The Presidents of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania met in Riga on 12 May, 1998 in order to discuss issues of mutual interest for the three countries, particularly co-operation among the Baltic states, co-operation in the Baltic Sea region, the process of European integration, European and regional stability and security as well as relations with neighbouring countries.

The Presidents expressed their satisfaction with the progress achieved in Baltic trilateral co-operation. They noted that implementation of the elements of common economic area, the BALTBAT, BALTNET, BALTRON, as well as BALTDEFCOI projects, joint initiatives concerning EU Third Pillar issues were paramount tools in ensuring the development and stability of the region. The Presidents encouraged the Baltic Council of Ministers to continue their efforts towards establishment of common economic area, particularly in the field of transit, border crossing, free movement of people, services and capital. The Presidents reiterated that Baltic defence co-operation would remain an issue of high priority in Baltic co-operation and stressed, inter alia that the national budget going to defence issues should reach the appropriate level in all Baltic states.

The Presidents emphasised that common Nordic-Baltic historical and cultural roots, in addition to similar understanding of various current political problems and future prospects, had facilitated a productive 5+3 format for political and institutional co-operation. The Presidents expressed their belief that this co-operation had, inter alia created a valuable forum for regular consultations to deal with a variety of challenges facing the states involved. In order to strengthen this co-operative format, the Presidents emphasised the willingness of Baltic countries to develop closer contacts with Nordic countries, authorities, institutions and individuals.

The Presidents noted that the Council of Baltic Sea States had become an effective tool for regional economic and environmental co-operation. Believing that this instrument should be used more intensively and in as pragmatic a fashion as possible, expressed their support to the incoming Presidency of Lithuania in the CBSS. The Presidents also stressed the importance of the ongoing co-operation efforts between the CBSS countries outside the region, particularly increasing involvement of the USA.

The Presidents welcomed the launch of the European Union accession process on March 30, 1998 and expressed their satisfaction with the beginning of negotiations with Estonia. The Presidents evaluated this event as a real step in implementing the Luxembourg European Council decisions and stressed the importance of its inclusive character. The Presidents stressed that Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania had consistently demonstrated strong commitment to the principles of democracy, civil society, the rule of law, respect for individual and human rights and religious tolerance as well as ability to fully implement the free market principles and withstand the respective competitive pressures. The Presidents expressed the need to abolish capital punishment in all Baltic countries.

The Presidents recalled the decisions taken at Madrid Summit in 1997 as the ones which started the enlargement process of NATO and established Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as aspiring members of the organisation. The Presidents welcomed the smooth and ongoing ratification process of the accession documents of new members by the Parties of the North Atlantic Treaty as the necessary step in ensuring the continuity of the process. The Presidents reiterated the importance of maintaining the principle of equal treatment of all aspiring countries in taking further decisions on NATO enlargement.

The Presidents noted that the Charter of Partnership among Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the United States of America was an essential instrument in strengthening the stability and security in regional, European, and Trans-Atlantic contexts. Furthermore, the Presidents stressed, that the implementation of the Charter would create solid basis for the integration of the Baltic countries into European and Trans-Atlantic institutions, including NATO as well as promote good-neighbourly relations in the region. The Presidents supported further implementation of the principles set in the Charter through the working mechanism-the Partnership Commission.

The Presidents, speaking of bilateral relations with neighbouring countries, confirmed the commitment of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to maintain good-neighbourly relations with all countries, including Russia, on the basis of equality, mutual respect of sovereignty and state continuity, while bearing in mind the common interest of the entire region. The Presidents emphasised the importance of Russia devoting further efforts to contribute to the stability of the Baltic Sea region and of Europe as a whole by taking appropriate steps which corresponded to the existing spirit of international relations in contemporary Europe. The Presidents noted that the unilateral political and economic pressure against Latvia had not contributed to the stability of the Baltic sea region. However, the Presidents noted that Baltic solidarity was clearly demonstrated.

The Presidents also agreed to initiate commissions in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which could fill significant gaps in the knowledge of the tragic events in the history of those countries in the years 1939-1991, and especially during World War II and its immediate aftermath. The project would promote research on the persecution, deportation and extermination of Estonia's, Latvia's and Lithuania's citizens as a consequence of the Nazi and Soviet occupations.

back | archive of press releases | main page