The maverick Baltic republic of Lithuania voted itself independent Sunday, defying Moscow to become the first to split from the Soviet Union.
The secessionist move - as Mikhail Gorbachev marked his fifth year in power - was not immediately recognized by Moscow. But Gorbachev has made it clear Moscow expects to be compensated $34 billion for expropriations during 50 years of Soviet rule.
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Lithuania's neighbors come to its aid
Apr. 27, 1990
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Food rationing could start Tuesday in Lithuania as the entire Baltic region buckles down to break the Soviet Union's economic war on the republic's independence movement.
Joining Lithuania's efforts to buck the Soviets: Estonia and Latvia, two republics Moscow forcibly annexed with Lithuania in 1940:
- Estonia ordered its railways Thursday to deliver oil supplies to Lithuania, despite the Soviet blockade.
- Latvia's parliament set next Thursday for a vote on its own declaration of independence, increasing tension in the region.
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Free-wheeling protest in Vilnius; Lithuania deal appears possible
Apr. 30, 1990
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VILNIUS, Lithuania - A face-saving compromise in Lithuania's quest for independence appears possible after weekend developments.
Encouraging signs:
- The Soviet cutbacks on vital oil and fuel shipments were reported to be easing Sunday.
- Lithuania's President Vytautas Landsbergis described the republic's March 11 call for independence as a declaration that "could be put aside for later discussion."
- Arkady Maslennikov, a spokesman for Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, said the Soviet leader no longer insists Lithuania's declaration of independence be rescinded.
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Troops sent to enforce Soviet draft
Jan. 8, 1991
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MOSCOW - Red Army paratroopers were ordered into the Baltics and four other secession-minded republics Monday to enforce the draft.
The Ministry of Defense sent troops into Armenia, Georgia, Moldavia, parts of the Ukraine and the Baltic republics of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia.
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Bush slams Soviets in Lithuania
Jan. 14, 1991
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VILNIUS, U.S.S.R. - The Soviet army Sunday imposed a curfew in the capital of Lithuania after troops killed 13 in a crackdown on the independence-minded Baltic republic.
Russian Republic President Boris Yeltsin flew to Tallinn, in neighboring Estonia, to join the presidents of the three Baltic republics in urging the United Nations to hold a conference on the Soviet crackdown. He urged Russian soldiers to ignore orders to attack civilians.
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Kremlin, Baltics may try 'dialogue'
Feb. 11, 1991
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MOSCOW - The Baltics were quiet Sunday, one day after a referendum in Lithuania overwhelmingly showed the republic's citizens are ready for full independence.
Despite earlier announcements, Soviet troops did not begin what was to be 10 days of exercises in the region.
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Lithuanians learning to smile again
Sept. 3, 1991
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VILNIUS, Lithuania - Rita Shmigelskaite watched aghast as Soviet tanks took away her country's freedom in 1940.
Now she is witnessing something she can hardly believe - Lithuania's rebirth.
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Soviets plan new union; Bush recognizes Baltics
Sept. 3, 1991
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MOSCOW - The avalanche of change in the Soviet Union started by the failed coup picked up momentum Monday with a proposal that, in effect, would dissolve the nation.
The plan - presented to the Congress of People's Deputies - also clears the way for independence for the three Baltic republics just as President Bush was extending formal U.S. diplomatic recognition.
