STATEMENT

STATEMENT REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA 15 April 1998 Vilnius Of late there have been persistent efforts to discredit the neighbour of Lithuania, the Republic of Latvia and thereby to complicate its way to the European and transatlantic structures. At the same time it is regrettable that even in Latvia itself not all public organisations and groups grasp the intricacy of the period and the responsibility for each step they take, while elsewhere in the world not all comprehend fully the consequences of the occupation of the Baltic States. The Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, offering support to the Republic of Latvia and its people, speaks out strongly against the proposals of applying economic sanctions which are not approved by the United Nations Organisation, as well as against any other external actions which increase international tension and cause instability within the state. We believe that the solidarity of the Baltic States, diplomatic efforts of Latvia and Russia, consultation and prevention mechanisms provided for by international structures will help maintain a normal situation in the sensitive Baltic Sea region. CHAIRMAN OF THE SEIMAS VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA