Baltic States – CIS, Forum, Latvia, Russia, Tourism

"This decision by the Latvian powers that be can be regarded with nothing except astonishment, and as a result, Jurmala stands to suffer serious economic losses. We are very close to making the decision to exit, because Russian artists will not tolerate such a slap in the face," Medinsky declared.

He added that there are many "wonderful" locales in Russia where "New Wave" could be transferred to, "losing nothing, only gaining."

Medinsky also told TASS about the "fiasco" experienced by the controversial Latvian musical about the famous aviator Herberts Cukurs.

"From what I hear, only 100 tickets were sold, and that is a disaster. Latvian audiences, who are educated and know the truth about their history, showed their attitude [by boycotting], and evidently it is a major artistic fiasco," the minister commented.

"Cukurs. Herberts Cukurs" premiered last week in Liepaja, and is now playing in Riga. Demonstrators gathered at the venue before the Riga performance Friday, calling the musical glorification of a man involved in killing Jews in Latvia during WWII, as a member of the "Arajs' Commando".