Press Report

Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK politicians believe that the government should return to the experience of the previous governments and restore the coalition council meetings. The meetings should pass decisions binding for the ruling factions on the work of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Saeima.

Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK politicians believe that the government should return to the experience of the previous governments and restore the coalition council meetings. The meetings should pass decisions binding for the ruling factions on the work of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Saeima. Neatkariga

The ruling factions have decided to set up a work group for developing new amendments to the pension law. In case if not enough signatures are collected to initiate the referendum the Parliament could vote for amending the law in October. The parties are going to give up the rise in pension age. Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK MPs have prepared proposals for amendments to the pension law that are planned to be submitted for the review of the coalition partners. Proposals concern the rise in pension age and the protection of interests of working pensioners.

The ruling factions have decided to set up a work group for developing new amendments to the pension law. In case if not enough signatures are collected to initiate the referendum the Parliament could vote for amending the law in October. The parties are going to give up the rise in pension age. Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK MPs have prepared proposals for amendments to the pension law that are planned to be submitted for the review of the coalition partners. Proposals concern the rise in pension age and the protection of interests of working pensioners. Neatkariga, Diena

As of October 1, the Board of Citizenship and Migration will start issuing stateless person’s passports. The Board has prepared 8000 passports while currently only 50 applications have been submitted.

As of October 1, the Board of Citizenship and Migration will start issuing stateless persons passports. The Board has prepared 8000 passports while currently only 50 applications have been submitted. Neatkariga

Foreign Ministry’s Deputy State Secretary Andris Kesteris after meeting the European Commission representatives said that Latvia expects a favourable progress report from the European Commission. Most of the questions addressed to Latvia demonstrate the remaining EC interest about the situation of Latvia’s non-citizens.

Foreign Ministrys Deputy State Secretary Andris Kesteris after meeting the European Commission representatives said that Latvia expects a favourable progress report from the European Commission. Most of the questions addressed to Latvia demonstrate the remaining EC interest about the situation of Latvias non-citizens. Diena

A former LNT news service editor has become the PR advisor to the Latvian president. The president now has 7 staff advisors, the position of advisor for security and military issues is still vacant. Diena

A former LNT news service editor has become the PR advisor to the Latvian president. The president now has 7 staff advisors, the position of advisor for security and military issues is still vacant. Diena

Latvian Foreign Ministry’s State Secretary Maris Riekstins when commenting on the latest events in Russia said that the situation will have no direct impact on the security of Latvia and other Baltic countries, however, it causes concern as Russia is a neighboring country.

Latvian Foreign Ministrys State Secretary Maris Riekstins when commenting on the latest events in Russia said that the situation will have no direct impact on the security of Latvia and other Baltic countries, however, it causes concern as Russia is a neighboring country. Diena

Latvian Justice Minister Valdis Birkavs after meeting the Swedish counterpart Laila Freivalde told the press that Latvia needs foreign assistance due to its limited experience and resources. The priorities include upgrading of the judicial system, computerisation, training of the prison employees.

Latvian Justice Minister Valdis Birkavs after meeting the Swedish counterpart Laila Freivalde told the press that Latvia needs foreign assistance due to its limited experience and resources. The priorities include upgrading of the judicial system, computerisation, training of the prison employees. Rigas Balss

The attempt of the Saeima to ratify the International Convention on the Status of Stateless Persons roused astonishment of the Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK MP Juris Dobelis concerning the supplement to the law on ratification where the government commits to making the process of naturalisation faster.

The attempt of the Saeima to ratify the International Convention on the Status of Stateless Persons roused astonishment of the Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK MP Juris Dobelis concerning the supplement to the law on ratification where the government commits to making the process of naturalisation faster. Vesti

Next week the Saeima’s Commission for Education and Culture will start discussing the “arguable” articles of the Language Law.

Next week the Saeimas Commission for Education and Culture will start discussing the arguable articles of the Language Law. Vesti Segodna express concern about the expected delayed looking at the law in connection with the Helsinki summit.

Press Report

Press Report

Union

Union Latvijas Cels will finish its work on proposals for amending the pension law to submit them to the coalition partners who are ready to reconsider the adopted law. Neatkariga

Peoples Party Chairman G.Berzins acknowledged that the party was ready to soften its position concerning the pensions law if there would be no referendum on this law. So far

Peoples Party Chairman G.Berzins acknowledged that the party was ready to soften its position concerning the pensions law if there would be no referendum on this law. So far PP was the only party which did not show any willingness for a compromise. Diena

Ex-Prime Minister V.Kristopans announced to the press yesterday the A.Skele had proposed the leader of the left wing party block

