Highlights Speaker of the Saeima Gundars Daudze discusses bilateral co-operation in Poland Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis takes part in the European Council meeting in Brussels Foreign Minister calls for open political co-operation with Eastern Partnership states Foreign Minister calls attention to the issue of EU observer mission presence after end of mandate In brief Historian's Commission presents 24th collection of writings at Riga Castle European Commission report "Global Governance of Science" presented at the Foreign Ministry
Speaker of the Saeima Gundars Daudze discusses bilateral co-operation in Poland On 17 - 18 March, the Speaker of the Saeima Gundars Daudze was on an official visit to Poland. During the visit, at a meeting with Marshal of the Sejm of the Polish Republic Bronisław Komorovski, the officials discussed issues relating to the political and economic development of the two countries. The Latvian Speaker, in his address, observed that the relations between Latvia and Poland have evolved and been shaped over a number of centuries. "The Polish community resident in Latvia has had a significant impact at decisive moments in the history of our country, such as the restoration of independence in the 1990s", the Speaker of the Saeima emphasised. For his part, Marshal Komorovski stated that the Polish community living outside its country of birth greatly appreciates the support of the Latvian government towards the preservation of the Polish language and culture in Latvia. Mr Komorovski said that, under the conditions of the current global economic and financial crisis, this is the time to confirm solidarity between partners by offering assistance to those countries which have been more severely affected by the crisis. Meanwhile Mr Daudze responded that Latvia welcomes Poland's offer of a loan for the stabilisation of the economy in Latvia. In discussions on regional affairs, the Speaker of the Saeima highlighted the successful co-operation between the Baltic and the Visegrad states, with regular consultation on issues relating to the EU neighbourhood policy and in other areas. He noted that a joint and united position is significant not only in the framework of the Baltic Sea Region, but also within the EU. The parties also discussed the energy issues in the Baltic Sea Region states, including the interconnection plans. The Speaker of the Saeima stressed that Latvia's priority is the development of an interconnection infrastructure in the Baltic Sea Region. In a meeting with Marshal of the Senate of the Polish Republic Bogdan Borusiewicz, and reviewing the co-operation between the two countries, Mr Daudze stressed that "in order to foster regional co-operation and the representation of interests, it is vital to formulate a common position and concerted action at EU level". At the same meeting, topics relating to co-operation between Latvia and Poland in defence and security policy were also touched upon. "The events in Georgia reminded us once more how important it is that Latvia, as a small country, is a member of NATO and hence can rely on assistance from its Allies in a difficult situation", the Speaker remarked. Both parties agreed that it is important for the two countries to keep alive the issues related to NATO military support for new member states. The Saeima delegation met with the heads of the Polish Sejm's European Affairs Commission, Foreign Affairs Commission, Public Finance Commission and the Poland-Latvia Parliamentary Co-operation Group, as well as with the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Economics. As part of the official visit, the Speaker of the Latvian Saeima laid a wreath at the grave of the Unknown Soldier. The Saeima, 18 March 2009 Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis takes part in the European Council meeting in Brussels On 19 - 20 March the scheduled meeting of the Council of Europe took place. The Latvian delegation was led by Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis with the participation of Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Minister for Finance Einars Repse. The focus of attention of the European Council was on the economic and financial situation of the European Union, on energy security and on climate change, as well as on the strengthening of further relations with the EU Eastern Partnership. On 19 March in Brussels, Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis met José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission. Their discussion focused on Latvia's economic situation, including measures taken by the Government in relation to 2009 state budget amendments. Prime Minister Dombrovskis pointed out to several significant factors which limit possibilities for further budget changes. Latvia has already implemented budget consolidation measures amounting to 7% of GDP, including expenditure cuts by 4.6% of GDP. Currently it is planned to cut expenditures further by 1.8% of GDP, which, taking into account previous measures, is a large correction for a single year. Mr Dombrovskis emphasised that Latvia is fulfilling its commitment in wage cuts, which is a big step towards regaining global competitiveness. However, further expenditure cuts could have an adverse effect due to social pressure which would reach a critical level. The Prime Minister expressed his conviction that the envisaged budget amendments would ensure the planned level of budget deficit and also noted that maximum support of the EC is needed for a revision of its conditions for assistance to Latvia. The Prime Minister informed the President of the EC about Latvia's support for his re-appointment to the post for another term. During the meeting of the European Council, the Latvian Prime Minister met with Fredrik Reinfeld, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sweden. The