Current LatviaTHEME IN FOCUS: Baltic States No. 23, 28 March 2002
Presidents of the Baltic States and Poland underline importance of co-operation towards EU membership After the meeting with the Presidents of the Baltic States, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Valdas Adamkus and Arnold Ruutel, in Vilnius on 22 March 2002, Poland's President Aleksander Kwasniewski reiterated at a press conference his country's support for new NATO enlargement at the Prague summit, including the Baltic States. The decision to enlarge NATO would be historic in that it would abolish the consequences of World War II, Polish President Mr Kwasniewski said. The Presidents of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia also discussed EU membership. They said they hoped all four states would become EU members in 2004. The heads of the four countries underlined the significance of co-operation in seeking EU membership. "Aiming at EU membership, we're acting as partners and not as rivals," Mr Kwasniewski said. The Presidents welcomed the idea to hold quadripartite meetings of Baltic and Polish leaders as it fosters regional co-operation. BNS (22.03.2002)
Latvian and Lithuanian Presidents discuss improved border crossing and environmental protection After the meeting of Baltic and Polish Presidents ended in Vilnius on 22 March 2002, Latvian and Lithuanian leaders Dr Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Mr Valdas Adamkus discussed bilateral political, economic and cultural relations. Speaking about relations between Latvia and Lithuania the two officials assessed them as good and united towards implementation of the common goals of the two countries. Mr Adamkus highly appreciated the support of Latvia and its President to the Lithuanian school and Lithuanian community in Latvia. The two officials also discussed border crossing issues between the two countries as well as improvement of border points. The President of Latvia praised several positive measures taken lately to simplify border crossing, including improvement of legal basis. On 1 March 2002 the Latvian-Lithuanian Agreement on the Activities of Authorised Border Representatives was signed. The Agreement will enter into force following the ratification in the Parliament of Lithuania. Dr Vike-Freiberga said Latvia is interested in operations of Lithuania's Butinge oil terminal in line with top environmental protection standards and pointed out that the work on improvement of the mutual legal basis in this sphere should be continued. Noting that it is in the interests of Lithuania too, Mr Adamkus voiced commitments to achieve that Butinge terminal is operating causing no harm to the environment and said he would discuss improvement of environmental legislation with the Minister of Environment of Lithuania. The Latvian President invited the President of Lithuania to pay a state visit to Latvia in September this year while Mr Adamkus said at the meeting he is expecting Dr Vike-Freiberga to visit the second largest Lithuanian city Kaunas on 29 April, when the Lithuanian and Latvian leaders will be awarded the title of Doctor of Honour of Kaunas University of Vytautas the Great. The President of Lithuania has also invited the Presidents of Latvia and Estonia to attend the celebration of the 750th anniversary of Lithuania's western Klaipeda city, to be held on 2 August. BNS (22.03.2002)
Baltic Prime Ministers discuss NATO and EU issues with British Prime Minister Tony Blair The Prime Ministers of all three Baltic States, Mr Andris Berzins, Mr Algirdas Brazauskas and Mr Siim Kallas, met on 14 March 2002 in London with British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair, and the main topics of the meeting were European Union and NATO enlargement, and relations with Russia. As LETA was informed by the State Chancellery's Communication Department, Mr Blair noted the considerable progress of the Baltic States on their way to NATO and urged them to continue efforts so that they would be ready to receive the membership invitation in Prague in November. Mr Berzins thanked Mr Blair for the United Kingdom's support to the Baltic States on their road to the EU and NATO, and invited the British leader to Riga for the "Vilnius 10" candidate nations' summit on 5 - 7 July 2002. The Latvian Prime Minister emphasised that knowing London's stance on transatlantic ties, it is extremely important for the Baltics to have London participate in the Riga summit. The Baltic States and the United Kingdom share the same view on the transatlantic alliance, as it is viewed as an additional security guarantee. Mr Blair and Estonian Prime Minister Mr Siim Kallas touched upon the EU enlargement, accenting three issues: the proposals for candidate states on agricultural issues, the energy sector in the Baltics and the EU negotiations' chapter on taxes and duties. Pertaining to agriculture, Mr Kallas spoke on behalf of all three Prime Ministers in expressing his concern over the European Commission's proposed (limited) quotas and the transition period before farmers receive direct payment âÀ“ the year 2013. The Prime Ministers underlined that their farmers are more interested in enjoying