Press Review

After information provided by the Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane, May 23 an application from Vasily Kononov was submitted to her institution asking to process rejection from the Latvian citizenship in connection with receiving the Russian citizenship.

After information provided by the Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane, May 23 an application from Vasily Kononov was submitted to her institution asking to process rejection from the Latvian citizenship in connection with receiving the Russian citizenship. Chas

Ezenija Aldermane was invited to the last meeting of the Saeima’s Commission on Education to discuss the possible changes in the requirements of the naturalization language tests. Aldermane said after the meeting that the level of the tests is not high, but she suggested that in the case of a doubtful result the examinee should rather repeat the test instead of raising the requirements in general.

Ezenija Aldermane was invited to the last meeting of the Saeimas Commission on Education to discuss the possible changes in the requirements of the naturalization language tests. Aldermane said after the meeting that the level of the tests is not high, but she suggested that in the case of a doubtful result the examinee should rather repeat the test instead of raising the requirements in general. Chas

As before joining the EU the country’s citizens express their opinion about this move in a public referendum, also Latvian authorities think about this time. As currently more than 30% of non-Latvian residents are Latvian citizens and after estimates, the number will grow to 60% by 2003, different NGOs who promote the idea of EU with participation of the Delegation of the European Commission have set to releasing promotion editions in Russian as well. Vesti is quite critical towards the formulations in these editions, for instance, “traditions of our national democratic state correspond the traditions of the European countries” or speaking about the EU membership as a possibility to get out of the influence of the eastern neighbors.

As before joining the EU the countrys citizens express their opinion about this move in a public referendum, also Latvian authorities think about this time. As currently more than 30% of non-Latvian residents are Latvian citizens and after estimates, the number will grow to 60% by 2003, different NGOs who promote the idea of EU with participation of the Delegation of the European Commission have set to releasing promotion editions in Russian as well. Vesti is quite critical towards the formulations in these editions, for instance, traditions of our national democratic state correspond the traditions of the European countries or speaking about the EU membership as a possibility to get out of the influence of the eastern neighbors. Vesti

The leftist opposition has managed to collect more than 30 thousand signatures under an address to international organizations asking to make Latvia to ratify the Convention on Minority Rights. Yesterday, representatives of For Human Rights in United Latvia called residents of Latvia to be even more active in supporting the address.

The leftist opposition has managed to collect more than 30 thousand signatures under an address to international organizations asking to make Latvia to ratify the Convention on Minority Rights. Yesterday, representatives of For Human Rights in United Latvia called residents of Latvia to be even more active in supporting the address. Vesti

Union of Citizens and Non-Citizens is preparing to start collection of signatures to initiate a referendum about the rights for non-citizens to participate in municipal elections. As the supporters of this move often refer to recommendations of the EU and OSCE,

Union of Citizens and Non-Citizens is preparing to start collection of signatures to initiate a referendum about the rights for non-citizens to participate in municipal elections. As the supporters of this move often refer to recommendations of the EU and OSCE, Jauna Avize asked the opinion of the OSCE Mission to Latvia. Deputy Head of the Mission Undine Bollow said that looking at the international practice, granting of election rights is up to the respective countries. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

A comment in

A comment in Neatkariga by Aris Jansons reviews the recent expressions by Mr. van der Stoel in Financial Times. The title reads Canadian Experience Could Help for the Subjective Diplomacy.

In the first year of bi-lingual education several ethnic minority schools chose gradual shift to Latvian as the language of instruction as the bi-lingual education is difficult due to lack of textbooks and trained teachers. Diena

In the first year of bi-lingual education several ethnic minority schools chose gradual shift to Latvian as the language of instruction as the bi-lingual education is difficult due to lack of textbooks and trained teachers. Diena

Latvian President Freiberga after meeting the President of France during her visit in this country, said that the relations between the countries are excellent. The President of France had accepted her invitation to visit Latvia and expressed support for Latvia’s accession to the EU. Speaking about the social integration in Latvia, Freiberga admitted that it is a precondition of a successful development of the country. She told about the ethnic minority schools and the possibility to integrate in Latvia’s society at the same time keeping one’s ethnic traditions and culture.

