FOREIGN POLICY EVENTS AND CHRONOLOGY
IN BRIEF
On 27 November 2006, the President of Latvia, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, met the former Mayor of New York, Rudolph Giuliani, in Riga Castle. In her address to Mr Giuliani, the President expressed her appreciation of Mr Giuliani's presence at the academic conference on NATO transformation issues, and noted the significant contribution of the former Mayor of New York to restoring order to that city, and his handling of the crisis following the terrorist attacks on New York on 11 September 2001. She said that the Mayor had, on that occasion, united people to overcome the consequences of the tragedy, and was still a source of inspiration for many people in the U.S.A. and in the world. Mr Giuliani praised the development of Riga and the growth of national democracy in Latvia. He said that although he had been in Riga for just a couple of hours, as a former mayor he could already see how clean and beautiful Riga was, and how fast it was developing. President's Chancery (27.11.2006)
On 27 November 2006, Latvian Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis met Bernd Goetze, Executive Secretary of the North Atlantic Council, and discussed NATO Summit and topical agenda issues. The officials addressed matters on the agenda of the NATO Summit including further development of the Alliance, enlargement of NATO, and the strengthening of its missions in various regions. The Latvian Prime Minister noted that this is the very first time Latvia had organised an event of such magnitude and importance, and emphasised that all the preparatory works and arrangements necessary for the success of the Summit had been completed. The Prime Minister also expressed his hope that this NATO Summit would lead to some definite results. Mr Goetze acknowledged the outstanding effort by Latvia, especially the attention to detail and quality of work performed. The NATO Summit is expected to attract wide publicity, which will contribute to the recognition of Riga and Latvia. Cabinet of Ministers (27.11.2006)
In accordance with recent tradition at NATO summits, a high-level conference of international policy experts was held parallel to the Riga NATO Summit. From 27 to 29 November 2006, senior policy makers, influential shapers of opinion, and prominent academics gathered in Riga to take part in an intense program of public and private discussions to explore the issues at the heart of the transatlantic agenda, and of relevance to the global community. The conference was organised jointly by the Latvian Transatlantic Organization, the Strategic Analysis Commission under the auspices of the President of Latvia, and the German Marshall Fund of the United States. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga was the Patron of the conference. The conference's signature format facilitated free-flowing discussions for the advancement of policy. Those sessions were accompanied by important keynote addresses from senior leaders. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, who hosted the NATO Summit, addressed the conference, and participated in many of its events. NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer also addressed the conference. Representatives of NATO heads of State and Government were invited to participate, and the conference closed with a special session involving heads of NATO member delegations. The conference was designed to foster a serious dialogue on NATO's continuing transformation and changing role in the new global era. Particular emphasis was placed on NATO's innovative outreaches, including its growing global partnerships and its long-term plans for enlargement. The conference also considered NATO's critical role in energy security. A special series of private breakout sessions provided free discussion on such issues as NATO's operations in Afghanistan, its contributions in the Balkans, and its relations with Russia. Opening gala dinner of the Riga Conference 2006 hosted by the President of Latvia – audio Latvian Transatlantic Organisation (17.10.2006)
At the conclusion of the bilateral talks, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga thanked all the organizers of the NATO Summit both on the part of Latvia as well as Brussels, and all the security providers who had assisted in organizing the NATO Summit. The President stressed that she had heard very favourable comments about the organization of the Summit, and the difficult co-ordination work among different institutions and services, and the people who had worked hard to achieve this had to be thanked for its success. The NATO Summit had been noted as outstanding by the visiting state leaders. The NATO Heads of Government organisational Bureau also wishes to thank everyone involved in preparing for the Summit for their selfless effort in ensuring the success of the Summit. President's Chancery (29.11.2006) Ministry of Defence (30.11.2006)
The Latvian Foreign Ministry expresses its high appreciation of U.S. President George Bush's commitment to review the criteria for eased visa procedures between the United States and Latvia. The Foreign Ministry considers Latvia to be ready to join the U.S. Visa Waiver Programme; a view supported by Latvia's progress in fulfilling the criteria of the Schengen Agreement. The citizens of EU member states must have the opportunity to travel to the United States without a visa. Since 1996, Latvia has observed a visa-free regime for U.S. citizens, and invites the U.S. to observe the principle of reciprocity in this area. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (28.11.2006)