equal and fair competition with the EU member states' farmers as soon as possible, not direct payments or subsidies. All four Prime Ministers exchanged viewpoints on the issue of taxes, on whether the EU is interested in centralised, approximated and standardised taxes or whether taxes should remain the matter of each country individually. Mr Blair expressed his support for the latter, adding that the regulatory mechanism in this regard should be the market. In focusing on energy matters, the Baltic leaders pointed out that their countries are striving at this time to restructure their respective energy markets and create a competitive reality, adding that the Baltic States' energy markets could be completely open in the near future. The British leader expressed his interest in to what extent the Baltics are dependent on existing natural gas and energy supplies and to what extent could the EU propose its alternative projects and solutions. Lithuanian Prime Minister Mr Algirdas Brazauskas recounted his meeting with Russian Federation Prime Minister Mr Mikhail Kasyanov, Foreign Minister Mr Igor Ivanov and Polish Prime Minister Mr Leszek Miller in Kaliningrad the previous week. The meeting focused on the fate of the Kaliningrad enclave within the EU, particularly how people would travel from Russia to Kaliningrad. At this time, Lithuania permits Russian citizens to cross its territory in transit trains without visas. If the Schengen visa system takes effect, this would mean that Lithuania would have to prepare about 1 million visas for Russian citizens each year, which could be quite problematic, expensive and ineffective. Mr Blair commented that UK, EU, NATO and Russian officials are meeting in May and that they will discuss this issue. He added that a solution should be found before EU enlargement. LETA (15.03.2002)
Baltic Prime Ministers adopt joint statement on financial framework for EU accession negotiations From 28 February to 1 March 2002 the Prime Minister of Latvia Mr Andris Berzins paid a working visit to Lithuania to participate in the meeting of the Prime Ministers of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania in the framework of the Baltic Council of Ministers. Mr Berzins also had a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Lithuania Mr Algirdas Brazauskas. The Prime Ministers of the two neighbouring countries discussed co-operation on simplification of the border-crossing procedure, options for improvement of the mutual legal basis in the field of environmental protection and the security situation on roads in Lithuania. On 1 March 2002 the Latvian and Lithuanian Prime Ministers signed the Agreement on the Activities of Authorised Border Representatives. The Agreement will enter into force after it has been ratified by the Parliament of Lithuania. At the Baltic Council of Ministers the Prime Ministers of the three countries co-ordinated the position of the Baltic States concerning the proposal of the European Commission on the financial framework for the accession negotiations and exchanged views on the integration of the Baltic States in NATO. In the discussion on the practical co-operation of the Baltic States, particular attention was paid to the formation of a common energy market and improvement of the transport infrastructure (implementation of the projects Via Baltica and Rail Baltica). Baltic co-operation in the introduction of ID cards was also touched upon. During the meetings in Lithuania the issue of the introduction of mandatory motor third party liability insurance in Lithuania was also discussed and opinions were exchanged on possible elaboration of an agreement on the free movement of labour. MFA (05.03.2002) Joint Statement by the Prime Ministers of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on the financial framework for the accession negotiations 2004 - 2006, 1 March 2002: http://www.am.gov.lv/en/?id=4614
Baltic Defence Ministers unanimous: NATO will benefit from Baltic membership In a press conference after signing a trilateral military co-operation agreement with Latvian counterpart Mr Girts Valdis Kristovskis and Estonian counterpart Mr Sven Mikser in Vilnius on 1 March 2002, the Minister of Defence of Lithuanian Mr Linas Linkevicius said they had discussed practical aspects of mutual co-operation. The three ministers agreed the commanders of their national militaries will present plans by autumn on expanding a crisis management system across the three states. Mr Linkevicius said it was aimed at general security as much as preventing terrorism. They decided to ask the national military commanders to provide them with recommendations on developing special forces for NATO service. The joint communiqué by the three defence ministers reported they had "determined to enhance trilateral defence co-operation directed at receiving invitations to NATO during the NATO Prague Summit," and that they reaffirmed "their understanding of the indivisibility of international security, and committed to actively support and contribute to the worldwide fight against terrorism." They also confirmed "their continuous determination to participate in the international support operations