PM INJURED IN CAR ACCIDENT

UNCLAS RIGA 000368 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PINR LG SUBJECT: PM INJURED IN CAR ACCIDENT ¶1. On the afternoon of June 18, Prime Minister Ivars Godmanis was injured when his official car was involved in a collision with a minibus. Press reports that he suffered a concussion and a skull fracture in the temple area. PM Office Press Spokesman Edgars Vaikulis is quoted as saying that Godmanis is in stable condition, conscious and capable of speaking and signing documents. Godmanis remains in the hospital undergoing further tests, consistent with the injuries he has suffered. Appearing on Latvian television the morning of June 19, his doctor said that Godmanis is expected to remain in hospital for a week. ¶2. During his recovery, Godmanis has temporarily transferred his responsibilities to Justice Minister Gaidis Berzins, using the same mechanism as when the PM is traveling out of the country. No time periods have officially been announced regarding the PM's expected recovery or when he may resume his responsibilities. ¶3. The driver and other two passengers in Godmanis' car, a bodyguard and an adviser, were not hurt, though one passenger in the minibus was reported to be injured and also taken to hospital. Godmanis had been on his way to Riga Castle for a meeting with President Zatlers. The Latvian Security Police reportedly have started a probe of the accident and will look at all aspects of the crash, including whether the PM's car and the accompanying police vehicle had their lights and sirens on.