Press Report

Press Report

As the current Latvia’s ambassador to Russia I.Daudiss has been chosen for the post of Latvia’s ambassador to Great Britain, the speculations on who will be his successor have started. Among the possible candidates to this post are named Latvia’s Way deputy A.Pantelejevs, Saeima vice speaker S.Dreimane, R.Piks, transport minister A.Gorbunovs.

As the current Latvias ambassador to Russia I.Daudiss has been chosen for the post of Latvias ambassador to Great Britain, the speculations on who will be his successor have started. Among the possible candidates to this post are named Latvias Way deputy A.Pantelejevs, Saeima vice speaker S.Dreimane, R.Piks, transport minister A.Gorbunovs. Chas, Diena

Neatkariga

provides information on parties expenses for political campaigns. Latvias Way has declared that they have allocated 400 thousand lats for that purpose, Peoples Party – 320 thousand, FF/LNNK – 300 thousand and LSDP – 100 thousand lats. provides information on parties’ expenses for political campaigns. Latvia’s Way has declared that they have allocated 400 thousand lats for that purpose, People’s Party – 320 thousand, FF/LNNK – 300 thousand and LSDP – 100 thousand lats. On Friday about 120 people assembled at the monument to Soviet Soldiers in Riga and about 60 in Liepaja to celebrate former Soviet Army and Navy Day. The representatives of Russian and Byelorussian embassies were present, too.

On Friday about 120 people assembled at the monument to Soviet Soldiers in Riga and about 60 in Liepaja to celebrate former Soviet Army and Navy Day. The representatives of Russian and Byelorussian embassies were present, too. Vesti Segodnja, Neatkariga, Chas

On that occasion

On that occasion Panorama Latvii asks couple questions to Russian ambassador to Latvia A.Udalcov. The ambassador says that it was rather difficult to represent Russia in Latvia, however, Russia has turn her face to Latvia and it is not just an episod – it is a long-term tendency.

FF/LNNK deputy J.Dobelis received a letter from Russia State Duma deputy V.Alksnis where J.Dobelis received reproaches for his continuos efforts in formatting 2 communities in Latvia. When a journalist from Moscow asked J.Dobelis comment on the letter, J.Dobelis said that there are no comments and he will not reply to Duma deputy V.Alksnis.

FF/LNNK deputy J.Dobelis received a letter from Russia State Duma deputy V.Alksnis where J.Dobelis received reproaches for his continuos efforts in formatting 2 communities in Latvia. When a journalist from Moscow asked J.Dobelis comment on the letter, J.Dobelis said that there are no comments and he will not reply to Duma deputy V.Alksnis. Panorama Latvii

Vesti Segodnja

informs that the new radicals in skirts have appeared in the country. Four girls have started very active campaign against Russian-speaking people residing in Latvia demanding Russian occupants leave the country.

Press Report

Press Report

A.Lejins, Director of Latvian Foreign Policy Institute, analyses the results of the meeting of Latvian and Russian Presidents. He sees it as a positive event. Time for this meeting was chosen right because the policy of Russian MFA concerning Latvia was very aggressive; it imposed its opinions but did not want to keep a dialogue and co-operation. And lately it even doubted the OSCE opinion on Russian speakers’ situation in Latvia. Of course, not openly.

A.Lejins, Director of Latvian Foreign Policy Institute, analyses the results of the meeting of Latvian and Russian Presidents. He sees it as a positive event. Time for this meeting was chosen right because the policy of Russian MFA concerning Latvia was very aggressive; it imposed its opinions but did not want to keep a dialogue and co-operation. And lately it even doubted the OSCE opinion on Russian speakers situation in Latvia. Of course, not openly. Diena

It seems that Latvia will not succeed in avoiding ratifying the Framework convention on national minorities despite the fact that several EU countries have neither signed nor ratified it. But all these countries did not undertake any obligations in this field at the time of joining EU as Latvia did when signing this convention. Estonia is in a similar position, but it added to the convention one definition, stating that Russian minority in Estonia was only those Russians who had lived there historically and now were Estonian citizens. Similar situation is with Turks in Germany. Some EU official voiced an opinion that Latvia could face huge opposition if it tried to adopt a similar definition.

