Press Report

Press Report

"Latvijas Cels"

deputies told the press that the faction might suggest the President to consider dismissing the Saeima. The statements were made after the deputies told the press that the faction might suggest the President to consider dismissing the Saeima. The statements were made after the "Tevzemei un Brivibai" "Tevzemei un Brivibai" faction tried to block the adoption of several draft laws last Thursday. The issue will be on the agenda of the faction tried to block the adoption of several draft laws last Thursday. The issue will be on the agenda of the "LC""LC" party conference. party conference. DienaDiena Last Friday the Saeima adopted amendments to the Law on Self-Government Elections liquidating elected regional self-governments.

Last Friday the Saeima adopted amendments to the Law on Self-Government Elections liquidating elected regional self-governments. "Tevzemei un Brivibai", part of LNNK, and opposition factions tried to block the vote. "TB" Chairman Straume at a press-conference explained that the party had informed its coalition partners about its negative viewpoint on free land market and the liquidation of regional self-governments. Diena

The UNDP and the Government of Latvia signed an agreement on an aid project for implementing the latvian Language Training National Program. Minister of Education Grinblats in his speech pointed at the importance of teaching Latvian to the young. Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Magee expressed hope that the program would speed up the naturalization process.

The UNDP and the Government of Latvia signed an agreement on an aid project for implementing the latvian Language Training National Program. Minister of Education Grinblats in his speech pointed at the importance of teaching Latvian to the young. Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Magee expressed hope that the program would speed up the naturalization process. Diena

Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs said at a press-conference that he considered "overcoming problems in relations with Russia" to be the main task of his Ministry for the coming year.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs said at a press-conference that he considered "overcoming problems in relations with Russia" to be the main task of his Ministry for the coming year. Diena

Prime-Minister Skele suggested that

Prime-Minister Skele suggested that "Tevzemei un Brivibai" Areconsider its policy" toward free land market and regional self-governments. Mr. Skele addressed the Third "TB" Congress yesterday. The congress voted for "TB" merging with LNNK and the Christian Democrats planned for the coming year. Diena

Co-chairman of the Latvian Human Rights Committee Vladimir Buzayev criticized the UNDP for supporting a "radical" education program. The existing legislation and upcoming laws on language and education are aimed at assimilating national minorities. The Latvian Human Rights Committee is organizing a picket in front of the UNDP office on the International Human Rights Day.

Co-chairman of the Latvian Human Rights Committee Vladimir Buzayev criticized the UNDP for supporting a "radical" education program. The existing legislation and upcoming laws on language and education are aimed at assimilating national minorities. The Latvian Human Rights Committee is organizing a picket in front of the UNDP office on the International Human Rights Day. PL

Boris Tsilevich in a report on the Vienna conference on education for national minorities points at the situation in Slovakia that, in his opinion, is similar to the problems faced by Russian schools in Latvia. According to Tsilevich, the Slovak Government ignores the opinion of the Hungarian minority on education issues. Latvia was represented by Mrs. Baiba Kinstlere, a mid-level official at the Ministry of Education. Tsilevich believes that the low level of representation is an evidence of Latvia's attitude to the problem. Mrs. Kinstlere in her report said that the country's legislation complied with international human rights norms. She admitted that violations occurred due to misinterpretation of the laws. Mrs. Kinstlere explained that the rights of ethnic Latvians were being restored, which inevitably lead to a certain reduction of the rights of non-Latvians. Latvia's education system had not been formed yet, stressed Kinstlere. Boris Tsilevich pointed at the tendencies in Latvian education policies that contradict the Hague recommendations. Among those is discriminating financing of private schools by the state. According to the law, only Latvian schools are entitled to state financial aid. Tsilevich also mentioned Minister of Education Grinblats saying that Latvian and non-Latvian children should not attend the same classes. Such a policy, if implemented, would not allow non-Latvians to obtain secondary education if it becomes available only in Latvian.