Latvian President Freiberga after meeting the President of France during her visit in this country, said that the relations between the countries are excellent. The President of France had accepted her invitation to visit Latvia and expressed support for Latvias accession to the EU. Speaking about the social integration in Latvia, Freiberga admitted that it is a precondition of a successful development of the country. She told about the ethnic minority schools and the possibility to integrate in Latvias society at the same time keeping ones ethnic traditions and culture. Diena, Latvijas Vestnesis

The Saeima factions seem to support the suggestion from the Saeima presidium to close the spring session on June 20 and resume the work on September 4.

The Saeima factions seem to support the suggestion from the Saeima presidium to close the spring session on June 20 and resume the work on September 4. Diena

Swedish Prime Minister and Speaker of the Lithuanian Saeima discussed the reproaches addressed to Latvia constantly coming from Russia and agreed that a more active support to Latvia should be showed.

Swedish Prime Minister and Speaker of the Lithuanian Saeima discussed the reproaches addressed to Latvia constantly coming from Russia and agreed that a more active support to Latvia should be showed. Diena

The government of the city of Moscow plans to open a Moscow Culture and Business Center in downtown Riga this summer in the building of the current Railway Workers Culture Palace. Moscow offers a building in Moscow to the Latvian Railway Company in exchange for the building in Riga.

The government of the city of Moscow plans to open a Moscow Culture and Business Center in downtown Riga this summer in the building of the current Railway Workers Culture Palace. Moscow offers a building in Moscow to the Latvian Railway Company in exchange for the building in Riga. Diena

Press Report

Press Report

Swedish Ambassador to Latvia H.Magnusson confirmed to

Swedish Ambassador to Latvia H.Magnusson confirmed to Diena that Swedish Vice Prime Minister L.Vallen had not called the Baltic States to realise that Holocaust during WW II had been realised by their compatriots but not by some alien forces as it had been stated in the information circulated by the press agency Interfax. Diena

For the first time after several municipal elections where nobody dared to compete with the Mayor of Venspils A.Lembergs, several parties, represented in the Saeima, plan to propose their lists for the election of Venspils Council. Nevertheless, Social Democrats who were the first to come forth with such an announcement, most probably will be A.Lembergs allies in order not to allow People’s Party to get influence there.

For the first time after several municipal elections where nobody dared to compete with the Mayor of Venspils A.Lembergs, several parties, represented in the Saeima, plan to propose their lists for the election of Venspils Council. Nevertheless, Social Democrats who were the first to come forth with such an announcement, most probably will be A.Lembergs allies in order not to allow Peoples Party to get influence there. Diena

On May 29 – 30 Latvian Prime Minister will go to Brussels on a working visit where he has planned meetings with G.Verheugen and other EU officials.

On May 29 – 30 Latvian Prime Minister will go to Brussels on a working visit where he has planned meetings with G.Verheugen and other EU officials. Diena

During the program of Russian TV station NTV they showed subject about Latvian President V.V.Freiberga. Contrary to the current negative publicity of Latvia in Russian mass media, the information about the situation in Latvia was more objective. As the authors of this broadcast stated, Latvia associated in Russia more with different scandals, but it had also a different face – “completely intelligent and even attractive” – i.e. V.V.Freiberga.

During the program of Russian TV station NTV they showed subject about Latvian President V.V.Freiberga. Contrary to the current negative publicity of Latvia in Russian mass media, the information about the situation in Latvia was more objective. As the authors of this broadcast stated, Latvia associated in Russia more with different scandals, but it had also a different face – completely intelligent and even attractive – i.e. V.V.Freiberga. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya

To reduce the tension in the discussion of differently interpreted questions of Latvian history, The Association of Latvian History Teachers published a handbook for teachers – Contradictory history, the first text book adopted for the bilingual education program. The reason for publishing such a book was the contradictory interpretation of several historical topics and using them in the activities of political parties.

