Press Report

Press Report

Outgoing US Ambassador to Latvia, James Holmes, will Thursday make his last public speech before leaving his office, reported the embassy. Holmes will make his last public address as the US ambassador to Latvia at the meeting of the Association of Latvian Graduates of American Universities on Sept. 6 in Riga.

Outgoing US Ambassador to Latvia, James Holmes, will Thursday make his last public speech before leaving his office, reported the embassy. Holmes will make his last public address as the US ambassador to Latvia at the meeting of the Association of Latvian Graduates of American Universities on Sept. 6 in Riga. BNS

The European Commission's Director-General for Enlargement, Eneko Landaburu, will be in Riga on Sept. 17-18 for the seventh meeting of the EU-Latvia Joint Parliamentary Committee, said a spokesman for the Latvian Foreign Ministry.

The European Commission's Director-General for Enlargement, Eneko Landaburu, will be in Riga on Sept. 17-18 for the seventh meeting of the EU-Latvia Joint Parliamentary Committee, said a spokesman for the Latvian Foreign Ministry. BNS

Two more non-Latvian families may be able to return to countries of their ethnic origin with the help of funds provided by a group organized by Latvian lawmakers to support repatriation of non-Latvians. The repatriation support group received a letter from the Leonovs family, a mother with three children, wishing to move to Russia and asking for 250 Lats (USD 400) to cover the costs. In another letter, Ms. Fila Antonina asked for 200 liters of gasoline and USD 40 to be able to return for permanent residence in Ukraine. A support group member, Social Democrat lawmaker Janis Leja, pledged to help the two families. He said he would ask prominent businessmen to donate funds required to cover their repatriation costs. The Latvian lawmakers, members of the repatriation support group, have already help 11 people to leave Latvia. Two families got one USD 1,000 and the other USD 3,000 supplied by Leja, and one more family was able to repatriate because the related costs were paid by Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK faction MPs.

Two more non-Latvian families may be able to return to countries of their ethnic origin with the help of funds provided by a group organized by Latvian lawmakers to support repatriation of non-Latvians. The repatriation support group received a letter from the Leonovs family, a mother with three children, wishing to move to Russia and asking for 250 Lats (USD 400) to cover the costs. In another letter, Ms. Fila Antonina asked for 200 liters of gasoline and USD 40 to be able to return for permanent residence in Ukraine. A support group member, Social Democrat lawmaker Janis Leja, pledged to help the two families. He said he would ask prominent businessmen to donate funds required to cover their repatriation costs. The Latvian lawmakers, members of the repatriation support group, have already help 11 people to leave Latvia. Two families got one USD 1,000 and the other USD 3,000 supplied by Leja, and one more family was able to repatriate because the related costs were paid by Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK faction MPs. BNS

Latvian foreign minister Indulis Berzins will visit the United States from Sept. 10 to 15 to attend the fourth meeting of the US-Baltic Partnership Commission expected to discuss ways to step up further cooperation, said a spokesman for the Latvian Foreign Ministry.

Latvian foreign minister Indulis Berzins will visit the United States from Sept. 10 to 15 to attend the fourth meeting of the US-Baltic Partnership Commission expected to discuss ways to step up further cooperation, said a spokesman for the Latvian Foreign Ministry. BNS, Neatkariga

Latvia's Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins will be headed for Belgium on September 9 to take part in an informal meeting between EU member and EU candidate country foreign ministers to discuss issues related to the future of the European Union.

Latvia's Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins will be headed for Belgium on September 9 to take part in an informal meeting between EU member and EU candidate country foreign ministers to discuss issues related to the future of the European Union. BNS

Due to the fact that not all necessary changes in the legislation have been made, Latvian residents will be able to receive their new travel passports no sooner than March 1. This forecast was made by MFA Consular Department Head A.Vanaga. She pointed out that the government and Saeima needed to adopt amendments concerning making records in the new passports because they had been planned to use as a travel document.

