Weekly Summary of News in Latvia CURRENT LATVIA
SOCIETY, EDUCATION, CULTURE AND SPORTS
FOREIGN POLICY EVENTSFirst round of talks on Latvia's accession to NATO concludes On 4 December 2002 the first round of negotiations on Latvia's accession to NATO was held at NATO headquarters in Brussels. The Latvian delegation, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, was headed by the State Secretary of the Foreign Ministry, Maris Riekstins. State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Edgars Rinkevics headed discussions on defence issues, while NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs Günther Altenburg chaired the NATO delegation to the talks. The aim of the first round of talks was to ascertain Latvia's readiness to undertake its commitments under the North Atlantic Treaty and support NATO policy in the promotion of the basic principles of democracy, strengthening peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic region, co-operation with partner countries and pursuit of the Alliance's Open Door Policy. At the beginning of the talks, State Secretary Maris Riekstins confirmed that the foreign policy priorities of the Latvian government in relation to the accession to NATO and the European Union remain consistent. Riekstins also stated the short-term and long-term objectives of the Latvian government. Referring to political issues, the Latvian delegation voiced readiness to join the collective defence system and contribute to NATO efforts to strengthen peace and security. Latvia is determined to involve itself constructively in the work of NATO and to this end secure the necessary representation and resources. In the field of defence, Latvia undertakes to participate in NATO collective defence and peacekeeping operations and crisis management missions. Upon joining the Alliance, Latvia must be ready to participate in defence and other planning processes, as well as to send qualified representatives to work in NATO military structures. The second round of talks will be held on 11 December in Brussels. MFA (04.12.2002)
Latvia supports Georgia's integration into European and transatlantic institutions On 9 December 2002, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins welcomed the Chairwoman of the Parliament of Georgia, Nino Burjanadze, and extended to her the compliments of Latvia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sandra Kalniete, who was in Brussels to discuss EU accession negotiations at a meeting of foreign ministers. The Chairwoman of the Georgian Parliament congratulated Latvia on the commencement of its accession negotiations with NATO and stressed that this is also an encouraging step for Georgia, which hopes someday to join both a united Europe and transatlantic institutions. Ms Burjanadze expressed the wish to see Latvia as a defender of Georgia's interests in EU and NATO-related matters. She praised highly Latvia's position of always emphasising NATO's Open Door Policy. Latvia supports Georgia's chosen foreign policy goals of integration into European and transatlantic institutions, Mr Riekstins stressed. What is more, Latvia is also prepared to support Georgia's efforts not only politically, but also in practical ways. Latvia is ready to share its experience with Georgia and to expand the scope of existing co-operation in defence matters, specifically in the creation of a national defence system, democratic control over the armed forces, education of military and civilian personnel, integration into NATO, and other areas. The State Secretary confirmed that Latvia fully supports NATO's Open Door Policy. In the context of bilateral relations work needs to continue on widening the legal framework of relations, as this would facilitate the development of political, economic, cultural and educational ties. MFA (09.12.2002)
Latvia's Foreign Minister thanks US Committee on NATO for support in NATO accession On 5 December 2002 Latvia's Foreign Minister Sandra Kalniete met with the President of the US Committee on NATO, Bruce Jackson. Ms Kalniete expressed gratitude to the US Committee on NATO for the support rendered in Latvia's accession to NATO and for Mr Jackson's personal contribution towards achievement of the NATO enlargement decision. While preparing for NATO membership, Latvia has been well aware of the importance of support from its allies, whether they be states or non-governmental organisations. The Minister stressed that Latvia is interested in a strong NATO and is therefore ready to support NATO policy and operations, to give its contribution to the implementation of NATO objectives and the strengthening of its military capacities. Latvia is committed to continue reforms and development of its defence system following on from the Prague Summit. Bruce Jackson informed about a new recently initiated long-term project, which is aimed at the countries not yet qualified for EU and NATO membership. The project aims to facilitate the process of reform in the new European democracies and to promote a dialogue between democratic (social, educational, religious and political) institutions. It also seeks to explore the opportunities in the countries under totalitarian regimes. MFA (06.12.2002) MFA, press release of 6 December 2002 "Latvia's Foreign Minister meets with the President of the US Committee on NATO": http://www.am.gov.lv/en/?id=2814
