Cablegate: Latvian Assistance to Haiti

VZCZCXRO5340
OO RUEHIK
DE RUEHRA #0078 0471547
ZNR UUUUU ZZH ZOJ-1 ZUI RUEHSD SVC 61
O 161547Z FEB 10
FM AMEMBASSY RIGA
TO RUEHZG/NATO EU COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6299

UNCLAS RIGA 000078

C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (ADDED SIG LINE)

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV HA LG
SUBJECT: LATVIAN ASSISTANCE TO HAITI

REF: A) SECSTATE 12558 B) RIGA 42

1. (U) We delivered reftel A demarche to Dace Rutka, MFA Head of
the Americas and Caribbean Division. Rutka told us that Latvia will
not be able to contribute troops and police to MINUSTAH. Latvia's
relatively small military resources are devoted to the war in
Afghanistan, where it is contributing 170 troops and three police
officers. However, Latvia donated 15,000 Euros to the United
Nations emergency fund for Haiti and those funds have been released
on February 15 (Ref B).

2. (U) Comment: In spite of Latvia's severe economic contraction
(the loss of over 20% in GDP over the last two years), the
government remains committed to sustain its existing contribution of
170 troops who serve without caveats. Latvia's monetary assistance
to Haiti, although small, is impressive given Latvia's severe
financial restraints. End Comment

ROGERS

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