Press Report

In response to the information about the new nominee for Prime Minister’s position released in mass media in yesterday’s press conference Latvian Prime Minister Andris Skele told the press that he had no intention to step down. Head of Latvia’s Way parliament faction Kristiana Libane told Diena that this government is good for the party and she sees no reason for the current government to fall.

In response to the information about the new nominee for Prime Ministers position released in mass media in yesterdays press conference Latvian Prime Minister Andris Skele told the press that he had no intention to step down. Head of Latvias Way parliament faction Kristiana Libane told Diena that this government is good for the party and she sees no reason for the current government to fall. Diena, Neatkariga

In yesterday’s meeting of the Saeima’s Commission on Human Rights to discuss the draft concept of the Society Integration Program. Head of the working group Eizenija Aldermane said if the most radical proposals raised by Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK are accepted several authors of the concept are stopping to work on the concept. The draft concept was criticised by the representatives of the left block for providing for “mild assimilation” and by TB/LNNK representative who called for decolonization instead of integration program.

In yesterdays meeting of the Saeimas Commission on Human Rights to discuss the draft concept of the Society Integration Program. Head of the working group Eizenija Aldermane said if the most radical proposals raised by Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK are accepted several authors of the concept are stopping to work on the concept. The draft concept was criticised by the representatives of the left block for providing for mild assimilation and by TB/LNNK representative who called for decolonization instead of integration program. Diena, Vesti

After the popularity rating of the government ministers Andris Skele is the second least popular after the Welfare Minister. His rating has continuously fallen over the last three months.

After the popularity rating of the government ministers Andris Skele is the second least popular after the Welfare Minister. His rating has continuously fallen over the last three months. Diena, Neatkariga

Yesterday roughly 500 school teachers rallied in front of the Cabinet Ministers asking for budget to be allotted to raise teachers’ salaries starting next year as promised before. Prime Minister came to meet them and promised if there is a surplus in budget the money will be directed for teachers’ salaries, nevertheless the teachers consider the steps made by the government insufficient and are ready to go on strike on November 16.

Yesterday roughly 500 school teachers rallied in front of the Cabinet Ministers asking for budget to be allotted to raise teachers salaries starting next year as promised before. Prime Minister came to meet them and promised if there is a surplus in budget the money will be directed for teachers salaries, nevertheless the teachers consider the steps made by the government insufficient and are ready to go on strike on November 16. Diena, Neatkariga, BB, Vesti

BB and

BB and Vesti inform about the answer provided by Mr. Max van der Stoel to the Latvian MP Juris Vidins who asked to take steps regarding Russias violence in Chechnya. The answer states that the issue described in Vidinsaddress was outside the High Commissioners mandate.

Press Report

During the meeting of five presidents in Finland, including the Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the President of Finland Marti Ahtisaari informed Freiberga about the readiness of the EU to finish its interior reforms allowing for accepting new member countries by the end of 2003.

During the meeting of five presidents in Finland, including the Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the President of Finland Marti Ahtisaari informed Freiberga about the readiness of the EU to finish its interior reforms allowing for accepting new member countries by the end of 2003. Neatkariga

Anonymous representatives of the three ruling parties confirmed to Diena that at the beginning of the next year the head of the same three party coalition government could change. Ojars Kehris from Latvia' s Way is mentioned as one of the possible nominees for the Prime Minister's position. Current Prime Minister Andris Skele's press secretary called this information spreading of rumours without any basis.

Anonymous representatives of the three ruling parties confirmed to Diena that at the beginning of the next year the head of the same three party coalition government could change. Ojars Kehris from Latvia' s Way is mentioned as one of the possible nominees for the Prime Minister's position. Current Prime Minister Andris Skele's press secretary called this information spreading of rumours without any basis. Diena

The popularity rating in October has grown for all parliament parties except for the People's Party and Fatherland and Freedom/ LNNK. Fatherland has experienced the most rapid fall and is for the first time in two years on the fifth place.

