Integration and Minority Information Service | Latvian Centre for Human Rights

Press Review

Certain issues connected with the agreement on pensioned officers were specified during the meeting of Russian and Latvian experts in Jurmala on April 26. The experts also continued their work on the protocol to be added to the agreement. In his interview for NEATKARIGA CINA Sergey Zotov said that Russian side would consider the propositions put forward by Latvia. Still, he emphasized that Russia would not agree to any serious changes to the agreement on pensioned officers.

Certain issues connected with the agreement on pensioned officers were specified during the meeting of Russian and Latvian experts in Jurmala on April 26. The experts also continued their work on the protocol to be added to the agreement. In his interview for NEATKARIGA CINA Sergey Zotov said that Russian side would consider the propositions put forward by Latvia. Still, he emphasized that Russia would not agree to any serious changes to the agreement on pensioned officers. Diena, Neatkariga Cina

Russian Government expressed its surprise in connection with a resolution by the European Parliament on the withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of the Baltic States adopted on April 21. The Director of the Department of Information of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr.Karasin said that such steps could complicate the negotiations of Russia with the Baltic States. He also noted that the Russian side expected the package consisting of four agreements to be signed.

Russian Government expressed its surprise in connection with a resolution by the European Parliament on the withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of the Baltic States adopted on April 21. The Director of the Department of Information of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr.Karasin said that such steps could complicate the negotiations of Russia with the Baltic States. He also noted that the Russian side expected the package consisting of four agreements to be signed. Diena

In his interview for DIENA Russian Ambassador Alexander Rannikh insisted that the Yeltsin's decree on the creation of a military base in Latvia was a technical mistake. He also admitted that it could be a provocation as well. Mr.Rannikh also stressed that the most of the threat to its stability is caused not from outside but by the internal extremist tendencies that also influence its foreign policies. He pointed out that pensioned Russian officers could not cause any social problems to Latvia. He approved of the concept of the foundation for the repatriation of pensioned officers as well as those inhabitants of Latvia who were willing to move to Russia. Mr.Rannikh also said that the purpose of the protocol to the agreement on pensioned officers would be the specification of certain points and the definition of the mechanisms of the implementation of the agreement.

In his interview for DIENA Russian Ambassador Alexander Rannikh insisted that the Yeltsin's decree on the creation of a military base in Latvia was a technical mistake. He also admitted that it could be a provocation as well. Mr.Rannikh also stressed that the most of the threat to its stability is caused not from outside but by the internal extremist tendencies that also influence its foreign policies. He pointed out that pensioned Russian officers could not cause any social problems to Latvia. He approved of the concept of the foundation for the repatriation of pensioned officers as well as those inhabitants of Latvia who were willing to move to Russia. Mr.Rannikh also said that the purpose of the protocol to the agreement on pensioned officers would be the specification of certain points and the definition of the mechanisms of the implementation of the agreement. Diena

According to non-official opinions expressed by Government executives Minister for Foreign Affairs Georgs Andreyevs and Minister for Special Missions Edvins Inkens will have to resign soon. The resigning will be connected with a forthcoming disclosure of secret files prooving their collaboration with KGB.

According to non-official opinions expressed by Government executives Minister for Foreign Affairs Georgs Andreyevs and Minister for Special Missions Edvins Inkens will have to resign soon. The resigning will be connected with a forthcoming disclosure of secret files prooving their collaboration with KGB. Diena

The Latvian Committee for Human Rights announced the beginning of the action involving the collection of facts of illegal actions by the CID. The Committee will collect individual complaints that will be submitted during the May Day rally.

The Latvian Committee for Human Rights announced the beginning of the action involving the collection of facts of illegal actions by the CID. The Committee will collect individual complaints that will be submitted during the May Day rally. SM Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

Criminal proceedings against the Head of the Vidzeme CID Office Mrs.Porietere and the Head of the Ziemele CID Office Mr.Kirsis are continued. The final decision of the procurator offices is being delayed due to the large number of complaints. Both persons are accused in deliberate refusal to implement court decrees.

Criminal proceedings against the Head of the Vidzeme CID Office Mrs.Porietere and the Head of the Ziemele CID Office Mr.Kirsis are continued. The final decision of the procurator offices is being delayed due to the large number of complaints. Both persons are accused in deliberate refusal to implement court decrees. SM Segodnya

Press Report

A meeting of expert groups is scheduled for today in Riga. The experts will accomplish the preparation of the initialled agreements. The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Maris Riekstins is expected to visit Moscow today to settle the date of the meeting of the presidents of Latvia and Russia. A conference on the agreement-associated issues was held in the President's residence in Jurmala on April 25. According to President's Office Latvia still is not aware of the exact number of pensioned officers and their family members staying in the country after the signing of the agreements, their property rights, and the compensation for the use of the Skrunda radar.The status of the upcoming visit have not been decided upon. It could be an official visit or a working meeting. Other issues including economical co-operation and the access to the former KGB information may be discussed as well. According to State Secretary for Eastern Affairs Mr.Vovers the experts will concentrate on preparing a package consisting of four agreements and a protocol containing addenda to the agreement on pensioned officers.

A meeting of expert groups is scheduled for today in Riga. The experts will accomplish the preparation of the initialled agreements. The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Maris Riekstins is expected to visit Moscow today to settle the date of the meeting of the presidents of Latvia and Russia. A conference on the agreement-associated issues was held in the President's residence in Jurmala on April 25. According to President's Office Latvia still is not aware of the exact number of pensioned officers and their family members staying in the country after the signing of the agreements, their property rights, and the compensation for the use of the Skrunda radar.The status of the upcoming visit have not been decided upon. It could be an official visit or a working meeting. Other issues including economical co-operation and the access to the former KGB information may be discussed as well. According to State Secretary for Eastern Affairs Mr.Vovers the experts will concentrate on preparing a package consisting of four agreements and a protocol containing addenda to the agreement on pensioned officers. Diena, Labrit, Latvijas Vestnesis

Mr.Sergey Zotov, the Head of the Russian delegation to the troop withdrawal talks arrived to Riga on April 25. He stated that the Russian side would not agree to amendments to the agreement on pensioned officers. At the same time he noted that Russia was ready to discuss certain mechanisms of the implementation of the agreement. He also stressed that the agreement cannot be considered separately from the rest of the package and noted that the agreement did not imply any compromises on the part of Latvia since the retired servicemen's pensions would be paid by Russia.

Mr.Sergey Zotov, the Head of the Russian delegation to the troop withdrawal talks arrived to Riga on April 25. He stated that the Russian side would not agree to amendments to the agreement on pensioned officers. At the same time he noted that Russia was ready to discuss certain mechanisms of the implementation of the agreement. He also stressed that the agreement cannot be considered separately from the rest of the package and noted that the agreement did not imply any compromises on the part of Latvia since the retired servicemen's pensions would be paid by Russia. Labrit

On April 25 the Saeima Commission on Mandates and Proposals issued a statement suggesting that the names of five Parliament members whose names were discovered in the KGB agent files should be disclosed on Wednesday this week. The statement will be followed with a draft decree on the procedures to follow. According to the legislation in force the mandates cannot be canceled until no proofs of the actual involvement of the MP's with KGB are provided. Several newspapers have already published the five names referring to "reliable unofficial sources". The names are:

- Georgs Andrejevs (LC), the Minister of Foreign Affairs;

- Edvins Inkens (LC), the Minister for Special Missions;

- Andris Silins (LC), the Chairman of the Saeima Commission for Education, Culture, and Science;

- Roberts Milbergs (TB), the Chairman of the Saeima Commission for Inquiries and special Investigations;

- Aivars Kreituss (DP), the Chairman of the Democratic Party and the Democratic Party Fraction.