It seems that Latvia will not succeed in avoiding ratifying the Framework convention on national minorities despite the fact that several EU countries have neither signed nor ratified it. But all these countries did not undertake any obligations in this field at the time of joining EU as Latvia did when signing this convention. Estonia is in a similar position, but it added to the convention one definition, stating that Russian minority in Estonia was only those Russians who had lived there historically and now were Estonian citizens. Similar situation is with Turks in Germany. Some EU official voiced an opinion that Latvia could face huge opposition if it tried to adopt a similar definition. Diena

Speaker of the Saeima J.Straume in a TV interview spoke about Latvian integration program. The government has accepted the concept in general, and specialists are working on several tens of programs. An important issue under discussion now is how these resources, provided by international organizations – both governmental and non-governmental, are accumulated and how the mechanism will work. The Saeima adopted the draft law on integration fund in the first reading that caused wide debates. Both position and opposition deputies expressed many objections. It seems that for the second reading this draft law will have to be redrafted. Answering about the reaction to this program from the side of his party colleagues (FF/LNNK), J.Straume said that not only FF/LNNK members were against many aspects of this program, also the left wing block politicians did not like it. Speaker himself finds this program well balanced, and there is a good sample in Estonia where such a fund operates in close co-operation with Western donor countries.

Speaker of the Saeima J.Straume in a TV interview spoke about Latvian integration program. The government has accepted the concept in general, and specialists are working on several tens of programs. An important issue under discussion now is how these resources, provided by international organizations – both governmental and non-governmental, are accumulated and how the mechanism will work. The Saeima adopted the draft law on integration fund in the first reading that caused wide debates. Both position and opposition deputies expressed many objections. It seems that for the second reading this draft law will have to be redrafted. Answering about the reaction to this program from the side of his party colleagues (FF/LNNK), J.Straume said that not only FF/LNNK members were against many aspects of this program, also the left wing block politicians did not like it. Speaker himself finds this program well balanced, and there is a good sample in Estonia where such a fund operates in close co-operation with Western donor countries. Latvijas Vestnesis

Latvian Social Democratic Workers’ Party and the New Faction agreed on common actions in a united block concerning economic, social, energy and privatization issues if a new government were formed.

Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party and the New Faction agreed on common actions in a united block concerning economic, social, energy and privatization issues if a new government were formed. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Respublika

As it was expected the Saeima position deputies rejected the proposal of Social Democrats to express non-confidence to the Minister of Economics A.Kalvitis.

As it was expected the Saeima position deputies rejected the proposal of Social Democrats to express non-confidence to the Minister of Economics A.Kalvitis. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Vesti Segodnya

The leader of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans sent a letter to the Chairman of the National Radio and TV Council O.Rubenis about the statements made by journalists concerning the visit of this faction to Moscow. A decision whether to file a claim with a court will be taken within a week. During a TV show “View from a side” journalists K.Streips and S.Benfelde said that the faction had been financed by some political forces in Russia, thus the faction had violated the law on financing political organizations.

The leader of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans sent a letter to the Chairman of the National Radio and TV Council O.Rubenis about the statements made by journalists concerning the visit of this faction to Moscow. A decision whether to file a claim with a court will be taken within a week. During a TV show View from a side journalists K.Streips and S.Benfelde said that the faction had been financed by some political forces in Russia, thus the faction had violated the law on financing political organizations. Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

National Radio and TV Council decided to close for one day - February 28, close TV station in Daugavpils “TV Million” for violating the State language law norms. After analyzing the broadcasts of this station the council came to a conclusion that 85% of them were in the Russian language.

