STATEMENT TO THE SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE
JIM HOLMES
AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE TO THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA
JULY 16, 1998
I am highly honored to appear before you today as President Clinton's
nominee to be the United States Ambassador to Latvia. I am deeply
grateful to President Clinton and Secretary Albright for the trust and
confidence they have shown by selecting me to represent the United
States in Latvia.
Latvia is a small nation of 2.5 million people. Since regaining its
independence in 1991, Latvia has undergone a remarkable
transformation. Latvia today has reemerged as the region's commercial,
financial, and transportation center, having also established
functioning democratic and market-oriented institutions. Sustaining
solid, annual GDP growth rates of 7-8 percent and holding to the
lowest inflation rate in the region, Latvia also has maintained a
strong and freely convertible currency, a balanced budget, and a good
track record on privatization of small- and medium-sized enterprises
and farms.
United States engagement with Latvia and the other Baltic States is
historic. During the fifty years of Soviet occupation, the United
States steadfastly refused to recognize the incorporation of the
Baltic States into the Soviet Union and led the vigil for the
reestablishment of Baltic freedoms. Now, through the U.S.-Baltic
Charter and our Northern European Initiative, we intend to help Latvia
and the other Baltic republics become the best possible candidates for
European and Euro-Atlantic institutions. By promoting regional
cooperation and integration, we want to ensure that Latvia, Estonia
and Lithuania maintain their independence, their security, and their
prosperity.
Thirty-three years ago, I came to Washington as a student intern. In
the Cannon House Office Building I had my first taste of public
service working for a freshman congressman from upstate New York, Bob
McEwen. My enthusiasm for public service is as strong today as it was
then. It is a commitment shared equally all these years, both in
Washington and overseas, by my wonderful wife, Connie.
Since 1995, I have served as Coordinator for Assistance to Central and
Eastern Europe. In that capacity, I have been privileged to work with
the Baltic governments and peoples in the promotion and consolidation
of democratic and free market principles. Now, a new challenge has
opened which, if confirmed, will bring me even more expansively into
the role of strengthening every aspect of the U.S.-Latvian bilateral
relationship. Each of us, I believe, can see clearly the historically
important and exciting era that lies ahead for Latvia and the Baltic
region.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, for your
consideration of my nomination. I would welcome any questions you may
have.
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