OUTGOING NATO CHIEF IN BALTICS

After meeting with Clark, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga told journalists that the Baltic states_ membership in NATO "would help ensure stability in this part of Europe and...in no way poses threats to Russia,". Clark also expressed his satisfaction with NATO integration efforts by both Latvia and Lithuania and said that Latvia is a "real competitive contender" for NATO membership, AP added. In Lithuania, Clark praised the increase in defense spending but warned that the total economic picture must also be taken into account.