Press Review

Press Review

CBSS Commissioner O.Espersen considers that the right of vote in municipal elections shall be given also to non-citizens. If, after amending the Law on Citizenship, the number of citizens would not increase rapidly, the legislatures should consider a possibility to grant this right to Latvian non-citizens. The Saeima Human Rights Commission opposed to this , saying that the naturalisation windows had been abolished therefore non-citizen might receive citizenship and take part not only in municipal but also the Saeima election. O.Espersen agreed that Russian demands to liberalise Latvian Law on Citizenship had no grounds. Saeima Deputy Chairman I.Berzins thinks that if Russia wants to see any progress in the naturalisation of non-citizens in Latvia, it should be involved and help at least with a call to learn the Latvian language and get Latvian citizenship. O.Esperson met also the Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane and pointed out that within two months after the amendments to the Law on Citizenship were adopted, only 16 non-citizens and aliens had requested Latvian citizenship for their children.

CBSS Commissioner O.Espersen considers that the right of vote in municipal elections shall be given also to non-citizens. If, after amending the Law on Citizenship, the number of citizens would not increase rapidly, the legislatures should consider a possibility to grant this right to Latvian non-citizens. The Saeima Human Rights Commission opposed to this , saying that the naturalisation windows had been abolished therefore non-citizen might receive citizenship and take part not only in municipal but also the Saeima election. O.Espersen agreed that Russian demands to liberalise Latvian Law on Citizenship had no grounds. Saeima Deputy Chairman I.Berzins thinks that if Russia wants to see any progress in the naturalisation of non-citizens in Latvia, it should be involved and help at least with a call to learn the Latvian language and get Latvian citizenship. O.Esperson met also the Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane and pointed out that within two months after the amendments to the Law on Citizenship were adopted, only 16 non-citizens and aliens had requested Latvian citizenship for their children. Neatkariga, Diena

Another author in

Another author in Neatkariga stated that this announcement was more than honey for extremists.

Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee wants to take more active part in the formation of a unique foreign policy and control the activities of the executive power. The first of the planned activities will be evaluation of the MFA activity plan and control of its execution. The Chairman of the Commission G.Krasts informed that the Commission had started to elaborate its priority actions.

Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee wants to take more active part in the formation of a unique foreign policy and control the activities of the executive power. The first of the planned activities will be evaluation of the MFA activity plan and control of its execution. The Chairman of the Commission G.Krasts informed that the Commission had started to elaborate its priority actions. Neatkariga

Consultative Council on Nationalities will submit their proposals to the education part of the public integration program concept to continue the discussion on this important topic afterwards. During yesterday’s discussion there was a rather sharp criticism on it. State President G.Ulmanis pointed out that acknowledging and solving of education problems was one of the most important components of the integration program, and he would be pleased if this issue would be considered in a complex way. The author of et education part B.Petersone explained that education was in reality acting as a splitting but not integrating factor. She stressed that the two major directions of the concept – ensuring of the Latvian language training and development of the education content. The major critics came from B.Cilevich, who considered this education part was nothing new and foresaw abolishing of minorities education.

Consultative Council on Nationalities will submit their proposals to the education part of the public integration program concept to continue the discussion on this important topic afterwards. During yesterdays discussion there was a rather sharp criticism on it. State President G.Ulmanis pointed out that acknowledging and solving of education problems was one of the most important components of the integration program, and he would be pleased if this issue would be considered in a complex way. The author of et education part B.Petersone explained that education was in reality acting as a splitting but not integrating factor. She stressed that the two major directions of the concept – ensuring of the Latvian language training and development of the education content. The major critics came from B.Cilevich, who considered this education part was nothing new and foresaw abolishing of minorities education. Neatkariga

When writing about the picket at the Riga City Council, Latvian newspapers state that about 700 people took part in it, and it ended peacefully

When writing about the picket at the Riga City Council, Latvian newspapers state that about 700 people took part in it, and it ended peacefully. Neatkariga, Diena, Lauku Avize

Russian speaking newspapers estimate the number of participants in to several thousands (

Russian speaking newspapers estimate the number of participants in to several thousands (Chas) or fifteen hundred (SM) and write about some unsuccessful instigations. Biznes & Baltiya, Panorama Latvii

The government forming coalition and the Union of Latvian Social Democrats come to an agreement that the Director of NHRO did not comply with this post and should be exchanged, but also I.Ziemele, proposed by Social Democrats was not the right candidate.

