Press Report

Press Report

After meeting with Vilis Kristopans, Minister of Communications, Prime Minister Skele told that he had decided to require the Minister’s resignation. “

After meeting with Vilis Kristopans, Minister of Communications, Prime Minister Skele told that he had decided to require the Ministers resignation. Tevzemei un Brivibai/ LNNK and Democratic Party Saimnieks representatives believe that the Cabinet will resign in the nearest future. Janis Straume, Chair of the TB/LNNK fraction in Saeima, said that he did not believe in a plan to save the government after the resignation of four ministers and zero trust between political parties and the Prime Minister. Valdis Birkavs, Chair of Latvijas Cels said that, first, the party would consult its electorate, and then would take a decision at the partys conference on August 4. Still, he stressed that the situation when basic democratic principles were being ignored and political parties were being set on each other could not continue. Diena

DIENA has published the opinion of Aigars Kimenis, General Secretary of “

DIENA has published the opinion of Aigars Kimenis, General Secretary of Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK, on the Presidents latest visit to Daugavpils. He expresses worries about the very serious and long-term problem with the integration of Russian - speaking citizens into the Latvian society, and Daugavpils is a clear example of that. According to Kimenis, there is an opposite process taking place - the integration of Latvians into the Russian-speaking community, and the President should consider if it is in Latvias interests.

“DIENA” has published an article by Nellija Locmele on the results of the seminar on elimination of the death penalty organized by the Council of Europe and the Lithuanian Human Rights center in July in Vilnius, Lithuania. The research on public opinion in the Baltics shows that the idea of elimination of the death penalty is not popular there - 85 % of respondents in Latvia are against it. In 1995 when Latvia joined the Council of Europe, it undertook the obligation to ratify the Protocol Number 6 eliminating the death penalty during peace-time within a year. The Council of Europe has several times expressed regret that the protocol still has not been ratified. Moreover, since 1996 two death sentences have been executed in Latvia. In February the Saeima passed the Penal Law draft where the death penalty remains as the punishment for first degree murder. Although the specialists’opinion is that the death penalty should not exist in a democratic society, Latvian politicians have not declared their support for elimination of the death penalty. Theoretically, Satversmes Tiesa (Constitutional Court in Latvia) could decide whether the death penalty complies with Satversme, Latvia’s Constitution.

DIENA has published an article by Nellija Locmele on the results of the seminar on elimination of the death penalty organized by the Council of Europe and the Lithuanian Human Rights center in July in Vilnius, Lithuania. The research on public opinion in the Baltics shows that the idea of elimination of the death penalty is not popular there - 85 % of respondents in Latvia are against it. In 1995 when Latvia joined the Council of Europe, it undertook the obligation to ratify the Protocol Number 6 eliminating the death penalty during peace-time within a year. The Council of Europe has several times expressed regret that the protocol still has not been ratified. Moreover, since 1996 two death sentences have been executed in Latvia. In February the Saeima passed the Penal Law draft where the death penalty remains as the punishment for first degree murder. Although the specialistsopinion is that the death penalty should not exist in a democratic society, Latvian politicians have not declared their support for elimination of the death penalty. Theoretically, Satversmes Tiesa (Constitutional Court in Latvia) could decide whether the death penalty complies with Satversme, Latvias Constitution. Diena

“SM” has published responses on readers’ questions about the Russian-Latvian Agreement on Military Pensioners. Mr. Stepanov, Deputy Chief of the Department of Social Welfare, says that the department tries to help people whose cases are unclear to legalize their status in Latvia. He mentions the positive outcome of Mr. Mitjay’s case who was held in custody because of his presumably illegal stay in Latvia. Mr. Bereza, senior assistant to the Chief, says that 14 out of 799 “disputable” military pensioners have been denied the legal status. Cases of the rest have been submitted to the Citizenship and Immigration Department. Mr. Rylov, Head of the Consular Department of the Russian Embassy, in response to a question about non-citizen passports says that the CID has promised to issue upon personal request the ”form Number 1” in which there would be all information from the USSR internal passport. He notes that in some cases old passports have been returned. Either the form or the old passport can be used for the simplified procedure of acquiring Russian citizenship.

