Press Report

Press Report

Yesterday was the last day for handing in the lists of candidates for municipal election. As it was foreseen the big cities were the most popular ones – 17 lists of candidates are presented in Riga (it makes 15 candidates for 1 seat), 16 in Jurmala and Jelgava, 8 in Liepaja, Daugavpils, Rezekne, 4 in Ventspils. During the next week the electorates will check if the persons on the lists are entitled to be candidates. One of FHRUL deputy candidates has been already excluded from the list, as he presented a false state language proficiency certificate.

Yesterday was the last day for handing in the lists of candidates for municipal election. As it was foreseen the big cities were the most popular ones – 17 lists of candidates are presented in Riga (it makes 15 candidates for 1 seat), 16 in Jurmala and Jelgava, 8 in Liepaja, Daugavpils, Rezekne, 4 in Ventspils. During the next week the electorates will check if the persons on the lists are entitled to be candidates. One of FHRUL deputy candidates has been already excluded from the list, as he presented a false state language proficiency certificate. Diena, Jauna, Chas, Respublika

For Human Rights in the United Latvia block at Riga City Council is the only one that expressed support to the proposal of the Union of Citizens and Non-citizens to establish Non-citizen Consultative Council at the City Council. If the field of issues the Council would deal with is clear, than the source of funding for this institution is not established. The Union of Citizens and Non-citizens chairman V.Sokolovs considers that it should be funded from municipal budget.

For Human Rights in the United Latvia block at Riga City Council is the only one that expressed support to the proposal of the Union of Citizens and Non-citizens to establish Non-citizen Consultative Council at the City Council. If the field of issues the Council would deal with is clear, than the source of funding for this institution is not established. The Union of Citizens and Non-citizens chairman V.Sokolovs considers that it should be funded from municipal budget. Jauna, Panorama Latvii, Chas.

Vesti Segodnja asks few deputies to express their opinion on the subject. FF/LNNK faction chairperson says that there is no such necessity to establish the institution. FHRUL deputy S.Dolgopolov is convinced that the Council is needed and it could be established even before municipal election. Farmers Union faction chairperson and Latvia’s Way deputy J.Visockis expressed their personal approval to the idea.

Vesti Segodnja asks few deputies to express their opinion on the subject. FF/LNNK faction chairperson says that there is no such necessity to establish the institution. FHRUL deputy S.Dolgopolov is convinced that the Council is needed and it could be established even before municipal election. Farmers Union faction chairperson and Latvias Way deputy J.Visockis expressed their personal approval to the idea.

Panorama Latvii

keeps informing about what difficult situations non-Latvians have to experience because of the State Language Law. This time it is in regard to labels and instructions for medicine – according to the law they have to be only in Latvian and thus people who do not speak Latvian are exposed to serious danger of misusing medicine. keeps informing about what difficult situations non-Latvians have to experience because of the State Language Law. This time it is in regard to labels and instructions for medicine – according to the law they have to be only in Latvian and thus people who do not speak Latvian are exposed to serious danger of misusing medicine.

Chas

gives information about the European Union and what could be the losses and gains for Latvia after the accession. The rights of all residents – both citizens and non-citizens – to vote and run for municipal elections are mentioned as the most positive factor. As the most negative aspect is mentioned that Latvia is too small to have any influence on the processes. gives information about the European Union and what could be the losses and gains for Latvia after the accession. The rights of all residents – both citizens and non-citizens – to vote and run for municipal elections are mentioned as the most positive factor. As the most negative aspect is mentioned that Latvia is too small to have any influence on the processes.

Vesti Segodnja

tries to find out all reasons why Latvian authorities do not like the Convention on National Minority Rights. The emphasis is placed that after adoption national minorities are entitled to use and receive information in their own languages. tries to find out all reasons “why Latvian authorities do not like the Convention on National Minority Rights”. The emphasis is placed that after adoption national minorities are entitled to use and receive information in their own languages. According to Residents’ Register 23 654 persons have not exchanged their former USSR citizen passports for the passports of non-citizens of Latvia. The rough estimation is that 7000 non-citizens have already left Latvia, it leaves 16 645 people who do not have valid documents. These persons can be imposed the fine in the amount of LVL 25 for having non-valid documents.

