31 October 1997

TEXT: U.S. WELCOMES SIGNING OF KALININGRAD-LITHUANIA AGREEMENT

(Border delimitation agreement signed in Moscow) (380)



Washington -- State Department Spokesman James P. Rubin said October
31 that the United States "welcomes the signing of the
Kaliningrad-Lithuania border delimitation agreement during Lithuanian
President Brazauskas' recent visit to Moscow."


Rubin said the agreement represents "one of the fundamental
responsibilities in the relationship between neighboring states, the
establishment of common borders in a mutually satisfactory manner." He
urged Russia to conclude similar agreements with Latvia and Estonia.


In addition, Rubin reiterated the U.S. view that "in accordance with
OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) principles,
we respect the right of Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, and other
sovereign states to choose their own security orientation, including
the choice to join or eschew membership in alliances."


Following is the text of Rubin's statement:



(Begin text)



U.S. Department of State

Office of the Spokesman

October 31, 1997



STATEMENT BY JAMES P. RUBIN, SPOKESMAN



SECURITY GUARANTEES FOR THE BALTICS



The United States welcomes the signing of the Kaliningrad-Lithuania
border delimitation agreement during Lithuanian President Brazauskas'
recent visit to Moscow. This agreement meets one of the fundamental
responsibilities in the relationship between neighboring states, the
establishment of common borders in a mutually satisfactory manner.
With the border agreement now in place, Lithuania and Russia can move
on to other areas of cooperation that will further normalize their
relationship. We hope Russia will sign similar agreements with Estonia
and Latvia soon.


We also note that Russia has proposed security guarantees to the
Baltic states. In accordance with OSCE principles, we respect the
right of Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, and other sovereign states to
choose their own security orientation, including the choice to join or
eschew membership in alliances. At its Madrid summit, NATO
acknowledged the choice of the Baltic states, and recognized Estonia,
Latvia and Lithuania as aspiring members of NATO. The United States
welcomes and supports the efforts of these three states to realize
their aspirations.


We also note that Russia's proposal includes measures designed to
further cooperation among northern European states on economic, social
and environmental issues. We support such cooperation and are willing
to participate actively in it.


(End text)