AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA AND THE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA CONCERNING CO-OPERATION IN THE FIELD OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN THE MILITARY AREA

The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia and the Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter referred to as the "Participants"),

having regard to the close relations between Latvia and Lithuania,

considering the Agreement between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia, the Ministry of Defence of Republic of Estonia and the Ministry of the National Defence of the Republic of Lithuania on Co-operation in the Fields of Defence and Military Relations which was signed on 27^th February 1995,

considering the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia, the Government of the Republic Estonia and the Government of the Republic of Lithua­nia on Co-operation in the Field of Environmental Protection which was signed on 21^st July 1995,

considering the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Republic of Lithua­nia on Co-operation in the Field of Environmental Protection which was signed on 1^st October 1999,

acknowledging that many problems of environmental protection in military area can be solved through the mutual understanding and co-operation,

have agreed as follows:

Article 1

Purpose

The purpose of this Agreement is to provide framework for co-operation between the Participants in the field of environmental protection within the limits of their competencies stipulated by their national legislation.

Article 2

Areas of Co-operation

2.1. Co-operation in the field of environmental protection in the military area shall cover the following subjects in particular:

a) legislative and economic aspects of environmental protection policy in the military area;

b) protection of air, water, and soil from pollution;

c) protection of transboundary watercourses and international lakes;

d) protection and sustainable usage of aquatic living resources in the Baltic Sea;

e) radioactive contamination prevention;

f) waste management;

g) harmonisation of environmental quality standards accordingly to national and NATO requirements;

h) pollution prevention, assessment and remediation of polluted military territories;

i) preparation and elaboration of base management plans;

j) environmentally friendly approaches concerning military exercises, infrastructure maintenance and acquisition process;

k) co-operation in the field of environmental protection in the military area;

l) environmental education and training for environmental protection officers, specialists of the Armed forces of both participants;

m) implementation of environmental management system (EMS) in the military sector.

2.2 The list of main subjects for co-operation can be supplemented and modified by the agreement of both Participants.

Article 3

Co-operation forms

3.1.The co-operation shall take the following forms:

• meetings and consultations of experts;

• seminars, conferences, training courses and workshops;

• exchange of information;

3.2. The co-operation shall take and other forms of co-operation agreed by the Participants.

3.3.The Participants may appoint a contact person for daily co-operation issues in order to ensure co-ordination of the implementation of the Agreement.

3.4. The points of contact to this Agreement shall be the following:

Article 4

Financial issues

4.1. The financial expenditures related to the implementation of the Agreement shall be covered by the Participants on the reciprocal basis.

4.2. The financial expenditures related to the visits conducted in accordance with this Agreement shall be covered as follows:

a) the Receiving Participant shall cover meals, accommodation and local transportation costs.

b) The Sending Participant shall cover the travel costs to and from the territory of the country of Receiving Participant, personnel insurance costs including health insurance and all other costs that are not mentioned in paragraph (a);

3.3. The principle of reciprocity shall not be applicable to groups consisting of more than 10 members including the support personnel (e.g. drivers, interpreters etc.). Funding procedures applicable to these groups shall be established on a case by case basis by mutual agreement between the Participants.

Article 5

Final provisions

5.1. This Agreement shall enter into force upon signature by both Participants and shall remain in force for unlimited time. It may be terminated by either Participant upon written notice to the other at least 6 (six) months before.

5.2. This Agreement may be amended or modified in writing by the mutual consent of both Participants.

5.4. Any dispute regarding the interpretation or application of this Agreement will be resolved by consultation between the Participants concerned.

SIGNED in Druskininkai, on 1^st March 2005 in two originals in Latvian, Lithuanian and English languages, all texts being equally authentic. In case of dispute the English text will prevail.