IN REVIEW September 20 – 26, 2011 Issue 38

CONTENTS

Government Unity Doesn’t Expect Talks with President to Have Major Impact on Coalition Talks Zatlers: Talks on Minister Positions to Begin after Consultations with Latvian President Harmony Center Eyes Transport Minister Position in New Latvian Government ZRP, Unity to Present Joint Programmatic Vision to Latvian President This Week At UN, Bērziņš Voices Concern about International Trade, Financial Markets Government to Work on Three Scenarios for Solving airBaltic Situation Latvian Government Calls on BAS to Reveal the True Beneficiaries Leader of Latvia’s LPP/LC Party to Step Down from Position

Economics Qatari Emir Expresses Proposal to President Bērziņš on Investments in Latvia President Bērziņš Discusses Latvia’s Upcoming Challenges With Moody’s IMF Executive Director Praises Latvia, Thanks the Country For Achievements Dombrovskis: Latvia, Turkey Should Continue Cooperation in Container Train Project Latvia’s Priority in Cooperation with Israel: Economics

Foreign Affairs Latvian, Serbian Presidents Discuss Issues of Importance to Both Countries Latvian Foreign Minister meets Bulgarian and Singaporean Colleagues President Bērziņš Discusses Middle East Peace Process With US Jewish Organizations Latvian, Georgian Presidents Agree on Future Cooperation President Bērziņš Meets With Prime Minister of Bhutan Latvian, Finnish Presidents Agree on Views About Important Issues Foreign Minister Kristovskis and Mexican Foreign Secretary Discuss Climate Protection EU Strategy for Baltic Sea Region: A Platform for Regional Cooperation Projects Latvia Encourages Countries to Expand Cooperation with UN Human Rights Experts Latvian, Croatian Presidents Agree on Cooperation Kristovskis and Indonesian Foreign Minister Discuss Cooperation Prospects Kristovskis Meets with Foreign Ministers of Jordan and Pakistan Foreign Minister Notes Importance of Assisting Central Asia to Counter Terrorism

Society Latvian Language Classes Available in 13 Countries Annual Latvijas Gāze Opera Awards Presented Latvian National Symphony Orchestra 85th Season Opening on September 29 Danish Professor Rejoices at Use of His Picture on Wrappers of Latvian Waffles

Articles of Interest Reuters: “Latvia Teaches Austerity Pain and Gain to ” The Economist: “Latvia’s Election: Reboot in ” ECFR.eu: “Latvia’s Unnoticed Revolution: Analysing the Elections” Mashable.com: “Which Country has the World’s Fastest Internet?” Latvian online photo magazine Foto Kvartāls launches English-language version

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Government Unity Doesn’t Expect Talks with President to Have Major Impact on Coalition Talks Solvita Āboltiņa, the leader of Latvia’s center-right Unity party, has called against overestimating President Andris Bērziņš’s role in forming the new government coalition, saying that consultations with the president this Wednesday and Thursday are unlikely to result in major changes, the Baltic News Service reported. According to the Riga-based newswire, Āboltiņa said in an interview with public radio on Monday that the media have been exaggerating public expectations of the president's role in forming the coalition. “The president is conducting these consultations first of all in order to find out how far these negotiations have progressed and what the political parties can do on their own. No president has ever voiced preference for this or that coalition, refusing to nominate a prime minister if his or her requirements are not met. Knowing this past experience, I have no reason to expect the president to specify what kind of coalition he wants to be formed in negotiations,” Āboltiņa was quoted as saying. The Unity leader underscored that the politicians that have been elected to the parliament have to agree on cooperation among them, BNS reported. “Of course, consultations with the president are a new phase, but to expect sharp turns on Wednesday and Thursday... The president, most probably, will not inform the press, because these talks are held to figure out the direction and possible scenarios,” Āboltiņa was quoted as saying. According to BNS, Āboltiņa described the chances of incumbent Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis to stay in office as “fairly good,” because he has both experience and authority. Āboltiņa asserted that Unity wants to retain the office of prime minister, BNS reported, and that to be able to lead the government the prime minister's party would also need control over the Finance Ministry. BNS also reported that Āboltiņa admitted the coalition talks are very difficult this time and that it is still not clear how many parties will be forming the new government. The parliament speaker voiced hope though that the new government will be in place by October 17, when the new parliament is expected to convene for its first session.

Zatlers: Talks on Minister Positions to Begin after Consultations with Latvian President Real talks on ministerial portfolios in Latvia’s new coalition government will not begin before consultations with President Andris Bērziņš, ex-president Valdis Zatlers, who now leads the centrist Zatlers Reform Party (ZRP), said on public television Monday, the Baltic News Service reported. According to the Riga-based newswire, Zatlers stressed repeatedly that there have not been discussions on top posts yet, but did not deny reports that ZRP considers Edgars Rinkevics for the office of foreign minister and Sandra Sondore-Kukule for justice minister, and that Zatlers himself would like to chair the parliament. “There is always the wish to make plans and stay abreast, to play a betting game of sorts, but I think that these questions are premature. When will real talks on posts begin? Most probably they will begin after talks with the president, when there is clarity about the coalition model,” Zatlers was quoted as saying. BNS reported that the ZRP leader said his intention is to implement his political reform, and that this can be best achieved in parliament. “It is good that candidates are appearing, people are considering who might be the best professionals,” Zatlers was quoted as saying. According to BNS, when asked if Sondore-Kukule really might be nominated to take charge of the Justice Ministry, given the high number of individual disapproval marks she received in parliamentary elections, Zatlers responded evasively, saying though that voters' opinion has to be taken into consideration. 2

President Andris Bērziņš is scheduled to hold consultations with the political parties that have won seats in the new Latvian parliament this Wednesday and Thursday.

Harmony Center Eyes Transport Minister Position in New Latvian Government As a potential partner in Latvia's new government coalition, the leftist pro-Russia Harmony Center would first of all want to take charge of the Transport Ministry, Ivars Zariņš, the Harmony Center's candidate for economics minister, said in an interview published on Monday in the Diena daily, the Baltic News Service reported. “I would regard the Transport Ministry as the priority the Harmony Center should take under control – this would provide the greatest benefit to Latvia,” Zariņš was quoted as saying. According to preliminary results, Zariņš has been elected to the new parliament. BNS also reported that whether Zariņš gets the portfolio of economics minister will depend on the coalition agreement. “Control over the Economics Ministry must be regarded in the context of the fiscal policy proposed by the Finance Ministry – these policies have to be consistent. Since there have not been experts' discussions with the Harmony Center yet, it is not clear to me how this fiscal policy goes together with the promised growth targets,” Zariņš was quoted as saying, voicing concern that Latvia's tight fiscal policy might contradict with its economic growth plans.

