Press Review

Press Review

Saeima

members and the delegation of the European Parliament members held a joint session yesterday. The session was addressed by European Commission Chairman Santer and Latvian Prime-Minister Krasts. Member of the EP Commission on Foreign Affairs Ernesto Cacavale recommended to bring the Latvian legislation in compliance with EU norms and mentioned the importance of facilitating the naturalization process. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs said that the EC had reduced Latvia's economic development and reproached the EU for its criticism of slow naturalization of non-citizens in Latvia. Mr. Birkavs explained that by postponing the admission talks with Latvia the EU left non-citizens uncertain about Latvia's future. members and the delegation of the European Parliament members held a joint session yesterday. The session was addressed by European Commission Chairman Santer and Latvian Prime-Minister Krasts. Member of the EP Commission on Foreign Affairs Ernesto Cacavale recommended to bring the Latvian legislation in compliance with EU norms and mentioned the importance of facilitating the naturalization process. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs said that the EC had reduced Latvia's economic development and reproached the EU for its criticism of slow naturalization of non-citizens in Latvia. Mr. Birkavs explained that by postponing the admission talks with Latvia the EU left non-citizens uncertain about Latvia's future. DienaDiena Chairman of the

Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Education and Science Dzintars Abikis told "BIZNESS & BALTIJA" that he did not believe the adoption of the new Language Law to be necessary. He also objected to a provision in the new draft Language Law that restricts the use of languages in private businesses. Mr. Abikis believes the development of education programs for non-Latvians to be more important than the adoption of the new Language Law. B&B

Yesterday President Ulmanis was informed about the debate on unemployment benefits for persons not holding "language certificates". Minister of Welfare Vladimirs Makarovs supports the Unemployment Act currently in force requiring that an applicant for unemployment benefits should hold a certificate confirming his or her command of the Latvian language. Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Social and Labor Issues Ludmila Kupriyanova believes the requirement to be a violation of social welfare principles.

Yesterday President Ulmanis was informed about the debate on unemployment benefits for persons not holding "language certificates". Minister of Welfare Vladimirs Makarovs supports the Unemployment Act currently in force requiring that an applicant for unemployment benefits should hold a certificate confirming his or her command of the Latvian language. Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Social and Labor Issues Ludmila Kupriyanova believes the requirement to be a violation of social welfare principles. B&B

Press Review

OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel at his press-conference at the Riga Airport stressed that the press had exaggerated the differences in opinions expressed during his meeting with President Ulmanis. He referred to his talks with the President as "an open and constructive conversation". Mr. van der Stoel said that he supported a special role of the Latvian language in the independent state of Latvia. Still he pointed to certain provisions in the new draft Language Law regulating the application of languages in a private domain that do not comply with international conventions acceded by Latvia. The High Commissioner hopes that the current reading of the draft Law will be amended as promised by the Chairman of the

OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel at his press-conference at the Riga Airport stressed that the press had exaggerated the differences in opinions expressed during his meeting with President Ulmanis. He referred to his talks with the President as "an open and constructive conversation". Mr. van der Stoel said that he supported a special role of the Latvian language in the independent state of Latvia. Still he pointed to certain provisions in the new draft Language Law regulating the application of languages in a private domain that do not comply with international conventions acceded by Latvia. The High Commissioner hopes that the current reading of the draft Law will be amended as promised by the Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Education and Science Mr. Abikis. Mr. van der Stoel also hopes that the change of public opinion on citizenship issues will as well influence the opinion of Latvian politicians. He has already suggested granting of Latvian citizenship to children born in independent Latvia and discussed the prospect with Latvian politicians. Five years of parents' residence in Latvia and their application could be the basis for granting citizenship to children born in Latvia. The High Commissioner stressed that those children would be educated in Latvia, would know Latvian and would integrate in the country's society. The High Commissioner said that he was aware of the agreement between the governing that would not allow to implement his recommendations and stressed that the recommendations and views would be understood correctly. Yesterday OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel met representatives of the Socialist faction. According to Party Chairman Mr. Stroganov, the High Commissioner showed a profound understanding of the situation in Latvia and promised to follow the development of Rubiks' case. Diena, SM, B&B

