Press Report

The newspapers

The newspapers Diena and Chas introduce their readers with the candidate list and program of Christian Democrats for Riga City Council election.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins considers that the visit of the union For Human Rights in United Latvia will not influence the total process of Latvian – Russian relations. I.Berzins said that Russia realized well the status of this delegation representing only one opposition party.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins considers that the visit of the union For Human Rights in United Latvia will not influence the total process of Latvian – Russian relations. I.Berzins said that Russia realized well the status of this delegation representing only one opposition party. Neatkariga

Respublika

informs that during the meeting of J.Jurkans with Russian Prime Minister they discussed Latvian – Russian relations stressing the situation with Russian speaking population. With every visit of For Human Rights in United Latvia in Moscow the level of meeting gets higher. And judging from the reaction of some Latvian officials, it is clear that they are envious for this success of the opposition.

With every visit of For Human Rights in United Latvia in Moscow the level of meeting gets higher. And judging from the reaction of some Latvian officials, it is clear that they are envious for this success of the opposition. Vesti Segodnya

Newspaper

Newspaper Chas interviewed MP from the New Faction I.Udre. Ms. Udre thinks that the present situation when any decision is taken neither by the Saeima nor government but by some unconstitutional institution – Coalition Council, does to correspond to the Latvian constitution – Satversme. Now the Saeima has lost its meaning, even for the state budget it is responsible just formally. It means that the Satversme has to be changed but not amended.

The candidates for the local government election who so far did not have the state language proficiency certificate from this Thursday will be able to take the state language test at the Riga Commission. The deadline for taking the test is March 1.

The candidates for the local government election who so far did not have the state language proficiency certificate from this Thursday will be able to take the state language test at the Riga Commission. The deadline for taking the test is March 1. Chas

The Head of Latvian bordergards General G.Dabolins thinks that activities of Latvian bordergards are hindered by the fact that faking Latvian citizen’s passports is so simple. From 36 persons, detained by bordergards last year for producing fake identity documents, 25 had fake Latvian citizen’s passports. Only at the Riga international airport there is equipment allowing to distinguish forged identity documents. Everywhere else bordergards have to inspect IDs just with the naked eye.

The Head of Latvian bordergards General G.Dabolins thinks that activities of Latvian bordergards are hindered by the fact that faking Latvian citizens passports is so simple. From 36 persons, detained by bordergards last year for producing fake identity documents, 25 had fake Latvian citizens passports. Only at the Riga international airport there is equipment allowing to distinguish forged identity documents. Everywhere else bordergards have to inspect IDs just with the naked eye. Chas

Just before leaving for an official visit to Moscow Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins told journalists about the priorities of it. First of all – to resume the activities of Latvian – Russian intergovernmental Commission, second – to develop contacts on the highest level possible, especially between the Presidents. And one more news that on March 27-28 will take place a meeting of the co-Chairmen of the Latvian - Russian Inter-governmental commission.

Just before leaving for an official visit to Moscow Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins told journalists about the priorities of it. First of all – to resume the activities of Latvian – Russian intergovernmental Commission, second – to develop contacts on the highest level possible, especially between the Presidents. And one more news that on March 27-28 will take place a meeting of the co-Chairmen of the Latvian - Russian Inter-governmental commission. Respublika

Press Report

Press Report

The originally low profile visit of the left wing Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia to Moscow turned out to be a rather high level event. During it Latvian MP J.Jurkans had a separate meeting with the highest officials of the Russian National Council, President’s administration and the government. At the end of this visit even Russian Prime Minister M.Kasyanov agreed for a half an hour meeting with Latvian MPs. During this meeting they discussed Latvian – Russian relations. At the same time the Saeima Foreign Affairs Commission dissociated itself from the content of these meetings, stating that nobody had authorized this delegation to express the point of view of Latvia.

The originally low profile visit of the left wing Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia to Moscow turned out to be a rather high level event. During it Latvian MP J.Jurkans had a separate meeting with the highest officials of the Russian National Council, Presidents administration and the government. At the end of this visit even Russian Prime Minister M.Kasyanov agreed for a half an hour meeting with Latvian MPs. During this meeting they discussed Latvian – Russian relations. At the same time the Saeima Foreign Affairs Commission dissociated itself from the content of these meetings, stating that nobody had authorized this delegation to express the point of view of Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga

A.Lejins, Director of Latvian Foreign Policy Institute, analyses the Latvian foreign policy priorities, stating that Latvia has made the correct choice deciding to join EU and NATO. The example of what could have happen to Latvia if it decided to join CIS countries is the situation in Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.