ZRP, Unity to Present Joint Programmatic Vision to Latvian President This Week The expert panels set up by the centrist Zatlers Reform Party (ZRP) and the center-right Unity bloc will produce a joint programmatic vision by Tuesday evening next week, and this document will be presented to Latvian President Andris Bērziņš on Wednesday, current Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis, a Unity representative, told the press after the meeting of both parties on September 23, the Baltic News Service reported. According to the Riga-based newswire, ZRP and Unity had agreed to form the core of the new coalition government together, and the expert panel tasked with working on financial and economic matters will get down to work immediately. “We have agreed that our goal is to form together a government that would base it work on the clear foundation of the rule-of-law and development. We have agreed to establish bilateral expert panels which will actually start working immediately with the intention to identify the points of convergence common to programs of both parties by Tuesday evening…and we will take those documents to the consultations with the Latvian president on Wednesday,” Dombrovskis was quoted as saying. BNS reported that the premier repeated that the expert panels would be working on three chapters – financial and economic matters, the rule-of-law and political reforms, and the humanitarian issues. According to BNS, so far ZRP and Unity representatives have failed to say anything about the potential third partner to the would-be ruling coalition, noting only that at first the parties had to discuss programmatic matters in detail. Neither Dombrovskis nor ZRP representatives would make any comments on whether they were going to choose as the third partner the nationalist conservative National Alliance or the leftist pro-Russia Harmony Center and how they would make this choice, BNS reported. They also would not say whom the two parties could jointly nominate as a candidate prime minister. ZRP and the Unity will not be having any meetings either with the National Alliance or with the Harmony Center until Tuesday evening. Afterwards the politicians will return to the talks about formation of the new ruling coalition. According to BNS, ZRP leader, Latvia’s ex-president Valdis Zatlers, said that during the negotiations held so far other parties had “in fact agreed with everything that we proposed,” therefore it did not make sense to organize another round of talks with those parties. 3

On September 23, Unity told ZRP that it wanted to organize a meeting of the lawmakers that had been elected to the new parliament from both parties but this meeting will place after the talks with the Latvian president, Dombrovskis said, according to BNS. Unity leader Solvita Āboltiņa said that the latest meeting had given grounds to more optimism and both parties had been able to agree on further steps in a businesslike manner. Also on September 23, ZRP accepted the Unity's proposal to hold bilateral talks and recognized the Unity as its main partner on expert panels when it would come to negotiating programmatic issues, BNS reported. According to BNS, Edmunds Sprūdžs, the ZRP candidate for prime minister, underlined that this agreement did not sideline the Harmony Center and the National Alliance as partners in negotiations, but the ZRP respected the arrangement proposed by the Unity.

At UN, Bērziņš Voices Concern about International Trade, Financial Markets Latvian President Andris Bērziņš addressed the annual session of the UN General Assembly on September 21. In his speech, Bērziņš voiced concerns about the situation in international trade and financial markets, the Baltic News Service reported. “The economic crisis reminds us that we are living in a world, depending on each other. We are very concerned about the level of insecurity and inconsistency in international trade and financial markets. The main responsibility for careful administration lies in the hands of each country, but these are conditions in which the international community should cooperate to find sustainable and stabilizing goals and prevent repeated narrowing of the global economy,” Bērziņš said in his speech. According to BNS, Bērziņš said that Latvia was among those countries who were soon and strongly hit by the crisis, but at present Latvia is recovering. The president informed that Latvia's gross domestic product (GDP) is growing and unemployment is shrinking. “Recovery of the Latvian national economy is related with a very simple lesson. First, one should act fast and decisively regarding austerity measures. Second, structural reforms mean a serious need to communicate with the society and get it involved in the joint work. Of course, international solidarity is also important,” said the president in his speech in New York. Bērziņš pointed at the situation in North Africa and the Middle East, Libya, and Afghanistan, and underscored the necessity to introduce reforms in the UN. “The UN has to change. The new realities should be taken into account to ensure the best results and retain the organization's impact. Vitality of the General Assembly should be resumed, and other UN institutions should be seriously reformed. It is important if the UN wishes to go along with today's realities,” said Bērziņš. BNS also reported that Bērziņš praised the UN secretary general's aim to reduce the organization's budget in 2012 and 2013 by 3 percent. The president said that the UN Security Council also has been in need of reform. “We call on all partner countries to actively work on solution of this issue. Latvia is ready to undertake a bigger international responsibility and hopes to participate in the UN Security Council more actively, naming its candidate for the mandate of a non-permament member,” said the president. According to BNS, Bērziņš also said that assessing the functions of the UN Human Rights Council, “more could have been done for the council to meet the wishes of countries and people.” He voiced repeatedly that in 2014 Latvia will run for a seat at the Human Rights Council. Link to full text of speech: http://www.president.lv/pk/content/?cat_id=605&art_id=18496. Video of speech: http://gadebate.un.org/66/latvia.

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Government to Work on Three Scenarios for Solving airBaltic Situation On September 22, at the extraordinary Cabinet sitting, the government decided to work on three scenarios for further action – proportional increase of airBaltic’s capital with participation of both shareholders, selling of the state-owned shares of airBaltic to the investor, as well as the founding of a new national airline. To carry out the first scenario, Baltijas Aviācijas sistēmas (BAS) immediately must implement all the government’s requirements. It must submit the evidence that the true beneficiaries of BAS have sufficient funding to invest in airBaltic together with government’s investment. Conceptual support for the particular scenario the government expressed already on August 23, however, at that time BAS, regardless of its publicly expressed consent, could not implement the requirements of the government. To implement the second scenario, it is essential to reach an agreement on the conditions of selling the state-owned shares of airBaltic that would be acceptable for the government. The government’s consultant Prudentia is organizing negotiations with BAS on the opportunities to implement these two scenarios. To investigate the feasibility of the third scenario, the government today decided to attract the internationally recognized aviation experts who will consult on legal, financial and technical implications of establishing a new air operator.