To reduce the tension in the discussion of differently interpreted questions of Latvian history, The Association of Latvian History Teachers published a handbook for teachers – Contradictory history, the first text book adopted for the bilingual education program. The reason for publishing such a book was the contradictory interpretation of several historical topics and using them in the activities of political parties. Diena

The Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane informed Latvian parliamentarians that the Board found the statement of the Saeima deputies that the demands for the state language knowledge in Naturalisation Board language exams were too low as having no grounds. The demands are ones of the highest comparing to many other countries, and they complied with CoE proposals. According to previous information the Saeima Citizenship Law Implementation Commission members were present at the naturalisation exams in several regions of Latvia and found that the demands level at the language exams were too low, thus permitting to receive citizenship also persons with poor Latvian language knowledge.

The Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane informed Latvian parliamentarians that the Board found the statement of the Saeima deputies that the demands for the state language knowledge in Naturalisation Board language exams were too low as having no grounds. The demands are ones of the highest comparing to many other countries, and they complied with CoE proposals. According to previous information the Saeima Citizenship Law Implementation Commission members were present at the naturalisation exams in several regions of Latvia and found that the demands level at the language exams were too low, thus permitting to receive citizenship also persons with poor Latvian language knowledge. Diena

Swedish Ambassador to Latvia H.Magnusson arrived on an introductory visit to the new Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins. During his visit he confirmed that Sweden would continue rendering help to Latvia and discussed organisation of the visit of Swedish Prime Minister to Latvia on June 27.

Swedish Ambassador to Latvia H.Magnusson arrived on an introductory visit to the new Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins. During his visit he confirmed that Sweden would continue rendering help to Latvia and discussed organisation of the visit of Swedish Prime Minister to Latvia on June 27. Neatkariga

Today the Prime Minister of Iceland D.Odson is arriving to Latvia on an official visit. He will meet Latvian top officials and visit Latvian – Iceland joint ventures.

Today the Prime Minister of Iceland D.Odson is arriving to Latvia on an official visit. He will meet Latvian top officials and visit Latvian – Iceland joint ventures. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Latvijas Vestnesis, Respublika

Yesterday the Government granted Latvian citizenship through naturalisation to 252 persons. Among them were 39 underage children.

Yesterday the Government granted Latvian citizenship through naturalisation to 252 persons. Among them were 39 underage children. Neatkariga, Latvijas Vestnesis, Panorama Latvii

The Saeima State Administration and Municipalities Commission conceptually supports abolishment of the domicile registration system, replacing it by declaration of the place of residence. The Chairman of the Commission J.Legzdins said that along with adoption of the residence place declaration law amendments should be made to several more laws, normative acts to protect tenants, the rights of low income people to receive social aid.

The Saeima State Administration and Municipalities Commission conceptually supports abolishment of the domicile registration system, replacing it by declaration of the place of residence. The Chairman of the Commission J.Legzdins said that along with adoption of the residence place declaration law amendments should be made to several more laws, normative acts to protect tenants, the rights of low income people to receive social aid. Neatkariga, Respublika, Chas

Public organisation “Union of Citizens and Non-citizens” has decided to start collecting signatures of citizens to propose a draft law that would allow non-citizens to participate in municipal elections. The organisation has already prepared the necessary documents and planned the procedure of collecting signatures.

Public organisation Union of Citizens and Non-citizens has decided to start collecting signatures of citizens to propose a draft law that would allow non-citizens to participate in municipal elections. The organisation has already prepared the necessary documents and planned the procedure of collecting signatures. Jauna Avize

Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov and Swedish Vice-Prime Minister L.Elm-Vallen discussed the situation of Russian speakers in the Baltic States. Russian Party pointed out it was not permissible to encourage Latvian authorities in their persecution of war veterans – anti-Nazism coalition fighters.

Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov and Swedish Vice-Prime Minister L.Elm-Vallen discussed the situation of Russian speakers in the Baltic States. Russian Party pointed out it was not permissible to encourage Latvian authorities in their persecution of war veterans – anti-Nazism coalition fighters. Respublika

Latvian Human Rights Committee activists informed that they had collected 35 000 signatures (20 000 in May) under the address to the Saeima to ratify the Frame Convention on National Minorities Rights.

