Press Report

Press Report

Igor Studennikov, the new Russian Ambassador to Latvia, met the Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. Both officials discussed the work of the inter-governmental commission and the expected meeting of both commission heads in Moscow this week. Both minister and ambassador agreed that work on the expanding of agreement groundwork must continue with experts working legislative projects of economic, social and educational spheres etc. Consulting opportunities between the Russian and Latvian foreign ministry experts were also discussed.

Igor Studennikov, the new Russian Ambassador to Latvia, met the Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. Both officials discussed the work of the inter-governmental commission and the expected meeting of both commission heads in Moscow this week. Both minister and ambassador agreed that work on the expanding of agreement groundwork must continue with experts working legislative projects of economic, social and educational spheres etc. Consulting opportunities between the Russian and Latvian foreign ministry experts were also discussed. Lauku Avize

Both immigration and emigration rates fell in Latvia last year, according to the Latvian Central Statistics Office. In 2000 a total of 8,030 persons left Latvia for permanent residence abroad and 1,627 people moved to Latvia, a nearly 50 percent reduction from 3,123 immigrants two years ago. As a result of migration, the number of ethnic Latvians in the country fell by 480 persons last year. Most of those who left Latvia or 70 percent emigrated to the CIS states with remaining 30 percent moving to other countries, including 3.6 percent to Lithuania and 2.2 percent to Estonia. Most of immigrants to Latvia also came from the CIS states (61 percent) with remaining 39 percent coming from other countries, including 2 percent from Lithuania and 0.7 percent from Estonia. Russians were in the majority among both emigrants (more than 50%) and immigrants (more than 40%).

Both immigration and emigration rates fell in Latvia last year, according to the Latvian Central Statistics Office. In 2000 a total of 8,030 persons left Latvia for permanent residence abroad and 1,627 people moved to Latvia, a nearly 50 percent reduction from 3,123 immigrants two years ago. As a result of migration, the number of ethnic Latvians in the country fell by 480 persons last year. Most of those who left Latvia or 70 percent emigrated to the CIS states with remaining 30 percent moving to other countries, including 3.6 percent to Lithuania and 2.2 percent to Estonia. Most of immigrants to Latvia also came from the CIS states (61 percent) with remaining 39 percent coming from other countries, including 2 percent from Lithuania and 0.7 percent from Estonia. Russians were in the majority among both emigrants (more than 50%) and immigrants (more than 40%). Neatkariga

Today is the first sitting of the new Riga City Council and the main task for the deputies is to elect the Mayor. The leaders of ruling coalition partners -- the People's Party, Latvia's Way and Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK -- Monday signed an agreement about supporting FF/LNNK mayoral candidate Andris Argalis and also agreed about starting immediately talks with small parties about possible coalition on the Riga City Council. The Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDWP) has gathered enough votes for supporting their candidate Gundars Bojars as Riga Mayor at the Riga City Council vote on Tuesday.

Today is the first sitting of the new Riga City Council and the main task for the deputies is to elect the Mayor. The leaders of ruling coalition partners -- the People's Party, Latvia's Way and Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK -- Monday signed an agreement about supporting FF/LNNK mayoral candidate Andris Argalis and also agreed about starting immediately talks with small parties about possible coalition on the Riga City Council. The Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDWP) has gathered enough votes for supporting their candidate Gundars Bojars as Riga Mayor at the Riga City Council vote on Tuesday.

FHRUL chairman J.Jurkans confirmed that co-operation agreement with social democrats will turn into a coalition agreement in the very closest future. D.Ivans, social democrat deputy who received the most votes among social democrats and the leader of the Awakening, said that he would give up his mandate if social democrats make agreement with FHRUL.

