Press Review

Press Review

President Ulmanis left for Lisbon yesterday to participate in the OSCE Summit. The President will address the Summit tomorrow. During a press-conference Mr. Ulmanis criticized the OSCE for lack of activity, suggesting that the organization could pay more attention to situation in Chechnya, Bosnia, Moldova, and Georgia. The President told the press that the mandate of the OSCE Mission to Latvia should be extended. Mr. Ulmanis said that the Mission could inform the international community of the latest developments in Latvia. Still, he doubted the role of the Mission in forming an integrated society in the country.

President Ulmanis left for Lisbon yesterday to participate in the OSCE Summit. The President will address the Summit tomorrow. During a press-conference Mr. Ulmanis criticized the OSCE for lack of activity, suggesting that the organization could pay more attention to situation in Chechnya, Bosnia, Moldova, and Georgia. The President told the press that the mandate of the OSCE Mission to Latvia should be extended. Mr. Ulmanis said that the Mission could inform the international community of the latest developments in Latvia. Still, he doubted the role of the Mission in forming an integrated society in the country. "Interfax" circulated information about Ulmanis="" plans to meet President of Byelorussia Lukashenko. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the Byelorussian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a note saying the President's tight schedule during the Summit made the meeting impossible. Mr. Ulmanis will preside over the OSCE Plenary Meeting. The agenda of the OSCE Summit includes Russia's reaction to NATO enlargement and the situation in Yugoslavia, Byelorussia, Chechnya and Nagorny Karabakh.

(DIENA, NEATKARIGA, 2 December)

(DIENA, NEATKARIGA, 2 December)

The Estonian Government believes that aborder agreement with Russia could be signed during the OSCE Summit. Still, Head of the Russian Delegation to the Border Talks Vasily Svirin says that several technical problems do not allow the signing of the agreement this week.

The Estonian Government believes that aborder agreement with Russia could be signed during the OSCE Summit. Still, Head of the Russian Delegation to the Border Talks Vasily Svirin says that several technical problems do not allow the signing of the agreement this week.

(DIENA, 2 December)

(DIENA, 2 December)

Aris Jansons

Aris Jansons ("DIENA") analyzed the work of the OSCE Mission to Latvia. He quoted Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Normans Penke who said that the Mission had accomplished its tasks and no issues were left for the Mission to work on. Still, certain problems are to be resolved. These include naturalization, identification documents for non-citizens, repatriation of demobilized Russian servicemen, and the operation of the Skrunda radar. Head of Mission Charles Magee said that the Mission was studying non-citizens' problems and helped them to become aware of the situation in the country and to integrate into its society. Aris Jansons believes that the Mission serves as a balance to the "forces using non-citizens' problems for achieving political goals". Not extending the mandate would also be unwise after Russia accused Latvia and Estonia of refusing to co-operate with the OSCE and of violating human rights. The Prime-Minister's Advisor for Foreign Affairs Aivars Groza believes that the mandate could be extended by six months. Mr. Penke said that Latvia, before agreeing to extend the mandate, would expect "some countries to come up with suggestions on improving the work of the Mission". (DIENA, 2 December)

The UNDP will allot 3.2 million dollars to the state language training program. An agreement on the program will be signed on December 6 at the Wagner Hall by John Hendra, Minister of Education and Science Maris Grinblats and Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs. The program includes publishing of text-books and launching language training TV programs.

The UNDP will allot 3.2 million dollars to the state language training program. An agreement on the program will be signed on December 6 at the Wagner Hall by John Hendra, Minister of Education and Science Maris Grinblats and Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs. The program includes publishing of text-books and launching language training TV programs.

(DIENA, 2 December)

(DIENA, 2 December)

Prime-Minister Skele said he would resign if the Saeima adopted a deficit budget. The Saeima Budget Committee has prepared the draft budget for the final reading by the Saeima.

Prime-Minister Skele said he would resign if the Saeima adopted a deficit budget. The Saeima Budget Committee has prepared the draft budget for the final reading by the Saeima.