On 30 November 2006, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the draft order On the Delegation of the Republic of Latvia to the Task Force for International Co-operation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Research, providing for the approval of the delegation's composition, specifying duties and responsibilities of the head of the delegation and its members, for the order of reporting on the performance and for the Latvian participation fees and responsibilities of the involved Latvian ministries for budgeting for business travel and other expenses of the delegation's members. Latvia's membership in the Task Force for International Co-operation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Research envisages international co-operation in enhancing educational programmes in the sphere of holocaust and in the training of educators. By acquiring the experience of other member states in research and education, Latvian scholars and teachers can obtain useful knowledge, take over or adjust the methodology for explaining to Latvian society these sensitive and complex issues of history proposed by the ITF. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (30.11.2006)
On 23 November, India's Ambassador to Latvia, Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa, was in Riga on a working visit. During a meeting with Latvian Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks, an invitation was extended from India's Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr Anand Sharma, to attend an international conference in India in January 2007. The conference will be dedicated to peace, conflict resolution and welfare development issues. Also discussed were prospects for Latvia's diplomatic representations in India, possible exchange visits by senior officials, the clarification of the political consultation process between the Foreign Minister of Latvia and India, and opportunities for future co-operation between the higher education institutions of India and Latvia. In discussions with Latvia's Under-Secretary of State, Edgars Skuja, the Indian Ambassador considered prospects for Latvia's diplomatic representation in India, and the organisation of the Foreign Ministers' political consultations in New Delhi in 2007. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (24.11.2006)
From 27 to 30 November 2006, representatives from the Latvian Embassy in Japan and from the Parex Bank office in Japan made a visit to Riga's sister city of Kobe. During the meetings, the Latvian Ambassador to Japan, Peteris Vaivars, noted that this is the first visit by Latvian diplomats to Kobe since the opening of the Latvian Embassy in April of this year. He emphasized that the Embassy has opened new opportunities for expanding co-operation in the business, culture, education, science, and tourism sectors. Ambassador Vaivars briefed those present on Latvia's economic growth since the restoration of independence, on the country's current economic progress, on the attractiveness of the business and investment environment, and on the vast opportunities for co-operation in the area of tourism. The representatives from Kobe expressed much interest in expanding co-operation with Latvia. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (01.12.2006)
During a meeting between Latvian Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks and UK Minister for Europe, Geoff Hoon, which was held as part of the NATO Summit, Mr Pabriks called on the UK to support Latvia's prospective membership in the organization of the world's most economically developed countries, the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development). Mr Hoon emphasized his country's firm support for the accession of Latvia and other EU member states to this Organization. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (29.11.2006)
On 1 December 2006, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Latvian Foreign Ministry, Eriks Zunda, attended the inauguration ceremony of the newly-elected Mexican President Felipe Calderon in Mexico. Among foreign guests invited to the inauguration ceremony were former U.S. President, George W. Bush Senior, Canadian Prime Minister Stephan Harper, Crown Prince Felipe of Spain, Argentine President Nestor Kichner, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe Velez, and presidents from a number of Central American countries. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (29.11.2006)
On 30 November, the Saeima (Latvian Parliament) approved Latvian delegations to such international assemblies as the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, the Baltic Assembly, the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly, the Assembly of Western Europe (Interparliamentary European Security and Defence Assembly), the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Saeima (30.11.2006) Changes in process of crossing the territory of Latvia in transit as of 1 December 2006 The Ministry informs that as of 1 December 2006, a third-country national, holding a valid visa or a residence permit of a Schengen state (Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden) or of a new EU member state (Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia) or a residence permit issued in Switzerland or Liechtenstein, may cross the territory of Latvia in transit without a Latvian transit visa, in order to return to his/her country of residence or, if there is such a permit, to a third country. The above provisions are in accordance with Decision No 895/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2006 (introducing a simplified regime for the control of persons at the external borders based on the unilateral recognition by the Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia of certain documents as equivalent to their national visas for the purposes of transit through their territories) and Decision No 896/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2006 (establishing a simplified regime for the control of persons at the external borders based on the unilateral recognition by the Member States of certain residence permits issued by Switzerland and Liechtenstein for the purpose of transit through their territory). Ministry of Foreign Affairs (01.12.2006)
DEFENCE ISSUES
On 27 November, the Small Guild in Riga was the venue for a round-table discussion dedicated to the support of Georgian defence policy reforms. During the discussion the Latvian Minister of Defence, Atis Slakteris, and the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Richard G. Lugar, met with the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Nino Burjanadze, to discuss Georgia's achievements in the defence sector, and to express support for its further efforts towards NATO membership. During their discussion, the officials, together with members of the Latvian Parliament and U.S. international security policy experts, discussed Georgia's current achievements in the fields of defence and integration, as well as securing the necessary support from the international community. The Agreement on Co-operation between Latvia and Georgia in the field of defence was signed in 2002. A Bilateral Co-operation Plan has been produced covering expert consultations on the implementation of a Georgia-NATO Individual Partnership Programme, as well as co-operation in training and on-the-job training. The Georgian armed forces have received material assistance from Latvia. As part of the events dedicated to the support of Georgia, and to honour Latvia's Independence and its national history, Ms Burjanadze, Senator Lugar, and Minister Slakteris laid floral tributes at the Freedom Monument. Ministry of Defence (27.11.2006)
On 30 November 2006, during an official visit to Latvia, the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, General Raymond Henault, met with the Latvian Minister of Defence Atis Slakteris, the Chairman of the Parliament's Defence and Interior Committee, Juris Dalbins, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Normans Penke, the Commander of the National Armed Forces (NAF), Brigadier General Juris Maklakovs, and visited the NAF Joint Headquarters in Riga. During the meeting, General Maklakovs briefed General Henault on the priorities and development plans determined by the NAF. General Maklakovs emphasised that the term best describing successful development of the NAF is "quality", in areas such as high standard professional training, and high standard equipment and armament. He indicated that NATO will help to modernise Latvia's infrastructure, in order to help develop the Alliance as a whole. He emphasised that "Latvia had progressed and reformed its military forces, so they may be rapidly deployed in NATO operations". General Henault also said he was pleased with the professionalism of Latvian military personnel in foreign missions, and thanked them for their contribution to the Alliance's development. Ministry of Defence (30.11.2006) BNS (01.12.2006)
ECONOMICS, FINANCE AND BUSINESS
On 22 November, in Kiev, the third Latvia-Ukraine Business Forum took place. It was organised by the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIDA), in collaboration with the Ukrainian Alliance of Manufacturers and Businessmen, with the support of the Latvian Foreign Ministry and Embassy in Ukraine and the Embassy of Ukraine in Riga. Participating in the Business Forum from Latvia were representatives of sectors including transport, transit and logistics, information technology, machine engineering, energy, building construction, banking, the timber and food manufacturing industries, (a total of 32 enterprises), who met with their Ukrainian counterparts. The Business Forum was officially opened by the Latvian Minister for Economics Juris Strods and the President of the Ukrainian Alliance of Manufacturers and Businessmen, Anatolij Kinach. During his visit, Minister Strods also met with Ukrainian officials, and discussed the prospects for Latvia-Ukraine economical cooperation, including the renewal of the Intergovernmental Committee. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (24.11.2006)