Latvian Human Rights Committee activists informed that they had collected 35 000 signatures (20 000 in May) under the address to the Saeima to ratify the Frame Convention on National Minorities Rights. Vesti Segodnya

Latvian Saeima once more ignored the proposal of the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia to ratify the Frame Convention on National Minorities Rights. Ju.Sokolovsky, faction representative told

Latvian Saeima once more ignored the proposal of the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia to ratify the Frame Convention on National Minorities Rights. Ju.Sokolovsky, faction representative told Panorama Latvii that the next step would be to address all international organisation and European structures, explaining them the double-faced policy of Latvian authorities.

Press Review

Press Review

In a yesterday’s press conference in Riga European Commission commissioner for economic and monetary issues said that EU candidate countries will not be able to join the Euro zone earlier than in two years after they become EU member countries.

In a yesterdays press conference in Riga European Commission commissioner for economic and monetary issues said that EU candidate countries will not be able to join the Euro zone earlier than in two years after they become EU member countries. Diena

The poster by the Polish artists with a question “Do you know what is your nationality” intended as a project of the modern art exhibition was not posted on the bill-boards in Riga because was considered as provocative. Yesterday, the poster was submitted to the chief artist of Riga to reach agreement on posting it.

The poster by the Polish artists with a question Do you know what is your nationality intended as a project of the modern art exhibition was not posted on the bill-boards in Riga because was considered as provocative. Yesterday, the poster was submitted to the chief artist of Riga to reach agreement on posting it. Diena

Russian Party which is a part of For Human Rights in Latvia Saeima faction visited Moscow last week to meet with the representatives of Yedinstvo party and leaders of several Russian State Duma factions. The Russian Party does not support introducing of the economic sanctions in their current version. This issue as well as cooperation prospects were discussed.

Russian Party which is a part of For Human Rights in Latvia Saeima faction visited Moscow last week to meet with the representatives of Yedinstvo party and leaders of several Russian State Duma factions. The Russian Party does not support introducing of the economic sanctions in their current version. This issue as well as cooperation prospects were discussed. Diena

The latest public opinion survey carried out by

The latest public opinion survey carried out by Latvijas Fakti states that the number of people who support Latvias accession to the EU has dropped by 5% compared to the same period of time last year (from 49% to 43.7%). Euroactivist Edvîns Inkens stresses the need for information about EU-related matters instead of accession propaganda. At the same time, the number of NATO supporters has grown by 3% (from 47.9 to 51.1%) and the number of sure opponents reduced by 9% (from 30.5 to 21.7). Neatkariga

The Russian news agency Interfax reported that during her stay in Moscow the Swedish vice-prime minister stated that the Baltic countries should find courage to realistically look at the history of WW2 and that the genocide against Jews was carried out by Latvia’s own nationals and not some forces from outside. The Latvian Foreign Ministry responded that Latvia pays a lot of attention to the research of Holocaust. The ministry will find whether the reporting of Interfax was correct.

The Russian news agency Interfax reported that during her stay in Moscow the Swedish vice-prime minister stated that the Baltic countries should find courage to realistically look at the history of WW2 and that the genocide against Jews was carried out by Latvias own nationals and not some forces from outside. The Latvian Foreign Ministry responded that Latvia pays a lot of attention to the research of Holocaust. The ministry will find whether the reporting of Interfax was correct. Chas, Panorama Latvii

A Latvian NGO called “Union of Citizens and Non-Citizens” plans to collect signatures under the draft law to grant non-citizens the rights to vote in municipal elections. The signatures will be confirmed by a public notary.

A Latvian NGO called Union of Citizens and Non-Citizens plans to collect signatures under the draft law to grant non-citizens the rights to vote in municipal elections. The signatures will be confirmed by a public notary. Vesti, Panorama Latvii

Chas, commenting on the yesterdays program about the Latvian president on the Russian TV channel NTV, says that a new thing was that for the first time something good was said about Latvia in a Russian TV channel. It was also reported that Russians live in Latvia not so bad, they intensively integrate in the new life and dont wait for any help from Russia.

