Latvian Embassy in Vilnius hosts presentation of the English edition of the book: History of Latvia, the 20th Century [18 Oct 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 20^th Century.

The Latvian Ambassador to Lithuania, Hardijs Baumanis, opened the presentation and a discussion on the prospects for co-operation among the 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 at 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 the Baltic historians.

During the discussions, the idea was expressed on the need to rejuvenate the commission of historians of the Baltic states that existed in the period between the World Wars. This would serve the formation of an integrated scientific view on the history of the Baltic states, co-ordination of research work, and preparation of modern books on Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian history which would then objectively reflect historical processes.

The presentation was attended by the heads and other representatives from the diplomatic corps accredited in Lithuania from such countries as Poland, Russia, the United States, the Vatican, Turkey and Belgium, and by journalists and personnel from higher educational establishments, research institutes and libraries. 

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