Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the Ambassador of Lithuania on the reaction of the Lithuanian authorities to an interview by Prime-Minister Skele. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its incomprehension over statements made by leading Lithuanian politicians in connection with Skele's interview for

Yesterday the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the Ambassador of Lithuania on the reaction of the Lithuanian authorities to an interview by Prime-Minister Skele. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its incomprehension over statements made by leading Lithuanian politicians in connection with Skele's interview for "VERSLO ZINIOS". Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aivis Ronis in his official statement says again that Mr. Skele has never been interviewed by the newspaper and has never expressed the opinion on relations between the two countries quoted by "VZ". The Latvian side is upset by the fact that Lithuanian Government officials are still commenting on the interview although the Latvian side has already dispelled the information published by the paper. The Lithuanian side insists on more detailed explanations to be provided by the Latvian side. According to sources in the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Skele has also made tactless remarks on Lithuania during a reception in Copenhagen. President Brazauskas will still come to Riga on November 26 to participate in the meeting of the Presidents of the Baltic states. Diena

Janis Grasis, a graduate of the Institute of International relation, quotes Article 16 of the 1950 Council of Europe Convention "On Protection of Human and Civil Rights", Article 25 of the 1966 International Pact "On Civil and Political Rights" and several western legislations to prove that Latvia is not violating international norms by restricting political rights of non-citizens. Grasis also refers to the OSCE, the Baltic Council, and other experts who have not stated any mass violations of human rights in Latvia. He admits that the problem of 700,000 noncitizens currently residing in Latvia should be resolved and suggests amending the Citizenship Law to remove "the quota mechanism". This would allow all residents having the command of the Latvian language, who have "integrated" into the Latvian society and are loyal to the country, to take citizenship. On the other hand, Grasis believes that those openly opposing Latvia's independence should be stimulated to repatriate. This could be done through international agreements with the assistance of international organizations and private foundations.

Janis Grasis, a graduate of the Institute of International relation, quotes Article 16 of the 1950 Council of Europe Convention "On Protection of Human and Civil Rights", Article 25 of the 1966 International Pact "On Civil and Political Rights" and several western legislations to prove that Latvia is not violating international norms by restricting political rights of non-citizens. Grasis also refers to the OSCE, the Baltic Council, and other experts who have not stated any mass violations of human rights in Latvia. He admits that the problem of 700,000 noncitizens currently residing in Latvia should be resolved and suggests amending the Citizenship Law to remove "the quota mechanism". This would allow all residents having the command of the Latvian language, who have "integrated" into the Latvian society and are loyal to the country, to take citizenship. On the other hand, Grasis believes that those openly opposing Latvia's independence should be stimulated to repatriate. This could be done through international agreements with the assistance of international organizations and private foundations. Diena

Although several travel agencies offer Christmas tours to Paris to holders of "brown" noncitizens' passports, the French Consular Office says that France still has not recognized the "brown passports". The reason for not recognizing the passports is a paragraph in the documents saying that Latvia allows the re-entry of their holders only during the "brown" passports' validity term. France suggested adding a stamp that would cancel the restriction. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Department has not agreed to the suggestion believing the problem will be resolved when new non-citizens' passports will be issued in January 1997.

Although several travel agencies offer Christmas tours to Paris to holders of "brown" noncitizens' passports, the French Consular Office says that France still has not recognized the "brown passports". The reason for not recognizing the passports is a paragraph in the documents saying that Latvia allows the re-entry of their holders only during the "brown" passports' validity term. France suggested adding a stamp that would cancel the restriction. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Department has not agreed to the suggestion believing the problem will be resolved when new non-citizens' passports will be issued in January 1997. B&B

Press Review

Press Review

Tactless and ironic statements allegedly made by Prime-Minister Skele during his interview for Lithuanian newspaper