National Radio and TV Council decided to close for one day - February 28, close TV station in Daugavpils TV Million for violating the State language law norms. After analyzing the broadcasts of this station the council came to a conclusion that 85% of them were in the Russian language. Respublika

S.Mihailov from

S.Mihailov from Panorama Latvii interviewed Russian education experts about the national minority education situation in Latvia. E.Goncharov, Deputy Chairman of Russian Community told about the situation when graduates from Russian speaking schools in Latvia were not able to enter higher education institutions in Russia because of differences in curricula. All people interviewed stated that there was no national Russian school in Latvia and the existence of national minority schools was endangerd here.

The term of Latvian Ambassador to Russia I.Daudiss expires after one moth but struggle for this position has started.

The term of Latvian Ambassador to Russia I.Daudiss expires after one moth but struggle for this position has started. Vesti Segodnya writes about the potential candidates: Deputy Chairman of Latvian Way A.Pantelejevs, MFA Deputy State Secretary M/Virsis, MPs S.Dreimane and R.Piks, as well the Minister of Communications A.Gorbunovs. Chas

Yesterday Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov criticized the situation with national minority human rights in Latvia. He found abnormal the situation when 1/3 of population did not have any citizenship. Minister pointed out that Russia did not demand for its compatriots anything more than any national minority representative had in any European country.

Yesterday Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov criticized the situation with national minority human rights in Latvia. He found abnormal the situation when 1/3 of population did not have any citizenship. Minister pointed out that Russia did not demand for its compatriots anything more than any national minority representative had in any European country. Vesti Segodnya

Latvian – Russian relations have become very active, also from the practical point of view. A few days ago in Riga was finished the third round of negotiations on the draft agreement on social welfare. After two weeks Russia will submit its proposals, and Latvia’s turn will be in March. The final meeting could take place in April – May.

Latvian – Russian relations have become very active, also from the practical point of view. A few days ago in Riga was finished the third round of negotiations on the draft agreement on social welfare. After two weeks Russia will submit its proposals, and Latvias turn will be in March. The final meeting could take place in April – May. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Press Report

Press Report

The leaders of Latvian Way and People’s Party think that the intention of the New Faction and Latvian Social Democratic Workers’ Party to conclude a co-operation agreement that could serve as grounds for forming a new government (according to Social Democrats leader E.Baldzens) does not in any way endanger the present government. This will just make more transparent the relations among politicians that have existed in a hidden way already for a longer time.

The leaders of Latvian Way and Peoples Party think that the intention of the New Faction and Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party to conclude a co-operation agreement that could serve as grounds for forming a new government (according to Social Democrats leader E.Baldzens) does not in any way endanger the present government. This will just make more transparent the relations among politicians that have existed in a hidden way already for a longer time. Diena, Neatkariga, Respublika

Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov went on farewell visits to Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga and Prime Minister A.Berzins. During these meetings he acknowledged that Latvian – Russian relations now might be seen with a cautious optimism. Latvian party has finally showed understanding and support to Russian approach on complex solving of political, economic and humanitarian co-operation problems.

Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov went on farewell visits to Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga and Prime Minister A.Berzins. During these meetings he acknowledged that Latvian – Russian relations now might be seen with a cautious optimism. Latvian party has finally showed understanding and support to Russian approach on complex solving of political, economic and humanitarian co-operation problems. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Latvijas Vestnesis, Respublika, Chas

Chas

informs that the officials of both countries also discussed problems of non-citizens and lack of rights for WW II veterans. Ambassador stated that Russia was interested to be involved in local long term financial projects, but Latvian President reminded that Latvia was still waiting for agreement on preventing double taxation. informs that the officials of both countries also discussed problems of non-citizens and lack of rights for WW II veterans. Ambassador stated that Russia was interested to be involved in local long term financial projects, but Latvian President reminded that Latvia was still waiting for agreement on preventing double taxation. The Saeima Foreign Affairs Commission invited to Riga Latvian Ambassador to Moscow I.Daudiss to get his impression on the future of Latvian – Russian relations. The Ambassador called Latvian government to face its Russian neighbor. Mr.Daudins thinks that it would be necessary to make just a few steps in the humanitarian field that Russia had been demanding for for a long time and the relations would rise to a completely different level.

