Press Report

Press Report

The leader of Social Democrats J. Bojars explains why during the discussion of opposition factions about their further activities concerning the referendum on the pension law the decision was taken not to try to avoid the referendum. The representatives of these parties came to a conclusion that they had no authority to stop the referendum when so many people voted for it, and now it was for the nation to decide about the pension system.

The leader of Social Democrats J. Bojars explains why during the discussion of opposition factions about their further activities concerning the referendum on the pension law the decision was taken not to try to avoid the referendum. The representatives of these parties came to a conclusion that they had no authority to stop the referendum when so many people voted for it, and now it was for the nation to decide about the pension system. Neatkariga

US President B.Clinton and Norway Prime Minister K.M.Bondevik promised to continue their support for the Baltic States in the future and pointed out the importance of integration and participation of these states in European and transatlantic structures. The leaders also promised to continue supporting the language training programs in Latvia and Estonia.

US President B.Clinton and Norway Prime Minister K.M.Bondevik promised to continue their support for the Baltic States in the future and pointed out the importance of integration and participation of these states in European and transatlantic structures. The leaders also promised to continue supporting the language training programs in Latvia and Estonia. Neatkariga

The Cabinet of Ministers confirmed the list of delegates who will represent Latvia in the negotiations on joining EU. There will be representatives from 24 different ministries, and the leader of the delegation will be the MFA Deputy State Secretary A.Kesteris.

The Cabinet of Ministers confirmed the list of delegates who will represent Latvia in the negotiations on joining EU. There will be representatives from 24 different ministries, and the leader of the delegation will be the MFA Deputy State Secretary A.Kesteris. Neatkariga, Diena

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers decided to establish a consultative council that would co-ordinate the national foreign economical policy. One of the main tasks of this council would be to elaborate a common policy and collect information.

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers decided to establish a consultative council that would co-ordinate the national foreign economical policy. One of the main tasks of this council would be to elaborate a common policy and collect information. Neatkariga

Lithuanian parliamentarians unanimously supported the sea border agreement with Latvia, and now it is up to the Seim to vote for the ratification of this agreement.

Lithuanian parliamentarians unanimously supported the sea border agreement with Latvia, and now it is up to the Seim to vote for the ratification of this agreement. Neatkariga

BNS informed that the Deputy Chairman of Defence Committee of the Russian National Council A.Arbatov stood for increasing military troops in the West part of Russia if the Baltic States would join NATO.

BNS informed that the Deputy Chairman of Defence Committee of the Russian National Council A.Arbatov stood for increasing military troops in the West part of Russia if the Baltic States would join NATO. Neatkariga

Russian Embassy in Riga sent a note of protest to the Latvian MFA concerning the started court proceedings against some Russian citizens. Ambassador Udaltsov says that a wish for revenge has gained the upper hand over common sense and attempts to consolidate the society.

Russian Embassy in Riga sent a note of protest to the Latvian MFA concerning the started court proceedings against some Russian citizens. Ambassador Udaltsov says that a wish for revenge has gained the upper hand over common sense and attempts to consolidate the society. Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii

The National Language Training Program Latvian has broadcasted new Latvian language training programs on Latvian TV2, Latvian Radio Channel 2 and Internet. The NLTR Head A.Priedite says that it is an illusion to hope that one could master the language with these programs, but they are interesting and not didactic and could give a positive motivation to learn the language more profoundly.

The National Language Training Program Latvian has broadcasted new Latvian language training programs on Latvian TV2, Latvian Radio Channel 2 and Internet. The NLTR Head A.Priedite says that it is an illusion to hope that one could master the language with these programs, but they are interesting and not didactic and could give a positive motivation to learn the language more profoundly. Diena

National Language Training Program organised a discussion how to create a positive motivation for learning the Latvian language. In the discussion participated the representatives of the Program and different public organisations, officials and teachers. Before the discussion the Program presented their new teaching programs.

National Language Training Program organised a discussion how to create a positive motivation for learning the Latvian language. In the discussion participated the representatives of the Program and different public organisations, officials and teachers. Before the discussion the Program presented their new teaching programs. Diena

On Tuesday the Lithuania Seim ratified with a huge majority the border agreement with Russia. The agreement determines the land border, as well as exclusive borders of economic zones and divides the continental shelf in the Baltic Sea.

