Press Report

Saeima

Speake Speakerr Cepanis at a press-conference admitted that the problems of non-citizens "were to be resolved sooner or later." He also recognized the existence of human rights problems in Latvia. Head of the Russian Parliamentary Delegation Vakulenko told the press that there still were fifty differences between the rights of citizens and non-citizens. Russian Parliamentary Delegation members did not raise the issue of possible economic sanctions against Latvia during their yesterday's meeting with the Cepanis at a press-conference admitted that the problems of non-citizens "were to be resolved sooner or later." He also recognized the existence of human rights problems in Latvia. Head of the Russian Parliamentary Delegation Vakulenko told the press that there still were fifty differences between the rights of citizens and non-citizens. Russian Parliamentary Delegation members did not raise the issue of possible economic sanctions against Latvia during their yesterday's meeting with the Saeima Saeima Human Rights Committee. Mr. Boris Moiseyev ( Human Rights Committee. Mr. Boris Moiseyev ("Yabloko""Yabloko") even said that applying economic sanctions contradict Russia's interests. According to Head of the Committee Antons Seiksts, Russian Parliament members did not mention the differences between the rights of citizens and non-citizens. Committee members told the Russian side that it would be improper to say that Russians in Latvia had more problems than in any other former USSR republic. Mr. Seiksts noted that Russia tended to co-ordinate its policy toward non-citizens with the views expressed by the OSCE, the UN and the European Union. Latvia should consider that tendency, stressed Mr. Seiksts. ) even said that applying economic sanctions contradict Russia's interests. According to Head of the Committee Antons Seiksts, Russian Parliament members did not mention the differences between the rights of citizens and non-citizens. Committee members told the Russian side that it would be improper to say that Russians in Latvia had more problems than in any other former USSR republic. Mr. Seiksts noted that Russia tended to co-ordinate its policy toward non-citizens with the views expressed by the OSCE, the UN and the European Union. Latvia should consider that tendency, stressed Mr. Seiksts. DienaDiena Member of the Russian Parliamentary Delegation Vladimir Nikitin in an interview for

Member of the Russian Parliamentary Delegation Vladimir Nikitin in an interview for "SM" said that Latvia had one of the highest emigration rates among former USSR republics. He referred to Baltic Council Commissioner Ole Espersen who, according to Mr. Nikitin, openly said that human rights violations did not allow to place Latvia and Estonia among democratic nations. (SM, 7 May)

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima Committee on State Administration and Self-Governments voted against amendments to the Law on the Saeima Elections suggested by "Tevzemei un Brivibai", "Latvijas Cels" and "Saimnieks". The amendments establish a seven-percent barrier for coalitions and do not allow parties that have been existing for less than three years to nominate its candidates for the Saeima. Still, the Saeima is expected to consider the first reading of the amendments next week. Diena Boris Tsilevich singles out several models of the Russian-speakers' behavior expected by the authorities. "Fellow-travelers" would recognize the priority of ethnic Latvians and would not demand any extension of their rights. "Money-bags" would finance political parties and self-governments and would not otherwise interfere into politics. Politicians, in their turn, would observe the economic interests of the "money-bags". "Blue collars" is another possible group. These people, according to Tsilevich, are expected not to have any career aspirations and not be interested in politics. "Russian nationalists" could be used by Latvia to show the world the threat faced by the country. Tsilevich believes that the only group that can be clearly distinguished in Latvia today is "Russian businessmen". They manage to collaborate and find common interests with the governing parties. SM

Press Report

Press Report

The

The Saeima Committee on Human Rights will request the Saeima to consider the Law on Refugees this Thursday. Still, the Committee on Foreign Affairs does not support the adoption of the Law. The opinion is shared by several deputies who believe that Latvia is not ready to accede to the Geneva Convention on Refugees. Most of the objections are connected with financial problems to be faced by the country in case the Law is adopted. Diena

