Press Report

In the meeting of foreign ministers in Helsinki devoted to the Northern Dimension the Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins met the Russian counterpart Igor Ivanov. The ministers discussed the need to continue preparing the legislative basis of both countries, developing cross-border co-operation and the work of the intergovernmental commission. Ivanov asked Berzins about the process of passing the Language law, Berzins informed about the favourable statement made by the European Commission regarding Latvia’s progress in fulfilment of OSCE recommendations in the field of citizenship and naturalization.

In the meeting of foreign ministers in Helsinki devoted to the Northern Dimension the Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins met the Russian counterpart Igor Ivanov. The ministers discussed the need to continue preparing the legislative basis of both countries, developing cross-border co-operation and the work of the intergovernmental commission. Ivanov asked Berzins about the process of passing the Language law, Berzins informed about the favourable statement made by the European Commission regarding Latvias progress in fulfilment of OSCE recommendations in the field of citizenship and naturalization. Neatkariga, Diena, Vesti, Panorama Latvii, Chas

Chas reports that during Berzins’ meeting with the British State Minister for European and EU Affairs the least had pronounced an opinion that incompliance of the Language Law to international standards Latvia may be not invited to negotiations this December.

Chas reports that during Berzins meeting with the British State Minister for European and EU Affairs the least had pronounced an opinion that incompliance of the Language Law to international standards Latvia may be not invited to negotiations this December.

Representative of Russia to the UN Alexander Zmeyevsky made a speech in the meeting of the 3rd sub-committee of the UN General Assembly turning the attention of the international community to the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia and Estonia. Among other things the representative pointed out that Latvia is preparing a language law aiming at recognising Russian a foreign language which is native to 40% of Latvia’s inhabitants.

Representative of Russia to the UN Alexander Zmeyevsky made a speech in the meeting of the 3rd sub-committee of the UN General Assembly turning the attention of the international community to the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia and Estonia. Among other things the representative pointed out that Latvia is preparing a language law aiming at recognising Russian a foreign language which is native to 40% of Latvias inhabitants. Vesti

In a plenary meeting of the Lawyers’ Day Head of the Saeima’s Legal Commission Gunars Kusins said that serious changes would be needed to be made to the Latvian Constitution before Latvia joins the EU.

In a plenary meeting of the Lawyers Day Head of the Saeimas Legal Commission Gunars Kusins said that serious changes would be needed to be made to the Latvian Constitution before Latvia joins the EU. Neatkariga

Latvian Foreign Ministry informed

Latvian Foreign Ministry informed Diena that as the mandate of the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel is to expire at the end of this year the OSCE country leaders should appoint a new candidate during the Istanbul OSCE summit. Currently the OSCE member countries have not agreed who of the three candidates should be appointed.

Press Report

A group of international experts hired by the European Commission in a report released on Thursday state that the Baltic Russian minority could become a major ethnic minority problem in the expanded EU.

A group of international experts hired by the European Commission in a report released on Thursday state that the Baltic Russian minority could become a major ethnic minority problem in the expanded EU. Diena

The Saeima on Thursday rejected the proposals to allow to establish a party for 1, no less than 3 or at least 500 citizens, however, the final decision was not passed. The discussion will resume on November 25.

The Saeima on Thursday rejected the proposals to allow to establish a party for 1, no less than 3 or at least 500 citizens, however, the final decision was not passed. The discussion will resume on November 25. Diena, Neatkariga

The Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will take part in the referendum on Pension Law since the “people have showed their will for the referendum to happen”. Freiberga does not reveal the way she will vote.

The Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will take part in the referendum on Pension Law since the people have showed their will for the referendum to happen. Freiberga does not reveal the way she will vote. Neatkariga

Vaira Vike-Freiberga has sent a letter to the Saeima’s Commission on Education inviting to have the Commission meeting on November 23 in Riga Castle to discuss the work on the Language law before the second review.

Vaira Vike-Freiberga has sent a letter to the Saeimas Commission on Education inviting to have the Commission meeting on November 23 in Riga Castle to discuss the work on the Language law before the second review. Neatkariga

Diena reports that heads of the OSCE Mission forbidden by Russia to enter Chechnya, stated that the refugee situation in Ingushia was “agitating” and appealed to Russia and other countries to provide assistance to refugees. Head of the OSCE Mission Kim Traavik stressed on Thursday that Russia and the international community should apply effort not to allow aggravation of the situation.

