Press Report

Press Report

The teachers pre-strike reconciliation commission has found compromise only on two of the five demands they put forward for the Government therefore the strike of November 16 will take place. About 90% of all Teachers’ Trade Union members have expressed their readiness to participate in the strike. The leader of the trade Union A.Harbacevica confirmed the information that some teachers had expressed their wish to go on a non-term hunger strike after January 1, 2000, if their salaries would not be raised.

The teachers pre-strike reconciliation commission has found compromise only on two of the five demands they put forward for the Government therefore the strike of November 16 will take place. About 90% of all Teachers Trade Union members have expressed their readiness to participate in the strike. The leader of the trade Union A.Harbacevica confirmed the information that some teachers had expressed their wish to go on a non-term hunger strike after January 1, 2000, if their salaries would not be raised. Neatkariga

Within five months more than 300 Latvian non-citizens of Russian origin have received aid from the International Migration Organisation to move for permanent residence to Russia. Most of these people are pensioners and unemployed, as well as some disabled persons who have no possibility to move to Russia by their own means. IMO pays about 300 USD for one person. The USA and Finnish governments sponsor the program.

Within five months more than 300 Latvian non-citizens of Russian origin have received aid from the International Migration Organisation to move for permanent residence to Russia. Most of these people are pensioners and unemployed, as well as some disabled persons who have no possibility to move to Russia by their own means. IMO pays about 300 USD for one person. The USA and Finnish governments sponsor the program. Neatkariga

On Thursday the Saeima Government forming factions plan to adopt in the final reading the new changes to pension law softening 4 articles the amendments adopted in august. The opposition decided not to vote and had started a propaganda campaign for the referendum. Diena

On Thursday the Saeima Government forming factions plan to adopt in the final reading the new changes to pension law softening 4 articles the amendments adopted in august. The opposition decided not to vote and had started a propaganda campaign for the referendum. Diena

The Head of the Saeima Citizenship Law Implementation Commission J.Lagzdins informed

The Head of the Saeima Citizenship Law Implementation Commission J.Lagzdins informed Diena that the Commission had criticised the public integration concept but the final statement would be given only after listening to the opinions of several ministries. The majority of the Commission, evaluating the draft project, came to a conclusion that both in the essence and the way of expression it does not correspond to what we, as national people, expected. Diena

In

In Jauna Avize the Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane speaks about integration and what it will give to the society of Latvia. In the process of the discussion about 25 000 people have submitted their proposals, and during the discussion process the structure of the concept completely has been changed. New chapters of civic participation, social and regional integration have been elaborated. Jauna Avize

US Ambassador to Latvia J.Holmes gave an interview to the newspaper

US Ambassador to Latvia J.Holmes gave an interview to the newspaper Bizness & Baltiya where he spoke about US – Latvian relations, Latvias joining NATO and the environment for investments here. Bizness & Baltiya

Yesterday Prime Minister A.Skele promised Latvian President V.V.Freiberga to continue looking for additional financing to increase teacher’s salaries. The Saeima Commission on Education and Science found urgently additional 5 million for this purpose.

Yesterday Prime Minister A.Skele promised Latvian President V.V.Freiberga to continue looking for additional financing to increase teachers salaries. The Saeima Commission on Education and Science found urgently additional 5 million for this purpose. Bizness & Baltiya

Central Election Commission adopted the estimate of expenses necessary to organise the referendum on the pension law. The total sum is 698 845 Ls.

Central Election Commission adopted the estimate of expenses necessary to organise the referendum on the pension law. The total sum is 698 845 Ls. Panorama Latvii

An international seminar on the situation with the human rights for decent living conditions took place in Liepaja. It was organised by Liepaja Tenants Society and NGO Centre. Two international experts participated there and, after studying the situation in Latvia, made a statement that the human rights for decent living conditions were violated in Latvia.

