PM Transcripts

PRIME MINISBTE
FOR MEDIA 14 JANUARY 1991
The Australian Government deplores the Soviet
Government's use of force over recent days in Vilnius,
the capital of Lithuania.
The use of force is inconsistent with President
Gorbachev's past emphasis on seeking a peaceful and
negotiated resolution to the question of Baltic
independence. The Soviet military's actions in Lithuania threaten to
undermine the more favourable attitude of Western
countries towards the Soviet Union since the reform
process began. They have the potential to affect the
future course of co-operation between East and West.
Australia does not recognise under international law the
incorporation of the Baltic States in the Soviet Union.
The aspiration of Lithuania and the other Baltic States
for independence has been clearly reaffirmed by their
democratically elected Parliaments. The resort to force
fails to acknowledge the fundamental democratic mandate
of the Lithuanian Government and Parliament. Resolution
of the status of the Baltic States is a complex matter,
but the use of force will be not produce a viable
solution. I urge the Soviet Government to reconsider its despatch
of additional military forces to the Lithuanian capital.
I urge the Soviet authorities to exercise restraint, so
that an already delicate situation is not worsened.
The Australian Government will be carefully watching
future developments in Lithuania, in the hope that the
tragedy which appears to be in the making can be avoided
and peaceful dialogue restored.
We are registering our deep concern about developments in
Lithuania with the Soviet Government. I have asked Dr
Blewett to call in the Soviet Ambassador this afternoon
to make these points.