Latvian Government Calls on BAS to Reveal the True Beneficiaries On September 20, the Cabinet of Ministers deliberated the report by the Ministry of Transport and the financial consultant Prudentia on the progress made in negotiations with the private shareholder of airBaltic, Baltijas Aviācijas sistēmas (BAS), since the government sitting of September 13, when the government called on BAS to immediately fulfill the conditions imposed by the government to ensure the state’s participation in the stabilization of the airline. The Ministry of Transport informed that contrary to the previously expressed consent, BAS has not fully complied with the conditions imposed by the government, therefore Prudentia continues negotiations with BAS on their fulfillment and on separate points which reveal substantial additional risks. Moreover, after hearing of the reporters at the government sitting, it was found out that BAS does not reveal the true beneficiaries and has not submitted a set of necessary evidences, including, the annual report of airBaltic 2010. At a press conference after the government sitting, Prudentia mentioned that before deciding on investing money in airBaltic, the government should have reasonable assurance that this investment complies with national interests and that BAS really has sufficient financial resources to invest in the fixed capital of airBaltic in proportion to the state’s contribution. At a press conference after the government sitting, Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis stressed: “The state needs documentary evidence of the solvency of BAS - the private shareholder of airBaltic and true beneficiaries who stand behind this company. Without such guarantees the government cannot take the risk and invest taxpayers’ money in airBaltic.” The head of the government informed that the government still considers a proportional increase of the fixed capital as a priority option and, therefore, the government has asked the Ministry of Transport and Prudentia to continue negotiations with BAS and Latvijas Krājbanka on signing the Protocol of Intent on the state’s participation in increasing the fixed capital of airBaltic and stabilizing the financial situation of the company. Taking into account the developments in the situation regarding airBaltic, the government also considers other forms of public participation, because it is important to maintain Latvia’s position in the aviation sector and further develop the Riga airport as a regional air traffic centre. Therefore the government has assigned the Ministry of Transport and consultant to work on alternative solutions. Selling of the state-owned shares of airBaltic will be considered as one of alternative solutions. 5

Link to full text: http://www.mk.gov.lv/en/aktuali/zinas/2011/09/210911-cm-01/. Audio file of the press conference: http://filesocial.com/dccn6zj Information on the chronology of the government’s resolutions: http://www.mk.gov.lv/en/aktuali/zinas/2011/09/160911-01/

Leader of Latvia's LPP/LC Party to Step Down from Position Ainars Šlesers, leader of Šlesers Reform Party LPP/LC, who suffered a defeat in the recent snap elections, said that the party's congress will be held on December 1, the Baltic News Service reported. According to the Riga-based newswire, Šlesers will announce his stepping down from the position of the party's leader, but he is evasive about his future in politics. “On December 1, I will announce that I am stepping down from the position of the chairman of the party, but I am interested in the opinion of the party members, what they think about it and how they analyze the developments in the country. I have always been a part of a team, and I have never betrayed my party members. The party's position will be decisive in my decision about the future in politics,” Šlesers was quoted as saying. He said that much will depend on the political situation in Latvia. “If I suddenly have a feeling that people in Latvia are happy, all problems are solved, then, of course, politicians who have lost the elections, have less chances. But if we see that there are difficulties, that people are dissatisfied... We should wait and see how successfully the parliament will be working,” he was quoted saying. BNS also reported that the politician also said he wishes to spend more time with his family. “In the near future, my family and children will be my priority. I will be able to devote more time to my youngest son, who is just four months old,” he said.

Economics Qatari Emir Expresses Proposal to President Bērziņš on Investments in Latvia During his working visit to the United States, Latvian President Andris Bērziņš had a series of bilateral meetings with heads of state. The first took place on September 21, with Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani of the State of Qatar. During their meeting, the emir said that Qatar is interested in investing in Latvia's economy and suggested the establishment of an intergovernmental commission to talk about mutually advantageous models for cooperation, as well as to identify those specific sectors of the economy in which Qataris might want to invest. President Bērziņš expressed firm support for the idea and promised that Latvia will follow up on it. The President informed the Qatari emir about Latvia’s economic and political situation, focusing in particular on the country’s ability to overcome its crisis successfully and to pursue the need for economic development. This, he said, is fully in line with the need to facilitate the attraction of foreign investments. There is no relationship in terms of exports and imports between Latvia and Qatar at this time. The primary role of Qatari investments in the world has related to real estate, banks, and the chemicals industry. Qatar’s leading investments in Europe relate to companies such as Volkswagen, Barclays, Lagardere, and Sainsbury’s.

President Bērziņš Discusses Latvia’s Upcoming Challenges With Moody’s At a meeting with representatives of the international ratings agency Moody’s on September 20 in New York, Latvian President Andris Bērziņš talked about the political situation in Latvia since the September 17 snap parliamentary election, focusing on economic development prospects and the priorities for the next government. 6

The President said that a new government must be established as quickly as possible and that it must get to work, particularly given that the new session of Parliament will begin on October 17. “The new government will have to work as a unified team, and not as a group of individual political forces. Latvia very much needs a stable government which can get to work right now,” said Bērziņš. The President also said that the results of the election have led the political forces which won seats in Parliament to promise that they will satisfy Latvia’s international obligations in relation to the successful completion of the international lending program, as well as to next year’s national budget, in which the budget deficit will be reduced to 2.5% with the aim of achieving a balanced budget over the next few years. The Moody’s representatives confirmed that Latvia’s achievements in overcoming the difficult crisis was the result of strict determination on the part of the government – determination that is based on open and trustworthy cooperation with international partners, including Moody’s. The agency increased the country’s credit rating at a time when Parliament was being dissolved and Latvia’s international credit ratings could decline for objective reasons. “This crisis taught us many good lessons. Exporters in Latvia have shown that they can not only recover from the crisis, but also experience growth. For that reason, it is important to stimulate and support the establishment of new companies. We must work very hard to ensure that growth in Latvia continues,” added the President.

