Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday the marching of the former Latvian legionnaires passed without serious incidents. The State President and the government did not observe this commemoration day, but several deputies from the For Fatherland and Freedom and the People’s Party took part in the marching. The Prime Minister Vilis Kristopans commenting the participation of the politicians in the marching of the former legionnaires said that “one can only amaze the wish of these politicians to show to stand out against the tragic destiny of many people.” The State President Guntis Ulmanis said that after the emotions abate the historian commission will need to assess the situation and the Saeima sooner or later will have to return to the issue of the 16th of March. Yesterday the Foreign Affairs Minister Valdis Birkavs met with the foreign journalists to explain the governmental position on this date. The Russian Ministry of the Foreign Affairs commented this marching as the attempt to rehabilitate the fascism. The Latvian MFA believes that Russia does not understand the situation in Latvia.

Yesterday the marching of the former Latvian legionnaires passed without serious incidents. The State President and the government did not observe this commemoration day, but several deputies from the For Fatherland and Freedom and the Peoples Party took part in the marching. The Prime Minister Vilis Kristopans commenting the participation of the politicians in the marching of the former legionnaires said that one can only amaze the wish of these politicians to show to stand out against the tragic destiny of many people. The State President Guntis Ulmanis said that after the emotions abate the historian commission will need to assess the situation and the Saeima sooner or later will have to return to the issue of the 16th of March. Yesterday the Foreign Affairs Minister Valdis Birkavs met with the foreign journalists to explain the governmental position on this date. The Russian Ministry of the Foreign Affairs commented this marching as the attempt to rehabilitate the fascism. The Latvian MFA believes that Russia does not understand the situation in Latvia. B&B publishes the full text of the statement by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dienainforms that the information distributed by the Russian Television companies about the 16th of March events in Latvia, in general, was proper. According to the information provided by the Riga City Central Police Department Press Centre, the Police detained two persons – one was holding the poster praising Hitler, the other was drunk and tried to cause disorder. The picketing organised by the Russian Society to protest against the marching of the legionnaires ended without any serious incidents, except for the attempt to send on air the picture of Y. Stalin by the members of the radical organisations. The Chair of the Russian Society G. Astahov called it the provocation of the national-Bolsheviks. Chaspublishes the opinion of the Russian MFA, Russian Duma, the Centre of Simon Vizental, and the Latvian Prime Minister about this date.

Chas, commenting yesterdays events, argues that the marching of the former legionnaires was met with surprising indifference. According to CHAS, this year the world community reacted on these events rather indifferent.

Dienainforms that the 16th of March commemoration events in other cities of Latvia passed without incidents. Chas, B&B

Commenting the Saeima’s decision to declare the 16th of March as the commemoration day of the Latvian Legion, journalist Anna Stroj asks whether the society in which some observe the 16th of March, while others – the 9th of May, is able to integrate. She supports the idea of assessing the events of the WWII from the point of view of democratic and liberal values and finding “the third hero” – “the soldiers in own uniforms”- members of the Central Council of Latvia.

Commenting the Saeimas decision to declare the 16th of March as the commemoration day of the Latvian Legion, journalist Anna Stroj asks whether the society in which some observe the 16th of March, while others – the 9th of May, is able to integrate. She supports the idea of assessing the events of the WWII from the point of view of democratic and liberal values and finding the third hero – the soldiers in own uniforms- members of the Central Council of Latvia. Diena

It is planned that starting 6 April every evening from 9 p.m. the 2nd channel of the Latvian Television will present the so-called integration column in which the broadcasts in the Russian language will be shown, the Latvian TV broadcast director Arvids Babris informed

It is planned that starting 6 April every evening from 9 p.m. the 2nd channel of the Latvian Television will present the so-called integration column in which the broadcasts in the Russian language will be shown, the Latvian TV broadcast director Arvids Babris informed Diena.

