Integration and Minority Information Service | Latvian Centre for Human Rights

Press Review

Head of the Latvian Delegation to Moscow Cepanis told the press yesterday that Russian politicians displayed significant interest in the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia and its policy aimed at joining NATO. Russia closely connects those two political issues to the prospects of economic relations with Latvia. During the talks in Moscow, Mr. Cepanis said that NATO membership was seen by Latvia as the only way of maintaining its security. Still, he added that Latvia was open to discussing other options that could guarantee security. Mr. Cepanis informed the Russian side about the actual situation of non-citizens in Latvia, stressing the lack of interest in naturalization. Member of the Delegation Juris Sinka (

Head of the Latvian Delegation to Moscow Cepanis told the press yesterday that Russian politicians displayed significant interest in the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia and its policy aimed at joining NATO. Russia closely connects those two political issues to the prospects of economic relations with Latvia. During the talks in Moscow, Mr. Cepanis said that NATO membership was seen by Latvia as the only way of maintaining its security. Still, he added that Latvia was open to discussing other options that could guarantee security. Mr. Cepanis informed the Russian side about the actual situation of non-citizens in Latvia, stressing the lack of interest in naturalization. Member of the Delegation Juris Sinka ("Tevzemei un Brivibai"), during the meetings in Moscow pointed at the patronizing manner of addressing the Latvian side common among Russian politicians. Mr. Sinka said that his remark had an effect on some of the Russian politicians who chose a more discreet manner of speaking to their partners. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Pildegovics said at a press-briefing that Latvia was still expecting Russia to provide the full text of its long-term doctrine for its relations with the Baltic states. He said that Latvia could not be criticized for human rights violations since those were not discovered by international organizations. Latvia would not accept any pressure connected with citizenship and naturalization issues, said Pildegovics. He stressed that the Latvian Citizenship Law complied with the European norms. Diena, Neatkariga

President Yeltsin in his letter to the Federation Assembly named the protection of the rights of Russian-speakers as one of the most important priorities inthe country's foreign politicy.

President Yeltsin in his letter to the Federation Assembly named the protection of the rights of Russian-speakers as one of the most important priorities inthe country's foreign politicy. Neatkariga

Yesterday Prime-Minister Skele suggested Head of the

Yesterday Prime-Minister Skele suggested Head of the Saeima Budget and Finance Committee Roberts Zile ("Tevzemei un Brivibai") as a candidate for Minister of Finance. Earlier, Skele offered the post to Atis Sausnitis ("Saimnieks") who declined the offer. "Latvijas Cels", "Tevzemei un Brivibai", LNNK/the Greens, the Farmers' Union/the Christian Democrats and "Tautai un Taisnibai" support the Prime-Minister's choice. "Saimnieks" is still discussing Skele's suggestion. "Saimnieks" faction leader Cevers said that the faction had not worked out a definite position on the candidate. The governing factions have agreed to accept the new Minister of Finance on a consensus basis. Diena

Press Review

Head of the Latvian Delegation to Moscow Alfreds Cepanis said at a press-conference that Latvia saw NATO membership as the only way of maintaining it security. While touching upon the issue of Russian-speakers, Cepanis stressed that the Russian side was often using outdated information on the issue. The majority of the Russian-speaking population is not "rushing to obtain citizenship", noted Cepanis. He believes that the problem of ethnic Russians in Latvia "should not be brought to an international scene."

Head of the Latvian Delegation to Moscow Alfreds Cepanis said at a press-conference that Latvia saw NATO membership as the only way of maintaining it security. While touching upon the issue of Russian-speakers, Cepanis stressed that the Russian side was often using outdated information on the issue. The majority of the Russian-speaking population is not "rushing to obtain citizenship", noted Cepanis. He believes that the problem of ethnic Russians in Latvia "should not be brought to an international scene." B&B

