Press Report

The extraordinary plenary session of the Saeima adopted the first reading of the 1997 budget with 65 deputies voting for the draft budget, 16 voting against the budget, while one deputy abstained. "SM" forecasts a more heated argument during the discussion of the second reading.

The extraordinary plenary session of the Saeima adopted the first reading of the 1997 budget with 65 deputies voting for the draft budget, 16 voting against the budget, while one deputy abstained. "SM" forecasts a more heated argument during the discussion of the second reading. Diena, SM

"Latvijas Cels" believes the "arms scandal" to be a provocation directed against Mr. Maris Gailis. Mr. Pantelejevs connects the scandal to Mr. Gailis' possible appointment as the administrator of the Riga Port. Last year the Ministry of Defence purchased a 3.9 million dollar shipment of arms from a Slovak company. Part of the arms purchased turned out to be in an "unsatisfactory condition". Mr. Gailis was an acting Minister of Defence at the time the shipment was contracted. "LC" demands that the investigation is brought under control of the Saeima Defence Committee. Currently the affair is investigated by the Security Police.

"Latvijas Cels" believes the "arms scandal" to be a provocation directed against Mr. Maris Gailis. Mr. Pantelejevs connects the scandal to Mr. Gailis' possible appointment as the administrator of the Riga Port. Last year the Ministry of Defence purchased a 3.9 million dollar shipment of arms from a Slovak company. Part of the arms purchased turned out to be in an "unsatisfactory condition". Mr. Gailis was an acting Minister of Defence at the time the shipment was contracted. "LC" demands that the investigation is brought under control of the Saeima Defence Committee. Currently the affair is investigated by the Security Police. Diena

Deputy-Director of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Second European Department Aleksandr Udaltsov is the most probable candidate for the post of an Ambassador to Latvia. Mr. Udaltsov has participated in Russia's talks with Estonia and Latvia as an expert. He is known as a follower of a tough policy toward the Baltic states. Udaltsov's candidature has been approved by the State Duma Committee on International Affairs. His official appointment may be announced in mid-November.

Deputy-Director of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Second European Department Aleksandr Udaltsov is the most probable candidate for the post of an Ambassador to Latvia. Mr. Udaltsov has participated in Russia's talks with Estonia and Latvia as an expert. He is known as a follower of a tough policy toward the Baltic states. Udaltsov's candidature has been approved by the State Duma Committee on International Affairs. His official appointment may be announced in mid-November. Diena, SM

Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov's canceled his meeting with ambassadors of the baltic states scheduled for October 6. Russia warned the ambassadors of several countries including Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia against recognizing the independence of Chechnia. Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Pildegovics says Latvia is not considering recognizing the independence of Chechnia and is not planning any talks with the leaders of Chechen separatists. During last two months members of the Saeima took several steps demonstrating their support of Chechnia. Those included a letter addressed to President Yeltsin demanding immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Chechnia.

Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov's canceled his meeting with ambassadors of the baltic states scheduled for October 6. Russia warned the ambassadors of several countries including Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia against recognizing the independence of Chechnia. Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Pildegovics says Latvia is not considering recognizing the independence of Chechnia and is not planning any talks with the leaders of Chechen separatists. During last two months members of the Saeima took several steps demonstrating their support of Chechnia. Those included a letter addressed to President Yeltsin demanding immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Chechnia. Diena

Press Report

The Ninth Session of the Baltic Assembly called upon the governments of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania to work out joint policy aimed at entering NATO. The Session also adopted a resolution requiring to start negotiations between the three countries and Russia on the return of the KGB archives. The Session of the Baltic Assembly has not adopted a resolution recommending the abolishment of death penalty by the Baltic states. Estonian representative A.Reutel submitted a draft document on defense issues. The document contains a concept of a military alliance between the three countries. It was considered by the Session as a working document.

