Sixty-ninth edition of the N&O column / Spooks newsletter

(Date: Tue, 03 Feb 2004 21:58:35 +0100)

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Intelligence profile: Latvia

Background

After a brief period of independence between the two World Wars, Latvia was annexed by the USSR in 1940. It re-established its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 30% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia continues to revamp its economy for eventual integration into various Western European political and economic institutions and was invited to join NATO and the EU in 2002.

Genral

Country name : Latvijas Republika / Republic of Latvia
Short form : Latvija / Latvia
Capital : Riga
     
Administrative divisions : 26 rajons:
  Aizkraukles Rajons, Aluksnes Rajons, Balvu Rajons, Bauskas Rajons, Cesu Rajons, Daugavpils Rajons, Dobeles Rajons, Gulbenes Rajons, Jekabpils Rajons, Jelgavas Rajons, Kraslavas Rajons, Kuldigas Rajons, Liepajas Rajons, Limbazu Rajons, Ludzas Rajons, Madonas Rajons, Ogres Rajons, Preilu Rajons, Rezeknes Rajons, Rigas Rajons, Saldus Rajons, Talsu Rajons, Tukuma Rajons, Valkas Rajons, Valmieras Rajons, Ventspils Rajons and 7 municipalities: Daugavpils, Jelgava, Jurmala, Liepaja, Rezekne, Riga, Ventspils.

Military branches

Ground Forces, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Border Guard, National Guard.

Intelligence

National Security Council (NSC)

The NSC was founded in 1993. The National Security Law describes what the NSC is and what its responsibilities are.

Note:
The complete text of the National Security Law can be found on the website of the Ministry of Defense at: http://www.mod.gov.lv/index.php?pid=12347

National Security Law; Section 19.

Composition of the National Security Council.

  1. Members of the National Security Council shall be the following:
    1. the President;
    2. the chairperson of the Saeima (= the Parliament);
    3. the chairperson of the National Security Committee of the Saeima;
    4. the chairperson of the Defence and Interior Affairs Committee of the Saeima;
    5. the Prime Minister;
    6. the Minister for Defence;
    7. the Minister for Foreign Affairs;
    8. the Minister for the Interior; and
    9. the Director of the Constitution Protection Bureau.
  2. The Prosecutor General has the right to participate in the meetings of the National Security Council.
  3. The activity of the National Security Council and its secretariat shall be ensured by the State President Chancellery.

Section 20. Competence of the National Security Council

  1. The National Security Council shall:
    1. co-ordinate a joint State policy in the area of national security, implemented by the higher State institutions and officials, and examine the course of improvement and problems of such; and
    2. examine plans and concepts related to national security, as prescribed by law.
  2. The National Security Council shall submit proposals to the Saeima regarding appointment to and release from office of the Director of the Constitution Protection Bureau.
  3. A decision of the National Security Council, except in the case referred to in Paragraph two of this Section, shall have a recommending character and shall not release the responsible officials from responsibility for the decisions they have taken.

Satversmes Aizsardzibas Biroja (SAB)
Bureau for the Protection of the Constitution

The SAB reports to the office of the President and is responsible for national security affairs and coordinates state intelligence activities and investigations. SAB's director is appointed by the National Security Council.

Military Intelligence (J2)

This organisation is responsible for military intelligence collection and counter-intelligence. Unconfirmed info mention a special task force (SUV) under the Commander of the National Armed Forces.

Drosibas Policija (DP)
Security Police

DP operates under the responsibility of the Ministry of Interior and is responsibility for national security, including counter-intelligence.

Valsts Policija (VP)
State Police

Like the DP, VP also operates under the MoI and its tasks include criminal investigations and law enforcement.

Websites, books, articles

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2003 clandestine survey | Voice stations | Morse stations | Other modes
Unid stations | Military stations
Intelligence profile :Latvia | Logs
Index | NS NL Home
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