Press Report

Governing coalition factions criticise the coalition agreement and working program drafted by Prime-Minister Skele. Faction members interviewed by

Governing coalition factions criticise the coalition agreement and working program drafted by Prime-Minister Skele. Faction members interviewed by DIENA believe both documents to be incomplete. Yesterday the coalition factions formed a working group to generalise proposals made by the factions and to draft final versions of the two documents. Saimnieks has already come up with its own draft agreement that provides the factions with the right to amend the list of Prime-Ministers planned activities. According to a spokesman for Saimnieks, this would prevent the plan from remaining Skeles individual program instead of being a program for the entire Government. Saimnieks also insists on the coalition factions being represented in the Government proportionally to the number of seats in the Saeima in case the Cabinet is reorganised. Tevzemei un Brivibaiobjects against the new agreement cancelling any of the points of the existing document on co-operation between the factions. TB also does not agree to the introduction of a free land market being a part of the Government program. Andrejs Pantelejevs of Latvijas Celssays his party has its own objections but refused to give any details. The FarmersUnion/ Christian Democratic faction also criticises the draft agreement while the Unity faction will suggest amendments on agriculture. LNNK has not prepared any suggestions yet. Prime-Minister Skele is said to be ready to discuss the draft agreement. Still, he is not likely to agree to altering the Government working program. He says the factions can only add their suggestions to the draft program without removing any of its points. Otherwise they are to leave the coalition or to replace the Prime-Minister, says Skele. Diena

Ainars Dimants

Ainars Dimants (DIENA) believes the forming of the Constitutional Court should be taken more seriously by the Saeima. The Law on the Constitutional Court was adopted by the Saeima on June 6. Suggested candidates to be elected the judges of the Court are not known to the public, and the author of the article doubts their professional skills. Diena

Today the

Today the Saeima is expected to review the Declaration on Latvias Occupation. The official purpose of the Declaration is to inform the international community of the fact of occupation. According to an article in SM the purpose of the document is to justify low living standards by the consequences of occupation and to threaten noncitizens willing to take Russian citizenship. The author of the article believes the Saeima will adopt the most liberal version of the declaration drafted by the Juridical Committee. SM

Press Report

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the three Baltic states, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland held a meeting in Riga yesterday. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told the press the agenda included cooperation in the Baltic region. Participants of the meeting agreed that a country has the right to choose an acceptable form of cooperation to guarantee its security. Baltic representatives confirmed their willingness to join NATO already during the first stage of its extension. Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that Sweden, being a non-aligned country, would not provide any special security guarantees to the Baltic states. She added that Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania could strengthen their security by integrating into the European Union and by participating in the Partnership for Peace Program. All the participants of the meeting agreed about the importance of Russia's participation in resolving security issues in the region.

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the three Baltic states, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland held a meeting in Riga yesterday. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told the press the agenda included cooperation in the Baltic region. Participants of the meeting agreed that a country has the right to choose an acceptable form of cooperation to guarantee its security. Baltic representatives confirmed their willingness to join NATO already during the first stage of its extension. Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that Sweden, being a non-aligned country, would not provide any special security guarantees to the Baltic states. She added that Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania could strengthen their security by integrating into the European Union and by participating in the Partnership for Peace Program. All the participants of the meeting agreed about the importance of Russia's participation in resolving security issues in the region. Diena

"Svenska Dagbladet" (August 18) referred to an anonymous USA Government official in an article on the NATO expansion project. The official gave the highlights of the expansion program currently drafted by the US. The process includes the following points:
1. First East-European countries to join NATO (around 1999)are Poland and, probably, Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovenia.
2. Stable, secure, and well-coordinated relations will be established between NATO and Russia.
3. The Partnership for Peace Program will be strengthened to ensure that the Baltic states do not form a "grey zone" between NATO and Russia's borders.
4. Integration of East-European countries into European economic structures will be stimulated.

