ZAVNOH

The State Anti-fascist Council for the National Liberation of Croatia (Serbo-Croatian: Zemaljsko antifašističko vijeće narodnog oslobođenja Hrvatske), often referred to by the acronym ZAVNOH, was the highest governing organ of the anti-fascist movement in Croatia during World War II. It was developed to be the bearer of Croatian statehood. At its last meeting, it changed its name to the People's Parliament of Croatia (Narodni sabor Hrvatske).

Preparations for the foundation of ZAVNOH started on December 5, 1942 when the Croatian representatives in AVNOJ requested the districtual boards to delegate members of the future Initiative Committee of the State Antifascist Council of National Liberation of Croatia. After the delegates were named the Initiative Committee was constituted in Ponor on March 1, 1943 near Korenica in Lika.

Held June 13 (in Otočac) and June 14, 1943 (on Plitvice Lakes) was the founding session of ZAVNOH. Vladimir Nazor was chosen president. ZAVNOH adopted "Proclamation to Peoples of Croatia" ("Proglas narodima Hrvatske" in Croatian) and "Resolution" (often called "Plitvice Resolution"). Resolution stated that ZAVNOH was highest political authority of anti-fascist movement in Croatia. Executive board ("Izvršni odbor" in Croatian, abbr. IO ZAVNOH) of 11 members was elected to perform duties of ZAVNOH between sessions.

As the representative of the Allied Command major William M. Jones (Lawrence of Yugoslavia) was present at the founding session. Also the representative of the Liberation Front of the Slovenian People, Jana Jernej was present.

The second session was held October 12–15, 1943 in Plaški. In this session an executive board of 15 members was elected and the decision of Executive Board of ZAVNOH made on September 20, 1943 was confirmed. "Ordinance About Interior Organisation and Work of ZAVNOH" was adopted as well as the Secretariat of ZAVNOH was founded; which ruled Croatian affairs as a de facto government.

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