Press Review

All leading newspapers on July 3 write about the July 2 consultations between the People’s party, Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK and the Social Democrats about forming a new government. The parlamentarians maintain that the current government’s work is unsatisfactorily and the Prime Minister Vilis Kristopans should step down or they are going to initiate a no-confidence vote. The ruling coalition leader Latvia’s Way’s Chairman Andrejs Pantelejevs allows the possibility that the party could work in the opposition and is not likely to work in the government with the recent antagonists Andris Skele from the People’s Party and Juris Bojars from Social Democrats who (along with FF/LNNK), after Pantelejevs, have found common ground as far as the Language Law but might not be able to agree when the vote comes to the budget. (

All leading newspapers on July 3 write about the July 2 consultations between the Peoples party, Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK and the Social Democrats about forming a new government. The parlamentarians maintain that the current governments work is unsatisfactorily and the Prime Minister Vilis Kristopans should step down or they are going to initiate a no-confidence vote. The ruling coalition leader Latvias Ways Chairman Andrejs Pantelejevs allows the possibility that the party could work in the opposition and is not likely to work in the government with the recent antagonists Andris Skele from the Peoples Party and Juris Bojars from Social Democrats who (along with FF/LNNK), after Pantelejevs, have found common ground as far as the Language Law but might not be able to agree when the vote comes to the budget. (Diena ). Another current coalition member New Party will decide on participation in negotiations with other parties on Monday, July 5.

Diena, Neatkariga, CM

write about the possible consequences the parliament vote on the Language Law scheduled to take place July 8 may carry as far as Latvias EU accession. write about the possible consequences the parliament vote on the Language Law scheduled to take place July 8 may carry as far as Latvia’s EU accession. NeatkarigaNeatkariga writes that three parliament factions - Peoples Party, FF/LNNK and Social Democrats - have agreed to develop a common position after getting acquainted with the latest suggested amendments submitted by the MPs. Latvian Prime Minister Vilis Kristopans expressed his concern about the outcome of the vote as during his visit at the Salzburg forum representatives from all countries had spoken about the language law as an important aspect for Latvias EU accession negotiations. writes that three parliament factions - People’s Party, FF/LNNK and Social Democrats - have agreed to develop a common position after getting acquainted with the latest suggested amendments submitted by the MPs. Latvian Prime Minister Vilis Kristopans expressed his concern about the outcome of the vote as during his visit at the Salzburg forum representatives from all countries had spoken about the language law as an important aspect for Latvia’s EU accession negotiations.

Diena

reports on the response to the planned vote from different foreign officials and bodies, like the Danish Foreign Minister, Max van der Stoels office (suggesting to delay the vote till autumn), EU member countries ambassadors to Latvia. reports on the response to the planned vote from different foreign officials and bodies, like the Danish Foreign Minister, Max van der Stoel’s office (suggesting to delay the vote till autumn), EU member countries’ ambassadors to Latvia. The left-leaning MPs quoted by

The left-leaning MPs quoted by CM all stress that passing the language law in the current version will take Latvia away from joining the EU.

Press Report

Publicist V.Avotins, describing different conferences on public integration, states that nowhere he could get any theoretical clarity necessary for practical implementation of it. Even scientists themselves have not agreed on a single international definition of integration . In addition politicians understand with it one thing, Russians - something else.

Publicist V.Avotins, describing different conferences on public integration, states that nowhere he could get any theoretical clarity necessary for practical implementation of it. Even scientists themselves have not agreed on a single international definition of integration . In addition politicians understand with it one thing, Russians - something else. Neatkariga

The leader of

The leader of Social Democrats J.Bojars, after consulting with the Board of the party, is ready to address the prosecutors office concerning the offered bride on the day of presidential election. LC Chairman A.Pantelejevs denies such an action. Diena

D.Araja in

D.Araja in Diena writes about the situation in Latvian mass media and states that Latvians and people of other nationalities are separated by different information fields, because the Latvian and Russian mass media reflect events differently. And the main difference between journalists writing in the Latvian and Russian languages lies in the ideological opinions. Diena (Russian version)

Press Review

Press Review

The Chairman of

The Chairman of Latvijas Cels faction K.Libane informed that LC was considering a possibility to summon an extraordinary Saeima plenary meeting to exchange the Saeima Deputy Chairman G.Bojars (Social Democrats ) for a Peoples Party representative K.Greiskalns. This decision was taken basing on the principle that it is better to have a constructive opposition representative in an important post that a destructive position one. Neatkariga