The popularity rating in October has grown for all parliament parties except for the People's Party and Fatherland and Freedom/ LNNK. Fatherland has experienced the most rapid fall and is for the first time in two years on the fifth place. Diena

The information about young Latvian men's intention to go to fight on the side of Chechnya released by the Latvian news program Panorama on Latvia's National TV on Sunday has raised heated discussions and reproaches of damaging Latvia's image.

The information about young Latvian men's intention to go to fight on the side of Chechnya released by the Latvian news program Panorama on Latvia's National TV on Sunday has raised heated discussions and reproaches of damaging Latvia's image. Neatkariga, Diena

Skrunda village since it was passed over to Latvian side at the end of October is guarded by armed police officers 24 hours a day.

Skrunda village since it was passed over to Latvian side at the end of October is guarded by armed police officers 24 hours a day. Diena

Inspector General of the Latvian Foreign Ministry Andris Vilcâns has left for Moscow to check the situation on the territory of the Latvian Embassy whether any illegal activities are taking place there.

Inspector General of the Latvian Foreign Ministry Andris Vilcâns has left for Moscow to check the situation on the territory of the Latvian Embassy whether any illegal activities are taking place there. Neatkariga

Vesti Segodna

informs that head of the Saeima' s working group preparing amendments to the Language law has suggested that a foreign language could be used along with the state language in tourist information. informs that head of the Saeima' s working group preparing amendments to the Language law has suggested that a foreign language could be used along with the state language in tourist information.

Chas

informs about the meeting of Education Committee and European Affairs Committee to discuss the amendments to the Language law. Five of the proposals submitted by Latvia's Way and Human Rights Committee have gained support of the left-wing For Human Rights in United Latvia. The final approval of the law in the commissions is scheduled for next Monday. informs about the meeting of Education Committee and European Affairs Committee to discuss the amendments to the Language law. Five of the proposals submitted by Latvia's Way and Human Rights Committee have gained support of the left-wing For Human Rights in United Latvia. The final approval of the law in the commissions is scheduled for next Monday.

Press Report

TB/LNNK has decided to set their goal for the next municipal election of 2001 to be represented in all local governments of cities and regions. The Chairman of TB/LNNK M.Grinblats pointed out that TB/LNNK should more specific in defining their position on local governments’ issues.

TB/LNNK has decided to set their goal for the next municipal election of 2001 to be represented in all local governments of cities and regions. The Chairman of TB/LNNK M.Grinblats pointed out that TB/LNNK should more specific in defining their position on local governments issues. Neatkariga, Diena

Prime Minister A.Skele will go to Sweden to take part in the meeting of the Prime Ministers of the Baltic and Nordic States.

Prime Minister A.Skele will go to Sweden to take part in the meeting of the Prime Ministers of the Baltic and Nordic States. Neatkariga, Diena

The program of the Latvian Naturalisation grant, announced at the beginning of October, received a widespread response. The total number of projects to solve citizenship, national minorities and public integration problems is 50. They come from all regions of Latvia, and the winners will be known after one month.

The program of the Latvian Naturalisation grant, announced at the beginning of October, received a widespread response. The total number of projects to solve citizenship, national minorities and public integration problems is 50. They come from all regions of Latvia, and the winners will be known after one month. Neatkariga

At the sitting of TB/LNNK Council the Minister of Justice R.Zile expressed his disappointment with the style of work of the Government, when due to the speed suffers the quality of decisions,. He also criticised the planned regional reform.

Diena

L.Grigule, Co-ordinator of the Program Changes in Education of the Soros Foundation Latvia analyses the situation with bilingual education in Latvia. Ms.Grigule states that the methodology has been elaborated for this kind of education, and the Soros Foundation is working on preparing teachers for bilingual education. Diena

TB/LNNK want to meet with President V.V.Freiberga and find out why she had not announced but sent for the second consideration the language law and the law on public organisations, supported by the three parties that had elected her. TB/LNNK would like the President, before taking such decisions, to listen to the opinion of the parties. Diena