The Immigration Police reached an agreement with the Russian Embassy on Parfenova's case. Head of the Consular Department of the Embassy Alexander Rylov had a meeting with representatives of the Immigration Police and received proofs of the correctness of their decision to expel Parfenova from Latvia. According to Head of the Immigration Police Aivars Kurpnieks, the Council had no objections to the decision itself and he only asked to inform the Embassy of similar cases in advance. Both sides agreed that the Russian Embassy would be informed about all Russian citizens to be expelled from Latvia. Natalya Parfenova agreed to leave for St. Petersburg. According to

The Immigration Police reached an agreement with the Russian Embassy on Parfenova's case. Head of the Consular Department of the Embassy Alexander Rylov had a meeting with representatives of the Immigration Police and received proofs of the correctness of their decision to expel Parfenova from Latvia. According to Head of the Immigration Police Aivars Kurpnieks, the Council had no objections to the decision itself and he only asked to inform the Embassy of similar cases in advance. Both sides agreed that the Russian Embassy would be informed about all Russian citizens to be expelled from Latvia. Natalya Parfenova agreed to leave for St. Petersburg. According to "DIENA", 1,400 individuals were expelled from Latvia in 1995 and 1996. 90% of them arrived to Latvia from Russia. Diena

The aim of the visit of the Russian Parliamentary Delegation to Latvia is to make Latvia observe international recommendations on non-citizens. Head of the Delegation Mikhail Vakulenko (Zhirinovsky's Liberal Democratic Party) told the press that the Russian side believed that Latvia should take into consideration recommendations by van der Stoel, van der Broek and Ole Espersen on the rights of non-Latvians. According to

The aim of the visit of the Russian Parliamentary Delegation to Latvia is to make Latvia observe international recommendations on non-citizens. Head of the Delegation Mikhail Vakulenko (Zhirinovsky's Liberal Democratic Party) told the press that the Russian side believed that Latvia should take into consideration recommendations by van der Stoel, van der Broek and Ole Espersen on the rights of non-Latvians. According to Saeima Speaker Cepanis, 95% of the agenda was focused on the Russian-speakers' situation in Latvia. Although the Latvian side recognized the existence of only seven differences between the rights of citizens and non-citizens, the Russian side referred to fifty such differences. He told the press that the Russian side could introduce economic sanctions should Latvia ignore its demands related to the rights of Russian-speakers. Mr. Cepanis believes that the human rights issue is used by Russia as a political tool to press on Latvia. Members of the Russian Delegation stressed that all factions of the State Duma irrespective of their political orientation were concerned about the rights of Russian-speakers in Latvia.Diena, Neatkariga

According to the CID, 1,300 new alien passports have been issued while 6,000 applications for new passports have been submitted. Head of the CID Passport Division Dzintra Peneze says that some applicants ask to suspend the issuance of their passports. They are disappointed by Russia's refusal to recognize the new alien passports. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the new passports contradict the UN Convention of the Reduction of Statelessness. According to sources in the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Russian side explained that it needed more time to study all possible consequences of recognizing the alien passports. The new passports have been already recognized by twenty-two countries. Former USSR passports are valid for leaving Latvia until January 1, 1998, and their holders will be allowed to enter Latvia until July 1, 1998. Still, young non-citizens reaching sixteen years of age and having no other option except taking the new passports are deprived of the possibility to travel to Russia.

According to the CID, 1,300 new alien passports have been issued while 6,000 applications for new passports have been submitted. Head of the CID Passport Division Dzintra Peneze says that some applicants ask to suspend the issuance of their passports. They are disappointed by Russia's refusal to recognize the new alien passports. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the new passports contradict the UN Convention of the Reduction of Statelessness. According to sources in the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Russian side explained that it needed more time to study all possible consequences of recognizing the alien passports. The new passports have been already recognized by twenty-two countries. Former USSR passports are valid for leaving Latvia until January 1, 1998, and their holders will be allowed to enter Latvia until July 1, 1998. Still, young non-citizens reaching sixteen years of age and having no other option except taking the new passports are deprived of the possibility to travel to Russia. Diena

