Press Report

Press Report

Guntars Krasts confirmed that a new governmental declaration would not differ from the plan of the former government, therefore no significant changes in the governmental policies were expected. Today the fractions will finalize the declaration draft, so that the Saeima could approve the new government on Thursday. Referring to the coalition agreement draft, Mr. Andrejs Pantelejevs said that “

Guntars Krasts confirmed that a new governmental declaration would not differ from the plan of the former government, therefore no significant changes in the governmental policies were expected. Today the fractions will finalize the declaration draft, so that the Saeima could approve the new government on Thursday. Referring to the coalition agreement draft, Mr. Andrejs Pantelejevs said that Latvijas Cels had proposed to emphasize the role of fractions, instead of delegating additional power to the Prime-Minister. Tevzemei un Brivibai/ LNNK announced that it would assume the political responsibility for the leadership of the new government. Besides, the party resolves to bring Latvian economic indicators up to the standards of the EU, speed up the integration into the EU and the NATO, and make no changes in the Citizenship Law during this Saeima. Latvijas Cels in the conference approved its candidates for the new government, including Vilis Kristopans as the Minister of Communications. Aleksandrs Kirsteins, Leader of the National Reform Party, conceded to a possibility that the NRP would not sign the governmental declaration since it could not assume the responsibility for its work. The National Reform Party has no members in the posts of the new government. Mr. Kirsteins predicted that the new government would not be able to remain in power until the new Saeima elections. Discussions on the budget of 1998 will bring about a new governmental crisis. Diena

In his interview to

In his interview to Diena Mr. Guntars Krasts claimed that he would make sure that the governmental declaration was actually followed. Referring to the liquidation of the Special post for the Minister of European Affairs, Mr. Krasts told that it was aimed at the improvement of the work on the Latvias integration into the EU. According to Krasts, there was no co-ordinated work between the Minister of European Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He had already discussed with Mr. Birkavs several options on how to assign some of the functions related to the EU integration to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.On the question about the integration of non-citizens into the Latvian society, Mr. Krasts responded that integration in its real meaning was not unwelcome. Many people, however, understand it as a simple enlargement of the number of citizens that, according to Krasts, only creates the danger of the double-community state. Referring to the naturalization windows, Mr. Krasts said that the present quotas were not being fulfilled which means that even people who have the right to naturalization are not willing to do that. Besides, the quota system was introduced with the purpose to have the naturalization process slow enough to let people integrate into the Latvian society. Mr. Krasts also commented on the relations between Latvia and Russia. He stressed that the economic circles that more and more influence the decision-making process in Russia, understand that there are no important human rights violations in Latvia. Moreover, they are willing to see an open neighbouring country that is ready to join the EU, has no various foreign trade regimes, and with which Russia could co-operate. Diena

As was told earlier, there were complaints about the unsatisfactory work of the Liepajas CID. Vaira Sprince, Acting Head of the Passport Department of the CID, told “NEATKARIGA” that the situation in Liepaja was serious, because the Liepaja’s officials had worked more slowly than their colleagues in other cities. The official inquiry did not show any abuse of power. The CID has submitted recommendations to the Liepaja’s CID about the work improvement. Until now there have not been any changes in the staff of the Liepaja’s CID.

As was told earlier, there were complaints about the unsatisfactory work of the Liepajas CID. Vaira Sprince, Acting Head of the Passport Department of the CID, told NEATKARIGA that the situation in Liepaja was serious, because the Liepajas officials had worked more slowly than their colleagues in other cities. The official inquiry did not show any abuse of power. The CID has submitted recommendations to the Liepajas CID about the work improvement. Until now there have not been any changes in the staff of the Liepajas CID. Neatkariga

Press Reports

Press Reports

At the press-conference on Friday Andris Skele told journalists that all talks about the potential budget deficit were political speculation. According to Skele, parties only try to increase their prestige through the creation of the budget deficit and salary rise. Skele expressed regret that the existing stability could be destroyed in the name of political aims. Mr. Skele referred to the liquidation of the post of Special Minister for European Affairs as a wrong decision in times when Latvia should actively work with the European Union. Mr. Skele does not believe that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has people who would be able to work on introducing European Union instructions into the social, economic and agricultural spheres.

