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Weekly Summary of News in Latvia CURRENT LATVIA 26 May - 2 June 2006 Wk. 22/2006 (662)

FOREIGN POLICY EVENTS AND CHRONOLOGY

27 – 28 May 2006	His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia visited Latvia on the invitation of the President of Latvia Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga. This was the first visit of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church to Latvia. During the meeting with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga the parties discussed current developments in the Orthodox churches of Russia and Latvia, concord between the two nations as well as relations between the countries. During the meeting the positive role of the Orthodox Church in Latvia was much appreciated. The Patriarch expressed satisfaction with the concord and mutual co-operation among the traditional confessions in Latvia. During the meeting the President addressed issues of  relations and co-operation between Latvia and Russia.  A ceremony of the exchange of decorations took place in Riga Castle: the President awarded the Patriarch the Three Star Order, and the President was awarded the Order of the St. Apostolic Grand Duchess Olga which was for the first time presented to a Head of State. This same Order was also awarded to the Chairperson of the Saeima, Ingrida Ūdre  In turn,   Prime Minister Aigars Kalvītis, was awarded the Order of Saint Orthodox Prince Daniel of Moscow. During the meeting with the Chairperson of the Saeima Ingrida Ūdre and the Prime Minister Aigars Kalvītis, issues concerning religious denominations in Latvia, the role of religion and church in the society, and the attitude of people towards the main religions including the Orthodox Church were discussed. The need to enhance the mutual Parliamentry contacts between Latvia and Russia was also discussed. President's Chancery (27.05.2006); The Saeima (29.05.2006); The Cabinet of Ministers (29.05.2006)
30 – 31 May 2006	The Prime Minister  of Upper Austria, Dr Josef Pühringer visited Latvia as part of his visit to the Baltic states. The purpose of the visit was to intensify the Latvian-Austrian bilateral relations and to discuss current issues of the European Union. President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga when meeting the Prime Minister of the Austrian federal state of Oberoesterreich Dr Josef Pühringer expressed appreciation of the Austrian Presidency of the EU which will end at the end of June. The parties also discussed the results of the EU, Latin American and Caribbean summit which recently took place in Vienna. Josef Pühringer expressed interest in further expansion of economic contacts including with the timber and energy industry. Also during the meeting with Dr Josef Pühringer the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Artis Pabriks, indicated that the potential for co-operation between Latvia and the Austrian Federal state is not being fully utilised and that the areas of tourism, economy and culture could be further developed. The Minister of Finance, Oskars Spurdziņš, told the delegation of Government representatives of Upper Austria (Oberösterreich) headed by PrimeMinister Josef Püringer, of the essential guidelines of Latvian fiscal policy, about macro-economic indicators and principles for drawing up the national budget, tax revenue and forecasts   as well as the use of structural fund and the Cohesion Fund resources  in Latvia. During the meetings the Austrian delegation expressed great interest in investment opportunities in Latvia. President's Chancery (30.05.2006); Ministry of Foreign Affairs (29.05.2006); Ministry of Finance (31.05.2006)
6 June 2006	Working visit by the Belgian Prime Minister, Guy Verhofstadt, to Latvia
7 – 8 June 2006	Participation of Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis in the Council of Baltic Sea States (CBSS) Prime Ministers' Summit in Reykjavik, the Republic of Iceland
9 June 2006	Participation of Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks in the conference "The Renewed Nordic Dimension: Instrument for Promoting Regional and Transborder Co-operation"  in Tallinn, Estonia.
18 – 20 June 2006	State visit to Latvia by the President of the Republic of Malta H.E. Dr. Edward Fenech – Adami
20 – 21 June 2006	Working visit to Latvia  by the Georgian Minister for European Affairs and Euro-Atlantic integration Giorgi Baramidzeto
20 – 22 June 2006	Visit to Latvia of the U.S. Jewish Committee delegation headed by David Harris
29 – 30 June 2006	Visit to Latvia of the President of the European Commission José Manuel Durãu Barroso

IN BRIEF

Chairperson of the Saeima attends conference of European Parliamentary Chairpersons.