The Saeima Foreign Affairs Commission invited to Riga Latvian Ambassador to Moscow I.Daudiss to get his impression on the future of Latvian – Russian relations. The Ambassador called Latvian government to face its Russian neighbor. Mr.Daudins thinks that it would be necessary to make just a few steps in the humanitarian field that Russia had been demanding for for a long time and the relations would rise to a completely different level. Vesti Segodnya

Ironical remarks have been made about the intention of Riga City Council to grant the monument of Peter the Great to St.Petersburg. The newspaper “Vremya novostey” sees in it just a pre-election trick.

Ironical remarks have been made about the intention of Riga City Council to grant the monument of Peter the Great to St.Petersburg. The newspaper Vremya novostey sees in it just a pre-election trick. Neatkariga

Yesterday in two Riga offices of the Naturalization Board more than 200 people received the decrees of the Cabinet of Ministers on receiving Latvian citizenship through the process of naturalization. In Riga City Vidzeme and Latgale regional office it was a double festivity because such a decree received also 10 000th Latvian citizen who has naturalized in this office. At this important event was present Head of the Naturalization Board E.Aldermane who greeted the new citizens.

Yesterday in two Riga offices of the Naturalization Board more than 200 people received the decrees of the Cabinet of Ministers on receiving Latvian citizenship through the process of naturalization. In Riga City Vidzeme and Latgale regional office it was a double festivity because such a decree received also 10 000th Latvian citizen who has naturalized in this office. At this important event was present Head of the Naturalization Board E.Aldermane who greeted the new citizens. Neatkariga

None of the ruling coalition faction will support the proposal of Latvian Social Democratic Workers’ Party to expressing non-confidence to the Minister of Economics A.Kalvitis.

None of the ruling coalition faction will support the proposal of Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party to expressing non-confidence to the Minister of Economics A.Kalvitis. Neatkariga

This summer is ending the term of Latvian Ambassador to Russia I.Daudiss. Newspaper

This summer is ending the term of Latvian Ambassador to Russia I.Daudiss. Newspaper Lauku Avize received information that the potential successor to this post could be the Minister of Environment and Regional Development A.Gorbunovs. Head of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Commission G.Krasts told that they have not discussed this candidature.

Latvia’s Revival Party, not represented in the Saeima, sent a letter to the highest state officials with a request to recall Latvian Ambassador to Sweden J.Dripe because the party finds his activities in this post as unsuccessful. The Ambassador has not taken any steps in the case of Swedish ship and now in the scandal with the documentary “Buy Bye Beauty”.

Latvias Revival Party, not represented in the Saeima, sent a letter to the highest state officials with a request to recall Latvian Ambassador to Sweden J.Dripe because the party finds his activities in this post as unsuccessful. The Ambassador has not taken any steps in the case of Swedish ship and now in the scandal with the documentary Buy Bye Beauty. Lauku Avize

Lauku Avize

interviewed Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins about the meeting of Latvian and Russian Presidents, the process of is preparation and the future of relations between those countries. Lack of choice among political parties stimulates the ruling coalition in Latvia to maintain unity but the least mistake in calculations may case falling of the government. This was the decision made in Economist Intelligence Unit experts’ evaluation on short term political risks in Latvia. Experts pointed out that with approaching of local government election disputes in the government intensified.

Lack of choice among political parties stimulates the ruling coalition in Latvia to maintain unity but the least mistake in calculations may case falling of the government. This was the decision made in Economist Intelligence Unit experts evaluation on short term political risks in Latvia. Experts pointed out that with approaching of local government election disputes in the government intensified. Neatkariga, Respublika

Today the Saeima plans to consider in the first reading the draft law on the Integration Program Found. International donors insist that such found has to be established otherwise no money would be granted. A.Story in

Today the Saeima plans to consider in the first reading the draft law on the Integration Program Found. International donors insist that such found has to be established otherwise no money would be granted. A.Story in Chas writes that integration takes time but even more time is necessary for its bureaucratic drawing up.

