News

Zatlers continues to receive country leaders' greetings on occasion of state anniversary

RIGA, Nov 20 (LETA) - President Valdis Zatlers continues to receive greetings from country leaders from Europe and around the world on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of Latvia, as the President's press office informed LETA.

Today, Zatlers received greetings from the President of France Nicolas Sarkozy, President of Finland Tarja Halonen, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, President of Ukraine Victor Yushchenko and other country leaders.

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No major incidents reported in Riga over holiday

RIGA, Nov 19 (LETA) - The many Latvian Independence Day events in Riga proceeded without any major incidents yesterday, the State Police report.

It is estimated that the most people - tens of thousands - gathered last night at the Freedom Monument for the concert and the president's address, and just as many were at the right bank of the Daugava later for the fireworks display-laser show.

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President addresses the nation at the Freedom Monument

RIGA, Nov 18 (LETA) - Despite the chilly weather, thousands of people are streaming into Old Town Riga from all directions for the grand finale of a day long schedule of events marking the Republic of Latvia's 90th anniversary.

The culmination is scheduled for 9 p.m. at the Daugava River - a 13-minute fireworks and laser show accompanied by Latvian symphonic music from long ago till today.

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Fraternities and sororities mark Independence Day with procession

RIGA, Nov 18 (LETA) - Members of Latvia's 23 student fraternities and 12 sororities gathered early this morning at the University of Latvia for their traditional Latvian Independence Day procession to Brethren Cemetery. The number of participants is estimated at 1,000.

In the cemetery, they placed flowers at the Mother Latvia statue, and bowed their heads in prayer. Addresses were delivered by rectors from the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University and Latvian Agricultural University.

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Dozens of thousands observe Armed Forces parade on Daugava Embankment in Riga

RIGA, Nov 18 (LETA) - Regardless of the cold weather, dozens of thousands turned out at the Daugava Embankment in Old Town Riga today to observe the National Armed Forces parade.

People gathered on both sides of 11.novembra krastmala Street, many with Latvian flags. There were many children and young people in the crowd.

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Majority of residents know meaning of November 18

RIGA, Nov 18 (LETA) - 76 percent of those residents surveyed by the "TNS Latvia" agency know which holiday is marked on November 18.

The ones who know that November 18 is Latvia's Independence Day are mostly between the ages of 21 and 30, persons with a higher education, with personal income over LVL 400 a month, Riga District and Vidzeme province residents.

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Daudze stresses importance of common goals and unity of people

RIGA, Nov 18 (LETA) - The nation has to be united for reaching the goal of a prosperous state of Latvia, as Saeima Chairman Gundars Daudze (Union of Greens and Farmers) said during a formal Saeima session that was held in the Latvian National Theater today on the occasion of the 90th Proclamation of Independence Anniversary.

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Bush, Medvedev and other state leaders congratulate Latvia on 90th Anniversary

RIGA, Nov 18 (LETA) - On the 90th Anniversary of Latvia President Valdis Zatlers has received congratulatory letters from many state leaders, as Zatlers' advisor Maija Celmina informed LETA.

U.S. President George W. Bush in his letter congratulates the state of Latvia on the 90th Independence Proclamation anniversary and wishes the Latvian nation every success. Bush points out that Latvia has achieved very much since the restoration of independence in 1991, emphasizing Latvia's contribution to the fight against terror and promoting democracy worldwide.

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Several thousand residents watch flower-laying ceremony at Freedom Monument

RIGA, Nov 18 (LETA) - Several thousand people observed an official flower-laying ceremony at the Freedom Monument in Riga this morning on the occasion of the 90th Anniversary of Latvia, LETA observed.

There were many elderly people in the crowd, as well as many families with children and young people.

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Archbishop Vanags says nation must be united and classless in the current situation

RIGA, Nov 18 (LETA) - The Latvian nation must be united and all people must be equal in the current situation, as Latvian Lutheran Archbishop Janis Vanags said during an ecumenical service at the Riga Dome Church today, marking the 90th anniversary of the restoration of independence of Latvia.

When times are hard, the nation has to be united and classless, all people must work hard to overcome the difficulties, Vanags said.

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