Press Report

Press Report

Yesterday President Ulmanis had a meeting with representatives of

Yesterday President Ulmanis had a meeting with representatives of Saeima factions. The discussion focused mainly on the Citizenship Law. The President told the press that Latvia was not ready to amend the Citizenship Law. Faction members and the President had to admit that the Law could not be amended since the agreement between the governing factions and the Prime-Minister requires that any amendments to the Citizenship Law should be supported by all the factions. "Tevzemei un Brivibai" and the LNNK will not agree to any amendments. According to "TB" leader Maris Grinblats, participants of the meeting believe that amending the Law would not facilitate naturalization. "Latvijas Cels" and "Saimnieks" representatives suggested to change the naturalization procedure without amending the Citizenship Law. Such changes could include canceling the naturalization fee. Several participants of the meeting said that they were expecting definite suggestions from the President. Diena

Director of the Human Rights Institute of the Latvian University Ineta Ziemele in an article for

Director of the Human Rights Institute of the Latvian University Ineta Ziemele in an article for "DIENA" analyzed the compliance of the Latvian legislation with international human rights norms. She agrees that a sovereign state is free to establish its own naturalization procedures. Still, in certain cases these procedures are to comply with international norms. Such norms require that citizenship should be granted to all children born on the territory of a country irrespective of their parents' citizenship. Another discrepancy between the Latvian legislation and international norms, according to Mrs. Ziemele, are restrictions of non-citizens' political rights. Non-citizens in Latvia cannot be considered as foreigners in terms of the European Human Rights Convention that allows to restrict certain political rights of foreigners. Restrictions can be applied to individuals who entered the country after the adoption of corresponding laws. Mrs. Ziemele also criticized the Citizenship Law for ambiguity allowing an arbitrary treatment of its provisions. Diena

An article in

An article in "SM" suggests that "Commissioner Espersen and Commissioner van der Stoel would forget the existence of Riga" if not for a constant Russia's pressure on Latvia. The author of the article suggests that Latvian nationalists will oppose the country's integration into Europe that would lead to the inflow of foreign labor and press out the Latvian language.

Denmark introduced a non-visa entrance regime for holders of new Latvian alien passports. 

Denmark introduced a non-visa entrance regime for holders of new Latvian alien passports.B&B

The

The LNNK Council and Saeima faction nominated Cesvaine Mayor Valdis Kapralis for Minister of Defense. Today the candidature will be discussed by the Farmers' Union/the Union of Christian Democrats. Diena

The

The LNNK faction voted for expelling LNNK Chairman Juris Dobelis from the faction. Most of its members object to merging with "Tevzemei un Brivibai" while Dobelis was among the supporters of the idea. LNNK faction Chairman Aleksandrs Kirsteins recently was expelled from the LNNK. He said that the LNNK/the Green Party faction will not be influenced by the LNNK merging with "TB". Diena

Press Report

Press Report

President Yeltsin during his meeting with Chairmen of the Houses of the Russian Parliament said that Russia reserved the right to change its policy toward NATO should the bloc be joined by former USSR republics. The agreement between Russia and NATO is to be signed on May 27. State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins expressed his regret about Yeltsin statement stressing that it contradicted OSCE principles that allowed all its members to select their own security policies.

President Yeltsin during his meeting with Chairmen of the Houses of the Russian Parliament said that Russia reserved the right to change its policy toward NATO should the bloc be joined by former USSR republics. The agreement between Russia and NATO is to be signed on May 27. State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins expressed his regret about Yeltsin statement stressing that it contradicted OSCE principles that allowed all its members to select their own security policies. Diena

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs and Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Saudargas signed a joint statement on border delimitation talks between the two countries. According to the document, the talks will be continued in Riga on May 23.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs and Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Saudargas signed a joint statement on border delimitation talks between the two countries. According to the document, the talks will be continued in Riga on May 23. Diena

Yesterday the LNNK faction agreed on the candidature for the post of Minister of Defence. The candidate's name will be revealed today. The most probable candidates are Juris Dobelis (LNNK) and Karlis Druva (the Farmers' Union), currently Head of the Saeima Defense Committee.