Boris Tsilevich in a report on the Vienna conference on education for national minorities points at the situation in Slovakia that, in his opinion, is similar to the problems faced by Russian schools in Latvia. According to Tsilevich, the Slovak Government ignores the opinion of the Hungarian minority on education issues. Latvia was represented by Mrs. Baiba Kinstlere, a mid-level official at the Ministry of Education. Tsilevich believes that the low level of representation is an evidence of Latvia's attitude to the problem. Mrs. Kinstlere in her report said that the country's legislation complied with international human rights norms. She admitted that violations occurred due to misinterpretation of the laws. Mrs. Kinstlere explained that the rights of ethnic Latvians were being restored, which inevitably lead to a certain reduction of the rights of non-Latvians. Latvia's education system had not been formed yet, stressed Kinstlere. Boris Tsilevich pointed at the tendencies in Latvian education policies that contradict the Hague recommendations. Among those is discriminating financing of private schools by the state. According to the law, only Latvian schools are entitled to state financial aid. Tsilevich also mentioned Minister of Education Grinblats saying that Latvian and non-Latvian children should not attend the same classes. Such a policy, if implemented, would not allow non-Latvians to obtain secondary education if it becomes available only in Latvian. SM

An article in

An article in "SM" by professional lawyers describes typical problems faced by applicants for residence permits. Persons who married residents or citizens of Latvia between 1989 and 1990 and had a temporary "propiska" cannot extend it without receiving a residence permit. The CID cannot issue the permit to a person having only an internal USSR passport. Such persons cannot apply to the Russian Embassy for citizenship without having a permanent "propiska" in Latvia. The vicious circle is aggravated by the fact that the person, having no valid travel documents, cannot receive foreign citizenship outside Latvia. SM

Press Review

The

The Saeima hasadopted the Law on the National Human Rights Office. According to the Law, the Office reports only to the Saeima. The Government, political and non-governmental organizations cannot interfere with the work of the Office. The Office adheres to the Satversme, the Constitutional Law on the Rights and Obligations of an Individual and a Citizen and to international human right instruments acceded by Latvia. The NHRO issued a statement crediting the Saeima. The statement mentions the recognition of the Human Rights Office by the UN as a model for similar institutions to be established in the Baltic states, the CIS, and Central Europe. Diena

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima adopted amendments to the Law on Land Privatization in Rural Areas. The amendments grant the right to purchase land to all individuals and legal entities. Non-citizens, foreign citizens, public organizations (with an exception made for religious organizations), foreign companies and legal entities registered in the countries, that have not concluded agreements on investment protection with Latvia before the end of 1996, will not be allowed to purchase land in the state border zone, in national parks, arable land, and forests. "Tevzemei un Brivibai", LNNK, and "Ravnopraviye" voted against the amendments. Diena

Finnish Prime-Minister Lippenen in an interview for

Finnish Prime-Minister Lippenen in an interview for "DAGENS NYHETER" criticized Nordic conservatives for misguiding the Baltic states regarding their chances to join NATO. The Finnish Prime-Minister said that a plan for supporting the joining of NATO by the Baltic states had been blocked in the Nordic Council. "DN", while commenting on the interview, suggested that Finland's concern might be caused by NATO and Russia determining their spheres of influence leaving the country between the two competing powers. Diena

Juris Sinka (

Juris Sinka ("Tevzemei un Brivibai")in an article for "DIENA" claims renouncing of the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty or not referring to it in border talks with Russia to be a violation of the Satversme. The Satversme allows to change the countrys borders only if the decision gains a support of a nation-wide referendum. Sinka suggests concluding an agreement that would refer to the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty and establish a well-guarded provisional border with the Pitalovo (Abrene) district of Russia. Diena

