Press Review

Last Saturday the Latvian Social-Democratic Workers' Party (LSDWP) and the Latvian Social-Democratic Party (LSDP) formed the Latvian Union of Social-Democrats (LUSD). The amalgamation of the two parties was supported by party congresses. The LSDP Congress elected Mr. Juris Bojars Chairman of the Party while Mr. Janis Adamsons was elected Chairman of the LSDWP. In his report at the LSDWP Congress Mr. Adamsons suggested to amend the Citizenship Law in the way that would allow anyone who lived in Latvia for five to ten years and had a command of the Latvian language to receive citizenship through naturalization. Some of Adamsons' colleagues criticized the ideas expressed in his report. The program of the Latvian Union of Social-Democrats will be adopted on May 1, 1998.

Last Saturday the Latvian Social-Democratic Workers' Party (LSDWP) and the Latvian Social-Democratic Party (LSDP) formed the Latvian Union of Social-Democrats (LUSD). The amalgamation of the two parties was supported by party congresses. The LSDP Congress elected Mr. Juris Bojars Chairman of the Party while Mr. Janis Adamsons was elected Chairman of the LSDWP. In his report at the LSDWP Congress Mr. Adamsons suggested to amend the Citizenship Law in the way that would allow anyone who lived in Latvia for five to ten years and had a command of the Latvian language to receive citizenship through naturalization. Some of Adamsons' colleagues criticized the ideas expressed in his report. The program of the Latvian Union of Social-Democrats will be adopted on May 1, 1998. Diena

"People's Harmony" finalized its new draft program to be adopted on November 8. The document defines "PH" as "a Social-Democratic" party for the first time. A spokesman for the party stressed that the difference between the "PH" and Bojars' Social-Democrats would lie in the emphasis put by the party on the development of democracy in Latvia with special attention paid to the problems of non-Latvians and to a well-balanced foreign policy.

"People's Harmony" finalized its new draft program to be adopted on November 8. The document defines "PH" as "a Social-Democratic" party for the first time. A spokesman for the party stressed that the difference between the "PH" and Bojars' Social-Democrats would lie in the emphasis put by the party on the development of democracy in Latvia with special attention paid to the problems of non-Latvians and to a well-balanced foreign policy. Chas

Current "Latvijas Cels" Chairman Valdis Birkavs and

Current "Latvijas Cels" Chairman Valdis Birkavs and "LC" faction Chairman Andrejs Pantelejevs will run for the post of Party Chairman. They announced the decision at the "LC" Conference last Saturday. Diena

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Mr. Janis Freimanis of the Christian Democratic Union faction analyzes the problem naturalization. He explains non-citizens' indifference toward naturalization by their fear of assimilation. He believes it to be quite a natural feeling and suggests that integration entails at least a certain degree of ethnic amalgamation. Mr. Freimanis does not believe assimilation of 44% of non-Latvian population to be possible. He stresses that two ethnic communities already exist in Latvia while the only plausible solution to the problem is to "make Latvia a civilized society" where non-citizens would not fear to lose their ethnic identity. Mr. Freimanis sees the Language Law as a factor required to protect the Latvian language.

Mr. Janis Freimanis of the Christian Democratic Union faction analyzes the problem naturalization. He explains non-citizens' indifference toward naturalization by their fear of assimilation. He believes it to be quite a natural feeling and suggests that integration entails at least a certain degree of ethnic amalgamation. Mr. Freimanis does not believe assimilation of 44% of non-Latvian population to be possible. He stresses that two ethnic communities already exist in Latvia while the only plausible solution to the problem is to "make Latvia a civilized society" where non-citizens would not fear to lose their ethnic identity. Mr. Freimanis sees the Language Law as a factor required to protect the Latvian language. Diena

The latest UNDP overview of the situation in Latvia includes a chapter on political integration written by Mr. Boris Tsilevich and a chapter on education in Russian language schools by Ms. Tatyana Liguta. The report also contains a comprehensive analysis of naturalization, language policy and differences between the rights of citizens and non-citizens. The document will be circulated in the

The latest UNDP overview of the situation in Latvia includes a chapter on political integration written by Mr. Boris Tsilevich and a chapter on education in Russian language schools by Ms. Tatyana Liguta. The report also contains a comprehensive analysis of naturalization, language policy and differences between the rights of citizens and non-citizens. The document will be circulated in the Saeima and in the Latvian Government. Diena

