Press Report

Press Report

Prime-Minister Skele is expected to demand the resignation of Minister of Finance Kreituss this week. The two-week term for the parties to take political responsibility for their candidates for the Minister's office expires today. According to Mr. Skele, none of the parties named its candidate. Skele is not representing any party after having left

Prime-Minister Skele is expected to demand the resignation of Minister of Finance Kreituss this week. The two-week term for the parties to take political responsibility for their candidates for the Minister's office expires today. According to Mr. Skele, none of the parties named its candidate. Skele is not representing any party after having left "Saimnieks" and, according to the agreement between the governing factions cannot perform a minister's duties. The agreement gives "Saimnieks" the right to suggest their candidate for the post. "Saimnieks" has not used the right yet. Sources in the Saeima say the most possible candidates are Saeima Deputy-Chairman Andris Ameriks and Head of the Saeima Economic Committee Atis Sausnitis. According to the Law on the Cabinet of Ministers, two State Ministers (the State Minister of Investments and Crediting Policies and the State Minister of State Revenues) should resign as well. Skele will hold consultations with the governing factions on possible elimination of the two posts. Diena, Neatkariga

Prime-Minister Skele during his press-conference last Friday said he and the Cabinet of Ministers did not support the abolishment of capital punishment. While touching upon Latvia's argument with lithuania he told the press Latvia proposed a solution that might be acceptable to Lithuania and was waiting for a response next week. The essence of Latvia's proposal was not revealed to the journalist. The Prime-Minister believes he could visit Moscow in October.

Prime-Minister Skele during his press-conference last Friday said he and the Cabinet of Ministers did not support the abolishment of capital punishment. While touching upon Latvia's argument with lithuania he told the press Latvia proposed a solution that might be acceptable to Lithuania and was waiting for a response next week. The essence of Latvia's proposal was not revealed to the journalist. The Prime-Minister believes he could visit Moscow in October. Neatkariga, SM

Poland's Ambassador Jaroslaw Lindenberg hopes the Saeima will support amendments to the Citizenship law providing for extraordinary naturalization of former Polish citizens. The initiative is supported by the Human Rights Committee, says Mr. Lindenberg.

Poland's Ambassador Jaroslaw Lindenberg hopes the Saeima will support amendments to the Citizenship law providing for extraordinary naturalization of former Polish citizens. The initiative is supported by the Human Rights Committee, says Mr. Lindenberg. Neatkariga

The Constitutional Court situation remains unclear. According to the Law on the Constitutional Court, three judges of the Court are to be suggested by the

The Constitutional Court situation remains unclear. According to the Law on the Constitutional Court, three judges of the Court are to be suggested by the Saeima, two judges are suggested by the Cabinet of Ministers, while the Supreme Court suggests three more candidates. Although the candidatures suggested by the Saeima faction are known to the press, no official documents on any of the candidates have been submitted to the Saeima Presidium. The list of the candidates is as follows: "Saimnieks" - Deputy Prime-Minister's Advisor Igors Bukovskis. "Tevzemei un Brivibai" - Valdis Rozukalns. The Farmers' Union/The Union of Christian Democrats - Head of the Law Department of the Ministry of agriculture Viktors Elksnis. LNNK - Parliamentary Secretary of the Minister of Justice Velga Slaidina. The Unity Party - Latvian University professor Valdis Cielava. The Cabinet of Ministers - Saeima deputy Aivars Endzins and Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Communications Ilma Cepane. The Supreme Court - Andreis Lepse and Ilze Skultane. The Saeima will vote on the candidates in two weeks. Among candidates having the strongest chances to pass the voting are Enzins, Cepane, and Apsitis. Diena

The Presidents of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania made a statement on security in the Baltic region. The joint statement says the three countries are expecting tangible guarantees of their security. The Presidents of the Baltic states express their commitment to the idea of collective security and express their concern about a possible forming of "gray zones" in Europe. Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are ready to take necessary steps to bring their armed forces into the compliance with NATO standards. The statement is to a great extend a reaction to Mr. Perry saying the three countries are not ready to join NATO as full-fledged members.