Peoples Harmony Party Chairman J.Jurkans informed that Peoples Harmony Party and movement Equality had decided to unite by Christmas to strengthen the Saeima faction. Mr.Jurkans pointed out that PHP dissociated it from the opinion voiced by the Socialist Party leader A.Rubiks. Diena

The Government has planned that in the nearest future Latvian residents would have two identification documents – a passport and a national ID. In 2002 will expire the validity term for passports of those Latvian citizens who received them first because passports were issued with the validity term for 10 years. Is not possible to extend the validity term without exchanging a passport due to technical reasons. Therefore it is necessary to prepare new passports. Under the leadership of DCMA, a project has been elaborated that stipulates to introduce a new ID usage system by 2002. The current passports within the territory of the state would be replaced by national identity cards. The new passport will be necessary just for going abroad. Jauna Avize

A.Schukin writes that the planned amendments to the law on TV and radio could give the Government unlimited control on the last residence of Russian TV channels – cable TV. These amendments cold be adopted already in November.

A.Schukin writes that the planned amendments to the law on TV and radio could give the Government unlimited control on the last residence of Russian TV channels – cable TV. These amendments cold be adopted already in November. Chas

The Saeima deputy from TB/LNNK faction J.Vidins provided Latvian volunteers with the addresses of Chechen leaders and even connected to-be mercenaries via satellite phone with the field commanders. The journalist of Vesti Segodnya A.Yelkin states that such activities of a Latvian parliamentarian could lead to Russia accusing Latvia on favouring international terrorism ands assisting the forces fighting against territorial integrity of Russia.

The Saeima deputy from TB/LNNK faction J.Vidins provided Latvian volunteers with the addresses of Chechen leaders and even connected to-be mercenaries via satellite phone with the field commanders. The journalist of Vesti Segodnya A.Yelkin states that such activities of a Latvian parliamentarian could lead to Russia accusing Latvia on favouring international terrorism ands assisting the forces fighting against territorial integrity of Russia. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

Former Prime Minister V.Kristopans told the newspaper Neatkariga about the discord in Latvijas Cels concerning the attitude towards A.Skele being the Prime Minister. He predicted a break up of Latvijas Cels. The Chairman of Latvijas Cels A.Pantelejevs refused to comment on this. He told that there is a discourse in the party between the former Prime Minister and the rest of the party members.

Former Prime Minister V.Kristopans told the newspaper Neatkariga about the discord in Latvijas Cels concerning the attitude towards A.Skele being the Prime Minister. He predicted a break up of Latvijas Cels. The Chairman of Latvijas Cels A.Pantelejevs refused to comment on this. He told that there is a discourse in the party between the former Prime Minister and the rest of the party members. Neatkariga

The representatives of countries of this region and the USA met to discuss the topics of the security of the Baltic Sea region at the 4th conference on Safety and co-operation in Stockholm. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins explained Latvian understanding of the necessity to establish a European stability and security zone after the first Eastern European countries had been admitted to NATO and the crisis in the Balkan region. The Baltic States asked to speed up the process of EU and NATO expansion.

The representatives of countries of this region and the USA met to discuss the topics of the security of the Baltic Sea region at the 4th conference on Safety and co-operation in Stockholm. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins explained Latvian understanding of the necessity to establish a European stability and security zone after the first Eastern European countries had been admitted to NATO and the crisis in the Balkan region. The Baltic States asked to speed up the process of EU and NATO expansion. Neatkariga

The Union of Independent Trade Unions (UITU) call all its members to take part in the referendum on the amendments to the pension law and demands the Government to observe the established procedure on the social dialogue.

The Union of Independent Trade Unions (UITU) call all its members to take part in the referendum on the amendments to the pension law and demands the Government to observe the established procedure on the social dialogue. Neatkariga

UITU want to achieve an raise of the minimal salary by 5-10 Ls. UITU Deputy Chairman A.Kravalis said that in Latvia there were the lowest minimal and the lowest average salary. Latvian average salary last half a year was 141 Ls, in Lithuania – 161 Ls, Estonia – 184 Ls.

