Press Report

Press Report

The election of city and regional council chairmen has started with a remarkable leadership of People’s Party although it was the first local government election for this party and it suffered a serious loss of popularity in ratings. Nevertheless from ten local government chairmen, elected by Tuesday, seven were representatives of People’s Party.

The election of city and regional council chairmen has started with a remarkable leadership of Peoples Party although it was the first local government election for this party and it suffered a serious loss of popularity in ratings. Nevertheless from ten local government chairmen, elected by Tuesday, seven were representatives of Peoples Party. Diena

Negotiations of Social Democrats with other political forces elected to Riga City Council came to a break. FF/LNNK whom the right wing parties have authorised to talk with Social Democrats consider that negotiations could be renewed only when Social Democrats name their candidate for the Riga Mayor. LSDWP plans to do it on Wednesday.

Negotiations of Social Democrats with other political forces elected to Riga City Council came to a break. FF/LNNK whom the right wing parties have authorised to talk with Social Democrats consider that negotiations could be renewed only when Social Democrats name their candidate for the Riga Mayor. LSDWP plans to do it on Wednesday. Diena

The Latvian parliamentary defence and interior committee supported for the final reading the bill under which only Latvia's citizens will be able to receive licenses of private detectives, committee chairman Dzintars Kudums reported to

The Latvian parliamentary defence and interior committee supported for the final reading the bill under which only Latvia's citizens will be able to receive licenses of private detectives, committee chairman Dzintars Kudums reported to BNS. The draft law about detective business says that licenses will be granted only to Latvian citizens and detective agencies employing at least one certified detective.

The Latvian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday rejected Russia's accusations about official Latvian authorities supporting the commemoration of soldiers from the Latvian Nazi Waffen SS unit or the so-called Legionnaires and attempting to revise the outcome of World War Two. Foreign Ministry deputy state secretary Armands Gutmanis, who also represents Latvia in the international commission of historians under presidential auspices, told BNS that March 16 commemorations were organised by non-governmental organisations according to the principles of a democratic state, not the Latvian government.

The Latvian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday rejected Russia's accusations about official Latvian authorities supporting the commemoration of soldiers from the Latvian Nazi Waffen SS unit or the so-called Legionnaires and attempting to revise the outcome of World War Two. Foreign Ministry deputy state secretary Armands Gutmanis, who also represents Latvia in the international commission of historians under presidential auspices, told BNS that March 16 commemorations were organised by non-governmental organisations according to the principles of a democratic state, not the Latvian government. BNS

The Russian Foreign Ministry Tuesday criticised the annual March 16 commemoration of soldiers from the Latvian Nazi Waffen SS unit or the so-called Latvian Legion in this Baltic state, stressing the attendance of Latvian lawmakers as well as support and consent of official authorities to the event.

The Russian Foreign Ministry Tuesday criticised the annual March 16 commemoration of soldiers from the Latvian Nazi Waffen SS unit or the so-called Latvian Legion in this Baltic state, stressing the attendance of Latvian lawmakers as well as support and consent of official authorities to the event. BNS, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

Saeima Citizenship Implementation Commission considered that was a necessity to introduce residents ID cards, but acknowledged that was not possible to ensure issuing of these cards by the deadline established by the government – July 1 next year.

Saeima Citizenship Implementation Commission considered that was a necessity to introduce residents ID cards, but acknowledged that was not possible to ensure issuing of these cards by the deadline established by the government – July 1 next year. Neatkariga

OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel is coming on his farewell visit to Latvia tomorrow. He will meet the President, Minister of Justice I.Labucka, Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane and the Chairman of Saeima Juridical Commission L.Mucins.

OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel is coming on his farewell visit to Latvia tomorrow. He will meet the President, Minister of Justice I.Labucka, Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane and the Chairman of Saeima Juridical Commission L.Mucins. Chas

Vesti Segodnya

interviewed the former Councillor to Prime Minister Y.Primakov I.Yurgen when he arrived to Latvia to prepare the conference Russia – Byelorussia – Baltic States in Jurmala. He told the journalist that processes taking place in all those countries were similar. Along with that co-operation of Russia and Byelorussia proceeded, and according to plan all works on establishing a united state should be accomplished in 2005. Therefore it was necessary to collect political scientists and economists to discuss European integration and the future co-operation in this sub-region. interviewed the former Councillor to Prime Minister Y.Primakov I.Yurgen when he arrived to Latvia to prepare the conference “Russia – Byelorussia – Baltic States” in Jurmala. He told the journalist that processes taking place in all those countries were similar. Along with that co-operation of Russia and Byelorussia proceeded, and according to plan all works on establishing a united state should be accomplished in 2005. Therefore it was necessary to collect political scientists and economists to discuss European integration and the future co-operation in this sub-region.

