PRIME MINISTER'S QUESTION TIME: 29 MARCH
LITHUANIA
-
Restraint essential from all sides.
Force not an
appropriate way to settle this issue. Way must be kept open
for dialogue moving towards a settlement acceptable to both
sides and enabling Lithuanian people to determine their own
future.
- I urge the Soviet authorities to avoid any action which
could make it more difficult to move towards a solution.
Vital too that the Lithuanians should without compromising
their principles do everything to create the right
background for dialogue.
We continue to attach particular importance to repeated statements by the Soviet leadership that there is no
question of use of force. These assurances are even more important after what has happened this week.
Have you made representations to the Russians?
At our suggestion the Irish Presidency made a statement
on behalf of the Twelve on 24 March calling for dialogue and
urging that there be no force, or threat of force.
Various
We have made clear our concerns to the Russians.
contacts: Foreign Secretary had meeting with Soviet
Ambassador yesterday; Senior official in Moscow for talks with Soviet Deputy Foreign Minister; my telephone conversation with Mr Gorbachev.
If force is used, will this affect East/West relations?
Gorbachev has said he will not use force. This has been
repeated by Shevardnaze and Ligachev. It would put
perestroika at risk and could damage East/West relations.
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