An article in

An article in "PANORAMA LATVII" suggests that the mandate of the OSCE Mission to Latvia may not be extended. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is analyzing the work of the Mission. The "consideration" is, in the opinion of the author (Sergey Zaletayev), a deliberate postponing of the final decision. Another sign of the critical situation, according to the article, is a recent letter by High Commissioner van der Stoel to the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The letter suggests excluding nationality from the personal data stated in a passport. The issue has not been raised before, although the OSCE was aware of its existence. The efforts of the OSCE were focused on more important problems. The author believes that the step taken by the High Commissioner shows that the OSCE "has nothing to lose". Nationality is not stated in a traditional way in non-citizens' passports. It is indicated in the "special marks" section. President Ulmanis not mentioning the OSCE Mission in his speech at the OSCE Summit is another symptom. The article admits that the Mission cannot be a "remedy for all problems". Still, "even if it managed to help only a dozen of families", its further presence in Latvia is needed. PL

France has recognized "brown" non-citizens' passports, and its Embassy is now issuing visas to their holders.

France has recognized "brown" non-citizens' passports, and its Embassy is now issuing visas to their holders. PL

Applicants for Russian passports are storming the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Riga. The rush has been caused by a requirement to apply for residence permits before the end of this year. CID Deputy-Director Leins told

Applicants for Russian passports are storming the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Riga. The rush has been caused by a requirement to apply for residence permits before the end of this year. CID Deputy-Director Leins told "SM" that the term would be extended. He also said that renouncing Russian citizenship was unwise since foreigners "enjoyed protection of a country of residence and of his or her own state". According to Mr. Leins foreigners whose pensions are paid by Latvia will not be deprived of them. Latvia terminates the payments only if a person emigrates or repatriates from the country. He expects that the Latvian authorities will agree with the Russian side on putting "propiska" stamps in Russian passports. Although a residence permit sticker has a special place for re-registration, the space will be crossed out in permanent residence stickers. SM

Press Review

Press Review

Four Nordic countries will receive refugees currently staying at the Olaine camp in Latvia. The decision was made at the meeting of Immigration Ministers of the Nordic Countries. According to the UNHCR, Sweden will accept 52 refugees, Denmark - 25, Finland - 20, and Norway - 11. Most of the refugees are Iraqis and Afghans. The meeting stressed that the decision had been taken as an extraordinary step and expressed hope that Latvia would adopt laws on refugees to be observed in compliance with the 1951 UN Convention. According to

Four Nordic countries will receive refugees currently staying at the Olaine camp in Latvia. The decision was made at the meeting of Immigration Ministers of the Nordic Countries. According to the UNHCR, Sweden will accept 52 refugees, Denmark - 25, Finland - 20, and Norway - 11. Most of the refugees are Iraqis and Afghans. The meeting stressed that the decision had been taken as an extraordinary step and expressed hope that Latvia would adopt laws on refugees to be observed in compliance with the 1951 UN Convention. According to "DIENA", ten illegal immigrants will still stay at the Olaine camp. Diena

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Latvian Law Institute presented a selection of the most important Latvian laws. All the laws are published both in Latvian and in English. Minister of Justice Rasnacs did not agree to changes that occurred after signing the agreement on the publication of the laws. Initially, the Ministry of Justice signed the agreement with the US company Interlaw, its obligations later being passed to the Latvian Law Institute. The Minister of Justice insists on dismissing Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Justice Mrs. Slaidina for exceeding powers. The Parliamentary Secretary can be relieved of her duties only upon the Prime-Minister's approval. Mr. Rasnacs did not attend the official presentation of the book yesterday. Neatkariga

Boris Tsilevich analyzed the problem of education for minorities from the point of view of the documents worked out by the Foundation for Inter-Ethnic Relations. The Foundation is a non-governmental organization established in the Hague in 1993 to assist the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities. A group of experts worked out "The Hague Recommendations on the Rights of National Minorities for Education". The Recommendations are a generalization of norms pertaining to minorities' rights for education and are based on international legal acts. The Recommendations deal with several aspects of education for minorities in both state-financed and private schools. The Foundation organized a seminar on the Recommendations in Vienna in November this year. The discussion was attended by Ministers of Education of the OSCE countries and by human rights activists. It did not focus on any particular country and was dedicated to analyzing the entire problem. B.Tsilevich believes a report by Deputy-Director of Council of Europe Education Department M.Stobart to deserve special attention. Mr. Stobart suggested that an "intercultural" approach to education should be applied not only to minorities but to all students. A majority should study a language, history and culture of a minority. Such an approach would maintain tolerance among ethnic groups. Stobart believes that "multiple identity" should prevail in the modern world, that is, retaining native languages and cultural peculiarities will contribute to loyalty of national minorities to the state. Such a policy is an opposite to assimilation, criticized by Stobart. The idea is shared by Advisor to the OSCE High Commissioner J.Packer who also touched upon the problem of balance between a native language and a state language in the course of studies.