Press Report

Press Report

The Latvian president's chancellery head Martins Bondars, who resigned from the office on the day following municipal elections in Riga, will return to his previous position in the presidential office, he told

The Latvian president's chancellery head Martins Bondars, who resigned from the office on the day following municipal elections in Riga, will return to his previous position in the presidential office, he told BNS after the meeting with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga on Monday. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga on Monday called on political parties to pay more attention the electorate of new citizens or naturalised persons. "All Latvian parties should make it a serious task for themselves to turn to the electorate of new citizens, considering that many of them will vote for the first time, to introduce them to the situation in the country, to other parties and own programs," Vike-Freiberga said in her regular interview to the Latvian Radio.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga on Monday called on political parties to pay more attention the electorate of new citizens or naturalised persons. "All Latvian parties should make it a serious task for themselves to turn to the electorate of new citizens, considering that many of them will vote for the first time, to introduce them to the situation in the country, to other parties and own programs," Vike-Freiberga said in her regular interview to the Latvian Radio. BNS, Neatkariga

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins will be visiting Yugoslavia from Monday till March 20 and Bosnia-Herzegovina on March 21-22, as part of Latvia's presidency on the Council of Europe. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Liga Bergmane said at a press conference that Berzins will visit the two Council of Europe candidate countries as the chairman of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers. During the visit Berzins is scheduled to meet top officials from both countries. Berzins will also meet with OSCE, United Nations and EU representatives.

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins will be visiting Yugoslavia from Monday till March 20 and Bosnia-Herzegovina on March 21-22, as part of Latvia's presidency on the Council of Europe. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Liga Bergmane said at a press conference that Berzins will visit the two Council of Europe candidate countries as the chairman of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers. During the visit Berzins is scheduled to meet top officials from both countries. Berzins will also meet with OSCE, United Nations and EU representatives. BNS, Latvijas Vestnesis

During the first sitting of the newly elected Daugavpils City Council businessman R.Eigim was elected the new Mayor. Ten deputies voted for him but five were against. The new Mayor addressed deputies in a stumbling Latvian language. He agreed to take the state language test on April 6 because the local language inspectors did not manage to test his knowledge before the election.

During the first sitting of the newly elected Daugavpils City Council businessman R.Eigim was elected the new Mayor. Ten deputies voted for him but five were against. The new Mayor addressed deputies in a stumbling Latvian language. He agreed to take the state language test on April 6 because the local language inspectors did not manage to test his knowledge before the election. Diena

Among the supporters of the new Mayor were “Latgales Gaisma”, LSDWP and Union For Human Rights in United Latvia.

Among the supporters of the new Mayor were Latgales Gaisma, LSDWP and Union For Human Rights in United Latvia. Chas

The difference in opinions among Social Democrats, hidden from the electorate during the election, has become evident during the formation of Riga City Council. An exsample for that are the different opinions of Social Democrats’ leaders about the possible Riga Mayor. Part of Social Democrats do not agree with the manner how the Chairman J.Bojars conducts negotiations with the potential coalition partners. Some party members, also the Social Democrats faction leader E.Baldzens called J.Bojars to be more responsive in talks with FF/LNNK.

The difference in opinions among Social Democrats, hidden from the electorate during the election, has become evident during the formation of Riga City Council. An exsample for that are the different opinions of Social Democrats leaders about the possible Riga Mayor. Part of Social Democrats do not agree with the manner how the Chairman J.Bojars conducts negotiations with the potential coalition partners. Some party members, also the Social Democrats faction leader E.Baldzens called J.Bojars to be more responsive in talks with FF/LNNK. Diena

Yesterday Latvian Social Democratic Workers’ Party started negotiations with the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia in attempt to find a common position. Social Democrats Board member J.Dinevics said afterwards that it was not a talk on forming a coalition but just an attempt to harmonise basic positions. In her turn Co-chairman of For Human Rights in United Latvia T.Zdanok informed that they had discussed the possibilities of co-operation and future steps to draft a co-operation agreement.

