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Weekly Summary of News in Latvia CURRENT LATVIA 15 - 22 December 2006 Wk. 51/2006 (691)

FOREIGN POLICY EVENTS AND CHRONOLOGY

 

16 December 2006

At the invitation of the President of Estonia, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga visited Ilves' farm Ärma located close to the border of Latvia, and an informal meeting between the Presidents of both countries took place. During the meeting Dr Vike-Freiberga and Mr Ilves discussed issues relating to the future of Europe, co-operation among the small countries of the Union and their role in the EU, the EU New Neighbourhood initiative, and prospects for the development of the Baltic Sea region. The President of Latvia laid flowers at the memorial of the former Estonian Prime Minister and last Ambassador of Estonia to Latvia before World War II, Hanss Rebane, brother of President Ilves' grandfather. President's Chancery (16.12.2006)

IN BRIEF  

Latvian President stresses need for EU to co-operate with Russia on archival research

On 18 December, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga congratulated the Commission of Historians on the publication of Volume 18 of their compiled research papers, saying that the Commission of Historians should be pleased at their achievements over the past eight years. 

Urging co-operation among the most diverse levels, not only of politicians, but researchers and teachers, the President said she was pleased that not only researchers from Latvia were working in the Commission of Historians, but also researchers from other countries, as, in her opinion, in conducting of research in Latvia it is important to take into account the results of research undertaken in other countries.

In her address, the President also indicated that it would be beneficial if the EU in its discussions with Russia included the issue of revealing the material in its archives that was taken out of the occupied countries, including Latvia, as these countries regained their independence, so as to make these unique materials accessible to researchers.

The Commission of Historians has now completed and published Volume 18 of its research. The Volume, entitled The Holocaust in Latvia, compiles the latest research findings on this topic. This is now the fourth Volume dedicated to the mass annihilation of the Jewish people in Latvia during Wold War II.

President's Chancery (18.12.2006)

From 18-20 December 2006, the annual meeting for the heads of Latvian diplomatic representations abroad was held at the Reval Hotel Latvia.

Latvian Foreign Minister Pabriks and the Ambassadors exchanged opinions on current foreign policy developments and the Ministry's scheduled activities for next year.

This year's meeting focused on Latvia's security policy after the NATO Riga Summit, Latvia's goals in the EU, policy concerning the EU's new neighbours - Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, and Moldova - and energy issues. The Ambassadors and Foreign Ministry experts discussed other international matters, and considered options for defending the interests of Latvian residents abroad, the promotion of Latvia's image, and support to businessmen.

The Ambassadors also met with the President of Latvia, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the Speaker of the Saeima  (Latvian Parliament), Indulis Emsis, and Latvian Prime Minister, Aigars Kalvitis.

Meetings were also held with the Chairperson of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee, Andris Berzins, the Chairperson of the European Affairs Committee, Vaira Paegle, and Finance Minister Oskars Spurdzins.

During the meeting of the Ambassadors with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, she emphasised their significance in popularising Latvia's image abroad. She indicated that ambassadors have a fundamental role in representing Latvia's interests, and being alert to processes taking place in other countries, and informing their own country accordingly.

Mr Pabriks emphasized that Latvia must focus its attention not only on the former Soviet bloc countries, but also on the West Balkans and the Mediterranean countries, thereby advancing its knowledge and expertise.

Minister Pabriks called on the Ambassadors to propose new ideas and initiatives on how to promote Latvia's image and influence abroad, and to work on the attraction of more investments to our country. "Latvia is neither a part of a global crisis nor a problematic region anymore. It must be ensured that Latvian residents can feel the country's macro-achievements at the micro level, that is, in their daily lives," said the Foreign Minister.

At present, Latvia has 34 embassies abroad, seven permanent representations, one consulate-general and three consulates. There are 36 Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in the embassies and permanent representations, 11 of whom fulfil the duties of non-resident ambassadors in other countries.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (15.12.2006) (18.12.2006)

BNS (18.12.2006)

The Baltic Council informed of Latvia's priorities for Council Presidency

Foreign Ministry's Parliamentary Secretary Eriks Zunda participated in a meeting of the Baltic Council held in Vilnius on 16 December, in which he drew attention to Latvia's most important priorities and events for its presidency of the Baltic Council of Ministers in 2007. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Petras Vaitiekunas provided a report on results achieved in 2006.