Sandra Kalniete takes part at opening of "Forum Europe" in Orleans On 6 December 2002, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sandra Kalniete, at the invitation of the French government, participated at the opening of the first regional "Forum Europe" in the French city of Orleans. From now till July 2004 the French government will be organising a series of forums in France's regions, in order to promote public discussion on European Union enlargement and the future of the EU. Participants in the forum included the French Minister of Foreign Affairs Dominique de Villepin, and Minister Delegate for European Affairs Noëlle Lenoir, who in their speeches outlined France's vision for the future of the European Union. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sandra Kalniete gave a speech on the process of Latvia's return to Europe from the restoration of independence to the Copenhagen Summit, at which Latvia is preparing to receive an invitation to become a full-fledged EU member state. Ms Kalniete was the first and only representative from the current EU candidate countries at the forum. The forum's discussions, which attracted an audience of around 800, were closed by French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin. During her visit to France Ms Kalniete and French Foreign Minister Mr Villepin held an informal exchange of views on current international issues, prognoses for the EU Copenhagen Summit and France's position at the European Convention. During her meeting with European Affairs Minister Noëlle Lenoir, the concluding phase of accession negotiations prior to the Copenhagen Summit were discussed, as were plans for a visit by the French Minister Delegate for European Affairs to Latvia at the end of January or beginning of February 2003. MFA (07.12.2002)
Latvia's Foreign Minister meets with OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities On 4 December 2002 Latvia's Foreign Minister Sandra Kalniete met with the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Rolf Ekeus. The aim of the Commissioner's visit was to get acquainted with the policy of the new government related to issues under his mandate. At the discussion issues related to minority education, the transition scheduled in 2004 to studies in Latvian at the secondary school level, and the ratification of the Council of Europe's Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities were touched upon. The Minister informed the High Commissioner that the government is paying considerable attention to society integration issues. Ms Kalniete pointed out that the creation of the post of Minister responsible for society integration affairs attests to the government's serious commitment to building an integrated society. Ms Kalniete noted that non-governmental organisations should also be involved in this process. Mr Ekeus concluded the discussion by expressing readiness to render assistance within his mandate and wished Latvia success in its society integration process. MFA (04.12.2002)
State Secretary Maris Riekstins participates at the 10th meeting of OSCE Ministerial Council On 6 - 7 December 2002 the tenth meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Ministerial Council was held in the city of Porto in Portugal, the current OSCE presiding country, to evaluate the work of the organisation. The Latvian delegation was headed by Maris Riekstins, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In his speech delivered on 6 December, Mr Riekstins emphasised the role of the OSCE in conflict prevention, the role of OSCE missions in the development of a democratic society, and the adoption of the Charter on Terrorism as a significant contribution by the OSCE to the international fight against terrorism. Mr Riekstins also expressed support for OSCE reforms. This year's meeting focused on the issues of terrorism, new threats to security, and reforms to the OSCE. MFA (06.12.2002) Statement by the State Secretary Maris Riekstins, Head of the Delegation of Latvia at the OSCE Ministerial Council, Porto, 6 December 2002: http://www.am.gov.lv/en/?id=3636
