Press Report

Press Report

Saeima

deputies Andris Saulitis and Janis Strods left thedeputies Andris Saulitis and Janis Strods left the "Saimnieks" "Saimnieks" faction. The two deputies object to faction. The two deputies object to "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" policy directed at changing the election system. Amendments to the Law on the Election of the policy directed at changing the election system. Amendments to the Law on the Election of the SaeimaSaeima suggested by suggested by "Saimnieks""Saimnieks", , "Tevzemei un Brivibai""Tevzemei un Brivibai" and and "Latvijas Cels" "Latvijas Cels" restrict the right of deputies to change their faction membership. restrict the right of deputies to change their faction membership. DienaDiena

"Tevzemei un Brivibai"

warned warned "Latviajs Cels" "Latviajs Cels", , "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" and Prime-Minister Skele against supporting Olaphs Bruveris' candidature for Director of the Human Rights Office. and Prime-Minister Skele against supporting Olaphs Bruveris' candidature for Director of the Human Rights Office. "TB" "TB" believes that Bruveris' appointment would jeopardize the stability of the Cabinet. The agreement between the governing factions allows believes that Bruveris' appointment would jeopardize the stability of the Cabinet. The agreement between the governing factions allows "TB" "TB" to insist on not appointing Mr. Bruveris. It requires the support of Bruveris by not less than four factions constituting not less than three fifths of the governing coalition deputies. to insist on not appointing Mr. Bruveris. It requires the support of Bruveris by not less than four factions constituting not less than three fifths of the governing coalition deputies. "DIENA""DIENA" journalist Sandris Tocs believes that provisions of the agreement on citizenship, naturalization and related issues threaten the stability of the current Government. journalist Sandris Tocs believes that provisions of the agreement on citizenship, naturalization and related issues threaten the stability of the current Government. "TB""TB" expects the Director of the Office to be engaged in counter-propaganda countering Russia's accusations of violating the rights of non-citizens. The party criticized Mr. Bruveris for paying too much attention to the problem of non-citizens and criticizing "nationally minded" politicians. Antons Seiksts, currently Head of the expects the Director of the Office to be engaged in counter-propaganda countering Russia's accusations of violating the rights of non-citizens. The party criticized Mr. Bruveris for paying too much attention to the problem of non-citizens and criticizing "nationally minded" politicians. Antons Seiksts, currently Head of the SaeimaSaeima Human Rights Committee, would be welcomed by Human Rights Committee, would be welcomed by "TB" "TB" as a candidate for Director of the Office. According to Sandris Tocs, he has "a vague idea of human rights" and has proved able to find common grounds with nationalists. as a candidate for Director of the Office. According to Sandris Tocs, he has "a vague idea of human rights" and has proved able to find common grounds with nationalists. Chairman of the

Chairman of the Saeima Education, Culture and Science Committee Dzintars Abikis says that Russian schools are being closed due to a decreasing number of Russian-speakers. In an interview for "SM SEVODNYA" Mr. Abikis says that the number of Russian-speakers in the country has decreased by more than one hundred thousand. Another reason for closing Russian schools is a growing demand for education in Latvian among Russian-speaking and mixed families. Mr. Abikis says that he does not agree with the draft Education Law that provides for closing all state-financed Russian schools by 2005. He believes it to be wiser to teach 50% of subjects in the Latvian language. Still, the Head of the Saeima education Committee opposes the idea of establishing a branch of the Moscow State University in Riga.

Minister of Education and Science Juris Celmins (

Minister of Education and Science Juris Celmins ("Saimnieks") in an interview for "SM" said that he would adhere to the Hague Recommendations in his activities. He supports state-financed secondary education for national minorities. Mr. Celmins believes that national minorities should have an opportunity to study and develop their culture and that special programs should be developed for each minority.

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Press Report

Latvian scholar Artis Pabriks in an article for

Latvian scholar Artis Pabriks in an article for "DIENA" analyzes the social and political situation in Latvia. He criticizes Latvian politicians for being near-sighted and not able to make serious decisions. The long delay in adopting the Citizenship Law is an example of these traits. The author of the article sees the agreement between the governing factions on not amending the Citizenship Law as an attempt to escape from resolving a problem vital for Latvia. Mr. Pabriks criticizes "the window mechanism" for being absurd allowing a sixteen year-old school-boy with no political convictions to obtain citizenship instead of "a thirty-five year old Ukrainian who speaks Latvian" and defended independence in 1991. Mr. Pabriks believes that the Citizenship Law and naturalization procedures do not serve the interests of Latvia. He points at a decreasing emigration rate leaving no hopes for those who expect non-Latvians to leave the country. One of the solutions to the problem could be opening naturalization windows. The Latvian society should be more attractive to stimulate naturalization of non-citizens. Diena

President Yeltsin addressed Mr. Ulmanis with a letter marking a general improvement in relation between the two countries. The letter expresses hope for further development of co-operation between Latvia and Russia. The letter was handed over to Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs by Russian Ambassador Udaltsov who noted that "accomplishing the naturalization process" would be an essential contribution to further improvement of relations between the two countries.

