Press Report

Saeima Chairman Janis Straume informed the press that delaying the proclaiming of the amendments to the Pension Law for two months will be announced August 12 if all 35 MPs keep their signatures under the petition. Latvian lawyers when asked to comment whether the Pension Law falls under the category of laws that can be decided on in a referendum say that the term “budget” mentioned in the Article 73 of the Constitution means only the law or amendments to the law on state budget.

Saeima Chairman Janis Straume informed the press that delaying the proclaiming of the amendments to the Pension Law for two months will be announced August 12 if all 35 MPs keep their signatures under the petition. Latvian lawyers when asked to comment whether the Pension Law falls under the category of laws that can be decided on in a referendum say that the term budget mentioned in the Article 73 of the Constitution means only the law or amendments to the law on state budget. Diena

None of the four officials named by the Chairman of the Constitutional Court Aivars Endzins admit to having applied pressure concerning two cases considered by the Constitutional court. Instead, Endzins is said to have spread this information in fear of loosing his job after the discussion has started about the possible liquidation of the Court. In an interview to Neatkariga Endzins stresses that the only problem with the court is that currently it cannot initiate cases. They have developed amendments to the law on Constitutional Court allowing courts of all levels, Human Rights Office and individuals to turn to the Constitutional Court. There is another interview with Endzins in the Vesti Segodna where he expresses a hope that the move to close down the Court is not a sign to a tendency of creating a totalitarian regime in Latvia.

None of the four officials named by the Chairman of the Constitutional Court Aivars Endzins admit to having applied pressure concerning two cases considered by the Constitutional court. Instead, Endzins is said to have spread this information in fear of loosing his job after the discussion has started about the possible liquidation of the Court. In an interview to Neatkariga Endzins stresses that the only problem with the court is that currently it cannot initiate cases. They have developed amendments to the law on Constitutional Court allowing courts of all levels, Human Rights Office and individuals to turn to the Constitutional Court. There is another interview with Endzins in the Vesti Segodna where he expresses a hope that the move to close down the Court is not a sign to a tendency of creating a totalitarian regime in Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, BB, PL, Vesti Segodna

The Latvian Embassy in Washington has started preparing for the visit of the Latvian President to the US in September to take part in the opening of the UN General Assembly session.

The Latvian Embassy in Washington has started preparing for the visit of the Latvian President to the US in September to take part in the opening of the UN General Assembly session. Neatkariga after LETA

The Cabinet of Ministers appointed Valdis Trubacs, the former head of the Saeima’s and the State President’s Security Service Headquarters, as the head of the Armed Forces Military Counter-Intelligence Service.

The Cabinet of Ministers appointed Valdis Trubacs, the former head of the Saeimas and the State Presidents Security Service Headquarters, as the head of the Armed Forces Military Counter-Intelligence Service. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Diena

Press Review

Chairman of the Saeima’s Commission for Education, Culture and Science Dzintars Abikis told Neatkariga that the commission was technically ready to prepare the Language law for the second review and the parties have to make up their mind on whether the law is to be considered before the EU Helsinki meeting in December.

Chairman of the Saeimas Commission for Education, Culture and Science Dzintars Abikis told Neatkariga that the commission was technically ready to prepare the Language law for the second review and the parties have to make up their mind on whether the law is to be considered before the EU Helsinki meeting in December.

Vaira Paegle from People’s Party believes that the law should be adopted without delay otherwise “there is a possibility for blackmailing and passions”. Kristiana Libane mentioned that passing of the law was one of the criteria for the decision about starting EU accession negotiations with Latvia. Juris Dobelis from TB/LNNK thinks that adopting of the law should be delayed since Latvia will not manage to accomplish sufficient explaining of the situation around the law. Silvija Dreimane from the New Party is sure that the deputies should not hurry with the adoption as the law in its current version has serious drawbacks.

