Press Report

Press Report

Friday Liepaja City Court found G.Landmanis, the publisher of the newspaper “Patriot”, guilty and he has been sentenced to 6 months in jail. The court established that the materials published in “Patriots” kindled national hatred and contained negative, humiliating attitude toward Jews and other nationalities.

Friday Liepaja City Court found G.Landmanis, the publisher of the newspaper Patriot, guilty and he has been sentenced to 6 months in jail. The court established that the materials published in Patriots kindled national hatred and contained negative, humiliating attitude toward Jews and other nationalities. Diena, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii

State Language Centre will examine violations in LNT (Latvian Independent Television) programmes. The National Television and Radio Board established that LNT has several times violated the State Language law by showing the movies dubbed in the Russian language with Latvian subtitles.

State Language Centre will examine violations in LNT (Latvian Independent Television) programmes. The National Television and Radio Board established that LNT has several times violated the State Language law by showing the movies dubbed in the Russian language with Latvian subtitles. Diena

Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development V.Makarovs recalled his offence to Minister of Finance G.Berzins that G.Berzins has some relation to money laundering. V.Makarovs admitted that he had not formulated his opinion very clearly.

Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development V.Makarovs recalled his offence to Minister of Finance G.Berzins that G.Berzins has some relation to money laundering. V.Makarovs admitted that he had not formulated his opinion very clearly. Jauna, Diena, Vesti Segodnja

“Russia is not satisfied with the situation in Latvia and Estonia. The Russian language has to have the status of the state language”, was stated by the high official of Russia’s Foreign Affair Ministry in the interview for Internet portal

Russia is not satisfied with the situation in Latvia and Estonia. The Russian language has to have the status of the state language, was stated by the high official of Russias Foreign Affair Ministry in the interview for Internet portal Strana.ru. He admitted that there have been some positive changes, however, in general the situation is bad. Neatkariga

“Russia will not keep silent about war crimes committed by the NATO in Yugoslavia” voiced the chairman of the Investigation Commission on NATO war crimes in Yugoslavia at Russia’s State Duma. The Baltic countries are also mentioned in the report – “theses countries have to take more responsibility for these crimes as they supported the aggression”.

Russia will not keep silent about war crimes committed by the NATO in Yugoslavia voiced the chairman of the Investigation Commission on NATO war crimes in Yugoslavia at Russias State Duma. The Baltic countries are also mentioned in the report – theses countries have to take more responsibility for these crimes as they supported the aggression. Vesti Segodnja

It has been 10 years since January events when the people of the Baltic States went on barricades to defend the independence of their countries. Russian newspapers in Latvia reflects these events in two ways –

It has been 10 years since January events when the people of the Baltic States went on barricades to defend the independence of their countries. Russian newspapers in Latvia reflects these events in two ways – Vesti Segodnja and Panorama Latvii publishe articles where these events are reflected in a very ironic way, the seriousness of these events are heavily doubted and from the point of view of these newspapers todays Latvia is not the one people defended 10 years ago; Chas reproaches that nowadays when these events are discussed the role of Russian speaking people who also took part in these events have been forgotten and neglected.

The Head of Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane gives her opinion about the choice of new citizens at municipal election. She thinks that the new citizens will be active participants at municipal election and they will pay more attention to the personalities of candidates than to which party a candidate belongs to.

The Head of Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane gives her opinion about the choice of new citizens at municipal election. She thinks that the new citizens will be active participants at municipal election and they will pay more attention to the personalities of candidates than to which party a candidate belongs to. Chas

According to the social poll in December the most popular party was FF/LNNK, then goes Social Democrats, the Union for Human Rights in the United Latvia and Latvia’s Way.

According to the social poll in December the most popular party was FF/LNNK, then goes Social Democrats, the Union for Human Rights in the United Latvia and Latvias Way. Chas

25 January Baltic Russian Institute Education and Culture Centre and Association of Russian Speaking Schools will organise celebration of Russian education in Latvia.

Vesti Segodnja

Famous Latvian composer and ex-chairman of New party R.Pauls received greetings from the presidents of Russia and Ukraine for his 65th birthday. Although there are some disagreements between our countries, Russia still loves you, says Putin.

