Press Report

The Saeima Juridical Committee defined the rating of possible candidates for the posts of the Constitutional Court Judges. The Committee will not make public the results of the polling that was based on the analysis of the candidates’ applications and professional experience. According to unofficial information, Deputy-Chairman of the Juridical Committee Endzins (LC) is the most probable candidate for Chairman’s position. The candidates for the posts of judges could be Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Communications Ilma Cepane, Romans Apsitis (LC), Valdis Cielava (LVP), Viktors Elksnis (LZS), Ivars Bukovskis (DPS), Velta Slaidina (KDS), and Valdis Rozukalns (TB). Each candidate has to win 51 vote to be elected. Mr. Kaksitis believes the Saeima will vote on the candidates in the beginning of October.

The Saeima Juridical Committee defined the rating of possible candidates for the posts of the Constitutional Court Judges. The Committee will not make public the results of the polling that was based on the analysis of the candidates applications and professional experience. According to unofficial information, Deputy-Chairman of the Juridical Committee Endzins (LC) is the most probable candidate for Chairmans position. The candidates for the posts of judges could be Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Communications Ilma Cepane, Romans Apsitis (LC), Valdis Cielava (LVP), Viktors Elksnis (LZS), Ivars Bukovskis (DPS), Velta Slaidina (KDS), and Valdis Rozukalns (TB). Each candidate has to win 51 vote to be elected. Mr. Kaksitis believes the Saeima will vote on the candidates in the beginning of October. Diena, Neatkariga

“Saimnieks” Chairman Cevers told the press the Party Council would make a final decision on recalling Mr. Kreituss from a minister’s post this Friday. An official reason for replacing Kreituss is his failure to fulfil obligations taken by the party during the election campaign. According to Kreituss, Cevers’ campaign against him is caused by his refusal to support appointments suggested by Cevers. Today Kreituss is to respond to answers put by “Saimnieks” leaders regarding the fulfilment of the party program. Should the Prime-Minister refuse to support Kreituss’ dismissal, “Saimnieks” will submit a draft decree demanding his dismissal to be voted on by the Saeima. Prime-Minister Skele is not likely to agree to Kreituss’ dismissal.

Saimnieks Chairman Cevers told the press the Party Council would make a final decision on recalling Mr. Kreituss from a ministers post this Friday. An official reason for replacing Kreituss is his failure to fulfil obligations taken by the party during the election campaign. According to Kreituss, Cevers campaign against him is caused by his refusal to support appointments suggested by Cevers. Today Kreituss is to respond to answers put by Saimnieks leaders regarding the fulfilment of the party program. Should the Prime-Minister refuse to support Kreituss dismissal, Saimnieks will submit a draft decree demanding his dismissal to be voted on by the Saeima. Prime-Minister Skele is not likely to agree to Kreituss dismissal. Diena

Prime-Minister Skele will not visit Moscow to meet Chernomyrdin. The decision was made after consultations held by Latvian and Russian diplomats. A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs still hopes Skele could visit Russia in October.

Prime-MinisterSkele will not visit Moscow to meet Chernomyrdin. The decision was made after consultations held by Latvian and Russian diplomats. A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs still hopes Skele could visit Russia in October. Neatkariga

Latvia and Russia agreed on forming a joint commission to deal with transportation-related problems. New transportation rates for goods shipped vial Latvia will be on top of the agenda.

Latvia and Russia agreed on forming a joint commission to deal with transportation-related problems. New transportation rates for goods shipped vial Latvia will be on top of the agenda. Neatkariga

The International Humanitarian Co-operation and Human Rights Board of Russia’s Foreign Ministry analyses the rights of compatriots abroad. The Board submits the result of the analysis to the highest government officials and works out guidelines for Russia’s foreign policy.

The International Humanitarian Co-operation and Human Rights Board of Russias Foreign Ministry analyses the rights of compatriots abroad. The Board submits the result of the analysis to the highest government officials and works out guidelines for Russias foreign policy.

The highlights of the analysis of the situation in the Baltic states are as follows.

The highlights of the analysis of the situation in the Baltic states are as follows.

Latvia

Latvia

Positive features

Positive features

Extension of residence permits for demobilised servicemen to leave the country under its agreement with Russia.

Extension of residence permits for demobilised servicemen to leave the country under its agreement with Russia.

Failure of an attempt to collect the number of ballots sufficient for submitting an alternative Citizenship Law to the Saeima.

