Press Review

Press Review

"DIENA"

quotes several Saeima deputies who believe quotes several Saeima deputies who believe "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" might leave the Cabinet. Among possible reasons for the decision are different approaches to the national budget and canceling of the Deputy Prime-Minister's office by the Prime-Minister. Last Saturday the might leave the Cabinet. Among possible reasons for the decision are different approaches to the national budget and canceling of the Deputy Prime-Minister's office by the Prime-Minister. Last Saturday the "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" Party Council decided to participate actively in drafting the budget. Party Council decided to participate actively in drafting the budget. "Saimnieks" "Saimnieks" does not exclude the possibility of voting against the budget, should its recommendations be ignored. Such vote could result in does not exclude the possibility of voting against the budget, should its recommendations be ignored. Such vote could result in "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" leaving the Cabinet, since the Prime-Minister has the right to reorganize the Cabinet in case one of the parties opposes the laws drafted by the Government. Prime-Minister Skele suggested postponing all discussions on possible reorganization until the adoption of the budget. Chairman of the leaving the Cabinet, since the Prime-Minister has the right to reorganize the Cabinet in case one of the parties opposes the laws drafted by the Government. Prime-Minister Skele suggested postponing all discussions on possible reorganization until the adoption of the budget. Chairman of the "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" faction Cevers insists on Mr. Skele informing the governing factions of all suggested changes this Thursday. He explains that the current atmosphere of uncertainty could harm the work on the budget. The situation is also complicated by the absence of a candidate for the post of Minister of Finance. Mr. Igors Graurs is considered as the most probable candidate, while some believe faction Cevers insists on Mr. Skele informing the governing factions of all suggested changes this Thursday. He explains that the current atmosphere of uncertainty could harm the work on the budget. The situation is also complicated by the absence of a candidate for the post of Minister of Finance. Mr. Igors Graurs is considered as the most probable candidate, while some believe "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" will suggest a candidate who has not been mentioned before. Deputy Chairman of the will suggest a candidate who has not been mentioned before. Deputy Chairman of the "Saimnieks" "Saimnieks" Faction Juris Celmins says Skele's cabinet cannot afford ignoring the party's opinion. "Skele's Government without Faction Juris Celmins says Skele's cabinet cannot afford ignoring the party's opinion. "Skele's Government without "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" would be a step closer to the Premiers resignation," says Celmins. Meanwhile, the would be a step closer to the Premier’s resignation," says Celmins. Meanwhile, the SaeimaSaeima deputies are unofficially discussing possible models of a new Cabinet. Anatolijs Gorbunovs of deputies are unofficially discussing possible models of a new Cabinet. Anatolijs Gorbunovs of "Latvijas Cels" "Latvijas Cels" is named as a possible candidate for Prime-Minister. is named as a possible candidate for Prime-Minister. DienaDiena Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima reviewed the Conscription Law. The final reading of the law adopted yesterday applies to males aged between nineteen and twenty-seven. Relieved from the military service are individuals having at least two children of a pre-school age or a child under three years of age. University and secondary school students will not be drafted. The Law does not provide for drafting university graduates holding Master's degree, while the Saeima still has to decide on the graduates with Bachelor's degree. Citizens, both male and female, can volunteer for the Army upon reaching the age of eighteen. The term of the service is set as twelve months. Individuals having completed their service are entitled to social benefits. Diena, Neatkariga

"Latvijas Cels" has drafted amendments to the law on self-Governments. According to the amendments, regional self-governments will be replaced by regional councils constituted by Chairs of Parish Councils and City Councils. Currently, members of regional self-governments are to be elected by citizens residing in a corresponding area. The Cabinet supports the amendments. Diena

Minister of Interior Turlais in an article for

Minister of Interior Turlais in an article for "DIENA" gives the highlights of prison reform in Latvia. The reform is aimed at improving living conditions and providing prisoners with opportunities to study and work. Latvia's prisons will receive a higher degree of economic freedom. Mr. Turlais also mentions financial assistance received from Nordic Countries. Diena

Head of the CID Immigration Division Signe Poritere expressed concern about the large number of retired Russian servicemen residing in Latvia with forged documents. She also believes that the Ministry of the Interior is not taking the problem seriously. According to Mrs. Poritere, 902 former servicemen received passports on the basis of forged documents. 2,400 families received a US-sponsored aid to move out of Latvia. Still, some of the families are not using the aid and are still staying in the country. The US Embassy will be informed of the cases when the aid was not used for its direct purpose.

