January

Foreign Minister Pabriks extends condolences to people of Indonesia in connection with tragic accidents

Latvian Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks extends his deepest sympathy to the people of Indonesia and has sent a letter of condolences to the Indonesian Foreign Minister, Dr. Noer Hassan Wirajuda, in connection with the tragic ferry disaster and the plane crash on New Year's Eve.

Artis Pabriks congratulates Bulgaria and Romania on accession to the European Union

Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks has sent letters to the Foreign Minister Ivailo Kalfin of Bulgaria and Foreign Minister Mihai Rizvan Ungureanu of Romania, congratulating the people of both countries on their accession to the family of members of the European Union.

Holders of diplomatic passports of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia will be able to enter Latvia without a visa

On 2 January 2006, the Cabinet of Ministers adopted the Regulation on the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on Exemption of the Visa Requirement for Holders of Diplomatic Passports that will allow holders of diplomatic passports of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to enter Latvia without a visa.

Latvian and Lithuanian foreign ministers to meet

On 5 January 2007 in Palanga, Lithuania, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks will meet with the Lithuanian Foreign Minister, Petras Vaitiekunas.

New Riga Theatre to perform Sonya in Berlin

From 5 to 11 January 2007, the New Riga Theatre will visit Berlin to give guest performances of the play Sonya written by Tatyana Tolstaya, a contemporary Russian playwright, and to be directed by Alvis Hermanis.

Students from Pennsylvania visit Latvian Embassy in the U.S.

On 3 January 2007, students from Pennsylvania, in the U.S., who are to represent Latvia in the annual Harvard National Model United Nations, visited the Latvian Embassy to the United States.

Artis Pabriks discusses energy policy in the Baltic states with the Lithuanian Foreign Minister

On 5 January 2007, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks met with the Lithuanian Foreign Minister, Petras Vaitekunas, in Palanga, Lithuania, to discus issues pertaining to the independence of the Baltic states regarding the issue of energy supply.

The European Court of Justice to hear the case of Laval & partneri

On 9 January 2007, the oral hearing of the case C-341/05 Laval & partneri will be undertaken by the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg. Considering the large number of participants in the case (14 EU members, the European Commission, Iceland, Norway and the Supervisory Authority of the European Free Trade Association), the European Court of Justice has exercised the rights conferred to it and provided an opportunity to parties of the case to once more orally substantiate their positions.

Riga and Helsinki strengthen co-operation in culture and maintenance of monuments

From 30 December to 6 January, the Director of the Riga municipal agency Rigas piemineklu agentura, Guntis Gailitis, and the Director of the International Baltic Ballet Festival, Lita Beiris, made a working visit to Helsinki. The Latvian representatives had an intensive programme with a number of valuable meetings.

Latvia calls for creation of a uniform EU energy policy

Latvia is concerned about the interrupted transit through Belarus of Russian oil supplies to countries of the European Union.

Alberts Sarkanis in audience with the Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Malta Fra' Andrew Bertie

The Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Malta, Fra' Andrew Bertie, met with the heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Malta.

Latvian Ambassador Alberts Sarkanis meets with Pope Benedict XVI

On 8 January 2007, at the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI met with the heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the Holy See. The audience was also attended by the Latvian Ambassador Dr Alberts Sarkanis who received the most cordial good wishes from Pope Benedict XVI to the President of Latvia and to all the people of Latvia.

Foreign Minister Pabriks extends condolences to people of Turkey

Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks has extended his deepest sympathy to the people of Turkey in connection with the plane crash on 9 January in Iraq which took the lives of 30 Turkish nationals.

Foreign Minister to advise journalists on priorities of Latvian presidency in institutions of Baltic Sea Region

Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks has invited media representatives to a press conference at 10:30am. on 12 January 2007, in room 250 of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at which he will notify them on the priorities of the Latvian presidency in the Baltic Council of Ministers and the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS).

Journalists invited to attend MATKA 2007 - largest travel fair in Nordic countries

From 18 to 21 January 2007, the largest travel fair in the Nordic countries, MATKA 2007 (Destination 2007), will be held in Helsinki. The Latvian State Tourism Development Agency (TAVA) will open the Latvian stand where various Latvian tourism associations, tour operators, hotels, and transport companies will present their services.

Opening of exhibition "Latvia Returns to Europe" in Luxembourg

On 10 January 2007, the Luxembourg Boys' Lycée hosted the opening of an exhibition on the theme Latvia Returns to Europe which tells about the history and occupation of Latvia.

Latvian Ambassador to Finland meets with President of Nordic Investment Bank

On 12 January 2007, the Latvian Ambassador to Finland, Einars Semanis, met with Mr Johnny Akerholm, the President of the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB). At the meeting, Mr Akerholm briefed Ambassador Semanis on the priorities of the NIB activities and the bank's co-operation projects with the Baltic states.

Latvian representative to accompany EU team of experts on a visit to Georgia

From 14 to 22 January 2007, the EU team of experts, headed by Peter Semneby, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, will make a visit to Georgia. The delegation will also be accompanied by the Latvian representative, Dr Nils Muiznieks, the former Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration, the Director of the Advanced Institute of Social and Political Research of the University of Latvia.

Foreign Minister Pabriks: Energy - one of key priorities of Latvia's Presidency in institutions of Baltic Sea Region

On 12 January 2007, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks held a news conference to brief media representatives on Latvia's Presidency of the Baltic Council of Ministers, which it took over from Lithuania on 1 January. During its Presidency, Latvia will pay special attention to the energy issues and will continue development of the common energy strategy of the Baltic states and discussions on the construction of a new nuclear power plant and energy safety.

Foreign Minister expresses solidarity with Lithuanian people at the barricades commemorative events

The Latvian Foreign Minister, Artis Pabriks, expresses his deep sympathy to relatives of the Lithuanian residents who lost their lives in January 1991 defending their country and expresses solidarity with the people of our neighbouring country.

Mayor of Vienna awards Maestro Mariss Jansons with Gold Medal of Honour of the City of Vienna

On 15 January 2007, the Latvian conductor Mariss Jansons was awarded the Gold Medal of Honour of the City of Vienna in recognition of his special contribution to the city and the federal state of Vienna. The Medal of Honour was presented by the Mayor and Governor of Vienna, Dr Michael Hauptl.

Latvia wins the case of "Svetlana Sisojeva and others v Latvia" at European Court of Human Rights

On 15 January 2007, the Grand Chamber (Appeal instance) of the European Court of Human Rights (hereafter – the Court) ruled to strike out of its list of cases a complaint by the Sisojev family (the applicants) with regard to a violation of their right to respect for private and family life under Article 8 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (the Convention). The Court also held that the Latvian government had complied with its obligations under the Convention not to impose any obstacles to the filing or review of the complaint at the Court (Article 34 of the Convention). The Court's Grand Chamber rejected the applicants' and the Russian government's application to consider Latvia's alleged violation of limitations on use of restrictions on rights under Article 18 of the Convention.

Cabinet of Ministers approves the Foreign Ministry's draft law "Amendment to Criminal Law"

On 16 January 2007, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the draft law "Amendment to the Criminal Law" prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The amendment to the relevant law is required so as to comply with the requirements of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism (hereafter - the Convention) of 16 May 2005, which is due to be ratified by Latvia after the Amendment to the Criminal Law enters force.

Government approves draft laws related to implementation of the Cotonou Agreement

By joining the European Union, in accordance with Paragraph 4 of Article 6 of the Treaty concerning the accession to the EU, the new member states, at the same time, also joined the Cotonou Agreement of 2000. It was concluded between the European Community and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states to promote and expedite the economic, social and cultural development of the ACP states, to contribute to peace and security and to promote a stable and democratic political environment in these countries by providing to them financial support by means of the European Development Fund (EDF) established especially to this end.

Latvian Ambassador to Russia meets with Co-Chairman of Latvia-Russia Intergovernmental Commission Igor Levitin

On 16 January 2007, the Latvian Ambassador to Russia, Andris Teikmanis, met with the Russian Minister of Transport, Igor Levitin, recently appointed as the Co-Chairman of the Latvia-Russia Intergovernmental Commission. Ambassador Teikmanis congratulated Mr Levitin on his new appointment and emphasized the role of the Commission in the promotion of economic relations between Latvia and Russia. The officials also agreed on the role of the Commission in the enhancement of inter-ministerial co-operation between both countries.

Latvian National Library receives valuable publications of exile journalism

On 16 January 2006, in Uppsala, a valuable and voluminous collection of Latvian periodicals in exile that was kept until now at the Carolina Rediviva library of Uppsala University, has been handed over to the Latvian National Library.

Latvian-Icelandic political consultations to take place

The Latvian-Icelandic political consultations scheduled for 17 January in Riga will be dedicated to issues of bilateral and regional co-operation; co-operation within the scope of the European Economic Space (EES) financial mechanism; and current security policy issues.

PRINCIPAL FACTS

Tourism contacts meeting held at Latvian Embassy in Finland

On 17 January 2007, the Latvian Embassy in Finland, in co-operation with the representation of the Latvian Tourism Information Bureau in Helsinki hosted a contacts exchange presenting Latvian tourism companies. Thirty Latvian public institutions and companies which operate in the tourism and hospitality sector, briefed more than 100 Finnish government, business, diplomatic, tourism and media representatives on travel opportunities in Latvia.

Economic co-operation evaluated in political consultations between Latvian and Icelandic foreign ministries

On 17 January 2007, political consultations dedicated to issues of bilateral and regional co-operation were held between the Latvian and Icelandic foreign ministries. At the consultations, earlier economic co-operation received positive evaluation. The parties discussed co-operation in the sphere of education for the purpose of activating student exchange programmes.

Artis Pabriks familiarises ambassadors of EU and NATO countries with solution to concluding of Latvia-Russia Border Treaty

On 17 January 2007, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks familiarised ambassadors of the EU and NATO countries with a 'worked out' solution to the concluding of the Latvia-Russia Border Treaty.

Non-citizens of Latvia may travel to the EU without visas

From 19 January 2007, residing non-citizens of Latvia will be exempt from visa requirements within the European Union, when travelling to Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Greece, Estonia, Italy, Cyprus, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Finland, Hungary, Germany, and Sweden. Latvian resident non-citizens will also be able to travel without a visa to Iceland.

Latvia proposes lifting of restrictions on canned fish export to Russia

The Latvian Embassy in Russia has sent an official note to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation inviting Russia to lift obstacles for the export of canned fish from Latvia.

Works by Peteris Vasks to be performed at Berlin Philharmonic Hall

On 22 January 2007, at the Berlin Philharmonic Hall, the Berlin Chamber Orchestra (Deutsches Kammerorchester Berlin) will perform the work for string orchestra, Viatore, and the First Symphony Voices by the outstanding Latvian composer Peteris Vasks.

Latvian entrepreneurs participate in international agricultural show Green Week in Berlin

From 19 to 28 January 2007, the annual public exhibition for the food, agriculture, and gardening industry The International Green Week Berlin ("Internationale Grüne Woche Berlin") is to take place.

Foreign Minister Pabriks requests introduction of eased visa procedure for entry of Latvian citizens into Indonesia

On 18 January 2007, during his meeting with the Indonesian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Latvia, Linggawaty Hakim, the Latvian Foreign Minister, Artis Pabriks, invited the Indonesian diplomat to consider the possibility of introducing an eased visa procedure for the entry of the citizens of Latvia into Indonesia.

Meeting regarding visa-free regime with the U.S. to be held in Prague

With respect to the movement towards a Visa-free regime with the U.S., Latvia and other U.S. visa-free Road Map countries have been invited to a meeting with representatives of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to be held on 24 January in Prague.

Minister Pabriks thanks the Sovereign Military Order of Malta for assistance provided to Latvia

On 19 January 2007, the Latvian Foreign Minister, Artis Pabriks, met with the Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Malta, Dr. Peter Baron von Fürstenberg, who resides in Germany and was on a farewell visit to Latvia.

Coalition for Visa Equality considers amendments to Visa Waiver Programme proposed by the United States

On 6 February 2007 in Prague, the Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary of State, Edgars Skuja, participated in the Baltic and Visegrad States' Coalition for Visa Equality task group of national coordinators. The task group agreed that the proposed amendments to the U.S. Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) which U.S. President George Bush will present in the Congress in the near future, is a positive direction towards the settlement of the visa issue and the promotion of transatlantic relations.

Artis Pabriks and Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers wish to strengthen co-operation

On 25 April the conference Partnership 2008, organised jointly by the Nordic Council of Ministers (NCM) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs took place in Riga. At the conference, Minister Pabriks and NCM Secretary General Halldor Asgrimsson emphasized the need to strengthen co-operation between the Baltic states and Nordic countries in order to face global challenges.