Lembergs sees improved relations with Russia

VENTSPILS (BNS) - Aivars Lembergs, mayor of the Latvian port town of Ventspils, believes that following the meeting of the Russian Press Association that took place in Latvia there are all the preconditions for improving relations between Latvia and Russia and opening an active dialogue.

"If only the Latvian parliament and government do not take any inconsiderate steps in making decisions or statements, like, for example, demanding all types of compensations from Russia that nobody would ever pay, and so on," Lembergs said in a news conference July 31.

He believes that during the visit of the Russian press representatives to Ventspils, the town looked well against the general backdrop," he said.

"The contribution of Ventspils to the common picture was, maybe, to a certain extent crucial," said Lembergs.

Lembergs praised participation of Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins in opening of the conference as well as reception of the guests at President Vaira Vike-Freiberga's home.

"It shows that leaders of the this country indeed want good relations with Russia," he noted.

The congress of the Russian press took place in Latvia and was joined by about 70 representatives of the Russian press from numerous countries of the world.