(DIENA, 30 November)

(DIENA, 30 November)

Last Friday the joint congress of the Farmers' Union and the Political Union of Economists voted for merging the two parties. The Farmers' Union is the largest Latvian political party (3,500 members) while the Political Union of Economists has 420 members.

Last Friday the joint congress of the Farmers' Union and the Political Union of Economists voted for merging the two parties. The Farmers' Union is the largest Latvian political party (3,500 members) while the Political Union of Economists has 420 members. Diena

The

The "Latvijas Cels" party congress re-elected Valdis Birkavs as ALC@ Chairman. Prime-Minister Skele in his speech called upon "LC" to be more politically active. The congress was attended by the leaders of "Saimnieks" and "Tevzemei un Brivibai". Diena

Speaker of the State

Speaker of the State Duma Gennady Seleznev addressed Prime-Minister Chernomyrdin with a letter asking to specify sanctions to be used against "Estonian and Latvian regimes hostile to Russia". Seleznev in his letter mentions "apartheid" in the Baltic states. "BIZNES I BALTIYA" suggests that recent steps taken by Russia against Latvia and Estonia are the beginning of a vast campaign of political propaganda against the two Baltic states. B&B

Head of the Baltic Section of the Second European Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sergey Prihodko at a press-conference spoke about Russia's relations with Latvia and Estonia. Mr. Prihodko said that relations between the two countries are impaired by radical nationalists. He mentioned the closing of Russian schools in Riga and other "less noticeable steps". The Russian diplomat mentioned efforts "taken by some politicians in the

Head of the Baltic Section of the Second European Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sergey Prihodko at a press-conference spoke about Russia's relations with Latvia and Estonia. Mr. Prihodko said that relations between the two countries are impaired by radical nationalists. He mentioned the closing of Russian schools in Riga and other "less noticeable steps". The Russian diplomat mentioned efforts "taken by some politicians in the Saeima to initiate the discussion of draft laws and amendments that would decrease ethnic tension." SM

Instruction on employment quotas gives the right only to citizens. According to the Department, the requirement was put by German authorities to prevent illegal immigration. Still, the German Embassy says that the country allows the employment of citizens and permanent residents of Latvia within employment quotas.

Instruction on employment quotas gives the right only to citizens. According to the Department, the requirement was put by German authorities to prevent illegal immigration. Still, the German Embassy says that the country allows the employment of citizens and permanent residents of Latvia within employment quotas. SM

Border delimitation talks between Latvia and Lithuania will be resumed tomorrow. Latvia has suggested sharing all oil produced in the disputable area equally between the two countries. Lithuania still insists on determining the border before discussing the distribution of oil resources.Russian Minister of Defense Igor Rodionov in an interview said that Russia would be forced to direct its ballistic missiles against East European countries that have entered NATO. Russia will ignore nuclear armament reduction agreements if NATO deploys such weapons in Eastern Europe. The Russian Embassy in Latvia refused to comment on Rodionov's statement.

Border delimitation talks between Latvia and Lithuania will be resumed tomorrow. Latvia has suggested sharing all oil produced in the disputable area equally between the two countries. Lithuania still insists on determining the border before discussing the distribution of oil resources.Russian Minister of Defense Igor Rodionov in an interview said that Russia would be forced to direct its ballistic missiles against East European countries that have entered NATO. Russia will ignore nuclear armament reduction agreements if NATO deploys such weapons in Eastern Europe. The Russian Embassy in Latvia refused to comment on Rodionov's statement. Vakara Zinas

Press Report

Press Report

The

The Saeima at its yesterday's session did not support a vote of non-confidence for Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs. Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs Jurkans refused to take the floor during the debate on the issue. He objected to the Saeima decision on reducing the length of comments to five minutes calling it an attempt to conceal flaws in the work of the Ministry. During the debate the deputies supporting the vote of no-confidence criticized Birkavs for ignoring the country's relations with Russia and Lithuania. Birkavs' supporters said that dismissing the Minister of Foreign Affairs before concluding vital agreements with Lithuania and Russia would be unwise. Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bruvers pointed at the fact that those criticizing Birkavs could not produce an alternate foreign policy concept of their own. Diena

