Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09RIGA149
2009-03-13 15:44:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Riga
Cable title:
RIGA DENIES PERMITS FOR MARCH 16 EVENTS
how-toVZCZCXRO8991 PP RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHDA RUEHDBU RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHLN RUEHLZ RUEHNP RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSK RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG DE RUEHRA #0149 0721544 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 131544Z MAR 09 FM AMEMBASSY RIGA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5699 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS RIGA 000149
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ASEC PHUM CASC LG
SUBJECT: RIGA DENIES PERMITS FOR MARCH 16 EVENTS
REF: RIGA 122
UNCLAS RIGA 000149
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ASEC PHUM CASC LG
SUBJECT: RIGA DENIES PERMITS FOR MARCH 16 EVENTS
REF: RIGA 122
1. Concerned about security, the City of Riga has denied permits
both to organizations planning to commemorate the Latvian
"Legionnaires" on March 16, and to opponents planning
counter-demonstrations. The decision to deny the permits this year
was a change of course from previous years. On March 13, the
regional court rejected all appeals of the City's decision. One of
the organizers of the march predicted that while they would not
officially hold the event without a permit, many participants would
show up regardless. Linda Murniece, the new Interior Minister, has
promised the police will be rigorous in enforcing order. Police
have pledged a robust presence to ensure no disturbances occur.
2. Each year on March 16, some Latvians march through Riga's Old
Town to commemorate the service of Latvians who fought with the
Nazis against the Soviets. Russia and many ethnic Russians in
Latvia emphasize the unit's connection with the Nazis, while the
Latvian participants emphasize the unit's opposition to Soviet
occupation. Riots in the Old Town in January sparked accusations
that the police were unprepared to handle an unruly crowd. With
economic misery running high and some signs of increased ethnic
tension (see reftel),the City has calculated that the March 16
events would create another situation that could get out of control.
Denying the permits is a reasonable step, but whether it will be
sufficient remains to be seen.
3. Post is issuing a warden message to the American community
informing them of the potential for protests on March 16 and noting
that the permits have been denied but appeals were still possible.
ROGERS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ASEC PHUM CASC LG
SUBJECT: RIGA DENIES PERMITS FOR MARCH 16 EVENTS
REF: RIGA 122
1. Concerned about security, the City of Riga has denied permits
both to organizations planning to commemorate the Latvian
"Legionnaires" on March 16, and to opponents planning
counter-demonstrations. The decision to deny the permits this year
was a change of course from previous years. On March 13, the
regional court rejected all appeals of the City's decision. One of
the organizers of the march predicted that while they would not
officially hold the event without a permit, many participants would
show up regardless. Linda Murniece, the new Interior Minister, has
promised the police will be rigorous in enforcing order. Police
have pledged a robust presence to ensure no disturbances occur.
2. Each year on March 16, some Latvians march through Riga's Old
Town to commemorate the service of Latvians who fought with the
Nazis against the Soviets. Russia and many ethnic Russians in
Latvia emphasize the unit's connection with the Nazis, while the
Latvian participants emphasize the unit's opposition to Soviet
occupation. Riots in the Old Town in January sparked accusations
that the police were unprepared to handle an unruly crowd. With
economic misery running high and some signs of increased ethnic
tension (see reftel),the City has calculated that the March 16
events would create another situation that could get out of control.
Denying the permits is a reasonable step, but whether it will be
sufficient remains to be seen.
3. Post is issuing a warden message to the American community
informing them of the potential for protests on March 16 and noting
that the permits have been denied but appeals were still possible.
ROGERS