Latvian corruption watchdog's survey points to reduction of corruption [ 2008-01-17 13:02:20 ]
The influence of corruption lately has mostly reduced on the administrative level, the sociological survey performed by Latvian Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) shows. KNAB concludes that the corruption is down on the administrative level, while more and more society members think that the corruption on the high level is growing. The society does not believe in the honesty of state officials, who claim they are interested in combating corruption. In comparison to 2005, the public trust in higher state governing institutions -- parliament and government has declined.
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Baltic Film Festival showcases three movies [ 2008-01-17 12:58:57 ]
The seventh annual Baltic Film Festival is to showcase three films during a three-day run Jan. 11-13 in Toronto, including the Estonian-Latvian animation film Lotte from Gadgetville. Sponsored by the embassies of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and with support from the Secretariat of the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Affairs in Latvia, the festival also will screen the 2005 Estonian film Fed Up! and the 2006 Lithuanian film Anastasia. Full story...
Latvian anti-corruption chief calls proposal to legitimize cash payments to doctors absurd [ 2008-01-17 12:50:37 ]
Latvian Health Minister Ivars Eglitis' idea to legitimize cash payments many patients make to their doctors is utterly absurd, the head of Latvian Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau believes. KNAB head Aleskejs Loskutovs told journalists that he would definitely object to making such cash payments legal. Under the health minister's proposal, patients would be given an opportunity to thank their doctors by paying a certain sum to the hospital, which in turn would pass it on to the doctor. Full story...
Latvia's new president fined! [ 2007-07-05 23:44:14 ]
New Latvian president Valdis Zatlers, has been fined 250 lats, or 355 euros, by tax authorities for failing to declare payments from patients, according to a report Wednesday. Full story...
The restored art nouveau tram in Riga [ 2007-07-05 23:40:33 ]
A renovated vintage tram was launched at a ceremony in a tram terminal in Riga on July 2. A ride on the tram costs three lats (4.2 euros), holders of the ISIC international student ID card are charged two lats, the fare for schoolchildren and pensioners is one lat, while children under six may ride free-of-charge. Full story...
Nude run in the western town of Kuldiga [ 2007-07-05 23:36:08 ]
Approximately 50 people took part in this year’s nude run in the western town of Kuldiga. While most of the participants were completely naked, some still wore the traditional wreaths made of flowers or oak leaves. Full story...
Lukoil is on its way [ 2007-01-09 19:41:41 ]
Lukoil, Russia’s largest oil company, announced this week that it would invest $12 – 15 million in expanding its retail network in Latvia by building new filling stations and buying out smaller competitors. Full story...
Blues in the Baltic [ 2006-12-23 01:52:53 ]
In 2001 the first and only blues club opened in the Baltics - Bites Bluza Klubs. The American style bar was built on what was at the time a quiet backstreet of Riga, and served as a home for a group of young but talented musicians by the name of the Latvian Blues Band. Full story...
Latvia’s mobile use higher than EU average [ 2006-12-23 01:48:10 ]
An estimated 84 percent of Latvian residents have a mobile telephone, which is higher than the average of all 25 member states of the European Union, a new survey finds. Full story...
Bush to propose easing of visa requirements [ 2006-12-06 00:30:19 ]
U.S. President George Bush will send a proposal to Congress to ease visa requirements for Latvian citizens wanting to visit America. Bush, visiting Rīga during the NATO defense alliance summit, announced his plan Nov. 28 after visiting with Latvian President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga. Full story...
New coin commemorates fight for freedom [ 2006-11-20 00:31:08 ]
A commemorative 1-lat coin highlighting Latvia’s fight for freedom is scheduled for release Nov. 18—Independence Day—during a program in the National Theatre in Rīga, the Bank of Latvia has announced. Full story...
The ski season has opened [ 2006-11-09 05:26:33 ]
Some of the Latvian ski and snowboard routes has been opened on the 4-5 November. The first weekend has gathered together many sporting dilettantes, therefore a long lines were formed at the ski lifts. In the meantime many of the ski centres are not in a hurry to open their doors for a visitors. Full story...
The main issues of summit NATO [ 2006-11-08 03:00:49 ]
Janis Eichmanis, NATO ambassador in Latvia, announced the main issues of NATO summit on Friday the 3rd of November. The main issues will be the partnership of alliance, the peace and stability in Afghanistan and Kosovo, the expansion of alliance as well as the military questions. The partnership of NATO and EU will be also a topical issue. Full story...
Act of vandalism [ 2006-11-05 22:08:40 ]
The Russian Embassy in Riga is angered by yet another act of vandalism directed against the Victory Monument, built during the Communist era to commemorate Soviet soldiers killed in World War II. On Oct. 4, unknown individuals painted swastikas and anti-Russian slogans on the monument. Full story...
Sounds Like Latvia [ 2006-11-05 22:05:41 ]
The new promotional video “Sounds Like Latvia,” produced by the Latvian Institute, cost the state 50,000 lats (71,100 euros). Latvian Institute director Ojars Kalnins said the video was like a business card with an invitation “to discover more about Latvia.” Full story...
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