At the press-conference on Friday Andris Skele told journalists that all talks about the potential budget deficit were political speculation. According to Skele, parties only try to increase their prestige through the creation of the budget deficit and salary rise. Skele expressed regret that the existing stability could be destroyed in the name of political aims. Mr. Skele referred to the liquidation of the post of Special Minister for European Affairs as a wrong decision in times when Latvia should actively work with the European Union. Mr. Skele does not believe that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has people who would be able to work on introducing European Union instructions into the social, economic and agricultural spheres. Neatkariga, Rita Avize

There is still no agreement on a candidate for the post of Minister of Culture. Ramona Umblija from

There is still no agreement on a candidate for the post of Minister of Culture. Ramona Umblija from the Latvian Farmers Union and Aleksandrs Kirsteins from the National Reform Party have been named as potential candidates, and neither of parties wants to withdraw its claim for the office. Today the candidates start discussing a declaration. As Juris Dobelis, Deputy Chair of Tevzemei un Brivibai/ LNNK, told NEATKARIGA, Tevzemei un Brivibai would try to incorporate issues on citizenship and state language into the declaration. Kristiana Libane, Deputy Chair of the Latvijas Cels fraction, said that a new declaration in principle should not differ from the previous declaration. Diena, Neatkariga

At the press conference on reconstruction of the Victory monument Jazeps Barbejs, Specialist of the Joint-Stock Company

At the press conference on reconstruction of the Victory monument Jazeps Barbejs, Specialist of the Joint-Stock Company Komunalprojekts, told that on August 15 it would be clear how much money it would be needed to restore the monument. Tatjana Zdanoka, deputy of the Lidztiesiba noted that people did not have clear information about how they could donate money for the restoration of the monument. Twenty persons have already donated money in total of 221 Lats. Diena

SM comments on a readers question about the unsatisfactory work of the Liepajas CID. People who submitted their old passports for the exchange to non-citizen passports months ago, still have not received any document.

Ms. Sprence, Acting Head of the Passport Department of the CID, assured “SM” that “people will receive their documents”. Ms. Sprence, however, did not present any explanation on reasons why such a situation emerged in Liepaja.

Ms. Sprence, Acting Head of the Passport Department of the CID, assured SM that people will receive their documents. Ms. Sprence, however, did not present any explanation on reasons why such a situation emerged in Liepaja. SM

As was told earlier, the Representation of the Migration Department of the Russian Federation was opened in Riga. Vadim Yentyakov, Head of the Representation, told that the Representation would professionally help people applying for repatriation to move to Russia. He noted that any Russian-speaking person in Latvia could become a potential repatriate. A person might turn to the Representation and get the certificate of migration that would provide the repatriate with certain rights and benefits. Still, Mr Yentyakov stressed that repatriates from Latvia could not receive the status of “forced repatriate” that would provide them with the rights to some financial benefits in Russia.

As was told earlier, the Representation of the Migration Department of the Russian Federation was opened in Riga. Vadim Yentyakov, Head of the Representation, told that the Representation would professionally help people applying for repatriation to move to Russia. He noted that any Russian-speaking person in Latvia could become a potential repatriate. A person might turn to the Representation and get the certificate of migration that would provide the repatriate with certain rights and benefits. Still, Mr Yentyakov stressed that repatriates from Latvia could not receive the status of forced repatriate that would provide them with the rights to some financial benefits in Russia.

