Press Report

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Nordic, Baltic states and Russia after their meeting in Saint Petersburg paid special attention to the co-operation between EU and Russian. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs used this occasion to meet Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs A.Lind to discuss the expansion of EU and to learn about the Swedish position on this issue.

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Nordic, Baltic states and Russia after their meeting in Saint Petersburg paid special attention to the co-operation between EU and Russian. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs used this occasion to meet Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs A.Lind to discuss the expansion of EU and to learn about the Swedish position on this issue. Neatkariga

During this meeting V.Birkavs stated that the first thing for Russia to do to improve its economic co-operation with the neighbouring countries should be abolishing the artificially imposed sanctions.

During this meeting V.Birkavs stated that the first thing for Russia to do to improve its economic co-operation with the neighbouring countries should be abolishing the artificially imposed sanctions. Diena

I.Ivanov stated that Russian position on the Baltic states joining NATO had not changed, and Europe had to look for a new security model for the next century.

I.Ivanov stated that Russian position on the Baltic states joining NATO had not changed, and Europe had to look for a new security model for the next century. Diena

V.Birkavs informed the press about the final agreement for the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov to come to Riga this June.

V.Birkavs informed the press about the final agreement for the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov to come to Riga this June. Diena, Bizness & Baltiya

I.Ivanov proposed to organise a joined meeting of the leaders Barenc See and Baltic See regions the discuss strategic co-operation issues.

I.Ivanov proposed to organise a joined meeting of the leaders Barenc See and Baltic See regions the discuss strategic co-operation issues. Jauna Avize

The Chairman of the

The Chairman of the New Party R.Pauls, who so far had refused categorically a possibility to run for the Presidency seems to have changed his position because. Answering to a question about himself as a possible president during a TV broadcast, he did not give a straight forward answer but promised to do it within the next week. Neatkariga

Deputy Chairman of the Saeima TB/LNNK faction J.Dobelis announced at a press conference that during the time when there were so many urgent matters to solve, it would be unwise to overthrow the government. He told about some people coming to the TB/LNNK offices and trying to persuade them about a need to form a new government.

Deputy Chairman of the Saeima TB/LNNK faction J.Dobelis announced at a press conference that during the time when there were so many urgent matters to solve, it would be unwise to overthrow the government. He told about some people coming to the TB/LNNK offices and trying to persuade them about a need to form a new government. Neatkariga

Dr. pol.scien. A.Pabriks in his article in

Dr. pol.scien. A.Pabriks in his article in Diena asks how long we can stand a government which exists just for itself and some rich entrepreneurs. He states that from the very restoration of Latvian independence the political elite had a wish to make all decisions in a very small circle. In 1991 there was a chance to find a solution satisfying both Latvians and Russians, but it did not satisfy the ruling elite therefore we had to wait for three years for the Law on Citizenship. Now its is up to the people to make the government to remember them. Diena

Before the election to the Saeima

Before the election to the Saeima Latvijas Cels concluded co-operation agreements with regional parties in Daugavpils and Venspils. The leaders of Venspils party is A.Lembergs. And Diena journalist I.Egle investigates what were the reasons for Latvijas Cels to conclude such agreements and what is their influence of Latvijas Cels. Diena

Only two parties -

Only two parties - Latvijas Cels and Farmers Union have a rise in their popularity rating in April. This opinion poll was conducted by Latvijas Fakti. Jauna Avize

Russian version of

Diena published a large material on the Russian speaking newspapers in Latvia. If the Latvian newspapers try to persuade their readers to start thinking about the state related issues, then their Russian speaking colleagues tell their readers that they are just second class people. Diena

Bizness & Baltiya

writes about the issuing of the new Latvian citizen passports, and the two options - to print new ones or to improve the old ones by using a laser printer.

Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs had a meeting with his Russian counterpart I.Ivanov The Ministers agreed that the experts of the intergovernmental commission should continue their work so that a meeting of state officials could take place in autumn during which the prepared agreements could be signed, including the border agreement. After the half an hour long meeting V.Birkavs invited I.Ivanov to visit Riga. The visit could take place after the meeting of the CBSS ministers in Vilnius on 14. and 15 of May.