Press Report

Press Report

Press-Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andrejs Pildegovics said that recent statements by the Russian Embassy on anti-Russian hysteria were groundless. During a press-conference on April 30 Russian Embassy Advisor Mikhail Demurin claimed that an anti-Russian campaign was launched in Latvia on the eve of the Victory Day. Among the signs of such a campaign being started Mr. Demurin mentioned the beating of a war veteran by the Municipal Police and acts of vandalism toward the Monument to the Liberators of Riga. Mr. Demurin told the press that the authorities stayed indifferent to those acts while the Riga City Council declined a suggestion by the Embassy on financing the maintenance of the Monument. The Russian diplomat noted that those facts could impair the improvement of relations between the two countries. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary explained that the Ministry had addressed the Riga City Council with a request to provide the maintenance of the Monument in accordance with agreements between Latvia and Russia. A plan for the restoration of the Monument has been already drafted. A statement by the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that the Latvian side hopes for developing business-like productive co-operation with Russia without putting any political accents on separate issues.

Press-Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andrejs Pildegovics said that recent statements by the Russian Embassy on anti-Russian hysteria were groundless. During a press-conference on April 30 Russian Embassy Advisor Mikhail Demurin claimed that an anti-Russian campaign was launched in Latvia on the eve of the Victory Day. Among the signs of such a campaign being started Mr. Demurin mentioned the beating of a war veteran by the Municipal Police and acts of vandalism toward the Monument to the Liberators of Riga. Mr. Demurin told the press that the authorities stayed indifferent to those acts while the Riga City Council declined a suggestion by the Embassy on financing the maintenance of the Monument. The Russian diplomat noted that those facts could impair the improvement of relations between the two countries. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary explained that the Ministry had addressed the Riga City Council with a request to provide the maintenance of the Monument in accordance with agreements between Latvia and Russia. A plan for the restoration of the Monument has been already drafted. A statement by the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that the Latvian side hopes for developing business-like productive co-operation with Russia without putting any political accents on separate issues. Diena

Last Saturday the Fourth Congress of

Last Saturday the Fourth Congress of "Tevzemei un Brivibai" voted for merging the party with the LNNK. Some speakers criticized current social policy that did not provide advantages to citizens and allowing "colonists to receive same pensions as real Latvians." The new national-conservative party will be established on June 21 at a joint congress of the two parties. Diena

Acting Director of the Human Rights Office Kaija Gertnere in an article for

Acting Director of the Human Rights Office Kaija Gertnere in an article for "DIENA" calls upon Latvian politicians to observe the Satversme of the Republic of Latvia. According to the Latvian Constitution (Satversme) the sovereign power of the state of Latvia belongs to the people of Latvia. K.Gertnere stresses that "the people of Latvia" is a term applied not only to ethnic Latvians but to all inhabitants of Latvia. By acceding to international human rights instruments Latvia recognized the equality of all individuals as for their rights irrespective of their race, color, sex, religious belief, political convictions, social and financial status. The author of the article stresses that the principles of equality and non-discrimination are mandatory for Latvia. K.Gertnere points at the fact that "certain parties" are ignoring the principles set by the Latvian legislation and international human rights instruments by trying "to become the only legislators and arbitrators." Diena

A body of Swedish professor Delenbrandt who disappeared in Liepaja in March. The body discovered in the Liepaja lake was taken to Riga for examination. Police experts did not discover signs of violent death. More details will be available to the press later this week.

Abody of Swedish professor Delenbrandt who disappeared in Liepaja in March. The body discovered in the Liepaja lake was taken to Riga for examination. Police experts did not discover signs of violent death. More details will be available to the press later this week. Diena

The Cabinet of Ministers and the State Language Center drafted a new law on the state language to be considered by the Saeima soon. Later, the draft law was considered and reviewed by the

The Cabinet of Ministers and the State Language Center drafted a new law on the state language to be considered by the Saeima soon. Later, the draft law was considered and reviewed by the Saeima Committee on Education, Science and Culture. The new law sets more strict regulations on the use of the Latvian language and, according to Head of the State Language Center Dzintra Hirsa, excludes the opportunity to misinterpret its provisions. The draft law excludes an optional use of languages other than Latvian while applying to the state institutions. The State Language Center recommended introducing the Latvian language as the only language of instruction in all state-financed schools after 2005. The Saeima Committee on Education, Science and Culture still suggests setting a certain percentage of subjects to be taught in Latvian (not less than 50%). Diena

