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The Copenhagen Manifesto The Baltic Tribunal in Copenhagen, 25-26th of July, 1985

The Copenhagen Manifesto The Baltic Tribunal in Copenhagen, 25-26th of July, 1985

The Baltic Tribunal in Copenhagen declares that occupation and annexion of once-independent Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania serves as a prime example of the violation of international public law and treaties ratified ty the Soviet Union.

Mass Russian immigration has seriously damaged Baltic identity and political structure : language, culture, religion, even the learning of history in schools, have suffered under Soviet rule. The militarization of the baltic states serves as a constant reminder of the continuing threat to world peace.

The right of the Baltic peoples to self-determination and to non-interference on their ancestry soil must be reinstated.

After hearing experienced witnesses on numerous aspects of life and law and practice in occupied Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, the Baltic Tribunal concludes that severe injustice has been and is being done to these peoples by the Soviet Union.

The fate of the three Baltic states is unique in human history. Nowhere else in the world are former paliamentary democracies occupied, annexed and colonized by the conquering power. A unique fate deserves unique policies from the democratic governments of the world. We call upon them to rise the issue of Soviet occupation of the Baltic countries in all world forums, demanding freedom and independence for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

By this Copenhagen Manifesto we declare that the present situation in the Baltic countries is damaging the chance of peace and freedom in Europe and the world.

Theodore Veiter, Chairman
Per Ahlmark
Michael Bourdeaux
Jean-Marie Daillet
James Fawcett

Source:
cité p.17 dans la revue Vaga n°10 de novembre 1985, Toronto, Canada