President Yeltsin addressed Mr. Ulmanis with a letter marking a general improvement in relation between the two countries. The letter expresses hope for further development of co-operation between Latvia and Russia. The letter was handed over to Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs by Russian Ambassador Udaltsov who noted that "accomplishing the naturalization process" would be an essential contribution to further improvement of relations between the two countries. Diena, B&B

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Spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Valery Nesterushkin told the press yesterday that the introduction of new non-citizens' passports in Latvia contradicted the UN Convention on Reduction of Statelessness. According to Mr. Nesterushkin, the Russian side was considering the new passport in the context of "mass statelessness in Latvia". Russia is concerned about the status of more than 700 thousand of Latvia's permanent residents most of whom are ethnic Russians. Mr. Nesterushkin also stressed that Latvia was not taking any noticeable steps toward reducing the number of non-citizens. He noted that the existing situation "should not disturb former USSR citizens since their documents are still valid for entering Russia at least until the end of 1997.” Russian Ambassador to Latvia Udaltsov told the press that the Embassy was aware of the problems that might be faced by Latvia's residents as a result of Russia refusing to recognize the new passport. He assured the press that Moscow would "take into consideration" those problems "when making its final decision". Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Andrejs Pildegovics told

Spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Valery Nesterushkin told the press yesterday that the introduction of new non-citizens' passports in Latvia contradicted the UN Convention on Reduction of Statelessness. According to Mr. Nesterushkin, the Russian side was considering the new passport in the context of "mass statelessness in Latvia". Russia is concerned about the status of more than 700 thousand of Latvia's permanent residents most of whom are ethnic Russians. Mr. Nesterushkin also stressed that Latvia was not taking any noticeable steps toward reducing the number of non-citizens. He noted that the existing situation "should not disturb former USSR citizens since their documents are still valid for entering Russia at least until the end of 1997. Russian Ambassador to Latvia Udaltsov told the press that the Embassy was aware of the problems that might be faced by Latvia's residents as a result of Russia refusing to recognize the new passport. He assured the press that Moscow would "take into consideration" those problems "when making its final decision". Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Andrejs Pildegovics told "DIENA" that the statement by Mr. Nesterushkin was an attempt to politicize the introduction of the new passports. He expressed regret about Russia ignoring OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel's suggestion to recognize the new non-citizen's passport. Diena

Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Charles Magee in an interview for

Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Charles Magee in an interview for "DIENA" positively evaluated the work of the Naturalization Board. The Board was not responsible for the slow pace of naturalization, said Mr. Magee. He confirmed that in the beginning of the naturalization process the Board as well as the OSCE Mission expected a considerably larger number of applicants (40-50 thousand per year). The Head of the OSCE Mission believes that an information campaign on naturalization is required. He admitted that a large portion of non-citizens was indifferent toward naturalization but did not show any signs of disloyalty to Latvia. Mr. Magee said that the OSCE Mission would welcome the abolishment of several employment restrictions. He confirmed that the OSCE supported the canceling of the "window mechanism" and noted that several Latvian politicians and Government officials, including President Ulmanis and CID Director Zitars shared that point of view. Diena

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima banned independent deputy Gundars Valdmanis' from participating in the next six plenary sessions as a penalty for offending the Saeima. Mr. Valdmanis called the Governing Coalition Council "a gang of criminals" during a debate. Opposition factions voted against Saeima Speaker Cepanis' suggestion on Mr. Valdmanis and protested by blocking the voting on amendments to the Satversme. Diena

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The Council for Co-operation between the Governing Factions supported an urgent ratification of the UN Convention on Refugees by Latvia and the adoption of the Law on Refugees by the

The Council for Co-operation between the Governing Factions supported an urgent ratification of the UN Convention on Refugees by Latvia and the adoption of the Law on Refugees by the Saeima. Last Wednesday Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs in his report to the Council named flaws in the Latvian legislation as the main obstacle to introducing a non-visa entry regime with several European countries. Diena

According to

According to "PANORAMA LATVII", Estonia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Byelorussia, Slovakia, USA, Israel, Poland, Norway, Great Britain, Finland, Czech Republic, Italy, South Africa, Switzerland, France, Germany, Turkey, Samoa and the Philippines have recognized the new non-citizens' passport. Estonia and Lithuania do not require entrance visas from holder of the new passports. PL

Council of the Association of Latvian National Cultural Societies Marija Briede believes that one of the important reasons of non-citizens' indifference toward naturalization is the feeling of being cheated by politicians who promised citizenship to everyone during Latvia's struggle for independence. The majority of non-Latvians supported the country's independence during the referendum and many of them defended independent Latvia in 1991. Even the nationalistic Citizens' Congress supported the idea of granting citizenship to all independence supporters. Although the CID was to a great extent formed on the basis of the Congress, its officials often openly humiliated non-citizens while the CID acted as a political organization and not a State institution. Mrs. Briede expects that negative attitude toward naturalization may form among children of mixed marriages where one of the parents is a non-citizen. She believes that the Citizenship Law itself is more "liberal" than technical procedures of its implementation. Therefore, the situation may be improved even without amending the Law just by reviewing separate technical naturalization procedures.