According to Residents Register 23 654 persons have not exchanged their former USSR citizen passports for the passports of non-citizens of Latvia. The rough estimation is that 7000 non-citizens have already left Latvia, it leaves 16 645 people who do not have valid documents. These persons can be imposed the fine in the amount of LVL 25 for having non-valid documents. Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

As demographic situation in Latvia is getting worse it is planned to close some schools because of insufficient number of students.

As demographic situation in Latvia is getting worse it is planned to close some schools because of insufficient number of students. Vesti Segodnja views this problem in regard to Russian schools.

Respublika

interviews the representative of Latvia at PACE, FHRUL deputy B.Cilevics. He is asked questions about interruption of PACE monitoring in Latvia and adoption of the Convention on National Minorities. interviews the representative of Latvia at PACE, FHRUL deputy B.Cilevics. He is asked questions about interruption of PACE monitoring in Latvia and adoption of the Convention on National Minorities.

Press Report

Press Report

FF/LNNK party member E.Cepurnieks denied that he had given the names of his party members who wanted to bribe state officials in charge of “Latvian Shipping Company” privatisation to the organisation for open society “Delna”. FF/LLNK board asked E.Cepurnieks to reside from the post of the state governor of “Latvian Shipping Company”, however, he was not excluded from the party.

FF/LNNK party member E.Cepurnieks denied that he had given the names of his party members who wanted to bribe state officials in charge of Latvian Shipping Company privatisation to the organisation for open society Delna. FF/LLNK board asked E.Cepurnieks to reside from the post of the state governor of Latvian Shipping Company, however, he was not excluded from the party. Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Jauna, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Ventspils Mayor A.Lembergs is disappointed in Prime Minister A.Berzins. As one of Prime Minister’s faults A.Lembergs mentioned not sufficient effort invested in establishing stable relations with Russia. In this respect, Ventspils Mayor expressed his reproaches also toward Russia’s Government and Putin’s administration, as well as mass media saying that “there are some such newspapers, which shout about any step of our Government in the direction of Russia”.

Ventspils Mayor A.Lembergs is disappointed in Prime Minister A.Berzins. As one of Prime Ministers faults A.Lembergs mentioned not sufficient effort invested in establishing stable relations with Russia. In this respect, Ventspils Mayor expressed his reproaches also toward Russias Government and Putins administration, as well as mass media saying that there are some such newspapers, which shout about any step of our Government in the direction of Russia. Diena

Latvia’s Way and People’s Party expressed their support to Prime Minister’s decision that New Party faction’s four deputies have to be excluded from coalition. New Party chairperson I.Udre considers the decision illegitimate and does not plan to leave the coalition.

Latvias Way and Peoples Party expressed their support to Prime Ministers decision that New Party factions four deputies have to be excluded from coalition. New Party chairperson I.Udre considers the decision illegitimate and does not plan to leave the coalition. Neatkariga, Jauna, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

On Thursday 4 former employees of Russias diplomatic service in Riga whose firing was violation of Latvias Labour Law will organise a picket at the embassy of Russia.

Chas, Panorama Latvii 87 deputy candidates out of 90 who had to take the examination in the state language and prove their language proficiency on level 3 degree either A or B, successfully passed the examination.

87 deputy candidates out of 90 who had to take the examination in the state language and prove their language proficiency on level 3 degree either A or B, successfully passed the examination. Chas

Chas

journalist discusses the necessity to establish an institution, which would deal with non-citizens issues at Riga City Council similar to one in Ventspils. This institution could be the main instrument in preparing non-citizens to become voters at elections in the future. journalist discusses the necessity to establish an institution, which would deal with non-citizens issues at Riga City Council similar to one in Ventspils. This institution could be the main instrument in “preparing” non-citizens to become voters at elections in the future.

Chas

interviews Latvias Way faction chairperson K.Libane. The interview reflects more her personality, memories rather than her political activities and opinions. interviews Latvia’s Way faction chairperson K.Libane. The interview reflects more her personality, memories rather than her political activities and opinions. The book prepared by the Council of Interior and Defence Affairs Policy (CIDAP) chaired by Russia’s political scientist S.Karaganov has appeared in Riga. The book is devoted to the relations between Russia and Latvia and includes the materials of the conferences organised by CIDAP and Baltic Forum. The first copies of the book have been sent to Russia’s President V.Putin and his administration.

