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LATVIA TODAY: FOREIGN POLICY NEWS 23 - 27 February 2009 No. 54 |
HEADLINES
Highlights
President of Latvia congratulates BALTDEFCOL on 10-year anniversary
Prime Minister participates in informal European Council meeting
EU foreign ministers commence preparations for European Council meeting
Maris Riekstins: protectionism must not threaten European solidarity, nor
the principles of the common market
In brief
Speaker of the Saeima addresses conference of the Speakers of EU Parliaments
Members of the Saeima participate in OSCE Parliamentary Assembly meeting
Latvia and Chile sign agreement on Foreign Ministry procedure for political consultations
| HIGHLIGHTS |
President of Latvia congratulates BALTDEFCOL on 10-year anniversary
On 27 February, state President Valdis Zatlers was on a working visit to Tartu in Estonia where he participated in celebrations for the tenth anniversary of the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL), and also met with Estonia's president Toomas Hendrik Ilves.
In his congratulatory remarks to BALTDEFCOL, the state president noted that over the past ten years the defence college has seen considerable changes. If in the beginning the Baltic states were completely dependent on the support and experience of their allies, then today, the college already has its own Baltic Commandant and offers courses that have been accredited by both NATO and the U.S., and have become an inseparable part of higher military education. In April, the three Baltic states will celebrate five years since their accession into NATO. The achievement of this goal was due in a great part to the Baltic Defence College, which will continue to play a significant role in upholding of the Baltic commitment to the Alliance. President Zatlers also expressed his gratitude to all the countries that have supported the college during its ten years of existence.
Estonia's President Ilves also congratulated the students, staff, and graduates of BALTDEFCOL on its anniversary, noting that the college is very highly rated abroad. The college focuses on aspects of security that are important to smaller states in the present-day security environment. The Estonian president expressed a wish that the college's students would one day become the commanders of the armed forces of the three Baltic states.
Within the order of the day, the Latvian state president presented the award of the Cross of Recognition to Estonia's Interior Minister, Jüri Pihl, for his work in helping the Republic of Latvia join the Schengen Zone. Joining the Schengen Zone was one of Latvia's greatest foreign policy challenges, in which the initiative displayed by Jüri Pihl and his personal investment of energy enabled the successful conclusion to this process. This highest state award was accorded to Jüri Pihl in 2008 within the framework of celebrations for the 90th Anniversary of the proclamation of Latvia.
During the working visit, Latvia's state president Valdis Zatlers also met with Estonia's state president Toomas Hendrik Ilves, who also participated in the celebrations. During their meeting both presidents discussed Baltic state co-operation, mentioning in particular the successful example of the BALTDEFCOL. During their meeting the Heads of State discussed the regional economic situation, as well as the forthcoming NATO and EU summits planned for the spring. They also focussed discussion on questions regarding the Eastern Partnership.
President's Chancery, 27 February 2009
Baltic Defence College
Prime Minister participates in informal European Council meeting
Prime Minister Ivars Godmanis participated in an informal meeting of the European Council (EC) on 1 March. The chief purpose of the meeting was to evaluate, in greater political depth, some of the current issues of the present EU economic and financial crisis.
Following the exchange of opinions on the existing situation in the EU, and taking into consideration the various efforts by member states, the EC agreed on several strategies towards stabilisation and improvement of the situation – especially in an attempt to stabilise the financial system and to renew confidence in the financial market, and in addition to stimulate and achieve the recovery of the EU economy.
State and government leaders expressed their positive conviction on the recovery of the economy of EU member states in the mid and longer term. The EC focussed particular attention on the situation in Central and Eastern European member states, emphasising the necessity for harmonised action for macro-financial stability throughout the European Union.
With regard to the finance sector, European state and government leaders were agreed that is important to guarantee the flow of financial resources and access to credit, just as it is necessary to improve the regulation and supervision of financial institutions, with special attention the so-called 'bad risk' debts.
To achieve a recovery of the European economy, the EC emphasised that it is necessary to continue implementation of the programme of action approved in December, and that at the 19 – 20 March EC meeting it will be necessary to evaluate achievements to date at both EU level and at the level of individual member states, and to accept the appropriate conclusions. The EC noted that it is important for the EU internal market potential to be fully exploited in the promotion of EU economic activity and in the facilitation of employment opportunities.
Bearing in mind the negative impact of the present economic circumstances in the sphere of employment, the EC noted especially the necessity for appropriate measures and for the implementation at EU level of all existing instruments to improve the employment situation, for example, by utilising the European Social Fund. The EU member states have agreed on another informal EC meeting in May of this year, so as to become further involved in addressing topical social issues and in resolving questions with regard to employment.
During the meeting of the EC, member states also commenced preparations for the summit of G-20 state leaders which is scheduled to take place this April in London. The European Council decided that the 19 – 20 March meeting will focus on the preparation of a united EC position for the G-20 summit.
The Cabinet of Ministers, 1 March 2009
EU foreign ministers commence preparations for European Council meeting
23 February was the date of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) meeting at which Latvia's Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins also participated. The GAERC commenced its preparations for the European Council (EC) meeting planned for 19 – 20 March and also discussed issues with regard to external relations.