A.Lejins, Director of Latvian Foreign Policy Institute, analyses the Latvian foreign policy priorities, stating that Latvia has made the correct choice deciding to join EU and NATO. The example of what could have happen to Latvia if it decided to join CIS countries is the situation in Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. Diena

FF/LNNK deputies G.Krasts and Dz.Rasnacs, the possible allies of Latvian Social Democrats in their vote of non-confidence to the Minister of Economics A.Kalvitis, decided to observe the coalition agreement and not to vote for the draft decision on expressing non-confidence to the Minister of Economics, proposed by the Social Democrats.

FF/LNNK deputies G.Krasts and Dz.Rasnacs, the possible allies of Latvian Social Democrats in their vote of non-confidence to the Minister of Economics A.Kalvitis, decided to observe the coalition agreement and not to vote for the draft decision on expressing non-confidence to the Minister of Economics, proposed by the Social Democrats. Diena, Neatkariga

Yesterday representatives of the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia hold a press conference where they explained journalists the necessity to establish the Council on Non-citizens’ Affairs in Riga. According to calculations even after10 years there will be several hundred thousand non-citizens in Latvia. There is such a council already in Venspils, and several years ago European experts recommended Latvian authorities to give non-citizens the right of vote in local government election.

Yesterday representatives of the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia hold a press conference where they explained journalists the necessity to establish the Council on Non-citizens Affairs in Riga. According to calculations even after10 years there will be several hundred thousand non-citizens in Latvia. There is such a council already in Venspils, and several years ago European experts recommended Latvian authorities to give non-citizens the right of vote in local government election. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

FHRUL faction Chairman J.Jurkans in the framework of his visit to Moscow gave an interview for RTR – Russia’s TV channel.

FHRUL faction Chairman J.Jurkans in the framework of his visit to Moscow gave an interview for RTR – Russias TV channel. Diena writes In general J.Jurkans remains faithful to the usual complaints about the hard life of non-citizens in Latvia. In the opinion of some politicians of FF/LNNK and Peoples Party these visits are harmful to the development of normal relations between the countries. The Saeima has sent an official letter to Russias State Duma stating that it is not an official delegation from Latvias Saeima. Chas, Panorama Latvii

Belgium Prime Minister Guy Verkofstadt praises Latvia’s progress in harmonising legislation, especially the one, which concerns minorities, in its way to the EU. He expressed determination to close as many negation talks’ sections as possible during Belgium Presidency. Belgium Prime Minister informed that during his meeting with the President one of the discussion subjects was also relation between Russia and Latvia.

Belgium Prime Minister Guy Verkofstadt praises Latvias progress in harmonising legislation, especially the one, which concerns minorities, in its way to the EU. He expressed determination to close as many negation talks sections as possible during Belgium Presidency. Belgium Prime Minister informed that during his meeting with the President one of the discussion subjects was also relation between Russia and Latvia. Diena, Jauna, Neatkariga, Respublika

The amendments to the Radio and Television Law probably will not be implemented in the reality, as Committee on European Affairs Chairman E.Ikens is considering a possibility to ask the President not to promulgate the Law and return it to the Saeima. On Thursday the Saeima adopted the following amendments to the Law – not less than 40% of European audio visual works has to be in Latvian during one week and that as of 2006 particularly important events for Latvia’s society could be aired only by such television companies, which cover 90% of Latvia’s territory.

The amendments to the Radio and Television Law probably will not be implemented in the reality, as Committee on European Affairs Chairman E.Ikens is considering a possibility to ask the President not to promulgate the Law and return it to the Saeima. On Thursday the Saeima adopted the following amendments to the Law – not less than 40% of European audio visual works has to be in Latvian during one week and that as of 2006 particularly important events for Latvias society could be aired only by such television companies, which cover 90% of Latvias territory. Diena

USA President G.Bush has sent a letter to the President of Latvia where confirms the will of the USA to continue co-operation between the two countries.

USA President G.Bush has sent a letter to the President of Latvia where confirms the will of the USA to continue co-operation between the two countries. Neatkariga

The new General Consul of Russia to Liepaja J.Popov gives a short interview. As his main task he considers protection the rights of “his citizens”.