Yesterday Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party started negotiations with the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia in attempt to find a common position. Social Democrats Board member J.Dinevics said afterwards that it was not a talk on forming a coalition but just an attempt to harmonise basic positions. In her turn Co-chairman of For Human Rights in United Latvia T.Zdanok informed that they had discussed the possibilities of co-operation and future steps to draft a co-operation agreement. Neatkariga

Also the leader of For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans said that they had started to work on a coalition agreement and that the Union would support Social Democrats’ candidate to the Mayor’s post.

Also the leader of For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans said that they had started to work on a coalition agreement and that the Union would support Social Democrats candidate to the Mayors post. Chas

Having received more than 200 mandates in Latvia Social Democrats won the local government election, leaving behind them such parties as Latvian Farmers Union, Latvian Way and People’s Party. But as the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia did not receive so much support the election results do not prove a general victory of left wingers. Although in some municipalities Social Democrats will have a possibility to work in the position and some places even to candidate for the post of Mayor, the majority of these posts will be occupied by the representatives of Latvian Way and People’s Party.

Having received more than 200 mandates in Latvia Social Democrats won the local government election, leaving behind them such parties as Latvian Farmers Union, Latvian Way and Peoples Party. But as the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia did not receive so much support the election results do not prove a general victory of left wingers. Although in some municipalities Social Democrats will have a possibility to work in the position and some places even to candidate for the post of Mayor, the majority of these posts will be occupied by the representatives of Latvian Way and Peoples Party. Diena

The new Russian Ambassador I.Studennikov arrived to Riga on Sunday evening and it is planned that he will hand his letter of accreditation to the Latvian President on March 27. On March 26 he will meet Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins.

The new Russian Ambassador I.Studennikov arrived to Riga on Sunday evening and it is planned that he will hand his letter of accreditation to the Latvian President on March 27. On March 26 he will meet Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins. Diena, Lauku Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

A.Lembergs was elected the Mayor of Venspils for the third time. Upon Lembergs’s proposal were re-elected his first deputy and deputy.

A.Lembergs was elected the Mayor of Venspils for the third time. Upon Lembergss proposal were re-elected his first deputy and deputy. Diena, Chas

Lauku Avize

interviewed some Latvian MPs about the considerable success of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia. J.Snepsts from Peoples Party said that such an outcome of the election was closely linked with the naturalisation process. Latvia has so easy naturalisation norms that almost no country in the world. Therefore these norms should be made stricter. J.Vidins from FF/LNNK blames Latvian Way for its liberal citizenship law. K.Leiskalns (Latvian Way) says that naturalisation process in 97% works in favour of For Human Rights in United Latvia, and the electorate of this Union relies not on socialistic opinions but on the Russian speaking subculture. Mr.Leiskalns still thinks that the citizenship law should not be changed. Other parties just have to wait till people notice that these left-wingers may not fulfil their economic solutions. Responding to the letter of MP Dz.Abikis on the necessity to merge some Russian schools thus decreasing their number in order to optimise the school network,

Responding to the letter of MP Dz.Abikis on the necessity to merge some Russian schools thus decreasing their number in order to optimise the school network, Vesti Segodnya called the deputy and asked what was the reason to close those schools if according to the valid laws in 2004 they would transit to the Latvian language as the language of tuition. The answer was that it might not happen because there was a national minority school program and nobody had abolished it. Nevertheless, if optimisation succeeds Russian schools could not last until 2004 due to integration process. Mr.Abikiss colleague MP Y.Pliner from For Human Rights in United Latvia does not agree to such an interpretation of integration – he calls it assimilation. And he states that there are no objective reasons to reduce the number of Russian schools. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

It seems that the plans of Social Democrats to sign co-operation agreements with the small parties, represented at Riga City Council, to prevent the government forming parties – FF/LNNK, People’s Party and Latvian Way to form a coalition with the support of those small parties could fail. The representatives of several such parties said that they would not sign such an agreement because the leaders of Social Democrats had not clearly stated their goals, potential partners and the candidate for the post of Riga Mayor.

