Press Report

During his visit to Estonia last week Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs and Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kallas discussed relations with Russia. The exchange of opinions focused on border delimitation. The two countries concluded similar border agreements with Soviet Russia in 1920. Mr. Birkavs believes an "international community" may be involved into resolving the border argument. He says Latvia and Estonia "is gradually approaching the final stage of negotiations with Russia." According to Mr. Birkavs, neither Latvia nor Estonia have territorial claims toward Russia. Still, both countries insist on referring to the 1920 agreements in their border delimitation agreements with Russia. Latvia has not renounced claims for its former territory officially. Russia insists on the 1920 agreements being invalid and refers to the 1975 Helsinki Act as the only applicable document. Still, several countries, while having signed the Act, have not recognized the occupation of the Baltic states. When asked about a possible official renouncing of claims for Abrene, Mr. Birkavs said "the Government was considering the step". He admits it will be a difficult decision resulting from consultations between the governing factions and the Cabinet. Chairman of the Latvian delegation to the border delimitation talks Aivars Vovers says Latvia has not officially accepted the incorporation of Abrene into the Russian Federation.

During his visit to Estonia last week Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs and Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kallas discussed relations with Russia. The exchange of opinions focused on border delimitation. The two countries concluded similar border agreements with Soviet Russia in 1920. Mr. Birkavs believes an "international community" may be involved into resolving the border argument. He says Latvia and Estonia "is gradually approaching the final stage of negotiations with Russia." According to Mr. Birkavs, neither Latvia nor Estonia have territorial claims toward Russia. Still, both countries insist on referring to the 1920 agreements in their border delimitation agreements with Russia. Latvia has not renounced claims for its former territory officially. Russia insists on the 1920 agreements being invalid and refers to the 1975 Helsinki Act as the only applicable document. Still, several countries, while having signed the Act, have not recognized the occupation of the Baltic states. When asked about a possible official renouncing of claims for Abrene, Mr. Birkavs said "the Government was considering the step". He admits it will be a difficult decision resulting from consultations between the governing factions and the Cabinet. Chairman of the Latvian delegation to the border delimitation talks Aivars Vovers says Latvia has not officially accepted the incorporation of Abrene into the Russian Federation. LNNK and "Tevzemei un Brivibai" object against discussing the issue while some other deputies believe discussing the issue would be premature. Meanwhile, President Ulmanis has recommended to negotiate with Russia on border delimitation without raising the issue of compensation for the property located in Abrene. Diena

Last Friday President Ulmanis supported the proposal made by the

Last Friday President Ulmanis supported the proposal made by the Saeima Human Rights Committee. The Committee addressed the President with a letter suggesting amending the Citizenship Law to allow ethnic Livs and Latvians having entered the country before 31 March 1996 to obtain citizenship even if they have not managed to prove their ethnic origin before the date. The deadline for providing documented proofs of ethnic origin puts "Eastern" repatriates into a less advantageous position compared to that of repatriates from the West. According to the agreement between the governing factions, the Citizenship Law may not be amended. Diena

Historian Leo Dribin in an article for

Historian Leo Dribin in an article for "DIENA" suggests that Latvia should evolve from an "ethnic nation" into a "political nation". According to Dribin, a "political nation" can be formed on the bases of common interests of all ethnic groups. Legislation and government policies implemented by state institutions are to maintain a political nation. Leo Dribin warns against preserving the existing situation that may end up in the forming of a society consisting of two isolated communities with almost no common interests. Diena

Five years ago the Supreme Council adopted the "Decree on the Restoration of the Rights of the Citizens of the Republic of Latvia and on the Basic Conditions of Naturalization". Latvian Human Rights Committee activists Leonid Raihman (in

Five years ago the Supreme Council adopted the "Decree on the Restoration of the Rights of the Citizens of the Republic of Latvia and on the Basic Conditions of Naturalization". Latvian Human Rights Committee activists Leonid Raihman (in "SM") and V.Buzayev (in "PANORAMA LATVII") analyze the effect of the decree on the rights of non-Latvians. Both articles point at the fact that the Supreme Council was elected by all inhabitants of Latvia, the country becoming a UN member soon afterwards. Latvia, already being a UN member, has deprived one third of its population of citizenship. Mr. Raihman considers it to be a violation of the Declaration of Human Rights stating that no one can be arbitrarily deprived of citizenship. Around 160,000 inhabitants of Latvia did not manage to apply for registration before the deadline and were left with "round stamps" in their passports. The situation has improved after the adoption of the "Law on the Status of Former USSR Citizens..." in May 1995. Still, "round-stampers" deprived of their fundamental human rights (employment, free travel, registration of marriage, welfare) due to their status constitute approximately five percent of those applying to the Latvian Human Rights Committee for legal assistance. He points at an extremely low pace of the naturalization process (2,459 residents in eighteen months). In this connection Mr. Raihman quotes an OSCE Mission representative who suggested that the Government should say a loud and clear "welcome" to all noncitizens willing to integrate into Latvia's society. SM, Panorama Latvii