IMF Executive Director Praises Latvia, Thanks the Country For Achievements Latvian President Andris Bērziņš was on a visit to the United States last week, and his first official visit on September 20 was with the executive director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Christine Lagarde, at IMF headquarters in Washington. Present for the meeting was Latvian Finance Minister Andris Vilks, as well as representatives from the IMF, including the head of the IMF mission in Latvia, Mark Griffith. At the start of the meeting, Lagarde expressed great commendation and amazement about the fact that Latvia, as a small country, has had outstanding dedication in terms of fulfilling obligations toward international lenders, successfully overcoming the economic crisis and implementing the lending program. She said that the IMF hopes to organize a multilateral conference in Latvia at the end of this year to analyze these experiences. President Bērziņš expressed support for such an event, saying that it would also represent public recognition of what our country has achieved. The President went on to inform the IMF officials about the political situation in Latvia, speaking about the dissolution of Parliament in a referendum and the subsequent snap election that was held on September 17. The President said that irrespective of the next coalition, his views about those who put together the government will be the same – international obligations must be fulfilled completely, the lending program must be completed at the end of this year, and the 2012 national budget must have a budget deficit of 2.5% of GDP. “Our goals have not changed, and I do not think that the parliamentary election which just took place represents any threats against their implementation,” said the President. Bērziņš also said that Latvia’s aim of achieving a balanced budget in the near future so that it can join the euro zone has not lost any of its importance. In terms of how the quality of Latvia’s public sector has been improved, President Bērziņš called for a review of the wages of those who are in the public sector so as to allow the directors of government institutions to raise the wages of staff without increasing the total amount of money that is spent on salaries. The aim would be to halt the flow of qualified workers to the private sector, as well as to establish a small and effective system of national governance. At the conclusion of the meeting, Christine Lagarde asked the Latvian officials about the key to Latvia’s achievement. She was told that the achievement is based on targeted and ongoing 7

dialogue between the government on the one hand and society and the government’s social partners on the other. Also important, the Latvian officials said, is that the people of Latvia are tolerant and understanding toward the need to implement reforms in the country and to bring greater order to its financial system. Link to full text, with related articles: http://www.president.lv/pk/content/?cat_id=605&art_id=18491.

Dombrovskis: Latvia, Turkey Should Continue Cooperation in Container Train Project On September 21, during a meeting with the new Ambassador of Turkey to Latvia, Şerife Serap Özcoşkun, Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis expressed satisfaction over excellent bilateral relations at all levels. During the negotiations, he particularly stressed the need to continue the development of the container train’s route that would ensure flow of Turkish goods between Turkey and Scandinavia through the territory of the Baltic countries. The Prime Minister informed that currently Latvia is working on the container train Zubr project, while the Ambassador of Turkey acknowledged that the project has prospects of strengthening the economies of the two countries. Currently the container train Zubr serves the route Latvia–Belarus, but in the near future it will connect Latvia with the ports of Ukraine - Odessa and Ilyichevsk, thus offering the opportunity to deliver freight by road from the Black Sea to Latvia and further to Scandinavia. During the meeting, the officials discussed the ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in several areas, particularly strengthening the economic relations. The Prime Minister and the Ambassador expressed hope that the visit of Turkey’s entrepreneurs to Latvia that is scheduled for the end of September – beginning of October will result in new cooperation agreements between entrepreneurs of Latvia and Turkey. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Ambassador of Turkey expressed her appreciation for Latvia’s achievements in overcoming the crisis. Indicators of trade between Latvia and Turkey: In the first half of 2011, Latvia had a positive trade balance with Turkey that amounted to EUR 26 million. During first six month, as compared to the first half of 2010, the trade turnover between Latvia and Turkey increased by 39.20% or EUR 24.3 million, incl., export volume has increased by 365.68% or EUR 34.5 million, while import volume – by 28.09% or EUR 3.9 million. During this period, the trade turnover between Latvia and Turkey reached EUR 61.9 million ranking Turkey 23rd among foreign trade partners of Latvia. In the first half of 2011, the main export goods to Turkey were scrap metals (55.73%), vegetable products (16.24%), and livestock products as well as mineral products (11.02%), while the main imports from Turkey – textiles and textile products (19.99%), machinery and mechanical appliances (19.90%), precious stones and precious metals (13.19%). Map of the Zubr container train: http://www.mk.gov.lv/file/files/aktuali/zubr.jpg. Link to full text: http://www.mk.gov.lv/en/aktuali/zinas/2011/09/210911-mk-01/.

Latvia’s Priority in Cooperation with Israel: Economics On September 21, during a meeting with the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Labor of Israel, Shalom Simhon, Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis emphasized the need to further develop economic cooperation between the two countries. The sides acknowledged that the opening of the Latvia and Israeli Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Israel in November will be a dynamic step in strengthening the economic relations between both countries. Both officials expressed satisfaction over the Latvia-Israel Business Forum which brought together entrepreneurs of the two countries. The Israel’s delegation is represented by entrepreneurs from such sectors as agriculture, information and communication technologies, food processing, financial and banking sector, as well as investment funds. 8

Shalom Simhon used the opportunity to inform the Prime Minister about the Israel’s position regarding activation of the Palestinian issue in the UN. Dombrovskis expressed support for solving this issue through direct negotiations to ensure sustainable peace and security. Economic cooperation between Latvia and Israel: In the first half of 2010, Israel ranked 35th for Latvia’s export of goods and 38th for import. The total turnover in 2010 amounts to EUR 25 580 063 million. The main export goods to Israel are timber and timber products, electrical machinery, optical devices and apparatus as well as food industry products, while the main imports from Israel are electrical appliances, chemical industry products, incl., cosmetics as well as manufactured goods. According to the data by Lursoft, on March 4, 2011, the Israel’s investments in enterprises registered in Latvia amounted to LVL 3.37 million (41st place), while 235 Israel’s investors are registered in the Enterprise Register. Photo of the meeting: http://www.flickr.com/photos/valstskanceleja/6168911701/in/set-72157627596262375/

Foreign Affairs Latvian, Serbian Presidents Discuss Issues of Importance to Both Countries The final bilateral meeting that Latvian President Andris Bērziņš had during his working visit to the United States was with Serbian President Boris Tadič. The two presidents discussed the bilateral relation between their countries, as well as the process of Serbia’s integration into the . At the beginning of the meeting, President Tadič talked about his country’s effort to become a candidate country for EU membership and eventually to join the organization. Serbia hopes to become a candidate country by the end of this year and also hopes that the EU will set a date for the beginning of membership negotiations. President Bērziņš said that Latvia supports Serbia’s integration into the EU and is prepared to share its experience with respect to relevant issues. He also said, however, that it is of key importance for Serbia to maintain friendly relations with its neighboring countries, because that is one of the most important principles of the EU. Bērziņš also talked about political and economic issues in Latvia, answering questions from Tadič about how Latvia overcame the economic crisis, what the prerequisites have been for economic recovery, and how the country plans to develop in future.