An international seminar on the situation with the human rights for decent living conditions took place in Liepaja. It was organised by Liepaja Tenants Society and NGO Centre. Two international experts participated there and, after studying the situation in Latvia, made a statement that the human rights for decent living conditions were violated in Latvia. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

The ruling coalition parties denied the published in

The ruling coalition parties denied the published in Bizness & Baltiya information that there was planned a promotion of the Minister of Communications A.Gorbunovs to the post of a Deputy Prime Minister and his present post could be taken by G.Berzins from Peoples Party. A.Gorbunovs himself refused this idea. Neatkariga, Diena, Bizness & Baltiya

The Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Commission do not support the proposal to increase the minimal number of party members up to 1000. The Commission, discussing the law “On Public Organisations and their Unions” returned for the second consideration by the President, decided to respect the opinion of the President and proposed to keep the present minimal number of party members – 200.

The Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Commission do not support the proposal to increase the minimal number of party members up to 1000. The Commission, discussing the law On Public Organisations and their Unions returned for the second consideration by the President, decided to respect the opinion of the President and proposed to keep the present minimal number of party members – 200. Neatkariga

Next week, within the framework of the planned discussion of the project North Dimensions, a meeting of Latvian and Russian Ministers of Foreign Affairs could take place. Although the invitation to the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs to visit Latvia is still valid, Latvian party has expressed a wish for a short conversation in Helsinki. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins said that Latvia and Russia could have many things in common in the projects of North Dimensions. Speaking about the relations between both countries, I.Berzins said that Latvian MFA was carefully studying Russia’s concept of the world’s structure in the 21st century, submitted to the Ministry by the Russian Ambassador A.Udaltsov.

Next week, within the framework of the planned discussion of the project North Dimensions, a meeting of Latvian and Russian Ministers of Foreign Affairs could take place. Although the invitation to the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs to visit Latvia is still valid, Latvian party has expressed a wish for a short conversation in Helsinki. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins said that Latvia and Russia could have many things in common in the projects of North Dimensions. Speaking about the relations between both countries, I.Berzins said that Latvian MFA was carefully studying Russias concept of the worlds structure in the 21st century, submitted to the Ministry by the Russian Ambassador A.Udaltsov. Neatkariga

This autumn the US Government finished the buildings construction program for former Russian military serviceman in the Baltic States. The program was completed but one building complex in Kursk which was not constructed due to some juridical problems. According to Latvian MFA information, there are still 4 military servicemen who claimed an apartment in Kursk, and MFA addressed the Russian Embassy to submit proposals how to solve this problem. The residence permits of these people have been prolonged for several times, the last time by December 31, 1999. DCMA Supervision Department Head J.Rudzats told Diena that along with those 4 people there could be about 20 retired militaries who had not left Latvia or at least had not drawn up the necessary documents. All people employed in Skrunda had left but those who had a legal possibility to stay. It was possible that some persons stayed in the country illegally, but the DCMA had no information about them.

This autumn the US Government finished the buildings construction program for former Russian military serviceman in the Baltic States. The program was completed but one building complex in Kursk which was not constructed due to some juridical problems. According to Latvian MFA information, there are still 4 military servicemen who claimed an apartment in Kursk, and MFA addressed the Russian Embassy to submit proposals how to solve this problem. The residence permits of these people have been prolonged for several times, the last time by December 31, 1999. DCMA Supervision Department Head J.Rudzats told Diena that along with those 4 people there could be about 20 retired militaries who had not left Latvia or at least had not drawn up the necessary documents. All people employed in Skrunda had left but those who had a legal possibility to stay. It was possible that some persons stayed in the country illegally, but the DCMA had no information about them. Diena

Deputy A.Seiksts was one of the first visitors of the newly opened UN Information centre in Old Riga. At the new centre state officials, public organisations, students, teachers and all interested will be able to obtain information on maintaining international peace, equality of sexes, poverty, social integration, human rights, etc.

Deputy A.Seiksts was one of the first visitors of the newly opened UN Information centre in Old Riga. At the new centre state officials, public organisations, students, teachers and all interested will be able to obtain information on maintaining international peace, equality of sexes, poverty, social integration, human rights, etc. Jauna Avize

As the Socialist Party of Latvia refused to organise their event, dedicated to the anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution, at some other site but not in the City centre, Liepaja City Council forbid to organise this rally.