Boris Tsilevich analyzed the problem of education for minorities from the point of view of the documents worked out by the Foundation for Inter-Ethnic Relations. The Foundation is a non-governmental organization established in the Hague in 1993 to assist the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities. A group of experts worked out "The Hague Recommendations on the Rights of National Minorities for Education". The Recommendations are a generalization of norms pertaining to minorities' rights for education and are based on international legal acts. The Recommendations deal with several aspects of education for minorities in both state-financed and private schools. The Foundation organized a seminar on the Recommendations in Vienna in November this year. The discussion was attended by Ministers of Education of the OSCE countries and by human rights activists. It did not focus on any particular country and was dedicated to analyzing the entire problem. B.Tsilevich believes a report by Deputy-Director of Council of Europe Education Department M.Stobart to deserve special attention. Mr. Stobart suggested that an "intercultural" approach to education should be applied not only to minorities but to all students. A majority should study a language, history and culture of a minority. Such an approach would maintain tolerance among ethnic groups. Stobart believes that "multiple identity" should prevail in the modern world, that is, retaining native languages and cultural peculiarities will contribute to loyalty of national minorities to the state. Such a policy is an opposite to assimilation, criticized by Stobart. The idea is shared by Advisor to the OSCE High Commissioner J.Packer who also touched upon the problem of balance between a native language and a state language in the course of studies. SM

Leonid Fedoseyev in an article in "SM" gives his explanation of the unwillingness to abolish the nationality column in passports prevailing among the Latvian authorities. Although international standards do not provide for including information on a person's race, religious belief, and ailments in a passport, the Latvian passports still contain information on their holders' ethnic nationality. Fedoseyev believes the requirement of stating one's nationality to be a manifestation of the current policy of the state aimed at ethnic segregation and not at the forming of a political nation. According to Fedoseyev, being an ethnic Latvian provides an individual with certain privileges. Another reason is the problem of ethnic Latvians identifying themselves among other ethnic groups. Since there is no political nation in Latvia, Latvians are desperately looking for the grounds to base their community on. The range of the search lies between a caste and a tribal understanding of identity. Many Latvians believe a loss of a documented confirmation of their ethnic origin will result in losing their social status. This applies mainly to Latgalian Latvians, many of whom have a poor command of the Latvian language, and to Latvians having non-Latvian family names. Fedoseyev believes that all these reasons prove that ethnic discrimination exists in Latvia.

Leonid Fedoseyev in an article in "SM" gives his explanation of the unwillingness to abolish the nationality column in passports prevailing among the Latvian authorities. Although international standards do not provide for including information on a person's race, religious belief, and ailments in a passport, the Latvian passports still contain information on their holders' ethnic nationality. Fedoseyev believes the requirement of stating one's nationality to be a manifestation of the current policy of the state aimed at ethnic segregation and not at the forming of a political nation. According to Fedoseyev, being an ethnic Latvian provides an individual with certain privileges. Another reason is the problem of ethnic Latvians identifying themselves among other ethnic groups. Since there is no political nation in Latvia, Latvians are desperately looking for the grounds to base their community on. The range of the search lies between a caste and a tribal understanding of identity. Many Latvians believe a loss of a documented confirmation of their ethnic origin will result in losing their social status. This applies mainly to Latgalian Latvians, many of whom have a poor command of the Latvian language, and to Latvians having non-Latvian family names. Fedoseyev believes that all these reasons prove that ethnic discrimination exists in Latvia. SM

