Despite criticism from some quarters that to do so will weaken Latvia’s position with Russia, President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga has decided to attend a May 9 summit and celebration in Moscow marking the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. Critics have said the president should not attend until Russia acknowledges its unlawful occupation of Latvia.

Although the end of the Second World War is celebrated on May 8, Russia marks May 9 as a day of remembrance for those who died in the war. A summit of world leaders also is planned on May 9 in Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin invited the presidents of all three Baltic states to Moscow, but Vīke-Freiberga is the first to say she will attend.

“The Second World War in Latvia ended on May 4, 1990, when the Soviet empire collapsed and Latvia’s independence was renewed after 50 years of occupation,” the president said in her announcement.

The president also noted that it be wrong for Latvia not to be present at a world summit where others might discuss the past and future of Europe.

“The Molotov-Ribbentrop pact, the Yalta and Potsdam conferences must not be repeated,” she said, referring to World War II-era events that determined the fate of the Baltic states.

Winds gusting up to 40 meters per second (about 86 m.p.h.) ripped roofs from buildings, felled trees and caused power outages in much of Latvia and other parts of Europe on Jan. 9, according to media reports. The hurricane conditions were the worst seen in 40 years.

Flooding in Rīga and in other cities led to street closures and home evacuations, while the government declared a crisis in the power sector. Schools were expected to stay closed Jan. 10 and 11 to keep children safe.

Worst hit was the western coast, especially the port cities of Liepāja and Ventspils. For a while, road access to Ventspils was blocked, while residents struggled with power outages and lack of clean drinking water. Even stationary and mobile telephone service was disrupted in many areas, according to reports received by Latvians Online.

Waves cresting to six meters were reported along the Baltic Sea coast, while high water also was seen in the Daugava River in Rīga.

Although no one was seriously hurt in Latvia, loss of life was reported in Sweden, Denmark and Great Britain. Weather forecasts called for continued high winds through part of the coming week while another cyclone heads across northern Europe.

Power outages and lack of drinking water was still being reported Jan. 10 in some communities, including Sigulda and Talsi.

Latvian President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga has scheduled a two-day state visit to the Netherlands, the president’s press office has announced.

The Jan. 18-19 visit, at the invitation of Queen Beatrix, will be the first official visit in the Netherlands from any of the Baltic states, the press office said. The president is expected to meet with the queen and Prime Minister J.P.Balkenende, as well to speak at the University of Leyden and to the Dutch parliament.

Another highlight will be the unveiling of Latvian poet Nora Kalna’s work “Jūra, tu drīksti” on a wall of Huize Rapenburg in Leyden. The city has collected poetry from a number of nations for display on the wall.

Accompanying the president will be her husband, Imants Freibergs, as well as about 60 government officials and business people.

The president is expected to return to Rīga on Jan. 19.