Gorbachev and Changes in East Bloc
A statement by a Soviet Central Committee official, as quoted in Michael Parks article (Part A, Dec. 30), “Mikhail Gorbachev will command enormous respect and exert great authority on the spot in Lithuania,” only suggests that Gorbachev is prepared to use the tactics of his predecessors--threats, manipulations, false promises for the future and lies. Romania’s deposed leader Nicolae Ceausescu also “commanded enormous respect and exerted great authority.”
The reality of the situation in the Baltic states is that the independent and neutral countries of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia were forcibly occupied by the Soviet army in 1940.
After 50 years of Soviet Communist repression, the Baltic people will settle for nothing less than their God-given right to be free and independent.
MILDA MIKENAS
Los Angeles
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