Yesterday Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs had a meeting with his Russian counterpart I.Ivanov The Ministers agreed that the experts of the intergovernmental commission should continue their work so that a meeting of state officials could take place in autumn during which the prepared agreements could be signed, including the border agreement. After the half an hour long meeting V.Birkavs invited I.Ivanov to visit Riga. The visit could take place after the meeting of the CBSS ministers in Vilnius on 14. and 15 of May. Neatkariga, Diena, SM

The Chairman of

The Chairman of Latvijas Cels A.Pantelejevs stated that the government would not be able to exist if the Prime Minister V.Kristopans and the Director General of the Privatisation Agency J.Naglis did not harmonise their opinions on the last stage of privatisation. A.Pantelejevs stressed that he would try to do the best to harmonise those two different opinions. Neatkariga, SM

The Chairman of the TB/LNNK Saeima faction M.Grinblats thinks that an attempt to dismiss the Director General of the Privatisation Agency J.Naglis might shorten the life span of V.Kristopans’s government.

The Chairman of the TB/LNNK Saeima faction M.Grinblats thinks that an attempt to dismiss the Director General of the Privatisation Agency J.Naglis might shorten the life span of V.Kristopanss government. Diena, SM (17.05.99)

Dr. paed. J.Birzkops from Liepaja Pedagogical Academy considers that the most important thing for the integration of Latvians and non-Latvians is not to rush the events. People are infuriated already by talks, not speaking about actions. And nobody neither in Latvia nor in the whole world knows what could be the outcome of such a risky experiment.

Dr. paed. J.Birzkops from Liepaja Pedagogical Academy considers that the most important thing for the integration of Latvians and non-Latvians is not to rush the events. People are infuriated already by talks, not speaking about actions. And nobody neither in Latvia nor in the whole world knows what could be the outcome of such a risky experiment. Neatkariga

Next week German President R.Herzog is coming to Latvia. This will be the second visit of a German President to Latvia. The timing was chosen deliberately - this will be the last foreign visit of R.Herzog in this post and the last time for receiving so important guests for G.Ulmanis.

Next week German President R.Herzog is coming to Latvia. This will be the second visit of a German President to Latvia. The timing was chosen deliberately - this will be the last foreign visit of R.Herzog in this post and the last time for receiving so important guests for G.Ulmanis. Neatkariga

Last week Estonian mass media started a mass social advertisement campaign “Many nice people” with an aim to encourage discussion on integration of non-Estonians into Estonian society. The campaign will last for three weeks.

Last week Estonian mass media started a mass social advertisement campaign Many nice people with an aim to encourage discussion on integration of non-Estonians into Estonian society. The campaign will last for three weeks. Diena

Prime Minister V.Kristopans announced to the Latvian Radio on Friday that he had come to a opinion that the Free Trade Agreement of the Baltic states, signed in 1996, had been concluded in a rush without much thinking about the protection of the domestic market. The reason for such a conclusion was the analysis of the government’s activities during the last half the year to improve the situation in agriculture. He put the blame for this on the former Prime Minister A.Skele.

Prime Minister V.Kristopans announced to the Latvian Radio on Friday that he had come to a opinion that the Free Trade Agreement of the Baltic states, signed in 1996, had been concluded in a rush without much thinking about the protection of the domestic market. The reason for such a conclusion was the analysis of the governments activities during the last half the year to improve the situation in agriculture. He put the blame for this on the former Prime Minister A.Skele. Diena

Press review

Press review

President Ulmanis expressed his support to Prime Minister V.Kristopans. After the meeting with V.Kristopans, G.Ulmanis announced that did not have any reason to think that PM’s activities could be influenced by any economic groups. He also acknowledged that the dismissal of A.Slesers was a well thought over decision based on many serious arguments. President was sure about the stability of the government.

