Press Report

Saturday night Social democrats and FF/LLNK have prepared the agreement on coalition at Riga City Council. The agreement comes into effect after it is approved by the councils of both parties, until that the parties have agreed not to disclose the content of the document.

Saturday night Social democrats and FF/LLNK have prepared the agreement on coalition at Riga City Council. The agreement comes into effect after it is approved by the councils of both parties, until that the parties have agreed not to disclose the content of the document. Diena

Finnish President Tarja Halonen is sceptic about admission of all three Baltic States to NATO, she stated in her Saturday’s interview for German newspaper

Finnish President Tarja Halonen is sceptic about admission of all three Baltic States to NATO, she stated in her Saturdays interview for German newspaper Der Spiegel. She thinks that peace and stability in Europe should be viewed in broader sense than NATO and Russias opinion should be considered. Diena, Jauna, Respublika

On their Saturday’s sitting Social democrat chairperson J.Bojars called social democrats to focus their efforts to the next victory – to win at least 30% of mandates at the next Saeima election and then to overtake the power in the country. However, the sitting itself took place in rather tense atmosphere – a part of social democrats (presenting town Jelgava) did not agree with the decision of party’s leaders and demonstratively left the sitting, as well as the proposal to expel two party members – one for accusing social democrat leader J.Bojars – was not approved.

On their Saturdays sitting Social democrat chairperson J.Bojars called social democrats to focus their efforts to the next victory – to win at least 30% of mandates at the next Saeima election and then to overtake the power in the country. However, the sitting itself took place in rather tense atmosphere – a part of social democrats (presenting town Jelgava) did not agree with the decision of partys leaders and demonstratively left the sitting, as well as the proposal to expel two party members – one for accusing social democrat leader J.Bojars – was not approved. Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Central Statistics Department has published the preliminary results of people census. The final results will be definite at the end of the year.

Central Statistics Department has published the preliminary results of people census. The final results will be definite at the end of the year. Diena

Attorney from Russia S.Belaks has arrived in Riga to defend the rights of accused national bolshevists at court. In Russia S.Belak is known as an attorney of V.Zhirinovsky. The attorney voiced that neither he nor the embassy supports that kind of activities, however, it should be taken into account that the aim of these national bolshevists was not selfish, but political.

Attorney from Russia S.Belaks has arrived in Riga to defend the rights of accused national bolshevists at court. In Russia S.Belak is known as an attorney of V.Zhirinovsky. The attorney voiced that neither he nor the embassy supports that kind of activities, however, it should be taken into account that the aim of these national bolshevists was not selfish, but political. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Panorama Latvii

“Almost half of the residents of Riga are Russians. In Daugavpils almost all residents are Russians. Russians feel discriminated and not taken into account in Latvia”, writes Sweden newspaper

Almost half of the residents of Riga are Russians. In Daugavpils almost all residents are Russians. Russians feel discriminated and not taken into account in Latvia, writes Sweden newspaper Upsala Nya Tidning. In the eyes of many Latvians they are still viewed as occupants. The newspaper also introduces with the activities of FHRUL and opinions of its leaders T.Zhdanok and B.Cilevich. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

84,4% of Latvia’s people can speak Russian and only 81,7% of Latvia’s people can speak Latvian.

84,4% of Latvias people can speak Russian and only 81,7% of Latvias people can speak Latvian. Vesti Segodnja

Press Report

Press Report

Former Riga mayor Andris Argalis, dissatisfied over his party's recent local election campaign and the actions of a number of his party members, wants to lave his position as deputy chairman and board member of FF/LNNK party. An application of such content was handed to the party's board on Thursday, and discussed in a meeting on the same day. Party’s chairman Maris Grinblats said that despite party member efforts at trying to talk Argalis out of the move, he has not dropped his intention and will continue work as a FF/LNNK bench member on the newly elected city council.

Former Riga mayor Andris Argalis, dissatisfied over his party's recent local election campaign and the actions of a number of his party members, wants to lave his position as deputy chairman and board member of FF/LNNK party. An application of such content was handed to the party's board on Thursday, and discussed in a meeting on the same day. Partys chairman Maris Grinblats said that despite party member efforts at trying to talk Argalis out of the move, he has not dropped his intention and will continue work as a FF/LNNK bench member on the newly elected city council.