From 30 to 31 May, the regular conference of European Parliamentary chairpersons took place in Tallinn,  and was also attended by the Chairperson of the Saeima, Ingrida Ūdre.

On the first day of the conference, discussions focussed on how to build bridges with the help of Parliamentary diplomacy, but on the second day participants talked about the role of Parliaments in promoting pluralistic democracy in their own countries and elsewhere.

Ingrida Ūdre also addressed the conference, emphasising that "the Latvian Parliament is very actively involved in working with the legislators of those countries which are interested in implementing similar reforms, strengthening democracy in their countries, strengthening safety, promoting economic development and addressing social issues." Ms Ūdre also emphasised that the Latvian Parliament is working closely with the Ukrainian, Moldovan, Georgian, Armenian and Azerbaijani Parliaments and many bilateral and multilateral projects are being implemented, whichever  best corresponds to the needs of the relevant country.

The conference was organised by the Parliament of Estonia together with the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE).

The Saeima (31.05.2006)

Foreign policy guidelines for 2006 -2010 approved

On 30 May, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the Latvian Foreign Policy Guidelines for 2006–2010 which outline a successive foreign policy direction for the next five years.

Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks considers that adoption of this document is politically very significant since after achieving the larger foreign policy goals – those of joining the European Union and NATO – the further tasks of the country's foreign policy makers have now become more specific and detailed. Minister Pabriks emphasized that the goal of the new foreign policy guidelines is to increase the country's international influence.

On the basis of this framework document, the Foreign Ministry will develop its implementation action plan which will be approved by all ministries and involved institutions. As of 2007, the Foreign Ministry will undertake an evaluation of the process of implementing the guidelines and report to the Cabinet of Ministers every second year.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (30.05.2006)

Informative report On Implementing Latvian External Communication Guidelines for 2004-2006 approved

On 30 May, the Cabinet of Ministers www.mk.gov.lv approved the informative report On Implementing Latvian External Communication Guidelines for 2004-2006 in which the Latvian Institute www.li.lv as the responsible organisation disseminates information on the implementation of tasks identified by guidelines and proposes further courses of action setting as a priority the development of the national brand programme.

The tasks of the programme will include promoting Latvia's international recognizability; co-ordinating activities of public and private sector institutions for improving Latvia's recognizability; raising the awareness and support of residents to development and popularization of the national brand programme.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (30.05.2006)

A draft informative report "Latvia's participation in the European Union – basic principles, goals, priorities and activities 2007 – 2013" was announced at the meeting of State Secretaries.

On 1 June at the meeting of State Secretaries a draft of the informative report by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "Latvia's participation in the European Union – basic principles, goals, priorities and activities 2007 – 2013" was announced. Its aim is to define priorities for Latvia's activities in the European Union and to promote a  full use of opportunities offered. The document sets out the tasks to be carried out by Latvia within the European Union  in order to promote the realisation of its national priorities. It also presents an explanation of EU instruments available to Latvia  in the relevant area and of which Latvia may take advantage.  The informative report provides a look at the division of competence, namely which issues are to be addressed at a national level and which within the EU.  Latvia's participation in the EU will be evaluated annually as an open and public process based on the guidelines of the aforesaid document.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (01.06.2006)

Foreign Minister expresses sympathy to people of Indonesia

Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks has expressed his deepest sympathy to the people of Indonesia by sending a letter of condolence to the Foreign Minister of Indonesia Dr. N. Hassan Wirajuda with regard to the earthquake in the city of Jogyakarta on 27 May 2006.

The Foreign Ministry, in conjunction with international organisations is currently working to choose the best option for rendering financial assistance to the Indonesian people to help liquidate the consequences of the earthquake.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (30.05.2006)

Latvian citizens do not need a visa to travel to Moldova

As from 27 May, Latvian citizens do not need a visa to stay in Moldova for up to 90 days during any half-year, or to pass through its territory in transit.

