Press Review

Press Review

Latvian government still can not agree on the privatisation terms of Latvian Shipping Company. There are two versions of privatisation, and the government can not choose one of them. The Board of

Latvian government still can not agree on the privatisation terms of Latvian Shipping Company. There are two versions of privatisation, and the government can not choose one of them. The Board of Latvijas Cels discussed both versions, but in order to avoid any conflicts among their leaders and influential groups avoided to take any decision. Neatkariga, Diena

The Chairman of

The Chairman of Peoples Party Saeima faction G.Berzins admitted a possibility that as the government would have to submit the next year draft budget before that the results of the possible referendum on the pension law were available, and this draft budget could be elaborated taking into consideration the amendments to the pension law already adopted by the Parliament. Neatkariga

The Chairman of

The Chairman of Latvijas Cels A.Pantelejevs expressed his regret that the Minister of Justice, Latvijas Cels member V.Birkavs has been misunderstood or made a statement about abolishing the Satversme Court. Neatkariga

Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK

Saeima faction could take a decision about the expulsion from the faction of its member O.Grigs only at the end of August when the autumn sessions of the Saeima started. Saeima faction could take a decision about the expulsion from the faction of its member O.Grigs only at the end of August when the autumn sessions of the Saeima started. Neatkariga, Jauna AvizeNeatkariga, Jauna Avize Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins met yesterday with the Mayor of Daugavpils A.Vidauskis and discussed possibilities to further cross border co-operation of Daugavpils Region with the neighbouring regions in Russian and Byelorussia.

Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins met yesterday with the Mayor of Daugavpils A.Vidauskis and discussed possibilities to further cross border co-operation of Daugavpils Region with the neighbouring regions in Russian and Byelorussia. Neatkariga, Bizness & Baltiya

I.Berzins while meeting with the Ambassador of Lithuania in Latvia P.Vaitekuns called the Lithuanian party to ratify the Convention on Estimating the Ecological Damage in the cross border context.

I.Berzins while meeting with the Ambassador of Lithuania in Latvia P.Vaitekuns called the Lithuanian party to ratify the Convention on Estimating the Ecological Damage in the cross border context. Neatkariga

BNS informs that the possibility of the Baltic states joining NATO depends on Russian - USA Anti-Missile Defense Treaty. After expansion of NATO, nuclear weapons could be stationed in the Baltic states, therefore one of the conditions Russia puts forward is to include tactical weapons in the nuclear balance.

BNS informs that the possibility of the Baltic states joining NATO depends on Russian - USA Anti-Missile Defense Treaty. After expansion of NATO, nuclear weapons could be stationed in the Baltic states, therefore one of the conditions Russia puts forward is to include tactical weapons in the nuclear balance. Neatkariga

The newspaper

The newspaper Diena interviewed several experts about the trends in Latvian Russian relations. The experts acknowledged a presence of positive changes - stabilisation, even slight development of Latvian economy, increasing exports to Russia, decrease of unemployment in Latvia. Diena

A.Pantelejevs considers that a compromise will be found on the pensions law and the referendum on abolishing the amendments to this law could not cause any problems to the government. In his turn the Saeima Speaker J.Straume thinks that the abolishment of the amendments could cause unpredictable consequences because it could influence the adoption of the budget for 2000.

A.Pantelejevs considers that a compromise will be found on the pensions law and the referendum on abolishing the amendments to this law could not cause any problems to the government. In his turn the Saeima Speaker J.Straume thinks that the abolishment of the amendments could cause unpredictable consequences because it could influence the adoption of the budget for 2000. Diena

The Chairman of the Saeima Commission on Education, Culture and Science Dz.Abikis published an answer to a cartoon published in

The Chairman of the Saeima Commission on Education, Culture and Science Dz.Abikis published an answer to a cartoon published in Lauku Avize (12.08.99) where he sated that still considered that they should not step back from the most principal positions concerning the Language Law. Then it is better for the old law to be in force, using this time to persuade different European institutions and their experts about the necessity of one or another norm. The evidence to such a possibility is that these experts agreed to the norms regulating the use of the state language in private sphere. Lauku Avize

