Intervention
of
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia
H.E. Mr. Indulis BERZINS
at the Meeting of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council
in Foreign Ministers session
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today we are about six months away from a very important event
- NATO's Summit in Prague. The Prague decisions will bring truly
historic changes for the whole of Europe, for the Alliance and
for the Euro-Atlantic Partnership. Therefore, the discussion
on the Future of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership is very timely
and appropriate. The further development of partnership is of
importance to all NATO candidate countries, as shown by the
joint document of the Vilnius 10 on the future of the EAPC.
We strongly believe that existing cultural, historical and geographical
diversity among EAPC members has been an asset. But it also
requires a flexible approach. Having always been a strong supporter
of regional cooperation, Latvia believes that EAPC's range of
tools in addressing regionally oriented issues such as initiatives
for South-East Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia should
continue to be put to good use.
Mr. Chairman,
On the way to Prague there will be two important meetings instrumental
in ensuring the success of the NATO Summit in November: the
NATO - Russia summit in Rome and the V10 Prime Ministers Meeting
in Riga on 5-6 July in Rome a new partnership between the Alliance
and Russia will be finalized- Latvia supports NATO - Russia
cooperation and welcomes a constructive approach by Russia to
relations with NATO. Once a member of the Alliance, Latvia will
be contributing to this cooperation. We hope that the new NATO
- Russia Council will also increase Russia's interest and involvement
in the EAPC.
In Riga the Prime Ministers of NATO candidate countries will
gather to build a bridge to Prague. It is the wish of all V10
colleagues to make it a true culmination of our cooperation.
In Riga we will discuss both the accomplishments as well as
the work ahead of us. We will look for the best ways to increase
our contribution to Euro Atlantic security and our input in
strengthening NATO's abilities to meet new challenges.
Mr. Chairman,
As we look forward to a robust next round of NATO enlargement,
we will continue our homework. Latvia's strong economy provides
for a significant increase in defense spending. Last week our
Parliament set in law the 2% of GDP level for defense financing
for the period up to 2008.
As a future NATO member, Latvia is committed to the highest
standards of democracy. On the 9 May Parliament adopted amendments
to the Election Laws removing the state language proficiency
requirements for candidates running for elected office. This
decision demonstrates consistency in Latvia's social integration
and human rights policy.
Mr. Chairman,
Dear Colleagues,
In conclusion let me assure you of Latvia's interest and commitment
to the values of Euro Atlantic Partnership and Cooperation.
Thank you for your attention!
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