Current Latvia THEME IN FOCUS No. 3, 4 May 2000 10th anniversary since adoption of the Declaration of the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia EVENTS
FACTS
EVENTSLatvia Celebrates the 10th Anniversary Since Adoption of the Declaration of the Restoration of Independence May 4, Latvia celebrated the 10th anniversary since adoption of the Declaration of the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia. The Declaration was adopted by the Latvian SSR Supreme Council on May 4, 1990. In the independence declaration the Supreme Council members stressed that "the ultimatum of June 16, 1940, from the Stalinist government of the USSR to the Latvian government, asking for its resignation, and the following military aggression, constitute an international crime, which resulted in the occupation of Latvia and the termination of its statehood. Hence, according to international law, the incorporation of Latvia into the Soviet Union is invalid. Accordingly, the Republic of Latvia continues to exist de jure as a subject of international law" and "the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia adopted on February 15, 1922, is in effect de jure". The Supreme Council resolved to consider illegal the Treaty of August 23, 1939, between the USSR and Germany, and the subsequent termination of the sovereignty of the Republic of Latvia on June 17, 1940, which was the result of Soviet military aggression; to declare null and void from the moment of its adoption the July 21, 1940, Parliament of Latvia Declaration "On the Republic of Latvia's Joining the USSR"; to re-establish the authority of the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia, adopted by the Constitutional Assembly on February 15, 1922, in the entire territory of Latvia; until the adoption of a revised Constitution, to suspend the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia, except for the articles expressing the constitutional and legal foundation of the Latvian state; to develop relations between Latvia and the USSR in accordance with the Peace Treaty between Latvia and Russia of August 11, 1920, which is still in force and which perpetually recognises the independence of Latvia. The declaration envisaged a transition period for the restoration of the state authority of Latvia de facto. For full text of the Declaration of the Restoration of Latvia's Independence see the section FACTS.
President Presents "Three Star Order" to the Supreme Council Members Who Had Voted for Adoption of the Independence Declaration May 3, President of State Dr. Vaira Vike-Freiberga presented the highest award of the Republic of Latvia "The Three Star Order" to the Latvian SSR Supreme Council members who had voted for adoption of the Declaration of the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia on May 4, 1990. "Ten years ago Latvia (as well as Estonia and Lithuania) demonstrated to the world something almost unbelievable - that the pace of history, the fate of states and nations can be changed without bloodshed and violence. That it is possible to change it in a legal and civilised, intelligent and spiritual manner. That was the way the Baltic peoples won the affection and appreciation from the international community. That was how we confirmed our moral strength, our human and democratic potential not only to others, but also to ourselves," the President noted at the ceremony. 132 votes out of 201 had to be cast for the Declaration of the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia to come into force. 138 members of the Supreme Council supported the decision. One person had abstained from voting while other members of the Latvian SSR Supreme Council didn't participate in the voting procedure. President's Press Service
Festive Saeima Session Devoted to the 80th Anniversary of Convening the Constitutional Assembly and the 10th Anniversary of Adoption of the Independence Declaration May 4, a festive Saeima session devoted to the 80th anniversary of convening the Constitutional Assembly of the Republic of Latvia and the 10th Anniversary of Adoption of the Declaration of the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia was held. Speaking at the special session Speaker of the Saeima Mr. Janis Straume noted that "on May 4, 1990 the Latvian nation was ready to confirm to all the nations of the world its willingness and ability to live again in a free and independent Latvia". "I congratulate all the members of the Supreme Council who on May 4, 1990 had voted for adoption of the declaration of the restoration of independence [..]. I congratulate our nation in this holiday, the day which ten years ago had been the culmination point of the emotional uplift on Latvia's way to renascence of the statehood," the Speaker said in his address. The Constitutional Assembly was Latvia's first elected legislative body, which conducted its first session on May 1, 1920. The Constitutional Assembly elections were held on April 17 and 18, 1920, and 85% of those who had suffrage voted. The Constitutional Assembly drafted the basic law of the state (Satversme), a law on agrarian reform, a law on the election of the Saeima (Parliament), and other laws. The Assembly functioned until November 7, 1922. The legislative work begun by the Constitutional Assembly was further carried out by the Saeima Saeima's Press Service
Badges of Distinction Presented to Supporters of Latvia's Independence May 4, in a ceremony in the Latvian Parliament badges of distinction were presented to former members of the Soviet Latvia Supreme Council [parliament], who voted for restoration of Latvia's independence on May 4, 1990. During the ceremony former Supreme Council Chairman Mr. Anatolijs Gorbunovs said that the Supreme Council members had to thank hundreds and thousands of Latvians and non-Latvians who threw their personal support behind the efforts to restore Latvia's independence. He stressed the importance of Baltic unity in independence restoration and extended gratitude to his Estonian and Lithuanian colleagues - Mr. Arnold Ruutel and Mr. Vytautas Landsbergis. BNS
U.S. Congress Congratulates Latvia on the 10th Anniversary of Restoration of Its Independence May 4, United States Ambassador to Latvia Mr. James H. Holmes handed over to Deputy Speaker of the Saeima Mr. Rihards Piks Concurrent Resolution by the U.S. Congress, "congratulating Latvia on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the reestablishment of its independence and the role it played in the disintegration of the former Soviet Union and commending Latvia for its success in implementing political and economic reforms, which may further speed the process of that country's integration into the European and Western institutions." The U.S. Congress pointed out in its resolution that "the United States had never recognised the forcible incorporation of the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuanian into the former Soviet Union". The document also noted that "the declaration on May 4, 1990, of the reestablishment of full sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Latvia furthered the disintegration of the former Soviet Union". "Latvia since then has successfully built democracy, passed legislation on human and minority rights that conform to European and international norms, ensured the rule of law, developed a free market economy, and consistently pursued a course of integration into the community of free and democratic nations by seeking membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation," the resolution said. The U.S. Congress noted that "Latvia, as a result of the progress of its political and economic reforms, has made, and continues to make, a significant contribution toward the maintenance of international peace and stability by, among other actions, its participation in NATO-led peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Kosovo." Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Latvia FACTSDeclaration of the Supreme Council of the Latvian SSR of the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia Full text. Unofficial translation. The independent state of Latvia, proclaimed on November 18, 1918, was granted international recognition in 1920 and became a full member of the League of Nations in 1921. The Latvian nation's right to self-determination was implemented in April 1920, when the people of Latvia gave their mandate to the Constitutional Assembly chosen in general, equal, direct and proportional elections. On February 15, 1922, the Assembly adopted the Constitution (Satversme) of the Republic of Latvia, which is in effect de jure. The ultimatum of June 16, 1940, from the Stalinist government of the USSR to the Latvian government, asking for its resignation, and the following military aggression, constitute an international crime, which resulted in the occupation of Latvia and the termination of its statehood. A new government was formed in Latvia following the dictate of the representatives of the USSR government. According to international law, this government did not represent the executive power of the sovereign Republic of Latvia, since it represented the interests of the USSR instead of those of Latvia. The elections of the Parliament (Saeima) of July 14 and 15, 1940, in the occupied Latvia were held under conditions of political terror pursuant to an illegally adopted and unconstitutional election law. Of the 17 lists of candidates submitted, only one was permitted in the elections - the list of the Working People's Bloc. The pre-election platform of this bloc did not include any demand to establish soviet power in Latvia or to join the Soviet Union. Moreover, the results of the elections were falsified. Thus, the illegally and fraudulently formed Parliament did not represent the will of the Latvian people. It had no constitutional power to change the governmental system and abolish the sovereignty of Latvia. Only the people had the right to decide on these matters, but no referendum was held. Hence, according to international law, the incorporation of Latvia into the Soviet Union is invalid. Accordingly, the Republic of Latvia continues to exist de jure as a subject of international law and is recognised as such by more than 50 countries of the world. Taking into account the "Declaration on the Sovereignty of the Latvian State" adopted by the Supreme Council of the Latvian SSR on July 28, 1989; the "Declaration on the Issue of the Independence of the Latvian State" adopted by the Latvian Supreme Council on February 15, 1990; and the "Appeal of the All-Latvia Meeting of People's Deputies" of April 21, 1990, observing the will of the inhabitants of Latvia, which was unmistakably expressed by the election to the Latvian Supreme Council of a majority of deputies who in their pre-election platforms had expressed their determination to restore the independence of the Republic of Latvia, being determined to restore the free, democratic and independent Republic of Latvia de facto, the Supreme Council of the Latvian SSR resolves: 1. To recognise the supremacy of the fundamental principles of international law over national law and to consider illegal the Treaty of August 23, 1939, between the USSR and Germany, and the subsequent termination of the sovereignty of the Republic of Latvia on June 17, 1940, which was the result of Soviet military aggression. 2. To declare null and void from the moment of its adoption the July 21, 1940, Parliament of Latvia Declaration "On the Republic of Latvia's Joining the USSR". 3. To re-establish the authority of the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia, adopted by the Constitutional Assembly on February 15, 1922, in the entire territory of Latvia. The official name of the Latvian state is "The Republic of Latvia", abbreviated as "Latvia". 4. Until the adoption of a revised Constitution, to suspend the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia, except for the articles expressing the constitutional and legal foundation of the Latvian state, which, according to Article 77 of the Constitution, may be amended only by referendum: Article 1 - Latvia shall be an independent and democratic Republic; Article 2 - The sovereign power of the Latvian State shall belong to the People of Latvia; Article 3 - The territory of the Latvian State shall consist of Vidzeme, Latgale, Kurzeme and Zemgale, within the boundaries stipulated by international treaties; Article 6 - The Saeima shall be elected in general, equal, direct and secret elections, on the basis of proportional representation. The application of Article 6 will follow the renewal of those state and administrative structures of the independent Republic of Latvia, which may guarantee free elections. 5. To determine the transition period for the restoration of the state authority of Latvia de facto. The transition period would end upon summoning the Saeima (Parliament) of Latvia. During the transition period the supreme state authority is implemented by the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia. 6. During the transition period, to implement those constitutional and other legal acts of the Latvian SSR which are in effect in Latvia when this Declaration is adopted, insofar as they do not contradict Articles 1, 2, 3 and 6 of the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia. Conflicts of law are resolved by the Constitutional Court of Latvia. During the transition period only the Republic of Latvia Supreme Council is empowered to adopt new or amend the existing legislative acts. 7. To appoint a commission for revising the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia, so that it corresponds to the present political, economic and social situation in Latvia. 8. To guarantee citizens of the Republic of Latvia and those of other nations permanently residing in Latvia social, economic and cultural rights, as well as those political freedoms which are defined in international human rights instruments; to apply these rights also to those citizens of the USSR who will express their wish to continue living in Latvia without Latvian citizenship. 9. To develop relations between Latvia and the USSR in accordance with the Peace Treaty between Latvia and Russia of August 11, 1920, which is still in force and which perpetually recognises the independence of Latvia. To establish a Government Commission for conducting negotiations with the USSR. This Declaration takes effect as of the moment of its adoption. Chairman of the Supreme Council Secretary of the Supreme Council Riga, May 4, 1990
Chronology of Events 1990 - 1991 1990 February 15 - The LSSR Supreme Council adopts a law on amendments to the LSSR Constitution: the red-and-white flag, the national coat of arms approved in 1921 and the national anthem "God bless Latvia!" have been declared the official national symbols. February 27 - In a solemn ceremony the red-and-white flag has been hoisted at the LSSR Supreme Council building. March 18 - Elections to the LSSR Supreme Council. The Popular Front wins the majority of the mandates. March 19 - A delegation for talks with USSR leadership on regaining of Latvia's economic and political independence has been formed. March 20 - Member of the Latvian dele gation Mr. Anatolijs Gorbunovs meets Mr. Mikhail Gorbachov in Moscow. The main theme of the talks: the results of the LSSR Supreme Council elections and the perspectives for further relations between Latvia and the Soviet Union. April 23 - Meeting of all-level deputies of the people of Latvia. 8086 deputies support restoration of Latvia's independence. May 4 - The LSSR Supreme Council adopts the Declaration of the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia. The declaration envisages a transition period for the restoration of the state authority of Latvia de facto. May 14 - USSR President Mr. Mikhail Gorbachov signes a decree condemning Latvia's Independence Declaration. July 31 - August 1 - Negotiations between Latvia's delegation and the Russian SFSR in Moscow on concluding of an inter-state agreement. The officials discuss the basic principles of inter-state relations and the further negotiation process. July 31 - The Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia adopts the decision on establishing the Bank of Latvia, the centre for emission of the national currency. August 10 - 11 - The second round of the negotiations between the Republic of Latvia and the Russian SFSR takes place in Riga and Jurmala. The parties define the basic principles of the inter-state relations. The basis of the agreement: Russia recognises Latvia's independence, and Latvia recognises the sovereignty of Russia. September 14 - The governments of the Republic of Latvia and the Russian SFSR conclude the agreement on economic co-operation in 1991 and further development of relations in the field of culture. September 26 - The Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia Mr. Ivars Godmanis meets USSR President Mr. Mikhail Gorbachov in Moscow. The USSR President firmly stands for creation of a union of sovereign states. November 10 - Representatives of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania reject the proposal by the USSR Council of Ministers to sign the agreement on creation of a union of sovereign states. December 17 - 1 002 829 signatures have been collected in Latvia against the agreement on creation of a union of sovereign states.
1991 January 13 - All-Latvia protest manifestation organised by the Popular Front of Latvia in relation to Soviet army military actions in Lithuania and the possible military coup in Latvia. January 13 - 27 - The people build barricades in Riga to protect Latvia's institutions and communication network in case of the possible USSR military aggression. March 3 - All-Latvia poll on independence of Latvia. 73,8% of the participants of the poll with the voting turnout 87,5% supported democratic and independent Latvia. March 19 - The Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia adopts the law on free development and the rights to cultural autonomy of the national and ethnic groups of Latvia. August 21 - The Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia adopts the Constitutional Law on the Statehood of the Republic of Latvia. Abolition of the transition period for the restoration of the state authority of Latvia de facto envisaged in the declaration adopted in May 4, 1990. August 22 - Iceland recognises the independence of Latvia. August 23 - The Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia recognises the national independence of Estonia and Lithuania de jure. August 24 - The President of Russia Mr. Boris Yeltsin signs the decree on recognition of the national independence of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. August 25 - Argentina, Norway and Finland recognise the independence of Latvia. August 26 - Canada and Malta recognise the independence of Latvia. August 27 - Belgium, European Community, Greece, Great Britain, Luxembourg, Portugal, Sweden recognise the independence of Latvia. August 28 - Austria and Germany recognise the independence of the Baltic states. August 29 - Czech and Slovak Federal Republic, Italy and Switzerland recognise the independence of Latvia August 30 - the Netherlands recognises the independence of Latvia August 31 - Ireland recognises the independence of Latvia September 2 - The United States of America recognise the independence of the Baltic states. September 3 - Turkey recognises the independence of Latvia September 6 - The USSR State Council adopts the decision on recognition of independence of the Baltic states. September 7 - Albania recognises the independence of Latvia September 11 - Latvia joins the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe. September 18 - Latvia becomes a full-fledged member of the United Nations Organisation September 20 - Spain recognises the independence of Latvia. October 4 - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia Mr. Janis Jurkans and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Mr. Andrey Kozirev sign a protocol on establishment of the diplomatic relations in the level of ambassadors. October 5 - The Council of the Baltic States adopts a declaration on immediate withdrawal of the USSR troops form Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. October 15 - Latvia establishes diplomatic relations with the USSR. October 15 - The Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia adopts the decision on restoration of the rights of the citizens of the Republic of Latvia and the basic regulations on naturalisation. November 13 - The Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia adopts the law on the ministries of the Republic of Latvia and decides to establish the Ministry of Defence. December 10 - The Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia adopts the constitutional law on the rights and obligations of a person and citizen. December 20 - Latvia joins the North Atlantic Co-operation Council. |
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