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Weekly Summary of News in Latvia CURRENT LATVIA 22 - 29 July 2005 |
FOREIGN POLICY EVENTS AND CHRONOLOGY
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20 - 15 July 2005 |
The Prime Minister, Aigars Kalvitis, met with top officials during an official visit to the Republic of Croatia. An official welcoming ceremony was held for the Latvian delegation on 22 July, in the capital Zagreb, presided over by Ivo Sanader, Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, following which the Prime Ministers held bilateral talks. During the meeting, Mr Kalvitis and Mr Sanader discussed several important issues including enlargement of the European Union and NATO, and the general situation in the region. The Prime Ministers discussed the possibility of opening embassies in Riga and Zagreb, preceded by the opening of the Honorary Consulate of Latvia in Zagreb by Mr Kalvitis this afternoon. The discussions also included reference to bilateral economic relations. During the meeting, both Prime Ministers signed a bilateral agreement on cooperation in the field of tourism, providing a legal instrument for the further development of tourism between Latvia and Croatia. The Prime Ministers discussed opportunities for closer cooperation between the Baltic States and the Adriatic Charter countries. Continuing his visit, the Prime Minister met with Stjepan Mesic, President of the Republic of Croatia, during which the main topics of discussion included regional cooperation and stability in the region. The President expressed interest in Latvian investment in Croatia in the tourism sector and industry generally. Mr Kalvitis went on to meet Vladimir Seks, President of the Parliament of the Republic of Croatia, and discussed previous cooperation at parliamentary level. The Prime Minister noted that in future it will be necessary to develop even closer cooperation between parliaments of both countries, a particularly important factor in Croatia's EU accession negotiations. Finally, in Zagreb, Mr Kalvitis officially opened the Honorary Consulate of Latvia. During the official visit, the Latvian Prime Minister also visited several regions of Croatia – Istria and Dalmatia. The Prime Minister of Latvia has invited the Prime Minister of Croatia to visit Latvia. The Cabinet of Ministers (22.07.2005) |
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IN BRIEF
Latvian President extends sympathy to Egypt
On 24 July, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga forwarded a letter of sympathy to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak following the recent terror acts in Egypt. In her letter, the president condemns any form or terrorism and death of peaceful civilians, and expresses solidarity in the struggle against terrorism. LETA (24.07.2005)
Latvia's Foreign Minister, Artis Pabriks, welcomes ratification of Baltic States Occupation Resolution adopted by US House of Representatives
The Foreign Minister, Artis Pabriks, welcomes the ratification of the resolution adopted by the US House of Representatives on 22 July 2005, which calls on Russia to acknowledge the occupation and annexation of the Baltic States by the USSR in 1940.
Mr Pabriks stressed that this resolution should be regarded as another tangible manifestation of the United States' firm stance regarding non-acknowledgement of the forcible incorporation of the Baltic states into the USSR, and also of the systematic work done by foreign policy makers in Latvia, other Baltic countries and Baltic organizations abroad in explaining the history of our countries throughout the world. The resolution has a symbolic character, being adopted on the 65th anniversary of a historically significant declaration passed by US Under-Secretary of State, Sumner Welles, which defined US policy on the Baltic issue and ensured the continuity of Baltic States' diplomatic representations in Washington. The Embassy of Latvia in Washington was the only Latvian embassy abroad which continued its work during the whole period of Latvia's occupation. Also remarkable is the week in which the resolution was passed: it was discussed and adopted on the third week of July, proclaimed in the United States as Captive Nations Week. The Foreign Minister considers that the resolution supports the efforts of many representatives of Latvian and international society to promote a historically based understanding of the painful history of the 20th century in Russia and other countries. Taking into consideration modern-day challenges, Latvia must at the same time resolve questions of practical co-operation with Russia on issues of mutual interest to both countries. Mr Pabriks expressed gratitude to John Shimkus, Head of the US-Baltic parliamentary co-operation group in the US Congress, and to other congressmen who had initiated adoption of the resolution. The full text of the resolution is available on the internet: www.congress.gov. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (25.07.2005)
On 25 July 2005, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Artis Pabriks, met with the Ambassador of Ukraine, Myron Yankiv. Among matters discussed at the meeting were bilateral relations, Latvia's role in the process of Ukraine's Euro-integration, with particular attention to possibilities for bilateral economic co-operation. Ambassador Yankiv informed Minister Pabriks on developments in Ukrainian domestic policy, emphasized the business potential of Ukrainian entrepreneurs, and spoke of a number of prospective projects with Latvia. Minister Pabriks expressed his support to Ukraine in its process of reforms and expected accession to the World Trade Organisation. The officials also discussed matters pertaining to honorary consuls in Latvia and Ukraine, paying special attention to the significance of Latvia's Honorary Consulate in Lvov in promoting further relations with Ukraine's Western regions. At the close of the meeting, the Minister expressed his appreciation of the co-operation with the Ambassador and discussed his impending visit to Ukraine in autumn. Mr Pabriks wished Myron Yankiv success in his future work. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (25.07.2005)
