President Welcomed by President Vike-Freiberga to Latvia

President Welcomed by President Vike-Freiberga to Latvia, Riga Castle, Riga, Latvia 1:10 A.M. (Local)

PRESIDENT VIKE-FREIBERGA: We are, of course, very gratified for this sudden interest in Latvia that we're seeing among the journalists. (Laughter.) And it's truly a great pleasure to see these wonderful journalists coming to my country and having a look around. And, Mr. President, I think that you have something to do with that. (Laughter.)

PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, thank you for having us, Madam President. It's been a trip I've really been anxious to fulfill. I admire your leadership; I admire your country's courage. I love the fact that you're a free nation and willing to speak out so clearly for freedom. So, thanks for the hospitality.

PRESIDENT VIKE-FREIBERGA: And we're pleased that the cameras are now turned on Latvia while you are here. (Laughter.)

PRESIDENT BUSH: That's right.

Q Mr. President --

PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you all. We'll have ample opportunity in an open press conference. And I certainly wouldn't want you to fire your best question here. (Laughter.)

END 11:11 A.M. (Local) For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 7, 2005

Location: CIA MAP Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania.

Background: After a brief period of independence between the two World Wars, Latvia was annexed by the USSR in 1940. It reestablished 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 joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004. SOURCE: CIA - The World Factbook