The government forming coalition and the Union of Latvian Social Democrats come to an agreement that the Director of NHRO did not comply with this post and should be exchanged, but also I.Ziemele, proposed by Social Democrats was not the right candidate. Neatkariga

The plan how to introduce society with the national program For Public Integration in Latvia has been submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers. A the Head of the Naturaisation board E.Aldermane explained, the program would be presented to public in a week.

The plan how to introduce society with the national program For Public Integration in Latvia has been submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers. A the Head of the Naturaisation board E.Aldermane explained, the program would be presented to public in a week. Diena

The Community of Latvian Jews will not commemorate March 16, and its Chairman considers that by turning this date into a commemoration day, Latvian officials have found themselves in “ a strange situation”.

The Community of Latvian Jews will not commemorate March 16, and its Chairman considers that by turning this date into a commemoration day, Latvian officials have found themselves in a strange situation. Diena

The Chairman of the Saeima commission Dz.Abikis announced that the draft language law was ready for the second reading and it guaranteed people the right to communicate in the state language in public institutions.

The Chairman of the Saeima commission Dz.Abikis announced that the draft language law was ready for the second reading and it guaranteed people the right to communicate in the state language in public institutions. Diena

Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday the CBSS Commissioner O.Espersen arrived to Riga to present the project on furthering democratic processes in the Baltic Sea region. During two days he will have meetings with Ministers - the Interior G.Kristovskis, Justice - I.Labucka, Deputy Chairmen of the Saeima I.Berzins and G.Bojars, as well as the Chairman of the Saeima Commission on Human Rights and Social Affairs A.Seiksts and the Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane.

Yesterday the CBSS Commissioner O.Espersen arrived to Riga to present the project on furthering democratic processes in the Baltic Sea region. During two days he will have meetings with Ministers - the Interior G.Kristovskis, Justice - I.Labucka, Deputy Chairmen of the Saeima I.Berzins and G.Bojars, as well as the Chairman of the Saeima Commission on Human Rights and Social Affairs A.Seiksts and the Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane. Neatkariga

No later than 6 months after the Saeima elections, Central Election Commission and its Chairman should be re-elected. This is stipulated by the law on Central Election Commission. It means that the Saeima will have to decide about the new composition of the Commission in April. The leaders of political parties, represented in the Saeima are very positive about the current Chairman A.Cimdars and admit a possibility that he could be nominated for this post once again, but there have not been discussions on this topic yet.

No later than 6 months after the Saeima elections, Central Election Commission and its Chairman should be re-elected. This is stipulated by the law on Central Election Commission. It means that the Saeima will have to decide about the new composition of the Commission in April. The leaders of political parties, represented in the Saeima are very positive about the current Chairman A.Cimdars and admit a possibility that he could be nominated for this post once again, but there have not been discussions on this topic yet. Neatkariga

Police has stated that the reason, given by the movement “Equality” for the picket of March 3 is a false one. The organisers announced this picket in memory of V.Artemjev who as if died on this day due to an insult after being beaten by the police. It was found out that this man died on in his flat on March 28, and the reason for using his mane could be the fact that it was planned to use during this picket photos, one depicting V.Artemjev peacefully standing in front of the Riga city Council and one more where a policeman hit him with a baton. One of the organisers T.Zhdanok said that “Equality would do everything to ensure a peaceful procedure of the picket. Interior Ministry State Secretary A.Staris told journalists that police was examining the situation and choosing the best option for its activities, but did not reveal how many policemen would be involved. He added that the results will be taken into consideration to avoid any problems on March 16 when the Union of National Soldiers planned to parade from the Dome Church to the Freedom Monument. At the same time The Community of Russians living in Latvia have asked for a permission to organise a picket not far from the Freedom Monument to commemorate the Nazi victims. Riga City managing Director A.Grinbergs told the agency LETA that he would suggest the Community to organise their picket at some other place, e.g. Victory Monument.

Police has stated that the reason, given by the movement Equality for the picket of March 3 is a false one. The organisers announced this picket in memory of V.Artemjev who as if died on this day due to an insult after being beaten by the police. It was found out that this man died on in his flat on March 28, and the reason for using his mane could be the fact that it was planned to use during this picket photos, one depicting V.Artemjev peacefully standing in front of the Riga city Council and one more where a policeman hit him with a baton. One of the organisers T.Zhdanok said that Equality would do everything to ensure a peaceful procedure of the picket. Interior Ministry State Secretary A.Staris told journalists that police was examining the situation and choosing the best option for its activities, but did not reveal how many policemen would be involved. He added that the results will be taken into consideration to avoid any problems on March 16 when the Union of National Soldiers planned to parade from the Dome Church to the Freedom Monument. At the same time The Community of Russians living in Latvia have asked for a permission to organise a picket not far from the Freedom Monument to commemorate the Nazi victims. Riga City managing Director A.Grinbergs told the agency LETA that he would suggest the Community to organise their picket at some other place, e.g. Victory Monument. Neatkariga, Diena, Bizness & Baltiya

Russian newspapers

Russian newspapers Chas , Panorama Latvii invite people to take part in the todays picket at the Riga City Council.

