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EVER wondered what an independent Scotland might look like in 10 years? Bored with Ireland and looking for a cold, Protestant model of autonomy for a change? Well, you could do worse than look east, to the Baltic state of Latvia. That's what I did this week in an attempt to get a fresh perspective on the current national debate. >>Full Article

EVER wondered what an independent Scotland might look like in 10 years? Bored with Ireland and looking for a cold, Protestant model of autonomy for a change? Well, you could do worse than look east, to the Baltic state of Latvia. That's what I did this week in an attempt to get a fresh perspective on the current national debate. >>Full Article

Sounds Like Latvia

The Latvian Institute has presented new promotional video "Sounds Like Latvia" that introduce Latvia as a place for fun, business and excitement.

The video was created for use by government governmental institutions, state agencies, embassies and nongovernmental organizations in conjunction

with conferences, exhibits and other international events.

Statement by the Press centre of the President of Republic of Latvia

The President of Latvia H.E. Dr. Vaira Vîíe-Freiberga thanks the supporters of her candidacy for the post of Secretary General of the United Nations and the principles upon which it was based, and announces her decision to withdraw her candidature. This decision has been taken in consultation with the leaders and governments of Estonia and Lithuania that proposed her candidature jointly with Latvia.

In connection with the decision on 5 October 2006 to no longer pursue the post of Secretary General of the United Nations, Vaira Vîíe-Freiberga wishes to thank all those who have supported her candidacy. She thanks particularly warmly Estonia and Lithuania for placing exceptional trust in her candidacy. Vaira Vîíe-Freiberga expresses her appreciation to all the countries represented at the Security Council that have supported her candidature in two indicative votes. President of Latvia warmly thanks the leaders of the Eastern and Central European states that expressed their support for her candidature at the UN General Assembly debates last month. Finally, Vaira Vîíe-Freiberga wishes to thank all the representatives of civil society, in particular organizations promoting gender equality, for their heartfelt encouragement.

With her candidacy, the President of Latvia brought to the foreground issues that had not received broad attention in previous elections, thus stimulating wider discussion on the selection of candidates based mainly on their qualifications, rather than restrictive regional or gender criteria. Her candidacy highlighted also the regrettable fact that a woman has never held the post of Secretary General, nor has the Eastern European Group ever been represented at the highest level of the UN. She felt that it was her moral obligation to present a credible alternative, to propose a candidature that would bring both Eastern European perspective and a woman?s perspective to the United Nations. The President emphasized the need for a higher degree of democracy, openness and transparency during the selection process of the Secretary General. It is her firm belief that other qualified candidates representing half of humanity and one of the most dynamic regions of the world will eventually succeed in being elected to this august post.

The President of Latvia greatly appreciates the fact that her candidacy has triggered a broad response in academic and non-governmental circles, as well as the mass media, which can only enhance the debate on reform of the United Nations.

The President of Latvia accepts that the fourth indicative vote of the UN Security Council on the candidates to the post of Secretary General, held on 2 October, indicates the likely outcome of a formal vote. The President of Latvia will extend her fullest support and cooperation to the next Secretary General. It is of utmost importance to muster the support of all UN member states for the ambitious UN reforms that are absolutely necessary for the adaptation of this global body to the challenges of the 21st century.

Statement made in the House of Commons, September 25, 2006
Mr. Peter Van Loan (York-Simcoe, CPC)

Mr. Speaker, it was 15 years ago that the Conservative government of Brian Mulroney was among the very first in the world to extend diplomatic recognition to the restored independence of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. For half a century, the three Baltic nations were held captive under a brutal Soviet Communist tyranny. Tens of thousands, including some of my family, lost their lives in Stalin's Siberian gulag. During this occupation of terror, freedom was extinguished, but hope was not.

Here in Canada, tens of thousands of expatriates, who fled Communism, also kept hope alive, working to maintain national cultures in the dream of freedom.

One of those remarkable people is with us today. Vaira Vike-Freiberga was born in Latvia, but lived most of her life in Canada. A true Canadian success story, this childhood refugee became a leading Canadian academic, but her work on Latvian culture made her a natural choice to become Latvia's president.

An uncompromising champion of freedom, an embodiment of Canada's potential to promote democratic values, and a respected world statesman, we salute Vaira Vike-Freiberga, President of Latvia.

CTV - Success Story

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Prime Minister Harper & Mrs Harper's reception for president Vaira Vike-Freiberga

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Prime Minister to meet with President of the Republic of Latvia

Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that he will be meeting with Latvian President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga on Monday, September 25 as part of her State visit to Canada.

"Canada and Latvia enjoy a prosperous bilateral relationship," said the Prime Minister. "President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga?s visit underscores the strong relationship between our countries. This State visit has a symbolic importance as it takes place one month after the 15th Anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations. I look forward meeting with her to explore ways to further develop our partnership.?

