Press Review

Press Review

President Ulmanis in a speech delivered at the British Royal Institute of International Relations said that Latvia had become a truly European country. Touching upon the issue of nationalism, Mr. Ulmanis gave his own interpretation of the concept, saying that it meant "being open and tolerant toward everything that was new and unfamiliar while preserving national pride". The President also emphasized the economic role of Latvia as a transit state. Latvia was aware of "the search for identity" currently taking place in Russia, although it quite often "emanated ominous signals". The main points of the President's speech focused on Latvia being already prepared for joining NATO and the EU. He also laid special emphasis on the importance of the country's membership in the two international organizations for European stability. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs after his meeting with British Minister of Defense Portillo told the press that "Great Britain displayed keen interest in Baltic security issues."

President Ulmanis in a speech delivered at the British Royal Institute of International Relations said that Latvia had become a truly European country. Touching upon the issue of nationalism, Mr. Ulmanis gave his own interpretation of the concept, saying that it meant "being open and tolerant toward everything that was new and unfamiliar while preserving national pride". The President also emphasized the economic role of Latvia as a transit state. Latvia was aware of "the search for identity" currently taking place in Russia, although it quite often "emanated ominous signals". The main points of the President's speech focused on Latvia being already prepared for joining NATO and the EU. He also laid special emphasis on the importance of the country's membership in the two international organizations for European stability. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs after his meeting with British Minister of Defense Portillo told the press that "Great Britain displayed keen interest in Baltic security issues." SM, Neatkariga

"Tevzemei un Brivibai"

leaders informed the press yesterday about the party's attitude to possible renouncation of claims connected with the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty. They said that the step would legalize "occupation and annexation of Latvia," the Treaty being "the only documented recognition of Latvia's territory by Russia". Several leaders informed the press yesterday about the party's attitude to possible renouncation of claims connected with the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty. They said that the step would legalize "occupation and annexation of Latvia," the Treaty being "the only documented recognition of Latvia's territory by Russia". Several "TB""TB" members including Juris Sinka believe the issue should be subject to a referendum. members including Juris Sinka believe the issue should be subject to a referendum. "TB""TB" expects support from expects support from LNNKLNNK, the Farmers' Union and the Union of Christian Democrats. Meanwhile, Head of the Russian Delegation to the Border Delimitation Talks Viktor Shikalov said in an interview that the Russian side would not allow any further compromise and would not agree to include the 1920 Peace Treaty in its border agreement with Latvia. , the Farmers' Union and the Union of Christian Democrats. Meanwhile, Head of the Russian Delegation to the Border Delimitation Talks Viktor Shikalov said in an interview that the Russian side would not allow any further compromise and would not agree to include the 1920 Peace Treaty in its border agreement with Latvia. Diena, NeatkarigaDiena, Neatkariga Chairman of the State Chairman of the State DumaDuma Committee for Compatriots Abroad Georgy Tikhonov in an interview for Committee for Compatriots Abroad Georgy Tikhonov in an interview for "SM""SM" criticized Latvian authorities for "shamelessly" humiliating ethnic Russians while profiting from the transit of Russian cargo through the country's territory. Still, Tikhonov does not support the idea of using economic sanctions against Latvia and Estonia. Russia has given Latvia its independence twice during its history, says Tikhonov. Therefore, Latvia should not come up with any territorial claims towards Russia. Tikhonov says he would not like to visit a country that "humiliates his compatriots" and violates democratic principles by "keeping our comrade Rubiks in prison." criticized Latvian authorities for "shamelessly" humiliating ethnic Russians while profiting from the transit of Russian cargo through the country's territory. Still, Tikhonov does not support the idea of using economic sanctions against Latvia and Estonia. Russia has given Latvia its independence twice during its history, says Tikhonov. Therefore, Latvia should not come up with any territorial claims towards Russia. Tikhonov says he would not like to visit a country that "humiliates his compatriots" and violates democratic principles by "keeping our comrade Rubiks in prison." SMSM

Press Review

President Ulmanis addressed Saeima Speaker Cepanis with a letter requiring reconsideration of the Conscription Law. Head of the

President Ulmanis addressed Saeima Speaker Cepanis with a letter requiring reconsideration of the Conscription Law. Head of the Saeima Defense Committee Karlis Druva told "DIENA" that the law will be reviewed not earlier than January 1997. The Saeima has not accomplished discussions over several important draft laws and has not agreed on next year's budget. Mr. Ulmanis insists on the Saeima reviewing the articles of the Law relieving students from mandatory military service if they have accomplished a course of military training. The President is also concerned about the article reducing the term of service to twelve months. Mr. Ulmanis had no objections to the Law immediately after its adoption. Still, he changed his opinion after a meeting with Head of the Saeima Defense Committee Druva and parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Defense Ligotnis. Diena, Neatkariga

Prime-Minister Skele says he will accept the resignation of Mr. Ernests Jurkans ("Saimnieks"), currently the State Minister for Self-Government.