It seems that the plans of Social Democrats to sign co-operation agreements with the small parties, represented at Riga City Council, to prevent the government forming parties – FF/LNNK, Peoples Party and Latvian Way to form a coalition with the support of those small parties could fail. The representatives of several such parties said that they would not sign such an agreement because the leaders of Social Democrats had not clearly stated their goals, potential partners and the candidate for the post of Riga Mayor. Diena

MP Dz.Abikis writes that one of the first tasks of the new Riga City Council will be to adopt the reorganised school network. One of the main reasons for such network is the necessity is to strengthen the Latvian language as the language of tuition in the education system of Latvia. It is not a pleasant task but if they want to utilise the resources available as rationally as possible and also further public integration with the help of the education system, it should be done.

MP Dz.Abikis writes that one of the first tasks of the new Riga City Council will be to adopt the reorganised school network. One of the main reasons for such network is the necessity is to strengthen the Latvian language as the language of tuition in the education system of Latvia. It is not a pleasant task but if they want to utilise the resources available as rationally as possible and also further public integration with the help of the education system, it should be done. Diena

Yesterday the new Russian Ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov arrived to Riga.

Yesterday the new Russian Ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov arrived to Riga. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

A few days ago Russian Minister on Federation Affairs A.Blohin informed mass media on the possible changes in the migration policy of Russia – introducing entry quotas.

A few days ago Russian Minister on Federation Affairs A.Blohin informed mass media on the possible changes in the migration policy of Russia – introducing entry quotas. Chas, Panorama Latvii

On Friday election results were summed up in Daugavpils and the first sitting of the City Council will take place today during which the deputies will elect the Mayor.

On Friday election results were summed up in Daugavpils and the first sitting of the City Council will take place today during which the deputies will elect the Mayor. Chas

II Congress of Russian Citizens adopted an address to their Russian compatriots in Latvia, stating that so far there was no real mechanism of intergovernmental co-operation, and they proposed all Russian compatriots in Latvia to establish their representative organ – Republican Council of Citizens of Russia that should unite no less than 6000 Russian citizens.

Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Press Report

By signing an agreement with Welfare Party Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party hopes to sign similar agreements with several more small parties represented at Riga City Council to get support of nine deputies from these parties and establish a majority for Social Democrats and FF/LNNK coalition. But the Chairman of FF/LNNK objected to such a majority that was achieved only with the representatives of small parties but without Latvian Way and People’s Party.

By signing an agreement with Welfare Party Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party hopes to sign similar agreements with several more small parties represented at Riga City Council to get support of nine deputies from these parties and establish a majority for Social Democrats and FF/LNNK coalition. But the Chairman of FF/LNNK objected to such a majority that was achieved only with the representatives of small parties but without Latvian Way and Peoples Party. Diena, Rigas Balss

The political forces in Riga City Council did not manage to form any coalition yet, and the guilty one is Social Democrats who come out with different announcements almost every day.

The political forces in Riga City Council did not manage to form any coalition yet, and the guilty one is Social Democrats who come out with different announcements almost every day. Neatkariga

Jauna Avize writes that there is a chance for S.Dolgopolov from For Human Rights in United Latvia to become the Vice-Mayor of Riga City Council.

Newspapers published a complete list on the new Riga City Council deputies.

Newspapers published a complete list on the new Riga City Council deputies. Diena, Rigas Balss

After considering more than 15 complains the Central Election Commission has stated that one third of those is to be considered at court.

After considering more than 15 complains the Central Election Commission has stated that one third of those is to be considered at court. Diena, Jauna Avize (19.03)

The Chairman of the Commission A.Cimdars came to a conclusion that there were necessary regular amendments to prevent some uncertainties already before elections and clarify the principles of forming election commissions and criteria of selecting their members.

The Chairman of the Commission A.Cimdars came to a conclusion that there were necessary regular amendments to prevent some uncertainties already before elections and clarify the principles of forming election commissions and criteria of selecting their members. Neatkariga, Chas, Latvijas Vestnesis

On Friday without any much fuss and any incidents the commemoration events of Latvian legionnaires took place. Latvian Archbishop J.Vanags held the commemoration service at the Dome Church. Among the present were several MPs from FF/LNNK and People’s Party.

