Press Report

Rigas Balss talks about the recent activities – youth movement in support to education in the Russian language Solidarity picket in Mezaparks and Russias pop star concert in the Dome Square - which target audiences were Russian-speaking people. The newspaper considers that Russian-speakers have more possibilities since leftists have got power at Riga City Council. State Language Centre director when asked about the latest venues says that, of course, people are entitled to have rights of expression and assembling, however, in her opinion, all these latest happenings are very likely to be organised by political powers hostile to the Latvian Government. Because we have made some deviations in regard to the language requirements, we are pressed to yield even more. We have to fight for the existence of the Latvian language, however, in practice we are not doing that. Nobody wants to ban the Russian language in Latvia, we want people to learn Latvian.

Chas

informs about the rumours that on 12 September Solidarity is going to organise the next meeting, however, the leaders of the youth organisation deny the given information and say that they do not exclude the possibility of provocation. informs about the rumours that on 12 September “Solidarity” is going to organise the next meeting, however, the leaders of the youth organisation deny the given information and say that they do not exclude the possibility of provocation. The Ministry of Justice stated that the State Language Centre is entitled to examine the issuance of the state language certificates. The Ministry of Justice reviewed the functions and rights of the State Language Centre in regard to the case of I.Podkolzina. I.Podkolzina was issued the state language certificate in 1997 in Daugavpils, however, when examined for the second time in August, 1998, it was established at this time her language proficiency does not comply with the level of language proficiency stated in the certificate.

The Ministry of Justice stated that the State Language Centre is entitled to examine the issuance of the state language certificates. The Ministry of Justice reviewed the functions and rights of the State Language Centre in regard to the case of I.Podkolzina. I.Podkolzina was issued the state language certificate in 1997 in Daugavpils, however, when examined for the second time in August, 1998, it was established at this time her language proficiency does not comply with the level of language proficiency stated in the certificate. Respublika, Chas

This week Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzinsh will have an unscheduled meeting with Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov. The main discussion object is Latvian Russian agreement on social security issues.

This week Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzinsh will have an unscheduled meeting with Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov. The main discussion object is Latvian Russian agreement on social security issues. Vesti Segodnja

Press Report

Press Report

Latvia’s Way will be supporting the re-election of Latvia's current President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. LW reports that the support for Vike-Freiberga would be in order to ensure Latvia's accession to the European Union and NATO. After joining the EU and NATO, LW is prepared to discuss the possibility of a popular elected president.

Latvias Way will be supporting the re-election of Latvia's current President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. LW reports that the support for Vike-Freiberga would be in order to ensure Latvia's accession to the European Union and NATO. After joining the EU and NATO, LW is prepared to discuss the possibility of a popular elected president. Diena, Chas

Bizness & Baltija media group owner Vladimir Gurov had submitted a claim against the provision under the Radio and Television Law requiring broadcasting companies to limit the use of languages other than Latvian to 25 percent of their total daily broadcasting time. Because of this provision, Radio Bizness & Baltija, a radio station with a target audience of Russian-speakers, is unable to air as much Russian-language broadcasts as it deems to be necessary. Gurov believes this statutory provision is contradictory to the Latvian Constitution articles about human rights, the right to freedom of speech and the right of ethnic minorities to preserve and develop their language, ethnic and culture peculiarities. Moreover, this requirement also fails to comply with the European Convention of Human Rights and Basic Freedoms and the Covenant on Civic and Political Rights. Ojars Rubenis, the chairman of the Latvian broadcasting media watchdog, the National Radio and Television Council, told BNS that one can always find something to contest and review in a law but so far the language use restrictions "have been a problem only for Radio Bizness & Baltija and Mr. Gurov." Rubenis said the Latvian laws governing audio-visual area have been approved by the European Union and the European Commission did not have any objections to restrictions on use of foreign languages. Constitutional Court acting chairman Romans Apsitis told BNS that the court panel will review Gurov's application of claim in next few weeks to decide whether a case should or should not be opened over his allegations. Radio Bizness & Baltija has been quarrelling with the National Radio and Television Council over the language use restrictions for a long time. The council several times wanted to suspend the radio station's operations but Radio Bizness & Baltija always appealed against these decisions. There are several radio stations in Latvia targeting the Russian-speaking audience. Whenever the National Radio and Television Council detects excessive broadcasting in languages other than Latvian, the guilty station's broadcasting rights get suspended for one or several days.

