Press Report

808 174 citizens or 60,47% of people with voting rights took part at the municipal election this year. Comparatively to the last election the turnout has increased – last time it was 56,84%.

808 174 citizens or 60,47% of people with voting rights took part at the municipal election this year. Comparatively to the last election the turnout has increased – last time it was 56,84%.

According to preliminary results Social Democrats will have 14 seats in the Riga city council (49,880 votes or 23.4 percent), FHRUL 13 seats (45,551 votes or 21.4 percent), FF/LNNK will have 11 seats (36,888 votes or 17.3 percent), People’s Party six seats (21,946 votes or 10.3 percent), Latvia's Way five seats (18,545 votes or 8.7 percent). Latvian Green Party has won 2 seats on the city council (8757 votes or 4.1 percent), Latvian Democratic Party and Prosperity Party have won two seats each (6228 and 6386 votes or 2.9 percent and 3 percent, respectively). Russian Party, Latvian Farmers Union, Labour Party, Christian Democratic Union, New Christian Party each have won one seat on the Riga city council. The polls in Riga were joined by 212,857 voters.

According to preliminary results Social Democrats will have 14 seats in the Riga city council (49,880 votes or 23.4 percent), FHRUL 13 seats (45,551 votes or 21.4 percent), FF/LNNK will have 11 seats (36,888 votes or 17.3 percent), Peoples Party six seats (21,946 votes or 10.3 percent), Latvia's Way five seats (18,545 votes or 8.7 percent). Latvian Green Party has won 2 seats on the city council (8757 votes or 4.1 percent), Latvian Democratic Party and Prosperity Party have won two seats each (6228 and 6386 votes or 2.9 percent and 3 percent, respectively). Russian Party, Latvian Farmers Union, Labour Party, Christian Democratic Union, New Christian Party each have won one seat on the Riga city council. The polls in Riga were joined by 212,857 voters.

What regards other municipalities the ruling parties – Latvia’s Way and People’s Party – have managed to keep their positions in those municipalities where they already have ruling positions.

What regards other municipalities the ruling parties – Latvias Way and Peoples Party – have managed to keep their positions in those municipalities where they already have ruling positions. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Chas, Respublika

Chas

forecasts that most likely Social Democrats and FF/LNNK will form a coalition. forecasts that most likely Social Democrats and FF/LNNK will form a coalition.

Diena

writes that social democrats leader J.Bojars about the possible coalition with other political powers said, the party will be careful and reasonable, which is interpreted that social democrats will not rush to join with FHRUL. The most desirable partners for Social Democrats would be FF/LNNK, however, FF/LNNK also does not rush with statements as in the interests of FF/LNNK according to the current mayor A.Argalis is to form a coalition with right wing ruling parties, however, it should be noted that A.Argalis is not named as the negation leader from FF/LNNK. writes that social democrats leader J.Bojars about the possible coalition with other political powers said, “the party will be careful and reasonable”, which is interpreted that social democrats will not rush to join with FHRUL. The most desirable partners for Social Democrats would be FF/LNNK, however, FF/LNNK also does not rush with statements as in the interests of FF/LNNK according to the current mayor A.Argalis is to form a coalition with right wing ruling parties, however, it should be noted that A.Argalis is not named as the negation leader from FF/LNNK. DienaDiena

Respublika

gives its alternatives for possible coalitions in Riga City Council and what impact it would have on the overall situation in Latvia. If A.Argalis keeps the post of the mayor and the coalition is formed of three ruling parties of the Saeima and some small parties there are no changes in the Saeima. Another alternative is that Social Democrats go together with FF/LNNK and in this case there is not only theoretical but also a real threat for the Government. The third alternative is - FHRUL forms a coalition with Social Democrats, however, even if it comes true, this coalition in no case will be in the position. And the last alternative is – Social Democrats is included in the coalition with the ruling parties. gives its alternatives for possible coalitions in Riga City Council and what impact it would have on the overall situation in Latvia. If A.Argalis keeps the post of the mayor and the coalition is formed of three ruling parties of the Saeima and some small parties there are no changes in the Saeima. Another alternative is that Social Democrats go together with FF/LNNK and in this case there is not only theoretical but also a real threat for the Government. The third alternative is - FHRUL forms a coalition with Social Democrats, however, even if it comes true, this coalition in no case will be in the position. And the last alternative is – Social Democrats is included in the coalition with the ruling parties. All parties do not want to form a coalition with the union FHRUL, however, FHRUL chairman J.Jurkans confirmed that his party is ready to co-operate with any party but FF/LNNK.

