Press Report

Press Report

About 50 000 (43 000 by

About 50 000 (43 000 by Diena) teachers and kindergarten educators will take part in todays strike hoping to ensure the implementation of the education law. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

On November 15, President V.V.Freiberga gave a press interview where she also touched upon the teachers strike. Asked whether she would support this strike if it lasted for a week or even longer, V.V.Freiberga answered that in a democracy workers had the right to strike. It was their free choice. Speaking about the Language law, which was returned to the Saeima for reconsideration for the second time, the President said that Latvia should observe her international obligations and the legal norms stipulating that the state might interfere in private sphere activities and decisions only on special subterfuges.

Latvijas Vestnesis Russian speaking newspaper

Russian speaking newspaper Chas characterises the Presidents words about his strike as populistic and causing no obligations. It is much easier to say to the teachers, How I understand you, my poor ones! instead of conflicting with the Government, demanding money for increasing teachers salaries.

Neither Latvian nor Estonian presidents will attend the OSCE summit in Istanbul on November 18 and 19. Both countries will be represented at this meeting by Prime Ministers and Ministers of Foreign Affairs. Latvian Prime Minister A.Skele will have bilateral meetings with the Prime Ministers of Finland, Hungary and the Netherlands. Although there were no plans for such talks with the representatives of Russia, A.Skele’s Councillor A.Groza acknowledged that such a possibility existed. He also pointed out that it had been planned that Latvian President would participate in this summit but she had expressed a wish to remain in the state during the state holiday. In his turn Estonian President Meri has announced that he would not attend the meeting to protest against the OSCE inactivity during crisis.

Neither Latvian nor Estonian presidents will attend the OSCE summit in Istanbul on November 18 and 19. Both countries will be represented at this meeting by Prime Ministers and Ministers of Foreign Affairs. Latvian Prime Minister A.Skele will have bilateral meetings with the Prime Ministers of Finland, Hungary and the Netherlands. Although there were no plans for such talks with the representatives of Russia, A.Skeles Councillor A.Groza acknowledged that such a possibility existed. He also pointed out that it had been planned that Latvian President would participate in this summit but she had expressed a wish to remain in the state during the state holiday. In his turn Estonian President Meri has announced that he would not attend the meeting to protest against the OSCE inactivity during crisis. Neatkariga

Bizness & Baltiya writes about this decision of the Estonian President in more details.

President V.V.Freiberga hopes that the Saeima will manage to find a suitable wording for the Language law that would correspond to the interests of the state language and the Latvian international obligations. The President acknowledged that the questions how to formulate documents stipulating the “shape of the public space” in Latvia and the role of foreign languages are the most complicated. Also the TB/LNNK faction, meeting with the OSCE experts yesterday discussed the usage of the state language in public information. The experts do not doubt that the state and municipal information should be provided in the state language, but they think the restrictions on the language use in public information, concerning private sphere, should be reconsidered. The TB/LNNK faction Chairman A.Pozarnovs said that the faction was ready to discuss the editorial changes in the state language law, but would not allow any deviations from the draft law norms in the essence. Today the OSCE experts will talk to the Saeima Commission on Education and Science, but V.V.Freiberga will meet with the Commission next week. The OSCE will give its statements on the submitted proposals to the draft law, planned for adoption December 9.

President V.V.Freiberga hopes that the Saeima will manage to find a suitable wording for the Language law that would correspond to the interests of the state language and the Latvian international obligations. The President acknowledged that the questions how to formulate documents stipulating the shape of the public space in Latvia and the role of foreign languages are the most complicated. Also the TB/LNNK faction, meeting with the OSCE experts yesterday discussed the usage of the state language in public information. The experts do not doubt that the state and municipal information should be provided in the state language, but they think the restrictions on the language use in public information, concerning private sphere, should be reconsidered. The TB/LNNK faction Chairman A.Pozarnovs said that the faction was ready to discuss the editorial changes in the state language law, but would not allow any deviations from the draft law norms in the essence. Today the OSCE experts will talk to the Saeima Commission on Education and Science, but V.V.Freiberga will meet with the Commission next week. The OSCE will give its statements on the submitted proposals to the draft law, planned for adoption December 9. Neatkariga, Chas

The demands for using the state language in the public sphere should be put forward basing on the three main principles - who is the provider of information, for how long time and where it is publicised. This was the opinion of the OSCE experts according to A.Pozarnovs.