The book prepared by the Council of Interior and Defence Affairs Policy (CIDAP) chaired by Russias political scientist S.Karaganov has appeared in Riga. The book is devoted to the relations between Russia and Latvia and includes the materials of the conferences organised by CIDAP and Baltic Forum. The first copies of the book have been sent to Russias President V.Putin and his administration. Vesti Segodnja

Panorama Latvii

informs that as of February the project Golden Ball will be launched. The project is targeted to national minority students and in the framework of it the students will have an opportunity to attend concerts and lectures where people of different nationalities will talk about history and traditions of nationalities residing in Latvia. informs that as of February the project “Golden Ball” will be launched. The project is targeted to national minority students and in the framework of it the students will have an opportunity to attend concerts and lectures where people of different nationalities will talk about history and traditions of nationalities residing in Latvia. Writer S.Belan gives his opinion on the reasons why according to the forecast about 300 000 non-citizens will never go through naturalisation. In his opinion these people could be divided into 2 categories: people of principal and passive pragmatics. He gives deeper characterisation of these two groups.

Writer S.Belan gives his opinion on the reasons why according to the forecast about 300 000 non-citizens will never go through naturalisation. In his opinion these people could be divided into 2 categories: people of principal and passive pragmatics. He gives deeper characterisation of these two groups. Panorama Latvii

Respublika

interviews the moderator of Baltic States Presidents discussion at World Economy Forum Russias political scientist S.Karaganov. In his opinion, Russia would only benefit from the accession of the Baltic States to the EU and all three Baltic States have to be accessed to the EU simultaneously. interviews the moderator of Baltic States Presidents discussion at World Economy Forum Russia’s political scientist S.Karaganov. In his opinion, Russia would only benefit from the accession of the Baltic States to the EU and all three Baltic States have to be accessed to the EU simultaneously. Latvia is among the participants of the international forum “Intolerance Prevention” organised by Swedish Government at Stockholm. Human Rights and Ethnic Research Centre Director N.Muiznieks presents the report on the problems concerning extremism in Latvia. It is revealed that in Latvia exist both sides of extremism – Russian and Latvian.

Latvia is among the participants of the international forum Intolerance Prevention organised by Swedish Government at Stockholm. Human Rights and Ethnic Research Centre Director N.Muiznieks presents the report on the problems concerning extremism in Latvia. It is revealed that in Latvia exist both sides of extremism – Russian and Latvian. Respublika.

Press Report

“Latvia out of all the Baltic countries has chosen the most correct policy in developing its defence system to participate in NATO”, said NATO General Secretary Assistant at the international seminar “Reforms in National Armed Forces” which took place in Cesis. The main goal of the seminar was to learn diverse opinions on the subject.

Latvia out of all the Baltic countries has chosen the most correct policy in developing its defence system to participate in NATO, said NATO General Secretary Assistant at the international seminar Reforms in National Armed Forces which took place in Cesis. The main goal of the seminar was to learn diverse opinions on the subject. Diena, Vesti Segodnja

Latvia’s General Consular J.Audarins in St.Petesburg denied information provided by Russia’s mass media that he had asked personal V.Putins assistance in ensuring security of Latvia’s consulate.

Latvias General Consular J.Audarins in St.Petesburg denied information provided by Russias mass media that he had asked personal V.Putins assistance in ensuring security of Latvias consulate. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

Students who have passed the centralised examination in the Latvian language do not have to re-take the exam, which would determine language proficiency level to perform job and professional duties. However, if they want to be naturalised they will have to pass the exam once again.

Students who have passed the centralised examination in the Latvian language do not have to re-take the exam, which would determine language proficiency level to perform job and professional duties. However, if they want to be naturalised they will have to pass the exam once again. Vesti Segodnja

Latvia’s President has called Latvia’s politicians to think about the reputation of the country and approve the bilateral agreement with Australia on Extradition of War Criminals. FF/LNNK, Social Democrats and People’s Party responded that they are not going to rush with the agreement, as the legal proceeding of Kalejs case in Latvia is not in the interests of our country. In

Latvias President has called Latvias politicians to think about the reputation of the country and approve the bilateral agreement with Australia on Extradition of War Criminals. FF/LNNK, Social Democrats and Peoples Party responded that they are not going to rush with the agreement, as the legal proceeding of Kalejs case in Latvia is not in the interests of our country. In Chas opinion it will cause the first serious conflict among the President and the parties, which supported her.

