We, the Heads of State or Government of seven major industrial
nations and the Representatives of the European Community, have
discussed East-West relations. We reaffirm our shared principles
and objectives, and our common dedication to preserving and strengthening
peace.
We recognize with pride that our shared values of freedom,
democracy and respect for human rights are the source of the dynamism
and prosperity of our societies. We renew our commitment to the
search for a freer, more democratic and more humane world.
Within existing alliances, each of us is resolved to
maintain a strong and credible defense which threatens the security
of no one, protects freedom, deters aggression and maintains peace.
We shall continue to consult closely on all matters affecting
our common interest. We will not be separated from the principles
that guide us all.
Since we last met, new opportunities have opened for
progress in EastWest relations. We are encouraged by these developments.
They confirm the soundness of the policies we have each pursued
in our determination to achieve a freer and safer world.
We are following with close interest recent developments
in the internal and external policies of the Soviet Union. It
is our hope that they will prove to be of great significance for
the improvement of political, economic and security relations
between the countries of East and West. At the same time, profound
differences persist; each of us must remain vigilantly alert in
responding to all aspects of Soviet policy.
We reaffirm our commitment to peace and increased security
at lower levels of arms. We seek a comprehensive effort to lower
tensions and to achieve verifiable arms reductions. While reaffirming
the continuing importance of nuclear deterrence in preserving
peace, we note with satisfaction that dialogue on arms control
has intensified and that more favorable prospects have emerged
for the reduction of nuclear forces. We appreciate U.S. efforts
to negotiate balanced, substantial and verifiable reductions in
nuclear weapons. We emphasize our determination to enhance conventional
stability at a lower level of forces and achieve the total elimination
of chemical weapons. We believe that these goals should be actively
pursued and translated into concrete agreements. We urge the
Soviet Union to negotiate in a positive and constructive manner.
An effective resolution of these issues is an essential requirement
for real and enduring stability in the world.
We will be paying close attention not only to Soviet
statements but also to Soviet actions on issues of common concern
to us. In particular:
We call for significant and lasting progress in human rights,
which is essential to building trust between our societies. Much
still remains to be done to meet the principles agreed and commitments
undertaken in the Helsinki Final Act and confirmed since;
We look for an early and peaceful resolution of regional
conflicts, and especially for a rapid and total withdrawal of
Soviet forces from Afghanistan so that the people of Afghanistan
may freely determine their own future; and
We encourage greater contacts, freer interchange of ideas
and more extensive dialogue between our people and the people
of the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.
Thus, we each seek to stabilize military competition
between East and West at lower levels of arms; to encourage stable
political solutions to regional conflicts; to secure lasting improvements
in human rights; and to build contacts, confidence and trust between
governments and peoples in a more humane world. Progress across
the board is necessary to establish a durable foundation for stable
and constructive relationships between the countries of East and
West.
Source: U.S., Department of State, Bulletin,
No. 2125 (August 1987): 3; Canada, Department of External Affairs,
Economic Summits, 1975-1987: Declarations (Ottawa,
198-): Tab 32, 1-2 [unpublished]; Embassy of Italy, Ottawa, Canada;
Canada, Department of External Affairs, Toronto Economic
Summit, June 19-21, 1988 (Ottawa, 1988), p. 52.
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