit Madisson and Heiki Ahonen (both exiled in 1987). Young People's Independent Forum {Noorte Soltumatu Foorum). Founded: Exact date unknown. Membership: The group has no real membership; it is a loose association of young people who [page 6] RAD BR/228 organize meetings to discuss problems of young people. Objectives: To offer an alternative to the Communist Youth League. Leading personalities: Unknown. Young People's Independent Information Centex (Noorte Soltumatu Info Keskus). Founded: Exact date unknown. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To disseminate information on events in Estonia that does not appear in the official press. Leading personalities: Unknown. Greens (Rohelised). Founded: Exact date unknown (probably in 1988). Membership: Unknown. Objectives: The advocacy of environmental protection. Leading personalities: Juhan Aare, Peeter Liiv, Velio Pohla, and Tiit Made. The Estonian Historical Preservation Society (Eesti Miunsuskaitse Selts). Founded: December 1987 (founding congress); semi-official status. Estimated membership: 15,000. Objectives: The restoration of the Estonian flag (has been accomplished); and the restoration of the war of independence monuments. Leading personalities: Trivimi Velliste. Wellesto. Founded: February 1988. Claimed membership: 30. Objectives: To promote national culture and language (the members are active in the cultural press and exert heavy influence on the nonparty intellectual scene. Leading personalities: Sirje Ruutsoo, Olev Remsu, and Mati Hint. Cultural Council (Kulturinoukogu). Founded: Exact date unknown. Claimed membership: 18. Objectives: To lobby for changes in the leadership's positions on the language, nationality issues and economics. Leading personalities: Ignar Fjuk and Lennart Meri. The Word of Life (Elu Sona). Founded: Exact date not known. Estimated membership: Several hundred, but has much wider support. Objectives: The pursuit of Christian and nationalist causes; release of political prisoners. Leading personalities: Unknown. The Boy Scouts. (Skaudid). Founded: Exact date unknown. (The original boy-scout movement was disbanded by the Soviets in 1940.) Estimated membership: Thousands. Objectives: The same as those of Boy-Scouts around the world. Leading personalities: Unknown. GERMAN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC Initiative for Peace and Human Rights (Initiative fuer Frieden und Menschenrechte). Founded: February 1986 in East Berlin. Estimated membership: Approximately 20 active members (the group was severely affected by the state's crackdown on [page 7] RAD BR/228 dissidents at the beginning of 1988; many key activists were forced to emigrate). Objectives: To call attention to human rights violations in the GDR; to lobby for political and social change; and to remain independent of the Evangelical Church. Leading personalities: Wolfgang Templin, Werner Fischer, Baerbel Bohley, and Ibrahim Boehme. Publications: Grenzfall. Environmental Library (Umweltbibliothek). Founded: September 1986 in East Berlin and associated with the Church of Zion. Estimated membership: About 20, but a large number of supporters. Objectives: Greater ecological protection; political and social change; and respect for civil rights in the GDR. Leading personalities: Unknown. Publications: Umweltblaetter. Church from Below (Kirche von Unten). Founded: In the Spring of 1987 in East Berlin. Estimated membership: Approximately 100, but with many supporters. Objectives: To press the Evangelical Church to represent more effectively the interests of the Church's basis, or grass-roots movements, vis-a-vis the state. Leading personalities: Unknown. Countervoices {Gegenstimmen). Founded: in East Berlin, exact date unknown. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To call attention to human rights violations by the GDR and to press for social and political changes. Leading personalities: Unknown. Publications: Gegenstimmen. Women for Peace (Frauen fuer Frieden). Founded: 1983 as part of the "independent peace movement," which was active in the early 1980s. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To promote peace. Leading personalities: Baerbel Bohley and Vera Wollenberger. Peace Circle of the Friedrichsfelder Evangelical Parish (Friedenskreis der Friedrichsfelder Evangelische Gemeinde). Founded: In East Berlin, exact date unknown. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: The advocacy of peace and human rights. Leading personalities: Unknown. Publications: Friedrichsfelder Feuermelder. Civil Rights Activists (Staatsburgerschaftsrechtler). Founded: September 1987. Membership: Unknown (assumed to be fairly large, comprising a large number of East Berlin's would-be emigrants). Objectives: Furthering the cause of would-be emigrants through open, public protests. Leading personalities: Unknown. Others. There are over two hundred small activist groups (Basis Gruppen) in the GDR about which there is very little concrete data. They are all associated with the Evangelical Church. Their membership varies but averages from 10 to 20 people. [page 8] RAD BR/228 HUNGARY Hungarian Democratic Forum (Magyar Demokrata Forum). Founded: 30 September 1987. Claimed membership: 3,000 members organized in 8 local chapters. Objectives: Parliamentary reforms, a new constitution, and a new election law. Leading personalities: Sandor Csoori, Istvan Csurka, Gyula Fekete, Lajos Fur, Sandor Lezsak, and Zoltan Biro. Network of Free Initiatives (Szabad Kezdemenyezesek Halozata). Founded: 2 May 1988. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To function as an umbrella organization for independent groups, movements, societies, and discussion groups. Leading personalities: Janos Kis, Peter Eszterhazy, and Gyorgy Litvan. Szarszo Front (Szarszoi Front). Founded: 30 August 1988. Claimed membership: 120. Objectives: To find a way out of the present situation through self-organization and a change in political life. Leading personalities: Unknown. New March Front (Uj Marciusi Front). Founded: September 1988. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To promote social, political, and economic stabilization. Leading personalities: Szilard Ujhelyi, Ivan Vitanyi, Zoltan Kiraly, Mihaly Bihari, Marton Tardos, Rezso Nyers, and Julianna P. Szucs. Committee for Historical Justice ( Tortenelmi Iqazsagtetel Bizottsag). Founded: June 1988 (on the 30th anniversary of Imre Nagy's execution). Membership: Unknown. Objectives: The full rehabilitation of the participants in the 1956 uprising and all those victimized by the communist regime since 1945. Leading personalities: Nagy's daughter, Erzsebet Nagy, Judith Gyenes (the wife of Pal Maleter, the Minister of Defense under Nagy), Ella Szilagyi (the wife of Nagy's economic adviser, Jozsef Szilagyi), Miklos Vasarhelyi, Sandor Racz, and Imre Mecs. Openness Club (Nyilvanossag Klub). Founded: 29 October 1988. Claimed membership: Several hundred, mostly journalists. Objectives: Freedom of the press. Leading personalities: Endre Babus, Gabor Halmai, Mihaly Galik, and Guy Lazar. Union of Young Democrats (Fiatal Demokratak Szovetsege or FIDESZ). Founded: 30 March 1988. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To examine the current social situation critically and function as an alternative organization to the official Communist Youth League. Leading personalities: Zsolt Nemeth, Viktor Organ, Miklos Andrassy, and Ivan Csaba. Leftist Alternative Association (Baloldali Alternativa Egyesules). Founded: September 1988. Claimed membership: 120. Objectives: To look for solutions to the current crisis in Hungary. Leading personalities: Tamas Krausz. [page 9] RAD BR/228 Democratic Trade Union of Scientific Workers (Tudomanyos Dolgozok Demokratikus Szakszervezete or TDDSZ). Founded: 14 May 1988. Claimed membership: 380. Objectives: To represent the interests of scientific workers. Leading personalities: Elemer Hankiss, Zsuzsa Ferge, Peter Hanak, and Ivan Vitanyi. Danube Movement (Duna Mozgalmak). Founded: 1984. Membership: Unknown." Objectives: To protect the Danube and its environment. Leading personalities: Ivan Baba, Tamas Dozsa, Tibor Fenyi, and Anna Perczel. The Association of Free Democrats (Szabad Demokratak Szovetsege). Founded: 13 November 1988 in Budapest; formed by members of the Network of Free Initiatives, an independent movement launched in May 1988. Claimed membership: 1,000. Objectives: To establish Western-style democracy in Hungary and to strive for Hungary's withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact. Leading personalities: Ferenz Koeszeg. Peter Veres Society (Veres Peter Tarsasag). Founded: First attempt made in 1979. Claimed membership: 600. Objectives: To maintain the legacy of Peter Veres, one of the founders of the National Peasants' Party. Leading personalities: Ivan Boldizsar, Dezso Keresztury, Gyula Fekete, and Ferenc Santha. Bela Kovacs Association of the Independent Smallholders' Party (Fuggetlen Kisgazdapart Kovacs Bela Tarsasag). Founded: 28 October 1988 (first local chapter founded on 12 November 1988). Estimated membership: About 80. Objectives: To help the country out of its present situation, to build a national consensus on the basis of a genuine Hungarian historical compromise, and to promote Smallholders' views and re-establish the Smallholders' Party. Leading personalities: Dezso Futo, Tivadar Partay, Vincze Voros, and Pal Dragon. Others. There are hundreds of other societies, circles, clubs, and discussion groups in Hungary that focus on issues dealing with society, politics, the economy, the environment, ethnic minorities, unemployment, cultural heritage, and national consciousness. LATVIA People's Front of Latvia (Latvijas Tautas Fronte). Founded: The founding congress was held in Riga on 8 and 9 October 1988. Claimed membership: more than 130,000 supporters. Objectives: To promote the interests of the people of Latvia and support restructuring. Leading personalities: Dainis Ivans (Chairman). Informal People's Front (Neformala Tautas Fronte). Founded: 10 September 1988. Claimed membership: 1,552. Objectives: Defending Latvian interests. Leading personalities: Juris Slemelis, Ints Calitis, Imants Kulinskis, Janis Cakstins, Mirevaldis Lacis, and Sergei Egoryonok. [page 10] RAD BR/228 Environmental Protection Club {Vides Aizsardzibas Klubs). Founded: 25 February 1987 in Riga. Estimated membership: In the thousands (exact figure unknown). Objectives: Environmental protection. Leading personalities: Arvids Ulme. Publications: Staburags. Latvia's National Independence Movement (Latvijas Nacionalas Neatkaribas Kustiba). Founded: June 1988. Claimed membership: 2,000. Objectives: The promotion of