Press Report

Press Report

Prime-Minister Krasts is forming his office. According to

Prime-Minister Krasts is forming his office. According to "DIENA", four advisors are already working for the office. Meanwhile, "Latvijas Cels", "Saimnieks" and "Tevzemei un Brivibai" suggest establishing a consultative council to assist the Prime-Minister in resolving economic issues. Smaller governing coalition parties were not informed about the decision by the "big three" while Prime-Minister Krasts did not welcome the idea. Mr. Krasts even said that he would resign in case a political party or a group of parties tried to press on him by imposing their policies. "DIENA" points at the contradictions between the Prime-Minister's plans of reforming the country's economics and his party's ("Tevzemei un Brivibai") populist policy. These contradictions may be aggravated by EU requirements to abolish employment restrictions for non-citizens and to liberalize the land market.Diena

Last week member of the European Parliament Jorn Donner (Finland) advised the Estonian Government to change its language policy by giving Russian the status of the second official state language. Mr. Donner is a member of a working group that prepares a report on the situation in the country for the European Commission. According to

Last week member of the European Parliament Jorn Donner (Finland) advised the Estonian Government to change its language policy by giving Russian the status of the second official state language. Mr. Donner is a member of a working group that prepares a report on the situation in the country for the European Commission. According to "SM", his opinion is shared by the OSCE High Commissioner's expert team and by several senior European Union and European Parliament officials. The Latvian Cabinet of Ministers drafted a declaration in support of bringing the country's legislation in compliance with European Union standards. The adoption of the document was delayed by the forming of the new Cabinet. Almost all of the Latvian citizenship-related legal acts contradict Latvia's obligations in the human rights domain. Director of the Latvian Center for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks doubts that the Prime-Minister and his party ("Tevzemei un Brivibai") "will make a step toward meeting EU requirements on citizenship and naturalization."

Press Report

Press Report

Yesterday Procurator Guntis Akmenkalns told journalists that it was planned to complete the examination of 46 cases of deputies who might have violated the Anti-Corruption Law, by 25 August. The Procurator General’s Office will constantly inform interested parties and the press about the findings. Until now the Procurator General’s office has examined seven cases, of which only one - the case of Indulis Berzins - contains facts about the violation of the Anti-Corruption Law. In his income declaration Indulis Berzins, Deputy of the

Yesterday Procurator Guntis Akmenkalns told journalists that it was planned to complete the examination of 46 cases of deputies who might have violated the Anti-Corruption Law, by 25 August. The Procurator Generals Office will constantly inform interested parties and the press about the findings. Until now the Procurator Generals office has examined seven cases, of which only one - the case of Indulis Berzins - contains facts about the violation of the Anti-Corruption Law. In his income declaration Indulis Berzins, Deputy of the Latvijas Cels, did not indicate two shares of a limited company Klubs. Mr. Berzins said that he was not aware of the existence of those shares. Diena

At a conference that will take place on 5 and 6 September in Vilnius, presidents of twelve countries will discuss issues related to the development of good neighbouring relations. Among participants will be the Presidents of Baltic countries, the Ukraine, Belorus, Hungary, Slovakia , Romania, Bulgaria, Poland and Finland, as well as the Prime-Minister of Russia.

At a conference that will take place on 5 and 6 September in Vilnius, presidents of twelve countries will discuss issues related to the development of good neighbouring relations. Among participants will be the Presidents of Baltic countries, the Ukraine, Belorus, Hungary, Slovakia , Romania, Bulgaria, Poland and Finland, as well as the Prime-Minister of Russia. Diena

At a press-conference Valerie Nesterushkin, Representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that any attempts by commercial organizations of other countries to disregard Russian laws would be strictly prosecuted. Mr. Nesterushkin expressed a hope that the Baltic governments would do everything to make sure that Baltic commercial institutions that have businesses in Russia, did not violate Russian legislation.

At a press-conference Valerie Nesterushkin, Representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that any attempts by commercial organizations of other countries to disregard Russian laws would be strictly prosecuted. Mr. Nesterushkin expressed a hope that the Baltic governments would do everything to make sure that Baltic commercial institutions that have businesses in Russia, did not violate Russian legislation. B&B

NEATKARIGA brieflyinforms that by 7 August twenty thousand eight hundred non-citizens have received non-citizen passports.

NEATKARIGA brieflyinforms that by 7 August twenty thousand eight hundred non-citizens have received non-citizen passports.