Vesti publishes an interview with the vice-mayor of Moscow who recently visited Riga. The vice-mayor said that in his opinion the Latvian politicians should use the advantage of the presence of the huge Russian minority in Latvia for developing good neighbouring relations with Russia.

Vesti publishes an interview with the vice-mayor of Moscow who recently visited Riga. The vice-mayor said that in his opinion the Latvian politicians should use the advantage of the presence of the huge Russian minority in Latvia for developing good neighbouring relations with Russia. Vesti

Latvijas Vestnesis publishes the speech of the Latvian President at the opening of the Baltic Business Forum and amendments to the Education Law.

Press Report

During the EBRD Business Forum last Saturday the main obstacles for investments in the post-Communist countries mentioned were corruption, bureaucracy, problems with political stability and as well as inefficient court system. At the opening of the annual General EBRD Meeting on Sunday the Acting President of the EBRD Charles Frank stressed that the small enterprises will be the main priority for EBRD in the coming years and loans issued for the small businesses will be doubled. Diena

During the EBRD Business Forum last Saturday the main obstacles for investments in the post-Communist countries mentioned were corruption, bureaucracy, problems with political stability and as well as inefficient court system. At the opening of the annual General EBRD Meeting on Sunday the Acting President of the EBRD Charles Frank stressed that the small enterprises will be the main priority for EBRD in the coming years and loans issued for the small businesses will be doubled. Diena

During an event organized by

During an event organized by Vereinsbank Riga last Saturday, the former German Foreign Minister Genscher expressed warning concerning the tendency in the EU to delay the enlargement and called dangerous the ignoring attitude towards Russia sometimes observed in the West. Diena

123 people in Latvia changed their nationality this year. Majority of them changed Russian nationality to Latvian and Russian to Jewish. The least in most cases do that because they are planning to move to Israel, while Latvian nationality is chosen to get better “rooted” in the Latvian environment. It happens often that along with nationality people also change their surnames.

123 people in Latvia changed their nationality this year. Majority of them changed Russian nationality to Latvian and Russian to Jewish. The least in most cases do that because they are planning to move to Israel, while Latvian nationality is chosen to get better rooted in the Latvian environment. It happens often that along with nationality people also change their surnames. Diena

Neatkariga reviews an article in the Swiss newspaper Neue Zuricher Zeitung Saturday edition that analyses the difficult process of addressing the past in Latvia.

Neatkariga reviews an article in the Swiss newspaper Neue Zuricher Zeitung Saturday edition that analyses the difficult process of addressing the past in Latvia.

Russian Ambassador to Latvia Alexander Udaltsov last week visited the new Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins to hand him congratulations from the new Russian Prime Minister Kasyanov with the new position. During the meeting both parties agreed that it is necessary to improve and activate the relations between the two countries.

Russian Ambassador to Latvia Alexander Udaltsov last week visited the new Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins to hand him congratulations from the new Russian Prime Minister Kasyanov with the new position. During the meeting both parties agreed that it is necessary to improve and activate the relations between the two countries. Neatkariga

Council of Europe is not satisfied with the position Latvia takes concerning the Russian-speaking community. The statement was pronounced during the seminar “Law, politics, economy and mass media” organized by the Moscow School of Political Research by the Deputy Director of the Political Department of the CE.

Council of Europe is not satisfied with the position Latvia takes concerning the Russian-speaking community. The statement was pronounced during the seminar Law, politics, economy and mass media organized by the Moscow School of Political Research by the Deputy Director of the Political Department of the CE. Vesti

Speaking at the opening of the seminar of EBRD yesterday, Latvian President expressed concern about the ability of Russia to strengthen its economy and develop good neighboring relations with Latvia. She expressed hope that the election of the new president in Russia will have a positive influence on stabilization of the Latvian-Russian relations.

