Lithuanians voted overwhelmingly in favor of joining the European Union in a national referendum that ended Sunday

Lithuanians voted overwhelmingly in favor of joining the European Union in a national referendum that ended Sunday, becoming the first ex-Soviet republic to approve membership in the expanding bloc. Fireworks exploded over the capital, Vilnius, and Lithuanians celebrated with champagne toasts. Lithuania's staunchly pro-EU leaders called the referendum a turning point in the history of the Baltic Sea country of 3.5 million, bounced for so many centuries between one regional power to another. With 1,969 of the country's 2,040 districts counted, or 97 percent, election officials said unofficial returns showed 91 percent voted in favor of joining, while 9 percent voted "no." More than 64 percent of the nation's 2.7 million registered voters cast ballots -- exceeding the required 50 percent minimum. A dramatic surge in voting Sunday eliminated fears that low turnout would invalidate the two-day referendum. Official results were expected later this week. "Who will be the winner today? Lithuania is the winner," Parliamentary Speaker Arturas Paulauskas declared, raising a glass of champagne.