January
16 Latvian representatives will participate in observation of Georgian presidential elections
On 5 January, early presidential elections will be held in Georgia, the observers of which will include 16 representatives from Latvia.
Foreign Ministry congratulates Georgia on democratic proceedings of presidential elections
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs congratulates Georgia on the extraordinary presidential elections of 5 January 2008, which had been transparent and on the whole had proceeded in accordance with international standards. Following the conclusions by the OSCE election observation mission, freedom of choice for the electors had been ensured during the election process.
Compensation issue resolved for fuel leak into the Daugava
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs that the issue of compensation for the pollution of the Daugava River caused by a damaged diesel fuel transportation pipeline in Belarus, on 23 March last year, has been resolved.
Latvian Ambassador Alberts Sarkanis participates in audience with Pope Benedict XVI
At the Vatican on 7 January, Pope Benedict XVI met with heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the Holy See. The official audience was also attended by Ambassador Alberts Sarkanis of Latvia, who was requested by Benedict XVI to pass on his wishes for a successful and harmonious new year to the Latvian President, the Government, and to all the people of Latvia.
U.S. Secretary of State congratulates Maris Riekstins on appointment
The U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, has congratulated Maris Riekstins on his appointment as the Foreign Minister of Latvia.
Foreign Minister and EU Energy Commissioner discuss current EU-related topics
On 9 January, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Andris Piebalgs, the European Commissioner for Energy met to discuss topics related to EU energy policy and also the ratification process of the Lisbon Treaty by national parliaments.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins' office staff determined
The Foreign Minister has determined his office staff. As reported previously, Ilze Milta will head the office, whilst Raimonds Vingris has been appointed as Deputy Head of the new team.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to discuss energy issues with Andris Piebalgs
A meeting is to take place on Wednesday 9 January between Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Andris Piebalgs, the European Commissioner for Energy.
Changes in composition of Latvia-Russia Inter-governmental Commission announced at state secretary meeting
On Thursday 10 January, the draft order "Amendments to the Cabinet of Ministers order No. 165 of 21 March 2007 "On the Latvia-Russia Intergovernmental Commission"" was announced at state secretary meeting.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins briefs Prime Minister Ivars Godmanis on Ministry priorities
On 10 January, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins is to brief Prime Minister Ivars Godmanis regarding this year's priorities for the ministry and on its urgent tasks.
Stockholm to host Balticness touring project
On 17 January, Stockholm will host the Balticness touring project organised by the Latvian presidency at the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) featuring a photo exhibition, jazz concert, and a discussion regarding regional co-operation.
Foreign Minister Riekstins discusses Georgian presidential elections with Latvian Chair of Central Election Commission
On 14 January, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with Arnis Cimdars, Chair of the Central Election Commission (CEC) and with Prof. Andris Runcis, long-term observer for the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation (OSCE ODIHR) - both representatives from Latvia who took part in the monitoring of the extraordinary presidential elections in Georgia on 5 January.
Latvian EU Mission in Brussels receives newly renovated building for use
On 15 January, the Latvian Mission to the EU received its new building in Brussels, Belgium.
Foreign Minister to discuss external economic interests with Minister of Economics
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will meet with Kaspars Gerhards, the Minister of Economics, on 15 January in order to consider how to protect Latvia's external economic interests and co-operation abroad.
Latvian Foreign Minister to go on working visit to Sweden
On 16 - 17 January, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will be on a working visit to Stockholm, Sweden. His agenda includes a meeting with Karl Bildt, Foreign Minister of Sweden, and Cecilia Malmstroem, the EU Affairs Minister.
10th anniversary of U.S.-Baltic Charter marked today
January 16 marks the 10th anniversary since the day when in 1998, the Presidents of the United States, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia signed the U.S.-Baltic Charter of Partnership.
Draft regulations on travel simplification for Latvia-Russia border territory inhabitants announced
At the state secretary meeting on 17 January, draft regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers "On the agreement between the government of the Republic of Latvia and the Russian Federation on reciprocal travel simplification for inhabitants of the border territories of the Republic of Latvia and the Russian Federation" were announced.
Latvian and Swedish foreign ministers agree on significance of CBSS Riga summit
On 17 January in Stockholm, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with Carl Bildt, the Swedish Foreign Minister, and Cecilia Malmstrom, the Swedish Minister for EU Affairs.
