The Saeima has adopted and the President promulgated the following laws: for the Republic of Latvia and the Slovak Republic free trade agreement article 1. 1996. April 19, Riga, signed by the Republic of Latvia and the Slovak Republic free trade agreement (hereinafter the agreement), the memorandum of understanding (hereinafter referred to as the memorandum), article 38 of the Treaty referred to in the annex (hereinafter referred to as Annex) and the Protocol (hereinafter referred to as the Protocol) with this law is adopted and approved.
2. article. The law shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. With the law put contract, memorandum, the annexes and protocols to the English language and their translation into Latvian language.
3. article. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the basis of this law and in accordance with article 40 of the Treaty, the instruments of ratification shall be written exchanges with the Government of the Slovak Republic.
4. article. Contract, memorandum, the annexes and protocols to the Agreement shall enter into force for the period specified in article 40 and in order.
The Parliament adopted the law of 5 June 1996.
The President g. Ulmanis in Riga, 12 June 1996, the Republic of LATVIA and the Slovak Republic free trade agreement preamble the Republic of Latvia and the Slovak Republic, hereinafter referred to as "the parties", taking into account the Central European free trade agreement Prime Minister 11 September 1995 in Brno, bearing in mind the Declaration of their intention to participate actively in the process of economic integration, which in essence is the stability of the European continent's most important element, and expressed their willingness to cooperate in the process of stabilisation and the way the search path , reaffirming his commitment to the principles of the market economy, which is based on the relationship between the parties, bearing in mind their confidence in the Conference on security and cooperation in the "Europe" in the final act, the Paris Charter and, in particular, those principles, formulated in the Bonn Conference on economic cooperation in Europe "in the final document, decided in the end to eliminate progressively the obstacles to successful, basically a comprehensive reciprocal trade 1994 in accordance with the provisions of the General Agreement on tariffs and trade , being irrevocably convinced that this Treaty will promote mutually beneficial commercial relations of intensification and will contribute to the process of European integration, taking account of the fact that this agreement is due to be released from the obligations of the party they are in relation to other international agreements and other organizations, especially the World Trade Organization, have agreed as follows: article 1 objectives 1. the Parties shall gradually establish a free trade area, essentially all bilateral trade within the terms of this agreement and in accordance with the document " 1994 General Agreement on tariffs and trade "and the document" Article XXIV agreements on the 1994 General Agreement on tariffs and trade, the interpretation of Article XXIV ".
2. the purpose of this agreement is: (a) expanding mutual trade, promote economic links between the parties, to the harmonious development and thus stimulate the economic sides ar day property management, improved living conditions and access to employment, as well as raise production efficiency and financial stability, (b) on trade between the parties, to provide fair conditions of competition, (c), thus removing trade barriers, to contribute to the harmonious development of world trade and expansion. Chapter I. Industrial products article 2 scope the provisions of this chapter shall apply to industrial products originating in either party. This aspect of the Treaty, "industrial products" means products that are included in the harmonized goods and services classification and coding system 25.-chapter 97, except for this Contract. the products referred to in the annex.
3. article Import duties and charges having equivalent effect in trade between the parties 1 does not implement any new import duties or charges having equivalent effect.
2. the entry into force of this agreement the Parties shall at the time abolish all import duties and any charges having equivalent effect.
Article 4 1 the basic duties applicable to each product the basic duty to which the related future benefits laid down in this agreement, the stake, which is determined by the most-favoured-nation treatment, which has been in effect since January 1, 1996.
2. If, on the basis of the erga omnes principle, after the entry into force of this Agreement shall apply any tariff reductions, following reduced duties shall replace the basic duty referred to in paragraph 1, from the date of application of this reduction.
3. the reduced duties calculated in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 2, applies, rounded to first decimal.
4. the Parties shall inform each other of their respective national tax standard rate in force in the country concerned in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 2.
Article 5 tax duties the provisions of article 3 shall also apply to customs duties of a fiscal nature.
Article 6 export duties and charges having equivalent effect in trade between the parties 1 does not implement any new export duties or charges having equivalent effect.