In the Latvian Embassy in London on 23 November, a meeting of the Latvia-United Kingdom Business Council took place, together with a reception organised for the businessmen of both countries by the British Chamber of Commerce and the Latvian Investment and Development Agency representation in London. Among the matters discussed during the final meeting of the Business Council this year were topical issues in economic co-operation between Latvia and the UK, looking back on a year of very intensive and successful international and business contacts in 2006, (including the visit by Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and a delegation of businessmen to Britain in July this year, the visit by Queen Elizabeth II to Latvia in October, the visit by First Minister Rhodri Morgan of Wales, and a business delegation to Latvia in October, business seminars on co-operation opportunities for Latvia in Wales and Scotland, Latvia's representation in the World Tourism Fair in London in November) as well as discussions on priorities for next year in encouraging economic co-operation. The business reception provided an opportunity to establish new contacts for eighty businessmen from Latvia and the UK, representing the spheres of finance, timber manufacturing, transport and logistics, hospitality industry, legal services, and others. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (24.11.2006)
On 27 November 2006, at the Berlin Forum Baltischer Take Off: Baltisch-Deutsche Chancen im Luftverkehrsmarkt, Latvian Ambassador to Germany, Dr Martins Virsis, spoke on the development of airport infrastructure and aviation in Latvia. The aim of the event was to display the achievements of the Baltic states in the spheres of aviation, airport development, and customer service quality. The Forum was opened by the Advisor-Expert on Air Transport Issues to the Social Democratic Faction of the European Parliament, Mr Ulrich Stockmann, and the Chairman of the Board of the Baltic Sea Forum, Mr Kurt Bodewig. The Forum was organized by the Baltic Sea Forum in co-operation with Berlin airports, the bank NORD/LB and Parlamentarischer Abend "Berliner Luft". Ministry of Foreign Affairs (27.11.2006) LATEST STATISTICS
SOCIETY, CULTURE AND SPORTS
On 24 November 2006, at the book-launch ceremony of a French-language edition of the book History of Latvia: XX Century, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks said that "The history of Latvia is speaking in the French language today," and drew attention to the fact that the book launch was being held on the eve of the NATO Summit. Minister Pabriks emphasized that the translation of the book into yet another foreign language shows that the nation which looks into the future with optimism, remembers its history and tries to learn from the mistakes of the past. The Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to historians and sponsors of the book. The President of the publishing house Jumava, Juris Visockis, briefed those present on the anticipated publication of the book in the German language next year. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (27.11.2006)
Public to be informed on Arabian and Muslim cultural diversity in Latvia Between 25 November-3 December, as part of the project Latvia – Equal In Diversity II (LED II), the Arabian Cultural Centre, in co-operation with the Secretariat of the Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration Affairs, organised a cycle of seminars entitled Visual Minorities in Latvia – Arabophobia and Muslimophobia. Throughout the week, informative seminars were held on the theme of "Myths and truths about the Arab world". The objective of the seminars was to inform the public of the diversity of Arab and Muslim culture and its expression in Latvia, in order to facilitate dialogue, and create new opportunities for including the Arab culture in the Latvian cultural spectrum. During the Seminar, literary readings and discussions took place regarding topical modern problems, including Arabophobia and Muslimophobia; and an opportunity was provided to become familiar with Arabian musical master-works, to observe the art of belly-dancing and to enjoy Arabian culinary delights. LED II is Latvia's second project organised by the Secretariat of the Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration Affairs, which has attracted EU funding for State Administration institutions and NGO network activities to reduce discrimination, promote tolerance, and inform the public about the EU's anti-discrimination priorities. BNS (22.11.2006)
International conference held on cultural environment research On 1 December, the Latvian Academy of Culture Scientific Research Centre organised an international conference entitled Cultural Crossroads. An Interdisciplinary approach to cultural- environmental research. Participants at the conference sought points of contact among the various spheres of culture, thereby facilitating the development of interdisciplinary cultural-environmental research in Latvia. Among those to address the conference were several members of university teaching staff and doctoral candidates, as well as researchers from Lithuania, Israel and Italy. Issues discussed at the seminar included those associated with cultural theory and anthropology, cultural sociology, culture policy, and topical issues in art, music, literature and folklore. LETA (01.12.2006)