Vaira Paegle from Peoples Party believes that the law should be adopted without delay otherwise there is a possibility for blackmailing and passions. Kristiana Libane mentioned that passing of the law was one of the criteria for the decision about starting EU accession negotiations with Latvia. Juris Dobelis from TB/LNNK thinks that adopting of the law should be delayed since Latvia will not manage to accomplish sufficient explaining of the situation around the law. Silvija Dreimane from the New Party is sure that the deputies should not hurry with the adoption as the law in its current version has serious drawbacks. Neatkariga, Russian Diena after BNS

The acting chairman of the Constitutional Court Aivars Endzins speaking to LNT August 9 news program admitted that certain officials had exerted pressure toward the Constitutional Court concerning two cases: the one about publicising of the administration contracts and the other about the activities of the State Real Estate Agency assigning apartments to certain persons. After switching off the cameras Endzins named Andris Skele, Vilis Kristopans, the lawyer Andris Grutups, and Janis Straume.

The acting chairman of the Constitutional Court Aivars Endzins speaking to LNT August 9 news program admitted that certain officials had exerted pressure toward the Constitutional Court concerning two cases: the one about publicising of the administration contracts and the other about the activities of the State Real Estate Agency assigning apartments to certain persons. After switching off the cameras Endzins named Andris Skele, Vilis Kristopans, the lawyer Andris Grutups, and Janis Straume. Neatkariga

In her address to the forum of education leaders Education Minister Silva Golde said that the government plans to reduce the amount of classes taught at schools, close the inefficient schools and raise the teachers’ salaries.

In her address to the forum of education leaders Education Minister Silva Golde said that the government plans to reduce the amount of classes taught at schools, close the inefficient schools and raise the teachers salaries. Neatkariga, Diena, BB

Pensioner Federation has not released their opinion about the referendum on the amendments to the Pension Law. The decision will be made during the August 23 Federation council meeting. The Federation has expressed its support to the trade unions’ appeal to delay proclaiming the amendments.

Pensioner Federation has not released their opinion about the referendum on the amendments to the Pension Law. The decision will be made during the August 23 Federation council meeting. The Federation has expressed its support to the trade unions appeal to delay proclaiming the amendments. Neatkariga

Monday, August 9 the committee of the Cabinet of Ministers adopted draft regulations providing for the order of issuing identity documents for stateless persons. The document can be obtained starting the age of 16, it is valid from three months to two years. Russian

Monday, August 9 the committee of the Cabinet of Ministers adopted draft regulations providing for the order of issuing identity documents for stateless persons. The document can be obtained starting the age of 16, it is valid from three months to two years. Russian Diena after BNS

Amendments to the law On Meetings, Processions and Rallies are submitted to the government. The amendments ban using of Soviet, Latvian Socialist Republic and Nazi Germany symbols (the anthem, flag and the state emblem). If held indoors, such activities do not need the permission from the city council.

Amendments to the law On Meetings, Processions and Rallies are submitted to the government. The amendments ban using of Soviet, Latvian Socialist Republic and Nazi Germany symbols (the anthem, flag and the state emblem). If held indoors, such activities do not need the permission from the city council. Vesti Segodna

Monday, the Estonian Language Inspection announced its readiness to implement the new amendments to the State Language Law. Employees of the state institutions and NGOs have to pass language tests till October 1. The tests should be repeated every five years. Only graduates of Estonian language secondary schools are free from taking the test.

Monday, the Estonian Language Inspection announced its readiness to implement the new amendments to the State Language Law. Employees of the state institutions and NGOs have to pass language tests till October 1. The tests should be repeated every five years. Only graduates of Estonian language secondary schools are free from taking the test. BB

Press Report

To help the ethnic Russians residing in Latvia willing to return to Russia, the International Migration Organisation and the Russian Federal Migration Service Representative Office are doing a joint project to grant material support to the needy repatriates. 2000 to 3000 repatriates leave Latvia for Russia annually. The support currently allotted by the US was initially intended to help 2000 repatriates but the existing funding allows to support 400 by the end of this year. After the information provided by the above Representative Office, it is mostly elderly people finding themselves in material hardship who decide to repatriate to Russia. Also, lately there have been families who want their children to study in their native language and the Office expects more such people next year.