Today six members of the Russian

Today six members of the Russian Duma are arriving to Riga to meet Saeima Speaker Cepanis, Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials, members of the Saeima Group for Support of Relations between Latvia and Russia, members of the Saeima Committee on Foreign Affairs and Socialist Party/"Equal Rights" faction deputies. The agenda of the visit also includes a meeting with Human Rights Office representatives. Diena, B&B

Spokesmen for the Russian Embassy to Latvia told the press that Natalya Parfenova's expulsion from Latvia was illegal since she was residing in Latvia before her marriage to a Russian serviceman. Mr. Rylov of the Russian Embassy referred to the Law on Former USSR Citizens (Article 5) that provides all the rights enjoyed by permanent residents to foreign citizens permanently residing in Latvia. N.Parfenova is currently kept in custody in Rezekne after Russian authorities refused to allow her to enter Russia.

Spokesmen for the Russian Embassy to Latvia told the press that Natalya Parfenova's expulsion from Latvia was illegal since she was residing in Latvia before her marriage to a Russian serviceman. Mr. Rylov of the Russian Embassy referred to the Law on Former USSR Citizens (Article 5) that provides all the rights enjoyed by permanent residents to foreign citizens permanently residing in Latvia. N.Parfenova is currently kept in custody in Rezekne after Russian authorities refused to allow her to enter Russia. "SM" points at repeated attempts of the Latvian immigration authorities to expel all kinds of illegal immigrants to Russia without having any sufficient proofs of their Russian citizenship.

Boris Tsilevich in an article for

Boris Tsilevich in an article for "SM" analyzes several possible models of non-citizens' reaction to discriminating laws and complicated naturalization procedures. He does not believe that a considerable number of non-citizens would leave the country. Emigration has considerably decreased since 1992 when it reached its peak (50,000 emigrants). Last year the number of emigrants was less than 10,000. Assimilation, according to Tsilevich, also does not prove to be a solution since only around 10% of Russian parents have chosen to send their children to Latvian schools. Segregation is not seen by Tsilevich as an important tendency prevailing among Russian-speakers. According to the Russian Embassy, 65,000 residents of Latvia have received Russian citizenship. Still, there is no data on the number of Russian citizens who chose to emigrate after receiving Russian citizenship. The "restoration model" that implies cultural isolation without attempting to influence the political life of the country could be practiced only by a small part of the Russian-speaking population, mainly intellectuals. Another option is the forming of a Russian community ("diaspora"). The community would feel strong links with Russia and would see Latvia only as a country of residence. Still another option suggested by Tsilevich is "the Jewish model". In this case Russian speakers would feel very much like Jews under theUSSR and focus mainly on business activities displaying no interest toward political life. The model would lead to the growth of "the Russian capital" but would not improve the situation of the majority of Russian-speakers, prosperous businessmen paying little attention to their problems. The only concept seen by Tsilevich as a solution to the problem is "the European model". The approach is already being practiced by educated pragmatic Russian-speakers usually speaking several languages including Latvian. These people are open to European values and see them as an alternative to "ethnocentrism" currently prevailing in Latvia. Still, Tsilevich believes that the majority of Russian-speakers are trying to isolate themselves in their "parallel world", the main purpose of which is to avoid any contacts with the state as much as possible. Such relations between an individual and the State are similar to those typical of the Soviet epoch. SM

Press Report

Press Report

Last Tuesday Latvia initialed an agreement on a non-visa regime with Norway and an agreement on the return of illegal immigrants. During the meeting the Norwegian side paid special interest to the procedure of the issuance of Latvian citizens' passports and their quality. The agreement will be signed after Latvia adopts the Law on Refugees and ratifies the Convention on Refugees. Latvia has already established a non-visa regime with Denmark and Iceland and initialed similar agreements with other Nordic countries. The agreements will come into force after the adoption of the Law on Refugees.

