Josip Broz Tito was at the helm of the Yugoslav Federation from its establishment at the end of WW II to his death on 4 May 1980.
"The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia ceased to exist almost two decades ago, but one thing unites its peoples: from Slovenia to Macedonia, everyone remembers where they were on 4 May 1980, when Yugoslavia's Communist ruler for 35 years died at the age of 88," The Independent writes.
The paper says that "life was not easy for those who opposed Tito, despite the rosy memories of millions in the region."
"Depending on who you speak to, he was a 'magician of self-promotion' or a man who triumphantly led the former Yugoslavia during its golden years. His critics talk disdainfully of his love of Cuban cigars and whiskey - but his supporters say that everything he had belonged to the people. On the eve of the 30th anniversary of his death, the legacy of Josip Broz Tito remains a topic of keen debate," reads the article.
"Although the Yugoslav leader was often condemned for his lavish lifestyle, including socialising with international film stars. His supposed achievements, such as the non-alignment foreign policy into "neither East nor West", are also often derided."
The French AFP news agency recalls that it was Slovenia to be first to leave the federation, and was followed by Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Macedonia. Montenegro did the same a few years later, and Kosovo declared its independence at the end of that process.
Nostalgia about former Yugoslavia could be partly explained by horrendous dramas in the ensuing wars after the break-up of the Socialist Federation, the French news agency said, reporting about commemorations of Tito's death in his home village of Kumrovec, northwestern Croatia, as well as in other former Yugoslav republics .
The Austrian APA news agency described Tito as one of the most important political protagonists at the international plan after World War II.
Behind the "brotherhood and unity" facade, nationalism appeared in the second half of the 1980s gaining full momentum. Tito turned into one of the most unpopular politicians in Serbia, APA said,
The Serbian Tanjug news agency also carried a report on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Tito's death.