Further UNDP-Latvia co-operation discussed On 5 December 2002 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Latvia, Gabriele Köhler, paid a visit to the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sandra Kalniete. The officials discussed further UNDP-Latvia co-operation, implementation of the United Nations Millennium Declaration, and the role of the UNDP in Latvia after its accession to the EU. After briefing the Minister on UNDP activities and initiatives in Latvia, Ms Köhler inquired about the implementation of the United Nations Millennium Declaration in Latvia. The Minister responded that intensive work is being carried out in all of the areas mentioned in the declaration, and that a specific ministry is in charge of each area. Ms Köhler recommended that co-operation be co-ordinated so that a good and thorough report on the implementation of the declaration in Latvia could be prepared and submitted to the UN by the end of 2004, and suggested that the UNDP might render technical assistance in this process. The Minister agreed, proposing the creation of an inter-ministerial working group under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ms Köhler also emphasised that the UN is paying great attention to the prevention of threats from international terrorism. Ms Kalniete thanked Ms Köhler for the contribution of the UN and the UNDP to the establishment of the Centre for Non-Governmental Organisations and the National Human Rights Office in Latvia, and invited the UN organisations to continue providing support at a new level, especially in view of the preparation process for the referendum on the accession to the EU. Ms Köhler promised to continue work with NGOs. Discussing the strategy of Latvia as a donor country, Ms Köhler offered aid in the elaboration of a transition programme and noted that Latvia could share its experience with Western countries on the protection of the environment. The Minister agreed to this proposal and added that Latvia is ready to render not only financial assistance but also share its experience, concentrating on countries of the former Yugoslavia and the republics of the Caucasus for the present. At the end of the meeting Ms Köhler touched upon the status of the UNDP after Latvia's accession to the EU and NATO. Ms Kalniete said she was informed about the current UNDP Agreement, in force until 2004, and asked Ms Köhler to submit proposals on the operation of the bureau after this date. MFA (05.12.2002) United Nations Millennium Declaration: http://www.un.org/millennium/summit.htm
On 10 December 2002 a regular meeting of the Ministers of Defence of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia Girts Valdis Kristovskis, Linas Linkevicius and Sven Mikser will take place in Riga. This is the first meeting of the Ministers since the Baltic States received an invitation to join NATO. During the meeting, the further development of the already existing common projects of the Baltic States, as well as prospects for further co-operation will be discussed. One of the issues on the agenda at the meeting will be the development of common special capabilities by the National Armed Forces beyond the Prague Summit and the co-operation of the three states on their way towards full integration into NATO.
HOME AFFAIRSInternational conference on Post-Prague Agenda held in Riga On 6 December 2002 in Riga the President of Latvia, Vaira Vike-Freiberga opened an international conference entitled "Post Prague Agenda: Prospects for cooperation in Eastern and Northern Europe", organised by the Latvian Transatlantic Organisation (LATO) and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation of Germany. In her opening address, President Vike-Freiberga underscored that Latvia views accession to NATO and the EU as parallel and equally important processes for ensuring security, stability and prosperity in Europe, and welcomed the continuation of NATO's open door policy and its readiness to consider the applications of other aspirant countries. The international conference in Riga focused on the post-Prague security policy agenda for the countries of Eastern Europe, including the Baltic countries, Russia, Ukraine, Georgia and others. Among the participants at the conference were Latvian Minister of Defence Girts Valdis Kristovskis, Lithuanian Defence Minister Linas Linkevicius, former Prime Minister of Estonia Mart Laar, former Prime Minister of Sweden Carl Bildt and the President of the US Committee on NATO Bruce Jackson. President's Press Service http://www.president.lv, LATO http://www.lato.lv Opening address by Vaira Vike-Freiberga, President of the Republic of Latvia, at the LATO 2nd International Conference "Post Prague Agenda: Prospects for cooperation in Eastern and Northern Europe", Riga, 6 December 2002: http://www.am.gov.lv/en/?id=3510
Vike-Freiberga to be patron of monument to rescuers of Jews On 5 December 2002, speaking at a reception dedicated to the Hanukkah celebrations in Riga, President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga announced that she has assumed patronage over the raising of a monument at the Gogola Street Synagogue in Riga to Zanis Lipke and other rescuers of Jews during World War II, the President's Press Service told LETA. The President of Latvia called on all those who cherish the idea of constructing the monument to participate and support it. "The Latvian Jewish community suffered great losses during the Holocaust, and we are glad to see that the community is now growing and flourishing again in an independent Republic of Latvia, with more and more members from year to year," said Vike-Freiberga. We must remember people who risked their lives to protect their compatriots and the idea of humanity as a whole, the President reminded the audience. "These are the principles upon which we wish to build a new Latvia and new Europe," Vike-Freiberga said. LETA http://www.leta2000.com (06.12.2002)