Ex-Prime Minister V.Kristopans announced to the press yesterday the A.Skele had proposed the leader of the left wing party block For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans to replace LC in the ruling coalition if LC would not act as the PM wished. Both J.Jurkans and Councillor to A.Skele U.Salna refused this statement. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya

Yesterday there was a meeting of the President, Speaker and Minister of Foreign Affairs to discuss the priorities of Latvian Foreign policy. They agreed that such meeting should be regular

Yesterday there was a meeting of the President, Speaker and Minister of Foreign Affairs to discuss the priorities of Latvian Foreign policy. They agreed that such meeting should be regular. Neatkariga, Chas

After this meeting A.Skele, answering to a questions, acknowledged that Latvia was completing its home tasks and was ready for the summit meeting in Helsinki.

After this meeting A.Skele, answering to a questions, acknowledged that Latvia was completing its home tasks and was ready for the summit meeting in Helsinki. Diena

Neatkariga

interwieved MPs asking them to answer the question, While considering the State Language Law, do you think about the meeting of the EU member states scheduled for December in Helsinki? R.Pauls ( interwieved MPs asking them to answer the question, “While considering the State Language Law, do you think about the meeting of the EU member states scheduled for December in Helsinki?” R.Pauls (New PartyNew Party) thinks that these two issues must be linked. M.Lujans () thinks that these two issues must be linked. M.Lujans (For Human Rights in United LatviaFor Human Rights in United Latvia) is of the same opinion. A.Pozarnovs () is of the same opinion. A.Pozarnovs (TB/LNNKTB/LNNK) thinks that these two should not be linked in principle. If the law did not correspond to the obligations of Latvia, it should be changed. I.Burvis () thinks that these two should not be linked in principle. If the law did not correspond to the obligations of Latvia, it should be changed. I.Burvis (Social DemocratsSocial Democrats) has an opinion that the law should be connected only with the things vital for Latvia. ) has an opinion that the law should be connected only with the things vital for Latvia. NeatkarigaNeatkariga Many non-Latvians have complained to the Saeima Education Commission about the problems with spelling of their family names. The current spelling laws cause problems for people to solve different legal issues as well as to draw up a travel documents.

Many non-Latvians have complained to the Saeima Education Commission about the problems with spelling of their family names. The current spelling laws cause problems for people to solve different legal issues as well as to draw up a travel documents. Diena

During the first eight days about 12 600 people have signed for the proposal to hold a referendum on the amendments of the pensions law. This is 1/10 of the necessary amount of signatures.

During the first eight days about 12 600 people have signed for the proposal to hold a referendum on the amendments of the pensions law. This is 1/10 of the necessary amount of signatures. Diena

Press agency Reuters published a critical comment on the government of A.Skele stating that first cracks had appeared in the coalition due to the authoritarian style of work of the PM. It reminds that all previous governings of A.Skele ended with the same result – coalition partners deserted.

Press agency Reuters published a critical comment on the government of A.Skele stating that first cracks had appeared in the coalition due to the authoritarian style of work of the PM. It reminds that all previous governings of A.Skele ended with the same result – coalition partners deserted. Bizness & Baltiya

Press Report

Press Report

The future EU Commissioner on Expansion Affairs G.Ferheugen said to the Financial Times that due to the Kosovo crisis negotiations on joining EU could be stated with all candidate states of the second group not just with the best ones.

The future EU Commissioner on Expansion Affairs G.Ferheugen said to the Financial Times that due to the Kosovo crisis negotiations on joining EU could be stated with all candidate states of the second group not just with the best ones. Neatkariga

From September 20 to 24 the President V.Vike-Freiberga will attend the USA on a working visit. She has scheduled meeting with UN Secretary General K.Annan.

From September 20 to 24 the President V.Vike-Freiberga will attend the USA on a working visit. She has scheduled meeting with UN Secretary General K.Annan. Neatkariga

On Tuesday after a long discussion the government agreed on the draft budget of 2000. They agreed to decrease the expenditure part let the fiscal deficit would not exceed 2% of GNP.

On Tuesday after a long discussion the government agreed on the draft budget of 2000. They agreed to decrease the expenditure part let the fiscal deficit would not exceed 2% of GNP. Diena

During the discord in the government, arisen between TB/LNNK and Peoples Party, the coalition partners hope to find out and settle this in a bilateral negotiation. They did not confirm the unofficial information that TB during the discussion with LC, scheduled for Wednesday, would ask the partners to think over possible models of a new government.

