Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 4, 1990                   TAG: 9004040715
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A1   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: TALLINN, U.S.S.R.                                LENGTH: Short

GORBACHEV REBUKES ESTONIAN LEADER

Arnold Ruutel, president of Estonia's Supreme Soviet parliament, told official television that Gorbachev used strong words and was generally very angry during the conversation.

But he said that after he explained Estonia's position and that it would not back down from its desire for independence, the Soviet president calmed down, the television report said without elaboration.

Estonia said last week it would seek to re-establish independence at the end of a still-undefined transition period. But unlike their Baltic neighbors in Lithuania, the Estonians are taking a more careful line on secession and have called on U.S. secretary of state sees hope in Lithuania. A3 Moscow to start negotiations.

The Estonian parliament's deputy speaker, Marju Lauristin, one of the leaders of the People's Front political movement, said she was pleased with the conversation despite its beginning. "In spite of this first negative reaction, it is a contact and every contact is needed for negotiations," she said.

Lauristin said Gorbachev demanded from Ruutel a full report on the situation in Estonia. She said the report was being prepared.