S.Zaletayev in

S.Zaletayev in Panorama Latvii comments on the announcement of the Saeima Speaker J.Straume, after the adopted Language Law was returned by the President to the Saeima for repeated consideration, that most probably this law could be adopted next year. And the reason for such an announcement is the planned meeting of the leaders of EU countries at the end of this year. The Speaker thinks that the law should be adopted after this meeting. Panorama Latvii

Press Review

Information agency LETA inquired Latvian MPs about their opinion on the government activities. Social Democrat J.Adamsons considers them to be a failure in general but sees some positive tendencies in the work of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense.

Information agency LETA inquired Latvian MPs about their opinion on the government activities. Social Democrat J.Adamsons considers them to be a failure in general but sees some positive tendencies in the work of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense. For Human Rights in United Latvia deputy J.Urbanovics - no positive steps according to the content. Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK representative A.Pozarnovs finds it difficult to make a judgment after such a short period of time. He acknowledged the presence of some negative elements e.g. the announcements of the Minister of Education S.Golde. Peoples Party deputy J.Legzdins thinks it is too early to make any conclusions. Neatkariga

The 2000th person was naturalised in a solemn ceremony in Daugavpils regional office of the Naturalisation Board. It turned out to be a local police officer.

The 2000th person was naturalised in a solemn ceremony in Daugavpils regional office of the Naturalisation Board. It turned out to be a local police officer. Neatkariga

The Deputy Chairman of

The Deputy Chairman of TB/LNNK J.Dobelis in formed the leaders of the TB/LNNK faction planed to propose the faction member O.Grigs at the next faction meeting to leave the faction because he had violated its regulations and supported the proposals of the oposition. Neatkariga, Diena

The Acting Director-General of the State Real Property Agency came to Skrunda Radar Station town to meet with the representatives of local authorities and 13 families still residing there. The Commander of Skrunda Radar Station A.Nikitin informed that the dismantling of the station would be completed by the first half of October instead of February next year. The last military personnel would leave the town. The OSCE commission was invited to visit the station in August, the second time it would come at the end of September to sign the common protocol on completion of the dismantling. Therefore it was very important to solve the question of taking over the town. The local parish Head A.Sadovskis, whom the SRPA was offering to take over the town, explained that without the promised support of the government it would be difficult to guard and manage the 40 ha large territory.

The Acting Director-General of the State Real Property Agency came to Skrunda Radar Station town to meet with the representatives of local authorities and 13 families still residing there. The Commander of Skrunda Radar Station A.Nikitin informed that the dismantling of the station would be completed by the first half of October instead of February next year. The last military personnel would leave the town. The OSCE commission was invited to visit the station in August, the second time it would come at the end of September to sign the common protocol on completion of the dismantling. Therefore it was very important to solve the question of taking over the town. The local parish Head A.Sadovskis, whom the SRPA was offering to take over the town, explained that without the promised support of the government it would be difficult to guard and manage the 40 ha large territory. Neatkariga

Press Review

Press Review

Prime Minister A.Skele after his meeting with the Acting Chairman of Satversme Court A.Endzins, informed that he had never spoken about a possible abolishment of this court. Both officials stress that the stir was over and a constructive work would go on to amend the normative acts to increase the authority of the court.

Prime Minister A.Skele after his meeting with the Acting Chairman of Satversme Court A.Endzins, informed that he had never spoken about a possible abolishment of this court. Both officials stress that the stir was over and a constructive work would go on to amend the normative acts to increase the authority of the court. Neatkariga

The Board of

The Board of Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK circulated an announcement where they expressed the opinion of the Board that there was no need to abolish the Satversme Court because it was one of the foundations of a democratic state. Jauna Avize

The Chairman of Central election Court A.Cimdars informed that the collection of signatures to organise a referendum on the pensions law would be collected from September 6 to October 5. The estimated expenses could be 194 000 Ls (

The Chairman of Central election Court A.Cimdars informed that the collection of signatures to organise a referendum on the pensions law would be collected from September 6 to October 5. The estimated expenses could be 194 000 Ls (Jauna Avize writes about 171 000 Ls), and the necessary number of signatures - 134 195. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas

According to the information received from the Naturalisation Board, during more than 4 years of naturalisation process 17 824 non-citizen were naturalised, including 1665 children.