FHRUL chairman J.Jurkans confirmed that co-operation agreement with social democrats will turn into a coalition agreement in the very closest future. D.Ivans, social democrat deputy who received the most votes among social democrats and the leader of the Awakening, said that he would give up his mandate if social democrats make agreement with FHRUL. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Lauku Avize, Panorama Latvii, Respublika, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Lauku Avize

re-publishes the parts of President's interview for Russia's newspaper Izvestija. The President says that in her opinion V.Putin understands the problems in Latvia, however, they could not reach one opinion on the status of Russians in Latvia. V.Vike-Freiberga does not think that Russia could use military power to prevent the joining of the Baltic States to NATO, however, some "diplomatic effort" will be made. re-publishes the parts of President's interview for Russia's newspaper Izvestija. The President says that in her opinion V.Putin understands the problems in Latvia, however, they could not reach one opinion on the status of Russians in Latvia. V.Vike-Freiberga does not think that Russia could use military power to prevent the joining of the Baltic States to NATO, however, some "diplomatic effort" will be made. Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga will be on the official visit to Denmark 28-30 March. She has scheduled meetings with Danish Prime Minister and MP.

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga will be on the official visit to Denmark 28-30 March. She has scheduled meetings with Danish Prime Minister and MP. Lauku Avize

Yesterday was the first day of minister of transport, Latvian-Russian intergovernmental commission co-chairman A.Gorbunov's visit to Moscow. He provided his comments to Chas "I hope that as a result of the meeting our co-operation will become more active, however, I do not believe in that very much".

Yesterday was the first day of minister of transport, Latvian-Russian intergovernmental commission co-chairman A.Gorbunov's visit to Moscow. He provided his comments to Chas "I hope that as a result of the meeting our co-operation will become more active, however, I do not believe in that very much".

Saeima winter session will be closed on 9 April and spring session starts on 23 April.

Saeima winter session will be closed on 9 April and spring session starts on 23 April. Diena

Respublika

gives brief information about Latvias delegation visit to Estonia in order to learn Estonian integration programme. In this regard gives brief information about Latvia’s delegation visit to Estonia in order to learn Estonian integration programme. In this regard RespublikaRespublika provides some facts about Latvias Integration programme – OSCE Mission to Latvia, UN and Freedom House have invested huge amounts of funds in the programme, however, Latvian Government has done nothing to implement the programme, says N.Muiznieks, National Human Rights and Ethnic Research Centre director. provides some facts about Latvia’s Integration programme – “OSCE Mission to Latvia, UN and Freedom House have invested huge amounts of funds in the programme, however, Latvian Government has done nothing to implement the programme”, says N.Muiznieks, National Human Rights and Ethnic Research Centre director. According to Russia's newspaper

According to Russia's newspaper Vedomasti Latvia is the least popular tourism country among the Baltic States for Russia's tourists. The number of Russia's tourists visiting Latvia is 5.5 times less than people going to Estonia and 3,5 times less than tourists whose destination is Lithuania. Vesti Segodnja

Press Report

Social democrats' candidate for Riga mayor G.Bojars has chances to have a majority of votes as the agreement with FHRUL provides their support to social democrats' candidate. FF/LNNK says that if social democrats make an agreement with FHRUL FF/LNNK goes to the opposition. The support to G.Bojars has been promised also from the Welfare Party and union

Social democrats' candidate for Riga mayor G.Bojars has chances to have a majority of votes as the agreement with FHRUL provides their support to social democrats' candidate. FF/LNNK says that if social democrats make an agreement with FHRUL FF/LNNK goes to the opposition. The support to G.Bojars has been promised also from the Welfare Party and union Centrs. Diena

Saturday's issue of Russia's newspaper

Saturday's issue of Russia's newspaper Izvestija writes about Latvian President. "She always reaches her aim and besides that she has been known for her directness and openness". The President also said that she has nothing to regret in what she said in her interview for BBC after she had a meeting with Russia's President. Diena, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Social democrats and FHRUL have "practically signed" the agreement on co-operation in Riga City Council. The agreement also includes rather accurate division of the posts for the members of both parties. The mayor should be social democrat G.Bojars and his deputy should be S.Dolgopolovs from FHRUL. However, the agreement should not be considered "the coalition agreement", it is called "agreement on co-ordinating co-operation".