2. The export tax is cancelled in accordance with this agreement, the provisions of Protocol.
3. the entry into force of this agreement the Parties shall at the time abolish all charges having an equivalent effect of export taxes.
Article 7 the quantitative restrictions on imports and measures having equivalent effect in trade between the parties 1 does not implement any new quantitative restrictions on imports or measures having equivalent effect.
2. all quantitative restrictions and measures of equivalent effect on imports of products originating in either party, this agreement should be withdrawn on the date of entry into force, except as provided for in annex 2 to this agreement.
Article 8 the quantitative restrictions on exports and measures having equivalent effect in trade between the parties 1 does not implement any new quantitative restrictions on exports or measures having equivalent effect.
2. all quantitative restrictions and measures having equivalent effect on exports of the products originating in either party, this agreement should be withdrawn on the date of entry into force, except as provided for in annex 3 to this agreement.
Article 9 information procedures for formally-legal draft regulations On issuing the formal 1 – legal provisions and draft amendments which the parties intend the ^ to take, they officially inform each other at the earliest stage practicable and in accordance with this Agreement, under the conditions set out in the annex.
2. the Joint Committee shall decide on the date on which the measures to encourage improvements in the conditions of paragraph l.
Chapter II. Agricultural products article 10 scope the provisions of this chapter shall apply to agricultural products originating in either party. This aspect of the Treaty, "agricultural products" means the products contained in the harmonized goods and services classification and coding system 1.-Chapter 24, including this agreement, 1. the products referred to in annex.
11. article Import duties and charges having equivalent effect in trade between the parties 1 does not implement any new import duties or charges having equivalent effect.
2. the Import duty applicable under this agreement the provisions of Protocol 2.
3. the entry into force of this agreement the Parties shall at the time abolish all charges having an equivalent effect of import taxes.
Article 12 of the basic duties 1. applicable to each article, that should be pamatnodok in future benefits laid down in this agreement, the stake, which is determined by the most-favoured-nation treatment, which has been in effect since January 1, 1996.
2. If, on the basis of the erga omnes principle, after the entry into force of this Agreement shall apply any tariff reductions, following reduced duties shall replace the basic duty referred to in paragraph 1, from the date of application of this reduction.
3. the reduced duties calculated in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 2, applies, rounded to first decimal.
4. the Parties shall inform each other of their respective national tax standard rate in force in the country concerned in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 2.
Article 13 export duties and charges having equivalent effect in trade between the parties 1 does not implement any new export duties or charges having equivalent effect.
2. the entry into force of this agreement the Parties shall at the time abolish all import duties and taxes of equivalent effect.
Article 14 concessions and agricultural policy 1. Without prejudice to the Treaty, in accordance with this Protocol the concessions granted, the provisions of this chapter shall in no way prejudice the parties concerned in the implementation of its agricultural policy or of any appropriate for this policy measures, including appropriate agreement on agriculture in the implementation of the provisions of the World Trade Organization.

2. the Parties shall formally inform each other of changes implemented during the relevant agricultural policy and on any measures that may affect the conditions laid down in this agreement concerning reciprocal trade in agricultural products. At the request of either party is immediately sarīkojam consultations to analyze the situation.
Article 15 the special protection measures apart from the others and this agreement, in particular the provisions of article 28 and taking account of the agricultural product market special sensitivity, if imports of products originating in either party, and which are applied in accordance with this agreement the concessions granted, cause serious second hand market distortions, the interested party shall hold consultations immediately to find an appropriate solution. On the basis of such a solution, the interested party may take such measures as it considers necessary.
Article 16 veterinary, health and plant health measures 1. Measures relating to veterinary and phytosanitary control is consistent as between the parties, it also with European Union law.
2. the measures and Veterinary Health Services meets the International Office of epizootic diseases and the Codex to other international conventions in this field.
3. the parties undertake not to introduce such a discriminatory or other unacceptable measures that might restrict information, animals, plants or goods.
Chapter III. General provisions article 17 rules of origin and customs administration 1. Protocol 3 to this agreement lays down the rules of origin and the methods of administrative cooperation.