Due to the fact that not all necessary changes in the legislation have been made, Latvian residents will be able to receive their new travel passports no sooner than March 1. This forecast was made by MFA Consular Department Head A.Vanaga. She pointed out that the government and Saeima needed to adopt amendments concerning making records in the new passports because they had been planned to use as a travel document. Neatkariga

Journalist Z.Kac writes in the newspaper

Journalist Z.Kac writes in the newspaper Respublika about the proposal of Naturalization Board Rezekne Office Head R.Zommere concerning the vast joint project of Naturalization Board, UNDP and OSCE Mission to Latvia to give free of charge Latvian language training to 800 residents of Latvia. Financing for this project is provided by Swedish and US governments. R.Zommere finds the situation that all financing is given by foreign donors abnormal and suggests that also local municipalities and entrepreneurs should join it. Thus the number of people trained could be enlarged and speed of naturalization increased.

On Wednesday Saeima commission conceptually adopted the draft repatriation law. But with one essential pretext. It concerns the amendments to the law concerning repatriation of foreigners and appatrids. The draft law, prepared by the government, gives the list of persons who could be regarded as repatriates and stipulates their rights to receive a financial aid. Commission members did not like that the draft law described only on way repatriation – to Latvia, and they asked the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Commission to pay attention to developing the principle of two-way repatriation.

On Wednesday Saeima commission conceptually adopted the draft repatriation law. But with one essential pretext. It concerns the amendments to the law concerning repatriation of foreigners and appatrids. The draft law, prepared by the government, gives the list of persons who could be regarded as repatriates and stipulates their rights to receive a financial aid. Commission members did not like that the draft law described only on way repatriation – to Latvia, and they asked the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Commission to pay attention to developing the principle of two-way repatriation. Panorama Latvii

Vesti Segodnya

informs about the donation of 1.8 million USD made by Canadian government to establish National Translation and Terminology Center. Official representation of this project will take place today. informs about the donation of 1.8 million USD made by Canadian government to establish National Translation and Terminology Center. Official representation of this project will take place today. MP Y.Pliner, B.Zelcerman and Dr. V.Buhalov comment on the interviews given to Russian-speaking newspapers by Minister of Education K.Greiskalns and speak about 4 myths the Minister used: 1. Transition program to tuition in the Latvian language in Russian-speaking schools by 2004 is well developed and does not need any corrections; 2. education in the state language increases competitiveness of graduates in the labor market; 3. transition to the tuition in the Latvian language will increase the quality of education; 4. Using the experience of New-Latvian K.Barons as a proof for the change of tuition language.

MP Y.Pliner, B.Zelcerman and Dr. V.Buhalov comment on the interviews given to Russian-speaking newspapers by Minister of Education K.Greiskalns and speak about 4 myths the Minister used: 1. Transition program to tuition in the Latvian language in Russian-speaking schools by 2004 is well developed and does not need any corrections; 2. education in the state language increases competitiveness of graduates in the labor market; 3. transition to the tuition in the Latvian language will increase the quality of education; 4. Using the experience of New-Latvian K.Barons as a proof for the change of tuition language. Vesti Segodnya

Newspaper

Newspaper Lauku Avize interviewed the new Polish Ambassador to Latvia T.Fishbach. When speaking about his compatriots residing in Latvia, he said that they made great achievements here but also had great needs, especially in the field of education. The Ambassador was glad about the fact that those people completely identified them with the Latvian State. They are a minority that does not cause any problems for Latvia and enrich its culture.

Press Report

Press Report

Latvian parliament speaker Janis Straume on Tuesday met with visiting Benelux ambassadors to NATO and presented to them the Baltic State’s accomplishments in its efforts to join the alliance reported the Latvian parliament press service. Straume told Belgian, Luxembourg and Dutch ambassadors to NATO that Latvia can wait for the next NATO enlargement wave with well-grounded hopes. The Benelux representatives praised Latvia's progress in its movement towards NATO. They also inquired about ratification of the convention on the protection of ethnic minorities. Latvia has signed the convention but it has not been approved by the parliament yet.