Head of the President's Chancellery Millers told

Head of the President's Chancellery Millers told "DIENA" President Ulmanis was not aware of the immense expenses associated with repair and redecoration of the apartment to be provided to the President after the expiration of his term in the office. The total cost of the luxury apartment on Brivibas St. including Ls. 70,000 compensation paid to its former tenant reaches half a million US$. Diena

Press Report

Prime-Minister Skele says the ratification of Latvia's agreement with

Prime-Minister Skele says the ratification of Latvia's agreement with AMOCO and OPAB will not impair the country's relations with Lithuania. According to "DIENA", Lithuania suggested discussing the possibility of a trilateral agreement with the companies. The proposal was made during the meeting of the Prime-Ministers of the two countries in Palanga, Lithuania, showing that Lithuania has chosen a more flexible policy. Previously, Lithuania refused to connect border delimitation to the oil field issue. Diena

President Ulmanis in an interview for

President Ulmanis in an interview for "DIENA" says he sees the moratorium on capital punishment as an impetus for a nation-wide discussion of the problem. The moratorium should not be interpreted as an attempt to restrict the authority of courts, stresses Mr. Ulmanis. Diena

Last Thursday

Last Thursday "Tevzemei un Brivibai" suggested postponing the voting on the candidates for judges of the Constitutional Court. The faction insists on all judges (nominated by the Cabinet, by the Supreme Court, and by the Saeima) to be elected on the same day. A "TB" candidate has almost no chance to be elected having the lowest rating among other candidates. According to sources in the Saeima, Mr. Aivars Endzins will be nominated the Chairman of the Constitutional Court. Diena

Heads of Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian immigration services signed a memorandum upon the Baltic assembly to form a committee on immigration issues.

Heads of Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian immigration services signed a memorandum upon the Baltic assembly to form a committee on immigration issues. Neatkariga

Leader of the Liberal Democratic Party Zhirinovsky addressed Minister of Foreign affairs Primakov with a letter asking for a "diplomatic pressure upon Latvian authorities" to force them to issue permanent residence permits to Russian citizens residing in Latvia.

Leader of the Liberal Democratic Party Zhirinovsky addressed Minister of Foreign affairs Primakov with a letter asking for a "diplomatic pressure upon Latvian authorities" to force them to issue permanent residence permits to Russian citizens residing in Latvia. Neatkariga

Press Report

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima ratified the first reading of Latvias agreement with AMOCO and OPAP on oil exploration in coastal waters. Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Foreign Affairs Berzins stresses the agreement does not allow any exploration of the area before Latvia and Lithuania officially delimit their marine border. Seventy-one deputies supported the ratification with six voting against it. Despite the ratification of the agreement with the oil companies by Latvia, the Lithuanian Government agreed on a meeting of the prime-ministers of the two countries. The talks are held today in Palanga, Lithuania. The final reading of the agreement with AMOCO/OPAB will be held October 24.

"Saimnieks"

will demand considerable changes to the 1996 national budget currently discussed by the will demand considerable changes to the 1996 national budget currently discussed by the SaeimaSaeima. The party does not agree to the introduction of income taxes on pensions and canceling lighter income taxes for dependents, disabled, and politically repressed. . The party does not agree to the introduction of income taxes on pensions and canceling lighter income taxes for dependents, disabled, and politically repressed. "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" might leave the Government if the might leave the Government if the SaeimaSaeima does not take into consideration the changes to the draft budget suggested by the party. does not take into consideration the changes to the draft budget suggested by the party. Diena, NeatkarigaDiena, Neatkariga The Saeima adopted the second reading of the draft amendments to the Law on the Election of Self-Government Bodies yesterday. A group of deputies (“People’s Harmony”, “The Socialists”, “Unity”) suggested adoptintg a provision that would give noncitizens the right to vote in local elections. The provision was declined with nationalist deputies opposing it quite aggressively. Mr. Juris Sinka of

