Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday Prime-Minister Skele officially dismissed Minister of Health Juris Vinkelis. His duties will be performed by Minister of Welfare Vladimirs Makarovs. Today the

Yesterday Prime-Minister Skele officially dismissed Minister of Health Juris Vinkelis. His duties will be performed by Minister of Welfare Vladimirs Makarovs. Today the "Tevzemei un Brivibai" faction will discuss candidatures for the post. "TB" faction Chairman Janis Straume told "DIENA" that the Prime-Minister ignored the agreement between the governing factions. According to the agreement, the Prime-Minister should have informed the faction about his decision at least forty-eight hours before officially dismissing the Minister. The Prosecutor General's Office is still investigating alleged violations of the Anti-Corruption Law by Minister of Welfare Makarovs and Minister of Communications Kristopans. Diena, B&B

"Latvijas Cels"

and the Naumann Foundation held a discussion of the prospects for the forming of a political nation in Latvia. The idea of a political nation may become a cornerstone of and the Naumann Foundation held a discussion of the prospects for the forming of a political nation in Latvia. The idea of a political nation may become a cornerstone of "LC" "LC" program during the election of the Seventh program during the election of the Seventh SaeimaSaeima. Participants of the discussion pointed at the role of a political nation in maintaining political stability. Mr. Panteleyevs pointed at the increasing isolation between the Latvian and the Russian communities.. Participants of the discussion pointed at the role of a political nation in maintaining political stability. Mr. Panteleyevs pointed at the increasing isolation between the Latvian and the Russian communities. "LC" "LC" Secretary General Juris Lorencs noted that the existence of isolated communities could lead to a political and economic crisis and stressed the importance of an integrated society for developing market economy. Mr. Lorencs sees a multi-cultural society as a model that would suit Latvia's needs. Secretary General Juris Lorencs noted that the existence of isolated communities could lead to a political and economic crisis and stressed the importance of an integrated society for developing market economy. Mr. Lorencs sees a multi-cultural society as a model that would suit Latvia's needs. "LC""LC" members expressed different opinions on the possibility of amending the Citizenship Law. Mrs. Maryash said that the Law should allow all individuals loyal to Latvia and having a command of the Latvian language to obtain citizenship through naturalization. Mr. Lorencs objected to amending the Citizenship Law. Still, he supported granting citizenship to children born in Latvia after the country had restored its independence. members expressed different opinions on the possibility of amending the Citizenship Law. Mrs. Maryash said that the Law should allow all individuals loyal to Latvia and having a command of the Latvian language to obtain citizenship through naturalization. Mr. Lorencs objected to amending the Citizenship Law. Still, he supported granting citizenship to children born in Latvia after the country had restored its independence. DienaDiena President Yeltsin pointed at the violations of the rights of Russian-speakers in Estonia and Latvia during the G-7 Summit in Denver last Sunday. The Russian President stressed the importance of observing the rights of ethnic and religious minorities and said that 1998 had been declared the Human Rights Year in Russia. Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov said that Russia would "revise" its relations with NATO should the enlargement of the bloc involve former USSR republics.

President Yeltsin pointed at the violations of the rights of Russian-speakers in Estonia and Latvia during the G-7 Summit in Denver last Sunday. The Russian President stressed the importance of observing the rights of ethnic and religious minorities and said that 1998 had been declared the Human Rights Year in Russia. Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov said that Russia would "revise" its relations with NATO should the enlargement of the bloc involve former USSR republics. Neatkariga, SM

The CID agreed to cancel an expulsion order issued to Natalia Sivokon, a common-law wife of a Latvian resident. The Russian Embassy will provide her with documents required for travel to Kirgizia to obtain

The CID agreed to cancel an expulsion order issued to Natalia Sivokon, a common-law wife of a Latvian resident. The Russian Embassy will provide her with documents required for travel to Kirgizia to obtain "vipiska". She will be allowed to enter Latvia, register her marriage to the Latvian resident and receive a temporary residence permit. Ms. Sivokon was kept in custody by the Immigration Police for thirty days. SM

Press Report

Press Report

Director of the European Commission on Multilateral Issues Anhel Vinhas participated in a conference on democratic security and human rights held in Riga last week. At a press-conference Mr. Vinhas said that the large number of non-citizens is a problem to be resolved by the Latvian Government. He stressed that the European Union was aware of the country's history. Still, Latvia had to "pay political and economic charges" to enter the EU, said Mr. Vinhas. In his report at the conference Mr. Vinhas said that the existence of the large number of non-citizens did not comply with EU principles. He referred to EU Commissioner van den Broek's recommendations for Latvia on human rights issues. The recommendations suggested focusing efforts on citizenship-related issues, accelerating naturalization and abolishing restrictions of non-citizens' rights. Head of the European Committee Delegation to Latvia Gunter Weiss noted that although no flagrant human rights violations were encountered in Latvia, the country still had not abolished capital punishment. He also stressed the importance of the citizenship issue. Baltic Council Commissioner Ole Espersen highly evaluated the work of the Human Rights Bureau focusing on its report on employment restrictions for non-citizens. He admitted that the restrictions formally could not be regarded as a violation of human rights in terms of the Human Rights Convention. Still, the only restriction allowed by EU standards is applied to posts in governments and parliaments.

