Press Report

Press Report

Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK party council Friday unanimously voted to nominate Riga City Council member Inese Vaidere as the vice-mayor of Riga, BNS learned at the party council meeting. At the meting Vaidere said she was well versed in issue which the party sought to deal with such as education, language, improvement of urban and business environment.

Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK party council Friday unanimously voted to nominate Riga City Council member Inese Vaidere as the vice-mayor of Riga, BNS learned at the party council meeting. At the meting Vaidere said she was well versed in issue which the party sought to deal with such as education, language, improvement of urban and business environment. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Chas

A delegation of US senators, expected to arrive in Riga on Sunday morning to meet a number of officials, will be delayed till Sunday evening, reported the US embassy in Riga. No reasons for the delay were mentioned. The Tallinn BNS office reports that the senators were also delayed in their trip to Estonia, unofficially claimed to be related to the change in power at the US senate which took place Friday when Senator James Jefford left the republicans giving a majority to the democrats. The US senate must thus re-elect all its committees. The US senator delegation will be taking part in the planned dinner at the residency of the Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga in Jurmala at 20.30 Sunday evening, reported the President's spokesperson.

A delegation of US senators, expected to arrive in Riga on Sunday morning to meet a number of officials, will be delayed till Sunday evening, reported the US embassy in Riga. No reasons for the delay were mentioned. The Tallinn BNS office reports that the senators were also delayed in their trip to Estonia, unofficially claimed to be related to the change in power at the US senate which took place Friday when Senator James Jefford left the republicans giving a majority to the democrats. The US senate must thus re-elect all its committees. The US senator delegation will be taking part in the planned dinner at the residency of the Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga in Jurmala at 20.30 Sunday evening, reported the President's spokesperson. BNS, Neatkariga

Leader of Russian Communist Party G.Zjuganov once more criticised the situation of Russian speaking population in the Baltic States, comparing it to the apartheid in South Africa. He made this speech at the Russian National Council meeting when they discussed the draft law On Russian nation.

Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya Council deputies intend to introduce a norm stipulation the right and obligation of the Russian State to impose sanctions against those countries where according their opinion are violated the rights of Russians.

Council deputies intend to introduce a norm stipulation the right and obligation of the Russian State to impose sanctions against those countries where according their opinion are violated the rights of Russians. Panorama Latvii

Latvian Ambassador to Liechtenstein E.Kuzmina submitted her letter of accreditation to the Prince Hans Adams II.

Latvian Ambassador to Liechtenstein E.Kuzmina submitted her letter of accreditation to the Prince Hans Adams II. Neatkariga

  Press Report

Press Report

Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov during his first official meeting with Latvian lawmakers Thursday objected to Latvia's plans to join NATO, saying that European Union (EU) membership will suffice as security guarantee. Studennikov said every country had the right to select own security guarantee but so that this choice would not threaten other countries. Latvia's admission to NATO will pose a threat to Russia, therefore the Baltic state should pick some other security guarantee, the Russian ambassador said at the meeting with representatives from Latvian-Russian parliamentary co-operation group. Russia's concern was due to the growing militarisation of NATO as evidenced by the alliance's involvement in the Kosovo conflict, indicating its readiness to use force. Studennikov voiced Russia's reproaches to Latvia for introduction of visa requirements for passengers of trains running between the two countries. This practice is contradictory to the outcome of the meeting between Latvian and Russian presidents in Austria, the Russian ambassador said. Russia is also displeased with Latvia introducing the EU standards, although Latvia was not a member of the organisation yet. The ambassador said Russian would also like to see Latvia officially denounce the essay contest organised by Latvian publishers, Vieda, and described as instigating ethnic and racial hatred. He also criticized sharply the harsh punishment of National Bolsheviks, members of a Russian extremist party, whom Latvia sentenced to 15 years in prison. He also noted that Latvia brought war crime charges against former Soviet partisan Vassily Kononov, the move in itself offending to the Russian nation, right on May 8, the Victory Day, which is very important date for Russia as it marks the end of World War Two. The Russian ambassador to Latvia expressed concern over problems related to Russian-language schools and the language law provisions, stating that Russia does not ask anything in excess of usual rights granted to all ethnic minorities in Europe. He voiced suspicion that all above-mentioned actions had been taken with the purpose to damage Latvian-Russian relations. Latvian parliament's European affairs committee chairman Edvins Inkens responded to this criticism, saying it seems to him that the history is repeating. Latvia will not react to "separate extravagant statements by Russian lawmakers," as it was only rhetoric.

Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov during his first official meeting with Latvian lawmakers Thursday objected to Latvia's plans to join NATO, saying that European Union (EU) membership will suffice as security guarantee. Studennikov said every country had the right to select own security guarantee but so that this choice would not threaten other countries. Latvia's admission to NATO will pose a threat to Russia, therefore the Baltic state should pick some other security guarantee, the Russian ambassador said at the meeting with representatives from Latvian-Russian parliamentary co-operation group. Russia's concern was due to the growing militarisation of NATO as evidenced by the alliance's involvement in the Kosovo conflict, indicating its readiness to use force. Studennikov voiced Russia's reproaches to Latvia for introduction of visa requirements for passengers of trains running between the two countries. This practice is contradictory to the outcome of the meeting between Latvian and Russian presidents in Austria, the Russian ambassador said. Russia is also displeased with Latvia introducing the EU standards, although Latvia was not a member of the organisation yet. The ambassador said Russian would also like to see Latvia officially denounce the essay contest organised by Latvian publishers, Vieda, and described as instigating ethnic and racial hatred. He also criticized sharply the harsh punishment of National Bolsheviks, members of a Russian extremist party, whom Latvia sentenced to 15 years in prison. He also noted that Latvia brought war crime charges against former Soviet partisan Vassily Kononov, the move in itself offending to the Russian nation, right on May 8, the Victory Day, which is very important date for Russia as it marks the end of World War Two. The Russian ambassador to Latvia expressed concern over problems related to Russian-language schools and the language law provisions, stating that Russia does not ask anything in excess of usual rights granted to all ethnic minorities in Europe. He voiced suspicion that all above-mentioned actions had been taken with the purpose to damage Latvian-Russian relations. Latvian parliament's European affairs committee chairman Edvins Inkens responded to this criticism, saying it seems to him that the history is repeating. Latvia will not react to "separate extravagant statements by Russian lawmakers," as it was only rhetoric. Neatkariga, BNS, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

German Bundestag President Wolfgang Thierse in the Latvian parliament expressed support to all Baltic states on the path to NATO and European Union, however, in regard to Latvia’s possible joining NATO he emphasised “Latvia has to become a bridge between East and West”, it would not be beneficial for Latvia to join NATO if Russia is against that. Saeima deputies did not hide their disappointment in the stance of Germany. When Bundestag President inquired about national minorities and naturalisation issues in Latvia, Latvian Prime Minister stated that legislation concerning citizenship and language issues is in a line with the requirements of the OSCE.

German Bundestag President Wolfgang Thierse in the Latvian parliament expressed support to all Baltic states on the path to NATO and European Union, however, in regard to Latvias possible joining NATO he emphasised Latvia has to become a bridge between East and West, it would not be beneficial for Latvia to join NATO if Russia is against that. Saeima deputies did not hide their disappointment in the stance of Germany. When Bundestag President inquired about national minorities and naturalisation issues in Latvia, Latvian Prime Minister stated that legislation concerning citizenship and language issues is in a line with the requirements of the OSCE. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Respublika

More than two months after the municipal government election in Latvia the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party and FF/LNNK together with a number of smaller council parties, finally signed a coalition agreement. The new coalition is to have 34 votes in the 60 strong council with the core being 25 seats held by the social democrats and FF/LNNK. The coalition does not include left-wing For Human Rights in a United Latvia (FHRUL) holding 13 seats at the council, as well as the deputy mayor and chairperson seats on a number of council commissions, because FF/LNNK was against including them in the coalition for diverging ideological opinions. Nevertheless, the left-wing alliance, thanks to whom the social democrats managed to elect Gundars Bojars as Riga mayor, has previously announced that the coalition does not bother them, as one must look at not what's on paper but on actions, and the leading seats already taken by the left-wing will not be lost. Small parties represented in the coalition: the Green Party (2 seats), the Democratic Party (2 seats), the Labour Party (1 seat), the Russian Party (1 seat), the Welfare Party (2 seats) and the Latvian Farmers Union (1 seat), while both christian parties, the New Christian Party (1) and The Christian Democratic Union (1), did not sign the agreement.