All parties do not want to form a coalition with the union FHRUL, however, FHRUL chairman J.Jurkans confirmed that his party is ready to co-operate with any party but FF/LNNK. Panorama Latvii

The election lists that disappeared mysteriously in the Majori polling station in sea resort town Jurmala have been found. After the election commission staff detected that lists were missing they were searching the entire polling station and vicinity but found nothing. However, after the police arrived, the lists were found. Head of the local election commission, Marija Sondore voiced that at this point a theory has been presented that the lists simply were not noticed. But she stressed this is not her opinion and she believes the lists most likely were taken and then put back again. The President cast her voice at Majori polling station.

The election lists that disappeared mysteriously in the Majori polling station in sea resort town Jurmala have been found. After the election commission staff detected that lists were missing they were searching the entire polling station and vicinity but found nothing. However, after the police arrived, the lists were found. Head of the local election commission, Marija Sondore voiced that at this point a theory has been presented that the lists simply were not noticed. But she stressed this is not her opinion and she believes the lists most likely were taken and then put back again. The President cast her voice at Majori polling station. Diena

Already before the results of the election were announced, Social Democrats discussed possible co-operation with FF/LNNK, Democracy Party and Welfare Party. FF/LNNK leader M.Grinblats was very cautious when talking about the co-operation with Social Democrats.

Already before the results of the election were announced, Social Democrats discussed possible co-operation with FF/LNNK, Democracy Party and Welfare Party. FF/LNNK leader M.Grinblats was very cautious when talking about the co-operation with Social Democrats. Neatkariga

Diena

has asked the opinions of different people and also the candidates to the post of Riga mayor about the results of the election. Political scientist A.Pabriks describes the results as political revolution as the winners are social democrats and FHRUL and gives his alternatives for coalition – 1) Social Democrats and FF/LNNK 2) FF/LNNK and Social Democrats and Latvias Way 3) Social Democrats, LW and FHRUL and 4) Social Democrats, FF/LNNK and small parties. The candidates to the post of mayor do not name particular parties which could form a coalition and do not consider that these results could have essential impact on the situation in the country. has asked the opinions of different people and also the candidates to the post of Riga mayor about the results of the election. Political scientist A.Pabriks describes the results as political revolution as the winners are social democrats and FHRUL and gives his alternatives for coalition – 1) Social Democrats and FF/LNNK 2) FF/LNNK and Social Democrats and Latvia’s Way 3) Social Democrats, LW and FHRUL and 4) Social Democrats, FF/LNNK and small parties. The candidates to the post of mayor do not name particular parties which could form a coalition and do not consider that these results could have essential impact on the situation in the country. In Rezekne some candidates of several parties – Latvian Democracy Party, LW, Russian Party and Social Democrats – paid to the voters for casting votes for them; this information is also confirmed by public observers. Suspicions about the possible trading with votes were also in Balvi. In one of the rural municipalities in Valmiera the voters who voted for the union “Musu pagasts” were treated with vodka, the same situation was observed in Jurmala where people who voted for “Musu zeme” were offered a drink. In Jelgava some businessmen and employers demanded their employees to bring remaining voting lists with one particular list missing – one employees were said to vote for - to work on Monday. Among other violations was the poster of People’s Party, which was closer to the polling district than it is provided for by the law.