Press Report

Press Report

According to the data of the Naturalisation Board the rapid increase of naturalisation applicants after abolishing of the naturalisation “windows”, last year the interest for Latvian citizenship decreased. In 2000 there was a record number of persons receiving Latvian citizenship, but the number of applications decreased. Naturalisation Board management and political scientists foresee that the number of applicants will not decrease essentially this year.

According to the data of the Naturalisation Board the rapid increase of naturalisation applicants after abolishing of the naturalisation windows, last year the interest for Latvian citizenship decreased. In 2000 there was a record number of persons receiving Latvian citizenship, but the number of applications decreased. Naturalisation Board management and political scientists foresee that the number of applicants will not decrease essentially this year. Diena, Neatkariga

On Thursday Swedish Embassy in Latvia sent a note to the Latvian MFA where Latvia was urged to implement the decision of the International Arbitrage Court that charged Latvia to pay Swedish company SwemBalt 3 million USD as compensation for its ship turned into scrap metal.

On Thursday Swedish Embassy in Latvia sent a note to the Latvian MFA where Latvia was urged to implement the decision of the International Arbitrage Court that charged Latvia to pay Swedish company SwemBalt 3 million USD as compensation for its ship turned into scrap metal. Diena

Diena

published an article of P.Goble where he analysed the research of Estonian and Scottish scientists Baltic Barometer. Although Latvian Social Democratic Workers’ Party Riga organisation adopted its list for Riga City Council election, and candidates there were numbered according the alphabet, Deputy Chairman of this organisation J.Dinevics acknowledged that No 1 on this list could be D.Ivans, No2 – MP G.Bojars and No 3 – J.Gulbis. The list in the final version will be adopted on January 17 at the LSDWP Council meeting.

Although Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party Riga organisation adopted its list for Riga City Council election, and candidates there were numbered according the alphabet, Deputy Chairman of this organisation J.Dinevics acknowledged that No 1 on this list could be D.Ivans, No2 – MP G.Bojars and No 3 – J.Gulbis. The list in the final version will be adopted on January 17 at the LSDWP Council meeting. Diena, Rigas Balss

Prosecutor General’s Office once more accused the 75 years old red guerrilla man V.Kononov of committing war time crimes. He was interrogated as the person accused, and the victims started to study materials of the case.

Prosecutor Generals Office once more accused the 75 years old red guerrilla man V.Kononov of committing war time crimes. He was interrogated as the person accused, and the victims started to study materials of the case. Diena, Rigas Balss, Panorama Latvii

On Thursday morning the leader of the Saeima FF/LNNK faction M.Grinblats caused unrest in the government concerning privatisation of Latvian Shipping Company by announcing that privatisation of SHC could influence the fate of the government, but already in the afternoon he said that this privatisation process should not be linked with the stability of the government, just FF/LNNK would find it difficult to take a common responsibility for it. Prime Minister A.Berzins was convinced in an interview to the Latvian Radio that FF/LNNK would not leave the government due to the SHC privatisation regulations.

On Thursday morning the leader of the Saeima FF/LNNK faction M.Grinblats caused unrest in the government concerning privatisation of Latvian Shipping Company by announcing that privatisation of SHC could influence the fate of the government, but already in the afternoon he said that this privatisation process should not be linked with the stability of the government, just FF/LNNK would find it difficult to take a common responsibility for it. Prime Minister A.Berzins was convinced in an interview to the Latvian Radio that FF/LNNK would not leave the government due to the SHC privatisation regulations. Diena, Jauna Avize, Vesti Segodnya

S.Tocs in

Neatkariga writes that for several years public opinion polls show that about 80% of Latvian population stand for popularly elected president. Majority of politicians ignores this fact although support of establishing such an institution could become an important trump during the next election. S.Tocs considers that politicians should respect the wish of the population, and the state system and first of all legislation should correspond to what people think to be just.

Answering to the request of MP R.Pauls Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs said in a radio interview that MFA had always paid a lot of attention to establishing relations with Russia because one of Latvian priorities was establishing good neighbourly relations. The Minister said that there is a special department in the Ministry dealing Latvian – Russian and CIS states relations. The Minister also said that he was going to Russia next week as the Chairman of the CoE Council of Ministers and meet with hi s Russian colleague. Neatkariga

T.Ramishvili, Director of the International Co-operation Department of Russian MFA said in an interview that they would continue stating that in countries where Russians constituted one half or at least one third it was necessary to give the Russian language status of the second language or at least the official language. Lately Russia has made its position tougher concerning states that, according to Russias opinion, might be accused of violations of the rights of Russian speakers. And many connect these changes with the position of Russian President V.Putin. Respublika