Press Report

Press Report

The OSCE Summit in Lisbon ended yesterday. President Ulmanis had meetings with several prominent Western political leaders. Italian Prime-Minister Prodi told the President that Italy supported Latvia's integration into the European Union and NATO. When touching upon his country's relations with Russia, Mr. Ulmanis criticized Russia for postponing the settling of border issues with Latvia trying to retain its influence in the region. British Prime-Minister Major during his meeting with the Latvian President said that Great Britain would support opening up NATO to potential new members. The Prime-Minister also pointed at the importance of establishing relations between NATO and Russia and Ukraine and stressed the role of the "Partnership for Peace" Program. The Declaration of the OSCE Summit says that the OSCE "is ready to respond to the challenges of the epoch". These include ethnic problems, aggressive nationalism, violation of the rights of minorities, terrorism, organized crime, uncontrolled migration, etc. The Declaration does not allow any of the OSCE member states to consider any part of the OSCE region as a sphere of its interests. The OSCE Summit agreed on accommodating the Agreement on Conventional Arms in Europe to the current situation.

The OSCE Summit in Lisbon ended yesterday. President Ulmanis had meetings with several prominent Western political leaders. Italian Prime-Minister Prodi told the President that Italy supported Latvia's integration into the European Union and NATO. When touching upon his country's relations with Russia, Mr. Ulmanis criticized Russia for postponing the settling of border issues with Latvia trying to retain its influence in the region. British Prime-Minister Major during his meeting with the Latvian President said that Great Britain would support opening up NATO to potential new members. The Prime-Minister also pointed at the importance of establishing relations between NATO and Russia and Ukraine and stressed the role of the "Partnership for Peace" Program. The Declaration of the OSCE Summit says that the OSCE "is ready to respond to the challenges of the epoch". These include ethnic problems, aggressive nationalism, violation of the rights of minorities, terrorism, organized crime, uncontrolled migration, etc. The Declaration does not allow any of the OSCE member states to consider any part of the OSCE region as a sphere of its interests. The OSCE Summit agreed on accommodating the Agreement on Conventional Arms in Europe to the current situation. Diena, Neatkariga, SM

In a speech delivered at the OSCE Summit President Ulmanis called the recent UN decision on the human rights situation in Latvia and Estonia "a recognition of Latvia's achievements in implementing recommendations received from regional and international organizations". The OSCE should continue focusing on the human dimension, said the President. At the same time, human rights and the rights of national minorities should not be used for attaining political goals. Speaking about co-operation between Latvia and the OSCE, President Ulmanis stressed the role of the OSCE in securing the fulfillment of Latvia's agreements with Russia. He called the expiration of the term of the Skrunda radar provisional operation in 1998 "the first important testing" of the fulfillment of the agreements. Mr. Ulmanis also mentioned the importance of the OSCE involvement in integrating Latvia's society.

In a speech delivered at the OSCE Summit President Ulmanis called the recent UN decision on the human rights situation in Latvia and Estonia "a recognition of Latvia's achievements in implementing recommendations received from regional and international organizations". The OSCE should continue focusing on the human dimension, said the President. At the same time, human rights and the rights of national minorities should not be used for attaining political goals. Speaking about co-operation between Latvia and the OSCE, President Ulmanis stressed the role of the OSCE in securing the fulfillment of Latvia's agreements with Russia. He called the expiration of the term of the Skrunda radar provisional operation in 1998 "the first important testing" of the fulfillment of the agreements. Mr. Ulmanis also mentioned the importance of the OSCE involvement in integrating Latvia's society. Neatkariga

Latvian representative to the UN Aivars Baumanis delivered a report on the minority situation in Latvia at the UN General Assembly. Mr. Baumanis claimed that all Latvia's inhabitants had equal economic rights. According to Baumanis, all residents of Latvia irrespective of their citizenship could own land, companies, or other property. He said that the Latvian legislation gave every individual the right to obtain citizenship, adding that almost half of non-Latvians had already received citizenship.