The demands for using the state language in the public sphere should be put forward basing on the three main principles - who is the provider of information, for how long time and where it is publicised. This was the opinion of the OSCE experts according to A.Pozarnovs. Diena

Yesterday the President acknowledged that the compromise amendments to the pension law, adopted by the Saeima on November 4 were not perfect, and they could be amended in the future. Of the same opinion are some of the Saeima factions. Commenting on the low activity of the population, the President said that in this case not going to the referendum had been as a vote against abolishment of the amendments.

Yesterday the President acknowledged that the compromise amendments to the pension law, adopted by the Saeima on November 4 were not perfect, and they could be amended in the future. Of the same opinion are some of the Saeima factions. Commenting on the low activity of the population, the President said that in this case not going to the referendum had been as a vote against abolishment of the amendments. Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii

The Russian newspaper Novii Den (Russian version of

The Russian newspaper Novii Den (Russian version of Diena) will cease to exist starting from January 1, 2000.The decision was made due to the inprofitability of this newspaper. Bizness & Baltiya

The Chairman of Russian Community in Latvia Vy.Altuhov writes about his seeing of the integration of Russian in Latvia. He thinks that the process of integration not so long ago was rather slow but a successful one. Local Russians sympathised the interests of the republic, even protected them against the socialist Centre, sometimes more persistently than the local population. The representatives of majority population had priority to make a career in state administration (including Soviet and party institutions), but the representatives of other nations had equal rights with Latvians to realise their potential in agriculture, industry, science. National division and disintegration were inspired and started by as seemed quite reasonable demands of so called creative intelligence.

The Chairman of Russian Community in Latvia Vy.Altuhov writes about his seeing of the integration of Russian in Latvia. He thinks that the process of integration not so long ago was rather slow but a successful one. Local Russians sympathised the interests of the republic, even protected them against the socialist Centre, sometimes more persistently than the local population. The representatives of majority population had priority to make a career in state administration (including Soviet and party institutions), but the representatives of other nations had equal rights with Latvians to realise their potential in agriculture, industry, science. National division and disintegration were inspired and started by as seemed quite reasonable demands of so called creative intelligence. Panorama Latvii

Lawyer B.Laizane writes about the ongoing discussions on the state language law. When discussing the law one should take into consideration that the Baltic States, already before the Soviet occupation was a state with a European culture and system of values basing on principles of democracy, rule of law and observation of human rights. Ant it was natural that after restoration of their independence these states wished to return to the international environment becoming members of international organisations. Participation in these organisations is not only the right to participate in their activities, voicing one’s opinion, but as well a duty to fulfil all the obligations. And the common thing for all these obligations is that Latvia volunteered to undertake them. Therefore while listening to the opinions of foreign experts, one should realise that it is not an instruction of Latvian politicians or interference in Latvian internal affairs. Discussing about these international obligations, B.Laizane writes about the OSCE, which Latvia joined in September 10, 1991 and its High Commissioner on National Minorities.

Lawyer B.Laizane writes about the ongoing discussions on the state language law. When discussing the law one should take into consideration that the Baltic States, already before the Soviet occupation was a state with a European culture and system of values basing on principles of democracy, rule of law and observation of human rights. Ant it was natural that after restoration of their independence these states wished to return to the international environment becoming members of international organisations. Participation in these organisations is not only the right to participate in their activities, voicing ones opinion, but as well a duty to fulfil all the obligations. And the common thing for all these obligations is that Latvia volunteered to undertake them. Therefore while listening to the opinions of foreign experts, one should realise that it is not an instruction of Latvian politicians or interference in Latvian internal affairs. Discussing about these international obligations, B.Laizane writes about the OSCE, which Latvia joined in September 10, 1991 and its High Commissioner on National Minorities. Diena

Press Report

Amendments to the Pension Law will enter into effect as only 70% of the necessary number of citizens took part in the referendum. 94.2% of those who participated voted for abolishing the amendments to the law.