According to the US official quoted by

According to the US official quoted by "SD", the concept does not provide for the admission of the three Baltic States to NATO offering their active participation in the partnership for Peace program instead. Neatkariga

Yesterday the Saeima Committee on Defense accomplished the review of the Law on the Military Service. Prime-Minister Skele agreed to exercise his right to summon an extraordinary Saeima plenary meeting on the draft law. According to the draft law all citizens 19 to 27 years old are to be drafted for a one year-long military service. Unlike the previous reading, the current draft applies also to graduates having a master's degree. Young people will be entitled to state-guaranteed credits for the purchase of an apartment or for building a house after accomplishing their service. Noncitizens and women will have the right to volunteer for the army. Noncitizens will be given the right to obtain Latvian citizenship through extraordinary naturalization after accomplishing their service.

Yesterday the Saeima Committee on Defense accomplished the review of the Law on the Military Service. Prime-Minister Skele agreed to exercise his right to summon an extraordinary Saeima plenary meeting on the draft law. According to the draft law all citizens 19 to 27 years old are to be drafted for a one year-long military service. Unlike the previous reading, the current draft applies also to graduates having a master's degree. Young people will be entitled to state-guaranteed credits for the purchase of an apartment or for building a house after accomplishing their service. Noncitizens and women will have the right to volunteer for the army. Noncitizens will be given the right to obtain Latvian citizenship through extraordinary naturalization after accomplishing their service. Neatkariga

Press Report

Russian Prime-Minister Chernomyrdin during his telephone conversation with Prime-Minister Skele invited the head of the Latvian government to visit Moscow in early September. Mr. Skele told the press it would be a short working visit that might give a new impetus to the work of the joint governmental commission. According to the Russian Prime-Minister's Press-Secretary Mr. Chernomyrdin in his conversation with Skele connected possible improvement of relations between the two countries with "Observance of the rights of the Russian-speaking minority in Latvia". Chernomyrdin told Skele special transportation rates for transit through Latvia and Estonia would not be changed before the meeting of the joint governmental commission.

Russian Prime-Minister Chernomyrdin during his telephone conversation with Prime-Minister Skele invited the head of the Latvian government to visit Moscow in early September. Mr. Skele told the press it would be a short working visit that might give a new impetus to the work of the joint governmental commission. According to the Russian Prime-Minister's Press-Secretary Mr. Chernomyrdin in his conversation with Skele connected possible improvement of relations between the two countries with "Observance of the rights of the Russian-speaking minority in Latvia". Chernomyrdin told Skele special transportation rates for transit through Latvia and Estonia would not be changed before the meeting of the joint governmental commission. Diena, SM

According Director of the Soros Foundation Program on Ethnic Relations and Human Rights Nils Muiznieks Gypsies are an unprotected minority although 90% of them are Latvian citizens. Chairman of the Gypsy Cultural Society Karlis Rudevics says there are 7.5 thousand Gypsies registered in Latvia. He believes the actual number of ethnic Gypsies to be much higher since many of them are officially registered as other nationalities. The Soros foundation has financed the publishing of the Gypsy language textbook and the Gypsy-Latvian dictionary.

According Director of the Soros Foundation Program on Ethnic Relations and Human Rights Nils Muiznieks Gypsies are an unprotected minority although 90% of them are Latvian citizens. Chairman of the Gypsy Cultural Society Karlis Rudevics says there are 7.5 thousand Gypsies registered in Latvia. He believes the actual number of ethnic Gypsies to be much higher since many of them are officially registered as other nationalities. The Soros foundation has financed the publishing of the Gypsy language textbook and the Gypsy-Latvian dictionary. Diena

Mr. Modris Lujans expects the agenda of today's

Mr. Modris Lujans expects the agenda of today's Saeima session to include the document on Latvia's occupation. The document drafted by Mrs. Kreitusse and the Juridical Committee is more moderate than similar statements suggested by "Tevzemei un Brivibai" and "Latvijai". The Saeima will also discuss possible changes in the Saeima Presidium after "TB" demanded replacing Deputy-Speaker Ameriks ("Saimnieks") by a "TB" member.Panorama Latvii

