Current LatviaTHEME IN FOCUS: NATO No. 22, 22 February 2002
Lord Robertson: All candidate countries must perform according to the highest democratic standards State President Vaira Vike-Freiberga met NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson in Riga Castle on 21 February 2002. During the meeting the State President and NATO Secretary General discussed the process of NATO enlargement, the new security policy situation in the world as well as the implementation of the Membership Action Plan of Latvia. Lord Robertson stressed that the new security policy situation had not changed the principles of NATO membership. He pointed out that NATO supported equal membership criteria to all its candidates and did not put forward any specific requirements to any of the candidate states. Concerning the implementation of the Membership Action Plan the NATO Secretary General appreciated the achievements of Latvia and stated that Latvia had good prospects in the NATO Prague Summit. However, he also stressed that NATO membership did not only mean military preparedness of the countries âÀ“ the organisation admitted only the countries with indisputable level of democracy thus enlarging the space of common values represented by NATO. For any of the countries it also meant aligned legislation, efficient anti-corruption system and harmony in the society, Lord Robertson said. The NATO Secretary General expressed a strong support to the President concerning the need for the amendments in the Election Law and expressed the hope that the Parliament would support the President in implementing the important decision. The NATO Secretary General informed the President of Latvia about the new co-operation between NATO and Russia, which involved closer co-operation in combating terrorism. The President appreciated Lord Robertson's efforts in strengthening NATO alliance providing for more effective counter-action to terrorism in the world. President's Press Service (21.02.2002) MFA press release of 21 February 2002 "The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Secretary General of NATO discussing Latvia's preparedness for NATO membership": http://www.am.gov.lv/en/?id=2509 Ministry of Defence press release of 21 February 2002 "On the visit of NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson in Latvia": http://www.mod.lv/english/05jaunumi/index.php?id=625
George W. Bush: Countries outside NATO have no right to veto NATO enlargement decisions State President Vaira Vike-Freiberga met the US President George W. Bush during the event organised for the heads of different states in Salt Lake City before the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games in the evening of 8 February 2002. In the conversation George W. Bush confirmed Vaira Vike-Freiberga that the stance of the US Administration had not changed since their previous meeting in April last year. President Bush pointed out that the situation in the world over the previous year had not altered the US opinion about the principles NATO enlargement must be based on âÀ“ whole and free Europe, preparedness of applicant states for NATO membership and veto rights only for NATO member states. President's Press Service (08.02.2002)
Latvian President in Washington: Latvia is a small country but a strong ally State President Vaira Vike-Freiberga met the US Vice President Richard B. Cheney in Washington on 5 February 2002. During the meeting the parties discussed the situation in the world and the USA following the September 11 events. The President highly appreciated the leading role of George W. Bush and Richard B. Cheney in settling the situation after September 11 and expressed support to the USA. "We are a small country, however, a strong ally," the President said. Vaira Vike-Freiberga appreciated the co-operation between the USA and Russia and other CIS countries in the anti-terrorism actions. She also pointed out that the parties have succeeded in breaking the cold war stereotypes in the co-operation and a new world has been created with common aims for fighting terrorism in the world. The US Vice President stressed that NATO alliance had not lost its significance in the new situation in the world and all the principles the US President George W. Bush had mentioned in his Warsaw speech on NATO enlargement were integrated in the US foreign policy. Vaira Vike-Freiberga confirmed to Richard B. Cheney that Latvia appreciated George W. Bush's historic speech in Warsaw. She stressed that the speech contained the same principles, which were followed by Latvia. President's Press Service (05.02.2002) 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: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/06/20010615-1.html
US Secretary of State praises Latvia's progress in NATO integration During the meeting with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga in Washington on 5 February 2002 the US Secretary of State Colin L. Powell confirmed the unchanging policy of the US Administration concerning NATO enlargement: "NATO must expand." The US Secretary of State highly appreciated the achievements of Latvia in NATO integration, particularly stressing the involvement of Latvia in peacekeeping operations. The President of Latvia stressed that Latvia continued to prove that it acted with full responsibility as a close partner of NATO. She said that Latvia had adopted the resolution to send volunteer soldiers to peacekeeping operations in Kirghizia. "By admitting the Baltic States to NATO the Alliance would acquire one more region of security and stability," the President of Latvia said. President's Press Service (05.02.2002)