Yesterday 20 deputies from the factions For Human Rights in United Latvia and Latvian Social Democratic Workers’ Party failed with the Constitutional Court a case on unconformity of the law on pensions to the Latvian constitution and European human rights convention. The deputies ask to abolish the norm stipulating that the time during which non-citizen was employed outside the territory of Latvia was not included in the calculation of his pension. Due to this article pensions for Latvian non-citizens are less than those of citizens.

Yesterday 20 deputies from the factions For Human Rights in United Latvia and Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party failed with the Constitutional Court a case on unconformity of the law on pensions to the Latvian constitution and European human rights convention. The deputies ask to abolish the norm stipulating that the time during which non-citizen was employed outside the territory of Latvia was not included in the calculation of his pension. Due to this article pensions for Latvian non-citizens are less than those of citizens. Panorama Latvii

The leaders of the ruling coalition asked President V.Vike-Freiberga to give them the fist hand report on her meeting with Russian President. Afterwards the leaders of People’s Party A.Skele and FF/LNNK M.Grinblats pointed out that during this meeting they came to a conclusion that in future when arranging relations with Russia, it was necessary to preserve self-respect.

The leaders of the ruling coalition asked President V.Vike-Freiberga to give them the fist hand report on her meeting with Russian President. Afterwards the leaders of Peoples Party A.Skele and FF/LNNK M.Grinblats pointed out that during this meeting they came to a conclusion that in future when arranging relations with Russia, it was necessary to preserve self-respect. Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Press Report

D.Araja in

D.Araja in Diena writes that there has been little research done on that part of electorate that received Latvian citizenship through naturalization process, and therefor it is difficult to foresee what political party would be their choice. Most likely the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia hopes for these voters, because during their visit to Moscow MPs already started to discuss the possible co-operation with the local municipality. Ethnic issues specialists and leaders of national minority NGOs are not so sure in their forecasts. They think that the new citizens will not concentrate on one political power but look into the direction of left and center parties. Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center Director N.Muiznieks considers that the new citizens could vote mainly for 5 lists – For Human Rights in United Latvia, Latvian Way, Latvian Democratic Party, Peoples Party and Russian Party.

Union FF/LNNK will ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins to arrive to the faction’s meeting and explain his opinion on Latvian legionnaires. The Union has received a letter for the Society of National Soldiers where the former legionnaires express their incomprehension about what they see as contemptuous statements, made by the Minister in the newspaper

Union FF/LNNK will ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins to arrive to the factions meeting and explain his opinion on Latvian legionnaires. The Union has received a letter for the Society of National Soldiers where the former legionnaires express their incomprehension about what they see as contemptuous statements, made by the Minister in the newspaper Lauku Avize, on the Latvian SS Legion. Diena, Neatkariga

The leader of the Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans told Diena that it was too ear to start talking about a general change of mood in Latvian – Russian relations. Representative of Russian government expressed their wish to intensify negotiations, but there was still a long way to arrange economic relations because they wanted to stress also human rights issues, especially ratification of framework convention on national minorities and elaborating its norms into the existent legislation on social and political rights of residents.

The leader of the Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans told Diena that it was too ear to start talking about a general change of mood in Latvian – Russian relations. Representative of Russian government expressed their wish to intensify negotiations, but there was still a long way to arrange economic relations because they wanted to stress also human rights issues, especially ratification of framework convention on national minorities and elaborating its norms into the existent legislation on social and political rights of residents. Diena

President V.Vike-Freiberga does not find the visit of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia to Moscow as anything extraordinary. Nevertheless the President found the fact that the Russian Prime Minister received the delegation as not corresponding to the diplomatic practice.