2. the Parties shall adopt adequate measures, including regular examination of the Joint Committee and administrative cooperation schemes to ensure that the provisions of Protocol 3 to the agreement and this contract, 3-8, 11-13, 18 and article 29 of the regulations effectively and harmoniously applied, in order to simplify the formalities, as well as the trade with a view to reaching mutually acceptable solutions of any problems that arise in connection with these terms.
3. the administrative authorities in customs matters shall cooperate with each other in accordance with this agreement, the provisions of Protocol 4.
18. Article 1 of the internal tax system. The Parties shall refrain from any measure or practice of an internal fiscal practice, directly or indirectly, discrimination between goods originating in one of the parties.
2. exporters may benefit from their domestic tax refunds, which is greater than the amount of direct and indirect tax, which taxed on the territory of one of the parties of the exported products.
Article 19 the General exceptions this Treaty allows such justified prohibitions and restrictions on the import of goods, goods or goods in transit that are motivated by reasons of public morality, public policy or national security interests; human, animal or plant life and health; the protection of national treasures having artistic, historic or archaeological value; the protection of intellectual property, or rules relating to gold and silver, or noplicinām on the conservation of natural resources, if these measures are effective in relation to the domestic production or consumption. Such prohibitions or restrictions shall not, however, constitute a means of arbitrary discrimination or disguised restrictions on trade between the parties.
Article 20 With security interests motivated exceptions in this agreement, nothing that a party refrain from any appropriate measures if it considered it necessary to: (a) to prevent the disclosure of such information is damaging its essential security interests;
(b) its essential security interests or to international obligations or national policy;
(i) with regard to arms, ammunition and military equipment trade, provided that such measures do not impair the conditions of competition in respect of products not intended for specifically military purposes and in respect of such trade in other goods, materials, and services that are directly or indirectly carried out military supply object; or (ii) in relation to biological or chemical weapons, nuclear and other kodolspridzekļ, or (iii) made war or serious international tension.
Article 21 the State monopolies 1. Parties to gradually adjust any State monopolies of a commercial character so as to 1 July 1999, to ensure that, between their nationals, no discrimination regarding the purchase of goods and marketing conditions.
2. The provisions of this article shall apply to any body through which the parties ' competent authorities, legally or in fact, directly and indirectly supervises, determines or appreciably affect mutual imports or exports. These conditions are applied to similar monopoly to which the parties have notified the other institutions.
Article 22 payments 1. payments in freely convertible currencies for trade between the parties, of the goods, as well as the transfer of such payments to the territory of the parties to this agreement, which is the vendor's country of residence shall not be subject to any restrictions.
2. The Parties shall refrain from any Exchange or administrative restrictions on the short-and medium-term credits, refunds or acceptance, relating to trade in goods, in which the parties to a resident.
3. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 2, any measures relating to the current payments connected with the movement of goods must match the document "in a written agreement with the International Monetary Fund on the correct contractual design rules" defined in article VIII.
Article 23 of the rules on competition to undertakings in the 1. The following are incompatible with the proper functioning of this agreement, to the extent that, in so far as it affects trade between the parties: (a) all such agreements between undertakings, decisions of associations of undertakings, as well as concerted practices between undertakings which have as their object or effect is to prevent, restrict or distort competition;
(b) one or more companies of their dominant position in the territories of the parties as a single whole or substantial part thereof the abuse.
2. the provisions of paragraph 1 apply to all company activities, including public enterprises and enterprises to which the parties grant special or exclusive rights. The companies entrusted to carry out the services of general economic interest or having the character of a revenue generating monopoly, is subject to the provisions of paragraph l of such a degree, in so far as the application of such rules does not obstruct the special State imposed on the performance of the tasks in accordance with the law or in fact.
3. (a). the provisions of paragraph 2 of chapter II dealt with aspects of the products does not apply to agreements, decisions and practices that are an integral part of the national market organizations.
4. If a party considers that a particular practice is incompatible with l., paragraph 2 and 3, and if such practice causes or threatens to cause serious damage to the interests of the party or material injury to its domestic industry, this party may take appropriate measures in accordance with the procedure laid down in article 32., and in accordance with its terms.