The Presidents of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania made a statement on security in the Baltic region. The joint statement says the three countries are expecting tangible guarantees of their security. The Presidents of the Baltic states express their commitment to the idea of collective security and express their concern about a possible forming of "gray zones" in Europe. Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are ready to take necessary steps to bring their armed forces into the compliance with NATO standards. The statement is to a great extend a reaction to Mr. Perry saying the three countries are not ready to join NATO as full-fledged members. Diena, Neatkariga

32,000 Latvia's residents 16 to 25 years old could apply for citizenship this year. Still, the Naturalization Board has received only 423 applications from this age group. According to Deputy-Head of the Board Janis Kohanovics, around 150 applicants have passed the tests and will take a citizen's oath by the end of this year. Mr. Kohanovics marked an improved cooperation between the Board and the Citizenship and Immigration Department. Naturalization Board officers cannot explain the lack of interest toward naturalization among young noncitizens. President Ulmanis also failed to explain the situation when asked about the naturalization process during his visit to Strasbourg.

32,000 Latvia's residents 16 to 25 years old could apply for citizenship this year. Still, the Naturalization Board has received only 423 applications from this age group. According to Deputy-Head of the Board Janis Kohanovics, around 150 applicants have passed the tests and will take a citizen's oath by the end of this year. Mr. Kohanovics marked an improved cooperation between the Board and the Citizenship and Immigration Department. Naturalization Board officers cannot explain the lack of interest toward naturalization among young noncitizens. President Ulmanis also failed to explain the situation when asked about the naturalization process during his visit to Strasbourg. Diena

Head of the Baltic Section of the Second European Department of Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sergey Prihodko analyzed the state of relations between Russia and the Baltic states in an article for

Head of the Baltic Section of the Second European Department of Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sergey Prihodko analyzed the state of relations between Russia and the Baltic states in an article for "SM". Mr. Prihodko blames Latvia for impairing its relations with Russia by adopting the Declaration on Occupation. He criticizes Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania for a one-sided approach to the issue of security. According to Prihodko, the three countries should eliminate "internal sources of tension" instead of cultivating the idea of Russia threatening the independence of "small Baltic states". Mr. Prihodko admits there is a certain progress in relations between Latvia and Russia although the progress is often detained. He specially points out the large number of "compatriots" "deliberately deprived of a chance to receive citizenship." Prihodko believes the situation could be explained by the ruling parties fearing non-Latvians could influence the country's political life if given the right to vote. SM

Press Report

Yesterday the Saeima recalled Mrs. Ilga Kreituse from the post of the Saeima speaker.

Yesterday the Saeima recalled Mrs. Ilga Kreituse from the post of the Saeima speaker. "Saimnieks" member Alfreds Cepanis (a former Deputy-Chairman) was elected Chairman of the Saeima while Aivars Jirgens of "Tevzemei un Brivibai" took Mr. Cepanis' post. "Latvijas Cels" objected against a "hasty" adoption of the draft law on the issue submitted to the Saeima by "Saimnieks" the same day. That could be explained by the fact that "LC" being the most numerous faction (sixteen seats) has only one seat in the Saeima Presidium. Mrs. Kreituse told the press she might join a left-wing party (most probably the Social-Democratic Workers' Party) and was going to continue her political career. (DIENA, NEATKARIGA, SM, 27 September)

The Minister of Defense, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and other Government officials recognize Latvia is not ready to join NATO at the "first stage of its enlargement". Minister of Defense Krastins believes the security of the Baltic states will not be affected by W.Perry's recent statement who said the three countries were not ready to fulfill the basic requirements of the Treaty. Member of the Saeima Committee for Foreign Affairs says Latvia's security to depend mostly on its relations with Russia, both political and economic. Former British Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Brightwhite says the US has been paying more attention to Russia's attitude toward the enlargement of NATO lately. He expressed the opinion at a seminar in Tallinn. He stressed that Russia still had no objections against the Baltic states joining the European Union and added that "the Russians had no clear idea of the European Union membership."