During the conference, individual meetings were held between representatives of the Foreign Ministries of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.

The focus of co-operation between the Baltic states at the moment are such topical issues as the development of a common energy strategy, accession to the Schengen area, and development of the transport infrastructure projects Via Baltica and Rail Baltica.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (15.12.2006)

Sandra Kalniete participates in expert discussion on the future of the EU

On 15 -16 December in Florence, Saeima (Latvian Parliament) member Sandra Kalniete took part in an expert discussion organised by the European Parliament on the European Union's institutional crisis.

During the discussion, the experts developed specific proposals, which will help the next EU Presidencies to resolve the crisis in which the EU finds itself following the rejection of the draft EU Constitution by France and the Netherlands.

At the conclusion of the discussion, a political declaration was developed, addressed both to the general public and to the policy makers. The document sets out proposals for amending the reforms contained in the EU Constitution, thereby making the new Constitution simpler and more acceptable.

The Committee plans to complete its work by the spring of 2007 and will submit the final draft of the document to German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Ms Kalniete attended the discussion at the invitation of the former EU Constitution Convention Vice-Chairman, Giuliano Amato.

BNS (12.12.2006)

Nils Muiznieks to be new Vice-President of European Commission against Racism and Intolerance

The former Latvian Minister for Integration Affairs Nils Muiznieks has been elected as the Vice-President of the European Commission against Racism.

The elections for Vice-President were held last week during the plenary sitting of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) in Strasbourg.

46 expert delegates from Council of Europe member states are presently working in the Commission. Its aim is to combat racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and intolerance in Europe. The experts visit member states and prepare regular reports on the local situation regarding racism and intolerance, offer recommendations for improving policy in this area, and co-operate with civil society.

BNS (18.12.2006)

Saudi Arabia expresses interest in developing relations with the Baltic states

On 14 December 2006, as part of her visit to Saudi Arabia, the Latvian Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Ms Baiba Braze, met with the Director of the European Union Department of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prince Mohammed Faisal Turki.

At the meeting, the officials discussed bilateral relations between Latvia and Saudi Arabia, and current developments in the Gulf Region. Prince Mohammed Faisal Turki noted the significance of building relations with all the EU member states, and emphasized Saudi Arabia's interest in developing relations with the Baltic states, with whom diplomatic relations were only established in 2003.

Prince Mohammed Faisal Turki praised Latvia's economic growth, and inquired about domestic and foreign policy developments in Latvia. The Prince expressed his wish to visit Latvia.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (15.12.2006)

Latvia develops positive and dynamic relations with the United States, Canada and Latin America

The year 2006 has been marked by a number of significant events in Latvia's co-operation with the United States, Canada, and Latin America, which have promoted Latvia's positive and dynamic image at the international level, and which have indicated the criteria for future activities in countries on the American continent in the bilateral and EU frameworks.

With regard to mutual visits, the NATO Summit was remarkable for the U.S. President's visit to Latvia as part of the Summit. It was the third visit by a U.S. president to Latvia. The Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, and Foreign Minister Peter MacKay visited Riga for the first time. This year witnessed another historic event in relations with Canada: in September, the President of Latvia travelled to Canada on a State visit. A further significant event in 2006 was the address to the U.S. Congress by the President of Latvia.

For the first time in the history of relations between Latvia and Latin America, high-ranking officials including the Colombian Foreign Minister, Carolina Barco, and the Mexican Minister of Health, Julio Frenk Mora, visited Latvia. A Latvian delegation, headed by President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, participated in the 4^th EU-Latin American and Caribbean Summit in Vienna, during which the Latvian President met with the Chilean and Mexican Presidents. Latvian Foreign Ministry Parliamentary Secretary Eriks Zunda attended the inauguration ceremony of the newly-elected Mexican President, Felipe Calderon, in Mexico.

A trilateral project has been launched in which, for the first time, a Latvian diplomat can undergo a period of in-service training at the Spanish Embassy in Mexico, and work on the promotion of Latvia's image at the Mexican institutions. The Latvian Foreign Ministry must possess comprehensive information and experience to ensure a timely presence in the region. Latvia plans to open the first Latvian Embassy in Latin America in the future, and a decision on further co-operation with Spain will depend on the availability of funding from next year's ministerial budget.

Among Latvia's goals is joining the U.S. Visa Waiver Programme, and the establishing of a visa-free regime with Canada and Brazil in the near future. These issues have been set as a priority in the bilateral and EU frameworks, and in the Coalition for Visa Equality established between the Baltic states and the countries of the Visegrad Group.

Support is also being sought for Latvia's accession to the OECD.

Facilitation of commerce, business contacts and attracting investments is an important policy direction. In the U.S. context, it was demonstrated by holding the third conference of investors in Riga, in which prominent U.S. companies participated, and by the representation of the Latvian Investment and Development Agency in Washington that was opened this year. In her visit to Canada, the Latvian President was accompanied by representatives of 35 Latvian companies. Identified as promising industries for Canadian-Latvian co-operation are the food industry, metalworking, engineering, wood processing, high technologies and the tourism sector. The Mexican company Cemex, one of the world's leading manufacturers of building materials, is planning to expand and invest in the building of a new plant, thereby demonstrating that companies from the Latin American region can also invest and successfully develop business in Latvia. In 2007, the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is organising a mission of Latvian entrepreneurs to Peru.

In co-operation with the U.S. and Canada, the transformation of Latvia's experience to the EU's Eastern neighbours, especially in Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia, is continuing.

This year was characterised by a range of successful cultural activities by Latvian artists in the Latin American region; several Mexican states and cities have applauded the national dance ensemble Dzintarins and the troupe of the Latvian National Opera, and the folklore group Ceiruleits participated in an international festival of traditional music and dance in Venezuela. Further participation in international and EU-organised festivals of art and music in Mexico is also scheduled for 2007.

This year, diplomatic relations were established with a number of Caribbean countries including Saint Lucia, Haiti, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (19.12.2006)

DEFENCE ISSUES    

Latvia and China sign Defence Co-Operation Agreement

ECONOMICS, FINANCE AND BUSINESS 

Saeima approves budget for next year

On 19 December, the Saeima (Latvian Parliament) approved the National Budget for next year at the final reading. In the budget, income and expenditure are expected to exceed LVL 4 billion, with a planned deficit of 1.4% of GDP.

Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis acknowledged to journalists that he was pleased that for the first time the national budget had been approved so soon after the Saeima elections, and that it will come into effect on 1 January. He said he was confident that everything had been done to ensure the 2007 budget would be proclaimed on 1 January.

Mr Kalvitis added that next year's Budget is very complex and will resolve many problems, and should improve the standard of living for the residents of Latvia. Chairman of the Saeima Budget and Finance Committee Karlis Leiskalns told journalists that in his opinion this was the best budget to date, as it would resolve many social problems. 

BNS (19.12.2006)

Latvia not to impose restrictions on Romanian and Bulgarian workforces

The Latvian government decided on 19 December that Latvia will not impose restrictions on the free access of Bulgarian and Romanian citizens to the Latvian employment market upon the accession of these countries to the European Union on 1 January 2007.

The Latvian Ministry of Welfare previously indicated that a mass influx of Bulgarian and Romanian citizens was not anticipated in Latvia, according to employment market indicators and migration trends in these countries, and also because of cultural and language differences.

Data released by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs indicate that in Latvia between 1 May 2004 and 1May 2006, work permits had been issued to 19 persons from Romania and 8 persons from Bulgaria.

A public survey undertaken in Bulgaria has established that the possible number of emigrants from that country could be around 34,000. The potential emigrants are of age below 40, but for the most part are younger people below 30 years of age. Respondents indicated that their preferred destinations would be Spain, Germany, Italy, the UK, the U.S.A., Greece and Canada.

Ministry of Welfare (20.12.2006)

BNS (19.12.2006)

Latvian Agriculture Minister and EU Energy Commissioner discuss prospects for acquiring bio-energy

On 20 December, Latvian Minister for Agriculture Martins Roze met with the European Union Commissioner for Energy Andris Piebalgs, to discuss topical issues regarding the acquisition of bio-energy in Latvia and the Baltic states, including progress towards the forthcoming international conference Renewable energy – future prospects in the Baltic Region.

During their discussions, Minister Roze and Commissioner Piebalgs agreed that Latvia had great potential for the development of this alternative source of energy, as the country has approximately 1 million hectares of free land for growing crops suitable for bio-energy. As noted during the discussions, Latvia and other countries of the region had to dedicate all their efforts to the development of alternative energy sources with the aim of maximising and utilising internal resources, thereby maximising independence from the major suppliers of energy.

Commissioner Piebalgs also accepted Minister Roze's invitation to participate in the conference Renewable energy – future prospects in the Baltic Region to be held in Latvia on 11 May 2007. The purpose of this event is to exchange information and opinion on the role and utilisation of renewable energy. Representatives of the energy sector from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Denmark, Sweden and Finland are also planning to attend the conference.

Ministry of Agriculture (20.12.2006)

Riga Stockholm School of Economics 12^th best in Europe

The prestigious international business newspaper The Financial Times rates the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga the 12^th best in Europe.

"This is great news for potential students and private and public organisations; it indicates that it is possible to obtain a European-level education without leaving Latvia. Exploring the significance of a good education to the development of the national economy and competitiveness, the high rating gained by the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga can be regarded as great news for Latvia," says Anders Paalzow, the Rector of the School.

"The focus of business education is turning towards the east," says the London Business School MBA Programme Associate Dean, Julia Tyler. So, for example, the number of business schools in India has already overtaken that of the U.S.A.; in 1999 the USA had 846 and India 639, while this year the ratio is 927 in the USA and 953 in India. Ms Tyler anticipates further growth in this sector in both India and Eastern Europe, with possibly a greater emphasis on development in Eastern Europe.

BNS (18.12.2006)

Journalists from Belarus visit Latvia

The Embassy of Latvia in Belarus, in collaboration with the Latvian Tourism Development Agency, organised a visit to Latvia by journalists from Belarus, which took place on 15-18 December. The purpose of the visit was to familiarise the journalists with tourism sites in the Vidzeme and Zemgale regions, and provide general information on tourism offers and opportunities in Latvia. 

The journalists visited Sigulda, Ligatne, Cesis, and the Mezotne and Rundale palaces. They took part in an evening excursion around the Old Riga, and visited Jurmala. 

Taking part in the visit were representatives of eight major Belarusian state and non-governmental media: Stolicnoje televidenje, news agency BELTA, the newspaper 7 dnej, the magazines Kurjer, Belarusi i rinok, the youth newspaper Perehodnij vozrast, and the specialised tourism newspapers Turizm i otdih and Putesestvennik.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (15.12.2006)

airBaltic installs first automatic check-in machines in Riga International Airport

Introduced this week at Riga International Airport were the first automatic check-in machines for passengers of Latvian airline airBaltic.

The new automated facilities are intended to facilitate quick and easy checking-in by airBaltic passengers, as well as checking-in of their baggage. The machines can be utilised by airBaltic passengers travelling to countries where a visa is not required before the flight, or to countries where a visa may be obtained at the destination airport.

Such automated check-in facilities are very popular at many airports throughout the world, as they are simple and easy to use, and help save passengers' time. airBaltic is the first airline to offer the automatic check-in facilities to its passengers at Riga International Airport.

LETA (21.12.2006) 

LATEST STATISTICS

Latvia's export growth in first nine months of 2006 tenth fastest in EU. The value of Latvia's exports in the first nine months of 2006 increased by 18% to EUR 3.5 billion compared to the same period in the previous year. This is the tenth highest growth indicator among all EU member states. LETA (19.12.2006)
Producer price indices in November 2006   Central Statistical Bureau (21.12.2006)

EXCHANGE RATES   

SOCIETY, CULTURE AND SPORTS   

Charter of Intents for Equal Citizenship signed  

On 21 December 2006, the SMSASIA (Secretariat of Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration) Resource Centre for Women Marta, within the framework of the international partnership PARITEIA, invited representatives of state, local governments, public organisations, members of academic circles and individual persons to sign a Charter of Intents for Equal Citizenship.

The Marta Resource Centre for Women is co-ordinating the signing of the Charter of Intents for Equal Citizenship to promote gender equality in Latvia. The Charter will seek to ensure active involvement in fostering gender equality processes, and urge to be aware that gender equality issues cannot be resolved single-handedly. The main principle behind the Charter is to develop co-operation and constructive dialogue between members of both genders, involving as many men as possible in the gender equality process.