Byelorussian Embassy in Latvia informs that, due to issuing of visas by the Russian Federation in the Republic of Latvia for non-citizens of Latvia, starting from January 2001 Latvian non-citizens crossing the territory of the Republic of Byelorussia by transit will need visa. Chas

Press Report

Press Report

The New Party has planned in its congress, taking place on Saturday, to overcome the crisis in the organisation and put the main stress on Christian values. It may be also reflected in the name of the party – the New Christian Party. The Chairman of the party A.Slesers told

The New Party has planned in its congress, taking place on Saturday, to overcome the crisis in the organisation and put the main stress on Christian values. It may be also reflected in the name of the party – the New Christian Party. The Chairman of the party A.Slesers told Diena that instead the members who had left the organisation many new people have joined it and many from the Christian Academy, among them also priest G.Dislers. According to unofficial information he could be at the head of the party. Diena

Answering to the People’s Party call to consider competency of the Minister of Environment V.Makarovs and a possibility to remain in his post after his harsh statements about the Minister of Economics G.Berzins, Prime Minister A.Berzins decided to discuss with both Ministers the reasons for this discord and possibilities to overcome it.

Answering to the Peoples Party call to consider competency of the Minister of Environment V.Makarovs and a possibility to remain in his post after his harsh statements about the Minister of Economics G.Berzins, Prime Minister A.Berzins decided to discuss with both Ministers the reasons for this discord and possibilities to overcome it. Diena, Rigas Balss, Respublika

The dispute between both Ministers arose on Tuesday when G.Berzins objected to the amendments to the law on living area rent proposed by V.Makarovs. People’s Party invited V.Makarovs to the faction meeting to give explanations.

The dispute between both Ministers arose on Tuesday when G.Berzins objected to the amendments to the law on living area rent proposed by V.Makarovs. Peoples Party invited V.Makarovs to the faction meeting to give explanations. Diena, Jauna Avize, Lauku Avize, Rigas Balss

Neatkariga

states that Peoples Party will request Makarovss resignation. The Minister of Special Portfolio in State Reforms Affairs J.Krumins considers that implementation of regional local government reform should be started in the middle of March after the local government election. The final stage of the regional reform that according to the Minister’s model would be establishing of 5 second level local governments, will be possible only during the next Saeima.

The Minister of Special Portfolio in State Reforms Affairs J.Krumins considers that implementation of regional local government reform should be started in the middle of March after the local government election. The final stage of the regional reform that according to the Ministers model would be establishing of 5 second level local governments, will be possible only during the next Saeima. Diena

The Council of Social Democrats decided on Wednesday to finish the discussion on establishing an institution of a popularly elected president in the middle of February at the Latvian Social Democratic Party Council meeting and then take the final decision. The deputy Chairman of the party E.Baldzens do not support this idea; he thinks that it is necessary to submit to the Saeima amendments to the Satversme aiming to increase president’s authority in foreign affairs thus bringing Latvia closer to EU and NATO.

The Council of Social Democrats decided on Wednesday to finish the discussion on establishing an institution of a popularly elected president in the middle of February at the Latvian Social Democratic Party Council meeting and then take the final decision. The deputy Chairman of the party E.Baldzens do not support this idea; he thinks that it is necessary to submit to the Saeima amendments to the Satversme aiming to increase presidents authority in foreign affairs thus bringing Latvia closer to EU and NATO. Diena

Since the beginning of the naturalisation process in 1995 altogether have naturalised 38 700 residents of Latvia. Only last year – 14 900. During these years Latvian citizenship have received also 5132 underage children. Statistics shows that among them 68.64% are women. Speaking about nationalities – Russians are 65.7%, Byelorussians – 10%, Ukrainians – 7.96%, Estonians – 6.59%.

Since the beginning of the naturalisation process in 1995 altogether have naturalised 38 700 residents of Latvia. Only last year – 14 900. During these years Latvian citizenship have received also 5132 underage children. Statistics shows that among them 68.64% are women. Speaking about nationalities – Russians are 65.7%, Byelorussians – 10%, Ukrainians – 7.96%, Estonians – 6.59%. Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii, Lauku Avize

According to the data of the Human Rights Office, the number of written complains in 1999 increased for 30% but oral consultations – for 60%. In 2000 the Office received 837 written complaints and gave 4347 consultations. The most of complaints are about eviction from flats, rights for social welfare and employment.