Latvian parliament speaker Janis Straume on Tuesday met with visiting Benelux ambassadors to NATO and presented to them the Baltic States accomplishments in its efforts to join the alliance reported the Latvian parliament press service. Straume told Belgian, Luxembourg and Dutch ambassadors to NATO that Latvia can wait for the next NATO enlargement wave with well-grounded hopes. The Benelux representatives praised Latvia's progress in its movement towards NATO. They also inquired about ratification of the convention on the protection of ethnic minorities. Latvia has signed the convention but it has not been approved by the parliament yet. BNS, Latvijas Vestnesis

Social Democrats who now practically are in charge for development of Moscow – Riga cooperation agreement promise that in the agreement will take into consideration the proposal made by local government factions and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the society will be informed about everything. In spite of these promises political scientists are rather skeptic and point out that a year before the important decision on Latvia’s joining NATO activities of Social Democrats could hinder Latvia’s movement towards West.

Social Democrats who now practically are in charge for development of Moscow – Riga cooperation agreement promise that in the agreement will take into consideration the proposal made by local government factions and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the society will be informed about everything. In spite of these promises political scientists are rather skeptic and point out that a year before the important decision on Latvias joining NATO activities of Social Democrats could hinder Latvias movement towards West. Diena

Let families of non-citizens be more actively involved in the processes of civic participation Naturalization Board Rezekne Office has restores a TV contest “Latvia in my family”. In the contest are invited to participate families of residing in Eastern Latvia where at least one family member is a non-citizen. Participants will have to show their knowledge of Latvian history, possibilities to receive citizenship. The main prize is a trip abroad.

Let families of non-citizens be more actively involved in the processes of civic participation Naturalization Board Rezekne Office has restores a TV contest Latvia in my family. In the contest are invited to participate families of residing in Eastern Latvia where at least one family member is a non-citizen. Participants will have to show their knowledge of Latvian history, possibilities to receive citizenship. The main prize is a trip abroad. Diena

K.Valcers writes about one of the top priorities of Latvian foreign policy - joining NATO. Writing about the possible threats to Latvia in the future K.Valcers names a possibility that Latvians might become a minority even among citizens, and integration will not prevent non-Latvian citizens from uniting with their ethnic fatherland. And remembering the fact that in Latvia will always reside a considerable number of disloyal non-citizens, a possibility that Latvia might became an autonomous republic within Russian Federation in even more possible that Russian invasion.

K.Valcers writes about one of the top priorities of Latvian foreign policy - joining NATO. Writing about the possible threats to Latvia in the future K.Valcers names a possibility that Latvians might become a minority even among citizens, and integration will not prevent non-Latvian citizens from uniting with their ethnic fatherland. And remembering the fact that in Latvia will always reside a considerable number of disloyal non-citizens, a possibility that Latvia might became an autonomous republic within Russian Federation in even more possible that Russian invasion. Rigas Balss

In accordance with the State Language law have been developed regulations of spelling foreign personal names and surnames in the Latvian language. The draft regulations were approved by the government commission, now it is up to the Cabinet of Ministers. Deputy Director of State Language Center A.Timuska explains newspaper

In accordance with the State Language law have been developed regulations of spelling foreign personal names and surnames in the Latvian language. The draft regulations were approved by the government commission, now it is up to the Cabinet of Ministers. Deputy Director of State Language Center A.Timuska explains newspaper Neatkariga details of these regulations.

The recent dismissal of Riga City Vice Mayor representative of Freedom and Fatherland I.Vaidere was just a trial step of Social Democrats. Yesterday the leader of Social Democrats J.Bojars announced that next week a new vote would take place in Riga City Council but he did not specify who would be dismissed.

The recent dismissal of Riga City Vice Mayor representative of Freedom and Fatherland I.Vaidere was just a trial step of Social Democrats. Yesterday the leader of Social Democrats J.Bojars announced that next week a new vote would take place in Riga City Council but he did not specify who would be dismissed. Vesti Segodnya

Just at the very end of tourist season DCMA prepared regulations stipulating the procedure of drawing up, approving, shipping and annulling private visas to the Republic of Latvia. These regulations are necessary to ease considerably the trouble for future applicants. Ten changes were made in the regulations, e.g. invitation time has been prolonged from 30 to 90 days.