Last Tuesday Latvia initialed an agreement on a non-visa regime with Norway and an agreement on the return of illegal immigrants. During the meeting the Norwegian side paid special interest to the procedure of the issuance of Latvian citizens' passports and their quality. The agreement will be signed after Latvia adopts the Law on Refugees and ratifies the Convention on Refugees. Latvia has already established a non-visa regime with Denmark and Iceland and initialed similar agreements with other Nordic countries. The agreements will come into force after the adoption of the Law on Refugees. Diena

The

The Saeima Human Rights Committee adopted the Draft Law on Refugees while the Cabinet of Ministers passed the 1951 Convention on refugees to the Saeima for ratification. Latvia has to ratify the said documents before the European Committee starts to consider potential candidates for European Union membership. Still, some politicians believe that the Law on Refugees cannot be adopted before Latvia resolves the issue of its border with Russia and signs agreements on illegal immigration with Russia and Byelorussia. Such an opinion was expressed by member of the Saeima Defense Committee Janis Adamsons. Neatkariga

According to Deputy-Chairman of the Baltic Council Janis Ritenis, Baltic Council Commissioner Ole Espersen admitted that Latvia was more successful than Estonia in maintaining its relations with neighboring countries. Mr. Ritenis said that the Baltic Council Commissioner did not make any critical remarks after visiting the Naturalization Board, the Human Rights Office and other institutions. Mr. Espersen praised the work of the

According to Deputy-Chairman of the Baltic Council Janis Ritenis, Baltic Council Commissioner Ole Espersen admitted that Latvia was more successful than Estonia in maintaining its relations with neighboring countries. Mr. Ritenis said that the Baltic Council Commissioner did not make any critical remarks after visiting the Naturalization Board, the Human Rights Office and other institutions. Mr. Espersen praised the work of the Satversme Court and noted that Latvia was the only country openly discussing the issue of naturalization.

Natalya Vselenskaya (a common law wife of pop-singer Gallaktionov) was deported to Russia yesterday. According to Mr. Gallaktionov, Russian border-guards have been ordered not to allow N.Vselenskaya to enter the territory of Russia since she does not have a Russian passport. Still, according to Gallaktionov and the CID, she is a Russia citizen. Mr. Gallaktionov told the press that the Immigration Police did not inform her of the expulsion order that was signed by CID Director Zitars already on April 22. Vselenskaya's second husband was a Russian serviceman and has left Latvia. Her father is a retired serviceman legally residing in Latvia (This fact was not mentioned by Head of the Immigration Police Janis Kaudze to

Natalya Vselenskaya (a common law wife of pop-singer Gallaktionov) was deported to Russia yesterday. According to Mr. Gallaktionov, Russian border-guards have been ordered not to allow N.Vselenskaya to enter the territory of Russia since she does not have a Russian passport. Still, according to Gallaktionov and the CID, she is a Russia citizen. Mr. Gallaktionov told the press that the Immigration Police did not inform her of the expulsion order that was signed by CID Director Zitars already on April 22. Vselenskaya's second husband was a Russian serviceman and has left Latvia. Her father is a retired serviceman legally residing in Latvia (This fact was not mentioned by Head of the Immigration Police Janis Kaudze to "NEATKARIGA"). Vselenskaya is a Russian citizens but does not hold a Russian passport. The CID claims that she was denied registration in 1992 and resided in Latvia illegally since then. She was born in 1973 in Herson and moved to Latvia with her mother in 1976. SM, PL, Neatkariga

Press Report

According to Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Department Mrs. Solvita Mellupe, the recognition of aliens' passports by Russia will be on the agenda of the consular talks between Latvia and Russia. The date of the talks has not been appointed yet. Currently, holders of new aliens' passport cannot enter Russia. The new passport was officially recognized by China last week. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received confirmations of recognition from twenty countries.

According to Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Department Mrs. Solvita Mellupe, the recognition of aliens' passports by Russia will be on the agenda of the consular talks between Latvia and Russia. The date of the talks has not been appointed yet. Currently, holders of new aliens' passport cannot enter Russia. The new passport was officially recognized by China last week. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received confirmations of recognition from twenty countries. Diena

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Satversme Court reviewed its first case. The Court considered Amendments by the Cabinet of Ministers to the Law on Regulating Enterprise in Energy Resources. The Amendments were submitted to the Satversme Court by thirty-five Saeima members. A verdict on the case is expected May 7. Diena

Saeima member Peteris Tabuns (

Saeima member Peteris Tabuns (LNNK) in an article for "DIENA" points at the peculiarities of the demographic situation in Latvia. He stresses that most of non-Latvians have arrived to Latvia during its "colonization". Tabuns argues with the main points of an article by Nils Muiznieks who criticized the nationalists for not understanding the European human rights standards. He claims that European norms cannot be applied to Latvia and that Latvia cannot follow all Western recommendations. Tabuns believes that the West is aware of the real situation in Latvia but is eager to find a solution that would satisfy Russia. The West would not accept Russian-speakers from Latvia and refuses to support repatriation programs. Tabuns warns against giving a large number of non-citizens an opportunity to obtain Latvian citizenship through naturalization. This, according to Tabuns, would lead to Socialists, former Interfront members and "Peoples' Harmony" taking the control of the country. He believes "internationalism, cosmopolitanism, to leave alone communism" to be the ideologies that are most dangerous to Latvia's independence and identity. Diena

"SM"

made a brief survey of the work of the Russian and Latvian Government Committees on Co-operation. The author focuses on the issue of non-citizens and their status in Latvia. The 1991 Declaration of the State Sovereignty of the Russian Federation granted Russian citizenship to all former USSR and Russian Federation citizens who found themselves outside Russia's borders after the USSR disintegrated. Still, the Russian executive power acted as if those persons were not Russian citizens choosing to use the terms "compatriots abroad" or "Russian-speakers". In 1996 the Russian Constitutional Court recognized such a practice to be in a contradiction with the Constitution. Still, the Russian Government Committee uses the term "compatriots" during its talks with the Latvian side. The author of the article singles out the following basic arguments in favor of the current policy toward non-citizens often used by "certain Latvian politicians":made a brief survey of the work of the Russian and Latvian Government Committees on Co-operation. The author focuses on the issue of non-citizens and their status in Latvia. The 1991 Declaration of the State Sovereignty of the Russian Federation granted Russian citizenship to all former USSR and Russian Federation citizens who found themselves outside Russia's borders after the USSR disintegrated. Still, the Russian executive power acted as if those persons were not Russian citizens choosing to use the terms "compatriots abroad" or "Russian-speakers". In 1996 the Russian Constitutional Court recognized such a practice to be in a contradiction with the Constitution. Still, the Russian Government Committee uses the term "compatriots" during its talks with the Latvian side. The author of the article singles out the following basic arguments in favor of the current policy toward non-citizens often used by "certain Latvian politicians":
- a peculiar demographic situation that has formed in Latvia after its occupation allows it to ignore certain international human rights acts;- a peculiar demographic situation that has formed in Latvia after its occupation allows it to ignore certain international human rights acts;
- several democracies restrict political, social and economic rights of non-citizens;- several democracies restrict political, social and economic rights of non-citizens;
- Latvia, being an independent state, is free to decide on its own legislation;- Latvia, being an independent state, is free to decide on its own legislation;
- international organizations have not discovered any human rights violations in Latvia. - international organizations have not discovered any human rights violations in Latvia. Currently, no-one can forecast whether a large number of non-citizens will choose to take Russian citizenship. The author cites Head of the OSCE Mission Charles Magee who agreed that a hope for obtaining Russian citizenship could be among the reasons for young people being indifferent toward naturalization.

Currently, no-one can forecast whether a large number of non-citizens will choose to take Russian citizenship. The author cites Head of the OSCE Mission Charles Magee who agreed that a hope for obtaining Russian citizenship could be among the reasons for young people being indifferent toward naturalization. SM