Latvia celebrates Independence Day

RIGA - Latvia's top officials today marked the country's national day with a series of pleas to the people to work for the good of the country.

''It is easy to blame someone else for the country's problems, but I encourage people to ask themselves what they have done for the good of the country?,'' Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis said.

''In this time of crisis, we have already proven we can be an example to others. However, if we truly do wish to see Latvia grow and prosper, and be a country from which people do not leave to find a better life elsewhere, we must believe in ourselves,'' he said.

Latvia's marks today the 92nd anniversary of the country's decleration of independence in Riga on November 18, 1918.

In addition to speaches by the Prime Minister, President and Speaker of Parliament, a the holiday will be celebrated with fireworks and a light show known as "Staro Riga" in the country's capital.