Folk song row grows raucous

RIGA - The famed singing traditions that once united the Baltic states in their resistance to Soviet rule, culminating in what became known as the Singing Revolution, are the subject of the latest dispute to flare up between Latvia and Lithuania.

Already strained relations between the two countries descended further into acrimony following a meeting of a panel of cultural experts at the United Nations Scientific Educational and Cultural Organization in Paris on May 18.

It was decided by secret ballot that the ornamental cross-making traditions of Lithuania should be included on a list of non-material masterpieces of world culture. But Latvia's application for its folk song tradition to be given similar recognition was rejected, due, according to Latvia's UNESCO representative Sandra Kalniete, to the actions of Lithuania's representative, Ugne Karvelis. Unlike Karvelis, Kalniete is not on the panel of experts.

"This is a very deep disappointment," said Kalniete. "Folk songs are fundamental to Latvia's national identity. All of Latvia has followed this selection process. Our two embassies in Paris exchanged letters expressing support for each other's applications and our letter on Lithuanian cross-making was read at the meeting, but Lithuania's letter endorsing our songs was not."

Karvelis had spuriously argued against the uniqueness of Latvian folk songs, added Kalniete. "She believes our songs have to be recognized as a common Baltic inheritance, but both Lithuanian and Latvian experts agree that our song traditions are different. Not totally separate of course, but certainly different. Now Latvia will not be able to address the Lithuanian representative's objections until the next meeting in 2003."

Petras Zapolskas, the press spokesman at Lithuania's Foreign Ministry, said Lithuania had supported Latvia's application and that Karvelis had been acting in her capacity as an expert at the meeting.

"The decision was taken in a private ballot of almost 20 people so no one knows who voted against, but Lithuania was for the Latvian project. Latvia's reaction is highly emotional and not based on reality."

Kalniete said that UNESCO recognition was not a matter of saving Latvia's song tradition, nor would it bring any financial benefits. But it would have symbolic value.

"Latvian song is a strong living tradition. This isn't about protection, but it's important for us to make our songs known internationally after our occupation by a totalitarian regime under which they were hidden. They are rich with the mythology and imagery of European culture."

Atis Lejins, director of the Latvian Institute of Foreign Affairs in Riga, said the dispute in Paris represented a further deterioration in Lithuanian-Latvian relations. These are already under strain due to a long running dispute over their sea border, a treaty on which Latvia has delayed ratifying. "After Paris the border treaty will never be ratified. It makes me mad."