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RIGA, Latvia -- The Baltic state of Latvia formally knocked on the door of the European Union on Friday when its leaders signed an official application for membership but conceded there were many problems to overcome.
Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Latvia is still transforming its economy along market lines and has just emerged from a damaging banking crisis that set back economic growth.
President Guntis Ulmanis and Prime Minister Maris Gailis signed the document in front of journalists and government officials.
"I am satisfied with the signature of this application," Ulmanis told a news conference. "I am convinced that Latvia has started on this road and it will continue along it. We are aware that it will not be an easy road," Ulmanis said.
Latvia Petitions EU
14 October 1995
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