Press Review

Press Review

Russian President B.Yeltsin vetoed the draft law on the state policy towards Russian compatriots residing abroad on May 31 due to unclear juridical imperfection. This could cause problems not only with former USSR republics but Poland, Finland and some other former parts of Russian Empire. The law was corrected at a parliamentary commission meeting, but several articles, preserved in it, contradicted other Russian legal norms. On Thursday the National Council adopted in the first reading a draft law on imposing economic sanctions on Latvia. At the same time the deputies adopted a draft law on humanitarian aid to Russian citizens and compatriots residing in Latvia. The government representatives think that the law will never be adopted or will be adopted with radical amendments.

Russian President B.Yeltsin vetoed the draft law on the state policy towards Russian compatriots residing abroad on May 31 due to unclear juridical imperfection. This could cause problems not only with former USSR republics but Poland, Finland and some other former parts of Russian Empire. The law was corrected at a parliamentary commission meeting, but several articles, preserved in it, contradicted other Russian legal norms. On Thursday the National Council adopted in the first reading a draft law on imposing economic sanctions on Latvia. At the same time the deputies adopted a draft law on humanitarian aid to Russian citizens and compatriots residing in Latvia. The government representatives think that the law will never be adopted or will be adopted with radical amendments. Neatkariga, Diena, Panorama Latvii

To stimulate more public involvement in discussing the national integration program concept the Naturalisation Board circulated leaflets (300 000 copies in the Latvian language and 175 000 in the Russian language) on Monday with a call to give their opinion on the concept. The first responses were received already on Friday.

Diena

In Russian version of Diena the President of Latvian National Commission Western Russians D.Nikolayev contemplates about integration on a theoretical level. He thinks that there is no defined position of the states attitude towards a person. And it leaves impact on the integration process. When integrating two completely opposite tendencies - centripetal and centrifugal, you can not keep old ties (meaning the Satversme of the Republic of Latvia). Diena

Press Review

Press Review

The yesterday’s vote of non-confidence proved that the government of V.Kristopans is strong enough to continue working. 60 MP voted against the proposal of

The yesterdays vote of non-confidence proved that the government of V.Kristopans is strong enough to continue working. 60 MP voted against the proposal of Peoples Party, and the same support the government got for the new ministers: I.Udre - Minister of Economics, T.Koke - State Minister of Higher Education and Science, V.Jaksons - State Minister of Health Care, J.Bunkss - State Minister of Special Portfolio in the State Administration and Local Government Territorial Reform and G.Kaktins State Minister of Forestry. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas, SM

Russian National Council adopted yesterday in the first reading the draft law on imposing sanctions against Latvia. Latvian politicians do not think that they would be adopted in the final version.

Russian National Council adopted yesterday in the first reading the draft law on imposing sanctions against Latvia. Latvian politicians do not think that they would be adopted in the final version. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Chas, Panorama Latvii

There is a possibility that Estonia will not be allowed to maintain its free trade agreement with Latvia. It has been planned that EU ambassadors will announce to the negotiation commission heads of the candidate states that EU countries have decided to refuse the requests of these candidate states to allow them in the beginning of the process not to harmonise their legislation with the one of EU on a full amount. It mean that Estonia will not be able to maintain its free trade agreements with Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine.

There is a possibility that Estonia will not be allowed to maintain its free trade agreement with Latvia. It has been planned that EU ambassadors will announce to the negotiation commission heads of the candidate states that EU countries have decided to refuse the requests of these candidate states to allow them in the beginning of the process not to harmonise their legislation with the one of EU on a full amount. It mean that Estonia will not be able to maintain its free trade agreements with Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine. Neatkariga

The Saeima has adopted in the second reading the draft law on emigration. The draft law provides the right of emigration for permanent residence abroad for every Latvian citizen and non-citizen.

Diena

The public organisation Union of Citizens and Non-citizens have proposed amendments to the draft law on city council and local government elections establishing the right for non-citizens in these elections, but the Saeima factions and the State President did not support this initiative. V.Sorokin comments this decision in the Russian version of Diena.

A seminar on the role of education and language in promoting public integration. The seminar was organised by the OSCE Mission to Latvia, Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centre upon a proposal of Latvian government. High ranking foreign and local guests participated in the discussions. Diena (Russian version)

Press Review

Press Review

The

The New Party decided to stay in the government and proposed I.Udre to the post of the Minister of Economics. The former Minister A.Slesers stated that the party had given a chance to form this government and supported it for the second time but there could be no third time. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Diena, Bizness & Baltiya

Yesterday the eight meeting of the Latvian - Byelorussian inter-governmental commission took place in Minsk. The only topic of the agenda - demarcation of the border.