Latvijas Cels

representative I.Berzins does not think that the outcome of Presidential election could radically influence the political situation in Latvia. He explains the result of this election as the activity of representative I.Berzins does not think that the outcome of Presidential election could radically influence the political situation in Latvia. He explains the result of this election as the activity of Social DemocratsSocial Democrats who were fulfilling the wish of TB/LNNK. And the voting was not for but against. There parties united against who were fulfilling the wish of TB/LNNK. And the voting was not “for” but “against”. There parties united against Latvijas CelsLatvijas Cels. The position of . The position of Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK was clear, but the was clear, but the Social DemocratsSocial Democrats had misunderstood something. When asked about the adoption of the draft language law on July 8, I.Berzins expected that the draft law would be adopted in the more radical version because Latvian had misunderstood something. When asked about the adoption of the draft language law on July 8, I.Berzins expected that the draft law would be adopted in the more radical version because Latvian Social DemocratsSocial Democrats were more social nationalists than social democrats in the Western meaning of this term. were more social nationalists than social democrats in the Western meaning of this term. Bizness & BaltiyaBizness & Baltiya The newly elected President Vaira Vike-Freiberga in her first press conference pointed out that she understood how people felt here but still hoped that people living here would be loyal and showed respect to the state. In order to further public integration in Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga considered it to be necessary to preserve the Consultative Council of Nationalities established by G.Ulmanis. In its turn the state language law should protect the rights of the Latvian language, as the same time not endangering Latvia’s movement towards Europe. She had no time to study the last reading of the law, but it could be the first law to be proclaimed by the new President. She also pointed out that she had studied the draft law in February and discovered that in some European countries these laws were even stricter. In her interview to the Latvian Radio she stated that the OSCE High Commissioner who put forward recommendations for amending the draft law, was not the whole Europe. Vaira Vike-Freiberga as well as stated that she would be open for all political parties, and

The newly elected President Vaira Vike-Freiberga in her first press conference pointed out that she understood how people felt here but still hoped that people living here would be loyal and showed respect to the state. In order to further public integration in Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga considered it to be necessary to preserve the Consultative Council of Nationalities established by G.Ulmanis. In its turn the state language law should protect the rights of the Latvian language, as the same time not endangering Latvias movement towards Europe. She had no time to study the last reading of the law, but it could be the first law to be proclaimed by the new President. She also pointed out that she had studied the draft law in February and discovered that in some European countries these laws were even stricter. In her interview to the Latvian Radio she stated that the OSCE High Commissioner who put forward recommendations for amending the draft law, was not the whole Europe. Vaira Vike-Freiberga as well as stated that she would be open for all political parties, and Social Democrats would not be granted any privileges. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize (21.06.99)

SM expresses an opinion that Vaira Vike-Freiberga judging from her education and character, will surprise not only her family members but politicians as well. Already on her first press conference she said that was planning to use the right to summon government meetings and chair them.

SM expresses an opinion that Vaira Vike-Freiberga judging from her education and character, will surprise not only her family members but politicians as well. Already on her first press conference she said that was planning to use the right to summon government meetings and chair them.

The Saeima Commission on Education, Culture and Science considered and gave their findings on all 80 proposals to the draft language law that was scheduled for the last reading on July 8.

Diena

Panorama Latvii, commenting on this, stated that this success was due to the three new Commission members V.Vetra and I.Birzniece from Latvijas Cels and J.Dobelis from TB/LNNK. J.Dobelis left the Commission of Defence and Internal Affairs to intensify attacks on the non-state languages. Despite his activities the Commission managed to consider proposals, majority of them proposed by the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia and the Juridical Office of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities.

The statements made by representatives of four political parties give evidences that Latvijas Cels with its arrogance and disregard of other political parties is left alone. TB/LNNK, Peoples Party and Social Democrats hope to maintain their unity in the future if they meet any attempt of LC to influence or split them. Prime Minister V.Kristopans, when asked about the stability of his government, did not give any precise answer, just said that he had no information that the Saeima majority could not support the government. Diena

O.Schipcov in Russian version of Diena states that, judging for mass media circulated in the Russian language, Russian speakers would prefer A.Gorbunovs or R.Pauls as the new President. Now the Latvian population would consist of two parts: people thinking in Latvian and the ones thinking in Russian. Diena

Nine Russian Federation regions have supported the draft law on imposing sanctions against Latvia, scheduled for consideration in the National Council in September. The Council adopted two draft law on Latvia on May 20, 1999. One of them is about sanctions against Latvia and envisages braking any economic relations with it, the other - about protection of Russian compatriots from these sanctions. Neatkariga

Press Review

Press Review

After repeated voting, the Saeima deputies with 53 votes for elected the new president of Latvia. It is Vaira Vike-Freiberga, an exile Latvian. She was supported by

After repeated voting, the Saeima deputies with 53 votes for elected the new president of Latvia. It is Vaira Vike-Freiberga, an exile Latvian. She was supported by Peoples Party, Social Democrats and TB/LNNK. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas, Panorama Latvii