In Rezekne some candidates of several parties – Latvian Democracy Party, LW, Russian Party and Social Democrats – paid to the voters for casting votes for them; this information is also confirmed by public observers. Suspicions about the possible trading with votes were also in Balvi. In one of the rural municipalities in Valmiera the voters who voted for the union Musu pagasts were treated with vodka, the same situation was observed in Jurmala where people who voted for Musu zeme were offered a drink. In Jelgava some businessmen and employers demanded their employees to bring remaining voting lists with one particular list missing – one employees were said to vote for - to work on Monday. Among other violations was the poster of Peoples Party, which was closer to the polling district than it is provided for by the law. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

On contrary to the forecast that the new citizens – people who recently acquired citizenship through naturalisation – would vote for 3 political powers Latvian Democracy Party, LW and FHRUL, it turned out that almost all inquired new citizens cast their votes for FHRUL as they believe that only this party will fight for the improvements in social economic conditions and perseverance of the Russian language.

On contrary to the forecast that the new citizens – people who recently acquired citizenship through naturalisation – would vote for 3 political powers Latvian Democracy Party, LW and FHRUL, it turned out that almost all inquired new citizens cast their votes for FHRUL as they believe that only this party will fight for the improvements in social economic conditions and perseverance of the Russian language. Diena

Panorama Latvii gives quite opposite information – the newspaper voices that new citizens had to vote for FHRUL as this party achieved the changes in the Citizenship Law, however, their choice was LW and Social Democrats.

Panorama Latvii gives quite opposite information – the newspaper voices that new citizens had to vote for FHRUL as this party achieved the changes in the Citizenship Law, however, their choice was LW and Social Democrats.

Two youngsters Sunday handcuffed themselves to a fence across the street from one of the most popular polling stations in the Latvian capital, protesting the rules, which make non-citizens ineligible to vote in local elections.

Two youngsters Sunday handcuffed themselves to a fence across the street from one of the most popular polling stations in the Latvian capital, protesting the rules, which make non-citizens ineligible to vote in local elections. Chas, Vesti Segodnja

The municipal election did not raise very big interest of foreign countries. Official accreditation was given to three employees from United Kingdom embassy and to one from Sweden Government Agency. There were no official observers from the OSCE - the members of the OSCE Mission to Latvia joined the election, however, they will not make an official report. The leader of the students delegation from Bergen University professor Aarebort named three major flaws observed at the election – purchase of the votes, there were no special closed cabins in some districts and so-called family voting, when two or more members of a family enter the cabin simultaneously.

The municipal election did not raise very big interest of foreign countries. Official accreditation was given to three employees from United Kingdom embassy and to one from Sweden Government Agency. There were no official observers from the OSCE - the members of the OSCE Mission to Latvia joined the election, however, they will not make an official report. The leader of the students delegation from Bergen University professor Aarebort named three major flaws observed at the election – purchase of the votes, there were no special closed cabins in some districts and so-called family voting, when two or more members of a family enter the cabin simultaneously. Chas

State language law has placed the administrations of prisons in a tricky situation – they cannot review complaints written in Russian as it would be a violation of the Language Law, however, if they do not accept the complaints from Russian inmates they are violating inmates human rights.

State language law has placed the administrations of prisons in a tricky situation – they cannot review complaints written in Russian as it would be a violation of the Language Law, however, if they do not accept the complaints from Russian inmates they are violating inmates human rights. Vesti Segodnja

Respublika

asks A.Cimdars about the violations at the election – particularly, about the situation when employees ask their employees to present the remaining election lists. However, there are no facts proving that. asks A.Cimdars about the violations at the election – particularly, about the situation when employees ask their employees to present the remaining election lists. However, there are no facts proving that.

Press Report

Press Report

“Latvia has to consider all possibilities to join the EU and we should consider very carefully when is the best time for the country to join the EU”, said minister of regional development and environment protection V.Makarov. The Minister said that if Latvia does not become EU member together with first group candidate states, the country has more chances to receive money from structural funds for environment projects. Foreign affair minister I.Berzins said that “V.Makarov is either misunderstood or let to be misunderstood”.