President Ulmanis expressed his support to Prime Minister V.Kristopans. After the meeting with V.Kristopans, G.Ulmanis announced that did not have any reason to think that PMs activities could be influenced by any economic groups. He also acknowledged that the dismissal of A.Slesers was a well thought over decision based on many serious arguments. President was sure about the stability of the government. Neatkariga, Diena

The Chairman of TB/LNNK M.Grinblats considers the adoption of the language law to be one of the major tasks of this Saeima. The party finds the adopted second reading of the draft to be satisfactorily. The main topic of discussions are HC Max van der Stoel’s recommendations. The opinion of TB/LNNK is the following - we should listen carefully to the recommendations of large international organisations, but our legislation is in our hands, and Latvia can not offend any foreign state or international organisation by not accepting their recommendations or accepting them partially. These recommendations have arisen in a different language environment, and in addition Mr.van der Stoel is notorious for his partial attitude towards small countries and nations.

The Chairman of TB/LNNK M.Grinblats considers the adoption of the language law to be one of the major tasks of this Saeima. The party finds the adopted second reading of the draft to be satisfactorily. The main topic of discussions are HC Max van der Stoels recommendations. The opinion of TB/LNNK is the following - we should listen carefully to the recommendations of large international organisations, but our legislation is in our hands, and Latvia can not offend any foreign state or international organisation by not accepting their recommendations or accepting them partially. These recommendations have arisen in a different language environment, and in addition Mr.van der Stoel is notorious for his partial attitude towards small countries and nations. Neatkariga

MFA Press Secretary T.Baumanis informed that there were no principal disagreement during the meeting of Latvian and Russian government experts on social welfare issues, and the agreement on social guarantees could be signed this year.

MFA Press Secretary T.Baumanis informed that there were no principal disagreement during the meeting of Latvian and Russian government experts on social welfare issues, and the agreement on social guarantees could be signed this year. Neatkariga

The TB/LNNK faction has submitted to the Saeima a proposal for amending the law On city council and parish council elections establishing a 5% barrier for parties to be elected. A PM Dz.Rasnacs explained that in the current law there was no barrier and this norm did not correspond to the principle of proportionality.

Neatkariga, Diena

Former politician M.Vulfsons has an opinion that Latvia needs a new national unity government that would defend the interests of people, but not just exist to survive.

Diena

German President R.Herzog is coming to Latvia on an official visit on May 19 - 21. Diena

Press report

Press report

Latvian politicians consider B.Yeltsin’s decision to dismiss the government to be an internal matter of Russia and do not think that it could influence the bilateral relations much. This is also an official opinion of the MFA.

Latvian politicians consider B.Yeltsins decision to dismiss the government to be an internal matter of Russia and do not think that it could influence the bilateral relations much. This is also an official opinion of the MFA. Neatkariga, Diena, Bizness&Baltiya

President G.Ulmanis as well does not anticipate any changes in Latvian Russian relations after the change of the government in Russia.

President G.Ulmanis as well does not anticipate any changes in Latvian Russian relations after the change of the government in Russia. Jauna Avize

New Party

has not taken a decision whether to remain in the coalition and plans to decide it as well as about the candidate to the post of the Minister of Economics at the has not taken a decision whether to remain in the coalition and plans to decide it as well as about the candidate to the post of the Minister of Economics at the NPNP Board meeting on May 19. By that time the government should solve the problem of dismissing the Director General of the Privatisation Agency, let the new minister should not have to deal with it. Board meeting on May 19. By that time the government should solve the problem of dismissing the Director General of the Privatisation Agency, let the new minister should not have to deal with it. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, SMNeatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, SM The decision of the Russian President could influence the work of the Latvian - Russian intergovernmental Commission because the Co-chairman of the Commission R.Abdulatipov has resigned with the rest of the ministers. The former ministers continue working, but Mr.Abdulatipov does not know whether he will be included in the new government. Latvian Embassy in Moscow guess that the issue of further activities of the Commission could be one of the major topics for discussion between V.Birkavs and I.Ivanov during their meeting in Saint Petersburg. MFA Press Secretary T.Baumanis informed that no more two sided meetings were planned with the other ministers present at this 5+3+1 meeting.