Latvian representative to the UN Aivars Baumanis delivered a report on the minority situation in Latvia at the UN General Assembly. Mr. Baumanis claimed that all Latvia's inhabitants had equal economic rights. According to Baumanis, all residents of Latvia irrespective of their citizenship could own land, companies, or other property. He said that the Latvian legislation gave every individual the right to obtain citizenship, adding that almost half of non-Latvians had already received citizenship. "Tevzemei un Brivibai" Chairman Maris Grinblats told "SM" that the party would not yield to Prime-Minister Skele's pressure and would continue insisting on referring to the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty in a border agreement between Latvia and Russia.

Press Report

Press Report

Russia's concern about possible NATO enlargement may put the issue on top of the agenda of the OSCE Summit in Lisbon. Russian Prime-Minister Chernomyrdin, while addressing the Summit, said that Russia strongly objected to NATO enlargement. Chernomyrdin suggested that the OSCE could become a chief security guarantor in Europe and a balance to NATO, co-ordinating the activities of all European and Euro-Atlantic organizations. The suggestion was supported by France and opposed by the USA. Chernomyrdin also mentioned "the practice of restricting the rights Russian-speaking minorities in the Baltic states" and called upon the OSCE to react more actively to the situation. The agenda of the Summit also included recent developments in Byelorussia. Byelorussian President Lukashenko objected against international interference in the country's internal affairs. Among other issues discussed yesterday at the Summit was the situation in Nagorny Karabakh and Serbia. The participating states agreed to launch talks on the reduction of conventional arms in Europe that would result in extending the 1990 Arms Reduction Agreement. The final document of the OSCE Summit will describe the principles of European security for the coming century. Other documents considered by the Summit address ethnic conflicts, human rights, freedom of press, and economic aid. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs could not attend the Summit due to a serious injury received by Mrs. Birkava in an accident.

Russia's concern about possible NATO enlargement may put the issue on top of the agenda of the OSCE Summit in Lisbon. Russian Prime-Minister Chernomyrdin, while addressing the Summit, said that Russia strongly objected to NATO enlargement. Chernomyrdin suggested that the OSCE could become a chief security guarantor in Europe and a balance to NATO, co-ordinating the activities of all European and Euro-Atlantic organizations. The suggestion was supported by France and opposed by the USA. Chernomyrdin also mentioned "the practice of restricting the rights Russian-speaking minorities in the Baltic states" and called upon the OSCE to react more actively to the situation. The agenda of the Summit also included recent developments in Byelorussia. Byelorussian President Lukashenko objected against international interference in the country's internal affairs. Among other issues discussed yesterday at the Summit was the situation in Nagorny Karabakh and Serbia. The participating states agreed to launch talks on the reduction of conventional arms in Europe that would result in extending the 1990 Arms Reduction Agreement. The final document of the OSCE Summit will describe the principles of European security for the coming century. Other documents considered by the Summit address ethnic conflicts, human rights, freedom of press, and economic aid. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs could not attend the Summit due to a serious injury received by Mrs. Birkava in an accident. Diena, SM

OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel in a letter to the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs of 21 November suggested registering ethnic nationality in a person's passport only upon a person's request. Currently, nationality is stated in all passports. The suggestion made by the High Commissioner is being thoroughly analyzed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of the Interior.

OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel in a letter to the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs of 21 November suggested registering ethnic nationality in a person's passport only upon a person's request. Currently, nationality is stated in all passports. The suggestion made by the High Commissioner is being thoroughly analyzed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of the Interior. Diena

Finnish Prime-Minister Paavo Lipponen during his meeting with Prime-Minister Skele touched upon the role of Russia in the Baltic region. He believes that Russia should be integrated into the security system of the region. Mr. Lipponen stressed the role of the OSCE and the European Union in maintaining European security. NATO and Russia should conclude an agreement specifying the conditions for the expansion of the block, said the Finnish Prime-Minister.