Latvia has to consider all possibilities to join the EU and we should consider very carefully when is the best time for the country to join the EU, said minister of regional development and environment protection V.Makarov. The Minister said that if Latvia does not become EU member together with first group candidate states, the country has more chances to receive money from structural funds for environment projects. Foreign affair minister I.Berzins said that V.Makarov is either misunderstood or let to be misunderstood. Diena, Neatkariga,

Open society Delna invited all mass media companies to take part in the project “Transparency in Political Parties Funds”. Only 15 out of all mass media companies have agreed to disclose information about parties’ political campaigns and their expenses. 7 newspapers, among them there are only 2 big national newspapers -

Open society Delna invited all mass media companies to take part in the project Transparency in Political Parties Funds. Only 15 out of all mass media companies have agreed to disclose information about parties political campaigns and their expenses. 7 newspapers, among them there are only 2 big national newspapers - Diena and Biznes&Baltija, 4 radio stations and Internet company Apollo are willing to provide information about parties political campaigns expenses. Chas refused to take part in the project and the majority of newspapers, as well as Latvian Independent TV and several Internet companies have not given their responses. Diena, Neatkariga

Latvia on Friday submitted to Lithuania a note about the oil spillage from Butinge terminal urging Lithuania to provide all available information about the accident, its causes, measures taken and steps made in order to avoid similar incidents reoccurring.

Latvia on Friday submitted to Lithuania a note about the oil spillage from Butinge terminal urging Lithuania to provide all available information about the accident, its causes, measures taken and steps made in order to avoid similar incidents reoccurring. Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Friday about 100 (200 – says

Friday about 100 (200 – says Vesti Segodnja) Russian pupils protested against school reorganisation and studies only in the state language at Riga City Council. Chas, Panorama Latvii

The municipal election in Latvia has not raised a big interest of foreign countries. Only the embassies of the United Kingdom and Sweden have expressed an interest about the course of the election; there are no observers from Russia or any other CIS countries, however, there is a big delegation from the University of Bergen, Norway.

The municipal election in Latvia has not raised a big interest of foreign countries. Only the embassies of the United Kingdom and Sweden have expressed an interest about the course of the election; there are no observers from Russia or any other CIS countries, however, there is a big delegation from the University of Bergen, Norway. Chas

Chas

interviews Latvias Way candidate to the post of Riga Mayor A.Pocha. The majority questions are about her personality, however, couple questions regards her plans if she takes the post. interviews Latvia’s Way candidate to the post of Riga Mayor A.Pocha. The majority questions are about her personality, however, couple questions regards her plans if she takes the post.

Panorama Latvii

publishes few articles where explains why people have to vote for FHRUL and names individual candidates. publishes few articles where explains why people have to vote for FHRUL and names individual candidates. The possible meeting of Latvian and Russian prime ministers would not happen if in the social agreement between Latvia and Russia Latvia deletes the article concerning mutual obligation of the parties to pay non-citizens pensions also for the years worked outside the respective countries.

The possible meeting of Latvian and Russian prime ministers would not happen if in the social agreement between Latvia and Russia Latvia deletes the article concerning mutual obligation of the parties to pay non-citizens pensions also for the years worked outside the respective countries. Vesti Segodnja.

On Thursday’s

On Thursdays Delfi internet election the current mayor of Riga was re-elected to the post – out of 8292 2544 persons voted for A.Argalis. 1252 persons votes came from Delfi web page in Russian. Vesti Segodnja

Vesti Segodnja

talks about the changes in language situation because of municipal elections – even the most radical parties (FF/LNNK) have remembered Russian and the Russian language is on the posters of all parties. The Russian language come-back to political field is only a prelude for its return to commercial and other spheres. talks about the changes in language situation because of municipal elections – even the most radical parties (FF/LNNK) have “remembered’ Russian and the Russian language is on the posters of all parties. “The Russian language come-back to political field is only a prelude for its return to commercial and other spheres”. Entrepreneurs of Russian nationality experience more difficulties than Latvians, as they do not have connections at Latvian state authorities and also in Moscow they are not very welcomed if they do not have a lot of money. This problem was also among the discussion subjects at the conference “Moscow and Compatriots”.