Latvian Foreign Minister meets Bulgarian and Singaporean colleagues On September 23 in New York, Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis met with the Foreign Minister of , Nickolay Mladenov, and the Foreign Minister of Singapore, K. Shanmugam. The parties discussed the potential for expanding bilateral relations and cooperation within international organizations. Minister Kristovskis and Bulgarian Foreign Minister Mladenov exchanged opinions on the situation in the Middle East and on the issue of Palestinian statehood, as well as reviewing the EU relations with Belarus in regard to the Bulgarian Foreign Minister’s recent visit to that country. The Middle East matters were also discussed with the Singaporean Foreign Minister. The Latvian Foreign Minister informed about the EU’s efforts to reach a solution and the position of Latvia on his issue. Concerning bilateral relations, Minister Kristovskis accentuated Latvia’s great interest in the enhancement of economic cooperation with Singapore and with the South East Asian region as a whole. Latvia’s Foreign Minister expressed readiness to visit Singapore with a delegation of Latvian entrepreneurs. The head of the Singaporean Foreign Service K. Shanmugam was positive about the possibility of such a visit and pledged support in building contacts with major companies represented in Singapore and in a broader region. 9

President Bērziņš Discusses Middle East Peace Process With US Jewish Organizations While on a working visit to the United States, Latvian President Andris Bērziņš met on September 23 with representatives of US Jewish organizations. The discussion focused on foreign policy issues which are of importance to the Jewish community in terms of Latvia’s policies. There was also talk about domestic politics in Latvia in the context of the recent snap parliamentary election and Latvia’s further development. In discussing Latvia’s domestic situation, President Bērziņš said that irrespective of the next governing coalition, Latvia’s foreign policy guidelines will not change, and Latvia will continue to fulfill all of the international obligations which relate to international organizations, as well as to bilateral agreements with other countries or organizations. The President believes that this is of fundamental and decisive importance when taking a decision on the next governing coalition. At the beginning of the meeting, the representatives of Jewish organizations thanked President Bērziņš for the opportunity to meet and to discuss issues that are of importance to them. They also said that the partnership with previous heads of state and high-ranking officials from Latvia has been based on mutual interest and has been very successful. The representatives of the Jewish organizations also expressed praise for Latvia’s support for Jewish culture and education, with one of the most vivid examples being the opening of a Jewish high school in Rīga on September 1, 2010. Also discussed at the meeting was the situation in the Middle East, including the peace process and the issue of Palestine. President Bērziņš said that sustainable peace requires good will and dialogue between Israel and Palestine. Latvia believes that the quartet negotiations among the UN, EU, United States, and Russia must be restored so as to find a solution that is acceptable to both sides. The meeting also focused on issues related to the development of relations between Latvia and Russia, as well as Latvia’s involvement in the EU’s Eastern Partnership process. President Bērziņš said that the relationship between Latvia and Russia will always be important to Latvia both from the economic and the political perspective.

Latvian, Georgian Presidents Agree on Future Cooperation Latvian President Andris Bērziņš met with Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili at the General Assembly of the United Nations on September 22, the meeting having been arranged at President Saakashvili’s initiative. It was an introductory meeting at which both presidents agreed that the partnership between Latvia and Georgia has always been close, based on bilateral interests, and supported by active political dialogue. President Bērziņš confirmed that Latvia has consistently supported Georgia’s sovereignty and territoriality in its internationally recognized borders, adding that Latvia strictly opposes any official recognition of Georgia’s separatist regions. Latvia also supports Georgia’s cooperation with NATO and its moves toward Europe. President Saakashvili talked about his country’s achievements in fighting against corruption and crime, noting that Georgia is among the top countries in the world in this regard. He added that current priorities for the Georgia state relate to education and a modern infrastructure. The Georgian government finances the foreign studies of several hundred students each year – young men and women who then return to Georgia as specialists educated at the best institutions in Europe and elsewhere in the world. In terms of higher education in Georgia as such, said President Saakashvili, the focus is on specialties related to technologies and technical work – something which is fairly closely related to Latvia’s situation in terms of the labor market. “Georgia wishes to become a modern and highly developed country which is also attractive to tourists from other countries,” said Saakashvili.

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President Bērziņš spoke about the situation in Latvia in the wake of the recent snap election, as well as the criteria which the President has identified when looking for the next head of government: “The best coalition would be a maximally broad coalition, and the best candidate for the job of prime minister would be a person who is experienced, knowledgeable, able to run a team, and accepted by the parties.” At the conclusion of their meeting, the two presidents exchanged invitations to visit each other’s country.

President Bērziņš Meets With Prime Minister of Bhutan While on his visit to the United States, President Andris Bērziņš met on September 22 with the prime minister of Bhutan, Jigmi Y. Thinley. This was the first meeting between top officials from the two countries in the history of Latvian diplomacy. During their meeting, Prime Minister Thinley informed President Bērziņš about his country’s development, asking for Latvia’s support for Bhutan’s bid to win a seat on the UN Security council in 2013-2014. President Bērziņš said that Latvia has not yet taken a final decision on how it will vote in that case. At the same time, Bērziņš called on Bhutan to establish diplomatic relations with Latvia. The prime minister said that his government will certainly consider the matter once it turns to the broader issue of expanding diplomatic relations.