SM has published responses on readers questions about the Russian-Latvian Agreement on Military Pensioners. Mr. Stepanov, Deputy Chief of the Department of Social Welfare, says that the department tries to help people whose cases are unclear to legalize their status in Latvia. He mentions the positive outcome of Mr. Mitjays case who was held in custody because of his presumably illegal stay in Latvia. Mr. Bereza, senior assistant to the Chief, says that 14 out of 799 disputable military pensioners have been denied the legal status. Cases of the rest have been submitted to the Citizenship and Immigration Department. Mr. Rylov, Head of the Consular Department of the Russian Embassy, in response to a question about non-citizen passports says that the CID has promised to issue upon personal request the form Number 1 in which there would be all information from the USSR internal passport. He notes that in some cases old passports have been returned. Either the form or the old passport can be used for the simplified procedure of acquiring Russian citizenship. SM

Genady Evdokimov in his article to “SM SEGODNYA” analyzes the success and failure of Russia’s politics in the Baltic States. He stresses the successful co-operation between the countries on some “small” issues, for example, in the humanitarian sphere. Still, there is no progress on major issues, for example, in the area of security. According to the author, Russia fails to find the solution to a NATO issue. Instead of letting the third party - European countries, USA and NATO - solve this problem, Russia itself should have tried to reach an agreement with the Baltic States. Besides the security issue Russia has not succeeded in ensuring that all Russian-speaking people get citizenship immediately. 

Genady Evdokimov in his article to SM SEGODNYA analyzes the success and failure of Russias politics in the Baltic States. He stresses the successful co-operation between the countries on some small issues, for example, in the humanitarian sphere. Still, there is no progress on major issues, for example, in the area of security. According to the author, Russia fails to find the solution to a NATO issue. Instead of letting the third party - European countries, USA and NATO - solve this problem, Russia itself should have tried to reach an agreement with the Baltic States. Besides the security issue Russia has not succeeded in ensuring that all Russian-speaking people get citizenship immediately.SM

Maris Riekstins, State Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, denies that his wife’s travel firm “Via Riga” has profited by selling tickets to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Riekstins believes that he has not violated the Anti-Corruption Law because the MFA has no regulations with regard to which travel agencies it should choose. Beside “Via Riga” the MFA uses seven other travel agencies.

Maris Riekstins, State Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, denies that his wifes travel firm Via Riga has profited by selling tickets to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Riekstins believes that he has not violated the Anti-Corruption Law because the MFA has no regulations with regard to which travel agencies it should choose. Beside Via Riga the MFA uses seven other travel agencies. Diena

Press Report

Press Report

On Friday at his press-conference Prime Minister Skele told journalists that there was a governmental crisis in Latvia. According to him, it was caused by some ministers’ neglectful attitude toward the Anti-Corruption Law as well as “ultimatum” announcements by some political parties that could be understood as “political blackmail”. He referred to the statements by some Latvijas Cels members. Andrejs Pantelejevs, leader of the LC fraction in Saeima, expressed incomprehension about the Prime Minister’s allegation. This week the Prime Minister will offer the solution to the governmental crisis.

On Friday at his press-conference Prime Minister Skele told journalists that there was a governmental crisis in Latvia. According to him, it was caused by some ministers neglectful attitude toward the Anti-Corruption Law as well as ultimatum announcements by some political parties that could be understood as political blackmail. He referred to the statements by some Latvijas Cels members. Andrejs Pantelejevs, leader of the LC fraction in Saeima, expressed incomprehension about the Prime Ministers allegation. This week the Prime Minister will offer the solution to the governmental crisis. Diena

DIENA

(in Russian) published information about the former USSR internal passports. Mara Zile, the chief specialist at the Department of Citizenship and Immigration of the Interior Ministry, informed that the former USSR internal passports carried by Latvian citizens will not be recognized as valid by Latvian authorities starting November 1. It means that holders of such passports will not be able to carry out any official transactions. Persons who have not completed an exchange of the USSR passports for Latvian passports within 6 to 12 months will be fined. (in Russian) published information about the former USSR internal passports. Mara Zile, the chief specialist at the Department of Citizenship and Immigration of the Interior Ministry, informed that the former USSR internal passports carried by Latvian citizens will not be recognized as valid by Latvian authorities starting November 1. It means that holders of such passports will not be able to carry out any official transactions. Persons who have not completed an exchange of the USSR passports for Latvian passports within 6 to 12 months will be fined. “