The decision of the Russian President could influence the work of the Latvian - Russian intergovernmental Commission because the Co-chairman of the Commission R.Abdulatipov has resigned with the rest of the ministers. The former ministers continue working, but Mr.Abdulatipov does not know whether he will be included in the new government. Latvian Embassy in Moscow guess that the issue of further activities of the Commission could be one of the major topics for discussion between V.Birkavs and I.Ivanov during their meeting in Saint Petersburg. MFA Press Secretary T.Baumanis informed that no more two sided meetings were planned with the other ministers present at this 5+3+1 meeting. Neatkariga

The meeting of the Intergovernmental commission that took place in Moscow on Wednesday according to the experts’ opinion was fruitful - it has given the expected results. No further information was available.

The meeting of the Intergovernmental commission that took place in Moscow on Wednesday according to the experts opinion was fruitful - it has given the expected results. No further information was available. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

The government forming coalition factions have come to an agreement that next Thursday when the vote of non-confidence to Prime Minister Vilis Kristopans is to be considered, all the faction members will be present and reject the proposal. President Ulmanis thinks that is a task for the opposition to oppose the government, and

The government forming coalition factions have come to an agreement that next Thursday when the vote of non-confidence to Prime Minister Vilis Kristopans is to be considered, all the faction members will be present and reject the proposal. President Ulmanis thinks that is a task for the opposition to oppose the government, and Peoples Party is very active in it. Neatkariga

The Russian National Council expressed a protest to Latvian authorities for persecuting the deputy of the Riga City Council T.Zhdanok. The deputies of the National Council see this action of the Latvian authorities as a restriction of the political, civic and economic rights of Russian speakers residing permanently in Latvia.

The Russian National Council expressed a protest to Latvian authorities for persecuting the deputy of the Riga City Council T.Zhdanok. The deputies of the National Council see this action of the Latvian authorities as a restriction of the political, civic and economic rights of Russian speakers residing permanently in Latvia. Neatkariga

A high ranking EC official told the newspaper Diena that EC supported the proposals of the OSCE HC Max van der Stoel on the draft language laws. EC representative said that the Commission had expressed their concern about the non-conformity of the draft language law to the association agreement in an unofficial conclusion, and the content of it has been made known to the Latvian government, Saeima and several institutions involved. While the law is in the draft form, no more official document should follow.

A high ranking EC official told the newspaper Diena that EC supported the proposals of the OSCE HC Max van der Stoel on the draft language laws. EC representative said that the Commission had expressed their concern about the non-conformity of the draft language law to the association agreement in an unofficial conclusion, and the content of it has been made known to the Latvian government, Saeima and several institutions involved. While the law is in the draft form, no more official document should follow. Diena

Dr. A.Pabriks published his opinion on the draft language law. He thinks that people regard the law as the main goal but forget that this law is just a step towards some major goal - public integration.

Dr. A.Pabriks published his opinion on the draft language law. He thinks that people regard the law as the main goal but forget that this law is just a step towards some major goal - public integration. Diena

Panorama Latvii interviewed the Deputy head of the DCMA A.J.Lejins, and Mr.Lejins told the journalist about the situation in Aluksne where, as the auditors from the DCMA Central office had discovered, the local office head I.Pliens had not collected the fee for issuing residence permits. The auditors did not go into details and send this case to the criminal police for investigation because of a suspicion that the fee could be collected but not recorded. Although the local head paid the missing 697 Lats back, he was dismissed.

Press Review

Press Review

Former Minister of Economics A.Slesers after his firing from the government announced that the state was led by A.Lembergs but not by V.Kristopans and proved his statement.

Former Minister of Economics A.Slesers after his firing from the government announced that the state was led by A.Lembergs but not by V.Kristopans and proved his statement. LC Chairman A.Pantelejevs finds this action of Slesers unacceptable and regards it as a revenge for losing his post. On the other hand, the opposition leader A.Skele said that these events had proved V.Kristopanss incapability to lead the government and that the government had always depended on outside influence. Anybody who would agree to take the post of the Minister of Economics would agree to work in a puppet government. To avoid this situation Peoples Party has taken a decision to pass a vote of non-confidence to the government. Although the ruling coalition has the majority in the Saeima, A.Skele assured that most of the deputies had conscience. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Diena, Bizness & Baltiya, Chas, Panorama Latvii

In Russian version of

In Russian version of Diena A.Skele published an article explaining the policy of Peoples Party. They consider it is a high time for V.Kristopans to step down and let PP to form the new government.