Head of the CID Immigration Division Signe Poritere expressed concern about the large number of retired Russian servicemen residing in Latvia with forged documents. She also believes that the Ministry of the Interior is not taking the problem seriously. According to Mrs. Poritere, 902 former servicemen received passports on the basis of forged documents. 2,400 families received a US-sponsored aid to move out of Latvia. Still, some of the families are not using the aid and are still staying in the country. The US Embassy will be informed of the cases when the aid was not used for its direct purpose. Diena

Mrs. Tatjana Zhdanok of the Latvian Human Rights Committee in a survey of the human rights situation, published monthly by

Mrs. Tatjana Zhdanok of the Latvian Human Rights Committee in a survey of the human rights situation, published monthly by "SM", points at the upcoming "second registration" of inhabitants. Currently, the CID is thoroughly revising the documents of citizens applying for new passports. CID Deputy-Director Leins has already informed potential applicants for non-citizen passports about required documents. All non-citizens will have to prove their right to a non-citizen passport. The Human Rights Committee will address the Minister of the Interior on the issue, stressing that the requirement contradicts Latvian legislation. SM

Press Report

Last Friday Lithuanian Parliament received a draft law on the unilateral establishment of the country's sea border with Latvia. The draft law was submitted by President Brazauskas who suggested the Parliament should give it an extraordinary status allowing to adopt it within one day. The President's initiative is a response to the ratification of the agreement with AMOCO/OPAB oil companies by the Saeima. Latvia's Ambassador to lithuania Sjantis told "DIENA" the Lithuanian initiative contradicted international law principles. "DIENA" quotes a Lithuanian diplomat who said the Parliament would adopt the law on the border while the two countries would have to take their argument to the international court. AMOCO and OPAB distributed a statement pointing at their right to annul the agreement should Latvia fail to come to agreement with Lithuania on the sea border before 31 October 1996. Lithuanian President had a telephone discussion of the issue with President Ulmanis. The Presidents agreed to continue the talks. Mr. Brazauskas says the unilateral decision on the sea border is a provisional measure and should not be interpreted as an unfriendly gesture. Prime-Minister Skele told "NEATKARIGA" Latvia suggested joint exploitation of oil fields in the argued area.

Last Friday Lithuanian Parliament received a draft law on the unilateral establishment of the country's sea border with Latvia. The draft law was submitted by President Brazauskas who suggested the Parliament should give it an extraordinary status allowing to adopt it within one day. The President's initiative is a response to the ratification of the agreement with AMOCO/OPAB oil companies by the Saeima. Latvia's Ambassador to lithuania Sjantis told "DIENA" the Lithuanian initiative contradicted international law principles. "DIENA" quotes a Lithuanian diplomat who said the Parliament would adopt the law on the border while the two countries would have to take their argument to the international court. AMOCO and OPAB distributed a statement pointing at their right to annul the agreement should Latvia fail to come to agreement with Lithuania on the sea border before 31 October 1996. Lithuanian President had a telephone discussion of the issue with President Ulmanis. The Presidents agreed to continue the talks. Mr. Brazauskas says the unilateral decision on the sea border is a provisional measure and should not be interpreted as an unfriendly gesture. Prime-Minister Skele told "NEATKARIGA" Latvia suggested joint exploitation of oil fields in the argued area. Diena, Neatkariga

Talks between Latvia and Russia on border issues will be continued on October 31/November 1. According to Head of the Latvian delegation Aivars Vovers, Latvian side will not insist on discussing the 1920 Peace Treaty. Previously Latvia insisted on referring to the 1920 Treaty.

Talks between Latvia and Russia on border issues will be continued on October 31/November 1. According to Head of the Latvian delegation Aivars Vovers, Latvian side will not insist on discussing the 1920 Peace Treaty. Previously Latvia insisted on referring to the 1920 Treaty. Neatkariga

Last Friday Prime-Minister Skele said he decided postpone the discussion of a plan for the Cabinet reorganization. He expects "Saimnieks" to name its candidate for the office of the Minister of Finance. "Saimnieks" still has not named a candidate for the office of the Minister of Finance. The party insists on retaining the post of the Deputy Prime-Minister and is expected to suggest Mr. Juris Kaksitis for the office. The party objects against the draft budget and is about to suggest numerous amendments to the draft law on the budget. Deputy-Head of the "Saimnieks" faction Juris Celmins told "NEATKARIGA" the party would not leave the Cabinet if the budget was left unamended. Last Saturday "Saimnieks" party council decided the party should stay in the Government.

