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Case Number: 2011-1037-F FOIA MARKER This is not a textual record. This is used as an administrative marker by the Clinton Presidential Library Staff. Original OA/ID Number: 598 Document ID: 9505994 Stack: Row: Section: Shelf: Position: V 44 5 10 2 Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet Clinton Library DOCUMENT NO. SUBJECT/TITLE DATE RESTRICTION AND TYPE 001. letter President Guntis Ulmanis of Latvia to President Clinton (3 pages) 06/25/1995 P1/b(1) VZ 9/21/2023 COLLECTION: Clinton Presidential Records NSC Records Management [Latvia] OA/Box Number: 598 FOLDER TITLE: 9505994 2011-1037-F ke2242 RESTRICTION CODES Presidential Records Act [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)] Freedom of Information Act [5 U.S.C. 552(b)] P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA] P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA] b(2) Release would diselose internal personnel rules and practices of P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA] an-agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA] P4 Release would diselose trade secrets or confidential commercial or b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA] financial information |(a)(4) of the PRA] b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President information [(b)(4) of the FOIA] and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA] b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA] personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA] b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA] C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor deed b(8) Release would diselose information concerning the regulation of of gift. financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA] PRM Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C. b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information 2201(3). concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA] RR. Document will be reviewed upon request. CONF IDENTIAL RECORD ID: 9505994 NSC/RMO PROFILE RECEIVED: 02 AUG 95 15 TO: PRESIDENT DECLASSIFIED E.O. 13526 FROM: ULMANIS, GUNTIS White House Guidelines, September 11, 2006 DOC DATE: 25 JUN 95 By KOE NARA, Date 10117/2013 SOURCE REF: 2011-1037-F KEYWORDS: LATVIA HS PERSONS: SUBJECT: OVERVIEW OF US RELATIONS W/ LATVIA ACTION: NFAR PER FRIED DUE DATE: 05 AUG 95 STATUS: C STAFF OFFICER: FRIED LOGREF: FILES: WH NSCP: CODES: DOCUMENT DISTRIBUTION FOR ACTION FOR CONCURRENCE FOR INFO GRAY STATE COMMENTS: DISPATCHED BY OK DATE 8-2-95 BY HAND W/ATTCH OPENED BY: NSDRS CLOSED BY: NSDRS DOC 1 OF 1 CONF IDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL RECORD ID: 9505994 ACTION DATA SUMMARY REPORT DOC ACTION OFFICER CAO ASSIGNED ACTION REQUIRED 001 X 95080215 NFAR PER FRIED DISPATCH DATA SUMMARY REPORT DOC DATE DISPATCH FOR ACTION DISPATCH FOR INFO 001 950625 STATE CONFIDENTIAL 5994 EMBASSY OF LATVIA 4325 SEVENTEENTH STREET, N.W. WASHINGTON, D. C. 20011 July 27, 1995 Mr. Dan Fried Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Central & Eastern Europe National Security Council OEOB, Room 368 Washington, D.C. 20504 Dear Mr. Fried: With reference to my letter of June 29, 1995, I am sending you herewith enclosed the signed original of the letter from Mr. Guntis Ulmanis, President of the Republic of Latvia, to President Clinton. Sincerely, Glo Ojars E. Kalnins Secretariat presse Ambassador put in NFAR. the septem Thanks money I Latvijas Valsts prezidents June 25, 1995 His Excellency William J. Clinton, President of the United States of America Dear Mr. President, I would like to thank you for your letter of May 16, 1995 in which you presented an overview of your discussions with President Yeltsin in Moscow. As you have noted in the past, Latvia's future security is inextricably linked to the security and stability of Europe as a whole. Your continuing active and constructive role of engagement in the development of a new security architecture for our region is highly valued by my country, since we believe that the United States must play a key role in promoting the well-being of the transatlantic community of nations. Latvia takes its responsibilities in this transatlantic community seriously, and seeks integration not only to promote Latvia's interests, but also as a way in which to contribute our own resources and ideas to the common good. That's why I welcome your offer to work together, and would like to use this opportunity to share some of my thoughts with you about Latvia's most critical security issues. Latvia has clearly defined its foreign policy priority, and that is: full integration into European and transatlantic security structures. Latvia's return to the community of European nations promotes the development of democracy and a free market economy in our country. It also enables us to take important steps toward guaranteeing our state's security. We are moving in the right direction, as the recent signing of the European agreement demonstrates, since now Latvia has joined other associate members of the European Union. This is a very important achievement for my country, since it not only helps us reclaim our historic place among Western nations, but also makes Europe more unified. I am especially pleased to note that in your vision of the future architecture of Europe, you stress that it must be developed in such a way to avoid blocs, gray areas and undesirable spheres of influence. I couldn't agree more. I also agree with those who believe that NATO is a positive force for the promotion of democratic values and reforms within member states, and not merely a defensive alliance. It is true that NATO expansion is a complex process which will take a given time to complete. However, I must point out that the process itself will have a direct impact on developments in my country. For example, suggestions that some countries could be denied NATO membership, or indications that the waiting period may be prolonged, could delay or even halt the pace of our reforms. That in turn, would have a negative impact on the security of the entire Nordic region. As Latvia integrates more deeply into Europe, it is essential that we establish normal, stable and orderly relations with our Eastern neighbors. That is also Latvia's foreign policy goal in relation to Russia. It is a difficult process for us, since it takes place at a time when a dynamic new European security model is being sought. The contradictory nature of ongoing events in Russia, as well as Russia's present foreign policy positions, elicit serious concern in Latvia. I