PANORAMA LATVII

published an article on the Presidents latest visit to Daugavpils and his meeting with inhabitants. On a request from his audience to speak also in Russian, the President had said that this would be the last time he spoke in Russian, and by his next visit everybody should have learned Latvian. If a pensioner asks a question in Russian, I will answer it - it is more difficult for them to learn [Latvian]. But I will not tolerate it with regard to young people. The author contrasts this announcement by the President with his claim for tolerance at the meeting at the multinational cultural center in Daugavpils. In his interview to the published an article on the President’s latest visit to Daugavpils and his meeting with inhabitants. On a request from his audience to speak also in Russian, the President had said that this would be the last time he spoke in Russian, and by his next visit everybody should have learned Latvian. “If a pensioner asks a question in Russian, I will answer it - it is more difficult for them to learn [Latvian]. But I will not tolerate it with regard to young people.” The author contrasts this announcement by the President with his claim for tolerance at the meeting at the multinational cultural center in Daugavpils. In his interview to the “NEATKARIGA RITA AVIZE”NEATKARIGA RITA AVIZE, the President said that his meetings in Daugavpils had raised some thoughts, first of all on the state of Latvian language proficiency. According to the President, Daugavpils should find the financial means for that purpose. Still, he noted that the acquiring of the state language is up to each persons interest and loyalty to the country in which he or she lives. , the President said that his meetings in Daugavpils had raised some thoughts, first of all on the state of Latvian language proficiency. According to the President, Daugavpils should find the financial means for that purpose. Still, he noted that the acquiring of the state language is up to each person’s interest and loyalty to the country in which he or she lives. Panorama Latvii, NeatkarigaPanorama Latvii, Neatkariga   Boris Cilevic in his article “Once More About Us and Them” for “

Boris Cilevic in his article Once More About Us and Them for SM returns to the discussion about the division of Latvias population into two groups - Latvians and non- Latvians. The author argues that in a modern and democratic society all its members have some common identity based on a common value system. In Latvia, on the contrary, the ethnocultural identity of one group - Latvians- is being presented as a unifying base for all people living here. Thus, those who seek to accept the Latvian identity belong to us, but those who refuse - to them. According to Cilevic, the official ideology denies the need for the formation of a common value system waiting for non-natives to accept the ethno-cultural values of Latvians. The author points out that although the official opinion does not deny the minority rights, in reality the niche for ‘other nations is only on the ‘kitchen level. As an example, he mentions the draft language law in which one of the provisions defines other than state languages as foreign in that way denying the very concept of minority rights. From Latvias political party spectrum Cilevic points out the Party of National Accordance as one representing the forces that do not accept the division between us and them. SM

Press Report

Press Report

Head of the Latvian Delegation to the OSCE Ivars Pundurs in an interview for

Head of the Latvian Delegation to the OSCE Ivars Pundurs in an interview for "NEATKARIGA" told about recent discussions over a future status of the OSCE Mission to Latvia. The Latvian Delegation during a recent meeting of the OSCE Permanent Committee in Vienna suggested that the OSCE Mission prepare a report on the results of its activities in Latvia since 1993 when the Mission was established. The report would contain, among other aspects, the account of Latvia's achievements. The proposal was supported by Head of the Mission Charles Magee. The Latvian Delegation also suggested to change the status of the Mission. Mr. Pundurs explained that missions with the similar status were working in the areas of armed conflicts and ethnic confrontations. Latvian diplomats believe that the presence of such a mission in Latvia undermines its international prestige. Mr. Pundurs noted that the essence of OSCE activities in Latvia differed from the objectives of OSCE missions in conflict areas. So should be the status of the OSCE representatives in Latvia, believes Mr. Pundurs. Still, the Vienna meeting declined Latvia's suggestion on changing the status of the Mission. Mr. Pundurs stressed that representatives of several OSCE countries spoke in support of the change after the voting. Mr. Pundurs does not agree that complicated naturalization tests account for a low naturalization rate. According to Pundurs, non-citizens are not willing to take Latvian citizenship and Western diplomats are becoming aware of the real situation. He hopes that the OSCE will still agree to change the status of the OSCE Mission to Latvia this autumn despite Russia's negative reaction. Mr. Pundurs explained that closing of the Mission would not mean the end of Latvia's co-operation with the OSCE. The country will benefit from receiving an unbiased assessment of the situation that would help to oppose ungrounded criticism by Russia. The Head of the Latvian Delegation mentioned the contribution of the OSCE Mission into resolving the problems of the Russian military presence in Latvia and repatriation of former Russian servicemen. Neatkariga