Just at the very end of tourist season DCMA prepared regulations stipulating the procedure of drawing up, approving, shipping and annulling private visas to the Republic of Latvia. These regulations are necessary to ease considerably the trouble for future applicants. Ten changes were made in the regulations, e.g. invitation time has been prolonged from 30 to 90 days. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

Latvian Foreign Ministry Monday expressed surprise and concern over the statements made by Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki about treatment of ethnic minorities in the Baltic States. Putin during his visit to Helsinki draw parallels between the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia and that of Albanian minority in Macedonia in a statement which that Latvian Foreign Ministry said won't promote public integration in Latvia. Latvian Foreign Ministry spokesman Vilmars Henins told BNS that the Latvian government had a clear-cut position in this matter -- public integration based on principles of democracy and human rights. Latvia's foreign partners and experts from international organizations had approved this approach as the right way, added Henins.

Latvian Foreign Ministry Monday expressed surprise and concern over the statements made by Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki about treatment of ethnic minorities in the Baltic States. Putin during his visit to Helsinki draw parallels between the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia and that of Albanian minority in Macedonia in a statement which that Latvian Foreign Ministry said won't promote public integration in Latvia. Latvian Foreign Ministry spokesman Vilmars Henins told BNS that the Latvian government had a clear-cut position in this matter -- public integration based on principles of democracy and human rights. Latvia's foreign partners and experts from international organizations had approved this approach as the right way, added Henins. BNS

During his visit to Helsinki on Monday, Putin said Russia would not put any pressure on the Baltic countries to solve humanitarian problems, primarily the problem of ethnic Russians. Nevertheless, he referred to Albanian minority in Macedonia demanding special representation in parliament and a solution of the language-related and other problems and wondered why the Baltic States could not adopt the same approach in respect of their much more numerous Russian-speaking communities. The Russian president also suggested the Baltic countries should follow the example of Finland, which had a Swedish minority, and the Swedish language had been declared as the second official language. In addition, Putin stated that expanding NATO to include the Baltic States would be a "mistake" which would not enhance European security.

During his visit to Helsinki on Monday, Putin said Russia would not put any pressure on the Baltic countries to solve humanitarian problems, primarily the problem of ethnic Russians. Nevertheless, he referred to Albanian minority in Macedonia demanding special representation in parliament and a solution of the language-related and other problems and wondered why the Baltic States could not adopt the same approach in respect of their much more numerous Russian-speaking communities. The Russian president also suggested the Baltic countries should follow the example of Finland, which had a Swedish minority, and the Swedish language had been declared as the second official language. In addition, Putin stated that expanding NATO to include the Baltic States would be a "mistake" which would not enhance European security. BNS, Lauku Avize, Neatkariga, Respublika, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Diena writes that Putin did not manage to receive official support from Finland to Russian objections to the participation of Baltic States in NATO.

Diena writes that Putin did not manage to receive official support from Finland to Russian objections to the participation of Baltic States in NATO.

Canadian foreign minister John Manley will make an official visit to Latvia on Sept. 7 and 8 reported the Latvian Foreign Ministry. Manley will meet with top Latvian officials to discuss the European Union (EU) and NATO enlargement and other vital issues.

Canadian foreign minister John Manley will make an official visit to Latvia on Sept. 7 and 8 reported the Latvian Foreign Ministry. Manley will meet with top Latvian officials to discuss the European Union (EU) and NATO enlargement and other vital issues. BNS

An influential German politician, Schleswig-Holstein federal land premier Heide Simonis, will make a working visit to Latvia this week, reported a spokesman for the Latvian Prime Minister. Simonis will stay in Latvia from Sept. 4 to 6 to discuss with Latvian officials latest international developments as well as German-Latvian economic and political relations.

An influential German politician, Schleswig-Holstein federal land premier Heide Simonis, will make a working visit to Latvia this week, reported a spokesman for the Latvian Prime Minister. Simonis will stay in Latvia from Sept. 4 to 6 to discuss with Latvian officials latest international developments as well as German-Latvian economic and political relations. BNS

Ambassador H.G.Vieck, Head of OSCE Consultative and Supervisory Group to Byelorussia describes the pre-election situation in this country and states that although the opposition leader V.Goncharik has challenged President A.Lukashenko, all indications show that Lukashenko will have a Soviet style victory. Nevertheless the opposition managed to unite, and the reasons for this unity are decline of economy and Lukashenko’s dictatorship.

