SPLIT: STRIKERS' COMMITTEE CALLS FOR PEACEFUL PROTEST

SPLIT, Oct 28 (Hina) - The Split Polytechnic strikers' committee on Tuesday announced a peaceful protest march in Split for Thursday, calling on all who support what they call a just struggle for the right to choose the place and form of education, to join them. #L# Most students, professors and staff of Split Polytechnic went on a strike on Tuesday, the first official day of the strike. Classes have not been held since yesterday. Students of Split Polytechnic are embittered and disappointed with yesterday's statements by Science and Technology Minister Gvozden Flego. A spokeswoman for the strikers' committee, Maja Cvitan, said the students resented the minister's position that they were manipulated and that the rector of Split Polytechnic, Boris Anzulovic, was using the protest for his parliamentary candidacy. Cvitan reiterated that the students had spontaneously organised themselves resentful at the government's decision to incorporate the Polytechnic into Split University, and that the strike would continue until the decision was revoked. According to unofficial information, more than 10,000 signatures were collected against the government's decision in the 12 towns where Split Polytechnic has opened studies. Cvitan said that more and more students, citizens and political parties of different orientation were supporting the strike. (hina) rml sb