T.Zhdanok, when asked about the picket of March 3, told

T.Zhdanok, when asked about the picket of March 3, told Bizness & Baltiya that left wing parties would propose the residents of Riga to participate in a mass protest action at eth end of March against unbearable communal payments. Bizness & Baltiya

Latvian MFA State Secretary M.Riekstins thinks that the Union

Latvian MFA State Secretary M.Riekstins thinks that the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia should publicly explain its position on some aspects of Latvian - Russian relations. The Union leader J.Jurkans considers that an official has no right to give any directions the political powers. In the situation when Latvian government tries to establish friendly and business like relations with Russia, the majority of political powers have voiced their opinions on this topic and the basic understanding is unique. But, for the Peoples Harmony Party and the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia to get out of a dubious situation they should publicly explain their position on exact Russian - Latvian relation problems, said Riekstins. They should clarify their position of the issue whether Russia should sign an border agreement with Latvia and other interstate documents, prepared for signing, whether Russia prevents development of the interstate dialogue and some more. J.Jurkans finds this demand uncivilised and considers that Riekstins could ask the Union to help the government to establish such relations but not to demand and explanation. Diena, Chas, Panorama Latvii

“Improvement of Latvian - Russian relations do not depend on Latvia, it is the neighbouring state that lacks will to settle this issue,” concluded the MP V.Paegle (

Improvement of Latvian - Russian relations do not depend on Latvia, it is the neighbouring state that lacks will to settle this issue, concluded the MP V.Paegle (Peoples Party) at the end of conference dedicated to the political and ethnic situation in the Baltic Region. Last weekend the international organisation Project on Ethnic Relations invited to Riga for a closed discussion representatives of European Commission, governments of the USA, Northern and Baltic countries. The main topic of discussion was the situation in Latvia, and the decision was that integration of the society was a long and two-sided process. Diena, SM

Press Review

Press Review

The Cabinet of Ministers has made public the implementation plan of its declaration. It included a detailed list of activities for every ministry. The list enumerates more than 1000 things to be done, will be reconsidered four times a year and supplemented with new tasks.

The Cabinet of Ministers has made public the implementation plan of its declaration. It included a detailed list of activities for every ministry. The list enumerates more than 1000 things to be done, will be reconsidered four times a year and supplemented with new tasks. Neatkariga, Diena, Chas

State President G.Ulmanis in his interview to the press agency BNS said that the Prliament would have to solve the problem of Latvian soldiers’ commemoration day within one year. He considered that the Saeima, acknowledging the March 16 commemoration day, “has made such a double-dealing” that it was difficult for people to formulate their attitude.

State President G.Ulmanis in his interview to the press agency BNS said that the Prliament would have to solve the problem of Latvian soldiers commemoration day within one year. He considered that the Saeima, acknowledging the March 16 commemoration day, has made such a double-dealing that it was difficult for people to formulate their attitude. Neatkariga

M.Martinsone, Department Director of the UN Latvian Association Programs analyse the situaation with NHRO and why the present Director O.Bruveris should be exchanged.

M.Martinsone, Department Director of the UN Latvian Association Programs analyse the situaation with NHRO and why the present Director O.Bruveris should be exchanged. Neatkariga

Peoples Party

conferene takes place in Valmiera. Journalists suspect that this conference has only one objective - to nominate V.Paegle for the post of the State President. conferene takes place in Valmiera. Journalists suspect that this conference has only one objective - to nominate V.Paegle for the post of the State President. NeatkarigaNeatkariga Estonian and Russian delegations ratified a border agreement on land borders as well as sea border between these two countries.

Estonian and Russian delegations ratified a border agreement on land borders as well as sea border between these two countries. Neatkariga, Chas

Five military personell have received military penalties after an official investigation had been carried on the blowing up of a National Guards plane.

Five military personell have received military penalties after an official investigation had been carried on the blowing up of a National Guards plane. Diena, Chas

It is possible that at the end of March the Latvian - Russian intergovernmental commission will resume its activities. Two weeks age the Russian party made a first step - proposed to summon a joint meeting of experts in Moscow. The trip will be discussed the next Monday.