The new General Consul of Russia to Liepaja J.Popov gives a short interview. As his main task he considers protection the rights of his citizens.

Panorama Latvii

devotes a whole page to the discussions of the issues concerning the establishment of the Consultative Council on Non-citizen Affairs at Riga City Council. devotes a whole page to the discussions of the issues concerning the establishment of the Consultative Council on Non-citizen Affairs at Riga City Council. Latvia’s teachers of the Russian language went to Pskov. They have meetings with Russian language teachers, officials of Russia’s education administration.

Latvias teachers of the Russian language went to Pskov. They have meetings with Russian language teachers, officials of Russias education administration. Panorama Latvii

The conference “Russia and the EU” was launched yesterday in Moscow. The question for Russia is in what kind of relations Russia has to engage with the EU - should it be co-operation or membership. The Baltic States were mentioned quite often during the first day of the conference as these countries “are turning into a proving ground for improving relations among the USA, Europe and Latvia”.

The conference Russia and the EU was launched yesterday in Moscow. The question for Russia is in what kind of relations Russia has to engage with the EU - should it be co-operation or membership. The Baltic States were mentioned quite often during the first day of the conference as these countries are turning into a proving ground for improving relations among the USA, Europe and Latvia. Respublika

Press Report

Press Report

Russia’s and Latvia’s intergovernmental commissions co-chairmen A.Gorbunovs and A.Blohin agreed to meet in Moscow on 27 and 28 March. Latvia’s ambassador to Russia I.Daudiss hopes that 7 agreements could be signed during this meeting – on the protection of mutual investments, cargo forwards by railway, co-operation in the field of customs, prevention from double taxation, social security, culture and information centre, soldier burial and border agreement.

Russias and Latvias intergovernmental commissions co-chairmen A.Gorbunovs and A.Blohin agreed to meet in Moscow on 27 and 28 March. Latvias ambassador to Russia I.Daudiss hopes that 7 agreements could be signed during this meeting – on the protection of mutual investments, cargo forwards by railway, co-operation in the field of customs, prevention from double taxation, social security, culture and information centre, soldier burial and border agreement. Diena, Neatkariga.

Saeima Citizenship Law implementation commission has concluded that changes in Latvian language examination (such as, instead of 30 words now the essay should be composed of 60) for naturalisation purposes have not decreased the number of people who want to be naturalised, as well as the quality of knowledge and the number of people who have passed the examination.

Saeima Citizenship Law implementation commission has concluded that changes in Latvian language examination (such as, instead of 30 words now the essay should be composed of 60) for naturalisation purposes have not decreased the number of people who want to be naturalised, as well as the quality of knowledge and the number of people who have passed the examination. Diena

Latvia’s Social Democrats have issued 200 000 text books – their pre-election instrument. The book is titled “Unfulfilled Promises of Governing Parties at Riga City Council” and it will be distributed at different public events.

Latvias Social Democrats have issued 200 000 text books – their pre-election instrument. The book is titled Unfulfilled Promises of Governing Parties at Riga City Council and it will be distributed at different public events. Neatkariga

Although the pre-trial investigation in Soviet soldier Kononov’s case was finished, V.Kononov and his attorney after learning the materials of a criminal case have asked to continue investigation.

Although the pre-trial investigation in Soviet soldier Kononovs case was finished, V.Kononov and his attorney after learning the materials of a criminal case have asked to continue investigation. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

Today in Moscow the book Russia – the Baltic States. Councils Reports on Interior and Defence Policy, Materials of Baltic Forum Conference is presented. Baltic Forum chairperson N.Neiland gives more detailed information about his visit agenda in Moscow.

Chas Yesterday at the sitting of Saeima Committee responsible for the implementation of Citizenship Law social democrat deputy A.Barca proposed to reduce state fee for naturalisation. FF/LNNK deputy opposed the proposal. Reduction of the state fee for naturalisation was also included in the recommendations of PACE.

Yesterday at the sitting of Saeima Committee responsible for the implementation of Citizenship Law social democrat deputy A.Barca proposed to reduce state fee for naturalisation. FF/LNNK deputy opposed the proposal. Reduction of the state fee for naturalisation was also included in the recommendations of PACE. Chas

Daugavpils Mayor A.Vidavsky had a sudden visit from the State Language Inspection. He had to pass the test in the Latvian language and was asked to write on two subjects – on the development of the city and reforms in municipalities. The Mayor successfully passed the examination.