- Aivars Kreituss (DP), the Chairman of the Democratic Party and the Democratic Party Fraction. Diena, Neatkariga

LNNK fraction has announced its plans for the creation of a shadow cabinet of ministers. This decision is directly connected to the governing coalition's plans for signing the agreements with Russia according to a "4 + 1" formula (four agreements plus one protocol). It has been stressed during a press-conference that LNNK does not object against the signing of agreements with Russia but will not support the agreements initialled on March 15. Most of the objections were connected with the agreement on pensioned officers.

LNNK fraction has announced its plans for the creation of a shadow cabinet of ministers. This decision is directly connected to the governing coalition's plans for signing the agreements with Russia according to a "4 + 1" formula (four agreements plus one protocol). It has been stressed during a press-conference that LNNK does not object against the signing of agreements with Russia but will not support the agreements initialled on March 15. Most of the objections were connected with the agreement on pensioned officers. Labrit

A rally organized by the Latvian Human Rights Committee took place in front of the City Hall on April 23. The protest was directed against the arbitrary rule of the CID officials and the refusal of the Ministry of Justice to register several social organizations.

A rally organized by the Latvian Human Rights Committee took place in front of the City Hall on April 23. The protest was directed against the arbitrary rule of the CID officials and the refusal of the Ministry of Justice to register several social organizations. Panorama Latvii

Press Review

The second reading of the Citizenship Law is expected to be discussed at a plenary meeting of the Saema on May 12 or 19. The draft has been worked out by "Latvijas Cels" and will be considered by the Legal Commission next week. According to the draft non-citizens will start applying for naturalization on January 1, 1996. The naturalization of a priority group might start upon the law coming into force. The priority group includes persons whose ancestor in the second generation is a Liv or a Latvian or spouses of such persons, persons who legally entered Latvia before 1940, persons forcefully transferred to Latvia during German occupation and their descendants, and spouses of Latvian citizens. Applications for naturalization will be received from non-citizens born in Latvia aged between 16 and 23 starting from January 1, 1996. Persons over 23 born in Latvia will start to apply for naturalization after January 1, 1997, and persons who entered Latvia while being under age will start to apply in 1998. The rest of the non-citizens willing to obtain Latvian citizenship will start applying for naturalization starting from 2000. Pensioned army officers and their family members will not be naturalized except for persons born in Latvia or summoned to service from the territory of Latvia. The status of pensioned servicemen and their family members will be defined by the alien law.

The second reading of the Citizenship Law is expected to be discussed at a plenary meeting of the Saema on May 12 or 19. The draft has been worked out by "Latvijas Cels" and will be considered by the Legal Commission next week. According to the draft non-citizens will start applying for naturalization on January 1, 1996. The naturalization of a priority group might start upon the law coming into force. The priority group includes persons whose ancestor in the second generation is a Liv or a Latvian or spouses of such persons, persons who legally entered Latvia before 1940, persons forcefully transferred to Latvia during German occupation and their descendants, and spouses of Latvian citizens. Applications for naturalization will be received from non-citizens born in Latvia aged between 16 and 23 starting from January 1, 1996. Persons over 23 born in Latvia will start to apply for naturalization after January 1, 1997, and persons who entered Latvia while being under age will start to apply in 1998. The rest of the non-citizens willing to obtain Latvian citizenship will start applying for naturalization starting from 2000. Pensioned army officers and their family members will not be naturalized except for persons born in Latvia or summoned to service from the territory of Latvia. The status of pensioned servicemen and their family members will be defined by the alien law. Diena

The Ministry of Justice refused to register the League of the Stateless Individuals. The official explanation says that the league is a political organization and its statutes contradict Latvian legislation since only citizens of the republic enjoy the right of participating in political activities.