The European Commission has proclaimed 2007 as the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All.

BNS (21.12.2006)

Screening rights to Latvian animation film The Three Musketeers bought by 26 countries

The screening rights to the animation film The Three Musketeers, co-produced by Latvia, Denmark and the UK, have been purchased by 26 countries, and the film may be regarded as one of this year's Latvian cinema success stories.

French audiences have been able to enjoy the film from 1 November, and it will soon be screened in cinemas in the UK and Denmark.

At the moment, screening rights to the film have been obtained not only by European countries, but also Australia, New Zealand, the U.S.A.,China, Mexico, Canada, and others. The film is currently available in the Latvian, French, Danish, and Norwegian languages, and it is being subtitled or revoiced into other languages.

BNS (19.12.2006)

The film Water Bomb for the Fat Tomcat wins awards at international Children and Youth Film Festival in Belarus

At the Children and Youth Film Festival held in Belarus in November, the Latvian film Water Bomb for the Fat Tomcat won two awards in a competition field of over ten works.

Actress Baiba Boroka won the award for Best Actress, and the film won the Audience Award.

Screened during the festival were works from Sweden, Germany, Russia and China, with Latvia also being represented by the film studio Animacijas Brigade.

The film Water Bomb for the Fat Tomcat had previously participated in several film festivals and expositions in Poland, Sweden, Norway, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Portugal, Russia, Taiwan and the U.S.A., winning awards such as Best New Actress for actress Zane Leimane in the children's art festival Kinotavrik; in the Latvian National Film Festival Lielais Kristaps 2005 the film received the award for best full length feature film.

LETA (21.12.2006)

Latvian Embassy in the U.S. hosts reception in honour of Latvian National Opera guest concerts in Mexico

The Latvian Embassy in the U.S., in conjunction with the Honorary Consul to Mexico, Beatrise Aboltina-Trueblood, hosted a reception in honour of guest concerts given by the Latvian National Opera (LNO) in Mexico.

The LNO visited Mexico at the invitation of the concert agency ArsTempo producciones. The Latvian musicians gave four concerts of opera music, performing popular choral works and arias. The LNO was represented by soloists Kristine Gailite, Sonora Vaice, Kristine Opolais, Antra Bigaca, Samsons Izjumovs, Emils Ivanovs, Egils Silins and Viesturs Jansons; with the choir and orchestra conducted by Martins Ozolins.

From 9 to 14 December, a delegation led by the State Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Culture Solvita Zvidrina also visited Mexico. As part of the visit, the delegation met with the heads of the Mexican Department of Culture, the National Art Centre, and a number of museums. The topics discussed with the Mexican representatives included issues of further co-operation within the framework of the agreement on co-operation in the sphere of education, culture and sports signed between the countries. The delegation also attended the LNO concert in Mexico.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (15.12.2006)

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra directed by Mariss Jansons in the Netherlands at Christmas

The Latvian Embassy in the Netherlands, in conjunction with the management of the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, invited special guests to a Christmas concert performed by the Royal orchestra directed by Mariss Jansons on 25 December 2006. The concert was attended by the Foreign Minister of the Netherlands, Bernard Bot, the Minister of Justice, Ernst Hirsch Ballin, and other senior officials and representatives from the Hague diplomatic corps.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (19.12.2006)

Muscovites see Latvian ballet again after a break of twenty years

From 14 to 17 December 2006, in the Moscow Stanislavski and Nemirovich-Danchenko Musical Theatre, guest performances were given by the ballet troupe of the Latvian National Opera. Both modern and classical ballet were presented to the Moscow public, including Arturs Maskats' ballet Les Liaisons Dangereuses, and Adolphe Adam's ballet Le Corsaire. The performances by the Latvian ballet excited interest in spectators, critics, and the media. 

At the invitation of the Latvian Ambassador to Russia, Andris Teikmanis, the performances by the ballet troupe were attended by Russian officials, representatives from the diplomatic corps, theatrical artists and staff, and critics.

Ambassador Teikmanis met with the management and artists of the National Opera, and discussed the guest performances and opportunities for further co-operation and eventual participation of the leading soloists and choreographers in future ballet performances in Moscow.