The Saeima adopted the second reading of the draft amendments to the Law on the Election of Self-Government Bodies yesterday. A group of deputies (Peoples Harmony, The Socialists, Unity) suggested adoptintg a provision that would give noncitizens the right to vote in local elections. The provision was declined with nationalist deputies opposing it quite aggressively. Mr. Juris Sinka of LNNK said foreigners were already predominating in some self-governments adding that Russians are "blood-thirsty by nature". Fifty-two deputies objected against the granting noncitizens the right to vote, nine abstained, and thirteen supported the initiative. Mr. Adamsons (former "LC" member) was among the supporters while Mr. Bruveris ("Saimnieks") voted against the proposal. He told the "SM" granting the right to vote in self-government elections to noncitizens would lead to unpredictable results in the areas with predominantly noncitizen population.SM

The Latvian Human Rights Committee addressed the UN General Assembly and the UN Economic and Social Council with a letter pointing at restriction of noncitizens’ rights in Latvia. Among those the letter names the stateless status of one third of Latvia's population, discrimination of the Russian language, and a strict naturalization law. The "window mechanism" is unfair since all former USSR citizens residing in Latvia were "deprived of their civil rights" on one day (i.e., the day the decree on the restoration of the rights of Latvian citizens was adopted (October 15, 1991). The Latvian Human Rights Committee calls upon the UN and the international community to consider the problem of noncitizens' civil rights in Latvia.

The Latvian Human Rights Committee addressed the UN General Assembly and the UN Economic and Social Council with a letter pointing at restriction of noncitizens rights in Latvia. Among those the letter names the stateless status of one third of Latvia's population, discrimination of the Russian language, and a strict naturalization law. The "window mechanism" is unfair since all former USSR citizens residing in Latvia were "deprived of their civil rights" on one day (i.e., the day the decree on the restoration of the rights of Latvian citizens was adopted (October 15, 1991). The Latvian Human Rights Committee calls upon the UN and the international community to consider the problem of noncitizens' civil rights in Latvia. SM

Spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Gennady Tarasov says Russia is planning to submit a draft resolution on violations of civil and political rights of Russians in Estonia and Latvia to the UN General Assembly.

Spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Gennady Tarasov says Russia is planning to submit a draft resolution on violations of civil and political rights of Russians in Estonia and Latvia to the UN General Assembly. Neatkariga

The

The Saeima Committee on Foreign Affairs and Security adopted draft regulations on the registration of twenty-eight Russian servicemen demobilized after 28 January 1992. The CID is to register the servicemen and their family members before October 30 and will issue them with temporary residence permits valid until December 15, 1997. Diena

The Washington Post published an interview with the grand-son of a pre-war Latvian press tycoon Benjamins. Mr. Benjamins Jr. failed to restore his property rights over his grand-father's real estate in Jurmala. The house is currently a residence of the Russian Ambassador. Although the Jurmala City Council has recognized Mr. Benjamin's ownership of the property, Ambassador Rannikh refuses to pay rent to the owner claiming Russia has spent over one million dollars on restoring the house. The Ambassador says he cannot understand why Latvia’s legislation is using 1940 (and not 1910, for instance) as a deadline to resolve property arguments. Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs says he would not like to turn the issue into a political problem while the US Embassy calls upon the Latvian authorities to resolve the problem.

The Washington Post published an interview with the grand-son of a pre-war Latvian press tycoon Benjamins. Mr. Benjamins Jr. failed to restore his property rights over his grand-father's real estate in Jurmala. The house is currently a residence of the Russian Ambassador. Although the Jurmala City Council has recognized Mr. Benjamin's ownership of the property, Ambassador Rannikh refuses to pay rent to the owner claiming Russia has spent over one million dollars on restoring the house. The Ambassador says he cannot understand why Latvias legislation is using 1940 (and not 1910, for instance) as a deadline to resolve property arguments. Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs says he would not like to turn the issue into a political problem while the US Embassy calls upon the Latvian authorities to resolve the problem. Diena

Press Report

Minister of Education Grinblats says the stability of the Government will depend on the distribution of funds in the national budget currently discussed by the

Minister of Education Grinblats says the stability of the Government will depend on the distribution of funds in the national budget currently discussed by the Saeima. Mr. Grinblats demands additional funds for developing Latvia's education system. "Saimnieks" Chairman Cevers told the press his party would suggest amendments to the budget as well. It will not support the budget in case the amendments are not accepted. "Saimnieks" might even leave the government, said Cevers. Recently "Latvijas Cels" has suggested introducing a moratorium on any changes in the Cabinet. Diena