Latvian independence. Leading personalities: Eduards Berklavs. Helsinki 86. Founded: July 1986 in Liepaja. Claimed membership: 50. Objectives: To foster the observance of human rights. Leading personalities: Dr. Juris Vidins. Helsinki 86-Riga Branch (Helsinki 86--Rigas Nodala). Founded: May 1988 in Riga by a group of human rights activists who wanted to work in their own organization. Claimed membership: About a dozen. Objectives: To foster the observance of human rights. Leading personalities: Juris Ziemelis. Renaissance and Renewal (Atdzimsana un Atjaunosanas). Founded: 14 June 1987. Claimed membership: 19 (predominantly Latvian Lutheran Clergymen). Objectives: To defend religious rights. Leading personalities: Pastors Juris Rubenis and Modris Plate. Social Activists Club. Founded: in Riga, the date unknown. Membership: Unknown (mostly Russians). Objectives: To hold open discussions. Leading personalities: Vladimir Bogdanov and Sergei Egoryonok. LITHUANIA Lithuanian Restructuring Movement (Lietuvos Persitvarkymo Sajudis). Founded: 3 June 1988; founding congress held in Vilnius on October 22 and 23. Claimed membership: 180,000 with chapters in all the major cities and raions. Objectives: Support for restructuring; advocacy of Lithuanian national rights and interests; and promotion of environmental concerns. Leading personalities: Romualdas Ozolas, Kazimiera Prunskiene, Vytautas Landsbergis, and Arvydas Juozaitis. Publications: Atgimimas, Sajudzio Zinios, Kauno Aidas, Mazoji Lietuva, Sajudzio Zodis, Alytaus Sajudis, and others. Lithuanian Freedom League (Lietuvos Laisves Lyga). Founded: Unofficially in 1978; it began operating publicly on 3 July 1978. Claimed membership: 803 (as of 15 October 1988); it has a council of 18 members, one of whom has moved to the United States and is its representative abroad. Objectives: The re-establishment of national independence in a confederation with free European states; the advocacy of changes in the [page 11] RAD BR/228 Lithuanian Constitution, such as making Lithuanian the official language of the republic and granting economic sovereignty to Lithuania. Leading personalities: Vytautas Bogusis and Antanas Terleckas. Publications: Vytis. Lithuanian Helsinki Group (Lietuvos Helsinkio Grupe). Founded: 25 November 1976. Claimed membership: As of 16 October 1988 the group had six members living in Lithuania, one awaiting release from forced exile in the USSR, and four in the West. Objectives: To foster human rights as guaranteed by the Helsinki Accords. Leading personalities: Vytautas Petkus, the Reverend Gustavas Gudanavicius, Mecislovas Jurevicius, Vytautas Vaiciunas, Gintautas Iesmantas, and Vytautas Bogusis, Balys Gajauskas, Tomas Venclova, Algirdas Statkevicius, and Vytautas Skuodis. Publications: Individual documents on cases of concern, the last, No. 51, dated 16 October 1988. The Catholic Committee for the Defense of the Rights of Believers (Tikinciuju Teisiu Gynimo Kataliku Komitetas). Founded: 13 November 1978. Membership: Unknown. After the arrest in 1983 of its members, the Reverends Alfonsas Svarinskas and Sigitas Tamkevicius, the group went underground. At that time it had nine members. Objectives: To protest against abuses of religious and human rights. Leading personalities: unknown. Publications: Individual documents on cases of abuse. Prior to going underground, it had issued 53 documents, the last of which was dated 31 January 1983. The Chronicle of the Lithuanian Catholic Church (Lietuvos Kataliku Baznycios Kronika). Founded: 19 March 1972. Membership: Editors. Objectives: In view of the absence of any Catholic press in Lithuania to publish information about the situation of the Catholic Church in the USSR. Leading personalities: Unknown. Publications: Lietuvos Kataliku Baznycios Kronika (This journal has the longest uninterrupted publication of any unofficial journal in the USSR.) The latest issue No. 75 was dated 1 November 1988). Greens {Zalieji). Founded: After operating unofficially in 1988, the group held its first national meeting on 15 and 16 October 1988. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To prevent unnecessary pollution and oppose all officials who do not recognize the importance of protecting nature. Leading personalities: Vaidotas Antanaitis Arunas Aniulis, Saulius Gricius, and Juozas Dautartas. Committee for the Defense of Petras Grazulis (Petro Grazulio Gynimo Komitetas). Founded: 24 June 1988. Claimed membership: 5. Objectives: Freedom for Petras Grazulis, a Lithuanian sentenced to 10 months imprisonment on 2 February 1988 for refusing to serve in the Soviet army. Leading personalities: Nijole Sadunaite, Robertas Grigas, the Reverend Kazimieras Grazulis, Valerii Sanderov, and Aleksandr Ogorodnikov. Publications: Documents to Soviet officials asking for Grazulis's release. [page 12] RAD BR/228 Committee To Rescue Political Prisoners {Politiniu Kaliniu Gelbejimo Komitetas). Founded: 16 August 1988. Claimed membership: 4. Objectives: The release of all Lithuanian political prisoners. Leading personalities: Povilas Peceliunas, Petras Cidzikas, Jadvyga Bieliauskiene, and Birute Burauskaite. Lithuanian Human Rights Association (Lietuos Zmogays Teisiu Asociacija). Founded: 4 September 1988. Claimed membership'. 