Current LatviaTHEME IN FOCUS: TERRORISM No. 19, 12 October 2001 EVENTS
STATEMENTS
EVENTSPresidents of NATO candidate countries: Our governments will fully support the war against terrorism, the Atlantic Alliance and its enlargement are more important than ever From 4 to 5 October 2001 the President of the Republic of Latvia Dr Vaira Vike-Freiberga participated in the Sofia Summit 2001 "The Contribution of New Democracies to Euro-Atlantic Security" in Bulgaria, which was joined by Heads of State of the NATO candidate countries, high-ranking NATO officials and representatives of non-governmental organisations. The Heads of State participating in the Sofia Summit adopted a Declaration of Solidarity, voicing commitment to the common values of the Euro-Atlantic community embodied by NATO. The NATO candidate countries reaffirmed that their governments will fully support the war against terrorism and that their policies and actions will be guided by the principles and solidarity shared by the United States and the Allies. "The lesson we draw from the terrorist attacks in the United States is that the security of America and Europe is more intertwined than ever before and that the Atlantic Alliance and its enlargement are more important than ever," the Heads of State noted in the Declaration, pledging the closest possible co-operation with the EU and NATO.
Baltic Sea region leaders condemn international terrorism On 18 September 2001 President of Latvia Dr Vaira Vike-Freiberga, President of Estonia Mr Lennart Meri, President of Finland Mrs Tarja Halonen, President of Lithuanian Mr Valdas Adamkus and President of Poland Mr Aleksander Kwasniewski came together for a meeting in Tallinn, Estonia, to discuss world security and the enlargement of the European Union and NATO. The Presidents of the five Baltic Sea region countries issued a joint statement condemning international terrorism and expressing solidarity with the USA. The Presidents once again confirmed their support to each other's efforts to enter European and transatlantic organisations. Dr Vike-Freiberga stressed that the five countries represented at the meeting support all democratic values that make the foundation for civilized society both in Europe and in the entire world.
Vilnius Group Foreign Ministers underscore the commitment of their countries to act in the spirit of the Washington Treaty and as members of the international anti-terrorist coalition On 4 October 2001, in the framework of the annual assembly of the Atlantic Treaty Association in Bled, Slovenia, a meeting of the Vilnius Group Foreign Ministers took place. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Mr Indulis Berzins was among the participants of the event. During the meeting the co-operation and action of the allies and partner countries after the terrorist attacks on the USA and further enlargement of the Alliance were discussed. The Ministers acknowledged that the NATO agenda has not changed and still includes the issue of further enlargement of the organisation despite the fact that combating terrorism has become current international priority. The participants expressed their readiness to take an active part in the common effort to combat terrorism. Mr Berzins informed his colleagues on Latvia's contribution in this regard and called for a regular exchange of information between the Vilnius Group countries on their anti-terrorism activities. Latvia's proposal gained broad support from other members of the group. The participants of the meeting adopted a joint statement, declaring solidarity and support to the USA in relation to the recent terrorist attacks. In the joint statement the Ministers voice confidence that the Alliance will find effective responses to the terrorism and underscore the commitment of their countries to act in the spirit of the Washington Treaty and as members of the international anti-terrorist coalition. The Ministers also stress that NATO will remain the most important guarantor of peace and stability. The document notes with satisfaction that the statements of the U.S. and NATO leaders have filled the candidate countries with confidence and optimism about results of the forthcoming Prague Summit concerning the enlargement of NATO. MFA
Latvia establishes a task force dealing with issues related to combating international terrorism On 25 September 2001 the Cabinet of Ministers decided to form a high level Task Force to consider the measures aimed at combating international terrorism. The group is charged with preparing an action plan in this area by 15 October 2001 and submitting it to the Cabinet of Ministers. The Task Force is headed by the Prime Minister himself with Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Interior acting as his deputies. The Group involves representatives of Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Interior, Finance, Transport and Justice, state security services, Border Guard, Customs and other relevant agencies. The Task Force will focus on measures that Latvia can take as a responsible candidate country for EU and NATO in order to play its part in the worldwide effort against the scourge of terrorism. Measures to be discussed in the Task Force will include, among others:
MFA
Government task force approves anti-terrorism action plan On 10 October 2001 the special task force formed by the Latvian government approved the anti-terrorism action plan outlining preventive measures and improvements to the system, the Latvian Prime Minister Mr Andris Berzins said after the task force meeting. The Prime Minister told reporters that the action plan listing 84 items will be reviewed by the Cabinet of Ministers on 16 October and made available at the Latvian government website (http://www.mk.gov.lv). According to the statements by the Prime Minister and the government spokesman, the action plan has several sections dealing with work by various government agencies in such areas as foreign policy, operations by state security authorities, required changes in regulatory acts, control over migration and movement of strategic goods, strengthening administrative capacity, civil aviation supervision, informing the public about planned measures, steps to be taken for humanitarian purposes, technical arrangements for carrying out the plan, etc. The working group held its first two meetings on 2 and 5 October, when it studied draft action plan, which had been worked out based on proposals of ministries and other institutions.
