Press Review

Press Review

Latvian MFA announced officially that they understood the reasons for cancelling I.Ivanov’s visit to Latvia and did not see there any hints on Latvian Russian intergovernmental relations. But Dz.Eglitis from

Latvian MFA announced officially that they understood the reasons for cancelling I.Ivanovs visit to Latvia and did not see there any hints on Latvian Russian intergovernmental relations. But Dz.Eglitis from Neatkariga thinks that I.Ivanov does not control the situation in Russia and proves his statement with the events in Kosovo and situation with Kaliningrad region. Neatkariga

Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs acknowledged in Palanga that Latvian - Russian relations currently were the most positive as they had been during the last period of time. He pointed out that it would be important for the future visit of I.Ivanov to give a push for activating the “ intergovernmental commission”, signing prepared agreements, as well as planning future co-operation. V.Birkavs also added that the visit of I.Ivanov was not postponed for long.

Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs acknowledged in Palanga that Latvian - Russian relations currently were the most positive as they had been during the last period of time. He pointed out that it would be important for the future visit of I.Ivanov to give a push for activating the intergovernmental commission, signing prepared agreements, as well as planning future co-operation. V.Birkavs also added that the visit of I.Ivanov was not postponed for long. Neatkariga

All leading newspapers write about the coming presidential election, giving different opinion on the candidates.

All leading newspapers write about the coming presidential election, giving different opinion on the candidates. Chas, SM, BB

Politicians have different opinions on the possible development of the situation if the first round gives no result. On Tuesday a consultation of

Politicians have different opinions on the possible development of the situation if the first round gives no result. On Tuesday a consultation of Social Democrats, Latvijas Cels and Peoples Party took place, but their statements after this meeting did not give a clear picture in this respect. Some politicians stand for a neutral president, some think that the president should represent some party. Diena

Meanwhile, Vike-Freiberga, Director of Latvian Institute stated that she would run for the Presidency if she were nominated (there were some discussion about her as a possible candidate.)

Meanwhile, Vike-Freiberga, Director of Latvian Institute stated that she would run for the Presidency if she were nominated (there were some discussion about her as a possible candidate.) Neatkariga,

15.3 000 non-citizens, including 1260 children, have received Latvian citizenship from February 1995, when the process of naturalisation was started in Latvia. The Naturalisation Board informed that 6482 applications are in the process of consideration. From the total amount of applicants Russians constitute 57.6%, Lithuanians and Estonians – 14%, Byelorussians – 10.4%, Poles – 7.1%, Ukrainians – 6.6%, Latvians and Livs – 0.5%. 65.7% of all applicants are women.

15.3 000 non-citizens, including 1260 children, have received Latvian citizenship from February 1995, when the process of naturalisation was started in Latvia. The Naturalisation Board informed that 6482 applications are in the process of consideration. From the total amount of applicants Russians constitute 57.6%, Lithuanians and Estonians – 14%, Byelorussians – 10.4%, Poles – 7.1%, Ukrainians – 6.6%, Latvians and Livs – 0.5%. 65.7% of all applicants are women. Diena (Russian version)

Disregarding the proposal of nationalistically orientated members of the Saeima Commission on Education and Science to prepare the language law for the third reading for today’s extraordinary Saeima meeting, the Commission refused this proposal, but the meeting will take place anyway.

Disregarding the proposal of nationalistically orientated members of the Saeima Commission on Education and Science to prepare the language law for the third reading for todays extraordinary Saeima meeting, the Commission refused this proposal, but the meeting will take place anyway. Panorama Latvii

Not to oppose the EU by refusing to ratify its recommendations concerning the capital punishment and at the same time leaving some space for manoeuvring, the Saeima Commission on Defence and Internal Affairs conceptually agreed on Article 15.1 of the Law on imposing penalties. According to the Commission, as there are some articles in the Criminal Code, providing the capital punishment, they should not be abolished but this sentence should be taken and executed only in the case of war.

Not to oppose the EU by refusing to ratify its recommendations concerning the capital punishment and at the same time leaving some space for manoeuvring, the Saeima Commission on Defence and Internal Affairs conceptually agreed on Article 15.1 of the Law on imposing penalties. According to the Commission, as there are some articles in the Criminal Code, providing the capital punishment, they should not be abolished but this sentence should be taken and executed only in the case of war. Panorama Latvii

 Press Review

Press Review

The eight session of the CBSS countries started yesterday in Palanga. The Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov stated that Russia was ready to co-operate with any Latvian president, and the formation of bilateral relations would depend on the wish of the new President. He pointed out that the most crucial point preventing establishing good relations with Latvia was the limitation of the rights of Russian speakers.