Yesterday the eight meeting of the Latvian - Byelorussian inter-governmental commission took place in Minsk. The only topic of the agenda - demarcation of the border. Neatkariga

A Russian speaking journalist A.Gilman published his reflections about the integration program in Latvia. He feels sorry about his lost Soviet citizenship and thinks that the legislators when adopting new laws are more concerned about their correspondence to international standards not whether this law would make the life of the persons concerned easier. And the subjects of this law have to obey it, not to acknowledge. But if the state aims at forming an integrated society, it should reconsider its policy radically.

A Russian speaking journalist A.Gilman published his reflections about the integration program in Latvia. He feels sorry about his lost Soviet citizenship and thinks that the legislators when adopting new laws are more concerned about their correspondence to international standards not whether this law would make the life of the persons concerned easier. And the subjects of this law have to obey it, not to acknowledge. But if the state aims at forming an integrated society, it should reconsider its policy radically. Neatkariga

Diena

interviewed the Chairman of LC A.Pantelejevs about the current political situation in Latvia. He thinks that the government will remain and at the beginning of June the new wording of the coalition agreement could be adopted. The presidential election will not cause much trouble for the government. The trouble makers could be economic issues such as amending the state budged in the direction of decreasing the expenditure part, preparing the next year budget and also protection of the domestic market. A.Pantelejevs also explained the position of LC about nominating A.Gorbunovs for the post of the President. interviewed the Chairman of LC A.Pantelejevs about the current political situation in Latvia. He thinks that the government will remain and at the beginning of June the new wording of the coalition agreement could be adopted. The presidential election will not cause much trouble for the government. The trouble makers could be economic issues such as amending the state budged in the direction of decreasing the expenditure part, preparing the next year budget and also protection of the domestic market. A.Pantelejevs also explained the position of LC about nominating A.Gorbunovs for the post of the President. DienaDiena

Diena

interviewed also Peoples Party Chairman A.Skele. He had no doubt that the government would survive despite the evidences that the real leader of the state was A.Lembergs. Answering to the question about the new policy of PP, A.Skele explained that now the time had come for the party to be in real opposition. i.e. not to support any steps of the government, even sensible ones, thus making it to resign. He foresaw that the next crisis cold come in autumn when the next budget would be discussed. A.Skele also spoke about the possible candidates to the presidency. Diena

State President G.Ulmanis had a four hour discussion with the

State President G.Ulmanis had a four hour discussion with the New Party Chairman R.Pauls about Paulss possible running for presidency. Mr.Pauls has not made up his mind yet and will announce the final decision on Saturday. Diena, Chas

Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs A.Lind expressed her satisfaction that the meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Nordic and Baltic states and Russia had opened a possibility to improve relations between Russia and the Baltic states. Also Latvian MFA Deputy State Secretary A.Ronis, describing this meeting, stated that some positive signs could be traced in the attitude of the Russian MFA towards those three states.

Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs A.Lind expressed her satisfaction that the meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Nordic and Baltic states and Russia had opened a possibility to improve relations between Russia and the Baltic states. Also Latvian MFA Deputy State Secretary A.Ronis, describing this meeting, stated that some positive signs could be traced in the attitude of the Russian MFA towards those three states. Diena

MP J.Vidins made a proposal that only Latvians should be allowed to run for presidency and it should be prohibited to the former Communist Party Central Committee members. The Saeima Juridical Commission refused this proposal, and it is up to Saeima to make the final decision.

MP J.Vidins made a proposal that only Latvians should be allowed to run for presidency and it should be prohibited to the former Communist Party Central Committee members. The Saeima Juridical Commission refused this proposal, and it is up to Saeima to make the final decision. Diena, Bizness & Baltiya, Panorama Latvii

It is possible that a no visa and readmitting of illegal immigrants agreements will be signed with Belgium next week.

It is possible that a no visa and readmitting of illegal immigrants agreements will be signed with Belgium next week. Jauna Avize

Panorama Latvii, when writing about the 12 000 Ls allocated to the Naturalisation Board for ensuring the process of naturalisation, is rather sarcastic and states that the planned time for complete integration of the Latvian society could be shorter than expected. And this does not need any additional financial resources - many of the old age apatrids will be no more around by that time.

Panorama Latvii, when writing about the 12 000 Ls allocated to the Naturalisation Board for ensuring the process of naturalisation, is rather sarcastic and states that the planned time for complete integration of the Latvian society could be shorter than expected. And this does not need any additional financial resources - many of the old age apatrids will be no more around by that time.

Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers decided to allocate the Naturalisation Board 12 000 Ls let it could operate till the end of this year and improve the process of naturalisation. The intensity of this process has increased more than 4 times since the new amendments to the Law on Citizenship took effect. Now the Board receives 1300 -1400 applications per month.

