2009 Programs and Events
U.S. Senator George Voinovich Visits Latvia
On June 30, United States Senator George Voinovich paid a one day visit to Latvia. Voinovich, who played a key role in the expansion of NATO and the Visa Waiver Program, is visiting following an invitation extended by Latvian President Valdis Zatlers during his visit to the United States in May. During that visit, the President awarded the Senator the Order of the Three Stars in recognition of his long support for Latvia.
During his visit to Latvia, Voinovich and his wife met with President Valdis Zatlers, Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis, Saeima Speaker Gundars Daudze, Defense Minister Imants Liegis and the leaders from the American Chamber of Commerce in Latvia. Senator Voinovich also visited the remains of the Great Choral Synagogue to lay a wreath at the memorial there. After the meeting with president, senator Voinovich said: "Due to the current economic crisis, Latvia has had to make tough decisions, however, these sacrifices will pay off in the future. This was a huge sacrifice by the Latvian people, but it had to be done to have a balanced budget." The senator also thanked Latvia for its support of the NATO missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and expressed pleasure on the decision made by alliance members to support the Baltic States joining NATO during the 2002 Prague Summit.
Senator Voinovich has a long record of public service, having served in local government, in the Ohio legislature, as lieutenant governor of Ohio, 10 years as mayor of Cleveland and eight years as governor of Ohio. In 1998, Senator Voinovich was elected to the United States Senate. He was re-elected in 2004.