Press Report

A European Commission representative told

A European Commission representative told "DIENA" that the Commission would not give any further recommendations to Latvia on the Citizenship Law. The representative, who asked not to reveal his name in the press, stressed that the EU believed the issue of non-citizens to be an important problem to be resolved by Latvia in the nearest future. The EU expects Latvia to make adequate steps toward solving the problem. "DIENA" contacted other sources in the European Commission on the issue. Ms. Katherine Areskou who is responsible for European Commission information on Latvia refused to give her own opinion on the Latvian Citizenship Law and referred to Agenda 2000, the document being an official opinion of the Commission on the situation in Latvia. Ms. Areskou also added that the Citizenship Law "was a very intricate issue". "We know that the mentioning the issue causes painful reaction in Latvia. "Therefore, we shall not give any further recommendations," said Ms. Areskou. "DIENA" points to a more "liberal" approach to the problem of non-citizens displayed by the European Parliament. The EP mostly focuses on a slow naturalization rate. Diena

The

The Saeima Committee on Human Rights and Social Affairs requested the Prime-Minister to see into the problems of national cultural societies. The societies are facing financial problems and often do not have adequate premises. Chairman of the Committee Mr. Antons Seiksts believes that the current situation may lead to a negative reaction in the countries the minorities originate from. Mr. Ilmars Geige of the Ministry of Justice Department for Religious and Social Affairs admitted that cultural societies needed substantial financial support from the Government. He believes that establishing the Department for the Affairs of Nationalities and allotting additional funds to cultural societies would improve the situation. Diena

An article in

An article in "SM" claims that Latvian politicians deliberately misinform the Latvian society about Russia's reaction to Latvian citizenship policy. Although Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs said that Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov had not paid any special attention to the problem of non-citizens during their meeting in New-York, a statement by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned "concern about the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia" expressed by Mr. Primakov. Russia demands for the observance of Russian-speakers' rights are based on international conventions and recommendations by international institutions. The author of the article forecasts that Russia's economic co-operation with Latvia and the Russian transit policy will fully depend on the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia. SM

Press Report

Diena published excerpts from Mr. Modris Lujans' ("People's Harmony") interview for a Latvian TV program. He said that his party initiated a discussion of amendments to the Citizenship Law hoping to start negotiations on the issue. Mr. Lujans had to admit that the Saeima majority did not have any intentions to see into the matter. He believes that the best solution to the problem of non-citizens would be a "zero option". Mr. Lujans expects the President to support "People's Harmony" initiative and is confident that the party will further on put a special emphasis on the issue of naturalization. He also pointed to juridical problems that appear because of the differences in the legal status of citizens, non-citizens, foreigners permanently residing in Latvia and foreigners who are not permanent residents of the country. He explained objections to changes in the naturalization procedure by "Tevzemei un Brivibai" fearing to lose its seats in the Saeima. Mr. Lujans quoted his colleague Mr. Dozortsev who said that thirty thousand non-Latvians (who could receive citizenship if not for the "window mechanism") would not vote for "TB". Diena

Press Report

Estonia is preparing amendments to its Citizenship Law that would bring it into compliance with OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel's recommendations. The draft amendments provide for a simplified naturalization procedure for foreigners' children born in Estonia. The amendments also provide for free pre-testing consultations of applicants for citizenship and for simplified language tests for elderly persons.