Speaking at the opening of the seminar of EBRD yesterday, Latvian President expressed concern about the ability of Russia to strengthen its economy and develop good neighboring relations with Latvia. She expressed hope that the election of the new president in Russia will have a positive influence on stabilization of the Latvian-Russian relations. Vesti

Press Review

Russian Foreign Ministry released a statement condemning imprisonment of the 82 year old Mihail Farbtuh who was sentenced to imprisonment for genocide against Latvian people. Currently Farbtuh is in hospital of the Central Prison. The MinistryТs statement says that the move is Уanother inhumane act of the Latvian sideФ.

Russian Foreign Ministry released a statement condemning imprisonment of the 82 year old Mihail Farbtuh who was sentenced to imprisonment for genocide against Latvian people. Currently Farbtuh is in hospital of the Central Prison. The MinistryТs statement says that the move is Уanother inhumane act of the Latvian sideФ. Neatkariga

Only MPs from For Human Rights in United Latvia voted against and majority of MPs form LatviaТs Way abstained in the vote last Thursday on returning to the provision in the law On the Status of the Former USSR Citizens allowing a state civil servant to decide on deprivation of the status instead of having a court decision. The vote was initiated by the head of the SaeimaТs Legal Office Linards Muciтр.

Only MPs from For Human Rights in United Latvia voted against and majority of MPs form LatviaТs Way abstained in the vote last Thursday on returning to the provision in the law On the Status of the Former USSR Citizens allowing a state civil servant to decide on deprivation of the status instead of having a court decision. The vote was initiated by the head of the SaeimaТs Legal Office Linards Muciтр. Chas

Last Thursday the Saeima decided to officially commemorate June 17 as the Day of Occupation.

Last Thursday the Saeima decided to officially commemorate June 17 as the Day of Occupation. Chas, Panorama Latvii (22.05)

Diena

reviews the interview with Max van der Stoel in last FridayТs reviews the interview with Max van der Stoel in last FridayТs Financial TimesFinancial Times where the OSCE High Commissioner states that peace in Europe is still under threat and the threat comes from a new wave of nationalism. Most concern was expressed about the rights of Albanian minority in Macedonia but then comes the Russian minority in the Baltics, the Ukraine and Kazakhstan. where the OSCE High Commissioner states that peace in Europe is still under threat and the threat comes from a new wave of nationalism. Most concern was expressed about the rights of Albanian minority in Macedonia but then comes the Russian minority in the Baltics, the Ukraine and Kazakhstan. Last Friday, a car in the territory of the Latvian Embassy in Moscow owned by an embassy employee was put on fire. Latvia has submitted a note to Russia asking to investigate the case and improve security in the territory of the embassy.

Last Friday, a car in the territory of the Latvian Embassy in Moscow owned by an embassy employee was put on fire. Latvia has submitted a note to Russia asking to investigate the case and improve security in the territory of the embassy. Diena, Neatkariga

Advisor to the Latvian President in history issues Elga Zвlоte, after LatviaТs initiative last Friday in New York met the six leading representatives of the organization for fighting with anti-Semitism УAnti-Defamation LeagueФ. Zвlоte mentioned the insufficient publicity, lack of topical and true information about Latvia as the main obstacle for favorable development of the situation. For instance, representatives of the ADL expressed reproaches concerning the fact that nothing has been done in Latvia after WW2 for investigation of the Nazi crimes. Zвlоte had to repeat that in Soviet latvia more than 30,000 people were punished for war crimes. Sometimes, old materials are used as arguments. Zвlоte has decided to discuss with the Latvian Foreign ministry the possibilities to change the insatisfactorily situation.

Advisor to the Latvian President in history issues Elga Zвlоte, after LatviaТs initiative last Friday in New York met the six leading representatives of the organization for fighting with anti-Semitism УAnti-Defamation LeagueФ. Zвlоte mentioned the insufficient publicity, lack of topical and true information about Latvia as the main obstacle for favorable development of the situation. For instance, representatives of the ADL expressed reproaches concerning the fact that nothing has been done in Latvia after WW2 for investigation of the Nazi crimes. Zвlоte had to repeat that in Soviet latvia more than 30,000 people were punished for war crimes. Sometimes, old materials are used as arguments. Zвlоte has decided to discuss with the Latvian Foreign ministry the possibilities to change the insatisfactorily situation. Diena