Latvian government supports sanction regime against Afghanistan On 9 October 2001 the Latvian government accepted regulations outlining the regime of the United Nations Security Council sanctions against Afghanistan in Latvia. The regulations were adopted in reaction on fight of the international community against terrorism in the wake of 11 September terrorist attacks on the United States and the subsequent statement by the USA that Osama bin Laden's terrorist network al Qaeda, based in Afghanistan, is involved in the attacks. Under the regulations, private individuals and legal entities of Latvia and other countries are prohibited to do trade or supply any type of weapons, ammunition, military transport, military equipment, paramilitary equipment and spare parts to the territories controlled by Taliban in Afghanistan as well as provide technical consultations, assistance or conduct training of armed personnel which is under control of the Taliban regime. The regulations envisage freezing of funds and assets of Osama bin Laden and related private individuals and legal entities, that have been acquired from bin Laden's property, or funds controlled by him as well as ban access for persons of Latvia and other countries to these funds with the purpose of transferring these funds to persons related with bin Laden. It is banned to sell, transfer or supply acetic acid anhydride to any person in Taliban controlled territories in Afghanistan as well as transfer the substance to any person for the purpose of importing or using it in these territories. The regulations prohibit aircraft, taking off in Taliban controlled territories, to land in or cross Latvia's territory except the flights affirmed by the UN committee. Leading Taliban officials are prohibited to enter Latvia or cross it in transit except when travelling for humanitarian reasons. The Foreign Ministry, Interior Ministry, Finance Ministry and Transport Ministry have to take appropriate steps to implement the regulations.
Latvia co-operates with Interpol in investigating the terrorist attacks in the USA A task force has been set up at the international police agency Interpol's office in Latvia that co-operates with the Interpol office in the United States in investigating the acts of terrorism in the USA. Mr Juris Jasinkevics, the head of Latvia's Interpol office, told reporters that a "September 11 Task Force" was set up at Interpol's headquarters in Lyons on 14 September 2001 to co-ordinate operations of Interpol's organisations in 178 Interpol member countries. Such a task force was also set up at Latvia's Interpol office to execute the tasks of the U.S. Interpol office. Mr Jasinkevics said that the Latvian office was requested to report any information on the 19 suicide terrorists that carried out the attacks in the USA. A probe was launched that established no connection of the terrorists with Latvia. According to Mr Jasinkevics, Latvia's Interpol reports all information received in connection with the terrorist attacks in the USA to the Latvian Security Police, which co-ordinates anti-terrorist operations in Latvia.
Air traffic institutions to strengthen civil aviation security The Latvian Transport Ministry in co-operation with airports, airlines and air traffic controllers has developed a plan of measures aimed at improving security in civil aviation, the Ministry reported on 6 October 2001. "In view of recent events security has become a problem No. 1 for the entire international aviation community," said the Ministry's Aviation Department Director Mr Arnis Muiznieks. The security boosting measures include increased control and security in airport buildings and premises, as well as improved exchange of information between authorities dealing with security issues. In aviation these would be airport and airline security services, national law enforcement agencies and security services.
Latvia's Red Cross collects money for after-effects of the terror against the USA On 3 October 2001 Latvia's Red Cross began to collect donations for cleaning up the after-effects of the terror attacks on the USA on 11 September. The American Red Cross has opened an account, to which all Red Cross national organisations can transfer money to this purpose. The American Red Cross is thankful to the Latvian Red Cross for condolences and has asked for further assistance in collecting donations. The money will be raised for rehabilitation programmes and for contacting families of those missing since the attack on 11 September. Many people in Latvia had inquired for the need of blood donations right after the attack, while the Red Cross in New York had said that the USA blood bank is sufficient. Latvia's Red Cross urges people to donate to accounts in Pirma Banka, in lats to 201 004 2345 or in U.S. dollars to account number 203 000 1805, marked as Help to the USA. Donations are welcome until 5 November.