More than two months after the municipal government election in Latvia the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party and FF/LNNK together with a number of smaller council parties, finally signed a coalition agreement. The new coalition is to have 34 votes in the 60 strong council with the core being 25 seats held by the social democrats and FF/LNNK. The coalition does not include left-wing For Human Rights in a United Latvia (FHRUL) holding 13 seats at the council, as well as the deputy mayor and chairperson seats on a number of council commissions, because FF/LNNK was against including them in the coalition for diverging ideological opinions. Nevertheless, the left-wing alliance, thanks to whom the social democrats managed to elect Gundars Bojars as Riga mayor, has previously announced that the coalition does not bother them, as one must look at not what's on paper but on actions, and the leading seats already taken by the left-wing will not be lost. Small parties represented in the coalition: the Green Party (2 seats), the Democratic Party (2 seats), the Labour Party (1 seat), the Russian Party (1 seat), the Welfare Party (2 seats) and the Latvian Farmers Union (1 seat), while both christian parties, the New Christian Party (1) and The Christian Democratic Union (1), did not sign the agreement. Diena, Jauna, Neatkariga, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

The Russian Duma's call to step up opposition against NATO enlargement eastwards does not indicate a new turn in Russia's current position, said Latvian officials. Latvian prime minister Andris Berzins, when asked to comment on the document by the Russian Duma, said that Latvia did not wanted to be a grey zone therefore it will continue its movement towards NATO.Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga also said that under the OSCE principles, to which Russia also had acceded, each country had the right to own security model.

The Russian Duma's call to step up opposition against NATO enlargement eastwards does not indicate a new turn in Russia's current position, said Latvian officials. Latvian prime minister Andris Berzins, when asked to comment on the document by the Russian Duma, said that Latvia did not wanted to be a grey zone therefore it will continue its movement towards NATO.Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga also said that under the OSCE principles, to which Russia also had acceded, each country had the right to own security model. BNS

 Press Report

Press Report

The Coalition agreement provides Social Democrats and FF/LNNK with the majority of voices at Riga City Council as some small parties also will join the coalition. However, FHRUL will be able to keep the acquired positions.

The Coalition agreement provides Social Democrats and FF/LNNK with the majority of voices at Riga City Council as some small parties also will join the coalition. However, FHRUL will be able to keep the acquired positions. Diena, Respublika

Lauku Avize

criticises the booklet 10 Questions about Society Integration in Latvia. The newspaper ironically mentions the sponsors of the booklet regarding them as benefactors stating that their only aim is to "integrate more and faster, more and faster! and that the authors and publishers of the booklet were baited with the money of the sponsors, as they do not reflect anything what non-citizens really should know to live in Latvia. criticises the booklet “10 Questions about Society Integration in Latvia”. The newspaper ironically mentions the sponsors of the booklet regarding them as “benefactors” stating that their only aim is to "integrate more and faster, more and faster!” and that the authors and publishers of the booklet were baited with the money of the sponsors, as they do not reflect anything what non-citizens really should know to live in Latvia. FF/LNNK candidate for the post of vice-mayor at Riga City Council I.Vaidere answers to the couple questions of

FF/LNNK candidate for the post of vice-mayor at Riga City Council I.Vaidere answers to the couple questions of Chas. The main theme was the language issue. In I.Vaideres opinion people who live in Latvia must know Latvian and the fact that national minority students are attending Latvian schools is one the best means of society integration.

Foreign Ministry of Russia has agreed to prolong the agreement with Latvia envisaging easier border- crossing procedure for people residing at the border zone till 10 October.

Foreign Ministry of Russia has agreed to prolong the agreement with Latvia envisaging easier border- crossing procedure for people residing at the border zone till 10 October. Neatkariga, Respublika

One of the Russian extremists convicted recently for terrorism in Latvia, Sergey Solovey, announced a "hunger strike to death" a week ago in protest against the ban on parcels for prisoners and demanding political prisoner status.

One of the Russian extremists convicted recently for terrorism in Latvia, Sergey Solovey, announced a "hunger strike to death" a week ago in protest against the ban on parcels for prisoners and demanding political prisoner status. Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Press Report

Tuesday also the Latvian government support repeated nomination of National Human Rights Office (NHRO) director Olafs Bruvers for another term in the office.

Tuesday also the Latvian government support repeated nomination of National Human Rights Office (NHRO) director Olafs Bruvers for another term in the office.

