As I have stated before on a number of occasions, Ireland has never recognised the annexation of the Baltic states by the USSR which occurred in 1940. However, the question of recognition of the Baltic countries as independent, sovereign states is a separate matter. None of the Baltic countries exercises that degree of control of its domestic affairs or the capacity to conduct independent foreign relations which are generally accepted as necessary for international recognition as a sovereign, independent state.
The Government view with considerable sympathy the efforts of the Baltic countries to satisfy, by peaceful means, the legitimate aspirations of their peoples and, in conjunction with our partners in the Community, have called for dialogue between Moscow and the elected representatives of the Baltic peoples with a view to satisfying the legitimate aspirations of the latter.