NID: USSR: FOREIGN MINISTRY SAYS BALTICS TO BE INDEPENDENT

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: The Collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe: A 30-Year Legacy
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06826852
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: November 26, 2019
• Document Release Date: December 10, 2019
• Publication Date: January 19, 1990

Approved for Release: 2019/10/29 C06826852
-rav-svaa_
6.2(d
USSR: Foreign Ministry Says Baffles to Be Independent �
3.3(b)(1;
6.2(d)
The MFA expects both
republics to declare independence after republic elections in February
and March and hopes an eight-year transition period can bc worked
out during which agreements can be reached on such defense and
foreign policy issues as the stationing of troops and basing rights in
the republics Moscow will not use force to prevent
independence in the Ba!tics.
The MFA fears that Lithuanian extremists will push for
complete independence in two to three years. making negotiations
difficultJ sharp differences in the Latvian
leadership on the issue of independence. implying Latvia will move
toward independence more slowly than the other two Baltic republics.
Comment:
key elements of the Soviet leadership are becomin reconciled
to t e likelihood of secession by the Baltic states probably
reflects President Gorbachev's assessment of the situation in the
Baltics in light of the recent groundswell of Lithuanian public support
for independence and his reluctance to use force. Moscow's eight-year
timetable may be acceptable to Latvia. but a shorter transition eriod
undoubtedly will be necessary for Lithuania and Estonia.
3
-"MrSee�P.L._
TCS 2715/90
19 Janunry 1990
3.3(b)(1)
6.2(d)
3.3(b)(1)
3.3(b)(1)
6.2(d)
3.3(b)(1)
3.3(b)(1)
6.2(d)
Approved for Release: 2019/10/29 C06826852