The Minister of Defense, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and other Government officials recognize Latvia is not ready to join NATO at the "first stage of its enlargement". Minister of Defense Krastins believes the security of the Baltic states will not be affected by W.Perry's recent statement who said the three countries were not ready to fulfill the basic requirements of the Treaty. Member of the Saeima Committee for Foreign Affairs says Latvia's security to depend mostly on its relations with Russia, both political and economic. Former British Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Brightwhite says the US has been paying more attention to Russia's attitude toward the enlargement of NATO lately. He expressed the opinion at a seminar in Tallinn. He stressed that Russia still had no objections against the Baltic states joining the European Union and added that "the Russians had no clear idea of the European Union membership." Diena

Mr. Juris Dobelis of

Mr. Juris Dobelis of LNNK made a detailed analysis of the number, the age, and the status of former Russian servicemen residing currently in Latvia. His research allows to prove that several thousands former servicemen have managed to evade any form of registration by the Latvian authorities. According to Dobelis, there are 14,000 25 to 45 years old retired servicemen registered in the Register of Inhabitants as permanent residents ("square stamps") or holding residence permits. Having such a group of well-trained professional military specialists in their prime on Latvia's territory is a potential threat to the country's security. He suggests Latvia should be more energetic in making the international community aware of the situation, it being one of occupation consequences. Diena

Press Report

September 26, 1996e UN session emphasised Latvia’s adherence to the ideals of peace, democracy, and human rights. The Prime-Minister signed an international agreement banning the testing of nuclear weapons.

September 26, 1996e UN session emphasised Latvias adherence to the ideals of peace, democracy, and human rights. The Prime-Minister signed an international agreement banning the testing of nuclear weapons. SM

Press Report

According to

According to DIENA, Mr Ulmanis responses to questions on noncitizens status in Latvia put by the Parliamentary Assembly deputies were rather unconvincing. Russias deputies asked the President about the differences between the rights enjoyed by citizens and noncitizens. They also raised the issue of Russian schools. President Ulmanis said the criticism was ungrounded since Latvias legislation corresponded to international standards making state-funded secondary education available to all Russian-speakers. Diena

Tevzemei un Brivibai addressed President Ulmanis and Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs with a statement criticising their recent comments on the Declaration on Occupation. The document accuses the President and the Minister in acting against the interests of the state of Latvia. Members of the Council for Support of the Victims of Occupation suggested the President to recommend the Saeima to appeal to the Hague International Court for the recognition of the facts of occupation, genocide and repatriation. Diena

In his interview for

In his interview for The Daily Telegraph Chairman of Russias Security Committee Alexander Lebyed threatened American and German companies with economic sanctions. According to Lebyed, the sanctions may be Russias response to the enlargement of NATO. He accused German government in attempting establishing the Fourth Reich by expanding the countrys economic and political influence to the East. Meanwhile, yesterday in Copenhagen NATO Ministers of Defence recommended the three Baltic states to be patient and stressed the enlarged block would not threaten Russias security. Neatkariga

A Russian military pensioner in an article published by

A Russian military pensioner in an article published by PANORAMA LATVII points at restrictions of foreigners rights imposed by Regulations # 297 requiring that all foreigners residing in Latvia should apply for residence permits. The article points at the fact that the Law on Foreigers and Stateless Persons Entrance to and Stay in the Republic of Latvia demands annual re-registration of residence permits. Provisions of the Law also include fourteen grounds for cancelling a residence permit and deporting its holder. The new regulations will affect the status of retired Russian servicemen who have chosen to take Russian citizenship. The regulations violate their right to reside in Latvia without any restrictions stated by the agreement between Latvia and Russia. The author of the article suggests the issue should be considered by the Embassy of Russia and by the Joint Commission on Retired Pensioners. PL

Press Report

President Ulmanis in his speech at the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly linked Latvia’s security with its ability to integrate “alien” ideas, values, views, and individuals. The integration process should not damage the country’s national identity. Mr Ulmanis pointed at the exceptional situation in Latvia, its native inhabitants constituting only half of the country’s population. He named ethnic, political, and social harmony among basic objectives of Latvia’s policy. Mr Ulmanis pointed out observance of human rights and establishment of a multi-cultural society as the country’s most important goals mentioning in this connection the National Human Rights Programme and the National Human Rights Office. The President singled out the right for access to education as one of the most essential individual rights. He said elementary education became available in nine languages after Latvia had gained independence. Ulmanis promised Latvia would ratify the European Human Rights Convention this year. Bringing Latvia’s legislation in conformance with the Convention requirements would require the abolishment of the capital punishment, said Ulmanis. He promised to declare a moratorium on all capital punishments before the ratification of the Convention. The President mentioned “Latvia’s neighbours claiming Latvia’s policy to contain principles violating human rights”. He recalled the visit of the Parliamentary Assembly Political Committee members to Latvia. International experts could see that “Latvia’s political system guaranteed every inhabitant’s fundamental rights and liberties“. President Ulmanis said Latvia could be a good example of a nation state with “a multi-cultural society and human rights playing a decisive role."