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers decided to allocate the Naturalisation Board 12 000 Ls let it could operate till the end of this year and improve the process of naturalisation. The intensity of this process has increased more than 4 times since the new amendments to the Law on Citizenship took effect. Now the Board receives 1300 -1400 applications per month. Neatkariga

Prime Minister V.Kristopans and the

Prime Minister V.Kristopans and the New Party have agreed that the new Minister of Economics should manage the Ministry of Economics professionally and keep aloft from any possible influence of economic groups. NP representatives consider that there should be stricter supervision, co-ordination and exchange of information between the Cabinet of Ministers and Privatisation Agency. The most real candidate to the post of the Minister of Economics is I.Å°dre, but some Board members did not exclude a possibility to nominate to this post the former minister A.Slesers once again. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize

Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs said in an interview to the Latvian Radio that the calm reaction of Russia on the results of NATO summits meeting was an evidence that its aggressive tendencies were not increasing due to the unstable domestic economic situation. There will be no threat for Latvia in the nearest decade.

Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs said in an interview to the Latvian Radio that the calm reaction of Russia on the results of NATO summits meeting was an evidence that its aggressive tendencies were not increasing due to the unstable domestic economic situation. There will be no threat for Latvia in the nearest decade. Neatkariga

V.Birkavs has published an article in Herald Tribune where he tries to reconcile the past with the multiethnic future. He states “if Russia acknowledge the Soviet time crimes, it could serve as grounds for Latvia and Russia to start using business possibilities together as well as solve such common problems as international terrorism, organised crime , etc.

V.Birkavs has published an article in Herald Tribune where he tries to reconcile the past with the multiethnic future. He states if Russia acknowledge the Soviet time crimes, it could serve as grounds for Latvia and Russia to start using business possibilities together as well as solve such common problems as international terrorism, organised crime , etc. Neatkariga

Russian newspaper Izvestiya voiced an opinion that Russia did not want to sign the border agreement with Latvia due its legislation. There are to strict laws on citizenship, language and education. The author of the article agrees that Russias demands to Latvia are stricter that for the other Baltic states.

Neatkariga The OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel is coming to Latvia on May 24-25 to discuss the draft language law once again. The Commissioner has already pointed out some discrepancy of the Latvian legislation to the international standards.

The OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel is coming to Latvia on May 24-25 to discuss the draft language law once again. The Commissioner has already pointed out some discrepancy of the Latvian legislation to the international standards. Diena

TB/LNNK will address the Hague International Court to inform about the occupation of Latvia and the consequences of this occupation.

TB/LNNK will address the Hague International Court to inform about the occupation of Latvia and the consequences of this occupation. Diena

Panorama Latvii

published on more article in integration . Dr-s. paed. MP J.Pliner and V.Buhvalov think that integration should solve the following issues: 1) to further mastering of the Latvian language by non-Latvians, 2) preserve the Russian language in the system of education, 3) provide possibilities for studying in the framework of education for national minorities, 4) mastering during the process of studies the cultural values of the nations living on the territory of Latvia for longer period of time, 5) cultivating in students patriotism and civic position.

Press Review

Press Review

The Board of

The Board of LC in a secret ballot passed a vote of confidence to two its members - Prime Minister V.Kristopans and Director General of the Privatisation Agency J.Naglis. The Chairman of LC A.Pantelejevs said that if the both persons respect the decision of the Board they should try to co-operate. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas, SM, Bizness & Baltiya

The Cabinet of Ministers has postponed for three months the population census, and the new date will be March 31, 2000.

Neatkariga LC member A.Gorbunovs agreed to run for presidency and explained this decision with not being able to avoid responsibility endlessly and ignore the decisions of the party Board and congress, as well as the promises given to the electors. At the same time he stated that he did not have much hope for being elected.

LC member A.Gorbunovs agreed to run for presidency and explained this decision with not being able to avoid responsibility endlessly and ignore the decisions of the party Board and congress, as well as the promises given to the electors. At the same time he stated that he did not have much hope for being elected. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas

President G.Ulmanis considers that, disregarding the dismissal of the Minister of Economics A.Slesers, V.Kristopans’s government should continue working. He acknowledged that the government should act more decisively in such a situation.

President G.Ulmanis considers that, disregarding the dismissal of the Minister of Economics A.Slesers, V.Kristopanss government should continue working. He acknowledged that the government should act more decisively in such a situation. Neatkariga

The Director of Human Rights Institute, LU I.Ziemele writes in

The Director of Human Rights Institute, LU I.Ziemele writes in Diena that people have realised the success of public integration, stability and future development of the state to depend on the solution of the language problem. And it is evident that there are no ready remedies because the state language policy in Western counties has been formed in different time and environment. Diena

The Saeima European Affairs Commission stated that there were many vague juridical points and inaccuracies in the draft language law, therefore it might be necessary to exchange it structure. The Commission plans to discuss exact proposals that would not be political. The draft law is being prepared for the final reading, and the Commission head E.Inkens stressed that there was no special need for rush.

