FOREIGN POLICY EVENTS AND CHRONOLOGY
IN BRIEF Award to the President of Latvia for her courageous and principled stand in strengthening Europe and democracy On 19 October at the Riga Castle, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga was awarded the Coudenhove-Kalergi Europa Prize 2006. The award was presented to the President by the previous Austrian Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, President of the Fund Dr. Alois Mock and the Honorary President of the PanEuropa Association Otto Fon Habsburg. "It is important that there are personalities who do not cease to remind us of the values of Europe and of democracy and you are an outstanding representative of these European qualities," said Otto Fon Habsburg. He emphasised the President's role in defending the equality of the voices of small and larger countries in shaping Europe, "Your name will go into history to remind future generations of a person, characterised by courage and directness in defending principles and in addressing the future." In giving the award, the Fund emphasised the contribution of the President of Latvia to strengthening of the common European cultural space and the outstanding contribution of V.Vike-Freiberga to European thought processes and to Latvia joining the EU and NATO. President's Chancery (19.10.2006)
Chairperson of the Saeima attends the annual Parliamentary conference organised jointly by the Inter-Parliamentary Association and the UN The Chairperson of the Saeima, Ingrida Udre, attended the annual Parliamentary conference dedicated to development co-operation issues and organised jointly by the Inter-Parliamentary Association and the United Nations at UN Headquarters in New York. The conference discussed the achieving of those goals mentioned in the UN Millenium Declaration, and the providing of assistance to less developed countries by encouraging their long-term social and economic development, in order to ensure world peace and security. Discussions were held within the framework of the conference on the role of Parliaments in strengthening good in-country administration and promoting country development. The Saeima chairperson also met with representatives of the Inter-Parliamentary Association and UN officials to discuss issues of the involvement of parliamentarians in the work of the UN. Saeima (14.10.2006)
In the framework the official visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, today, October 18, Aigars Kalvītis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, met Margaret Beckett, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom. During the meeting attention focussed on the European Council meeting scheduled to take place in Finland on 20 October, and where one of the main topics would be energy issues. Mr Kalvitis and Foreign Secretary Beckett agreed that the European Union needs a common energy policy in dealing with third countries. At the meeting of EU heads of state and government, particularly important will be the energy policy in its relations with Russia. Margaret Beckett stressed the close connection between energy security and climate security, both of which have to be dealt with together. Another important issue is the increasing of efficiency in energy consumption. Cabinet of Ministers (18.10.2006)
18 October Prime Minister Kalvitis met with Jaak Jõerüüt, the new Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to Latvia, who was on his introductory visit. The Prime Minister described the relations between Latvia and Estonia as being very good and hoped that the new Ambassador of Estonia will contribute to further enhance economic, political and cultural contacts. They also discussed issues concerning bilateral relations, common interests in the European Union, and in particular the position concerning the EU energy policy in preparation for the European Council meeting in Finland, as well as preparations for the NATO Summit in Riga. Cabinet of Ministers (18.10.2006)
On 19 October 2006, the Latvian Ambassador to Russia, Andris Teikmanis, met with the Head of the External Church Relations Department of the Moscow Patriarchy, Metropolitan Kiril. During the meeting, which was also attended by the project co-ordinator Yuri Kaid of the international project The Chalice of Peace, Metropolitan Kiril was presented with a donation to the Russian Orthodox Church, of 14 miniature paintings by the artist Nikolajs Uvarovs. The goal of the international project is to organize a charity art exhibition which would also present the above-mentioned paintings. The funds obtained from the sale of these works will be donated to the renovation of Russian Orthodox churches in Russia, Latvia, and Estonia. During the meeting, Ambassador Teikmanis praised the role of the church in bringing countries and nations closer and in settling conflicts. Metropolitan Kiril welcomed the charity initiative and emphasized that the visit to Latvia by the Head of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch, Alexiy II, contributed to the activation of bilateral relations between both countries. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (20.10.2006) DEFENCE ISSUES
Head of NATO summit group satisfied with preparations The NATO Summit Planning Team from NATO Headquarters under the leadership of Dr Bernd Goetze visited Riga from October 16–19 for the final time before the upcoming meeting of NATO Heads of State and Government in November. The NATO representatives met with the Head of the NATO Summit Task Force, Edgars Rinkevics and his staff members, in order to acquaint themselves with the progress of the organization of the Summit. During the visit, the provision of facilities for the media and the press, as well as issues concerning transport, security and protocol were discussed. The NATO representatives also visited the various venues to be used during the Summit and discussed the utilisation of these required facilities. During the visit the Head of the NATO Planning Team, Dr Bernd Goetze, also met with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. Dr Goetze welcomed the work of the responsible Latvian institutions in organising the successful logistics of the Summit. The Head of the NATO Summit group expressed his thanks for the outstanding support received from the people and companies working towards the successful management of the event. "I am grateful and happy for the readiness of Latvia to organise an event of this significance. I am satisfied with what has been accomplished, and there have been no incidents. This event is important because it occurs at a time when NATO is carrying out important international operations in the world," he said. Guests of the Summit will arrive in Latvia on 27 November, and Heads of State on 28 November. Ministry of Defence (16.10.2006) BNS (19.10.2006)
