Prague Authorities Meet With Dissidents
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PRAGUE, Czechoslovakia — Prague authorities met dissidents Wednesday to discuss allowing what could be Czechoslovakia’s first officially sanctioned independent human rights demonstration.
“The meeting was very cordial and we believe it is possible the authorities will agree,” said leading dissident Milos Hajek. “It is really the first time. This is a change of tactics.”
The Charter 77 human rights movement and four other groups have called for a mass rally on Saturday, the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Government officials told the organizers it would be illegal to hold the demonstration as planned in Wenceslaus Square in the center of the capital but agreed to discuss an alternative site.
Hajek attributed the change to the impending visit by French President Francois Mitterrand, who is expected to speak out on human rights when he comes to Prague today.
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