Argalis mentioned various reasons for leaving his leading post in the party. The former Riga mayor has also claimed that the party's election campaign and personal attacks against him personally from other parties, from which FF/LNNK had not "defended him accordingly," were more reasons for his decision.

Argalis mentioned various reasons for leaving his leading post in the party. The former Riga mayor has also claimed that the party's election campaign and personal attacks against him personally from other parties, from which FF/LNNK had not "defended him accordingly," were more reasons for his decision. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Chas

The group of international and local experts have visited several Latvian institutions and organisations to evaluate situation in the field of human rights and provide their opinion on the necessity to establish ombudsman institution in Latvia. The experts also had a meeting with Presidential working group, which has developed the concept paper on the establishment of ombudsman institution in the country.

The group of international and local experts have visited several Latvian institutions and organisations to evaluate situation in the field of human rights and provide their opinion on the necessity to establish ombudsman institution in Latvia. The experts also had a meeting with Presidential working group, which has developed the concept paper on the establishment of ombudsman institution in the country. Neatkariga, Chas

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent a note to Russian embassy to Latvia asking to prolong for 6 months the agreement, which provided for visas free of charge for the citizens of Russia and Latvia residing at the border for travelling to the neighbouring country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent a note to Russian embassy to Latvia asking to prolong for 6 months the agreement, which provided for visas free of charge for the citizens of Russia and Latvia residing at the border for travelling to the neighbouring country. Neatkariga

Daugavpils Mayor R.Eigims can speak Latvian fluently on different subjects. He has some grammar mistakes, however, it does not disturb communication ability. His Latvian what regards ability to speak corresponds to the third level degree A. However, mayor’s writing skills correspond to level 2 degree A. R.Eigims should improve his writing and speaking skills till 6 July, is stated in the conclusion of the State Language Inspection.

Daugavpils Mayor R.Eigims can speak Latvian fluently on different subjects. He has some grammar mistakes, however, it does not disturb communication ability. His Latvian what regards ability to speak corresponds to the third level degree A. However, mayors writing skills correspond to level 2 degree A. R.Eigims should improve his writing and speaking skills till 6 July, is stated in the conclusion of the State Language Inspection. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Riga City Council turned down the request of national bolshevists to organise a protest meeting in defence to accused national bolshevists on 10 April – the day when their case is reviewed at the court.

Riga City Council turned down the request of national bolshevists to organise a protest meeting in defence to accused national bolshevists on 10 April – the day when their case is reviewed at the court. Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Press Report

Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK will ask at the Coalition Council meeting Monday to assess actions by MPs from two other ruling coalition parties -- Latvia's Way and the People's Party -- which in FF/LNNK opinion had voted against the government position concerning national defence financing. After the FF/LNNK party board meeting late Thursday the party's chairman Maris Grinblats told reporters that FF/LNNK was concerned with the attitude of the other two coalition partners towards the national defence budget as demonstrated at the vote in the Parliament on Thursday.

Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK will ask at the Coalition Council meeting Monday to assess actions by MPs from two other ruling coalition parties -- Latvia's Way and the People's Party -- which in FF/LNNK opinion had voted against the government position concerning national defence financing. After the FF/LNNK party board meeting late Thursday the party's chairman Maris Grinblats told reporters that FF/LNNK was concerned with the attitude of the other two coalition partners towards the national defence budget as demonstrated at the vote in the Parliament on Thursday. BNS

Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK party board late Thursday resolved not to demand its party members holding chairmanship of two Riga city council committees to step down from their offices. After the FF/LNNK board meeting the party chairman Maris Grinblats told reporters that the current situation was somewhat controversial because committee chairman were still a part of the city council leadership and thus together with the opposition forces, Social Democrats and left-wing alliance For Human Rights, which won in recent local elections in Riga.

Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK party board late Thursday resolved not to demand its party members holding chairmanship of two Riga city council committees to step down from their offices. After the FF/LNNK board meeting the party chairman Maris Grinblats told reporters that the current situation was somewhat controversial because committee chairman were still a part of the city council leadership and thus together with the opposition forces, Social Democrats and left-wing alliance For Human Rights, which won in recent local elections in Riga. BNS, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize,

A new head was Thursday appointed to the Latvian delegation to Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly to replace the deceased chairman of the delegation. Vaira Paegle from the People's Party was appointed as the successor to Juris Sinka from Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK, who unexpectedly died from heart attack during visit to China.

A new head was Thursday appointed to the Latvian delegation to Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly to replace the deceased chairman of the delegation. Vaira Paegle from the People's Party was appointed as the successor to Juris Sinka from Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK, who unexpectedly died from heart attack during visit to China. BNS

Three new Saeima deputies replaced the MPs, elected to the Riga City Council. They are T.Ketlers from Latvian Way, Z.Vasaraudze (People’s Party) and G.Freimanis (Latvian Social Democratic Workers’ Party).

Three new Saeima deputies replaced the MPs, elected to the Riga City Council. They are T.Ketlers from Latvian Way, Z.Vasaraudze (Peoples Party) and G.Freimanis (Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party). Diena, Chas

State Language Centre has planned for Friday to examine the state language proficiency level of the new Mayor of Daugavpils City R.Eigim whether it is on the highest – third level. The test will have both parts – written and oral.

State Language Centre has planned for Friday to examine the state language proficiency level of the new Mayor of Daugavpils City R.Eigim whether it is on the highest – third level. The test will have both parts – written and oral. Diena, Panorama Latvii

Panorama Latvii writes that 16 Russian schools remained without first graders. Parents preferred to send their children to Latvian schools. Disregarding the fact that in many of those families nobody speaks any Latvian. Therefore these children are doomed to be lagging behind the rest of the class. And a way to solve the problem of these half-empty Russian speaking schools the Riga City Council sees to close them.

Panorama Latvii writes that 16 Russian schools remained without first graders. Parents preferred to send their children to Latvian schools. Disregarding the fact that in many of those families nobody speaks any Latvian. Therefore these children are doomed to be lagging behind the rest of the class. And a way to solve the problem of these half-empty Russian speaking schools the Riga City Council sees to close them.

TheAdvocate of war veteran V.Kononov announced that his defendant might not study materials of his case because he underwent an eye surgery. He could not give any date when V.Kononov would recover so much to be able to read.

Panorama Latvii

A low-profile Israeli movement has staged a picket at the Latvian Embassy in Israel, demanding that diplomatic relations with Latvia should be terminated over the trial of former Soviet partisan Vassily Kononov charged with war crimes in Latvia. The demonstrators also ripped in pieces the Latvian national flag. BNS

Press Report

Press Report

Election of Riga city council committee heads has triggered disagreements within the Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK party that formally has not joined the ruling coalition in city council but has its members elected as heads of two committees. Party chairman Maris Grinblats told it was not the party's decision and the deputies "had acted on their own" and now the party's board will have to consider the matter. But the rest the government coalition parties (People's Party and Latvia's Way) don't believe the two were elected as committee heads without the party knowing about it.

Election of Riga city council committee heads has triggered disagreements within the Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK party that formally has not joined the ruling coalition in city council but has its members elected as heads of two committees. Party chairman Maris Grinblats told it was not the party's decision and the deputies "had acted on their own" and now the party's board will have to consider the matter. But the rest the government coalition parties (People's Party and Latvia's Way) don't believe the two were elected as committee heads without the party knowing about it. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Respublika, Chas

Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov congratulated new Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars with election to the post voicing a hope his work would promote dialogue between the two cities, Riga town council public relations office reported to

Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov congratulated new Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars with election to the post voicing a hope his work would promote dialogue between the two cities, Riga town council public relations office reported to BNS.

A Latvian lawmaker, the chairman of Latvian delegation to the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, died last night during his visit to the People's Republic of China, the parliament press service reported to BNS on Wednesday. The deceased was Juris Sinka, 73, who represented Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK party in the parliament since 1993. He also was a member of Chechnya and Tibet support groups at the parliament and in 1996 chaired talks between Latvia and Lithuania about the sea border.

