  HADES data on a strangeness production in Ar+KCl collisions at 1.76A GeV are
analyzed within a minimal statistical model. The total negative strangeness
content is fixed by the observed K^+ multiplicities on event-by-event basis.
Particles with negative strangeness are assumed to remain in chemical
equilibrium with themselves and in thermal equilibrium with the environment
until a common freeze-out. Exact strangeness conservation in each collision
event is explicitly preserved. This implies that Xi baryons can be released
only in events where two or more kaons are produced. An increase of the
fireball volume due to application of a centrality trigger in HADES experiments
is taken into account. We find that experimental ratios of K-/K+, Lambda/K+ and
Sigma/K+ can be satisfactorily described provided in-medium potentials are
taken into account. However, the calculated Xi-/Lambda/K+ ratio proves to be
significantly smaller compared to the measured value (8 times lower than the
experimental median value and 3 times lower than the lower error bar). Various
scenarios to explain observed Xi enhancement are discussed. Arguments are given
in favor of the Xi production in direct reactions. The rates of the possible
production processes are estimated and compared.