Ambassador H.G.Vieck, Head of OSCE Consultative and Supervisory Group to Byelorussia describes the pre-election situation in this country and states that although the opposition leader V.Goncharik has challenged President A.Lukashenko, all indications show that Lukashenko will have a Soviet style victory. Nevertheless the opposition managed to unite, and the reasons for this unity are decline of economy and Lukashenkos dictatorship. Diena

Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins will participate in a forum on the development of the Baltic Region that will take place September 23 – 25 in St.Petersburg.

Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins will participate in a forum on the development of the Baltic Region that will take place September 23 – 25 in St.Petersburg. Vesti Segodnya

Cabinet of Ministers finally adopted the regulations on spelling foreign proper names in the Latvian language. According to these regulations an official system of spelling names and family names is being introduced.

Cabinet of Ministers finally adopted the regulations on spelling foreign proper names in the Latvian language. According to these regulations an official system of spelling names and family names is being introduced. Vesti Segodnya, Respublika

On September 10 at the National Human Rights Office Director O.Bruveris will meet heads of state institutions and local governments under whose competence is to consider complains of population. O.Bruveris informed that in order to improve consideration of complains and observation of human rights NHRO intends to establish Coordinative Council of heads of the responsible state and municipal structures. Foreign experts during their visit to Latvia pointed out that activities of different institutions overlap when considering complains.

On September 10 at the National Human Rights Office Director O.Bruveris will meet heads of state institutions and local governments under whose competence is to consider complains of population. O.Bruveris informed that in order to improve consideration of complains and observation of human rights NHRO intends to establish Coordinative Council of heads of the responsible state and municipal structures. Foreign experts during their visit to Latvia pointed out that activities of different institutions overlap when considering complains. Vesti Segodnya

Newspaper

Newspaper Chas journalist interviewed Director of Riga Secondary School No 40. G.Yefremova, also about the bilingual education system. G.Yefremova found this system a positive thing when you understand it as knowledge of two or more languages, but when it is seen just as a transition from one tuition language to other – questions arise. The school has submitted for licensing to the Ministry of Education and Science an education program where are described blocks of subjects: some subjects are taught in Russian, some in Latvian and some in English language. The state should have only one interest – let secondary school graduates be able to enter higher education institutions. But means to achieve this goal could be different. Too much rush with billingualism could give just the opposite result. Chas

Yesterday Minister of Justice I.Labucka reported at the government meeting on implementation of public integration program. Ministry’s opinion is that there was no united opinion on the mechanism of delegating from regional to local governments and NGOs because local governments and organizations themselves did not have a united structure. And the Ministry urgently needed 400 000 USD from UN. Minister was of very high opinion on Latvian Integration Program because it was meant to integrate the whole Latvian society.

Yesterday Minister of Justice I.Labucka reported at the government meeting on implementation of public integration program. Ministrys opinion is that there was no united opinion on the mechanism of delegating from regional to local governments and NGOs because local governments and organizations themselves did not have a united structure. And the Ministry urgently needed 400 000 USD from UN. Minister was of very high opinion on Latvian Integration Program because it was meant to integrate the whole Latvian society. Vesti Segodnya

A.Arkadyev in

A.Arkadyev in Vesti Segodnya comments the information given by the newspaper Diena that 75% of all first grade students have chosen Latvian schools. He writes that in this country without participation and agreement of Russian-speakers has been established such a legal base that quite often does not give a right to chose the language of tuition. Now parents simply do not know what will be the future of Russian school if any. Many parents are afraid to send their children to Russian schools because they are not sure that within current situation they will receive qualitative, competitive education. In spite of the official propaganda on achievements of integration program, Europe is beginning to understand the real situation in Latvia - EU countries do not rush to transfer money to Integration Fund. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Latvian president in her address to the United Nations anti-racism conference in Durban, South Africa spoke of Latvia's experience in solving society integration problems, studying history and eliminating consequences of totalitarian regimes, a spokeswoman reported. Vaira Vike-Freiberga in her address briefly outlined Latvia's history in the 20th century, spoke of crimes committed by the Soviet power against Latvian people, including deportations, discrimination against people because of their antecedents and relatives who had emigrated to the West as well as the planned Russification. Vike-Freiberga also reported about regaining of Latvia's independence and democratization process during the last ten years.

