Press Report

President Yeltsin says that he does not believe that NATO membership would provide additional security guarantees for the three Baltic states and Ukraine. In his interview to ITAR-TASS and AFP he said that he hoped to persuade the former USSR republics not to join the bloc and to choose "the forming of a comprehensive European security system." Still, President Yeltsin did not mention the possibility of Russia "revising" its relations with NATO in case the bloc was joined by the Baltic states. Such a statement was made previously by Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov.

President Yeltsin says that he does not believe that NATO membership would provide additional security guarantees for the three Baltic states and Ukraine. In his interview to ITAR-TASS and AFP he said that he hoped to persuade the former USSR republics not to join the bloc and to choose "the forming of a comprehensive European security system." Still, President Yeltsin did not mention the possibility of Russia "revising" its relations with NATO in case the bloc was joined by the Baltic states. Such a statement was made previously by Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov. Diena

Estonian, Lithuanian and Latvian Presidents held a meeting in Otepa, Estonia. Today the three leaders will meet Polish and Ukrainian Presidents in Tallinn. The agenda of the meetings includes economic and security issues.

Estonian, Lithuanian and Latvian Presidents held a meeting in Otepa, Estonia. Today the three leaders will meet Polish and Ukrainian Presidents in Tallinn. The agenda of the meetings includes economic and security issues. Diena

President Yeltsin says that he does not believe that NATO membership would provide additional security guarantees for the three Baltic states and Ukraine. In his interview to ITAR-TASS and AFP he said that he hoped to persuade the former USSR republics not to join the bloc and to choose "the forming of a comprehensive European security system." Still, President Yeltsin did not mention the possibility of Russia "revising" its relations with NATO in case the bloc was joined by the Baltic states. Such a statement was made previously by Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov.

President Yeltsin says that he does not believe that NATO membership would provide additional security guarantees for the three Baltic states and Ukraine. In his interview to ITAR-TASS and AFP he said that he hoped to persuade the former USSR republics not to join the bloc and to choose "the forming of a comprehensive European security system." Still, President Yeltsin did not mention the possibility of Russia "revising" its relations with NATO in case the bloc was joined by the Baltic states. Such a statement was made previously by Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov. Diena

Estonian, Lithuanian and Latvian Presidents held a meeting in Otepa, Estonia. Today the three leaders will meet Polish and Ukrainian Presidents in Tallinn. The agenda of the meetings includes economic and security issues.

Estonian, Lithuanian and Latvian Presidents held a meeting in Otepa, Estonia. Today the three leaders will meet Polish and Ukrainian Presidents in Tallinn. The agenda of the meetings includes economic and security issues. Diena

Press Report

Independent deputies Gundars Valdmanis, Leopolds Ozolins and Andris Rubins have founded a new political party. People's Movement

Independent deputies Gundars Valdmanis, Leopolds Ozolins and Andris Rubins have founded a new political party. People's Movement "Briviba" opposes the Law on Privatization that allows the purchase of land by foreigners and will champion a stricter government control of the national economics. Diena

The Foundation for Environmental Rehabilitation of Skrunda and Repatriation of Russian Servicemen will render financial support to 440 families of Russian servicemen willing to repatriate. Each family will receive Ls 400 - 800 aid after settling all repatriation-related formalities. The aid (16 million Swedish Crowns ="" around one million Lats) will be distributed within two years and has been provided by the Swedish Government. According to the CID, 20,000 families of Russian servicemen retired before 28 January 1992 are currently residing in Latvia.

The Foundation for Environmental Rehabilitation of Skrunda and Repatriation of Russian Servicemen will render financial support to 440 families of Russian servicemen willing to repatriate. Each family will receive Ls 400 - 800 aid after settling all repatriation-related formalities. The aid (16 million Swedish Crowns ="" around one million Lats) will be distributed within two years and has been provided by the Swedish Government. According to the CID, 20,000 families of Russian servicemen retired before 28 January 1992 are currently residing in Latvia. Diena

Press Report

"Tevzemei un Brivibai"

is planning to hold a meeting with Prime-Minister Skele today (May 26). The purpose of the meeting is resolving the approaching government crisis. is planning to hold a meeting with Prime-Minister Skele today (May 26). The purpose of the meeting is resolving the approaching government crisis. "TB""TB" representatives told the press that the party would leave the Cabinet if Skele dismissed Minister of Economics Krasts. Mr. Krasts' possible dismissal is considered by Prime-Minister Skele after representatives told the press that the party would leave the Cabinet if Skele dismissed Minister of Economics Krasts. Mr. Krasts' possible dismissal is considered by Prime-Minister Skele after "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" provided him with documents proving that the Minister of Economics violated the Law on Corruption by retaining his post of a company deputy-director. Mr. Krasts at his press-conference last Friday accused "certain provided him with documents proving that the Minister of Economics violated the Law on Corruption by retaining his post of a company deputy-director. Mr. Krasts at his press-conference last Friday accused "certain "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" members" of backing the interests of "western countries". Still, he refused to name the politicians and the countries they were supporting and explained that the company he headed had been out of business for several years. "DIENA" reported about three other ministers violating the Law on Corruption by retaining their posts in private companies. Those are Minister of Communications Kristopans ( members" of backing the interests of "western countries". Still, he refused to name the politicians and the countries they were supporting and explained that the company he headed had been out of business for several years. "DIENA" reported about three other ministers violating the Law on Corruption by retaining their posts in private companies. Those are Minister of Communications Kristopans ("Latvijas Cels""Latvijas Cels"), Minister of Education Celmins (), Minister of Education Celmins ("Saimnieks""Saimnieks") and Minister of Agriculture Dilba () and Minister of Agriculture Dilba ("Saimnikes""Saimnikes"). ). Diena, B&B;Diena, B&B Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov told the press that Russia would revise its relations with the Baltic states if the tree countries joined NATO during the second stage of its enlargement. Russia would also reconsider its agreement with NATO to be signed tomorrow (27 May) in Paris.

Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov told the press that Russia would revise its relations with the Baltic states if the tree countries joined NATO during the second stage of its enlargement. Russia would also reconsider its agreement with NATO to be signed tomorrow (27 May) in Paris. Diena

US Department of State Press-Secretary Nicholas Burns in an interview for

US Department of State Press-Secretary Nicholas Burns in an interview for "DIENA" said that the US would assist Latvia and Russia in resolving the problems that could arise in connection with the agreement on the Skrunda radar. The Latvian side is concerned about possible requests to extend the term of operation of the Skrunda radar. Diena

Press Report

"Saimnieks"

Chairman Ziedonis Cevers provided Prime-Minister Skele with documents compromising Minister of Economics Guntars Krasts ( Chairman Ziedonis Cevers provided Prime-Minister Skele with documents compromising Minister of Economics Guntars Krasts ("Tevzemei un Brivibai""Tevzemei un Brivibai"). Mr. Cevers refused to comment on the contents of the documents and said that conclusions were to be made by the Prime-Minister. ). Mr. Cevers refused to comment on the contents of the documents and said that conclusions were to be made by the Prime-Minister. DienaDiena Yesterday the

Yesterday the LNNK and the Farmers' Union/the Union of Christian Democrats factions nominated Mr. Talavs Jundzis candidate for Minister of Defense. Mr. Jundzis held the post in Godmanis' cabinet. He is a member of the People's Christian Party. The party has no seats in the Saeima and is planning to merge with the Union of Christian Democrats. Sources in the Saeima say that the Prime-Minister may not accept the candidature. Diena

According to the President's Chancellery, his visit to Russia is postponed until autumn.

According to the President's Chancellery, his visit to Russia is postponed until autumn. "BIZNES I BALTIYA" suggests that the decision was agreed upon by Mr. Ulmanis and President Yeltsin to make it possible for the parties to discuss the results of the Madrid NATO Summit.

Member of the Saeima Oleg Denisov (the Socialist Party) told

Member of the Saeima Oleg Denisov (the Socialist Party) told "SM" about his meetings with Russian Duma deputies. Head of the Russian Parliamentary Delegation to Latvia Mr. Vakulenko said that Russia was ready to revise its economic relations with Latvia if it failed to resolve the issue of non-citizens. According to Mr. Denisov, Russian Parliament members are aware of the agreement between the Saeima governing factions that excludes the possibility of amending the Citizenship Law. The State Duma even may put aside the Citizenship Law if Latvia agrees to simplify the naturalization procedure and stops its current education policy. SM

Italian President Skalfaro at a press-conference said that the issue of national minorities is Latvia's internal affair and expressed hope the country would resolve the problem "in course of time."

Italian President Skalfaro at a press-conference said that the issue of national minorities is Latvia's internal affair and expressed hope the country would resolve the problem "in course of time." SM

Press Report

Press Report

Prime-Minister Skele said that he would resign if the Saeima Committee for Investigation of G-24 Credit Distribution continued circulating rumors of his involvement it the scandal. Chairman of the Committee Viktors Stikuts (

Prime-Minister Skele said that he would resign if the Saeima Committee for Investigation of G-24 Credit Distribution continued circulating rumors of his involvement it the scandal. Chairman of the Committee Viktors Stikuts ("Saimnieks") told the press last Tuesday that Skele was responsible for negligent distribution of G-24 credits among twelve enterprises. Diena

Yesterday the

Yesterday the "Tevzemei un Brivibai" faction officially informed the Prime-Minister and the governing factions about its decision to recall Vladimirs Makarovs from the post of Minister of Welfare. "TB" objects to amendments to the Law on Pensions. The first reading of the amendments supported by "Saimnieks" has been already adopted by the Saeima. "TB" leader Grinblats suggested that "Saimnieks" could nominate its candidate for the post. "Saimnieks" Chairman Cevers said that the party was ready to nominate its candidate for the post upon an agreement with other governing factions and the Prime-Minister. Diena, B&B

Mayor of Daugavpils Aleksey Vidavsky addressed President Ulmanis with an open letter. The letter draws the President's attention to the media campaign aimed at creating a negative image of Daugavpils as a city "alien to Latvia". Mr. Vidavsky denies any political background of his recent visit to Moscow that was aimed at establishing economic contacts in Russia.

Mayor of Daugavpils Aleksey Vidavsky addressed President Ulmanis with an open letter. The letter draws the President's attention to the media campaign aimed at creating a negative image of Daugavpils as a city "alien to Latvia". Mr. Vidavsky denies any political background of his recent visit to Moscow that was aimed at establishing economic contacts in Russia. SM