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

DATE: THURSDAY, April 5, 1990                   TAG: 9004041200
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

HOUSE URGES TIES TO LITHUANIA

House members voted 416-3 to approve a resolution urging the president to reaffirm his commitment to an independent Lithuania and take steps to normalize diplomatic relations between Washington and the Baltic state.

The resolution, which carries no legal weight, is similar to one passed earlier by the Senate.

Meanwhile, 31 senators told Bush in a letter that U.S. warnings against the use of military force in Lithuania have been ineffective. The administration, the letter said, must spell out the consequences Moscow will face if more force is used.

The congressional appeals came as Secretary of State James Baker said there are indications the Soviets may be considering a referendum in Lithuania to determine the republic's future.

Lithuania was at the top of the agenda in Baker's meeting with visiting Soviet Foreign Minister Eduard Shevardnadze.