Panorama Latvii

gives its comments on Latvias Presidents activities at World Economy Forum. The newspaper states that the forum is not so prestigious as it is reflected in Latvian mass media, as only the leaders of new democracies took part in the forum. The conclusion of the newspaper is that nobody took us seriously. gives its comments on Latvia’s President’s activities at World Economy Forum. The newspaper states that the forum is not so prestigious as it is reflected in Latvian mass media, as only the leaders of new democracies took part in the forum. The conclusion of the newspaper is that “nobody took us seriously”. Panorama Latvii gives the reasons of the fall of People’s Party rating. The main reason is that the chairman of the party A.Skele has been involved in many scandals (paedophilia, sale of Ave Lat). According to social poll data only 7% of citizens would vote for People’s party and if party’s rating keeps falling People’s Party will not be among the parties of the next Saeima.

Panorama Latvii gives the reasons of the fall of Peoples Party rating. The main reason is that the chairman of the party A.Skele has been involved in many scandals (paedophilia, sale of Ave Lat). According to social poll data only 7% of citizens would vote for Peoples party and if partys rating keeps falling Peoples Party will not be among the parties of the next Saeima. Panorama Latvii

Panorama Latvii

asked Peoples Harmony Party chairman J.Jurkans about the planned partys visit to Moscow. J.Jurkans could not provide any specific information but the time of the visit – in February and that the meetings most probably will be held with the representatives of left wingers.

Press Report

Press Report

Prime Minister A.Berzins asked 4 deputies of New Party faction to stop their work in coalition, as they voted for the Law on Real Estate Taxes together with the opposition and it is a violation of the coalition agreement as this Law has direct relation to the state budget. The New Party faction deputies are not going to follow the request of Prime Minister.

Prime Minister A.Berzins asked 4 deputies of New Party faction to stop their work in coalition, as they voted for the Law on Real Estate Taxes together with the opposition and it is a violation of the coalition agreement as this Law has direct relation to the state budget. The New Party faction deputies are not going to follow the request of Prime Minister. Diena, Jauna, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Jauna

confronts two popular persons – M.Vulfsons, one of the main political persons, who fought for Latvias independence, and former Communist Party leader A.Rubiks. In M.Vulfsons opinion political parties in Latvia are degraded and he is also disappointed in the President, as she has alienated from the people. M.Vulfsons says that during Gorbachovs times there was more press freedom, as nowadays even such newspapers as confronts two popular persons – M.Vulfsons, one of the main political persons, who fought for Latvia’s independence, and former Communist Party leader A.Rubiks. In M.Vulfsons’ opinion political parties in Latvia are degraded and he is also disappointed in the President, as she has alienated from the people. M.Vulfsons says that during Gorbachov’s times there was more press freedom, as nowadays even such newspapers as Diena, Lauku AvizeDiena, Lauku Avize do not publish his articles where the issues concerning high political powers are discussed. A.Rubiks gives his forecast of Latvias future – if Latvia becomes a member of either the EU or NATO, Latvia and Latvians disappear. do not publish his articles where the issues concerning high political powers are discussed. A.Rubiks gives his forecast of Latvia’s future – if Latvia becomes a member of either the EU or NATO, Latvia and Latvians disappear. In the recent meeting at Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Russia’s President V.Putin stated that “NATO enlargement is a mistake and it is not acceptable for us”. Latvia’s State Secretary of foreign affair M.Riekstins gave a very short comment on the statement “I think, Putin is making a mistake”.

In the recent meeting at Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs Russias President V.Putin stated that NATO enlargement is a mistake and it is not acceptable for us. Latvias State Secretary of foreign affair M.Riekstins gave a very short comment on the statement I think, Putin is making a mistake. Neatkariga

Russia regained its voting rights at PACE. B.Cilevics (FHRUL) and J.Sinka (FF/LNNK) represent Latvia at PACE. B.Cilevics voted for and J.Sinka voted against the re-establishment of Russia’s voting rights.

Russia regained its voting rights at PACE. B.Cilevics (FHRUL) and J.Sinka (FF/LNNK) represent Latvia at PACE. B.Cilevics voted for and J.Sinka voted against the re-establishment of Russias voting rights. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

Russia’s ambassador to Latvia A.Udalcovs went to his farewell visit to Ventspils where he had meetings with Ventspils Mayor, the heads of big companies and enterprises, NGOs members and veterans.

Russias ambassador to Latvia A.Udalcovs went to his farewell visit to Ventspils where he had meetings with Ventspils Mayor, the heads of big companies and enterprises, NGOs members and veterans. Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

On Friday Russia’s Duma Speaker met with Saeima Vice-speaker G.Bojars and New Party deputy I.Stirans. According to G.Bojars the discussion took place in a positive atmosphere.