The Chairman of

The Chairman of Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK A.Pozarnovs considers that the election of an independent, no party President could ensure more stability for the government as if in a Latvijas Cels member were elected. But such an outcome of the election might increase strengthening of the influence of Social Democrats in Riga City Council. Prime Minister V.Kristopans announced that if V.Vike-Freiberga were elected and summoned a government meeting, it would be the last day for him in his post. The representatives of three parties supporting the new President, as one of the reasons for this decision names a wish to decrease the possibility of Latvijas Cels dictate in Latvian political life. Nevertheless TB/LNNK does not promise a soon decision on agreeing to accept Social Democrats in the government forming coalition. The Chairman of Latvijas Cels A.Pantelejevs acknowledged that the agreement without LC would leave no impact on stability of the government. Diena

On Wednesday, the Saeima stated that the draft language law was not ready for the final reading and decided to postpone the consideration for July 8. This decision was supported by

On Wednesday, the Saeima stated that the draft language law was not ready for the final reading and decided to postpone the consideration for July 8. This decision was supported by Peoples Party, TB/LNNK, Social Democrats, and New Party. Latvijas Cels and For Human Rights in United Latvia preferred to postpone the consideration for an undefined period of time. Diena

Panorama Latvii

gives the latest information about the naturalisation process (see Russian version of Diena June 16) just adding that during the last week 30 children more received Latvian citizenship through registration. Majority of them reside in Riga.

Press Review

Press Review

A day before the Presidential elections no candidate has clear majority support. The only fraction which has not nominated its own candidate - For Human Rights - will give their vote to the candidate of the New Party Raimonds Pauls. Thus, Raimonds Pauls provisionally has 24 votes, Anatolijs Gorbunovs (the Latvian Way) - 21; Vaira Paegle (People’s Party) - 24 votes.

A day before the Presidential elections no candidate has clear majority support. The only fraction which has not nominated its own candidate - For Human Rights - will give their vote to the candidate of the New Party Raimonds Pauls. Thus, Raimonds Pauls provisionally has 24 votes, Anatolijs Gorbunovs (the Latvian Way) - 21; Vaira Paegle (Peoples Party) - 24 votes. Diena

Yesterday the Saeima Standing Committee on Implementation of the Citizenship Law decided that the combining of the Latvian language examination for graduation with the language examination for naturalisation conducted by the Ministry of Education and the Naturalisation Board, does not comply with the valid legislation. Therefore, the results of the graduation examination will not be taken into consideration when applying for the naturalisation.

Yesterday the Saeima Standing Committee on Implementation of the Citizenship Law decided that the combining of the Latvian language examination for graduation with the language examination for naturalisation conducted by the Ministry of Education and the Naturalisation Board, does not comply with the valid legislation. Therefore, the results of the graduation examination will not be taken into consideration when applying for the naturalisation.

Minister of Education Janis Gaigals and the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane admitted that the combining of two exams had been just an experiment whose results will be analysed to introduce such practice later.

Minister of Education Janis Gaigals and the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane admitted that the combining of two exams had been just an experiment whose results will be analysed to introduce such practice later. Diena

Yesterday at the request of For Fatherland and Freedom, People’s Party and Social Democrats fractions the Saeima Presidium decided to summon an extraordinary session of the Saeima right after the first round of the Presidential elections to decide what to do with the draft language law. It is planned that deputies will ask the Saeima Standing Committee on Education, Culture and Science to prepare the draft language law for the 3rd reading by 2 July. The consideration of the draft law might take place on 8 July. (

Yesterday at the request of For Fatherland and Freedom, Peoples Party and Social Democrats fractions the Saeima Presidium decided to summon an extraordinary session of the Saeima right after the first round of the Presidential elections to decide what to do with the draft language law. It is planned that deputies will ask the Saeima Standing Committee on Education, Culture and Science to prepare the draft language law for the 3rd reading by 2 July. The consideration of the draft law might take place on 8 July. (Diena and Chas, however, inform that it is already decided that the extraordinary session on draft language law will take place on 8 July).

Yesterday the deputy from Fatherland and Freedom Juris Dobelis was elected to be a member of the Standing Committee on Education.

Yesterday the deputy from Fatherland and Freedom Juris Dobelis was elected to be a member of the Standing Committee on Education.

The issue of the draft language law was considered also at the meeting of the EU and Latvian Associative Committee. Director of the EC Directorate General on Central European Affairs C. Deja (spelling) said that drafting of an alternative draft language law would solve the problems around the law. She admitted that EU will carefully follow the consideration of this law.

The issue of the draft language law was considered also at the meeting of the EU and Latvian Associative Committee. Director of the EC Directorate General on Central European Affairs C. Deja (spelling) said that drafting of an alternative draft language law would solve the problems around the law. She admitted that EU will carefully follow the consideration of this law. Neatkariga

The Riga City Council is looking for premises for Latvian Community of the Russian Culture due the building where the office of the organisation was located has been returned to its former owner.

The Riga City Council is looking for premises for Latvian Community of the Russian Culture due the building where the office of the organisation was located has been returned to its former owner. Diena