Diena reports that heads of the OSCE Mission forbidden by Russia to enter Chechnya, stated that the refugee situation in Ingushia was agitating and appealed to Russia and other countries to provide assistance to refugees. Head of the OSCE Mission Kim Traavik stressed on Thursday that Russia and the international community should apply effort not to allow aggravation of the situation. Diena

Press Report

Saeima’s Commission on Education starting preparation of the Language Law for the second review on Wednesday heard the proposals of the Legal Office. Before making the final decision the Commission will meet the OSCE experts and the President of Latvia. 62 proposals for amendments have been submitted. Diena, BB, Jauna Avize

Saeimas Commission on Education starting preparation of the Language Law for the second review on Wednesday heard the proposals of the Legal Office. Before making the final decision the Commission will meet the OSCE experts and the President of Latvia. 62 proposals for amendments have been submitted. Diena, BB, Jauna Avize

Constitution Defence Bureau demanded explanation from the Latvian residents who have expressed the intention to go to fight on the side of Chechnya as the interview with them showed on Latvian TV could cause threat to Latvia. After hearing the explanation the Bureau stated that there was no threat to the state security. Diena

Constitution Defence Bureau demanded explanation from the Latvian residents who have expressed the intention to go to fight on the side of Chechnya as the interview with them showed on Latvian TV could cause threat to Latvia. After hearing the explanation the Bureau stated that there was no threat to the state security. Diena

The Swedish government announced 2000 the year of the Baltic countries planning to carry out activities to help Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to integrate in the EU. 1999 is the year of Poland. Diena

The Swedish government announced 2000 the year of the Baltic countries planning to carry out activities to help Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to integrate in the EU. 1999 is the year of Poland. Diena

Participants of the seminar Implementation of the European Human Rights Convention in the Lower Courts in Latvia found that the courts in Latvia have not acquainted themselves sufficiently with the human rights structure provided for by the Convention and that it is not always taken into account when making the verdict. Diena

Participants of the seminar Implementation of the European Human Rights Convention in the Lower Courts in Latvia found that the courts in Latvia have not acquainted themselves sufficiently with the human rights structure provided for by the Convention and that it is not always taken into account when making the verdict. Diena

It is possible that during the conference Northern Dimensions in Helsinki the Latvian Foreign Minister will meet the Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov. The meeting has been put on the preliminary agenda of Mr. Ivanov. However, after information provided by the Russian Foreign Ministry, is not confirmed so the meeting may not take place. BB

It is possible that during the conference Northern Dimensions in Helsinki the Latvian Foreign Minister will meet the Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov. The meeting has been put on the preliminary agenda of Mr. Ivanov. However, after information provided by the Russian Foreign Ministry, is not confirmed so the meeting may not take place. BB

At the meeting with the Latvian Teachers Trade Union the Latvian Prime Minister Andris Skele promised to raise the issue of salary increase for teachers at the extraordinary government meeting on November 15, a day before the teachers’ strike scheduled for November 16. Neatkariga

At the meeting with the Latvian Teachers Trade Union the Latvian Prime Minister Andris Skele promised to raise the issue of salary increase for teachers at the extraordinary government meeting on November 15, a day before the teachers strike scheduled for November 16. Neatkariga

Press Report

In response to the information about the new nominee for Prime Minister’s position released in mass media in yesterday’s press conference Latvian Prime Minister Andris Skele told the press that he had no intention to step down. Head of Latvia’s Way parliament faction Kristiana Libane told Diena that this government is good for the party and she sees no reason for the current government to fall.

In response to the information about the new nominee for Prime Ministers position released in mass media in yesterdays press conference Latvian Prime Minister Andris Skele told the press that he had no intention to step down. Head of Latvias Way parliament faction Kristiana Libane told Diena that this government is good for the party and she sees no reason for the current government to fall. Diena, Neatkariga

In yesterday’s meeting of the Saeima’s Commission on Human Rights to discuss the draft concept of the Society Integration Program. Head of the working group Eizenija Aldermane said if the most radical proposals raised by Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK are accepted several authors of the concept are stopping to work on the concept. The draft concept was criticised by the representatives of the left block for providing for “mild assimilation” and by TB/LNNK representative who called for decolonization instead of integration program.

