Press Report

Press Report

Does not seem that the proposal accepted by the Estonian government to abolish the norm requesting deputy candidates to know the state language on the highest level will be an example for Latvian politicians to follow. Government forming coalition MPs are rather sceptical about a similar demand from the OSCE and the attempts of the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia. They think that the election law should not be changed in the nearest future. Today the Saeima has to consider the amendments to the election law proposed by FHRUL but it is very likely that they will be rejected. Saeima Human Rights Commission head A.Seiksts said that Estonians had cornered themselves and Latvians, and now the OSCE received an additional pretence not to close the OSCE Mission in Latvia. He considers that any positive vote could be interpreted as a pressure on the European Human Rights Court concerning I.Podkolzina’s case. A similar opinion had expressed also Prime Minister A.Berzins and President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. Nevertheless the OSCE Mission holds an opinion that any person, who does not know the state language on the highest level, may work as a deputy.

Does not seem that the proposal accepted by the Estonian government to abolish the norm requesting deputy candidates to know the state language on the highest level will be an example for Latvian politicians to follow. Government forming coalition MPs are rather sceptical about a similar demand from the OSCE and the attempts of the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia. They think that the election law should not be changed in the nearest future. Today the Saeima has to consider the amendments to the election law proposed by FHRUL but it is very likely that they will be rejected. Saeima Human Rights Commission head A.Seiksts said that Estonians had cornered themselves and Latvians, and now the OSCE received an additional pretence not to close the OSCE Mission in Latvia. He considers that any positive vote could be interpreted as a pressure on the European Human Rights Court concerning I.Podkolzinas case. A similar opinion had expressed also Prime Minister A.Berzins and President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. Nevertheless the OSCE Mission holds an opinion that any person, who does not know the state language on the highest level, may work as a deputy. Diena

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga told journalists that if the European Human Rights Court found that taking off the list of deputy candidates for the Saeima election the member of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia I.Podkolzina had been illegal, Latvia would have to amend the election law. The President added that Latvia was not the only state in Europe where deputies had to know the state language and where deputies had to be citizens.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga told journalists that if the European Human Rights Court found that taking off the list of deputy candidates for the Saeima election the member of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia I.Podkolzina had been illegal, Latvia would have to amend the election law. The President added that Latvia was not the only state in Europe where deputies had to know the state language and where deputies had to be citizens. LETA, Chas

The order of the Latvian economics minister to suspend the right of Latvian Privatisation Agency (LPA) chief to sign documents will not affect the government stability, the prime minister said. Andris Berzins expressed the opinion to reporters answering to a question about the possible government crisis that occurred on a previous occasion when the right of Janis Naglis to sign the documents on behalf of the LPA was suspended.

BNS, Neatkariga

Leader of the ruling coalition member People's Party A.Skele rejected accusations by an MP from the coalition partner Latvia's Way that People's Party by its actions wants to trigger the government collapse, saying the Cabinet, headed by member of Latvia's Way, still has support of the People's Party.

BNS

Chairman of Saeima faction of the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDSP) Egils Baldzens is not planning to vie for the LSDSP deputy chairman post if he is not elected as LSDSP chairman in the party's 33rd congress. LETA

The government adopted the list of Society Integration Foundation Council members where are included 16 representatives from different state, local government organisations and NGOs.

The government adopted the list of Society Integration Foundation Council members where are included 16 representatives from different state, local government organisations and NGOs. Diena

Dr.hist. I.Mezs comments the decision of FF/LNNK not to ratify the Framework convention on national minorities. Ratification is not set as any special prerequisite for Latvia for joining EU. But the ability of Latvia to solve the problems of peaceful coexistence of the society split during the Soviet era will be seen as such a prerequisite. And fulfilment of this prerequisite is not furthered by the flanks of Latvian political spectre – FF/LNNK and For Human Rights in United Latvia. Diena

Dr.hist. I.Mezs comments the decision of FF/LNNK not to ratify the Framework convention on national minorities. Ratification is not set as any special prerequisite for Latvia for joining EU. But the ability of Latvia to solve the problems of peaceful coexistence of the society split during the Soviet era will be seen as such a prerequisite. And fulfilment of this prerequisite is not furthered by the flanks of Latvian political spectre – FF/LNNK and For Human Rights in United Latvia. Diena

The leader of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans informed press representatives that the Union had submitted to the LSDP a draft co-operation agreement. The agreement would be made public when Social Democrats studied it.