This is the response of the Moldovan government to a decision by the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers  to release Moldovan citizens from the state duty for document review when applying for a one-time short-term visa, a one-time visa, double visa and for a multiple transit visa.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (01.06.2006)

Latvian candidate elected to the World Health Organisation's Executive Board

On 26 May, the 59^th Session of the World Health Assembly approved the World Health Organisation's (WHO) 33 member Executive Board which included a candidate from Latvia, Dr. Viktors Jaksons.

Viktors Jaksons has been elected member of the Executive Board for a period of three years and his term will commence at the 118^th session of the Executive Board which will take place in Geneva from 29 May to 1 June. Dr. Jaksons was nominated to the Executive Board by the Ministry of Health and the European region. Dr. Viktors Jaksons has proved his capability for the position while working on the Standing Committee of the WHO's European office.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (26.05.2006)

Latvian Embassy in Sweden organises seminar on opportunities for female leaders in the EU

On 31 May, the Latvian Embassy and the Representation of the European Commission in Sweden organised a seminar "Female Leadership: How Equal Is the EU". The Latvian Minister of Education and Science Baiba Rivza has been invited to make a presentation on the topic "Why Is There a High Proportion of Female Executives in Latvia?". The presentation was followed by a panel discussion on the question of female leadership in Sweden.

According to Eurostat, Latvia has the largest number of female leaders – 44.3%; in Sweden the respective number is – 29.8%. For this reason the Representation of the European Union in Sweden has chosen Latvia as an example of successful co-operation.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (30.05.2006)

President of Ireland meets with representatives of Latvian community

On 26 May, at the residence of the Latvian Ambassador to Ireland, Indulis Abelis, the Irish President Mary McAleese met with representatives of the local Latvian community. In her address, the Irish President welcomed the Latvians and thanked them for their contribution to the development of Ireland and expressed a high appreciation of their knowledge and skills.

The Irish President then greeted all attendees and in friendly conversations learned the life stories of several families.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (29.05.2006)

 

Foreign diplomats familiarised with development projects in Riga

On 1 June 2006, heads of the diplomatic missions represented in Latvia will participate in an event organised by the State Protocol and Riga City Council in order to become familiarised with several new architectural and infrastructure projects such as the restored wooden buildings in Balasta dambis, the residential building "Gipsu fabrika", Zvejnieku Street and construction of apartment blocks in Dreilini.

The purpose of the event is to demonstrateto diplomats not so much the historical city of Riga which they have no doubt already "discovered" while staying in Latvia but to present Riga as a city of the future - constantly developing and open to co-operation.

This is now a traditional event organised biannually by the State Protocol in conjunction with Latvian municipalities. Of the forty-three foreign diplomatic missions accredited in Latvia, 27 diplomats will participate in this event. 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (010602006)

Moldovans wish to benefit from Latvian experience in European integration

From 29 May to 2 June, a Moldovan delegation from Chisinau visited Latvia. The  delegation consisted of representatives of 12 leading Non-governmental organisations, policy institutes,  Ministries and from the Parliament. The objective of the visit was to help the processes ongoing in Moldova by offering Latvian experience and expertise in issues related to European integration. During the week- long visit the Moldovans learned of the role of the non-governmental sector in the 'Europeanising' process, the effect of integration on State administration reforms, about changes in the legislative basis, and about aspects of organising the work of ministries.

The Moldovan delegation in Latvia was hosted by the Latvian Platform for Development of Co-operation (LPDC) and the Soros Foundation – Latvia.

LETA (29.05.2006)

Latvia will work with Georgia in areas strengthening civil society

From 29 May to 2 June, the Minister of Special Assignments for Social Integration, Karina Pētersone, and a delegation of the Secretariat  visited Tbilisi, Georgia. During the visit a memorandum of co-operation was signed with the Georgian Minister for Social Integration Zinaidia Bestaeva. The Memorandum provides for exchange of information and experience in issues of social integration and development of civil society.  The delegation met with the Georgian Minister of Education and Science, representatives of the Georgian Parliament and with Latvians living in Georgia.

