With a goal of raising USD 250,000 to support Latvia's admission to NATO, the American Latvian Association is embarking on what it calls "the largest and most intensive undertaking in its 50-year history.

With a goal of raising USD 250,000 to support Latvia's admission to NATO, the American Latvian Association is embarking on what it calls "the largest and most intensive undertaking in its 50-year history." The fundraising effort seeks to influence American politicians' decisions regarding NATO expansion in favor of Latvia. "NATO membership will secure Latvia's freedom and independence so it can focus on building a better future," the ALA said in a press release. It is expected that NATO will decide which countries to invite into the alliance during the Prague Summit in 2002. Donations to the fundraising effort, which are tax deductible for U.S. citizens, may be sent to the American Latvian Association Inc., 400 Hurley Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850.