As the Socialist Party of Latvia refused to organise their event, dedicated to the anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution, at some other site but not in the City centre, Liepaja City Council forbid to organise this rally. Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Press Report

In the future parties will need the minimum of 500 members at the moment of establishing, and this number should be confirmed by a Notary Public. This agreement was reached yesterday by the representatives of TB/LNNK, Peoples Party and Social Democrats Saeima factions. As the Peoples Party representative J.Legzdins told journalists, after the adoption of the norm, considering the law On Public Organisations and their Unions in the second reading, the existing parties would have to fulfil it by December 1. K.Libane (Latvijas Cels) said that LC would not support this new proposal.

In the future parties will need the minimum of 500 members at the moment of establishing, and this number should be confirmed by a Notary Public. This agreement was reached yesterday by the representatives of TB/LNNK, Peoples Party and Social Democrats Saeima factions. As the Peoples Party representative J.Legzdins told journalists, after the adoption of the norm, considering the law On Public Organisations and their Unions in the second reading, the existing parties would have to fulfil it by December 1. K.Libane (Latvijas Cels) said that LC would not support this new proposal. Neatkariga, Diena

Latvian Ambassador to Russia I.Daudiss was summoned yesterday to the Russian MFA where he was informed about the facts of commercial structures operating on the territory of the Embassy. At the same a meeting on the same topic took place in Latvia – Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udalcov provided Latvian MFA Press Secretary J.Karklins with the information prepared by Moscow Tax Militia on the illegal bank operations taking place on the territory of the Embassy. Latvian MFA will evaluate the received information and, depending on the results of the analysis decide on the future steps.

Latvian Ambassador to Russia I.Daudiss was summoned yesterday to the Russian MFA where he was informed about the facts of commercial structures operating on the territory of the Embassy. At the same a meeting on the same topic took place in Latvia – Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udalcov provided Latvian MFA Press Secretary J.Karklins with the information prepared by Moscow Tax Militia on the illegal bank operations taking place on the territory of the Embassy. Latvian MFA will evaluate the received information and, depending on the results of the analysis decide on the future steps. Neatkariga, Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Bizness & Baltiya

Latvian President V.V.Freiberga supports the proposal of Peoples Party to abolish the commemoration day of Latvian solders on March 16. In a radio interview she said that establishing such a day had been a mistake.

Latvian President V.V.Freiberga supports the proposal of Peoples Party to abolish the commemoration day of Latvian solders on March 16. In a radio interview she said that establishing such a day had been a mistake. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Chas

Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party has started and propaganda campaign on the radio inviting people to take part in the November 13 referendum on the amendments to the pension law. The Chairman of LSDWP Saeima faction E.Baldzens told journalists that Social Democrats were preparing information broadcasts on TV and radio.

Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party has started and propaganda campaign on the radio inviting people to take part in the November 13 referendum on the amendments to the pension law. The Chairman of LSDWP Saeima faction E.Baldzens told journalists that Social Democrats were preparing information broadcasts on TV and radio. Neatkariga

Latvijas Cels faction submitted a draft law to abolish the norm stipulating the necessary Saeima majority for permitting to impose an administrative penalty on a Saeima deputy. K.Libane grounded the necessity for such a norm with the fact that the deputies were not impartial towards all their colleagues when the Saeima was requested to issue a permission to impose an administrative penalty on a deputy. Therefore the immunity of the deputies should be decreased.

Latvijas Cels faction submitted a draft law to abolish the norm stipulating the necessary Saeima majority for permitting to impose an administrative penalty on a Saeima deputy. K.Libane grounded the necessity for such a norm with the fact that the deputies were not impartial towards all their colleagues when the Saeima was requested to issue a permission to impose an administrative penalty on a deputy. Therefore the immunity of the deputies should be decreased. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

Latvian MFA will see how they could help the newspaper

Latvian MFA will see how they could help the newspaper Diena journalist A.Klimovics who was regularly writing about the events in Chechnya and whom Russian security institutions had warned about a possibility to be kidnapped. Meanwhile Russian Embassy in Latvia has expressed its surprise that Diena understood this warning as a threat to the journalist. Diena

DCMA consider that the state fee for issuing a new passport should be increased for about three times from the current 5 Ls up to 15 Ls. The Deputy Head of the Department A.J.Lejins pointed out that the draft regulations had not been elaborated yet but discussed in the Department and other institutions.

