NATO sets demanding goals for Latvian armed forces

RIGA - At the close of a three-day survey of Latvia's defense capability, NATO officials said they were encouraged by the level of support found in Latvian society for future NATO membership, and by Latvia's efforts to improve relations with Russia. But they appeared to contradict the widely held view that NATO expansion will be based on political considerations rather than the ability to meet technical standards.

Much still has to be done to ready the country's armed forces for membership, they said. Daniel Speckhard, second assistant to NATO's secretary general for political issues and the former U.S. ambassador to Belarus, praised Latvia for the "tremendous strides" it has made toward integrating national minorities into Latvian society, and linked social stability to support for membership of the alliance. This month's meeting between Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Russian President Vladimir Putin would also contribute to building stability, said Speckhard.

"The move toward NATO is broadly supported by society. There is an understanding of the link between security and the future prosperity of your society. It may sometimes be a challenge to find the resources to put into the defense sector, but such commitments do pay off. The meeting between the Latvian and Russian presidents was also a good sign for the development of a practical relationship with Russia."

However, Holger Pfeiffer of NATO's defense planning and operations division, stressed the need for Latvia to develop a long-term plan for the development of its armed forces. "A lot of work is already underway, but a fully costed, longer term plan is particularly critical," he said.

In addition to this major item of work for Latvia's Defense Ministry, Frank Boland of the forces planning, defense planning and operations division outlined other requirements. Chief among these is the acquisition of new equipment, the development of a total defense concept, the complete redesign of the military's logistics system, and the development of communications and intelligence systems.

"Latvia needs to do the basic ground work in these areas and will need to revise it on a regular basis," said Boland. "It's important that (the Defense Ministry) is able to present sound, realistic and convincing plans to the allies in order to bolster their case for being invited to join the alliance."

A decision on the next round of NATO expansion is expected at a NATO summit in Prague next year.