Latvia's Foreign Minister, Artis Pabriks, meets with UK Ambassador to OSCE, Colin Munro On 29 July 2005, the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Artis Pabriks, met with the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Colin Munro. The ambassador voiced his appreciation to Minister Pabriks for the successful work of Latvia's representation to the OSCE in voicing and defending Latvia's position. The minister informed the ambassador about Latvia's achievements in the integration of society. The minister stressed that the activity of people in learning the Latvian language and obtaining the Latvian citizenship shows a true wish to integrate into the Latvian society. Latvia has ensured all the relevant conditions for this, noted Mr Pabriks. The UK ambassador to the OSCE attested that the naturalization and societal integration was running successfully in Latvia and considered that this policy should be continued. The ambassador briefed the foreign minister on the process of OSCE reform. The UK diplomat noted that a constructive approach of the member states was important for a successful implementation of the reform. In this regard, Colin Munro mentioned Russia's role in that process. The minister expressed the belief that a closer co-operation between the European Union member states would allow dealing with problematic security and regional issues more effectively. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (29.07.2005) Integration, not assimilation, occurring in Latvia, says UK Ambassador to OSCE
On 29 July Ainars Latkovskis, the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration, and Head of the Secretariat, Kristine Vagnere, met with Colin Munro, Head of the UK Delegation to the OSCE and British Ambassador to Latvia, Ian Bond. Mr Munro expressed interest in the achievements by the Secretariat in furthering tolerance in society, the naturalization process, cooperation with national minorities'organisations and the situation regarding radical organisations
Mr Latkovskis was pleased to inform the meeting about the Secretariat's achievements in cooperation with national minorities' organizations and furthering tolerance in society, while emphasising the need for closer cooperation between organisations such as security forces in the work against racism and intolerance in Latvia. Mr Munro said he was pleasantly surprised that a process of integration, not assimilation was occurring in Latvia, and also at the achievements in promoting tolerance and cooperating with foreign organisations. The Minister invited the UK Ambassador to visit Rezekne, to see at first hand the integration process in that city and to continue the successful cooperation with the UK Embassy on integration matters in Latvia.
Secretariat of the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration (29.07.2005) Recent events in Belarus evidence of government pressure on Polish national minority Recent events in Belarus provide evidence of government pressure against members of the Polish national minority living in that country, according to the association "Open Belarus" and the Latvian Transatlantic Association (LATO). This was clearly demonstrated in the attack by government forces on Belarusian Polish Association headquarters in Grodno city and the mass arrest of persons in that building. Further evidence is the government's refusal to allow use of Belarus airspace to a plane carrying a Polish delegation en route to Russia to unveil a memorial to victims of the Second World War. The refusal to allow use of its airspace by a civilian aircraft, and the brutal use of force against members of the Belarusian Polish Association, are proof of intolerance being cultivated by the regime against representatives of national minorities, and clear breaches of generally accepted human rights and democratic norms. The events are cause for serious concern and raise questions as to who will be the next ethnic minority to be branded an enemy by the Lukashenko regime, as part of a program to retain power by the manipulation of Belorusian society. Latvia cannot remain indifferent to this situation, and Latvian politicians both locally and in Brussels should express support to Poland and defenders of human rights and democratic values in Belarus. LATO (29.07.2005)
Latvia's Foreign Minister, Artis Pabriks, meets with the Ambassador of Ukraine, Myron Yankiv
On 27 June 2005 in the hotel Bergs in Riga, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Artis Pabriks, held a reception for participants of the International Public Administration Summer School.
Latvia's Foreign Minister, Artis Pabriks, holds reception for participants of International Public Administration Summer School
In his address to the audience, the minister emphasized the significance of the study course offered as part of this summer school, as it would increase the knowledge of the employees working in the sector of public administration in Latvia and elsewhere and would encourage communication among such employees from different countries. Mr Pabriks expressed satisfaction that the first International Public Administration Summer School was being held in Latvia.