Today's

Today's Saeima agenda includes voting on four candidates to the Satversme Court. Mrs. Ilma Cepane and Mr. Aivars Endzins have been nominated by the Cabinet of Ministers, while Chairman of the Bauska Regional Court Ilza Skultane and Chairman of the Supreme Court Chamber for Criminal Cases Andreis Lepsis have been nominated by the Supreme Court. "Tevzemei un Brivibai" faction Chairman Straume suggests voting on all candidates, including those nominated by the Saeima, on the same day. According to "NEATKARIGA", other factions may agree to the proposal. This means the voting will not take place tomorrow since not all the candidatures have been nominated yet. Neatkariga

Mrs. Inta Junkevica (the Christian Democratic Party) criticizes the Law on the Constitutional Court claiming it to be an undemocratic instrument in the hands of the Government. Mrs. Junkevica is concerned about the political engagement of the judges nominated by the

Mrs. Inta Junkevica (the Christian Democratic Party) criticizes the Law on the Constitutional Court claiming it to be an undemocratic instrument in the hands of the Government. Mrs. Junkevica is concerned about the political engagement of the judges nominated by the Saeima. Judges nominated by the Cabinet of Ministers, according to Mrs. Junkevica, will represent economic interests of the ruling parties. The Supreme Court has nominated "former defenders and propagators of Communist ideas for the posts of the Constitutional court Judges, writes Junkevica. Individuals, companies, and organizations cannot apply to the Constitutional Court according to the Law making it impossible to discover discrepancies in the country's legislation. Mrs. Junkevica believes Latvia should follow the example of the similar institutions already existing in the West (e.g., the US). Neatkariga

Judge of the European Human Rights Court in an interview for

Judge of the European Human Rights Court in an interview for "DIENA" explains why no country can work out a legislation that would contain no discrepancies. He stresses the importance of observing the hierarchy of legal acts with Satversme superseding all other national legal acts. Mr. Levits believes Latvia has gained a considerable success on its way toward bringing the legislation in compliance with European standards. Among the drawbacks of Latvia's legislation Mr. Levits points out a poor definition of a mechanism for human rights implementation. He also believes lawyers are still using an old primitive Soviet approach to a new legal system which sometimes leads to unexpected and absurd results. Mr. Levits insists on giving human rights a formal constitutional status. Diena

"SM" and "PANORAMA LATVII" published reports on OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel's press-conference. Both papers complain about the press-conference being too short leaving many of the questions unanswered. "PANORAMA LATVII" refers to unofficial sources that say persuading the High Commissioner to hold a press-conference was "not an easy task." Mr. van der Stoel says the establishment of the National Human Rights Office, the establishment of the Consultative Council, and the launching of the Latvian language program are the most important steps taken by Latvia toward integrating ethnic groups into Latvia's society. "PANORAMA LATVII" is skeptical about Mr. van der Stoel focusing on "bureaucratic activities" and not on tangible positive changes. While responding to the question on the future of the OSCE Mission, the High Commissioner said he was not in the position to discuss the issue with Latvian authorities. He added that the OSCE members would still prefer the Mission to extend its mandate. Mr. van der Stoel stressed that the presence of the Mission should not be looked at as an evidence of serious problems still existing in a country while and its purpose is to act as an independent and friendly advisor. The High Commissioner also mentioned the slow pace of the naturalization process. He believes complicated tests might be among the reasons. Elderly people may find it too difficult to master the language to the extent required to pass the test. Mr. van der Stoel admitted he would not be able to learn Latvian in his age. He said he believed the "window mechanism" could be reviewed and added that the CID Director shared that opinion. SM, Panorama Latvii

"SM"

interviewed CID Deputy-Director Andris Leins on the upcoming introduction of new noncitizens' passports. Mr. Leins says the new passports will be issued in exchange for old USSR internal passports, USSR travel passports, and provisional noncitizens' identification documents starting January 1997. Applicants for the new passports will have to produce old internal USSR passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates or certificates of divorce. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it will take all steps required for a timely recognition of the new document by foreign countries. interviewed CID Deputy-Director Andris Leins on the upcoming introduction of new noncitizens' passports. Mr. Leins says the new passports will be issued in exchange for old USSR internal passports, USSR travel passports, and provisional noncitizens' identification documents starting January 1997. Applicants for the new passports will have to produce old internal USSR passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates or certificates of divorce. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it will take all steps required for a timely recognition of the new document by foreign countries. SMSM