Social democrats and FHRUL have "practically signed" the agreement on co-operation in Riga City Council. The agreement also includes rather accurate division of the posts for the members of both parties. The mayor should be social democrat G.Bojars and his deputy should be S.Dolgopolovs from FHRUL. However, the agreement should not be considered "the coalition agreement", it is called "agreement on co-ordinating co-operation". Neatkariga, Jauna, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

Yet not registered organisation "Latvian Youth Movement" has planned to organise activities in protest to nationalism in Latvia by the end of April. The main emphasis will be placed on fighting against inequality between citizens and non-citizens.

Yet not registered organisation "Latvian Youth Movement" has planned to organise activities in protest to nationalism in Latvia by the end of April. The main emphasis will be placed on fighting against inequality between citizens and non-citizens. Neatkariga, Jauna

Saeima Human Rights Committee members will visit Estonia to learn Estonian experience concerning national programme "Integration into Estonian Society 2000 - 2007".

Saeima Human Rights Committee members will visit Estonia to learn Estonian experience concerning national programme "Integration into Estonian Society 2000 - 2007". Neatkariga

According to the information sources of both sides the Welfare Party will join FHRUL in the closest future.

According to the information sources of both sides the Welfare Party will join FHRUL in the closest future. Chas

The leading expert in the field of the issues concerning Russian compatriots, the head of the respective department in Academy of Diplomacy at Russian MoFA T.Poloskova is on the visit to Riga and gives a brief interview for

The leading expert in the field of the issues concerning Russian compatriots, the head of the respective department in Academy of Diplomacy at Russian MoFA T.Poloskova is on the visit to Riga and gives a brief interview for Vesti Segodnja. She says that Latvia unfortunately differs from other Baltic countries what regards its attitude to national minorities. T.Poloskova voices that Latvia has done very little in the field of society integration and that actually Latvia is two-community country. Vesti Segodnja.

The Conference of Compatriots obviously will take place in June, says the member of the board T.Zhdanok. The main part of this venture will be the speech of Russia's President V.Putin.

The Conference of Compatriots obviously will take place in June, says the member of the board T.Zhdanok. The main part of this venture will be the speech of Russia's President V.Putin. Panorama Latvii.

NGO "Latvian Russian Co-operation Association" president B.Kotkov spent last week in Moscow meeting with the respective Russian state officials. Among the discussion subjects were the establishment of Russian business organisations and the creation of the International Assistance Foundation to Russians residing abroad.

NGO "Latvian Russian Co-operation Association" president B.Kotkov spent last week in Moscow meeting with the respective Russian state officials. Among the discussion subjects were the establishment of Russian business organisations and the creation of the International Assistance Foundation to Russians residing abroad. Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Press Report

FHRUL chairman J.Jurkans says that they would support G.Bojars (social democrat) for Riga Mayor only on the condition that social democrats sign a coalition agreement with FHRUL. No other forms of co-operation are acceptable.

FHRUL chairman J.Jurkans says that they would support G.Bojars (social democrat) for Riga Mayor only on the condition that social democrats sign a coalition agreement with FHRUL. No other forms of co-operation are acceptable. Diena

The minister of education K.Greiskalns has violated the Law on Corruption - since he has been appointed as a minister he has also been employed as a member of the Police Olympic Centre Board. The minister has been fined with LVL 20.

The minister of education K.Greiskalns has violated the Law on Corruption - since he has been appointed as a minister he has also been employed as a member of the Police Olympic Centre Board. The minister has been fined with LVL 20. Neatkariga.