President V.Vike-Freiberga does not find the visit of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia to Moscow as anything extraordinary. Nevertheless the President found the fact that the Russian Prime Minister received the delegation as not corresponding to the diplomatic practice. Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii

Panorama Latvii

interviewed Deputy Mayor of Moscow A.Perelygin on the results of Latvian opposition delegation visit to the government of Moscow. This meeting had a practical side as well both parties discussed a possibility for Latvian construction companies to take part in a tender on construction a residential complex in Moscow. interviewed Deputy Mayor of Moscow A.Perelygin on the results of Latvian opposition delegation visit to the government of Moscow. This meeting had a practical side as well both parties discussed a possibility for Latvian construction companies to take part in a tender on construction a residential complex in Moscow. During his farewell visit to the Latvian Saeima Speaker J.Straume Russian Ambassador A.Udaltsov said that a dialog between Russia and Latvia had been started on the highest level and it was important let the recent discussions of both presidents had a concrete and practical continuation.

During his farewell visit to the Latvian Saeima Speaker J.Straume Russian Ambassador A.Udaltsov said that a dialog between Russia and Latvia had been started on the highest level and it was important let the recent discussions of both presidents had a concrete and practical continuation. Neatkariga

Saeima Speaker J.Straume together with the Saeima delegation started an official visit to Finland. During this visit they will have meetings with Finnish Parliament Speaker R.Osulkainen, political groups in the Parliament and President T.Halonen.

Saeima Speaker J.Straume together with the Saeima delegation started an official visit to Finland. During this visit they will have meetings with Finnish Parliament Speaker R.Osulkainen, political groups in the Parliament and President T.Halonen. Neatkariga, Rigas Balss

A.Arbatov, Deputy Chairman of Russian National Council Defense Commission thinks that Russia has changed her priorities in relations with the Baltic States. Both in economic and military fields. With the new President relations with former USSR republics have become more serious in these both fields.

A.Arbatov, Deputy Chairman of Russian National Council Defense Commission thinks that Russia has changed her priorities in relations with the Baltic States. Both in economic and military fields. With the new President relations with former USSR republics have become more serious in these both fields. Respublika

In her press interview to Latvian Radio President V.Vike-Freiberga spoke about Latvian – Russian relations and their future. Latvian party could expect from Russia a certain change that would allow starting solving several exact bilateral co-operation issues; a whole set of agreements had remained without any development and reaction from Russian side, starting with border agreement and the still valid draft law on imposing economic sanctions against Latvia. From Latvian side Latvian authorities could work more seriously trying to explain what was the real situation in the fields that worry Russia very much.

In her press interview to Latvian Radio President V.Vike-Freiberga spoke about Latvian – Russian relations and their future. Latvian party could expect from Russia a certain change that would allow starting solving several exact bilateral co-operation issues; a whole set of agreements had remained without any development and reaction from Russian side, starting with border agreement and the still valid draft law on imposing economic sanctions against Latvia. From Latvian side Latvian authorities could work more seriously trying to explain what was the real situation in the fields that worry Russia very much. Latvijas Vestnesis

Press Report

Press Report

D.Araja in

D.Araja in Diena writes that there has been little research done on that part of electorate that received Latvian citizenship through naturalization process, and therefor it is difficult to foresee what political party would be their choice. Most likely the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia hopes for these voters, because during their visit to Moscow MPs already started to discuss the possible co-operation with the local municipality. Ethnic issues specialists and leaders of national minority NGOs are not so sure in their forecasts. They think that the new citizens will not concentrate on one political power but look into the direction of left and center parties. Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center Director N.Muiznieks considers that the new citizens could vote mainly for 5 lists – For Human Rights in United Latvia, Latvian Way, Latvian Democratic Party, Peoples Party and Russian Party.

Union FF/LNNK will ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins to arrive to the faction’s meeting and explain his opinion on Latvian legionnaires. The Union has received a letter for the Society of National Soldiers where the former legionnaires express their incomprehension about what they see as contemptuous statements, made by the Minister in the newspaper

Union FF/LNNK will ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins to arrive to the factions meeting and explain his opinion on Latvian legionnaires. The Union has received a letter for the Society of National Soldiers where the former legionnaires express their incomprehension about what they see as contemptuous statements, made by the Minister in the newspaper Lauku Avize, on the Latvian SS Legion. Diena, Neatkariga

The leader of the Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans told Diena that it was too ear to start talking about a general change of mood in Latvian – Russian relations. Representative of Russian government expressed their wish to intensify negotiations, but there was still a long way to arrange economic relations because they wanted to stress also human rights issues, especially ratification of framework convention on national minorities and elaborating its norms into the existent legislation on social and political rights of residents.