German and Baltic Foreign Ministers in a meeting in Riga: NATO enlargement plays a crucial role in building Europe whole and free The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Lithuania met for the sixth annual session of political consultations in Riga on February 11, 2002. The Ministers had an extensive exchange of views on the enlargement of the European Union and the future of Europe, and a profound discussion of international security issues including NATO enlargement. The Federal Foreign Minister of Germany confirmed continuous active support of his country to the accession of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to the EU and NATO. The Ministers touched upon questions related to the Baltic Sea regional co-operation and other topics of mutual interest. The Ministers unconditionally denounced international terrorism as a threat to democracy and civic society throughout the world. They reiterated their continued commitment to play an active role in the worldwide coalition in the fight against international terrorism and the readiness of their countries to contribute practically to the fight against terrorism, including participation in the US led operation "Enduring Freedom". They also stressed the continuing importance of the NATO in the changed security environment after the events of the 11th of September 2001. The Ministers reiterated that the NATO enlargement plays a crucial role in building Europe whole and free. They expressed their support for further NATO enlargement in 2002 and admission of all qualified candidate countries. The Ministers expressed their belief that an invitation for the Baltic States to join NATO to be issued at the Prague Summit will eliminate the lines of historical injustice and division in Europe. The Ministers of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania emphasised their continuous commitment to consolidate their defence capabilities and expressed their appreciation for Germany's support and assistance in this respect. Joint Communiqué of the Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Estonia, Germany, Latvia and Lithuania in Riga, 11 February 2002: http://www.am.gov.lv/en/?id=2495
Spain commends Baltic States' practical preparedness for membership in NATO On 13 February 2002 by the visit in Madrid, the consultations between representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence of the Baltic States and NATO South European member states âÀ“ Spain, Italy and Greece âÀ“ were started, aiming at the discussion of issues relating to NATO enlargement and preparedness of the Baltic States to become the member states of NATO. Within the framework of the visit in Spain, meetings were held with representatives of the Parliament of Spain âÀ“ Heads of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committees, as well as with the President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Mr Rafael Estrella, officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence and representatives from the Bureau of the Prime Minister. Spanish representatives commended the practical preparedness of the Baltic States for the membership in NATO. According to the view of Spanish officials, the Baltic States have currently attained, in comparison with previously acceding states at the moment of their invitation, higher level of preparedness in their progress to the membership in the Alliance. The Spanish officials expressed their strong support for the invitation, during the Prague Summit, of new member states and favoured the most extensive possible enlargement, noting the invitation of five or seven states. The three Baltic States are considered as the most probable and most supported NATO candidate states. MFA (13.02.2002)
Minister of Foreign Affairs: Latvia will not be just a consumer of security From 1 to 3 February 2002 the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Indulis Berzins participated in the annual Conference on Security Policy in Munich. The discussions of the Conference were focused on the combat of the international terrorism and the international co-operation in this field, as well as the role of NATO in the fostering of security at global level, including the significance of the enlargement of NATO. In his speech during the debates of the Conference, Mr Berzins emphasised that Latvia is interested in the strengthening of NATO as a result of the enlargement, and therefore Latvia devotes great efforts to achieve the practical preparedness through accurate implementation of the Membership Action Plan. The Minister noted that the contribution of Latvia into the NATO operations in Balkans and international anti-terrorism campaign assure that Latvia will not be just a consumer of security, but will support the Alliance in the implementation of the common objectives. Mr Berzins also expressed the opinion that the NATO-Russia co-operation has to be developed in a way, which strengthens, rather than impairs the Alliance. The Minister assured the interest of Latvia in the development of a constructive relationship with Russia. MFA (04.02.2002) Munich Conference on Security Policy: http://www.securityconference.de/
Prime Minister: All aspects linked with Latvia's security included in National Security Concept The National Security Concept that was passed by Saeima on 24 January 2002 includes all aspects linked with the country's security, Prime Minister Mr Andris Berzins said in an interview on Latvian Radio. "The national or the main interest of the state of Latvia is security. Not today's security but security in the longer term, and mostly security guarantees," said the Prime Minister. Mr Berzins said that the government will observe tasks included into the concept by working out a National Security Plan, which will be approved by the government and reviewed by the National Security Council. The government will review implementation of the plan on a quarterly basis. "All aspects linked with national security are there, including security of residents, internal security, social stability, democratic development," said Mr Berzins. LETA (24.01.2002)