Bizness & Baltija media group owner Vladimir Gurov had submitted a claim against the provision under the Radio and Television Law requiring broadcasting companies to limit the use of languages other than Latvian to 25 percent of their total daily broadcasting time. Because of this provision, Radio Bizness & Baltija, a radio station with a target audience of Russian-speakers, is unable to air as much Russian-language broadcasts as it deems to be necessary. Gurov believes this statutory provision is contradictory to the Latvian Constitution articles about human rights, the right to freedom of speech and the right of ethnic minorities to preserve and develop their language, ethnic and culture peculiarities. Moreover, this requirement also fails to comply with the European Convention of Human Rights and Basic Freedoms and the Covenant on Civic and Political Rights. Ojars Rubenis, the chairman of the Latvian broadcasting media watchdog, the National Radio and Television Council, told BNS that one can always find something to contest and review in a law but so far the language use restrictions "have been a problem only for Radio Bizness & Baltija and Mr. Gurov." Rubenis said the Latvian laws governing audio-visual area have been approved by the European Union and the European Commission did not have any objections to restrictions on use of foreign languages. Constitutional Court acting chairman Romans Apsitis told BNS that the court panel will review Gurov's application of claim in next few weeks to decide whether a case should or should not be opened over his allegations. Radio Bizness & Baltija has been quarrelling with the National Radio and Television Council over the language use restrictions for a long time. The council several times wanted to suspend the radio station's operations but Radio Bizness & Baltija always appealed against these decisions. There are several radio stations in Latvia targeting the Russian-speaking audience. Whenever the National Radio and Television Council detects excessive broadcasting in languages other than Latvian, the guilty station's broadcasting rights get suspended for one or several days. Diena, BNS, Chas

Russia's public television channel ORT is set to broadcast a documentary on Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga on Thursday evening, as part of its Formula of Power series project. The film will speak of Vike-Freiberga's fate, her life in exile and her family, as well as her beliefs as to what the life of every Latvian should be like in ten years time.

Russia's public television channel ORT is set to broadcast a documentary on Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga on Thursday evening, as part of its Formula of Power series project. The film will speak of Vike-Freiberga's fate, her life in exile and her family, as well as her beliefs as to what the life of every Latvian should be like in ten years time. Diena

Social Democrat chairperson J.Bojars talks about the plans and perspectives of the party. As the main goal for the party is to win at the next Saeima election and J.Bojars is very sure of the victory.

Social Democrat chairperson J.Bojars talks about the plans and perspectives of the party. As the main goal for the party is to win at the next Saeima election and J.Bojars is very sure of the victory. Jauna

Friday at Riga City Council about 30-40 young people who support the movement “Solidarity” took part in non-sanctioned meeting. 2 City Council deputies, as well as Riga City vice mayor S.Dolgopolovs talk to the audience and tried to explain the measures taken in regard to education policy.

Friday at Riga City Council about 30-40 young people who support the movement Solidarity took part in non-sanctioned meeting. 2 City Council deputies, as well as Riga City vice mayor S.Dolgopolovs talk to the audience and tried to explain the measures taken in regard to education policy. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Russia-Latvia intergovernmental committee chairperson A.Gorbunovs gave a positive evaluation to co-operation between Riga and Moscow, however, calls Riga Mayor G.Bojars to sign such agreement that does not contradict to the Latvian legislation, otherwise G.Bojars would have to resign from the post of the Mayor.