The leader of the Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans told Diena that it was too ear to start talking about a general change of mood in Latvian – Russian relations. Representative of Russian government expressed their wish to intensify negotiations, but there was still a long way to arrange economic relations because they wanted to stress also human rights issues, especially ratification of framework convention on national minorities and elaborating its norms into the existent legislation on social and political rights of residents. Diena

President V.Vike-Freiberga does not find the visit of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia to Moscow as anything extraordinary. Nevertheless the President found the fact that the Russian Prime Minister received the delegation as not corresponding to the diplomatic practice.

President V.Vike-Freiberga does not find the visit of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia to Moscow as anything extraordinary. Nevertheless the President found the fact that the Russian Prime Minister received the delegation as not corresponding to the diplomatic practice. Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii

Panorama Latvii

interviewed Deputy Mayor of Moscow A.Perelygin on the results of Latvian opposition delegation visit to the government of Moscow. This meeting had a practical side as well both parties discussed a possibility for Latvian construction companies to take part in a tender on construction a residential complex in Moscow. interviewed Deputy Mayor of Moscow A.Perelygin on the results of Latvian opposition delegation visit to the government of Moscow. This meeting had a practical side as well both parties discussed a possibility for Latvian construction companies to take part in a tender on construction a residential complex in Moscow. During his farewell visit to the Latvian Saeima Speaker J.Straume Russian Ambassador A.Udaltsov said that a dialog between Russia and Latvia had been started on the highest level and it was important let the recent discussions of both presidents had a concrete and practical continuation.

During his farewell visit to the Latvian Saeima Speaker J.Straume Russian Ambassador A.Udaltsov said that a dialog between Russia and Latvia had been started on the highest level and it was important let the recent discussions of both presidents had a concrete and practical continuation. Neatkariga

Saeima Speaker J.Straume together with the Saeima delegation started an official visit to Finland. During this visit they will have meetings with Finnish Parliament Speaker R.Osulkainen, political groups in the Parliament and President T.Halonen.

Saeima Speaker J.Straume together with the Saeima delegation started an official visit to Finland. During this visit they will have meetings with Finnish Parliament Speaker R.Osulkainen, political groups in the Parliament and President T.Halonen. Neatkariga, Rigas Balss

A.Arbatov, Deputy Chairman of Russian National Council Defense Commission thinks that Russia has changed her priorities in relations with the Baltic States. Both in economic and military fields. With the new President relations with former USSR republics have become more serious in these both fields.

A.Arbatov, Deputy Chairman of Russian National Council Defense Commission thinks that Russia has changed her priorities in relations with the Baltic States. Both in economic and military fields. With the new President relations with former USSR republics have become more serious in these both fields. Respublika

In her press interview to Latvian Radio President V.Vike-Freiberga spoke about Latvian – Russian relations and their future. Latvian party could expect from Russia a certain change that would allow starting solving several exact bilateral co-operation issues; a whole set of agreements had remained without any development and reaction from Russian side, starting with border agreement and the still valid draft law on imposing economic sanctions against Latvia. From Latvian side Latvian authorities could work more seriously trying to explain what was the real situation in the fields that worry Russia very much.

In her press interview to Latvian Radio President V.Vike-Freiberga spoke about Latvian – Russian relations and their future. Latvian party could expect from Russia a certain change that would allow starting solving several exact bilateral co-operation issues; a whole set of agreements had remained without any development and reaction from Russian side, starting with border agreement and the still valid draft law on imposing economic sanctions against Latvia. From Latvian side Latvian authorities could work more seriously trying to explain what was the real situation in the fields that worry Russia very much. Latvijas Vestnesis