Children send letters and drawings to the USA in support after terrorist attacks During the campaign "Kids helping Kids", Latvia's children made drawings and wrote letters not only to children in the United States but also to the U.S. President, New York Mayor and the crews from the rescue services, whose work was and is so crucial in the aftermath of the 11 September suicide air attacks in the USA. Pupils from an art school made their drawings on silk, other wrote letters on postcards with Latvia's landscapes. The drawings are mostly by pupils from primary schools, while letters and other touching things were provided by students in senior grades. The campaign staged by the Latvian National UNICEF Committee began on 19 September and it was made possible with the support of the United Parcel Service (UPS), U.S. Peace Corps, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Latvia. On 27 September the first shipment of drawings and letters was submitted to a courier service to be delivered to those children in the USA, who have suffered, either directly or indirectly, as a result of the 11 September tragic events, and now require moral support. According to the Committee's Executive Director Ms Ilze Doskina, the campaign enjoyed great response. STATEMENTSStatement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the commencement of the anti-terrorist campaign by the US and its allies in Afghanistan, 8 October 2001 Having already earlier expressed solidarity with the global anti-terrorist coalition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs unequivocally supports the strikes begun on 7 October by the international coalition against military installations and terrorist training camps in Afghanistan. Attacks were directed at military command centers, air defence systems and terrorist training camps. They were carefully planned to minimize civilian casualties. The strikes are targeted at terrorists and the Taliban regime which supports them, not at Muslims or the Arab world. Member states of the UN, including the United States, are providing humanitarian assistance to the civilian population. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs regrets that the ruling Taliban regime of Afghanistan did not take advantage of the opportunities offered by the international community to hand over terrorists and to close their base camps. The Ministry believes that military, political, diplomatic and economic measures have an equally important and complementary role in the fight against terrorism. Latvia will continue to maintain close contacts with the United States and other allies in order to remain involved in the efforts of the international coalition and to provide all necessary support.
A Declaration of Solidarity by the Heads of State participating in the Summit Meeting, Sofia, Bulgaria, 5 October 2001 We, the Heads of State of 10 European democracies, have gathered today in Sofia to rededicate ourselves to the creation of a Europe whole and free in Alliance with the United States of America and Canada. Our aspiration to become members of NATO and the European Union reflects our commitment to the common values of the Euro-Atlantic community embodied by NATO. The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, in New York and Washington represent a threat to the whole world. We extend to the President of the United States and to the American people the deepest sympathy of our governments and of our nations. For fifty years, Europeans have viewed the Atlantic Alliance as the expression of an American commitment to European security. It is time now for us to demonstrate that we also view the Alliance as a European commitment to America's security. We consider these attacks to be an attack on all of us. As future members of the Atlantic Alliance we reaffirm our commitment to conduct our foreign and security policies in accordance with the implications of the Washington Treaty including commitments stemming from article 5. Our governments will fully support the war against terrorism. Our policies and actions will be guided by the principles and solidarity shared by the United States and the Allies. The lesson we draw from the terrorist attacks in the United States is that the security of America and Europe is more intertwined than ever before and that the Atlantic Alliance and its enlargement are more important than ever. We believe that the events of recent weeks must lead to even closer cooperation between the United States and Europe. The Euro-Atlantic community must be the bedrock of a broader world-wide coalition to fight terrorism. The key pillars of that community, the European Union and NATO, each have a critical role to play in the fight against terrorism and we pledge the closest possible cooperation with both of them. When NATO was founded more than 50 years ago, the Allies set as their ultimate political purpose the creation of a just and lasting peace in Europe. The Alliance emerged from the Cold War as one of the most effective tools for bringing security and stability to the continent. NATO enlargement is a strategic imperative for overall Euro-Atlantic security. However this is not just because of strategic benefits and enhanced military capabilities. The process has first and foremost profound moral, political and economic implications. It will continue to be instrumental in overcoming the legacies and injustices of the past, strengthening the new democracies and strongly encouraging their societies. The European Union also faces the challenges of enlargement, along with the implementation of far-reaching institutional reforms. We regard the processes of enlargement of NATO and the European Union as mutually reinforcing, leading to strengthened security, stability and prosperity in the Euro-Atlantic area as a whole. Our countries are determined to seize the historic opportunity we have to complete the building of a Europe whole and free that locks in democracy, prosperity and security in our part of Europe. We are confident that this determination is shared by the NATO Allies and the members of the European Union. The new democracies of Europe can help counter terrorist and criminal threats to the community of the West and to build a more secure Euro-Atlantic region. The fundamental challenge is not drawing new borders, but in building civic societies founded on solid democratic foundations and integrated in Euro-Atlantic institutions. We are resolved that our contributions to the defense of the values we share with our Euro-American family will be significant and enduring. We share in the vision outlined by President George W. Bush in June at Warsaw University and look forward to the historic decisions to be taken at the Prague Summit in 2002. We remain firmly convinced that countries from Europe's North, Center and South should be included in the next phase of the enlargement process. Finally, we pledge to do our part in the preparation for this rendezvous with history by ensuring that all of Europe's democracies, from the Baltic to the Black Sea, are willing and able to share the responsibilities of the Washington Treaty.