The NHRO director has to be confirmed in the office by the parliament. The Government suggested Bruvers should be more active in promoting work by the human rights office, in participating in international human rights conferences to spread information about the situation in Latvia and in looking for foreign sources of funding. The NHRO head himself proposed to the government to adjust functions of the human rights office and the National Children Right Protection Center either by merging the center with the NHRO or by establishing a separate ombudsman for children rights as to eliminate the currently overlapping functions of the two agencies. In case of his re-appointment to the office Bruvers named as priorities the acceptance of complaints from population and elimination of human right violations, focusing on the most unprotected social groups -- disabled persons, children, prison inmates, etc. The NHRO director also vowed to seek closer co-operation with municipal institutions and non-governmental organisations. He agreed that so far he had not been very successful in obtaining support from foreign institutions and establishing contacts with other Baltic states.

The NHRO director has to be confirmed in the office by the parliament. The Government suggested Bruvers should be more active in promoting work by the human rights office, in participating in international human rights conferences to spread information about the situation in Latvia and in looking for foreign sources of funding. The NHRO head himself proposed to the government to adjust functions of the human rights office and the National Children Right Protection Center either by merging the center with the NHRO or by establishing a separate ombudsman for children rights as to eliminate the currently overlapping functions of the two agencies. In case of his re-appointment to the office Bruvers named as priorities the acceptance of complaints from population and elimination of human right violations, focusing on the most unprotected social groups -- disabled persons, children, prison inmates, etc. The NHRO director also vowed to seek closer co-operation with municipal institutions and non-governmental organisations. He agreed that so far he had not been very successful in obtaining support from foreign institutions and establishing contacts with other Baltic states. BNS

Rigas Balss provides opinions of some politicians about O.Bruvers work. Social democrat V.Lazo “It does not make any sense to appoint somebody else – you do not change wheels when driving. And after all – his office was not doing so bad”. LW Saeima faction chairperson K.Libane says “I have not heard that he has done something really good, however, if the government supports his candidature, the Saeima is going to approve him”. Also FF/LNNK V.Balodis said that there is no another alternative. People’s Party discussed the possibility to nominate for the post A.Pabriks, however, after A.Pabriks refusal to candidate for the post, the party will also support O.Bruvers.

Rigas Balss provides opinions of some politicians about O.Bruvers work. Social democrat V.Lazo It does not make any sense to appoint somebody else – you do not change wheels when driving. And after all – his office was not doing so bad. LW Saeima faction chairperson K.Libane says I have not heard that he has done something really good, however, if the government supports his candidature, the Saeima is going to approve him. Also FF/LNNK V.Balodis said that there is no another alternative. Peoples Party discussed the possibility to nominate for the post A.Pabriks, however, after A.Pabriks refusal to candidate for the post, the party will also support O.Bruvers.

The Latvian government Tuesday endorsed accession of Latvia to the Council of Europe (CE) Convention on Nationals. The Latvian effective Citizenship Law basically meets convention requirements but, as Latvia is a CE member country it should sign the convention, the annotation to the draft law reads. The convention admits individual approach towards a set of issues and, Latvia in the future too will set out for non-citizens children, born in Latvia after Aug, 21, 1991, a requirement to speak state language (if that child has reached age of 15 years) and have no previous criminal record. Latvia will not promote acquisition of citizenship by citizens spouses, refugees, persons staying in the country permanently and others, as well as will not allow persons who have failed to meet their obligations towards Latvia to drop their citizenship. Nationals of other countries who can not drop their current citizenship will be banned from acquiring Latvian citizens.

The Latvian government Tuesday endorsed accession of Latvia to the Council of Europe (CE) Convention on Nationals. The Latvian effective Citizenship Law basically meets convention requirements but, as Latvia is a CE member country it should sign the convention, the annotation to the draft law reads. The convention admits individual approach towards a set of issues and, Latvia in the future too will set out for non-citizens children, born in Latvia after Aug, 21, 1991, a requirement to speak state language (if that child has reached age of 15 years) and have no previous criminal record. Latvia will not promote acquisition of citizenship by citizens spouses, refugees, persons staying in the country permanently and others, as well as will not allow persons who have failed to meet their obligations towards Latvia to drop their citizenship. Nationals of other countries who can not drop their current citizenship will be banned from acquiring Latvian citizens. Chas

A group of Latvian lawmakers has departed for a visit to Belarus without the parliament's approval and is set during the visit to meet all top Belarus officials, including President Alexander Lukashenko. Latvian parliament inter-parliamentary relations office head Sandra Paura told that the parliament board last Thursday denied the group of lawmakers a status of an official visit in Belarus because it does not regard Belarus parliament as legitimate. On acquaintance visit to Belarus have departed leftist MP Janis Urbanovics (from For Human Rights in United Latvia), Osvalds Zvejsalnieks (Social Democrat), Peteris Apinis (Latvia's Way) and Helmuts Cibulis (People's Party). Urbanovics told that on Monday the Latvian lawmakers attended the Belarus parliament as well as met deputy foreign minister to discuss Russian-Belarus unification process as well as Belarus relations with Ukraine and Moldova.