Prime-Minister Skele says he will accept the resignation of Mr. Ernests Jurkans ("Saimnieks"), currently the State Minister for Self-Government. "Saimnieks" Chairman Cevers also says that he believes the resignation will be accepted. Skele told the press that the party membership of Jurkans' successor did not matter to him, since he was mostly concerned about ministers' professional skills. "Saimnieks" will not come up with its own candidates for the office. Diena, Neatkariga

Latvia's talks with Russia on border delimitation will be resumed in late November or early December. Chairman of the

Latvia's talks with Russia on border delimitation will be resumed in late November or early December. Chairman of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Berzins believes Latvia should work out its policy on the issue. The Saeima will discuss possible changes in the border negotiation policy immediately after adopting next year's budget. Mr. Berzins says that Latvia should make a choice between "finding possible variants" or "waiting". He objects to "knocking on the doors of international organizations" suggested by some deputies. According to Berzins, neither Prime-Minister Skele nor the rest of the Latvian politicians are eager to "give Abrene away". Still, the current political situation requires "abandoning hopes" connected with the former Latvian territory. Neatkariga

Mr. Yeltsin's Press-Secretary Yastrzhembsky in an interview for

Mr. Yeltsin's Press-Secretary Yastrzhembsky in an interview for "SM" calls Latvia's claims for compensation to former inhabitants of Abrene "an interference in Russia's internal affairs". He says that Russia could turn to "economic methods" if it realized that the "internationally recognized human rights" of Russian-speakers are violated in Latvia. SM

CID Director's Advisor Janis Jaudzems told

CID Director's Advisor Janis Jaudzems told "SM" about the latest developments in the Department. Mr. Jaudzems says that although several laws provide a certain freedom of interpretation, he tries to interpret a law in a way that would be more advantageous for an applicant. According to Mr. Jaudzems, 565 individuals out of 816 demobilized servicemen on the list of "disputable cases" have received residence permits or legalized their stay in Latvia in some other way. He does not believe that 34 former servicemen, who have no basis for receiving any status in Latvia, will be deported. The final decision should be made by the corresponding ministries of both countries and by the joint Latvian-Russian Committee, says Jaudzems. The CID provides the OSCE Mission to Latvia with updates on the situation every second week. Mr. Jaudzems says the council formed by CID Director Zitars is a useful instrument for resolving complicated cases. SM

Press Report

Press Report

The Union of Christian Democrats asked Prime-Minister Skele to attend in the party meeting to be held November 23. The subject of the discussion is the future participation of the party in the Cabinet. The issue was raised by the Kurzeme District Chapter of the Christian Democrats. Many UCD members, especially in provincial areas, are dissatisfied with the current policy of the Government aimed at cutting down the authority of self-governments. The party is represented in the Government by one State Minister.

The Union of Christian Democrats asked Prime-Minister Skele to attend in the party meeting to be held November 23. The subject of the discussion is the future participation of the party in the Cabinet. The issue was raised by the Kurzeme District Chapter of the Christian Democrats. Many UCD members, especially in provincial areas, are dissatisfied with the current policy of the Government aimed at cutting down the authority of self-governments. The party is represented in the Government by one State Minister. Diena

The Kreituses have chosen not to join the Social-Democratic Workers' Party after its congress decided to merge with Bojars' Social-Democratic Party. Ilga and Aivars Kreituss are planning to establish “the Labor Party” already this year. Mr. Kreituss told

The Kreituses have chosen not to join the Social-Democratic Workers' Party after its congress decided to merge with Bojars' Social-Democratic Party. Ilga and Aivars Kreituss are planning to establish the Labor Party already this year. Mr. Kreituss told "DIENA" he would not join the party that chose to unite forces with Bojars' "National-Communists".

Head of the Police Department Aldis Lielukis told

Head of the Police Department Aldis Lielukis told "DIENA" thata bulletin prepared by the Human Rights Office and circulated by the Soros Foundation was "inaccurate". According to Lielukis, the bulletin on the rights of an individual detained by the police ignores important details of applicable laws, thus misinforming Latvia's inhabitants. Mr. Putnis of the Human Rights Office Information Department says that the idea of the bulletin was to inform the country's inhabitants of the most general legislative norms without focusing on small details and special provisions. Diena

President Ulmanis was expected to decide on approving the Conscription Law today. According to today's (11 November) radio broadcasts, the President suggested revising the Law.