A Latvian lawmaker, the chairman of Latvian delegation to the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, died last night during his visit to the People's Republic of China, the parliament press service reported to BNS on Wednesday. The deceased was Juris Sinka, 73, who represented Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK party in the parliament since 1993. He also was a member of Chechnya and Tibet support groups at the parliament and in 1996 chaired talks between Latvia and Lithuania about the sea border. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Lauku Avize, Latvijas Vestnesis

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins Thursday will meet NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Issues Klaus Peter Klaiber to discuss the role of partner countries in NATO and future perspectives of NATO activities, Latvian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman reported to

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins Thursday will meet NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Issues Klaus Peter Klaiber to discuss the role of partner countries in NATO and future perspectives of NATO activities, Latvian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman reported to BNS.

Latvia has made a great progress both in democratic reforms and economic changes during the last decade since the restoration of the country's independence, Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner said Wednesday in Riga. Speaking at a news conference Ferrero-Waldner gave together with Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins, the Austrian minister said that changes had taken place not only in Latvia but the Baltic region in general.

Latvia has made a great progress both in democratic reforms and economic changes during the last decade since the restoration of the country's independence, Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner said Wednesday in Riga. Speaking at a news conference Ferrero-Waldner gave together with Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins, the Austrian minister said that changes had taken place not only in Latvia but the Baltic region in general. BNS, Diena, Latvijas Vestnesis

Yesterday according to the order of Russian Prime Minister M.Kasyanov were increased pensions for war veterans living in Latvia. Prime Minister signed a document stipulating that pension for this category of people should not be less than the minimal pension in their country of residence.

Yesterday according to the order of Russian Prime Minister M.Kasyanov were increased pensions for war veterans living in Latvia. Prime Minister signed a document stipulating that pension for this category of people should not be less than the minimal pension in their country of residence. Chas, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnya

Russia decided to protect its citizens, and today Russian advocate S.Belyak is coming to Riga to participate in the defence of National Bolsheviks arrested last September.

Russia decided to protect its citizens, and today Russian advocate S.Belyak is coming to Riga to participate in the defence of National Bolsheviks arrested last September. Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Press Report

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner on Tuesday at the talks in Riga discussed Latvia's integration in NATO, the presidential press centre reported to

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner on Tuesday at the talks in Riga discussed Latvia's integration in NATO, the presidential press centre reported to BNS. The Latvian president told the foreign minister from neutral Austria about Latvia's action plan for NATO membership and commitment to join the organisation in 2002. Both officials also talked about economic relations and their potential. Vike-Freiberga noted Latvia's increasing trade

with the European Union (EU) member states which indicated further possibilities in trade also with Austria.

with the European Union (EU) member states which indicated further possibilities in trade also with Austria. BNS, Neatkariga, Latvijas Vestnesis

Latvia's Way party will nominate Romualds Razuks to the position of parliament vice-speaker because previous nominee, Edvins Inkens, has withdrawn his candidature. Latvia's Way parliamentary faction chairwoman Kristiana Libane explained to

Latvia's Way party will nominate Romualds Razuks to the position of parliament vice-speaker because previous nominee, Edvins Inkens, has withdrawn his candidature. Latvia's Way parliamentary faction chairwoman Kristiana Libane explained to BNS that the party considered foreign affairs as a priority therefore Inkens should continue as the chairman of the parliamentary committee for foreign affairs. BNS

The Prosecutor General's Office has opened another criminal case over crimes against humanity and genocide and already in March pressed charges against Russian national Nikolai Tess who took part in deportations of Latvian people in 1949. Prosecutor General's Office spokeswoman Dzintra Subrovska said Tess, age 80, is charged over taking part in deportation of Latvian people on March 25, 1949 while himself being an official at section two of Soviet Latvian state security ministry.