Latvian Ambassador presents credentials to President of Albania
On 17 January, Astra Kurme, Ambassador of Latvia presented her credentials to President of the Republic of Albania Bamir Topi. During the ceremony, there was a brief discussion on relations between Latvia and Albania.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins defines priorities in co-operation of Baltic Sea Region states
On 17 January, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins, opening a round-table seminar of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) in Stockholm, emphasised that there are four priorities in regional co-operation: environment, energy, economy, and education.
Foreign Minister Riekstins takes part in discussion with foreign policy leaders in Lithuania
On 17-18 January this year, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins is participating in a discussion with foreign policy leaders in Lithuania that has been organised to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the U.S.-Baltic Partnership Charter.
Latvia's accession to Schengen Treaty announced in Azerbaijan
On 21 January in Baku, Azerbaijan, a press conference for Azerbaijani tourism companies and media representatives was jointly held by the Latvian Embassy in Azerbaijan, the Tourism Development State Agency (TAVA), and airBaltic airline. It focused on Latvia's accession to the Schengen Treaty.
Latvia expels diplomat of Russian Federation Embassy
On 21 January, Viktor Kalyuzhniy, Ambassador of the Russian Federation, was summoned before Edgars Skuja, Acting Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Latvian Under-Secretary of State meets with North Korean Ambassador
On 21 January, Edgars Skuja, Under-Secretary of State, met with Jon In Chan, the Ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), who was on a working visit to Latvia. At the meeting, the Ambassador noted that his state is interested in activating co-operation with the Nordic and Baltic states, including Latvia.
Information on Latvia's Schengen Treaty membership presented in Georgia
On 22 January in Tbilisi, Georgia, a press conference was held in order to announce the changes that have taken place after Latvia became a member state of the Schengen Treaty on 21 December last year.
Latvian Foreign Minister Riekstins on working visit to Italy
From 23 to 25 January, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will be on a working visit to the Republic of Italy. His agenda includes meetings with Massimo d'Alema, Foreign Minister of Italy, and also Arturo Parisi, Minister for Defence and Umberto Ranieri, President of the Foreign Affairs Commitee of the Chamber of Deputies at the Parliament of Italy.
Amendments to the Agreement between the Republic of Latvia and the Ukraine on Mutual Travel of Citizens approved
On 22 January, the Government approved a Cabinet of Ministers draft project on Regulations regarding understanding between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Ukraine about amendments to the Agreement on Mutual Travel by Citizens between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Ukraine.
Latvian Ambassador presents credentials to international organisations in Vienna
Nils Jansons, Latvian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the UN, the OSCE and other international organisations in Vienna, concluded his accreditation visits to these institutions on 22 January.
Opportunity to study at Latvian higher education institution with Latvian Welfare Fund scholarship
In order to give the opportunity to study and acquire a European standard of higher education in Latvia, the Latvian Welfare Fund of England, the Foreign Ministry, and the Vitols Fund have established a special scholarship fund for fellow Latvians living in Siberia and South America, who should wish to study at an accredited Latvian tertiary institution.
Draft law On the Council of Europe Convention on Prevention of Terrorism announced
On 24 January, the draft law On the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism was announced at a meeting of secretaries of state. Latvia had already signed the said Convention on 19 May 2006, thus expressing its readiness to undertake international commitment.
Latvian and Italian Foreign Ministers agree on co-operation in preparing for European Union Presidency
On 24 January, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins during his meeting with Massimo D'Alema, Foreign Minister of Italy, discussed both bilateral relations and ongoing developments in the European Union and NATO.
European Court of Human Rights delivers judgment in case of Z. v. Latvia
On 24 January, European Court of Human Rights delivered judgment in the case of Z. v. Latvia. Referring to Article 5 § 3 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms the applicant complained to the Court about the length of his pre-trial detention, which he considered excessive.
Latvian judge re-elected to European Court of Human Rights
On 22 January, during the plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Ineta Ziemele was re-elected as judge to the European Court of Human Rights for a six-year term.
Foreign Minister offers condolences to Polish people after military aircraft catastrophe
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins has expressed his deepest sympathy to the Polish people about the crash of a military aircraft near the town of Miroslawiec in northwest of Poland on 23 January, in which 20 people perished.
Foreign Minister Riekstins to take part in General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting
On 28 January the Latvian Foreign Minister is to take part in the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) meeting in Brussels.
Permanent Representation of Latvia to the EU begins work in new premises
On 25 January the Latvian Permanent Representation to the EU began work at its new location in Brussels at the Avenue des Arts 25.
Latvian Foreign Ministry marks anniversary of de iure recognition
On 25 January 2007, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commemorates the 87th anniversary of the international de iure recognition of the Republic of Latvia.