Daugavpils Mayor A.Vidavsky had a sudden visit from the State Language Inspection. He had to pass the test in the Latvian language and was asked to write on two subjects – on the development of the city and reforms in municipalities. The Mayor successfully passed the examination. Chas

Vesti Segodnja

considers that Latvias President does not have political power to be able to fulfil the given promises to Russia regarding the observance of the rights of Russian-speaking people, as she was not even able to convince the Saeima to ratify agreement with Australia (on war crime suspect Kalejs). The President can only keep waiting other harsh statements from Russia and keep working on psychological issues - try to convince Russias mass media that the rights of Russians are observed in Latvia. considers that Latvia’s President does not have political power to be able to fulfil the given promises to Russia regarding the observance of the rights of Russian-speaking people, as she was not even able to convince the Saeima to ratify agreement with Australia (on war crime suspect Kalejs). The President can only keep waiting other harsh statements from Russia and keep working on psychological issues - try to convince Russia’s mass media that the rights of Russians are observed in Latvia.

Respublika

informs about the established procedure for airing parties political pre-election campaigns on TV and radio free of charge. informs about the established procedure for airing parties’ political pre-election campaigns on TV and radio free of charge.

Panorama Latvii

publishes the letter of the students parents of Russian Secondary School No 17 to the President V.Vike-Freiberga. According to MoES policy on School System Optimisation this school is going to be closed because of the insufficient number of students. publishes the letter of the students’ parents of Russian Secondary School No 17 to the President V.Vike-Freiberga. According to MoES policy on School System Optimisation this school is going to be closed because of the insufficient number of students.

Panorama Latvii

comments foreign affair minister I.Berzins statement on the necessity to ratify the Framework Convention on National Rights. The newspaper is concerned about the words of the Minister that before ratification we have to give a clear definition what is a national minority. comments foreign affair minister I.Berzins’ statement on the necessity to ratify the Framework Convention on National Rights. The newspaper is concerned about the words of the Minister that “before ratification we have to give a clear definition what is a national minority”.

Panorama Latvia

discusses the necessity to establish the Consultative Council on Non-citizen Matters at Riga City Council. The newspaper does not approve the idea as considers that this kind of establishment will not have any real political power. discusses the necessity to establish the Consultative Council on Non-citizen Matters at Riga City Council. The newspaper does not approve the idea as considers that this kind of establishment will not have any real political power. The Riga City Council Tuesday unexpectedly resolved that the Peter I monument should be donated to St.Petersburg in Russia.

The Riga City Council Tuesday unexpectedly resolved that the Peter I monument should be donated to St.Petersburg in Russia. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika, Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Press Report

Russia’s and Latvia’s intergovernmental commissions co-chairmen A.Gorbunovs and A.Blohin agreed to meet in Moscow on 27 and 28 March. Latvia’s ambassador to Russia I.Daudiss hopes that 7 agreements could be signed during this meeting – on the protection of mutual investments, cargo forwards by railway, co-operation in the field of customs, prevention from double taxation, social security, culture and information centre, soldier burial and border agreement.

Russias and Latvias intergovernmental commissions co-chairmen A.Gorbunovs and A.Blohin agreed to meet in Moscow on 27 and 28 March. Latvias ambassador to Russia I.Daudiss hopes that 7 agreements could be signed during this meeting – on the protection of mutual investments, cargo forwards by railway, co-operation in the field of customs, prevention from double taxation, social security, culture and information centre, soldier burial and border agreement. Diena, Neatkariga.

Saeima Citizenship Law implementation commission has concluded that changes in Latvian language examination (such as, instead of 30 words now the essay should be composed of 60) for naturalisation purposes have not decreased the number of people who want to be naturalised, as well as the quality of knowledge and the number of people who have passed the examination.

Saeima Citizenship Law implementation commission has concluded that changes in Latvian language examination (such as, instead of 30 words now the essay should be composed of 60) for naturalisation purposes have not decreased the number of people who want to be naturalised, as well as the quality of knowledge and the number of people who have passed the examination. Diena

Latvia’s Social Democrats have issued 200 000 text books – their pre-election instrument. The book is titled “Unfulfilled Promises of Governing Parties at Riga City Council” and it will be distributed at different public events.

