Stay Out of Domestic Affairs, Gorbachev Warns West
Mikhail S. Gorbachev, stung by criticism of his policy on the Baltic republics, warned Western powers Thursday against getting involved in internal Soviet affairs by encouraging separatist movements.
Gorbachev visited Sweden and Norway, where he delivered his Nobel Peace Prize lecture Wednesday, but his triumph was clouded by questions about Soviet troop attacks in secessionist Lithuania.
“Compassion by a neighboring country must not take the form of meddling in the affairs of the Soviet Union, especially when it is in the process of reform,” Gorbachev said as he left a meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ingvar Carlsson.
The Soviet president, renewing his call for Western aid, said “one should instead support this process, which is being carried out within the framework of the constitution.”
“To support separatism and oppress minorities is not acceptable,” he said.
Gorbachev did not comment on the announcement in London that he will be invited to meet with leaders of the Group of Seven industrialized nations after their summit next month but not allowed to attend the summit itself.
Hundreds of people lined Gorbachev’s motorcade route, applauding, and the Soviet leader leaned out of his black Zil limousine and waved warmly as he drove through the city.
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