Press Review

Press Review

EU Commissioner van den Broek and OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel paid special attention to employment restrictions for non-citizens. Although

EU Commissioner van den Broek and OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel paid special attention to employment restrictions for non-citizens. Although Saeima Chairman Alfreds Cepanis told Mr. van der Stoel that the differences between the rights of citizens and non-citizens were being gradually abolished, recent developments do not prove it to be true. The Saeima declined amendments to the Law on Pharmacies that would have allowed non-citizens to run pharmacy businesses. The amendments were opposed by "Tevzemei un Brivibai", "Latvijai" and some "Latvijas Cels" deputies. The State Human Rights Bureau considered the list of 60 differences between the rights of citizens and non-citizens submitted by the "People's Harmony Faction". The Bureau found out that several employment restrictions contradicted international conventions acceded to by Latvia. Among those are bans on non-citizens="" employment as firemen, private detectives, aircraft maintenance specialists, aircraft pilots, issuance of licenses of pharmacy or veterinary pharmacy owners to non-citizens, as well as a ban on non-citizens working as lawyers or lawyers' assistants. Head of the Saeima Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts told "DIENA" that the Committee was analyzing the restrictions on non-citizens' rights for taking certain jobs and positions. Mr. Seiksts believes that, according to a Chicago Convention, only a citizen can head an aircraft crew. Still, he admits that non-citizens could be permitted to work as members of a crew. Saeima member Vladlen Dozortsev ("Peoples' Harmony") says that the Saeima blocks all the attempts of resolving the problem of non-citizens and will not abolish the restrictions. He believes that current policies toward non-citizens to be an obstacle to the country's advancement toward EU membership. "Latvijas Cels" Deputy Karlis Leiskalns believes that the number of restrictions should have been made as low as possible. That would minimize their interest toward obtaining citizenship. Diena

Boris Tsilevich in an article for

Boris Tsilevich in an article for "SM" stresses that EU Commissioner van den Broek during his visit to Latvia also played attention to the problem of non-citizens. Tsilevich believes that Latvia will have to change its policy toward non-citizens to be accepted as a potential EU member by the European community. Latvia, being a member of the 1961 Convention on the reduction of statelessness, has to grant citizenship to all individuals born on its territory. Latvian politicians ignored the requirement explaining that its non-citizens cannot be considered stateless since they can obtain Russian citizenship and the Convention cannot be applied to them. Now the same argument can be used against Latvia's admission to the EU. The EU is not likely to welcome a country with a large portion of its residents being potential Russian citizens. Tsilevich points at the general increase of interest toward the problem of non-citizens among politicians and in the media. He believes that the Government is laying the basis for reviewing naturalization principles. Boris Tsilevich predicts the growth of the Social-Democrats' influence in the Saeima and their possible alliance with "Tevzemei un Brivibai". Still, he also does not exclude the possibility of "Latvijas Cels", "Saimnieks" and smaller parties forming a coalition and choosing a more liberal policy toward non-citizens. This, according to Tsilevich, would improve the economic situation in the country and stimulate non-citizens to undergo naturalization. SM

Member of the

Member of the "Tevzemei un Brivibai" Party Council Olgerts Dzenitis in an article for "DIENA" tries to prove the idea of a political nation not to be acceptable to Latvia. He believes that the Latvian and the Russian communities have opposite interests. Ethnic Latvians are interested in maintaining democratic independent Latvia with the predominance of Latvian culture. According to Mr. Dzenitis, a large part of the non-Latvian community represents "the great Eastern empire" and is looking for the ways to weaken Latvia's independence. Its goal is the forming of a satellite state controlled by Russian capital. Mr. Dzenitis believes that the majority of Latvians would not welcome the forming of a political nation, since it would not meet the interests of the Latvian community. He points at the lack of respect toward the state among ethnic Latvians. Their distrust is caused by the crisis in the legal system. According to Mr. Dzenitis, the crisis is a result of providing citizenship to non-Latvians and attempts to integrate non-Latvians in the Latvian society. Diena