Press Report 

Press Report

Martins Kibilds, Advisor to the Prime-Minister, informed journalists that four ministers - Minister of Culture Ramona Umblija, Minister of Agriculture Andris Ravins, Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs and Minister of Finance Roberts Zile - have not signed a document that verifies their compliance with the Anti-Corruption Law. Mr. Kibilds said that the Minster of Culture and the Minister of Agriculture still hold other official posts which they promised to leave within a month. The Minister of Foreign Affairs is on vacation and will sign the document next week. Robert Zile, who besides the governmental office holds a post in a joint venture company

Martins Kibilds, Advisor to the Prime-Minister, informed journalists that four ministers - Minister of Culture Ramona Umblija, Minister of Agriculture Andris Ravins, Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs and Minister of Finance Roberts Zile - have not signed a document that verifies their compliance with the Anti-Corruption Law. Mr. Kibilds said that the Minster of Culture and the Minister of Agriculture still hold other official posts which they promised to leave within a month. The Minister of Foreign Affairs is on vacation and will sign the document next week. Robert Zile, who besides the governmental office holds a post in a joint venture company Rigas Tirdzniecibas Osta, has asked the Procurator General to give an opinion about this situation. Until then he will refrain from signing the document. B&B

A new Latvian Ambassador to Russia Imants Daudiss will receive his credentials at the beginning of September. He will replace the present Latvian Ambassador Janis Peters.

A new Latvian Ambassador to Russia Imants Daudiss will receive his credentials at the beginning of September. He will replace the present Latvian Ambassador Janis Peters. Diena

The government-forming parties will form a consultative council whose functions have not been decided yet. Ernests Jurkans, Deputy Chair of the “Saimnieks” fraction, said that the council would work out suggestions on how to speed up social and economic reforms, and it would facilitate the Prime-Minister’s work.

The government-forming parties will form a consultative council whose functions have not been decided yet. Ernests Jurkans, Deputy Chair of the Saimnieks fraction, said that the council would work out suggestions on how to speed up social and economic reforms, and it would facilitate the Prime-Ministers work. Diena

In an article for “DIENA” Aivars Ozolins comments on the writ of the Minister of Defense according to which persons serving in the Latvian Armed Forces will not be allowed to receive pensions from other countries. According to Ozolins, this decision has an important and symbolic meaning. It shows the willingness of the Minister to get rid of the “hopeless legacy of the Soviet military”, and it is just the beginning of reforms that the Minister plans to execute.

In an article for DIENA Aivars Ozolins comments on the writ of the Minister of Defense according to which persons serving in the Latvian Armed Forces will not be allowed to receive pensions from other countries. According to Ozolins, this decision has an important and symbolic meaning. It shows the willingness of the Minister to get rid of the hopeless legacy of the Soviet military, and it is just the beginning of reforms that the Minister plans to execute.

Press Report

Yesterday President Ulmanis officially opened the first meeting of the new government. He asked the ministers to “give up cheap populist claims” for rising of popularity of some parties and politicians, but to work as a team. Prime-Minister Krasts expressed a hope that this government would be the last one before the next Saeima elections.

Yesterday President Ulmanis officially opened the first meeting of the new government. He asked the ministers to give up cheap populist claims for rising of popularity of some parties and politicians, but to work as a team. Prime-Minister Krasts expressed a hope that this government would be the last one before the next Saeima elections. Diena

After his return from the USA President Ulmanis told journalists that a charter between the United States and Baltic countries could be signed at the end of this year. According to Ulmanis, the text of this document is almost ready, and the presidents of all Baltic countries should agree on the exact time when the charter could be signed. In August the Latvian delegation will meet with American representatives in Washington to discuss the charter.

After his return from the USA President Ulmanis told journalists that a charter between the United States and Baltic countries could be signed at the end of this year. According to Ulmanis, the text of this document is almost ready, and the presidents of all Baltic countries should agree on the exact time when the charter could be signed. In August the Latvian delegation will meet with American representatives in Washington to discuss the charter.

Janis Vaivads, Director of the European Integration Bureau, told DIENA that the Latvian memorandum to the European Commission that includes Latvia’s response to the EC report, will be discussed by the Cabinet next week.

Janis Vaivads, Director of the European Integration Bureau, told DIENA that the Latvian memorandum to the European Commission that includes Latvias response to the EC report, will be discussed by the Cabinet next week. B&B

Valerie Nesterushkin, Representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that a delimitation map of the Russian-Latvian border would be ready at the end of September.

Valerie Nesterushkin, Representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that a delimitation map of the Russian-Latvian border would be ready at the end of September. Neatkariga

BIZNES I BALTYA publishes an article in which its author tells about her personal experience with the naturalization examinations. According to the author, the exams are not as difficult as people used to think.

BIZNES I BALTYA publishes an article in which its author tells about her personal experience with the naturalization examinations. According to the author, the exams are not as difficult as people used to think.

DIENA asked several Latvian politicians to express their opinion about the Citizenship Law that was passed by the Saeima three years ago. Among the respondents are Minister of Justice Dzintars Rasnacs and Director of the National Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers. The majority noted that the Law was a compromise. All respondents said that they did not expect changes in the Citizenship Law during the term of the present government.

