Press Report

Press Report

The Lithuanian Parliament did not adopt the law on the unilateral establishment of the sea border with Latvia. The law was opposed by Landsbergis' "Union for Fatherland" that came up with its own draft law. The "Union" interprets Latvia's agreement with

The Lithuanian Parliament did not adopt the law on the unilateral establishment of the sea border with Latvia. The law was opposed by Landsbergis' "Union for Fatherland" that came up with its own draft law. The "Union" interprets Latvia's agreement with AMOCO/OPAB as a purely economic document having no legal effect. Yesterday's debate in the parliament ended up in deciding to review both draft laws in the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs. Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Povilas Gilis says that certain politicians are trying to "gain internal political advantages on the account of foreign policies". The Union for Fatherland might have become more cautious and changed its view of the issue being aware that it will have to handle the border problem after becoming a governing party. Diena, Neatkariga

"Latvijas Cels"

Chairman Andrejs Pantelejevs says that his party supports the Prime-Minister's Cabinet reorganization plan. When asked to comment on Chairman Andrejs Pantelejevs says that his party supports the Prime-Minister's Cabinet reorganization plan. When asked to comment on ASaimnieks'@ASaimnieks'@ suggestion to cancel all the posts of State Ministers he said he would object to a "competition" among the factions for implementing the project suggestion to cancel all the posts of State Ministers he said he would object to a "competition" among the factions for implementing the project. "LC". "LC" would not agree to canceling the post of State Minister of Self-Government since the self-government reform has not started yet. would not agree to canceling the post of State Minister of Self-Government since the self-government reform has not started yet. "Tevzemei un Brivibai""Tevzemei un Brivibai" suggests canceling the positions of Parliamentary Secretaries in the Ministries and the post of Minister for Special Missions on European Union Affairs. Mr. Cevers say suggests canceling the positions of Parliamentary Secretaries in the Ministries and the post of Minister for Special Missions on European Union Affairs. Mr. Cevers say "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" is not concerned about retaining its posts in the Government at any price. Although the party suggested three of its members holding the posts of State Ministers to resign, Prime-Minister Skele accepts the resignation of two ministers only (State Minister of Investments and Credit Policy S.Jegere and State Minister of Industry, Property and Privatization J.Dzenis). State Minister of Self-Government Ernests Jurkans is likely to retain his post. Apart from Jurkans, is not concerned about retaining its posts in the Government at any price. Although the party suggested three of its members holding the posts of State Ministers to resign, Prime-Minister Skele accepts the resignation of two ministers only (State Minister of Investments and Credit Policy S.Jegere and State Minister of Industry, Property and Privatization J.Dzenis). State Minister of Self-Government Ernests Jurkans is likely to retain his post. Apart from Jurkans, "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" has only two seats in the Government. These are Mr. Turlais (Minister of the Interior) and a still vacant post of Minister of Finance. Four Ministers are has only two seats in the Government. These are Mr. Turlais (Minister of the Interior) and a still vacant post of Minister of Finance. Four Ministers are "TB""TB" members. members. Diena, NeatkarigaDiena, Neatkariga Prime-Minister Skele in an interview for

Prime-Minister Skele in an interview for "DIENA" criticizes "certain politicians" objecting to a free land market for their "pre-historic thinking". He believes that refusing non-citizens the right to own land will lead to the forming of two separate communities, especially in Latgale, where non-citizens constitute 50% of the population. Skele complains about the Saeima deputies who, without notifying him, often amend draft laws that have been agreed on earlier. He says that the Latvian delegation to the border delimitation talks with Russia will discuss the entire border and believes the issue of Abrene to be less important than the reaching of the border agreement. Mr. Skele says he is not concerned about the governing parties being represented proportionally in the Cabinet as long as the parties do not insist on preserving the proportion.Diena

State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins agrees that Latvia and Russia are to resolve numerous problems to improve their relations. He explains that the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty documents the recognition of independent Latvia by Russia. Latvia's demand to refer to the treaty in a border delimitation agreement between the two countries should not be interpreted as an attempt to put forward territorial claims to Russia. Mr. Riekstins says many high-ranking Russian government officials tend to connect the development of the relations between the two countries with the naturalization problem and Latvia's efforts to join NATO. He believes these officials are trying to interfere in Latvia's internal affairs. Latvia is involved in a "broad and open dialogue with Russia on minority problems," says Riekstins. He believes that the border dispute with Lithuania will be successfully resolved in the way Latvia has managed to settle its territorial argument with Estonia. Mr. Riekestins believes that potential NATO members are to be given a clear perspective as for their participation in the block, while NATO enlargement, if restricted, may create a large number of new problems. 