Yesterday the LNNK faction agreed on the candidature for the post of Minister of Defence. The candidate's name will be revealed today. The most probable candidates are Juris Dobelis (LNNK) and Karlis Druva (the Farmers' Union), currently Head of the Saeima Defense Committee. B&B

Boris Tsilevich in an article for "SM" claims that the discussion on the problem of non-citizens has "gradually faded" without bringing about any changes. Tsilevich interprets the situation as another victory of the National Bloc over more liberal political forces. The President is inconsistent in his statements on the non-citizens' issue. "Latvijas Cels" is safeguarding its own political interests and will not support the ideas opposed by the Nationalists. "Saimnieks" does have any clear principles and uses the issue of non-citizens for political purposes. Saeima Speaker Cepanis has suggested granting Latvian citizenship to all ethnic Ukrainians born in Latvia. This, according to Tsilevich, contradicts the Convention on Racial Discrimination that bans providing any advantages to an ethnic group in obtaining citizenship.

Boris Tsilevich in an article for "SM" claims that the discussion on the problem of non-citizens has "gradually faded" without bringing about any changes. Tsilevich interprets the situation as another victory of the National Bloc over more liberal political forces. The President is inconsistent in his statements on the non-citizens' issue. "Latvijas Cels" is safeguarding its own political interests and will not support the ideas opposed by the Nationalists. "Saimnieks" does have any clear principles and uses the issue of non-citizens for political purposes. Saeima Speaker Cepanis has suggested granting Latvian citizenship to all ethnic Ukrainians born in Latvia. This, according to Tsilevich, contradicts the Convention on Racial Discrimination that bans providing any advantages to an ethnic group in obtaining citizenship. SM

Press Report

President Ulmanis during his visit to Rezekne delivered a report at a conference on the problems of Latgalian Latvians. The President stressed the importance of a common sense of responsibility for the country's secure future. President Ulmanis said that Latvia was the only country in the world with 30% of its residents having no citizenship. "This is an inadmissible situation, and we should make naturalization results look different," said the President. He noted that successful naturalization of non-citizens was closely linked with national security. President Ulmanis suggested to consider the situation of ethnic minorities not only in terms of the Latvian legislation but also from an emotional point of view. He called upon ethnic Latvians to show more tolerance toward non-citizens and to make them feel that they were welcomed to the Latvian society.

President Ulmanis during his visit to Rezekne delivered a report at a conference on the problems of Latgalian Latvians. The President stressed the importance of a common sense of responsibility for the country's secure future. President Ulmanis said that Latvia was the only country in the world with 30% of its residents having no citizenship. "This is an inadmissible situation, and we should make naturalization results look different," said the President. He noted that successful naturalization of non-citizens was closely linked with national security. President Ulmanis suggested to consider the situation of ethnic minorities not only in terms of the Latvian legislation but also from an emotional point of view. He called upon ethnic Latvians to show more tolerance toward non-citizens and to make them feel that they were welcomed to the Latvian society. Diena

In an interview for

In an interview for "DIENA" President Ulmanis said that there were a sufficient amount of documents in favor of holding a discussion of a possibility of introducing universal presidential elections. Mr. Ulmanis believes that universal elections would maintain the President's sense of political responsibility. Diena, Neatkariga

President Ulmanis told

President Ulmanis told "DIENA" that he would keep insisting on discussing possible changes to the Citizenship Law and to the naturalization procedure. He believes citizenship problems to "require a thorough consideration". The President noted that sixty thousand potential applicants "were looking through the first window not willing to enter". He would be satisfied with at least four to six thousand non-citizens taking citizenship through naturalization annually. Mr. Ulmanis criticized Vladlen Dozortsev for expecting that "all non-citizens could receive citizenship one fine day" and for lacking a constructive approach to the problem. Tomorrow (May 20) the President will start talks with Saeima factions on citizenship issues. Diena