According to the information received from the Naturalisation Board, during more than 4 years of naturalisation process 17 824 non-citizen were naturalised, including 1665 children. Neatkariga

Lauku Avize published an interview with the OSCE Mission to Latvia D.J.Johnson where the Ambassador told about his life as a diplomat.

Lauku Avize published an interview with the OSCE Mission to Latvia D.J.Johnson where the Ambassador told about his life as a diplomat.

The Saeima Speaker J.Straume thinks that a new pension law might be necessary to satisfy all parties. He made this statement during his meeting with local government officials in Rezekne.

Neatkariga

Prime Minister A.Skele met with the Ambassadors of Russian Federation, Finland and Latvia to discuss acute issues of co-operation. A.Udaltsov expressed a hope that disregarding the complicated situation in Russia, the relations between the both countries would become more active. Among other issues, the future of the Language Law and the fate of Riga Aviation Institute were discussed. Neatkariga

The government plans to decrease the property tax - fixing the 2.5% as the maximum rate instead of former 4%. Municipalities are against it because it would decrease their revenues.

The government plans to decrease the property tax - fixing the 2.5% as the maximum rate instead of former 4%. Municipalities are against it because it would decrease their revenues. Diena

Almost 100 people participated in a picket at the USA Embassy in Riga to protest against the imprisonment of the former Soviet guerrilla commander A.Kononov. They asked to use the authority of the USA to liberate their hero.

Almost 100 people participated in a picket at the USA Embassy in Riga to protest against the imprisonment of the former Soviet guerrilla commander A.Kononov. They asked to use the authority of the USA to liberate their hero. Panorama Latvii, Diena (Russian version), Vesti Segodnya (former SM)

Press Review

The ruling party deputies don’t have a unified opinion on the idea to reorganise the Constitutional Court and create a department at the Supreme Court for considering constitutional disputes. TB/LNNK is against reorganisation. Justice Minister Valdis Birkavs after meeting the acting chairman of the Constitutional Court Aivars Endzins could not tell the press which model he supported and why. After Birkavs, the limited scope of authority of the Court is the reason for its inefficiency. Both officials support a faster adoption of the amendments to the law On Constitutional Court and the Constitutional Proceedings Law. The lawyer Andris Grutups supports the Constitutional Court to be a part of the court system and does not speak about its liquidation.

The ruling party deputies dont have a unified opinion on the idea to reorganise the Constitutional Court and create a department at the Supreme Court for considering constitutional disputes. TB/LNNK is against reorganisation. Justice Minister Valdis Birkavs after meeting the acting chairman of the Constitutional Court Aivars Endzins could not tell the press which model he supported and why. After Birkavs, the limited scope of authority of the Court is the reason for its inefficiency. Both officials support a faster adoption of the amendments to the law On Constitutional Court and the Constitutional Proceedings Law. The lawyer Andris Grutups supports the Constitutional Court to be a part of the court system and does not speak about its liquidation. Diena, Neatkariga, BB

A “round-table” discussion on the relations between Latvia, Russia and Belarus is scheduled to take place in Jurmala on August 17. The discussion is organised by the director of the Institute of Eastern Europe, the former Saeima speaker Ilga Kreituse. The list of participants includes the head of the Russian Council for Foreign and Defence Policy Sergey Karaganov, deputy director of the Karnegy Centre in Moscow Dmitry Trenin and president of the Bank of Foreign Relations Georgy Yegorov from Belarus. Latvia will be represented by Ainars Dimants, president of the European Movement in Latvia, Ilga Kreituse, other historians, politicians, politology specialists.