Latvian, Finnish Presidents Agree on Views About Important Issues Latvian President Andris Bērziņš has met with Finnish President , with both leaders agreeing that the bilateral relationship between Latvia and is very good at all levels, also emphasizing the fact that both Latvia and Finland attach great importance to the strengthening of cooperation between the Baltic States and the Nordic countries. Bērziņš and Halonen discussed problems in the euro zone, as well as the future of the European Union, agreeing that the current problems must not be an obstacle against Latvia fulfilling the Maastricht Criteria so as to join the euro zone on schedule. “I see no alternative to this, because if a small economy joins a large and unified currency market, then that is the only solution in terms of allowing that economy to grow,” said President Bērziņš. Bērziņš also asked President Halonen about Finland’s experience with the management of large state-owned companies – an area in which Finland sets a very good example in the EU. He added that Finland’s example in relation to higher education could serve as a good element in higher education reforms in Latvia, as well. “Our countries are close in terms of historical analogies and in mental terms. We understand each other quite well,” said the President in telling Halonen about one of Latvia’s key and immediate issues at this time – halting the outflow of economic migrants and encouraging them to come back to Latvia. President Halonen said that she understands the seriousness of the situation, recalling how back in the 1950s and 1960s, many Finns looked at the post-war consequences in their country and moved to Sweden. This substantially reduced the Finnish population and made it harder to ensure economic recovery after the destruction of the war. In this context Halonen argued that the main thing is to maintain links with the departed people – something which can have much to do with an eventual decision to come back home. At the conclusion of the meeting, President Halonen invited President Bērziņš to come to next February for a routine meeting of heads of state under the framework of the Arraiolos Group meeting, this offering a good opportunity to exchange information about issues in an informal atmosphere and learn about ways of resolving issues and establishing contacts with heads of state from other countries. President Bērziņš was pleased to accept the invitation. 11

Foreign Minister Kristovskis and Mexican Foreign Secretary Discuss Climate Protection On September 22 in New York, Foreign Minister Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis met with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the United Mexican States, Patricia Espinosa. The Ministers agreed to strengthen Latvian-Mexican relations and, in the near future, will devote close attention to finalizing the preparation of and signing the Agreement on avoidance of double taxation. The Latvian Foreign Minister welcomed the investments by Mexican company CEMEX in the Brocēni cement factory.” Latvia is a friendly country, open to investment from Mexico and other countries,” noted Minister Kristovskis. Espinosa indicated that CEMEX was an environmentally friendly company and that such approach on the part of businesses should also be supported in future. The Foreign Minister of Latvia commended contribution by Mexico and Espinosa’s personal contribution to organizing the Cancun Conference. The ministers agreed that more effort should be made towards achieving specific agreements on reduction of global warming and reviewed the objectives of this year’s climate conference in Durban (South Africa). Minister Kristovskis informed his Mexican colleague about Latvia’s contribution to the environment and climate protection. “The share of renewable energy resources in Latvia’s energy balance is one of the highest among the EU member states,” the Latvian Foreign Minister noted. Espinosa invited the Foreign Minister of Latvia to make a visit to Mexico. “Contacts should be promoted between Latvian and Mexican people, entrepreneurs and cultural figures,” said the head of the Mexican Foreign Service. Minister Kristovskis positively rated the role of consultations between foreign ministers of both countries and urged to further develop this dialogue format. During the meeting, both parties also discussed the possibilities of Latvian- Mexican cooperation within the UN framework.

EU Strategy for Baltic Sea Region: A Platform for Regional Cooperation Projects The European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region can become a good instrument for addressing differences in economic development levels across the region, thus enhancing Latvia's position in the region – such was the opinion of participants at the seminar EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region: Incentive for Innovative Entrepreneurship, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 21. The discussion revealed the opinions that innovative business is instrumental, particularly in leveling out economic disparities among the region's countries and working towards the internationalization of small- and medium-sized companies. The speakers accentuated the need for a closer cooperation at the level of public institutions, business clusters, and universities alike. In order to avoid overlapping investment, these institutions should be able to specialize in priority projects. Therefore, the experts indicated that funding within the strategy should be more targeted, follow set priorities, and provide an opportunity of pooling several funding instrument. Participants arrived at a conclusion that Latvian scientists and business community should be more actively involved in priority projects and seek partners in the member states around the Baltic Sea. The seminar participants recognized that Latvia already has its success stories in the field of regional cooperation; however, in order to ensure future economic development it is vital to effectively coordinate the opportunities offered by the strategy. Therefore, competent institutions were invited to make preparations for the next financial perspective bearing in mind the vital role of innovation. The objective of the seminar was to raise awareness among ministries, local authorities, and academic institutions in Latvia on the role of the strategy for the region and to dynamize Latvia’s entrepreneurs by encouraging them to use the document as a platform for implementing regional cooperation projects.

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In the context of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, the audience was introduced to the vision of Latvia’s key institutions regarding innovative entrepreneurship and the European Commission’s recommendations on the allocation of the EU Structural Funds. The participants received information on best regional practices in eliminating “knowledge deficit” and learned about the achievements of the neighboring countries and latest trends in the field of innovation. A recording of the event will be available on the Foreign Ministry website www.am.gov.lv from September 27. The conclusion of the seminar will be included in position papers for the next high level meeting dedicated to the Strategy, to be held as part of the Baltic Development Forum in Gdansk on October 24-26. Link to full text, with reference information: http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/news/press-releases/2011/september/22-2/.

Latvia Encourages Countries to Expand Cooperation with UN Human Rights Experts On September 21, when taking part in the 18th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the delegation of Latvia presented its annual initiative and called upon all the UN member countries to expand cooperation with UN human rights experts. Latvia's position and address was supported by 62 countries from all five UN regional groups. Ambassador Raimonds Jansons, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the United Nations in Geneva, addressed the Human Rights Council and urged all UN members to issue a standing invitation to the UN Human Rights Council's special procedures mandate holders. Over four years since Latvia launched this initiative the total number of states having issued a standing invitation has increased from 56 to 88. Although the duty of each UN member country is to co-operate with the UN special procedures rapporteurs, in practice special procedures mandate holders encounter hindrances to their work because a number of countries refuse to admit UN experts, or for years do not come to an agreement on dates of visits. By issuing a standing invitation, countries commit themselves not to pose obstacles to visits by the UN experts. The issuing of standing invitations is in the focus of attention of the UN Human Rights Commissioner and the European Union Member States. Latvia issued a standing invitation to the UN HRC special procedures in 2001. Full statement by Ambassador Raimonds Jansons, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Latvia to the United Nations in Geneva: http://www.mfa.gov.lv/data/final%20statement%20on%20standing%20invitations%202011.pd f.