President Ulmanis was expected to decide on approving the Conscription Law today. According to today's (11 November) radio broadcasts, the President suggested revising the Law. Diena

Prime-Minister Skele believes that the border agreement with Russia should be a purely "technical" document without any emphasis laid on the political aspects of relations between the two countries. The Prime-Minister suggests to discuss changing the mandate of the Latvian delegation with political parties and the President. Currently, the mandate includes negotiations over compensations to former Abrene inhabitants and the recognition of the Riga 1920 Peace Treaty by the Russian side.

Prime-Minister Skele believes that the border agreement with Russia should be a purely "technical" document without any emphasis laid on the political aspects of relations between the two countries. The Prime-Minister suggests to discuss changing the mandate of the Latvian delegation with political parties and the President. Currently, the mandate includes negotiations over compensations to former Abrene inhabitants and the recognition of the Riga 1920 Peace Treaty by the Russian side. "Tevzemei un Brivibai" is not likely to support such changes. As for the LNNK, its reaction is hard to predict. Minister for the European Union Affairs Kirsteins (LNNK) agrees to changing the mandate and suggests splitting the agreement into two parts. One part of the document would define the state border as agreed by both parties. Another part would specify an administrative border (Latvia's border with its former territory) leaving the border issue open for future negotiations. President Ulmanis believes the settling of the border problem to be of a vital importance for Latvia. He says that the issue should be thoroughly considered by the Saeima and suggests launching a nation-wide discussion on the problem. Mr. Ulmanis admits that "the Estonians have left Latvia behind in their search for an acceptable solution" to a similar problem. Diena

"Saimnieks"

Chairman Cevers in an interview for Chairman Cevers in an interview for "SM""SM" says that Skele's budget policy and the Prime-Minister's unwillingness to listen to different opinions forced him to resign. says that Skele's budget policy and the Prime-Minister's unwillingness to listen to different opinions forced him to resign. "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" will not agree to compromising the interests of the poor, says Cevers. He also objects against the economic policy practiced by Skele and will not agree to compromising the interests of the poor, says Cevers. He also objects against the economic policy practiced by Skele and "Latvijas Cels""Latvijas Cels" that leads to foreign capital predominating in Latvia's economics. Skele supports reducing the staff of Government institutions. that leads to foreign capital predominating in Latvia's economics. Skele supports reducing the staff of Government institutions. "Saimnieks" "Saimnieks" has enough influence to afford losing several posts in the Cabinet, explains Cevers. Cevers does not mention the possibility of the party leaving the Government. Ziedonis Cevers told has enough influence to afford losing several posts in the Cabinet, explains Cevers. Cevers does not mention the possibility of the party leaving the Government. Ziedonis Cevers told "DIENA""DIENA" that "Saimnieks" would not benefit from leaving the Cabinet. Being among the governing parties gives that "Saimnieks" would not benefit from leaving the Cabinet. Being among the governing parties gives "Saimnieks" "Saimnieks" better opportunities to implement its policies, says Cevers. better opportunities to implement its policies, says Cevers. SM, DienaSM, Diena

Press Report

Press Report

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima adopted the final reading of the Conscription Law. Ministry of Defense officials and the Saeima Defense Committee members are reported to be dissatisfied with the Law. The President says that the Law meets Latvia's "needs and interests". Minister of Defense Krastins told the press he would analyze the Law and inform President Ulmanis of his point of view. Krastins disagrees with several points introduced into the Law by Aivars Endzins's ("Latvijas Cels") initiative. The Minister of Defense does not agree to allowing students to accomplish a military training course during their studies. Holders of a Bachelor's degree are to be drafted if they chose not to study further. The newly adopted Conscription Law covers the group between 18 and 27 years of age. The upper age limit is not to be applied to individuals who turn 25 before the Law comes into force. Although the President has seven days to approve a law adopted by the Saeima, Mr. Ulmanis says his official decision will be made public already today, since he is leaving for Great Britain on Monday.Diena, Neatkariga

President Ulmanis says that Latvia's policy at its border delimitation talks with Russia should be formed by the country's State institutions and the

President Ulmanis says that Latvia's policy at its border delimitation talks with Russia should be formed by the country's State institutions and the Saeima. When asked by the press to comment on the Abrene issue, Mr. Ulmanis chose not to answer directly. He said that "after four years in office" he could not afford "being light-minded and say right away, whether we renounce or do not renounce" our sovereignty over Abrene. Neatkariga

State Minister for Self-Governments Ernests Jurkans believes he should follow a decision made by his party (