would like to share with you what I believe are the most serious concerns. That fact that Russia, after a long delay, has taken the next step toward cooperation with NATO and officially joined the PfP program, is, in my view, a positive development. However, Russia has not altered its negative views toward NATO expansion to the East and bases its arguments on speculation about how this expansion could trigger negative developments in Russia's domestic politics. Were this situation to continue, Latvia's foreign policy priority integration into European and transatlantic organizations - would be hampered. This would have a broader impact as well. Should the Baltic states remain in a gray security zone, alongside the high unpredictability of developments within Russia, a situation could arise wherein security would be destabilized in our region, and subsequently, Europe as a whole. Latvia is not interested in seeing the CIS develop into a structure similar to that of the former USSR, especially one in which Russia takes the dominant military, political and economic role. However, certain elements in the development of the CIS indicate this tendency. For example, one can't help but be alarmed by the new concept of border defense, for it empowers Russia to assume some of the sovereign functions of CIS countries. My country also finds unacceptable Russia's proposal that we join a common CIS air defense system, as well as other treaty relations which would tie us to the CIS countries. This proposal is clear evidence of Russia's desire to indirectly restore its dominance over the Baltic region as well. That is why Latvia's move toward the European Union and NATO is all the more important. The withdrawal of Russian troops from Latvia was an important event in Latvia's bilateral relations with Russia. This opened the possibility to begin a new phase in the development of our mutual relations. However, these relations have their dark side. Russia has not completely fulfilled its treaty obligations concerning those military personnel who retired after January 28, 1992 and continue to reside in Latvia. I was also shocked by Russian Federation Foreign Minister A. Kozirev's statements, asserting that Russia is prepared to use military force to protect its nationals in other countries. In addition, as the Russian parliamentary elections approach, one unfortunately hears support for aggressive and essentially imperialistic positions in some influential Russian political parties. As a result, I sense a nervousness and tension in the tonality of Russian foreign policy. The unpredictability of Russian politics on the whole generates fear and concern in Latvia. In closing, I would like to share with you some thoughts about developments within Latvia itself. It has been a year since we last met in Riga, and I am pleased to report that the present political situation in Latvia remains stable. The successful development of a modern and democratic country continues. Recalling your remarks at the Freedom Monument on July 6, 1994, it is with great satisfaction that I can report that every effort has been made by our country's social and state institutions to secure the protection of basic human rights. More importantly, ethnic groups have successfully integrated into Latvia's social and civic life, while simultaneously preserving and developing their cultural traditions. In addition, these groups have been provided with an opportunity to acquire their education in their native languages. National schools, cultural associations and various religious organizations are actively working in Latvia. The restoration of property to religious groups and private individuals is being undertaken in a just and fair manner, regardless of nationality or religious affiliation. For example, the World Jewish Restitution Organization has judged Latvia as one of the most forthcoming countries in Central and Eastern Europe regarding the restoration of property. For that reason, I look hopefully to the future, for I see also the major contribution a prosperous Jewish community can make toward Latvia's renewal. Economic reforms are also continuing in our country, shaping a sound market economy. We do, however, encounter difficulties in this process. A crisis in the commercial banking sector has touched Latvia's financial system. I fully understand, that as people become actively engaged in economic and financial undertakings, crises such as this do pass through societies, and are conceivable. I am nevertheless convinced, that with an adequate, timely, precise and coordinated approach by the government's institutions, we can solve this crisis in a relatively short time. I will personally devote all my efforts to overcoming this crisis. I know that the United States is already providing its assistance in this situation, and for that, I am personally grateful to you and hope that the necessary cooperation will continue. It is one more example of the deep trust and mutual understanding that exists between our countries. Mr. President, I am convinced that relations between the United States and Latvia will continue to grow and develop in an especially favorable manner. Your personal interest and investment in the well being of our country means a great deal to me. I also highly value this opportunity to exchange views and look forward to your continued interest in the further development of our dialogue. Respectfully yours, Quatis PHOTOCOPY MISC. HANDWRITING Guntis Ulmanis, State President of the Republic of Latvia CLINTON LIBRARY PHOTOCOPY NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL ID 9505994 REFERRAL DATE: 02 AUG 95 MEMORANDUM FOR: STATE SECRETARIAT DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: TO: PRESIDENT SOURCE: ULMANIS, GUNTIS DATE: 25 JUN 95 SUBJ: OVERVIEW OF US RELATIONS W/ LATVIA REQUIRED ACTION: FOR INFORMATION DUEDATE: COMMENT: hand NSC RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICE DECLASSIFIED E.O. 13526 White House Guidelines, September 11, 2006 NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL By KDC NARA, Date 10/17/2013 LOG 9505994 DISTRIBUTION RECEIPT 2011-1037-F DATE 25 JUN 95 SUBJECT: OVERVIEW OF US RELATIONS W/ LATVIA DOCUMENT CLASSIFICATION: CONFIDENTIAL EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTION: DATE TIME SIGNATURE EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT DEPARTMENT OF STATE FOR THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY PRINT LAST NAME: ROOM 7224 2201 C STREET, NW COPY: 2 WASHINGTON, DC 20520 DATE, TIME, SIGN THE RECEIPT AND RETURN TO: NSC SECRETARIAT, ROOM 379 OEOB PAGE 01 OF 01 PAGES