News

11.02.2002 The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Lithuania met for the sixth annual session of political consultations in Riga on February 11, 2002. The Ministers had an extensive exchange of views on the enlargement of the European Union and the future of Europe, and a profound discussion of international security issues including NATO enlargement. The Federal Foreign Minister of Germany confirmed continuous active support of his country to the accession of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to the EU and NATO. The Ministers touched upon questions related to the Baltic Sea regional co-operation and other topics of mutual interest. The Ministers unconditionally denounced international terrorism as a threat to democracy and civic society throughout the world. They reiterated their continued commitment to play an active role in the worldwide coalition in the fight against international terrorism and the readiness of their countries to contribute practically to the fight against terrorism, including participation in the US led operation "Enduring Freedom". They also stressed the continuing importance of the NATO in the changed security environment after the events of the 11th of September 2001. The Ministers reiterated that the NATO enlargement plays a crucial role in building Europe whole and free. They expressed their support for further NATO enlargement in 2002 and admission of all qualified candidate countries. The Ministers expressed their belief that an invitation for the Baltic States to join NATO to be issued at the Prague Summit will eliminate the lines of historical injustice and division in Europe. The Ministers of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania emphasised their continuous commitment to consolidate their defence capabilities and expressed their appreciation for Germany's support and assistance in this respect. The Ministers acknowledged the considerable progress achieved in the EU accession negotiations and expressed their hope that the negotiations would be completed by the end of this year according to the timetable adopted by the European Union. The Ministers of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania expressed the commitment to sustain the ongoing reforms so as to be able to implement the acquis communautaire effectively upon the accession. The Ministers welcomed the decision on conducting the accession negotiations in the financially difficult chapters on the basis of the existing acquis communautaire and within the current financial perspective decided in Berlin. The Ministers welcomed the timely proposal of the European Commission on Common Financial Framework for the Accession Negotiations, which provides solid basis for further negotiations in financially substantive chapters. The Ministers expressed their hope that significant progress would be achieved in negotiating such important chapters as "Agriculture", "Regional policy and co-ordination of structural instruments", "Financial and budgetary provisions" during Spanish EU Presidency. They welcomed Commission's proposal to allocate specific amount for nuclear safety. They also expressed their wish that outstanding issue in chapter "Taxation" of alignment with the EU acquis on excise duties for cigarettes will be solved taking into account the political sensitivities of this issue. The Ministers highly appreciated the Declaration on the Future of Europe and, in particular, the historic decision of the EU Member States to fully involve the EU candidate countries in the proceedings of the Convention. The Ministers stressed the importance of an effective cooperation in the Baltic Sea region, namely within the Council of the Baltic Sea States. The Ministers expressed hope that the progress regarding the Northern Dimension initiative achieved during Swedish EU Presidency will encourage its further development under Spanish and Danish EU presidencies. The Ministers shared the view that the regional cooperation promotes constructive relations with Russia and welcomed regional initiatives for cross-border co-operation with North-Western regions of Russia. They reaffirmed the readiness to encourage further democratisation and reform processes in the Russian Federation. The Ministers welcomed the participation of Russia in the anti-terrorist coalition and supported close and constructive NATO–Russia co-operation, which would increase global stability. The Ministers underlined their determination to continue and to further intensify their bilateral relations as well as cooperation in the 3+1 framework. They decided to meet in Vilnius in 2002 at the invitation of Lithuania. /