On Friday Russias Duma Speaker met with Saeima Vice-speaker G.Bojars and New Party deputy I.Stirans. According to G.Bojars the discussion took place in a positive atmosphere. Chas

The Head of Central Electorate A.Cimdars provides some information about municipal election. The number of deputies elected at this election will be lower than at the previous one because of municipal reforms. For the first time election is financed from municipal budgets and the total expenses should not exceed 1 million 40 thousand lats.

The Head of Central Electorate A.Cimdars provides some information about municipal election. The number of deputies elected at this election will be lower than at the previous one because of municipal reforms. For the first time election is financed from municipal budgets and the total expenses should not exceed 1 million 40 thousand lats. Chas

On Friday about 100 people assembled in front of the building of General Prosecutor Office demanding to stop criminal persecution of Soviet Partisan V.Kononov.

On Friday about 100 people assembled in front of the building of General Prosecutor Office demanding to stop criminal persecution of Soviet Partisan V.Kononov. Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnja

Press Report

Press Report

In order to implement the PACE recommendations and ratify the Framework Convention on National Minorities Latvia would have to make some amendments to the legislation that could theoretically mean introducing of two state languages in the territories where majority of residents is Russian speakers if they were defined as a national minority. But the convention does not contain this definition. Every state may define it according its understanding as it has been done by several states. Also Latvia would have to define first what a national minority means in the context of this convention, thinks the Head of Latvian delegation to PACE J.Sinka.

In order to implement the PACE recommendations and ratify the Framework Convention on National Minorities Latvia would have to make some amendments to the legislation that could theoretically mean introducing of two state languages in the territories where majority of residents is Russian speakers if they were defined as a national minority. But the convention does not contain this definition. Every state may define it according its understanding as it has been done by several states. Also Latvia would have to define first what a national minority means in the context of this convention, thinks the Head of Latvian delegation to PACE J.Sinka. Diena

P.Gouble analyses the data of UNDP research stating that ethnic Latvians and ethnic Russians in Latvia have approximately the same income. And the fact that wealth and poverty does not depend on the national belonging helps to explain why ethnic differences have not turned into open political conflicts.

P.Gouble analyses the data of UNDP research stating that ethnic Latvians and ethnic Russians in Latvia have approximately the same income. And the fact that wealth and poverty does not depend on the national belonging helps to explain why ethnic differences have not turned into open political conflicts. Diena

The New Christian Party will be allowed to submit its list of candidates for the local government election although it requested to exchange its name after January 20, when all the lists were published in the newspaper Latvijas Vestnesis.

The New Christian Party will be allowed to submit its list of candidates for the local government election although it requested to exchange its name after January 20, when all the lists were published in the newspaper Latvijas Vestnesis. Diena

The government decided on Tuesday that the State Language Center together with the function of testing the state language proficiency level had to hand over to the Education Content and Examination Center also 2 staff positions with financing of 6119Ls.

The government decided on Tuesday that the State Language Center together with the function of testing the state language proficiency level had to hand over to the Education Content and Examination Center also 2 staff positions with financing of 6119Ls. Diena

Already 80 local government election candidates have passed the state language proficiency test showing the necessary language proficiency level. The Head of the State Language Center Testing Department A.Zuiceva told journalists that yesterday 20 candidates from Riga, Jelgava, Rujiena and some other places had arrived for a test. More than a half of them received the highest evaluation, but three candidates failed.

Already 80 local government election candidates have passed the state language proficiency test showing the necessary language proficiency level. The Head of the State Language Center Testing Department A.Zuiceva told journalists that yesterday 20 candidates from Riga, Jelgava, Rujiena and some other places had arrived for a test. More than a half of them received the highest evaluation, but three candidates failed. Neatkariga

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga arrived to the World Economics Forum in Dallas. She will give a short 5 minutes speech. She has to describe not only the perspectives on Latvia but also talk on the development of relations with Russia.

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga arrived to the World Economics Forum in Dallas. She will give a short 5 minutes speech. She has to describe not only the perspectives on Latvia but also talk on the development of relations with Russia. Chas

Yesterday Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins gave a speech at the PACE meeting describing the situation in Chechnya and his meeting with Russian officials. He had three positive and three negative points.

Yesterday Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins gave a speech at the PACE meeting describing the situation in Chechnya and his meeting with Russian officials. He had three positive and three negative points. Chas