On Tuesday the Lithuania Seim ratified with a huge majority the border agreement with Russia. The agreement determines the land border, as well as exclusive borders of economic zones and divides the continental shelf in the Baltic Sea. Diena

The Director of National Human Rights and Ethnic Research Centre N.Muiznieks thinks that the issue of ratification of the General Convention on Protection of National Minorities could become more important with the adoption of the Language law. According to N.Muiznieks after the adoption of the Language law the international pressure could increase, thus furthering the process of ratification.

The Director of National Human Rights and Ethnic Research Centre N.Muiznieks thinks that the issue of ratification of the General Convention on Protection of National Minorities could become more important with the adoption of the Language law. According to N.Muiznieks after the adoption of the Language law the international pressure could increase, thus furthering the process of ratification. Diena

The Latvian language Olympiad of schools of national minority took place yesterday. A journalist, talking with the participants and their teachers, learned that the Latvian language did not create special problems for pupils. Methodologist of Central Region School Board I.Gudevica acknowledged that there present situation could not be compared with the situation five years ago.

The Latvian language Olympiad of schools of national minority took place yesterday. A journalist, talking with the participants and their teachers, learned that the Latvian language did not create special problems for pupils. Methodologist of Central Region School Board I.Gudevica acknowledged that there present situation could not be compared with the situation five years ago. Diena

Tomorrow Latvian Parliament will consider the draft law “On the budget of 2000” and amendments to the 33 line laws. According to the information received by the Newspaper

Tomorrow Latvian Parliament will consider the draft law On the budget of 2000 and amendments to the 33 line laws. According to the information received by the Newspaper Bizness & Baltiya, contradictions arose in the positions of TB/LNNK and Peoples Party already in the Commissions where this law was discussed. As it seems, Latvijas Cels will have to act as the mediator between these two parties.

The representative of TB/LNNK J.Dobelis has come to a conclusion that Russia is just threatening and will not impose sanctions against Latvia. He made this statement at the conference of the Council of Parliaments.

The representative of TB/LNNK J.Dobelis has come to a conclusion that Russia is just threatening and will not impose sanctions against Latvia. He made this statement at the conference of the Council of Parliaments. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

Latvian Ministry of Well-being published a report on the social situation in Latvia. It is characterised by very rapid reforms leading to more explicit stratification of the society. The analysis showed that many families do not want to increase the number of children to avoid risk to worsen their material situation and become poor.

Latvian Ministry of Well-being published a report on the social situation in Latvia. It is characterised by very rapid reforms leading to more explicit stratification of the society. The analysis showed that many families do not want to increase the number of children to avoid risk to worsen their material situation and become poor. Neatkariga

Latvian President V.V.Freiberga doubts that she could receive an invitation to visit Russia in the nearest future. She thinks that Russia is not ready to normalise relations with Latvia due to the approaching presidential election.

Latvian President V.V.Freiberga doubts that she could receive an invitation to visit Russia in the nearest future. She thinks that Russia is not ready to normalise relations with Latvia due to the approaching presidential election. Neatkariga

Peoples Party and

Peoples Party and Latvijas Cels call the voters who support the softened amendments to the pension law not to take part in the referendum on this law let the compromise amendments prepared by the coalition could take effect. PP faction leader G.Berzins told a journalist that the ruling factions had reached the maximum compromise on the pension law not to destroy the pension system. Latvian President has decided to start consultations with the parties, represented in the Saeima, on the internal political situation in the state, including the abolishment of the amendments to the pension law. Neatkariga

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins met with the ambassadors of EU countries accredited in Latvia to discuss the EU decision to invite Latvia to negotiations on joining EU. During the meeting the Minister expressed his joy about this decision and the conclusion, made in the report, that Latvia had fulfilled all OSCE recommendations on citizenship.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins met with the ambassadors of EU countries accredited in Latvia to discuss the EU decision to invite Latvia to negotiations on joining EU. During the meeting the Minister expressed his joy about this decision and the conclusion, made in the report, that Latvia had fulfilled all OSCE recommendations on citizenship. Neatkariga

The Director of the Defence Policy Department of the Ministry of Defence J.Sarts has been appointed to the post of the State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence as the Acting State Secretary. Along with the new tasks, he will continue to fulfil his previous duties.

