UPSC Prelims 2004 Q148: Current Affairs – International Conflicts & Security
Consider the following statements:
1. Montenegro and Serbia agreed to a new structure for the Yugoslav Federation.
2. Croatia remained under the Hungarian Administration until the end of First World War.
3. Claims to Macedonian Territory have long been a source of contention between Belgium and
Greece.
4. In 1991, Slovenia declared independence from Czechoslovakia.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 1, 2 and 3
- (c) 2, 3 and 4
- (d) 1, 3 and 4
Answer: (a) 1 and 2
Explanation
Yugoslav successor States
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Montenegro and Serbia agreed a new structure for the federation | True — the Serbia and Montenegro union, 2002-03 |
| 2. Croatia under Hungarian administration until the end of the First World War | True — Croatia-Slavonia was under the Hungarian Crown |
| 3. Macedonian claims a source of contention between Belgium and Greece | False: the dispute was between Greece and the Republic of Macedonia |
| 4. Slovenia declared independence from Czechoslovakia in 1991 | False: from Yugoslavia |
Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Answer: (a) 1 and 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 3 names Belgium wrongly.
- (c) Incorrect. Statements 3 and 4 are wrong.
- (d) Incorrect. Statements 3 and 4 are wrong.
Key point
Slovenia and Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia in June 1991.
Remember
Slovenia declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991.
Common mistakes
- Placing Slovenia in Czechoslovakia.
- Mixing Belgium with Bulgaria in the Macedonian dispute.
- Forgetting the Serbia-Montenegro union of 2003.
Exam tip
Yugoslavia broke up: Slovenia, Croatia, Macedonia, Bosnia (1991-92).
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Yugoslavia
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Croatia