Chas

talks with the families represented in Latvian politics - a son and father Gundars and Juris Bojars (social democrats) and the Kreitusi (Labour Party). Politicians of different parties - FF/LNNK, social democrats, FHRUL - agreed that if the father was not a politician his son would not be among the top politicians. talks with the families represented in Latvian politics - a son and father Gundars and Juris Bojars (social democrats) and the Kreitusi (Labour Party). Politicians of different parties - FF/LNNK, social democrats, FHRUL - agreed that if the father was not a politician his son would not be among the top politicians. The minister of transport A.Gorbunovs comments the upcoming intergovernmental meeting with Russia. For the interview with the Latvian radio A.Gorbunovs said that although both parties want to co-operate the goals are different and that there is influence of high state officials and that is not always very favourable for Latvia, however, he hopes that "these will be fair negotiations and not only rhetoric".

The minister of transport A.Gorbunovs comments the upcoming intergovernmental meeting with Russia. For the interview with the Latvian radio A.Gorbunovs said that although both parties want to co-operate the goals are different and that there is influence of high state officials and that is not always very favourable for Latvia, however, he hopes that "these will be fair negotiations and not only rhetoric". Chas

One of the biggest publishing houses in Latvia "Vieda" has announced an essay contest for students. The students are invited to submit their works where they would describe what could be "the best way to expel Russians from Latvia".

One of the biggest publishing houses in Latvia "Vieda" has announced an essay contest for students. The students are invited to submit their works where they would describe what could be "the best way to expel Russians from Latvia". Vesti Segodnja

Saturday during the Sweden summit Russian President V.Putin once again drew attention to the problems of Russians residing in the Baltic countries. V.Putin stated that Russia is not against the integration of the Baltic States into the EU, however, he hopes that the EU will keep to pay attention to the issues concerning the protection of national minority rights in these countries before they are accepted to the EU.

Saturday during the Sweden summit Russian President V.Putin once again drew attention to the problems of Russians residing in the Baltic countries. V.Putin stated that Russia is not against the integration of the Baltic States into the EU, however, he hopes that the EU will keep to pay attention to the issues concerning the protection of national minority rights in these countries before they are accepted to the EU. Vesti Segodnja.

FHRUL deputy in the Saeima B.Cilevics gives his considerations about the municipal election in Latvia. He does not see the ground for the excuses made by the members of ruling parties that their loss occurred because recently naturalised citizens were supposed to vote for LW, however, they did not. In B.Cilevics' opinion it should serve as a lesson for the ruling parties - they have to start to learn the needs of the new citizens.

FHRUL deputy in the Saeima B.Cilevics gives his considerations about the municipal election in Latvia. He does not see the ground for the excuses made by the members of ruling parties that their loss occurred because recently naturalised citizens were supposed to vote for LW, however, they did not. In B.Cilevics' opinion it should serve as a lesson for the ruling parties - they have to start to learn the needs of the new citizens. Vesti Segodnja.

Panorama Latvii

interviews the leaders of FHRUL - T.Zhdanok, A.Rubiks and J.Jurkans. All of them consider the election as a victory for their union and all of them emphasise that they will first of all observe the interests of the people who voted for them. interviews the leaders of FHRUL - T.Zhdanok, A.Rubiks and J.Jurkans. All of them consider the election as a victory for their union and all of them emphasise that they will first of all observe the interests of the people who voted for them.

Panorama Latvii

talks with the Central Electorate Chairman A.Cimdars. He reports on violations and flaws in the municipal election and talks about the preparatory work already launched for the next Saeima election, as well as gives answers to the questions about his private life. talks with the Central Electorate Chairman A.Cimdars. He reports on violations and flaws in the municipal election and talks about the preparatory work already launched for the next Saeima election, as well as gives answers to the questions about his private life.

Panorama Latvii

met with social democrat leader J.Bojars and asked about the situation in Riga City Council and social democrats further plans. When asked why social democrats do not want to make a coalition agreement with FHRUL, J.Bojars says because FHRUL is composed of three parties and that would make the work difficult. met with social democrat leader J.Bojars and asked about the situation in Riga City Council and social democrats further plans. When asked why social democrats do not want to make a coalition agreement with FHRUL, J.Bojars says because FHRUL is composed of three parties and that would make the work difficult.