To help the ethnic Russians residing in Latvia willing to return to Russia, the International Migration Organisation and the Russian Federal Migration Service Representative Office are doing a joint project to grant material support to the needy repatriates. 2000 to 3000 repatriates leave Latvia for Russia annually. The support currently allotted by the US was initially intended to help 2000 repatriates but the existing funding allows to support 400 by the end of this year. After the information provided by the above Representative Office, it is mostly elderly people finding themselves in material hardship who decide to repatriate to Russia. Also, lately there have been families who want their children to study in their native language and the Office expects more such people next year. Diena

The former Latvian President Guntis Ulmanis told BNS that he supports the shift to a generally elected president who then would have more responsibility for the developments in the country.

The former Latvian President Guntis Ulmanis told BNS that he supports the shift to a generally elected president who then would have more responsibility for the developments in the country. Diena, Chas

Ventspils is the first town in Latvia to develop a society integration program on a municipal level. August 6, the commission of the program had its first meeting and discussed the model of the commission and decided to have eight sub-divisions to deal with issues of language, education, citizenship, naturalisation, youth, employment, living conditions, public information and participation in the town’s administration.

Ventspils is the first town in Latvia to develop a society integration program on a municipal level. August 6, the commission of the program had its first meeting and discussed the model of the commission and decided to have eight sub-divisions to deal with issues of language, education, citizenship, naturalisation, youth, employment, living conditions, public information and participation in the towns administration. Neatkariga

Education Minister Silva Golde issued an order last week for the regional and local school boards to submit lists by this Monday with names of teachers-pensioners who cannot be replaced at schools.

Education Minister Silva Golde issued an order last week for the regional and local school boards to submit lists by this Monday with names of teachers-pensioners who cannot be replaced at schools. Jauna Avize

The forum of teachers taking place in Riga Monday and Tuesday plans to discuss the situation with teachers-pensioners in the view of the adopted amendments to the Pension Law.

The forum of teachers taking place in Riga Monday and Tuesday plans to discuss the situation with teachers-pensioners in the view of the adopted amendments to the Pension Law. Chas

Next week the Finance Ministry and the Education Ministry will sign the agreement with the World Bank about allotting US$ 40 million during four years to the development of schools in Latvia.

Next week the Finance Ministry and the Education Ministry will sign the agreement with the World Bank about allotting US$ 40 million during four years to the development of schools in Latvia. Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Latvian Trade Unions, leaders of some political parties and NGOs passed a joint appeal on August 6 to the Saeima Speaker Janis Straume asking to delay for two months publishing of the amendments to the Pension Law. The meeting supported the idea about a public referendum. Straume will not make a decision about proclaiming the amendments to the law before Thursday, August 12. Straume allowed the possibility that during this week the 35 deputies from the opposition factions who asked the president not to proclaim the amendments may reconsider their decision and withdraw the signatures.

Latvian Trade Unions, leaders of some political parties and NGOs passed a joint appeal on August 6 to the Saeima Speaker Janis Straume asking to delay for two months publishing of the amendments to the Pension Law. The meeting supported the idea about a public referendum. Straume will not make a decision about proclaiming the amendments to the law before Thursday, August 12. Straume allowed the possibility that during this week the 35 deputies from the opposition factions who asked the president not to proclaim the amendments may reconsider their decision and withdraw the signatures. Diena, Neatkariga

Reforms in the field of education suggested by the new government are contradictory and some of them superficial and ungrounded, think school teachers. After Education Minister Silva Golde, it is possible to raise teachers’ salaries by closing the small rural schools and reducing the amount of classes.

Reforms in the field of education suggested by the new government are contradictory and some of them superficial and ungrounded, think school teachers. After Education Minister Silva Golde, it is possible to raise teachers salaries by closing the small rural schools and reducing the amount of classes.

As there are more than 3000 pension-age teachers working at schools the school directors expect problems starting January 1, 2000 if the amendments to the Pension Law enter into effect making pension-age teachers decide to quit their jobs and live on the pension. As a result, it is possible that some subjects will not be taught at all.