The eight session of the CBSS countries started yesterday in Palanga. The Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov stated that Russia was ready to co-operate with any Latvian president, and the formation of bilateral relations would depend on the wish of the new President. He pointed out that the most crucial point preventing establishing good relations with Latvia was the limitation of the rights of Russian speakers. Neatkariga

The new language law could be adopted on July 8 after the newly elected President has given the solemn oath. This decision was agreed upon by the leaders of

The new language law could be adopted on July 8 after the newly elected President has given the solemn oath. This decision was agreed upon by the leaders of Social Democrats and TB/LNNK. Neatkariga, Diena

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia A.Avdeyev said yesterday in Palanga that the visit of I.Ivanov could be organised by this winter. During his meeting with V.Birkavs he assured of Russia’s good will to organise a meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs. V.Birkavs confirmed that the visit would take place after the crisis in Kosovo was solved.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia A.Avdeyev said yesterday in Palanga that the visit of I.Ivanov could be organised by this winter. During his meeting with V.Birkavs he assured of Russias good will to organise a meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs. V.Birkavs confirmed that the visit would take place after the crisis in Kosovo was solved. Neatkariga

TB/LNNK and

TB/LNNK and Social Democrats think that the most probable possibility is to agree on a neutral President candidate should the election on June 17 give no positive result. Peoples Party does not exclude such a possibility as well. These three political parties together constitute a majority in the Saeima. Diena

If A.Gorbunovs does not win on the first election round,

If A.Gorbunovs does not win on the first election round, Latvijas Cels will summon an extraordinary conference to decide about a new candidate. Majority of the Saeima political parties assure that they will not support A.Gorbunovs or will vote for R.Pauls. There are talks that the next Latvijas Cels candidate could be Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs. Jauna Avize

L.Raihman from LHRC claims that Latvian authorities do not want to ensure human rights, and this time he writes about the obstacles that were put to adopt the regulations on granting citizenship to children of non-citizens born in Latvia after 1991.

SM

FROM: OSCE Mission to Latvia

FROM: OSCE Mission to Latvia

TO: Mr. Falk Lange

TO: Mr. Falk Lange

Cc. Ms. Helen Dahl Hansen

Cc. Ms. Helen Dahl Hansen

Cc. Ms. V.Sullivan

Cc. Ms. V.Sullivan

Press Review

Press Review

The Saeima Presidium decided that at the extraordinary session on 16 June it will be concluded that the draft language law is not ready for consideration and the session will be closed.

The Saeima Presidium decided that at the extraordinary session on 16 June it will be concluded that the draft language law is not ready for consideration and the session will be closed. Diena, SM

The Education Law provides for changes in education system such as expanding the age limits for acquiring primary education from 15 to 18 years of age; introduction of minority education programs as well as exact, humanities and vocation education programs. Different pedagogues interviewed by 

The Education Law provides for changes in education system such as expanding the age limits for acquiring primary education from 15 to 18 years of age; introduction of minority education programs as well as exact, humanities and vocation education programs. Different pedagogues interviewed byDiena evaluate these changes of teaching process differently, nevertheless positively.

Speaking about minority education programs, manager of accademic matters of the Riga High School No. with Russian language of instruction 17 Nehamijs Gasulis said that although mastering of any language is a value, pupils acquire subjects taught in the native language better than in the state language. He predicts that the number of backward pupils will increase. Mr. Gasulis stressed that teachers would support bilingual education if more lesson hours have been allocated for teaching a subject.

Speaking about minority education programs, manager of accademic matters of the Riga High School No. with Russian language of instruction 17 Nehamijs Gasulis said that although mastering of any language is a value, pupils acquire subjects taught in the native language better than in the state language. He predicts that the number of backward pupils will increase. Mr. Gasulis stressed that teachers would support bilingual education if more lesson hours have been allocated for teaching a subject. Diena

Yesterday the parliament adopted the Law on Vocational Education and the Law on General Education in the final reading.

Yesterday the parliament adopted the Law on Vocational Education and the Law on General Education in the final reading. Jauna Avize, Neatkariga, Chas

Yesterday the Saeima rejected the amendments to the Education Law providing that the pre-school education institutions have to be financed from the state budget and not from the budget of local municipalities.

Yesterday the Saeima rejected the amendments to the Education Law providing that the pre-school education institutions have to be financed from the state budget and not from the budget of local municipalities. Chas

State Real Estate Agency has addressed different ministries, organisations, enterprises and individuals inviting them to apply for use of buildings at the Skrunda Radar Station military town with a possibility to privatise these buildings later.

State Real Estate Agency has addressed different ministries, organisations, enterprises and individuals inviting them to apply for use of buildings at the Skrunda Radar Station military town with a possibility to privatise these buildings later.