Press Report

Press Report

The meeting between Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and OSCE High Commissioner for Ethnic Minorities Max van der Stoel, scheduled for Friday, will not take place because the commissioner will have to leave for emergency meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna.

The meeting between Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and OSCE High Commissioner for Ethnic Minorities Max van der Stoel, scheduled for Friday, will not take place because the commissioner will have to leave for emergency meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna. BNS

OSCE High Commissioner for Ethnic Minorities Max van der Stoel on Thursday in Riga suggested to eliminate bureaucracy in Latvian language proficiency tests required to obtain the citizenship. Stoel made this suggestion, talking to reporters after the meeting with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins. The OSCE commissioner said that the Latvian language test should be co-ordinated with requirements of the

OSCE High Commissioner for Ethnic Minorities Max van der Stoel on Thursday in Riga suggested to eliminate bureaucracy in Latvian language proficiency tests required to obtain the citizenship. Stoel made this suggestion, talking to reporters after the meeting with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins. The OSCE commissioner said that the Latvian language test should be co-ordinated with requirements of the

Naturalisations test so that a person will not be required to take two examinations. It would also help to boost the number of naturalisations. At the talks on Thursday the Latvian Premier and OSCE commissioner also analysed the pace of naturalisation. Van der Stoel said it was good that the number of naturalisation applications was not falling, while noting that activity was required from both parties seeking or giving the citizenship.

Naturalisations test so that a person will not be required to take two examinations. It would also help to boost the number of naturalisations. At the talks on Thursday the Latvian Premier and OSCE commissioner also analysed the pace of naturalisation. Van der Stoel said it was good that the number of naturalisation applications was not falling, while noting that activity was required from both parties seeking or giving the citizenship. BNS

Prime Minister A.Berzins thanked the High Commissioner for his support to Latvia and pointed out that during his term many important initiatives were implemented – naturalisation process was proceeding successfully, introduced National State Language Training Program. A.Berzins also informed his guest about the adopted National Integration Program and that in 2001 the state had allotted 428 000 Ls for National State Language Training Program.

Prime Minister A.Berzins thanked the High Commissioner for his support to Latvia and pointed out that during his term many important initiatives were implemented – naturalisation process was proceeding successfully, introduced National State Language Training Program. A.Berzins also informed his guest about the adopted National Integration Program and that in 2001 the state had allotted 428 000 Ls for National State Language Training Program. Neatkariga

Diena adds that the High Commissioner stated that Latvian national minority policy has experienced large growth during the last years but added that the number of non-citizens in Latvia was still large.

It is not likely that by Tuesday Social Democrats could agree with FF/LNNK on one candidate for the post of Riga City Mayor although both parties expressed their wish to co-operate. FF/LNNK Council came forward with a call to Latvian Social Democratic Workers’ Party, Latvian Way and People’s Party to vote for A.Argalis as the Mayor. In his turn the candidate of Social Democrats for this post G.Bojars confirmed that Social Democrats would not yield and was sure that they would win in the election of the mayor.

It is not likely that by Tuesday Social Democrats could agree with FF/LNNK on one candidate for the post of Riga City Mayor although both parties expressed their wish to co-operate. FF/LNNK Council came forward with a call to Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party, Latvian Way and Peoples Party to vote for A.Argalis as the Mayor. In his turn the candidate of Social Democrats for this post G.Bojars confirmed that Social Democrats would not yield and was sure that they would win in the election of the mayor. Diena, Neatkariga, Respublika, Chas

In an interview to four Russian newspapers Russian President V.Putin once again pointed out that Russia was concerned about the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia. He said that during a dialogue Russia would demand observing of the legitimate rights of those people. In order to take care of the interests of Russian speakers in Latvia Russia should not start confrontation with Latvia but solve this issued in a dialogue.