Valdis Birkavs in an interview for

Valdis Birkavs in an interview for "SM SEVODNYA" said he was ready to discuss the developments in Latvian foreign policy with his opponents. Birkavs says that he did his best to improve relations with Moscow and complains about the lack of responseto his initiatives. "Russia always finds reasons for postponing negotiations with Latvia," said Birkavs. He complained about Russia focusing too much on NATO enlargement and human rights. He believes Russia might put forward new demands and link the border agreement with human rights or NATO enlargement. Birkavs says that the Government and "Latvijas Cels" (Birkavs="" party) would like to bring the human rights situation in Latvia into compliance with European standards. He supports changes in the CID and admits that "errors have been made". Still, the country "is moving in the right direction", believes Birkavs. Among the achievements of the Latvian foreign policy he mentioned Council of Europe membership. Birkavs believes that the 1920 Riga Peace treaty is more of a symbolic than of a practical meaning to Latvia. He is optimistic about settling the border argument with Lithuania and says that Skele has not been interviewed by a Lithuania newspaper. He refused to go any deeper into the interview scandal. Diena

Latvian politicians interviewed by

Latvian politicians interviewed by "DIENA" believe that Russia might come up with new conditions at the border delimitation talks with Latvia. "Saimnieks" deputy Ivars Kezbers suggests that discussing economic and humanitarian issues with Russia will help maintaining neighborly relations with the country. J.Jurkans expects that Russia will continue to raise the issue of Russian-speakers in Latvia and Estonia.

Last Wednesday the UN General Assembly decided to close the discussion on the human rights situation in Latvia and Estonia. The Chairman of the Third Committee of the General Assembly referred to the assessment of the situation by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Chairman of the Third Committee praised the Governments of Estonia and Latvia for taking into consideration recommendations by the OSCE and other international organizations. A statement by the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls the decision by the Third Committee "an achievement of the Latvian diplomacy and proof of the country="s" policy aimed at protecting human rights". A spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Russia would continue bringing up the issue at the UN General Assembly.

Last Wednesday the UN General Assembly decided to close the discussion on the human rights situation in Latvia and Estonia. The Chairman of the Third Committee of the General Assembly referred to the assessment of the situation by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Chairman of the Third Committee praised the Governments of Estonia and Latvia for taking into consideration recommendations by the OSCE and other international organizations. A statement by the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls the decision by the Third Committee "an achievement of the Latvian diplomacy and proof of the country="s" policy aimed at protecting human rights". A spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Russia would continue bringing up the issue at the UN General Assembly. Diena, Neatkariga

A letter to a reader's column in

A letter to a reader's column in "PANORAMA LATVII" points at a problem that might occur during the exchange of old USSR passports for new non-citizen identification documents. A CID representative in a TV interview mentioned birth certificates among the documents to be produced for receiving the new passports. Many non-citizens cannot obtain birth certificates or their copies that were lost in archives outside Latvia. USSR authorities often kept birth certificates in their archives when issuing passports to Soviet citizens.

Press Report

Press Report

Newly appointed Ambassador of Russia Alexander Udaltsov is expected to arrive in Riga in mid-December. Before his appointment as a Deputy-Director of the Second European Department, Mr. Udaltsov worked as a Ministry of Foreign Affairs expert on Czechoslovakia and Poland. He is known as a strict follower of official policy. Sources in the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs say that Udaltsov's appointment will not bring any serious changes into Russian policies in Latvia.