Secretariat of the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration (02.06.2006)

European Union and Russia sign agreements on visa facilitation and readmission

On 25 May, an EU-Russia summit was held in Sochi. During the meeting agreements between the European Union and the Russian Federation on visa facilitation and re-admission were signed. Both agreements will take effect after ratification by the Russian parliament and approval by the EU Council of Ministers. This process is scheduled for completion by the end of this year.

Latvia positively evaluates the signing of both agreements. Of the issues on the agenda that will most impact Latvia, the EU mentioned the Latvian-Russian border agreement with an invitation to Russia to sign it.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (26.05.2006) 

DEFENCE ISSUES 

Latvian Embassy in Sweden and Swedish Institute of International Affairs organize conference NATO - Baltic, European and Global

On 1 June, the Latvian Embassy in Sweden, in its capacity as a NATO contact embassy and, in conjunction with the Swedish Institute of International Affairs organized an international conference: NATO - Baltic, European and Global. Discussions at the conference covered NATO development and the organisation's current significant issues, including matters to do with preparations for the forthcoming NATO Summit in Riga.

After the conference, the Embassy and the Latvian Defence Ministry hosted a reception during which commemorative medals were presented by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Edgars Rinkevics, to ten Swedish officials – the Minister of Defence, the Parliament Speaker, the Ambassador to Latvia, and former Defence Attachés to Latvia, who have assisted Latvia in achieving NATO membership standards.

During the conference E.Rinkēvičs met with the State Secretary of the Swedish Ministry of Defence Jonas Hjelm as well with representatives of the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss bilateral co-operation in the field of defence, as well as NATO – European Union co-operation opportunities.

The Latvian Embassy in Sweden has been assigned the status of NATO contact embassy until 1 September 2006.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (01.06.2006) 

Ministry of Defence (31.05.2006) (01.06.2006)  

Mission of borderguards in Moldova and the Ukraine is extended

On 30 May the Cabinet of Ministers extended the participation of three Latvian border guards in the European Union border assistance mission in the Republic of Moldova and the Ukraine to 31 December 2006.

Pursuant to the Order of the Cabinet of Ministers of 29 November 2005, five Latvian border guards were sent to take part in this mission. The anticipated duration of the original mission was up to six months or until 21 May 2006.

Ministry of Interior (30.05.2006)

Latvian police officer to take part in the European Union planning team in Kosovo

On 30 May the Cabinet of Ministers approved the participation of the inspector of the 3rd branch of Pre-trial investigation administration of the Main Criminal Police Administration of the State Police Captain Laila Vaivode, in the European Union planning team (EUPT) in Kosovo. The policewoman will be part of EUPT from 1 June  to 31 December 2006, performing the duties of a Police expert in criminal investigation issues.

The task of the EUPT is to prepare for possible involvement of the European Union in Kosovo in order to ensure a successful transition from individual tasks of the UN mission in Kosovo to a possible EU civil mission.

Ministry of Interior (30.05.2006)

Latvian Defence Attaché awarded the Order of the French Republic "For Merits"

On 2 June, at the Latvian Ministry of Defence the Latvian Defence Attaché to France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Spain, Lieutenant-Colonel Raimonds Nitišs was awarded the Order of the French Republic "For Merits" for the strengthening of Latvian-French relations. This is the second highest French Award after the Legion of Honour.

Lieutenant-Colonel Raimonds Nitišs has been serving as the Latvian Defence Attaché to France, Belgium and Luxembourg since 1 September 2001 and to Spain since 2002.

Ministry of Defence (01.06.2006)

The Polish Defence attache receives award

On 29 May, an award ceremony for the Polish Defence Attaché, Colonel Eugeniusz Jan Lendzion took place at the Ministry of Defence. Within the scope of the protocolar farewell visit, the State Secretary, Edgars Rinkēvičs, presented the Polish Defence Attaché with the Minister of Defence Award –  the Medal of Honourable Merit.

Eugeniusz Jan Lendzion hasserved as a Defence Attaché to Latvia since 2004.

