Russia urged to curb build-up

Press, 27 June 1983, Page 9

Russia urged to curb build-up

NZPA-Reuter London European conservative leaders have urged the Soviet Union to negotiate seriously on curbing nuclear weapons and respond positively to Western disarmament proposals. The European Democrat Union, which groups CentreRight political parties from 14 countries, issued the call in a communique after a two-day meeting. It said there was a need to intensify transatlantic ties and ensure strong defence “in the light of the Soviet military build-up in excess of its legitimate defensive needs.” North Atlantic Treaty Organisation members of the E.D.U. reiterated that they are committed to deploy cruise and Pershing medium-range nuclear mis-

siles in Western Europe to counter Soviet SS-20 medium-range missiles, unless disarmament talks make progress. The E.D.U. called for a balance of forces in Europe, adding, “A strong partnership between Western Europe and the United States and Canada is the essential basis of that balance of forces.” The E.D.U. said that transatlantic links should not only be strengthened by members of N.A.T.O. and the European Community but should include all democracies in Europe. It said there was a need for closer co-operation among all European States, and expressed the hope that Spain and Portugal would soon be admitted to the Common Market. The National Party of

New Zealand is represented at the meeting by its president, Mrs Sue Wood. The E.D.U. admitted five new members from three countries: the New Democracy Party, of Greece; the Popular Alliance and Democratic People’s Party, of Spain; and the Progressive Citizens’ Party and Patriotic Union, of Liechtenstein. Formed in 1978, the E.D.U. joined the Pacific Democrat Union on Friday to found the 19-nation International Democrat Union (1.D.U.) as a Centre-Right counterpart to the Socialist International. Vice-President George Bush of the United States, and the. West German Chancellor, Helmut Kohl, joined Britain’s Prime Minister, Mrs Thatcher, to launch the I.D.U. in a drive against communist ideology.