The leader of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans informed press representatives that the Union had submitted to the LSDP a draft co-operation agreement. The agreement would be made public when Social Democrats studied it. Diena, Neatkariga

"According to unofficial information, the Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Brazauskas reached an agreement with his colleague Andris Berzins when visiting Latvia that Lithuania will sign an agreement to authorise Latvians to fish in a territory which will go to the Lithuanians after the sea border treaty takes effect," the Lithuanian newspaper "Respublika" reported Wednesday. It was planned that Lithuanian officials would visit Riga in order to meet with leaders of the Latvian Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Association in order to discuss the treaty's conditions.

"According to unofficial information, the Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Brazauskas reached an agreement with his colleague Andris Berzins when visiting Latvia that Lithuania will sign an agreement to authorise Latvians to fish in a territory which will go to the Lithuanians after the sea border treaty takes effect," the Lithuanian newspaper "Respublika" reported Wednesday. It was planned that Lithuanian officials would visit Riga in order to meet with leaders of the Latvian Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Association in order to discuss the treaty's conditions. LETA

The leader of Latvian Social Democratic Party J.Bojars published his comments on observation of international human rights standards in the new draft constitution he had presented to his party for consideration.

The leader of Latvian Social Democratic Party J.Bojars published his comments on observation of international human rights standards in the new draft constitution he had presented to his party for consideration. Neatkariga

Latvian newspaper

Latvian newspaper Lauku Avize interviewed its readers about the proposal of For Human Rights in United Latvia to amend the election law. One person sees this proposal as a provocation, other is worried that these pro-Russian do not get any opposition; the third thinks that it is not permissible.

Latvijas Vestnesis

published an unofficial translation of the UN Human Rights Committees opinion about the complain of Latvian citizen A.Ignatane concerning her human rights violation. published an unofficial translation of the UN Human Rights Committee’s opinion about the complain of Latvian citizen A.Ignatane concerning her human rights violation. Russian-speaking newspaper

Russian-speaking newspaper Vesti Segodnya comments the statement made by the NATO Secretary General G.Robertson that the process of joining NATO would assist Latvia to solve problems that face its Russian-speaking minority. The Secretary General acknowledged that Russian-speakers have problems here.

The leader of the youth organisation Solidarnost I.Stalnoy plans another action – a free of charge concert to support students of Russian-speaking schools. He had received information about 12 Russian students, who following the call of Latvian Minister of Education and Science K.Grieskalns to join Latvian schools, started to study there and got beaten up. The concert will take place on Friday.

The leader of the youth organisation Solidarnost I.Stalnoy plans another action – a free of charge concert to support students of Russian-speaking schools. He had received information about 12 Russian students, who following the call of Latvian Minister of Education and Science K.Grieskalns to join Latvian schools, started to study there and got beaten up. The concert will take place on Friday. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Press Report

Press Report

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga on Monday presented credentials to Latvian ambassador to the United Nations, Gints Jegermanis, wishing him success in the new office.

BNS

Scheduled political consultations between Latvia and Ukraine on Monday and Tuesday in Kiev are set to touch upon bilateral relations, possible co-operation towards European integration, as well as co-operation between the Baltic and Black Sea regions. The Latvian Foreign ministry reported that state secretary Maris Riekstins and his Ukrainian counterpart Yuriy Sergeyev will be meeting in the capital of Ukraine and plan to exchange opinions on world current affairs, as well as sign a joint statement in conclusion of the consultations. BNS, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will be on a state visit in Spain from October 24 to October 29, LETA learned at the President's Press Service. President's Press Service reports that the president will participate in an international conference on transformation and consolidation of democracy in Madrid on October 26 and October 27 at the invitation of Spanish King Juan Carlos I.

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will be on a state visit in Spain from October 24 to October 29, LETA learned at the President's Press Service. President's Press Service reports that the president will participate in an international conference on transformation and consolidation of democracy in Madrid on October 26 and October 27 at the invitation of Spanish King Juan Carlos I. LETA

The Centre for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO Centre) will hold its fifth annual NGO forum at the Riga Latvian Society House on October 26. Several hundred NGO representatives attend the forum every year. This year, forum participants will become acquainted with new draft projects, which would regulate the NGO sector in the future, and the further development of organisations. Prime Minister Andris Berzins is scheduled to address the forum, as well as Minister of Justice Ingrida Labucka, Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins, NGO Centre Director Kaija Gertnere, creators of the draft bill and businessmen.

The Centre for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO Centre) will hold its fifth annual NGO forum at the Riga Latvian Society House on October 26. Several hundred NGO representatives attend the forum every year. This year, forum participants will become acquainted with new draft projects, which would regulate the NGO sector in the future, and the further development of organisations. Prime Minister Andris Berzins is scheduled to address the forum, as well as Minister of Justice Ingrida Labucka, Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins, NGO Centre Director Kaija Gertnere, creators of the draft bill and businessmen. LETA

Einars Repse promises introduction of tuition fees at universities. Repse’s to-be political party Jaunais laiks (New Era) presented its program’s chapter on education. It says that university education is not directly financed by the state; the state guarantees loans for studies at universities and colleges founded by the state or legal entities, says NRA. Whereas B&B; says that non-citizens are not included into the project.