The Ninth Session of the Baltic Assembly called upon the governments of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania to work out joint policy aimed at entering NATO. The Session also adopted a resolution requiring to start negotiations between the three countries and Russia on the return of the KGB archives. The Session of the Baltic Assembly has not adopted a resolution recommending the abolishment of death penalty by the Baltic states. Estonian representative A.Reutel submitted a draft document on defense issues. The document contains a concept of a military alliance between the three countries. It was considered by the Session as a working document. Diena, Neatkariga

Last Friday the Council established by the President opened a discussion of the possible abolishment of death penalty in Latvia. President Ulmanis believes the issue should be discussed publicly. He says he would cancel the moratorium on the execution of death penalties if the public opinion proves to be in favor of capital punishment. Prosecutor General Skrastins suggests the law should allow applying capital punishment to individuals having committed murders under aggravating circumstances. Chairman of the Supreme Court Grizins says a high crime rate does not allow abolishing capital punishment. The draft criminal law currently under discussion provides for death penalty in exceptional cases.

Last Friday the Council established by the President opened a discussion of the possible abolishment of death penalty in Latvia. President Ulmanis believes the issue should be discussed publicly. He says he would cancel the moratorium on the execution of death penalties if the public opinion proves to be in favor of capital punishment. Prosecutor General Skrastins suggests the law should allow applying capital punishment to individuals having committed murders under aggravating circumstances. Chairman of the Supreme Court Grizins says a high crime rate does not allow abolishing capital punishment. The draft criminal law currently under discussion provides for death penalty in exceptional cases. Diena

Ilga and Ivars Kreituss are planing to form a faction before the end of this year. Observers expect its potential members to join the Latvian Social-Democratic Workers' Party which will allow them to form a faction. (According to the Saeima Regulations, a faction can be formed by at least five members of one party or by at least five deputies elected from the same list of candidates). The LSDWP leaders have already had meetings with the Kreituses, former

Ilga and Ivars Kreituss are planing to form a faction before the end of this year. Observers expect its potential members to join the Latvian Social-Democratic Workers' Party which will allow them to form a faction. (According to the Saeima Regulations, a faction can be formed by at least five members of one party or by at least five deputies elected from the same list of candidates). The LSDWP leaders have already had meetings with the Kreituses, former "Latvijas Cels" member Adamsons, and former members of Zigerist's party. Diena

Alfreds Cepanis recently referred to by Kreituss as an unsuitable candidate for a

Alfreds Cepanis recently referred to by Kreituss as an unsuitable candidate for a Saeima speaker said he was "not ashamed of his nationality." Kreituss in an interview for the "NEATKARIGA" said Cepanis being an ethnic Byelorussian and having inadequate education should not have been elected a Saeima Chairman. Mr. Cepanis was said to be "a buffer" between the Kreituses and the "Saimnieks" party helping to resolve frequent conflicts. Neatkariga

The State

The State Duma called upon the Government and President Yeltsin to apply sanctions against Latvia. Duma deputies accused Latvia in restricting the rights of ethnic Russians and expressed concern about the recently adopted Declaration on Occupation. The Declaration, according to the Russian Parliament members, allows to give ethnic Russians "status of civil occupants." The sanctions were supported by 230 deputies with 11 voting against the proposal. Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Andreis Pildegovics called the decision "groundless." He expressed hope that "common sense would prevail" and the step taken by the Duma would not influence future relations between the two countries. Diena

Press Report

Press Report

Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its official statement allows the possibility of a unilateral delimitation of Russia's border with Latvia. The statement criticizes Latvia's policy at the talks on border delimitation. The Russian side warns Latvia against "artificially deferring the talks by referring to the 1920 peace treaty and the Declaration on Occupation adopted by the

Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its official statement allows the possibility of a unilateral delimitation of Russia's border with Latvia. The statement criticizes Latvia's policy at the talks on border delimitation. The Russian side warns Latvia against "artificially deferring the talks by referring to the 1920 peace treaty and the Declaration on Occupation adopted by the Saeima." Russia might be forced to "restore the border" unilaterally, says the statement. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs admits there is an argument on the compensation of property and legal rights of former Abrene residents and on Latvia's suggestion to refer to the 1920 peace treaty. The next round of talks is scheduled to take place in Riga in November this year. Diena

