Current Latvia

THEME IN FOCUS

No. 14, 5 July 2001

EVENTS

• Prime Ministers of NATO candidate countries reaffirm their commitment to building Europe whole and free and note the broad solidarity that exists between their nations
• U.S. Secretary of State: The enlargement of the Alliance should be continued, no part of Europe can be excluded from the enlargement process on account of its geographical location or history
• NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Vilnius confirms support to the membership of the Baltic States in NATO
• Latvia welcomes President Bush's vision of Europe whole and free expressed during his speech in Warsaw
• Latvian President thanks the NATO Secretary General for the decision to enlarge NATO in 2002
• Supreme Allied Commander Europe praises Latvia's achievements in the NATO integration process
• NATO candidate countries note with satisfaction the clear commitment of the Alliance to proceed with invitations at the Prague Summit in 2002

DOCUMENTS

• NATO Parliamentary Assembly declaration on NATO enlargement, Vilnius, 31 May 2001
• Statement by the Prime Ministers of Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, Bratislava, 11 May 2001
• Statement by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, Tallinn, 2 July 2001
• Chairman's summary of NATO aspirant countries Chiefs of Defence meeting, Riga, 4 - 6 June 2001

ACCENTS

• Remarks by Mr George W. Bush, President of the United States of America in address to faculty and students of Warsaw University, Warsaw, 15 June 2001 (extract)
• Statement to the press by NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson, Brussels, 13 June 2001 (extract)
• Address by Mr Indulis Berzins, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia at the meeting of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, Budapest, 30 May 2001 (extract)

FOR MORE INFORMATION

• Contact information
• Useful links

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EVENTS

Prime Ministers of NATO candidate countries reaffirm their commitment to building Europe whole and free and note the broad solidarity that exists between their nations

On 10 - 12 May 2001 the Prime Ministers of Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia participated in the International Conference "Europe's New Democracies: Leadership and Responsibility" in Bratislava, Slovakia. Latvian Prime Minister Mr Andris Berzins was among the participants of the meeting.

The Prime Ministers of Europe's new democracies exchanged views on the progress of democracy in their countries and discussed the larger developments in Europe and the Euro-Atlantic since the end of the Cold War. More importantly, they had an opportunity to define a vision of their common future, to reaffirm their shared commitment and mutual responsibility for attaining this future, and to rediscover the broad solidarity that exists between their nations.

".. We believe that NATO remains the core of transatlantic security and European stability and that the security dimension of the EU will serve to reinforce NATO's capability. These complementary and mutually reinforcing institutions represent the foundation of the Euro-Atlantic community and constitute the security framework on which our nations rely. The addition of Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary to NATO in 1999 has already contributed to the security, stability and cohesion of the new Europe, just as the EU's steps toward further enlargement have encouraged new democracies to embark on important political and economic reforms. ..

We believe that these processes must continue. As they do, the integration of each new democracy into the Alliance and the Europe Union will enlarge and strengthen the new Europe. The integration of each new democracy into the Alliance and the Union will be a major success towards the realisation of the historic chance that the fall of the Berlin Wall has given to us all," the Prime Ministers said in the final statement of the meeting.

As a continuation of the political process that began in Vilnius in May 2000 and was reaffirmed by Prime Ministers in Bratislava, the countries will hold a summit in Sofia, Bulgaria, on 5 October 2001.

International Conference "Europe's New Democracies: Leadership and Responsibility", Bratislava, 11 May 2001: http://www.eund.sk/

U.S. Secretary of State: The enlargement of the Alliance should be continued, no part of Europe can be excluded from the enlargement process on account of its geographical location or history

On 30 May 2001 in Budapest the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Mr Indulis Berzins together with the ministers of other NATO candidate countries had a meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State Mr Colin Powell. In his address Mr Powell stressed the support of the current U.S. Administration and the personal support of President George W. Bush to the NATO open door policy and to the involvement of the USA in Europe. Thus the Secretary of State rejected all the speculations on allegedly diminished role of Europe in the foreign policy of the USA.

The previous NATO enlargement round has strengthened security and stability in Europe, therefore the enlargement of the Alliance should be continued, Mr Powell said. The U.S. Administration believes that countries have equal rights and that no part of Europe can be excluded from the enlargement process on account of its geographical location or history. The decision on further enlargement of NATO will be taken exclusively by the member states of the Alliance. Mr Powell in his address praised the spirit of co-operation and solidarity of the "Vilnius group" candidate countries and described the Prime Ministers' meeting in Bratislava as a great success.