On the current developments in Latvia's foreign policy, the minister noted that Latvia must make use of all of the EU instruments, including those available in the financial sector, to promote welfare and development of economy and the state on the whole. Mr Pabriks considered it important that the experience that Latvia had accumulated by integrating into the European Union and carrying out comprehensive state and economic reforms be passed on to the neighbouring countries that currently undergo such reforms.
The International Public Administration Summer School has been organized by the State Chancery, The Latvian School of Public Administration, Vidzeme University College, Stockholm School of Economics in Riga with the support of the United States Embassy, the British Council, the UN Development Programme and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Summer School takes place from July 25 to July 29 in Sigulda, with employees of public administration institutions from Latvia and foreign countries participating. The studies in Summer School 2005 are devoted to the strategic management of budget and are targeted at building the public administration opinion in the region and encouraging co-operation among the practitioners of public administration work.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (28.07.2005)
| First International Summer Public Administration School held in Sigulda |
On July 25-29, the First International Summer Public Administration School took place in Sigulda. It was organized by the State Chancellery, School of Public Administration, Vidzeme University College, and Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, with the support of the United States Embassy, British Council, Soros Foundation, Local Government Institute, SIGMA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and United Nations Development Programme.
80 representatives of public administration institutions participated in the event – 30 from Latvia and 50 from Estonia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey.
The aim of the Summer School is to improve the performance of public administration in budget planning, deepen the understanding of public management, and promote cooperation among public administration officials in the region.
The main topic of this year's Summer School was strategic budgeting. The course addressed questions concerning result-oriented budget planning, instruments for ensuring efficient planning and management of policy programmes, indicators for assessing budgeting performance, human resources and institutional issues in budgeting, as well as the role of ethics of public administration in building strategic budgeting capacity.
Programme of the First International Summer Public Administration School
The Cabinet of Ministers (22.07.2005)
More than 97,000 persons obtain citizenship by naturalization
On 26 July 2005 The Latvian Cabinet of Ministers naturalized 613 applicants for Latvian citizenship, including 41 children. Of 572 applicants, 71% were Russian, 8% - Ukrainian, 11% - Belarusian, and the remainder from Lithuania, Poland and other nationalities. 15% of applicants had at least primary level education, 59% secondary, and 23% - tertiary education.
Since 1995, 97,212 persons have gained Latvian citizenship by means of naturalization. In 1995, 984 persons were naturalized; 1996 - 3016; 1997 - 2992; 1998- 4439; 1999- 12 427; 2000 - 14 900; 2001 - 10 637, 2002 - 9 844; 2003 - 10 049; 2004 -16 064; 2005 -11 860.
BNS (26.07.2005)
Asylum seekers in Latvia to get work permits
The Ministry for Welfare plans to introduce changes to regulations concerning work permits for foreigners to enable the granting of Work permits to asylum seekers, pending a decision on their status as refugees or "alternative".
Previously work permits were only issued to refugees and other persons who have been accorded "alternative" status.
The changes to the Regulations will bring them into line with standards contained in EU Council directive 2003/9/EK, which prescribes minimum standards for reception of asylum seekers, and will avoid previous inconsistencies encountered in the application of the regulations.
In future foreign persons who are students at accredited Latvian tertiary education institutions, or who are full-time students, may be granted work permits for situations when their Employment Contract does not exceed 20 hours work per week.
It is planned to repeal the Regulation requiring EU Family Members to obtain work permits, since that requirement does not apply to citizens of the EU or the European Economic Zone (EEZ).
For more information on Social Security matters in the EU see the Social insurance section of the Ministry of Welfare website: http://www.lm.gov.lv/?sadala=307.
Note: According to Citizenship and Immigration data, since 1998, 141 persons have sought asylum in Latvia, of which 9 have been granted "alternative" status.
Ministry of Welfare (28.07.2005)
Information on eased travel to Thailand for Latvian citizens
The government of the Kingdom of Thailand has passed a decision which stipulates that as of 21 July 2005, the citizens of Latvia can receive a visa on the border upon their entry into Thailand as tourists. The period of stay of Latvian tourists in Thailand must not exceed 15 days.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (29.07.2005)
New entry procedure in Bosnia and Herzegovina for Latvian citizens
According to the information provided by the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Stockholm and pursuant to the decision passed by the State Council of Ministers, as of 21 July 2005, the citizens of Latvia are allowed to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina or cross its territory without a visa. Latvian citizens may stay in this Balkan country without a visa for up to 90 days within a period of six months.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (29.07.2005)
DEFENCE
German Airforce F-4F Phantom II fighter lands at Riga airport
Since 30 June this year, NATO airspace above the Baltic States has been patrolled by F-4F Phantom II fighters from the German Air Force.
On 29 July, two of the planes landed at Riga International Airport to evaluate alternative emergency landing procedures and familiarise ground staff specialists with essential procedures in such landings.
On 23 March this year, F – 16 fighters from the Royal Norwegian Airforce landed at Riga on a similar mission.
Ministry of Defence (27.07.2005)
ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS
Closer cooperation between Latvia and Ireland on employment
Meeting with Irish employment experts, Baiba Pashevica, State Secretary of the Ministry of Welfare, said a Cooperation Agreement signed yesterday was a significant step enabling Latvia to benefit from Ireland's experience in gaining access to EU structural funds` and improving its employment situation.
On 25 July Ms Pashevica met with Patricia Curtin, Assistant Director-General of the Irish Training and Employment Authority and Kevin Quinn, Manager of the EURES employment network.
The agreement between Ireland's Training and Employment Authority and the Latvian State Employment Agency (NVA), will promote the exchange of experience in increasing employment and reducing unemployment, assist research and forecasting within the job market, assist the accessing of EU Structural Funds (ESF), and provide advise to Latvians travelling to Ireland in search of work, and the integration of. EURES into Latvia's national employment network.
During the meeting Ms Pashevica emphasised that cooperation with the Irish Training and Employment Authority is essential, as around 20,000 Latvians are travelling to Ireland seeking employment. It is therefore important before setting out, that they are informed of their employment rights, Ireland's employment laws, and their own potential in the employment market.
Ms Curtin pointed out that Ireland's employers must recognise that both Irish and Latvian employees now have identical employment rights.
To that end, in discussing future cooperation, NVA director Ringolds Beinarovics suggested setting up a telephone hotline, on which Latvians living in Ireland could get advice in the Latvian language on employment–related matters.
The meeting also discussed the role of the ESF in successfully resolving employment issues, and as Patricia Curtin said: "The ESF really can change your life". Baiba Pashevica and Ringolds Beinarovics acquainted the Irish experts with Latvia's ambitions in social development, while the Irish representatives described their country's social and economic development since becoming a member of the EU.
Ministry of Welfare (26.07.2005)
Management Committee and Work Groups formed to introduce Euro currency in Latvia
At the instigation of the Cabinet of Ministers, a Management Committee has been established in Latvia to coordinate the introduction of Euro currency into Latvia. Five Work Groups have also been established to resolve specific issues associated with the introduction of the unified European currency. The Management Committee is to present its action plan for the currency's introduction to the Cabinet of Ministersby 1 November this year.
The Management Committee will be led by State Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Valentina Andrejeva, and it will include representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Finance and Capital Markets Commission, the Ministry of Economics, Ministry of Justice and the State Chancellery.
The main assignment of the Management Committee is to develop a strategy and action plan to ensure the efficient introduction of the Euro into Latvia, and to coordinate and manage all necessary activities to that end. The Management Committee will report regularly on progress to the Cabinet of Ministers.
Ministry of Finances (21.07.2005)
Publicity campaign for Baltic tourism portal
An advertising campaign to publicise the availability of accommodation and the Latvian national tourism portal http://latviatourism.lv/ has been instigated in all three Baltic States by the State Tourism Development Agency (TAVA).
The campaign features advertising banners placed in portals"www.delfi.lv", "www.delfi.ee" un "www.delfi.lt". An animated banner has been placed in the "www.delfi.lv" portal featuring the TAVA logo and the question "Where shall we sleep tonight?". The other portals feature a TAVA logo and the words "Available accommodation in Latvia".
The average number of visitors to the http://latviatourism.lv/ website has quadrupled since the start of the campaign, according to TAVA sources.
The Latvian tourism portal provides a wide variety of information in seven languages on tourist news and attractions offered in Latvia. The Portal also features a system advising potential tourists of available accommodation in all of Latvia
Lithuania and Estonia are valuable to Latvia in terms of the local tourism industry. In 2004, over 912,000 travellers from Lithuania, and 839,000 from Estonia, visited Latvia.