Member of

Member of "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK faction Mr. Aigars Jirgens suggests that preserving "status quo" is the best compromise solution for the Citizenship Law problem. He believes the current discussion of possible amendments to the Citizenship Law to be undemocratic since politicians are ignoring the opinion clearly expressed by a considerable part of Latvian citizens who supported a stricter Law in a "TB" opinion poll. A large part of citizens would like naturalization criteria to be even stricter than they are now. He stresses that "TB"/LNNK has never hoped to integrate the entire non-Latvian population in the country's society and has always supported repatriation of non-citizens. Mr. Jirgens sees naturalization as "the final product of naturalization" and opposes this view to the opinion of citizenship as a bass for an individual's loyalty to Latvia and his or her integration to the society. Diena

Press Report

Press Report

OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel during his yesterday's meetings with Latvian President Ulmanis and the

OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel during his yesterday's meetings with Latvian President Ulmanis and the Saeima Committee on Education and Science said that he was dissatisfied with several provisions of the draft Language Law. "The leading role of the Latvian language should be reinforced. Still, this should be done in accordance with international conventions," said the High Commissioner. He objected to the articles of the draft Law demanding mandatory use of the state language in private companies, courts, private educational institutions. Mr. van der Stoel also criticized regulations for the Latvian spelling of proper names. Chairman of the Committee on Education and Science Dzintars Abikis agreed that a compromise could be a suitable solution while President Ulmanis firmly supported the right of the Latvian people to decide the Latvian language-related issues (see below). During the meetings with the President and members of the Saeima Committees on Foreign Affairs and on Human Rights the OSCE High Commissioner expressed his concern about the low naturalization rate and suggested granting citizenship to children born in Latvia after the country regained its independence. Saeima members noted that amending the Citizenship Law would jeopardize the stability of the Cabinet. Still, they supported abolishing some of the restrictions of non-citizens' non-political rights. Mr. van der Stoel also met Head of the Human Rights Office Mr. Olafs Bruvers who stressed that the Bureau supported granting of Latvian citizenship to all children born in independent Latvia. Mr. Bruvers also pointed at the increase in the number of complaints connected with violations of social rights. Diena, PL, SM, Chas

ULMANIS ALSO STARTED DISLIKING VAN DER STOEL

ULMANIS ALSO STARTED DISLIKING VAN DER STOEL

The Latvian President believes that a threat to the Latvian Language grows with the strengthening of Latvia's independence.

The Latvian President believes that a threat to the Latvian Language grows with the strengthening of Latvia's independence.

By G.Pommere,

By G.Pommere, SM

Yesterday Mr. Guntis Ulmanis met OSCE Commissioner Max van der Stoel. According to the President's Press-Service, the agenda of the meeting included the new draft Language Law, naturalization problems and the further role of the OSCE Mission. Mr. van der Stoel gave a critical assessment of the new draft Citizenship Law. He believes that some of its provisions do not comply with international conventions. The Commissioner suggested that the country could manage with the existing Language Law while focusing more effort on the teaching of the state language. The President firmly declined such an approach stressing unacceptable discrimination of the state language in some domains that has been observed recently. Mr. Ulmanis said: "We can even see that some of those who initially intended to study the state language now do not believe it to be necessary feeling of our liberal attitude. The pressure of the Russian language is quite high while the status of the Latvian language has become weaker. We need the new law to strengthen the status, since the law currently in force was adopted during the forming of Latvia's independence." The Latvian President also touched upon the psychological aspect of the problem: "The Latvian people is often reprimanded for failing to bring certain matters in compliance with European standards. Still, in the European countries the similar laws are known to be much stricter than ours. Such persistent criticism makes the Latvian people feel as if it cannot even determine the status of is native tongue." It looks as if the OSCE Commissioner did not agree to Mr. Ulmanis' arguments and promised to provide his comments on compliance of some of the provisions of the Law with internationally recognized norms for the second reading of the document. Neither did coincide the assessments of the naturalization process given by the President and by the Commissioner. Mr. van der Stole again came up with a suggestion to grant citizenship to all children born in Latvia after it regained independence and stressed that Estonia and Latvia were the only European countries that had not made any steps toward resolving the issue of stateless children. Mr. Ulmanis responded by saying that the Commissioner's statement was incorrect and noted that granted of citizenship to children depended on many factors in other countries as well. In the end the discussion Mr. Ulmanis advised the OSCE Mission to re-orientate its activities in Latvia. The Mission should be helping Latvia to integrate non-citizens instead of endlessly criticizing it for not complying with European standards, said the President. "The OSCE Mission, said Mr. Ulmanis, could be a powerful mouthpiece calling upon non-citizens to naturalize. The Mission could make a more profound contribution to the forming of an adequate psychological climate."

