The opening panel of the Rīga Conference 2009 “Recovery from the Recession in the Baltics – What Lies Ahead?” featured prominent speakers as the Prime Minister of Latvia Mr. Valdis Dombrovskis, Member of European Parliament and former Prime Minister of Latvia Mr. Ivars Godmanis, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Estonia Mr. Märten Ross, Central and Eastern Europe Correspondent for The Economist Mr. Edward Lucas, Research fellow at the Baltic International Centre for Economic Policy Studies Dr. Vjačeslavs Dombrovskis. Discussion was moderated by the Professor of the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga Dr. Roberts Ķīlis. [PHOTO] [VIDEO]

The discussion was mainly focused on the three Baltic States, which were seriously affected by the world economic crisis. In this changing environment, Latvia is affected very strongly. However, some economic indicators show that the situation is gradually stabilizing, but still economic crisis has demonstrated an urgent need for reforms. In Latvia, these reforms are being implemented by reforming public administration, changing tax policy, reducing the state budget and reforming the health care system. While carrying out these reforms, Latvia will not give up its international commitments, for example, supporting the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan.

In In Estonia, the consequences of an economic crisis are becoming more visible, as it was projected in the initial stage of the crisis. However, it was stressed that this is not the time to change priorities – integration into the European Common Market and maintaining strong links with the Nordic financial sector. Latvian and Estonian representatives highlighted the objectives of both countries to adopt the Euro. Estonia focuses on introduction of the single European currency in 2011, but Latvia in 2012.

Some participants encouraged to draw attention to the fact that it is important to implement the necessary reforms timely and accurately. The time of crisis must be used for deep structural reforms. It was also pointed out that transport and energy sectors are closely linked to the Baltic security issue. In this situation of economic downturn, countries should responsibly exercise their social policies, paying special attention to unemployment and education.

On October 24, The Riga Conference discussions continued with the new challenges in a changing security environment. In the morning a discussion entitled “Providing Strategic Reassurance in Northern Europe” took place at the Small Guild between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, H.E. Mr. Māris Riekstiņš, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, H.E. Mr. Urmas Paet, Deputy Prime Minister, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration of Luxembourg H.E. Mr. Jean Asselborn, Executive Director of the German Marshall Fund’s US Transatlantic Center in Brussels, Dr. Ronald D. Asmus, Senior Analyst at Swedish Defence Research Agency, Dr. Robert Dalsjö. Discussion was moderated by Senior Researcher of the Danish Institute of Foreign Affairs Mr. Pertti L. Joenniemi. [PHOTO] [VIDEO]

The Participants discussed the new security challenges Northern Europe faces in a time of economic downturn. Taking into account the economic impact of the crisis, the discussion focused on the economic dimension of security. The participants acknowledged the close cooperation between the Baltic and Nordic countries. Opinions were divided on whether in a time of crisis the level of cooperation was sufficient or even stronger cooperation was needed.

The Northern region should become more visible in the work of various international organizations, especially in the framework of the G20 process. Participants noted the positive effects of the EU’s future strategy in the Baltic Sea region, which will facilitate the financial and labor movements in Northern Europe.

Concerning the hard security, the situation in the region is stable. However, this situation can be even more improved by strengthening the Article 5 of the Washington Treaty. To ensure an even higher level of security, Northern European states also need to take into account new threats - energy disruptions, financial downturn and cyber attacks. NATO and the U.S. still remain important elements of security in this region.

In the panel discussion, which was dedicated to the security situation of the Black Sea region - Changing European Borders: A New Security Paradigm in the Black Sea Region. The discussion included speakers as the National Security Advisor to the President of Georgia, the Secretary of the National Security Council, Ms. Eka Tkeshelashvili, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Mr. Peter Semneby, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Russian Federation, First Deputy Secretary, National Security Council of Ukraine, H.E. Mr. Kostyantyn Gryshchenko, Member of the Parliament of Moldova Mr. Andrei Popov, and the Ambassador of the United States of America to Latvia, Ms. Judith G. Garber. The discussion was moderated by Prof. Dr. Rasma Kārkliņa, Professor of the Political Science Department of the University of Latvia and Adviser to the Minister of Defence of Latvia. [PHOTOS] [VIDEO]

In the framework of the discussion participants addressed new security challenges in the Black Sea region. The events of August 8, 2008 showed Russia’s aggressive policy and ability to change borders and alter the distribution of power. Such conduct is contrary to international law. Not only Georgia, but also Ukraine has suffered from a review of the borders – by activities of its Black Sea fleet, Russia has changed the de facto sea border with Ukraine. This action shows that Russia seeks to transform the Black Sea into an exclusive zone of Russian influence. The West should take into account this threat also affecting other Black Sea countries. It was recognized that the EU’s Eastern Partnership is to serve as an instrument of stabilization, development and integration into the European market. The European Union should work more actively with the countries which have a desire for closer cooperation with the EU. Economic cooperation and national efforts will support stability and facilitate democracy. However, focus should not be on hard security alone, other forms of security should be a priority as well.