Finnish Prime-Minister Paavo Lipponen during his meeting with Prime-Minister Skele touched upon the role of Russia in the Baltic region. He believes that Russia should be integrated into the security system of the region. Mr. Lipponen stressed the role of the OSCE and the European Union in maintaining European security. NATO and Russia should conclude an agreement specifying the conditions for the expansion of the block, said the Finnish Prime-Minister. Diena, SM

"Latvijas Cels" Faction Chairman Andrejs Pantelejevs in a brief interview for "SM" said that "LC" might persuade "their "Tevzemei un Brivibai" colleagues" to support free land market. Pantelejevs believes that "TB" could also "soften" their attitude on the issue of citizenship. SM

Secretary of the Defense Council of the Russian Federation Yury Baturin in an interview for

Secretary of the Defense Council of the Russian Federation Yury Baturin in an interview for "DIENA" said Russia could join NATO. Such a step would turn the block into a Euro-Atlantic security system. Baturin calls the possibility a theoretical assumption. Still, he admits that Russia will have to co-operate with NATO to avoid political isolation. Diena

The Immigration Police has detained 129 illegal immigrants during the first two moths of its operation in Riga. Most of them have arrived to Latvia from former USSR republics.

The Immigration Police has detained 129 illegal immigrants during the first two moths of its operation in Riga. Most of them have arrived to Latvia from former USSR republics. Diena

"SM"

interviewed CID Immigration Office Expert Lilita Kalnina and Advisor to the CID Director Janis Jaudzems on residence permits and related legal aspects. The CID officials singled out several categories of individuals to be issued with residence permits. interviewed CID Immigration Office Expert Lilita Kalnina and Advisor to the CID Director Janis Jaudzems on residence permits and related legal aspects. The CID officials singled out several categories of individuals to be issued with residence permits. 1. Permanent residence permits (PRP) are to be issued to foreigners who had permanent "propiska" in Latvia on 1 July 1992. These individuals received foreign citizenship after being included into the Register of Inhabitants and are permanently residing in Latvia.

1. Permanent residence permits (PRP) are to be issued to foreigners who had permanent "propiska" in Latvia on 1 July 1992. These individuals received foreign citizenship after being included into the Register of Inhabitants and are permanently residing in Latvia.

2. Temporary residence permits (TRP) are to be issued to all individuals who had a temporary "propiska" in Latvia on 1 July 1992. According to the CID, most of these individuals are married to citizens or permanent residents. If a marriage is not dissolved within five years, such persons are entitled to PRPs. If a marriage is dissolved after the expiration of the five-year term, while the court decrees to leave a child of such a marriage under the care of a non-citizen, and the child is a citizen, the spouse will be entitled to a PRP. Should a spouse, who is a citizen, die, a residence permit issued to his/her widow/-er will not be extended. Residence permit stickers are attached to travel documents recognized by Latvia. Latvia still recognizes former USSR travel passports that state citizenship. According to the CID officials, foreigners are actively applying for PRPs. Permanent residents having settled abroad and willing to return to Latvia are viewed by the law as re-emigrants and are to be issued with residence permit. Children visiting their parents or parents entering Latvia to visit their children can receive TRPs for the term of six months.

2. Temporary residence permits (TRP) are to be issued to all individuals who had a temporary "propiska" in Latvia on 1 July 1992. According to the CID, most of these individuals are married to citizens or permanent residents. If a marriage is not dissolved within five years, such persons are entitled to PRPs. If a marriage is dissolved after the expiration of the five-year term, while the court decrees to leave a child of such a marriage under the care of a non-citizen, and the child is a citizen, the spouse will be entitled to a PRP. Should a spouse, who is a citizen, die, a residence permit issued to his/her widow/-er will not be extended. Residence permit stickers are attached to travel documents recognized by Latvia. Latvia still recognizes former USSR travel passports that state citizenship. According to the CID officials, foreigners are actively applying for PRPs. Permanent residents having settled abroad and willing to return to Latvia are viewed by the law as re-emigrants and are to be issued with residence permit. Children visiting their parents or parents entering Latvia to visit their children can receive TRPs for the term of six months. SM