On Friday without any much fuss and any incidents the commemoration events of Latvian legionnaires took place. Latvian Archbishop J.Vanags held the commemoration service at the Dome Church. Among the present were several MPs from FF/LNNK and Peoples Party. Neatkariga, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnya (19.03)

About 35 – 40 National Bolsheviks held their regular March 16 picket at the Latvian Embassy in Moscow to protest against the celebration of Legionnaires Day in Latvia and calling to release their arrested party members.

About 35 – 40 National Bolsheviks held their regular March 16 picket at the Latvian Embassy in Moscow to protest against the celebration of Legionnaires Day in Latvia and calling to release their arrested party members. Chas

Latvian MFA State Secretary M.Riekstins, commenting the results of the visit of President V.Vike-Freiberga to Lithuania, said that it was a positive one and the relations between Latvia and Lithuania in general were good. He added that there were several issues that needed further solution.

Latvian MFA State Secretary M.Riekstins, commenting the results of the visit of President V.Vike-Freiberga to Lithuania, said that it was a positive one and the relations between Latvia and Lithuania in general were good. He added that there were several issues that needed further solution. Neatkariga

Latvijas Vestnesis gives more details on this visit.

Latvijas Vestnesis gives more details on this visit.

On Thursday afternoon at Riga Secondary School No 6 almost started a fight among about 200 Latvian and Russian students. Press Secretary of Riga Municipal Police K.Brauna told that about 200 youngsters gathered at the School No 6. Some of them wanted to take a revenge for expulsion from this school of two Russian speaking pupils for hooligan behaviour. On Tuesday when those two students were expelled they threatened to take a revenge, they even set a precise time and day for this to happen. To meet the assailants almost all students of the school came out. But the administration called for police that arrived and dispersed the crowd.

On Thursday afternoon at Riga Secondary School No 6 almost started a fight among about 200 Latvian and Russian students. Press Secretary of Riga Municipal Police K.Brauna told that about 200 youngsters gathered at the School No 6. Some of them wanted to take a revenge for expulsion from this school of two Russian speaking pupils for hooligan behaviour. On Tuesday when those two students were expelled they threatened to take a revenge, they even set a precise time and day for this to happen. To meet the assailants almost all students of the school came out. But the administration called for police that arrived and dispersed the crowd. Neatkariga, Chas

L.Fedoseyev in

L.Fedoseyev in Chas comments the decision on granting Public Harmony Awards. He finds it strange that awards were given to those officials whose duty is to do it. L.Fedoseyev writes also about the proposal of the Director of National State Language Training Program A.Priedite, who, speaking about the future integration of Latvian society, said that there was a need to establish a strong national publication in the Russian language to overcome the information splitting of the society.

A.Stroy interviewed the leader of Social Democrats J.Bojars about the results of the Riga City Council election and the future coalition. J.Bojars said that Social Democrats were ready to co-operate with one representative of the ruling coalition – FF/LNNK because the election showed people’s attitude – it was a protest against two ruling parties Latvian Way and People’s Party. When asked about the possible national policy of Social Democrats (preservation of Russian speaking education) the Chairman answered that it was not an issue to be dealt with at the Riga City Council but they would open some new national minority schools for nations that did not have such, Russian were not the only national minority in Riga.

A.Stroy interviewed the leader of Social Democrats J.Bojars about the results of the Riga City Council election and the future coalition. J.Bojars said that Social Democrats were ready to co-operate with one representative of the ruling coalition – FF/LNNK because the election showed peoples attitude – it was a protest against two ruling parties Latvian Way and Peoples Party. When asked about the possible national policy of Social Democrats (preservation of Russian speaking education) the Chairman answered that it was not an issue to be dealt with at the Riga City Council but they would open some new national minority schools for nations that did not have such, Russian were not the only national minority in Riga. Chas

Starting from tomorrow Russia will not let to import cargoes with goods produced in Eastern Asia if they were not transported via overland routs through Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China or Korea or through Russian ports. Manager of the Riga Free Port L.Loginov said that this prohibition ruined the several years long attempts of the Free Port to attract to Riga vendors of Eastern goods. Minister of Communication A.Gorbunov thinks that the impact of this step would not be big and he looks forward for the negotiations with Russia during which it could lift this ban.