LETA (25.07.2005)
LATEST STATISTICS
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Travellers survey data. The results of the survey show that 37% of the Latvian residents had travelled for recreational purposes (to their relatives, to summerhouses, for recreation in open air), crossing the border of a city/town or the administrative district. The most popular were one-day trips without staying overnight. 31% of the total number of active travellers had made such trips and in these trips the residents spent on average 8.2 lats per one trip. 10.9% of the population preferred brief recreational trips (1-3 visitor nights) spending on average 10.9 lats per one trip. Only 1% of the actively travelling population made long recreational trips around Latvia (4 and more visitor nights) spending on average 23.7 lats per trip. Women constituted the majority of the recreational travellers (52.3%). The most typical age of the travellers was from 15 to 24 years. Central Statistical Board (26.07.2005) |
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Indicators of port and airport activities. 28.4m tons of cargo were loaded at Latvian ports in the first half of 2005, up 1.5% on the first half of 2004. The volume of crude oil loaded decreased markedly. In the first half of 2005, 0.3m tons of crude oil were transported from Latvian ports, 5.5 times less than in the first half of 2004. Passenger turnover at the airport "Rīga" is growing rapidly. There were 810.6 thsd passenger arrivals at and departures from the airport in the 1st half of 2005, an increase of 1.9 times compared to January-June 2004 Central Statistical Board (27.07.2005) |
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SOCIETY, CULTURE AND SPORTS
Latvia's Foreign Minister welcomes participants of World Harmony Run
Welcoming address by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Artis Pabriks, to the participants of the World Harmony Run on 29 July 2005: "Dear participants of the World Harmony Run, I welcome you sincerely in Riga, the capital city of Latvia! The World Harmony Run has a deep symbolic meaning, as it shows clearly that the friendship among people and nations does not recognize any continental or state borders. The entire world, be it Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa or America, is our common home. With a burning torch in your hands, you receive and then hand over a piece of your heart warmth to others. The Harmony Run tears down the fences that are sometimes built by prejudice and lack of knowledge about the people living in other countries, and builds understanding and trust. I admire your vigour, courage and unselfishness in bringing the message of solidarity and friendship to the world! May success, strength and stamina be with you during this long way! May the roads of our land Latvia give strength to your feet and may the people you meet here keep your spirit up!" The World Harmony Run is a global torch relay, which seeks to promote international friendship. From 29 to 30 July 2005, the participants of the World Harmony Run were running through Riga. In the informative materials on the World Harmony Run, it is described as a global torch relay, which seeks "to promote international friendship and to strengthen a sense of international oneness". The total length of the run constitutes 40 thousand kilometres. The run started on March 2 in Lisbon and will finish on October 28 in Budapest. The team of the international run will carry the torch across 45 European countries, covering a distance of 24 thousand kilometres. The run has been organized by Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team - the world's biggest organizer of ultra marathons. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (29.07.2005) BNS (29.07.2005) Latvian Occupation Museum to receive 33,000 euros for video project The Latvian Occupation Museum has received a letter from the European Commission Educational and Culture General-Directorate promising financial support of around 33,000 euros for its project "The collection of video evidence from persons who have suffered deportation". On 18 December 2004, the European Commission Educational and Culture Organisation General Directorate advertised an annual competition offering financial support to develop projects for the preservation of significant sites and archived records associated with deportations. By 28 February two projects had been received from Latvia – one each from the Latvian Occupation Museum and from Cesis Municipal Council. The main aim of the Museum Project is cooperation with Latvian municipal councils to ascertain those persons in various Latvian districts who suffered deportation, to establish a collection of interview materials, to analyse those materials and placement of that video evidence archive on the Occupation Museum website. The project will conclude with a conference entitled "Video evidence in history, society, education, art and museums", at which Project results will be presented, together with methodology developed for utilisation of such evidence in various roles. For the duration of the Project, interested persons will be able to follow Project activities in a newly created section of the Occupation Museum website: "Video recordings bear witness ..." in both Latvian and English. Video evidence collected during the project will be available as part of other Museum exhibits shown regularly elsewhere in Europe. The aim of the Project is to further develop and deepen the understanding of Europe's complex history by preserving word-of –mouth historical evidence as a valuable resource for future historical research, and to secure the opportunity for future generations to understand, with the help of sound and image, the experiences of deported persons. However, the aim of the Cesis Municipal Council Project "Remembering the lost stories of the Deportation" is to establish a data base to include information about repressed persons deported in 1940-41 and who still live in Latvia and Russia, as well as to explain to modern society the events of that "Terrible Year", creating discussion about that period in history and involving young persons, repressed persons, and their relatives. It is planned to include future projects on deportation and its victims as a separate category in the new EU programme "Culture 2007". Ministry of Culture (28.07.2005) Latvian cities participate in European Mobility Week From 16-22 September, European cities will have the opportunity of participating in the fourth European Mobility Week (EMW). This year's theme will be "In town, without my car!", which will invite cities to support sustainable modes of transport to work and school which will decrease traffic congestion and atmospheric pollution. 