As the Acting Director of the Agency J. Stepins told

As the Acting Director of the Agency J. Stepins told Jauna Avize, at the moment no potential tenant has applied. The Agency worries that these building might later get raided in the same way as similar buildings in the former Liepaja Military Port

Panorama Latvii publishes an open letter of several Russian organisations, including Russian Society in Latvia, Russian Community in Latvia as well as the Latvian Human Rights Committee, to the Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Ivanov in which they attract the Ministers attention to facts witnessing purposeful policy of revenge carried out by the Latvian authorities against persons whom they consider enemies. One of the mentioned facts is a court case against a veteran of the Second World War V. Kononov accused of having committed crimes against the Latvian people. Panorama Latvii

Press Review

Press Review

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially confirmed that the visit of the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I. Ivanov to Latvia will take place on 12 and 13 June. He will meet with State President Guntis Ulmanis, Prime Minister Vilis Kristopans, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs. Both sides will sign the memorandum of understanding on co-operation issues.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially confirmed that the visit of the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I. Ivanov to Latvia will take place on 12 and 13 June. He will meet with State President Guntis Ulmanis, Prime Minister Vilis Kristopans, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs. Both sides will sign the memorandum of understanding on co-operation issues. Diena, Neatkariga, B&B

Yesterday on the initiative of the For Fatherland and Freedom the Saeima Standing Committee on Education repeatedly voted on the language law issue. This was the third time when the Commission supported the postponing of the consideration till August. The leadership of

Yesterday on the initiative of the For Fatherland and Freedom the Saeima Standing Committee on Education repeatedly voted on the language law issue. This was the third time when the Commission supported the postponing of the consideration till August. The leadership of the Fatherland and Freedom still believes that it will manage to have the draft law considered on 16 June regardless of the absence of the conclusion from the responsible commission. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas

As the chair of the Commission Dzintars Abikis told NEATKARIGA, he will submit to the Saeima Presidium a letter explaining the reasons why the draft law has not been prepared for the third reading. Besides, he has planned to attach the table with all proposal, so that “the Presidium can decide what to do know.”

As the chair of the Commission Dzintars Abikis told NEATKARIGA, he will submit to the Saeima Presidium a letter explaining the reasons why the draft law has not been prepared for the third reading. Besides, he has planned to attach the table with all proposal, so that the Presidium can decide what to do know. Neatkariga

SM publishes an interview with V. Evteev, Head of the Representation of the Russian Federation Migration Service in Latvia. Mr. Evteev discusses issues related with the voluntary emigration of Latvian residents to Russia. SM

Journalist Dainis Ivans thinks that the language situation in Latvia depends on the willingness and the ability of Latvians themselves to speak Latvian and the Language law will neither promote nor lessen that.

Journalist Dainis Ivans thinks that the language situation in Latvia depends on the willingness and the ability of Latvians themselves to speak Latvian and the Language law will neither promote nor lessen that. Jauna Avize

He believes that the language law is needed for the integration of a politically and nationally divided society into united cultural environment rather than for the protection of the Latvianess.

He believes that the language law is needed for the integration of a politically and nationally divided society into united cultural environment rather than for the protection of the Latvianess. Jauna Avize

Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday the Saeima Standing Commission on Education, Culture and Science upheld its previous decision to postpone the consideration of the draft language law till August. Thus, at the extraordinary session of the parliament on 16 June summoned on the initiative of Fatherland and Freedom, the People’s Party and the Social democrats it will not be possible to consider the draft language law due to the absence of the conclusion from the responsible commission.

Yesterday the Saeima Standing Commission on Education, Culture and Science upheld its previous decision to postpone the consideration of the draft language law till August. Thus, at the extraordinary session of the parliament on 16 June summoned on the initiative of Fatherland and Freedom, the Peoples Party and the Social democrats it will not be possible to consider the draft language law due to the absence of the conclusion from the responsible commission.

Leadership of the Fatherland and Freedom, however, thinks that the draft law might be considered without the appropriate conclusion. The deputies could vote on submitted proposals separately.

Leadership of the Fatherland and Freedom, however, thinks that the draft law might be considered without the appropriate conclusion. The deputies could vote on submitted proposals separately. Diena, Jauna Avize, Neatkariga

SM comments this situation when the extraordinary session is summoned but there is no document to consider as the absurd theatre. SM

The Union of Social Democrats officially nominated Arnis Kalnins as its candidate for the presidential elections.

The Union of Social Democrats officially nominated Arnis Kalnins as its candidate for the presidential elections. Jauna Avize

2400 graduates of the minority school who combined the graduation examination of the Latvian language with the language examination for naturalisation, do not know yet whether their combined examination will be considered valid. The Saeima Standing Commission on Implementation of the Citizenship Law did not consider this issue due to the absence of the Minister of Education Janis Gaigals. Before taking the leave the Minister had asked not to consider this matter in his absence.

2400 graduates of the minority school who combined the graduation examination of the Latvian language with the language examination for naturalisation, do not know yet whether their combined examination will be considered valid. The Saeima Standing Commission on Implementation of the Citizenship Law did not consider this issue due to the absence of the Minister of Education Janis Gaigals. Before taking the leave the Minister had asked not to consider this matter in his absence. Diena

According to the information at the disposal of SM, the Russian Duma will consider the draft law on economic sanctions against Latvia in the second reading already this month.

According to the information at the disposal of SM, the Russian Duma will consider the draft law on economic sanctions against Latvia in the second reading already this month. SM

Famous ballet dancer Andris Liepa will be granted the Latvian citizenship for outstanding service for the benefit of Latvia. Andris Liepa renounced his Russian citizenship.

Famous ballet dancer Andris Liepa will be granted the Latvian citizenship for outstanding service for the benefit of Latvia. Andris Liepa renounced his Russian citizenship. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize