Latvian president nominated for award

RIGA (BNS) - Latvian Youth Council has nominated Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga for the North-South 2000 award, LYC Secretary General Talivaldis Kronbergs said.

The North-South award is an award which is conferred every year on two persons who became important because of their deep conviction, extraordinary achievements and positive attitude in protection of human rights and democracy.

LYC initiative has already been supported by almost 30 different organizations in Latvia - Latvian Writers Union, Latvian Retired Persons Federation, Riga Latvian Society, just to name a few.

This year's award will be the sixth and the ceremony will take place in Lisbon. Among the recipients in previous years are British musician Peter Gabriel, Irish President Mary Robinson, Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy.

The North-South award jury is represented by Council of Europe, UNESCO, International Lawyer Commission, African Human and Citizen Rights Comission, among others.