Entrepreneurs of Russian nationality experience more difficulties than Latvians, as they do not have connections at Latvian state authorities and also in Moscow they are not very welcomed if they do not have a lot of money. This problem was also among the discussion subjects at the conference Moscow and Compatriots. Vesti Segodnja

According to the international directory “National and Ethnic Groups in Latvia” there is only one national Russian school in Latvia.

According to the international directory National and Ethnic Groups in Latvia there is only one national Russian school in Latvia. Vesti Segodnja gives detailed information about the school.

 

Press Report

Press Report

1447 people in Riga have used a possibility to vote before the real election starts, in Balvi 393, Daugavpils Region – 354, Liepaja Region – 284, Venspils Region - 136.

1447 people in Riga have used a possibility to vote before the real election starts, in Balvi 393, Daugavpils Region – 354, Liepaja Region – 284, Venspils Region - 136. Diena

Anita Galica became the 40 000th Latvian citizen through the process on naturalisation. She and 30 more new citizens received the Cabinet of Ministers decrees on granting them citizenship from Prime Minister A.Berzins at the Cabinet of Ministers. In 1995when the naturalisation process started there were 720 000 non-citizens. Last year Latvian citizenship received almost 15 000 people and now there still are about 500 000 non-citizens in Latvia.

Anita Galica became the 40 000th Latvian citizen through the process on naturalisation. She and 30 more new citizens received the Cabinet of Ministers decrees on granting them citizenship from Prime Minister A.Berzins at the Cabinet of Ministers. In 1995when the naturalisation process started there were 720 000 non-citizens. Last year Latvian citizenship received almost 15 000 people and now there still are about 500 000 non-citizens in Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Latvijas Vestnesis, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

The considerable difference in the political parties popularity research ordered by the Russian speaking newspaper Biznes Shans with the one carried out by the social research company SKDS regular researches data make one think that these popularity data results depend on interests of the customer. Biznes Shans contracted company IBS Management to carry out a research on popularity of political parties. Comparing these data with the ones collected by SKDS and which the government was not very eager to reveal, there was a considerable difference. Comparing both data one must conclude that the most growth of popularity is for the parties that orient themselves for the Russian speaking electorate. Seems that publishing of these data is an attempt to influence those voters who have not made their choice yet.

Neatkariga

The Baltic States are afraid that they could become victims of a scheme between Moscow and Washington. German newspaper Frankfurter Rundschau voiced a possibility that the USA could receive Yes for their national anti-missiles defence system if the USA refused to accept the Baltic States into NATO. The same opinion expressed Danish Ambassador M.Liketolf during his visit to his American colleague C.Powell. Neatkariga

Latvijas Vestnesis

published an interview with American Ambassador J.Holmes where his speaks about the possibilities for Latvia to join NATO.

Latvian parliament on Thursday decided not to send to the standing committees the draft law on ratification of convention on the protection of national minorities, signed by Latvia in 1995. Leftist forces union For Human Rights in United Latvia (FHRUL) parliament faction chairman Janis Jurkans told the parliament rejection of the bill signalled of hypocritical domestic and foreign policy pursued by the ruling coalition.

FHRUL MP Sergejs Dolgopolovs meanwhile told BNS the convention should be ratified to lessen tension in the country and promote society integration. The convention envisages the right for national minorities to acquire secondary education in the state language, retaining minorities secondary schools. BNS, Vesti Segodnya. Chas, Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Press Report

Contrary to the opinion of many voters that one voice cannot change much in this election, experience of the previous local government election of 1997 proves just the opposite – to receive a seat in Riga City Council one of the election lists needed only 2911 voices, in Jelgava 562. It has made the representatives of several small parties start hoping that including popular physicians and actors in their candidates lists will collect them several hundred voices thus ensuring their getting into the Council. And this hope rises with decreasing of electorate’s activity.