Chas journalist Leonid Fedoseev states that by presenting the draft document of the state program on the social integration in Latvia, the government asks non-Latvians to believe that the government really wishes the integration, not the assimilation. What Mr. Fedoseev sees is the old assimilative programs in the new wrapping. Furthermore, Mr. Fedoseev states that it is difficult to trust the Latvian politicians who have all the time lied to the non-Latvians. Chas

The co-ordinator of the national integration program Russians of the West Dmitry Nikolaev comments the draft framework document of the state program on the Social Integration in Latvia. According to Mr. Nikolaev, in the introduction the priority of the individual, his rights against the state is emphasised. Unfortunately, in the further chapters the issue of the individual as the subject and the object of integration is replaced by the needs of the state. Mr. Nikolaev argues that the content analysis allows him to conclude that this “intellectual product reflects the egocentrism of the state and the Latvian nation.” The aim of the interethnic integration declared by the program is to overcome the alienation from the values of the Latvian culture. The loyalty of the individual towards the state is declared as the main motivation of its behaviour in the society and its relations with the state. Regardless of the fact that the program emphasises importance of the non-governmental organisations in relations between the state and the society, the state has already determined the partners in the dialogue with the society.

The co-ordinator of the national integration program Russians of the West Dmitry Nikolaev comments the draft framework document of the state program on the Social Integration in Latvia. According to Mr. Nikolaev, in the introduction the priority of the individual, his rights against the state is emphasised. Unfortunately, in the further chapters the issue of the individual as the subject and the object of integration is replaced by the needs of the state. Mr. Nikolaev argues that the content analysis allows him to conclude that this intellectual product reflects the egocentrism of the state and the Latvian nation. The aim of the interethnic integration declared by the program is to overcome the alienation from the values of the Latvian culture. The loyalty of the individual towards the state is declared as the main motivation of its behaviour in the society and its relations with the state. Regardless of the fact that the program emphasises importance of the non-governmental organisations in relations between the state and the society, the state has already determined the partners in the dialogue with the society. Diena in Russian

The Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Valdis Birkavs believes that the resignation of the European Commission may have the negative impact on the Latvia’s efforts to join the EU.

The Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Valdis Birkavs believes that the resignation of the European Commission may have the negative impact on the Latvias efforts to join the EU. B&B, Diena

The Cabinet of Ministers postponed the issue of nomination of the former Latvian Ambassador in Denmark Gvido Zamribo to the post of the Latvian governmental representative in international human rights institutions. The Coalition Council will be asked to assess whether the former activities of Mr. Zemribo as the Chairman of the Supreme Court might cause him problems in the new office.

The Cabinet of Ministers postponed the issue of nomination of the former Latvian Ambassador in Denmark Gvido Zamribo to the post of the Latvian governmental representative in international human rights institutions. The Coalition Council will be asked to assess whether the former activities of Mr. Zemribo as the Chairman of the Supreme Court might cause him problems in the new office. Diena

BIZNES&BALTIYA; publishes the story of Marina Krecu whose deportation order issued by the DCMA was annulled by the Riga City Centre court decision.

BIZNES&BALTIYA publishes the story of Marina Krecu whose deportation order issued by the DCMA was annulled by the Riga City Centre court decision.

Press Review

Press Review

In the statement distributed by the Ministry of the Interior it is stated that the special co-ordination work group and the Ministry of the Interior possess the information about the attempts by some radical organisations to organise illegal activities on the 16th of March. Therefore the Ministry of the Interior warns that the individuals who will support or organise such actions will be called to the responsibility. The Minister of Defence Girts Kristovskis recommended the leadership of the National Armed Forces not to participate at the 16th of March events. As it was informed earlier, the Cabinet of Ministers agreed not to officially participate in the public events on this date. 

In the statement distributed by the Ministry of the Interior it is stated that the special co-ordination work group and the Ministry of the Interior possess the information about the attempts by some radical organisations to organise illegal activities on the 16th of March. Therefore the Ministry of the Interior warns that the individuals who will support or organise such actions will be called to the responsibility. The Minister of Defence Girts Kristovskis recommended the leadership of the National Armed Forces not to participate at the 16th of March events. As it was informed earlier, the Cabinet of Ministers agreed not to officially participate in the public events on this date.Diena informs that 22 Saeima deputies, including the Speaker of the Saeima, and 8 ministers will be on the business trips in abroad on 16 March. Neatkariga

The social democrats have nominated Elmars Vebers for the candidate to the post of the Director of the National Human Rights Office. The fraction of

The social democrats have nominated Elmars Vebers for the candidate to the post of the Director of the National Human Rights Office. The fraction of the Latvian Way and For Fatherland and Freedom speak positively about this nomination, however, none of them will initiate the dismissal of the present NHRO director Olafs Bruvers. That will have to be done by the social democrats. Diena

The State Presidents Chancellery informs that the State President Guntis Ulmanis has invited six Swedish, American and German researchers to participate in the commission of the historians who will study the totalitarian regimes of the period from 1939 till 1991.