Press Report

OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel during his meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs said Latvia would become a EU member in the nearest future. Mr. Birkavs agreed "the involvement of non-Latvians into the country's society" to be among the most important prerequisites of Latvia's integration into the EU. He mentioned the Consultative Board of Nationalities formed by the President as an important step toward establishing a dialogue between ethic groups. Mr. Birkavs noted that the integration (Latvia's integration into the EU, or the integration of non-Latvians into Latvia's society? -- L.G.) is complicated by Russia groundlessly accusing Latvia in violating human rights. While speaking about naturalization, Mr. Birkavs said potential applicants for naturalization should be better informed of the process. Mr. Birkavs says the OSCE High Commissioner singled out Latvia for surpassing other countries with regard to the state of relations between ethnic groups. Mr. van der Stoel also pointed at an improvement in the attitude of non-Latvians to the independent state of Latvia. Still, a large percentage (28%) of noncitizens requires a serious study of possible ways of making it increase. The Naturalization Board provided the High Commissioner with its statistics showing that less than one thousand Latvia's inhabitants have applied for naturalization this year with thirty-three thousand having the right to apply. President Ulmanis during his meeting with the OSCE High Commissioner said naturalization did not require any assistance on the part of the Government, the process still going through its initial stage. The President believes the clear picture will become evident later when 100,000 non-citizens will have the right to apply for naturalization. A large part of Mr. van der Stoel's meeting with President Ulmanis was focused on the activities of the Consultative Board. The High Commissioner displayed interest toward the role of the National Human Rights Office in establishing the Board. He was satisfied with the second reading of the draft Law on the national human Rights Office by the

OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel during his meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs said Latvia would become a EU member in the nearest future. Mr. Birkavs agreed "the involvement of non-Latvians into the country's society" to be among the most important prerequisites of Latvia's integration into the EU. He mentioned the Consultative Board of Nationalities formed by the President as an important step toward establishing a dialogue between ethic groups. Mr. Birkavs noted that the integration (Latvia's integration into the EU, or the integration of non-Latvians into Latvia's society? -- L.G.) is complicated by Russia groundlessly accusing Latvia in violating human rights. While speaking about naturalization, Mr. Birkavs said potential applicants for naturalization should be better informed of the process. Mr. Birkavs says the OSCE High Commissioner singled out Latvia for surpassing other countries with regard to the state of relations between ethnic groups. Mr. van der Stoel also pointed at an improvement in the attitude of non-Latvians to the independent state of Latvia. Still, a large percentage (28%) of noncitizens requires a serious study of possible ways of making it increase. The Naturalization Board provided the High Commissioner with its statistics showing that less than one thousand Latvia's inhabitants have applied for naturalization this year with thirty-three thousand having the right to apply. President Ulmanis during his meeting with the OSCE High Commissioner said naturalization did not require any assistance on the part of the Government, the process still going through its initial stage. The President believes the clear picture will become evident later when 100,000 non-citizens will have the right to apply for naturalization. A large part of Mr. van der Stoel's meeting with President Ulmanis was focused on the activities of the Consultative Board. The High Commissioner displayed interest toward the role of the National Human Rights Office in establishing the Board. He was satisfied with the second reading of the draft Law on the national human Rights Office by the Saeima. Diena, B&B

N.Lebedeva (

N.Lebedeva ("SM") writes that the OSCE High Commissioner does not conceal his dissatisfaction with the "window principle" and "insists on giving all inhabitants of Latvia irrespective of their age and social status the right to apply for citizenship." While reporting on the subjects touched upon the High Commissioner's dinner with members of the Consultative Board on Minority issues, Lebedeva mentions the OSCE possibly acting as a "curator" for the Consultative Board. SM

Lithuanian Prime-minister Stankjavicus and Latvian Prime-Minister Skele will meet this week to resume the border delimitation talks. The meeting will be held in Lithuania. Although Latvia suggested sharing oil reserves with Lithuania, the Lithuania side believes the talks would be a deadlock should Latvia ratify its agreements with AMOCO/OPAP. Vilnius insists on determining the border before discussing economic issues.

Lithuanian Prime-minister Stankjavicus and Latvian Prime-Minister Skele will meet this week to resume the border delimitation talks. The meeting will be held in Lithuania. Although Latvia suggested sharing oil reserves with Lithuania, the Lithuania side believes the talks would be a deadlock should Latvia ratify its agreements with AMOCO/OPAP. Vilnius insists on determining the border before discussing economic issues. Diena

Several

Several "Saimnieks" members including its faction leader Mr. Kaksitis confirm that Mr. Kreituss has offered money to the Saeima deputies. Mr. Kaksitis, currently the Saeima Speaker, said Kreituss was offering US$ 200 bribes in exchange for votes in favor of Mrs. Kreituse during last presidential elections. "Saimnieks" members recall Mr. Kreituss suggesting paying bonuses to the party faction members. Diena