Tactless and ironic statements allegedly made by Prime-Minister Skele during his interview for Lithuanian newspaper "VERSLO ZINIAS" may become a reason for Lithuanian President Brazauskas canceling his visit to Latvia. According to a high-ranking official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry is currently considering the possibility of Brazauskas' participation in the meeting of Latvian, Estonian, and Lithuanian Presidents. The Press-Secretary of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday that the Ministry had no reasons to doubt the authenticity of the interview. A "VERSLO ZINAS" journalist claims that she has recorded Skele's interview. A statement by the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that Mr. Skele has not made any tactless comments in his interview for the Lithuanian newspaper, while the Prime-Minister's Assistant for Foreign Affairs Groza said that Skele had never been interviewed by "VERSLO ZINIAS". Diena, SM

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima Committee on Foreign Affairs supported Mr. Janis Jurkans' ("People's Harmony") suggestion to discuss the possibility of dismissing the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Several Saeima deputies (Gundars Valdmanis of the "Unity", Leopolds Ozolins of "Tevzemei un Brivibai", Janina Kusnere of "Latvijai", and independent deputies Ilga Kreituse and Andris Rubins) spoke in favor of the proposal. Janis Jurkans criticizes Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs for an "unbalanced" foreign policy and poor organization of the work of the Ministry. Mr. Birkavs told the press the decision made by the Committee was dictated by "the wish of certain political forces to undermine the stability of the Government". He accused Jurkans of trying to "pave a way for himself to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs". Prime-Minister Skele admits that there are certain flaws in Latvia's foreign policy, namely lack of progress in the country's relations with Russia. Still, the Prime-Minister's assessment of Mr. Birkavs efforts as a Minister of Foreign Affairs is positive. Diena, Neatkariga

Today the

Today the Saeima is considering the last reading of the draft law on land privatization in rural areas. The discussion is sure to be a heated one since the Farmers and the Christian Democrats insist on postponing the adoption of the law believing that the law will provide an opportunity for uncontrolled sales of land and woods to foreigners. "Tevzemei and Brivibai" shares their concern. If "TB" joins the Farmers and the Christian Democrats and votes against the adoption of the law, it may not pass its final reading. Neatkariga

Press Report

Press Report

Prime-Minister Skele's interview a Lithuanian business newspaper caused a scandal in Lithuania. The interview contains a statement that humiliates Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gylys. The paper quotes Skele who said that "Gylys was fit only for wearing a cap with ear-flaps". Skele also responded in a rude and ironic manner to a journalist's questions. According to

Prime-Minister Skele's interview a Lithuanian business newspaper caused a scandal in Lithuania. The interview contains a statement that humiliates Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gylys. The paper quotes Skele who said that "Gylys was fit only for wearing a cap with ear-flaps". Skele also responded in a rude and ironic manner to a journalist's questions. According to "DIENA", the interview "caused a storm in Lithuania". The journalist who interviewed Prime-Minister Skele says that she will not deny any points of the interview. She also claims that a Latvian journalist who can confirm the authenticity of the quote, was present at the interview. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is said to deny the authenticity of Skele's interview. Diena

Last meeting of the

Last meeting of the Saeima Human Rights Committee was focused on the problem of extraordinary naturalization of individuals forcefully deported to Latvia by the German occupation regime between 1941 and 1945. According to Article 13 of the Citizenship law, such individuals and their descendants are entitled to extraordinary naturalization. Most of them have very good command of the Latvian language. In practice, these persons have to prove that they were not evacuated to Latvia as civil residents of a combat zone but were taken to the country forcefully. Very often no proof is to be found in the archives. Many applicants are forced to confirm their right for extraordinary naturalization in court. Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane says that the Board very often has serious difficulties in deciding whether a person entered Latvia voluntarily or was brought to the country by force during the war. She believes that the Committee and the Saeima could find a solution to the problem. Currently, only few of 181 applicants who entered Latvia during the German occupation have received citizenship through extraordinary naturalization. Neatkariga Director of the Russian Border Guard Service Nikolayev told "SM" that Russia would not agree to readmit illegal immigrants arriving to Latvia. He believes that illegal immigrants should be repatriated to their home countries and not to the country through which they have arrived to Latvia. Mr. Nikolayev says that Latvian and Russian Border-Guards have established good relations and operate in close cooperation. SM

The mass-media is still expecting President Ulmanis' opinion on a possible change of Latvia's policy at the border delimitation talks with Russia. During his visit to Great Britain the President said that he hoped the border issue would be resolved without violating the principles adhered to by the Baltic states. Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told

The mass-media is still expecting President Ulmanis' opinion on a possible change of Latvia's policy at the border delimitation talks with Russia. During his visit to Great Britain the President said that he hoped the border issue would be resolved without violating the principles adhered to by the Baltic states. Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told "DIENA" that Russia might come up with new aspects during the talks. He believes that Russia could link human rights issues with the problem of determining its border with Latvia. Russia has already acted in a similar in border delimitation talks with Estonia.

