Weekly Summary of News in Latvia CURRENT LATVIA 29 May - 5 June 2000 ESSENTIAL FOREIGN POLICY EVENTS
SCHEDULED VISITS AND ACCREDITATIONS
SOCIETY, EDUCATION, CULTURE AND SPORTS
ESSENTIAL FOREIGN POLICY EVENTSLatvian PM Meets Mr. Günter Verheugen and Mr. Javier Solana on His First Foreign Visit May 29 - 30, Latvian Prime Minister Mr. Andris Berzins arrived on a visit to Brussels, where he had meetings with EU Commissioner for Enlargement Mr. Günter Verheugen and High Representative of the EU for Common Foreign and Security Policy Mr. Javier Solana. This was the first foreign visit of Mr. Andris Berzins in the capacity of the Prime Minister. During the talks the Latvian Prime Minister assured Mr. Günter Verheugen that the foreign policy goals, i.e., membership in the EU and NATO as well as good relations with neighbouring countries of Latvia, will remain the same regardless of the government changes. Mr. Berzins also reiterated Latvia's intention to catch up with the so-called Luxembourg group candidate countries in the pre-accession negotiations as soon as possible and invited the European Commission to support the opening of the largest possible number of chapters in the pre-accession negotiations with Latvia during the French EU presidency. Mr. Verheugen noted that the next two - three years would be very important for the country in the EU enlargement process and Latvia has good chances provided that it continues the current policies. The meeting of Mr. Andris Berzins and Mr. Javier Solana focused on European security and relations between Russia and the Baltic states. The EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy informed Mr. Berzins on the results of the EU-Russian summit in Moscow. The Latvian Prime Minister stressed that the Latvian foreign policy will remain unchanged and good relations with neighbouring countries is a priority alongside future membership in the EU and NATO. MFA
Latvian and Portuguese Parliamentarians Praise the Successful Mutual Co-operation May 27 - 31, upon the official invitation from the Speaker of the Assembly of the Portuguese Republic Mr. Antonio de Almeida Santos, a delegation from the Latvian Parliament headed by Speaker of the Saeima Mr. Janis Straume paid a visit to Portugal. During the visit the Latvian delegation had meetings with Speaker of the Assembly Mr. Antonio de Almeida Santos, Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Armando Vara, members of the Portuguese Parliament and the authorities of the city of Porto. The officials praised the successful co-operation between the parliamentary European Affairs Committees of both states and discussed the possibilities of expanding the inter-parliamentary co-operation. The representatives of Porto authorities voiced their interest in further development of relations with the Latvian capital Riga. During the visit of the Latvian parliamentary delegation the exhibition Latvia Returns to Europe was officially opened in the premises of the Portuguese Parliament in Lisbon. MFA
GENERALLatvian President Thanks Mr. William J. Clinton for U.S. Support to Latvia May 30, Latvian President Dr. Vaira Vike-Freiberga has sent a letter to the U.S. President Mr. William J. Clinton. The letter was sent on the occasion of the anniversary of the U.S. non-recognition policy. June 14, 2000 marks a significant date in the history of U.S. - Baltic relations - the 60th anniversary of what used to be popularly called the Baltic Independence Day. For over fifty years it was a date that reflected the consistent non-recognition policy by the U.S. Government and its people of Baltic incorporation in the USSR. It also provided us with a hope that the ideals of democracy, freedom and justice will prevail resulting in renewed independence for the Baltic nations, the letter said. The President noted the progress achieved by Latvia since the restoration of independence and appreciated the highly supportive and active policy of the United States in the region and the personal contribution of Mr. William J. Clinton, which helped the Baltic region to become one of the most stable and dynamic regions of Europe. With your practical assistance and vocal support Latvia has shown visible and consistent progress in strengthening democracy, securing human rights, economic growth and social integration. [..] I am convinced that the outstanding work of your administration in the Baltic policy area deserves true admiration and widespread recognition, the President noted. Presidents Press Service
Statement of the Foreign Ministry on the Withdrawal of Israeli Armed Forces from South Lebanon May 30, 2000 Joining the EU declaration of May 22 on the Peace Process in the Middle East, the Foreign Ministry of Latvia expresses its support to the decision of Israeli government to implement UN Security Council Resolution No. 425 and No. 426 by withdrawing military troops and equipment from the territory of south Lebanon and thus demonstrating the implementation of Israels course towards the peace and regional stability. The Foreign Ministry considers that the consistent development of peace process in the Middle East, involving all conflicting parties in a constructive dialogue, is incredibly important. It would implement the foreign policy aimed at all-embracing peace in the Middle East region. The Foreign Ministry appreciates the contribution of Israel to the peace process in the Near East and the EU aspirations to consolidate the regional stability. MFA
Latvia Thanks the Portuguese EU Presidency for the Successful Negotiation Process under its Guidance June 1, the Foreign Minister of Latvia Mr. Indulis Berzins met with the Ambassador of Portugal to Latvia Mr. Alvaro Manuel Soares Guerra. Mr. Berzins expressed gratitude to the Portuguese EU presidency for the successful negotiation process that has taken place under its guidance and voiced the hope that the negotiations will maintain the dynamics during the French presidency. Portugal supports the order according to which each candidate is assessed individually and, thus, has an opportunity to proceed in the accession negotiations according to its progress. The Ambassador of Portugal informed the Foreign Minister of Latvia on the EU-Russian summit meeting that had taken place in Moscow and acquainted him with the joint statement of both sides adopted during the meeting. He once more confirmed the positive evaluation of the EU presidency as regards Latvia's progress in promotion of democracy and human rights that has also been recognised by other international organisations. Mr. Alvaro Manuel Soares Guerra also emphasised that Latvia corresponds to the Copenhagen criteria. This opinion has also been voiced in the statement of the EU presidency that turns down Russias reproaches to Latvia. MFA
Foreign Minister Meets Vice-Speaker of the State Duma of the Russian Federation June 5, Latvian Foreign Minister Mr. Indulis Berzins met Vice-Speaker of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, MP of the Right-Wing Union Ms. Irina Hakamada. During their conversation the Foreign Minister of Latvia stressed the necessity to intensify dialogue between Latvia and Russia within which issues of mutual interest could be tackled, including the issue of extended legal basis for co-operation. The Vice-Speaker of the State Duma characterised the development processes in Russia, as well as expressed her vision on the possibilities of development of the Russian-Latvian relations. Ms. Irina Hakamada stressed the importance of economic co-operation. Both officials were unanimous that current improvement of economic situation in both countries is a good basis for promoting economic co-operation. Speaking of the will of Russia to join the World Trade Organisation, Mr. Indulis Berzins expressed Latvias support to the process. The officials also discussed the necessity to broaden mutual information on processes in Latvia and Russia in order to facilitate better understanding on the processes taking place in both neighbouring countries. Latvias progress on the way to the EU membership, the development of the dialogue between Russia and the EU as well as the course of reforms in Russia and their prospects were also touched upon during the meeting. MFA
Delegation of Michigan Businessmen, Militaries and Politicians Visits Latvia May 30 - June 3, a delegation of Michigan businessmen, militaries and politicians visited Latvia to get acquainted with business opportunities in Latvia as well as the co-operation programmes between Michigan National Guard and the Latvian National Armed Forces. The Michigan National Guard has been successfully co-operating with the National Armed Forces of Latvia for already several years by organising exchange visits, joint military training, etc. During the stay in Latvia the Michigan delegation had a meeting with the President of State Dr. Vaira Vike-Freiberga. The President expressed gratitude for the support to Latvia in the field of military training and development of the National Armed Forces. The guests informed the President on the present U.S. business projects in Latvia and their future plans. Dr. Vike-Freiberga voiced her satisfaction that the contacts between Latvia and the United States of America are expanding not only on government level but also among businessmen and residents of both countries. Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Latvia, Presidents Press Service
Accreditation of the Ambassador of Turkey to Latvia May 30, the Foreign Minister of Latvia Mr. Indulis Berzins met the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey Mr. Ali Nazim Belger who had arrived on an accreditation visit. During the meeting both officials discussed the development of the bilateral relations between the two countries. Both the Foreign Minister of Latvia and the Ambassador of Turkey acknowledged the necessity to promote the co-operation in the field of economics. Mr. Ali Nazim Belger expressed the support of his country to Latvia's integration in NATO and the EU. Issues related to the regional co-operation were touched upon as well. MFA
SHEDULED VISITS AND ACCREDITATIONSPlanned visits abroad of the State Officials:
Foreign Officials:
Foreign Ambassadors:
HOME AFFAIRSSeminar Integration of Society in Latvia - from the Concept to Implementation June 2, a seminar Integration of Society in Latvia - from the Concept to Implementation was held in Riga. The aim of the seminar was to provide the politicians with additional information on the society integration experience of other states as well as on the mechanism for implementation of the National Programme The Integration of Society in Latvia. The seminar was joined by President Dr. Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Minister of Justice Ms. Ingrida Labucka, UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Jan Sand Sorensen as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps, political parties and experts. Speaking at the seminar Latvian President Dr. Vaira Vike-Freiberga stressed the high significance of integration in the fundamental political will of Latvia and the importance of the officially adopted society integration policy, which has been elaborated taking into account the opinion of the society expressed in broad public discussions. The President expressed gratitude to all the countries and institutions which have extended moral, practical and financial support to Latvia in the society integration process. Presidents Press Service, Naturalisation Board