Yesterday Mr. Guntis Ulmanis met OSCE Commissioner Max van der Stoel. According to the President's Press-Service, the agenda of the meeting included the new draft Language Law, naturalization problems and the further role of the OSCE Mission. Mr. van der Stoel gave a critical assessment of the new draft Citizenship Law. He believes that some of its provisions do not comply with international conventions. The Commissioner suggested that the country could manage with the existing Language Law while focusing more effort on the teaching of the state language. The President firmly declined such an approach stressing unacceptable discrimination of the state language in some domains that has been observed recently. Mr. Ulmanis said: "We can even see that some of those who initially intended to study the state language now do not believe it to be necessary feeling of our liberal attitude. The pressure of the Russian language is quite high while the status of the Latvian language has become weaker. We need the new law to strengthen the status, since the law currently in force was adopted during the forming of Latvia's independence." The Latvian President also touched upon the psychological aspect of the problem: "The Latvian people is often reprimanded for failing to bring certain matters in compliance with European standards. Still, in the European countries the similar laws are known to be much stricter than ours. Such persistent criticism makes the Latvian people feel as if it cannot even determine the status of is native tongue." It looks as if the OSCE Commissioner did not agree to Mr. Ulmanis' arguments and promised to provide his comments on compliance of some of the provisions of the Law with internationally recognized norms for the second reading of the document. Neither did coincide the assessments of the naturalization process given by the President and by the Commissioner. Mr. van der Stole again came up with a suggestion to grant citizenship to all children born in Latvia after it regained independence and stressed that Estonia and Latvia were the only European countries that had not made any steps toward resolving the issue of stateless children. Mr. Ulmanis responded by saying that the Commissioner's statement was incorrect and noted that granted of citizenship to children depended on many factors in other countries as well. In the end the discussion Mr. Ulmanis advised the OSCE Mission to re-orientate its activities in Latvia. The Mission should be helping Latvia to integrate non-citizens instead of endlessly criticizing it for not complying with European standards, said the President. "The OSCE Mission, said Mr. Ulmanis, could be a powerful mouthpiece calling upon non-citizens to naturalize. The Mission could make a more profound contribution to the forming of an adequate psychological climate." SM

Press Report

Yesterday Russian Ambassador to Latvia Alexander Udaltsov handed President Yeltsin's statement on security guarantees for Baltic states to President Ulmanis. The Ambassador told the press that the statement suggested several possible options including a pact that would contain political, economic, ecological and humanitarian guarantees. Ambassador Udaltsov informed President Ulmanis about Russian Prime-Minister Chernomyrdin's visit to Latvia in January 1998. Mr. Chernomyrdin will participate in the meeting of Baltic leaders in Riga.

Yesterday Russian Ambassador to Latvia Alexander Udaltsov handed President Yeltsin's statement on security guarantees for Baltic states to President Ulmanis. The Ambassador told the press that the statement suggested several possible options including a pact that would contain political, economic, ecological and humanitarian guarantees. Ambassador Udaltsov informed President Ulmanis about Russian Prime-Minister Chernomyrdin's visit to Latvia in January 1998. Mr. Chernomyrdin will participate in the meeting of Baltic leaders in Riga. Diena