Chairman of the

Chairman of the Saeima Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts told the press that Russia was criticizing Latvia for slow naturalization of non-citizens without valid argumentation. Yesterday Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane reported to the Committee on the latest developments in naturalization. According to the Naturalization Board, 33 thousand non-citizens could apply for naturalization in 1996 while only 550 applications were received. Last week Mrs. Aldermane told "DIENA" that 2,664 non-citizens applied for naturalization in 1995 and 1996 while 54,970 had the right to obtain citizenship. 33,327 young people between 16 and 20 years of age could apply for naturalization last year and only 560 used the right. Diena

According to the Naturalization Board, the total number of Latvian residents having received citizenship through naturalization is 5,701, including those having already passed the tests and waiting for decrees by Cabinet of Ministers confirming their naturalization. Initially, the total number was 9,000. Around 4,000 of these are ethnic Latvians and Livs who received citizenship through extraordinary naturalization after corresponding amendments had been introduced into the Citizenship Law. Deputy-Head of the Board Kahanovics says that the number of applicants has reduced lately. 28 persons were granted citizenship for their extraordinary services to Latvia. Currently, the

According to the Naturalization Board, the total number of Latvian residents having received citizenship through naturalization is 5,701, including those having already passed the tests and waiting for decrees by Cabinet of Ministers confirming their naturalization. Initially, the total number was 9,000. Around 4,000 of these are ethnic Latvians and Livs who received citizenship through extraordinary naturalization after corresponding amendments had been introduced into the Citizenship Law. Deputy-Head of the Board Kahanovics says that the number of applicants has reduced lately. 28 persons were granted citizenship for their extraordinary services to Latvia. Currently, the Saeima is reviewing nine candidates who may be granted citizenship for extraordinary services. Technically, the Naturalization Board is able to review 10,000 applications per year. Still, the average of slightly more than two thousand applications are received annually. Latvian residents between 20 and 25 years of age (appr. 31,000) can apply for citizenship this year. This age group shows a slightly higher activity than the youngest group (16 to 20 years of age) with already 55 applicants in the first two months of 1996. The Naturalization Board gives the following data on the current naturalization situation:

- The number of non-citizens: around 680,000.

- The number of non-citizens having the right to apply for naturalization: around 55,000.

- The number of non-citizens having applied for naturalization or having already obtained citizenship through naturalization: 5,701.

These are:

These are:
Lithuanians and Estonians - 28.5%;
Russians - 46.5%;
Byelorussians - 8.3%;
Poles - 7.9%;
Ukrainians - 4.2%;
Others - 3.1%. Neatkariga

Press Review

Russian Ambassador to Latvia Udaltsov held a press-conference marking his first month in office. Mr. Udaltsov described the Long-Term Doctrine for Relations with the Baltic States as a document focused, among other aspects, on protection of Russia's interests in the region. According to Udaltsov, the program of Russia's relations with the Baltic states is remarkable for its pragmatic approach. The Ambassador stressed that Latvia and Russia had resolved the problems of troop withdrawal, the Skrunda radar station and retired servicemen despite the pressure from radical politicians. Both countries should develop mutual confidence and understanding and practice "a more predictable policy" toward each other, said Udaltsov. He explained that the full text of the Doctrine was not available to the media since it was a working document. Mr. Udaltsov stressed that Russian-speakers still had problems in Latvia and that Russia was not excluding the possibility of "using economic factors" to influence Latvian politics toward non-citizens. In that connection the Ambassador referred to the 1991 agreement between Russia and Latvia that provided for granting of Latvian citizenship to all its permanent residents ratified by Latvia. The Russian Parliament refused to ratify the agreement after it became clear that Latvia was not going to observe its conditions on citizenship. According to Mr. Udaltsov, 65 thousand Russian citizens are registered at the Russian Embassy. The Embassy will not hand the lists of Russian citizens residing in Latvia to the Latvian side.