Russia-Latvia intergovernmental committee chairperson A.Gorbunovs gave a positive evaluation to co-operation between Riga and Moscow, however, calls Riga Mayor G.Bojars to sign such agreement that does not contradict to the Latvian legislation, otherwise G.Bojars would have to resign from the post of the Mayor. Vesti Segodnja

Vesti Segodnja

talks with the leaders of Solidarity about their experience at the Security Police. J.Obolevich says I was examined for more than three hours. At the beginning they offered me to work for them. Then they told me that I should say farewell to my job at the municipal police and that my studies at the Police Academy will be under the question because of my activities. The questions were mainly about the relation of Solidarity to national bolshevistic organisations and my personal connections and acquaintances. When after three hours I said that I do not have anything else to tell, they replied It is easy to get here – it is difficult to get out. The founder of Solidarity I.Stalnoj shares with his experience at the Security Police with newspaper talks with the leaders of “Solidarity” about their experience at the Security Police. J.Obolevich says “I was examined for more than three hours. At the beginning they offered me to work for them. Then they told me that I should say farewell to my job at the municipal police and that my studies at the Police Academy will be under the question because of my activities. The questions were mainly about the relation of “Solidarity” to national bolshevistic organisations and my personal connections and acquaintances. When after three hours I said that I do not have anything else to tell, they replied “It is easy to get here – it is difficult to get out””. The founder of “Solidarity” I.Stalnoj shares with his experience at the Security Police with newspaper ChasChas. He is indignant about the difference in the reaction of the authorities to activities of Garda and his movement. . He is indignant about the difference in the reaction of the authorities to activities of Garda and his movement.

Press Report

Press Report

Latvian-Russian intergovernmental commission co-chairman from Latvia, Anatolijs Gorbunovs, approves of proposed cooperation between Riga and Moscow but wants the relevant document to comply with the Latvian law. In the interview to Latvian Radio on Thursday, Gorbunovs called on the Riga Mayor, Gundars Bojars, to sign with Moscow an agreement, which would not be contradictory to the Latvian law. Transportation minister Gorbunovs, who acts as the substitute premier while the Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins is having his summer vacation, said that the dialogue between Riga and Moscow should be maintained and it would bolster economic ties between the two cities.

Latvian-Russian intergovernmental commission co-chairman from Latvia, Anatolijs Gorbunovs, approves of proposed cooperation between Riga and Moscow but wants the relevant document to comply with the Latvian law. In the interview to Latvian Radio on Thursday, Gorbunovs called on the Riga Mayor, Gundars Bojars, to sign with Moscow an agreement, which would not be contradictory to the Latvian law. Transportation minister Gorbunovs, who acts as the substitute premier while the Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins is having his summer vacation, said that the dialogue between Riga and Moscow should be maintained and it would bolster economic ties between the two cities. BNS, Rigas Balss (Russian version)

The Russian Foreign Ministry on Thursday issued yet another indignant statement over activities by former members of the Latvian SS Waffen unit also called the Latvian Legionnaires. The latest gathering of the old soldiers near the western Latvian town of Tukums on August 4 prompted the Russian ministry to say, "former SS-men continue to stage meetings in Latvia while the authorities keep silent and take it indulgently." "This gathering has reconfirmed that for some people in Latvia, Nazism is not a thing of the remote past," said the Russian Foreign Ministry. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that Moscow regarded "such statements and activities of former SS-men in general as a factor provoking serious ethnic tension in Latvia."

The Russian Foreign Ministry on Thursday issued yet another indignant statement over activities by former members of the Latvian SS Waffen unit also called the Latvian Legionnaires. The latest gathering of the old soldiers near the western Latvian town of Tukums on August 4 prompted the Russian ministry to say, "former SS-men continue to stage meetings in Latvia while the authorities keep silent and take it indulgently." "This gathering has reconfirmed that for some people in Latvia, Nazism is not a thing of the remote past," said the Russian Foreign Ministry. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that Moscow regarded "such statements and activities of former SS-men in general as a factor provoking serious ethnic tension in Latvia." BNS, Diena, Chas

The UN Human Rights Committee has found that the rights of a Latvian left-wing activist had been violated when she was prevented from running in 1997 local elections due to insufficient knowledge of the state language. The UN committee on July 25, 2001, found as illegal the decision by the Latvian election committee to remove Antonina Ignatane, a Latvian citizen, from the list of candidates in municipal elections, because the woman was not fluent in Latvian. The committee's findings were Thursday made public by Ignatane's representative, Tatyana Zhdanok, one of the