Last Friday Prime-Minister Skele said he decided postpone the discussion of a plan for the Cabinet reorganization. He expects "Saimnieks" to name its candidate for the office of the Minister of Finance. "Saimnieks" still has not named a candidate for the office of the Minister of Finance. The party insists on retaining the post of the Deputy Prime-Minister and is expected to suggest Mr. Juris Kaksitis for the office. The party objects against the draft budget and is about to suggest numerous amendments to the draft law on the budget. Deputy-Head of the "Saimnieks" faction Juris Celmins told "NEATKARIGA" the party would not leave the Cabinet if the budget was left unamended. Last Saturday "Saimnieks" party council decided the party should stay in the Government. Neatkariga, Diena

The Congress of the Latvian Social-Democratic Workers' Party adopted a decision on merging with the Social-Democratic Party headed by Juris Bojars. Some of the Congress participants interviewed by "DIENA" believe Janis Adamsons could be elected a Chairman of the new party. According to "DIENA", most Social Democrats are not enthusiastic about the Kreituses joining the Social-Democratic movement.

The Congress of the Latvian Social-Democratic Workers' Party adopted a decision on merging with the Social-Democratic Party headed by Juris Bojars. Some of the Congress participants interviewed by "DIENA" believe Janis Adamsons could be elected a Chairman of the new party. According to "DIENA", most Social Democrats are not enthusiastic about the Kreituses joining the Social-Democratic movement. Diena

Press Report

Yesterday the Saeima ratified the final reading of Latvia's agreement with

Yesterday the Saeima ratified the final reading of Latvia's agreement with OPAB/AMOCO. A statement by the Lithuanian Parliament of October 23 was circulated among the Saeima deputies before the voting. The statement said that by ratifying the agreement Latvia would violate Lithuania's exclusive right for its natural resources, the 1992 UN Sea Convention, the OSCE Helsinki Act, and the 1934 Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation. The agreement, if ratified, would not have any legal force, said the statement. Mr. Janis Jurkans was the only one to suggest postponing the ratification until Lithuania forms a new Cabinet. Chairman of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Indulis Berzins told "DIENA" Lithuania could respond by unilaterally determining its sea border. That, according to Berzins, would contradict the 1993 agreement on the land border between the two countries. Lithuanian President Brazauskas told BNS the ratification might impair relations between Latvia and Lithuania. Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gilis doubts that talks between the two countries are possible in the nearest future after the agreement with the oil companies has been ratified. Diena, Neatkariga, B&B

Several Russian war ships and a submarine entered Latvia's economic zone again on October 23. This time Latvian Government has made no official statements on the issue.

Several Russian war ships and a submarine entered Latvia's economic zone again on October 23. This time Latvian Government has made no official statements on the issue. Diena

Former Minister of the Interior Adamsons joined the Social-Democratic Workers' Party. Mr. Adamsons, formerly a

Former Minister of the Interior Adamsons joined the Social-Democratic Workers' Party. Mr. Adamsons, formerly a "Latvijas Cels" member, says he expects "the consolidation of all left-wing forces." Diena

Today Prime-Minister Skele is expected to meet Mr. Ziedonis Cevers to discuss the Premier's future relations with

Today Prime-Minister Skele is expected to meet Mr. Ziedonis Cevers to discuss the Premier's future relations with "Saimnieks". The party warned Mr. Skele it could leave the Cabinet should its suggestions on the state budget be ignored. "Saimnieks" objects against several draft laws while the Prime-Minister has the right to reorganize the Cabinet in exceptional cases (e.i., when important decisions are blocked by some of the governing parties. Diena