Press Report

Minister for European Union Affairs Aleksandrs Kirsteins told

Minister for European Union Affairs Aleksandrs Kirsteins told "DIENA" that he believed recent interest toward the problem of non-citizens in Latvia to be a result of Russia's pressure on the USA during the Helsinki summit. Mr. Kirsteins believes that Russia uses the issue of Russian-speakers to disguise its strategic interests in the Baltic region. He thinks that Latvia's admission to the EU would depend on its economic progress and not on the Citizenship Law. Mr. Kirsteins suggested to study the reasons for the lack of interest toward obtaining citizenship among non-citizens. Head of the Latvian Institute of Foreign Policy Atis Leins said that the problem of non-citizens was used by the EU as a pretext for not admitting Latvia, the country being Russia's neighbor. Mr. Leins said the he was surprised by the fact that the UN allocated huge amounts to language problems and ignored the possibility of repatriating Latvia's non-citizens. Statistical data shows that emigration from Latvia has decreased tremendously from 53,130 in 1992 to 9,999 in 1996. The Naturalization Board has worked out a new program for history tests. Currently, the changes suggested by the Board are reviewed by the Ministry of Education. Diena

Press Report

Minister of Economics Guntars Krasts and Director General of the Privatization Agency Janis Naglis agreed on the procedure of appointing Directors of the Agency. The Minister of Economics suggested replacing the four Directors to fill the vacancies through a contest while the Director General of the Agency insisted on all four Directors retaining their offices. Prime-Minister Skele also objected to replacing all the Directors seeing it as an attempt to bring the Agency under

Minister of Economics Guntars Krasts and Director General of the Privatization Agency Janis Naglis agreed on the procedure of appointing Directors of the Agency. The Minister of Economics suggested replacing the four Directors to fill the vacancies through a contest while the Director General of the Agency insisted on all four Directors retaining their offices. Prime-Minister Skele also objected to replacing all the Directors seeing it as an attempt to bring the Agency under "Tevzemei un Brivibai" control. The agreement between the Minister of Economics and the Director General of the Privatization Agency provides for replacing two Directors and holding a contest for the vacancies. The contest will be held by an independent auditing company. Diena

President Ulmanis in an interview for

President Ulmanis in an interview for "DIENA" said that EU Commissioner van den Broek and OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel had not interpreted his suggestion to "open naturalization windows" to non-citizens as a call for amending the Citizenship Law. According to Mr. Ulmanis, both Mr. van den Broek and Mr. van der Stoel stressed that the Citizenship Law complied with European standards. The Commissioners did not criticize or press upon the President. President Ulmanis noted that Mr. van der Stoel, while speaking about complicated history tests, pointed at the question on the President's powers and duties. Mr. Ulmanis had to agree that he himself would have had problems while answering the question. President Ulmanis believes that naturalization of non-citizens could prevent the forming of two isolated communities in Latvia. He agreed that some of employment restrictions were pointless. Still, according to Mr. Ulmanis, time was needed to cancel some of them. Diena

Russian ambassador to Latvia Alexander Udaltsov. Mr. Udaltsov confirmed that Prime-Minister Skele's visit to Moscow was canceled after that Saeima adopted the Declaration on Occupation. He did not exclude the possibility of Mr. Skele's visit to Moscow during the meeting of the Joint Committee in May. The Russian Ambassador pointed at the difference in priorities pursued by the two countries. Latvia focuses on economic aspects while Russia sees the situation of Russian-speakers as a priority issue. Mr. Udaltsov stressed that Russia insisted on Latvia "implementing UN, Council of Europe, Baltic Council and OSCE recommendations to a full extent." He mentioned his meeting with OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel who criticized naturalization history tests for being too complicated. Ambassador Udaltsov noted that test questions "were ideologically charged" and could be unacceptable to many ethnic Russians. When interviewed on security issues, Mr. Udaltsov explained that Russia saw no reason for NATO enlargement and would prefer the OSCE to become the basis for security in Europe.