Yesterday Prime-Minister Skele had a meeting with

Yesterday Prime-Minister Skele had a meeting with "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK and "Latvijas Cels" representatives. "LC" faction Chairman Pantelejevs told "DIENA" that the participants of the meeting were optimistic about the situation in the Cabinet while "TB"/LNNK faction Chairman Straume characterized the situation as "unclear". The agenda of the meeting did not include the possibility of Skele's resignation. Still, an "SM" observer believes that the Cabinet will resign this autumn while "Saimnieks" will leave the Government. Diena, SM

18 men, 4 women and 9 children are still kept in the Olaine Refugee Camp. Most of them are illegal immigrants from Asia and Africa. Still, three persons are former USSR citizens. They will retain their status of illegal immigrants until the Law on Asylum Seekers and Refugees recently adopted by the

18 men, 4 women and 9 children are still kept in the Olaine Refugee Camp. Most of them are illegal immigrants from Asia and Africa. Still, three persons are former USSR citizens. They will retain their status of illegal immigrants until the Law on Asylum Seekers and Refugees recently adopted by the Saeima comes into force on January 1, 1998. One of the former USSR citizens staying at the camp fell a victim of bureaucratic procedures after divorcing his wife and losing "propiska" in Latvia. Almost all the refugees in the camp have health problems and live on the edge of starvation. Weekly rations for two persons consist of 18 potatoes, two chicken legs, half-rotten fish, two glasses of flour and rice and 200 grams of oil. Diena

Oleg Shorin in an article for

Oleg Shorin in an article for "SM" stresses that Latvia will not be able to join the EU without resolving the problem of non-citizens. Recent suggestions on revising the naturalization procedure made by President Ulmanis show that Latvian politicians are aware of the dilemma. Mr. Shorin believes that recent statements by European Commission Director Vinhas and Baltic Council Commissioner Espersen show the growing awareness of Western politicians of the situation in Latvia. SM

The Social Division of the Russian Embassy held a press-conference on the situation of retired Russian servicemen. Among the problems mentioned at the press-conference were medical care, privatization of apartments and passport problems. Retired servicemen do not enjoy discounts on medical insurance provided to all other pensioned residents of Latvia. Still, Russia annually transfers Ls 41 per each serviceman to Latvia to provide such discounts. Retired servicemen still have problems while trying to privatize their apartments since they were not issued with privatization certificates. Many servicemen took Russian citizenship and received former USSR travel passports with a stamp confirming their Russian citizenship. Still, such passports do not give them a secure status in Russia. Russian Consul Rylov managed to persuade the CID to return former USSR internal passports to such persons, at least for a time, for travel to Russia.

The Social Division of the Russian Embassy held a press-conference on the situation of retired Russian servicemen. Among the problems mentioned at the press-conference were medical care, privatization of apartments and passport problems. Retired servicemen do not enjoy discounts on medical insurance provided to all other pensioned residents of Latvia. Still, Russia annually transfers Ls 41 per each serviceman to Latvia to provide such discounts. Retired servicemen still have problems while trying to privatize their apartments since they were not issued with privatization certificates. Many servicemen took Russian citizenship and received former USSR travel passports with a stamp confirming their Russian citizenship. Still, such passports do not give them a secure status in Russia. Russian Consul Rylov managed to persuade the CID to return former USSR internal passports to such persons, at least for a time, for travel to Russia. SM

Press Report

On 26 July the mandate to the OSCE Mission in Riga was extended and the continuing struggle of our delegation for the changes in the status of the Mission was left in the shadow. One of the reasons for the formation of the OSCE Mission to Latvia was Russia’s reproach concerning the human rights violations against the Russian speaking population. For almost four years there is an OSCE Mission to Latvia, like to Albania and Bosnia, in places where the blood was shed. Latvian diplomats think that this situation undermines Latvia’s international prestige. Our state delegation to OSCE is headed by Ivars Pundurs. Upon return from the Hofburg Palace, where the OSCE Permanent Council is located, he gave an interview.

