The Minister of Defense of Latvia hosts ceremony and meetings to support Georgia on its way to NATO

24.11.2006 

On the eve of the Meeting of NATO Heads of State and Government, November 27, the Minister of Defense of Latvia, H.E. Atis Slakteris will host events to show support for reforms and progress in Georgia and for Georgia's NATO aspirations. These events will include the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, H.E. Nino Burjanadze and United States Senator Richard J. Lugar who are visiting Latvia in the days prior to NATO Riga Summit.
 
Please find attached detailed information on the events and media opportunities during these events in the information prepared by  the Public Relations Department of Ministry of Defence of Latvia. 
 

On 22 November 2006, The Saeima, the Parliament of Latvia, overwhelmingly adopted a declaration in support of Georgia’s aspirations to join NATO.  The declaration called Georgia’s NATO hopes an “important incentive” for Georgia’s entire society and reform process. Minister Slakteris pointed out that the Ministry of Defense of Latvia is already deeply involved in support of Georgia. “Latvia has been assisting Georgia as Georgia strengthen its own defense,” he said, “and we will continue to do so.”
 
 On Monday, 27 November 2006, Minister Slakteris will accompany Speaker Burjanadze and Senator Lugar to the Freedom Monument in central Riga for a special ceremony honoring all those who have suffered to achieve and defend freedom.  They will then hold a private discussion about the remarkable achievements in Georgia and on their support for Georgia’s continuing process of growth and genuine reform.  They will be joined in that discussion by representatives of the Parliament of Latvia and by American experts on international policy.

“Our country gained invaluable knowledge through our experience on the way to NATO integration,” Minister Slakteris said, “and we want to offer Georgia all of that experience to help Georgia on her road now.”

After their discussion at the Small Guild House in Old Riga, the leaders will hold a press conference.

NB! For representatives of the press and other mass media

27 November 2006 at 1:00 PM (13:00), The Minister of Defense of Latvia, Mr. Atis  Slakteris, The Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, Ms Nino Burjanadze and United States Senator Richard J. Lugar will place flowers at the Freedom Monument in Riga in a special ceremony.  Arrival for journalists allowed until 12:45 PM. 

At 2:00 PM (14:00)- Press conference by Minister Slakteris, Speaker Burjanadze and Senator Lugar at the Small Guild, 3/5 Amatu street. Arrival for journalists allowed until 1:30 PM (13:30). 

Application for mass media and more detailed information about the event  and information about ongoing programs of cooperation between Latvia and Georgia will be provided by the Director of Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Defense, Mr. Airis Rikveilis by e-mail  airis.rikveilis@mod.gov.lv or by telephone [+371] 28639960.  Media may also contact the Chief of the NAF Press and Information Department Uldis Davidovs by telephone [+371] 29473970.

Information produced by:
Airis Rikveilis,
Director of the Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Defense
Phone: [+371] 7335085, [+371] 28639960
E-mail: airis.rikveilis@mod.gov.lv