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Now, Slovenia is moving
to shed its image associated with former Yugoslavia and has become a member
of the western European community based on democracy and market economy.
In 1997, it has concluded an accession agreement with the European Union
and took its first step toward full membership. Negotiations are presently
under way.
Slovenian history has been a story of wounds from
conquest by external forces.
Still, the people have retained the Slovenian language and their identity
as a people by preserving their religion and culture.
Today, Slovenia's history lives on in the beauty of its nature, loved by
poets and artists, and the ancient castles that tell the region's history. |
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gained majority in the republic's parliament and gained official independence
on June 25, 1991. Although the Yugoslav army threatened independence
on one occasion, the conflict was resolved in just 10 days. The armed
forces withdrew in October, and Slovenia announced its independence
from Yugoslavia.