Director of the European Commission on Multilateral Issues Anhel Vinhas participated in a conference on democratic security and human rights held in Riga last week. At a press-conference Mr. Vinhas said that the large number of non-citizens is a problem to be resolved by the Latvian Government. He stressed that the European Union was aware of the country's history. Still, Latvia had to "pay political and economic charges" to enter the EU, said Mr. Vinhas. In his report at the conference Mr. Vinhas said that the existence of the large number of non-citizens did not comply with EU principles. He referred to EU Commissioner van den Broek's recommendations for Latvia on human rights issues. The recommendations suggested focusing efforts on citizenship-related issues, accelerating naturalization and abolishing restrictions of non-citizens' rights. Head of the European Committee Delegation to Latvia Gunter Weiss noted that although no flagrant human rights violations were encountered in Latvia, the country still had not abolished capital punishment. He also stressed the importance of the citizenship issue. Baltic Council Commissioner Ole Espersen highly evaluated the work of the Human Rights Bureau focusing on its report on employment restrictions for non-citizens. He admitted that the restrictions formally could not be regarded as a violation of human rights in terms of the Human Rights Convention. Still, the only restriction allowed by EU standards is applied to posts in governments and parliaments. Diena

The US Congress Committee on Security and Co-operation in Europe circulated a statement calling for involving Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania in the process of NATO enlargement. Head of the Committee D`Amato said that NATO should start talks with the three countries during the Madrid Summit.

The US Congress Committee on Security and Co-operation in Europe circulated a statement calling for involving Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania in the process of NATO enlargement. Head of the Committee D`Amato said that NATO should start talks with the three countries during the Madrid Summit. Diena

Last Friday Prime-Minister Skele demanded the resignation of Minister of Health Juris Vinkelis. Mr. Vinkelis ignored the requirements of the Anti-Corruption Law and stayed on the boards of three companies. The Prosecutor General's Office confirmed that Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs had not violated the Anti-Corruption Law. The Office discovered that Deputy Prime-Minister Juris Kaksitis has not mentioned his share in a non-profit company in his annual declaration. The violation is not subject to criminal proceedings.

Last Friday Prime-Minister Skele demanded the resignation of Minister of Health Juris Vinkelis. Mr. Vinkelis ignored the requirements of the Anti-Corruption Law and stayed on the boards of three companies. The Prosecutor General's Office confirmed that Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs had not violated the Anti-Corruption Law. The Office discovered that Deputy Prime-Minister Juris Kaksitis has not mentioned his share in a non-profit company in his annual declaration. The violation is not subject to criminal proceedings. Diena

Last Saturday

Last Saturday "Tevzemei un Brivibai" and the LNNK officially merged into "a national conservative political organization". The founding congress of the organization elected Maris Grinblats Chairman of the new party. Juris Dobelis was elected Deputy-Chairman. After accomplishing a registration procedure the new political party will establish a faction. The "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK faction will have seventeen seats, fourteen seats being held by "TB" members. LNNK members Juris Dobelis, Peteris Tabuns and Anna Seile will take remaining three seats. Former head of the LNNK faction Aleksandrs Kirsteins has established the National Party for Reforms. Speakers at the founding congress of the "TB"/LNNK party criticized Kirsteins' party for "forsaking the principles of nationalism." The program of the new party provides for safeguarding the Citizenship Law in its current reading, encouraging repatriation of non-citizens and supporting businesses owned by ethnic Latvians. Diena, B&B

Press Report

Director of the Second Political Department of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Edgars Skuja told

Director of the Second Political Department of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Edgars Skuja told "DIENA" that Latvia observed its obligations toward Russia as determined by the agreement between the two countries. Mr. Skuja said that the Latvian side would restore the Monument to the Liberators of Riga damaged by the recent terrorist attack. The repair costs are Ls 10,500 while Ls 26,000 are allotted by the Riga City Hall to maintain the Monument this year. Mr. Edgars Skuja also said that Latvia did not have complete information on the state of memorials to Latvians repressed by Stalin's regime erected in Russia.Diena

The International Helsinki Federation for Protection of Human Rights in its recent report criticized former Soviet bloc countries, including the Baltic states, for violating human rights. The report singles out an underdeveloped court system and corruption among problems typical for these countries. The document also points at the violations of the rights of Russian-speakers in the three Baltic states.