The speech on behalf of the NATO candidate countries was delivered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Mr Eduard Kukan who stressed the leading role of the USA in the debate on the further enlargement of NATO and the responsibility for continuation of the enlargement process. The Minister voiced hope that the support to the open door policy expressed by the USA would grow into concrete invitations for accession to NATO in November 2002. The candidate countries expect that the visit of the U.S. President Mr George W. Bush to Europe on 13 June 2001 will be a step forward in the NATO enlargement debate.

On 30 May the Hungarian capital Budapest was the venue of the meeting of the ministers of foreign affairs of the NATO member and partner countries within the framework of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC).

MFA

NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Vilnius confirms support to the membership of the Baltic States in NATO

On 1 June 2001 representatives of the national delegations of Iceland, Norway, Poland and Germany to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (PA) paid a visit to Latvia. On 28 - 31 May 2001 they participated in the spring session of the NATO PA in Vilnius.

The NATO PA delegates had a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Mr Indulis Berzins. In the beginning of the conversation the Minister welcomed the declaration adopted by the NATO PA in Vilnius, which confirms support of the parliamentarians of the NATO countries to the membership of the Baltic States in NATO, and voiced hope that NATO would invite the Baltic States to the Alliance in 2002.

The parliamentarians of NATO countries expressed full support to simultaneous admission of the three Baltic States to the Alliance as well as praised implementation of the NATO Membership Action Plan. The parliamentarians inquired about the impact of economic and social factors on the reforms in the field of defence and voiced satisfaction over Latvia's achievements.

MFA

NATO Parliamentary Assembly Meeting in Vilnius, 28 - 31 May 2001: http://www.nato-pa.int/plenary/01vilnius/

Latvia welcomes President Bush's vision of Europe whole and free expressed during his speech in Warsaw

Statement by President of the Republic of Latvia Dr Vaira Vike-Freiberga

15.06.2001

Latvia applauds the bold vision outlined by President Bush during his historic speech in Warsaw of a Europe whole and free, and one based upon shared values. President Bush's vision is our vision.

Latvia recognises the responsibilities of being a part of this new Europe. Over the last ten years, we have accomplished important democratic reforms, including modernisation of our defences, and have contributed to the NATO-led operations in the Balkans. We uphold the same principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law that are shared by the transatlantic Allies. NATO embodies the defence of these principles and we are anxious to contribute to strengthening the Alliance as it prepares for new threats and challenges.

Latvia welcomes President Bush's vision that no European democracy will be excluded from the NATO enlargement process due to its geography or history. This is a just, principled, and inclusive approach to enlargement and a moral imperative. We commend this approach and are confident that our progress will be recognised at the Prague Summit next year.

The 2002 NATO summit in Prague will present an historic opportunity to bring about a fully unified Europe that is free of conflict and committed to working together in the transatlantic community of like-minded nations. It is with the strong leadership of the United States and NATO Allies in Europe that we will all see to the success of this vision.

President's Press Service

Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Mr Indulis Berzins

15.06.2001

Latvia welcomes the powerful statement of support for NATO enlargement contained in today's speech of the U.S. President George W. Bush in Warsaw. Enlargement will ensure that President's vision of Europe whole and free becomes reality.

Atlantic Alliance embodies the shared commitment on the part of member nations to defend the same values of democracy, free market economy and individual liberties. Latvia shares these values. Our NATO membership will ensure that we protect them collectively together with Allies.

Latvia particularly welcomes the position of the President Bush that geography and history must not be obstacles for a country to join NATO. Historic injustices should be righted, not perpetuated.

Latvia is ready to be a contributor to protection of the shared values of Allied countries. The speed of our democratic reforms, development of defence area, our contribution to current NATO commitments in Balkans are evidence to that. We are determined to make sure that invitation for Latvia to join NATO at the Prague Summit will make the Alliance stronger.

MFA

Latvian President thanks the NATO Secretary General for the decision to enlarge NATO in 2002

On 15 June 2001 Latvian President Dr Vaira Vike-Freiberga, talking to NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson on the telephone, praised results of the meeting of the NATO Heads of State and Government in Brussels as well as the NATO decision to resolve on admission of new members to the Alliance in the Prague Summit in 2002.

Dr Vike-Freiberga said that Latvia feels inspired and will consistently continue preparing for integration into NATO. The President noted that implementation of the NATO Membership Action Plan will be a priority in this process. The NATO Secretary General stressed that in Brussels a consensus on the enlargement of NATO had been reached and that all the candidate countries should continue military preparation measures. Lord Robertson agreed that NATO Membership Action Plan provides important guidelines in the process. The President also highly appreciated the personal contribution of Lord Robertson in adoption of this historic decision.

Supreme Allied Commander Europe praises Latvia's achievements in the NATO integration process

On 28 June 2001 Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Indulis Berzins had a meeting with NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Joseph W. Ralston.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs acquainted the General with the course of implementation of the foreign policy goals of Latvia, as well as with Latvia's progress on the way to NATO. General Ralston praised Latvia's NATO Membership Action Plan and Latvia's achievements in the military sphere, especially noting increase of the defence budget and the fact that development of the personnel is one of the priorities of the Armed Forces of Latvia. The Supreme Allied Commander Europe expressed gratitude to Mr Berzins for Latvia's contribution to the peace operations in the Balkans.

The two officials discussed the process of further enlargement of NATO and agreed that, although the decision on this issue will be political one, the opinion and assessment by military officials on the preparedness of the candidate countries will also be important. Therefore Latvia has to keep the successful development track. Mr Berzins underscored the co-operation of the Baltic States in the NATO integration process, as well as their joint military projects, which are good examples of the ability to join forces for a common goal. The parties also talked over public support to Latvia's aspirations of becoming a member of NATO. Mr Berzins informed General Ralston on the forthcoming working meeting of the ministers of foreign affairs of the NATO candidate countries in Tallinn.

MFA

NATO candidate countries note with satisfaction the clear commitment of the Alliance to proceed with invitations at the Prague Summit in 2002

On 1 - 2 July 2001 Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins and ministers of foreign affairs of the other NATO candidate countries visited Tallinn to participate in a working meeting, which was organised jointly by Latvia and Estonia and was chaired by the ministers of foreign affairs of Estonia and Latvia.

The ministers of foreign affairs of the nine NATO candidate countries and Croatia met in Tallinn in order to discuss latest developments and progress since the meeting in Vilnius last year. During the meeting the ministers discussed the NATO enlargement debate in the USA and Europe, the visit of the U.S. President George W. Bush to Europe, as well as the situation in the Balkans, and noted with satisfaction the clear commitment of the Alliance to proceed with invitations at the Prague Summit in 2002.

The officials talked over practical efforts made by the candidate countries in order to implement the NATO Membership Action Plan and to ensure preparedness for the membership in NATO, and discussed further co-operation possibilities of the candidate countries and their plans in view of the NATO Summit in Prague in November 2002.

At the end of the meeting the ministers adopted a joint statement to be presented by the ministers of foreign affairs of Estonia and Latvia to the NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson.

MFA

DOCUMENTS

NATO Parliamentary Assembly declaration on NATO enlargement, Vilnius, 31 May 2001

1. The Assembly, meeting in Vilnius, reconfirms its strong support for the process of NATO Enlargement. The Assembly emphasizes that the last round of enlargement has been successful in enhancing peace and stability in the entire Euro-Atlantic region, and that NATO must sustain the credibility of its open door policy. The Assembly, therefore, reaffirms its Resolution 301 on NATO Enlargement adopted in Berlin in November 2000, and specifically paragraph 11 which:

"Calls upon the North Atlantic Council to issue no later than during its Summit meeting in 2002 invitations to NATO accession negotiations to any European democracy that seeks membership in the Alliance and that has met the criteria for NATO membership as established in the Alliance's 1995 Study on NATO Enlargement".

2. The Assembly reaffirms the right of any European democracy to pursue membership in the NATO Alliance, a right that is not subject to a veto of any third party.

Statement by the Prime Ministers of Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, Bratislava, 11 May 2001

We, the Prime Ministers of Europe's new democracies, have come to Bratislava with a common purpose. We have exchanged views on the progress of democracy in our countries and discussed the larger developments in Europe and the Euro-Atlantic since the end of the Cold War. More importantly, we have had an opportunity to define a vision of our common future, to reaffirm our shared commitment and mutual responsibility for attaining this future, and to rediscover the broad solidarity that exists between our nations.
A decade ago, the OSCE participant states came together following the fall of the Berlin Wall to proclaim a new vision in the Paris Charter for a new Europe whole and free in which security would be indivisible. They rejected past notions of security being based on the rule of the strong in favor of the rule of law. They rejected notions of security based on spheres of influence and instead embraced the belief that integration could bring greater security for all. They underscored the rights of all states in the Euro-Atlantic community, large or small, free to choose security arrangements, including alliances, and to enjoy the same degree of security.
We believe that the momentous political changes since 1989 have provided us with an historic opportunity to rejoin the European community and to build an undivided Europe, a Europe that will be whole and free, stable and peaceful, and democratic and prosperous. These ideas have exerted a powerful influence on our continent and in our countries. For the first time in history we have it within our grasp to create a Europe that is free, indivisible and secure. As Prime Ministers of countries that have often been denied such rights in the past, we know firsthand the consequences for us and for Europe as a whole of having been involuntarily assigned to the spheres of influence of others.
Over the last decade, considerable progress has been made in achieving this vision of a new Euro-Atlantic community. But the vision is not yet complete. We are keenly aware that Europe's new democracies share with their partners from the EU and NATO not only the vision of Europe whole and free, but also the responsibility for attaining it. A new Europe will remain unfinished without our active contribution.
We recognise that neither the process of political transition in Central and Eastern European countries, nor the process of political integration in Europe have been progressing without challenges and risks. The nations of the European Union and the nations represented here both face the problems of corruption and crime, the necessary expense of military reform, and the dislocations of free market economies. Nevertheless, a failure to address these challenges poses a special threat to the civil societies of Europe's newer democracies, and we are firmly resolved to succeed in our efforts of reform and in the fight against corruption and organized crime.
We declare that all of Europe is our proper concern, with no part automatically excluded because of geography, history, or current instabilities. In this regard, we are delighted to welcome the Republic of Croatia to our discussions, and appraise the important steps it has taken towards integration into the European Union and in preparing to join NATO's Membership Action Plan.
We consider European security to be indivisible and for all of Europe's democracies to be an essential part of a Europe whole and free. Therefore, we must contribute to the stabilisation and reconstruction of the Western Balkans. Nations in this region have had to face the problems of transition we all face. But they have been confronted with additional risks and challenges arising from armed conflicts beyond their borders and historic instability. For this reason, we note the recent positive developments in the region. The toppling of dictatorship in Serbia has created a new opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation throughout Southeastern Europe and to integrate the Western Balkans into the European and Euro-Atlantic mainstream. In this context we commend the stabilizing role of Bulgaria and Romania, NATO and EU applicant countries in the region. We also note the firmness and temperate resolve with which Macedonia and Albania have worked together with NATO and the EU to improve stability in the region. We condemn the violent and destabilising actions of extremists in the region.
We regard the EU and NATO as twin institutional pillars of the Euro-Atlantic. They have played a key role in the transition of new democracies and the integration of Europe. We believe that NATO remains the core of transatlantic security and European stability and that the security dimension of the EU will serve to reinforce NATO's capability. These complementary and mutually reinforcing institutions represent the foundation of the Euro-Atlantic community and constitute the security framework on which our nations rely. The addition of Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary to NATO in 1999 has already contributed to the security, stability and cohesion of the new Europe, just as the EU's steps toward further enlargement have encouraged new democracies to embark on important political and economic reforms. In this regard, we note the positive contributions of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to stability in the Northern Europe and recognize the important task of building cooperative economic and security relations with Russia.
We believe that these processes must continue. As they do, the integration of each new democracy into the Alliance and the Europe Union will enlarge and strengthen the new Europe. The integration of each new democracy into the Alliance and the Union will be a major success towards the realisation of the historic chance that the Fall of the Berlin Wall has given to us all. We were particularly honored to have been joined in our discussions by President Havel whose words and example continue to inspire us in our work. In this regard, we believe that the NATO Summit in Prague, which has been called "a rendezvous with history", offers us the opportunity to take a major step towards the completion of the historic project begun by the leaders of Solidarity and Charter 77.
Finally, as a continuation of the political process that began in Vilnius in May 2000 and was reaffirmed by Prime Ministers in Bratislava today, we welcome that our countries will hold a summit in Sofia, Bulgaria on October 5, 2001.

Statement by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, Tallinn, 2 July 2001

1. The Ministers discussed recent developments in the NATO enlargement debate and noted with satisfaction the clear commitment of the Alliance to proceed with invitations at the Prague Summit in 2002.
2. The Ministers lauded President George W. Bush for his visionary speech in Warsaw on European security and noted the importance of the President's first official visit to Europe for US-European relations, as well as the positive effect of the pro-enlargement statements by many European leaders.
3. The Ministers expressed their conviction that NATO would adhere to the principle of widening the common zone of security and stability in Europe, regardless of geography and history, and would invite all qualified democracies to join the Alliance in 2002.
4. The Ministers pointed out that the Alliance is not in the process of expansion, but enlargement, based on a unity of values and the free expression of the will of people of democratic nations, and that this process is in everyone's interest and not directed against any nation.
5. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the Membership Action Plan (MAP) and their resolve to allocate the financial resources necessary for full implementation of national objectives and encourage transparency among the Vilnius Group countries.
6. The Ministers agreed to continue the cooperation, begun in Vilnius in 2000 and to bring ambassadorial-level cooperation in the capitals of NATO nations to a regular level.
7. The Ministers confirmed the intention of their Presidents and Heads of State and Governments to convene a Summit of the New Democracies in Sofia Bulgaria on October 5, 2001.
8. The Ministers agreed to a Prime Ministers' meeting in Bucharest, Romania, in February/March 2002 and to a high level meeting in Riga, Latvia, in June/July 2002, co-hosted by Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The Ministers welcomed the invitation by Slovenian Foreign Minister to meet in Bled, Slovenia on October 4, 2001.
9. The Ministers discussed the crisis in Macedonia and expressed their serious concern for the threats by extremist forces to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Macedonia and condemned any terrorist activities. The Ministers supported the efforts of the Macedonian national unity government and president Boris Trajkovski to settle the crisis by peaceful means. They welcomed the role of NATO and the European Union in these efforts.

Chairman's summary of NATO aspirant countries Chiefs of Defence meeting, Riga, 4 - 6 June 2001

1. The Chiefs of Defence of Albania, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Deputy Chiefs of General Staff of Slovenia and Romania and representative of Croatia, all of them aspiring to join NATO, met in Riga on 4 - 6 June 2001. Representatives of the Chiefs of Defence of NATO member states took part in the meeting as observers.
2. The Chiefs of Defence stressed the importance of practical military preparedness of NATO aspirant countries in the process of preparations for membership in NATO.
3. The Chiefs of Defence shared their experiences in preparing their military forces for NATO membership. They took note of the experience of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland during their admission process to NATO.
4. The Chiefs of Defence stressed the importance of the Membership Action Plan as the main tool for preparation for NATO membership. They underlined that defence reform and Partnership Goals play crucial role in successful implementation of MAP requirements.
5. The Chiefs of Defence noted the successful Baltic States military cooperation as the effective mechanism of developing interoperability skills.
6. The Chiefs of Defence recognized the benefits of NATO aspirant countries involvement in peace support operations in Bosnia- Herzegovina and Kosovo and discussed lessons learned of military participation in these operations.
7. Chiefs of Defence agreed on the value of further exchange of information and experience.

ACCENTS

Remarks by Mr George W. Bush, President of the United States of America in address to faculty and students of Warsaw University, Warsaw, 15 June 2001 (extract)

"Today, I have come to the center of Europe to speak of the future of Europe. Some still call this "the East" âÀ“ but Warsaw is closer to Ireland than it is to the Urals. And it is time to put talk of East and West behind us.
Yalta did not ratify a natural divide, it divided a living civilization. The partition of Europe was not a fact of geography, it was an act of violence. And wise leaders for decades have found the hope of European peace in the hope of greater unity. In the same speech that described an "iron curtain," Winston Churchill called for "a new unity in Europe, from which no nation should be permanently outcast."
Consider how far we have come since that speech. Through trenches and shell-fire, through death camps and bombed-out cities, through gulags and food lines men and women have dreamed of what my father called a Europe "whole and free." This free Europe is no longer a dream. It is the Europe that is rising around us. It is the work that you and I are called on to complete.
We can build an open Europe âÀ“ a Europe without Hitler and Stalin, without Brezhnev and Honecker and Ceaucescu and, yes, without Milosevic.
Our goal is to erase the false lines âÀ“ our goal is to erase the false lines that have divided Europe for too long. The future of every European nation must be determined by the progress of internal reform, not the interests of outside powers. Every European nation that struggles toward democracy and free markets and a strong civic culture must be welcomed into Europe's home.
All of Europe's new democracies, from the Baltic to the Black Sea and all that lie between, should have the same chance for security and freedom âÀ“ and the same chance to join the institutions of Europe âÀ“ as Europe's old democracies have.
I believe in NATO membership for all of Europe's democracies that seek it and are ready to share the responsibilities that NATO brings. The question of "when" may still be up for debate within NATO; the question of "whether" should not be. As we plan to enlarge NATO, no nation should be used as a pawn in the agendas of others. We will not trade away the fate of free European peoples. No more Munichs. No more Yaltas. Let us tell all those who have struggled to build democracy and free markets what we have told the Poles: from now on, what you build, you keep. No one can take away your freedom or your country.
Next year, NATO's leaders will meet in Prague. The United States will be prepared to make concrete, historic decisions with its allies to advance NATO enlargement. Poland and America share a vision. As we plan the Prague Summit, we should not calculate how little we can get away with, but how much we can do to advance the cause of freedom.
The expansion of NATO has fulfilled NATO's promise. And that promise now leads eastward and southward, northward and onward."

Full text of the remarks: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/06/20010615-1.html

Statement to the press by NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson, Brussels, 13 June 2001 (extract)

"..We reaffirmed our commitment to the enlargement of the Alliance, in accordance with Article 10 of the North Atlantic Treaty, and we discussed the preparations for our review of the process of NATO enlargement, which will take place at our Summit meeting in Prague. No decisions were taken, and we did not discuss any question of "who" might be invited to join NATO in the future.
But there was general agreement today on the following points:
Heads of State and Government welcomed the success of the Membership Action Plan in assisting aspiring members with their own preparation for membership.
NATO hopes and expects, based on current and anticipated progress by aspiring members, to launch the next round of enlargement at the Prague Summit in 2002."

Full text of the statement to the press: http://www.expandnato.org/lordonnato.html

Address by Mr Indulis Berzins, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia at the meeting of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, Budapest, 30 May 2001 (extract)

"The continuing process of NATO enlargement is not only priority direction of Latvia's foreign policy. It is, undoubtedly, also one of the major items on the trans-Atlantic policy agenda, and time for decisions on this issue is drawing nearer. Clearly, Baltic membership in NATO is indispensable, if not central, part of the enlargement issue.
The visionary and authoritative speech of President Havel in Bratislava has set the standard for this debate and underlined the essential rationale for NATO enlargement âÀ“ to erase the former dividing lines in Europe. Enlargement presents opportunities and benefits for everyone by reducing uncertainty and enhancing stability. In President Havel's words, it represents "shared will to fight everything that jeopardizes a better future for humankind".
For our part, Latvia will be ready to receive an invitation next year in Prague and to continue to contribute to security and stability in the Euroatlantic region. Our commitment to be part of NATO-led peace forces in Balkans remains in place. Our defence planning has received positive evaluation through the MAP process. Latvia's efforts to improve our defence capabilities recently received a further boost through the vote by an overwhelming majority of Latvian Parliamentarians to pass a law increasing defence spending to 2% of GDP by 2003.
Our membership aspirations are part of the wider process of building Europe whole and free. Cooperation and coordination within the Vilnius group of candidate countries makes us stronger applicants. The meeting of Chiefs of Defence from aspirant countries in Riga next month shows that practical cooperation in this process is as important as the political impetus that V9 brings to the enlargement debate.
I know that the question of invitations will be considered in the capitals of the Alliance before we meet again later this year. The upcoming Prague summit presents an opportunity to further stabilize our continent and to correct injustices of history. Making full use of this opportunity will ensure that the Alliance remains in the driving seat of European security."

Full text of the address: http://www.am.gov.lv/en/?id=3610

FOR MORE INFORMATION

CONTACT INFORMATION

Latvia's Liaison Office with NATO Headquarters in Brussels

H.E. Mr. Imants Liegis, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Address: NATO HQ, Mission of Latvia, B-1110, Brussels, Belgium

Telephone: 32 2 707 28 87; 32 2 707 28 88

Fax: 32 2 707 28 89

E-mail: latpol@hq.nato.int

USEFUL LINKS

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia: http://www.am.gov.lv/en/?id=4445

Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia: http://www.mod.lv/

Information on NATO enlargement issues: http://expandnato.org/