According to the data of the Human Rights Office, the number of written complains in 1999 increased for 30% but oral consultations – for 60%. In 2000 the Office received 837 written complaints and gave 4347 consultations. The most of complaints are about eviction from flats, rights for social welfare and employment. Rigas Balss

Since January 1, 1999 the Naturalisation Board has received 266 applications on giving up Latvian citizenship. The Cabinet of Ministers issued 295 decrees on depriving Latvian citizenship, among them 29 underage persons.

Since January 1, 1999 the Naturalisation Board has received 266 applications on giving up Latvian citizenship. The Cabinet of Ministers issued 295 decrees on depriving Latvian citizenship, among them 29 underage persons. Respublika

Yesterday Estonian social scientists in co-operation with a Scottish scientist proved that only 39% on Russians in Latvia trusted policy of Latvia. And this is the worst figure among the Baltic States. Vesti Segodnya asked N.Muiznieks, Head of the Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centre and Latvian several politicians why it was so. N.Muiznieks answered that first of all Russian residents were dissatisfied with t national policy of Latvia, second – general economic situation, third – program of integration, so much advertised but still just on the paper. G.Astahov, leader of Russian community in Latvia said that t government had done everything to lose the trust of this part of population – discriminatory laws on education, language. They had been prohibited to establish a Centre of Russian Culture, and the authorities had been ignoring national minority organisations for years. V.Kalnberzs, leader of the movement “Equality of people of Latvia”, - in Latvia has been created such officials, who have no problem to offend, humiliate visitors. He himself experienced that when applied for Latvian citizenship.

Yesterday Estonian social scientists in co-operation with a Scottish scientist proved that only 39% on Russians in Latvia trusted policy of Latvia. And this is the worst figure among the Baltic States. Vesti Segodnya asked N.Muiznieks, Head of the Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centre and Latvian several politicians why it was so. N.Muiznieks answered that first of all Russian residents were dissatisfied with t national policy of Latvia, second – general economic situation, third – program of integration, so much advertised but still just on the paper. G.Astahov, leader of Russian community in Latvia said that t government had done everything to lose the trust of this part of population – discriminatory laws on education, language. They had been prohibited to establish a Centre of Russian Culture, and the authorities had been ignoring national minority organisations for years. V.Kalnberzs, leader of the movement Equality of people of Latvia, - in Latvia has been created such officials, who have no problem to offend, humiliate visitors. He himself experienced that when applied for Latvian citizenship. Vesti Segodnya

The research showed that the closest links with authorities were in Estonia – 62% of Estonian Russians, answering whether they trusted their country, gave a positive answer. In Latvia only 39% of this part of population trust authorities.

The research showed that the closest links with authorities were in Estonia – 62% of Estonian Russians, answering whether they trusted their country, gave a positive answer. In Latvia only 39% of this part of population trust authorities. Chas

G.Pommere in the newspaper

G.Pommere in the newspaper Chas writes about the planned system of financing political parties. Soon this project will be submitted to ministries for consideration, and most likely it will be offered for public discussions. There will be many things to discuss, but the author asks why Latvian non-citizens, who have no right of vote but have to pay taxes, have to finance political parties.

According to Russian citizenship legislation from January 1 all Latvian non-citizens became stateless persons in Russia. Due to this reason entry stamps were replaced by visas for non-citizens. Due to this fact the newspaper Chas inquired about other consequences of this change for Latvian non-citizens in their relations with Russia, especially about possibilities to study in Russian higher education institutions. The answer was that all persons residing on the territories of former USSR participate in enrolment in general competition – i.e. they may candidate for positions financed by the state. What concerns Russian citizenship, that after introducing visa regime with Russia, the number of applicants for Russian citizenship increased radically.

According to Russian citizenship legislation from January 1 all Latvian non-citizens became stateless persons in Russia. Due to this reason entry stamps were replaced by visas for non-citizens. Due to this fact the newspaper Chas inquired about other consequences of this change for Latvian non-citizens in their relations with Russia, especially about possibilities to study in Russian higher education institutions. The answer was that all persons residing on the territories of former USSR participate in enrolment in general competition – i.e. they may candidate for positions financed by the state. What concerns Russian citizenship, that after introducing visa regime with Russia, the number of applicants for Russian citizenship increased radically. Chas

Yesterday the Council of Latvian Way adopted local government election lists for 15 provincial towns.