Newly appointed Ambassador of Russia Alexander Udaltsov is expected to arrive in Riga in mid-December. Before his appointment as a Deputy-Director of the Second European Department, Mr. Udaltsov worked as a Ministry of Foreign Affairs expert on Czechoslovakia and Poland. He is known as a strict follower of official policy. Sources in the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs say that Udaltsov's appointment will not bring any serious changes into Russian policies in Latvia. "DIENA" believes that Russia could find a pretext for not signing the border delimitation agreement with Latvia even if Latvia agrees not to refer to the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty in the document. Russia has already accused Estonia of deliberately delaying the forming of a joint committee on the Russian-speaking minority and can as well find a reason for refusing to sign the agreement with Latvia. Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes that establishing closer contacts between the two countries could be useful. According to the Ministry, a meeting of Latvian and Russian Prime-Ministers will be held within the next few months. Diena

The UN General Assembly will discuss the draft resolution on human rights in Latvia and Estonia, submitted on 22 November to the Assembly by Russia. Estonia and Latvia have also submitted their draft resolutions on the issue. Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told the press that the US will not support the resolution drafted by Russia. The CIS countries, except Tajikistan, will not support the draft resolution as well. Birkavs has discussed the issue with ambassadors of NATO countries. He says that Latvia will look for a way to exclude the draft resolution from the agenda of the UN General Assembly. According to the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Service, Russian representative Lavrov in his report at the meeting of the UN Social and Human Rights Committee accused Latvia of refusing to cooperate with the OSCE and pointed at gross violations of human rights in the country. A spokesman for the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that only problem mentioned by the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights in his report to the Committee was the issuance of valid identification documents to non-citizens. Several UN members advised Estonia to cooperate with Russia in order to make the resolution "milder". The human rights situation in Latvia is also on the agenda of the OSCE Summit in Lisbon. A report on Latvia will be delivered by the Swiss Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The UN General Assembly will discuss the draft resolution on human rights in Latvia and Estonia, submitted on 22 November to the Assembly by Russia. Estonia and Latvia have also submitted their draft resolutions on the issue. Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told the press that the US will not support the resolution drafted by Russia. The CIS countries, except Tajikistan, will not support the draft resolution as well. Birkavs has discussed the issue with ambassadors of NATO countries. He says that Latvia will look for a way to exclude the draft resolution from the agenda of the UN General Assembly. According to the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Service, Russian representative Lavrov in his report at the meeting of the UN Social and Human Rights Committee accused Latvia of refusing to cooperate with the OSCE and pointed at gross violations of human rights in the country. A spokesman for the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that only problem mentioned by the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights in his report to the Committee was the issuance of valid identification documents to non-citizens. Several UN members advised Estonia to cooperate with Russia in order to make the resolution "milder". The human rights situation in Latvia is also on the agenda of the OSCE Summit in Lisbon. A report on Latvia will be delivered by the Swiss Minister of Foreign Affairs. Diena, B&B, Neatkariga

US Ambassador to Sweden Tomas Siebert in a speech delivered a the Tumbro Institute said that the United States would support the admission of the Baltic states into NATO. The Ambassador stressed that the main question was not "whether" but "when". Mr. Siebert believes that developing democratic institutions will help the three Baltic countries in joining NATO. He also pointed at the importance of integrating Russian-speakers in Latvia and Estonia. The Ambassador mentioned "large Russian communities in Estonia and Latvia whose situation often causes concern."

US Ambassador to Sweden Tomas Siebert in a speech delivered a the Tumbro Institute said that the United States would support the admission of the Baltic states into NATO. The Ambassador stressed that the main question was not "whether" but "when". Mr. Siebert believes that developing democratic institutions will help the three Baltic countries in joining NATO. He also pointed at the importance of integrating Russian-speakers in Latvia and Estonia. The Ambassador mentioned "large Russian communities in Estonia and Latvia whose situation often causes concern." Neatkariga

Latvia will start issuing non-citizens with new passports in March 1997 but not in December this year. According to Head of the CID Passport Bureau Leins, Latvia is still waiting for recognition of the new passport by foreign experts. The Cabinet of Ministers vetoed the introduction of the new non-citizen passport to avoid the situation that occurred after Latvia had introduced the so-called "brown passports" for non-citizens. Several countries, including France, Austria and the USA, refused to recognize the document then. Mr. Leins also says the construction of a new Passport Center has not been accomplished yet. The Center is expected to be opened on 23 December. "Brown passports" will still be valid for two years from the date of their issuance, while former USSR internal passports will stay valid at least until 31 December 1999. New passports will be issued for five years and their validity term will be extended. Individuals over sixty years of age will receive passports with no validity term limitations.