Starting from tomorrow Russia will not let to import cargoes with goods produced in Eastern Asia if they were not transported via overland routs through Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China or Korea or through Russian ports. Manager of the Riga Free Port L.Loginov said that this prohibition ruined the several years long attempts of the Free Port to attract to Riga vendors of Eastern goods. Minister of Communication A.Gorbunov thinks that the impact of this step would not be big and he looks forward for the negotiations with Russia during which it could lift this ban. Rigas Balss

Press Report 

Press Report

The Soros Foundation Latvia presented its annual Social Harmony Awards, awarded for special contribution to promotion of harmony between ethnic groups and healthy inter-ethnic environment as well as to strengthening democracy. The awards went to Aina Balasko, head expert of ethnic minority rights at the Naturalisation Board, Aina Priedite, the head of the national program for the Latvian language teaching, and Ramona Umblija, the city council deputy executive director in Ventspils, western Latvia.

The Soros Foundation Latvia presented its annual Social Harmony Awards, awarded for special contribution to promotion of harmony between ethnic groups and healthy inter-ethnic environment as well as to strengthening democracy. The awards went to Aina Balasko, head expert of ethnic minority rights at the Naturalisation Board, Aina Priedite, the head of the national program for the Latvian language teaching, and Ramona Umblija, the city council deputy executive director in Ventspils, western Latvia. Diena, Jauna, Chas, Respublika

FF/LNNK stated that they want stability in Riga Council and that is possible only if the four parties – FF/LNNK, Social Democrats, LW and People’s Party – form a coalition. FF/LLNK council also wants to have an ultimate answer regarding if Social Democrats considers co-operation with FHRUL. “Inability to name the candidate for the post of Mayor shows the lack of unity in the party”, commented FF/LNNK chairman M.Grinblats.

FF/LNNK stated that they want stability in Riga Council and that is possible only if the four parties – FF/LNNK, Social Democrats, LW and Peoples Party – form a coalition. FF/LLNK council also wants to have an ultimate answer regarding if Social Democrats considers co-operation with FHRUL. Inability to name the candidate for the post of Mayor shows the lack of unity in the party, commented FF/LNNK chairman M.Grinblats. Diena

Among 28 European countries Latvia takes the 25th place in students civic education. Latvian teachers are aware of the flaws in civic education therefore new curriculum for social sciences is developed in the framework of the education project funded by the World Bank.

Among 28 European countries Latvia takes the 25th place in students civic education. Latvian teachers are aware of the flaws in civic education therefore new curriculum for social sciences is developed in the framework of the education project funded by the World Bank. Diena

The most real and possible candidate of the Social Democrats to the post of Mayor G.Bojars claims to have a university degree, however, he has an official prove only from his father university which are providing only post graduate studies.

The most real and possible candidate of the Social Democrats to the post of Mayor G.Bojars claims to have a university degree, however, he has an official prove only from his father university which are providing only post graduate studies. Diena, Neatkariga

The Latvian parliament Thursday rejected Social Democrats request for resignation of Interior Minister Mareks Seglins, accused by Social Democrats in lack of professionalism in heading the Interior Ministry.

The Latvian parliament Thursday rejected Social Democrats request for resignation of Interior Minister Mareks Seglins, accused by Social Democrats in lack of professionalism in heading the Interior Ministry. Chas, Neatkariga

According to unofficial information big parties want to split FHRUL in order to form a coalition with only one part of it - People’s Harmony Party headed by J.Jurkans.

According to unofficial information big parties want to split FHRUL in order to form a coalition with only one part of it - Peoples Harmony Party headed by J.Jurkans. Neatkariga

Yesterday Russia’s Government issued the directive providing 19,1 million roubles for the allowances for military pensioners residing in the Baltic countries and not possessing Russia’s citizenship. The amount of the allowance is 417 roubles or three times minimum pension in Russia (about LVL 9) for a military pensioner and 139 roubles for a widow of a military pensioner.