The Director of the Defence Policy Department of the Ministry of Defence J.Sarts has been appointed to the post of the State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence as the Acting State Secretary. Along with the new tasks, he will continue to fulfil his previous duties. Neatkariga

Russian speaking newspaper Chas published an article under the title “40 minutes to “a cause to start a war””. It tells about the arrest of a Russian citizen Ye.Savenko, former KGB officer accused of repression of Latvian people during Soviet times, executed by Latvian authorities. Russian side was informed about this step only forty minutes before the internationally accepted time limit for informing the other party expired. The article states that according to the international norms this could be considered as

Russian speaking newspaper Chas published an article under the title 40 minutes to a cause to start a war. It tells about the arrest of a Russian citizen Ye.Savenko, former KGB officer accused of repression of Latvian people during Soviet times, executed by Latvian authorities. Russian side was informed about this step only forty minutes before the internationally accepted time limit for informing the other party expired. The article states that according to the international norms this could be considered as casus belli. Chas

Panorama Latvii writes about the joined project of the Naturalisation Board and

Panorama Latvii writes about the joined project of the Naturalisation Board and Panorama Latvii to publish sample texts of the naturalisation exam in the Latvian language, let the future applicants could check their knowledge. The newspaper publishes the first example text and an interview with the Deputy Head of the Naturalisation Board J.Kahanovics. On the same pages there are given the address list of all regional offices and answers to some questions how a non-citizen could acquire Latvian citizenship.

Press Report

Yesterday the representatives of LC A.Pantelejevs and TB/LNNK M.Grinblats told journalists about their opinion on the future of the Government. A.Pantelejevs said that LC did not see any other possible coalition but stated that the TB/LNNK faction was not sure about it. LC would refrain from any talks about the instability of the Government. M.Grinblats answered that TB/NNK was not naďve and were ready for everything. He told that the faction had already started consultations on several issues, for example with Social Democrats.

Yesterday the representatives of LC A.Pantelejevs and TB/LNNK M.Grinblats told journalists about their opinion on the future of the Government. A.Pantelejevs said that LC did not see any other possible coalition but stated that the TB/LNNK faction was not sure about it. LC would refrain from any talks about the instability of the Government. M.Grinblats answered that TB/NNK was not naďve and were ready for everything. He told that the faction had already started consultations on several issues, for example with Social Democrats. Chas

Bizness & Baltiya writes that the fight for the posts in the councils of huge Latvian enterprises gets tougher day by day, and LC together with TB/LNNK retreat under the pressure of the third coalition partner - Peoples Party. And this is a very serious thing, because it is mostly up to these councils to choose the strategic investor and the model of privatisation. The final decision to appoint the representatives to these councils belongs to the Privatisation Agency. And the parties try to get their representatives in the Council of the Privatisation Agency.

Bizness & Baltiya writes that the fight for the posts in the councils of huge Latvian enterprises gets tougher day by day, and LC together with TB/LNNK retreat under the pressure of the third coalition partner - Peoples Party. And this is a very serious thing, because it is mostly up to these councils to choose the strategic investor and the model of privatisation. The final decision to appoint the representatives to these councils belongs to the Privatisation Agency. And the parties try to get their representatives in the Council of the Privatisation Agency.

The leaders of EU countries came to a unanimous opinion to invite six countries, including Latvia to negotiations on joining EU with. The final decision will be taken during the Helsinki summit.

The leaders of EU countries came to a unanimous opinion to invite six countries, including Latvia to negotiations on joining EU with. The final decision will be taken during the Helsinki summit. Diena

National Council of Russian Federation might adopt the draft law on imposing sanctions against Latvia by the end of October. The document is ready for the second reading and might be submitted to the Council within two, three days.

National Council of Russian Federation might adopt the draft law on imposing sanctions against Latvia by the end of October. The document is ready for the second reading and might be submitted to the Council within two, three days. Vesti Segodnya

T.Zhdanok, former MP of the Saeima, participated in the regular OSCE conference and informed the participants about the violations of human rights and the rights of national minorities. She stated that there existed 80 differences in the rights of citizens and non-citizens of Latvia. Speaking about naturalisation in Latvia, she said that there were about 10 000 retired people who in 1990 – 1991 were participants of different organisations of old age people (she forgot to mention that these were organisations that fought against the independent Latvia by any means possible

T.Zhdanok, former MP of the Saeima, participated in the regular OSCE conference and informed the participants about the violations of human rights and the rights of national minorities. She stated that there existed 80 differences in the rights of citizens and non-citizens of Latvia. Speaking about naturalisation in Latvia, she said that there were about 10 000 retired people who in 1990 – 1991 were participants of different organisations of old age people (she forgot to mention that these were organisations that fought against the independent Latvia by any means possible GG). If the speed of naturalisation would keep the same, the last non-citizens would be naturalised after 50 years. Vesti Segodnya

 Press Report

Press Report

Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins told the newspaper Diena about his visit to Brussels and the meeting with EU Commissioner G.Verheugen. During this meeting Mr.Verheugen had stated that he had no intention to visit Latvia in the nearest future because there were no problems in Latvia. But the Minister acknowledged the existence of such problems in Latvia, Latvian government knew about them and tried to solve them. Mr.Berzins also about the Government’s future activities plan.

Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins told the newspaper Diena about his visit to Brussels and the meeting with EU Commissioner G.Verheugen. During this meeting Mr.Verheugen had stated that he had no intention to visit Latvia in the nearest future because there were no problems in Latvia. But the Minister acknowledged the existence of such problems in Latvia, Latvian government knew about them and tried to solve them. Mr.Berzins also about the Governments future activities plan. Neatkariga

Yesterday the Ambassador of Russia A.Udaltsov visited the President of Latvia. This was the first meeting of both officials. Speaking about the relations between Latvia and Russia the President expressed a hope for a development of a fruitful dialogue. The officials also discussed the activities of the Intergovernmental Commission. Ms. Freiberga acknowledged the existence of problems and expressed a hope that the Commission would restart its activities both on the level of delegations Heads and the working groups.

Yesterday the Ambassador of Russia A.Udaltsov visited the President of Latvia. This was the first meeting of both officials. Speaking about the relations between Latvia and Russia the President expressed a hope for a development of a fruitful dialogue. The officials also discussed the activities of the Intergovernmental Commission. Ms. Freiberga acknowledged the existence of problems and expressed a hope that the Commission would restart its activities both on the level of delegations Heads and the working groups. Neatkariga, Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The Chairman of the Saeima support group for Chechnya, MP J.Vidins sent a letter to the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel where he invited the Commissioner to visit Chechnya and to see the genocide of Russia against the Chechen people.

The Chairman of the Saeima support group for Chechnya, MP J.Vidins sent a letter to the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel where he invited the Commissioner to visit Chechnya and to see the genocide of Russia against the Chechen people. Rigas Balss (15 October)

The supplement of Neatkariga “Mes” published a large article on Skrunda Radar Station to mark the handing over the territory of the already non-existent Station. The handing over is planned for October 21.

The supplement of Neatkariga Mes published a large article on Skrunda Radar Station to mark the handing over the territory of the already non-existent Station. The handing over is planned for October 21.

 

Press Report

All papers focus on the report on progress of EU candidate countries released by the European Commission. Head of the European Commission delegation in Latvia in a press conference yesterday expressed his belief that Latvia and Malta could catch up with the first group candiadtes in the accession negotiations. Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins thinks that the report is objective as all the latest information was delivered to the authors of the report. He was satisfied with the prospects for Latvia to move forward with its own speed.

All papers focus on the report on progress of EU candidate countries released by the European Commission. Head of the European Commission delegation in Latvia in a press conference yesterday expressed his belief that Latvia and Malta could catch up with the first group candiadtes in the accession negotiations. Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins thinks that the report is objective as all the latest information was delivered to the authors of the report. He was satisfied with the prospects for Latvia to move forward with its own speed. Diena, Neatkariga, BB, Chas, Jauna Avize

Yesterday the Saeima supported in principal the new softer amendments to the Pension Law. It is planned to pass them as a speedy bill on November 4, before the date scheduled for referendum. These amendments provide for a gradual shift to the pension age of 62 for men and women and for the working pensioners to have the salary and keep the pension up to 60 lats.

Yesterday the Saeima supported in principal the new softer amendments to the Pension Law. It is planned to pass them as a speedy bill on November 4, before the date scheduled for referendum. These amendments provide for a gradual shift to the pension age of 62 for men and women and for the working pensioners to have the salary and keep the pension up to 60 lats. Diena, Neatkariga, BB, Jauna Avize

An event to celebrate passing over of the territory of Skrunda radar station to Latvia will be held October 21. During the event Latvia and Russia will sign the passing over document with participation of members of the joint Skrunda committee and Skrunda Mayor.

An event to celebrate passing over of the territory of Skrunda radar station to Latvia will be held October 21. During the event Latvia and Russia will sign the passing over document with participation of members of the joint Skrunda committee and Skrunda Mayor. Rigas Balss, Oct. 14

Latvian MP Juris Vidins, head of the parliamentarian support group for Chechnya, sent a letter to OSCE High Commissioner asking to pay attention to genocide of Chechen people in Russia.

Latvian MP Juris Vidins, head of the parliamentarian support group for Chechnya, sent a letter to OSCE High Commissioner asking to pay attention to genocide of Chechen people in Russia. Diena