A chapter of the latest UNDP report on Latvia's development focuses on a thorough analysis of ethnic relations in Latvia and recommendations related to the forming of integrated society. The chapter was prepared by Director of the Center for Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks, political scientist Boris Tsilevich, language experts Tatyana Liguta and Anhelita Kamenska and sociologists Ilmars Mezs and Aivars Tabuns. The authors of the chapter define modern Latvia as "a national state with a multi-cultural society". Still, the state does not guarantee the preservance of cultural identity to ethnic minorities. Minorities in Latvia do not participate in political life of the state since the majority of non-Latvians do not have Latvian citizenship. The report also mentions social research results showing that the percentage of the poor is higher (5 to 10 percent) among non-Latvian population and so is the unemployment rate. The UNDP recommends to abolish the mandatory registration of (ethnic) nationality in passports. The recommendations also include granting of citizenship to all children born in Latvia after the country regained its independence. UNDP experts believe that psychological reasons account for non-citizens' indifference toward naturalization. Although most of non-citizens identify themselves with Latvia, they are offended by the prospect of proving their loyalty to the country during naturalization tests. Statistical data shows a derease in the number of non-citizens willing to undergo naturalization. In this connection, the UNDP does not see any necessity in preserving the "window mechanism."

A chapter of the latest UNDP report on Latvia's development focuses on a thorough analysis of ethnic relations in Latvia and recommendations related to the forming of integrated society. The chapter was prepared by Director of the Center for Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks, political scientist Boris Tsilevich, language experts Tatyana Liguta and Anhelita Kamenska and sociologists Ilmars Mezs and Aivars Tabuns. The authors of the chapter define modern Latvia as "a national state with a multi-cultural society". Still, the state does not guarantee the preservance of cultural identity to ethnic minorities. Minorities in Latvia do not participate in political life of the state since the majority of non-Latvians do not have Latvian citizenship. The report also mentions social research results showing that the percentage of the poor is higher (5 to 10 percent) among non-Latvian population and so is the unemployment rate. The UNDP recommends to abolish the mandatory registration of (ethnic) nationality in passports. The recommendations also include granting of citizenship to all children born in Latvia after the country regained its independence. UNDP experts believe that psychological reasons account for non-citizens' indifference toward naturalization. Although most of non-citizens identify themselves with Latvia, they are offended by the prospect of proving their loyalty to the country during naturalization tests. Statistical data shows a derease in the number of non-citizens willing to undergo naturalization. In this connection, the UNDP does not see any necessity in preserving the "window mechanism." Diena

Saeima member Alekasndrs Bartasevics ("Equal Rights") criticizes Latvian politicians and governing factions for applying "double standards" to minority problem and to the joining of the European Union. Mr. Bartasevics believes that the current approach to the issue of minorities fully excludes the possibility of Latvia joining the Union. Latvia's domestic policies that allow "the interests of the nation to supersede the interests of an individual" contradict its international obligations. Mr. Bartasevics quotes the International Pact on Civil and Political Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights to prove that the Latvian legislation contradicts these human rights instruments by requiring an immaculate knowledge of Latvian by candidates to the Saeima as well as by banning former Communists and KGB agents and officers from running for seats in the Saeima. He stresses that even Chairman of the Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts voted against a provision that would allow international conventions to supersede the Latvian legislation. The provision was included in the initial version of the draft chapter on human rights to be added to the Satversme.

Saeima member Alekasndrs Bartasevics ("Equal Rights") criticizes Latvian politicians and governing factions for applying "double standards" to minority problem and to the joining of the European Union. Mr. Bartasevics believes that the current approach to the issue of minorities fully excludes the possibility of Latvia joining the Union. Latvia's domestic policies that allow "the interests of the nation to supersede the interests of an individual" contradict its international obligations. Mr. Bartasevics quotes the International Pact on Civil and Political Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights to prove that the Latvian legislation contradicts these human rights instruments by requiring an immaculate knowledge of Latvian by candidates to the Saeima as well as by banning former Communists and KGB agents and officers from running for seats in the Saeima. He stresses that even Chairman of the Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts voted against a provision that would allow international conventions to supersede the Latvian legislation. The provision was included in the initial version of the draft chapter on human rights to be added to the Satversme. Diena