Ministry of Defence (29.05.2006)

International Exercise "Operation Summer Shield" takes place

From 30 May to 7 June, the 3^rd international exercise "Operation Summer Shield III" (OSS III) took place in Ādaži with the participation of approximately 200 soldiers from Latvia and the United States.

During the exercise, soldiers will enhance their knowledge and skills by acting at the control-posts, convoying, patrolling and carrying out other activities necessary for peace-keeping missions.

The goal of the exercise is to prepare and control the readiness of the next infantry company of the Latvian contingent to be deployed to international mission to Iraq.

Ministry of Defence (29.05.2006)

Patrol boat "Linga" to take part in international training

On 1 June the National Armed Forces  Navy patrol boat PO3 "Linga" of the Flotilla Patrol boat squadron  proceeded to the Swedish town Karlshamn to take part in international training "BALTOPS 2006". The training will take place in the Baltic Sea from 2 - 17 June involving 18 ships and land forces from nine countries. The objective of the training is to enhance the ability of NATO and Partnership for Peace member States to improve compatibility among member States and develop anti-terrorism fighting ability. The training will traditionally finish in the German town of Kiel with a "Kiel week" from 17 to 25 June.

Ministry of Defence (31.05.2006)

Latvian sailors to take part in training in Germany to save the life of ships

From 27 May to 4 June, the National Armed forces maritime force Flotilla staff and supply ship "Virsaitis" and the mine detector "Namejs" are anchored at Neustadt, Germany, to take part in training to save lives at sea.. 

In specially built simulators located at the German Maritime force base, ships' crews will train to fight fire and water and will enhance their knowledge in providing first aid. The ships, while at sea, will respond to the command "Man overboard" and will test ships navigation skills under conditions of thick fog.

Liepaja City Council (26.05.2006)

ECONOMICS, FINANCES AND BUSINESS  

OECD member states agree to develop mechanism for determining potential OECD members

At the Paris meeting of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting on 23 and 24 May, it was decided to develop a mechanism for determining potential OECD member states and the major countries outside the OECD's membership with which engagement should be enhanced.

Considering Latvia's goal to become an OECD member, this decision is significant for the country since it incorporates a conceptual commitment of OECD members to enlargement of the organisation.

In 1996, Latvia, together with the other Baltic states had already submitted declarations to the OECD in which they expressed their common wish to become OECD members. This goal has also been approved by the policy guidelines for Latvia – OECD co-operation adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers on 17 August 2004.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (26.05.2006)

Fore3rd annual "East Capital" summit in the Baltic states takes place in Riga

From 29 to 31 May, the annual "East Capital" summit in the Baltic states took place in Riga and was officially opened by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, Aigars Kalvītis.

The Prime Minister addressed approximately 150 leading asset managers in Eastern European financial markets, investors and business partners, encouraging them to more actively operate and invest in the Baltic states and take more advantage of the business opportunities of the region.

The investment company  "East Capital" is starting to offer opportunities to invest its funds also in Latvia and Estonia and, soon, also in Lithuania. "East Capital" is starting to register all the company's funds at the same time of opening the new Baltic office in Tallinn. Funds will be offered to both institutions and private investors through the agencies of distributors and banks.

The Cabinet of Ministers (26.05.2006)

LETA (29.05.2006)

A new travel guide for tourists "Welcome Jurmala" has been published

A new travel guide for tourists called "Welcome Jurmala" has been published, providing important information for visitors to the resort town in English, German, Finnish and Russian.  The publication contains a general description of the city,  telling visitors of the tourist attractions in Jurmala as well as providing more detailed information on the location of various tourism objects.

The travel guide includes maps of the town and directions how to obtain needed information from the Jūrmala Tourist Information Centre, how to get to the resort town and where to receive medical assistance.