Riga joins "Eurocities" One week ahead of the European Union Summit in Copenhagen, during which time a number of EU candidate countries are to be invited to join the Union, Riga has become a member of "Eurocities" - the union of European cities. "Eurocities" was founded in 1986 and unites more than one hundred European cities with democratically-elected governments, international relations centres and populations of over 250 000, Riga City Council's Information and Public Relations Department told LETA. "Eurocities" aims to promote transnational co-operation projects among its member cities across Europe and to ensure that urban affairs are placed high on the European Union's policy agenda. "Eurocities" is an efficient international forum for the exchange of experience, the Riga City Council said. Riga became a member of "Eurocities" on 29 November during the organisation's annual conference in Barcelona. Riga Deputy Mayor Aivars Kreituss represented Riga at the event, receiving congratulations from about 400 conference participants, including 60 mayors representing 26 countries. Delegates in Barcelona discussed matters linked with the development of multicultural communities in modern large cities. The city leaders discussed social integration, the identity of multicultural communities and European-scale projects to enhance the long-term development of urbanised cities. LETA http://www.leta2000.com (03.12.2002) Eurocities: http://www.eurocities.org/
ECONOMICS AND BUSINESSBank client complaint bureau to open next year in Latvia The Association of Latvian Commercial Banks next year will launch a new institution - a bank client complaint consideration bureau or ombud, the Association's Chairman told reporters. Teodors Tverijons said the ombud will hear complaints regarding non-cash transfers and transactions involving electronic means of payment - payment cards, telephone banking and Internet banking. Tverijons said the ombud will act as an advisory institution whose decisions for banks are non-binding. Nevertheless, the Association of Latvian Commercial Banks does not conceive a situation where an ombud's decisions would not be taken into account because all banks, before setting up the ombud, were in agreement on its functions. "I don't think the banks would not fulfil what the ombud decides," said Tverijons. The Association plans to spend some 10 000-12 000 lats on the ombud next year, while as of 2004 the ombud's spending will be covered from bank funds in proportion to the number of complaints. It is expected that on filing a complaint, the applicant will have to pay a security deposit of 15 lats. If the ombud finds that the complaint is fully or partly founded, the security deposit will be repaid to the applicant. Such a procedure was adopted in order to avoid groundless complaints and for the applicant to assess if the intended complaint has foundation. Tverijons said that the possibility of a future joint ombud for financial institutions embracing also Latvia's insurers has not been ruled out. BNS http://terminal.bns.lv (03.12.2002) Association of Latvian Commercial Banks: http://www.bankasoc.lv/
Experimental low-deck tram to be developed for Latvian capital A new company will be established in Latvia to develop an experimental low-deck tramcar, reported the Riga City Council. The company will be founded by Riga municipal electric transport company Tramvaju un Trolejbusu Parvalde (TTP) and the Rigas Vagonu Rupnica (RVR) plant, the latter of which has many years of experience in the production of railway and tram cars dating back to the Soviet era. Trial runs of the first experimental tramcar could begin in the Latvian capital in early 2004. The new tramcar will have a very low deck - only 350 millimetres above the tracks as compared to 900 millimetres, the current height of floors in most of Riga's tramcars, which were manufactured in the Czech Republic. Low-deck tramcars will make it easier for passengers to get on and off, reducing the standing time at tram stops and thus increasing the transportation capacity of tramlines 1.5 times. Also, the new tram will use 20-30% less electric power and its service life will be up to 25 years, as opposed to the 16-18 year life of tramcars running along Riga's streets to date. BNS http://terminal.bns.lv (04.12.2002)