Russian ambassador to Latvia Alexander Udaltsov. Mr. Udaltsov confirmed that Prime-Minister Skele's visit to Moscow was canceled after that Saeima adopted the Declaration on Occupation. He did not exclude the possibility of Mr. Skele's visit to Moscow during the meeting of the Joint Committee in May. The Russian Ambassador pointed at the difference in priorities pursued by the two countries. Latvia focuses on economic aspects while Russia sees the situation of Russian-speakers as a priority issue. Mr. Udaltsov stressed that Russia insisted on Latvia "implementing UN, Council of Europe, Baltic Council and OSCE recommendations to a full extent." He mentioned his meeting with OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel who criticized naturalization history tests for being too complicated. Ambassador Udaltsov noted that test questions "were ideologically charged" and could be unacceptable to many ethnic Russians. When interviewed on security issues, Mr. Udaltsov explained that Russia saw no reason for NATO enlargement and would prefer the OSCE to become the basis for security in Europe. Diena

Writer Marina Kostenetskaya in an article for

Writer Marina Kostenetskaya in an article for "NEATKARIGA" analyzes the reasons for non-citizens' indifference toward naturalization. She believes that a large part of non-citizens is offended by politicians claiming all non-Latvians not to be loyal to independent Latvia. Mrs. Kostenetskaya reminds that Latvia would not have gained its independence through the 1990 referendum if not for Russian-speakers' votes. Middle-aged non-citizens often consider complicated history tests to be humiliating, writes Mrs. Kostenetskaya.

Press Report

Press Report

Yesterday the first twenty non-citizens' passports were issued at the Passport Center of the Board for Citizenship and Migration Affairs. According to

Yesterday the first twenty non-citizens' passports were issued at the Passport Center of the Board for Citizenship and Migration Affairs. According to "DIENA", the passport has been recognized by fifteen countries. "SM" mentions twelve countries, while "PANORAMA LATVII" names fourteen. Seven applicants failed to appear at the ceremony. According to "SM", Minister of the Interior Turlais in his speech interpreted the applicants' willingness to obtain the new passport as a token of their loyalty to Latvia. The BNS news agency reports on Russian Ambassador Udaltsov's negative attitude to the new passports. He stressed that the document did not comply with several international conventions and did not resolve the problem of the large number of non-citizens in Latvia. "Russia will have to analyze the consequences of its possible attitude to holders of new passports," said Mr. Udaltsov when asked about possible recognition of the new passports by Russia. Deputy-Head of the Board for Citizenship and Migration Issues Leins commented on the Ambassadors' statement saying that Russia would complicate the problems faced by non-citizens by refusing to recognize the new passports. The Board is planning to issue 700.000 non-citizens' passports within the next three years. Diena, SM, PL

"SM"

commented on a response of the Latvian Government officials and the Latvian press to OSCE High Commissioner van der Stole's visit to Latvia. The article suggests that the nationalists' opposition to any changes in the Citizenship Law is rooted in their fear to lose their political power. This also accounts for their objections to granting citizenship to "Eastern" Latvians. The Latvian media was mostly defending the state policy toward non-citizens claiming that the High Commissioner lacked the understanding of the situation in the country. "Independent journalist" Karlis Reimanis incommented on a response of the Latvian Government officials and the Latvian press to OSCE High Commissioner van der Stole's visit to Latvia. The article suggests that the nationalists' opposition to any changes in the Citizenship Law is rooted in their fear to lose their political power. This also accounts for their objections to granting citizenship to "Eastern" Latvians. The Latvian media was mostly defending the state policy toward non-citizens claiming that the High Commissioner lacked the understanding of the situation in the country. "Independent journalist" Karlis Reimanis in "NEATKARIGA" "NEATKARIGA" (April 8) even compared van der Stole to an angel of death willing to bring easy and painless death to the Latvian people. (April 8) even compared van der Stole to an angel of death willing to bring easy and painless death to the Latvian people. SMSM The Latvian Government is deliberately creating prerequisites for the closure of Russian-language schools, believes an The Latvian Government is deliberately creating prerequisites for the closure of Russian-language schools, believes an "SM""SM" journalist. Even if the draft Law on Education introducing school education in the Latvian language only after 2005 is not adopted, many Russian-language schools will be closed due to the lack of teachers. They will be forced to quit their jobs after September 1, 1998. This is a deadline for all Russian-school teachers to pass the highest category Latvian language test. Elderly teachers will not be able to pass the test while most of the teachers do not have enough free time to get properly prepared for it. journalist. Even if the draft Law on Education introducing school education in the Latvian language only after 2005 is not adopted, many Russian-language schools will be closed due to the lack of teachers. They will be forced to quit their jobs after September 1, 1998. This is a deadline for all Russian-school teachers to pass the highest category Latvian language test. Elderly teachers will not be able to pass the test while most of the teachers do not have enough free time to get properly prepared for it. SMSM The Saeima voted against including amendments suggested by the Saeima Human Rights Committee in the third reading of the Law on Pharmacy. The amendments provided for giving non-citizens the right to work as certified pharmacists. According to the Law, non-citizens can be employed by pharmacies but cannot work as directors of drug-stores or pharmacy dealers.