Boris Tsilevich in his article to “SM” claims that “moderate” parties (

Boris Tsilevich in his article to SM claims that moderate parties (Latvijas Cels and Saimnieks) were afraid to leave national radicals (Tevzemei un Brivibai) in opposition on the eve of the new Saeima elections, although without TB the government would have been able to solve some important questions related with the integration into the EU (for example, changes in the Citizenship Law, speeding up the process of naturalization). According to Tsilevich, Latvijas Cels and Saimnieks see a representative of TB in the post of the Prime-Minister as a compromise that would keep both parties in balance of power. Besides, Guntars Krasts is a weak, and obedient political figure. Referring to the European Commission report, Mr. Tsilevich describes it as a failure of foreign affairs by Mr. Birkavs and Latvijas Cels.Mr. Tsilevich predicts that former Prime-Minister Andris Skele will support the formation of a new Farmers Party. This party might be founded by Mr. Krustins, Editor of Lauku Avize, in the nearest future. SM

Director of the National Human Rights Office Mr. Olafs Bruvers in an interview to

Director of the National Human Rights Office Mr. Olafs Bruvers in an interview to SM said that any issue on citizenship and human rights of non-citizen gets tied up in the Coalition Council in which the representatives of the radical parties declared that they would leave the government if those questions were touched. He expressed hope that the government would find courage to let those opponents go. Olafs Bruvers also noted that the Human Rights Office was closely co-operating with the CID in order to eliminate any arbitrariness in its work. Mr. Bruvers told that at present analysts were preparing a report on the compliance of the situation in the socio-economic rights sphere in Latvia with the international conventions. He agreed with a journalist that the situation with non-Latvian schools also needed more detailed examination.

Press Report

Press Report

The Democratic Party Saimnieks and the Latvian Farmers Union named their candidates for the ministerial offices. They are Ziedonis Cevers for the post of the Minister of the Interior, Juris Celmins - Minister of Education, Atis Sausnitis - Minister of Economics, and Andris Ravins for the post of the Minister of Agriculture. “

The Democratic Party Saimnieks and the Latvian Farmers Union named their candidates for the ministerial offices. They are Ziedonis Cevers for the post of the Minister of the Interior, Juris Celmins - Minister of Education, Atis Sausnitis - Minister of Economics, and Andris Ravins for the post of the Minister of Agriculture. Latvijas Cels gave up the request for the post of the Minister of Defense. Guntars Krasts announced that there would not be a post for the special Minister for European Affairs in the new government. Besides, Mr. Krasts told that he would ask all candidates to certify that they do not have a conflict of interests that would repeat the situation with the Anti-Corruption Law. Diena

On Tuesday Valery Nesterushkin, Representative of Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told journalists that Moscow hoped that a new Latvian government would continue to express an interest toward the development of good neighbourly relations with Russia. He also expressed the hope that Latvia would take into consideration the criticism from international, Russian and Latvian experts regarding the situation with the Russian-speaking population in Latvia.

On Tuesday Valery Nesterushkin, Representative of Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told journalists that Moscow hoped that a new Latvian government would continue to express an interest toward the development of good neighbourly relations with Russia. He also expressed the hope that Latvia would take into consideration the criticism from international, Russian and Latvian experts regarding the situation with the Russian-speaking population in Latvia. Diena

On Tuesday the MFA started discussing the analysis of the European Commission report. As Aivars Vovers, Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told journalists, the MFA completed work on a program for co-operation with the European Commission and the members of the European Union, and the recommendations to other ministries and state institutions for the speeding up of the integration process. Besides, the MFA has worked out a separate program that stresses the necessity to aim all official visits abroad at the integration into the EU. It will also make sure that all reports from Latvia to the EU will be not only received but also used in official documents. The MFA will repeat its request to the Cabinet to open Latvian diplomatic representatives in Ireland, Greece, Portugal and the Netherlands.