The Ministry of Justice refused to register the League of the Stateless Individuals. The official explanation says that the league is a political organization and its statutes contradict Latvian legislation since only citizens of the republic enjoy the right of participating in political activities. SM Segodnya

Prime-Minister Birkavs stressed the importance of the signing of the agreement with Russia in his interview for DIENA and RADIO FREE EUROPE. He pointed out that the agreement on pensioned officers should be modified. Mr.Birkavs noted that there were powerful political forces in Russia interested in disrupt the situation in Latvia. He also said that the repatriation of pensioned officers was necessary and expressed hope that the West would fund the process. He stressed that the UN and the CSCE would provide international guarantees and would monitor the implementation of the agreements

Prime-Minister Birkavs stressed the importance of the signing of the agreement with Russia in his interview for DIENA and RADIO FREE EUROPE. He pointed out that the agreement on pensioned officers should be modified. Mr.Birkavs noted that there were powerful political forces in Russia interested in disrupt the situation in Latvia. He also said that the repatriation of pensioned officers was necessary and expressed hope that the West would fund the process. He stressed that the UN and the CSCE would provide international guarantees and would monitor the implementation of the agreements. Diena

Press Review

The Head of the Russian delegation to the talks on troop withdrawal Mr.Zotov said that Russia would suspend the withdrawal and cancel its decision to accomplish it before August 31 if Latvia refused to sign the agreement on pensioned officers. According to DIENA the Latvian delegation tried to modify the terms of the agreement on pensioned officers. Only slight changes can be expected, says the newspaper.

The Head of the Russian delegation to the talks on troop withdrawal Mr.Zotov said that Russia would suspend the withdrawal and cancel its decision to accomplish it before August 31 if Latvia refused to sign the agreement on pensioned officers. According to DIENA the Latvian delegation tried to modify the terms of the agreement on pensioned officers. Only slight changes can be expected, says the newspaper. Diena, Labrit

Representatives of the Council of Europe had a meeting with Prime-Minister Birkavs, Minister of Justice Levits, and Secretary of State Riekstins. The agenda of the meeting included the discussion of the joining of the Security Pact by Latvia. According to Mr.Riekstins Latvia is ready to declare its borders to obtain their official recognition. The issue of the state borders includes the problem of Abrene region. Mr.Birkavs stressed that Latvia adhered to its 1920 peace treaty with Russia. Mr.Riekstins noted that there is hope that Russia would join the plan. Latvia proposed that the issue of ethnic minorities should be substituted by the issue of aliens which would include such items as integration, the teaching of the state language , etc.

Representatives of the Council of Europe had a meeting with Prime-Minister Birkavs, Minister of Justice Levits, and Secretary of State Riekstins. The agenda of the meeting included the discussion of the joining of the Security Pact by Latvia. According to Mr.Riekstins Latvia is ready to declare its borders to obtain their official recognition. The issue of the state borders includes the problem of Abrene region. Mr.Birkavs stressed that Latvia adhered to its 1920 peace treaty with Russia. Mr.Riekstins noted that there is hope that Russia would join the plan. Latvia proposed that the issue of ethnic minorities should be substituted by the issue of aliens which would include such items as integration, the teaching of the state language , etc. Diena

A letter by the US Secretary of State expressed support of the initialled agreements with Russia. The US Ambassador to Latvia Mr.Silins confirmed the willingness of the US to allot USD 2 mln. for the dismantling of the Skrunda radar.

A letter by the US Secretary of State expressed support of the initialled agreements with Russia. The US Ambassador to Latvia Mr.Silins confirmed the willingness of the US to allot USD 2 mln. for the dismantling of the Skrunda radar. Diena

Aivars Ozolins, the DIENA journalist, analyzes the latest stage of the negotiations between Russia and Latvia. He connects a sudden revocation of the decree on military bases by Boris Yeltsin and his eagerness to sign the agreements to the pressure by the United States and European Community.

Aivars Ozolins, the DIENA journalist, analyzes the latest stage of the negotiations between Russia and Latvia. He connects a sudden revocation of the decree on military bases by Boris Yeltsin and his eagerness to sign the agreements to the pressure by the United States and European Community. Diena

Press Review

April 30 has been named as the date of President Ulmanis' visit to Moscow. According to the President's Office main agreements could be signed by the presidents while the remaining ones will be signed by the prime-ministers. The Office did not say anything on the plans for the signing of three agreements out of four. Russian President's Press-Secretary Mr.Kostikov said that Russia would not be satisfied with the withdrawal of the agreement on pensioned servicemen from the package. Similar point of view has been expressed by Mr.Zotov and several high-ranking Russian Government officials. At the same time Russia agreed to discuss the issue during the meeting of the two presidents in Moscow. Expert groups are working in Moscow on the elimination of certain problems caused by inconsistencies in the translation. The latvian party suggested that the agreement on pensioned servicemen should be supplemented by several paragraphs.