UITU want to achieve an raise of the minimal salary by 5-10 Ls. UITU Deputy Chairman A.Kravalis said that in Latvia there were the lowest minimal and the lowest average salary. Latvian average salary last half a year was 141 Ls, in Lithuania – 161 Ls, Estonia – 184 Ls. Neatkariga

A.Gilyman in

A.Gilyman in Vesti Segodnya expresses his opinion on the concept of public integration program. The bulky document, so much criticised by the representatives of national minorities half a year ago, had become even more hypocritical and declarative. And very typical for it is the introduction the chapter on Social integration – the fact proving that to be rich and healthy in better that to be poor and sick.

 

Press Report

Press Report

The Saeima State Administration and Local Governments Commission, preparing for repeated consideration at the Saeima the law on public organisations, rejected all proposals to establish the minimal number of party members. It supported the proposal of Latvijas Cels to keep the valid legal norm.

The Saeima State Administration and Local Governments Commission, preparing for repeated consideration at the Saeima the law on public organisations, rejected all proposals to establish the minimal number of party members. It supported the proposal of Latvijas Cels to keep the valid legal norm. Neatkariga, Diena

The Mayor of Venspils City Council A.Lembergs when meeting with the representatives of the OSCE Mission to Latvia, called them to change their activities concerning the public integration processes in Latvia and be more involved with additional financing in the construction of Latvian schools not just giving recommendations and instructions. Latvia would need about 10 new Latvian schools, and each would cost 80 000 LVL, and the corner stone of integration – mastering of the language – would be completed.

The Mayor of Venspils City Council A.Lembergs when meeting with the representatives of the OSCE Mission to Latvia, called them to change their activities concerning the public integration processes in Latvia and be more involved with additional financing in the construction of Latvian schools not just giving recommendations and instructions. Latvia would need about 10 new Latvian schools, and each would cost 80 000 LVL, and the corner stone of integration – mastering of the language – would be completed. Neatkariga

The council of the Teachers’ Trade Union took a unanimous decision yesterday to announce a warning strike on November 16.

The council of the Teachers Trade Union took a unanimous decision yesterday to announce a warning strike on November 16. Neatkariga, Rigas Balss

The Saeima adopted the softened version of the amendments to the pension law, but the coalition’s vote was not unanimous, and the objections of TB/LNNK before the vote made to harmonise their opinions. The coalition thinks that the referendum has lost its meaning now and calls citizens not to take part in it. The opposition has voiced an opinion that the new amendments are anti-constitutional and the referendum is the only chance to abolish the previous “anti-national” amendments.

The Saeima adopted the softened version of the amendments to the pension law, but the coalitions vote was not unanimous, and the objections of TB/LNNK before the vote made to harmonise their opinions. The coalition thinks that the referendum has lost its meaning now and calls citizens not to take part in it. The opposition has voiced an opinion that the new amendments are anti-constitutional and the referendum is the only chance to abolish the previous anti-national amendments. Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas, Bizness & Baltiya, Panorama Latvii

About 4000 residents of Jurmala still have to exchange their former USSR passports, the validity term of which expires in December 30, 1999, for non-citizen passports. According to the DCMA data there are registered 18 700 non-citizens in Jurmala. 14088 of them had exchanged their old passports by September 1. Although only two months have left, there are not many people in the Jurmala DCMA office. Weekly newspaper

Jurmala P.Jakovlev is the first person born in Latvia to receive the status of a stateless person. To obtain this status he simultaneously gave up two citizenships – Russian and Kazakhstan. He is a former military serviceman. So far none of people residing in Latvia had obtained this status, because the DCMA should verify that a claimant of this status was not a citizen of some state, had not received the status of a refugee or committed a serious crime.

P.Jakovlev is the first person born in Latvia to receive the status of a stateless person. To obtain this status he simultaneously gave up two citizenships – Russian and Kazakhstan. He is a former military serviceman. So far none of people residing in Latvia had obtained this status, because the DCMA should verify that a claimant of this status was not a citizen of some state, had not received the status of a refugee or committed a serious crime. Chas