Latvian president in her address to the United Nations anti-racism conference in Durban, South Africa spoke of Latvia's experience in solving society integration problems, studying history and eliminating consequences of totalitarian regimes, a spokeswoman reported. Vaira Vike-Freiberga in her address briefly outlined Latvia's history in the 20th century, spoke of crimes committed by the Soviet power against Latvian people, including deportations, discrimination against people because of their antecedents and relatives who had emigrated to the West as well as the planned Russification. Vike-Freiberga also reported about regaining of Latvia's independence and democratization process during the last ten years. BNS

Russia wishes that its relationship with the Baltic countries is natural and mutually-advantageous, but unfortunately, anti-Russian rhetoric still remains high there, Russian President Vladimir Putin says in an interview to the Finnish newspaper "Helsingin Sanomat". Russia's work will not be aimed at forcing the Baltic States into a tough position, said the Russian President. To his mind, the dialog between Moscow and the Baltic States must be constructive. In commenting on the situation with Russian-speakers in the Baltics, Putin said that Russia only wants that generally-accepted human rights standards are effective there. This is why common standards on ethnic minorities' rights should be worked out for the entire Europe, regardless of whether these minorities live in Europe's south, north, east or west.

LETA, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnya

cites Putins question, when he compared the language situation in Macedonia where the Albanian language got the status of the state language with the one in Baltic, Why Russian speaking population in the Baltic States doe not have the right to ask the same? … Why are they worse? In Latvia, to my mind for it stand 30% of Russian speaking population. cites Putin’s question, when he compared the language situation in Macedonia where the Albanian language got the status of the state language with the one in Baltic, “Why Russian speaking population in the Baltic States doe not have the right to ask the same? … “Why are they worse? In Latvia, to my mind for it stand 30% of Russian speaking population.” Next to this article

Next to this article Vesti Segodnya published the reaction of Latvian politicians to this Putins statement. J.Leja (LSDP) was not surprised about it. It is a long time dream of Russia. What concerns equality – all Latvians speak both Latvian and Russian, when Russians will speak both those languages, i.e. also the state language – it will be equality. V.Birkavs (Latvian Way) – this is not anti-Russian rhetoric but anti-Latvian rhetoric, and it is directed not so much against Latvia but against its joining NATO, to slow down this process. And of course, it is favorable for Russia to make Russian the official language of Latvia – in such a case it will soon become also an official language of EU. M.Mitrofanov (FHRUL) feels ashamed in front of Russian President – Russia that has so many internal problems is forced to deal also with things that Russian speakers themselves should do. He points out the small number of people who attend events organized by human rights activists – tens, at the best – hundreds.

Press Report

Press Report

The popularity rating of Riga mayor Gundars Bojars suffered a dramatic drop from the third place in July to the tenth in August, according to the latest opinion poll by SKDS pollster. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga remained at her traditional position on top of the list, followed by Bank of Latvia President Einars Repse and

The popularity rating of Riga mayor Gundars Bojars suffered a dramatic drop from the third place in July to the tenth in August, according to the latest opinion poll by SKDS pollster. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga remained at her traditional position on top of the list, followed by Bank of Latvia President Einars Repse and

Parliament speaker Janis Straume. Both Vike-Freiberga and Repse improved their ratings in August, but SKDS pointed out that the poll was almost complete when Repse announced his plans to form a new political party in Latvia, therefore the effect of this announcement on the August results was minimum. Having lost much of his previous rating (-24.4), Riga mayor Gundars Bojars now rates at 3.7 points and closes top ten of most popular politicians in Latvia in August. Top three of the most disliked politicians saw some shuffling in August with left-wing Equal Rights party leader Tatyana Zhdanok (-34) giving up the leading position to Socialist party leader Alfreds Rubiks (-36.3) while the People's Party leader and ex-premier Andris Skele remained in the third position (-27.3), despite adding 3.1 positive points to his rating in August.