The Saeima voted against including amendments suggested by the Saeima Human Rights Committee in the third reading of the Law on Pharmacy. The amendments provided for giving non-citizens the right to work as certified pharmacists. According to the Law, non-citizens can be employed by pharmacies but cannot work as directors of drug-stores or pharmacy dealers. Diena, SM

Press Report

Press Report

Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs had a meeting with Russian Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Ivanov. The agenda of the talks included issues connected with the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia. The Russian side expressed concern about the slowness of naturalization processes caused by Aobstacles artificially created by the Government". The Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs provided his Russian colleagues with the results of sociological research of non-citizens' attitude toward naturalization.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs had a meeting with Russian Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Ivanov. The agenda of the talks included issues connected with the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia. The Russian side expressed concern about the slowness of naturalization processes caused by Aobstacles artificially created by the Government". The Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs provided his Russian colleagues with the results of sociological research of non-citizens' attitude toward naturalization. Diena, B&B

Today the first ten to fifteen non-citizens will receive new non-citizens' passports. The new passports have been recognized by twelve countries including USA, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Byelorussia, Slovakia, Norway, Great Britain, Finland, Israel, Czech Republic and Italy.

Today the first ten to fifteen non-citizens will receive new non-citizens' passports. The new passports have been recognized by twelve countries including USA, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Byelorussia, Slovakia, Norway, Great Britain, Finland, Israel, Czech Republic and Italy. B&B "PANORAMA LATVII" in a comment on OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel's visit to Latvia stressed that even "Latvijas Cels" member Antons Seiksts did not agree to removing "the nationality column" from Latvian passports. Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Adermane in an interview said that changing test requirements would be a violation of the Law.

"SM" in its survey of the OSCE High Commissioner's visit criticized Minister of Education Celmins for misinforming the High Commissioner on education for Russian-speakers. Mr. Celmins said that some of Russian language schools were closed after Russian-speaking families started sending their children to Latvian schools. According to the author of the article, the situation was caused by expected school reform that would make school education in Russian unavailable after 2005. He also stressed that Head of the Saeima Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts while objecting to abolishing "the nationality column" did not give real reasons for his objections. According to the article, ethnic Latvians enjoyed advantages that would be lost, should their ethnic origin not be indicated in their passports. SM

Latvian Minister of the Interior Dainis Turlais and State Minister of the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Schorri sinend an agreement on return of illegal immigrants. The agreement will come into force on May 1. An agreement on non-visa entrance regime will be signed after Latvia ratifies the 1951 UN Convention on Refugees.

Latvian Minister of the Interior Dainis Turlais and State Minister of the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Schorri sinend an agreement on return of illegal immigrants. The agreement will come into force on May 1. An agreement on non-visa entrance regime will be signed after Latvia ratifies the 1951 UN Convention on Refugees. Diena

"Tevzemei un Brivibai"

does not support the statement made by Minister of Economics Guntars Krasts last Tuesday. does not support the statement made by Minister of Economics Guntars Krasts last Tuesday. "TB""TB" member Krasts said that he would resign if Prime-Minister Skele insisted on the Director General of the Privatization Agency appointing Directors of the Agency. Mr. Krasts and his party suggest selecting candidates for the posts through a contest. Yesterday member Krasts said that he would resign if Prime-Minister Skele insisted on the Director General of the Privatization Agency appointing Directors of the Agency. Mr. Krasts and his party suggest selecting candidates for the posts through a contest. Yesterday "TB""TB" representatives had consultations with President Ulmanis. The President believes that Mr. Krasts should retain his post in the Government. representatives had consultations with President Ulmanis. The President believes that Mr. Krasts should retain his post in the Government. DienaDiena