The 2nd Largest City of Latvia Celebrates its 725th Anniversary May 31, the eastern Latvian city of Daugavpils celebrated its 725th anniversary. The celebrations were joined by President of State Dr. Vaira Vike-Freiberga and representatives from Daugavpils sister cities in Belarus (Vitebsk), Poland (Radom), Russia (Narofominsk) and Sweden (Motala). Daugavpils is the second largest city in Latvia and has the most diverse population by ethnic origin. During her visit to Daugavpils Latvian President Dr. Vike-Freiberga pointed out that Daugavpils is an excellent example of peaceful integration of society in contrast to the conflicts that occur between different peoples in the world. The President stressed that everybody should participate in order to ensure successful continuation of the ongoing society integration process and noted that consolidation of the society is an important precondition for successful development of the country. Presidents Press Service, BNS
FROM THE CABINET OF MINISTERSMay 30, Session of the Cabinet of Ministers The Government has adopted the following decree:
State Chancery ECONOMICS AND BUSINESSThe 5th Meeting of the Finance Ministers of the Nordic Countries and the Baltic Sea States June 1 - 2, the 5th meeting of the Finance Ministers of the Nordic countries and the Baltic Sea states took place in the Estonian capital Tallinn. The meeting was attended by Ministers of Finance and officials from the Ministries of Finance of 10 states - Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland and Sweden. The Latvian delegation was headed by Minister of Finance Mr. Gundars Berzins. The key issues for discussion were tax reforms, structural reforms and harmonisation of the excise tax policy in the region. The next meeting of the Finance Ministers of the said countries will take place in Denmark. During the meeting Mr. Gundars Berzins had separate talks with Estonian Finance Minister Mr. Siim Kallas. The officials agreed that Latvian and Estonian Finance Ministry experts would continue working on promoting co-ordination of excise tax rates between the two countries. Ministry of Finance
Latvian and Estonian Transport Registers Sign Information Exchange Agreement June 2, the transport registers of Latvia and Estonia signed agreement on information exchange by setting up a joint Baltic states vehicle and driver information system Baltcaris. The system will allow its member countries to exchange vehicle registration data and data about drivers licences without delay. An agreement between Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian transport registers on co-operation and information exchange that could facilitate Lithuania's joining the Baltcaris system was also signed. Latvia already has joined the EUCARIS European vehicle registration information system and signed an agreement about data exchange with the Dutch vehicle register. Last year experts from EUCARIS European vehicle registration information system found the Latvian system to be in compliance with all standards and ready for connection to the joint European network and signing of agreements with all participating countries.
EXCHANGE RATES SET BY THE BANK OF LATVIA FOR JUNE 5, 2000
The exchange rates set by the Bank of Latvia: http://www.bank.lv/ValutuKursi/English/KVkursi/index.html
INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL EXHIBITIONS:
June 7 - 9
International and regional exhibitions in Latvia: http://sun.lcc.org.lv/engl/tradefairs.html http://www.lda.gov.lv/foreignbuyers/tradefairs/
SOCIETY, EDUCATION, CULTURE AND SPORTSLatvian Pavilion and the International Exhibition EXPO 2000 Opened in Hannover May 31, the international exhibition EXPO 2000 was officially opened in Hannover, Germany. The exhibition will be open till October 31. The leitmotif of the Latvian exposition is the harmonious unification of the traditional and the modern. Information on Latvia's economy, culture, daily life, sports, government, tourism opportunities is widely available in the Latvian Pavilion, while the key element of Latvia's exposition is the project Zime (Sign). With the help of the computer software programme Zime, written information on any individual can be turned into Latvian ethnic symbols. On June 30, the Latvia Day of the exhibition, the Latvian pavilion at EXPO 2000 will be visited by the Latvian President Dr. Vaira Vike-Freiberga Latvia in EXPO 2000: http://www.expo2000.lv/ ; project Zime: http://www.zime.lv/ Latvia EXPO 2000
CALENDAR OF ARTS EVENTS In Latvia:
Abroad:
(For more information please contact the corresponding Embassy of Latvia) Information Bulletin "Current Latvia" is a compilation of news reports and press releases drawn from mass media and official resources. The material is primarily informative rather than representing the official policies of Latvia. Not all of the views published reflect the official position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. |
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