WHEREAS:

The incorporation of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia into the Soviet Union under terms of the Hitler-Stalin Pact of 1939 has never been recognized by the United States nor by 44 other nations; and

WHEREAS:

Despite post-war agreements calling for self-determination of all peoples, the aspirations of the people of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia were never recognized or considered by the victorious allies; and

WHEREAS:

With the dismantling of the Berlin Wall and the overthrow of Communist regimes throughout Eastern and Central Europe the people of the Baltic nations stepped up their long-smoldering campaign to win self-determination and independence from the Soviet Union; and

WHEREAS:

The advent of glastnost in the Soviet Union encouraged various nationalities in that nation to demand the right accorded them by the USSR constitution such as self-government and the exercise of sovereignty by the constituent republics; and

WHEREAS:

Despite these developments the government of the USSR has not only refused to recognize the aspirations of the Baltic nations but has employed military force to suppress activities undertaken by elected representatives of the people.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME recognize and support the legitimate aspirations for self-government and independence of all peoples, including the Baltic republics; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME request the U.S. government to support the peaceful achievement of self-determination by the Baltic peoples, urging the Soviet government to abandon the use of force in its attempt to block the movement for self-determination, and instead to undertake negotiations with the elected representatives of the Baltic nations aimed at peaceful resolution of the dispute; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME support any representation by the U.S. government to the government of the USSR that continued suppression of legitimate dissent or expressions of the desire for self determination can only result in damaging the evolution of improved and constructive relations between the United States and the Soviet Union.