Press Report

Press Report

CBSS Commissioner O.Espersen, continuing his visit to Latvia, discusses the rights of non-citizens – the right to vote in municipal elections with the Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins. I.Berzins motivated his position that non-citizens do not need a special permission to participate in a municipal election due to the amendments to the citizenship law – every non-citizen, residing legally on the territory of Latvia, who knows the Latvian language – has a right to become a citizen. I.Berzins also pointed out that the opinion of O.Esperson on the integration processes was not so significant as the position of the OSCE HC Max van der Stoel.

CBSS Commissioner O.Espersen, continuing his visit to Latvia, discusses the rights of non-citizens – the right to vote in municipal elections with the Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins. I.Berzins motivated his position that non-citizens do not need a special permission to participate in a municipal election due to the amendments to the citizenship law – every non-citizen, residing legally on the territory of Latvia, who knows the Latvian language – has a right to become a citizen. I.Berzins also pointed out that the opinion of O.Esperson on the integration processes was not so significant as the position of the OSCE HC Max van der Stoel. Neatkariga

The level of GNP per one inhabitant in Latvia is the lowest among all the EU candidate states, concerning purchasing power – 26% of the EU average. These data ere published in the research of EU Statistics Office on GNO in Central European regions.

The level of GNP per one inhabitant in Latvia is the lowest among all the EU candidate states, concerning purchasing power – 26% of the EU average. These data ere published in the research of EU Statistics Office on GNO in Central European regions. Diena

On Tuesday the Government adopted in principle the concept of Public Integrration Program where the four main goals and directions were – furthering of public participation and political integration, social and regional integration of the society, education, language and culture policy and information. The only objections against this program had the ministers representing TB/LNNL.

On Tuesday the Government adopted in principle the concept of Public Integrration Program where the four main goals and directions were – furthering of public participation and political integration, social and regional integration of the society, education, language and culture policy and information. The only objections against this program had the ministers representing TB/LNNL. Diena

In the same newspaper N.Locmele explains why this program is so important for Latvia.

In the same newspaper N.Locmele explains why this program is so important for Latvia. Diena

Several donor states – Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, USA had granted 500 000 USD for the Latvian language Training Program to organise free of charge Latvian language training for representatives of different professions – national minority teachers, policemen and nurses and physicians, told

Several donor states – Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, USA had granted 500 000 USD for the Latvian language Training Program to organise free of charge Latvian language training for representatives of different professions – national minority teachers, policemen and nurses and physicians, told Diena NLLTP Director A.Priedite.

Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins in a interview to the Latvian Radio said that before the Helsinki Summit meeting many different unpleasant surprises could face Latvia. They would come up in Latvian and foreign press. The aim of such surprises would be – to postpone the beginning of the negotiation on Latvia’s joining EU. But I.Berzins was sure that the negotiations would start anyway.

Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins in a interview to the Latvian Radio said that before the Helsinki Summit meeting many different unpleasant surprises could face Latvia. They would come up in Latvian and foreign press. The aim of such surprises would be – to postpone the beginning of the negotiation on Latvias joining EU. But I.Berzins was sure that the negotiations would start anyway. Chas

Press Report

Press Report

Latvian fishing ships are ready to block Liepaja and Venspils ports preventing any ship to enter them or leave in the case the government ratifies the see border agreement with Lithuania. Liepaja Mayor A.Lembers has sent a letter in the name of Transit Business Association to the Prime Minister asking to take all steps possible to prevent such an action.

Latvian fishing ships are ready to block Liepaja and Venspils ports preventing any ship to enter them or leave in the case the government ratifies the see border agreement with Lithuania. Liepaja Mayor A.Lembers has sent a letter in the name of Transit Business Association to the Prime Minister asking to take all steps possible to prevent such an action. Neatkariga

The Chairman of the Peoples Party Saeima faction G.Berzins informed that the party called its coalition partners to name as a priority in the next year budget the salary increase for teachers. PP consider that the planned amount of 6.24 million Ls is not enough therefore a possibility should be found to increase teachers salaries already by January 1, 2000.