State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins agrees that Latvia and Russia are to resolve numerous problems to improve their relations. He explains that the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty documents the recognition of independent Latvia by Russia. Latvia's demand to refer to the treaty in a border delimitation agreement between the two countries should not be interpreted as an attempt to put forward territorial claims to Russia. Mr. Riekstins says many high-ranking Russian government officials tend to connect the development of the relations between the two countries with the naturalization problem and Latvia's efforts to join NATO. He believes these officials are trying to interfere in Latvia's internal affairs. Latvia is involved in a "broad and open dialogue with Russia on minority problems," says Riekstins. He believes that the border dispute with Lithuania will be successfully resolved in the way Latvia has managed to settle its territorial argument with Estonia. Mr. Riekestins believes that potential NATO members are to be given a clear perspective as for their participation in the block, while NATO enlargement, if restricted, may create a large number of new problems.B&B

Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kallas is not demanding recognition of the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty by Russia anymore. Previously Estonia demanded the recognition of the Treaty as the main condition for signing a border agreement with Russia.

Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kallas is not demanding recognition of the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty by Russia anymore. Previously Estonia demanded the recognition of the Treaty as the main condition for signing a border agreement with Russia. B&B

Press Report

Press Report

Russia is not planning to use economic sanctions against Latvia, said Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Krilov in an interview for

Russia is not planning to use economic sanctions against Latvia, said Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Krilov in an interview for "SM". Still, the transit policy might be changed to reduce the flow of cargoes through Latvia and Estonia. Mr. Krilov says that the relations between Latvia and Russia have "become more civilized". According to Mr. Krilov, the "minority issue" is the most important factor impairing the relations between the two countries. Russia will bring up the issue of the Russian-speaking minority in international organizations. Krilov believes the mandate of the OSCE Mission to Latvia should be extended. When asked about the border delimitation talks Mr. Krilov explained that Russia would not accept any territorial claims and referred to the Helsinki Act. He expressed regret about the adoption of the Declaration on Occupation by the Saeima and said that the adoption of the document was the reason for canceling Prime-Minister Skele's meeting with Chernomirdin. Krilov pointed at the fact that Mr. Skele has not commented on the Declaration. SM

Last week a seminar on Russian minorities in the Baltic states was held in Lubek. Mr. Ole Espersen in his report pointed at the peculiarity of the minority problem in the Baltic states, minorities constituting an unusually high percentage of the population. The main task is to create conditions "acceptable to the minorities", said Mr. Espersen. Similar point of view was expressed by Advisor to the OSCE High Commissioner Craig Oliphant who said that the issue should be viewed from the point of view of conflict prevention rather than as a human rights problem. According to a report by Estonian representative Sergey Isakov, minority situation in Estonia is better than in Latvia. Russian-speaking intellectuals in Estonia support the forming of a political nation while Latvia's Russians have not come up with constructive proposals. Mr. Oliphant made it clear that the OSCE opinion was different from that expressed by Isakov. Several participants of the seminar noted that ethnic nationality should not be stated in identification documents and recommended to preserve minority schools.

Last week a seminar on Russian minorities in the Baltic states was held in Lubek. Mr. Ole Espersen in his report pointed at the peculiarity of the minority problem in the Baltic states, minorities constituting an unusually high percentage of the population. The main task is to create conditions "acceptable to the minorities", said Mr. Espersen. Similar point of view was expressed by Advisor to the OSCE High Commissioner Craig Oliphant who said that the issue should be viewed from the point of view of conflict prevention rather than as a human rights problem. According to a report by Estonian representative Sergey Isakov, minority situation in Estonia is better than in Latvia. Russian-speaking intellectuals in Estonia support the forming of a political nation while Latvia's Russians have not come up with constructive proposals. Mr. Oliphant made it clear that the OSCE opinion was different from that expressed by Isakov. Several participants of the seminar noted that ethnic nationality should not be stated in identification documents and recommended to preserve minority schools. Diena