SFOR and KFOR and to further co-operate in this highly important area." It continued, stating they had "restated their nations' commitment to contribute to the development of the European Security and Defence Identity and to the achievement of the EU Headline Goal." They also "determined to continue the gradual 'Baltification' of Baltic military co-operation projects." They detailed plans for continuing defence co-operation in the joint units BALTBAT, BALTRON, BALTNET and BALDEFCOL. The three Baltic defence ministers in their memorandum of mutual understanding agreed to the financing, operation and administration of a Baltic Sea Marine Training Centre. Such a centre already exists and is located in the Latvian Baltic Sea port of Liepaja. The next trilateral meeting of Baltic defence ministers is scheduled for May in Tallinn. BNS (01.03.2002)
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State praises Baltic States' persistent work towards security and economic growth On 13 March 2002 the Ministers of Defence of the three Baltic States Mr Girts Valdis Kristovskis, Mr Linas Linkevicius and Mr Sven Mikser had a meeting with the Deputy Secretary of State of the USA Mr Richard Armitage. The officials discussed international security and fight against terrorism, as well as the security aspects of the Baltic States, their preparedness for the membership in NATO, relations with Russia and the Caucasian and Central Asian countries. Mr Armitage was well informed about the successful and purposeful preparation of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia for the membership in the Alliance, by developing their military abilities and strengthening the society democratisation process. The Deputy Secretary of State said he was deeply impressed by the persistent work of the Baltic States towards security and economic growth. However, he pointed out that work should be continued in improving the relationship among minorities, as well as corruption combating. Mr Armitage underscored that Russia does not and will not have any influence on NATO enlargement process and reaffirmed that it is the will of NATO and the aspirants. On behalf of the people of the Baltics, the Minister of Defence of Latvia Mr Girts Valdis Kristovskis expressed support to the foreign policy of the USA, strengthening peace in Europe and in the world. The Minister pointed out that the support provided by the USA to the Baltic States in order to improve their military abilities creates preconditions for common successful fight against terrorism by NATO and the aspirants. The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State praised the preparedness of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to join the fight against terrorism, voicing readiness to send their soldiers to Kirghizia. Ministry of Defence (14.03.2002)
Baltic and U.S. defence officials: Weakening of the Alliance through enlargement is inadmissible Continuing the visit in the USA, on 14 March 2002 the Ministers of Defence of the three Baltic States Mr Girts Valdis Kristovskis, Mr Linas Linkevicius and Mr Sven Mikser had a meeting with the Secretary of Defence of the USA Mr Donald Rumsfeld and his Deputy Mr Paul Wolfowitz. The Ministers of Defence of the Baltic States confirmed the serious determination of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to develop their defence abilities in order to prepare successfully for NATO summit in Prague, as well as to integrate completely in the military structures of NATO after receiving the invitation to membership in the Alliance. During the talks, the most essential military projects in the Baltic States were discussed, as well as the necessary measures in order to improve the armament and equipment in conformity with the current and future requirements of NATO interoperability and efficient military operative activities. Mr Rumsfeld and Mr Wolfowitz urged not to stop at the present achievements and to go further with the development of safe Baltic region. They expressed gratitude to the Baltic States for their participation in peacekeeping activities and for the provided support and readiness of the Baltic soldiers to shoulder the challenge of combating terrorism together with the USA and the Allies. The U.S. and Baltic officials were of the same opinion that NATO expansion has to raise NATO importance, and NATO enlargement has to strengthen NATO military abilities. Weakening of the Alliance through enlargement is inadmissible. Ministry of Defence (14.03.2002)
Latvian and Lithuanian border control chiefs discuss closer co-operation On 15 March 2002, in concluding a two-day visit in Latvia, Chief of Lithuanian State Border Control Service Algimantas Songaila, along with Latvian State Border Guard Chief Gunars Dabolins, signed a protocol on mutual co-operation. After signing the protocol, the two officials informed reporters that an exchange of information on the situation on the Latvian-Lithuanian border took place during the visit, as well as issues pertaining to closer co-operation in improving border control. Issues pertaining to the operation of authorised border representatives on the Latvian-Lithuanian border were also on the agenda of the meeting, as well as implementation of the Action Plan 2001 - 2002 of the Border Guard Senior Officials' Committee of the Baltic Council of Ministers and measures against illegal immigration. The parties agreed to work on elaboration of a protocol on Latvian-Lithuanian co-operation in combating illegal immigration. LETA (15.03.2002), Latvijas Vestnesis (19.03.2002)