The Prosecutor General's Office has opened another criminal case over crimes against humanity and genocide and already in March pressed charges against Russian national Nikolai Tess who took part in deportations of Latvian people in 1949. Prosecutor General's Office spokeswoman Dzintra Subrovska said Tess, age 80, is charged over taking part in deportation of Latvian people on March 25, 1949 while himself being an official at section two of Soviet Latvian state security ministry. BNS, Vesti Segodnya

Russian Foreign Ministry believes the persecution campaign against war and military veterans who fought against fascism is continuing in Latvia, Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement distributed Monday evening. "A regular example of it is the case opened by Latvian prosecutor general against Russian national Nikolay Tess, an 80 year old disabled war veteran, former Soviet Latvian security structures employee, and rejection by a Riga city court of a claim by 84 year old Mikhail Farbtukh, a helpless disabled, to release him from confinement due to his health condition," the statement reads.

Russian Foreign Ministry believes the persecution campaign against war and military veterans who fought against fascism is continuing in Latvia, Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement distributed Monday evening. "A regular example of it is the case opened by Latvian prosecutor general against Russian national Nikolay Tess, an 80 year old disabled war veteran, former Soviet Latvian security structures employee, and rejection by a Riga city court of a claim by 84 year old Mikhail Farbtukh, a helpless disabled, to release him from confinement due to his health condition," the statement reads. BNS

Riga City Council members could not elect the second Vice-Mayor because the two candidates for this post did not receive enough voices. This result proves that Social Democrats are more sure about co-operation with FF/LNNK and they do not need the trust of small parties to give them this important post. Social Democrats have fulfilled one condition put forward by FF/LNNK – on Tuesday the deputies supported the idea within a month to reorganise the Council Board and replace it by a Council Presidium. It would help FF/LNNK while heading commissions to avoid co-operation with For Human Rights in United Latvia.

Riga City Council members could not elect the second Vice-Mayor because the two candidates for this post did not receive enough voices. This result proves that Social Democrats are more sure about co-operation with FF/LNNK and they do not need the trust of small parties to give them this important post. Social Democrats have fulfilled one condition put forward by FF/LNNK – on Tuesday the deputies supported the idea within a month to reorganise the Council Board and replace it by a Council Presidium. It would help FF/LNNK while heading commissions to avoid co-operation with For Human Rights in United Latvia. Diena, Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii, Chas

FF/LNNK admitted yesterday that they could head two permanent commissions at the “red” Riga City Council. According to unofficial information they could be municipal and apartment commissions.

FF/LNNK admitted yesterday that they could head two permanent commissions at the red Riga City Council. According to unofficial information they could be municipal and apartment commissions. Neatkariga

In the annual address to the Federal Parliament Russian President V.Putin stated that Moscow would protect its national interests and compatriots living abroad. “Nobody will be allowed to sort international rights and human freedoms according person’s passport.”

In the annual address to the Federal Parliament Russian President V.Putin stated that Moscow would protect its national interests and compatriots living abroad. Nobody will be allowed to sort international rights and human freedoms according persons passport. Diena

Yesterday Prime Ministers of the Baltic States met with their Swedish colleague J.Pershon. The host informed his guests about the last meeting of the heads of EU member states and his talks with Russian President V.Putin.

Yesterday Prime Ministers of the Baltic States met with their Swedish colleague J.Pershon. The host informed his guests about the last meeting of the heads of EU member states and his talks with Russian President V.Putin. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya

Latvian Business days in Russian city Tver ended with a scandal. Several public organisations opposed the idea to organise the exhibition “ExpoLatvia 2001” due to human rights of Russian speakers in Latvia. Several days before opening this exhibition was circulated a call to boycott this event, and during the opening ceremony a rotten egg was thrown at the Chairman of Latvian – Russian Business Co-operation Council G.Kazeks. After the event in the premises was found a pamphlet with a call to cut Latvians their ears, deprive them from Riga and afterwards to do away with them.

Latvian Business days in Russian city Tver ended with a scandal. Several public organisations opposed the idea to organise the exhibition ExpoLatvia 2001 due to human rights of Russian speakers in Latvia. Several days before opening this exhibition was circulated a call to boycott this event, and during the opening ceremony a rotten egg was thrown at the Chairman of Latvian – Russian Business Co-operation Council G.Kazeks. After the event in the premises was found a pamphlet with a call to cut Latvians their ears, deprive them from Riga and afterwards to do away with them. Jauna Avize, Respublika, Panorama Latvii, Chas