Cargo turnover in Port of Liepaja up 31.3% The Port of Liepaja in western Latvia in the first eleven months of this year handled a total of 3.91 million tons of cargo, a 31.3% growth over the corresponding figure for last year. This November the port reloaded 474 500 tons of cargo, including 425 100 tons of outgoing cargos and 49 400 tons of incoming cargos. General cargo accounted for 2.463 million tons or 63% of all cargos reloaded in the Port of Liepaja over the period, an increase by 29.9% from 2001. Ferrous metals and timber were the leading cargo in this category at 892 000 tons and 701 000 tons. The amount of ferrous metals handled by the port rose by 63.9% from January-November 2001 and for timber the increase was 7.7%. The amount of liquid cargo reloaded at the port was up by 52% over last year, reaching 814 200 tons in the first eleven months of 2002 or 21% of the total cargo turnover at the port so far this year, including 674 000 tons of oil products, an increase of 37.5%. Bulk cargo handled reached 632 900 tons or 16% of total cargo turnover in the same period, up by 38.9% from 2001. In this category, grain and grain products took the lead with 302 200 tons, rising 3.8 times compared to last year. The stevedoring company Liepajas Osta LM boasted the largest cargo turnover in the port, reloading 1.065 million tons from January to November 2002, a growth of 71.9% from 2001. Terrabalt company ranked second with a cargo turnover of 641 800 tons, up by 13.9% compared to the first eleven months of last year, followed by Glen Oil which reloaded 500 900 tons of cargo to the end November this year, up 0.6% from last year. Last year the annual cargo turnover at the Port of Liepaja was 3.26 million lats, up 10% from 2000. It is the third largest port in Latvia after Ventspils and Riga. BNS http://terminal.bns.lv (09.12.2002)
Latvian tourism agencies experience growth in business in third quarter The number of people using the services of Latvian tourism companies in the third quarter of this year increased by 16.8% as compared to the same period last year, reported the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia. In the third quarter of 2002, Latvian tourism companies served a total of 104 763 people as compared to 89 666 people during the same period last year. This July, August and September Latvian tourism companies welcomed 56 597 foreign tourists, a growth of 34.4% from 2001, and assisted 48 166 people with their holidays abroad, up 1.3%. In the first nine months of 2002, Latvian tourism companies served 217 446 people, a 6% increase from the same period in 2001 when this figure was 205 226 people. The number of foreign tourists grew 18.8% to 110 561 in nine months of this year, but the number of Latvian tourists making foreign trips fell 4.7% from last year to 106 885 people. BNS http://terminal.bns.lv (09.12.2002)
28th December replaces 30th as workday The Ministry of Economy has issued a reminder that budget-funded government institutions will be open on Saturday, 28 December, instead of Monday, 30 December. Shifting the workday complies with the Cabinet of Ministers' decree, issued on 26 March this year, which recommends that all local governments, enterprises and organisations shift the 30 December workday to 28 December. This means that employees will enjoy four consecutive days off at the end of the year. 27 December and 28 December will be workdays, while 29 December and 30 December will be days off, as well as 31 December and 1 January in the new year. 25 December and 26 December are also holidays. LETA http://www.leta2000.com (03.12.2002)
The exchange rates set by the Bank of Latvia: http://www.bank.lv/
SOCIETY, EDUCATION, CULTURE AND SPORTSUS Ambassador opens travelling "Images from Ground Zero" photo exhibition in Riga The US Ambassador to Latvia, Brian E. Carlson has opened a travelling photographic exhibition in Riga entitled "After September 11: Images from Ground Zero" by photographer Joel Meyerowitz. The exhibition has already toured many countries, telling of how the United States physically and morally sought to come to terms with the events of 11 September last year. The US Ambassador said at the opening of the exhibition at the University of Latvia on 6 December 2002 that the photographs depict a community "coming together to create order again." He said that attempts at renewing order and the value of human life are the basis for the fight against terrorism. Brian E. Carlson mentioned that the demand for this exhibition was high, adding that this interest is a reminder that the 11 September attacks have urged people worldwide to defend against tyranny. The Ambassador also said he is proud of the "spirit of friendship and cooperation" in which Latvia assisted the US after these tragic events. He also spoke of Latvia's efforts in the fight against terrorism. After the opening ceremony, those present at the exhibition watched a documentary on a day in the life of police officers, fire fighters and reporters working on the scene in the aftermath of 11 September in New York. Meyerowitz was the only photographer to have permission for free access to the rubble mound of the collapsed twin tower World Trade Centre in New York, also called Ground Zero, after 13 September 2001. The Ground Zero exhibition by Meyerowitz has been in Latvia since October, on display in the cities of Auce, Daugavpils and Cesis. The exhibition will be in Riga till 20 December and will open in the city of Bauska in January. The exhibition will then travel to Lithuania. BNS http://terminal.bns.lv (06.12.2002) Ambassador Brian Carlson's Remarks at the Opening of Exhibit Ground Zero at the University of Latvia, December 6, 2002: http://www.usembassy.lv/EN/current/zero