850 cities and towns in 40 countries took part in the 2004 event. Originally a European initiative, the idea of a "Mobility Week" has attracted world-wide interest, and various EMW activities are now featured in South America and Asia as part of specific days set aside for travelling without cars. On 16 September, EU Commissioner for Environment Stavros Dimas will open this year's campaign as part of the conference in London: "Urban Europe 2025 – sustainable mobility and clean air. Achievable vision!". Experts and decision makers from all over the world will meet to try and resolve the problems of mobility within the world's cities. Additional information: European Mobility Week website: www.mobilityweek-europe.org European Information point: EUROCITIES – Mobility Forum – ACCESS (27.07.2005) Latvians participate in European Youth Parliament On the 22 – 31 July this year, 5 young people from Latvia took part in the 49th International European Youth Parliament (EYP) held in Basel as part of the SIS '905 project. Delegates in 15 Committees discussed current issues in politics, ecology, culture and others, not just within the EU but in the context of all Europe. A total of 250 young people from 30 countries took part in the various EYP activities over 9 days. During the Parliamentary sessions, delegates in committees developed resolutions on their committee themes. The final two days saw the resolutions discussed in a General Assembly modelled on the UN General Assembly. The official Parliamentary Session languages are English and French. Delegates representing Latvia were Arturs Lokastovs (Judicial Committee – Future Swiss-EU relations), Lelde Benke (Rural Development Committee - problems and solutions in connection with hunger and malnutrition) and Linda Zeilina (Employment and Social Affairs Committee - Problems in Multicultural Society). Also participating from Latvia were Chairperson of the Latvian Health, Environmental and Food Safety Committee Dace Neimane, and Session Journalist Ance Kaleja. The Latvian delegation extends its deep gratitude to the Embassy of Switzerland for their financial support to the Latvian Youth Delegation at the Conference. For further information see the SIS '905 Project website: www.basel05.ch TELLUS, BNS (25.07.2005) Djoser Pyramid restoration project to be developed by Latvian scientists The Egyptian High Council of Culture has entrusted part of a project to restore the world's oldest stone structure - the Djoser Pyramid in the Sahara - to a group of Latvian scientists led by architect Bruno Deslandes. The Latvian scientists have just returned from an expedition to Egypt, where, using 3-dimensional scanning techniques, they measured sectors of the Pyramid severely damaged by the 1992 earthquake. The Cairo agreement not only permits scientists to take measurements, but to develop a restoration project. During the one-year term of the agreement, training will also be provided to Egyptian cultural heritage specialists. Measurements will also be undertaken of other pyramids, possibly in Luxor or Alexandria. This is the most significant research so far undertaken by the Latvian scientific expedition, which has also participated in research on other Pharaonic monuments such as that at Karnak. BNS (22.07.2005) Second annual creative holiday camp held for Liv children On the afternoon of 29 July at the second annual creative holiday camp "Mierlinkizt" ("Sea Birds") for Liv children and young people will begin at Mazirbe. 50 participants will arrive including Liv language teachers, Liv tradition experts, and other assistants. The camp is organised by the Secretariat of the Minister for Special Assignments and Social Integration in association with the LIV Association "Livod It", and will open on29 July and close during the Liv festival on 6 August. Each day at the camp will be dedicated to a different theme including Liv history, language and art. The programme of the camp includes such cultural educational sections as, Liv language teaching, basic understanding of Liv musical heritage, Liv folklore and traditions, basic understanding of Liv culture and history, and practical and creative activities based on the further understanding of Liv cultural historical heritage. Camp participants will also engage in various sporting activities near the sea and other "natural" locations, and will learn about ecological thinking and environmentally beneficial activities. A small theatrical presentation will be staged or the Liv festival at Mazirbe on 6 August under the direction of Lenvija Sile. Secretariat of the Minister for Special Assignments and Social Integration (27.07.2005) Vilnius Latvian Association organises celebration "We gather together" On 23 July, the Vilnius Latvian Association organised a celebration "We gather together". The event, supported by the Latvian embassy, featured a concert by Latvian musicians, followed by a performance from a Lithuanian group. Gunta Rone, director of the Vilnius Latvian Association, was presented with a silver medal inscribed "For Merit" by Antanas Petrauskas, director of the Lithuanian Government National Minorities Department Edmundas Zalbis, director of the Vilnius municipal department of Art and Culture, presented Vilnius Mayor Arturas Zuokas with a certificate of appreciation for his efforts in strengthening Latvian-Lithuanian relations. A representative from the Latvian embassy/consulate presented a letter of gratitude on behalf of the embassy to Mr Zuokas for his efforts in this regard. Latvian Embassy in Vilnius (25.07.2005)
Sand Sculpture Festival in St Petersburg features Latvian artists for the first time
On 21 July, the 4th International Sand Sculpture Festival ended in St Petersburg. 16 teams from Austria, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Latvia, Holland, Russia, and Finland took part in the festival.