Latvian, Croatian Presidents Agree on Cooperation Latvian President Andris Bērziņš met with Croatian President Ivo Josipović on September 21. The two presidents agreed that the bilateral partnership between Latvia and is good and dynamic, as well as that active political dialogue and good interparliamentary cooperation are already in place. President Bērziņš congratulated President Josipović on Croatia’s completion of European Union membership negotiations in June of this year, adding that Latvia supports the conclusion of an agreement on membership in the EU by the end of the year. He also expressed the hope that the ratification process will occur smoothly. At the conclusion of the meeting, President Bērziņš invited his Croatian colleague to pay a state visit to Latvia during the course of the next year.

Kristovskis and Indonesian Foreign Minister Discuss Cooperation Prospects On September 20 in New York, the Foreign Minister of Latvia Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis met with the Foreign Minister of Indonesia Dr. Marty M. Natalegawa. The Indonesian Foreign Minister 13

welcomed the development of Latvian-Indonesian contacts, this being the second meeting with Minister Kristovskis: the first meeting took place on June 6 this year during the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in . This clearly demonstrates the interest of both states in further cooperation, said the head of the Indonesian Foreign Service. Dr. Natalegawa invited the Latvian Foreign Minister to visit Indonesia. Minister Kristovskis appreciated the close cooperation between both countries and, in the context of economic contacts, noted the business seminar Entering South-East Asia held by the Foreign Ministry of Latvia on June 7 this year where the prospects of Latvian-Indonesian business cooperation were discussed. Both ministers agreed that economic and trade contacts should be further expanded. The Indonesian Foreign Minister indicated that concluding key bilateral agreements On Avoidance of Double Taxation, On Co-operation in Air Traffic Sector, and On Cultural Co-operation will play a major role. Latvia and Indonesia are also active in other fields. On April 26 of this year the second workshop was held for representatives from Latvian-Indonesian academic communities, who discussed educational cooperation and integration perspective for the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Dr. Marty M. Natalegawa also expressed interest in the development of a political dialogue with Latvia; here a positive impulse is expected from the political consultations between the foreign ministries of both countries scheduled for November 24. Minister Kristovskis and Dr. Natalegawa exchanged opinions on the developments in the Arab countries and the Middle East. Both ministers voiced hope that the 66th Session of the UN General Assembly will draw nearer the settlement of the Middle East conflict and emphasized that the involved parties should continue with negotiations in order to reach a two-state solution. The Latvian and Indonesian Foreign Ministers agreed on a closer cooperation within UN and the international organizations, including a reciprocal exchange of votes in elections to posts at international organizations.

Kristovskis meets with Foreign Ministers of Jordan and Pakistan On September 19 in New York, Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis met with the Foreign Minister of Jordan, Nasser Judeh, and the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Hina Rabbani Khar, with the aim of strengthening a dialogue and cooperation with those states. While meeting with his Jordanian colleague, Foreign Minister Kristovskis invited Foreign Minister Jadeh to visit Latvia and the Jordanian Foreign Minister gladly accepted this invitation. Foreign Minister Kristovskis asked for Jordan’s support to Latvia when applying for membership at the UN Security Council. The Foreign Minister of Jordan expressed interest in closer relations with Latvia and emphasized the significance of new inter-governmental agreements; he mentioned the agreement of 2009 concerning consultations between the Foreign Ministries of both countries, the Agreement on Air Traffic currently being prepared, and other agreements that would benefit entrepreneurs from both countries. The Latvian Foreign Minister listened with interest to the opinion of his Jordanian colleague on the developments in the Arab world and the Middle East. The Jordanian Foreign Minister noted similarities between Atmoda, or “the Awakening,” in Latvia in the early 1990s and the Arab Spring. The ministers agreed that the Middle East Peace Process talks should be resumed and a conflict regulation pursued. In his discussion with the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Minister Kristovskis expressed interest in strengthening Latvia’s cooperation – and that by the whole European Union – with Pakistan. From the point of view of Latvia, a political dialogue with Pakistan, concluding bilateral agreements, and expanding economic cooperation are of equal importance, because the economic growth of our country will benefit from Latvian entrepreneurs’ entering new markets, Minister Kristovskis accentuated. Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar recognized the 14

need to take a better advantage of economic cooperation and trade potential, for instance, to consider a possibility for setting up an economic cooperation commission and taking part in international trade fairs. The Latvian Foreign Minister also indicated that Pakistan has a major significance for stability in the region, a successful process of renewal in Afghanistan, and the enhancement of security situation. These matters are very important for Latvia as a country whose soldiers take part in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan, said Minister Kristovskis.

Foreign Minister Notes Importance of Assisting Central Asia to Counter Terrorism On September 19 in New York, Foreign Minister Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis spoke at the Symposium on International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation, organized by the UN Secretary General. “Terrorism does not recognize state borders; therefore, fighting terrorism is our global task. At the same time, human rights must be safeguarded,” indicated the Foreign Minister. Minister Kristovskis stressed in particular the significance of Afghanistan in the context of counter-terrorism: “International community has invested huge resources and efforts to stabilize the situation in Afghanistan. To cope with this challenge, it is equally important also to facilitate stability in a broader region around Afghanistan, including the countries of Central Asia. These countries must be provided support so that they could ensure internal security, the rule of law and legal order, as well as promoting regional cooperation among the Central Asian countries themselves, including contacts among law enforcement institutions of the respective countries,” the minister said. The Symposium on International Counter-terrorism Cooperation is organized by the UN Secretary General as part of the 66th UN General Assembly. This is the first time when such a high-level forum has been held under the aegis of UN.

Society Latvian Language Classes Available in 13 Countries Latvian language classes are now available at education establishments in 13 countries across the world, including the Beijing Foreign Studies University in China, which launched the Latvian language program at the beginning of the current academic year, said Janis Valdmanis, director of the Latvian Language Agency (LVA), at the conference The Latvian Language in the World on September 26 in Rīga, the Baltic News Service reported. According to the Riga-based newswire, Valdmanis said that 20 universities in 13 world countries are currently offering Latvian language classes, and the number of such universities was growing with every year. “Starting from this academic year, thanks to the Latvian ambassador to China and the support of LVA, the Latvian language has turned from a distant sound into a reality in that country,” the LVA director was quoted as saying. Opportunities for learning the Latvian language will be expanded also in the future to enable a growing number of people interested in the Latvian language to learn the language, he was quoted as saying. Valdmanis admitted that LVA support to schools offering Latvian language classes was insufficient, but it was the maximum support that the LVA could provide, considering its limited resources. The conference Latvian Language in the World was organized to mark the European Day of Languages intended to promote the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of Europe. The Latvian National Agency for Education Development will present the European Language Label, a European Commission award for innovative projects in language teaching and learning, to the Latvian winner during the conference.