24. Article 1 of the State aid every assistance granted by the public-party-this agreement or granted through State resources in any form which distorts or threatens to distort competition, giving an advantage to certain undertakings or the production of certain goods, to the extent that may affect trade between the parties, is not compatible with the correct functioning of this agreement.
2. paragraph 1 shall not apply to the products referred to in chapter II.
3. the parties guarantee the disclosure of information in public areas of assistance, inter alia, submitting to one another in the annual reports on the total amount of assistance and distribution, as well as by the second party, providing it with information about assistance schemes and certain individual cases of State aid.
4. If a party considers that a particular practice, including those relating to agriculture, is incompatible with the provisions of paragraph 1 and not implemented adequate corresponding to the provisions of paragraph 3, or, if such provisions and if this practical action causes or threatens to cause serious damage to the interests of the party or material injury to the domestic industry of that party, then that party may take appropriate measures on the basis of the provisions of article 32 and under them. The following appropriate measures be carried out only in the World Trade Organization and any appropriate they proceeded under the auspices of the negotiations to be concluded in accordance with the procedure laid down in the document and in accordance with the conditions applicable to the parties.
Article 25 public order 1. For purpose of this agreement the parties consider their respective public procurement markets.

2. the Parties shall progressively establish their respective rules for public order purposes to give the other side an opportunity supplied not later than 1 January 2001, access to supply of goods contract closure procedure the parties concerned public order on the market in accordance with the agreement on government procurement of the World Trade Organization.
3. the Joint Committee shall examine the achievement of the objectives of this article-related developments and can recommend 2. practical implementation of the provisions of paragraph 2, to ensure the availability of free, public, and with the full rights and obligations balanced.
4. the checks referred to in paragraph 2, during the Joint Committee may examine, in particular, the realm of relevant international developments, for the extension of the covered market and/or 2. market opening provided for in paragraph 2.
5. the Parties shall endeavour to accede to the relevant conventions, entered into the World Trade Organization's custody negotiations.
26. Article 1 of the protection of intellectual property. The Parties shall implement non-discriminatory principles and guarantee the protection of intellectual property rights, including measures granting such rights and implementation. This protection was gradually perfected to a level corresponding to those of real multilateral treaty standards laid down in annex 5 to this agreement before the July 1, 1999.
2. aspects of this agreement, "intellectual property protection" in particular is a copyright, including computer programs and databases, and related rights, trade marks, geographical designation, industrial designs, patents, layout designs of integrated circuits, as well as the topology of unpublished information about scientific-technical production secrets protection.
3. The Parties shall cooperate in matters relating to intellectual property. At the request of any party they held consultations of experts on these issues, in particular, on the activities that are associated with the currently existing or future international conventions on intellectual property rights protection, administration and enforcement of harmonization, and about the activities of international organisations such as the World Trade Organization and the world intellectual property organization, as well as the parties ' relations with third countries in respect of intellectual property.
Article 27 dumping if either party finds that the given contract regulated relations in commercial dumping is implemented for the 1994 document "in the General Agreement on tariffs and trade" within the meaning of article VI, under this contract, the procedure laid down in article 32 and on the basis of the terms of this procedure, it may be against this practice measures to be applied according to the document "the 1994 General Agreement on tariffs and trade", and article VI of the agreement on the document "the 1994 General Agreement on tariffs and trade to the implementation of article VI".
Article 28 General protection measures in cases where any product is being imported in such increased quantities and under such conditions as to cause or threaten to cause: (a) serious injury to the domestic producers of those who are in the territory of the importing party produced similar or directly competitive products, or (b) the significant distortion in any economic sector concerned or difficulties which significantly deteriorate the economic situation of a region, the interested party may take appropriate measures in accordance with the procedure laid down in article 32 and on the basis of the terms of this procedure.
29. Article 1 of the structural adjustment as the special temporary measures, which weakens the provisions of article 3, any party may enforce the customs tax increases.
2. these measures may only be associated with new industries, or certain sectors undergoing restructuring, which or who are facing serious difficulties, particularly where these difficulties resulting in significant social problems.