On Tuesday the MFA started discussing the analysis of the European Commission report. As Aivars Vovers, Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told journalists, the MFA completed work on a program for co-operation with the European Commission and the members of the European Union, and the recommendations to other ministries and state institutions for the speeding up of the integration process. Besides, the MFA has worked out a separate program that stresses the necessity to aim all official visits abroad at the integration into the EU. It will also make sure that all reports from Latvia to the EU will be not only received but also used in official documents. The MFA will repeat its request to the Cabinet to open Latvian diplomatic representatives in Ireland, Greece, Portugal and the Netherlands. Diena

Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received a note from the MFA of the Russian Federation, in which it states that Russia recognizes Latvian non-citizen passports as valid documents for entrance into the Russian Federation. This agreement was reached during the consular consultations between both countries on June 1 and 2. The agreement comes into the force within 30 days from the signing date.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received a note from the MFA of the Russian Federation, in which it states that Russia recognizes Latvian non-citizen passports as valid documents for entrance into the Russian Federation. This agreement was reached during the consular consultations between both countries on June 1 and 2. The agreement comes into the force within 30 days from the signing date. Diena

According to the inter-governmental agreement on regulations of migration process signed by Latvia and Russia in 1993, the Representation of the Immigration Department of the Russian Federation is being opened in Riga today. Its task will be to inform people about the necessary documentation and to regulate the migration process.

According to the inter-governmental agreement on regulations of migration process signed by Latvia and Russia in 1993, the Representation of the Immigration Department of the Russian Federation is being opened in Riga today. Its task will be to inform people about the necessary documentation and to regulate the migration process. Neatkariga

Oleg Shorin in an article for “SM” notes that the non-citizen passport holders legally are “nothing” in Russia, since the Russian Federation recognizes those passports only as travel documents, not as identification documents. While in Russia, these people might be denied legal and financial help. According to Shorin, the solution could have been to allow non-citizens to keep their old former USSR passports for the use in Russia. He regrets that the Russian side has agreed to Latvian decision on withdrawal of old passports. SM

Oleg Shorin in an article for SM notes that the non-citizen passport holders legally are nothing in Russia, since the Russian Federation recognizes those passports only as travel documents, not as identification documents. While in Russia, these people might be denied legal and financial help. According to Shorin, the solution could have been to allow non-citizens to keep their old former USSR passports for the use in Russia. He regrets that the Russian side has agreed to Latvian decision on withdrawal of old passports. SM

Press Report

Yesterday Guntars Krasts met with the former government-forming fractions to discuss the possible candidates for a new Cabinet. Along with four big parties -

Yesterday Guntars Krasts met with the former government-forming fractions to discuss the possible candidates for a new Cabinet. Along with four big parties - the Democratic Party Saimnieks, Latvijas Cels, Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK and the Latvian Farmers Union - Mr. Krasts invited the National Reform Party, the Union of Christian Democrats and the Green Party to form the government. It is not clear whether Aleksandrs Kirsteins (National Reform Party) will remain at the post of special Minister for European Affairs, since it is planned to liquidate this office. Latvijas Cels asked for the post of the Minister of Defense. Referring to that the Christian Democratic Party announced that if the current Minister Talavs Jundzis was not offered the post of the Minister of Defense, the party would move into the opposition. The official list of the new candidates for the Cabinet will be announced on August 1. Diena, B&B

SM published an opinion of Janis Urbanovich, Member of the National Harmony Party, on the governmental changes in Latvia. According to Mr. Urbanovich, a new government under the leadership of Guntars Krasts will not bring changes into the non-citizen integration process, since “

SM published an opinion of Janis Urbanovich, Member of the National Harmony Party, on the governmental changes in Latvia. According to Mr. Urbanovich, a new government under the leadership of Guntars Krasts will not bring changes into the non-citizen integration process, since Tevzemei un Brivibai has announced the immutability of the Citizenship Law. One should not expect the speeding up of the process of naturalization, or the opening of naturalization windows. Mr. Urbanovich stressed that the majority of tax-payers in Latvia are non-citizens, therefore the Prime-Minister should find a way to keep those people in Latvia. Otherwise, the politics of hard naturalization will create serious economic problems.