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Mr. Juris Lorencs (

Mr. Juris Lorencs ("Latvijas Cels" Secretary General) does not believe that a two-community society has formed in Latvia. He stresses that there are no ethnicity-based political parties in Latvia while 73% of the country's population voted for its independence in 1991. Mr. Lorencs notes that the figure equals the percentage of citizens among Latvia's population. Still, Latvian and Russian-speaking communities are separated with one part of the mass-media being Latvian-oriented and another part focusing entirely on Russian readers, viewers and listeners, stresses Lorencs. He refers to a sociological research showing that Latvians and non-Latvians have very similar values. Mr. Lorencs believes that the idea of Latvia's independence should serve as a main factor for integrating the country's society and criticizes both Latvian and Russian radicals for promoting ideas that may lead to the forming of a two isolated communities. Mr. Lorencs believes that several reasons account for slow naturalization of non-citizens. Among these are a disappointment with the policy of the Government and its poor morals and campaigns launched by political parties that use non-Latvians as a culprit responsible for all problems faced by the country. Mr. Lorencs believes that annual quotas for naturalization of all applicants for citizenship irrespective of their age should be introduce in the Citizenship Law. Another solution, according to Lorencs, could be canceling all quota or "window" mechanisms. He supports naturalization of all Latvia's inhabitants having a command of the Latvian language. Diena

Head of the Latvian UNDP Bureau John Hendra in his interview for "BIZNES & BALTIYA" summarized Latvia's achievements and the UNDP contribution to the country's development during last four years. He believes the assistance provided by the UNDP to Latvia in establishing the Human Rights Office to be the most significant achievement of the organization in the human dimension domain. Mr. Hendra singled out the development of the State Language Training Program as the most difficult assignment. The UNDP Bureau was involved in a heated political discussion that focused on the teaching of the Latvian language in Russian schools. The UNDP Bureau was criticized both by the Russian-language press and by the Latvian side. Still, Mr. Hendra believes that the results achieved are acceptable to both sides. Mastering of the Latvian language by non-Latvians is an essential mechanism for facilitating the integration of the Latvian society, believes Mr. Hendra. He mentioned granting of Latvian citizenship to all children born in Latvia as one of the most important amendments to be introduced in the Latvian legislation stressing that the OSCE Mission to Latvia had a similar opinion on the issue.

Head of the Latvian UNDP Bureau John Hendra in his interview for "BIZNES & BALTIYA" summarized Latvia's achievements and the UNDP contribution to the country's development during last four years. He believes the assistance provided by the UNDP to Latvia in establishing the Human Rights Office to be the most significant achievement of the organization in the human dimension domain. Mr. Hendra singled out the development of the State Language Training Program as the most difficult assignment. The UNDP Bureau was involved in a heated political discussion that focused on the teaching of the Latvian language in Russian schools. The UNDP Bureau was criticized both by the Russian-language press and by the Latvian side. Still, Mr. Hendra believes that the results achieved are acceptable to both sides. Mastering of the Latvian language by non-Latvians is an essential mechanism for facilitating the integration of the Latvian society, believes Mr. Hendra. He mentioned granting of Latvian citizenship to all children born in Latvia as one of the most important amendments to be introduced in the Latvian legislation stressing that the OSCE Mission to Latvia had a similar opinion on the issue. B&B

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Diena

journalist Aivars Ozolins criticizes the new draft Language Law in today's (Oct.23) issue of the paper. He focuses on the provisions of the draft Law that restrict universally recognized human rights. Among such provisions is a requirement for a mandatory use of the Latvian language in private businesses, during public gatherings and in "all other public domains" . The author points to other requirements that he calls "stupid". These include a demand for all consumer product tag information to be solely in Latvian.  journalist Aivars Ozolins criticizes the new draft Language Law in today's (Oct.23) issue of the paper. He focuses on the provisions of the draft Law that restrict universally recognized human rights. Among such provisions is a requirement for a mandatory use of the Latvian language in private businesses, during public gatherings and in "all other public domains" . The author points to other requirements that he calls "stupid". These include a demand for all consumer product tag information to be solely in Latvian. DienaDiena Yesterday Baltic Council Commissioner Ole Espersen and Chairman of the

Yesterday Baltic Council Commissioner Ole Espersen and Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Science, Culture and Education Dzintars Abikis reached an agreement on the draft Language Law. The sides agreed that the draft Law would be considered by the Council of Europe and the OSCE Mission to Latvia after it was prepared for the second reading. Chas

Baltic Council Commissioner Ole Espersen in an interview for

Baltic Council Commissioner Ole Espersen in an interview for Diena explained the attention paid to the draft Language Law by the fact that the Law contained provisions stipulating the use of languages in private businesses, interfering with private life and restricting the freedom of speech. The provisions, if implemented, would impede the harmonization of the Latvian society, believes Mr. Espersen. He referred to his meeting with the Head of the Saeima Committee on Science, Education and Culture on the issue two years ago. Mr. Espresen is surprised that the draft Law still remains not amended. He had another meeting with the Head of the Committee (Mr. Abikis) yesterday (Oct.23). Mr. Espersen stressed that the draft Law should undergo basic changes. In his interview Mr. Espersen said that current processes in Latvia were not aimed at integration but rather at assimilation and discord. The Language Law, if adopted in its current form would be another serious obstacle to Latvia s progress toward European Union membership. Diena