As there are more than 3000 pension-age teachers working at schools the school directors expect problems starting January 1, 2000 if the amendments to the Pension Law enter into effect making pension-age teachers decide to quit their jobs and live on the pension. As a result, it is possible that some subjects will not be taught at all. Diena

Director of the Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers’ opinion is that passing over the functions of the Constitutional Court to the Supreme Court would mean a step back in Latvia’s way to lawful state and democratic society.

Director of the Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers opinion is that passing over the functions of the Constitutional Court to the Supreme Court would mean a step back in Latvias way to lawful state and democratic society. Diena

After the statement released by press office of Russia’s plenipotentiary in human rights issues Oleg Mironov, Latvia systematically violates the General Declaration of Human Rights as well as its commitments in the role of the CE member state. Mironov has registered more than 40 differences in the rights of Latvian citizens and non-citizens. Mironov has decided to suggest to Russia’s delegation to the CE Parliamentary Assembly to propose putting Latvia’s issue on the Assembly’s agenda. Latvian Foreign Ministry’s press officer Janis Silis said that the human rights situation in Latvia is regularly studied by international experts who think that human rights are not violated in Latvia.

After the statement released by press office of Russias plenipotentiary in human rights issues Oleg Mironov, Latvia systematically violates the General Declaration of Human Rights as well as its commitments in the role of the CE member state. Mironov has registered more than 40 differences in the rights of Latvian citizens and non-citizens. Mironov has decided to suggest to Russias delegation to the CE Parliamentary Assembly to propose putting Latvias issue on the Assemblys agenda. Latvian Foreign Ministrys press officer Janis Silis said that the human rights situation in Latvia is regularly studied by international experts who think that human rights are not violated in Latvia. Neatkariga 07.08., Chas, Panorama Latvii 09.08.

Press Review

Press Review

Neither the pickets of pensioners nor the call of

Neither the pickets of pensioners nor the call of Social Democrats not to consider the amendments to the pension law prevented the Saeima to adopt these amendments. But it was a surprise for the government forming coalition that the opposition parties united and collected 34 signatures necessary to ask the President to postpone the adoption of the law for two months to collect 10 000 signatures to start a referendum. Some NGOs have already offered their help in this. Neatkariga, Chas

Politicians are worried about the statement made by the Minister of Justice V.Birkavs about possible abolishing of Constitutional Court. There is a version that the real author of this idea is A.Skele, and journalists name several possible reasons for this move.

Politicians are worried about the statement made by the Minister of Justice V.Birkavs about possible abolishing of Constitutional Court. There is a version that the real author of this idea is A.Skele, and journalists name several possible reasons for this move. Neatkariga, Diena

The Chairman of

The Chairman of Peoples Party G.Berzins announced and Prime Minister A.Skele confirmed the idea to reorganise the Ministry of Education and Science by the end of this year. Politicians avoid to name concrete changes, just speak about changes of some functions and the name of the Ministry. G.Berzins even proposed to abolish it because of Ministrys incapability to solve major education problems. The fact of reorganisation was also confirmed by the Minister of Education and Science S.Golde. Diena

The Head of Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane informed that the original content of the public integration program had been changed and the final version had been submitted to the Ministry of Justice to forward it to the Cabinet of Ministers. There are six chapters in the new version, which name problems not discussed in the original version of the concept. Taking into consideration the financial situation in the state, the concept does not anticipate to establish a special responsible institution due to. In almost all state institutions there is a person responsible for integration, therefore the coordinator could be e.g. Public Integration Department of the Ministry of Education and Science.

The Head of Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane informed that the original content of the public integration program had been changed and the final version had been submitted to the Ministry of Justice to forward it to the Cabinet of Ministers. There are six chapters in the new version, which name problems not discussed in the original version of the concept. Taking into consideration the financial situation in the state, the concept does not anticipate to establish a special responsible institution due to. In almost all state institutions there is a person responsible for integration, therefore the coordinator could be e.g. Public Integration Department of the Ministry of Education and Science. Diena, Chas