Stories about Latvia from August, 2008
Latvia: Soviet Murals
Three photos of Soviet-time murals in Latvia – at Arnis Balcus’ Photo Blog.
Reasons for the Latvian-Georgian Friendship
Pēteris Cedriņš of Marginalia writes about the sympathy of the Baltic states in general and of Latvia in particular towards Georgia.
Georgia War: Baltic Reactions
Baltic comments on the development of the Russo-Georgian war from the perspectives of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Latvia: Strong Support for Georgia
Marginalia sums up various aspects of Latvia's support to Tbilisi in the wake of the Russo-Georgian war.
Georgia, Russia: Tbilisi Reports
Three bloggers who are currently in Tbilisi describe what life there has been like in the past few days. According to LJ user oleg_panfilov, everything is quiet in the Georgian capital this night, while tomorrow "there'll be plenty of politics," because presidents of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland and Ukraine are expected to descend on the city.
Georgia: Presidential Pilgrimage to Tbilisi
Osteuropablog [German] comments on reports about the presidents of Poland, Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania seek to make a common trip to Georgia to try to mediate in the Russian-Georgian conflict.
South Ossetia: Russia Calls Baltic Appeal Cynical
Osteuropablog [German] reports that Russian Deputy Foreign Minister described the appeal for peace in South Ossetia by leaders of Poland, Estonia, Latva, and Lithuania as cynical.
South Ossetia: East European Leaders Condemn Russia
A Step At A Time reposted a joint statements by the leaders of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland condemning Russia's aggression against Georgia, in which they also call the Western position a “litmus-test for the credibility of the EU and NATO”. Moreover, they question the future of the EU strategic...
Latvia: President Scolds Parliament
Baltic comments on the continued political drama in Latvia, as the country's President today scolded parliamentarians after the failed referendum to give people the right to declare non-confidence in the Parliament – the Saeima.
Latvia: Constitutional Amendments Despite Failed Referendum?
Following the failed referendum in Latvia on constitutional amendments, Baltic reports that President Valdis Zatlers and – so far – the Civic Union party (PS) are instead putting forward their respective proposals for constitutional amendments to an extraordinary session of the Latvian parliament – the Saeima.
Latvia: Failed Referendum
On the 2nd of August a referendum took place in Latvia, to vote on amendments to the Constitution that would make it possible for the people to initiate the dissolution of the Parliament. In spite of popular support for the process, the referendum had to be declared invalid due to a low turnout. Bloggers reacted to the disappointing results.
Latvia: Ecliptic Referendum
Marginalia comments on Latvia's failed referendum, on changing the constitution to enable the people to initiate the dissolution of Parliament, which coincided with a solar eclipse on the hottest day of the year. Baltic presents a background to the referendum.