Parliament speaker Janis Straume. Both Vike-Freiberga and Repse improved their ratings in August, but SKDS pointed out that the poll was almost complete when Repse announced his plans to form a new political party in Latvia, therefore the effect of this announcement on the August results was minimum. Having lost much of his previous rating (-24.4), Riga mayor Gundars Bojars now rates at 3.7 points and closes top ten of most popular politicians in Latvia in August. Top three of the most disliked politicians saw some shuffling in August with left-wing Equal Rights party leader Tatyana Zhdanok (-34) giving up the leading position to Socialist party leader Alfreds Rubiks (-36.3) while the People's Party leader and ex-premier Andris Skele remained in the third position (-27.3), despite adding 3.1 positive points to his rating in August.

Social Democrats Worker Party’s rating has also dropped, however, it is still holding the first position (11.4), followed by FF/LNNK (11.1) and Latvia’s Way (9.7).

Social Democrats Worker Partys rating has also dropped, however, it is still holding the first position (11.4), followed by FF/LNNK (11.1) and Latvias Way (9.7). Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

Yesterday Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov held a reception for the group of the teachers of the Russian language and primary school teachers who have just returned from Russia where they had training session of 10 days, which was organised in the framework of the project “Compatriots: Partnership and Education”. The delegation of Latvia was composed of 65 teachers from all parts of Latvia. All expenses were covered by Russia.

Yesterday Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov held a reception for the group of the teachers of the Russian language and primary school teachers who have just returned from Russia where they had training session of 10 days, which was organised in the framework of the project Compatriots: Partnership and Education. The delegation of Latvia was composed of 65 teachers from all parts of Latvia. All expenses were covered by Russia. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvi, Respublikai

Chas

interviews Social Democrats party chairperson J.Bojars. J.Bojars does not see any splitting inside the party and explains the fuss around the party as the actions of some Social Democrats who are working for the interests of right wing parties. However, the chairperson did not want to give any particular names of wrong doers as everybody knows them. Also in regard about partys sponsors J.Bojars did not provide a clear and open answer. In his opinion, the Latvian Government is unstable for the moment and if people had to vote for dissolution of the Parliament, the majority would vote for that. About the situation in Riga City Council J.Bojars says, now we have good, working coalition – residents of Riga have to feel that the ruling coalition works for their benefit irrespectively of residents nationality. When asked if he would like to be either the President or the Prime Minister, J.Bojars did not deny the possibility. interviews Social Democrats party chairperson J.Bojars. J.Bojars does not see any splitting inside the party and explains the fuss around the party as the actions of some Social Democrats who are working for the interests of right wing parties. However, the chairperson did not want to give any particular names of “wrong doers” “as everybody knows them”. Also in regard about party’s sponsors J.Bojars did not provide a clear and open answer. In his opinion, the Latvian Government is unstable for the moment and if people had to vote for dissolution of the Parliament, the majority would vote for that. About the situation in Riga City Council J.Bojars says, “now we have good, working coalition – residents of Riga have to feel that the ruling coalition works for their benefit irrespectively of residents’ nationality”. When asked if he would like to be either the President or the Prime Minister, J.Bojars did not deny the possibility.

Respublika

publishes TV interview given by A.Garda, director of publishing house Vieda. A.Garda denies that the announcement of the new competition intentionally was made just before anti-racism conference in the South Africa and in no way Russia could manipulate with that against Latvia. In Gardas view all non-citizens (540 000) have to be repatriated and also citizens loyalty will be under investigation. However, he claims that he himself is not going to found a political party, which would implement and present his ideas in 8th Saeima. publishes TV interview given by A.Garda, director of publishing house “Vieda”. A.Garda denies that the announcement of the new competition intentionally was made just before anti-racism conference in the South Africa and in no way Russia could manipulate with that against Latvia. In Garda’s view all non-citizens (540 000) have to be repatriated and also citizens’ loyalty will be under investigation. However, he claims that he himself is not going to found a political party, which would implement and present his ideas in 8th Saeima.