Contrary to the opinion of many voters that one voice cannot change much in this election, experience of the previous local government election of 1997 proves just the opposite – to receive a seat in Riga City Council one of the election lists needed only 2911 voices, in Jelgava 562. It has made the representatives of several small parties start hoping that including popular physicians and actors in their candidates lists will collect them several hundred voices thus ensuring their getting into the Council. And this hope rises with decreasing of electorates activity. Diena

Central Election Commission together with DCMA took care let also those citizens, who did not have a domicile registration stamp in their passports but were registered at their place of residence, would be able to vote. In such cases commissions would allow also those people who may prove their registration with a certificate issued by the local government residents registration department or DCMA Residents Register.

Central Election Commission together with DCMA took care let also those citizens, who did not have a domicile registration stamp in their passports but were registered at their place of residence, would be able to vote. In such cases commissions would allow also those people who may prove their registration with a certificate issued by the local government residents registration department or DCMA Residents Register. Diena

Let as many voters as possible could use their election right at this local government election, people may start voting today, even those who do not have a domicile registration stamp in their passport. From March 8-10 to election polls may come people, who will not be able to arrive there on March 11.

Let as many voters as possible could use their election right at this local government election, people may start voting today, even those who do not have a domicile registration stamp in their passport. From March 8-10 to election polls may come people, who will not be able to arrive there on March 11. Neatkariga, Respublika, Panorama Latvii

The government coalition parties agreed to call the Saeima not to discuss the proposal of Social Democrats for expressing vote of non-confidence to the Minister of Interior M.Seglins and to postpone it for the next Saeima sitting. This next sitting will take place after the local government election.

The government coalition parties agreed to call the Saeima not to discuss the proposal of Social Democrats for expressing vote of non-confidence to the Minister of Interior M.Seglins and to postpone it for the next Saeima sitting. This next sitting will take place after the local government election. Diena

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins and his Belarus counterpart Vladimir Yermoshin met Wednesday in Riga and discussed economic issues as well as the position by international organizations (OSCE, CoE, EU) concerning coming presidential elections in Belarus. Both premiers praised bilateral economic co-operation, including cross-border co-operation and Belarus co-operation with Latvian ports.

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins and his Belarus counterpart Vladimir Yermoshin met Wednesday in Riga and discussed economic issues as well as the position by international organizations (OSCE, CoE, EU) concerning coming presidential elections in Belarus. Both premiers praised bilateral economic co-operation, including cross-border co-operation and Belarus co-operation with Latvian ports. BNS, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Latvijas Vestnesis, Respublika

Deputies of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Commission voiced their perplexity for the fact that the records of the meeting of presidents V.Vike-Freiberga and V.Putin were announced to be secret. Although the majority of deputies have access to the state secrets, still they doubt that both presidents discussed topics that could correspond to this status.

Neatkariga

The Latvian parliament on Thursday decided not to send to the standing committees the draft law on ratification of convention on the protection of national minorities, signed by Latvia in 1995. BNS

Yesterday the Minister of Welfare A.Pozharnovs made excuses for the social welfare agreement with Russia. Minister stated that there was no reason for worry that Latvian pensioners would receive less pensions if the agreement were signed. If any political decisions were taken, implementation of those would be financed from the state budget. The Minister also added that there existed another part of the coin – the present amount of pensions in Russia was 16 USD, so those Russian people, who had thought about moving to Russia but had not done it, would be interested to move there as soon as the question of exporting pensions was settled.

Yesterday the Minister of Welfare A.Pozharnovs made excuses for the social welfare agreement with Russia. Minister stated that there was no reason for worry that Latvian pensioners would receive less pensions if the agreement were signed. If any political decisions were taken, implementation of those would be financed from the state budget. The Minister also added that there existed another part of the coin – the present amount of pensions in Russia was 16 USD, so those Russian people, who had thought about moving to Russia but had not done it, would be interested to move there as soon as the question of exporting pensions was settled. Lauku Avize, Panorama Latvii

Russian Ministry of Fuel and Energy announced that on January 1, 2001 Latvia owned Russia for oil, fuel and gas 8.5 million Ls.