Einars Repse promises introduction of tuition fees at universities. Repses to-be political party Jaunais laiks (New Era) presented its programs chapter on education. It says that university education is not directly financed by the state; the state guarantees loans for studies at universities and colleges founded by the state or legal entities, says NRA. Whereas B&B says that non-citizens are not included into the project. LETA, Diena, Neatkariga

Estonian Prime Minister Mart Laar has announced that staying of the OSCE Mission is not necessary any longer, and it rather harms the country instead of bringing any good. Parliamentary ruling coalition deputies proposed last to abolish the norm that candidates for the parliament and local governments had to know the Estonian language. Laar pointed out that if the Parliament took this decision, the OSCE Mission would leave the country. “Dragging on of the discussion of this decision will mean that OSCE Mission will continue its activities in Estonia to joy for all our enemies,” stressed Laar. “It is clear that a state with developed democracy does not need such a mission,” he pointed out. The amendments proposed by a group of deputies envisage abolishing the norm that candidates must have the written and spoken Estonian language. Abolishing the language norm for parliament and local government candidates is one of the goals of the OSCE Mission to Estonia.

Estonian Prime Minister Mart Laar has announced that staying of the OSCE Mission is not necessary any longer, and it rather harms the country instead of bringing any good. Parliamentary ruling coalition deputies proposed last to abolish the norm that candidates for the parliament and local governments had to know the Estonian language. Laar pointed out that if the Parliament took this decision, the OSCE Mission would leave the country. Dragging on of the discussion of this decision will mean that OSCE Mission will continue its activities in Estonia to joy for all our enemies, stressed Laar. It is clear that a state with developed democracy does not need such a mission, he pointed out. The amendments proposed by a group of deputies envisage abolishing the norm that candidates must have the written and spoken Estonian language. Abolishing the language norm for parliament and local government candidates is one of the goals of the OSCE Mission to Estonia. Lauku Avize

Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia call to discuss the principles of the program prepared by this organisation at parents’ meetings at schools and support holding the second Latvian parents Conference. The text of the project is available at ASRLSL home page

Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia call to discuss the principles of the program prepared by this organisation at parents meetings at schools and support holding the second Latvian parents Conference. The text of the project is available at ASRLSL home page www.lashor.lv and at www.chas-daily.com/lashor. The first such meeting took place in Venspils. There were also present the representatives of ASRLSL, Consultative Council on Non-citizen Affairs and the Head of Education Department of Venspils City Council. Discussing the project nobody objected that they have to know the Latvian language but stated that currently offered programs did not ensure the language knowledge on the necessary level. Chas

Press Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Science informs about the regular meeting of the Consultative Council on National Minorities Education Issues. Three main issues of the agenda were: 1) experts’ decision on the draft amendments to the education law proposed by the Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia envisaging abolishing the norm that from January 1, 2004 all tuition at secondary schools had to be in the Latvian language; 2) consideration of the proposals submitted by I.Pimenov on amendments to the decree of the Ministry of Education and Science No 313 “On the minimal and maximal number of students in a class (group) at education institution founded by the state or local governments; 3) to learn about the education program project submitted by T.Favorska on establishing a Russian national school in Latvia.

Press Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Science informs about the regular meeting of the Consultative Council on National Minorities Education Issues. Three main issues of the agenda were: 1) experts decision on the draft amendments to the education law proposed by the Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia envisaging abolishing the norm that from January 1, 2004 all tuition at secondary schools had to be in the Latvian language; 2) consideration of the proposals submitted by I.Pimenov on amendments to the decree of the Ministry of Education and Science No 313 On the minimal and maximal number of students in a class (group) at education institution founded by the state or local governments; 3) to learn about the education program project submitted by T.Favorska on establishing a Russian national school in Latvia. Latvijas Vestnesis

Parliamentary faction For Human Rights in United Latvia sent to the President, Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs a letter with a request to support the idea for abolishing language limitations for deputy candidates. The faction expressed a hope that top Latvian authorities would help in getting support from the Saeima, and this would favour faster integration of Latvia into the community of democratic states of Europe. At the same time Saeima Social Democrats faction will not support this proposal.

Parliamentary faction For Human Rights in United Latvia sent to the President, Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs a letter with a request to support the idea for abolishing language limitations for deputy candidates. The faction expressed a hope that top Latvian authorities would help in getting support from the Saeima, and this would favour faster integration of Latvia into the community of democratic states of Europe. At the same time Saeima Social Democrats faction will not support this proposal. Delfi

Press Report

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga is scheduled to present credentials today to the new Latvian Ambassador to UN, former Latvian Ambassador to Estonia, Gints Jegermanis, LETA was informed by the president's press service.