Jurmala City Council (31.05.2006)

AirBaltic launches direct flights to Kaliningrad, Duesseldorf and Warsaw

On 2 July this year, Latvian airline airBaltic opens direct flights to the Russian city of Kaliningrad, in cooperation with Pulkovo airlines. The flight is airBaltic's 32nd direct flight from Riga. To begin with, airBaltic will operate flights from Riga to Kaliningrad four times per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Flight time, in a Fokker-50 aircraft, will be 1 hour 10 minutes.

As of June 1, the Latvian national airline "airBaltic" starts flights to Duesseldorf (Germany) and Warsaw (Poland) from Vilnius. The airline will operate flights to Warsaw each day and to Duesseldorf 3 times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

At present, "airBaltic" offers 14 direct flights from Vilnius.

airBaltic (30.05.2006) (31.05.2006)

LATEST STATISTICS

Domestic trade in April 2006. The data of the Central Statistical Bureau shows that in April of this year, in comparison with the preceding month, the turnover of retail trade enterprises (calculated in comparable prices) has remained at the previous level, but, compared to April 2005, it has increased by 14.0%. In January-April of 2006, in comparison with January-April 2005, the turnover of retail trade enterprises has increased by 15.4%.  Central Statistical Board (30.05.2006)
Indicators of transport in the 1st quarter of 2006. In the 1st quarter of 2006, 14 mln tons of freight were carried by rail, a decrease of 5.7% compared to the 1st quarter of 2005, according to the Central Statistical Bureau. Freight transportation by rail is carried out by three enterprises; of these one enterprise carries national and international freight while two enterprises carry only national freight.  Central Statistical Board (31.05.2006)
Self-appraisal of material situation of households in 2005. The Central Statistical Board has summarized the preliminary data of a survey on household budgets for 2005 on self-appraisal of the  material situation of households. The results show that the dominating evaluation of individual  material situation is "we are neither rich nor poor". Such an opinion was expressed in 2005 by 59% of the households in Latvia. Central Statistical Board (01.06.2006)
On changes of prices and wages in 1st quarter of 2006. Central Statistical Board (02.06.2006)
World Bank: Economy of the new member States of EU is taking off notwithstanding difficulties. The rate of economic growth of the new member States of the European Union (EU) in Central and Eastern Europe has accelerated this year, as indicated by the World Bank in its 27 May quarterly report on ex-communist countries whch joined the EU in 2004. The Bank further notes that in Latvia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic the economies were expanding at a record rapid rate during the last quarter of 2005 and the beginning of this year. In Estonia and Lithuania, too, the economy has climbed quickly, and in Hungary and Slovenia the growth was stable. The World Bank notes in its report that in Poland, the economy which is the largest of the region and provides almost half of the production of the ten new EU member States, lagged behind, but it is gradually accelerating. The report also expressess concern about the large deficit in the current account of Estonia, Latvia and Hungary and growing in Slovakia. The World Bank (27.05.2006); LETA (30.05.2006)
In May popular support for Latvia joining the European Union has increased. Support of the population of Latvia for the State joining the European Union (EU) has increased a little and was positively rated by 29.7% of respondents, reports the EU information agency. Compared to April, support has increased by 3.4%. The EU was considered mainly "a good thing" by Latvian citizens  - 31.5%, young people between the ages of 18 and 24, university educated respondents and Latvian residents with average high and high income. Also optimistic are the people in  Vidzeme  and those employed by the State sector. European Union Information Agency (02.06.2006); BNS (02.06.2006)
During the period of a year the number of passengers passing through the airport "Rīga" has increased by 42.8%. During the five months of this year 899,877 passengers passed through the international airport "Rīga" which is 42.8% more than during the same period last year, when 630,302 passengers were served, according to statistics compiled by the airport.  During this period 14,920 flights were serviced which is 11.5% more than during the first five months of last year when 13,385 flights were serviced. However, the amount of cargo passing through airport "Rīga"  during the first five months of this year has decreased by 47.2% - down to 4,594 tons. Last year during this same period 8,699 tons of cargo passed through the airport. In May 214,200 passengers passed through airport "Rīga" which is 33.1% more than during the same month last year when 160,954 passengers were served. During this month 3,737 flights were serviced which is 15.4% more,  and 1,506 tons of cargo were loaded, which is 41.9% less. Riga International Airport (01.06.2005); LETA (01.05.2006)