Jazz singer Didi Bridgewater performs at Latvian National Opera On 1 December, a concert by jazz singer Didi Bridgewater at the Latvian National Opera, heralded the Festival French Spring, which will officially open in March 2007, according to the French Culture Centre in Latvia. In her Riga concert, Ms Bridgewater performed jazz interpretations of French chansons. Director of the French Culture Centre in Latvia, Luc Levy, said that he knows Ms Bridgewater personally, and during his student years in Paris he had listened to performances by the as yet unknown artist. Mr Levy recalled that the artist captivated the audience with her enthusiasm. Financial support for the concert was provided by the French Cultural Centre. Riga City Council (01.12.2006)
Irish cinema evenings to be held in Riga The Riga cinema K.Suns will be the venue for Irish Cinema Evenings to be held from 1-7 December. Throughout the week, seven films will be screened, together with a programme of short films. Director Neil Jordan's film The Crying Game, in 1993 won two "Oscars" for best Director and Best Screen Play, as well as the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award for Best British Film. The Crying Game was also acknowledged as Best European Film. Irish Cinema Evenings will also feature other highly acclaimed films, including director Paul Greengrass' Bloody Sunday, which received a Golden Bear Award at the Berlin Film Festival, and the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, as well as the British Academy of Film Award in 2003. The Short Film programme includes not only documentary films, but also a short animated view of the writer James Joyce's creative process in writing his epic novel Ulysses. Another of the short films, Between Two Lives, directed by John Mallon, won the Irish Film Institute (IFI) Festival Award in 2005. The event will conclude on 7 December with an opportunity of meeting documentary film director Alan Gilsenan and seeing his films The Road to God Knows Where and Road II. For more than ten years, the IFI has presented Irish films at international festivals and other events. The films to be screened in Riga were also included in the recent artistic and documentary film programme Reel Ireland. BNS (26.11.2006) Latvia-Azerbaijan Friendship park to be built On 14 November, Riga City Council agreed to support a proposal to construct a Latvia-Azerbaijan Friendship park. The Latvia-Azerbaijan Association Azeri Vahdat construction proposes the creation of a public friendship park in Riga. In the centre of the proposed park will be a fountain with a sculpture characterising Azerbaijan on one side, and Latvia on the other. Around the fountain will be a main area with a central path paved with granite in the architectural style of Azerbaijan. The park will contain two symbolic flowerbeds, one depicting the national coat of arms of Azerbaijan, the other a Latvian auseklitis ornamental morning star. Perennial trees will be planted around the fountain and in the central part of the park. Also planned is an open-air exhibition and recreation area for children of various ages. It is also planned to set aside an area for bonfires to celebrate the national holidays of Latvia and Azerbaijan. LETA (14.11.2006)
On 25 November, in the New World of Art exhibition hall in St Petersburga personal exhibition entitled Dedication to the Hermitage by Latvian artist Franceska Kirke was opened. The exhibition has been organised by Latvia's Consul-General in St Petersburg, in collaboration with the New World of Art exhibition hall, and with the support of the Latvian Foreign Ministry. Displayed at the exhibition are works from Ms Kirke's artistic cycles of the past few years: Museum, Decorative Art, Fetish, the Endangered, and others. The art works are characterised by a clever irony, "improperly restoring" masterpieces by Rembrandt, Goya, Velasquez, and other world classics, finding new realities through the eyes of modern man. Provocation, irony, play and composition – such is the style of Franceska Kirke. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (24.11.2006) European Day of Languages events held in Riga On 1-2 December, the AEGEE Rīga organised events to celebrate European Day of Languages. On 1 December interested persons had the opportunity of learning how embassies work and what they do. In co-operation with AEGEE Rīga, the Embassies of the Netherlands, Ireland and Italy in Latvia opened their doors to visitors. Staff from each Embassy, and in some cases the Ambassadors themselves, described their native language, their national culture and traditions, and of course, the work of the Embassies themselves. On 2 December, young people from several foreign countries presented their countries languages and culture simultaneously in four rooms at the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga. Among the languages introduced were Swedish, Dutch, German, French,, Italian, Spanish, Slovenian, Turkish, Scottish, Latgallian and others. The aim of this international event is to encourage everyone to learn new languages as a source of personal enrichment. The event is held to motivate young people to acquire new languages and to offer instruction in them. In this way, AEGEE is attempting to improve people's understanding of the cultural diversity of Europe, and the world, and its linguistic heritage. LETA (01.12.2006) CALENDAR OF ARTS EVENTS
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. |
|
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