A group of Latvian lawmakers has departed for a visit to Belarus without the parliament's approval and is set during the visit to meet all top Belarus officials, including President Alexander Lukashenko. Latvian parliament inter-parliamentary relations office head Sandra Paura told that the parliament board last Thursday denied the group of lawmakers a status of an official visit in Belarus because it does not regard Belarus parliament as legitimate. On acquaintance visit to Belarus have departed leftist MP Janis Urbanovics (from For Human Rights in United Latvia), Osvalds Zvejsalnieks (Social Democrat), Peteris Apinis (Latvia's Way) and Helmuts Cibulis (People's Party). Urbanovics told that on Monday the Latvian lawmakers attended the Belarus parliament as well as met deputy foreign minister to discuss Russian-Belarus unification process as well as Belarus relations with Ukraine and Moldova. Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Respublika, Panorama Latvii

At Riga City Council Social democrats yield to FF/LNNK in entering the amendments to the Regulations of Riga City Council Board already in Tuesday’s sitting. The board was renamed into presidium and it is considered that after this agreement there are no obstacles to sign a coalition agreement.

At Riga City Council Social democrats yield to FF/LNNK in entering the amendments to the Regulations of Riga City Council Board already in Tuesdays sitting. The board was renamed into presidium and it is considered that after this agreement there are no obstacles to sign a coalition agreement. Diena, Jauna, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika, Panorama Latvii

Yesterday the Minister of Justice I.Labucka met with foreign ambassadors to inform them about the work at the draft on Society Integration Fund and the possible time of its implementation.

Yesterday the Minister of Justice I.Labucka met with foreign ambassadors to inform them about the work at the draft on Society Integration Fund and the possible time of its implementation. Vesti Segodnja

Yesterday Saeima Education, Culture and Science Committee chairperson Dz.Abikis called Riga City Council and School Board to continue reorganisation of Russian schools and increase the number of Latvian kindergartens.

Yesterday Saeima Education, Culture and Science Committee chairperson Dz.Abikis called Riga City Council and School Board to continue reorganisation of Russian schools and increase the number of Latvian kindergartens. Vesti Segodnja comments there should not be any illusions – the word reorganisation means closing. Respublika, Panorama Latvii

Yesterday the adoption of the amendments to the Regulations No 296, which would provide comparability of the examination in the Latvian language for 9 graders of national minority schools to the language examination for naturalisation, was postponed again.

Yesterday the adoption of the amendments to the Regulations No 296, which would provide comparability of the examination in the Latvian language for 9 graders of national minority schools to the language examination for naturalisation, was postponed again. Chas names its sabotage as the examination in the Latvian language for 9th grade pupils is scheduled to 12 June. Respublika

Chas

comments on the statement made by the Prime Minister whether non-citizens should have rights to participate at municipal elections. In the opinion of the newspaper, it would be only in the interests of the ruling parties to provide non-citizens with voting rights at municipal elections, otherwise the choice of new citizens and citizens-to-be will remain the same for the next elections as it was at this year election. comments on the statement made by the Prime Minister whether non-citizens should have rights to participate at municipal elections. In the opinion of the newspaper, it would be only in the interests of the ruling parties to provide non-citizens with voting rights at municipal elections, otherwise the choice of “new citizens” and citizens-to-be will remain the same for the next elections as it was at this year election.

Chas

gives perspectives on what will happen after three years when Russian schools will provide secondary education programmes only in the state language and what could be the solutions to the problems. gives perspectives on what will happen after three years when Russian schools will provide secondary education programmes only in the state language and what could be the solutions to the problems.