The State Presidents Chancellery informs that the State President Guntis Ulmanis has invited six Swedish, American and German researchers to participate in the commission of the historians who will study the totalitarian regimes of the period from 1939 till 1991. Diena

During the working visit to the United States, the Saeima Speaker J. Straume got assurance that the United States is ready to financially support the social integration in Latvia.

During the working visit to the United States, the Saeima Speaker J. Straume got assurance that the United States is ready to financially support the social integration in Latvia. Diena

The sociological survey done by the SKDS shows that majority of Latvians believes that the Latvian legionnaires should be commemorated, while the majority of people of other nationalities holds the opposite opinion.

The sociological survey done by the SKDS shows that majority of Latvians believes that the Latvian legionnaires should be commemorated, while the majority of people of other nationalities holds the opposite opinion. Diena

In the report distributed yesterday the Commission of the Council of Europe states that in Latvia the incidents of the aggressive nationalism, racism and anti-Semitism are being observed, that, however, does not characterise the society in general. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that this poorly prepared report does not show the real situation in the country. It also contradicts with the reports provided by other international experts and organisations, including the OSCE High Commissioner’s Max van der Stoel, EU Commission, and the US State Department. The Press Secretary of the MFA Toms Baumanis said that the experts of the Council of Europe have used the outdated information instead of the materials provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In the report distributed yesterday the Commission of the Council of Europe states that in Latvia the incidents of the aggressive nationalism, racism and anti-Semitism are being observed, that, however, does not characterise the society in general. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that this poorly prepared report does not show the real situation in the country. It also contradicts with the reports provided by other international experts and organisations, including the OSCE High Commissioners Max van der Stoel, EU Commission, and the US State Department. The Press Secretary of the MFA Toms Baumanis said that the experts of the Council of Europe have used the outdated information instead of the materials provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Diena, Jauna Avize

Russian newspapers pay special interest to the theme of the Latvian legionnaires and the commemoration events that will take place today.

Russian newspapers pay special interest to the theme of the Latvian legionnaires and the commemoration events that will take place today.
SM publishes the interviews with the Minister of the Interior Roberts Jurdzs and the Chief of the Riga Municipal Police Martins Andersons. Both officials assure that the Ministry of the Interior structures are ready for the 16 th of March.
Leonid Fedoseev, theChas journalist, argues that the Latvian politicians seems not to be aware what price Latvia will pay for todays celebrations. According to him, the leading politicians seriously damaged the started integration process in Latvia. CHAS also publishes the opinions of some leading politicians of Latvia concerning todays events.

PanoramaLatvii reminds about the picket that will take place today to protest against the marching of the SS in Riga.

SM publishes the opinion of the Chair of the Russian Duma Committee on the CIS Affairs G. Tichonov about the 16th of March events in Latvia. Mr. Tichonov states that Russia should react on that, using all civilised means, including the political, diplomatic and economic ones.

B&B informs about the picket at the Latvian Embassy in Moscow planned by the communists for tomorrow, 17 March. Chas, SM, Panorama Latvii

Press Report

More that 16 000 applications for naturalisation are now at different regional offices of the Naturalisation Board. It is interesting that women are majority - 65.5%. Russians are the most active among representatives of different nations - 55%. The number of applicants has increased considerably, and now people are lining up for submitting a request already for the end of June. To increase the speed of naturalisation process, the Naturalisation Board has requested for additional resources for this year.

More that 16 000 applications for naturalisation are now at different regional offices of the Naturalisation Board. It is interesting that women are majority - 65.5%. Russians are the most active among representatives of different nations - 55%. The number of applicants has increased considerably, and now people are lining up for submitting a request already for the end of June. To increase the speed of naturalisation process, the Naturalisation Board has requested for additional resources for this year. Neatkariga

Latvian Embassy in Brussels say that introduction of no visa regime with Benelux countries could be postponed for a longer period of time as it was expected. It was announced that Latvian citizens could go without visa to these countries already at the end of April, but due to the long ratification procedure in the parliaments of Benelux countries, it seemed that even in June the agreement would not take effect.

Latvian Embassy in Brussels say that introduction of no visa regime with Benelux countries could be postponed for a longer period of time as it was expected. It was announced that Latvian citizens could go without visa to these countries already at the end of April, but due to the long ratification procedure in the parliaments of Benelux countries, it seemed that even in June the agreement would not take effect. Jauna Avize

As it seems, the strict reaction of Liepaja authorities on Barkasovets rally has impressed hotheads in Liepaja and they organised the Latvian soldiers commemoration day events on Saturday. There are two more organisations - Latvian Socialist Party and Russian Community in Latvia that insist to have their pickets on March 16, but the authorities did not give any permission.

Bizness & Baltiya

Press Review

Press Review

In the official Latvian MFA answer it is said that it appreciates the interest of Russia to start practical activities to renew the work of Latvian - Russian iter-governmental commission. The Ministry considers that renewal of Commission’s activities in a full scale would favourred by appointing the co-chairman from the Russian side and organising a meeting of this bilateral Commission. At the same time Latvia supports the idea to renew the activities of the experts groups. Latvian Ministry MFA repeats that along with social and humanitarian issues there are many more problems to be considered. If this proposal is accepted, the meeting time of the experts groups could be agreed through diplomatic channels.

In the official Latvian MFA answer it is said that it appreciates the interest of Russia to start practical activities to renew the work of Latvian - Russian iter-governmental commission. The Ministry considers that renewal of Commissions activities in a full scale would favourred by appointing the co-chairman from the Russian side and organising a meeting of this bilateral Commission. At the same time Latvia supports the idea to renew the activities of the experts groups. Latvian Ministry MFA repeats that along with social and humanitarian issues there are many more problems to be considered. If this proposal is accepted, the meeting time of the experts groups could be agreed through diplomatic channels. Neatkariga

On 16 of March, the Saeima established commemoration day, 22 MPs, several ministers and State President G.Ulmanis will be outside the country. Politicians themselves do not consider it as an escape from this day, but newspapers have a different opinion.

On 16 of March, the Saeima established commemoration day, 22 MPs, several ministers and State President G.Ulmanis will be outside the country. Politicians themselves do not consider it as an escape from this day, but newspapers have a different opinion. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize (15.03.99)

After the concept of the program“Public integration in Latvia” had been presented for public discussion, yesterday there was the first discussion about this concept. Among the present there were the Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane, several other authors of this document and mass media representatives.

After the concept of the programPublic integration in Latvia had been presented for public discussion, yesterday there was the first discussion about this concept. Among the present there were the Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane, several other authors of this document and mass media representatives. Neatkariga

Panorama Latvii, when writing about this concept, is very negative and see a very clear distinction between us - citizens and them - national minorities.

A.Stroy in Russian version of

A.Stroy in Russian version of Diena considers this process too late and accuses the authors of the concept that no representatives of the to be integrated society had been asked to take part in the elaboration of this program.

Panorama Latvii of March 15 wonders whether this program is ment to integrate or assimilate.

The Saeima Speaker J.Straume discusses the importance of March 16 in the history of Latvia and thinks that the importance of this day should not be overestimated. If the Saeima has announced this to be a commemoration day, it is a duty of the nation to commemorate its heroes, especially knowing that these people had not been members of National Socialist Party.

The Saeima Speaker J.Straume discusses the importance of March 16 in the history of Latvia and thinks that the importance of this day should not be overestimated. If the Saeima has announced this to be a commemoration day, it is a duty of the nation to commemorate its heroes, especially knowing that these people had not been members of National Socialist Party. Neatkariga

State President considers that parties should discuss more about political values not arithmetic calculations. This statement was said about the Saeima decision to increase the mandatory number of a party’s members to establish a new party.

State President considers that parties should discuss more about political values not arithmetic calculations. This statement was said about the Saeima decision to increase the mandatory number of a partys members to establish a new party. Diena

Interior Ministry has no information that any of the parties that will take part in the events of the Latvian Soldiers commemoration days are preparing “Molotov cocktails” or palnning any violent actions.

Interior Ministry has no information that any of the parties that will take part in the events of the Latvian Soldiers commemoration days are preparing Molotov cocktails or palnning any violent actions. Diena , Chas (15.03.99)

Press Review

Press Review

Today the social integration management group in co-operation with the Soros Fund - Latvia organises the round table discussion on the draft framework document of the State Program on the Social Integration in Latvia.