The UN Human Rights Committee has found that the rights of a Latvian left-wing activist had been violated when she was prevented from running in 1997 local elections due to insufficient knowledge of the state language. The UN committee on July 25, 2001, found as illegal the decision by the Latvian election committee to remove Antonina Ignatane, a Latvian citizen, from the list of candidates in municipal elections, because the woman was not fluent in Latvian. The committee's findings were Thursday made public by Ignatane's representative, Tatyana Zhdanok, one of the

leaders in the left-wing alliance For Equal Rights. The UN Human Rights Committee rejected the Latvian government's argument that Latvian language proficiency is obligatory for election candidates and this requirement is reasonable and objective. The committee said the language proficiency couldn’t be used as restriction for citizens to run in elections. The UN committee stated that the Latvian State was under obligation to provide Ignatane with an effective remedy and to take steps to prevent similar violations occurring in future. Within 90 days Latvia is to report to the UN Human Rights Committee about the measures taken to give effect to the committee's ruling. The committee also said the Latvian municipal election law provision, requiring candidates to obtain from the State Language Board a Latvian language proficiency certificate, was contradictory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Zhdanok said the UN Human Rights Committee decisions are of recommending nature, as opposed to verdicts made by the European Court of Human Rights, however, countries usually try to abide by the decisions made. The committee does not decide on financial compensation. "There will be a great scandal, if the state ignores this decision," said the leftist human right activist. Zhdanok suggested that in this case "the responsibility lies with" the State Language Board head Dzintra Hirsa. She said Hirsa should be punished for illegal actions in order to be motivated not to commit any human rights violations in future. The complaint by Ignatane was the first complaint from Latvia in which the UN Human Rights Committee had made a decision but about ten more complaints from Latvia have been accepted for review. There have been more complaints but the state usually remedies violations in the first stage of the proceedings when the UN committee asks it to provide its arguments.

leaders in the left-wing alliance For Equal Rights. The UN Human Rights Committee rejected the Latvian government's argument that Latvian language proficiency is obligatory for election candidates and this requirement is reasonable and objective. The committee said the language proficiency couldnt be used as restriction for citizens to run in elections. The UN committee stated that the Latvian State was under obligation to provide Ignatane with an effective remedy and to take steps to prevent similar violations occurring in future. Within 90 days Latvia is to report to the UN Human Rights Committee about the measures taken to give effect to the committee's ruling. The committee also said the Latvian municipal election law provision, requiring candidates to obtain from the State Language Board a Latvian language proficiency certificate, was contradictory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Zhdanok said the UN Human Rights Committee decisions are of recommending nature, as opposed to verdicts made by the European Court of Human Rights, however, countries usually try to abide by the decisions made. The committee does not decide on financial compensation. "There will be a great scandal, if the state ignores this decision," said the leftist human right activist. Zhdanok suggested that in this case "the responsibility lies with" the State Language Board head Dzintra Hirsa. She said Hirsa should be punished for illegal actions in order to be motivated not to commit any human rights violations in future. The complaint by Ignatane was the first complaint from Latvia in which the UN Human Rights Committee had made a decision but about ten more complaints from Latvia have been accepted for review. There have been more complaints but the state usually remedies violations in the first stage of the proceedings when the UN committee asks it to provide its arguments. BNS, Respublika, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Russia's public television channel ORT is set to broadcast a documentary on Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga on Thursday evening, as part of its Formula of Power series project. "Formula of Power. Latvia's President" will be broadcast on ORT at 23:45 Moscow time, an hour earlier in Latvia and three hours earlier GMT. Formula of power is a joint project by Russia's ORT TV, ITAR-TASS news agency and Moskovsky Novosty newspaper. The series includes reports, films and interviews. The film set to be broadcast on Thursday will speak of Vike-Freiberga's fate, her life in exile and her family, as well as her beliefs as to what the life of every Latvian should be like in ten years time.

