Vol. 399 No. 12
2 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has contacted any, or all, of the leaders of the Baltic republics since their declarations of independence; and if he will consider visiting these countries, in his capacity as President of the EC, to show solidarity with their cause.
At present I have not contacted any of the leaders of the Baltic republics nor do I have any plans to visit the area.
The Twelve continue to be most concerned about the situation in the Baltic republics and have underlined the obligation for both sides to exercise maximum restraint and to avoid actions that can only lead to a further deterioration of the situation. We are firmly of the view that an outcome acceptable to all must be sought and that this is possible, avoiding the use of force and the threat of the use of force, on the basis of the principles of the Helsinki Final Act.
Ireland, like most of its partners in the European Community, has never recognised the legality of the incorporation of the Baltic States into the Soviet Union. The separate question of recognition of these republics as independent states does not arise at the present moment. They do not, as yet, have the attributes necessary in international law for recognition as states.
It is appropriate that the Taoiseach answered the question because it was originally tabled to the Taoiseach and transferred to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Will the Taoiseach agree that this is a particularly shameful episode in our Presidency of the EC, that we have shown no solidarity towards those three Baltic states whose position has been very similar to that of our own State prior to 1922? We have made no effort whatsoever to give them any support or any words of encouragement in their bid for independence and freedom from the Soviet Union. I understand the Soviet Union have severe problems themselves; nevertheless we should have been to the forefront in helping other small nations to get their freedom. Would the Taoiseach not agree that something should be done in this regard?
I recognise the Deputy's right to his view on this issue, but it is not simple. I do not think he could insist that Ireland should have taken some independent position. In all these matters, we have to subscribe to Community policy. The whole situation was considered by the Community in the context of European political co-operation and the Community took a stance. They expressed concern about the situation and requested both sides to exercise maximum restaint; they emphasised particularly that there should be no resource to the use of force and that the matter should be settled in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Final Act. Therefore, the Community did not stay aloof from the matter but endeavoured to exercise a reasonably judicious role of mediation, so to speak.
I understand the Taoiseach's reluctance to become too deeply involved in case he might exacerbate a rather delicate situation, but will he not agree that, in view of the fact that the Lithuanian Prime Minister met the American President and the British Prime Minister at the height of the crisis, the Taoiseach as President of the European Council should at least have made overtures to that Prime Minister so that a meeting could have been arranged either here or in Lithuania to show his solidarity with their cause? It would have been the very least he could have done as President of a major bloc.
Let us proceed by way of supplementary questions.
Surely he should have——
I must dissuade the Deputy from making a speech.
The prime ministers and President——
Deputy Deasy is continuing to make a speech.
I am asking the Taoiseach why he did not meet these people when other Heads of State were doing so.
The first reason I did not was that I was not asked. Apart from that, it would not have been appropriate for me to act individually and unilaterally in the matter. As President in office of the Council I could act only in accordance with the wishes and views of the fellow members. I would not have individual freedom to act as President in office, but a very tentative sort of contact was made with the Presidency by President Landsbergis of Lithuania who suggested very tentatively that he might come to Dublin for the Special European Council on 28 April, but that was not followed up by the President.
Might not the Taoiseach issue an invitation to the President of Lithuania to attend the European Council which is about to take place?
I genuinely do not think that would be helpful at this stage. There are moves afoot between the parties concerned to have some sort of negotiations. In any event, I could not issue such an invitation or take any initiative in that regard except with the unanimous agreement of all the member states and I am quite sure that such agreement would not be forthcoming at this stage.