The Competition Jury of was headed by Juhani Lillberg, President of the International Ice & Snow Sculpture Association, from Finland. The jury consisted of consuls-general of European countries accredited in St Petersburg.
In accordance with terms and conditions of the competition, participants had four days in which to make a sculpture on the theme "Revolution. The competition was opened by a French artists' sculpture dedicated to the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille. Latvia was represented by brothers Krists and Uldis Zarins, who took fifth place in the final tally. The winners were a team from the Czech Republic. The festival was closed by presentation of a burning sculpture "The Burning Heart of the Revolution" by Lithuanian artists – Gediminas and Marius Piekuras.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (22.07.2005)
"Putnu balle" successful in Sweden
Pop musicians Valters and Kazha together with the group "Putnu balle" have won second place at the "Baltic Song Contest" in Karlshamn, Sweden. First place went to Rob Reynolds from Great Britain.
The Latvian representatives performed Martins Freimanis' songs "The War Is Not Over" and "It's Just A Joke" to take second place and the audience-favourite award.
In 1998, the Latvian band ("Prata vetra") ("Brainstorm") took out the main prize, in 2000 Gunars Kalnins won the contest, and in 2003 the trio F. L. Y. took second place.
LETA (27.07.2005)
"Summertime" Music Festival to be held
Between 15-21 August the Dzintaru concert hall will be home to the first international music festival "Summertime" initiated by well-known opera singer Inesse Galante. Several concerts will be heard in the Festival, and will feature local, internationally recognised and even legendary performers, from a variety of musical styles. Participating in many of the concerts herself, Ms Galante will be a common link for much of the concert programme.
The festival will end with a Gala concert featuring most of the festival soloists, the Latvian Symphony Orchestra and conductor Genadi Rozhdestvensky. Part of the proceeds of the Festival will be donated to charity
It is planned to hold the festival annually each summer. The Festival programme may be seen at the Hermanis Brauns website: http://www.hbf.lv/index.php?&588
BNS (26.07.2005)
Artistic Days' celebration for Roma youth
From 28-31 July, in Sabile, the traditional Sabile Wine festival featured Roma young people's Artistic Days "Puda racha". The Artistic Days included walks along Sabile's paths, a theatrical musical performance "Puda racha" and the singing of romantic Gypsy songs around a campfire.
The Artistic days are held with the support of the EU Programme "YOUTH". Their objective is to involve young Roma people in cultural activities, creating the opportunity for every young person to take part in the preservation, development and popularisation of Roma cultural and social traditions. The event is organised by the Sabile Roma Youth Group "Taboras Romance".
BNS (26.07.2005)
First Bread museum opens in Latvia
The Aglona Bread Museum was officially opened by the Minister of Agriculture, Martins Roze, on 28 July. In his opening address, the Minister emphasised the enormous role played by Latvian tradition in our country's national development. The Museum was established with support from the Latvian ministry of Agriculture and its Rural Support Department. He went on to say that in reality the Bread Museum was not just a place in which to become acquainted with this traditional Latvian activity, by means of exhibits featuring traditions of various times, but that it also had a symbolic purpose. The Minister said that bread had always been a symbol of plenty and agricultural success, from ancient times to the present.
The Minister emphasised that he had noticed that Latvian diplomats overseas, as well as foreign friends and cooperation partners invariably ask Latvian traditional dark bread to be brought as their preferred Latvian product: "Latvians overseas, and our foreign friends, have always prized the taste and aroma of fresh Latvian traditional bread. This means that we have not lost the magical bread-baking tradition so characteristic of the Latvian home", he said. "Of course, nowadays bread manufacture has become industrialized and occurs in factories, but the establishment of this Museum in Aglona proves that we have not lost the spirit of our forefathers which has made our bread such a specific and symbolic Latvian product", said the Minister.
In May of this year Mr Roze proclaimed rye bread as Latvian Product of the Year, and museum opening in Aglona is a special Latvian response by bakers to that proclamation
Museum visitors will be able to familiarize themselves at first hand with the baking process, and may sample it while being told how bread was baked in ancient times. They will be able to grind grain in a hand mill and with mortar and pestle.
