Move for Independence Gains Momentum

Byelorussia, a republic on the Soviet Union’s far western border, declared independence Sunday. Meanwhile, the neighboring Baltic republics Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia gained international backing for their independence bids.

Byelorussia: It’s Parliament suspended the Byelorussian Communist Party and took control of its buildings and bank accounts. Byelorussia’s President Nikolai Dementei resigned after coming under pressure from opposition deputies who accused him of supporting the coup attempt. The Parliament is dominated by Communists who have until now made it one of the Soviet republics most loyal to Moscow.

Outlook: Moscow now faces losing control of a vast tract of land on its western flank. The Ukraine, Byelorussia’s southern neighbor, declared independence Saturday. Moldova, on the Romanian border, is likely to do so Tuesday. In addition to the Baltics, Georgia has also declared independence.

Backing for the Baltics

* United States: Defense Secretary Dick Cheney predicted that the United States will recognize the independence of the Baltic states in “a relatively short period of time.” Secretary of State James A. Baker III, said the three republics should be granted independence from the Soviet Union “sooner rather than later,” but declined to say whether official recognition might soon be extended. The United States never recognized the annexation of the Baltics but has not exchanged ambassadors with the republics, although they are represented in Washington.

* France: Foreign Minister Roland Dumas said France was prepared to establish diplomatic relations with the Baltic republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, but would favor doing so jointly with other members of the 12-nation European Community. The EC will meet this week to debate whether to recognize Baltic independence.

* Germany: German Foreign Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher invited Baltic officials to come to Bonn as early as Tuesday to discuss diplomatic recognition if they gain independence.

* Britain: Prime Minster John Major said Foreign Office Minister Douglas Hogg will travel to the Baltics for meetings with leaders in coming days.

* Norway and Denmark: Both said they were establishing formal ties with all three republics.

* Others: Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Belgium indicated they expected to recognize Baltic independence soon.