The third round of border delimitation talks was completed last Friday in Riga without any tangible results. Heads of the delegations criticized the opposite parties for the lack of constructive approach. According to Head of the Latvian Delegation Aivars Vovers, the two parties failed to agree on a compensation for former residents of Abrene who lost their property after the area had been incorporated into the USSR. The Russian side did not agree to refer to the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty in the border agreement. Head of the Russian delegation Viktor Shikalov said "the process was slowed down" by the Latvian side trying to include additional issues in the agenda of the talks. He said that the parties had managed to agree on several issues. The most important accomplishment, according to Shikalov, was the agreement to discuss the entire border instead of determining only parts of it as suggested earlier by Latvia. Mr. Vovers says that Latvia will not change its policy of including property and historical aspects into the agenda of the talks. The fourth round of the talks will be held in Moscow in December.

The third round of border delimitation talks was completed last Friday in Riga without any tangible results. Heads of the delegations criticized the opposite parties for the lack of constructive approach. According to Head of the Latvian Delegation Aivars Vovers, the two parties failed to agree on a compensation for former residents of Abrene who lost their property after the area had been incorporated into the USSR. The Russian side did not agree to refer to the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty in the border agreement. Head of the Russian delegation Viktor Shikalov said "the process was slowed down" by the Latvian side trying to include additional issues in the agenda of the talks. He said that the parties had managed to agree on several issues. The most important accomplishment, according to Shikalov, was the agreement to discuss the entire border instead of determining only parts of it as suggested earlier by Latvia. Mr. Vovers says that Latvia will not change its policy of including property and historical aspects into the agenda of the talks. The fourth round of the talks will be held in Moscow in December. Diena, SM, Neatkariga

Press Report

Press Report

World Bank expert L. Fox at a press-conference yesterday highly praised Latvia's achievements in reforming its social sphere. Mrs. Fox said that social reforms in Latvia were the most profound ones in Eastern Europe. Among the most important achievements she named the pension reform, the upcoming mandatory health insurance, and the adoption of eight important laws on social issues by the

World Bank expert L. Fox at a press-conference yesterday highly praised Latvia's achievements in reforming its social sphere. Mrs. Fox said that social reforms in Latvia were the most profound ones in Eastern Europe. Among the most important achievements she named the pension reform, the upcoming mandatory health insurance, and the adoption of eight important laws on social issues by the Saeima last year.Diena

The Cabinet of Ministers has adopted the "Regulations on the Status of the Unemployed". The Regulations require that an individual applying for the status should provide a certificate proving he or she has passed the state language test. The requirement contradicts other rules and regulations that do not require the knowledge of the Latvian language by applicants for any job on the territory of Latvia.

The Cabinet of Ministers has adopted the "Regulations on the Status of the Unemployed". The Regulations require that an individual applying for the status should provide a certificate proving he or she has passed the state language test. The requirement contradicts other rules and regulations that do not require the knowledge of the Latvian language by applicants for any job on the territory of Latvia. Panorama Latvii

Russian Premier Chernomirdin during his meeting with Swedish Prime-Minister Persson said that Russia was ready to use "all economic factors" to improve the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia. Mr. Chernomirdin criticized the Baltic states for adopting laws that "violated the rights of ethnic Russians". He told the press that the Swedish Prime-Minister had displayed understanding of Russia's concern about the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. According to

Russian Premier Chernomirdin during his meeting with Swedish Prime-Minister Persson said that Russia was ready to use "all economic factors" to improve the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia. Mr. Chernomirdin criticized the Baltic states for adopting laws that "violated the rights of ethnic Russians". He told the press that the Swedish Prime-Minister had displayed understanding of Russia's concern about the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. According to ITAR-TASS, the Russian side "was impressed by Swedens attitude towards the issues under discussion that could affect in a positive way the situation in the Baltic states". The agenda of the meeting also included security issues in the Baltic region and cooperation between Russian, Swedish, and NATO rescue services. Neatkariga

Latvia and Russia are resuming border delimitation talks today. Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told the press that he expected Russia to take a more flexible stand at the talks. Russia has pointed many times at its consistent policy on the border issue. It will not recognize the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty since it was concluded by Soviet Russia and not by the USSR (that did not exist at that time). Russia has taken the legal obligations of the former USSR but does not recognize itself a successor of Soviet Russia. Recognition of Latvia's territorial claims can also create a dangerous precedent and will not be supported by the Council of Europe, the OSCE, and the European Union.