It is possible that at the end of March the Latvian - Russian intergovernmental commission will resume its activities. Two weeks age the Russian party made a first step - proposed to summon a joint meeting of experts in Moscow. The trip will be discussed the next Monday. Chas

War veterans of the Association of Anti-Hitleric Coalition sent an open letter to the State President, Speaker of the Saeima, Prime Minister and Riga City Council A.Berzins protesting against the decision to commemorate March 16 as the day of Latvian soldiers.

War veterans of the Association of Anti-Hitleric Coalition sent an open letter to the State President, Speaker of the Saeima, Prime Minister and Riga City Council A.Berzins protesting against the decision to commemorate March 16 as the day of Latvian soldiers. SM

Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday with 60 votes for and 40 against the Saeima adopted the national budget of 1999. The Leader of the opposition party- the People’s Party - Andris Skele said that this budget will not promote the Latvia’s development, and the year of 1999 will be a difficult year.

Yesterday with 60 votes for and 40 against the Saeima adopted the national budget of 1999. The Leader of the opposition party- the Peoples Party - Andris Skele said that this budget will not promote the Latvias development, and the year of 1999 will be a difficult year. Diena

Last year on the 3rd of March more than thousand persons participated in the picket at the Riga City Council which later was interpreted by Russia as the violation of the human rights of the Russian speaking population. This week the Movement “Equality” asked the Riga City Council to allow to organise a picket on the 3rd of March in remembrance of the person who died from heart attach during the last year’s picket. Yesterday the Riga City Council issued such a permission.

Last year on the 3rd of March more than thousand persons participated in the picket at the Riga City Council which later was interpreted by Russia as the violation of the human rights of the Russian speaking population. This week the Movement Equality asked the Riga City Council to allow to organise a picket on the 3rd of March in remembrance of the person who died from heart attach during the last years picket. Yesterday the Riga City Council issued such a permission. Diena, B&B, Neatkariga

Discussing the spelling of the foreign names in the Latvian language, Mr.Veiko Spolitis, a PhD student of the International Relations, suggests to start using the original spelling of the names alongside with the Latvian spelling.

Discussing the spelling of the foreign names in the Latvian language, Mr.Veiko Spolitis, a PhD student of the International Relations, suggests to start using the original spelling of the names alongside with the Latvian spelling. Diena

Yesterday the official opening of the Baltic Defence College tool place in Tartu. The first students, including 8 students from Latvia, will begin the training in August.

Yesterday the official opening of the Baltic Defence College tool place in Tartu. The first students, including 8 students from Latvia, will begin the training in August. Diena

The CBSS Commissioner on Human Rights and National Minorities Ole Espersen will visit Latvia from the 2nd till the 4th of March.

The CBSS Commissioner on Human Rights and National Minorities Ole Espersen will visit Latvia from the 2nd till the 4th of March. Panorama Latvii

Panorama Latvii publishes the full text of the Cabinet of Ministers Regulations of Submitting and Considering of Applications for the Recognition of the Child as the Citizens of Latvia.

Chaspublishes a story of Arina Shlachta who successfully passed the naturalisation exams and was granted the citizenship of Latvia. According to her, the attitude of the Naturalisation Board officials were polite and the exams were easy.

Chas publishes the informative material explaining the procedure of the naturalisation.

On 1 March the new Civil Procedural Law comes into force, according to which the documents to be submitted to the court will have to be in the state language or provided with the notarised translation. The SM journalist N. Sevidova argues that in such a way the judiciary becomes a more closed system which is less available for a considerable part of the population in Latvia.

On 1 March the new Civil Procedural Law comes into force, according to which the documents to be submitted to the court will have to be in the state language or provided with the notarised translation. The SM journalist N. Sevidova argues that in such a way the judiciary becomes a more closed system which is less available for a considerable part of the population in Latvia. SM

Press Review

Press Review

It is planned that today the Saeima will adopt the national budget of 1999 in the final reading.

It is planned that today the Saeima will adopt the national budget of 1999 in the final reading. B&B

Taking into consideration the intensified public interest about the 16 of March, yesterday the Ministry of the Interior, the Office of the Procurator General, the Constitution Defence Bureau, the Ministry of Defence and other security institutions formed a special working group which main task is to prevent any activities against the public safety.

Taking into consideration the intensified public interest about the 16 of March, yesterday the Ministry of the Interior, the Office of the Procurator General, the Constitution Defence Bureau, the Ministry of Defence and other security institutions formed a special working group which main task is to prevent any activities against the public safety. Diena

Mavriks Vulfsons calls the State President, the Prime Minister and the Saeima to use their rights of the legislative initiative to “transfer the Latvian Soldiers’ Commemoration Day” to the 11th of November - the traditionally celebrated Lacplesa Day.