4. Objectives: To monitor the human rights situation in Lithuania, inform the world about it, and fight for the freedom of all political prisoners. Leading personalities: Valdas Anilauskas (Chairman), and Teodora Kazdaliene (Secretary) Eugenijus Krukovskis, and Algimantas Andreika. Lithuanian National-Democratic Movement (Lietuvos Tautinis-Demokratinis Judejimas). Founded: Date unknown (an umbrella group for Lithuania's dissident movements). Membership: Unknown. Objectives: The release of all political prisoners in the USSR; full freedom of religion and expression in the USSR; establishment and clear definition of citizenship in each republic, granting the status of state language to the native language in each republic; the creation of national military units within the Red Army; and opposition to the expansion of nuclear energy in the USSR. Leading personalities: Andrius Tuckus, Antanas Terleckas, Vytautas Bogusis, and Nijole Sadunaite. POLAND Independent Self-Governing Trade Union Solidarity (NSZZ Solidarnosc). Founded: 31 August 1980 (the date of the Gdansk Agreements); banned since October 1982. Claimed membership: About 10,000,000 when it was official; today, membership is claimed to be between 700,000 and 1,000,000. Objectives: The defense of workers' rights and advocacy of important social issues. Leading personalities: (The National Executive Commission, founded 25 October 1987): Lech Walesa, Chairman, Zbigniew Bujak, Jerzy Dluzniewski, Wladyslaw Frasyniuk, Stefan Jurczak, Bogdan Lis, Andrzej Milczanowski, Janusz Palubicki, Antoni Stawikowski, Antoni Tokarczuk, Stefan Weglarz, Stefania Hejmanowska, Grazyna Staniszewska, and Henryk Sienkiewicz. Solidarity Social Fund {Fundusz Spoleczny Solidarnosci). Set up after Solidarity receiving $1,000,000 from the United States Congress. Objectives: Providing health care for working people. The Solidarity Commission on Intervention and Lawfulness (Komisja d/s Interwencji i Praworzadnosci NSZZ Solidarnosc). Founded: 22 December 1986; organized by Zbigniew Romaszewski. Objectives: Seeks changes in Poland's legal system, monitors the implementation of the law by the administration and judiciary, and provides legal aid to people persecuted by the authorities. [page 13] RAD BR/228 Solidarity Economic Commission (Komisja Ekonomiczno Gospodarcza NSZZ Solidarnosc). Organized by Tadeusz Jedynak. Objectives: To seek economic reforms that will take public interests into consideration. Solidarity Social Commission (Komisja Spoleczna NSZZ Solidarnosc). Organized by Wladyslaw Frasyniuk. Objectives: Seeks social reforms. The Education Section of the National Council of Solidarity (Krajowa Rada Sekcji Oswiaty i Wychowania NSZZ Solidarnosc). The council's spokesmen are Wiktor Kulerski and Janina Szymajda. Objectives: to seek reforms in the educational system and to remove the ideology and propaganda from the curriculum. The Provisional National Farmers' Council of Solidarity (Tymczasowa Krajowa Rada Rolnikow Solidarnosc). Founded: 23 November 1986. The council is made up of representatives of all three agricultural union organizations that were created after August 1980: Independent Self-Governing Trade Union of Individual Farmers of Solidarity (NSZZ Rolnikow Indywidualnych Solidarnosc)} Farmers' Solidarity (Solidarnosc Chlopska); and Rural Solidarity (Solidarnosc Wiejska). Membership: No reliable estimates are available. Objectives: To regain legal, independent union representation for farmers. Leading personalities (Leadership): Jozef Slisz, chairman; Gabriel Janowski; Piotr Baumgart; Edward Malecki; Janusz Rozek; Jan Kozlowski; Jozef Teliga; and Artur Balazs. Solidarity Youth Resistance Movement (Mlodziezowy Ruch Oporu "Solidarnosc" or MROS). Founded: October 1982 in Wroclaw. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To develop the democratic outlook of the young and to regain Poland's independence. Leading personalities: Anonymous. Publications: Solidarnosc Mlodziezy. Solidarity Youth Movement (Ruch Solidarnosci Mlodych). Founded: March 1982 in Bialystok. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To develop political awareness and an active legal and civic attitude among the younger generation; to break the state's monopoly in education; to shape independent cultural life and establish self-help. Leading personalities: Anonymous. Publications: Nasz Glos--Pismo Mlodziezy Ziem Wschodnich. Fighting Solidarity (Solidarnosc Walczaca). Founded: June 1982 in Wroclaw; regional branches in Katowice, Lublin, Poznan, Rzeszow, Gdansk, Warsaw, Szczecin, Jelenia Gora, Torun, and Lodz. Membership: Estimates range from 2,000 to 20,000. Objectives: To regain independence for Poland and create a democratic republic. Leading personalities: Kornel Morawiecki. Publications: Solidarnosc Walczaca--Pismo Organizacji Solidarnosci Walczacej. [page 14] RAD BR/228 Solidarity Christian Group (Chrzescijanski Nurt "Solidarnosc"). Founded: September 1987 in Warsaw. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To attain sovereignty for the country; to revitalize social life based on the principles of Christian morality; to build economic order in Poland; to establish a democratic system of government; and to create a federation of sovereign states in order to secure a lasting peace. Leading personalities: Seweryn Jaworski. Confederation for an Independent Poland (Konfederacja Polski Niepodleglej or KPN). Founded: September 1979; branches in Warsaw, Lublin, Lodz, Cracow, and Wroclaw. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To campaign for the freedom and independence of Poland; to "overthrow the PUWP dictatorship by peaceful means." Leading personalities: Leszek Moczulski (chairman), Krzysztof Krol, Zygmunt Lenyk, Adam Slomka, Dariusz Wojcik. Publications: Droga--Wolnosc i Niepodleglosc, Gazeta Polska, Contra, Wolna Polska. Alternative Society Movement (Ruch Spoleczenstwa Alternatywnego). Founded: June 1983 in Gdansk. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To overthrow the government (an independent anarchic group). They are prepared to defend themselves if attacked but renounce terrorism. Leading personalities: Anonymous. Publications: Homek. Federation of Fighting Youth {Federacja Mlodziezy Walczacej or FMW). Founded: June 1984 in Warsaw, Gdansk, Cracow, and Wroclaw. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To regain Poland's independence, introduce democratization, and curb lawlessness on the part of the authorities. Leading personalities: Unknown. Publications: Nasze Wiadomosci, ABC Mlodych, and Lustro. Freedom and Peace Movement (Ruch Wolnosc i Pokoj or WiP). Founded: 14 April 1984; a nationwide movement. Estimated membership: Thousands of supporters around the country. Objectives: Disarmament; protection of the environment; opposition to totalitarianism. Leading personalities: Jacek Szymanderski, Jacek Czaputowicz, Piotr Niemczyk. Publications: Dezerter, Wiadomosci i Dokumenty Ruchu Wolnosc i Pokoj, Serwis Krakowski WiP, A Cappella, Agnus, Biuletyn WiP, Pismo Ruchu Wolnosc i Pokoj, Stan Cywilny WiP, Wipek, and others. "Freedom" Democratic Youth Movement {Ruch Mlodziezy Demokratycznej "Wolnosc"). Founded: 30 May 1985 in Warsaw. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To prepare Polish youth for life in a future independent and democratic Poland. Leading personalities: Anonymous. Club in the Service of Independence (Klub Sluzby Niepodleglosci). Founded: 27 September 1981. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To work on programs that will win Poland's sovereignty and basic civil rights. To prepare society for free elections and develop independent education. Leading personalities: Wojciech Ziembinski and Sewer. Jaworski. [page 15] RAD BR/228 "Independence" Liberal-Democratic Party (Liberalno-Demokratyczna Partia "Niepodleglosc"). Founded: 11 November 1984 in Warsaw. Membership: Unknown, Objectives: The immediate aim is to raise public political awareness. The long term aims are to regain Poland's independence, to organize society and the economy on the lines of modern democratic capitalism, and to establish cooperation with East European countries. Leading personalities: Grzegorz Krakowski, Piotr Tarnowski, and Azja Tuhajbejowicz (pseudonym). Publications: Niepodleglosc. Polish Independence Committee (Polski Komitet Niepodleglosci). Founded: September 1987 in Warsaw. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To regain Poland's independence and to establish cooperation with the countries of Eastern Europe in order to combine efforts in overthrowing the communist dictatorships. Leading personalities: Anonymous. National League of Workers in Opposition (Ogolnopolskie Porozumienie Opozycji Robotniczej). Founded: 24 May 1985 in Warsaw. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To fight for the rights and autonomy of the working class, relegalize Solidarity, and establish political pluralism. Leading personalities: Daniel Dziubelski. Publications: Przelom--Pismo Komisji Wykonawczej Porozumienia Opozycji Robotniczej and Wolny Robotnik--Porozumienie Opozycji Robotniczej Regionu Gornoslaskiego. Polish Independence Party (Polska Partia Niepodleglosci). Founded: 11 November 1984 in Warsaw. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To regain Poland's independence; "to prepare for a national uprising, as the only effective way of defeating Poland's enemies." (The group rejects any dialogue with the Communists.) Leading personalities: Zygmunt Golawski, Tadeusz Jandziszak, Tadeusz Stanski, and Romuald Szeremietiew. Publications: Polska Niepodlegla. Polish Socialist Party (Polska Partia Socjalistyczna or PPS). Founded: November 1987 in Warsaw. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: An independent, democratic and socialist Poland. Leading personalities: Jan Jozef Lipski (chairman), Wladyslaw Goldfinger-Kunicki, Andrzej Malanowski, Piotr Ikonowicz, Andrzej Kowalski, and Marek Nowicki. Publications: Robotnik--Pismo PPS. "In Our Land" Young Catholics Movement (Ruch Mlodych Katolikow "U siebie"). Founded: 30 May 1988 in Wroclaw. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To regain the sovereignty and independence of Poland,, Leading personalities: Henryk Feliks, Wojciech Han, Jaroslaw Obremski, and Waclaw Giermek. "Liberation" Political Movement (Ruch Polityczny "Wyzwolenie"). Founded: 1984 in Warsaw. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To regain Poland's independence and create a democratic system based on freedom of conscience and speech in political, economic, cultural, and religious life and tolerance [page 16] RAD BR/228 of other people's views. The group rejects any dialogue with the Communists. Leading personalities: Anonymous. Publications: Wyzwolenie--Niezalezny Miesiecznik Polityczny and Dekada Polska--Pismo Ruchu Politycznego Wyzwolenie. Freedom-Justice-Independence (Wolnosc-Sprawiedliwosc- Niepodleglosc). Founded: May 1983. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To strive for an independent, democratic Poland (immediate aims are to propagate ideological and historical awareness; to provide organizational support for the social struggle coordinated by Solidarity; and to protect the environment. Leading personalities: Janusz Onyszkiewicz and Henryk Wujec. Publications: WSN--Idee, Program, Dokumenty. Wroclaw Liberals (Wroclawscy Liberalowie). Founded: 1985 in Wroclaw. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To secure freedom for economic and political activities within the law and ensure that the state respects the basic rights of the individual. (The group is not interested in who is in government but how they govern.) Leading personalities: Anonymous. Publications: Zeszyt Liberalow. Independent Students' Association {Niezalezne Zrzeszenie Studentow or NZS). Founded: September 1980 (registered in February 1981; banned on 5 January 1982); a nationwide association. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To relegalize the association and compel the authorities to allow organizational pluralism in academic centers. The NZS also aims at defending and developing autonomy in academic centers; propagating democratic values; protecting the students' social benefits; striving to establish an academic system that will respond to contemporary needs; and developing the independent press and culture in general. Leading personalities: Constantly changing. Publications: Biuletyn Informacyjny NZS, Mecenat NZS, CIA, Informator NZS ATK, Polibuda, Uniwerek, Goniec, Akces, and others. Polish Scouting Organization (Polska Organizacja Harcerska). Founded: October 1985 in Konin. Estimated membership: About 450 boy and girl scouts in various cities around the country. Objectives: To instill in young people samaritan principles based on those of the Catholic Church and the experiences of Solidarity. Leading personalities: Krzysztof Dobrecki. Publications: Sluzba--Biuletyn Informacyjny. Polish-Czechoslovak Solidarity (Solidarnosc Polsko-Czechoslowacka). Founded: 1981 (Circle of Friends of Polish-Czechoslovak Solidarity founded on 6 July 1987) in Wroclaw and Prague. Estimated membership: Several dozen activists. Objectives: To exchange information and establish contacts between independent groups in Poland and Czechoslovakia. Leading personalities: Josef Pinior, Jacek Kuron, Zbigniew Romaszewski, Miroslaw Jasinski, Anna Sabatova, Petr Uhl, Jan Carnogursky, Andrej Krob, and Vaclav Maly. Publications: Biuletyn Informacyjny Solidarnosci Polsko-Czechoslowackiej. [page 17] RAD BR/228 Polish Helsinki Committee {Komitet Helsinski w Polsce). Founded: 1982 in Warsaw. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To inform the public as well as the relevant international bodies about cases of human rights violations in Poland. Leading personalities: Piotr Andrzejewski, Halina Bortnowska-Dabrowska, Jerzy Ciemniewski, Janusz Grzelak, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, Marek Nowicki, Jan Rosner, Stefan Starczewski, Janina Zakrzewska, and Tadeusz Zielinski. Publications: "Praworzadnosc," a permanent column in the independent publication KOS. The Christian Democratic Club (Klub Chrzescijansko Demokratyczny). Founded: September 1988 in Warsaw (as part of the existing Warsaw Society for the Promotion of Catholic Thought); officially registered on 20 September 1988. Claimed membership: 28 founding members. Objectives: To promote Catholic thought; eventually to form a Christian Democratic Party. Leading personalities: Janusz Zablocki. The Dziekania Club of Political Thought (Klub Mysli Politycznej "Dziekania"). Founded: 1984 in Warsaw; officially registered in October 1988. Membership: About 100. Objectives: "to serve as an open political forum and present concrete solutions to Poland's economic and political problems but has no immediate intention to act as a political party." (It will be allowed to organize branches in other cities and hopes to publish a newspaper in the future. Supports the idea of possible cooperation with the authorities.) Leading personalities: Stanislaw Stomma, Aleksander Hall, Slawomir Siwek, Miroslaw Dzielski, Przemyslaw Hniedziewicz, Marcin Krol, and Antoni Macierewicz. Foundation for the Assistance of Large Families in Ursus {Fundacja Pomocy Rodzinom Wielodzietnym w Ursusie). Founded: 1987 in Warsaw-Ursus. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To provide material help for Ursus tractor factory workers with large families. Leading personalities: Zbigniew Bujak, Zbigniew Janas, and H. Pomorska. The Gornoslaski Club "Solidarity and Youth" (Gornoslaski Klub "Solidarnosc i Mlodzi"). Founded: 22 November 1987 in Katowice. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: "To inspire and assist young people's action groups based on the ideals of Solidarity." Leading personalities: Tadeusz Jedynak, Teresa Baranowska, Lech Osiak, and Jozef Zajkowski. The Founding Group of the Movement of Home Army Combatants (Grupa Zalozycielska Ruchu Kombatantow Armii Krajowej). Founded: 14 February 1988 in Cracow. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: "To consolidate genuine soldiers of the Home Army into an independent, homogenous organization capable of taking action on a national scale." Leading personalities: Ryszard Ciepiela. [page 18] RAD BR/228 The Warsaw Homosexual Movement. Founded: Date unknown in Warsaw; has been told unofficially that it will be legalized this year as an independent association. Estimated membership: "A few hundred." Objectives: No aims stated. Leading personalities: Waldemar Zboralski. The "Oleandry" Political Club (Klub Polityczny "Oleandry"). Founded: 30 May 1988 in Lodz. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To regain independence for Poland. Leading personalities: Unknown. Founding Committee of Victimized Farmers (Zalozycielski Komitet Skrzywdzonych Rolnikow). Founded: 30 January 1988 in Lublin. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To create a nationwide organization of retired farmers who are ill or have been forced to give up their property; to bring about a change in the law on pensions. Leading personalities: Unknown. The Lech Badkowski Political Club (Klub Polityczny im. Lecha Badkowskiego). Founded: 27 October 1987 in Gdansk. Claimed membership: 16 founding members. Objectives: To fight for pluralism in Poland? "to encourage civic activities of a political, economic and cultural nature; hold discussions; and issue independent opinions on the situation in the country." Leading personalities: Aleksander Hall, Jacek Taylor, Andrzej Zarebski, Stefan Gmowski, Ewa Gorska, and Marian Terlecki. Peasant's Civil Movement {Obywatelski Ruch Chlopski). Founded: July 1988 in Dolny Slask. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: "To remove the [communist party's] monopoly on economic, social, political and cultural fields, as this is the only way of bringing about the required reforms and changes." (The group describes itself as a political movement that could, in the future, put forward its own candidates in elections to the Sejm.) Leading personalities: Unknown. Publications: Glos Chlopski. Polish Ecological Party (Polska Partia Ekologiczna or PPE). Founded: September 1988 in Cracow. Claimed membership: 13 founding members. Objectives: The advocacy of environmental protection within the country's existing political system. Leading personalities: Zygmunt Fura. Public Education Society (Spoleczne Towarzystwo Oswiatowe or STO). Founded: Autumn 1987 in Warsaw. Claimed membership: 23 founding members. Objectives: To run private elementary schools that could offer better learning and teaching conditions and raise the standard of Polish education in general. (They would charge fees but provide less crowded classes than offered in state-run schools; pay teachers appropriate salaries; and provide facilities such as cafeterias, swimming pools, and teaching aids). Leading personalities: Not known. [page 19] RAD BR/228 Public Association for the Abolition of the Death Penalty (Spoleczne Stowarzyszenie na Rzecz Zniesienia Kary Smierci). Founded: February 1988 in Warsaw. Claimed membership: 43 founding members. Objectives: To promote among the public the idea of abolishing the death penalty; to appeal to the State Council to pardon those who have been sentenced to death, and to conduct research into the whole issue of the death penalty. Leading personalities: Wanda Chotomska, Lech Falandysz, Alicja Grzeskowiak, Wojciech Jankowski, Stefan Kieniewicz, Marcin Krol, Wladyslaw Kunicki-Goldfinger, Jacek Salij, Andrzej Grzegorczyk, and Zbigniew Wierzbicki. Women's Association "Our Home" (Stowarzyszenie Kobiet "Nasz Dom"). Founded: 1987 in Warsaw. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: Not known. Leading personalities; Unknown. Society for the Revival of the Cooperative Movement {Towarzystwo na Rzecz" Odnowy Ruchu Spoldzielczego). Founded: 1988 in Warsaw. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: "To promote the idea and practice of cooperative groups and public resourcefulness and self-help by setting up new cooperatives that are self-reliant and independent of the existing central bureaucratic structures and cooperative unions." Leading personalities: A. Piekara, C. Niewadzi, and A. Babski. Catholic Intelligentsia Clubs (Kluby Inteligencji Katolickiej). Founded: After October 1956; in 1980 and 1981 there were more than 50 clubs. During martial law all the clubs were closed, but 48 have since been reactivated. Claimed membership: 16,500. Objectives: To conduct and promote intellectual activity in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Leading personalities: Andrzej Stelmachowski, Andrzej Wielowiejski, Tadeusz Mazowiecki, and Ryszard Bender. Industrial Association (Towarzystwo Przemyslowe). Founded: 1987 in Cracow;" officially registered in August 1987. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To foster the private sector and promote the cause of a market-oriented economy. Leading personalities: Miroslaw Dzielski and Tadeusz Syryjczyk. Economic Society (Towarzystwo Gospodarcze). Founded: September 1987 in Warsaw; officially registered on 14 October 1988. Claimed membership: 450 founding members; other membership unknown. Objectives: To advise Polish businessmen, for an initial fee and a share in the profits, on how to launch private enterprises and operate in a free-market economy. (The Society hopes to recruit 20,000 members within a year and to become an important element in the country's economic situation, articulating the views of the business community.) Leading personalities: Aleksander Paszynski (chairman), Gabriel Janowski, and Andrzej Machalski. [page 20] RAD BR/228 Polish League of Human Rights {Polska Liga Praw Czlowieka). Founded: 25 October 1986 in Szczecin. Claimed membership: 19 founding members (the League has 14 offices in major Polish cities.) Objectives: To monitor human rights violations in Poland and to report them to international organizations. (The organization is a member of the International League for Human Rights based in Paris). Leading personalities: Jan Kostecki (chairman) and Aleksander Krystosiak (vice chairman). Publications: Biuletyn Informacyjny Polska Liga Praw Czlowieka. Polish-American Friendship Society (Towarzystwo Przyjazni Polsko-Amerykanskiej). Founded: October 1987 in Warsaw; official registration refused on 12 February 1988. Membership: 30 founding members. Objectives: "To contribute to improving the climate in relations between Poland and the United States." (Note: Poland has friendship societies with more than 80 countries.) Leading personalities: Zbigniew Biernacki. Convention of Veterans of the Solidarity Peasant Movement (Konwent Seniorow Ruchu Ludowego Solidarnosc). Founded: 23 November 1986 in Warsaw. Claimed membership: 9 (according to the last list of names available in May 1987). Objectives: To mobilize peasant farmers to defend themselves against exploitation by the authorities and eventually create or revive a peasant party. Leading personalities: Michal Bartoszcze, Adam Bien, Hanna Chorazyna, Stanislaw Janisz, Jozef Marcinkowski, Roman Michalkiewicz, Jozef Teliga, Mieczyslaw Wardzinski, and Father Jan Zieja. Committees To Protect the Rights of Pensioners and the Disabled (Komitety Obrony Praw Emerytow, Rencistow i Niepelnosprawnych). Founded: 14 May 1985 in Katowice (another committee now exists in Warsaw). Membership: 10. Objectives: To articulate "the problems of the elderly, the sick, the disabled, and the handicapped." Leading personalities: Kazimierz Busz, Pawel Gross, Jan Matysek, Antoni Posieczek, Rajmund Radecki, Henryk Wojtala, Wladyslaw Zakrzewski, Hanna Czyzewska, Ewa Dolatowska, and Grzegorz Syrek. Committee of Independent Culture (Komitet Kultury Niezaleznej). Founded: December 1982 in Warsaw, Cracow, Wroclaw, Poznan, and Lodz. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To support existing activities in independent culture such as cultural publications, independently organized exhibitions, artistic groups, etc. Leading personalities: Anonymous. Publications: Kultura Niezalezna. Wielkopolska "Order and Freedom" Political Club (Wielkopolski Klub Polityczny "Lad i Wolnosc"). Founded: 7 January 1988 in Poznan; officially registered 31 May 1988. Claimed membership: 40 founding members. Objectives: "To develop through discussions political concepts of Poland's economic and foreign policies based on Christian ethics." Leading personalities: Marek Jurek, Marcin Libicki, and Pawel Laczkowski. [page 21] RAD BR/228 Foundation To Assist in the Supply of Water to the Countryside (Fundacja Wspomagajaca Zaopatrzenie Wsi w Wode), Founded: September 1982 in Warsaw; officially registered 2 December 1987. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: To use donations from foreign Churches, governments, and individuals to improve rural living and working conditions in Poland. Leading personalities: Cardinal Jozef Glemp (Primate of Poland) and members of the Polish Episcopate. Polish Politics {Polityka Pol ska). Founded: 1983 in Gdansk. Membership: Unknown. Objectives: Seeks an independent, liberal, democratic Polish state in which the nation is sovereign. Leading personalities: Aleksander Hall. Publications: Polityka Polska. Others. There are hundreds of other independent groups, societies, circles, clubs, political parties, charities, and discussion groups in Poland about which there is insufficient information. ROMANIA Romanian Democratic Action {Actiunea Democratica Romana). Founded: 1986 in Bucharest. Membership: Unknown but small. Objectives: To keep alive precommunist democratic traditions. (A 12-point program issued in 1987 included such aims as the return to parliamentary democracy; the renewal of free enterprise; the separation of church and state; guarantees for the rights of ethnic minorities; and protection of the environmental.) Leading personalities: Anonymous. Free Romania (Romania Libera). Founded: Late 1987 in Hungary as an organization of ethnic Romanian refugees. The organization claims support in Romania. Claimed membership: 20 activists and some 300 supporters. Objectives: Democratic reforms in Romania; cessation of food exports; freedom of opinion; free labor unions; and observance of the rights of national minorities. Leading personalities: Virgil Parvu and Mircea Bajan. Publications: Romania Libera, a bimonthly. The Hungarian Press of Transylvania (Erdelyi Magyar Hirugynokseg). Founded: 1985. Membership: Unknown; a small network of Hungarian intellectuals in Transylvania cities and in Bucharest. Objectives: To defend the rights of the Hungarian ethnic minority in Romania and to advocate broader economic concerns. Leading personalities: Anonymous. Publication: Erdelyi Magyar Hiruojyokseg, and news releases. - end -
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