Chairman of the Latvian Social-Democratic Workers' Party Arnis Mugurevics says the party "is not ready to admit" the Kreituses. Chairman of the Democratic Party of Latvia's Laborers Juris Bojars is also skeptical about "politicians having changed three parties and heading for the fourth one". Ex-Minister of the Interior and former

Chairman of the Latvian Social-Democratic Workers' Party Arnis Mugurevics says the party "is not ready to admit" the Kreituses. Chairman of the Democratic Party of Latvia's Laborers Juris Bojars is also skeptical about "politicians having changed three parties and heading for the fourth one". Ex-Minister of the Interior and former "Latvijas Cels" member Adamsons considers joining Bojars' party and had a meeting with its chairman. Diena

"SM"

asked newly elected Saeima Chairman Alfreds Cepanis to comment on a scandalous statement made recently by Mr. Kreituss in an interview. Kreituss said that Cepanis having only elementary education and being a Byelorussian should not have been elected a asked newly elected Saeima Chairman Alfreds Cepanis to comment on a scandalous statement made recently by Mr. Kreituss in an interview. Kreituss said that Cepanis having only elementary education and being a Byelorussian should not have been elected a SaeimaSaeima Chairman. Mr. Cepanis says he has graduated from a Higher Party School (party schools had a university status) and claims Kreituss tried to bribe Chairman. Mr. Cepanis says he has graduated from a Higher Party School (party schools had a university status) and claims Kreituss tried to bribe SaeimaSaeima deputies by offering them US$ 200 in exchange for voting for Mrs. Kreituse during last presidential elections. deputies by offering them US$ 200 in exchange for voting for Mrs. Kreituse during last presidential elections. SMSM

Press Report

Press Report

Yesterday Prime-Minister Skele accepted the resignation of Minister of Finance Aivars Kreituss and will perform his duties.

Yesterday Prime-Minister Skele accepted the resignation of Minister of Finance Aivars Kreituss and will perform his duties. "Saimnieks" will name its candidate for the post after the national budget is adopted. The State Ministers at the Ministry of Finance will retain their offices while the Prime-Minister and the factions hold consultations on possible termination of the two posts. Diena

Prime-Minister Skele says the Ministry of Defense budget can be increased only by reducing the budgets of other Government institutions. Commander of the National Armed Forces Dalbins believes the defense budget to be insufficient. President Ulmanis also supports increasing the defense budget. Still, the Ministry of Finance says the state cannot afford the defense budget suggested by the Ministry of Defense. The issue of an adequate financing of the country's defense was raised after William Perry had claimed Baltic states to be unprepared to join NATO on the first stage of its enlargement.

Prime-Minister Skele says the Ministry of Defense budget can be increased only by reducing the budgets of other Government institutions. Commander of the National Armed Forces Dalbins believes the defense budget to be insufficient. President Ulmanis also supports increasing the defense budget. Still, the Ministry of Finance says the state cannot afford the defense budget suggested by the Ministry of Defense. The issue of an adequate financing of the country's defense was raised after William Perry had claimed Baltic states to be unprepared to join NATO on the first stage of its enlargement. Diena

Head of the Latvian delegation to border delimitation talks with Russia Aivars Vovers says Russia refuses to recognize the 1920 peace treaty. The Russian side also refuses categorically to accept Latvia's claims for compensation to be paid to individuals who lost their property after Abrene had been incorporated into the Russian Federation. Head of the Russian delegation Igor Shikalov says Latvia is using the compensation issue to evade discussing the border delimitation. Mr. Shikalov adds he cannot see any reason why Latvia should seek to leave the problem unresolved. State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins says the talks are "quite complicated." He named relations with Russia one of the priorities of Latvia's foreign policies along with the joining of NATO and cooperation with Lithuania and Estonia. Mr. Riekstins says Latvia's wish to become a NATO member does not mean that the country's policy is directed against Russia.