3. The results of the introduction of import taxes, which one of the Parties shall apply to products originating in the other party, shall not exceed 25% ad valorem and must maintain an element of preference rate of customs duties on products originating in the other party. The goods subject to these measures the total value of imports may not exceed 15% of the second half produced industrial goods kopimport the last year for which statistics are available. as defined in chapter I.
4. The application of such measures may not exceed a period of three years, unless the Joint Committee is not authorized to extend the period. These measures are to be abolished at the latest by 1 January 2001.
5. the following measures with respect to any product is not introduced, if more than three years since all the tax and the Elimination of quantitative restrictions or measures of payment and clearance, which for this product is equivalent to the effect.
6. The interested party shall inform the other party of all those special measures which it intends to perform exceptionally, and prior to their introduction at the request of the other party is noturam consultations on such measures and the sectors covered in the framework of the Joint Committee. Such measures necessary, the interested party shall submit to the Joint Committee for the Elimination of customs duties calendar plan, which is implemented in accordance with this article. This plan provides for the repeal of such duties shall be initiated not later than two years after their introduction.  The Joint Committee may decide on a different calendar, plan approval.
30. Article Re-export and serious deficits if the 6 and 8 discharge causes: (a) re-exporting to a third country against which the exporting Party with respect to a specific product to apply quantitative export restrictions, export duties or duties and measures having equivalent effect; or (b) a serious shortage, or a product of deficit threats, which is essential to the exporting Party;
and if that situation arises, or able to create significant difficulties for the exporting Party, that party may take appropriate measures in accordance with the procedure laid down in article 32 and on the basis of the terms of this procedure.
Article 31 obligations 1. the Parties shall take any general or specific measures required in this contract the corresponding obligations. The Parties shall endeavour to reach this Agreement defines obligations.
2. If either party considers that the other party has failed to fulfil one of the obligations of this contract, the interested party may take appropriate measures in accordance with the procedure laid down in article 32, and on the basis of the terms of this procedure.
Article 32 measures of protection procedure Before you start 1 in subsequent paragraphs of this article, the measures laid down the procedures for the application of the implementation, the Parties shall endeavour to resolve any conflict between the direct consultations.
2. If a party to the importation of goods which can arise in the situation dealt with in article 28 shall be subject to administrative control procedure in order to gain operational information about foreign trade process, it shall inform the other party.
3. No prejudice 7. item, the party is considering to introduce protective measures immediately on the news the other party and supply all appropriate information. The solution search purposes is immediately held consultations between the parties within the Joint Committee.
4. (a) the Joint Committee shall examine the cases or situations of 27, 28 and 30 of the article and may take any decision needed to put an end to difficulties, for which the party has reported. If such a decision is not adopted within thirty days of the matter being referred to the Joint Committee, the interested party may take the measures necessary for the normalization of the situation.
(b) interested parties article 31 aspect may enforce appropriate measures after discussing the closing or after three months have elapsed since the date on which the other party was presented in the first report.
(c) the interested party 23 and 24 in terms of article shall provide the Joint Committee with all the necessary assistance in order to examine the case and, if necessary, terminate the practice raised objections. If the party concerned within the time limit fixed by the Joint Committee fails to end the practice raised objections, or, if the Joint Committee fails to reach a settlement within thirty days from the date when the question was submitted, the interested party may take measures to prevent the practice in question against which objections raised by leads to difficulties.
5. the second party is promptly filed a notice of the protective measures. They must be limited to the duration of their size and aspect, which is absolutely necessary to normalize the situation, which was the reason for their application, and they must not exceed the damage caused by the practice at issue or problem. Priority should be given to those which least disturb the functioning of the current contract.
6. the protective measures Taken to periodically discuss the Joint Committee as regards the possible facilitation or removal when conditions no longer justify their application.

7. If, for any exceptional circumstances require immediate action and prior checking is not possible, then 27, 28 and 30 of the relevant cases, the interested party may apply without delay to improve the situation absolutely necessary interim measures. Such measures shall be notified without delay and the parties will hold consultations in the Joint Committee.
33. Article 1 of the balance of payments difficulties. the Parties shall make every effort to apply restrictive measures, including measures relating to imports, for balance of payments adjustment.