Neatkariga, Chas

Prime Minister A.Skele announced on Monday at during the meeting with city mayors that the government would be ready to reconsider the concept of regional reform and discussing the proposal to establish four districts instead of planned nine. Diena

CBSS Commissioner O.Espersen met yesterday the Saeima Speaker J.Straume. The Commissioner praised the democratic processes taking place in Latvia. While discussing integration process J.Straume informed his guest about the work on the Language law and the consultations with the OSCE experts. Mr. Straume hoped that the law would be adopted on December 9.

CBSS Commissioner O.Espersen met yesterday the Saeima Speaker J.Straume. The Commissioner praised the democratic processes taking place in Latvia. While discussing integration process J.Straume informed his guest about the work on the Language law and the consultations with the OSCE experts. Mr. Straume hoped that the law would be adopted on December 9. Latvijas Vestnesis, Panorama Latvii

Panorama Latvii

writes about the amendments adopted by the Latvian government to introduce changes in recording the data in non-citizen passports. Amendments to the regulations determine that the information on the passport owner should be recorded in the Latvian language in accordance with international agreements and Latvian language standards.writes about the amendments adopted by the Latvian government to introduce changes in recording the data in non-citizen passports. Amendments to the regulations determine that the information on the passport owner should be recorded in the Latvian language in accordance with international agreements and Latvian language standards.

Press Report

To CBSS Commissioner on Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Affairs O.Espersen is coming to Latvia on a two day visit to further the discussion on strengthening of democratic processes. He will have meetings with the Speaker of the Saeima, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Culture, Satversme Court, NHRO and the representatives of different NGOs.

To CBSS Commissioner on Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Affairs O.Espersen is coming to Latvia on a two day visit to further the discussion on strengthening of democratic processes. He will have meetings with the Speaker of the Saeima, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Culture, Satversme Court, NHRO and the representatives of different NGOs. Neatkariga, Diena

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins is going to Sweden and Finland to discuss EU expansion before the, planned for December, EU Council meeting. He will have meetings with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of those two countries.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins is going to Sweden and Finland to discuss EU expansion before the, planned for December, EU Council meeting. He will have meetings with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of those two countries. Neatkariga

Former CIA officer R.Palmer gave evidence on money laundering scandal in Russia before the Commission on Bank and Financial Services of the USA Chamber of Representatives,. He pointed out that along with Russian banks, special attention should be paid to Latvian banks as well. Among other things he stated that, since the restoration of independence, two main branches of Latvian economics were operating as mediators in the Russian offshore bank transactions and furthering of Russian oil export to the West, and almost all Latvian banks were involved in this. He also spoke about the widespread corruption in Latvia.

Former CIA officer R.Palmer gave evidence on money laundering scandal in Russia before the Commission on Bank and Financial Services of the USA Chamber of Representatives,. He pointed out that along with Russian banks, special attention should be paid to Latvian banks as well. Among other things he stated that, since the restoration of independence, two main branches of Latvian economics were operating as mediators in the Russian offshore bank transactions and furthering of Russian oil export to the West, and almost all Latvian banks were involved in this. He also spoke about the widespread corruption in Latvia. Diena

Press Report

Press Report

On Friday was presented the report of Russian Commission on Foreign Policy and Defence Policy Affairs and it was stated there that the region of the Baltic Sea would always be in the zone of vitally important interests of Russia, and it meant that a stable security, corresponding to Russian interests, should be guaranteed there. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins, commenting this statement, acknowledged, that this Russian position was nothing new and there was only one conclusion – to join NATO and EU as soon as possible. “In reality, they (Russia) have driven us both to NATO and EU because all attempts from our side to co-operate honestly at least in the economic field, as you remember, have ended with sanctions. They do the utmost to distance themselves from the Baltic States.”