Head of the Latvian delegation to border delimitation talks with Russia Aivars Vovers says Russia refuses to recognize the 1920 peace treaty. The Russian side also refuses categorically to accept Latvia's claims for compensation to be paid to individuals who lost their property after Abrene had been incorporated into the Russian Federation. Head of the Russian delegation Igor Shikalov says Latvia is using the compensation issue to evade discussing the border delimitation. Mr. Shikalov adds he cannot see any reason why Latvia should seek to leave the problem unresolved. State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins says the talks are "quite complicated." He named relations with Russia one of the priorities of Latvia's foreign policies along with the joining of NATO and cooperation with Lithuania and Estonia. Mr. Riekstins says Latvia's wish to become a NATO member does not mean that the country's policy is directed against Russia. SM, Neatkariga

The agenda of the Baltic Assembly includes the adoption of a joint resolution on the policy of the Baltic states toward NATO. Chairman of the Assembly Ivars Kezbers hopes the document to be "sensible" despite the fact it Mr. Landsbergis will be among its developers. The Assembly will call upon Russia, Sweden, Germany to return documents that are of historical significance to Latvia. These include the KGB files that Russia had to hand over to Latvia in accordance with an agreement between the two countries.

The agenda of the Baltic Assembly includes the adoption of a joint resolution on the policy of the Baltic states toward NATO. Chairman of the Assembly Ivars Kezbers hopes the document to be "sensible" despite the fact it Mr. Landsbergis will be among its developers. The Assembly will call upon Russia, Sweden, Germany to return documents that are of historical significance to Latvia. These include the KGB files that Russia had to hand over to Latvia in accordance with an agreement between the two countries. SM

Press Report

Press Report

Mr. Aivars Kreituss said yesterday he would resign on Wednesday.

Mr. Aivars Kreituss said yesterday he would resign on Wednesday. "Saimnieks" has not named its candidates for the post of the Minister of Finance. Party Chairman Ziedonis Cevers says "Saimnieks" has "seven and a half candidates" meaning there were no official candidates yet. Kreituss told "SM" he believed Prime-Minister Skele could perform the duties of a Minister of Finance for the period of the adoption of the budget. Mr. Kreituss will act as an independent deputy and later may form a faction of his own. According to the regulations, a faction can be formed by not less than five deputies representing one party or one list of candidates. This allows suggesting the Kreitusses are still more likely to join one of the Saeima factions. Diena, SM, Neatkariga

Prime-Minister Skele agreed to discuss the termination of the posts of two State Minister in the Ministry of Finance with the Saeima deputies.

Prime-Minister Skele agreed to discuss the termination of the posts of two State Minister in the Ministry of Finance with the Saeima deputies. "Latvijas Cels" insists on keeping the post of a State Minister of State Revenues. Head of the "LC" faction Pantelejevs told the press the Prime-Minister "looked interested and showed understanding of the problem". The termination of the two posts held by an "LC" member and by a "Saimnieks" member would ruin the existing political balance in the Cabinet with "Tevzemei un Brivibai" gaining a larger share of control over the Government. Diena

According to the Citizenship and Immigration Department first noncitizens' passports will be issued by the end of this year. All noncitizens will be provided with new passports within next two years. The new document will allow them to travel freely without going through complicated bureaucratic procedures at the CID. The passport will be better fraud-protected than the existing citizens' passport.

According to the Citizenship and Immigration Department first noncitizens' passports will be issued by the end of this year. All noncitizens will be provided with new passports within next two years. The new document will allow them to travel freely without going through complicated bureaucratic procedures at the CID. The passport will be better fraud-protected than the existing citizens' passport. Diena

Ex-President of the European Parliament Egon Klepsch in an interview for

Ex-President of the European Parliament Egon Klepsch in an interview for "DIENA" said Latvia should focus during next two years on "changing its position" in the rating of the EU potential members worked out by the European Commission. Estonia has the highest rating among the three Baltic countries. Mr. Klepsch does not believe the joining of NATO could facilitate Latvia's admission to the EU. Diena