The European Parliament,

A. seriously concerned at the recurring use of Soviet military intimidation against the population of the Baltic States, notably by the recent attacks on border posts resulting in numerous casualties, and the recent display of military aggression in Vilnius,

B. whereas the Soviet Interior Minister, Mr Boris Pugo, has admitted that OMON troops were involved in recent attacks on customs and border posts in Lithuania and Latvia.

C. whereas the Soviet Public Prosecutor, Nikolai Truberi, and the enquiry into the incidents that took place in Vilnius and Riga in January have exonerated the Soviet army, contrary to the evidence itself, the victims and the damage caused by those incidents, a practice worthy of the periods of totalitarianism and stagnation which the world hoped had come to an end once and for all with perestroïka,

D. convinced that only respect for the right of self-determination of peoples, the principles of the rule of law and veracity can guarantee peace and progress,

E. recalling its previous resolutions on the situation in the Baltic Republics,

1. Condemns those responsible for these incidents which can only make a peaceful settlement more difficult;

2. Is gravely concerned by the continued failure of the Soviet Government to enter into serious negotiations with the Baltic Governments on their future relationship with the USSR;

3. Calls on European Political Cooperation to make clear that Soviet attacks on the Balts and failure to negotiate with them must affect the attitude of the EC and its Member States in their relations with the Soviet Union;

4. Calls on the Soviet Government to order its army immediately to halt any further operations and to respect the rights of the Republic of Lithuania and its citizens;

5. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, Commission, EPC and the governments of the USSR and the Baltic Republics.