Remarks on the Situation in Lithuania

The President. Let me say that I understand Marlin has waived my prohibitions on saying anything at photo opportunities. But inasmuch as a lot of questions have been asked of our Press Office regarding Lithuania, I asked dispensation from our esteemed guest from Honduras, with whom I'm looking forward to visiting. And I told him if it's agreeable we would just make a brief statement about Lithuania. He acquiesced in that and was very pleasant about it.

But first, welcome, sir. We're just delighted you're here.

Let me just say on Lithuania -- and this is all I'll say on it right now -- obviously, we are watching the situation very, very closely. And we are waiting to see if the Soviet announcements are implemented. Clearly, those announcements are contrary to the approach that we have urged and that others have urged upon the Soviet Union. We are considering appropriate responses if these threats are implemented.

And I'm going to leave it right there. But I would simply repeat that what we need is dialog, discussion, and a peaceful resolution of this great difficulty there.

Q. But what is your -- --

The President. That's all. Some missed it: I said I'd take no questions. Some missed it: I said I would take no questions.