Amendments to the Pension Law will enter into effect as only 70% of the necessary number of citizens took part in the referendum. 94.2% of those who participated voted for abolishing the amendments to the law. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti, Chas, BB, Panorama Latvii

Riga City Council member of the ruling coalition Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK signed a co-operation protocol with the Social Democrats from opposition. Both party representatives deny that the agreement could lead to an “overturn” in the capital’s leadership.

Riga City Council member of the ruling coalition Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK signed a co-operation protocol with the Social Democrats from opposition. Both party representatives deny that the agreement could lead to an overturn in the capitals leadership. Diena

Non-citizens and persons without citizenship are not very active in applying for Latvian citizenship for children born after Latvia restored independence - only 282 applications of the kind were submitted up until now.

Non-citizens and persons without citizenship are not very active in applying for Latvian citizenship for children born after Latvia restored independence - only 282 applications of the kind were submitted up until now. Panorama Latvii

Press Report

In the meeting of foreign ministers in Helsinki devoted to the Northern Dimension the Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins met the Russian counterpart Igor Ivanov. The ministers discussed the need to continue preparing the legislative basis of both countries, developing cross-border co-operation and the work of the intergovernmental commission. Ivanov asked Berzins about the process of passing the Language law, Berzins informed about the favourable statement made by the European Commission regarding Latvia’s progress in fulfilment of OSCE recommendations in the field of citizenship and naturalization.

In the meeting of foreign ministers in Helsinki devoted to the Northern Dimension the Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins met the Russian counterpart Igor Ivanov. The ministers discussed the need to continue preparing the legislative basis of both countries, developing cross-border co-operation and the work of the intergovernmental commission. Ivanov asked Berzins about the process of passing the Language law, Berzins informed about the favourable statement made by the European Commission regarding Latvias progress in fulfilment of OSCE recommendations in the field of citizenship and naturalization. Neatkariga, Diena, Vesti, Panorama Latvii, Chas

Chas reports that during Berzins’ meeting with the British State Minister for European and EU Affairs the least had pronounced an opinion that incompliance of the Language Law to international standards Latvia may be not invited to negotiations this December.

Chas reports that during Berzins meeting with the British State Minister for European and EU Affairs the least had pronounced an opinion that incompliance of the Language Law to international standards Latvia may be not invited to negotiations this December.

Representative of Russia to the UN Alexander Zmeyevsky made a speech in the meeting of the 3rd sub-committee of the UN General Assembly turning the attention of the international community to the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia and Estonia. Among other things the representative pointed out that Latvia is preparing a language law aiming at recognising Russian a foreign language which is native to 40% of Latvia’s inhabitants.

Representative of Russia to the UN Alexander Zmeyevsky made a speech in the meeting of the 3rd sub-committee of the UN General Assembly turning the attention of the international community to the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia and Estonia. Among other things the representative pointed out that Latvia is preparing a language law aiming at recognising Russian a foreign language which is native to 40% of Latvias inhabitants. Vesti

In a plenary meeting of the Lawyers’ Day Head of the Saeima’s Legal Commission Gunars Kusins said that serious changes would be needed to be made to the Latvian Constitution before Latvia joins the EU.

In a plenary meeting of the Lawyers Day Head of the Saeimas Legal Commission Gunars Kusins said that serious changes would be needed to be made to the Latvian Constitution before Latvia joins the EU. Neatkariga

Latvian Foreign Ministry informed

Latvian Foreign Ministry informed Diena that as the mandate of the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel is to expire at the end of this year the OSCE country leaders should appoint a new candidate during the Istanbul OSCE summit. Currently the OSCE member countries have not agreed who of the three candidates should be appointed.

Press Report

A group of international experts hired by the European Commission in a report released on Thursday state that the Baltic Russian minority could become a major ethnic minority problem in the expanded EU.

A group of international experts hired by the European Commission in a report released on Thursday state that the Baltic Russian minority could become a major ethnic minority problem in the expanded EU. Diena

The Saeima on Thursday rejected the proposals to allow to establish a party for 1, no less than 3 or at least 500 citizens, however, the final decision was not passed. The discussion will resume on November 25.

The Saeima on Thursday rejected the proposals to allow to establish a party for 1, no less than 3 or at least 500 citizens, however, the final decision was not passed. The discussion will resume on November 25. Diena, Neatkariga

The Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will take part in the referendum on Pension Law since the “people have showed their will for the referendum to happen”. Freiberga does not reveal the way she will vote.

The Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will take part in the referendum on Pension Law since the people have showed their will for the referendum to happen. Freiberga does not reveal the way she will vote. Neatkariga

Vaira Vike-Freiberga has sent a letter to the Saeima’s Commission on Education inviting to have the Commission meeting on November 23 in Riga Castle to discuss the work on the Language law before the second review.

Vaira Vike-Freiberga has sent a letter to the Saeimas Commission on Education inviting to have the Commission meeting on November 23 in Riga Castle to discuss the work on the Language law before the second review. Neatkariga

Diena reports that heads of the OSCE Mission forbidden by Russia to enter Chechnya, stated that the refugee situation in Ingushia was “agitating” and appealed to Russia and other countries to provide assistance to refugees. Head of the OSCE Mission Kim Traavik stressed on Thursday that Russia and the international community should apply effort not to allow aggravation of the situation.

Diena reports that heads of the OSCE Mission forbidden by Russia to enter Chechnya, stated that the refugee situation in Ingushia was agitating and appealed to Russia and other countries to provide assistance to refugees. Head of the OSCE Mission Kim Traavik stressed on Thursday that Russia and the international community should apply effort not to allow aggravation of the situation. Diena

Press Report

Saeima’s Commission on Education starting preparation of the Language Law for the second review on Wednesday heard the proposals of the Legal Office. Before making the final decision the Commission will meet the OSCE experts and the President of Latvia. 62 proposals for amendments have been submitted. Diena, BB, Jauna Avize

Saeimas Commission on Education starting preparation of the Language Law for the second review on Wednesday heard the proposals of the Legal Office. Before making the final decision the Commission will meet the OSCE experts and the President of Latvia. 62 proposals for amendments have been submitted. Diena, BB, Jauna Avize

Constitution Defence Bureau demanded explanation from the Latvian residents who have expressed the intention to go to fight on the side of Chechnya as the interview with them showed on Latvian TV could cause threat to Latvia. After hearing the explanation the Bureau stated that there was no threat to the state security. Diena

Constitution Defence Bureau demanded explanation from the Latvian residents who have expressed the intention to go to fight on the side of Chechnya as the interview with them showed on Latvian TV could cause threat to Latvia. After hearing the explanation the Bureau stated that there was no threat to the state security. Diena

The Swedish government announced 2000 the year of the Baltic countries planning to carry out activities to help Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to integrate in the EU. 1999 is the year of Poland. Diena

The Swedish government announced 2000 the year of the Baltic countries planning to carry out activities to help Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to integrate in the EU. 1999 is the year of Poland. Diena

Participants of the seminar Implementation of the European Human Rights Convention in the Lower Courts in Latvia found that the courts in Latvia have not acquainted themselves sufficiently with the human rights structure provided for by the Convention and that it is not always taken into account when making the verdict. Diena

Participants of the seminar Implementation of the European Human Rights Convention in the Lower Courts in Latvia found that the courts in Latvia have not acquainted themselves sufficiently with the human rights structure provided for by the Convention and that it is not always taken into account when making the verdict. Diena

It is possible that during the conference Northern Dimensions in Helsinki the Latvian Foreign Minister will meet the Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov. The meeting has been put on the preliminary agenda of Mr. Ivanov. However, after information provided by the Russian Foreign Ministry, is not confirmed so the meeting may not take place. BB

It is possible that during the conference Northern Dimensions in Helsinki the Latvian Foreign Minister will meet the Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov. The meeting has been put on the preliminary agenda of Mr. Ivanov. However, after information provided by the Russian Foreign Ministry, is not confirmed so the meeting may not take place. BB

At the meeting with the Latvian Teachers Trade Union the Latvian Prime Minister Andris Skele promised to raise the issue of salary increase for teachers at the extraordinary government meeting on November 15, a day before the teachers’ strike scheduled for November 16. Neatkariga

At the meeting with the Latvian Teachers Trade Union the Latvian Prime Minister Andris Skele promised to raise the issue of salary increase for teachers at the extraordinary government meeting on November 15, a day before the teachers strike scheduled for November 16. Neatkariga