The assembled EU Foreign Affairs ministers were agreed on the EC agenda for 19 – 20 March, which foresees a focus on three areas of concern: the present EU economic and financial situation; energy policy and climate change; and external relations. With regard to EU economic and financial issues, the EC will evaluate the implementation of the recovery plan and will decide on further short and long-term actions for the stabilisation and stimulation of the economic and financial system.
Regarding the issues of energy and climate change, the EC focus will be on the strengthening of a secure supply of EU energy requirements, on the operation of the internal energy market, as well as on preparations for the conference on climate change set to take place in Copenhagen, Denmark. With regard to external relations, the EC plans to agree on the implementation of the initiatives of the Eastern Partnership.
In preparing for the 19 – 20 March meeting of the European Council, the GAERC began a discussion on activities in the fields of energy and agriculture as part of the economic recovery plan, which will attract an additional 5 billion EUR from the EU budget. In the field of energy, it is hoped to support the energy interconnection (at EU level), as well as wind energy and carbon dioxide energy storage projects. The facilitation of developments in agriculture will attract additional funding for new challenges, including for the strengthening of a broadband internet infrastructure.
Taking part in this discussion, Foreign Minister Riekstins emphasised that it is important to support both agricultural development and energy projects with the additional funding. Presently the EU energy priority projects manifest, with a combined support funding of 175 million EUR, mentions the strengthening of the Swedish—Baltic energy interconnection for the guarantee of Baltic state internal electro-energy supply, thus allowing also for the attraction of EU financing towards the modernisation of the so-called 'Kurzeme Circle' grid. Minister Riekstins indicated that these projects are critical not only for the strengthening of a Baltic electro-energy grid, but also as a security guarantee for EU energy supply.
In the external relations session the EU member states focussed attention on the situation in the Gaza Strip and discussed the participation by EU member state representatives at the donors' conference in support of the Gaza Strip on 2 March at Sharm el Sheikh in the Arab Republic of Egypt. The ministers also exchanged opinions on the situation in Afghanistan, and commenced a discussion on the future co-operative involvement of the EU in Afghanistan - together with its international partners (NATO, and others).
During the GAERC working luncheon, an in-depth discussion took place between EU foreign ministers on the Eastern Partnership initiative, so as to take into political consideration the conceptual elements of the initiative and plans for their implementation. An agreement on the realisation of the Eastern Partnership is planned for adoption at the 19 – 20 March meeting of the European Council, and the first Partnership state summit is being planned for May 2009.
The working lunch was also the setting for an exchange of opinions regarding the latest issues in the Western Balkan states – concerning relations with Serbia, as well as on future action plans following the application for EU membership by Montenegro.
MFA, 23 February 2009
Maris Riekstins: protectionism must not threaten European solidarity, nor the principles of the common market
On 27 February, the three Baltic state foreign ministers held an informal meeting at Utena, in Lithuania. On the initiative of Lithuanian Minister for Foreign Affairs Vygaudas Usackas, Latvia's Minister for Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins and his Estonian counterpart Urmas Paet together with U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania, John A. Cloud, and the Director of the European Commission mission to Vilnius, Kestutis Sadauskas all participated in a discussion that focussed on the five-year experience of the Baltic states within NATO and the European Union.
The tri-partite meeting of ministers allowed for the exchange of opinions with regard to the agenda of the planned informal European Council meeting scheduled for 1 March, as well as other topics such as transatlantic relations and issues concerning energy and security policy. In discussing current regional energy projects, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins emphasised in particular that the Baltic—Swedish energy interconnection plan must not become politicised, and that the principle of a united and integrated energy market is the most important. "The question of whether the Baltic—Swedish interconnection project is to be undertaken with Latvia or Lithuania can not be answered by politicians, but rather at expert level. For this reason, it is especially important to await the evaluations and conclusions of the high level working group which are due in July of this year" - emphasised the Latvian foreign minister.
In the context of a general debate evaluating the benefits of Baltic state membership of both NATO and of the European Union, the ministers emphasised in particular the security guarantees of participation in the North Atlantic alliance, increased ease of travel for study and work opportunities throughout Europe and also the common market, which are among the advantages of EU membership. The Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian foreign ministers were of the same opinion, that discussion on solidarity and on a common market, is of very real concern during this time of global economic crisis, and that a broad range of national protectionist tendencies should not be allowed. "At this moment, several states with greater financial resources are displaying signs of economic protectionism at the national level, but by doing so they are in conflict with the principle of European solidarity, with the result that it is not possible to find solutions to the global crisis. One must not underestimate the geopolitical consequences of the economic crisis," noted Foreign Minister Riekstins.
MFA, 27 February 2009
| IN BRIEF |
Speaker of the Saeima addresses conference of the Speakers of EU Parliaments
The Speaker of the Saeima Gundars Daudze addressed the conference of Speakers of the EU parliaments, which took place in Paris from 27 – 28 February.