Speakers of the afternoon discussion titled “Milestones of the New Strategic Concept of NATO” were the Defense Minister of Latvia, Mr. Imants Lieģis, Member of the Strategic Advisors Group, Atlantic Council and Professor at the Royal Military Academy of the Netherlands, Dr. Julian Lindley-French, Senior Vice-President for EU, NATO and European Cooperation, Thales Group, Dr. Edgar Buckley, the Director of Deloitte Consulting and Former NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defense Investment, Marshall S. Billingslea, Brigadier General (ret.) of the German Army, Dr. Klaus Wittmann. The discussion was moderated by a Representative of the Group of Experts for Drafting NATO’s New Strategic Concept, Mr. Aivis Ronis. [PHOTOS] [VIDEO]

Participants discussed drafting process of NATO’s New Strategic concept as well as its outcome. The new NATO Strategic Concept will be an entirely new document that will be created in today’s global world context. The document should reflect the central place of collective defense, deterrence policy, assured by conventional and nuclear weapons. An emphasis on cooperation with NATO partner countries should also be made. One of the participants mentioned that the new strategic concept should be a kind of “social contract”, which would be concluded not among countries and their leaders, but peoples. Content of the document must be consistent with the opportunities and resources available, emphasizing the need for risk-sharing and shared involvement. Authority of the Secretary General should be increased, as this would facilitate necessary structural reforms of the Alliance.

In the closing discussion under the heading “Transatlantic Agenda 2010 – A Baltic Vision”, the Presidents of the tree Baltic States - the President of Latvia, H.E. Mr. Valdis Zatlers, the President of Estonia, H.E. Mr. Toomas Hendrik Ilves, and the President of Lithuania, H.E. Ms. Dalija Grybauskaité took part. The discussion was led by the President of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, Mr. Craig Kennedy. [PHOTOS] [VIDEO]

President of Latvia Mr. Valdis Zatlers emphasized the need to promote confidence-building measures. He noted the need to strengthen economic and military cooperation between the Baltic States and the USA. This cooperation should be aimed at overcoming the economic crisis. The President of Lithuania, Ms. Dalija Grybauskaité, mentioned that the region faces new security challenges, but at the same time it must be able to cope well with the old security threats. It was stressed that the security of the Baltic States should not be different from its level in other NATO countries. Estonia’s President Mr. Toomas Hendrik Ilves stated that Baltic security deficit issue is resolved, which alters relationship with other members of the Alliance.

The Rīga Conference 2009 was organized by the Latvian Transatlantic Organisation in co-operation with the Ministry of Defence of Latvia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, the Baltic to Black Sea Alliance and the Commission of Strategic Analysis of Latvia under the auspices of the President of Latvia. The conference is supported by the German Marshall Fund of the United States, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the Soros Foundation Latvia, the Embassy of the United States in Latvia, and NATO. Mercedes-Benz passenger cars are provided by Domenikss Ltd - Authorized General Distributor of Daimler AG in Latvia.

The first Rīga Conference was held in 2006 during the NATO summit in Riga, providing a suitable forum for the world`s top politicians, diplomats, academics and commentators to discuss issues of international security. Since 2006, the Riga Conference has become an annual event achieving international recognition and marking Latvia on the world’s map as a meeting place of international policy experts and diplomats.

Additional information about the conference can be found on www.rigaconference.lv.

This year the Rīga Conference will be attended by Presidents and Ministers of Foreign Affairs of three Baltic States as well as Prime Minister of Latvia Valdis Dombrovskis, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration of Luxembourg Jean Asselborn, Minister of Defence of Latvia Imants Liegis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain Miguel Angel Moratinos, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby, the president of the German Marshall Fund of the United States Craig Kennedy and other prominent figures.