On 26 July the mandate to the OSCE Mission in Riga was extended and the continuing struggle of our delegation for the changes in the status of the Mission was left in the shadow. One of the reasons for the formation of the OSCE Mission to Latvia was Russias reproach concerning the human rights violations against the Russian speaking population. For almost four years there is an OSCE Mission to Latvia, like to Albania and Bosnia, in places where the blood was shed. Latvian diplomats think that this situation undermines Latvias international prestige. Our state delegation to OSCE is headed by Ivars Pundurs. Upon return from the Hofburg Palace, where the OSCE Permanent Council is located, he gave an interview.

- On June 18 in the OSCE Permanent Council Latvia distributed the resolution draft that was discussed next day. What were Latvia’s proposals?

- On June 18 in the OSCE Permanent Council Latvia distributed the resolution draft that was discussed next day. What were Latvias proposals?

We proposed the OSCE Mission to Latvia to prepare a report about accomplishments during its time in service. There also would be mentioned Latvia’s accomplishments. Charles Magee, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia supported us. Besides, and it was the most important thing, we proposed to start the discussion about the changes in the status of the Mission. However, on June 19 our proposal was rejected.

We proposed the OSCE Mission to Latvia to prepare a report about accomplishments during its time in service. There also would be mentioned Latvias accomplishments. Charles Magee, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia supported us. Besides, and it was the most important thing, we proposed to start the discussion about the changes in the status of the Mission. However, on June 19 our proposal was rejected.

-What does it mean to change the status? Is it only about the name ...

-What does it mean to change the status? Is it only about the name ...

When there is discussion, we will have to talk about the fact that, although the OSCE Missions operate in Latvia and, for example, in Tajikistan, the situation in both places differs. In Baltics the OSCE operation has a different content than in conflict regions, therefore the form should be different. We would like to have the OSCE Mission in Latvia with a different - not Mission - status. While OSCE diplomats know in what Latvia differs from Bosnia, people from the street, even here, in Vienna, may not know that. Everybody has heard about happenings in Bosnia and how the OSCE Mission works there. To those who know about Latvia nothing more than the fact that there is an OSCE Mission, it might give an impression that genocide takes place in Latvia. Besides not only non-professionals have such associations.

When there is discussion, we will have to talk about the fact that, although the OSCE Missions operate in Latvia and, for example, in Tajikistan, the situation in both places differs. In Baltics the OSCE operation has a different content than in conflict regions, therefore the form should be different. We would like to have the OSCE Mission in Latvia with a different - not Mission - status. While OSCE diplomats know in what Latvia differs from Bosnia, people from the street, even here, in Vienna, may not know that. Everybody has heard about happenings in Bosnia and how the OSCE Mission works there. To those who know about Latvia nothing more than the fact that there is an OSCE Mission, it might give an impression that genocide takes place in Latvia. Besides not only non-professionals have such associations.

- In Chechnya upon the request of Russia there is an OSCE Assistance Group.

- In Chechnya upon the request of Russia there is an OSCE Assistance Group.

At that time this issue was not widely discussed. Russia was ready to agree on the OSCE Assistance Group involvement, not a Mission. When bloodshed started, the most important was to provide its presence, but not to discuss its name. At the same time we do not want to impose our point of view through blackmail. We want to have this issue discussed, because our arguments are sufficient. 

At that time this issue was not widely discussed. Russia was ready to agree on the OSCE Assistance Group involvement, not a Mission. When bloodshed started, the most important was to provide its presence, but not to discuss its name. At the same time we do not want to impose our point of view through blackmail. We want to have this issue discussed, because our arguments are sufficient.

-Why did the Permanent Council respond to Latvia’s initiative during the first discussion round in negative way?

-Why did the Permanent Council respond to Latvias initiative during the first discussion round in negative way?

If there is an option to do something or to do nothing, human nature calls for the last. Some delegations were worried that it would create a precedent and it would be followed by other countries, where there were OSCE missions that would try to dictate rules to the organization. Although on June 19 our proposal was supported only by the Lithuanian delegation, this small scandal helped us. After the meeting representatives of other delegations whose opinion before that was negative, offered us their support. The fact that some delegations try to avoid a discussion of an issue is not a credit to them. In a week - on June 26 - we were supported by 15 European Union countries and the next presiding OSCE country - Poland.