This week a meeting of the ministers of Foreign Affairs from the Nordic and Baltic states and Russia would take place in Saint Petersburg to discuss different issues. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs told the Latvian Radio that he planned to meet his Russian colleague I.Ivanov to discuss the bilateral relations.

This week a meeting of the ministers of Foreign Affairs from the Nordic and Baltic states and Russia would take place in Saint Petersburg to discuss different issues. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs told the Latvian Radio that he planned to meet his Russian colleague I.Ivanov to discuss the bilateral relations. Neatkariga. Diena, Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii

Prime Minister V.Kristopans signed the decree of dismissal of the Minister of Economics A.Slesers and Parliamentary Secretary A.Tocs not waiting for the 48 hours stipulated by the coalition agreement. The opinions of

Prime Minister V.Kristopans signed the decree of dismissal of the Minister of Economics A.Slesers and Parliamentary Secretary A.Tocs not waiting for the 48 hours stipulated by the coalition agreement. The opinions of New Party politicians whether to remain in the government differ, but the rest of the government forming factions are sure that NP will stick to the coalition. A meeting of the representatives of the New Party and Latvijas Cels took place on Tuesday night, and A.Pantelejevs commenting this meeting, said that the both parties were interested in keeping this government. A.Pantelejevs stressed that it would be necessary to enlarge the coalition, by inviting Social Democrats as full-fledged members, and conclude a new coalition agreement. Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK is not ready for such a step yet. They have to see what course will be chosen by the Social Democrats at their party congress on May 29. Diena

Peoples Party

leader A.Skele announced that PP was ready to organize a referendum on the state language law should the OSCE recommendations were adopted. While meeting with the voters, he promised not to allow the amendments, proposed by the OSCE, to be adopted. Diena

About 200 000 non-citizens have not applied to receive their non-citizen passports and about 100 000 of them will not do it till the beginning of the next year. They will have no valid ID because the former USSR passports would become invalid. But these people will have no problems to receive passports even after this date.

About 200 000 non-citizens have not applied to receive their non-citizen passports and about 100 000 of them will not do it till the beginning of the next year. They will have no valid ID because the former USSR passports would become invalid. But these people will have no problems to receive passports even after this date. Diena

The social issues working groups of the intergovernmental Latvian - Russian commission restarted their activities in Moscow on Wednesday. The experts discussed the agreement on co-operation in the social welfare issues.

The social issues working groups of the intergovernmental Latvian - Russian commission restarted their activities in Moscow on Wednesday. The experts discussed the agreement on co-operation in the social welfare issues. Diena

In the nearest future a government formed working group will announce a tender on printing new citizen passports and other IDs necessary for traveling. The Director of MFA Consular Department S.Mellupe told the news agency Leta, the working group would prepare the tender regulations by May 15 and by October 1 they had to submit the results of this tender to the government.

In the nearest future a government formed working group will announce a tender on printing new citizen passports and other IDs necessary for traveling. The Director of MFA Consular Department S.Mellupe told the news agency Leta, the working group would prepare the tender regulations by May 15 and by October 1 they had to submit the results of this tender to the government. Diena

S.Mihailov in

S.Mihailov in Panorama Latvii comments the results of the TV discussion of Latvian top politicians on the national program of integration. A.Seikts thinks that the lines of people at the offices of the Naturalisation Board is an evidence that these people are integrated, Dz.Abikis sees the main goal of integration in including non-Latvians into the Latvian environment. J.Jurkans perceives integration as something suggested by some Western experts otherwise Latvia could have problems in joining EU. The author comes to a conclusion that the tops would like integration , but the bottoms (Latvians themselves) have many reasons to dislike it. And the other part of the population has their experiences making them to be cautious about it. Panorama Latvii