Reflecting the current processes in the transatlantic area and in the international system at large, the Rīga Conference 2009 will focus on such topics as: Recovery from the Recession in the Baltic’s – What Lies Ahead?;; Providing Strategic Reassurance in Northern Europe; Changing European Borders: a New Security Paradigm in the Black Sea Region; Milestones for the New Strategic Concept of NATO; Agenda 2010 for Transatlantic Institutions – A Baltic Vision. Two topics – EU Internal Gas Market Reform: Overcoming Suppliers’ Dependence; Ukraine between East and West Magnets – will be discussed on October 23 in the Night Owl session under the Chatham house rules supported by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung.

The Riga Conference 2009 is organized by the Latvian Transatlantic Organisation in co-operation with the Ministry of Defence of Latvia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, the Baltic to Black Sea Alliance and the Commission of Strategic Analysis of Latvia under the auspices of the President of Latvia. The conference is supported by the German Marshall Fund of the United States, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the Soros Foundation Latvia, the Embassy of the United States in Latvia, NATO and Mercedes-Benz passenger cars are provided by Domenikss Ltd - Authorized General Distributor of Daimler AG in Latvia.

The Riga Conference 2009 is the fourth high level international conference on the issues of security and foreign policy of the European and international community, thus highlighting Latvia on the world map as a venue for meetings between international foreign policy experts and diplomats.

More information about the Riga Conference 2009 will be available on the conference site www.rigaconference.lv. Working language of the Riga Conference 2009 is English.

For press enquiries and media accreditation (till October 21) please contact Mr. Maris Cepuritis (maris@lato.lv, +371 26362456).

Key topics of the Riga Conference 2009 will be Recovery from the Recession in the Baltic’s – What Lies Ahead?; Providing Strategic Reassurance in Northern Europe; Changing European Borders: a New Security Paradigm in the Black Sea Region; Milestones for the New Strategic Concept of NATO; Agenda 2010 for Transatlantic Institutions – A Baltic Vision. Two topics – EU Internal Gas Market Reform: Overcoming Suppliers’ Dependence; Ukraine between East and West Magnets – will be discussed in the Night Owl session under the Chatham house rules supported by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung.

President Valdis Zatlers of Latvia, President Toomas Hendrik Ilves of Estonia, President Dalia Grybauskaite of Lithuania, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration of Luxembourg Jean Asselborn, the Minister of Defence of Latvia Imants Lieģis, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Māris Riekstiņš, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia Urmas Paet, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Vygaudas Ušackas, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby, the President of the German Marshall Fund of the United States Craig Kennedy and other prominent figures are expected to take part in the conference.

The Riga Conference 2009 is co-organized by the Latvian Transatlantic Organisation, the Ministry of Defence of Latvia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, the Commission of Strategic Analysis of Latvia under the auspices of the President of Latvia and the Baltic to Black Sea Alliance. The conference is supported by the German Marshall Fund of the United States, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the Soros Foundation Latvia, the Embassy of the United States in Latvia, NATO. Mercedes-Benz passenger cars for the conference’s guests are provided by Domenikss Ltd - Authorized General Distributor of Daimler AG in Latvia.

The Riga Conference 2009 is the fourth high level international conference on the issues of security and foreign policy of the European and international community, thus highlighting Latvia on the world map as a venue for meetings between international foreign policy experts and diplomats.

More information about the Riga Conference 2009 will be available on the conference site www.rigaconference.lv. Working language of the Riga Conference 2009 is English.

For press enquiries and media accreditation (till October 21) please contact Mr. Maris Cepuritis (maris@lato.lv, +371 26362456).

Discussion will be devoted to the topical issues concerning Russia’s defence policy, like, for example, the recent amendment of the Russia’s law on defence, recent large-scale military trainings on the border with Latvia, violations of the EU and NATO airspace by Russia’s military aircrafts as well as Russia’s recent proposal on creating a new security architecture in Europe. It is also planned to discuss the relations between Russia and the U.S. under the Obama administration and the influence of Russia’s recent activities on the security of Europe and the Baltic States.

Speakers:
Ms. Sarmīte Ēlerte, Chairperson of the Baltic to Black Sea Alliance
Dr. Andris Sprūds, Head of the Latvian Institute of International Affairs
Mr. Toms Baumanis, Chairman of the Latvian Transatlantic Organisation
Mr. Imants Lieģis, Minister of Defence of Latvia
Representative of Latvian MFA (tbc)

Moderator:
Prof. Dr. Žaneta Ozoliņa, University of Latvia, Professor of International Relations at the Department of Political Science, University of Latvia

The working language of the discussion is Latvian.