Saeima Speaker Alfreds Cepanis in an interview on his recent visit to Ukraine said that he would suggest the

Saeima Speaker Alfreds Cepanis in an interview on his recent visit to Ukraine said that he would suggest the Saeima to grant Latvian citizenship to ethnic Ukrainians and Poles. B&B

The Immigration Police detained Ms. Natalya Sivokon who entered Latvia in 1991 from Kirgizia. She was sentenced for 4.5 years for theft and was released in 1994. She could not leave Latvia immediately since her passport was lost by Ministry of the Interior authorities. She was settled down in Latvia with Mr. Vitaly Furtat. They have a one year-old son whom they could not register as Mr. Furtat's child. Mr. Furtat's family is afraid that the child may be taken to an orphanage.

The Immigration Police detained Ms. Natalya Sivokon who entered Latvia in 1991 from Kirgizia. She was sentenced for 4.5 years for theft and was released in 1994. She could not leave Latvia immediately since her passport was lost by Ministry of the Interior authorities. She was settled down in Latvia with Mr. Vitaly Furtat. They have a one year-old son whom they could not register as Mr. Furtat's child. Mr. Furtat's family is afraid that the child may be taken to an orphanage. SM

Press Report

Yesterday the Kraslava District Court suspended the consideration of Vidavsky's case. The Court decreed the case to be subject to criminal proceedings. Mayor of Daugavpils Vidavsky was accused of violating the Law on Elections by concealing his past Communist Party membership. The Court pointed out that civil proceedings cannot be applied to the case since the law did not define the difference between "membership" and "active membership" in the Communist Part before January 13, 1991.

Yesterday the Kraslava District Court suspended the consideration of Vidavsky's case. The Court decreed the case to be subject to criminal proceedings. Mayor of Daugavpils Vidavsky was accused of violating the Law on Elections by concealing his past Communist Party membership. The Court pointed out that civil proceedings cannot be applied to the case since the law did not define the difference between "membership" and "active membership" in the Communist Part before January 13, 1991. Diena

Saeima

deputy Vladlen Dozortsev ("People's Harmony") left the Presidential Consultative Council on National Minorities. Mr. Dozortsev said that President Ulmanis lost interest in the activities of the Council and refused to meet its members. In his interview for deputy Vladlen Dozortsev ("People's Harmony") left the Presidential Consultative Council on National Minorities. Mr. Dozortsev said that President Ulmanis lost interest in the activities of the Council and refused to meet its members. In his interview for "SM""SM" Mr. Dozortsev said that the Council was used only for maintaining Latvia's prestige and pleasing "van der Stoel, van den Broek and Espersen". Mr. Dozortsev believes that the Council had not made any tangible contribution to the improvement of the human rights situation in Latvia. According to Dozortsev, a year ago the President seemed to be interested in resoling the problems of national minorities and abolishing unreasonable employment restrictions for non-citizens. The Consultative Council was established a year ago after the President had been addressed by thirteen intellectuals who drew his attention to the problem of national minorities. At first, his reaction to the letter was quite negative. Later the President agreed to the idea of establishing the Consultative Council on National Minorities. Now, according to Dozortsev, President Ulmanis has focused his efforts on discussing the possibility of introducing universal presidential elections that would allow him to run for the third term in the office. Mr. Dozortsev said that the Consultative Committee had developed a program aimed at improving the minority situation. The program was ignored by Ulmanis who was afraid of the negative reaction from nationalistic parties in the Saeima. The Council developed several amendments to the legislation but did not pass any of the amendments to the Saeima. Mr. Dozortsev believes that the presence of an OSCE representative at the meetings of the Council still may force President to pay more attention to the issue of minorities. Mr. Dozortsev said that the Council was used only for maintaining Latvia's prestige and pleasing "van der Stoel, van den Broek and Espersen". Mr. Dozortsev believes that the Council had not made any tangible contribution to the improvement of the human rights situation in Latvia. According to Dozortsev, a year ago the President seemed to be interested in resoling the problems of national minorities and abolishing unreasonable employment restrictions for non-citizens. The Consultative Council was established a year ago after the President had been addressed by thirteen intellectuals who drew his attention to the problem of national minorities. At first, his reaction to the letter was quite negative. Later the President agreed to the idea of establishing the Consultative Council on National Minorities. Now, according to Dozortsev, President Ulmanis has focused his efforts on discussing the possibility of introducing universal presidential elections that would allow him to run for the third term in the office. Mr. Dozortsev said that the Consultative Committee had developed a program aimed at improving the minority situation. The program was ignored by Ulmanis who was afraid of the negative reaction from nationalistic parties in the Saeima. The Council developed several amendments to the legislation but did not pass any of the amendments to the Saeima. Mr. Dozortsev believes that the presence of an OSCE representative at the meetings of the Council still may force President to pay more attention to the issue of minorities. Diena, SM, B&B;Diena, SM, B&B