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Annual Latvijas Gāze Opera Awards Presented Ten recipients of the annual Latvijas Gāze Opera Award were honored at a traditional ceremony and gala concert on September 22, announced Latvian National Opera (LNO) representative Inga Vasiljeva, LETA reported.. According to LETA, soprano Liene Kinca received the Best Female Artist award. She made her debut at LNO as Karolka in the production of Czech composer's Leos Janacek's Jenufa in 2005. The Best Male Artist award was presented to baritone Jānis Apeinis, LETA reported. He made his debut at LNO in 2003. In the 2010-2011 season Apeinis successfully performed both in new productions and in repertory works. LETA also reported that Elza Leimane-Martinova won the award as Best Female Principal Dancer. In the 2010-2011 season she performed all leading roles: Helena in Felix Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream, Marguerite Gautier in Ferenc Liszt's The Lady of the Camellias, and Princess Aurora in Tchaikovsky's The Sleeping Beauty. Raimonds Martinovs was singled out as Best Male Principal Dancer, LETA reported. He also performed all the leading roles of LNO's previous season's new ballet productions: Oberon in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Armand Duval in The Lady of the Camellias, and Prince Desire in The Sleeping Beauty. According to LETA, the award for Extraordinary Artistic Achievement went to world-renowned Latvian opera star Kristine Opolais, who has taken Latvia's name into the opera world and regularly receives raving reviews for her performances in productions all around the world. The Legendary Life in Arts award was presented to Irena Strode, LETA reported. She was born in 1921 and has devoted more than 50 years of her life to ballet - as a soloist, coach, educator, and ballet-master. In an open vote, the public selected the Best New Production of last season: Rossini's Il barbiere di Siviglia. According to LETA, the tradition to celebrate the past opera season was established in 1997 by the beer brewery Aldaris. It is now continued by LNO's patron, the natural gas utility Latvijas Gāze, which began its cooperation with the opera house in 2005. Link to LNO website: www.opera.lv.

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra 85th Season Opening on September 29 The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra opens its 85th season on September 29 at Riga's Great Guild, with its chief conductor Mārtiņš Ozoliņš taking the helm. The program features the dazzling and colorful Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov, one of the most popular works written for orchestra, which has not been performed by the LNSO in a long time. The internationally renowned and brilliant violinist Sergei Krylov joins Chichon for a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. On October 21 the LNSO will gives a concert entitled Vestards and Chichon at Riga's Great Guild, continuing the series of concerts featuring the fruitful artistic partnership between Vestards Šimkus and Karel Mark Chichon. Talented and deeply passionate about music, both artists are a key to a perfect emotional experience. On this occasion the program will concentrate on German and Italian music, with Šimkus performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 and Chichon conducting Rossini’s famous William Tell Overture and Mendelssohn’s 4th Symphony, inspired by the composer’s journey to . The Year of 2011 marks the significant anniversaries of four Latvian composers. With Artūrs Grīnups and Romualds Jermaks turning 80 and Pauls Dambis and Romualds Kalsons turning 75, the LNSO and conductor Andris Vecumnieks give a concert to look back at some of the highlights of the composers’ musical careers. 16

More info and tickets available at the LNSO website: http://www.lnso.lv/eng/jaunumi/.

Danish Professor Rejoices at Use of His Picture on Wrappers of Latvian Waffles Danish professor Steen Stender, who earlier caused a scandal in Latvia by announcing that local- made waffles contained huge amounts of trans-fatty acids and therefore were harmful to human health, is now pleased about use of his picture on the wrappers of new waffles that do not contain any trans-fatty acids, the public Latvian television station announced on September 23, the Baltic News Service reported. According to the Riga-based newswire, Stender said that use of his picture on the waffle wrappers was a funny and very elegant idea to bring consumers the key message – that the product is free of trans-fatty acids. Moreover, Stender said, this is a much more pleasing strategy than the suggestion to expel the Danish professor from Latvia that was made by Didzis Smits, president of the Latvian Association of Food Producers, BNS reported. In a letter to the television station, Stender has also expressed hope that other food producers would follow the example of the Latvian sweets maker Staburadze, which recently launched a new product: waffles without any trans-fatty acids, BNS reported. According to BNS, Staburadze recently announced that it would no longer be using trans-fatty acids in its waffles and waffle cakes, even though the company fears this will make its products too costly to successfully compete in export markets, This announcement followed a scandal in Latvia in June of this year, BNS reported, after the Danish professor declared that the Selga yoghurt waffles made by Staburadze might have harmful effects on human health. Citing analysis performed by international commercial laboratory Eurofins, Stender said that the Selga waffles contained 44 percent of trans-fatty acids. Later, however, the laboratory, which had tested the waffles, admitted it had made a mistake and said that in fact the content of trans-fatty acids in the waffles was 9 percent, the Riga-based newswire reported. BNS also reported that NP Foods, the parent company of Staburadze, said it had complained to the Competition Council and the Security Police over the claims made by Professor Stender and also planned to ask the European Commission to probe these claims for groundless and unlawful attempts at distorting competition in the Latvian market. The company also said it would go to court to claim damages. The Competition Council, however, decided against taking action over alleged unfair competition activities against Staburadze.

Articles of Interest Reuters: “Latvia Teaches Austerity Pain and Gain to Greece” http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/23/us-latvia-greece-austerity- idUSTRE78M28N20110923. The Economist: “Latvia’s Election: Reboot in Riga” http://www.economist.com/node/21530161. European Council on Foreign Relations: “Latvia’s Unnoticed Revolution: Analysing the Elections” http://ecfr.eu/content/entry/commentary_latvia. Latvian online photo magazine Foto Kvartāls launches English-language version: http://fkmagazine.lv/. Mashable.com: “Which Country has the World’s Fastest Internet?” http://mashable.com/2011/09/21/fastest-download-speeds-infographic/.

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