Press Report

"PANORAMA LATVII"

analyzed a travel document status of passports currently held by inhabitants of the Republic of Latvia. A travel document valid for entering any country should expire not earlier than in two months after the date of expiration of an entry visa. Citizens of Latvia travel abroad holding citizens' passports. Their children traveling with them should have passports of their own. If citizens' children are accompanied by persons other than their parents, such persons should hold notarized warrants (in Russian or English) authorizing them to accompany the children. Persons, to whom the "Law on Former USSR Citizens who do not have Citizenship of Latvia or of Another State" ("non-citizens") applies, can travel holding the following documents: 1. Non-citizens' passports issued after April 10, 1997. Holders of these passports can enter Latvia after the passports have expired upon extending the term of the passports or upon receiving new travel documents as determined by Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No.49 "On Passports of Non-Citizens of Latvia" of Jan. 21, 1997. 2. Identification documents of the Republic of Latvia ("brown passports") issued between July 28, 1995, and April 10, 1997. The identification documents can be used before their expiration dates. 3. Former USSR travel passports issued by the Republic of Latvia and re-registered by the Latvian Ministry of the Interior. The passports are valid for leaving the territory of Latvia until January 1, 1998, and require return visas. The passports are valid for entering Latvia until July 1, 1998, and require return visas as determined by Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No.49 "On Passports of Non-Citizens of Latvia". 4. Former USSR internal passports with Register of Inhabitants stamps ("red passports"). The passports are valid for leaving the territory of Latvia until January 1, 1998, and for entering Latvia until July 1, 1998. Former USSR internal passports are valid only for travel to Russia, Byelorussia and Ukraine. Non-citizens under 16 years of age entering the Russian Federation should hold birth certificates, persons accompanying such children should hold notarized warrants issued by the children's parents and certificates with photos confirming that such non-citizens="" children permanently reside in Latvia. The certificates are issued by local CID offices. Citizens and non-citizens of the Republic of Latvia under 16 years of age traveling to countries other than the Russian Federation should receive special passports and their parents should provide the warrants mentioned above to be held by persons accompanying their children. analyzed a travel document status of passports currently held by inhabitants of the Republic of Latvia. A travel document valid for entering any country should expire not earlier than in two months after the date of expiration of an entry visa. Citizens of Latvia travel abroad holding citizens' passports. Their children traveling with them should have passports of their own. If citizens' children are accompanied by persons other than their parents, such persons should hold notarized warrants (in Russian or English) authorizing them to accompany the children. Persons, to whom the "Law on Former USSR Citizens who do not have Citizenship of Latvia or of Another State" ("non-citizens") applies, can travel holding the following documents: 1. Non-citizens' passports issued after April 10, 1997. Holders of these passports can enter Latvia after the passports have expired upon extending the term of the passports or upon receiving new travel documents as determined by Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No.49 "On Passports of Non-Citizens of Latvia" of Jan. 21, 1997. 2. Identification documents of the Republic of Latvia ("brown passports") issued between July 28, 1995, and April 10, 1997. The identification documents can be used before their expiration dates. 3. Former USSR travel passports issued by the Republic of Latvia and re-registered by the Latvian Ministry of the Interior. The passports are valid for leaving the territory of Latvia until January 1, 1998, and require return visas. The passports are valid for entering Latvia until July 1, 1998, and require return visas as determined by Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No.49 "On Passports of Non-Citizens of Latvia". 4. Former USSR internal passports with Register of Inhabitants stamps ("red passports"). The passports are valid for leaving the territory of Latvia until January 1, 1998, and for entering Latvia until July 1, 1998. Former USSR internal passports are valid only for travel to Russia, Byelorussia and Ukraine. Non-citizens under 16 years of age entering the Russian Federation should hold birth certificates, persons accompanying such children should hold notarized warrants issued by the children's parents and certificates with photos confirming that such non-citizens="" children permanently reside in Latvia. The certificates are issued by local CID offices. Citizens and non-citizens of the Republic of Latvia under 16 years of age traveling to countries other than the Russian Federation should receive special passports and their parents should provide the warrants mentioned above to be held by persons accompanying their children. PLPL