"PANORAMA LATVII"

reported on the visit of OSCE Mission members Pirkka Tapiola, Boguslaw Romantowski, and Falk Lange to Liepaja. The article points at the increase of the number of complaints handed over to the Mission members as compared with their previous visit last year. According to the author of the article, the city authorities complained about Russian-speakers, former servicemen in particular, refusing to study Latvia. A member of the City Council asked OSCE representatives whether the OSCE could assist Latvia in deporting non-Latvians after the Saeima adopted an official statement on Soviet occupation. The Mission members explained that most non-Latvians living in Liepaja had legally entered Latvia and, according to its laws, have the right to reside in the country. reported on the visit of OSCE Mission members Pirkka Tapiola, Boguslaw Romantowski, and Falk Lange to Liepaja. The article points at the increase of the number of complaints handed over to the Mission members as compared with their previous visit last year. According to the author of the article, the city authorities complained about Russian-speakers, former servicemen in particular, refusing to study Latvia. A member of the City Council asked OSCE representatives whether the OSCE could assist Latvia in deporting non-Latvians after the Saeima adopted an official statement on Soviet occupation. The Mission members explained that most non-Latvians living in Liepaja had legally entered Latvia and, according to its laws, have the right to reside in the country. Panorama LatviiPanorama Latvii

Press Report

"DIENA"

interviewed the interviewed the SaeimaSaeima deputies on the recent proposal of forming the Baltic security pact made by Estonian politicians. All Latvian parliament members welcomed the idea stressing its political importance as a basis for strengthening the unity of the three Baltic countries. deputies on the recent proposal of forming the Baltic security pact made by Estonian politicians. All Latvian parliament members welcomed the idea stressing its political importance as a basis for strengthening the unity of the three Baltic countries. Chairman of the

Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Defence and Internal affairs Julijs Druva told the press the law on military service might be reviewed in its second reading on August 22. Journalists expect massive protest rallies to accompany the discussion, since the current draft law provides for the drafting of all university graduates holding bachelor and master degrees. Mr. Druva does not exclude the possibility of granting noncitizens and women the right to serve in the army on a voluntary basis. He suggests noncitizens could be granted Latvian citizenship for a flawless service. Still, he had to note that the norm would require amending the Citizenship Law. Although the governing factions signed an obligation not to suggest or support amendments to the Law, Chairman of the Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts believes the Law should not be "a sacred cow" remaining unamended forever. B&B

Mr. Vladlen Dozortsev ("People's Harmony" parliamentary group) presented the list of 68 restrictions of noncitizens' rights to the Saeima Human Rights Committee.

Mr. Vladlen Dozortsev ("People's Harmony" parliamentary group) presented the list of 68 restrictions of noncitizens' rights to the Saeima Human Rights Committee. "NEATKARIGA" quotes a letter by Minister of Justice Rasnacs to the Saeima Human Rights Committee. The letter sharply criticized by Dozortsev claims the comparison of citizens' and noncitizens' rights to be biased as it ignores citizens' obligations. Dozortsev recommends forming a work group on the issue within the State Human Rights Office. Neatkariga