Yesterday Russias Government issued the directive providing 19,1 million roubles for the allowances for military pensioners residing in the Baltic countries and not possessing Russias citizenship. The amount of the allowance is 417 roubles or three times minimum pension in Russia (about LVL 9) for a military pensioner and 139 roubles for a widow of a military pensioner. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Panorama Latvii

interviews private school director O.Isakova who participated at the conference Russian compatriots: from the Support to Co-operation. O.Isakova talks about the possible role of Russia in education of Russian speaking students in Latvia. interviews private school director O.Isakova who participated at the conference “Russian compatriots: from the Support to Co-operation”. O.Isakova talks about the possible role of Russia in education of Russian speaking students in Latvia. The Lithuanian president is proposing leaders from all nine candidate countries for NATO membership make a joint appeal to the new US administration to declare their resolve to continue down the path towards NATO membership. Latvian president Vaira Vike-Freiberga originally proposed the Baltic states make such an appeal during her current state visit in Vilnius. Adamkus liked the idea, but said he felt an appeal by all nine candidates would carry more weight and would be more likely heard than one by the 3 Baltic states. The Latvian president agreed to Adamkus' proposal.

The Lithuanian president is proposing leaders from all nine candidate countries for NATO membership make a joint appeal to the new US administration to declare their resolve to continue down the path towards NATO membership. Latvian president Vaira Vike-Freiberga originally proposed the Baltic states make such an appeal during her current state visit in Vilnius. Adamkus liked the idea, but said he felt an appeal by all nine candidates would carry more weight and would be more likely heard than one by the 3 Baltic states. The Latvian president agreed to Adamkus' proposal. Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

The announcement of the official election results has been postponed for a day, however, the discussions among the parties go on. Social Democrats chairman J.Bojars said that they could offer to FF/LNNK to co-operate on such conditions, that they would not be able to refuse. FF/LNNK chairman M.Grinblats comments that the good offer probably means either seats at Riga Free Port Board or the seat of G.Bojars in the Presidium of the Saeima, however, FF/LNNK considers that they could have these seats without the help of Social Democrats.

The announcement of the official election results has been postponed for a day, however, the discussions among the parties go on. Social Democrats chairman J.Bojars said that they could offer to FF/LNNK to co-operate on such conditions, that they would not be able to refuse. FF/LNNK chairman M.Grinblats comments that the good offer probably means either seats at Riga Free Port Board or the seat of G.Bojars in the Presidium of the Saeima, however, FF/LNNK considers that they could have these seats without the help of Social Democrats. Chas

Other 2 chairpersons of Russian Party blames the third for his self-initiative in signing co-operation agreement with Democratic Party, Labour Party and Latvian Farmers Union to form a coalition Centrs at Riga City Council. Russian Party representative at Riga Council was not authorised to sign the agreement.

Other 2 chairpersons of Russian Party blames the third for his self-initiative in signing co-operation agreement with Democratic Party, Labour Party and Latvian Farmers Union to form a coalition Centrs at Riga City Council. Russian Party representative at Riga Council was not authorised to sign the agreement. Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Chas

columnist L.Fedosejev writes that Latvian Russians are fed up with feeling afraid and they start to feel themselves as a real and influential power and ready to co-operate, however, now it is up to Latvian politicians and mass media in the Latvian language what happens next. columnist L.Fedosejev writes that Latvian Russians are fed up with feeling afraid and they start to feel themselves as a real and influential power and ready to co-operate, however, now it is up to Latvian politicians and mass media in the Latvian language what happens next.

Vesti Segodnja

comes to the conclusion that the best coalition partners for Social Democrats are FHRUL as in that case Social Democrats would have the post of Riga mayor, control over Riga Port and the possibility to implement their programme. comes to the conclusion that the best coalition partners for Social Democrats are FHRUL as in that case Social Democrats would have the post of Riga mayor, control over Riga Port and the possibility to implement their programme. The surviving members of Latvian Nazi Waffen SS unit or the so-called Latvian Legionnaires on Friday traditionally commemorated their fallen brethren-in-arms but the ceremony was more low-key than in previous years.

The surviving members of Latvian Nazi Waffen SS unit or the so-called Latvian Legionnaires on Friday traditionally commemorated their fallen brethren-in-arms but the ceremony was more low-key than in previous years.

This year the Legionnaires had to give up their annual procession to the Freedom Monument in Riga centre, as the monument is under the renovation at the moment, but the commemoration service in the Dome Church was held as usual.

This year the Legionnaires had to give up their annual procession to the Freedom Monument in Riga centre, as the monument is under the renovation at the moment, but the commemoration service in the Dome Church was held as usual. Respublika