The International Helsinki Federation for Protection of Human Rights in its recent report criticized former Soviet bloc countries, including the Baltic states, for violating human rights. The report singles out an underdeveloped court system and corruption among problems typical for these countries. The document also points at the violations of the rights of Russian-speakers in the three Baltic states. Neatkariga

Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told

Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told "SM" that the Ministry was concerned about Russia's refusal to recognize new alien passports. He believes that Russia has to recognize the passports. Otherwise, it will be restricting non-citizens' freedom of travel. The Minister of Foreign Affairs hopes that the upcoming consular talks will contribute to resolving the problem.

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima ratified the UN 1951 Convention on Refugees. All expenses related to refugees' stay in Latvia will be covered by the UN. The Saeima adopted a provision suggested by "Tevzemei un Brivibai". The provision provides for applying the Convention only to refugees entering Latvia from European countries. Chairman of the Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts said that he would suggest canceling the provision this autumn after the parliamentary vacations. B&B

The Prosecutor General's Office accomplished the investigation of alleged violation of the Anti-Corruption Law by State Minister of Health Juris Vinkelis and Minister of Education and Science Juris Celmins. The Office discovered that the Ministers had violated the Law but did not commit criminal offenses. Prime-Minister Skele said that he would discuss the issue with Mr. Vinkelis. As for Mr. Celmins, the Prime-Minister believes that he should not resign and says that the Minister's situation is similar to that of Minister of economics Krasts.

The Prosecutor General's Office accomplished the investigation of alleged violation of the Anti-Corruption Law by State Minister of Health Juris Vinkelis and Minister of Education and Science Juris Celmins. The Office discovered that the Ministers had violated the Law but did not commit criminal offenses. Prime-Minister Skele said that he would discuss the issue with Mr. Vinkelis. As for Mr. Celmins, the Prime-Minister believes that he should not resign and says that the Minister's situation is similar to that of Minister of economics Krasts. B&B The Saeima completed its spring session yesterday. The autumn session will start on September 2. Saeima premises will be redesigned during the vacations. Diena

Press Report

Press Report

Latvian politicians in their interviews criticized Prime-Minister Skele's statement on political situation in the country.

Latvian politicians in their interviews criticized Prime-Minister Skele's statement on political situation in the country. Saeima deputies believe that Mr. Skele has disparaged the role of political parties and displayed disrespect to the Saeima. Prime-Minister Skele's statement made on the national TV on 17 June was focused on recently discovered violations of the Anti-Corruption Law pointing at the signs of moral decay among the "ruling elite." Diena

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima voted against an increase of Parliament members' salaries suggested by members of governing coalition factions. Diena

The Prosecutor General's Office will examine the contents of Mr. Juris Bojars' recent interview for the

The Prosecutor General's Office will examine the contents of Mr. Juris Bojars' recent interview for the "FOKUSS" weekly. Mr. Bojars, a leader of Latvian Social-Democrats, in his interview insisted on dismissing the Saeima calling its deputies "idiots". He also warned about possible violent protests of the country's populations against current policies of the Saeima and the Cabinet. SM The Russian Embassy handed over a note to the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the recent attempted blow up of the Monument to the Liberators of Riga. Director of the Information and Press Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Gennady Tarasov at his recent press-briefing mentioned the act of terrorism against the monument and expressed hope that the Latvian authorities would take all necessary measures to discover "the inspirers and organizers of the provocation". According to "BIZNES & BALTIYA", the Bureau for Protection of the Satversme has already found out all the details on the terrorists who were killed by the explosion. Still, the Bureau is not likely to proceed with investigating the alleged involvement of the "Aizsargi" organization in organizing the terrorist attack on the Monument. SM

Member of the Latvian Human Rights Committee Tatyana Zhdanok has studied the Tamazyans' case. The Tamazyan family fled to Latvia from Armenia several years ago. Mrs. Tamazyan and her children have been placed to the Olaine refugee camp recently while Mr. Tamazyan is currently kept in custody by the Immigration Police. He has contracted TB and therefore is not allowed to join his family in the Olaine camp. T. Zhdanok believes that the Latvian legislation ignores the fact that all former USSR republics have gained their independence quite recently. The legislation should have provided for a certain transition period that would allow to eliminate many of the problems encountered by former USSR citizens today, says Mrs. Zhdanok.