"SM

"interviewed Human Rights office actin Director Zinta Meizane, Head of complaint department Inita Krizevic, and Senior Officer at the Information Department Roberts Putnis. The Human Rights Office still does not have an officially appointed director having the right to reconciliate arguing parties. The officers interviewed by "interviewed Human Rights office actin Director Zinta Meizane, Head of complaint department Inita Krizevic, and Senior Officer at the Information Department Roberts Putnis. The Human Rights Office still does not have an officially appointed director having the right to reconciliate arguing parties. The officers interviewed by "SM""SM" believe the Cabinet of Ministers regulations on the Human Rights Office adopted last year do not restrict its rights. The first reading of the law on the Human Fights Office was reviewed to a great extend thanks sharp comments made by The UN High Commissioner Brian Burdekin. The second reading of the law gives the Office a much higher degree of independence. The functions of the Office are wider than those of the ombudsman. Unlike the ombudsman, the office can analyze draft legal acts and comment on them. The Office has received more than one hundred CID-connected complaints. Many complaints are also related to dwelling issues and situation in prisons. believe the Cabinet of Ministers regulations on the Human Rights Office adopted last year do not restrict its rights. The first reading of the law on the Human Fights Office was reviewed to a great extend thanks sharp comments made by The UN High Commissioner Brian Burdekin. The second reading of the law gives the Office a much higher degree of independence. The functions of the Office are wider than those of the ombudsman. Unlike the ombudsman, the office can analyze draft legal acts and comment on them. The Office has received more than one hundred CID-connected complaints. Many complaints are also related to dwelling issues and situation in prisons. SMSM A poll by "SM" shows that many noncitizens are considering taking Russian citizenship by 2000. Some of the Russian citizens interviewed by "SM" are not going to apply for a permanent residence permit believing the CID might issue a TRP instead, or the recent amendments on permanent residence permits might be canceled.

A poll by "SM" shows that many noncitizens are considering taking Russian citizenship by 2000. Some of the Russian citizens interviewed by "SM" are not going to apply for a permanent residence permit believing the CID might issue a TRP instead, or the recent amendments on permanent residence permits might be canceled.

Press Report

Yesterday Prime-Minister Skele presented the draft agreement between factions at the meeting of the Council for Cooperation between Governing Factions. The Council refused commenting on the draft or making it public before it is studied by all governing factions. According to

Yesterday Prime-Minister Skele presented the draft agreement between factions at the meeting of the Council for Cooperation between Governing Factions. The Council refused commenting on the draft or making it public before it is studied by all governing factions. According to "DIENA", the draft agreement provides for adopting decisions by a qualified majority of votes in the Council even if one of the factions does not support a decision. The agreement also excludes the possibility of mandatory voting within a faction refusing to support a decision adopted by the rest of the coalition factions. Diena Deputy-Chairman of the Estonian Parliament Ruitel, former Minister of Defence Einseln, and member of the parliament Tarto circulated a statement proposing the forming of the Baltic military and political union. They call for concluding the Baltic security pact that would guarantee security for Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania until the three countries are admitted to NATO. The statement expresses concern about the possibility of "a backstage deal leaving the Baltic states in Russia's sphere of influence in exchange for a partial expansion of NATO". Estonian politicians suggest that USA, Germany, Russia, Sweden, Poland, Finland, and Denmark could join the pact. Diena

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima Human Rights Committee refused to accept Vladlen Dozortsev's ("People's Harmony") proposal on drafting an official list of differences between the rights of citizens and noncitizens. Chairman of the Committee Antons Seiksts told the press it would be improper to give unofficial status to documents discrediting Latvia. Still, he agrees that certain restrictions currently in force should be canceled. He also supports granting noncitizens the right to volunteer for the army service. His views are shared by the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs currently reviewing the draft law on military service. The Human Rights Committee addressed several state institutions with a request to analyze the existing restrictions of noncitizens' social rights. Some government officials gave purely formal responses. In that connection Mr. Dozortsev mentioned a letter by Minister of Justice Rasnacs ("Tevzemei un BrivibaI") refrring to it as "offending". Member of the Committee Juris Vidins ("Tevzemei un Brivibai") refused to discuss the issue claiming all noncitizens to be "colonizers" and objected against "legalizing their status in the country". The Committee decided that the "Peoples' Harmony" faction will submit its proposals on decreasing the number of restrictions on the rights of noncitizens while the Committee will review each restriction and will decide whether to draft a corresponding amendment to an applicable law. Diena, SM