Russia's public television channel ORT is set to broadcast a documentary on Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga on Thursday evening, as part of its Formula of Power series project. "Formula of Power. Latvia's President" will be broadcast on ORT at 23:45 Moscow time, an hour earlier in Latvia and three hours earlier GMT. Formula of power is a joint project by Russia's ORT TV, ITAR-TASS news agency and Moskovsky Novosty newspaper. The series includes reports, films and interviews. The film set to be broadcast on Thursday will speak of Vike-Freiberga's fate, her life in exile and her family, as well as her beliefs as to what the life of every Latvian should be like in ten years time. BNS

President of Latvian Bank E.Repse does not plan to join any of the existing parties and he did not deny a possibility to establish a new right wing party. Diena, Rigas Balss, Respublika,

President of Latvian Bank E.Repse does not plan to join any of the existing parties and he did not deny a possibility to establish a new right wing party. Diena, Rigas Balss, Respublika,

A.Pereligin, Councilor to Moscow City Mayor Luzhkov will not receive Latvian visa to attend Riga 800 anniversary. His name is included in the list of persons non-grata for one years when last autumn due to security reasons he was refused a Latvian visa.

A.Pereligin, Councilor to Moscow City Mayor Luzhkov will not receive Latvian visa to attend Riga 800 anniversary. His name is included in the list of persons non-grata for one years when last autumn due to security reasons he was refused a Latvian visa. Diena

State Language Center will invite several Riga City Council deputies individually to take the state language test. Center’s Director Dz.Hirsha said that For Human Rights in United Latvia faction deputies I.Ivanov, V.Buzajev, G.Kotov and O.Schipcov and Russian Party representative M.Gavrilov will be asked to come to the Center in September to test their language knowledge.

State Language Center will invite several Riga City Council deputies individually to take the state language test. Centers Director Dz.Hirsha said that For Human Rights in United Latvia faction deputies I.Ivanov, V.Buzajev, G.Kotov and O.Schipcov and Russian Party representative M.Gavrilov will be asked to come to the Center in September to test their language knowledge. Neatkariga

In an interview to Latvian Radio Ministry of Education and Science K.Greiskalns, speaking about the latest events concerning education in the Russian language, said that such political activities could be expected but he did not see any problems within the framework of education law because students did not have problems to master the state language to be able to enter Latvian high schools. And 2004 is a realistic time to implement the law. Minister was sure that the Latvian language training level at Russian speaking schools was high enough let students in grades 5 –6 would master proper Latvian by 2004 when they would have to start learning only in the state language.

In an interview to Latvian Radio Ministry of Education and Science K.Greiskalns, speaking about the latest events concerning education in the Russian language, said that such political activities could be expected but he did not see any problems within the framework of education law because students did not have problems to master the state language to be able to enter Latvian high schools. And 2004 is a realistic time to implement the law. Minister was sure that the Latvian language training level at Russian speaking schools was high enough let students in grades 5 –6 would master proper Latvian by 2004 when they would have to start learning only in the state language. Latvijas Vestnesis

Head of Naturalization Board E.Aldermane in an interview to Latvian TV said that she personally did not like the word naturalization and she had proposed to exchange it with “Citizenship Affairs Board”. It would be just logical because the Board is dealing with all aspects of citizenship. E.Aldermane agreed that there were features of two-community society in Latvia and it had been proved by scientific research. At the end of August they held a research within PHARE program “Analysis on mass media” on what Latvian and Russian press write about national, citizenship, integration issues. And the picture received was not a pleasant one. E.Aldermane sees naturalization as the first step in the integration process.

Head of Naturalization Board E.Aldermane in an interview to Latvian TV said that she personally did not like the word naturalization and she had proposed to exchange it with Citizenship Affairs Board. It would be just logical because the Board is dealing with all aspects of citizenship. E.Aldermane agreed that there were features of two-community society in Latvia and it had been proved by scientific research. At the end of August they held a research within PHARE program Analysis on mass media on what Latvian and Russian press write about national, citizenship, integration issues. And the picture received was not a pleasant one. E.Aldermane sees naturalization as the first step in the integration process. Latvijas Vestnesis

Leader of youth movement I.Stalnoy received a second call from the Security Police officers with an invitation for a meeting. When I.Stalnoy took some journalists with him to the agreed place, nobody from SP showed up. Later he and his friend and assistant Y.Obolevich were taken to the SP office for a discussion. Meanwhile Riga City Council refused Solidarnost to organize a picket at the City Council to support Russian speaking schools.

Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii, Chas

Russian speaking newspaper Vesti Segodnya writes about a scandal when Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga during the opening ceremony of Aizgarsa border cross point saw that there was no actual marked border scolded the Minister of Interior M.Seglins who excused himself with the absence of bilateral Latvian – Russian agreement on border demarcation and that also EU experts had suggested not to hurry. On that President said that border agreement should not be used as a means of international blackmailing. And therefor Latvia would unilaterally arrange its borders and on its own territory. According to the President border should be marked a few meters from the established border, all bushes cut let borderguards could have good observation possibilities. The newspaper states that it seems that Latvia is going to mark a none-existing border and it is a gross violation of international standards and could lead to a serious scandal.

Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

Latvia's eastern border will become the European Union's border after Latvia joins, and this is when Latvia's relations with Russia could improve, said Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga at the opening of the new Aizgarsa border crossing to Russia on Wednesday. "We also want to have our border agreement with Russia signed, so that the work carried out by the inter-governmental commission go ahead and that we may lawfully and in a legally suitable way put order to our relations with the large neighbor," said Vike-Freiberga. "...the border is a dividing line between our two sovereign countries, and it is important that we may be able to physically mark the borderline in nature, at the point where one country starts and where the next," she added.

Latvia's eastern border will become the European Union's border after Latvia joins, and this is when Latvia's relations with Russia could improve, said Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga at the opening of the new Aizgarsa border crossing to Russia on Wednesday. "We also want to have our border agreement with Russia signed, so that the work carried out by the inter-governmental commission go ahead and that we may lawfully and in a legally suitable way put order to our relations with the large neighbor," said Vike-Freiberga. "...the border is a dividing line between our two sovereign countries, and it is important that we may be able to physically mark the borderline in nature, at the point where one country starts and where the next," she added. BNS, Respublika, LETA

A Moscow City executive, declared by Latvia as persona non grata in last November, is on the official list of Moscow delegation visitors for coming to Riga in mid-August for celebration of the Latvian capital's 800th anniversary. The list is currently being checked by the Foreign Ministry. The Riga mayor's foreign advisor said that Alexander Perelygin, a Moscow mayor advisor banned from entering Latvia for one year will more likely be in than out of the list of Moscow visitors, he also said that he sees no problem in including Perelygin on the list, because "if that is the wish of Moscow, we [the Riga City Council] have no right to change it."

A Moscow City executive, declared by Latvia as persona non grata in last November, is on the official list of Moscow delegation visitors for coming to Riga in mid-August for celebration of the Latvian capital's 800th anniversary. The list is currently being checked by the Foreign Ministry. The Riga mayor's foreign advisor said that Alexander Perelygin, a Moscow mayor advisor banned from entering Latvia for one year will more likely be in than out of the list of Moscow visitors, he also said that he sees no problem in including Perelygin on the list, because "if that is the wish of Moscow, we [the Riga City Council] have no right to change it." BNS

Vesti Segodnya, answering to the accusations from newspaper Diena to Russian MFA for not giving a visa to its correspondent A.Klimovics, writes that a similar list of persons non-grata exists in Latvia and there are included 6 journalists from Russia. Director of Department on Control on Status of Persons J.Rudzats refused the give these names, just explained this fact with an argument that activities of those persons had been directed against Latvia and its independence. Along with journalists in the list there are names of Russian politicians, e.g. MPs V.Alksnis, G.Zyuganov, V.Zhirinovsky, etc.

A popular newspaper in Russia, the

A popular newspaper in Russia, the Moskovsky Komsomolets (MK), is presenting its MK-Baltija paper in the center of Riga on Wednesday with participation of Latvian and Russian pop stars. MK reports that the project's Latvian partners are Petit publishing and TEM TV. Another of the roughly 10 Russian language newspapers in Latvia will be publishing the "Hottest news from Latvia and Russia." BNS

The President of the Bank of Latvia, Einars Repse, does not rule out the possibility of him getting involved in politics. On Wednesday Repse said in press conference that it was still too early to speak of anything specific, but it was a possibility. "Seeing things that take place around me, I of course sometimes acquire a great will to do something myself for the good of the country, but I must say that this is a serious and complicated enough issue," said Repse.