Press Report

Press Report

Germany's Bundestag president Wolfgang Tierse will visit Latvia from May 23 to 26 to meet with top Latvian officials. During his visit to Latvia the Bundestag president is scheduled to meet with Latvian president Vaira Vike-Freiberga, parliament speaker Janis Straume, prime minister Andris Berzins and welfare minister Andrejs Pozarnovs. The German guest will also visit the Occupation Museum in Riga and the

Germany's Bundestag president Wolfgang Tierse will visit Latvia from May 23 to 26 to meet with top Latvian officials. During his visit to Latvia the Bundestag president is scheduled to meet with Latvian president Vaira Vike-Freiberga, parliament speaker Janis Straume, prime minister Andris Berzins and welfare minister Andrejs Pozarnovs. The German guest will also visit the Occupation Museum in Riga and the

memorial to Jews killed during World War Two in Bikernieki on the outskirts of the Latvian capital. Tierse's agenda for his visit to Latvia also includes meetings with religious leaders and students studying German at the Latvia University.

memorial to Jews killed during World War Two in Bikernieki on the outskirts of the Latvian capital. Tierse's agenda for his visit to Latvia also includes meetings with religious leaders and students studying German at the Latvia University. Lauku Avize

On Monday the Coalition Board of the Saeima ruling parties decided to approve the candidature of O.Bruvers to the post of the director of National Human Rights Office. Although till now no other official candidatures were named, the possibility that O.Bruvers could be named for the post was doubted in the lobby discussions.

On Monday the Coalition Board of the Saeima ruling parties decided to approve the candidature of O.Bruvers to the post of the director of National Human Rights Office. Although till now no other official candidatures were named, the possibility that O.Bruvers could be named for the post was doubted in the lobby discussions. Diena, Respublika

Bruvers' term in the office expires May 28 and the government will have to decide who will head the office for the coming four years. Although it was predicted previously it will be difficult for Bruvers who is not a member of the influential parties to retain the post and, a variety of candidates were mentioned in the lobby talks, the ruling coalition council nevertheless accepted Bruvers candidacy without much objection. Bruvers told BNS he would gladly undertake heading the NHRO for the second term because he likes the job and chances to help people a lot. Bruvers was elected as director of NHRO in 1997. At that time the office was prospering and cited as exemplary at an international level but soon after a crisis at the NHRO set in, triggered by a conflict between the office staff and management. Devastating processes at the NHRO were then sharply criticised by UN experts who said Bruvers' actions were not promoting NHRO development but rather a gradual collapse of the office because Bruvers had strongly superficial understanding about human rights and international co-operation. Numerous gifted staff then either quit the job at the NHRO or were dismissed and in 1998 Bruvers, violating the right to inviolability of private correspondence, distributed to ruling coalition factions co-operation council private e-mail correspondence of the NHRO former staffers to provide grounds for their dismissal. The parliament then voted on removing Bruvers from the post but majority of the parliament rejected the motion.

Bruvers' term in the office expires May 28 and the government will have to decide who will head the office for the coming four years. Although it was predicted previously it will be difficult for Bruvers who is not a member of the influential parties to retain the post and, a variety of candidates were mentioned in the lobby talks, the ruling coalition council nevertheless accepted Bruvers candidacy without much objection. Bruvers told BNS he would gladly undertake heading the NHRO for the second term because he likes the job and chances to help people a lot. Bruvers was elected as director of NHRO in 1997. At that time the office was prospering and cited as exemplary at an international level but soon after a crisis at the NHRO set in, triggered by a conflict between the office staff and management. Devastating processes at the NHRO were then sharply criticised by UN experts who said Bruvers' actions were not promoting NHRO development but rather a gradual collapse of the office because Bruvers had strongly superficial understanding about human rights and international co-operation. Numerous gifted staff then either quit the job at the NHRO or were dismissed and in 1998 Bruvers, violating the right to inviolability of private correspondence, distributed to ruling coalition factions co-operation council private e-mail correspondence of the NHRO former staffers to provide grounds for their dismissal. The parliament then voted on removing Bruvers from the post but majority of the parliament rejected the motion. BNS

Riga City Council 6 left-wing deputies are not going to meet with State Language Centre inspectors, as the faction considers that there is no legal base to examine the language proficiency of the elected deputies. FHRUL vice mayor S.Dolgopolovs said that “the faction will provide to the Language Centre a polite response that the legislation does not envisage such procedure”. S.Dolgopolovs said that the deputies are examined before elections and they cannot run for elections if their language proficiency is not adequate. He said “The State Language Centre admits that has done not a good job and now tries to fix the situation”. If deputies language proficiency does not match the requirements provided by the law, the Centre will submit the documents to the Central Electorate, which will take decision on the future of the deputies.