Latvia will start issuing non-citizens with new passports in March 1997 but not in December this year. According to Head of the CID Passport Bureau Leins, Latvia is still waiting for recognition of the new passport by foreign experts. The Cabinet of Ministers vetoed the introduction of the new non-citizen passport to avoid the situation that occurred after Latvia had introduced the so-called "brown passports" for non-citizens. Several countries, including France, Austria and the USA, refused to recognize the document then. Mr. Leins also says the construction of a new Passport Center has not been accomplished yet. The Center is expected to be opened on 23 December. "Brown passports" will still be valid for two years from the date of their issuance, while former USSR internal passports will stay valid at least until 31 December 1999. New passports will be issued for five years and their validity term will be extended. Individuals over sixty years of age will receive passports with no validity term limitations. Diena

"We are here to assist the Government of Latvia in building an integrated society after fifty years of foreign rule," says Deputy-Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Pirkka Tapiola. He admits that the main problem is not the minority issue but the fact, that the population of the country is divided into citizens and non-citizens. Latvia is unique in this respect and can be compared only to Estonia. The OSCE Mission opened on the seventy-fifth Anniversary of Latvia's independence and has been working for three years with its staff changing constantly. Since 1994 the Mission is headed by Charles Magee, and Mr. Tapiola arrived to Riga approximately at the same time. Does the Mission still receive complaints? They are less numerous and the problems are less complicated. Mr. Tapiola believes that the Citizenship and Immigration Department has improved its work, and the Mission is closely collaborating with the Naturalization Board. Currently, the OSCE team (an American, a Finn, a Dane, a Slovak, a Pole, a German) see the upcoming issuance of non-citizens' passports as the most urgent issue. "I believe it to be a very important process, since new identification documents will be provided to 700,000 inhabitants of Latvia who currently are not its citizens," says the Deputy-Head of the Mission. Mr. Tapiola explains that OSCE Mission mandates differ to meet the specific needs of a host-country. OSCE Missions have been opened on the former USSR territory in the Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Tajikistan.

"We are here to assist the Government of Latvia in building an integrated society after fifty years of foreign rule," says Deputy-Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Pirkka Tapiola. He admits that the main problem is not the minority issue but the fact, that the population of the country is divided into citizens and non-citizens. Latvia is unique in this respect and can be compared only to Estonia. The OSCE Mission opened on the seventy-fifth Anniversary of Latvia's independence and has been working for three years with its staff changing constantly. Since 1994 the Mission is headed by Charles Magee, and Mr. Tapiola arrived to Riga approximately at the same time. Does the Mission still receive complaints? They are less numerous and the problems are less complicated. Mr. Tapiola believes that the Citizenship and Immigration Department has improved its work, and the Mission is closely collaborating with the Naturalization Board. Currently, the OSCE team (an American, a Finn, a Dane, a Slovak, a Pole, a German) see the upcoming issuance of non-citizens' passports as the most urgent issue. "I believe it to be a very important process, since new identification documents will be provided to 700,000 inhabitants of Latvia who currently are not its citizens," says the Deputy-Head of the Mission. Mr. Tapiola explains that OSCE Mission mandates differ to meet the specific needs of a host-country. OSCE Missions have been opened on the former USSR territory in the Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Tajikistan. Neatkariga