The President of the Bank of Latvia, Einars Repse, does not rule out the possibility of him getting involved in politics. On Wednesday Repse said in press conference that it was still too early to speak of anything specific, but it was a possibility. "Seeing things that take place around me, I of course sometimes acquire a great will to do something myself for the good of the country, but I must say that this is a serious and complicated enough issue," said Repse. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Respublika, Chas

Russian President Vladimir Putin recognizes problematic status of ethnic Russians in Latvia, he said in a letter to a Russian-speaking Latvian resident. "I see it a very important task to pay attention to our compatriots, former Soviet citizens. I am well aware that they have enough problems, especially in the Baltic States," wrote Putin. "It is inadmissible to let these people feel abandoned, forgotten. I am sure that it is Russia's obligation to take a firm stand to protect their legal rights and interests," said the Russian president. Putin's letter was handed over to the addressee, Ludmila Avanesova, by Russian ambassador in Latvia. It was the Russian president's response to the message Avanesova, now a resident of Latvia, sent him on the Victory Day marked in Russia on May 9 as the end of the World War Two.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recognizes problematic status of ethnic Russians in Latvia, he said in a letter to a Russian-speaking Latvian resident. "I see it a very important task to pay attention to our compatriots, former Soviet citizens. I am well aware that they have enough problems, especially in the Baltic States," wrote Putin. "It is inadmissible to let these people feel abandoned, forgotten. I am sure that it is Russia's obligation to take a firm stand to protect their legal rights and interests," said the Russian president. Putin's letter was handed over to the addressee, Ludmila Avanesova, by Russian ambassador in Latvia. It was the Russian president's response to the message Avanesova, now a resident of Latvia, sent him on the Victory Day marked in Russia on May 9 as the end of the World War Two. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Respublika, Panorama Latvii, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Changes in Latvia's Permanent Mission to the United Nations and the recalling of Ambassador Janis Priedkalns from the post has occurred in accordance with a Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs decision,

Changes in Latvia's Permanent Mission to the United Nations and the recalling of Ambassador Janis Priedkalns from the post has occurred in accordance with a Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs decision, LETA was told by the president's press secretary Aiva Rozenberga. According to Rozenberga, President Vike-Freiberga has approved the decision. The changes have been made according to the existing rotation system and "how this is done, is a matter for the foreign ministry", said Rozenberga. Priedkalns, who was the TB/LNNK candidate for president in 1999, left the post in May, ending his service as U.N. ambassador ahead of schedule, and his work in Latvia's diplomatic corps altogether. Foreign Ministry Press Secretary Vilmars Henins declined to comment to LETA on the reasons why Priedkalns left his post before his term of duty was up. LETA, Diena

Riga City Mayor G.Bojars, opposite to the opinion of People’s Party faction, considers it to be unnecessary to consider the Riga – Moscow daft co-operation agreement at Council commissions because it has been considered at all party factions, and MFA has submitted it commentary on this agreement. The Mayor said that in the nearest future Riga City Council would establish a working group to specify the agreement text, and it could be signed in autumn.

Riga City Mayor G.Bojars, opposite to the opinion of Peoples Party faction, considers it to be unnecessary to consider the Riga – Moscow daft co-operation agreement at Council commissions because it has been considered at all party factions, and MFA has submitted it commentary on this agreement. The Mayor said that in the nearest future Riga City Council would establish a working group to specify the agreement text, and it could be signed in autumn. Diena. Lauku Avize

Chairman of Latvian National Soldiers Society N.Romanovskis sent a letter to the Satversme Security Office with a request to evaluate the publication of August 4 in newspaper

Chas about the third get-together of Latvian legionnaires. Latvian national soldiers see this publication as a regular attempt to kindle hatred against them. Lauku Avize

With his campaign to protect Russian schools the leader of youth movement Solidarnostj I.Stalnoy has attracted the interest of State Security Police. Security policemen called him on his mobile phone and offered to have a meeting somewhere in Old Riga. At the same time Riga City Council representative Tralmaks accused the movement Solidarity for different violations during their organized event in Mezaparks. The Council wants to fine Solidarnostj for the fact that to the event arrived ten times more people than it was announced, second violation was that there were given speeches but not only a concert. I.Stalnoy had answers to all of these accusations. Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnya

The Russian television KST today will broadcast an interview with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga on the program "Formula for Power" at 10.45 p.m. this night. As LETA was informed by the press secretary of the president, Aiva Rozenberga, the Russian program has already interviewed the presidents of Chechnya, Finland and other countries. In the interview with Vike-Freiberga, Russian reporters were interested in events in her life, and her stance on Latvian-Russian economic and political relations. LETA

Press Report

Press Report

Former U.S. administration's NATO enlargement coordinator Ronald D. Asmus, answering to the question of newspaper

Former U.S. administration's NATO enlargement coordinator Ronald D. Asmus, answering to the question of newspaper Diena about Latvias possibilities to join NATO said that one of the fields US administration would pay special attention to was public integration. It is important because it is linked with the basic question about unity of Latvian society. In the USA, which is a multiethnic state, the question of integration is regarded as a litmus test. Diena

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers passed two decrees on granting Latvian citizenship trough the process of naturalization to 354 persons. So far 45 241 persons have received Latvian citizenship through this process.

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers passed two decrees on granting Latvian citizenship trough the process of naturalization to 354 persons. So far 45 241 persons have received Latvian citizenship through this process. Jauna Avize

In an interview to Latvian Radio President V.Vike-Freiberga, speaking about the action of youth movement Solidarnost said that she was sure that it was an initiative of political forces. The President could not make any conclusion about responsiveness of the public because during it there was organized a free of charge concert and many youngsters used this possibility. At the same time she did understand that a certain part of them had a wish to study in their mother tongue. “We live in democratic country and thanks God everybody has a chance and possibility to express his opinion and wishes.”

In an interview to Latvian Radio President V.Vike-Freiberga, speaking about the action of youth movement Solidarnost said that she was sure that it was an initiative of political forces. The President could not make any conclusion about responsiveness of the public because during it there was organized a free of charge concert and many youngsters used this possibility. At the same time she did understand that a certain part of them had a wish to study in their mother tongue. We live in democratic country and thanks God everybody has a chance and possibility to express his opinion and wishes. Latvijas Vestnesis

President V.Vike-Freiberga gave an interview to Russian newspaper Moskovskiye Novosti.

President V.Vike-Freiberga gave an interview to Russian newspaper Moskovskiye Novosti. Vesti Segodnya commenting it writes that it is possible that the opinion of V.Vike-Freiberga on Russia has undergone evaluation. The President had acknowledged that perspectives of Latvias development were linked with Russia and other East European states. She even used this possibility and advertised advantages of Latvian ports. Nevertheless it is too early to speak about radical change in Latvian – Russian relations. Latvian government still refuses to organize by autumn a meeting of working groups on social issues. The reason for that is unwillingness of Latvia to sign an agreement that would oblige it to recalculate pensions to those non-citizens who until 1991 worked outside Latvia. But without this agreement Russia would not conclude the whole package of economical agreement. A signal for improvement of bilateral relations should serve signing of co-operation agreement between Riga and Moscow. But FF/LNNK and Peoples Party have already expressed their objections to it. They propose to reconsider several articles, put forward by Moscow City Council. One of them envisages ensuring a possibility of receiving secondary and higher education for representatives of national minorities in their mother tongue. Latvian MFA pointed out that issues of education, choice of language were not under competence of local governments. Vesti Segodnya,

Russian speaking newspaper

Russian speaking newspaper Chas says that the representatives of FF/LNNK and Peoples Party in Riga City Council consider this co-operation agreement to be a mistake and treachery of national interests.

Yesterday took place a press conference about the idea to establish Russian library in Riga. After publications in press people called expressing a wish not only to donate books but also sponsor this event. Now the Council of the library is looking for appropriate premises for the library.

Yesterday took place a press conference about the idea to establish Russian library in Riga. After publications in press people called expressing a wish not only to donate books but also sponsor this event. Now the Council of the library is looking for appropriate premises for the library. Vesti Segodnya