North Korean Expert in Riga Crashes Against Latvian Hospitality or How to Become Unwelcome Faster Than a Tram to Karosta

When you thought only North Korea could quickly expel people, it turns out our VDD doesn't hesitate either. North Korean affairs specialist Lankov had just managed to arrive in Riga for a lecture when he was already caught and taken to the Estonian border. Faster than the Liepāja tram from downtown to Karosta!

At the Park Inn by Radisson hotel, he probably thought he'd give a lecture on how North Korean ships have weathered storms and toppled more stable regimes. But it turned out that Latvian ships also know how to handle unwanted passengers. As one Liepāja café visitor said: 'Well yes, we have our own style here too - we send unwanted guests to the neighbors!'

VDD announced that Lankov could pose a threat to national security. Meanwhile, everyone in Riga wonders - can anyone really be more dangerous than daily traffic with Riga drivers? But no, the service provides no further comments. Probably as secret as Liepāja vendors' recipes.

Now Lankov can give lectures in Tallinn, but his entry to Latvia is banned indefinitely. The Estonians are probably happy - finally an expert who can tell how small countries survive hard times. But we Liepāja folks know - if you want to survive something real, go to Karosta in winter!