Statement of the meeting of the Presidents of Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, Tallinn, Estonia, 18 September 2001 The Presidents of Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland met today in Tallinn at the invitation of President Lennart Meri. The Presidents strongly condemned the barbaric acts of terrorism committed against the United States of America. They agreed that these terrorist acts were an offence against the freedom and rights of all civilized nations. The five Presidents expressed their solidarity with the United States and affirmed the determination of their countries to lend support for the battle against terrorism.
Joint Statement by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, Bled, Slovenia, 4 October 2001 We, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the "Vilnius Group", have gathered at Bled, Slovenia, on the eve of the Sofia Summit, in order to demonstrate our solidarity with the United States and the Alliance and once again to assess our cooperation as well as exchange experiences as concerns our efforts to join NATO. The recent terrorist attacks in Washington and New York have deeply shaken us. These atrocious acts were both an attack against the USA as well as a serious blow to the entire community of democratic nations that share common values of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law. Terrorism has evolved as one of the main threats to stability. The Alliance is faced with new challenges to which, we firmly believe, it will find effective responses. We are committed to fulfill our role in the spirit of the Washington Treaty and as members of the international anti-terrorist coalition. We are convinced that NATO will remain the most important guarantor of peace and stability. Following the tragic events that have so deeply affected the United States, we express our full solidarity and support to the American people and the Government of the US. To the bereaved families of the victims we offer our deepest sympathies. We believe that our activities in the past year have led to significant progress towards reaching our goal at the next NATO Summit in Prague. Our cooperation and endeavors are in line with the vision of the new Euro-Atlantic community, based on common values and open to new members. We see our countries in a Europe whole and free. The statements of the leaders of the United States and other Allies confirm our expectations regarding invitations for NATO membership to be issued in Prague, which fills us with confidence and optimism as well as with resolve to fully implement the Membership Action Plan. Cooperation of the "Vilnius Group" has been successful at various levels. We are glad to note that joint activities of our Ambassadors in the capitals of NATO member states have born fruit.
Address by Mr Indulis Berzins, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic Latvia at the 47th annual assembly of the Atlantic Treaty Association, Bled, Slovenia, 4 October 2001 (extract) "While discussing the issue at hand, we have to remember the tragic events of 11th of September. Our solidarity, support and sympathy go to the people and Government of the United States, to the families of victims of the horrible terrorist attacks. My country is prepared to do what it takes to find and bring to justice the perpetrators of these atrocious acts as well as to prevent anything similar from happening in future. The terrorist attacks of 11th of September were directed not only against the United States. They were aimed at undermining our values and basic principles âÀ“ freedom, democracy, human rights and liberties. During a half century NATO Alliance has overcome many challenges. I am convinced that it will overcome the challenge of terrorism too. And the candidates are ready to do their part. The struggle against terrorism has become a clear priority. At the same time the priorities that existed before 11th of September are still valid. As Lord Robertson said the other day 'the actions of terrorists have not invalidated NATO's established agenda /.../ if anything they have enforced the logic of that agenda'. This applies also to the topic for our today's discussion âÀ“ NATO enlargement. Now more than ever the Euro-Atlantic community needs permanent allies who share democratic values and are willing and able to share the responsibilities of defending those values." Full text of the address: http://www.am.gov.lv/en/?id=3614
FOR MORE INFORMATIONSpecial edition of "Current Latvia" No 17 (Theme in Focus: Terrorism): http://www.am.gov.lv/en/?id=4157 |
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