A round-table discussion on the relations between Latvia, Russia and Belarus is scheduled to take place in Jurmala on August 17. The discussion is organised by the director of the Institute of Eastern Europe, the former Saeima speaker Ilga Kreituse. The list of participants includes the head of the Russian Council for Foreign and Defence Policy Sergey Karaganov, deputy director of the Karnegy Centre in Moscow Dmitry Trenin and president of the Bank of Foreign Relations Georgy Yegorov from Belarus. Latvia will be represented by Ainars Dimants, president of the European Movement in Latvia, Ilga Kreituse, other historians, politicians, politology specialists. BB, Chas

Press Review

The acting president of the state Saeima Chairman Janis Straume Wednesday sent his announcement of delaying for two months proclaiming of the amendments to the Pension Law to be published in the official newspaper

The acting president of the state Saeima Chairman Janis Straume Wednesday sent his announcement of delaying for two months proclaiming of the amendments to the Pension Law to be published in the official newspaper Latvijas Vestnesis. The Central Election Committee now has to organise collecting of signatures for initiation of the referendum.

Social Democrats after the Wednesday’s meeting with the People’s Party say they could compromise the increase of pension age but insist on keeping pension and salary for working pensioners.

Social Democrats after the Wednesdays meeting with the Peoples Party say they could compromise the increase of pension age but insist on keeping pension and salary for working pensioners. Diena, Neatkariga

IMF welcomes the attempts of the new government to take immediate steps in order to reach fiscal consolidation in 19999 as well as the activities planned for 2000. IMF representative Dimitris Demekas said that IMF looks at the budget amendments as a step in the right direction as they have helped to reduce the deficit.

IMF welcomes the attempts of the new government to take immediate steps in order to reach fiscal consolidation in 19999 as well as the activities planned for 2000. IMF representative Dimitris Demekas said that IMF looks at the budget amendments as a step in the right direction as they have helped to reduce the deficit. Diena

90% of Latvia’s teachers-pensioners are irreplaceable, says information submitted by the school boards to the Education Ministry. After Education Ministry’s data there are 3251 teachers older than 60, 2871 of them are said to be irreplaceable.

90% of Latvias teachers-pensioners are irreplaceable, says information submitted by the school boards to the Education Ministry. After Education Ministrys data there are 3251 teachers older than 60, 2871 of them are said to be irreplaceable. Diena, Neatkariga

Justice Minister Valdis Birkavs is satisfied with the discussion concerning the Constitutional Court, however, he thinks that the discussion reflects only one side of the issue. “I don’t feel that this court is actually influencing legislative alignment process. It is not just about the number of considered cases. ”

Justice Minister Valdis Birkavs is satisfied with the discussion concerning the Constitutional Court, however, he thinks that the discussion reflects only one side of the issue. I dont feel that this court is actually influencing legislative alignment process. It is not just about the number of considered cases. Neatkariga

Members of the TB/LNNK party staged a rally across the Russian Embassy yesterday to protest non-observance of the 1920 peace treaty between Latvia and Russia. They brought up the Abrene issue and denounced granting of Latvian citizenship.

Members of the TB/LNNK party staged a rally across the Russian Embassy yesterday to protest non-observance of the 1920 peace treaty between Latvia and Russia. They brought up the Abrene issue and denounced granting of Latvian citizenship. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, BB, Vesti Segodna, Chas

Lauku Avize

publishes an interview with the Latvian Ambassador to Russia Imants Daudiss about the state of Latvian-Russian relations. The idea he stresses is that Latvia is a bridge but it should be the bridge of economy and not politics between the East and the West. publishes an interview with the Latvian Ambassador to Russia Imants Daudiss about the state of Latvian-Russian relations. The idea he stresses is that Latvia is a bridge but it should be the bridge of economy and not politics between the East and the West. The former advisor to Vilis Kristopans on the issues of society integration Kaija Gertnere is elected to be the director of the NGO centre.

The former advisor to Vilis Kristopans on the issues of society integration Kaija Gertnere is elected to be the director of the NGO centre. Jauna Avize