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga is scheduled to present credentials today to the new Latvian Ambassador to UN, former Latvian Ambassador to Estonia, Gints Jegermanis, LETA was informed by the president's press service. LETA

Political commentator of the newspaper Diena A.Ozolins writes that merging of two political forces - Latvian Social Democratic Party and the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia is proceeding much faster than anybody expected. Only two months ago MP J.Adamsons suggested such a possibility, but now the leader of For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans is pushing Social Democrats to decide on the co-operation agreement between both parties at Social Democrats Party congress this week, but the leader of Social Democrats J.Bojars wants the new party council to decide about it after the congress

Political commentator of the newspaper Diena A.Ozolins writes that merging of two political forces - Latvian Social Democratic Party and the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia is proceeding much faster than anybody expected. Only two months ago MP J.Adamsons suggested such a possibility, but now the leader of For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans is pushing Social Democrats to decide on the co-operation agreement between both parties at Social Democrats Party congress this week, but the leader of Social Democrats J.Bojars wants the new party council to decide about it after the congress. Diena, Vesti Segodnya

Russian parliament has in principle adopted the version of the new citizenship law stipulating that Russians residing in the Baltic States and CIS countries shall be equated to citizens of foreign countries, and they have to receive Russian citizenship through the general procedure.

Russian parliament has in principle adopted the version of the new citizenship law stipulating that Russians residing in the Baltic States and CIS countries shall be equated to citizens of foreign countries, and they have to receive Russian citizenship through the general procedure. Diena

More than 30 residents of Lejasstrazdi Village in Dobele Parish expressed a wish to become Latvian citizens. As the language environment in the village in Russian, these people could not pass the language test. But now thanks to the international donors, who sponsored Latvian language training program for non-citizens, they have a possibility to improve their state language knowledge.

More than 30 residents of Lejasstrazdi Village in Dobele Parish expressed a wish to become Latvian citizens. As the language environment in the village in Russian, these people could not pass the language test. But now thanks to the international donors, who sponsored Latvian language training program for non-citizens, they have a possibility to improve their state language knowledge. Neatkariga

On October 27 will take place the 33rd congress of Latvian Social Democratic Party. The newspaper

On October 27 will take place the 33rd congress of Latvian Social Democratic Party. The newspaper Chas interviewed the Secretary General of the party V.Lauskis. Mr. Lauskis told the journalist about the new draft constitution of Latvia, co-operation of Social Democrats with the position and opposition parties. When asked about their activities, he said that in the Riga City Council and other local governments they would concentrate on two main things – social programs and furthering of the process of integration – national, social, and regional. Chas

Press Report

Upon invitation of King Juan Carlos I of Spain, Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will be attending the meeting of heads of states in the capital of Spain on October 26 and 27, as part of the international Conference on Democratic Transition and Consolidation.

Upon invitation of King Juan Carlos I of Spain, Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will be attending the meeting of heads of states in the capital of Spain on October 26 and 27, as part of the international Conference on Democratic Transition and Consolidation. BNS

Consultative Council on National Minorities Education Issues did not support the draft amendments to the education law proposed by the Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia envisaging to abolish the norm that from January 1, 2004 all tuition at secondary schools had to be in the Latvian language. The ASRSS leader I.Pimenov is sure that Russian-speaking schools will not be prepared for it by 2004.

Consultative Council on National Minorities Education Issues did not support the draft amendments to the education law proposed by the Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia envisaging to abolish the norm that from January 1, 2004 all tuition at secondary schools had to be in the Latvian language. The ASRSS leader I.Pimenov is sure that Russian-speaking schools will not be prepared for it by 2004. Diena

Chairman of Latvian Romany National Cultural Society MP N.Rudevics is going to Helsinki to attend a seminar on Romany problems in the world. He will speak about the decision of Estonian government not to let in Estonia 47 Romany people from Latvia. They are accused for selling fake produce.

Chairman of Latvian Romany National Cultural Society MP N.Rudevics is going to Helsinki to attend a seminar on Romany problems in the world. He will speak about the decision of Estonian government not to let in Estonia 47 Romany people from Latvia. They are accused for selling fake produce. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya (22.10.01)

Yesterday took place an official meeting of working groups of Riga and Moscow city councils. After this meeting the leaders of groups informed that the basic agreement would be signed this year.

Yesterday took place an official meeting of working groups of Riga and Moscow city councils. After this meeting the leaders of groups informed that the basic agreement would be signed this year. Neatkariga, Chas