Saeima backs participation of Latvian soldiers in international military operations by request of a NATO or a European Union member state On 31 January 2002 Saeima (the Parliament of Latvia) passed amendments to the law on participation of the Latvian National Armed Forces in international operations that stipulate that Latvian units take part in international military operations at the request of international organisations in which Latvia is a member state or with which Latvia co-operates, or by request of a NATO or a European Union member state. Up until now, it was not stipulated that Latvian soldiers may participate in international military operations by request of other state. LETA (31.01.2002)
Latvian volunteers to participate in US-led anti-terrorism operation "Enduring Freedom" On 31 January 2002 Latvia's Parliament supported the participation of volunteer soldiers from the Latvian Armed Forces in the US-led international anti-terrorism operation "Enduring Freedom" under the Danish Armed Forces contingent in Kirghizia. Denmark earlier had sent an invitation to the Baltic defence ministries to contribute 10 - 12 troops to the international operation. The soldiers will be carrying out airport base support functions, not getting involved in battle. The mission will be joined by soldiers from the 1st Riga infantry battalion, who already have mission experience and necessary knowledge. The mission will last 6 months with a rotation period of 3 months for the Latvian soldiers. Operation costs will be covered by Denmark, while Latvia is to cover wages and insurance for the Latvian soldiers. BNS (31.01.2002) Ministry of Defence press release of 22 January 2002 "On the participation of the soldiers of the National Armed Forces of Latvia in the international anti-terrorism operation": http://www.am.gov.lv/en/?id=2469 Ministry of Defence press release of 11 February 2002 "Participation of the soldiers of Latvia's National Armed Forces in international anti-terrorism operations in Kirghizia": http://www.mod.lv/english/05jaunumi/index.php?id=615
Latvian soldiers depart for KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo On 28 January 2002 the British Ambassador to Latvia welcomed ten Latvian soldiers in a reception in his residence to wish them success during service in KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo as part of the British contingent, the Embassy reported. Mr Stephen Thomas Nash said during an informal conversation with the soldiers that participation of Latvian unit in the peacekeeping mission as part of British contingent is viewed by the Embassy as "... a highly important part of Latvian and British co-operation". The Ambassador voiced satisfaction over the fact that six out of ten soldiers of the current unit already have taken part in such mission previously. Commander of the Latvian unit, Normunds Zavileiskis, said the soldiers will depart for Kosovo on 7 February to replace the previous Latvian unit and will stay there for six months. Among the ten soldiers is a doctor and two nurses while most of them are from military police. Latvian unit is taking part in the mission as part of British contingent for the fifth time and the co-operation is planned to be continued in the future as well, the Embassy reported. BNS (28.01.2002)
Government supports participation of Latvia in 16 military manoeuvres abroad On 12 February 2002 the Latvian government supported a draft order by Defence Ministry envisaging to send units of the Latvian National Armed Forces (NAF) to 16 joint military manoeuvres abroad this year as well as send BALTBAT's Latvian contingent to joint BALTBAT FTX training. The explanatory note written by the Ministry states the training will be staged to improve mutual co-operation of NATO and Partnership for Peace countries during military operations. The NAF units this year are planning to join Strong Resolve 2002, Cooperative Nugget, Cooperative Key, Cooperative Zenith 2002, Cooperative Venture 2002, Combined Endeavor 2002, Guardex 2002, US Baltops, MCOPLIT, North East Cooperative Jaguar, Cooperative Tide, Stanavforlant Passex, Amber Sea, Sarex, Homeguard 2nd brigade manoeuvres in Denmark, Resceur/Medceur 2002 military training abroad. Participation of Latvia in all these manoeuvres has been planned under this year's budget and no additional financing is required. The draft order has been worked out in line with the law on participation of Latvia's NAF in joint military training abroad. BNS (12.02.2002)
First network of Baltic organisations on NATO formed On 30 January 2002 Baltic States' non-governmental organisations, supporting the Baltic States' membership in NATO, resolved at a gathering in Riga to strengthen mutual co-operation and form a joint organisation, the Baltic Atlantic Treaty Association. The Latvian Transatlantic Organisation reported that with support from the Danish Atlantic Treaty Association, Baltic organisations, including the Estonian Atlantic Treaty Association and the Lithuanian Atlantic Treaty Association, and institutes agreed to promote the popular debate and knowledge level about the Baltic peace and security dimension. Up to and in the wake of the November 2002 NATO Summit in Prague the Baltic organisations and institutes will have a common communication platform with information activities primarily directed towards young people and minority speaking groups. The project includes a Baltic report on NATO issues, an international seminar for youth called Baltic Summer 2002, seminars for teachers and the 4 April NATO day staged in all three of the Baltic States. In addition Baltic task force of political scientists has been established with the participation of scientists from Denmark, Russia and the USA. BNS, LATO (30.01.2002)