During the discord in the government, arisen between TB/LNNK and Peoples Party, the coalition partners hope to find out and settle this in a bilateral negotiation. They did not confirm the unofficial information that TB during the discussion with LC, scheduled for Wednesday, would ask the partners to think over possible models of a new government. Diena

The most possible version is so called “Union- 52”, consisting of PP, LC and New Party. The Prime Minister could be a representative of LC, but not an ex-prime minister or a deputy, just a well-known person, acceptable for all three parties. They say, that the name of this person is already known, but by a few. It is no secret that half of partners would not like to have A.Skele in the executive branch. There are some other options as well.

The most possible version is so called Union- 52, consisting of PP, LC and New Party. The Prime Minister could be a representative of LC, but not an ex-prime minister or a deputy, just a well-known person, acceptable for all three parties. They say, that the name of this person is already known, but by a few. It is no secret that half of partners would not like to have A.Skele in the executive branch. There are some other options as well. Bizness & Baltiya

Russian Community in Latvia calls to vote for organising a referendum on the pension law by publishing an open letter in

Russian Community in Latvia calls to vote for organising a referendum on the pension law by publishing an open letter in Panorama Latvii.

The validity term of former USSR pasports expires on January 1, 2000 but about 100 000 non-citizens have not taken out their passports. DCMA has enough capacity to issue these passports but there is no interest among the non –citizens themselves.

The validity term of former USSR pasports expires on January 1, 2000 but about 100 000 non-citizens have not taken out their passports. DCMA has enough capacity to issue these passports but there is no interest among the non –citizens themselves. Diena

Press Review

Press Review

The representatives of government forming factions consider that Prime Minister A.Skele should change his attitude towards his coalition partners. Otherwise the relations in the government could get worse. TB/LNNK Saeima faction Chairman A.Pozarnovs said that if the Prime Minister had undertaken solving issues which were in the competence of the government forming factions, he should not hope that all the decisions of mandatory vote at the Saeima would be supported.

The representatives of government forming factions consider that Prime Minister A.Skele should change his attitude towards his coalition partners. Otherwise the relations in the government could get worse. TB/LNNK Saeima faction Chairman A.Pozarnovs said that if the Prime Minister had undertaken solving issues which were in the competence of the government forming factions, he should not hope that all the decisions of mandatory vote at the Saeima would be supported. Neatkariga

In an interview to the Latvian Radio President Vaira Vike-Freiberga expressed her willingness to be involved in a dialogue with Russia, but she doubted Russia’s readiness for such a dialogue.

In an interview to the Latvian Radio President Vaira Vike-Freiberga expressed her willingness to be involved in a dialogue with Russia, but she doubted Russias readiness for such a dialogue. Neatkariga

According to the data of the public opinion research centre SKDS, large part of population - 31.8% do not agree with the statement that Skele’s government would last until the end of 7 th Saeima.

According to the data of the public opinion research centre SKDS, large part of population - 31.8% do not agree with the statement that Skeles government would last until the end of 7 th Saeima. Neatkariga, Chas

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga considers that the Latvian language law should be adopted with her proposed amendments otherwise Latvia would face serious difficulties at the next EU summit meeting in Helsinki.

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga considers that the Latvian language law should be adopted with her proposed amendments otherwise Latvia would face serious difficulties at the next EU summit meeting in Helsinki. Neatkariga

The Saeima

The Saeima Social Democrats faction are preparing to summon an extraordinary Saeima sitting let the Parliament would be granted a right to take decisions on privatisation of large state enterprises - Latvian Shipping Company, Latvijas Gaze, Latvenergo, Lattelekom, etc. Neatkariga

Latvian President thinks that the government should take care of its stability because now, before the EU summit meeting in Helsinki, the processes in Latvia are closely observed by European community.

Latvian President thinks that the government should take care of its stability because now, before the EU summit meeting in Helsinki, the processes in Latvia are closely observed by European community. Neatkariga

Latvijas Cels

Press Secretary D.Gulbe informed Press Secretary D.Gulbe informed DienaDiena that LC had prepared and would submit this week to the coalition members proposals on new amendments to the pension law that would allow women to retire before the fixed age of retirement and improve the situation of working pensioners. that LC had prepared and would submit this week to the coalition members proposals on new amendments to the pension law that would allow women to retire before the fixed age of retirement and improve the situation of working pensioners. DienaDiena

On Monday the Saeima Foreign Affairs Commission supported submitting of Latvian - Lithuanian sea border agreement to the Saeima in the first reading. There is no full conviction about the ratification of the agreement because two of the ruling coalition factions -

On Monday the Saeima Foreign Affairs Commission supported submitting of Latvian - Lithuanian sea border agreement to the Saeima in the first reading. There is no full conviction about the ratification of the agreement because two of the ruling coalition factions - Peoples Party and TB/LNNK plan to discuss this at their faction meetings and take a united opinion. Experts of several economic fields doubt the conformity of this agreement with interests of Latvia because Latvia would loose a huge part of possible oil fields and territories for fishing cod. Diena, Vesti Segodnya

Yelena and Sergey - the grandchildren of 62 years old T.Talkovska, were born in Latvia, attend the local Latvian school, but their life has become very complicated due to absence of proper documents they were almost sent to an orphanage in Russia. Children’s family moved to Russia in 1993. Soon after the father died in a car accident but mother started drinking and 1996 Ms. Talkovska received a message from Russia that she should go there and take the children if she did not want them to be sent to an orphanage because their mother would be deprived of her parental rights. And the grandmother brought the children to Latvia without drawing up the necessary documents.