DIENA in Russian starts to publish a series of articles under the heading “Citizenship”. From now on every Wednesday’s issue will have articles related to the process of naturalization and citizenship. Today DIENA publishes the information prepared by the CID on the process of naturalization that started in 1995. According to the CID, by 30 June 1997, five thousand four hundred ninety-four people have received citizenship, and some 2000 cases are under consideration.

DIENA in Russian starts to publish a series of articles under the heading Citizenship. From now on every Wednesdays issue will have articles related to the process of naturalization and citizenship. Today DIENA publishes the information prepared by the CID on the process of naturalization that started in 1995. According to the CID, by 30 June 1997, five thousand four hundred ninety-four people have received citizenship, and some 2000 cases are under consideration.

DIENA also publishes an article on an official ceremony of issuing Latvian passports to 49 people who have completed naturalization in the Vidzemes and the Latgales Districts in Riga. According to Juris Kvelde, Head of the Naturalization Department of the Vidzemes and Latgales Districts, only some 900 of 180, 000 inhabitants of the districts have applied for naturalization.

DIENA also publishes an article on an official ceremony of issuing Latvian passports to 49 people who have completed naturalization in the Vidzemes and the Latgales Districts in Riga. According to Juris Kvelde, Head of the Naturalization Department of the Vidzemes and Latgales Districts, only some 900 of 180, 000 inhabitants of the districts have applied for naturalization.

Press Report

Press Report

President Ulmanis asked Guntars Krasts (“

President Ulmanis asked Guntars Krasts (Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK) to form a new government. As Mr. Krasts told DIENA, the new government might be formed in a week, and it would not significantly differ from the previous Cabinet. According to unofficial information, the Cabinet would include Valdis Birkavs as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ziedonis Cevers as the Minister of the Interior, Andris Americs as the Minister of Economics, Vilis Kristopans as the Minister of Communications, Roberts Zile as the Minister of Finance, Anatolijs Gorbunovs as the Minister of Environment and Regional Development. Diena, B&B

SM informs that Ms. Aldermane, Head of the Naturalization Board, will answer readers’ questions about naturalization on July 30 at the “SM” editorial office.

SM informs that Ms. Aldermane, Head of the Naturalization Board, will answer readers questions about naturalization on July 30 at the SM editorial office. SM

Gints Ernestsons, Head of the Communication and Computerization Department at the Ministry of the Interior, informed DIENA about a plan to create a data web that by January 1998 would replace the old “propiska” system. To introduce this modern information system into state institutions by January, however, might be impossible, since the Saeima did not approve the changes in the budget that would assign 941, 000 Lats to the creation of the data web. The Citizenship and Immigration Department is currently working on regulations about the information exchange that would become a normative base for the changes in the population register system. Janis Jaudzems, Advisor to the Director of the CID, told DIENA that the new system might be introduced only after all inhabitants would have either citizen, non-citizen or foreign passports. Janis Anspoks, Head of the Computerization Section of the Internal Revenue Department, thinks that the personal tax records might become an alternative to the “propiska” system.

Gints Ernestsons, Head of the Communication and Computerization Department at the Ministry of the Interior, informed DIENA about a plan to create a data web that by January 1998 would replace the old propiska system. To introduce this modern information system into state institutions by January, however, might be impossible, since the Saeima did not approve the changes in the budget that would assign 941, 000 Lats to the creation of the data web. The Citizenship and Immigration Department is currently working on regulations about the information exchange that would become a normative base for the changes in the population register system. Janis Jaudzems, Advisor to the Director of the CID, told DIENA that the new system might be introduced only after all inhabitants would have either citizen, non-citizen or foreign passports. Janis Anspoks, Head of the Computerization Section of the Internal Revenue Department, thinks that the personal tax records might become an alternative to the propiska system.