Press Report

Yesterday the Presidents of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania signed a joint declaration. The document defines the objectives pursued by the three countries. These are stability, security, the growth of living standards, and full-fledged membership in international political, economic and security bodies. The Presidents stress the importance of common strategies aimed at joining of the European Union. The Declaration says that long-term security in Europe can be provided by integrating the three countries into NATO. President Ulmanis said at a press-conference that NATO enlargement should not lead to the forming of "a grey zone". The Presidents of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are planning to discuss the prospects of joining the block with NATO member-countries and hold consultations with Russia and other countries that do not intend to join the alliance. President Ulmanis said that the Latvian Government could not annul the 1920 Peace Treaty, the document being one of the corner-stones of Latvia's independence. Still, he admitted that mentioning or not mentioning the 1920 Treaty in the border delimitation agreement with Russia was not of essential importance. When asked to comment on Russia accusing Latvia of violating the rights of Russian-speakers, Mr. Ulmanis explained that such criticism was part of Russia's political tactics and expressed hope the UN would adopt a decision on the issue that would be favorable to Latvia. President Brazauskas told the press that a border argument with Latvia would not impede cooperation between the two countries.

Yesterday the Presidents of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania signed a joint declaration. The document defines the objectives pursued by the three countries. These are stability, security, the growth of living standards, and full-fledged membership in international political, economic and security bodies. The Presidents stress the importance of common strategies aimed at joining of the European Union. The Declaration says that long-term security in Europe can be provided by integrating the three countries into NATO. President Ulmanis said at a press-conference that NATO enlargement should not lead to the forming of "a grey zone". The Presidents of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are planning to discuss the prospects of joining the block with NATO member-countries and hold consultations with Russia and other countries that do not intend to join the alliance. President Ulmanis said that the Latvian Government could not annul the 1920 Peace Treaty, the document being one of the corner-stones of Latvia's independence. Still, he admitted that mentioning or not mentioning the 1920 Treaty in the border delimitation agreement with Russia was not of essential importance. When asked to comment on Russia accusing Latvia of violating the rights of Russian-speakers, Mr. Ulmanis explained that such criticism was part of Russia's political tactics and expressed hope the UN would adopt a decision on the issue that would be favorable to Latvia. President Brazauskas told the press that a border argument with Latvia would not impede cooperation between the two countries. Diena, SM

Although French, German, and Swedish politicians sound quite optimistic about the prospects of the Baltic states admission to the European Union, Western business community doubts economic and political stability in the countries. Latvia has to prove its ability to bring its economic and political systems in compliance with European standards. The results obtained by the EU from the "White Books" distributed among its potential members in 1995 are being analyzed. The rights of minorities were among the essential factors to be assessed by the EU experts. The EU is still not satisfied with minority situation in Latvia. Among other problems spotted by the EU experts are flaws in the work of the customs, the police, and the Department of Agriculture. Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovenia have the best chances for becoming EU members during the first stage of its enlargement, while Latvia, Bulgaria, and Romania have the weakest prospects. Sweden, Denmark, and France still insist on allowing the three Baltic states and Romania to join the EU on the firs stage of the enlargement. The Baltic countries are also supported by the US suggesting that the EU membership could serve as a compensation for not being admitted to NATO.

Although French, German, and Swedish politicians sound quite optimistic about the prospects of the Baltic states admission to the European Union, Western business community doubts economic and political stability in the countries. Latvia has to prove its ability to bring its economic and political systems in compliance with European standards. The results obtained by the EU from the "White Books" distributed among its potential members in 1995 are being analyzed. The rights of minorities were among the essential factors to be assessed by the EU experts. The EU is still not satisfied with minority situation in Latvia. Among other problems spotted by the EU experts are flaws in the work of the customs, the police, and the Department of Agriculture. Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovenia have the best chances for becoming EU members during the first stage of its enlargement, while Latvia, Bulgaria, and Romania have the weakest prospects. Sweden, Denmark, and France still insist on allowing the three Baltic states and Romania to join the EU on the firs stage of the enlargement. The Baltic countries are also supported by the US suggesting that the EU membership could serve as a compensation for not being admitted to NATO. Neatkariga

"Latvijas Cels" will nominate Valdis Birkavs the Chairman of the party at the upcoming Party Congress. "LC" members interviewed by "DIENA" believe Mr. Birkavs will gain the majority of votes. Other candidates are Andrejs Pantelejevs and Indulis Berzins.