Failure of an attempt to collect the number of ballots sufficient for submitting an alternative Citizenship Law to the Saeima.

Dismissal of CID official known for their unlawful actions towards the country’s inhabitants (mostly towards Russian-speakers).

Dismissal of CID official known for their unlawful actions towards the countrys inhabitants (mostly towards Russian-speakers).

Adoption of the Law on Former USSR Citizens legalising to a certain extend the status of Latvia’s stateless inhabitants.

Adoption of the Law on Former USSR Citizens legalising to a certain extend the status of Latvias stateless inhabitants.

Latvian authorities take into consideration the OSCE recommendations on the implementation of the Citizenship Law and are trying to amend the legislation in force.

Latvian authorities take into consideration the OSCE recommendations on the implementation of the Citizenship Law and are trying to amend the legislation in force.

Negative features

Negative features

39 discriminating amendments were introduced into the Citizenship Law allowing local authorities to interpret it arbitrarily.

39 discriminating amendments were introduced into the Citizenship Law allowing local authorities to interpret it arbitrarily.

The legislation still provides for 68 differences between the rights of citizens and noncitizens. 30% of potential voters were deprived of the right to participate in the Saeima election in 1995.

The legislation still provides for 68 differences between the rights of citizens and noncitizens. 30% of potential voters were deprived of the right to participate in the Saeima election in 1995.

The Saeima declined “People’s Harmony” suggestion on granting noncitizens the right to participate in local elections.

The Saeima declined Peoples Harmony suggestion on granting noncitizens the right to participate in local elections.

Naturalisation is slow while noncitizen’s passports will be issued only after 1 January 1997 leading to restriction of noncitizens’ right to travel.

Naturalisation is slow while noncitizens passports will be issued only after 1 January 1997 leading to restriction of noncitizens right to travel.

The draft Language Law if adopted would limit the use of the Russian language to the minimum depriving Russian-speaking children of their right for education in their tongue.

The draft Language Law if adopted would limit the use of the Russian language to the minimum depriving Russian-speaking children of their right for education in their tongue.

School 9 has been passed over to Riga’s Ukrainian society in spite of protests from the Russian side.

School 9 has been passed over to Rigas Ukrainian society in spite of protests from the Russian side.

Estonia

Estonia

Positive features

Positive features

Estonian authorities recognised the existence of the problem of Russian-speakers and agreed it was necessary to find a solution to the problem.

Estonian authorities recognised the existence of the problem of Russian-speakers and agreed it was necessary to find a solution to the problem.

Estonian authorities took an obligation to consider all applications for residence permits and foreigner’s passports before July 12.

Estonian authorities took an obligation to consider all applications for residence permits and foreigners passports before July 12.

International organisations managed to press upon Estonia to draft the law on refugees.

International organisations managed to press upon Estonia to draft the law on refugees.

Estonian President declined a discriminating draft local election law banning noncitizens from participating in local elections.

Estonian President declined a discriminating draft local election law banning noncitizens from participating in local elections.

Estonia agreed to ratify an agreement with Russia on social guarantees for demobilised Russian servicemen.

Estonia agreed to ratify an agreement with Russia on social guarantees for demobilised Russian servicemen.

Negative features

Negative features

Estonian Citizenship Law discriminates Russian-speakers making 200 thousand inhabitants stateless.

Estonian Citizenship Law discriminates Russian-speakers making 200 thousand inhabitants stateless.

Naturalisation is extremely slow ( 200 in 1995).

Naturalisation is extremely slow ( 200 in 1995).

Holders of a foreigner’s passport do not a consular and legal support abroad.

Holders of a foreigners passport do not a consular and legal support abroad.

Legal acts on the state language give Russian the status of a foreign language limiting Russian-speakers’ employment opportunities.

Legal acts on the state language give Russian the status of a foreign language limiting Russian-speakers employment opportunities.

Education system for Russian-speakers is being “dismantled”.

Education system for Russian-speakers is being dismantled.

Numerous legal acts restrict noncitizens’ right for employment and their right to privatise apartments.

Numerous legal acts restrict noncitizens right for employment and their right to privatise apartments.

Lithuania

Lithuania

Positive features

Positive features
Lithuania has chosen the so-called zero-option granting citizenship to all its inhabitants. Russian citizens are given rights equal to those of Lithuanian citizens. Lithuanian authorities promptly react to recommendations by international organisations.