2. If one of the parties or an imminent danger of serious balance of payments difficulties, then that party may, in accordance with the relevant documents, "the 1994 General Agreement on tariffs and trade" rules to take the restrictive measures, including in respect of the importation of goods, the application of which is limited and which are absolutely necessary for the normalization of the balance of payments only. Balance of payments over time, these measures are gradually mīkstinām, and they are redeemable when conditions no longer justify their application. The party concerned shall immediately inform the other party of their implementation and, whenever practical, on the dissolution of the calendar schedule.
34. Article 1 of the Development in the future. If either party considers that the agreement established for the development and deployment of its in the sectors not yet covered, corresponds to both the economic interests of the parties, that party shall submit a reasoned request to the other party. The parties may give guidance to the Joint Committee to examine this request and, where appropriate, make recommendations, in particular with regard to the opening of the negotiations.
2. the Parties shall, in accordance with their national laws be ratified or approved by l the procedures set out in paragraph results in contracts.
Chapter IV. Institutional and final provisions article 35 Joint Committee 1. The Joint Committee is established with this document, and its members are appointed by the Government of the Slovak Republic representative, of the one part, and the Republic of Latvia, the representative appointed by the Government, on the other hand.
2. the implementation of this agreement, monitored and managed by a Joint Committee.
3. this Agreement for the purposes of the proper parties shall exchange information and, at the request of any party, shall hold consultations within the Joint Committee. The Joint Committee shall constantly analyzes the ways further to eliminate all barriers to trade between the parties.
4. the matters provided for in this agreement, the Joint Committee may take decisions. In other matters, the Joint Committee may make recommendations.
Article 36 Joint Committee action procedural rules to ensure that 1 the appropriate execution of the agreement, the Joint Committee held consultations whenever this is necessary but not less frequently than once a year. Each party is entitled to ask to hold discussions.
2. The Joint Committee's action is based on a common agreement.
3. If a representative of a party, the Joint Committee has made a decision with the plea, which just after the international legal requirements, the decision shall enter into force, unless a later date is not specified, the day he is notified of the protest.
4. in the current aspects of the contract itself, the Joint Committee shall adopt its rules of action in which, inter alia, contains provisions for the holding of meetings, the appointment of the Chairman and his term of Office.
5. the Joint Committee may decide to establish such subcommittees and working groups as it deems necessary for the performance of its tasks.
Article 37 of this agreement and other agreements regulated commercial relations 1. This agreement applies to the Slovak Republic and the Republic of Latvia trade relations.
2. this agreement does not prohibit Customs Union, free trade areas or arrangements for frontier trade system should be maintained or, if these do not adversely affect the trade regime and, in particular, the provisions relating to this Agreement provided for in the rules of origin of the goods.
38. Article 1 annexes and protocols 1 to 5 of this agreement and annex 1 to 4 Protocol form an integral part of this agreement.
2. the Joint Committee may decide on amendments to the annex and Protocol. In this case, the amendments shall enter into force on the date on which you received the latter diplomatic note confirming that it has been sanctioned by the Government of the party concerned.
Article 39 amendments amendments of this contract, They are not article 38 paragraph 2 of the said amendments, shall enter into force on the date when it received the latter diplomatic note confirming that all of the parties in accordance with national laws required procedures to the amendments to take effect.
Article 40 entry into force 1 this Agreement shall be subject to ratification and shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the deposit of instruments of ratification document interchange.
2. The instruments of ratification exchanged between Bratislava.
41. Article Prior to the application of this Treaty, the entry into force in accordance with the provisions of article 40, the Slovak Republic will apply to this agreement with the l July 1996, provided that the Republic of Latvia until 15 June 1996, to notify you that you have met all the necessary constitutional requirements of the Republic of Latvia to the entry into force of this agreement and that Latvia will apply this Agreement from 1 July 1996.
Article 42 duration and denunciation 1. this agreement is concluded for an unlimited period.
2. any party may denounce this agreement by submitting the written notes of the second half. This contract shall terminate on the first day of the seventh month following the date on which the other party received this note.
Stating the above, the relevant authorised have signed this agreement.
Signed in Riga, 1996 April 19, two genuine originals in the English language. 
On behalf of the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Slovakia