Mavriks Vulfsons calls the State President, the Prime Minister and the Saeima to use their rights of the legislative initiative to transfer the Latvian Soldiers Commemoration Day to the 11th of November - the traditionally celebrated Lacplesa Day. Diena

Yesterday the Saeima Foreign Affairs Commission supported the ratification of the Protocol 6 of the European Human Rights Convention abolishing the death penalty, in the final reading in the Saeima. The Commission rejected the proposal to postpone the Protocol’s coming into the force until 2001 or until the Latvia’s accession to the European Union. It is planned that the ratification might take place around the Easter.

Yesterday the Saeima Foreign Affairs Commission supported the ratification of the Protocol 6 of the European Human Rights Convention abolishing the death penalty, in the final reading in the Saeima. The Commission rejected the proposal to postpone the Protocols coming into the force until 2001 or until the Latvias accession to the European Union. It is planned that the ratification might take place around the Easter. Diena

The Latvian government has decided to allocate 25 thousand US dollars for the Fund of the Holocaust victims established in 1997 in London. The Press Secretary of the Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry Toms Baumanis said that this move symbolises the Latvian government’s and people’s understanding of the WW II tragedy.

The Latvian government has decided to allocate 25 thousand US dollars for the Fund of the Holocaust victims established in 1997 in London. The Press Secretary of the Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry Toms Baumanis said that this move symbolises the Latvian governments and peoples understanding of the WW II tragedy. Diena, B&B

Yesterday after the meeting of the governmental coalition the Prime Minister Vilis Kristopans informed the journalist that the CM believes that the Director of the Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers does not comply with the work duties, and therefore the Saeima will have to decide on the change of the Office leadership. The Social Democrats has already named Ineta Ziemele, Director of the LU Human Rights Institute as a candidate for the post of the NHRO Director

Yesterday after the meeting of the governmental coalition the Prime Minister Vilis Kristopans informed the journalist that the CM believes that the Director of the Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers does not comply with the work duties, and therefore the Saeima will have to decide on the change of the Office leadership. The Social Democrats has already named Ineta Ziemele, Director of the LU Human Rights Institute as a candidate for the post of the NHRO Director. Diena, B&B

Yesterday the fraction For Human Rights met with the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane to talk about the discrepancies between the provisions of the Citizenship Law and the Regulations on Naturalisation. The Law on Citizenship state that the applicant should be provided with the response not later than one year after the submission date of all documents, while the Regulations on Naturalisation state the application shall be reviewed and the response provided within one year after passing the examinations. As MP Boris Tsilevich said, Ms. Aldermane’s arguments were not convincing enough. MP Tsilevich thinks that the discrepancies between regulations and the law allow the officials to take the arbitrary decisions .

Yesterday the fraction For Human Rights met with the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane to talk about the discrepancies between the provisions of the Citizenship Law and the Regulations on Naturalisation. The Law on Citizenship state that the applicant should be provided with the response not later than one year after the submission date of all documents, while the Regulations on Naturalisation state the application shall be reviewed and the response provided within one year after passing the examinations. As MP Boris Tsilevich said, Ms. Aldermanes arguments were not convincing enough. MP Tsilevich thinks that the discrepancies between regulations and the law allow the officials to take the arbitrary decisions . B&B, Neatkariga

Commenting the visit of the Vice Speaker of the Russian Duma Sergey Baburin to Latvia, the SM journalist Nikolay Kabanov states Latvia has a characteristic to show the highest confidence in relations with any foreign visitor. According to Mr. Kabanov, the central issue of the Latvian-Russian relation is the transit business, and it is more important for Latvia to have a modest talk with the Ministers of Energetic or of Transportation rather than with one of several Vice-speakers of the Russian Duma.

Commenting the visit of the Vice Speaker of the Russian Duma Sergey Baburin to Latvia, the SM journalist Nikolay Kabanov states Latvia has a characteristic to show the highest confidence in relations with any foreign visitor. According to Mr. Kabanov, the central issue of the Latvian-Russian relation is the transit business, and it is more important for Latvia to have a modest talk with the Ministers of Energetic or of Transportation rather than with one of several Vice-speakers of the Russian Duma. SM

The Head of the State Language Inspectorate Maris Birzgalis thinks that those 284 false certificates about the state language proficiency which held by the educators which were found some time ago, is only visible part of the iceberg, therefore the Inspectorate continues examining the documents held by the teachers.

The Head of the State Language Inspectorate Maris Birzgalis thinks that those 284 false certificates about the state language proficiency which held by the educators which were found some time ago, is only visible part of the iceberg, therefore the Inspectorate continues examining the documents held by the teachers. Rigas Balss