Deputy governors of Baltic central banks met in Vilnius to discuss preparation for euro introduction Deputy governors of the central banks of the Baltic States gathered in Vilnius on 7 March 2002 to assess the preparedness of their offices to join currency exchange rate mechanism II. Currency rate mechanism II will mark the conclusive stage in preparation for the euro introduction, since one criterion of Maastricht Treaty reads that a country, prior to joining EMU or introducing the euro, must have participated in this mechanism for at least two years. In Vilnius, officials of Baltic central banks discussed economic situation in the Baltics, immediate future plans of central banks, and co-operation with the European Central Bank. ELTA (07.03.2002)
International forum "Baltic IT&T 2002: eBaltics" to be held in April An international forum "Baltic IT&T 2002: eBaltics" will be held in Riga in April, LETA was informed at the company "Data Media Group". Various events will be held within the forum: the 6th international conference "Applied Informatics R&D and Software Outsourcing", seminar "IT Governance and Information Security", meeting "Global City Dialogue", round-table discussion of Baltic, Central and East European IT&T associations, "Telebalt" seminar "Information Technologies, Tourism and Social Integration", as well as the 9th international exhibition of information technologies, telecommunications and office equipment "Baltic IT&T 2002". The forum will be held from 3 to 6 April 2002 and is organised by the Latvian Information Technologies and Telecommunications Association in co-operation with the Baltic Council of Ministers Information Technologies Committee and the company "Data Media Group". LETA (10.02.2002) Baltic IT&T 2002: eBaltics, 3 - 6 April 2002, Riga: http://www.ebaltics.com/forum2002
Leading Baltic politicians and businessmen to meet at Baltic Economic Forum in Riga in May The Baltic Economic Forum on Economic and Social Development in the Baltic States is scheduled in Riga from 12 to 14 May 2002 with the participation of Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian leaders, businessmen and the heads of business organisations. As LETA was informed by organisers, the patron of the business forum will be Prime Minister Mr Andris Berzins. Business opportunities in the Baltic and neighbouring countries, and regional strategy are on the agenda of the fourth business forum. Development alternatives for the Baltic region in 2005 - 2010 are to be discussed during the forum, as well as the inclusion of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia in the "new Europe", the impact of global economic development on the Baltic countries, the impact of the European Union enlargement on Baltic region development in the next three to five years. The forum is being organised by the Latvian Ministry of Economy, the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Latvian Employers' Confederation and the Latvian Business School. The Latvian Prime Minister, Baltic Economy Ministers, Riga and Tallinn Mayors and other high-ranking officials will deliver speeches at the forum. The Baltic Economic Forum has been held in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia since 1999. LETA (19.03.2002) Baltic Economic Forum, 4th annual meeting of business and political leaders from the countries of the Baltic Sea region, 12 - 14 May 2002, Riga: http://www.balticeconomicforum.com/
Baltic Internet homepage competition "Golden Spider 2002" awaits candidates From 2 April 2002 applications will be welcome for the second annual best Baltic Internet homepage competition Golden Spider 2002, reported the Latvian Internet Association. Any company or private person from the three Baltic States may submit their homepage to compete amongst the best at the competition to be held in Riga on 24 May. Golden Spider 2002 will include nominations in eleven categories including best design and creativity, best technological solution, best functional solution, best portal, best vortal, best company homepage, best private person's homepage, best e-commerce solution, best online media, best advertising banner, and best advertising campaign on the Internet. BNS (27.03.2002) Internet Days and Golden Spider 2002, 2nd International Internet Conference and Competition, 23 - 24 May 2002, Riga: http://www.internetdienas.lv/