President Ulmanis in his speech at the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly linked Latvias security with its ability to integrate alien ideas, values, views, and individuals. The integration process should not damage the countrys national identity. Mr Ulmanis pointed at the exceptional situation in Latvia, its native inhabitants constituting only half of the countrys population. He named ethnic, political, and social harmony among basic objectives of Latvias policy. Mr Ulmanis pointed out observance of human rights and establishment of a multi-cultural society as the countrys most important goals mentioning in this connection the National Human Rights Programme and the National Human Rights Office. The President singled out the right for access to education as one of the most essential individual rights. He said elementary education became available in nine languages after Latvia had gained independence. Ulmanis promised Latvia would ratify the European Human Rights Convention this year. Bringing Latvias legislation in conformance with the Convention requirements would require the abolishment of the capital punishment, said Ulmanis. He promised to declare a moratorium on all capital punishments before the ratification of the Convention. The President mentioned Latvias neighbours claiming Latvias policy to contain principles violating human rights. He recalled the visit of the Parliamentary Assembly Political Committee members to Latvia. International experts could see that Latvias political system guaranteed every inhabitants fundamental rights and liberties. President Ulmanis said Latvia could be a good example of a nation state with a multi-cultural society and human rights playing a decisive role." Neatkariga

Last week the working group of the Presidential Consultative Board for Minority Issues held a meeting with President Ulmanis. The Consultative Board suggests amending the Citizenship Law to allow seventeen thousand ethnic Latvian repatriates and ethnic Livs and twenty thousand ethnic Poles to receive citizenship through extraordinary naturalization. Mr. Ulmanis said he was ready to provide his assistance in decreasing the number of differences between the rights enjoyed by citizens and non-citizens. He admitted he was not aware of the details of the problem and said he was planning to study the issue. Member of the Consultative Board Mr Dozortsev believes the President should address the

Last week the working group of the Presidential Consultative Board for Minority Issues held a meeting with President Ulmanis. The Consultative Board suggests amending the Citizenship Law to allow seventeen thousand ethnic Latvian repatriates and ethnic Livs and twenty thousand ethnic Poles to receive citizenship through extraordinary naturalization. Mr. Ulmanis said he was ready to provide his assistance in decreasing the number of differences between the rights enjoyed by citizens and non-citizens. He admitted he was not aware of the details of the problem and said he was planning to study the issue. Member of the Consultative Board Mr Dozortsev believes the President should address the Saeima specifying his political program. SM

Mr Rayhman of the Latvian Human Rights Committee in a regular report on the human rights situation in the country pointed at most typical problems in the area. He believes a recent decree requiring mandatory registration of foreigners permanently residing in Latvia to be potentially dangerous. The existing regulation allow issuing permanent residence permits only to individuals who had a permanent “propiska” before July 1992 and who have not lost it afterwards. This, according to Rayhman, would allow the CID “to increase the number of expulsion orders issued to foreigners”. The decree on mandatory registration could also affect the fulfilment of Latvia’s agreement with Russia that guarantees retired Russian military “a right to reside in Latvia without any restrictions” (many of them are Russian citizens). SM

Mr Rayhman of the Latvian Human Rights Committee in a regular report on the human rights situation in the country pointed at most typical problems in the area. He believes a recent decree requiring mandatory registration of foreigners permanently residing in Latvia to be potentially dangerous. The existing regulation allow issuing permanent residence permits only to individuals who had a permanent propiska before July 1992 and who have not lost it afterwards. This, according to Rayhman, would allow the CID to increase the number of expulsion orders issued to foreigners. The decree on mandatory registration could also affect the fulfilment of Latvias agreement with Russia that guarantees retired Russian military a right to reside in Latvia without any restrictions (many of them are Russian citizens). SM

Latvijas Cels

deputy Janis Adamsons may leave the party this week. The faction criticised Adamsons for violating faction discipline. deputy Janis Adamsons may leave the party this week. The faction criticised Adamsons for “violating faction discipline.” DienaDiena