Negative features:

Negative features:
Cultural and information links with Russia are being narrowed. Stricter requirements of the mandatory use of the state language are being introduced. The state reduces the funding of Russian-language schools. The Board in its report points at considerable restriction of the use of the Russian language in all three republics and characterises their general policy toward Russian-speakers as discriminating. The Board suggests the Russian government to connect its policy toward the three states to the situation of Russian-speakers in these countries. Russia should conclude a bilateral or multilateral agreement with Baltic states on the status of citizens of one state constantly residing on the territory of another state. The report does not exclude the use of economic sanctions. The priority status in political relations with Russia should be given to the countries resolving citizenship problem in a civilised way. Diena

Press Report

Head of the Latvian delegation Maris Riekstins told

Head of the Latvian delegation Maris Riekstins told DIENA a basic agreement with Lithuania might be reached by the end of next week. Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Povilas Gilis says a recent meeting with his Latvian colleague allows to hope Latvia will recognise the Kursh Spit a Lithuanian territory. Riekstins believes next round of marine border talks with Lithuania to be held soon. Diena, Neatkariga

Governing factions received a draft of a “supplementary agreement on co-operation”. Andrejs Pantelejevs” (“

Governing factions received a draft of a supplementary agreement on co-operation. Andrejs Pantelejevs (Latvijas Cels) says none of the factions has any objections against the document. It was drafted by a working group formed upon the Prime-Ministers initiative. The initial agreement between was opposed by Saimnieks, Tevzemei un Brivibai, and the Unity Party. Other factions also would not agree to excluding the principle of consensus from the agreement. The new agreement requires a unanimous voting on amendments to the Satversme or the Citizenship Law. Diena

President Yeltsin’s Press-Secretary Yastrzhembsky says Russia cannot under any circumstance be considered responsible for the policy of the former USSR toward the Baltic states. He interprets Latvia’s and Estonia’s calls for recognising the continuity of their 1920 agreements with Soviet Russia as an attempt to put territorial claims. Recognition of the 1920 agreements would lead to “introducing an even more severe regime for Russian-speakers in Latvia and Estonia”. “The Russian federation considers the Riga and the Yuryev agreements as having lost their force after 1940 when Latvia and Estonia joined the USSR,” says Yastrzhembovsky.

President Yeltsins Press-Secretary Yastrzhembsky says Russia cannot under any circumstance be considered responsible for the policy of the former USSR toward the Baltic states. He interprets Latvias and Estonias calls for recognising the continuity of their 1920 agreements with Soviet Russia as an attempt to put territorial claims. Recognition of the 1920 agreements would lead to introducing an even more severe regime for Russian-speakers in Latvia and Estonia. The Russian federation considers the Riga and the Yuryev agreements as having lost their force after 1940 when Latvia and Estonia joined the USSR, says Yastrzhembovsky.

Minister of the Interior Turlais fired former CID Deputy-Director Ugis Sulcs. After being relieved of a Deputy-Director’s duties Sulcs have been employed by the CID as a consultant on a contract basis. Current Deputy-Director Dombrovskis admits Sulcs “made mistakes” but still was an indispensable expert. Neatkariga

Minister of the Interior Turlais fired former CID Deputy-Director Ugis Sulcs. After being relieved of a Deputy-Directors duties Sulcs have been employed by the CID as a consultant on a contract basis. Current Deputy-Director Dombrovskis admits Sulcs made mistakes but still was an indispensable expert. Neatkariga

Most Russian schools find it difficult to implement amendments to the Law on Education. The amendments, to be observed starting September 1, demand mandatory teaching of several subjects in Latvian in elemntary schools. Although all teachers have passed at least the “second category” Latvian language tests, the command of the language is not sufficient to deliver lectures in Latvian. The situation is also complicated by a shortage of funds required for additional training of school teachers.