"The Euro-Atlantic Community: Global Challenges and Future Prospects", address by Dr Vaira Vike-Freiberga, President of Latvia, Baker Institute, Houston, TX, 7 February 2002 (extract) "[..] This year Latvia hopes to fulfill a long-standing dream, and to receive formal invitations to join the European Union and the NATO alliance. For Latvia, full membership in these two international organizations will signal its return to the peaceful, secure and stable community of prosperous European nations from which it was forcibly wrenched over six decades ago. The formal accession invitations that Latvia looks forward to receiving later this year will represent a fitting recognition of Latvia's remarkable achievements in re-establishing a democratic society, and in rebuilding its economy from the ground up. However, Latvia does not intend to rest on its laurels. For one, we shall continue to increase our defense capabilities. We have already taken part in NATO-led peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and in Kosovo. We have contributed to humanitarian relief efforts in Afghanistan and shall continue to contribute to UN and NATO operations in a meaningful manner long after we are admitted as full members to the NATO Alliance. To further assist in the efforts of the American-led coalition against terrorism, Latvia is preparing to send a military contingent to Kirghizia under the command of Danish troops. Since the September 11 attacks, Latvia has taken a number of far-reaching unilateral measures. It has upgraded its border control system, reviewed its import and export monitoring proceedings, and made it more difficult for terrorists to launder money through the country's banking system. We are working closely with our two Baltic neighbors Estonia and Lithuania, and have increased our level of cooperation with other NATO candidate countries following a conference in Warsaw at the end of last year. [..]" Full text of the speech: http://www.am.gov.lv/en/?id=3477
"NATO: Enlarging and Redefining Itself", speech by Lord Robertson, NATO Secretary General, Chatham House, London, 18 February 2002 (extract) "[..] Without enlargement, Europe will remain unfinished business. Without enlargement, we would permanently frustrate the ambitions of countries of Central and Eastern Europe for inclusion in the transatlantic security and defence community. That would perpetuate an unnatural and potentially dangerous division between a prosperous, secure and self-confident West and an insecure and uncertain East. NATO, like the EU, cannot evade this responsibility and this challenge. That is why we have committed ourselves to taking in at least one new member at Prague. Some people accept this principle but have serious doubts about the practice. Will new members pull their weight? Will they play the NATO game of consultation, cooperation and consensus building? I think they will. The nations to which we will issue invitations at Prague know very well what it means to be in an Alliance that works. Each has years of experience working with the Alliance, as Partners, including in bringing peace and stability to South East Europe. And each will have benefited from years of NATO-assisted defence reform. This will make them net security contributors, not mere security consumers. Of course, enlargement is more than a selection process. Managing enlargement also means keeping the door open for future members. And it means continued engagement with all our Partners, whether they aspire to NATO membership or not. [..]" Full text of the speech: http://www.nato.int/docu/speech/2002/s020218a.htm
FOR MORE INFORMATION Special edition about Latvia of the magazine "NATO's Nations" In December of the year 2001, the publishing house MONCH Publishing Group in Germany published a special edition of the magazine "NATO's Nations and Partners for Peace" about Latvia âÀ“ "Latvia in NATO. From Vision to Action." This special edition contributes significantly to the informing of the international society about Latvia's achievements in defence, economy and establishing of democratic society. Special emphasis is put on our state's preparation for the membership in the North Atlantic Alliance, development of the National Armed Forces and the growing support of the population to these processes. The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia in co-operation with the publishing house "MONCH" prepared the edition. Ministry of Defence (18.01.2002)
CONTACT INFORMATION
Latvia's Liaison Office with NATO Headquarters in Brussels
Latvian Transatlantic Organisation (LATO)
USEFUL LINKS
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia (subdirectory dedicated to Latvia's future NATO membership): http://www.am.gov.lv/en/?id=4445 Information on Latvia's activities in combating international terrorism: http://www.am.gov.lv/en/?id=4487 Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia: http://www.mod.lv/ Latvian Transatlantic Organisation (LATO): http://www.lato.lv/ Information on NATO enlargement issues: http://expandnato.org/ NATO Enlargement Daily Brief: http://www.expandnato.org/nedb.html |
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