Time: October 14, 13:00-14:30
Place: Eiropas māja, Aspāzijas blvd 25, 2nd floor

For more information, please, contact Mr. Maris Cepuritis – maris@lato.lv

Your Excellencies,

This Friday it will be one year since Russia started military aggression on Georgian territory. Twenty percent of the internationally recognised Georgian territory still remains occupied by several thousand of Russian troops. As a result of the August 2008 war there are still around 35 thousand Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Georgia who cannot return to their homes because they are located on the Russian occupied territories. Besides, large part of their homes has been deliberately destroyed during and after the war. The inhabitants of Abkhazia, South Ossetia and bordering territories regularly suffer from attacks and human rights violations, making them live in fear of resumption of hostilities.

Believing that we – EU and NATO member states – are responsible for the stabilization of the situation within Georgia, we call upon the EU and NATO member states’ governments, including Latvian government, not to forget about the legal binds that Russia has voluntarily undertaken by signing the Six Point Cease Fire Agreement with the EU and Georgia. This agreement prescribes withdrawal of Russian military forces to their pre-war positions. Because the Agreement is not being fulfilled, the situation in Georgia is becoming tenser by day which raises the threat of eruption of a new military conflict. Also the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) which was created as a follow-up action to the Six Point Cease Fire Agreement’s point 5 and should be able to perform conflict prevention and stabilization tasks within the whole territory of Georgia including Russian occupied territories, are repeatedly being denied access to Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

We are asking EU and NATO member governments to raise these issues not only in the framework of EU-Russia and NATO-Russia dialogues but also in bilateral talks with Russia. Russian army must leave Georgian territory and the IDPs should be given a chance to return to their homes under the surveillance of a strong international monitoring mission.

Apart from the political support, the practical help is also very important for Georgia. It is important that we don’t forget our promises which EU countries gave last October by agreeing to give over 3 billion euros to Georgia in aid. Also any other form of support is significant; therefore we have called upon the Latvian society to choose Georgian goods.

We kindly ask you to pass this message on to your respective governments and hope they will be supportive in showing solidarity to Georgia at this very difficult time.

Sincerely,

Coalition of Latvian non-governmental organisations:

Association of YWCA/YMCA of Latvia

Baltic to Black Sea Alliance

European Movement – Latvia

Georgian society in Latvia „Samshoblo”

Latvian - Georgian Foundation for Mutual Cooperation

Latvian Conservative Youth Union

Latvian Platform for Development Cooperation (LAPAS)

Latvian Red Cross

Latvian Transatlantic Organisation

Latvian Transatlantic Youth Club

The campaign will begin with a moment of silence to commemorate the victims of the war, which will be held the same time within whole of Georgia.

Everyone is welcomed to attend the campaign, taking with him/her flowers!

This weekend will mark one year anniversary since the Russian military attack on Georgia.

A coalition of Latvian NGOs for support of Georgia established during the August 2008 Russia-Georgia war, represented by the Baltic to Black sea Alliance (BBSA), Latvian Transatlantic organisation (LATO), Latvian Transatlantic Youth Club (LTYC), European Movement Latvia, Association of YWCA/YMCA of Latvia, Latvia-Georgia cooperation fund, Latvian NGDO Platform, Latvian Red Cross, Latvian Conservative Youth Union and Georgian association in Latvia “Samshoblo”, maintains that the current situation in Georgia year after the end of the military actions is still very fragile and threatens the country’s sovereignty, its democratic development as well as regional security.

The Chairperson of the BBSA Sarmite Elerte, commenting on the current situation in Georgia, stresses that “Twenty percent of the internationally recognized territory of Georgia are still occupied by the Russian Armed Forces, which contradicts the Six-point ceasefire agreement concluded on August 12 last year. There are around 35 000 IDPs in Georgia, who fled their homes during the war and are not allowed to return, because their houses are located in the territories occupied by the Russian Federation. Moreover, part of the houses are burnt down and demolished on purpose. Everyday inhabitants of Abkhazia, South Ossetia and nearby regions  suffer from the assaults, but their basic human rights are violated. And it is a very alarming that recently Russia’s rhetoric towards Georgia has become even more aggressive.”

We call on all people of Latvia, who are not indifferent to the future of Georgia, to show their support and solidarity with this state, appealing to the governments of the EU and NATO member states (among them Latvia’s) to be actively engaged in the stabilization of the situation in order to achieve the elimination of the consequences of the war – withdrawal of the Russia’s Armed Forces from Georgia and return of the IDP to their homes under the supervision of an international monitoring mission with a strong mandate.