Press Report

The

The LNNK faction still has not decided whether it should nominate its candidate for Minister of Defense. LNNK Party Chairman Juris Dobelis believes that the party should take the responsibility while Head of the LNNK Faction Aleksandrs Kirsteins said that "the party was not able to clean the mess in the Ministry". Currently, the LNNK is studying the contracts concluded by the Ministry of Defense. After a meeting with LNNK representatives Prime-Minister Skele told the press that a search for a candidate might take at least two weeks. Diena

Yesterday Russian Ambassador Alexander Udaltsov assured

Yesterday Russian Ambassador Alexander Udaltsov assured "Latvijas Cels" Faction Chairman Andrejs Pantelejevs that Russia would not suggest extending the term of operation of the Skrunda radar. Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told the press that he excluded any possibilities of extending the term. According to the agreement between Latvia and Russia, the Skrunda radar stops its operation on August 31, 1998. Diena

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign addressed the Embassy of Byelorussia with a note demanding to receive seven Somalian citizens who entered Latvia illegally from the Byelorussian territory. Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Pildegovics Press-Secretary admitted that the return of illegal immigrants could require time and effort since Latvia did not have an agreement on illegal immigration with Byelorussia.

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign addressed the Embassy of Byelorussia with a note demanding to receive seven Somalian citizens who entered Latvia illegally from the Byelorussian territory. Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Pildegovics Press-Secretary admitted that the return of illegal immigrants could require time and effort since Latvia did not have an agreement on illegal immigration with Byelorussia. Diena

An anonymous immigration police officer interviewed by

An anonymous immigration police officer interviewed by "SM" said that Chief of the Immigration Police Kurpnieks illegally deported Kurd refugees to Russia without informing the Russian authorities. The officer accused the Immigration Police of cruel treatment of detained immigrants aimed at forcing them to leave for Russia. He believes that N.Parfenova's case was an attempt of illegal deportation. The State Human Rights Office is aware of the unlawful deportations, claims the officer. He also says that 95% of his colleagues "do not conceal their Fascist views". SM

Former USSR passport are invalid in Estonia as of today, May 15. Holders of old passport will have only part of the rights enjoyed by Estonian residents holding citizens, non-citizens’ and foreign passports. They are allowed to leave the country but are banned from re-entering Estonia. According to the sources referred to by

Former USSR passport are invalid in Estonia as of today, May 15. Holders of old passport will have only part of the rights enjoyed by Estonian residents holding citizens, non-citizens and foreign passports. They are allowed to leave the country but are banned from re-entering Estonia. According to the sources referred to by BIZNES I BALLTIYA, dozens of thousands residents of Estonia are staying in the country illegally.