Press Report

Press Report

Russia will provide financial and economic aid to ethnic Russians abroad. The decision was taken last Wednesday by the Governmental Committee for the Affairs of Compatriots Abroad. Chairman of the Committee Valery Sedov told the press that he believed supporting the compatriots was Aof national importance". The Committee will work in direct contact with Russian organizations abroad. 

Russia will provide financial and economic aid to ethnic Russians abroad. The decision was taken last Wednesday by the Governmental Committee for the Affairs of Compatriots Abroad. Chairman of the Committee Valery Sedov told the press that he believed supporting the compatriots was Aof national importance". The Committee will work in direct contact with Russian organizations abroad.Diena

Director of the Federal Border Security Service Andrey Nikolayev met Commander of the Latvian Border Guards Gunars Dabolins. The agenda of the meeting held in Riga included measures to be taken by both countries to oppose crime, smuggling and illegal immigration. When asked by

Director of the Federal Border Security Service Andrey Nikolayev met Commander of the Latvian Border Guards Gunars Dabolins. The agenda of the meeting held in Riga included measures to be taken by both countries to oppose crime, smuggling and illegal immigration. When asked by "PANORAMA LATVII" about border delimitation, Mr. Nikolayev said that he believed the issue could be resolved, although the parties "had different approaches". Mr. Nikolayev had to interrupt his visit to Latvia due to an act of terrorism in Kaspiysk; a house inhabited mainly by Russian border guards and air-force pilots was blown up there in the early morning of November 16. PL

Head of the Immigration Police Aivars Kurpnieks told

Head of the Immigration Police Aivars Kurpnieks told "PANORAMA LATVII" that the main task of the recently formed police unit was to control the employment of foreigners and stateless individuals. The Immigration Police collaborates closely with the CID and other state institutions. Mr. Kurpnieks stressed that the IP was strictly observing the laws and was acting in a civilized manner showing tolerance towards individuals violating immigration laws unintentionally. The IP focuses on disclosing attempts of counterfeiting identification documents, registration codes, residence permits and visas. PL

The NRA news agency referred to a Swedish TV report saying that the country's authorities agreed to accept fifty-two refugees currently staying at the Olaine camp. An Olaine camp officer says that the camp has not received any official documents confirming the decision. According to the CID, the Nordic countries have agreed to grant asylum to approximately one hundred Asian refugees staying in Latvia. Currently, there are around 140 refugees staying at the Olaine camp.

The NRA news agency referred to a Swedish TV report saying that the country's authorities agreed to accept fifty-two refugees currently staying at the Olaine camp. An Olaine camp officer says that the camp has not received any official documents confirming the decision. According to the CID, the Nordic countries have agreed to grant asylum to approximately one hundred Asian refugees staying in Latvia. Currently, there are around 140 refugees staying at the Olaine camp. Neatkariga

Saeima Speaker Cepanis mentioned contradictions between the executive and the legislative powers while addressing the Saeima on the occasion of Latvia's Independence Day. The Saeima tends to perform some of the Cabinet's functions while the Government often performs the functions of the Parliament, says Mr. Cepanis. He suggested creating a parliamentary mechanism for monitoring the implementation of laws adopted by the Saeima. Diena

Head of the Russian Embassy Social Welfare Division Nikolay Yevteyev told

Head of the Russian Embassy Social Welfare Division Nikolay Yevteyev told "PANORAMA LATVII" about the registration of former Russian servicemen who have taken Russian citizenship. Russian citizens are to apply to the CID for residence permits before the end of this year. They have to hold both former USSR and travel passports. A registration code, a residence permit and "propiska" will be attached as a sticker to travel passports. Mr. Yevteyev says that the Agreement on Demobilized Servicemen guarantees all basic social rights to former Russian servicemen irrespective of their citizenship. He admits that Latvia and Russia are to settle the issue of privatization of apartments by former servicemen. The Russian official says that he does not know anything about the CID requiring the annual re-registration of permanent residence permits. Such a requirement would be incorrect, says Yevteyev. Neatkariga