"Latvijas Cels" will nominate Valdis Birkavs the Chairman of the party at the upcoming Party Congress. "LC" members interviewed by "DIENA" believe Mr. Birkavs will gain the majority of votes. Other candidates are Andrejs Pantelejevs and Indulis Berzins. Diena

Yesterday President Yeltsin officially appointed Aleksandr Udaltsov (a former Deputy-Director of the second European Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation) Ambassador to Latvia. Sergey Zotov has been appointed Ambassador to Slovakia.

Yesterday President Yeltsin officially appointed Aleksandr Udaltsov (a former Deputy-Director of the second European Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation) Ambassador to Latvia. Sergey Zotov has been appointed Ambassador to Slovakia. SM

Member of the Saeima Committee on Foreign Affairs Janis Jurkans ("People's Harmony") in a brief interview for "SM" criticized Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs for ignoring Latvia's relations with Russia. According to Jurkans, Birkavs "brought the idea of Latvia becoming a EU and NATO member to a dead-end". Jurkans believes Birkavs should have been relieved of his duties for approving the Declaration on Occupation noting that it should not have been adopted before Skele's visit to Moscow. Tomorrow Saeima Plenary Meeting will consider the vote of no-confidence for Birkavs as suggested earlier by the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Member of the Saeima Committee on Foreign Affairs Janis Jurkans ("People's Harmony") in a brief interview for "SM" criticized Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs for ignoring Latvia's relations with Russia. According to Jurkans, Birkavs "brought the idea of Latvia becoming a EU and NATO member to a dead-end". Jurkans believes Birkavs should have been relieved of his duties for approving the Declaration on Occupation noting that it should not have been adopted before Skele's visit to Moscow. Tomorrow Saeima Plenary Meeting will consider the vote of no-confidence for Birkavs as suggested earlier by the Committee on Foreign Affairs. SM

An article in "SM" quotes pre-war statistical data to prove that the Abrene District was populated by ethnic Russians and should be consireded a part of Russia. Russians constituted 82.01% to 95.5% of its population in the twenties.

An article in "SM" quotes pre-war statistical data to prove that the Abrene District was populated by ethnic Russians and should be consireded a part of Russia. Russians constituted 82.01% to 95.5% of its population in the twenties. SM

Press Review

American Ambassador L. Napper delivered a lecture on US policy in the Baltic countries at the Institute of International Relations in Riga. He pointed out that Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia regarded as potential NATO members. The US Ambassador hopes that the Baltic countries will be admitted to the European Union on the first stage of its enlargement.

American Ambassador L. Napper delivered a lecture on US policy in the Baltic countries at the Institute of International Relations in Riga. He pointed out that Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia regarded as potential NATO members. The US Ambassador hopes that the Baltic countries will be admitted to the European Union on the first stage of its enlargement. Diena

"Saimnieks"

deputy Eriks Zunda in an article for deputy Eriks Zunda in an article for "DIENA" "DIENA" criticizes draft amendments to the Law on Municipal Elections. The amendments require that candidates to posts in a local administration should permanently reside on the territory governed by the local administration. The fact of permanent residence can be proved by criticizes draft amendments to the Law on Municipal Elections. The amendments require that candidates to posts in a local administration should permanently reside on the territory governed by the local administration. The fact of permanent residence can be proved by "propiska" "propiska" only. Mr. Zunda objects to preserving only. Mr. Zunda objects to preserving "propiska""propiska" as an important element of the Latvian legislation. as an important element of the Latvian legislation. "Propiska""Propiska" should be abolished to bring Latvian legislation into compliance with international human rights norms and the 1937 Civil Law of the Republic of Latvia that allowed an individual to have several places of residence. should be abolished to bring Latvian legislation into compliance with international human rights norms and the 1937 Civil Law of the Republic of Latvia that allowed an individual to have several places of residence. DienaDiena Prime-Minister Skele suggested canceling a restriction introduced into the Law "On the Election of Self-Governments" by the

