WORLD : Bush Meets Latvian Officials
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WASHINGTON — Latvian Prime Minister Ivars Godmanis and his foreign minister called on President Bush today and said they received encouragement in their quest for a gradual transition to independence from the Soviet Union.
Foreign Minister Janis Jurkns said he and Godmanis told Bush that “some countries in Europe have taken concrete steps” to recognize Latvian independence.
“We asked the American government to do the same and we got supportive answers,” Jurkns said.
Godmanis added, however, that Latvia would seek its independence “democratically, peacefully and gradually.”
“We want to restore our independence 100%,” he said. “There is no question.” But, he said, “independence will be gradual; it takes time.”
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