3rd International Baltic Advertising Festival "Golden Hammer" to be held in Riga this summer The 3rd International Baltic Advertising Festival "Golden Hammer" will be held in Riga from 27 to 28 June 2002. The "Golden Hammer" festival, which is organised by the Latvian Advertising Association, is the biggest advertising competition in the Baltics. Submission of works for this year's advertising contest takes place from 1 March to 1 May. Advertising agencies from the Baltics, Scandinavia and Central Europe are invited to participate in the "Golden Hammer 2002". This year, the advertisements will be judged in six categories: video, print, outdoors advertising, Internet and non-traditional advertising, as well as advertising campaigns. The top award of the festival is the Baltic Agency of the Year title, which will go to the agency with the highest total number of points. This year's contestants will be judged by advertising professionals from Denmark, Russia, the United Kingdom, Poland, Ukraine, Italy, Belarus and Slovenia. Golden Hammer (01.03.2002) Golden Hammer, 3rd International Advertising Festival, 27 - 28 June 2002, Riga: http://www.hammer.lv/
Estonian and Latvian capitals sign co-operation agreement Mayor of Tallinn Mr Edgar Savisaar and Mayor of Riga Mr Gundars Bojars signed on 25 February 2002 in Tallinn an agreement on co-operation between the capitals of the three countries; the mayor of Vilnius will sign the document later. Under the agreement, leaders of Tallinn will visit Riga in spring to see the Riga industry and technology park and exchange experience in the sphere of housing economy, while in spring there will be a conference on primary medical aid in Tallinn, to be attended also by representatives of Riga and Vilnius, the municipal Raepress news agency said. The two cities will launch regular exchange of information of statistical data, making it possible to compare development trends of the three capitals. The two mayors agreed that leaders of the capitals of the three Baltic countries would meet in Tallinn before summer. The document signed on 25 February covers the Baltic capitals' co-operation projects in all the main areas of city life. Mayor of Vilnius Mr Arturas Zuokas has promised to give his signature at the first opportunity in confirmation of the Lithuanian capital's participation in the joint activities, Raepress reported. The three Baltic capitals have signed regular co-operation yearly agreements since 1993. BNS (25.02.2002)
Gidon Kremer and "Kremerata Baltica" win Grammy Award The world-famous Riga-born violinist and musician Gidon Kremer and his "Kremerata Baltica" won a Grammy Award on 27 February 2002 for "best small ensemble performance (with or without conductor)" for their "After Mozart" project. Kremer established the youth chamber orchestra "Kremerata Baltica" in 1997, it has performed at the world's leading stages since. The orchestra is made up of young musicians from Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, and is financed by all three Baltic countries. LETA (28.02.2002)
"Good Hands" awarded Manfred Salzgeber Film Prize at Berlin Film Festival The Latvian-Estonian co-production "Good Hands" by Estonian film director Peeter Simm was granted the Manfred Salzgeber Film Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival this year. The gala award, the "Golden Bear", went to "Bloody Sunday" by Paul Greengrass (Britain/Ireland) and "Spirited Away" by Hayao Miyazaki (Japan). LETA (18.02.2002) 52nd Berlin International Film Festival, 6 - 17 February 2002: http://www.berlinale.de/
"The Future of the Baltic Sea Region", address by Dr Vaira Vike-Freiberga, President of the Republic of Latvia at the University of Helsinki, 21 March 2002 (extract) "The Baltic Sea Region has undergone tremendous changes over the past decade, and more are expected within the next few years with the accession of the three Baltic countries and Poland to the European Union and NATO. The inclusion of these four countries into a common security and economic space will finally put an end to the outdated division of Europe into spheres of influence. It will turn the Baltic Sea from a barrier of division into a unifying space. And it will further strengthen the potential of the Baltic Sea Region to become one of the world's most dynamic areas of growth and development." Full text of the address: http://www.am.gov.lv/en/?id=3480
Intervention by Mr Andris Berzins, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia at the Summit of the Vilnius Group Countries "The Spring of New Allies", Bucharest, 25 March 2002 (extract) "We in Northern Europe have been lucky to live in a peaceful neighborhood. This has allowed us to concentrate on our reforms and has enabled us to assist others. Latvia and its Baltic neighbors have participated in all NATO-led peacekeeping missions in the Balkans and have supported the democratic reforms in the region. We are ready to continue these efforts including sharing our experience accumulated in the Membership Action Plan process. Another area where we can help is regional cooperation. We have developed a high culture of cooperation in Northern Europe. Baltic cooperation, Nordic cooperation as well as Nordic âÀ“ Baltic cooperation are well known. Baltic cooperation has enabled us to join forces in developing our societies and defense forces. Joint Baltic projects such as BALTBAT and BALTNET allow us to develop better capabilities and testify to our ability to assume obligations of NATO membership." Full text of the intervention: http://www.am.gov.lv/en/?id=3644
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