Chas

Press Report

Press Report

Diena

correspondent in Moscow informs that anti-Semitism becomes more widespread in Russia. Anti-Semitic literature and newspapers can be purchased easily; and high officials do not express their condemnation towards hostility raisers but pretend not noticing them. correspondent in Moscow informs that anti-Semitism becomes more widespread in Russia. Anti-Semitic literature and newspapers can be purchased easily; and high officials do not express their condemnation towards hostility raisers but pretend not noticing them. General Prosecutor Office asked the State Revenue Service to check the income declaration of People’s Party chairman A.Skele for the third time. The previous times SRS did not check very carefully the sources from which money was obtained to cover expenses in 1999.

General Prosecutor Office asked the State Revenue Service to check the income declaration of Peoples Party chairman A.Skele for the third time. The previous times SRS did not check very carefully the sources from which money was obtained to cover expenses in 1999. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika, Chas

Latvia wants to re-establish transit visa regime with Russia, basing this decision on the fact that November last year 4 national bolshevists entered Latvia by jumping from the train St.Petesburg – Kaliningrad.

Latvia wants to re-establish transit visa regime with Russia, basing this decision on the fact that November last year 4 national bolshevists entered Latvia by jumping from the train St.Petesburg – Kaliningrad. Diena

The Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins in his interview for the national radio stated that Latvia is working hard to improve relations with Russia, however “it takes two to dance”.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins in his interview for the national radio stated that Latvia is working hard to improve relations with Russia, however it takes two to dance. Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

Newspaper

Chas discusses the interpretation of the term Latvians in regard to people of other nationalities that reside in Latvia. In the opinion of the author people of other nationalities are named Latvians (in the situations when it is necessary to name their country identity) only in such cases when it is politically advantageous for politicians.

The permanent visa regime with Russia has been approved and according to the procedure the non-citizens who want to go to Russia for the time period up to 3 months need a valid non-citizen passport and an invitation from Russia. However, the press centre of Russias Embassy to Latvia could not inform when the new procedure is effective. Chas

On Monday the court of Liepaja City started revision of the case of the magazine “Patriots”. The magazine was issued 3 times and its publications were of Nazis and anti-Semitic character.

On Monday the court of Liepaja City started revision of the case of the magazine Patriots. The magazine was issued 3 times and its publications were of Nazis and anti-Semitic character. Chas

“Russian factor” will play a particular role in the upcoming municipal election, as about 34 thousand people who have acquired citizenship very recently will be among the voters for the first time. From the viewpoint of the author there are three kinds of political organisations. “At elections Latvians usually vote for new parties as they are disappointed in the existing ones, that is why such parties as “Latvia’s Way” and Democratic Party try to convince non-Latvians to vote for them. Other parties, like FF/LNNK and People’s Party chose different approach – these parties try to convince non-Latvians not to come to elections at all. And then there is a third group – such as FHRUL – which has always defended non-Latvians”.

Russian factor will play a particular role in the upcoming municipal election, as about 34 thousand people who have acquired citizenship very recently will be among the voters for the first time. From the viewpoint of the author there are three kinds of political organisations. At elections Latvians usually vote for new parties as they are disappointed in the existing ones, that is why such parties as Latvias Way and Democratic Party try to convince non-Latvians to vote for them. Other parties, like FF/LNNK and Peoples Party chose different approach – these parties try to convince non-Latvians not to come to elections at all. And then there is a third group – such as FHRUL – which has always defended non-Latvians. Chas

Press Report

Press Report

After long discussions on Monday the left wing union For Human Rights in United Latvia agreed on its list of candidates to the Riga City Council election. And as the No 1 is put the candidate proposed by the People’s Harmony Party S.Dolgopolov. All together on this list there are 24 candidates from People’s Harmony Party, 17 from Socialist Party, 14 – Equality.