Natalja Lebedeva in her article for

Natalja Lebedeva in her article for "SM" analyzes the effect of Latvia ratifying the European Human Rights Convention. The ratification will not resolve any of the country's problems, writes Lebedeva. The only advantage obtained by its inhabitants will be the right to apply to the European Human Rights Court. It might take the Court up to three years to review an individual case, making the institution of little use to ethnic minorities in Latvia. Lebedeva refers to the ODIHR experts who had pointed at the absence of an anti-discrimination article in the list of fundamental rights and liberties that is a part of the Convention. Article 14 does not say anything about Restriction of minority rights. Lebedeva is surprised by the fact that OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel has been "paying astonishingly little attention to the issue" lately. The conclusion was made by Lebedeva after the High Commissioner's visit to Latvia this October. Lebedeva points at serious discussions the High Commissioner had with the leaders of Macedonia on the problems of the local Albanian minority. The agenda included education of Macedonian Albanians in their native language and their participation in the government institutions. Still, the High Commissioner gives no comments on the fact that Latvia's government officials being recruited exclusively from ethnic Latvians, says the article. Since international experts admit the CE Parliamentary Assembly recommendations to have weak effect on minority situation, the Russian-speaking minority in Latvia should "fight if not for themselves, than for their children's future, at least", writes Lebedeva. SM

Russia's Ambassador to Latvia Rannih in an interview for

Russia's Ambassador to Latvia Rannih in an interview for "SM" says Latvian politicians "are trying to accuse Russia in all possible deadly sins". He sees a recent reaction to the incident in Latvia's economic zone a striking example of an anti-Russian campaign. Mr. Rannih believes Latvia and Russia have "excellent prerequisites for establishing stable political and economic relations". Russia is fulfilling all its obligations toward Latvia, stresses Rannih. Main obstacles to the dialogue between the two countries, according to the Ambassador, are the border problem and the issue of noncitizens. Mr. Rannih says Russia is feeling a moral responsibility for noncitizen Russian speakers but cannot take a material responsibility for them. Russian-speaking tax-payers should have an access to state-financed education in their native tongue, says Mr. Rannih. He stresses the importance of an uninterrupted dialogue between Russia and Latvia for both countries. Touching again on minority problems, Rannih says Russia will raise the issue during its talks with Latvia and on the international scale "in New-York, London and Paris". He notes that Latvia will not be admitted to the European Council without having resolved the problem of the Russian-speaking minority. The EC will not welcome a country having complicated relations with Russia, says Rannih. According to the Ambassador, Russian side will not apply severe measures (sanctions, etc.) but will still find the ways to influence the situation in Latvia. Mr. Rannih expects the left-wing forces will consolidate during next election in Latvia and will start playing a much more important part in the country's political life. This will change economic and political situation in the country. The policy toward noncitizens might become more liberal after the country's economic resources are finally "redistributed", believes Rannih. He suggests Latvia's future development might be more dynamic and fast than Russia's. SM

Press Report

Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret in connection with the statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. The statement criticized Latvia for an inadequate reaction to the incident in its economic zone. Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that the Russian side has not responded to Latvia's request for explaining the reasons for a stay of Russian war ships in its economic zone. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia says the stay of the ships in the close proximity of Latvia's border contradicts the spirit the Helsinki Act.

Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret in connection with the statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. The statement criticized Latvia for an inadequate reaction to the incident in its economic zone. Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that the Russian side has not responded to Latvia's request for explaining the reasons for a stay of Russian war ships in its economic zone. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia says the stay of the ships in the close proximity of Latvia's border contradicts the spirit the Helsinki Act. Diena

Yesterday the

Yesterday the "Saimnieks" faction elected Mr. Ziedonis Cevers a Chairman of the Faction. Mr. Juris Celmins was elected his deputy. Now the party leaders are heading the faction as well since Cevers is the Party Chairman while Celmins is a Deputy-Chairman. Meanwhile, "Saimnieks" is said to insist on retaining the post of the Deputy Prime-Minister. Saeima insiders say current Saeima Speaker Mr. Ameriks could take the office with A.Krastins (currently the Minister of Defense) receiving the post of the Speaker. Diena

Russian authorities refused to issue visas to Saeima deputies Juris Vidins (

Russian authorities refused to issue visas to Saeima deputies Juris Vidins ("Tevzemei un Brivibai") and Janis Adamsons (independent deputy). Both are members of the Parliamentary Group for the Support of Chechnya. The two deputies were invited to Ingtushetia by the People's Assembly of the Republic. SM

Security issues prevailed in the agenda of President Ulmanis' meeting with Estonian President Meri. The declaration signed by the Presidents names integration of the Baltic states into NATO a prerequisite of a long-term cooperation and stability in Europe. The Presidents believe all candidate states should start the talks on joining the EU simultaneously not later than six months after the EU Conference. The Declaration outlines the importance of neighborly relations with Russia.