Head of the

Head of the Duma Foreign Affairs Committee Vladimir Lukin said that a recent change in Latvian and Estonian policy at the border delimitation talks was a result of Russia's consistent efforts. In a TV debate he argued with Head of the Duma Security Committee Viktor Ilyuhin who called for using all possible means to pressure the Baltic states. Mr. Lukin suggested that the Communists and the Nationalists in the Russian Parliament "should work rather than press". Ilyuhin is reported to have mixed Latvia with Lithuania several times during the debate. Neatkariga

Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima voted to review the Conscription Law. The review was suggested by the President who believes that the law does not to meet the needs of Latvia's defense. According to the Satversme, the President can address the Speaker of the Saeima within seven days of the date of the adoption of a law with a letter demanding the reconsideration of the law. Should the Saeima leave the law not amended, the President cannot put any further objections to the law. Diena, Neatkariga

The Saeima declined a draft law on the vote of no-confidence for Minister of Education Grinblats and Minister of Welfare Makarovs submitted to the

The Saeima declined a draft law on the vote of no-confidence for Minister of Education Grinblats and Minister of Welfare Makarovs submitted to the Saeima by the opposition factions. Diena

President Ulmanis said that Latvia would resolve the issue of its border with Russia on the basis of mutual respect and "the main principles adhered to by Latvia". When asked at the British Royal Institute of International Relations about Latvia coordinating its border policy with Estonia, Mr. Ulmanis said that a meeting of the Presidents of the three Baltic states had been scheduled for November 26. The President's Advisor Armands Gutmanis told

President Ulmanis said that Latvia would resolve the issue of its border with Russia on the basis of mutual respect and "the main principles adhered to by Latvia". When asked at the British Royal Institute of International Relations about Latvia coordinating its border policy with Estonia, Mr. Ulmanis said that a meeting of the Presidents of the three Baltic states had been scheduled for November 26. The President's Advisor Armands Gutmanis told "DIENA" that the President had his personal view on the border talks with Russia. Still, the Advisor refused to give any details on Mr. Ulmanis' stand on the issue. Mr. Ulmanis criticized suggestions of the Baltic states resolving the problem of Russia's reaction to NATO enlargement on their own without any involvement from outside. Diena

Prime-Minister Skele has returned from a meeting of Baltic and Nordic Prime-Ministers held on November 12 in Copenhagen. Heads of the Nordic governments confirm that they would support Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania in maintaining their security and entering the European Union. According to

Prime-Minister Skele has returned from a meeting of Baltic and Nordic Prime-Ministers held on November 12 in Copenhagen. Heads of the Nordic governments confirm that they would support Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania in maintaining their security and entering the European Union. According to "DIENA", Prime-Minister Skele was the only Baltic Premier to name joining NATO among the priorities of his country's foreign policy. Diena

A high-ranking official of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told

A high-ranking official of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told "SM" that Russia would not change its policy at the border talks with Latvia. He stressed that Latvia should drop all its territorial claims. The existing situation might lead to the severing economic and business contacts between the two countries, said the official. SM

Saeima Speaker Alfreds Cepanis said in an interview that settling border issues with Russia, Lithuania, and Byelorussia was the main condition for entering the European Union. He said that President Ulmanis, "being a realistically thinking politician", was aware of the importance of this issue. Although Mr. Cepanis voted for the Declaration on Occupation, he believes the point on Abrene should not have been included in the document. He stressed that it was Mr. Kirsteins who, being a Minister for the EU Affairs, still insisted on including the issue in the Declaration. When asked about several legal acts discriminating Russian-speakers, Cepanis explained that national protectionism in the situation when non-Latvians constituted an enormously large part of the population was the only way of "protecting national identity of Latvians". He added that there was no noticeable ethnic confrontation in the countrys society, Latvians and Russians getting on quite well in their everyday life. SM