In an interview to four Russian newspapers Russian President V.Putin once again pointed out that Russia was concerned about the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia. He said that during a dialogue Russia would demand observing of the legitimate rights of those people. In order to take care of the interests of Russian speakers in Latvia Russia should not start confrontation with Latvia but solve this issued in a dialogue. Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

Saeima Foreign affairs Commission Chairman G.Krasts, commenting this statement said that Russian President demanded that Latvia should introduce the same demands as they were in Europe. But they are already in Latvia, and this is stated by the OSCE experts.

Saeima Foreign affairs Commission Chairman G.Krasts, commenting this statement said that Russian President demanded that Latvia should introduce the same demands as they were in Europe. But they are already in Latvia, and this is stated by the OSCE experts. Neatkariga

Analysing V.Putin’s statement Z.Kac in

Analysing V.Putins statement Z.Kac in Respublika writes that there could be noticed some new developments in the Russian position. At first glance this position seems the same as it was ten years ago, but the situation Latvia has changed. Its is true that the number of non-citizens here is still large. But one must understand the motivation of those people who have naturalised and those who do not do it. But neither Russia nor Latvia analyses it. Both countries should learn from their Western colleagues who speak about Latvian problems precisely but very tactfully.

The leader of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans said that the Union realised the role of “younger brother” what Social Democrats and other future coalition parties intended for it. The Union should support the coalition and for that they would be given the post of the third Vice-Mayor specially created for this purpose (for S.Dolgopolov). This Vice-Mayor will have almost no authority but a car, office and secretary. For this the Union has to support the candidate of Social Democrats G.Bojars. But the Union will never agree with this.

The leader of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans said that the Union realised the role of younger brother what Social Democrats and other future coalition parties intended for it. The Union should support the coalition and for that they would be given the post of the third Vice-Mayor specially created for this purpose (for S.Dolgopolov). This Vice-Mayor will have almost no authority but a car, office and secretary. For this the Union has to support the candidate of Social Democrats G.Bojars. But the Union will never agree with this. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

Social Democrats and Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK have agreed the two parties should form the base of the ruling coalition on Riga city council and can also take up Latvia's Way and the small parties as coalition partners avoiding from Cupertino with the People's Party, Social Democrat leader said. Juris Bojars told reporters Wednesday that a member of FF/LNNK whose name he declined to reveal had reported to Social Democrat board member Maris Tralmaks that FF/LNNK agrees that the "main axis of power" of the coalition in Riga city council will be Social Democrats and FF/LNNK and will also include the small parties. "The raft should be made of as many timbers as possible so it is stable," said Bojars.

Social Democrats and Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK have agreed the two parties should form the base of the ruling coalition on Riga city council and can also take up Latvia's Way and the small parties as coalition partners avoiding from Cupertino with the People's Party, Social Democrat leader said. Juris Bojars told reporters Wednesday that a member of FF/LNNK whose name he declined to reveal had reported to Social Democrat board member Maris Tralmaks that FF/LNNK agrees that the "main axis of power" of the coalition in Riga city council will be Social Democrats and FF/LNNK and will also include the small parties. "The raft should be made of as many timbers as possible so it is stable," said Bojars. BNS, Diena

Social Democrats board Wednesday decided to approve Gundars Bojars as party's candidate for Riga mayor. Bojars was nominated as candidate for Riga mayor with 12 votes against five.