Council of the Association of Latvian National Cultural Societies Marija Briede believes that one of the important reasons of non-citizens' indifference toward naturalization is the feeling of being cheated by politicians who promised citizenship to everyone during Latvia's struggle for independence. The majority of non-Latvians supported the country's independence during the referendum and many of them defended independent Latvia in 1991. Even the nationalistic Citizens' Congress supported the idea of granting citizenship to all independence supporters. Although the CID was to a great extent formed on the basis of the Congress, its officials often openly humiliated non-citizens while the CID acted as a political organization and not a State institution. Mrs. Briede expects that negative attitude toward naturalization may form among children of mixed marriages where one of the parents is a non-citizen. She believes that the Citizenship Law itself is more "liberal" than technical procedures of its implementation. Therefore, the situation may be improved even without amending the Law just by reviewing separate technical naturalization procedures. Diena

Yesterday the Governing Coalition Council considered candidates for Head of the Human Rights Office. Those are E.Vebers (

Yesterday the Governing Coalition Council considered candidates for Head of the Human Rights Office. Those are E.Vebers (LNNK), O.Bruvers ("Saimnieks") and O.Baterevskis (suggested by Prime-Minister Skele). The latter gained no support from the Council members. Mr. Vebers won two votes while O.Bruvers was supported by three members of the Council and the Saeima will choose between the two candidates. SM

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Press Report

Director of the Latvian Center for Human Rights and Ethnic Research Nils Muiznieks dispels the most common illusions about international reaction to the problem of non-citizens in Latvia. In his article for

Director of the Latvian Center for Human Rights and Ethnic Research Nils Muiznieks dispels the most common illusions about international reaction to the problem of non-citizens in Latvia. In his article for "DIENA" he deals with the "myths" propagated by Latvian politicians. The first "myth" is "the lack of understanding of the situation in Latvia by representatives of international organizations." Mr. Muiznieks reminds that several international organizations have studied Latvia's problems and are aware of the consequences of occupation, the situation of non-citizens and the naturalization process. The OSCE Mission, UN representatives and foreign embassies hold consultations with Latvian experts, NGO representatives and minority societies as well as with Naturalization Board officers and other Government officials. The second "myth" is connected with expected support of repatriation of non-Latvians by the international community. None of the Western countries will agree to receive emigrants from Latvia or to support any repatriation program. Mr. Muiznieks singles out misinterpretation of comments on the Citizenship law. Some politicians declare it to be an act fully approved by international organizations. The originators of this "myth" ignore the principle of "silent diplomacy" practiced by these organizations. In this connection he quotes Decree 183 by the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly that points at the inadmissibility of discrimination of non-citizens. Nils Muiznieks also points at the growing co-operation between OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel and the European Union. The OSCE High Commissioner and EU Commissioner van den Broek will report on the situation in Latvia to the EU Conference in the Netherlands this May. Another "myth" is the demands of the West to naturalize non-citizens without demanding a knowledge of the Latvian language. None of the recommendations, including those by the OSCE High Commissioner, provided for canceling language tests. Diena

Chairman of the

Chairman of the Saeima Committee for the Implementation of the Citizenship Law Andrejs Pozarnovs believes that "a lack of motivation" accounts for a low number of applicants for naturalization. Only 10% of Latvia's inhabitants having the right to obtain citizenship through naturalization used it as of February 1, 1997. Persons loyal to Latvia, according to Mr. Pozarnovs, will prefer obtaining citizenship to enjoying certain advantages provided by a non-citizen="s" status.Diena

"SM" interviewed CID Immigration officers on the procedure of issuance of residence permits. According to an amendment to the Law on Foreigners and Stateless Persons, foreigners who had "propiska" in Latvia on July 1, 1992, should apply for residence permits. The amendment came into force on January 27, 1997. Holders of permanent residence permits should re-register their permits annually. CID officers confirmed that holders of residence permits were allowed to invite their parents for permanent residence in Latvia only in exceptional cases. Holders of residence permits can lose the permits if they do not have sources of income sufficient to support them and their families. This does not apply to individuals who had "propiska" in Latvia on July 1, 1992.

Journalist Yegor Olshantsev in an article for

Journalist Yegor Olshantsev in an article for "SM" explains the passivity of potential applicants for citizenship by their sense of dignity. Many non-Latvians voted for independence and defended Latvia's independence at the barricades. They supported democratic ideals and were promised citizenship by the leaders of the "Awakening". Now they feel disappointed and humiliated by nationalistic policies and rhetoric. The author also believes that non-citizens will not rush for new non-citizens' passports until they are pressed to do so. SM