Estonia is preparing amendments to its Citizenship Law that would bring it into compliance with OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel's recommendations. The draft amendments provide for a simplified naturalization procedure for foreigners' children born in Estonia. The amendments also provide for free pre-testing consultations of applicants for citizenship and for simplified language tests for elderly persons. Diena

Head of the State Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers visited penitentiaries in Daugavpils. In a brief interview for

Head of the State Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers visited penitentiaries in Daugavpils. In a brief interview for "SM" he said that living conditions in those were "acceptable". Still, the main problem is the lack of funds required to isolate inmates suffering from TB and to provide them with suitable medical care. While touching upon the recent attempt to amend the Citizenship Law, Mr. Bruvers expressed hope that the Law will be finally amended. He is surprised by non-citizens being so indifferent to the problem. "Why don't they stand for their rights?"- asked Mr. Bruvers and added that "his Western colleagues often asked the same question." SM

German Minister of Foreign Affairs Kinkel during his visit to Latvia stressed that the Baltic states should maintain friendly and neighborly relations with Russia. In a brief interview for

German Minister of Foreign Affairs Kinkel during his visit to Latvia stressed that the Baltic states should maintain friendly and neighborly relations with Russia. In a brief interview for "SM" he pointed to the importance of resolving the problem of national minorities and said that he had raised the issue during the meetings "with his Latvian colleagues." SM

Press Report

Yesterday the Saeima declined the amendments to the Citizenship Law suggested by the "People's Harmony" faction. The amendments provide for the abolishment of "window" naturalization mechanism, simplified naturalization tests for elderly persons and an "automatic" granting of citizenship to children born in Latvia after May 4, 1990. Twenty-one Saeima members supported the amendments, thirty-four voted against them while seventeen parliament members abstained. "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK opposed the amendments stressing that the party would rather leave the Cabinet than agree to any changes in the Citizenship Law. The discussion of the amendments may be resumed after some time since "Saimnieks" is planning to draft its own naturalization-related amendments to the Latvian legislation.

Yesterday the Saeima declined the amendments to the Citizenship Law suggested by the "People's Harmony" faction. The amendments provide for the abolishment of "window" naturalization mechanism, simplified naturalization tests for elderly persons and an "automatic" granting of citizenship to children born in Latvia after May 4, 1990. Twenty-one Saeima members supported the amendments, thirty-four voted against them while seventeen parliament members abstained. "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK opposed the amendments stressing that the party would rather leave the Cabinet than agree to any changes in the Citizenship Law. The discussion of the amendments may be resumed after some time since "Saimnieks" is planning to draft its own naturalization-related amendments to the Latvian legislation. Diena

Member of the "People's Harmony" faction Vladlen Dozortsev was interviewed by "PANORAMA LATVII" on yesterday's voting in the Saeima. Mr. Dozortsev noted that abolishing the "window mechanism" would not lead to a dramatic increase in the number of non-citizens applying for naturalization. He quoted Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane who forecast that only forty to forty-five thousand non-citizens would have applied for citizenship if the mechanism was canceled. Mr. Dozortsev believes that the absence of clear ethnic policy accounts for lack of interest toward citizenship among non-citizens. Although President Ulmanis speaks about Latvia's achievements in solving minority issues, his statements remain plain political rhetoric. Dozortsev stressed that the situation would not change under the current Government while "Europe was making definite conclusions" about the situation in Latvia.

Member of the "People's Harmony" faction Vladlen Dozortsev was interviewed by "PANORAMA LATVII" on yesterday's voting in the Saeima. Mr. Dozortsev noted that abolishing the "window mechanism" would not lead to a dramatic increase in the number of non-citizens applying for naturalization. He quoted Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane who forecast that only forty to forty-five thousand non-citizens would have applied for citizenship if the mechanism was canceled. Mr. Dozortsev believes that the absence of clear ethnic policy accounts for lack of interest toward citizenship among non-citizens. Although President Ulmanis speaks about Latvia's achievements in solving minority issues, his statements remain plain political rhetoric. Dozortsev stressed that the situation would not change under the current Government while "Europe was making definite conclusions" about the situation in Latvia. Panorama Latvii

Excerpts for Prime-Minister Guntars Krasts' interview for

Excerpts for Prime-Minister Guntars Krasts' interview for SM (October 17, 1997)