Social Democrats board Wednesday decided to approve Gundars Bojars as party's candidate for Riga mayor. Bojars was nominated as candidate for Riga mayor with 12 votes against five. BNS, Diena, Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii

OSCE High Commissioner for National Minorities Max van der Stoel will be on a farewell visit in Latvia March 22-23, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman told reporters Wednesday. Liga Bergmane said the commissioner is attending most Eastern European countries, as his mandate in July will be taken over by Rolf Ekeus. During his visit in Latvia Stoel will meet Prime Minister Andris Berzins, Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins, Justice Minister Ingrida Labucka, Naturalisation Department Head Eizenija Aldermane and other officials. Bergmane said Stoel, while fulfilling his mandate in Latvia, has helped a lot in developing the state language law and on human rights issues. He also took active involvement in attracting international donors who supported developing and implementation of Latvian language teaching program.

OSCE High Commissioner for National Minorities Max van der Stoel will be on a farewell visit in Latvia March 22-23, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman told reporters Wednesday. Liga Bergmane said the commissioner is attending most Eastern European countries, as his mandate in July will be taken over by Rolf Ekeus. During his visit in Latvia Stoel will meet Prime Minister Andris Berzins, Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins, Justice Minister Ingrida Labucka, Naturalisation Department Head Eizenija Aldermane and other officials. Bergmane said Stoel, while fulfilling his mandate in Latvia, has helped a lot in developing the state language law and on human rights issues. He also took active involvement in attracting international donors who supported developing and implementation of Latvian language teaching program. BNS, Diena, Chas

The newspaper

The newspaper Respublika interviewed several well-known people in Latvia about their opinion on the High Commissioner and his successor. A.Borovkovs, Chairman of Association of Latvian Lawyers said that the High Commissioner was no authority for him and he did not care who would replace him. T.Zhdanok from For Human Rights in United Latvia answered that the High Commissioner had a very strong apparatus and she believed that it would help the new Commissioner to understand the essence of problems. N.Muiznieks Director of Human rights and ethnic studies Research Centre stated that the High Commissioner and his team demonstrated high professionalism in national minority affairs. The new Commissioner is a good diplomat but he lacks understanding of national minority problems. At least so far. Respublika

A.Stroy writes about the attitude towards Max van der Stoel. And she starts with a statement that one of her Latvian acquaintances even named his dog Max van der Dog. But Latvian newspapers called the High Commissioner himself in different names and “Angel of Death of Latvian nation” was one of the mildest. MP B.Cilevich states that input of the High Commissioner in the development of democracy in Latvia is extremely high. In general his tactics of “keeping silent” B.Cilevich finds a success, although concerning Latvia the High Commissioner often lowered the level of his demands. N.Muiznieks adds that the High Commissioner is not popular in Eastern Europe because anybody would be treated in the same why because of the things he has to say.

A.Stroy writes about the attitude towards Max van der Stoel. And she starts with a statement that one of her Latvian acquaintances even named his dog Max van der Dog. But Latvian newspapers called the High Commissioner himself in different names and Angel of Death of Latvian nation was one of the mildest. MP B.Cilevich states that input of the High Commissioner in the development of democracy in Latvia is extremely high. In general his tactics of keeping silent B.Cilevich finds a success, although concerning Latvia the High Commissioner often lowered the level of his demands. N.Muiznieks adds that the High Commissioner is not popular in Eastern Europe because anybody would be treated in the same why because of the things he has to say. Chas

Latvian-Russian inter governmental commission will meet on March 27 in Moscow to agree on resumption of talks about agreements concerning social and economic issues, Latvian co-chairman of the commission told reporters Wednesday following the parliament foreign affairs committee meeting. Anatolijs Gorbunovs, who also is Latvian transport minister, said negotiations on signing of inter governmental agreements, which have been suspended for some time, could resume after the meeting with the Russian task force in Moscow.