On 19 October, the Naval Force of the National Armed Forces, in collaboration with the British and French embassies, organised a commemorative event at Daugavgriva, dedicated to those British and French sailors who lost their lives during the Latvian Freedom Battles. This year, the event took place during the visit to Latvia of both Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and the Duke of Edinburgh. The leadership of the National Armed Forces, Ambassador Ian Andrew Minton Bond of the United Kingdom, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ireland, Tim Mawe, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France, Andre-Jean Libourel, as well as defence attachés of the two countries and families of the fallen soldiers participated in the commemorative event. Ministry of Defence (17.10.2006)
Representatives of Georgian defence system exchange experience in Latvia On 19 October, representatives of the Georgian Ministry of Defence and the National Defence Academy visited Latvia for two days of exchanging of experience. The purpose of the delegation, headed by the rector of the Georgian National Defence Academy, Colonel Kobas Lackepja, was to learn of the structure, curriculum and organisation of the curriculum of the Latvian National Defence Academy. During the visit the Georgian representatives also met with representatives of the Ministry of Defence, visited the National Armed Forces training management command, the NAF Language School and the NAF Communications School. Ministry of Defence (18.10.2006) ECONOMICS, FINANCE AND BUSINESS
On 18 October 2006, the Latvian Embassy in Italy, in co-operation with the Latvian Investment and Development Agency and Latvia's Honorary Consulate in Milan, holds a seminar for the Italian businessmen on the business environment in Latvia. As part of the event, the Latvian Minister of Economics, Aigars Stokenbergs, and the Latvian delegation is also on a visit to Milan. In his address to the Italian businessmen, Minister Stokenbergs urged them to make use of the opportunities offered by Latvia as one of the most competitive new EU member states. The Latvian Ambassador to Italy, Astra Kurme, noted that the ratification by the Italian government of the Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income would significantly promote bilateral co-operation between Latvia and Italy. Mr Andris Ozols, the Director of the Latvian Investment and Development Agency, briefed the foreign investors on the benefits of the business environment in Latvia. As part of the visit, the Latvian delegation will also visit the new Milan Fair (Fiera Milano) Complex and will meet with the Vice-President of the Executive Committee of Fondazione Fiera Milano, Gaetano Morazzoni, as well as with the President of the Lombardy Regional Government, Roberto Formigoni. The Minister of Economics also met with the President of the Lombardy region, Roberto Formigoni. The officials discussed opportunities for further developing Latvian – Italian economic co-operation. The Minister also met with representatives of a number of high technology companies and will give interviews to the Italian media. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (18.10.2006) Ministry of Economics (19.10.2006)
Meeting of Latvian and Hungarian business people On 18 October, a meeting of Latvian and Hungarian business people aimed at promoting business contacts and mutual co-operation took place in Riga. The meeting was organised by the Latvian Chamber of Trade and Industry in association with the Hungarian embassies in Lithuania and Estonia, and the Hungarian Investment and Trade Development Agency. LETA (18.10.2006)
Seminar on EU trade policy held in Riga On 19 - 20 October, the hotel "Riga" was the venue for a seminar was held aimed at encouraging businesses and non-governmental organisations in the Baltic states to take a more active part in EU trade policy. At the seminar, the impact of trade on public interests and various areas of the economy was explained. Special attention was paid to the links between trade and jobs, globalisation, and gender equality. The EC believes that organisations within civil society in the new EU member states must clearly express their views and make these known to the negotiators of EU trade talks. The seminar in Riga was addessed by high-level Government representatives of the Baltic three states, negotiators of EC trade talks and experts in international trade. The seminar was dedicated to NGO structures in the three Baltic states. LETA (19.10.2006)
Forum "Innovation Days 2006" On 16 October the "Innovation Days 2006" forum for business leaders organized by the Latvian Employers Confederation and the information technology company "Microsoft Latvia" was held at the "Reval Hotel Latvija". The event was opened by Prime Minister Aigars Kalviiis. President Vaira Vike-Freiberga also attended the opening. The purpose of forum is to provide a new viewpoint to the discussion on the importance of knowledge, the development and protection of innovations as one of the pre-requisites of competitiveness and, to develop co-operation between businesses and educational facilities in preparing qualified professionals. During the forum a tele-bridge organised by the Baltic International Academy took place with a discussion by regional businesses and students of seven Latvian cities. The knowledge gained during the innovation days forum will be incorporated in recommendations to the new Government. The honorary guest of the forum was Jan Muehlfeit, the Vice-President of "Microsoft" for the European region, Middle East and African regions. LETA (16.10.2006)
Annual "Baltic Industry" Exhibition Between 18 - 21 October the 11th international exhibition "Baltic Industry" was held at the "Skonto" hall. This year some 100 businesses from the three Baltic states, from Scandinavia and other European states took part in the "Baltic Industry" exhibition, representing such sectors of importance to the national economy as engineering, metal working, electronics and electro-technology, plastics and rubber industries, maintenance and repairs technology, industrial raw materials, automation, etc A broad selection of engineering and metal working industry, electro-industry, electro-technology and electronic equipment, tool benches and materials could be viewed at the exhibition. Many seminars covering a wide range of topics and informative events took place during the "Baltic Industry" exhibition. LETA (16.10.2006)
International "Tech Industry 2006" exhibition held in Riga Between 18 - 21 October the exhibition centre in Kipsala hosted the international industrial exhibition "Tech Industry 2006". It is hoped with the help of the exhibition to promote direct co-operation between Latvian and foreign businesses and professionals, and to demonstrate the development of the metal industry and related sectors in the Baltic states and to promote the competitiveness of Latvian manufacturers in the world market. More than 100 businesses from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Italy and Germany took part in the exhibition. The companies jointly demonstrated operation of the latest metal-working equipment, recent developments in welding technology, industrial equipment and materials, automation and management systems, engineering equipment and materials, airflow technologies, and metal products in manufacture. LETA (18.10.2006)
International building and reconstruction exhibition in Riga Between 19 - 22 October, an international building, reconstruction, amenities and safety exhibition "Maja- Dzivoklis 2006" (House - Apartment 2006) took place at the Kipsala international exhibition center. This year 232 businesses from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Finland and Germany took part in the exhibition. The businesses offered goods, services and new solutions in building and home repairs. According to data compliled by the organizers, the exhibition was visited by more than 30,000 people. Within the exhibition the Young Architects Section of the Association of Latvian Architects organised a display by young architects entitled "20 before 40". This display was organised to determine the best work of young architects and architectural firms to popularise architecture as a building art and to attract young architects to the community-oriented activities of the Association of Latvian Architects. LETA (19.10.2006) LATEST STATISTICS
SOCIETY, CULTURE AND SPORTS Development of studies in natural sciences and technologies planned with EU support On 15 October, the management committee of EU Funds supported 27 projects anticipating the drawing up of new study programmes, courses and methodological teaching materials to improve present study programmes, improve teaching methods, acquire special literature, improve equipment of lecture rooms, natural sciences and technologies laboratories and their sectors in accordance with the requirements of implementation of study programmes. During the process of the supported projects a number of programmes in the natural sciences, engineering sciences, transport, information technologies, bio-mechanics, eletronics and others will be established and improved. Total cost of the projects is 4.37 million Lats, of which 3.28 million Lats come from the EUF and co-financing from the Latvian budget valued at 1.09 million Lats. LETA (15.10.2006)
On 16 October 2006, the Moscow Library for Foreign Literature hosted a book-launch ceremony for the book entitled The Baltic Way to Freedom. The book has been published in Latvian, English, and Russian. The event at the Library for Foreign Literature was attended by foreign diplomats, historians, political scientists, representatives from government institutions and non-governmental organizations, as well as by journalists. In his opening address, the Latvian Ambassador to Russia, Andris Teikmanis, emphasized that the choice of the Baltic states to achieve political goals by means of parliamentary, non-violent methods would be significant in many regions of the world which face acts of terrorism, the kidnapping of people and the killing of civilians in pursuit of political goals. The participants of the event had an opportunity to see the photographs of the Atmoda (Awakening) period. The Latvian Embassy presented the Library for Foreign Literature and those present with copies of the books. The book-launch ceremony was held in an emotional and supportive atmosphere attesting to the benevolent attitude of Russian democratic forces towards the success of the Baltic states following the restoration of independence. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (17.10.2006) Exhibition of graphic art of the Baltic states in London From 9 November to 17 December the Nova Gallery in London will host an exhibition of graphic arts from the Baltic states with the theme "Power and Man". The work of 19 artists from different generations will be represented. This will be the first time an exhibition of graphic art of the Baltic states on such a large scale is to be shown in London. The purpose of the exhibition is to present to London audiences not only common but also diverse aspects of the three Baltic states which are often viewed by other countries as a common region. The exhibition relates not so much about power but of man, of the artist, who is more often outside the field of influence of power. Latvia will be represented at the exhibition by Ilmars Blumbergs, Juris Petraskevics, Guntars Sietins, Paulis Liepa, Marite Elksne, Lita Liepa and others. BNS (17.10.2006) Voices of the choir «Latvija» are heard in the film "Das Parfum" The State Academic Choir «Latvija» has participated in the music sound track for the film "Das Parfum", which will be shown in Riga commencing the end of October. In September the music of the film was also produced on an "EMI Classics" compact disc, entitled "Perfume (Original Soundtrack)". The choir was chosen by Estonian Record Production, which was charged with finding choir voices for the taping. The choir "Latvija" is well known in Estonia. Voices of the singers under the direction of conductor Kristian Jarvi were recorded at the Riga Recording Studio and then added in Berlin to a soundtrack prepared by musicians of the Berlin Philharmonic. The film is a story of murder and passion in 18th century France. Jean-Baptiste Grenoui uses his superior olfactory sense to create the world's finest perfumes. BNS (18.10.2006)
On 18 October 2006, the Latvian Embassy in Vilnius hosted a presentation of the English edition of the book entitled History of Latvia, the 20th Century. The Latvian Ambassador to Lithuania, Hardijs Baumanis, opened the presentation and a discussion on the prospects for co-operation among Baltic historians by emphasizing the significance of the core research efforts by Latvian historians in disseminating objective information on the complicated events in Latvian history of the 20th century. The goals of the study, the process of its creation and content were revealed by authors of the book: Professor of the University of Latvia Inesis Feldmanis, Dr. habil.hist., full member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences; Ilgvars Butulis, the Head of the Department of Central and East European History in the University of Latvia; and Daina Bleiere, Dr.hist., a researcher at the Institute of History of Latvia. The historians expressed the hope that this study will assist scholars and other interested persons from Lithuania, Estonia and other countries in obtaining a deeper insight into the problem of Latvian history and in promoting closer co-operation among Baltic historians. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (18.10.2006)
World famous violinist Anne Sophie Mutter appears at the Latvian National Opera On 19 October, one of the most famous present-day violinists, Anne Sophie Mutter, appeared at the Latvian National Opera. She performed a sonata for violin and piano by W.A. Mozart together with pianist Lambert Orkis of the USA. This was a benefit concert and the funds donated by supporters and admittance donated by the audience will be used to help construct the SOS children's village in Valmiera. Ms Mutter has been honoured for her social work with a number of prestige awards in Germany and Austria. At present the outlines of all the anticipated 16 buildings can be seen at the SOS village in Valmiera – 12 family homes and four administrative buildings. Each home of the SOS village will house six to seven children, altogether some 77 orphans and children who have been left without parental care from all over Latvia. It is important that, arriving in the village, biological brothers and sisters should not be separated and continue to live within a family. It is anticipated to complete the SOS village in 2007. LETA (19.10.2006) 10,150 signatures of 'friends of elephants' collected during the exhibition "1000 Elephants in the Zoo" On 15 October, the exhibition "1000 Elephants in the Zoo" closed after three months of work. At this exhibition, located in the old elephant house at the zoo, collectors Uldis Klaperis and Janis Buks exhibited more than 600 elephant figurines and souveniers from many countries of the world. Visitors could also see the arrangement of the elephant house built in 1912, the history of the elephants of the Riga zoo and their activities and mischief. Visitors to the exhibition were asked to sign in the «Great Book of Elephants » thus confirming their support for the building of a new elephant house. In this book, donated by the company "Adverts" there are already 10,150 entries. Altogether, visitors from 34 countries have signed the book (including from South Africa, Australia, Lebanon, Canada, Russia, the USA and others). BNS (20.10.2006) Archaeologists in Ventspils find a 17th century counting chip linked to the Royal House of England Archaeologists working on the construction site of the Northern Kurzeme Trade Centre have discovered an untouched layer of 17th century culture under the floor of the old building and within it have found an item linked to the Royal House of England. Among other discoveries the most unusual item is a counting chip made in England at the end of the 17th century and minted during the reign of King Wilhem III (1650-1702) and Queen Mary II (1662-1694). One side of the bronze chip shows the profiles of both royal personages and the other side – the Coat-of-Arms of England. The date of origin of the antique item is linked to that era in the history of the British Isles when there existed both the Kingdoms of England and Scotland. Counting chips similar to these were used in making calculations on a ruled foundation, similarly as until quite recently, the abacus was used as a calculating tool. Although no other such chip has been found in Latvia to date, knowing of the link of Ventspils as a port to the rest of Europe and of its economic and political co-operation with England, especially developed during the time of the Duke Jacob, such a find is not totally unexpected. LETA (20.10.2006)
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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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