After long discussions on Monday the left wing union For Human Rights in United Latvia agreed on its list of candidates to the Riga City Council election. And as the No 1 is put the candidate proposed by the Peoples Harmony Party S.Dolgopolov. All together on this list there are 24 candidates from Peoples Harmony Party, 17 from Socialist Party, 14 – Equality. Diena

Although the last Saeima election proved that including popular people on party lists not always gave positive results, the submitted lists still show that political forces had not given up the idea to increase their rating with the help of popular persons. So the Well-fare Party proposed former volleyball player P.Selivanovs as a candidate for the post of Riga Mayor, but People’s Party plans to include in their list Selivanov’s colleague R.Vilde. Also Latvian Way could not go without a former sportsman – the famous hockey player H.Balderis-Sildedzis.

Although the last Saeima election proved that including popular people on party lists not always gave positive results, the submitted lists still show that political forces had not given up the idea to increase their rating with the help of popular persons. So the Well-fare Party proposed former volleyball player P.Selivanovs as a candidate for the post of Riga Mayor, but Peoples Party plans to include in their list Selivanovs colleague R.Vilde. Also Latvian Way could not go without a former sportsman – the famous hockey player H.Balderis-Sildedzis. Neatkariga

Until March 10 is prolonged the Latvian – Russian agreement stipulating that Latvian and Russian border area residents might receive visas free of charge. Latvian – Russian discussion on eased border crossing for those people are still continuing.

Until March 10 is prolonged the Latvian – Russian agreement stipulating that Latvian and Russian border area residents might receive visas free of charge. Latvian – Russian discussion on eased border crossing for those people are still continuing. Neatkariga

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga does not see a greater risk in the system of popularly elected president, as it is the current system when the Saeima elects president. In an interview to the Latvian Radio she admitted that in any system it was possible to elect to this post a person who was not ideally corresponding to it. V.Vike-Freiberga would be quite surprised if the Saeima deputies would be in raptures to give up their privilege to elect the State President.

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga does not see a greater risk in the system of popularly elected president, as it is the current system when the Saeima elects president. In an interview to the Latvian Radio she admitted that in any system it was possible to elect to this post a person who was not ideally corresponding to it. V.Vike-Freiberga would be quite surprised if the Saeima deputies would be in raptures to give up their privilege to elect the State President. Neatkariga

President V.Vike-Freiberga handed the letter of accreditation to the new Latvian residing Ambassador to Ukraine Andris Vilcins who would also fulfil the duties of a non-residing Ambassador to Egypt.

President V.Vike-Freiberga handed the letter of accreditation to the new Latvian residing Ambassador to Ukraine Andris Vilcins who would also fulfil the duties of a non-residing Ambassador to Egypt. Diena, Neatkariga

The Saeima faction of the New Party that consists of 5 independent deputies now will be called the New Faction. This faction will support the present government of A.Berzins.

The Saeima faction of the New Party that consists of 5 independent deputies now will be called the New Faction. This faction will support the present government of A.Berzins. Respublika

Former president G.Ulmanis refused to candidate in the list of Farmers’ Party for the next local government election.

Former president G.Ulmanis refused to candidate in the list of Farmers Party for the next local government election. Panorama Latvii

Vesti Segodnya

informs that Latvian authorities are going to take a decision that would influence Russian citizens. The government discusses a draft on denouncing Latvian – Russian agreement of 1993 on transit travels of Russian citizens through Latvia. If it happens then Russian citizens going by train from St.Petersburg to Kaliningrad would need a Latvian visa. The newspaper describes this situation as ridiculous, adding that there in no Latvian Consulate in Kaliningrad. A.Arkadyev in

A.Arkadyev in Vesti Segodnya opposes to the statement made by Latvian newspaper Neatkariga that in the future Russia in its relations with Latvia would put more stress on Economy. The author points out that Russian foreign policy is formed by the President and realised by the MFA but not by the Ministry of Trade. And the present information proves that this year Moscow concerning Latvia intends to tie the political relations with the economic ones.

President V.Vike-Freiberga refused to comment on the presence of Russian nuclear weapons in Kaliningrad until a complete information is received. Yesterday Russian Embassy in Latvia circulated an announcement of Russian MFA that the information on presence of Russian nuclear armament in Kaliningrad Region “did not correspond to the reality”.

President V.Vike-Freiberga refused to comment on the presence of Russian nuclear weapons in Kaliningrad until a complete information is received. Yesterday Russian Embassy in Latvia circulated an announcement of Russian MFA that the information on presence of Russian nuclear armament in Kaliningrad Region did not correspond to the reality.

The newspaper

The newspaper Chas published comments and explanations on the new visa regime for Latvian non-citizens who wanted to visit Russia.