Latvian-Russian inter governmental commission will meet on March 27 in Moscow to agree on resumption of talks about agreements concerning social and economic issues, Latvian co-chairman of the commission told reporters Wednesday following the parliament foreign affairs committee meeting. Anatolijs Gorbunovs, who also is Latvian transport minister, said negotiations on signing of inter governmental agreements, which have been suspended for some time, could resume after the meeting with the Russian task force in Moscow. BNS, Diena, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnya

Repeated local elections will be held in central Latvian district Viesturi and eastern district Preili in accordance with respective court rulings passed on Wednesday. Bauska District Court Wednesday resolved to annul the district election commission decision on approving election results in Viesturi, Bauska county, as, the court ruled, the election commission there had permitted gross violations that had probably affected the outcome of the poll. The court ruling is final and cannot be appealed against. Concerning Preili meanwhile the ruling, passed by Preili District Court, was due to four odd bulletins found during the counting of votes. The odd bulletins could influence the election results. The court ruling takes immediate effect and can not be appealed.

Repeated local elections will be held in central Latvian district Viesturi and eastern district Preili in accordance with respective court rulings passed on Wednesday. Bauska District Court Wednesday resolved to annul the district election commission decision on approving election results in Viesturi, Bauska county, as, the court ruled, the election commission there had permitted gross violations that had probably affected the outcome of the poll. The court ruling is final and cannot be appealed against. Concerning Preili meanwhile the ruling, passed by Preili District Court, was due to four odd bulletins found during the counting of votes. The odd bulletins could influence the election results. The court ruling takes immediate effect and can not be appealed. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga

In the competition between Latvian Way and People’s Party, which of those will receive more posts of city mayor, Latvian Way is starting to lead. According to the information received on Wednesday from 10 elected mayors 6 represented Latvian Way.

In the competition between Latvian Way and Peoples Party, which of those will receive more posts of city mayor, Latvian Way is starting to lead. According to the information received on Wednesday from 10 elected mayors 6 represented Latvian Way. Diena

The Union For Human Rights in United Latvia received 13 seats at the Riga City Council although the most optimistic forecast spoke about 6 – 7. The newspaper

The Union For Human Rights in United Latvia received 13 seats at the Riga City Council although the most optimistic forecast spoke about 6 – 7. The newspaper Chas interviewed the person No 1 on their list S.Dolgopolov. He agreed that this election was an election of protest during which people expressed their attitude towards the ruling coalition. Speaking about their possible co-operation partners, S.Dolgopolov said that they were ready to co-operate with all political forces because people had elected all of them, so they had to co-operate. But their faction is ready to work also in the opposition.

Only few residents of Eastern Latvia town Zilupe have used a possibility to submit application documents for naturalisation in Zilupe. Naturalisation Board Rezekne Office organised a road trip to Zilupe to receive these document at the premises of Zilupe municipality but only two applicants arrived. The major obstacles for these people to apply for naturalisation is the comparatively high naturalisation fee and poor knowledge of the state language.

Only few residents of Eastern Latvia town Zilupe have used a possibility to submit application documents for naturalisation in Zilupe. Naturalisation Board Rezekne Office organised a road trip to Zilupe to receive these document at the premises of Zilupe municipality but only two applicants arrived. The major obstacles for these people to apply for naturalisation is the comparatively high naturalisation fee and poor knowledge of the state language. Diena

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will be on an official visit in Denmark March 28-30 to meet Danish Queen Margrethe II, Prime Minister Paul Nyrup Rasmussen and other officials.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will be on an official visit in Denmark March 28-30 to meet Danish Queen Margrethe II, Prime Minister Paul Nyrup Rasmussen and other officials. BNS

A journalist from

A journalist from Vesti Segodnya interviewed the President of the Public Union of Citizens and Non-citizens V.Sokolov about the situation of non-citizens in Latvia. Speaking about the last local government election V.Sokolov says that this was not a liberal election. The very idea of liberalism is discredited in Latvia. The question of the right of vote for non-citizens – it is a mater of citizens. Why it is not solved? The argument is that non-citizens are not ready, unworthy, not loyal. It means – fear. Authorities are afraid of their own people. Latvia is an independent country and it is irreversible process. Therefore all problems should be solved within this country. Not looking either to the East or West.