Most Russian schools find it difficult to implement amendments to the Law on Education. The amendments, to be observed starting September 1, demand mandatory teaching of several subjects in Latvian in elemntary schools. Although all teachers have passed at least the second category Latvian language tests, the command of the language is not sufficient to deliver lectures in Latvian. The situation is also complicated by a shortage of funds required for additional training of school teachers. Diena

On September 3 Chairman of the

On September 3 Chairman of the Saeima Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts suggested amending the Citizenship Law to grant ethnic Poles the right for extraordinary naturalisation. The amendment would apply to all Poles permanently residing in Latvia who had been Polish citizens before 17 September 1939 and to their descendants. The idea is strongly opposed by the nationalists. They refer to the agreement between governing factions on not amending the Citizenship Law. The nationalists may be also concerned about the increase in the number of non-Latvian citizens not likely to vote for nationalistic parties. 55.3 thousand Poles might apply for citizenship in case amendments are adopted. 61.4 % of Poles are Latvian citizens. The author of the article in SM still believes the Saeima could finally accept the amendments since the step would help to improve Latvias image. SM

Press Report

Deputy-Director of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Department Demurin says Skele’s visit to Moscow will not be held on the scheduled date. The reasons, according to Demurin, are the adoption of the Declaration on Occupation and one of the latest decrees by the Riga City Council. Demurin says the decree restricts the right of noncitizens to privatise their apartments. The decree by the Riga City Council demands a special CID certificate to be attached by noncitizens to documents proving their right to privatise an apartment. The certificate is to confirm their right to receive a new noncitizen’s passport. Skele’s meeting with Chernomyrdin has been scheduled for September 13.

Deputy-Director of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Department Demurin says Skeles visit to Moscow will not be held on the scheduled date. The reasons, according to Demurin, are the adoption of the Declaration on Occupation and one of the latest decrees by the Riga City Council. Demurin says the decree restricts the right of noncitizens to privatise their apartments. The decree by the Riga City Council demands a special CID certificate to be attached by noncitizens to documents proving their right to privatise an apartment. The certificate is to confirm their right to receive a new noncitizens passport. Skeles meeting with Chernomyrdin has been scheduled for September 13. DIENA has already referred to anonymous sources in Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs saying the meeting will not be cancelled. Diena, Neatkariga

At his yesterday’s press-conference Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Povilas Gilis warned Latvia against ratifying its agreement with AMOCO and OPAB. The agreement expires October 31. He said the Lithuanian Government would take adequate steps in case the

At his yesterdays press-conference Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Povilas Gilis warned Latvia against ratifying its agreement with AMOCO and OPAB. The agreement expires October 31. He said the Lithuanian Government would take adequate steps in case the Saeima ratified the agreements. Gilis said he hoped the agreement would not be ratified and the talks on the issue would be resumed. The Saeima supported the suggestion made by the Foreign Affairs Committee and cancelled the ratification of the agreement. Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told DIENA he believed the problem to be largely exaggerated by the Lithuanian side partly as part of the election campaign in the country. He hopes talks between Latvian and Lithuanian Prime-Ministers and delegations to be started next Monday will contribute to resolving the problem. SM

Press Review

Yesterday Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a note protesting against Latvia agreeing with oil companies on exploratory operations in the Baltic Sea areas without resolving the maritime border problem with Lithuania. The note was handed over to the Latvian Ambassador to Lithuania Mr. Sjantis. The document declares the agreement invalid. Lithuanian Government will not agree to any illegal activities violating its sovereignty South of the line drawn between its land border and a point stated in the note. The note suggests the Government of Latvia to suspend all activities connected with its agreement with the oil companies and to discuss the concept of a joint exploiting of the oil field. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania also called upon AMOCO and OPAP companies to abstain from making statements on their right for exploratory operations in the disputable area. The move by the Lithuanian Government shows a tendency to a much firmer stand toward the maritime border problem and can be interpreted as an attempt to establish the border unilaterally.

Yesterday Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a note protesting against Latvia agreeing with oil companies on exploratory operations in the Baltic Sea areas without resolving the maritime border problem with Lithuania. The note was handed over to the Latvian Ambassador to Lithuania Mr. Sjantis. The document declares the agreement invalid. Lithuanian Government will not agree to any illegal activities violating its sovereignty South of the line drawn between its land border and a point stated in the note. The note suggests the Government of Latvia to suspend all activities connected with its agreement with the oil companies and to discuss the concept of a joint exploiting of the oil field. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania also called upon AMOCO and OPAP companies to abstain from making statements on their right for exploratory operations in the disputable area. The move by the Lithuanian Government shows a tendency to a much firmer stand toward the maritime border problem and can be interpreted as an attempt to establish the border unilaterally. Diena, B&B

The “Unity” Party and

The Unity Party and Saimnieks factions are planning to sign an agreement on forming a block in the Saeima. Deputy-Chairman of the Unity party Svitrins told DIENA the parties had already agreed on conditions to be observed by both sides. The factions will sign the agreement by the end of this week. Diena