DCMA consider that the state fee for issuing a new passport should be increased for about three times from the current 5 Ls up to 15 Ls. The Deputy Head of the Department A.J.Lejins pointed out that the draft regulations had not been elaborated yet but discussed in the Department and other institutions. Rigas Balss (November 1,1999)

Trade Union of Latvian Education and Science Workers will meet with the Reconciliation Commission of the Ministry of Education on November 3 to discuss and try to agree on the demands of teachers. But TULEW think that this meeting will not change the Government’s decision to allocate only 6.24 million Ls to teachers’ salaries therefore the strike will take place, and it is possible that some other strikes will start, and they could last for indeterminate time.

Trade Union of Latvian Education and Science Workers will meet with the Reconciliation Commission of the Ministry of Education on November 3 to discuss and try to agree on the demands of teachers. But TULEW think that this meeting will not change the Governments decision to allocate only 6.24 million Ls to teachers salaries therefore the strike will take place, and it is possible that some other strikes will start, and they could last for indeterminate time. Rigas Balss (November 1,1999)

Panorama Latvii

published answers to the questions of its readers on the process of naturalisation. The readers wanted to know whether: a daughter of a Latvian father, naturalised two years ago, and non-Latvian mother, received Latvian citizenship through naturalisation, should pay the state fee when receiving citizenship through the process of registration; did Latvians by nationality had the right to receive citizenship automatically and who might submit a request for granting citizenship for a child through the process of naturalisation. published answers to the questions of its readers on the process of naturalisation. The readers wanted to know whether: a daughter of a Latvian father, naturalised two years ago, and non-Latvian mother, received Latvian citizenship through naturalisation, should pay the state fee when receiving citizenship through the process of registration; did Latvians by nationality had the right to receive citizenship automatically and who might submit a request for granting citizenship for a child through the process of naturalisation.

Press Report

More than 15 000 teachers have agreed to take part in a strike on November 16 to protest against the insufficient financing to increase teachers’ salaries, and about 90% of all persons working in the system of education support this idea.

More than 15 000 teachers have agreed to take part in a strike on November 16 to protest against the insufficient financing to increase teachers salaries, and about 90% of all persons working in the system of education support this idea. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya, Diena

The deadline for submitting proposals for amendments to the Language law is approaching and the Saeima Commission on Education and Science stated that all together had been submitted 51 proposals. The Saeima faction of the Union of Political organisations For Human Rights in United Latvia proposed to regulate the language usage in private sphere only when it concerns public and consumers’ safety, health care and administrative supervision. The OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel and other international institutions have already expressed their opinion to President V.V.Freigerga that this law does not conform with international standards. Also the National Human Rights Office has stated that the law is not precise.

The deadline for submitting proposals for amendments to the Language law is approaching and the Saeima Commission on Education and Science stated that all together had been submitted 51 proposals. The Saeima faction of the Union of Political organisations For Human Rights in United Latvia proposed to regulate the language usage in private sphere only when it concerns public and consumers safety, health care and administrative supervision. The OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel and other international institutions have already expressed their opinion to President V.V.Freigerga that this law does not conform with international standards. Also the National Human Rights Office has stated that the law is not precise. Neatkariga, Chas

Latvijas Cels representative and Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins proposes that public information in Latvia should be provided in the state language, but it would be permissible to use a foreign language at the same time in short announcements of private institutions meant for tourists as well as information of national minorities schools and cultural organisations.

Latvijas Cels representative and Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins proposes that public information in Latvia should be provided in the state language, but it would be permissible to use a foreign language at the same time in short announcements of private institutions meant for tourists as well as information of national minorities schools and cultural organisations. Diena

Vesti Segodnya

asked two Latvian politicians – Yu.Sokolovsky (FHRIL) and the Minister of Justice V.Birkavs the same question, When the concept of integration will be adopted? Yu.Sokolovsky answered that TB/LNNK would try to stop the adoption, for sure, but the document would have no practical value, anyway. The concept was necessary for Latvian authorities to show Europe that the problem of national minorities was being solved in Latvia. V.Birkavs thought that the concept would be adopted in the nearest future and the work on implementing the program would be started simultaneously. The most important thing was to have an effective mechanism to implement this program. Vesti Segodnya

“If the Latvian – Lithuanian agreement on the see border is ratified, Latvian fishermen will start a blockade of Latvian ports”. This announcement was made by the President of the Association of Latvian Fishermen I.Voics. Lithuanian Parliament ratified this agreement a few days ago, and Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins was glad about this fact.

