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Today, on May 28, Aigars Kalvītis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, paid a working visit to Berlin in order to meet Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), and to discuss further progress of the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe.
This evening German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Prime Ministers of Latvia, Estonia and Austria held a joint press conference.
In her speech Angela Merkel emphasised that Germany’s objective during its Presidency in the European Union (EU) is reach an agreement on the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe during the meeting of the Heads of the EU States and Governments scheduled for June this year. The Chancellor of the FRG expressed readiness to negotiate with the Member States and to discuss the issue; today’s meeting of Angela Merkel with the Prime Ministers of Latvia, Estonia and Austria was also organised for this purpose.
During the press conference Latvian Prime Minister Aigars Kalvītis said that Latvia is interested in a capable and active European Union which can only be ensured by an agreement on the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe.
Aigars Kalvītis stressed: „To my mind, the legal reforms of the EU have taken too much time. Further hesitation and inability to pass decisions would undermine EU’s image and credibility both inside the EU and in relations with its strategic partners.”
The Prime Minister emphasised that Latvia supports the German EU Presidency and that Latvia is committed to reach an agreement on the reforms in the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe.
The Head of the Latvian Government confirmed readiness to discuss with the German Chancellor all the issues related to the Constitutional Treaty. The Prime Minister expressed his hope that at the European Council meeting in June the EU will demonstrate common commitment to reach a political agreement.
The Prime Ministers of Estonia and Austria also confirmed their support to the objectives of the German EU Presidency, their readiness for negotiations and compromises with regard to the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe.
After the press conference the Chancellor of the FRG hosted a working dinner for the Prime Ministers of Latvia, Estonia and Austria. Latvian Prime Minister Aigars Kalvītis will return in Latvia on May 29.
Jana Vektere
Consultant
Communication Department
State Chancellery
Phone: 7082919, mob. ph.: 29244699
E-mail: Jana.Vektere@mk.gov.lv
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