Chairman of the

Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Science, Culture and Education Dzintars Abikis in an interview for "SM" said that he did not believe that the Language Law in its final version would contradict international human rights instruments. Mr. Abikis supports granting of citizenship to all children born in independent Latvia and believes that other suggested amendments to the Citizenship Law need thorough consideration. He admitted that two isolated communities (Latvian and Russian-speaking) had formed in Latvia. Still, Mr. Abikis believes that the language barrier will be disappearing gradually with more Russian youths mastering the Latvian language. He supports a gradual transition to the teaching of several courses in the Latvian language in Russian-language schools. Mr. Abikis suggested that in ten years half of the courses could be read in Latvian. SM

Press Review

Press Review

AMBASSADORS DO NOT BELIEVE THE ADOPTION OF THE NEW LANGUAGE LAW TO BE NECESSARY

AMBASSADORS DO NOT BELIEVE THE ADOPTION OF THE NEW LANGUAGE LAW TO BE NECESSARY

(Nellija Locmele)

(Nellija Locmele)

Riga, October 21. During their meeting with Head of the

Riga, October 21. During their meeting with Head of the Saeima Committee on Education, Science and Culture last Tuesday, Ambassadors of European countries questioned the necessity of adopting a new Law on the State Language. Member of the National Minority Council Tatjana Liguta said at the meeting of the Committee that an opinion poll on the draft Law should be done. Last Tuesday the Committee listened to experts' opinions of the new draft Law it is currently working on. Ambassadors of Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Great Britain and the Ambassador of the European Commission during their meeting with Head of the Committee Dzintars Abikis expressed concern about the consequences of adopting the draft Law. Ambassador of the European Commission Gunter Weiss and Danish Ambassador Michael Metz Morg said that they could not understand the purpose of drafting the new Law on the State Language when amending the existing 1992 Law would be sufficient. Moreover, Latvia may face several problems on an international scale in connection with the new draft Law. A similar opinion was expressed by Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Richard Samuel: "Strict regulation of the use of a language in science and business and science would be complicated and would not be advisable in a free market economy society. Some parts of the draft Law contradict international obligations assumed by Latvia. The Law should inspire but not punish people," believes Mr. Samuel. Mr. Abikis explained that the Saeima was pressed by the society to start reviewing the Law. Head of the Committee had to admit that the most heated discussion was expected in connection with the use of the state language in private businesses. The main problem lies in the extend to which the state would be able to intervene in business activities. "We are to find a compromise decision that would give Latvian employees the right to receive information in the state language. At the same time, this should not impede business activities," believes Mr. Abikis. Ms. Liguta believes that the mass media and the entire society should be welcomed to participate in the discussion of the draft Law the way it was done five years ago. "Only through an open discussion can we inform the society about the objectives pursued by the state," said Ms. Liguta.

"DIENA" has already informed its readers about the discussion of the new Law on the State Language, the objective of the Law being to strengthen the status of the Latvian language. The draft Law was adopted by Maris Gails' Cabinet but it was only last summer when the Saeima adopted its first reading. Diena

Director of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Department Gennady Tarasov said yesterday that Latvian Prime-Minister Krasts' statements insisting on a reference to the 1920 Peace Treaty in the Border Agreement jeopardize the signing of the Agreement. During his press-briefing, Mr. Tarasov noted that opinions expressed by OSCE Commissioner van der Stoel and Baltic Commissioner Espersen arise doubts about the improvement of the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia.

Director of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Department Gennady Tarasov said yesterday that Latvian Prime-Minister Krasts' statements insisting on a reference to the 1920 Peace Treaty in the Border Agreement jeopardize the signing of the Agreement. During his press-briefing, Mr. Tarasov noted that opinions expressed by OSCE Commissioner van der Stoel and Baltic Commissioner Espersen arise doubts about the improvement of the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia. Diena, SM

Thirty thousand persons are still residing in Estonia illegally. The Estonian CID started issuing illegal residents with registration forms valid for six months. Holders of registration forms are to legalize their residence in the country within that term. All Estonian residents except former Russian servicemen can receive Estonian citizenship through naturalization. University and vocational school graduates who have passed tests in Estonian are exempt from naturalization language tests. Estonian citizenship is automatically granted to wives of Estonian citizens (but not to husbands.

Thirty thousand persons are still residing in Estonia illegally. The Estonian CID started issuing illegal residents with registration forms valid for six months. Holders of registration forms are to legalize their residence in the country within that term. All Estonian residents except former Russian servicemen can receive Estonian citizenship through naturalization. University and vocational school graduates who have passed tests in Estonian are exempt from naturalization language tests. Estonian citizenship is automatically granted to wives of Estonian citizens (but not to husbands. Diena

"NEATKARIGA"

and and "CHAS""CHAS" published a photo-copy of a secret KGB file revealing Andrejs Pantelejevs' ( published a photo-copy of a secret KGB file revealing Andrejs Pantelejevs' ("Latvijas Cels""Latvijas Cels") involvement with the KGB. The registration card shows that Mr. Pantelejevs was recruit a secret informer in 1988.) involvement with the KGB. The registration card shows that Mr. Pantelejevs was recruit a secret informer in 1988.