April 30 has been named as the date of President Ulmanis' visit to Moscow. According to the President's Office main agreements could be signed by the presidents while the remaining ones will be signed by the prime-ministers. The Office did not say anything on the plans for the signing of three agreements out of four. Russian President's Press-Secretary Mr.Kostikov said that Russia would not be satisfied with the withdrawal of the agreement on pensioned servicemen from the package. Similar point of view has been expressed by Mr.Zotov and several high-ranking Russian Government officials. At the same time Russia agreed to discuss the issue during the meeting of the two presidents in Moscow. Expert groups are working in Moscow on the elimination of certain problems caused by inconsistencies in the translation. The latvian party suggested that the agreement on pensioned servicemen should be supplemented by several paragraphs. Diena, Labrit

The voting on the confidence to the Government was held in the Saeima on April 21. The voting was suggested by Prime-Minister Birkavs. The majority of the deputies expressed their confidence to the Government. The extraordinary Plenary Meeting of the Saeima that took place on April 20 did not adopt any decree on the adoption of the agreements with Russia. The demand of the nationalist block to form a new delegation to the talks was not supported.

The voting on the confidence to the Government was held in the Saeima on April 21. The voting was suggested by Prime-Minister Birkavs. The majority of the deputies expressed their confidence to the Government. The extraordinary Plenary Meeting of the Saeima that took place on April 20 did not adopt any decree on the adoption of the agreements with Russia. The demand of the nationalist block to form a new delegation to the talks was not supported. Diena

A press-conference of the Head of the Citizenship and Immigration Department Mr.Zitars was held on April 20. The inconsistency of the existing laws was stressed. It was also pointed out that the Department had protested against the decree by the Ministry of Social Welfare refusing to pay benefits to persons with "round stamps". The Department suggested the issuance of "return guarantees" for non-citizens leaving the country for the term not exceeding 6 months should be canceled. The officials of the Department underlined the importance of the issuance of temporary residence permits for persons having "round stamps". Draft amendments to the law on the stay of foreigners and stateless persons in Latvia will be submitted by the Department to the saeima soon.

A press-conference of the Head of the Citizenship and Immigration Department Mr.Zitars was held on April 20. The inconsistency of the existing laws was stressed. It was also pointed out that the Department had protested against the decree by the Ministry of Social Welfare refusing to pay benefits to persons with "round stamps". The Department suggested the issuance of "return guarantees" for non-citizens leaving the country for the term not exceeding 6 months should be canceled. The officials of the Department underlined the importance of the issuance of temporary residence permits for persons having "round stamps". Draft amendments to the law on the stay of foreigners and stateless persons in Latvia will be submitted by the Department to the saeima soon. SM Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

The Latvian Committee for Human Rights and Humanitarian Co-Operation has issued a statement demanding to allow a rally of the Association of Independent Trade-Unions and to register the League of the Stateless. The statement also criticized the Citizenship and Immigration Department and the idea of creating the immigration police. The committee organizes the picketing of the City Hall on April 22.

The Latvian Committee for Human Rights and Humanitarian Co-Operation has issued a statement demanding to allow a rally of the Association of Independent Trade-Unions and to register the League of the Stateless. The statement also criticized the Citizenship and Immigration Department and the idea of creating the immigration police. The committee organizes the picketing of the City Hall on April 22. SM SEgodnya

April 27, 1994

April 26, 1994

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The Latvian Centre for Human Rights is an independent non-governmental organisation established in 1993 working with issues concerning integration, discrimination, hate crimes, asylum, migration and fundamental rights issues, as well as human rights in closed institutions.