These performances by the Latvian ballet are taking place in Moscow after an interval of more that 20 years.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (18.12.2006)

Latvian Embassy in Russia "jingles in" Christmas time

On 16 December 2006, the Latvian Embassy in Moscow hosted a celebration on the occasion of the upcoming Christmas. The Embassy's diplomatic staff and guests watched a festive concert with songs sung by children from the Sunday School and with theatricalised games played by the children together with their parents. The children took part in a lottery where they could win gifts, and were also treated to festive Christmas food. The children and their parents were welcomed by the Latvian Ambassador to Russia, Andris Teikmanis. Santa Claus also visited the Christmas event to meet the children.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (18.12.2006)

Indian sitar artist performs in Latvia

Indian sitar artist Ustad Shahid Parvez gave a performance in the Riga Large Guild Hall on 17 December.

The audience was able to enjoy classical music from Northern India and a virtuoso performance on the sitar which synthesised both vocal and instrumental performance.

Shahid Parvez represents one of India's most legendary musical dynasties. Almost 60 years of age, the musician has been performing since he was 8 and has given concerts on all the world's continents. Although relatively young by Indian standards, he has already earned the title Ustad, which means "master" or "teacher", and is accorded only to the greatest Indian masters.

The concert was organised by the Latvian Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Embassy of India in Latvia, and the agency Absolute.

BNS (17.12.2006) 

Annual Roma celebration Sharad takes place

On 23 December the annual Roma autumn festival Sharad was held at the Riga Jewish Society, attended by the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Oskars Kastens. The event was organised by the Roma public organisation Nevo Drom, with the financial support of the Secretariat.

"Latvia is a multicultural country, with over 150 different nationalities living here. The Roma people have been living in Latvia since the 16^th century, and their cultural traditions enrich Latvia's culture. I am really pleased and delighted that members of national minorities themselves actively implement their identity and cultural events, from which we can discover much that is new about the people living amongst us," noted Minister Kastens.

Performing at the festival were several groups of music and dance performers from Roma and other national minorities.

Secretariat of Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration (20.12.2006)

Motor cyclists from Latvia reach Australia and return home

On 20 December, members of a motorcycle expedition Andis Pikans and Janis Klavins returned to Riga, who, at the end of summer, set out on a five month long journey to Australia.

In five months, the expedition crossed more than 40,000 kilometres through steppes, swamps, deserts and mountain passes, through 12 countries of various cultures.

The travel route was not only unusual and never before successfully attempted, but also rich with tense moments and experiences. This persisted right up to the last days of the expedition, when they crossed the Australian continent in less than a week.

The aim of the expedition was to show people in Latvia and the rest of the world that undertaking an expedition on motor bikes meant being unrestricted in movement opportunities, and remaining open to one's immediate surroundings; able to learn more about local inhabitants, nature, geography, history and traditions.

Andis Pikans and Janis Klavins undertook the expedition Enduro Adventure World Wide Tour on "KTM-Adventure" 950cc motor bikes.

In collaboration with the film studio Vides filmu studija, an eleven episode film series was made of the expedition. Latvian National Television Channel 1 has already been screening the film footage of the expedition for nine weeks under the title Cela uz brivibu (The Road to Freedom).

LETA (20.12.2006)

CALENDAR OF ARTS EVENTS 

Until 23 December 2006	Exhibition Sacral Space - Modern Finnish Churches, Museum Of Decorative Arts And Design, Riga
19-31 December 2006	Art Students' Works Fair Yarmarka, Art Academy of Latvia, Riga
13 December 2006-21 January 2007	Exhibition of Latvian Naïve Art, Naïve Latvia, at the Latvian National Museum Art, Riga, exhibition hall Arsenals
15 December 2006-28 January 2007	Painter Girts Muiznieks' solo exhibition Salut!, at the Latvian National Museum of Art, exhibition hall Arsenals, Riga
9 February-18 March 2007	Aija Zarina's  personal exhibition The Princess on the Pea, at the Latvian National Museum of Art, Riga, exhibition hall Arsenals

Information bulletin "Current Latvia" is a compilation of press releases and news reports drawn from the media and official sources. Not all of the views published reflect the official position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.