Riga City Council 6 left-wing deputies are not going to meet with State Language Centre inspectors, as the faction considers that there is no legal base to examine the language proficiency of the elected deputies. FHRUL vice mayor S.Dolgopolovs said that the faction will provide to the Language Centre a polite response that the legislation does not envisage such procedure. S.Dolgopolovs said that the deputies are examined before elections and they cannot run for elections if their language proficiency is not adequate. He said The State Language Centre admits that has done not a good job and now tries to fix the situation. If deputies language proficiency does not match the requirements provided by the law, the Centre will submit the documents to the Central Electorate, which will take decision on the future of the deputies. Neatkariga

The staff of Jelgava City Primary School No 1 have sent a letter to the Russian embassy to Latvia with the request to provide its stance towards possible closing of the school. On 24 May Jelgava City Council has to decide either to switch the buildings of two schools (this option is preferred by the administration of the school) or locate first 6 grades at the premises of the kindergarten.

The staff of Jelgava City Primary School No 1 have sent a letter to the Russian embassy to Latvia with the request to provide its stance towards possible closing of the school. On 24 May Jelgava City Council has to decide either to switch the buildings of two schools (this option is preferred by the administration of the school) or locate first 6 grades at the premises of the kindergarten. Neatkariga

Vesti Segodnja publishes the announcement of Latvian Association Supporting Schools with Russian as the Tuition Language in support of Jelgava Primary School No 1.

Vesti Segodnja publishes the announcement of Latvian Association Supporting Schools with Russian as the Tuition Language in support of Jelgava Primary School No 1. Panorama Latvii

On May 22 the Latvian president is scheduled to meet Greek President Constantine Stephanopoulos. Rozenberga said that a state visit of the Latvian president in Greece is planned for this fall. She said the relations between the two countries are very active and the aim of the visits is to promote bilateral relations between the two countries.

On May 22 the Latvian president is scheduled to meet Greek President Constantine Stephanopoulos. Rozenberga said that a state visit of the Latvian president in Greece is planned for this fall. She said the relations between the two countries are very active and the aim of the visits is to promote bilateral relations between the two countries. Lauku Avize, Jauna

Yesterday the National Programme of Latvian Language Learning organised an open door day. The Prime Minister also participated at the presentation of new learning aids and methods. The Programme offers not only study books but also possibility to learn Latvian free of charge.

Yesterday the National Programme of Latvian Language Learning organised an open door day. The Prime Minister also participated at the presentation of new learning aids and methods. The Programme offers not only study books but also possibility to learn Latvian free of charge. Chas

Vesti Segodnja

comments on the article by demographer I.Mezs published in comments on the article by demographer I.Mezs published in DienaDiena where he called Latvians not to pay so much attention to learning Russian. The newspaper emphasises the importance of the Russian language and regrets the fact that already many young Latvians do not speak Russian so well. where he called Latvians not to pay so much attention to learning Russian. The newspaper emphasises the importance of the Russian language and regrets the fact that already many young Latvians do not speak Russian so well. The group of Saeima deputies visited Byelorussia. The deputies were provided with the information about Byelorussia from the sources of the “official Byelorussia”, as well as the UN, OSCE and EU. “Official Minsk” did not impose any restrictions for Latvian deputies to learn about the situation in the country.

The group of Saeima deputies visited Byelorussia. The deputies were provided with the information about Byelorussia from the sources of the official Byelorussia, as well as the UN, OSCE and EU. Official Minsk did not impose any restrictions for Latvian deputies to learn about the situation in the country. Vesti Segodnja

Russia’s Parliament has developed the draft on the Russian People targeted to provide assistance to Russian compatriots residing in CIS and Baltic countries. The draft will be reviewed by Russian Duma on Friday.

Russias Parliament has developed the draft on the Russian People targeted to provide assistance to Russian compatriots residing in CIS and Baltic countries. The draft will be reviewed by Russian Duma on Friday. Panorama Latvii, Respublika

Respublika

re-publishes the article about Latvia from the New York Times. 28-29 May Naturalisation Board organises a conference “Towards a Civic Society”. Representatives from Latvia and Estonia will share with their experiences in the implementation of society integration programme

28-29 May Naturalisation Board organises a conference Towards a Civic Society. Representatives from Latvia and Estonia will share with their experiences in the implementation of society integration programme. Respublika