State Minister for Self-Governments Ernests Jurkans believes he should follow a decision made by his party ("Saimnieks") and resign. The Prime-Minister refused to accept Jurkans' resignation until all projects managed by the State Minister are accomplished. An Advisor to the Prime-Minister says Mr. Skele will not agree to Mr. Jurkans' resignation if addressed by the State Minister on the issue again. Diena

Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima adopted the third final reading of the amendments to the law on self-government elections. The amendments give the right to run for posts in a self-government to individuals who have had a "propiska" for at least twelve months or own property on its territory. The previous version of the law gave the right only citizens permanently residing on a territory under a self-government administration. The Saeima voted against granting the right to vote and run for office in local elections to non-citizens. The suggestion on non-citizens was submitted by the Socialists and supported by Andris Ameriks ("Saimnieks"), Viktors Kalnberzs ("Unity"), Anta Rugate (the "Christian Democrats"), by the "People's Harmony", and by several independent deputies. Diena, Neatkariga

Last Tuesday Prime-Minister Skele accepted the resignation of State Minister of Industry, Privatization, and Property J.Dzenis and State Minister of Investments and Credit Policy S.Jegere (both are the

Last Tuesday Prime-Minister Skele accepted the resignation of State Minister of Industry, Privatization, and Property J.Dzenis and State Minister of Investments and Credit Policy S.Jegere (both are the "Saimnieks" party members). The post of State Minister of Self-Government is to be abolished after April 1, 1997, to allow Mr. Ernest Jurkans (ASaimnieks@) to accomplish all his assignments. Diena

Last Tuesday, several political organizations (the Socialist Party, the Political Organization of the Impoverished, and several others) told the press they had formed a group that would use the right for legislative initiative and launch a poll on the dissolution of the

Last Tuesday, several political organizations (the Socialist Party, the Political Organization of the Impoverished, and several others) told the press they had formed a group that would use the right for legislative initiative and launch a poll on the dissolution of the Saeima, the Cabinet, and the Electoral Committee. Chairman of the Social-Democratic Party Bojars expects the first stage of the poll could be accomplished before March 1997. The Social-Democratic Workers' Party does not support the initiative. Diena

Prime-Minister Skele in an interview for the BNS news agency spoke in favor of a "purely technical" approach to Latvia's border agreement with Russia. He believes that a separate declaration could be signed stating both parties' viewpoint of the 1920 Peace Treaty and other historical documents and events. Mr. Skele believes that Latvia will have to resolve the problem of compensating losses incurred by the incorporation of Abrene into the Russian Federation to former inhabitants of the region. He is planning to change the mandate of the Latvian delegation to exclude references to the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty from the border agreement. The Prime-Minister will discuss the issue with political parties and expects the President to make a statement on the issue. A step, similar to the one suggested by Skele, has already been taken by Estonia. Its delegation withdrew the demand to refer to the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty in the border agreement with Russia. Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Pildegovics said that the Ministry would not comment on the development of the talks between Estonia and Russia since the text of the agreement between the two countries had not been agreed on yet.

Prime-Minister Skele in an interview for the BNS news agency spoke in favor of a "purely technical" approach to Latvia's border agreement with Russia. He believes that a separate declaration could be signed stating both parties' viewpoint of the 1920 Peace Treaty and other historical documents and events. Mr. Skele believes that Latvia will have to resolve the problem of compensating losses incurred by the incorporation of Abrene into the Russian Federation to former inhabitants of the region. He is planning to change the mandate of the Latvian delegation to exclude references to the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty from the border agreement. The Prime-Minister will discuss the issue with political parties and expects the President to make a statement on the issue. A step, similar to the one suggested by Skele, has already been taken by Estonia. Its delegation withdrew the demand to refer to the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty in the border agreement with Russia. Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Pildegovics said that the Ministry would not comment on the development of the talks between Estonia and Russia since the text of the agreement between the two countries had not been agreed on yet. Diena, SM

Russian Foreign Minister Primakov at the meeting of the Barents Sea Council in Petrozavodsk last Tuesday said that Latvia and Estonia violated the rights of the Russian-speaking minorities. The problem was slowing further development of Russia's relations with the two countries, said Primakov. The issue of the Russian-speaking minority was also on the agenda of Primakov's meeting with Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kallas. Primakov and Kallas agreed on forming a joint expert group that would work on finding ways of improving the situation.

Russian Foreign Minister Primakov at the meeting of the Barents Sea Council in Petrozavodsk last Tuesday said that Latvia and Estonia violated the rights of the Russian-speaking minorities. The problem was slowing further development of Russia's relations with the two countries, said Primakov. The issue of the Russian-speaking minority was also on the agenda of Primakov's meeting with Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kallas. Primakov and Kallas agreed on forming a joint expert group that would work on finding ways of improving the situation. Neatkariga