RIGA - After the Democratic Party's victory in last week's U.S. congressional elections, Latvia will closely follow possible changes in America's policy on Iraq and the visa regime issue, Latvian Ambassador to the United States Maris Riekstins said on Nov. 10.
The Latvian diplomat said that U.S. policy was not expected to change dramatically, as it is still largely in President George W. Bush's control. However, he pointed out that certain issues would definitely face greater opposition in congress from now on.
"It is important to Latvia that the United States continue its policy of spreading freedom, as Latvia is involved in several military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the territory of the former Yugoslavia," Riekstins said.
The ambassador also mentioned the development of Latvia's relations with Georgia and Moldova, indicating that the "United States is taking interest in the development of Latvia's relations with Moldova."
The diplomat asserted that America would surely maintain its policy to help Iraq build security forces.
"Leaving Iraq is also in [Latvia's] interest, but we cannot afford it, since the Iraqi administration is still weak and unable to face the challenges," Riekstins said.
Creating a visa-free regime with the U.S. is Latvia's second priority, the ambassador said.
"Latvia is a hostage of the United States immigration debate, and we are in a very complicated phase," he stated.
The number of illegal guest workers in the United States stands at about 12 million, therefore politicians are considering lifting visa freedom altogether.
The ambassador stressed that it was important for Latvian citizens to observe all visa requirements as set by the United States in order to achieve its visa-free goal.
During the mid-term elections held in the United States last week, the Democrats won a majority in both houses of Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate, ending 12 years of Republican rule.