If the Latvian – Lithuanian agreement on the see border is ratified, Latvian fishermen will start a blockade of Latvian ports. This announcement was made by the President of the Association of Latvian Fishermen I.Voics. Lithuanian Parliament ratified this agreement a few days ago, and Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins was glad about this fact. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Saeima’s Standing Committee on Human Rights has developed several proposals for the State Language Law. The committee suggests that “public events” are defined as events where the organizers have not determined any restrictions for participation. Also, the committee wants the law to allow for using another language along with Latvian to be used in public information and in letterheads of institutions, companies and NGOs.

Saeimas Standing Committee on Human Rights has developed several proposals for the State Language Law. The committee suggests that public events are defined as events where the organizers have not determined any restrictions for participation. Also, the committee wants the law to allow for using another language along with Latvian to be used in public information and in letterheads of institutions, companies and NGOs. Jauna Avize, Diena

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga on her acquaintance visit in Brussels met the top EU and NATO officials and heard praises regarding Latvia’s development and the further participation in these organizations. Her visit to NATO headquarters was an unprecedented case for a Latvian leader.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga on her acquaintance visit in Brussels met the top EU and NATO officials and heard praises regarding Latvias development and the further participation in these organizations. Her visit to NATO headquarters was an unprecedented case for a Latvian leader. Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas

All papers write about the developments in the Latvian Embassy to Russia off-shore bank scandal after the news report of the Russian NTV company this Monday.

All papers write about the developments in the Latvian Embassy to Russia off-shore bank scandal after the news report of the Russian NTV company this Monday.

Russia’s tax police announced that it has found and stopped activities of an illegal off-shore bank Mosprom in the hotel Talava on the territory of the Latvian Embassy in Moscow. Latvian Foreign Ministry denies the activities of any commercial institutions on the territory of the embassy. Yesterday, Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins requested an explanation from advisor to the Russian ambassador to Latvia. After Berzins, the Russian embassy could not confirm the information released by mass media.

Russias tax police announced that it has found and stopped activities of an illegal off-shore bank Mosprom in the hotel Talava on the territory of the Latvian Embassy in Moscow. Latvian Foreign Ministry denies the activities of any commercial institutions on the territory of the embassy. Yesterday, Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins requested an explanation from advisor to the Russian ambassador to Latvia. After Berzins, the Russian embassy could not confirm the information released by mass media. Diena, Jauna Avize, Neatkariga, Vesti, Chas, BB

Yesterday, Naturalization Board and Riga City Council held a celebration event to mark granting of citizenship through naturalization to the 20,000 person. Press Secretary of the Board said that currently the naturalization procedure takes 4 to 6 months but it was possible to make it faster by allotting more funding and increasing the staff.

Yesterday, Naturalization Board and Riga City Council held a celebration event to mark granting of citizenship through naturalization to the 20,000 person. Press Secretary of the Board said that currently the naturalization procedure takes 4 to 6 months but it was possible to make it faster by allotting more funding and increasing the staff. Panorama Latvii, Chas, Jauna Avize, Diena

Information provided by the Saeima’s Commission for Implementation of the Citizenship Law says that there are several thousand people living abroad who illegally hold Latvian citizenship. It is mostly people living in Israel and CIS countries who have double citizenship. Latvian legislation states that persons who have obtained citizenship of another country and reside abroad for a long period of time do not have the right to keep Latvian citizenship. The situation causes roughly a million lat losses to Latvia in pension payments.

Information provided by the Saeimas Commission for Implementation of the Citizenship Law says that there are several thousand people living abroad who illegally hold Latvian citizenship. It is mostly people living in Israel and CIS countries who have double citizenship. Latvian legislation states that persons who have obtained citizenship of another country and reside abroad for a long period of time do not have the right to keep Latvian citizenship. The situation causes roughly a million lat losses to Latvia in pension payments. Jauna Avize, Diena

Columnist of Radio Free Europe Paul Goble thinks that closing of Skrunda radar station does not decrease Russia’s influence in the Baltic countries.

Columnist of Radio Free Europe Paul Goble thinks that closing of Skrunda radar station does not decrease Russias influence in the Baltic countries. BB