Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08RIGA368
2008-06-19 12:02:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Riga
how-toVZCZCXRO3122 OO RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHDA RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHLN RUEHLZ RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG DE RUEHRA #0368 1711202 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 191202Z JUN 08 FM AMEMBASSY RIGA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5039 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
UNCLAS RIGA 000368
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PINR LG
SUBJECT: 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.
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.