If there is an option to do something or to do nothing, human nature calls for the last. Some delegations were worried that it would create a precedent and it would be followed by other countries, where there were OSCE missions that would try to dictate rules to the organization. Although on June 19 our proposal was supported only by the Lithuanian delegation, this small scandal helped us. After the meeting representatives of other delegations whose opinion before that was negative, offered us their support. The fact that some delegations try to avoid a discussion of an issue is not a credit to them. In a week - on June 26 - we were supported by 15 European Union countries and the next presiding OSCE country - Poland.

- The Russian delegation stressed that Russian speaking population cannot get citizenship because of complicated naturalization exams. What was the opinion of other foreign diplomats on low naturalization numbers?

- The Russian delegation stressed that Russian speaking population cannot get citizenship because of complicated naturalization exams. What was the opinion of other foreign diplomats on low naturalization numbers?

The problem are not exams, and our foreign colleagues understand that. In 1996 only a small percentage of noncitizens who had the right to naturalization used that right. 90 % of those who had exams passed them. Unwillingness to get the citizenship is a bigger problem than the requirements for potential citizens. Luckily, foreign diplomats have started to understand that. The latest initiatives of the President Ulmanis toward naturalization have been considered positively and will help to convince OSCE diplomats of the necessity to reorganize the Mission.

The problem are not exams, and our foreign colleagues understand that. In 1996 only a small percentage of noncitizens who had the right to naturalization used that right. 90 % of those who had exams passed them. Unwillingness to get the citizenship is a bigger problem than the requirements for potential citizens. Luckily, foreign diplomats have started to understand that. The latest initiatives of the President Ulmanis toward naturalization have been considered positively and will help to convince OSCE diplomats of the necessity to reorganize the Mission.

- Is it possible that Latvia’s proposal will not be discussed at all?

- Is it possible that Latvias proposal will not be discussed at all?

We are not a superpower to whom everybody listens irrespective of what it has to say, and who has its own opinion on any issue. Small countries should be pragmatic and have clear priorities, and fight for them in order to influence things that touch their interests. At the end of August, beginning of September we will remind of our initiative, and by the end of the year we hope to get the resolution despite the possible Russian reaction. Latvia has to respond to Russian statements without emotions. In 1994 here, in Hofburg, at discussions about OSCE inspections in Skrunda the Russian representative Sergej Zotov threatened to use military power if the station [ Skrunda] were not going to work as Moscow wanted it.

We are not a superpower to whom everybody listens irrespective of what it has to say, and who has its own opinion on any issue. Small countries should be pragmatic and have clear priorities, and fight for them in order to influence things that touch their interests. At the end of August, beginning of September we will remind of our initiative, and by the end of the year we hope to get the resolution despite the possible Russian reaction. Latvia has to respond to Russian statements without emotions. In 1994 here, in Hofburg, at discussions about OSCE inspections in Skrunda the Russian representative Sergej Zotov threatened to use military power if the station [ Skrunda] were not going to work as Moscow wanted it.

Some years ago, the then Foreign Minister of Russia, Andrej Kozyrev, accused us in ethnic cleansing, thus, comparing the situation in Latvia with one in Bosnia where civilians were killed. This year at the meeting the Russian delegation recognized that Latvia had achieved progress on citizenship issues. Although we do not have the same opinion, during these three years while I am working in Vienna, the relationship with Russian representatives has become more constructive.

Some years ago, the then Foreign Minister of Russia, Andrej Kozyrev, accused us in ethnic cleansing, thus, comparing the situation in Latvia with one in Bosnia where civilians were killed. This year at the meeting the Russian delegation recognized that Latvia had achieved progress on citizenship issues. Although we do not have the same opinion, during these three years while I am working in Vienna, the relationship with Russian representatives has become more constructive.

-In your opinion, when would the OSCE Mission not be needed in Latvia any more?

-In your opinion, when would the OSCE Mission not be needed in Latvia any more?

Switzerland- former presiding country in OSCE - had made it a task to close at least one OSCE Mission. It was presumed to be in Latvia. This idea encountered objections from many countries, including Russia, and it was not put into practice. However, we do not think that along with the closing of the Mission our co-operation with OSCE would end. There are lot of ways how this organization in some cases can help us. Latvia is interested to receive objective reports on the situation that many times have helped refute Russia’s ungrounded critics.

