Russia’s Defense Policy — Should We Expect Any Changes?

Text by Dāvis Stalts
Photo by Normunds Mežiņš

On the 14th of October 2009, the Latvian Transatlantic Organization (LATO) together with the Baltic to Black Sea Alliance, the Latvian Institute of International Affairs, the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia organized a discussion “Russia’s Defence Policy — Should We Expect Any Changes?”.

Discussion participants were Mr. Toms Baumanis, Chairman of the Latvian Transatlantic Organisation, Ms. Sarmīte Ēlerte, Chairperson of the Baltic to Black Sea Alliance, Dr. Andris Sprūds, Head of the Latvian Institute of International Affairs, Mr. Kaspars Ozoliņš, Director of Security Policy Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Imants Lieģis, Minister of Defence of Latvia. Discussion was moderated by professor Žaneta Ozoliņa, University of Latvia.

The main reasons for organizing the discussion were amendments to Russia’s “Law on Defense” and the recent Russian and Belarusian military training exercise in close proximity to the Baltic States’ borders, as well as frequent violations of EU and NATO airspace by Russian military aircraft. What is the purpose of Russia’s actions? What actions should Latvia and other NATO and EU countries take? These were the primary issues of concern for the many conference participants — intellectuals, foreign politics experts and journalists who filled the conference hall. Speakers did not present any evidence of real military threats from Russia but they expressed legitimate alarm about Russia’s unpredictability. One could also sense the recently growing concern about new developments in USA and Russia’s relationships and a possible agreement between these countries that may affect the transatlantic security environment and division of regional influence.

Minister of Defense Imants Lieģis pointed out that Russia’s defense policy has not changed fundamentally, but the mechanisms of implementing the policy have changed. “We expect that in the future Russia will more often use the means of influence such as energy, cyber attacks, aggressive protection of Russian-speaking populations in neighboring countries,” Imants Lieģis said. He emphasized that Russia’s primary goal was to attain maximum influence on NATO decisions. At the same time, the minister indicated that Latvia must continue practical cooperation with Russia, to include working together within NATO framework. I. Lieģis emphasized that Latvia today enjoys a historically unprecedented level of security provided by NATO collective defense. Therefore Latvia’s participation in NATO operation in Afghanistan is the priority of Latvia’s defense policy. “Latvia’s support in Afghanistan is our security guarantee,” the minister said.

EMPA Congress in Wienna

Text by Līga Lakuča
Photo from personal archive of Erling Eikli

European Military Press Association (EMPA) congress of military magazine editors and editor representatives from seventeen countries took place in Vienna, Austria, from the 6th to the 10th of October. This was the fourth time when the congress took place in Austria (the previous time was ten years ago).

The opening ceremony took place at the Military Museum of Austria where Austrian Armed Forces Band provided a welcoming concert to the congress participants.

Participants discussed topical issues and ways to improve the European Military Press Association’s work in the future and attracting new members. Congress partakers familiarized themselves with the annual “EMPA Tour” review; this year EMPA members received an invitation from the German Navy to visit their Naval Damage Control Training Centre in Neustadt, in Holstein, Germany, in September.

The congress culminated with presenting the EMPA award for the article of the year. The article of the year award is established to promote and evaluate the work of European military journalists. It is a great opportunity for military journalists to demonstrate their skills and accomplishments to the European military media community. This year the award was given to the article “Operation “Moonlight”” by Norwegian Lieutenant Colonel Knut Werner Hagen.

The article tells about Norwegian resistance movement at the end of World War Two. 26-year-old Lieutenant Jens-Anton Poulsson led the resistance operation code-named "Moonlight” to prevent the Germans from destroying hydro-electric power plants and local industry. The author researched historical material in the Norwegian town of Rjukan in 1944—1945.

The author, Lieutenant Colonel K.V. Ha¬gen, started his career in Norwegian Army in 1982. He graduated from Norwegian Military Academy and Army Staff College. K.V. Hagen has master’s degree in history from the University of Oslo.

At the congress EMPA members had a unique opportunity to become familiar with the Austrian military, their priorities and development. Participants visited the Austrian National Defense Academy, Alpine Riflemen Training Center, and paid a visit to Austrian Air Force base where they had a chance to observe an air show by Eurofighter Typhoon fighters (Austria has 15 airplanes) and Black Hawk helicopters. EMPA congress members also attended Austrian Aviation School where they learned about pilot training in the Austrian Armed Forces. Participants had an opportunity to become familiar with CIMIC topicalities. A special day was dedicated to the “Modern threat scenario” where a Special Operations Unit conducted demonstrations.

The next European Military Press Association congress is scheduled take place in Serbian capital Belgrade.

11th Baltic Sea Military Chaplains Conference

Text by Dāvis Stalts
Photo by Gatis Dieziņš

On the 9th of October 2009, a conference of the Baltic Sea region military chaplains took place in “Islande” Hotel in Riga where chaplains from eight countries shared experience of serving in international deployments and providing spiritual service to armed forces soldiers. This year Riga was selected as the event location, which allowed Latvian Army chaplains to share their knowledge with representatives from other nations and show their accomplishments. Minister of Defense of Latvia Imants Lieģis gave a welcoming address at the conference. He emphasized the importance of the National Armed Forces (NAF) chaplains not only in providing religious support, but also in assisting soldiers in their social life and the value of close cooperation between the NAF chaplain service and the Social Affairs Section and Psychological Support Service in helping soldiers and their families. Colonel Igors Rajevs, Commander of NAF Training and Doctrine Command, and Vice Admiral (Retired) Gaidis Andrejs Zeibots were the conference guest speakers. The conference concluded with working group discussions of pending matters.

At 18.00, participants attended a religious service at St. John’s church in Riga. The service was followed by a concert, which was provided by the National Armed Forces Band, Latvian National Opera singer Aira Rurāne, and men’s choirs “Tēvzeme” and “Dziedonis” who performed the works of Latvian composers dedicated to Latvia, freedom, faith and love to the country.

The 11th Baltic Sea region chaplain conference took part in Latvia for the first time; it ended on the 11th of October and passed the right to host the next conference to Norway.