Russian Ambassador to Latvia Udaltsov held a press-conference marking his first month in office. Mr. Udaltsov described the Long-Term Doctrine for Relations with the Baltic States as a document focused, among other aspects, on protection of Russia's interests in the region. According to Udaltsov, the program of Russia's relations with the Baltic states is remarkable for its pragmatic approach. The Ambassador stressed that Latvia and Russia had resolved the problems of troop withdrawal, the Skrunda radar station and retired servicemen despite the pressure from radical politicians. Both countries should develop mutual confidence and understanding and practice "a more predictable policy" toward each other, said Udaltsov. He explained that the full text of the Doctrine was not available to the media since it was a working document. Mr. Udaltsov stressed that Russian-speakers still had problems in Latvia and that Russia was not excluding the possibility of "using economic factors" to influence Latvian politics toward non-citizens. In that connection the Ambassador referred to the 1991 agreement between Russia and Latvia that provided for granting of Latvian citizenship to all its permanent residents ratified by Latvia. The Russian Parliament refused to ratify the agreement after it became clear that Latvia was not going to observe its conditions on citizenship. According to Mr. Udaltsov, 65 thousand Russian citizens are registered at the Russian Embassy. The Embassy will not hand the lists of Russian citizens residing in Latvia to the Latvian side. Diena, SM

Yesterday

Yesterday Saeima Speaker Alfreds Cepanis and Duma Speaker Gennady Seleznev during their meeting in Moscow stressed that Russia and Latvia should get rid of "the elements of cold war" in their relations. Deputy-Speaker of the Russian Duma Aleksandr Shohin told Latvian representatives that observance of the rights of "compatriots" in Latvia was considered a priority issue by Russia. Mr. Seleznev also touched upon Latvia's intention to join NATO and said that the Russian Government was concerned about the prospect. Today Mr. Cepanis is meeting Head of the President's Administration Chubais and Chairman of the Federation Council Stroyev. Diena, B&B

Press Review

Russia is trying actively to make Latvia simplify naturalization conditions for its permanent legal residents. In this connection,

Russia is trying actively to make Latvia simplify naturalization conditions for its permanent legal residents. In this connection, "DIENA" quotes a long-term doctrine for Russia's relations with the Baltic states drafted upon president Yeltsin's initiative. The document puts granting of Latvian citizenship to all Latvia's inhabitants among the priorities of Russian foreign politics. Russian Ambassador to Latvia Udaltsov during his meeting with Saeima Deputy-Speaker Ameriks also criticized naturalization tests for being too complicated. Head of the Naturalization Board Aldermane told "DIENA" that the Board was working on a special naturalization procedure for elderly applicants. The Board suggests relieving elderly people of the written test and to limit the test by offering applicants to fill out an official form. Mrs. Aldermane agrees that rendering a text in a written form may be difficult for an elderly person suffering from poor hearing. Part of the elderly non-Latvians is loyal to Latvia and is willing to take its citizenship. All of them, except Lithuanians and Estonians, are to pass naturalization tests to obtain citizenship. 33% of Latvian residents currently having the right to obtain citizenship through naturalization are over sixty-one years of age. Elderly people can choose whether to take a written or a verbal test. Mrs. Aldermane recommends taking a verbal test. She says that potential applicants should not pay too much attention to newspaper articles describing naturalization tests as an utterly negative experience. The process is not humiliating or embarrassing, says Aldermane referring to international experts who have monitored the tests. The Naturalization Board believes that citizenship cannot be granted to all permanent residents automatically. Diena

Saeima Speaker Alfred Cepanis in an interview for the

Saeima Speaker Alfred Cepanis in an interview for the BNS news agency criticized Latvia for not paying sufficient attention to its relations with Russia. Mr. Cepanis admits that Russia has interpreted the Declaration on Occupation by the Saeima as an unfriendly gesture. He believes that the Declaration was a document for "internal use" adopted to bring moral contentment to all those having suffered from German and Soviet occupation. Mr. Cepanis said that he would explain that to the Russian side during his visit to Moscow. The Saeima Speaker stressed the importance of the border agreement with Russia. He believes that it should be a purely technical agreement without any connection to the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty. Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Pildegovics refused to comment on Cepanis' statements before the Ministry obtains the full text of his interview.Diena