Russian Ministry of Fuel and Energy announced that on January 1, 2001 Latvia owned Russia for oil, fuel and gas 8.5 million Ls. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

Commentator A.Brauna in the newspaper

Commentator A.Brauna in the newspaper Diena editorial writes that politicians have lingered for so long with abolishing the existing domicile registration system that about 6% of all electorate will not be able to realise their election right. According to the present local government election law residents may vote only at the territory of the local government where they have been registered or they have a real property. But about 80 000 people live without a domicile registration. According to the Residents Register data every 5th or 6th persons real place of residence differs from his domicile registration and it means that about 200 000 or 15% of electorate have no influence on the local government where they live or work. They may vote only at the local government where they have neither logical wish or need to influence the status quo nor they know local candidates. And it is likely that this part of population will not take part in this election.

Prime Minister A.Berzins agrees to the opinion of President V.Vike-Freiberga that Latvia should abolish the domicile registration system, but he thinks the state should not rush with this process. A.Berzins thinks that instead of this old system should be created a new, more up-to-day system.

Prime Minister A.Berzins agrees to the opinion of President V.Vike-Freiberga that Latvia should abolish the domicile registration system, but he thinks the state should not rush with this process. A.Berzins thinks that instead of this old system should be created a new, more up-to-day system. Vesti Segodnya

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins will visit Cyprus from March 7 – 9. He plans to meet with the highest officials and sign three agreements.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins will visit Cyprus from March 7 – 9. He plans to meet with the highest officials and sign three agreements. Neatkariga

Yesterday Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins met with the President of European Human Rights Court L.Wildhaber, who had arrived to Riga to participate in a seminar “European Human Rights Convention and it Juridical Practice: Application in National Court Institutions and State Administration”. During the discussion both officials spoke about the input of the European Human Rights Court into the development of human rights protection mechanism. On the same day the seminar took place at the Riga Graduate School of Law. K.Malinovska from the Cabinet of Ministers pointed out the necessity to observe the European Human Rights Convention not only in court but also in the state administration. M.Mits from Human Rights Institute of Latvian University Juridical Department spoke about the practice of Latvian courts in observing this Convention. European Human Rights Court judge E.Levits pointed out the necessity for every official to know and observe the demands of European Human Rights Convention in his everyday work.

Yesterday Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins met with the President of European Human Rights Court L.Wildhaber, who had arrived to Riga to participate in a seminar European Human Rights Convention and it Juridical Practice: Application in National Court Institutions and State Administration. During the discussion both officials spoke about the input of the European Human Rights Court into the development of human rights protection mechanism. On the same day the seminar took place at the Riga Graduate School of Law. K.Malinovska from the Cabinet of Ministers pointed out the necessity to observe the European Human Rights Convention not only in court but also in the state administration. M.Mits from Human Rights Institute of Latvian University Juridical Department spoke about the practice of Latvian courts in observing this Convention. European Human Rights Court judge E.Levits pointed out the necessity for every official to know and observe the demands of European Human Rights Convention in his everyday work. Latvijas Vestnesis

The newspaper

Chas published a letter of a reader where he told about his experience at the Employment Bureau. Having lost his job, the person applied to the local employment bureau where he was advised to change his profession and attend free of charge computer courses. But the tuition language turned to be Latvian. The person was not able to understand it. Similar courses in the Russian language were for fee. And he asks - where an unemployed person could get money to pay for this training?

Yesterday two Saeima Commissions – Human rights and Education and Science in principle agreed to grant the National Radio and TV Council authority to impose fines to broadcasting organisations for violating Latvian legislation. Members of those two commissions intend to ask the Saeima Juridical Commission to develop amendments to the Administrative Violations Code. In these amendments should be established the fines for violating the language law, advertisement regulations, misuse of erotic materials and pornography. The punishments would vary from a warning to a fine of 5 000 Ls. Chas

In 1994 was established Latvian – Russian intergovernmental commission that still works on the text of agreement on social welfare. At the beginning of May Latvian party will visit Moscow where it will try for the 6th time to reach an agreement on this matter with Russians.

In 1994 was established Latvian – Russian intergovernmental commission that still works on the text of agreement on social welfare. At the beginning of May Latvian party will visit Moscow where it will try for the 6th time to reach an agreement on this matter with Russians. Respublika