- It is often said that there is "Tevzemei un Brivibai", a radical nationalistic party one the one hand and pragmatic politicians Krasts and Zile on the other. Such statements suggest that you adhere to a different ideology. Have you felt a contradiction between state interests and your party program?"TB" follows the principles of a realistic policy. Its conservatism lies only in following the principle of continuity of the First Republic. We have a more liberal economic program than the one pursued by "Latvijas Cels". As for radical nationalism, people in Latvia have become very pragmatic, hence there are no radical nationalistic parties in the country at least among those known to me. "TB" radicalism cannot be even compared to the policies of nationalist parties represented in West European parliaments.- You declared two antithetical principles during last "TB" conference. As a Prime-Minister your spoke about the importance of the border agreement with Russia. But then you said that you would do everything you can to reserve a reference to the 1920 Treaty. Is it a polite gesture to your party?

- It is often said that there is "Tevzemei un Brivibai", a radical nationalistic party one the one hand and pragmatic politicians Krasts and Zile on the other. Such statements suggest that you adhere to a different ideology. Have you felt a contradiction between state interests and your party program?"TB" follows the principles of a realistic policy. Its conservatism lies only in following the principle of continuity of the First Republic. We have a more liberal economic program than the one pursued by "Latvijas Cels". As for radical nationalism, people in Latvia have become very pragmatic, hence there are no radical nationalistic parties in the country at least among those known to me. "TB" radicalism cannot be even compared to the policies of nationalist parties represented in West European parliaments.- You declared two antithetical principles during last "TB" conference. As a Prime-Minister your spoke about the importance of the border agreement with Russia. But then you said that you would do everything you can to reserve a reference to the 1920 Treaty. Is it a polite gesture to your party?
Still, "TB" is not the only party willing to refer to 1920! This can be done without damaging the Agreement itself. The reference is of great importance to Latvia, since Latvia's independence was guaranteed once and for all in 1920 and Russia has voluntarily recognized itself a successor of the USSR.- During your recent visit to Valmiera you forecast a notable improvement of economic relations with Russia. Russian Government officials stress that no improvement is possible until the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia is improved. What is the basis of your optimism?
Integration to the European Union, closer co-operation with the OSCE, and, most of all, the "open doors" policy promoted by Yeltsin show that political reasons started prevailing over ideological "cover" in Russia. Russia will become involved in international economic activities. A huge economic system is seeking to enter the world which makes impossible a selective approach to certain regions. Let's not forget property forms have change in Russia as well. Private business will act according to its profit and not under instructions by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.- Does this mean that you do nor see any problem in non-citizens' situation?
The European Union does not take into consideration "the Russian opinion" on this aspect. Latvia's policy toward national minorities is evaluated quite positively by the EU that places Latvia's minority policy among most democratic approaches to the problem in Europe. The problem of non-citizens should be viewed in a broader sense and many observers have already agreed to such an approach. Merely granting citizenship to all non-citizens will only create new problems. - What are these problems?
Let us not forget Bosnia. A dual-community society. Language problems will arise immediately. First, there should be a real intention to receive citizenship. Still there is no such intention since only 5% of those who could undergo naturalization have used the right.- Are you, being a state leader, concerned about such alienation of a vast part of the people from its country?
The thing is that in Europe a wish to live in a country not being its citizen brings about serious difficulties as well. In our case it is ten employment restrictions. I believe that the list should be shortened. Restrictions for pharmacists, firemen, lawyers seem to be a result of lobbying by professional groups attempting to eliminate competition. Being a consumer, I support competition.
Still, there is no other incentives to applying for citizenship apart from the ten restrictions. All other rights are almost equal. In other European countries the incentives embrace economic domain while we are lacking economic motivation. It is easier to do business in Russia, Byelorussia and other former USSR countries (apart from Ukraine) holding a former USSR passport. It makes life easier in all respects, starting with hotel accommodation and ending with concluding of contracts. Certainly, there is still another part of non-citizens that does not consider Latvia an independent state.- What do you think about Mr. Soros' opinion who said that this is a result of the state policy, since normally integration should become faster under economic stabilization processes?
I talked with him personally and explained that the coming couple of years will be a decisive period for non-citizens to make up their minds on whether it is worth to connect their lives with Latvia and to take the country's citizenship. Economic stabilization will show that Latvia is viable while approaching the EU will make citizenship even more desirable.- Still, your party always believed that it would be better for the country if "colonists" and "occupants" left it? Is it a contradiction? The Citizenship Law has been adopted. We act in compliance with the Law and we recognize it.- Still, what is your personal opinion. Would it be better for the state if these people left the country? I support individual freedom allowing everyone to decide for himself or herself on where to live. The rules are known and I am confident that prosperity awaits Latvia.- You were one of the founders of the Congress of Citizens. The Congress registered candidates for citizenship even before the country regained its independence and promised to grant citizenship to registered candidates after it takes power in the country. Isn't it time to fulfill the promises? I think that the promise has been fulfilled. As you know 37% of Russian-speakers received citizenship and I guess they are those who registered themselves with the Committee. SM