Russia renews Latvian fish producer's export rights
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia regards with approbation the progress which has been achieved for a successful resolution to problems associated with the export of Latvian fish products to Russia. The renewal of export permits to the Latvian companies Gamma A and Licis-93 has been positively received.
Latvia expresses regret over decision by Russian Federation to expel Latvian diplomat
On 25 January, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation notified Andris Teikmanis, Ambassador of Latvia to the Russian Federation, that a member of the diplomatic staff of the Latvian Embassy in the Russian Federation had been declared persona non grata.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to meet with NATO Secretary General
On 28 January in Brussels, Foreign Minister Riekstins will meet with Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, NATO Secretary General. For Mr Riekstins on his post as Foreign Minister, this will be the first bilateral meeting with NATO Secretary General, who at the NATO meeting of Foreign Ministers in Brussels on 7 December last year welcomed Maris Riekstins among the ministers of the member countries to the alliance.
Foreign Minister to meet with Latvian diplomat Peteris Podvinskis
On 29 January the Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins is to meet with the Latvian diplomat Peteris Podvinskis, to discuss with him issues related to his sudden transfer and his future in the Latvian diplomatic service.
Latvia is pleased to note the completion of Ukraine's WTO membership talks
Latvia is satisfied with the completion of talks on Ukraine's WTO membership, as this confirms that the economic policy implemented by Ukraine is founded on basic principles of international trade and will provide greater stability and predictability for the broadening of mutual trade relations.
Statement by the Latvian Foreign Ministry with regard to the situation in Lebanon
The Foreign Ministry expresses concern with regard to the escalation of violence in Lebanon, and calls upon all political powers to refrain from all actions which could aggravate the crisis and undermine the stability of the country and the security of its citizens.
Facts of the case Ž. v .Latvia
On 24 January, European Court of Human Rights delivered judgment in the case of Z. v. Latvia. Referring to Article 5 § 3 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms the applicant complained to the Court about the length of his pre-trial detention, which he considered excessive.
Working group set up for organising meeting of CBSS government leaders
On 29 January, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the working group in charge of the organization of the meeting of the Council of the Baltic Sea States government leaders on 3- 4 June in Riga.
Information on Latvia's Schengen membership presented in Kaliningrad
On 28 January in Kaliningrad, the Chancellery of the Latvian Embassy to the Russian Federation's Consular Division in Kaliningrad, the Tourism Development State Agency (TAVA), and the airline airBaltic held a meeting with sixty-two tourism companies of the region and journalists from television, newspapers and radio, to inform and answer questions about travel regulations since Latvia joined the Schengen agreement.
Exhibition The Genesis of a Nation: the New Latvian Movement and Krisjanis Valdemars on display at Foreign Ministry
On 29 January, the Foreign Ministry State Secretary Normans Penke opened an exhibition entitled The Genesis of a Nation: the New Latvian Movement and Krisjanis Valdemars.
Serbia as the focus of attention at meeting of EU foreign ministers
On 28 January in Brussels Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins participated in a EU General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) meeting, where the focus of attention were the western Balkans, and in particular Serbia, in the run-up to the deciding round of the presidential elections which are to take place on 3 February.
NATO Secretary General thanks Latvia for participation in alliance operations
On 28 January in Brussels, Maris Riekstins for the first time as Foreign Minister had a bilateral meeting with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.
Foreign Minister Riekstins farewells U.S. Ambassador
On 29 January, during the farewell visit of Catherine Todd Bailey, U.S. Ambassador to Latvia, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador for the promotion of Latvian-U.S. co-operation.
Latvia to have the first non-resident ambassador to Brazil
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil has granted its agrément to the appointment of Artis Bertulis as the first Ambassador of Latvia to Brazil.
Latvian Foreign Minister to discuss security policy with Defence Minister
On 31 January, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will meet with Defence Minister Vinets Veldre in order to discuss Latvia's foreign policy and security policy. There are several significant events on this year's foreign policy agenda, including the Bucharest meeting of NATO Heads of State and Government at the beginning of April, where two of the more significant topics will be NATO operations and further enlargement of the alliance.
Latvian Foreign Minister receives Russian Ambassador on his farewell visit
On 30 January, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with Viktor Kalyuzhniy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation, as part of the Ambassador's programme of farewell visits.
Ministers agree on the organisation of a joint foreign and security policy conference
On 31 January, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Defence Minister Vinets Veldre agreed on co-operation in the organizing of an international conference devoted to foreign policy and security policy issues end October. The event is to take forward and strengthen the conference tradition initiated during the Riga NATO Summit.
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