Member of the Latvian Human Rights Committee Tatyana Zhdanok has studied the Tamazyans' case. The Tamazyan family fled to Latvia from Armenia several years ago. Mrs. Tamazyan and her children have been placed to the Olaine refugee camp recently while Mr. Tamazyan is currently kept in custody by the Immigration Police. He has contracted TB and therefore is not allowed to join his family in the Olaine camp. T. Zhdanok believes that the Latvian legislation ignores the fact that all former USSR republics have gained their independence quite recently. The legislation should have provided for a certain transition period that would allow to eliminate many of the problems encountered by former USSR citizens today, says Mrs. Zhdanok.

Press Report

Minister of Culture Rihards Piks ("Saimnieks") resigned after the Prosecutor General's Office had discovered that he violated the Anti-Corruption Law. A representative of the Office told "DIENA" that none of the violation coud be clasified as a criminal offence. Prime-Minister Skele approved his decision and praised Mr. Piks for "acting courageously as a real poitician should." Today the Prime-Minister will address the nation on TV with a statement on the political situation in the country. The Prosecutor General's Office will consider alleged violation of the Anti-Corruption Law by forty-six Saeima deputies.

Minister of Culture Rihards Piks ("Saimnieks") resigned after the Prosecutor General's Office had discovered that he violated the Anti-Corruption Law. A representative of the Office told "DIENA" that none of the violation coud be clasified as a criminal offence. Prime-Minister Skele approved his decision and praised Mr. Piks for "acting courageously as a real poitician should." Today the Prime-Minister will address the nation on TV with a statement on the political situation in the country. The Prosecutor General's Office will consider alleged violation of the Anti-Corruption Law by forty-six Saeima deputies. Diena

"SM SEVODNYA" observer Andrey Vorontsov believes that the current corruption scandal was initiated by "Skele's team" to weaken the legislative power. The term of the current Saeima expires after one year and the Prime-Minister tries to establish a basis for his political allies in the next Saeima. Unlike some analysts, Vorontsov does not expect Skele to resign. On the opposite, the Prime-Minister and the Cabinet may use the Saeima vacations for using the rights provided by the Satversme and adopting legal acts that otherwise would not be passed by the Saeima. Vorontsov believes that the three major governing parties ("Latvijas Cels", "Saimnieks" and "Tevzemei un Brivibai" could agree on staging the parliamentary crisis by leaving the Cabint this autumn. The next step could be the re-election of the Prime-Minister and the President.

"SM SEVODNYA" observer Andrey Vorontsov believes that the current corruption scandal was initiated by "Skele's team" to weaken the legislative power. The term of the current Saeima expires after one year and the Prime-Minister tries to establish a basis for his political allies in the next Saeima. Unlike some analysts, Vorontsov does not expect Skele to resign. On the opposite, the Prime-Minister and the Cabinet may use the Saeima vacations for using the rights provided by the Satversme and adopting legal acts that otherwise would not be passed by the Saeima. Vorontsov believes that the three major governing parties ("Latvijas Cels", "Saimnieks" and "Tevzemei un Brivibai" could agree on staging the parliamentary crisis by leaving the Cabint this autumn. The next step could be the re-election of the Prime-Minister and the President. SM

"Latvijas Cels" faction objects to raising the salaries of Saeima deputies. The raise of the salary up to Ls 530 was suggested by twenty-eight deputies, most of them belonging to governing factions. The figure does not include benefits and free helth ensurance available to deputies. The suggestion also provided for a special pension for deputies that would constitute 75% of their average salaries.

"Latvijas Cels" faction objects to raising the salaries of Saeima deputies. The raise of the salary up to Ls 530 was suggested by twenty-eight deputies, most of them belonging to governing factions. The figure does not include benefits and free helth ensurance available to deputies. The suggestion also provided for a special pension for deputies that would constitute 75% of their average salaries. Diena, SM

The Chechen delegation visiting Lithuania and Latvia was not given a permission to enter Estonia. The Estonian Embassy to Latvia explained that members of the delegation had only former USSR passports not valid for entering the country.

The Chechen delegation visiting Lithuania and Latvia was not given a permission to enter Estonia. The Estonian Embassy to Latvia explained that members of the delegation had only former USSR passports not valid for entering the country. SM

Deputy-Head of the CID Legal Division Ainars Lavrinovics says that the Division suggested allowing holders of new aien passports to keep their former USSR pasports until Russia formally recognizes the alien passports. The suggestion is currently considered by the CID. PL

Deputy-Head of the CID Legal Division Ainars Lavrinovics says that the Division suggested allowing holders of new aien passports to keep their former USSR pasports until Russia formally recognizes the alien passports. The suggestion is currently considered by the CID. PL