EXCHANGE RATES  

SOCIETY, CULTURE AND SPORTS 

Latvian artists perform in Norway

From 24 May to 5 June, one of Norway's premiere cultural events – The Bergen International Festival is taking place. This year artists from Latvia will also participate in the event: pianist Vestards Simkus, violinist Gidon Kremer and his orchestra Kremerata Baltica, and the Latvian National Opera. The Latvian National Opera will present its latest production – Richard Wagner's opera Das Rheingold.

In honour of the event, after the performance on 31 May, the Latvian Embassy in Norway, in conjunction with the Latvian Honorary Consul to Bergen Jostein Alvheim, hosted a reception at the Grieghallen for artists of the Latvian National Opera and audience guests.

 Ministry of Foreign Affairs (30.05.2006)

Exhibitions of Kārlis Padegs and Sigmunds Vidbergs opened in Sweden

On 2 June at the Museum of Fine Art in Eskilstuna, Sweden, an exhibition of the works by the master of Latvian graphic art Kārlis Padegs and Sigismunds Vidbergs "Fine Lines" taken from the collection of the Latvian National Museum of Fine Art.

The exhibition was opened on the day the Eskilstuna museum first opened its doors to visitors.  The exhibition of the works of Kārlis Padegs and Sigmunds Vidbergs  at the Eskilstuna museum can be seen until 20 August.

LETA (02.06.2006)

Forum of international journalists at the University of Latvia

From 25 to 28 May, at the faculty of social sciences of the University of Latvia an international student forum/conference "Be the first!". took place. The main topic of the conference – development of the media in different countries.

At the broad range meeting the latest media research was presented by media scholars from Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Georgia. Media specialists presented their findings in six subject areas.

After the conference the research will be compiled and published in a collection, "Domino" which will be available in English and Latvian. "Domino" will be distributed in all member States of the forum.

Latvian University (25.05.2006)

LETA (25.05.2006) (29.05.2006)

Latvian Institute publishes a brochure  "Latvians"

The Latvian Institute (LI) has published a new brochure in English, entitled "Latvians". The brochure is designed as a family photo album showing Latvians at different times and places of life, thus helping other nationals to understand the  most typical  traits and most important values of Latvians. The brochure "Latvians" is an attempt to answer the question, who are Latvians?

The brochure includes the work of professional photographers as well as photographs from private archives. The size of the brochure is 21 x 21cm, it has 24 pages and has been published in a run of 5,000 copies.

Latvian Institute (31.05.2006)

The book "The Baltic Way to Freedom" is presented in Russian Language

On 1 June at the Latvian Academic Library, the book " The Baltic Way to Freedom" was presented in a Russian language event. The book will be presented as a gift  to Russian language schools in Latvia, libraries, public and cultural organisations.

The book was published in English and Latvian languages in 2005, on the occasion of the 15^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia. Its purpose is to introduce a wider international audience to the unique process and experience of the Baltic states in the regaining of their independence

The book is one of the main activities of the project "The Baltic Way to Freedom" which was implemented at the 15^th anniversary of declaration of independence of the Baltic states. A wide range of authors from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Sweden, Germany, Iceland, USA and the European Union partipated  in completing the book.

 LETA (30.05.2006)

The Blue Flag flies again at Jurmala

Confirming the high quality of the Jūrmala swimming places, on 4 June, World Environment Day, the international award – the Blue Flag - was raised in Majori. The Bulduri and Majori swimming places are receiving this prestigious award now for the seventh consecutive year. 

The important Blue Flag award is awarded by the Environmental Education Fund of Europe for a period of one year to seashores complying with certain criteria of environmental cleanliness, education and safety. The most important factors are:  quality of swimming water, supervision of the swimming place, and the availability of medical and other assistance.

Jurmala City Council (30.05.2006)

CALENDAR OF ARTS EVENTS