Switzerland- former presiding country in OSCE - had made it a task to close at least one OSCE Mission. It was presumed to be in Latvia. This idea encountered objections from many countries, including Russia, and it was not put into practice. However, we do not think that along with the closing of the Mission our co-operation with OSCE would end. There are lot of ways how this organization in some cases can help us. Latvia is interested to receive objective reports on the situation that many times have helped refute Russias ungrounded critics.

The naturalization process and work in human rights sphere in Latvia has not being undertaken just because of OSCE and other international organizations. We ourselves understand the necessity to integrate non-Latvians and to unite entire society. Things done so far prove it. Our society tries to come closer not because someone forces us to do it. If the Saeima, the President and the Government were not interested in it, even the OSCE Mission could not help.

The naturalization process and work in human rights sphere in Latvia has not being undertaken just because of OSCE and other international organizations. We ourselves understand the necessity to integrate non-Latvians and to unite entire society. Things done so far prove it. Our society tries to come closer not because someone forces us to do it. If the Saeima, the President and the Government were not interested in it, even the OSCE Mission could not help.

The OSCE Mission to Latvia costs five times more than Latvia pays into OSCE budget, therefore we have to use its presence more efficiently. At its very beginning the mission monitored the talks about and later the very withdrawal of the Russian army. Later it helped to solve the repatriation issue of illegal Russian military persons. This is very important, but the presence of OSCE should not undermine states interests and its international prestige.

The OSCE Mission to Latvia costs five times more than Latvia pays into OSCE budget, therefore we have to use its presence more efficiently. At its very beginning the mission monitored the talks about and later the very withdrawal of the Russian army. Later it helped to solve the repatriation issue of illegal Russian military persons. This is very important, but the presence of OSCE should not undermine states interests and its international prestige.

Press Report

The report by the European Commission recognizes Latvia's progress in the forming of market economy and developing democratic institutions. Still, according to the report, Latvia would find it difficult to withstand competition within the EU. The report points at the necessity to accelerate the naturalization process. The document also recommends to reduce the number of differences between the rights enjoyed by citizens and non-citizens. Among the restrictions of non-citizens' rights the European Commission mentions employment restrictions and recommends granting non-citizens the right to vote in municipal elections. The report also points at the low efficiency of the Latvian legislation and at insufficient privatization. State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins at a press-conference noted that some of the information used for the report (inflation rate, the state budget, etc.) was outdated.

The report by the European Commission recognizes Latvia's progress in the forming of market economy and developing democratic institutions. Still, according to the report, Latvia would find it difficult to withstand competition within the EU. The report points at the necessity to accelerate the naturalization process. The document also recommends to reduce the number of differences between the rights enjoyed by citizens and non-citizens. Among the restrictions of non-citizens' rights the European Commission mentions employment restrictions and recommends granting non-citizens the right to vote in municipal elections. The report also points at the low efficiency of the Latvian legislation and at insufficient privatization. State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins at a press-conference noted that some of the information used for the report (inflation rate, the state budget, etc.) was outdated. Diena, Neatkariga

Prime-Minister Skele returned yesterday from his summer vacations. Mr. Skele told

Prime-Minister Skele returned yesterday from his summer vacations. Mr. Skele told "DIENA" that he would not exclude the possibility of resignation of the Cabinet. "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK, "Saimnieks" and "Latvijas Cels" representatives also believe that the Cabinet could resign. The Government crisis could be caused by Minister of Communications Kristopans' dismissal. "LC" has already threatened to take political steps that would "affect the Cabinet" if the Minister was dismissed. The Prime-Minister has not made any statements on Mr. Kristopans' dismissal yet. Still, the parties whose members have already been dismissed are likely to protest against the Minister of Communications retaining his post after the Prosecutor General's Office confirmed that the Minister had violated the Anti-Corruption Law. "TB"/LNNK, "Saimnieks" and "LC" already held consultations on joint steps to be taken in case of a Government crisis. The most probable candidate for the Prime-Minister's office, according to Mr. Grinblats ("TB"), is current Riga Mayor Andris Berzins ("LC"). "TB" would nominate Mr. Guntars Krasts, currently Minister of Economics, in case "LC" chooses to retain the post of Riga Mayor. Diena, Neatkariga