Yelena and Sergey - the grandchildren of 62 years old T.Talkovska, were born in Latvia, attend the local Latvian school, but their life has become very complicated due to absence of proper documents they were almost sent to an orphanage in Russia. Childrens family moved to Russia in 1993. Soon after the father died in a car accident but mother started drinking and 1996 Ms. Talkovska received a message from Russia that she should go there and take the children if she did not want them to be sent to an orphanage because their mother would be deprived of her parental rights. And the grandmother brought the children to Latvia without drawing up the necessary documents. Diena

A journalist interviews TV star I.Vinik about the problem why Russians here in Latvia can not unite. Ms.Vinnik thinks that there are no such thing as Russians in Latvia - just Russian speakers, persons who do not know anything about Russian culture.

A journalist interviews TV star I.Vinik about the problem why Russians here in Latvia can not unite. Ms.Vinnik thinks that there are no such thing as Russians in Latvia - just Russian speakers, persons who do not know anything about Russian culture. Chas

The deputy Head of the Naturalisation Board J.Kahanovics informs about the current situation with the naturalisation process.

The deputy Head of the Naturalisation Board J.Kahanovics informs about the current situation with the naturalisation process. Panorama Latvii

A.Krumins writes about the meeting of the Saeima Commission on Implementation of the Law on Citizenship during which were considered amendments to the status of a non-citizen. “ Of course, there was no discussion on equalising the rights of “Negroes” with the ones of citizens”, states Mr.Krumins. The aim of the amendments was to decrease the number of non-citizens, e.g. by introducing a norm that the status of a non-citizen would lose not only persons who had served in foreign armed forces on the territory of the Republic of Latvia and were demobilised after January 28, 1992 but their family members as well. The same refers to persons who have received compensation from the Latvian state for leaving the country but do to some reason had not left it, as well as those who have left the territory of Latvia after July 1, 1992 for abroad and got a domicile registration there but returned to Latvia. The same refers to persons who served in foreign armed forces after July 1, 1992.

A.Krumins writes about the meeting of the Saeima Commission on Implementation of the Law on Citizenship during which were considered amendments to the status of a non-citizen. Of course, there was no discussion on equalising the rights of Negroes with the ones of citizens, states Mr.Krumins. The aim of the amendments was to decrease the number of non-citizens, e.g. by introducing a norm that the status of a non-citizen would lose not only persons who had served in foreign armed forces on the territory of the Republic of Latvia and were demobilised after January 28, 1992 but their family members as well. The same refers to persons who have received compensation from the Latvian state for leaving the country but do to some reason had not left it, as well as those who have left the territory of Latvia after July 1, 1992 for abroad and got a domicile registration there but returned to Latvia. The same refers to persons who served in foreign armed forces after July 1, 1992. Panorama Latvii

Press Report

The Cabinet of Ministers in its extraordinary sitting on Saturday started to consider the draft budget for the next year and the corresponding draft laws but did not adopt any of them. The most discussion was on the amendments on the state social welfare-fare submitted by the Ministry of Economics.

The Cabinet of Ministers in its extraordinary sitting on Saturday started to consider the draft budget for the next year and the corresponding draft laws but did not adopt any of them. The most discussion was on the amendments on the state social welfare-fare submitted by the Ministry of Economics. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize

The Economist published the list of tasks carried out by the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel and call his activities in the Baltic states as one of his successes.

The Economist published the list of tasks carried out by the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel and call his activities in the Baltic states as one of his successes. Neatkariga

K.Malinovska, Director of MFA Juridical Department analyses the situation with Latvian - Lithuanian sea border agreement, stating that Latvia and Lithuania had never had a sea border established according to international law. Therefore it is not correct to speak about the territories once belonging to Latvia or Lithuania.

K.Malinovska, Director of MFA Juridical Department analyses the situation with Latvian - Lithuanian sea border agreement, stating that Latvia and Lithuania had never had a sea border established according to international law. Therefore it is not correct to speak about the territories once belonging to Latvia or Lithuania. Diena