Latvia and Russia are resuming border delimitation talks today. Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told the press that he expected Russia to take a more flexible stand at the talks. Russia has pointed many times at its consistent policy on the border issue. It will not recognize the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty since it was concluded by Soviet Russia and not by the USSR (that did not exist at that time). Russia has taken the legal obligations of the former USSR but does not recognize itself a successor of Soviet Russia. Recognition of Latvia's territorial claims can also create a dangerous precedent and will not be supported by the Council of Europe, the OSCE, and the European Union. SM

Russian

Russian Duma Deputy Mikhail Vakulenko, referring to a high-ranking Russian Foreign Ministry official, said that Russia might sever its diplomatic relations with Latvia. Mr. Vakulenko is the Head of the Deputy Group for Contacts with the Baltic Parliaments. The Group refused to accept a recent invitation to visit Latvia. Mr. Vakulenko in an interview for "SM" explained that the Duma deputies were embarrassed by the Declaration on Occupation of Latvia and considered the adoption of the document as a step hostile to Russia. He believes the Latvian authorities are deliberately provoking conflicts with Russia. In this connection he mentioned the recent reaction of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the passing of Russian ships through the Latvian economic zone. According to Mr. Vakulenko, the Duma is also concerned about "apartheid in Latvia". The majority of the deputies believe economic sanctions might be used against Latvia, should its policy remain unchanged. The Russian Parliament member called upon Latvia to renounce its territorial claims towards Russia and to reconsider its policy towards NATO enlargement. SM

Press Report

Press Report

The governing factions are to select a candidate as Head of the Latvian-Russian Governmental Committee. The Head of the Committee is to hold also the position of Deputy Prime-Minister, since Mr. Cevers resigned last week also leaving his post in the Committee. Possible candidates as Head of the Committee are Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development Anatolijs Gorbunovs, Minister of Agriculture Roberts Dilba, Minister of Defense Andrejs Krastins, and Minister of Education and Science Maris Grinblats. Mr. Cevers, now Head of the "Saimnieks" Faction, told the press that he believed Mr. Gorbunovs to be the only suitable candidate. Prime-Minister Skele suggested

The governing factions are to select a candidate as Head of the Latvian-Russian Governmental Committee. The Head of the Committee is to hold also the position of Deputy Prime-Minister, since Mr. Cevers resigned last week also leaving his post in the Committee. Possible candidates as Head of the Committee are Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development Anatolijs Gorbunovs, Minister of Agriculture Roberts Dilba, Minister of Defense Andrejs Krastins, and Minister of Education and Science Maris Grinblats. Mr. Cevers, now Head of the "Saimnieks" Faction, told the press that he believed Mr. Gorbunovs to be the only suitable candidate. Prime-Minister Skele suggested "Saimnieks" to nominate its candidate for Deputy Prime-Minister. Still, Cevers says that the party suspects that the Prime-Minister could cancel the post after the budget is adopted. Mr. Cevers believes that Latvia's relations with Russia need to be considered by the Government at a closed meeting. Diena

The apartment, originally redesigned to be provided to President Ulmanis after the expiration of his term in office, will be rented to an embassy. The repair and redecoration of the apartment were interrupted after a state inspection had discovered that repair costs and compensation paid to former tenants were excessive.

The apartment, originally redesigned to be provided to President Ulmanis after the expiration of his term in office, will be rented to an embassy. The repair and redecoration of the apartment were interrupted after a state inspection had discovered that repair costs and compensation paid to former tenants were excessive. Diena

Swedish Prime-Minister Persson had telephone consultations with Latvian Premier Skele before leaving for Moscow. The Swedish Prime-Minister paid special interest to Mr. Skele's opinion on the political situation in Russia and the state of relations between Latvia and Russia. The agenda of the Swedish Prime-Minister's meetings with members of the Russian Government will include security issues, NATO enlargement, and cooperation in the Baltic region.