Today the social integration management group in co-operation with the Soros Fund - Latvia organises the round table discussion on the draft framework document of the State Program on the Social Integration in Latvia. Jauna Avize

Yesterday the Russian MFA official representative A. Rachmanin called the decision to declare the 16th of March the national celebration day as “the desecration of those who fought against the fascism.” The Press Secretary of the Latvian MFA T. Baumanis assessed this statement as inaccurate because it does not take into consideration the public discussion about the 16th of March, as well as the State President’s and the governmental stand concerning this issue.”

Yesterday the Russian MFA official representative A. Rachmanin called the decision to declare the 16th of March the national celebration day as the desecration of those who fought against the fascism. The Press Secretary of the Latvian MFA T. Baumanis assessed this statement as inaccurate because it does not take into consideration the public discussion about the 16th of March, as well as the State Presidents and the governmental stand concerning this issue. Diena, Jauna Avize, B&B

Yesterday the Saeima adopted the Amendments to the Law on the Granting of the Status of the Politically Repressed Person according to which this status may be granted also to the citizens of Lithuania and Estonia.

Yesterday the Saeima adopted the Amendments to the Law on the Granting of the Status of the Politically Repressed Person according to which this status may be granted also to the citizens of Lithuania and Estonia. Jauna Avize

Yesterday the Saeima adopted the Amendments to the Law on Repatriation providing that the right to enter Latvia together with the repatriate is granted to his/her spouse, minor children or dependants, as well as parents who are in his/her care. The amendments also provide that the right to material assistance is granted only to those repatriates who had left Latvia by 4 May 1990.

Yesterday the Saeima adopted the Amendments to the Law on Repatriation providing that the right to enter Latvia together with the repatriate is granted to his/her spouse, minor children or dependants, as well as parents who are in his/her care. The amendments also provide that the right to material assistance is granted only to those repatriates who had left Latvia by 4 May 1990. Jauna Avize

The Saeima rejected the draft amendments to the Constitution submitted by the social democrats which provided for guaranteeing the right to sufficient food, clothing and housing.

The Saeima rejected the draft amendments to the Constitution submitted by the social democrats which provided for guaranteeing the right to sufficient food, clothing and housing. Jauna Avize

The Social Democrats will submit the petition to the Constitutional Court requesting to assess the restrictions on the nomination of the former KGB, Communist Party members and members of other banned organisations for the elections. The Social Democrats believe that these restrictions violate the Constitution.

The Social Democrats will submit the petition to the Constitutional Court requesting to assess the restrictions on the nomination of the former KGB, Communist Party members and members of other banned organisations for the elections. The Social Democrats believe that these restrictions violate the Constitution. Diena

The fraction

The fraction For Human Rights believes that during the first 100 days of its work the Latvian government has not managed move from the good intentions to the real deeds in improving the relations with Russia. In the statement distributed yesterday, the fraction argues that even though Russia is not always an easy partner, it is unacceptable to see it as an enemy or the source of potential threat. Diena

Diena publishes an article about the Latvias prospects in relation with the NATO enlargement. According to the Director of the Security Police and International Organisations Department at the Latvian MFA I. Pundurs it is uncertain whether during the Washington summit Latvia will be named among the countries which will be included into the NATO Membership action law. The Director of the Latvian Foreign Affairs Institute A. Lejins, on countrary, is absolutely sure that the Baltic States will be asked to prepare the action plan for the integration into the allience. Speaking about the Russias influence on the NATO enlargement process, Mr. Lejins argues that the Russias recession might either speed up the accession of the Baltic States to the NATO or slow down the process. At the same time, he acknowledges that Russia has lost the influence on the NATO enlargement issue. Mr. Pundurs believes that although Russia objects the NATO enlargement eastwards, Russias opinion will not play a decisive role in the case of the Baltic States. Diena

After several attempts to receive a permission to organise a protest picketing on the 16th of March, the Russian Society in Latvia was finally been granted it. So,

After several attempts to receive a permission to organise a protest picketing on the 16th of March, the Russian Society in Latvia was finally been granted it. So, Panorama Latvii informs that everybody who wants to express the protest against the marching of the ex-legionnaires in the capital city of Latvia, is invited to take part in the picketing.