Throughout this visit, from September 20 to 26, 2006, President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga will meet with a variety of key Canadian figures including her official host the Governor General, the Premier of Québec, and both the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Senate. President Vīķe-Freiberga will also be accompanied by a high level delegation including the Minister for Children and Family Affairs and the Minister for Economics and a business delegation.

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State Visit by the president of Latvia

Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond had the pleasure of welcoming for the very first time at the Citadelle a head of State making an official visit to Canada. The President of Latvia, Her Excellency Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Mr. Imants Freibergs, were welcomed on September 20, 2006, in front of the governor general?s residence at the Citadelle of Québec. The ceremony included an inspection of the guard of honour by the President, speeches and a receiving line, followed by a t?te-?-t?te and a State luncheon at the Citadelle.

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President of the Republic of Latvia visiting Canada

The Baltic Federation in Canada, together with Peter Van Loan MP and the Honourable Senator Raynell Andreychuk, organized the 26th Baltic Evening in the Parliamentary Buildings West Block held on Monday, September 25, 2006, in Ottawa. This was on the occasion of the state visit by the President of the Republic of Latvia, Her Excellency Vaira Vike-Freiberga and her husband Mr. Imants Freibergs.

Canadian Estonians were well represented. Among prominent community leaders attending were pastors Kalle Kadakas, Heino Laanemets, Andres Taul, Honourary Consul General Laas Leivat, President Estonian Central Council in Canada Avo Kittask, President National Estonian Foundation of Canada Lia Hess, President Estonian Arts Centre Stella Pahapill, President of Montreal Estonian Society Epp Luik, President of Ottawa Estonian Society Col Margus Aruja, Eesti Elu website or EE Online editor Vaado Sarapuu. "Kodu" Estonians attending were the new Estonian Chargé d'Affaires Rasmus Lumi and Col. Tõnis Nõmmik, Chief Chaplain of Estonian Defence Forces.

The event consisting of a dinner reception was a success. Peter Van Loan MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, provided the introduction. The keynote address was by Her Excellency Vaira Vike-Freiberga. Ian E. Wilson, Librarian and Archivist of Canada was special guest and the acknowledgement was by Hon. Senator Raynell Andreychuk.

Mrs. Freiberga's term in office has almost expired. She seems to be taking the world "good-bye tour" accompanied by a large delegation that is customary among retiring heads of state or government. Recently, she has actively been lobbying for the head UN job, but her chances of success look dim given Russia's veto and her track record of standing up to the Russian bear.

A recent poll (RIA Novosti 21/6/2005) conducted in Russia indicated that Latvia was widely regarded as Russia's number one enemy. Some readers may be disappointed to learn that Estonia, usually the front runner among the Baltic States in most matters, was ranked only a distant fourth after Lithuania and Georgia.

In addition to their rapid economic and human rights progress, this is a remarkable accomplishment for these tiny countries that so recently shed the shackles of Soviet communism and finally rid themselves of occupant armies. They have replaced the United States (previously termed "the main adversary?), Great Britain and China as enemies of Russia!

Given the fortunate outcome of the recent cliffhanger presidential election, Estonia can be expected to improve its standing in the Russian "greatest enemies" list. Whether this is a good or bad thing is not clear but Estonia now has a president with no communist past who doesn''t speak Russian.

What a nice change in the state of affairs from that which existed in the fatherland when the Baltic Federation first started these Baltic Evenings during the Cold War era!

On the invitation of the Governor-General of Canada and the Government of Canada the President of the Republic of Latvia , Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, will be visiting Canada from September 20-25, 2006. For the first time in the history of our diplomatic relations a visit of this kind is accorded the status of a state visit.

During the state visit there will be several events where members of the Canadian-Latvian  community will be able to participate.

On September 21 at 12:00 the President will be addressing the Toronto Empire Club. The title of the address by H.E. Dr. Vaira Vike-Freiberga, President of the Republic of Latvia will be "Multilateralism as the Response to the Contempory Challenges". In her speech President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will share her views on the role of the United Nations in dealing with the issues of peace and security, protecting human rights and promoting development. She will also present her opinion on the way forward regarding the UN reform.

Those interested in attending may reserve tickets on the internet at www.empireclub.org, or by phone at 416-364-2878.

On September 24 at 11:00 the President will attend a church service presided over by Rev. Māris Ķirsons at the Peace Latvian Lutheran Church in Ottawa . After the service she will meet with the local Latvian community in the church hall.

On September 25 the Baltic Federation of Canada is once again hosting its traditional Baltic Evening on Parliament Hill. The President will be addressing Canadian MPs and senators. Participation in this event is by invitation from the Baltic Federation.