Security issues prevailed in the agenda of President Ulmanis' meeting with Estonian President Meri. The declaration signed by the Presidents names integration of the Baltic states into NATO a prerequisite of a long-term cooperation and stability in Europe. The Presidents believe all candidate states should start the talks on joining the EU simultaneously not later than six months after the EU Conference. The Declaration outlines the importance of neighborly relations with Russia. Diena, Neatkariga

Head of the UNDP Latvian Bureau John Hendra in an interview for

Head of the UNDP Latvian Bureau John Hendra in an interview for "DIENA" named the development of the language study program as one of the priority tasks of the Bureau. Mr. Hendra says minority representatives will be involved more actively in the UNDP activities. Touching upon the refugee problem he pointed out the importance of Latvia developing a relevant policy that would allow for a close cooperation between Latvia, the UN, the UNDP, and Nordic countries on the issue. According to Mr. Hendra, the Bureau in its present form will last for six more years to be transferred into a regional bureau with functions different from those currently performed by the UNDP Latvian Bureau. Diena

Press Report

Representatives of the governing factions discussed the election of the Constitutional Court Judges during their traditional working breakfast yesterday. The participants of the meeting considered possible mandatory voting on the candidates nominated by the Supreme Court. The

Representatives of the governing factions discussed the election of the Constitutional Court Judges during their traditional working breakfast yesterday. The participants of the meeting considered possible mandatory voting on the candidates nominated by the Supreme Court. The Saeima failed to elect five judges required for the Court to start its work. The Saeima declined both candidates (Ilze Skultane and Andrejs Lepse) nominated by the Supreme Court. Chairman of the Supreme Court Gulans admits persuading the two candidates to run for the posts again will not be an easy task. The agenda of the working breakfast also included Mr. Cevers' resignation. Most faction representatives agreed that Prime-Minister Skele should have discussed the canceling the office of the Deputy Prime-Minister with the factions before making the decision public. Diena, B&B

Tomorrow the

Tomorrow the Saeima may make a formal decision on renewing Mr. Cevers' mandate. "Saimnieks" faction leaders do not exclude the possibility of Mr. Cevers taking the post of the faction leader. Neatkariga

Boris Tsilevich in his comment on recent developments in the Cabinet points at

Boris Tsilevich in his comment on recent developments in the Cabinet points at "Latvijas Cels" gradually losing its influence in the Saeima and in the Government. Recently "LC" lost the office of a State Minister in the Ministry of Finance. The weakening of "LC", according to Tsilevich, led to the current confrontation between the two remaining leading forces, e.i., Skele and Cevers. The nationalist Block will continue maneuvering between "LC" and "Saimnieks" to retain its electorate. SM

Although Mr. Landsbergis suggests determining Lithuania's sea boarder with Latvia unilaterally, he believes the border argument should be resolved by the current Cabinet. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs in an interview for the national radio said the argument could not be resolved unilaterally. Latvia had not violated international legal norms and should not be disturbed by Lithuania possibly addressing the UN and the OSCE, said Birkavs. Latvia has already suggested taking the argument to an international court. Tomorrow the Saeima will ratify the final reading of the agreement with AMOCO/OPAB.

Although Mr. Landsbergis suggests determining Lithuania's sea boarder with Latvia unilaterally, he believes the border argument should be resolved by the current Cabinet. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs in an interview for the national radio said the argument could not be resolved unilaterally. Latvia had not violated international legal norms and should not be disturbed by Lithuania possibly addressing the UN and the OSCE, said Birkavs. Latvia has already suggested taking the argument to an international court. Tomorrow the Saeima will ratify the final reading of the agreement with AMOCO/OPAB. Diena

The agenda of President Ulmanis' meeting with Estonian President Meri may include the problem of establishing the state borders with Russia. Mr. Ulmanis in an interview for

The agenda of President Ulmanis' meeting with Estonian President Meri may include the problem of establishing the state borders with Russia. Mr. Ulmanis in an interview for "DIENA" said Latvia had no claims toward Russia. On the opposite, it is Russia who puts forward claims by arguing the validity of the Tartu and the Riga Peace Treaties. Mr. Ulmanis said both countries will use similar approaches to their negotiations with Russia. Diena