DIENA asked several Latvian politicians to express their opinion about the Citizenship Law that was passed by the Saeima three years ago. Among the respondents are Minister of Justice Dzintars Rasnacs and Director of the National Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers. The majority noted that the Law was a compromise. All respondents said that they did not expect changes in the Citizenship Law during the term of the present government. Diena

Dienapublishes a story of a daughter of a military pensioner who is waiting for her non-citizen passport. It appears that a relationship with a former USSR military person might be an obstacle to a faster processing of the documents.

Diena continues to publish information about the naturalization exams. This time there is an article on the Latvian history exam. Lilita Danga, Chair of the Methodical Department of the Naturalization Board, informs that 95% of persons who take the exam, pass it.

Press Report

Press Report

Nils Muiznieks, Director of the Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center, comments that the new government declaration does not contain the European Commission recommendations on human rights and minority issues. Mr. Muiznieks notes that there are no proposals on the speeding up of the naturalization process, the granting of citizenship to children who were born in Latvia, and eliminating of the “naturalization window” system. Still, Mr. Muiznieks hopes that the government will be able to bring Latvia nearer to the standards of the European Union not only in the economic sphere, but also in the political.

Nils Muiznieks, Director of the Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center, comments that the new government declaration does not contain the European Commission recommendations on human rights and minority issues. Mr. Muiznieks notes that there are no proposals on the speeding up of the naturalization process, the granting of citizenship to children who were born in Latvia, and eliminating of the naturalization window system. Still, Mr. Muiznieks hopes that the government will be able to bring Latvia nearer to the standards of the European Union not only in the economic sphere, but also in the political. Diena

Head of the Visa Department of the CID Andris Kalnins in an interview for SM SEGODNYA notes that there are problems with the CID staff that more and more resembles a “clan of some particular families”. According to Mr. Kalnins, the CID needs a serious reorganization, including changes in personnel.

Head of the Visa Department of the CID Andris Kalnins in an interview for SM SEGODNYA notes that there are problems with the CID staff that more and more resembles a clan of some particular families. According to Mr. Kalnins, the CID needs a serious reorganization, including changes in personnel. SM

Kristina Malere, Press-Secretary of the National Human Rights Bureau, informs that during the first half of this year the Bureau received some 175 oral and 30 written complaints about the CID.

Kristina Malere, Press-Secretary of the National Human Rights Bureau, informs that during the first half of this year the Bureau received some 175 oral and 30 written complaints about the CID. SM

Vladimir Buzayev, Co-Director of the Latvian Committee on Human Rights, comments on a case of a military pensioner who got an order to leave Latvia, although the 1994 Agreement between Latvia and Russia on the social protection of the military pensioners guaranteed him residence in Latvia. On August 13 the Senate of the Latvian Supreme Court will rule on this case. Mr. Buzayev expresses doubts that it will be solved in favour of the pensioner. Mr. Buzayev also notes that the wife of this military pensioner had met with representatives of the OSCE Mission.

Vladimir Buzayev, Co-Director of the Latvian Committee on Human Rights, comments on a case of a military pensioner who got an order to leave Latvia, although the 1994 Agreement between Latvia and Russia on the social protection of the military pensioners guaranteed him residence in Latvia. On August 13 the Senate of the Latvian Supreme Court will rule on this case. Mr. Buzayev expresses doubts that it will be solved in favour of the pensioner. Mr. Buzayev also notes that the wife of this military pensioner had met with representatives of the OSCE Mission. PL

Prime-Minister Guntars Krasts postponed an auction of the “Peter I House” that in 1995 was rented to the Russian Cultural Center. The State Real Estate Agency announced an auction after the Russian Cultural Center had not paid the rent for almost two years. Janis Mote, Director General of the Agency, said that the decision to put the house up for auction was to preserve the property, and it should not be considered to be an action against the Russian Cultural Center.

Prime-Minister Guntars Krasts postponed an auction of the Peter I House that in 1995 was rented to the Russian Cultural Center. The State Real Estate Agency announced an auction after the Russian Cultural Center had not paid the rent for almost two years. Janis Mote, Director General of the Agency, said that the decision to put the house up for auction was to preserve the property, and it should not be considered to be an action against the Russian Cultural Center. Diena

Lately some deputies of the Saeima have criticized the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, especially its policy toward Russia. Edgars Skuja, Director of the Second Political Department of the MFA, indicated that there had been intensive work on various draft agreements between Russia and Latvia on social, cultural, and economic issues. Still, the Press Secretary of the MFA Andrejs Pildegovics expressed a wish that there was more co-operation between Russian and Latvian Foreign Ministries. It is planned to have consultations between the ministries this fall.

Lately some deputies of the Saeima have criticized the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, especially its policy toward Russia. Edgars Skuja, Director of the Second Political Department of the MFA, indicated that there had been intensive work on various draft agreements between Russia and Latvia on social, cultural, and economic issues. Still, the Press Secretary of the MFA Andrejs Pildegovics expressed a wish that there was more co-operation between Russian and Latvian Foreign Ministries. It is planned to have consultations between the ministries this fall. Diena