Press Report

Last Tuesday (October 14) the President's Consultative Council on Nationality Affairs held a discussion of the Draft Law on the State Language. The Council invited several experts on language issues to its meeting. Director of the State Language Center Dzintra Hirsa pointed to a certain decrease in the level of demands for the knowledge and the application of the state language. She supported the provision of Draft Law that required a mandatory use of the Latvian language in private enterprises including verbal communication. Head of the Language Training Program Aija Priedite disagreed with Ms. Hirsa noting that private and public domains should not be confused in the Law. She referred to the similar assessment of the "stricter" version of the Law by the

Last Tuesday (October 14) the President's Consultative Council on Nationality Affairs held a discussion of the Draft Law on the State Language. The Council invited several experts on language issues to its meeting. Director of the State Language Center Dzintra Hirsa pointed to a certain decrease in the level of demands for the knowledge and the application of the state language. She supported the provision of Draft Law that required a mandatory use of the Latvian language in private enterprises including verbal communication. Head of the Language Training Program Aija Priedite disagreed with Ms. Hirsa noting that private and public domains should not be confused in the Law. She referred to the similar assessment of the "stricter" version of the Law by the Saeima Committee on Education and Culture and by the Saeima Human Rights Committee. Member of the Consultative Council Ms. Tatyana Liguta believes further restrictions on the use of languages other than Latvian to be undemocratic. The Language Law should define the role of internationally used languages, such as Russian and English, believes Ms. Liguta. She suggested to let schools to decide whether they will improve their pupils' knowledge of the Latvian language by increasing the number of language classes or by teaching part of the subjects in Latvian. President Ulmanis promised to proceed with the analysis of the Language Law. He said that he was aware of the importance of the Law and warned against thoughtless decisions that might build up confrontation within the society. Diena

Yesterday the State Human Rights Office held a discussion of the social rights situation in Latvia. The agenda included the observance of an individual's right for acceptable living standard, social security and employment. Participants of the discussion admitted that the social rights situation in the country was unsatisfactory. Head of Human Rights Office Olafs Bruveris referred to Latvia's international obligations in the social domain. The Office will analyze the observance of the International Pact on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights by Latvia.

Yesterday the State Human Rights Office held a discussion of the social rights situation in Latvia. The agenda included the observance of an individual's right for acceptable living standard, social security and employment. Participants of the discussion admitted that the social rights situation in the country was unsatisfactory. Head of Human Rights Office Olafs Bruveris referred to Latvia's international obligations in the social domain. The Office will analyze the observance of the International Pact on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights by Latvia. Neatkariga

Today the

Today the Saeima is to vote on the canceling of window mechanism. According to "CHAS", "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK faction Chairman Janis Straume agreed that the discussion of the issue "was possible". He also reminded about the agreement between the governing factions that did not allow to amend the Citizenship Law. Still, head of the "Saimnieks" Ernests Jurkans believes that the amendments to the law could be adopted by the Saeima. Chas, SM