On Friday was presented the report of Russian Commission on Foreign Policy and Defence Policy Affairs and it was stated there that the region of the Baltic Sea would always be in the zone of vitally important interests of Russia, and it meant that a stable security, corresponding to Russian interests, should be guaranteed there. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins, commenting this statement, acknowledged, that this Russian position was nothing new and there was only one conclusion – to join NATO and EU as soon as possible. In reality, they (Russia) have driven us both to NATO and EU because all attempts from our side to co-operate honestly at least in the economic field, as you remember, have ended with sanctions. They do the utmost to distance themselves from the Baltic States. Diena

Deputy Head of the Russian President Administration S.Prihodko announced that Russia was inclined to develop relations with the Baltic States in the amount they were ready themselves. He stated that there was some, although not very noticeable movement to improvement of relations, but reminded that Russian attitude concerning the Baltic States joining NATO was still negative.

Deputy Head of the Russian President Administration S.Prihodko announced that Russia was inclined to develop relations with the Baltic States in the amount they were ready themselves. He stated that there was some, although not very noticeable movement to improvement of relations, but reminded that Russian attitude concerning the Baltic States joining NATO was still negative. Neatkariga, Diena (Russian version), Chas

Latvian elementary school of Jaunjelgava Secondary School, Aizkraukle Region, are taught Mathematics in the Russian language because the teacher does not know the Latvian language. The Director of the school stood up for the teacher saying that she spoke Latvian, only occasionally used incorrect endings and had started to attend the Latvian language training course. The parents’ meeting gave the teacher two weeks to improve her language skills.

Latvian elementary school of Jaunjelgava Secondary School, Aizkraukle Region, are taught Mathematics in the Russian language because the teacher does not know the Latvian language. The Director of the school stood up for the teacher saying that she spoke Latvian, only occasionally used incorrect endings and had started to attend the Latvian language training course. The parents meeting gave the teacher two weeks to improve her language skills. Neatkariga

Russian speaking newspaper

Russian speaking newspaper Vesti Segodnya states that while Latvian President tries to persuade UN that everything is OK with national minorities in Latvia, Latvian MPs try to do the opposite. TB/LNNK representative J.Dobelis at the meeting of the Saeima Commission on Culture and Education shouted that the best argument for those who were against a tough Language law was a gun. He insisted on preserving all the most radical articles violating the rights of non-Latvians. MP Y.Pliner, who represents faction For Human Rights in Independent Latvia, is almost sure that the majority in the Parliament would ignore even the proposals of the President not even mentioning the OSCE recommendations. Not only TB/LNNK but the New Party, Peoples Party and Social Democrats could vote for this most radical version. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Election Commission chairperson Arnis Cimdars confirmed that the number of signatures in support of the referendum has increased rapidly. He explained the activity by the fact that at the beginning of the campaign the residents had not formulated their attitude.

Election Commission chairperson Arnis Cimdars confirmed that the number of signatures in support of the referendum has increased rapidly. He explained the activity by the fact that at the beginning of the campaign the residents had not formulated their attitude. Neatkariga

Head of the Parliament Commission for Implementation of the Citizenship Law Janis Lagzdins does not support establishing of a joint state language examination center because in his opinion having such a center will give the possibility to force naturalization and lead to a situation that language exam taken at the center will be considered as naturalization test.

Head of the Parliament Commission for Implementation of the Citizenship Law Janis Lagzdins does not support establishing of a joint state language examination center because in his opinion having such a center will give the possibility to force naturalization and lead to a situation that language exam taken at the center will be considered as naturalization test. Neatkariga

The newspaper Noviye Izvestiya is the first paper in Russia to publish an interview with the Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. The interview has a title “Learning Russian is on my agenda”. The interview covers questions about Latvia’s strategic plans, the place of Russia in them, the language law, amendments to the pension law.

The newspaper Noviye Izvestiya is the first paper in Russia to publish an interview with the Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. The interview has a title Learning Russian is on my agenda. The interview covers questions about Latvias strategic plans, the place of Russia in them, the language law, amendments to the pension law. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Latvijas Vestnesis (full text of the interview)

Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov in his address to the UN General Assembly expressed his concern about the humanitarian situation in Latvia and Estonia, namely, people not having citizenship as well as the fact they cannot speak in their native language.

Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov in his address to the UN General Assembly expressed his concern about the humanitarian situation in Latvia and Estonia, namely, people not having citizenship as well as the fact they cannot speak in their native language. BB, Chas, Vesti