LATVIAN ASSISTANCE TO HAITI

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