News In Brief

Spanish Communist chief retains post, seeks unity

Communist Party leader Gerardo Iglesias began attempts Monday to close the rifts exposed at the five-day party congress that reelected him secretary-general over objections from hard-liners.

Some opponents had even threatened to quit the party if Mr. Iglesias, a moderate who supports pragmatic policies and Eurocommunist independence from Moscow, was not ousted. With this threat in mind, Iglesias appealed for unity after winning by 69 votes to 31. The election result marked a setback for former party leader Santiago Carrillo, who led the campaign to oust Iglesias.