Swedish Prime-Minister Persson had telephone consultations with Latvian Premier Skele before leaving for Moscow. The Swedish Prime-Minister paid special interest to Mr. Skele's opinion on the political situation in Russia and the state of relations between Latvia and Russia. The agenda of the Swedish Prime-Minister's meetings with members of the Russian Government will include security issues, NATO enlargement, and cooperation in the Baltic region. Diena

Finnish Foreign Minister Tarja Halonen in an interview expressed concern about special status that could be possibly provided to the Baltic states by NATO. She explained that establishing closer cooperation with nations outside the block could impair the functioning of the

Finnish Foreign Minister Tarja Halonen in an interview expressed concern about special status that could be possibly provided to the Baltic states by NATO. She explained that establishing closer cooperation with nations outside the block could impair the functioning of the "Partnership for Peace" Program. The Baltic states, according to the Finnish Foreign Minister, will obtain a higher status than the Program participants. Mrs. Halonen suggests NATO should be open to cooperation with all countries including Russia and other former Warsaw Pact nations. Diena

Saeima deputy Indulis Berzins (

Saeima deputy Indulis Berzins ("Latvijas Cels") objects against replacing of the current proportional ballot system by a majoritary system. He agrees that the majoritary system allows voters to assess candidates in a much better way. Still, the system is not suitable for "young democracies" and can shatter the stability of the Saeima. Diena

Russian Duma Deputy-Speaker Sergey Baburin (

Russian Duma Deputy-Speaker Sergey Baburin ("The Russian People's Union") in an interview for "SM" says that the purpose of the Saeima's Declaration on Occupation is to lay a juridical basis for an apartheid regime and ethnic cleansing. Mr. Baburin is sure that the Russian Government will apply sanctions against Estonia and that similar measures will be taken against Latvia soon. He welcomes Latvia's territorial claims towards Russia explaining that Russia could claim back Daugavpils (former Dvinsk) that was a part of the Vitebsk province in 1919. Baburin calls upon the people of Latvia to "stop the nationalists" whose policy "is jeopardizing the interests of Latvia." SM

"NEATKARIGA"

interviewed Mr. Janis Jurkans on Latvian foreign policiy. Mr. Jurkans says that Latvian politicians are using outdated standards and "are still living in 1940" and not in the nineties. He admits that, although Russia is trying to form a democratic society, it is still potentially dangerous to Latvia. Still, NATO membership would not guarantee Latvias security, says Jurkans. Moreover, he does not believe that Latvia will be admitted to NATO. Mr. Jurkans criticizes the interviewed Mr. Janis Jurkans on Latvian foreign policiy. Mr. Jurkans says that Latvian politicians are using outdated standards and "are still living in 1940" and not in the nineties. He admits that, although Russia is trying to form a democratic society, it is still potentially dangerous to Latvia. Still, NATO membership would not guarantee Latvia’s security, says Jurkans. Moreover, he does not believe that Latvia will be admitted to NATO. Mr. Jurkans criticizes the SaeimaSaeima for ratifying the agreement with AMOCO/OPAB and suggests that Latvia should have negotiated with the oil companies explaining the complicity of the situation. Third parties (eg., Sweden) should be involved into resolving the border argument with Lithuania. Border delimitation being one of the basic NATO membership conditions, Russia is not likely to sign an agreement with Latvia on the state border and would chose to establish it unilaterally. Mr. Jurkans is afraid that Russia currently does not need the border agreement with Latvia. for ratifying the agreement with AMOCO/OPAB and suggests that Latvia should have negotiated with the oil companies explaining the complicity of the situation. Third parties (eg., Sweden) should be involved into resolving the border argument with Lithuania. Border delimitation being one of the basic NATO membership conditions, Russia is not likely to sign an agreement with Latvia on the state border and would chose to establish it unilaterally. Mr. Jurkans is afraid that Russia currently does not need the border agreement with Latvia. NeatkarigaNeatkariga