Latvias Social Democrats have issued 200 000 text books – their pre-election instrument. The book is titled Unfulfilled Promises of Governing Parties at Riga City Council and it will be distributed at different public events. Neatkariga

Although the pre-trial investigation in Soviet soldier Kononov’s case was finished, V.Kononov and his attorney after learning the materials of a criminal case have asked to continue investigation.

Although the pre-trial investigation in Soviet soldier Kononovs case was finished, V.Kononov and his attorney after learning the materials of a criminal case have asked to continue investigation. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

Today in Moscow the book Russia – the Baltic States. Councils Reports on Interior and Defence Policy, Materials of Baltic Forum Conference is presented. Baltic Forum chairperson N.Neiland gives more detailed information about his visit agenda in Moscow.

Chas Yesterday at the sitting of Saeima Committee responsible for the implementation of Citizenship Law social democrat deputy A.Barca proposed to reduce state fee for naturalisation. FF/LNNK deputy opposed the proposal. Reduction of the state fee for naturalisation was also included in the recommendations of PACE.

Yesterday at the sitting of Saeima Committee responsible for the implementation of Citizenship Law social democrat deputy A.Barca proposed to reduce state fee for naturalisation. FF/LNNK deputy opposed the proposal. Reduction of the state fee for naturalisation was also included in the recommendations of PACE. Chas

Daugavpils Mayor A.Vidavsky had a sudden visit from the State Language Inspection. He had to pass the test in the Latvian language and was asked to write on two subjects – on the development of the city and reforms in municipalities. The Mayor successfully passed the examination.

Daugavpils Mayor A.Vidavsky had a sudden visit from the State Language Inspection. He had to pass the test in the Latvian language and was asked to write on two subjects – on the development of the city and reforms in municipalities. The Mayor successfully passed the examination. Chas

Vesti Segodnja

considers that Latvias President does not have political power to be able to fulfil the given promises to Russia regarding the observance of the rights of Russian-speaking people, as she was not even able to convince the Saeima to ratify agreement with Australia (on war crime suspect Kalejs). The President can only keep waiting other harsh statements from Russia and keep working on psychological issues - try to convince Russias mass media that the rights of Russians are observed in Latvia. considers that Latvia’s President does not have political power to be able to fulfil the given promises to Russia regarding the observance of the rights of Russian-speaking people, as she was not even able to convince the Saeima to ratify agreement with Australia (on war crime suspect Kalejs). The President can only keep waiting other harsh statements from Russia and keep working on psychological issues - try to convince Russia’s mass media that the rights of Russians are observed in Latvia.

Respublika

informs about the established procedure for airing parties political pre-election campaigns on TV and radio free of charge. informs about the established procedure for airing parties’ political pre-election campaigns on TV and radio free of charge.

Panorama Latvii

publishes the letter of the students parents of Russian Secondary School No 17 to the President V.Vike-Freiberga. According to MoES policy on School System Optimisation this school is going to be closed because of the insufficient number of students. publishes the letter of the students’ parents of Russian Secondary School No 17 to the President V.Vike-Freiberga. According to MoES policy on School System Optimisation this school is going to be closed because of the insufficient number of students.

Panorama Latvii

comments foreign affair minister I.Berzins statement on the necessity to ratify the Framework Convention on National Rights. The newspaper is concerned about the words of the Minister that before ratification we have to give a clear definition what is a national minority. comments foreign affair minister I.Berzins’ statement on the necessity to ratify the Framework Convention on National Rights. The newspaper is concerned about the words of the Minister that “before ratification we have to give a clear definition what is a national minority”.

Panorama Latvia

discusses the necessity to establish the Consultative Council on Non-citizen Matters at Riga City Council. The newspaper does not approve the idea as considers that this kind of establishment will not have any real political power. discusses the necessity to establish the Consultative Council on Non-citizen Matters at Riga City Council. The newspaper does not approve the idea as considers that this kind of establishment will not have any real political power. The Riga City Council Tuesday unexpectedly resolved that the Peter I monument should be donated to St.Petersburg in Russia.

The Riga City Council Tuesday unexpectedly resolved that the Peter I monument should be donated to St.Petersburg in Russia. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika, Panorama Latvii