Exhibition on Latvian Embassy in the United States opens in Riga An exhibition of documents from the archives of the Latvian Embassy in Washington dated 1920-1995 was opened on 5 December 2002 in the Latvian capital Riga. The exhibition "From Delegation to Embassy" is displayed in the building of the Latvia State Historical Archive (Slokas 16, Riga) and features documents reflecting the most important moments in the embassy's history. There are documents about the arrival of the Latvian delegation to the United States in 1921, its role in achieving official recognition for the Latvian state and initiating economic relations. Other documents deal with changes in the Latvian diplomatic service after Latvia's incorporation into the Soviet Union, the embassy's efforts in helping Latvian refugees and maintaining contacts with fellow Latvians in other countries, as well as the position of the US government concerning incorporation of the Baltic States into the Soviet Union. The exhibition also contains information about activities during the period preceding the restoration of Latvia's independence in 1991. The archives of the Latvian Embassy in Washington were handed over to the Latvia State Historical Archive in 1998. After processing the embassy's archives are now accessible to researchers and other interested people. Latvian Embassy in the United States (05.12.2002)
Latvia to feature in Mini Europe theme park, Brussels, in two years Latvia expects to be put on the European map with a building of its own at the Mini Europe theme park in Brussels in around two years' time, although it is not yet clear which landmark will represent Latvia. Latvian Institute specialist Ieva Pigozne-Brinkmane said that a survey carried out by the institute of architects and specialists in tourism and cultural affairs showed that the most suitable landmark for Mini Europe would probably be either the Freedom Monument in central Riga or St.Peter's Church located in the Latvian capital's old town. According to Pigozne-Brinkmane, the landmark chosen to represent Latvia will be named by next spring or summer. The Latvian Embassy in Brussels received an invitation this autumn for Latvia to make its symbolic contribution to the park, which is set out as a map of Europe with miniature models of famous landmarks in major cities. The park has around 350 model landmarks from around 70 EU cities. It is visited by around 350 000 people each year. BNS http://terminal.bns.lv (04.12.2002) The Latvian Institute: http://www.latinst.lv/ or http://www.li.lv/
The real Santa Claus from Lapland lights city Christmas trees in Riga The world's chief Santa Claus from Lapland lighted the main Christmas trees in Latvia's capital on 7 December 2002, arriving in Riga to receive letters from kids and to open the Christmas season. On 8 December Santa Claus visited a hair salon, where he also posed for photographs with kids gathered to see him in the flesh. After lighting a number of large Christmas trees scattered around Riga, the main city Christmas tree on Dome Square in Old Riga was lighted by Santa Claus following an introductory show by a pair of local musicians popular with kids. Speeches were made also by Riga City Council representatives, the Vice-Mayor of Riga, Sergejs Dolgopolovs and Executive Director Maris Tralmaks. The two city council representatives were then given original Santa hats and appointed official elves. On 8 December Santa Claus arrived at a Sade hair and beauty salon, where his beard was combed for a few minutes and later photographs were taken with him and kids that had gathered to see the Christmas messenger. Lighting the Christmas trees of Riga has become an annual tradition for Santa Claus from Lapland, with Riga also the only place outside Lapland to have an official representational office for Santa Claus. BNS http://terminal.bns.lv (08.12.2002)
Abroad: Master Artists of the Latvian Academy of Art 1920 - 1940, exhibition of paintings by Latvian Old Masters Augusts Annuss, Gederts Eliass, Janis Kuga, Ludolfs Liberts, Janis Liepins, Karlis Miesnieks, Vilhelms Purvitis, Oto Skulme, Leo Svemps, Janis Roberts Tilbergs, Valdemars Tone and Konrads Ubans; State Art Museum, Vilnius, Lithuania
Information bulletin "Current Latvia" is a compilation of press releases and news reports drawn from the mass media and official sources. Not all of the views published reflect the official position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. |
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