The Saeima European Affairs Commission stated that there were many vague juridical points and inaccuracies in the draft language law, therefore it might be necessary to exchange it structure. The Commission plans to discuss exact proposals that would not be political. The draft law is being prepared for the final reading, and the Commission head E.Inkens stressed that there was no special need for rush. Diena

Evaluating the possible duration of the public integration process in Estonia, two thirds of Estonians and half of non-Estonians admit that even in 2025 non-Estonians will live in their territories and study in their own schools separately from Estonians. A public opinion poll showed that more than 25 years would be needed to carry out the integration process.

Evaluating the possible duration of the public integration process in Estonia, two thirds of Estonians and half of non-Estonians admit that even in 2025 non-Estonians will live in their territories and study in their own schools separately from Estonians. A public opinion poll showed that more than 25 years would be needed to carry out the integration process. Diena

Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs, during his meeting with his Russian counterpart I.Ivanov, proposed to sign the already prepared agreements. But the Minister is not very optimistic about such a possibility because it was just a proposal.

Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs, during his meeting with his Russian counterpart I.Ivanov, proposed to sign the already prepared agreements. But the Minister is not very optimistic about such a possibility because it was just a proposal. Jauna Avize

After his visit to Russia, Birkavs hold a press briefings about the results and the future of bilateral relations. He did not think that these relations could be influenced by Latvia’s position on Kosovo, rather by the draft language law. Latvia should take care to make this law corresponding to international standards. And the most time during the negotiations with I.Ivanov was spent on this issue. The next visit of the Minister will be to the USA.

After his visit to Russia, Birkavs hold a press briefings about the results and the future of bilateral relations. He did not think that these relations could be influenced by Latvias position on Kosovo, rather by the draft language law. Latvia should take care to make this law corresponding to international standards. And the most time during the negotiations with I.Ivanov was spent on this issue. The next visit of the Minister will be to the USA. Diena (Russian version)

The newspaper

The newspaper SM verified the information on the possible visit of I.Ivanov to Latvia in Moscow and got a confirmation that this official would come to Riga after one month.

A DCMA working group has completed its work on the draft law on domicile registration. The law establishes a new procedure how the residents’ domiciles should be declared and registered, at the same time abolishing the current domicile registration system. Thus the human right of free motion within the state would be insured according to European standards.

A DCMA working group has completed its work on the draft law on domicile registration. The law establishes a new procedure how the residents domiciles should be declared and registered, at the same time abolishing the current domicile registration system. Thus the human right of free motion within the state would be insured according to European standards. Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii, Bizness & Baltiya

Jauna Avize interviewed the leader of the union of left wing parties A.Rubiks. Among other things said, he predicted that V.Kristopans’s government would last no longer than 8 - 12 months.

Jauna Avize interviewed the leader of the union of left wing parties A.Rubiks. Among other things said, he predicted that V.Kristopanss government would last no longer than 8 - 12 months.

Bizness & Baltiya

tried to calculate the possible future leaders of the state. According to this newspaper, if A.Gorbunovs becomes the President, R.Zîle or J.Naglis could take the post of the Prime Minister and the post of the Speaker would be given to a tried to calculate the possible future leaders of the state. According to this newspaper, if A.Gorbunovs becomes the President, R.Zîle or J.Naglis could take the post of the Prime Minister and the post of the Speaker would be given to a People’s PartyPeoples Party member. But there is a doubt that A.Gorbunovs could receive a majority vote. In such a case the three leading parties: member. But there is a doubt that A.Gorbunovs could receive a majority vote. In such a case the three leading parties: People’s PartyPeoples Party, , Latvijas CelsLatvijas Cels and TB/LNNK would have to trade and three new leaders could appear - V.Birkavs as the President, A.Gorbunovs as the Speaker and R.Zile as the Prime Minister. and TB/LNNK would have to trade and three new leaders could appear - V.Birkavs as the President, A.Gorbunovs as the Speaker and R.Zile as the Prime Minister. T.Judina came to the editor’s office of

T.Judina came to the editors office of Panorama Latvii and told he following story. She had been working as a janitor for 15 years, but one day a neighbour sent a complain about her state language knowledge to the State Language Inspection. The officials reacted immediately and called Ms.Judina on phone, informing that they would come to inspect her language skills. The poor woman was afraid to fail this test, and remembering the time when she had to pay for the test from her miniature wage - 50 Ls before taxes, did not feel very happy. But the very idea that a janitor should be requested the state language knowledge seemed strange to her. Panorama Latvii