officials discussed further bilateral co-operation paying special attention to the financial and economic issues, and shared the view that bilateral economic co-operation should be strengthened. The officials also addressed the issue of the planned electricity interconnection between Sweden and the Baltic states by stressing the importance of establishing a common Baltic energy market. In its plan for the rejuvenation of the European economy the European Council agreed to direct 5 billion EUR towards energy infrastructure and agriculture projects. As Prime Minister Dombrovskis emphasised: "We are pleased that the member states agreed on the allocation of 175 million EUR towards strengthening the Baltic state internal electro-energy grid and towards to Swedish-Baltic interconnection. Investment in the Baltic energy grid is necessary so as to guarantee future energy independence." Altogether EU energy projects will have access to 3.98 billion EUR for gas and electro-energy connections, wind generation as well as coal detection and storage projects in the EU. The remaining funds - 1.02 billion EUR will be directed towards agricultural development - towards new challenges in the field of agriculture, including the development of a broadband internet infrastructure. As the Prime Minister indicated, Latvia could receive approximately 11 - 12 million EUR towards projects in agriculture development. This funding could be used to support the efforts of farmers and dairy farmers who are experiencing difficulties. The European Council was in agreement on the question of further activities needed to promote the development of a secure financial market and on the flow of credit and finance market supervision so that the economy can get back on track. To evaluate its expected achievements and to plan for future actions, the European Council will continue discussions in June. On the other hand, with regard to the present economic situation and its negative impact on employment, EU member states have agreed to meet at an informal session of the European Council on 7 May this year. The European Council also confirmed the position of the EU for the coming G-20 summit in London. The European Council agreed on its basic guidelines on the development of EU energy policy and ratified the Second Strategic Energy Review. In this review, the Baltic - Swedish interconnection plan was noted as a priority. This plan is focussed on regional cross-border infrastructure strengthening and on the integration of the Baltic energy market with the EU common market. To improve the security of EU energy supply in future, a greater focus of attention will be on such areas as - energy infrastructures and connections in Europe, on oil and gas reserves and storage, on the improvement of the crisis reaction mechanism, promotion of energy-effectiveness, variety of EU energy supply delivery, sources, and transit as well as the development if the internal EU energy market. The European Council ratified the EU initiative on the Eastern Partnership. The creation of the Eastern Partnership is a clear political message on the preparedness and interest in strengthening relationships with its Eastern neighbours, as well as in providing a necessary framework for the EU in the achieving of this goal. In preparation for the UN conference on climate change scheduled to take place this December in Copenhagen, and with regard to expected changes after 2012, the European Council ratified the EU guidelines for international debates on climate policy. At the same time in preparation for international debates, the European Council decided to commence discussions on internal distribution of EU funding. The European Council emphasised that the EU must demonstrate its leadership in international discussions. The EU has undertaken to cut its emissions by 20% until 2020. It is very important, that the Copenhagen meeting achieves a unanimity that will envisage similar and equivalent emissions reductions from other developed nations. In an alternative scenario EU competitiveness against third countries will be seriously threatened. The European Council was addressed by Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen who advised partners of the actualities in Ireland as it prepares for a repeat referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. Read | Other link | Other link The Cabinet of Ministers, 18 - 20 March 2009 MFA, 18 - 20 March 2009
Foreign Minister calls for open political co-operation with Eastern Partnership states On 16 March, in Brussels, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins took part in the meeting of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). At the meeting, ministers debated the agenda for the scheduled 19 - 20 March meeting of the European Council as well as current issues with regard to external relations - Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and others. In preparation for the 19 - 20 March meeting of the European Council, the EU member state foreign ministers exchanged opinions with regard to EU funding priorities for energy projects and also on the improvement of conditions for farmers within the context of European economic planning. Funding to the value of 5 billion EUR1 , is being considered for allocation to these areas. Taking part in the discussion, Foreign Minister Riekstins emphasised that it is important to find unanimity as soon as possible with regard to this extra funding. Support is necessary for interconnections, for infrastructure and for wind generator energy exploitation, and of course one mustn't forget about agricultural development. The achievement of political agreement on funding priorities for EU member states will be one of the goals of the 19 - 20 March meeting of the European Council. The EU foreign ministers reviewed the European Council conclusive project which includes such issues as the EU economic and financial situation, energy issues, and climate change, as well as the Eastern Partnership. In connection with the present economic and financial situation, the European Council is expected to agree on its approach to the rejuvenation of financial markets and recovery of the European economy. With regard to its planned actions on an international level, the European Council plans to come to an agreement on a united EU position in preparation for the G20 summit in London on 2 April. The security of supply of energy for EU member states will be an issue on which unanimity is expected within the European Council. On the issue of climate change, the Council plans to confirm elements of the EU common position in preparation for the planned conference on climate change scheduled to take place in Copenhagen this next December. A common front on the implementation of the principles and elements of the Eastern Partnership initiative is expected to be achieved. The opening summit of the Eastern Partnership is scheduled to take place on 7 May in Prague. In the debates on the Eastern Partnership, Minister Riekstins invited his colleagues to be conscious of the fact that the EU commences this political initiative in support of its eastern neighbours as a clear message to partner countries. At the External Relations session, EU ministers debated the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially in connection with the planned closing of the UN representative office and the strengthening of the office of the EU Special Representative. A more focussed and in-depth debate on the Western Balkans is scheduled for the next GAERC meeting at the end of March. As regards Belarus, the Council decided to extend to a year the travel restrictions imposed on senior officials from Belarus, but at the same time suspended the actual implementation of this decision by nine months. The council expressed its readiness to intensify relations with Belarus if it observes all obligations within OSCE guidelines. During this debate, Minister Riekstins pointed to the necessity of supporting democratic reforms in Belarus. The External Relations session of EU member states also examined issues with regard to the situations in Sudan and in Sri Lanka. At a working luncheon the EU foreign ministers discussed actual issues on transatlantic relations and co-operation in preparation for the scheduled 5 April informal EU meeting of Heads of State and Government, at which U.S. President Barack Obama will also be present. The situation in the Middle East was also discussed. [1] At this moment the list of EU energy priorities projects with combined funding of 175 million EUR mentions the Swedish-Baltic interconnection and the strengthening of the internal energy transmission systems of the Baltic states, which would allow EU financing for modernisation of the electro-energy grid for the western part of Latvia - the so-called Kurzeme Circle. Similarly, facilitation of agricultural development as well additional funding for new challenges in agriculture - such as the strengthening of infrastructure for a broadband internet service is also planned. Read | Other link | Other link MFA, 16 March 2009 General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC)
Foreign Minister calls attention to the issue of EU observer mission presence after end of mandate On 15 March, prior to the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) meeting in Brussels, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins took part in an informal opinion exchange on the question of Georgia, at which current issues of EU - Georgia and NATO - Georgia relations, the reform process in Georgia, the situation in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and the European Neighbourhood Policy action plan were all discussed. The major focus of the meeting was aimed at the Eastern Partnership initiative and on the role of Georgia in this process. The assembled participants expressed their support for Georgia's movement towards the European Union, at the same time pointing to the need to continue the work done to date, to guarantee its administrative preparedness to commence talks with the European Commission on the liberalisation of visa requirements, and on the drawing up of the Deep Free Trade Agreement. Minister Riekstins emphasised the importance of the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in the territory of Georgia, which is helping facilitate stability and security in the conflict zone. The Minister invited his colleagues to focus attention on the question of what will happen after the observer mission mandate comes to a close this summer, and on how it may be possible to guarantee a broader scale observer presence in the region. The meeting brought together representatives of 12 states, as well as the EU Special Representative to Georgia, Pierre Morel, and the EU Special Representative to the South Caucasus, Peter Semneby. The meeting was hosted by Sweden's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Carl Bildt. MFA, 16 March 2009 MFA, 13 March 2009
Historians' Commission presents 24th collection of writings at Riga Castle The presentation of Volume 24 of the collected writings "History of the Baltic Region of the 1940s - 1980s" (Research of the Commission of the Historians of Latvia, 2007, and Proceedings of an International Conference "Baltic during the Second World War (1939 -1945)", 6 - 7 November 2007, Riga took place on 18 March in the Riga Castle. President Zatlers also addressed those assembled, and the book launch was attended by a large number of history teachers, foreign diplomats, and representatives of the Saeima and of the government. In his introductory remarks President Zatlers stated "Historians must write that history which reflects Latvia. This assignment will always have its critics, who will say that history is being re-written. These critics will not only be local but also from abroad". The president said that with regard to Latvia's present day history, it is not a question of re-writing anything but of writing about that which has not yet been written. The current collection includes latest findings by historians from Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, and Belarus and which are devoted to such topic areas as: the Nazi Germany occupation in Latvia (1941 - 1945), the Soviet Occupation in Latvia (1940 - 1941), Baltic warriors on the front lines of World War II, and other actual issues of the times. This volume also contains studies on the 201st Latvian Riflemen Division of the Red Army, on the 15th Latvian SS Voluntary Division, Latvians in Soviet screening-filtration camps, the 12th Lithuanian Police Battalion, USSR fighters in Latvia (1941-1945), secret agreements between Germany and the USSR and between Sweden and the USSR with regard to the Baltic states. In their articles quite a few scholars have attempted to evaluate the complicated historical processes and their resolution in both the Soviet and Nazi occupations of the Baltic states in a comparative manner. For example, Professor Inesis Feldmanis' study "Latvia during the Second World War: Reception Versions and Research Problems", emphasised a new conceptual approach which requires that in evaluating the war in Latvia there is a need to study both paradigms of evil - Nazism and Communism - and their impact on the history of our country. The authors invite their readers to refute the myths and falsifications of Soviet propaganda which more often than not are founded on the fragile fabrications of the occupying power. President's Chancery, 17 March 2009 Latvijas avīze, Viesturs Sprude, 19 March 2009 History of the Baltic Region of the 1940s - 1980s (with summaries in English)
European Commission report "Global Governance of Science" presented at the Foreign Ministry On 16 March, a conference on the global governance of science was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The conference was jointly organised by the Ministry, the European Commission and the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Latvia. Amongst the participants at the conference there were representatives of the European Commission, the authors of the report and other experts, as well as members of the Reflection Group: Professor Lykke Friis from Denmark and Dr Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Deputy Chairperson of the Reflection Group and former President of Latvia. At the conference, scientists from Latvia and other countries discussed the European Commission's report "Global Governance of Science", which was prepared by an international group of experts under the leadership of Professor Zaneta Ozolina. Debates focused on the importance of the global management of science and its resources, the relationship between science and society, and on the role of ethical standards under globalisation. Latvian scientists had the opportunity to offer their view of the European research area and its development. After the introductory speeches, the rapporteur of the expert group Professor Carl Mitcham asserted that the financial crisis should not influence the development of science as much as it does at the moment, with cuts in funding for science projects. It is indisputable that a global governance body is necessary. The report has argued for the effectiveness of such in all its recommendations, and all of the countries represented in the working group are in agreement on this. The first and the most significant recommendation proposes that a science-based society must be formed, which would be supervised by a system of ethical governance. John Crowley, Chief of the Science and Technology Section of the UNESCO Division of Ethics of Science and Technology confirmed that the guidelines of the report are compatible with the interests of UNESCO. It seems that in the drawing up of the document there may have been some missing information, because the recommendations overlap with previous attempts to achieve similar aims. Hence already in 1974 the idea of a "science-based society" was examined. Funding as a tool of governance has been used for a long time. In total, one can only agree with all 6 recommendations, but further research and development must be carried out. Crowley also raised issue with the term "ethical governance" which was used in the recommendations, because each country has its own ethic, influenced by its national history and traditions, so it can be considered a very subjective notion. Some of the points need to make clear also which institutions should be responsible for the implementation of the recommendations. The conclusions of the conference provided a significant contribution to the work of the Reflection Group in the preparation of its final report, which is expected to be completed by June 2010. "Science is one of the key driving forces in the development of contemporary society. Its role becomes particularly significant under the conditions of economic recession both in the forecasting of further developments in global and national socio-economic processes, and also in the devising of solutions to problems, at the same time offering science-based innovations for raising the productivity of manufacturing. That is precisely why this is the best time for holding a conference such as this in Latvia, and for involving the community at large in the discussion", considers the Rector of the University of Latvia, Marcis Auzins. Read | Other link | Other link MFA, 12 March 2009 University of Latvia, 17 March 2009
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 |
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