Tourists and young people are especially invited to discover the bread creation process at the museum, and will be able to watch through glass walls as bread is actually baked by the SIA "Aglonas maize" ("Aglonas Bread") bakery. Among exhibits at the museum are old bread bins, mill-stones and flour measuring devices. By autumn it is expected that a special oven will be built where museum visitors can bake bread loaves with their own hands, and a museum square will be dedicated to exhibiting historical rural implements such as scythes, barrels and grain wagons.
Ministry of Agriculture, LETA (28.07.2005)
Lithuanian crew triumphant in Valmiera hot air balloon festival
The seventh hot-air balloon festival "LMT Kauss 2005" ("LMT Cup 2005") ended this week with a triumphant win for the Lithuanian pilot team.
With five successful flights and a score of 10769 points, multiple Lithuanian champion and successful participant in the European and World Championships, Rimas Kostiuskevich retained first place. Second place went to another outstanding Lithuanian pilot Gintauts Mockaitis (9271 points) – leaving compatriot Valerij Mahnorilov in third place (8714 points).
Thirty teams from four countries participated in the festival - Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia. 26 pilots took part with Latvia represented by seven teams.
Simultaneously with the battle for the "LMT Cup 2005", Latvian pilots competed for the Best Pilot title in the Latvian Masters Hot Air Ballooning competition, which was won by Latvian pilot Gunars Dukste, second place went to Kristine Vevere, and a creditable third place to Arta Slavinska.
BNS (25.07.2005)
Micro Class yachting world titles for Latvia
The world Micro Class yachting championship are to be held for the first time ever in Latvia. The Championships will take place on Usma Lake between 14 –20 August, with 50 yachts from 8 countries participating.
The decision by "Lattelekom to support the championships is appropriate, because there are many similarities between yachting and business" said Lattelekom board member Valdis Vancovics, "Firstly, what happens on deck is a team endeavour and the captain's responsibility. Secondly, in yachting, as in business, the team's response to a constantly changing environment and circumstances is the deciding factor. Thirdly, in both yachting and business the success of the dedicated participant helps development".
BNS (27.07.2005)
CALENDAR OF ARTS EVENTS
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4 – 6 August 2005 |
International Saxophone Festival "A Distinct Note", Staicele, 371 7228330, e-mail: Vilis.Kokamegi@tmc.gov.lv |
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From 6 August 2005 |
International exhibition "Glass Bead Games", Ventspils, Ventspils Museum, 371 3622031, e-mail: ventspils@ventspils.gov.lv |
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Until 7 August 2005 |
Exhibition by Peteris Martinsons "Poltava 1980/81", Riga, Porcelain Museum, 371 7503769, e-mail: porcelanamuzejs@latnet.lv |
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Until 7 August 2005 |
13th Gregorian Week, Araisi, 371 9392813, e-mail: rescendo@apollo.lv |
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Until 13 August 2005 |
Exposition of the 9th international exhibition of contemporary art "ART MOSCOW", Riga, Riga Gallery, 371 7225887, e-mail: rigas_galerija@apollo.lv |
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13 August 2005 |
2nd Latvian-Estonian Rock Festival "Borderrock", Valka, 371 47 07617 |
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July – August 2005 |
Old-Riga Bell Towers' Music, Riga, http://www.shady.lv/, 371 9148642, e-mail: shady@shady.lv |
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15 – 21 August 2005 |
International Festival "Summertime - Inese Galante Invites", Jurmala, Dzintari Concert Hall, 371 7147900, e-mail: pasts@jpd.gov.lv |
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15 – 31 August 2005 |
9th International Zvartava Multimedia Art Symposium Dialogue, Zvartava Manor, 371 7228497, e-mail: info@msav.lv |
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Until 28 August 2005 |
Solo exhibition by the painter Dace Liela, Riga, State Art Museum, 371 7324461; e-mail: vmm-pr@latnet.lv |
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16 August – 3 September 2005 |
8th Riga Sacral Music Festival, Riga, 371 7223839, e-mail: maris.o@inbox.lv |
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Until November 2005 |
Exhibition "Latvian State Decorations", Riga, Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, 371 7356671 |
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Until December 2005 |
Sculpture exposition by Ojars Feldbergs "Open Stone", Pirkkala, Finland, 371 7 622335, e-mail: pedvale@pedvale.lv |
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Year 2005 |
Information bulletin "Current Latvia" is a compilation of press releases and news reports drawn from the media and official sources. Not all of the views published reflect the official position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