Prime-Minister Skele suggested canceling a restriction introduced into the Law "On the Election of Self-Governments" by the Saeima on November 6. The amendment bans individuals who were active members of the CPSU, the Interfront, and the All-Latvian National Salvation Committee after January 13, 1991, from running for posts in a self-government. Skele explained later that he had suggested to cancel only part of the restrictions, namely those banning former CPSU members from participating in local elections. The ban is to be applied to Mayor of Daugavpils Vidavsky, formerly an Interfront activist. Vidavsky is popular among voters who believe his professional qualities to be more important than his political past. Mr. Vidavsky is also said to be supported by "Latvijas Cels". "DIENA" claims to have a copy of a confidential agreement between Vidavsky and a "LC" representative. "LC" (represented by the so-called Club 21) guaranteed support for the Daugavpils City Council decisions in the Saeima while Vidavsky agreed to create favorable conditions for certain companies. "LC" leaders interviewed by "DIENA" say that they had no information on the agreement. Maris Gailis denies any links between Club 21 and "LC" at the time the agreement with Vidavsky was allegedly concluded.Diena

"Tevzemei un Brivibai" faction Chairman Janis Straume addressed Procurator General Janis Skrastins with a letter accusing the Ministry of the Interior senior executives of "constantly exceeding their authority in order to legalize individuals" illegally staying in the country who are to be "expelled from Latvia". In this connection Straume names State Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior Andris Staris, CID Director Ints Zitars and other officials. Minister of the Interior Turlais and CID Director's Advisor Jaudzems in their interviews "admit" that they are looking for a possibility of providing a legal status to individuals having no right to stay in Latvia, says the letter. Straume also criticizes Turlais and Zitars for not investigating cases of fraud. According to the Ministry of the Interior Press-Center, the Ministry would not comment on the letter until Mr. Straume provides documented proof of the accusations. Diena

President Ulmanis expressed support for Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs and criticized the recent decision the

President Ulmanis expressed support for Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs and criticized the recent decision the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee for its vote of no-confidence for the Minister. The President said that he expected the Committee to come up with "suggestions on improving the country's foreign policy." Diena

Ilga Apine, a Professor at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, recalls the role of Russian cultural associations in Latvia's struggle for independence. History proves that a large part of the Russian community is loyal to independent Latvia. Mrs. Apine believes legislation should be more flexible toward Russian-speakers. Laws affecting Russian-speakers should be discussed with their representatives and non-citizens could be granted the right to participate in local elections. Ilga Apine believes that Latvia could benefit from establishing closer contacts with Russian-speaking intellectuals.

Ilga Apine, a Professor at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, recalls the role of Russian cultural associations in Latvia's struggle for independence. History proves that a large part of the Russian community is loyal to independent Latvia. Mrs. Apine believes legislation should be more flexible toward Russian-speakers. Laws affecting Russian-speakers should be discussed with their representatives and non-citizens could be granted the right to participate in local elections. Ilga Apine believes that Latvia could benefit from establishing closer contacts with Russian-speaking intellectuals. Diena

Vladimir Buzayev and Leonid Raihman of the Latvian human Rights Committee in their regular report in

Vladimir Buzayev and Leonid Raihman of the Latvian human Rights Committee in their regular report in "SM" analyze the Regulations "On the Status of the Unemployed". The Regulations adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers on October 22 require a certificate of the command of the Latvian language from all applicants even if they are looking for a job that does not demand the knowledge of Latvia. Buzayev and Raihman believe that the issuance of new passports to non-citizens will be used by the CID for reviewing the Register of Inhabitants. They refer to CID official J.Leins who had already named the documents to be produced by non-citizens applying for a new passport. More problems might be caused by an article of the Law on Former USSR Citizens giving the CID the right to apply the Law "On Foreigners' and Stateless Persons' Entrance to and Stay in the Republic of Latvia" to non-citizens having failed to exchange their passports within an established term. SM