The conference participants - EU member state Parliamentary Speakers - discussed the expected changes to the Treaty of Lisbon with regard to EU institutions and the work of national parliaments, the future vision for Europe by 2030, as well as the effects of the economic crisis on the EU and its further development.
"The authority of national parliaments as provided under the Lisbon Treaty is a part of our combined efforts to bring the EU closer to the community" noted the Saeima Speaker in conference debates. Gundars Daudze reminded his audience that the Lisbon Treaty provides the parliaments of EU member states with much broader powers to become involved in the legislative processes of the EU.
"While the Lisbon Treaty ratification process has not yet been completed in all member states, national parliaments are already thinking about the improvement of co-operation within the provisions of the Treaty" said Mr Daudze. He observed that it is exactly the timely parliamentary participation which will guarantee the development of a harmonised co-operation between lawmaking bodies and the executive authorities, thus allowing for the later and more successful harmonisation of positions at national and EU levels.
"Taking note of the euro scepticism evident in many EU member states, including in Latvia, it is important for us to ensure that decisions are not only made in the corridors of Brussels, but that our citizens may be assured that member state considerations are really taken note of" added the Latvian Speaker.
EU member state Parliamentary Speaker conferences on issues of importance to the Union and to its member states have been taking place since 1963, when the first such conference was held in Rome, Italy.
The Saeima, 26 February 2009
Members of the Saeima participate in OSCE Parliamentary Assembly meeting
It is important to continue work on the existing European security structure and within the framework of existing agreements, rather than to attempt to create totally new structures. That is how the Latvian parliamentary delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) evaluated the Russian proposal for the creation of 'a new European Architecture'.
Latvia was represented at the 19 -20 February session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE (held in Vienna) by Saeima parliamentarians Janis Eglitis and Gunars Laicans.
It is vital not to create new security structures but rather to realise the aims already advanced, suggested the leader of the Latvian delegation Janis Eglitis, in his presentation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. Mr Eglitis emphasised that the core foundation values of the OSCE are no less valid today, and member states must demonstrate a strong political will to implement these values in real life. Mr Eglitis averred that presently there are insufficiently concrete proposals for changes to the existing European security architecture, and that work must therefore continue within the framework of existing structures.
A similar point of view during debates was also expressed by Danish, UK, Lithuanian, and Georgian parliamentarians, Mr Eglitis informs. The parliamentarian also indicated that, compared to the autumn meeting at which the level of debate was rather intense as a consequence of the events of August 2008, the work of this past winter session has been somewhat less emotion-laden.
Additional to discussions on a possible review of the European security structure, the parliamentarians also reviewed the implementation of the resolutions that had been passed at the PA session in Astana the past summer. Plans and projects for the next summer session of the PA, scheduled for Vilnius, were also previewed.
The Saeima, 23 February 2009
Latvia and Chile sign agreement on Foreign Ministry procedure for political consultations
On 25 February Foreign Ministry State Secretary Andris Teikmanis met with Ambassador Jose Miguel Cruz of Chile, who was on his accreditation visit to Latvia. During their meeting, State Secretary Teikmanis and Ambassador Cruz concluded a Memorandum of Understanding on the procedure for political consultations between the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Latvia and the Foreign Ministry Republic of Chile. This agreement is the framework for dialogue between both foreign ministries on questions of bilateral co-operation and other issues of a regional or international nature.
Andris Teikmanis congratulated the Chilean ambassador on his accreditation and emphasised that Latvia rates very highly the constructive political dialogue which commenced with political consultations at Santiago in 2007, during which Latvia confirmed its preparedness to develop inter-ministry co-operation and dialogue at various levels.
During their meeting both sides discussed the possibilities for developing co-operation between Latvia and Chile at bilateral and international levels, taking note that the development of relations has a firm basis: both presidents have met within the context of the EU–Latin America Summit, Latvia has appointed a non-resident Ambassador to Chile, and the work of the Latvian honorary consulate to Chile has re-commenced.
Since 1997 the cities of Riga and Santiago have enjoyed Sister City status. Attention was also focussed on current issues pertaining to EU–Chile relationships and EU regional co-operation with regard to the Latin America and Caribbean Region, taking note also of preparations for the EU–Rio Group Ministerial Meeting planned for 13 – 14 May in Prague, the Czech Republic.
MFA, 25 February 2009
| COMING EVENTS |
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1 – 8 March 2009 |
Speaker of the Saeima Gundars Daudze on an official visit to Japan |
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1 - 3 March 2009 |
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins on working visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt and participation in the International donor's Conference on the Reconstruction of Gaza, at Sharm el Sheikh |
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4 - 5 March 2009 |
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to participate in an Informal Meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers in Brussels, the Kingdom of Belgium |
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5 - 6 March 2009 |
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins on working visit to Madrid, the Kingdom of Spain |
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2 - 3 March 2009 |
Visit to Latvia by Vice Prime Minister of Georgia and State Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Giorgi Baramidze |
LINKS:
http://www.president.lv
The newsletter "Latvia today: foreign policy news" is a compilation of press releases and news reports drawn from the media and official sources. The views published do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs