Current LatviaTHEME IN FOCUS: TERRORISM No. 17, 17 September 2001 EVENTS
STATEMENTS
On 11 September 2001 right after receiving the horrendous news about the tragic events in the USA, the President of the Republic of Latvia Dr Vaira Vike-Freiberga condemned the acts of terrorism and characterised them as challenge to all the democratic nations. "We are deeply shocked at these inhuman acts of violence against innocent people. We unconditionally condemn these outrages against civilisation and pray for the souls of the people who perished in this heinous crime," the President said in her letter to the U.S. President Mr George W. Bush. The Prime Minister of Latvia Mr Andris Berzins convened an emergency meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers to discuss the situation and the required safety measures in Latvia. The state security structures were set into a heightened alert regime. The Prime Minister personally arrived at the U.S. Embassy in Riga to express deepest condolences. In his letter of condolence to the U.S. President, Mr Andris Berzins pointed out that the unprecedented acts of terror once more proved, how important it is to co-ordinate a joint combat by all the countries against the international terrorism. The Cabinet of Ministers declared 13 September 2001 a day of mourning in Latvia. On this day an ecumenical service was held in the Dome Cathedral of Riga. Flowers and candles have been placed at the U.S. Embassy âÀ“ symbolic of the Latvian nation's sympathy toward the people of the United States. Latvia has joined the EU declaration on solidarity with the USA. The Latvian President has voiced Latvia's readiness to render support to the United States in the fight against terrorism, once more confirming solidarity with the American people. The Prime Minister has also confirmed that Latvia would be ready to contribute to combating terrorism as far as possible if requested. EVENTSLatvia and other NATO candidate countries express solidarity with the USA On 12 September 2001, in Brussels, a session of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council took place, where the NATO member and partner countries discussed the situation that has emerged as a result of the terrorist attacks in the USA. The Ambassador of Lithuania to NATO Ms Ginte Damusyte read out a statement on behalf of 10 NATO candidate countries, voicing strong condemnation of the barbaric terrorist attacks against the USA and expressing condolences to the relatives of the victims. The statement also expresses solidarity with the United States of America and confirms full support as well as readiness to fight against terrorism together with the USA and NATO, for the perpetrators of these terrorist attacks should not go unpunished. MFA
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia accedes to the Joint Declaration by the Heads of State and Government of the European Union On 14 September 2001 the Latvian Prime Minister Mr Andris Berzins acceded to the Joint Declaration by the Heads of State and Government of the European Union released that day. The Joint Declaration, which has also been signed by the President of the European Parliament Ms Nicole Fontaine, the President of the European Commission Mr Romano Prodi, as well as the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Mr Javier Solana, expresses solidarity with the USA. The EU candidate countries are also invited to accede to the Declaration. The Declaration says that the terrorist attacks were directed not only against the USA, but also against all the open, democratic, multicultural and tolerant communities. The document expresses solidarity with the American people and calls on all the countries to join forces against terrorism. The Declaration expresses readiness to activate the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the EU and to strengthen the anti-terrorist component of this policy. MFA
Latvian Parliament denounces terrorist attacks on the USA On 13 September 2001 the Latvian Parliament adopted a statement denouncing terrorist actions against the USA, which should be seen as an attack on the entire democratic world. At the proposal by 10 MPs, the Parliament adopted the statement, strongly denouncing the recent terrorist strikes on the USA and expressing condolences to the American nation. "At this moment our thoughts are with the US President, Congress, Government and the entire American people, who have always firmly and consistently supported freedom and other democratic values which are an integral part of Latvia's statehood," the statement says. According to the document, Latvia supports the call by the USA and other world leaders to step up the fight against international terrorism. States should join forces in their efforts to develop effective anti-terrorist measures and Latvia is ready to contribute to this important task. BNS
Minister of Foreign Affairs signs the book of condolence at the U.S. Embassy in Riga On 14 September 2001 the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Mr Indulis Berzins visited the U.S. Embassy and signed the book of condolence. The Minister of Foreign Affairs also had a brief meeting with the Ambassador of the USA to Latvia Mr James H. Holmes. Mr Berzins once more expressed solidarity with the American people and voiced Latvia's readiness to join the efforts against terrorism. The Embassy of United States of America has made two condolence books available to the public, and invites all who wish to express their feelings on the tragic events of September 11 to make use of them. One condolence book will be available every workday from 10:00 to 14:00 at the U.S. Embassy's Information Resource Center at 7 Smilsu Street in Riga. A second, "virtual," condolence book for receiving e-mail messages will be available online on the U.S. Embassy's web page, http://www.usembassy.lv E-mailed messages of condolence may be sent to usembassy@mail.usis.bkc.lv MFA, U.S. Embassy in Riga
Ecumenical service in Riga prays for American and Latvian nations, 13 September 2001 declared day of mourning in Latvia On 13 September 2001 in the ecumenical service held in Riga to remember victims of brutal terrorist attacks on the United States, Latvian leaders of traditional religious confessions prayed for the U.S. and Latvian nations. The service was attended by Latvian President Dr Vaira Vike-Freiberga, U.S. Ambassador to Latvia Mr James H. Holmes and his spouse, Parliament Speaker Mr Janis Straume, Latvian Prime Minister Mr Andris Berzins, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Indulis Berzins, other ministers and representatives from foreign embassies in Riga, who extended their deepest condolences to the U.S. Ambassador. Latvian Evangelic Lutheran church archbishop Janis Vanags said that no treasures in the world could compensate for lives of the people, who died in the tragic and unbelievably evil terrorist attacks on the USA, therefore prayers should be sent to God for their souls. "Let us raise our thoughts and voices for all world nations whose human and sacred ideals were destroyed and maimed by this horrendous terrorist action," said Vanags. Representatives of religious confessions prayed in Latvian and English for all people killed in the USA, for their relatives, for people who still were uncertain about the fate of their beloved, for the American people, for the U.S. President George W. Bush. Prayers were also said for the Latvian state, and for those on the road, in particularly, travelling by air, and for inner peace in each country. Latvia declared 13 September 2001 as the day of mourning for victims of the terrorist attacks on the USA. National flags with black ribbons of mourning were raised at all buildings in Latvia and services commemorating the terrorist victims were held. Following the tragic events in the USA claiming thousands of lives, people in Latvia expressed their condolences by placing flowers and candles in front of the U.S. Embassy in Riga. BNS
Information about the measures taken by the Ministry of Defence and the National Armed Forces in connection with the acts of terrorism committed in the USA The Minister of Defence Girts Valdis Kristovskis condemns the cruel act of terrorism in the USA and offers his deepest condolences to the people of America and the relatives of the victims. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the National Armed Forces (NAF) communicate with the USA and are prepared to render assistance as far as possible. The NAF is working under the ordinary regime with the exception of separate units and objects. Intensified security measures are being executed by the NAF in military objects, the Saeima (the Parliament), and the Chancellery of the State President. The Special Tasks Unit and the Explosives Neutralization Unit have been assigned to remain under the duty regime. At the NAF Headquarters, a group of officers has been formed to monitor the course of events in the USA. Exchange of information and co-ordination takes place among the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, the Crisis Management Centre and security services. In the legislation and resolutions regulating the State's defence and security, terrorism is included in the list of possible risks, and there are standards and mechanisms to fight against it. Only with joint efforts on the international level is it possible to fight against international terrorism. Ministry of Defence
Latvian Red Cross ready to help their U.S. colleagues The Latvian Red Cross organisation has expressed condolences to the United States Red Cross organisation, saying it was ready to provide practical assistance, if the U.S. colleagues asked for help. Latvian Red Cross spokeswoman reported on 12 September 2001 that several people had inquired whether the organisation would organise an emergency blood donation campaign for victims of the terrorist attacks in the USA. The Latvian Red Cross is grateful that the Latvian population understands the role of the organisation, the spokeswoman said, and will immediately respond if the U.S. Red Cross asks Latvian people for help. The Red Cross committees are ready to summon donors under their supervision for an emergency blood donation. The Latvian Red Cross calls on the population to donate blood anyway as each blood donation may save a life. The Latvian Red Cross organisation has sent an official letter of condolences to the U.S. Embassy in Latvia. BNS STATEMENTSLetter of condolence by the Latvian President to the U.S. President and nation, 11 September 2001
Riga, 11 September 2001
His Excellency George Walker Bush President of the United States of America
Dear Mr. President, On behalf of the people of the Republic of Latvia I extend to you and to the people of the United States of America my profoundest sympathies in connection with the terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington D.C. today and the tragic deaths of so many Americans. We are deeply shocked at these inhuman acts of violence against innocent people. We unconditionally condemn these outrages against civilisation and pray for the souls of the people who perished in this heinous crime. At this saddest moment please accept, Dear Mr. President, this expression of my deepest condolences to all those who have lost their relatives and friends.
Yours sincerely,
Vaira Vike-Freiberga President of the Republic of Latvia
Statement of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia, 13 September 2001 The Saeima of the Republic of Latvia strongly denounces the terrorist attacks carried out in the United States on September 11 and expresses heartfelt condolences to the American people, to the relatives and families of the victims of the tragedy. At this moment our thoughts are with the US President, Congress, Government and the entire American people, who have always firmly and consistently supported freedom and other democratic values which are an integral part of Latvia's statehood. This unprecedented ruthless terrorist attack is to be considered as an attack on and a challenge to not only the United States of America but also to the whole democratic world. The Latvian parliament supports the appeal made by leaders of the United States and other countries to intensify efforts in combating international terrorism. Civilized countries of the world must consolidate their forces in developing an effective mechanism for combating terrorism, and to this end Latvia is fully committed to helping in any way it can. 13 September 2001, Chairman of the Saeima Janis Straume
Press Statement of the U.S. Embassy in Riga, 12 September 2001 This is a time for deep mourning for all America and for all freedom loving people around the world. We are shocked and horrified by these cowardly and despicable attacks. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and with the thousands of rescue workers, emergency personnel and average Americans whose lives have been torn apart by yesterday's events. We are gratified by the many messages of support and for the universal condemnation of these criminal acts. From the condolences of statesmen and world leaders to the flowers and candles laid outside our embassy by ordinary Latvians, we see once again that in times of hardship our common goals and beliefs shine brightly. The Prime Minister's personal visit today to the Embassy and the Ambassador underlines the strong and abiding friendship between our two nations which is a great comfort in our time of terrible loss. President Bush made it clear last night in his address to the American people: while the foundations of building can be shaken by terror, the foundations of American democracy remain strong. We will remain strong, we will remain free and resolute. With the help and support of our many friends and partners around the world, we will find those who committed these hideous crimes, and we will bring them to justice.
Statement on behalf of the Vilnius Group NATO candidate countries at the meeting of the EAPC at ambassadorial level, 12 September 2001 On behalf of the Vilnius Group countries âÀ“ Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Macedonia, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and my own country Lithuania, I wish to convey the commonality of the positions taken by all our Governments in response to yesterday's tragic events in the United States. Our Governments unanimously and strongly condemn the barbaric acts of terrorism committed against United States civil, official and military institutions. We are horrified by the numbers of innocent people, who have lost their lives during these senseless attacks and also in the line of duty while attempting to save the injured. Our deepest condolences go out to the victims and their families. Those responsible for the death and destruction must not go unpunished. At this very difficult time, we express our solidarity with the United States and stand ready to lend our total support as well as available capabilities in the continued fight against terrorism. These attacks have affected not only one country, but indeed all civilised nations that believe in freedom, democracy and global security. The Vilnius Group aligns itself fully with the statement made by the North Atlantic Council yesterday.
Statement by the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, 12 September 2001 We, the member nations of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, gathered today to express our solidarity with the people of the United States of America following yesterday's tragic events. These brutal and senseless atrocities have caused suffering on a massive scale. Our deepest sympathies go to the victims and their families. We are appalled by these barbaric acts and condemn them unconditionally. These acts were an attack on our common values. We will not allow these values to be compromised by those who follow the path of violence. We pledge to undertake all efforts to combat the scourge of terrorism. We stand united in our belief that the ideals of partnership and co-operation will prevail. 1. EAPC Member Countries are: Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrghyz Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (2), Tadjikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan. 2. Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.
Joint Declaration by the Heads of State and Government of the European Union, the President of the European Parliament, the President of the European Commission, and the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, 14 September 2001 In Europe, and around the world, the horrific terrorist attacks on the United States have shocked our citizens. As an expression of solidarity with the American people, Europe has declared 14 September a day of mourning. We invite all European citizens to observe, at noon, a three-minute silence to express our sincere and deepest sympathy for the victims and their families. On 12 September, the European Union condemned the perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of these terrorist attacks in the strongest possible terms. The European Union announced that it would make every possible effort to ensure that those responsible for these acts of savagery are brought to justice and punished. The US Administration and the American people can count on our complete solidarity and full cooperation to ensure that justice is done. We will not, under any circumstances, allow those responsible to find refuge, wherever they may be. Those responsible for hiding, supporting or harbouring the perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of these acts will be held accountable. This assault on humanity struck at the heart of a close friend, a country with which the European Union is striving to build a better world. But these terrible terrorist attacks were also directed against us all, against open, democratic, multicultural and tolerant societies. We call on all countries that share these universal ideals and values to join together in the battle against terrorist acts perpetrated by faceless killers who claim the lives of innocent victims. Nothing can justify the utter disregard for ethical values and human rights. Global solidarity is at stake. Together, irrespective of our origins, race or religion, we must work tirelessly to find solutions to the conflicts that all too often serve as a pretext for savagery. We call on all countries to redouble their efforts in the fight against terrorism. This is essential for security of our citizens and the stability of our societies. International organisations, and the United Nations in particular, must make this an absolute priority. We shall act with determination and ambition to overcome any obstacles in our path. To eliminate this evil, the police and judicial authorities of all our countries must, in the coming days, intensify their efforts. International law makes it possible to hunt the perpetrators, organizers and instigators of terrorism wherever they are. It is not tolerable for any country to harbour terrorists. These tragic events oblige us to take urgent decisions on how the European Union should respond to these challenges:
Our citizens will not be intimidated. Our societies will continue to function undeterred. But today our thoughts are with the victims, their families and the American people.
Guy Verhofstadt Nicole Fontaine Romano Prodi Tony Blair Wolfgang Schussel Gerhard Schroder Jose-Maria Aznar Tarja Halonen Poul Nyrup Rasmussen Paavo Lipponen Kostas Simitis Antonio Guterres Silvio Berlusconi Jacques Chirac Lionel Jospin Bertie Ahern Wim Kok Goran Persson Jean-Claude Juncker Javier Solana
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