Duma Deputy-Speaker Sergey Baburin (The Russian National Union) in an interview for "SM" said that the Russian Government was considering possible economic sanctions against Latvia and Estonia to be applied in case the two countries refused "to stop discriminating against their Russian-speaking population". According to Baburin, Russia could choose other transit routes for exporting its goods and resources to the West to by-pass Latvia and Estonia. SM

Press Report

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima voted for the Cabinet formed by five and supported by six factions. 70 deputies voted for the Cabinet with one deputy abstaining and 17 (Zigerist's party, the Socialists/the Equal Rights and several independent deputies) voting against Skele's Cabinet. The posts were distributed among the governing factions as follows:

"Latvijas Cels"
Deputy Prime-Minister, Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development -- Anatoly Gorbunovs

Deputy Prime-Minister, Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development -- Anatoly Gorbunovs

Minister of Foreign Affairs -- Valdis Birkavs

Minister of Communications -- Vilis Kristopans

State Minister of State Revenues -- Aija Poca

"Tevzemei un Brivibai"
Minister of Economics -- Guntars Krasts

Minister of Economics -- Guntars Krasts

Minister of Justice -- Dzintars Rasnacs

Minister of Welfare -- Vladimirs Makarovs

State Minister of Public Health -- Juris Vinkelis

"Saimnieks"

Deputy Prime-Minister -- Juris Kaksitis

Minister of the Interior -- Dainis Turlais

Minister of Education and Science -- Juris Celmins

State Minister for Self-Governments -- Eriks Zunda

The Farmers' Union/the Christian Democrats and the

The Farmers' Union/the Christian Democrats and the LNNK/the Greens

Minister of Defense -- Andrejs Krastins (

Minister of Defense -- Andrejs Krastins (LNNK)

Minister for EU Affairs -- Aleksandrs Kirsteins (

Minister for EU Affairs -- Aleksandrs Kirsteins (LNNK)

Minister of Agriculture -- Roberts Dilba (the Farmers' Union)

Minister of Culture -- Rihards Piks (the Farmers' Union)

State Minister of Environmental Protection -- Indulis Emsis

Andris Skele will perform the duties of Minister of Finance until the governing factions will agree on the candidate. Ziedonis Cevers agreed to withdraw his candidature for the post. The only changes brought by the Government crisis is the replacement of Maris Grinblats of

Andris Skele will perform the duties of Minister of Finance until the governing factions will agree on the candidate. Ziedonis Cevers agreed to withdraw his candidature for the post. The only changes brought by the Government crisis is the replacement of Maris Grinblats of "TB" by Juris Celmins of "Saimnieks" and Juris Kaksitis' appointment as Deputy Prime-Minister. "Saimnieks'" leader Cevers said that his party agreed to a compromise "not be moved out of the common apartment" and made it clear that "Saimnieks" would try to clear the apartment later.Diena, Neatkariga, SM

Deputy Speaker of the Russian

Deputy Speaker of the Russian Duma Sergey Baburin (the Communist Party) has been appointed head of the group responsible for receiving the Latvian delegation. Russian Ambassador to Latvia Aleksandr Udaltsov told Saeima Deputy-Speaker Andris Ameriks that Russia expected the Latvian side to show its understanding of Russia's interests. Those include the observance of the rights of Russian-speakers and a less complicated naturalization procedure. The Ambassador said that Russia was not putting an ultimatum. Still, the situation of non-Latvians, according to Udaltsov, is far from being an ideal one. The Ambassador also mentioned the closing of Russian schools. He said that Latvia should be consequent in following recommendations by international experts. Mr. Ameriks told the Ambassador that many Russian-speakers were sending their children to Latvian schools and kindergartens decreasing the number of students in Russian schools. He also informed Udaltsov about economic and social problems that might be faced by ethnic Latvians permanently residing in Russia in case they took Latvian citizenship. Diena

Feb. 20, 1997

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The Latvian Centre for Human Rights is an independent non-governmental organisation established in 1993 working with issues concerning integration, discrimination, hate crimes, asylum, migration and fundamental rights issues, as well as human rights in closed institutions.