In yesterdays meeting of the Saeimas Commission on Human Rights to discuss the draft concept of the Society Integration Program. Head of the working group Eizenija Aldermane said if the most radical proposals raised by Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK are accepted several authors of the concept are stopping to work on the concept. The draft concept was criticised by the representatives of the left block for providing for mild assimilation and by TB/LNNK representative who called for decolonization instead of integration program. Diena, Vesti

After the popularity rating of the government ministers Andris Skele is the second least popular after the Welfare Minister. His rating has continuously fallen over the last three months.

After the popularity rating of the government ministers Andris Skele is the second least popular after the Welfare Minister. His rating has continuously fallen over the last three months. Diena, Neatkariga

Yesterday roughly 500 school teachers rallied in front of the Cabinet Ministers asking for budget to be allotted to raise teachers’ salaries starting next year as promised before. Prime Minister came to meet them and promised if there is a surplus in budget the money will be directed for teachers’ salaries, nevertheless the teachers consider the steps made by the government insufficient and are ready to go on strike on November 16.

Yesterday roughly 500 school teachers rallied in front of the Cabinet Ministers asking for budget to be allotted to raise teachers salaries starting next year as promised before. Prime Minister came to meet them and promised if there is a surplus in budget the money will be directed for teachers salaries, nevertheless the teachers consider the steps made by the government insufficient and are ready to go on strike on November 16. Diena, Neatkariga, BB, Vesti

BB and

BB and Vesti inform about the answer provided by Mr. Max van der Stoel to the Latvian MP Juris Vidins who asked to take steps regarding Russias violence in Chechnya. The answer states that the issue described in Vidinsaddress was outside the High Commissioners mandate.

Press Report

During the meeting of five presidents in Finland, including the Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the President of Finland Marti Ahtisaari informed Freiberga about the readiness of the EU to finish its interior reforms allowing for accepting new member countries by the end of 2003.

During the meeting of five presidents in Finland, including the Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the President of Finland Marti Ahtisaari informed Freiberga about the readiness of the EU to finish its interior reforms allowing for accepting new member countries by the end of 2003. Neatkariga

Anonymous representatives of the three ruling parties confirmed to Diena that at the beginning of the next year the head of the same three party coalition government could change. Ojars Kehris from Latvia' s Way is mentioned as one of the possible nominees for the Prime Minister's position. Current Prime Minister Andris Skele's press secretary called this information spreading of rumours without any basis.

Anonymous representatives of the three ruling parties confirmed to Diena that at the beginning of the next year the head of the same three party coalition government could change. Ojars Kehris from Latvia' s Way is mentioned as one of the possible nominees for the Prime Minister's position. Current Prime Minister Andris Skele's press secretary called this information spreading of rumours without any basis. Diena

The popularity rating in October has grown for all parliament parties except for the People's Party and Fatherland and Freedom/ LNNK. Fatherland has experienced the most rapid fall and is for the first time in two years on the fifth place.

The popularity rating in October has grown for all parliament parties except for the People's Party and Fatherland and Freedom/ LNNK. Fatherland has experienced the most rapid fall and is for the first time in two years on the fifth place. Diena

The information about young Latvian men's intention to go to fight on the side of Chechnya released by the Latvian news program Panorama on Latvia's National TV on Sunday has raised heated discussions and reproaches of damaging Latvia's image.

The information about young Latvian men's intention to go to fight on the side of Chechnya released by the Latvian news program Panorama on Latvia's National TV on Sunday has raised heated discussions and reproaches of damaging Latvia's image. Neatkariga, Diena

Skrunda village since it was passed over to Latvian side at the end of October is guarded by armed police officers 24 hours a day.

Skrunda village since it was passed over to Latvian side at the end of October is guarded by armed police officers 24 hours a day. Diena

Inspector General of the Latvian Foreign Ministry Andris Vilcâns has left for Moscow to check the situation on the territory of the Latvian Embassy whether any illegal activities are taking place there.

Inspector General of the Latvian Foreign Ministry Andris Vilcâns has left for Moscow to check the situation on the territory of the Latvian Embassy whether any illegal activities are taking place there. Neatkariga

Vesti Segodna

informs that head of the Saeima' s working group preparing amendments to the Language law has suggested that a foreign language could be used along with the state language in tourist information. informs that head of the Saeima' s working group preparing amendments to the Language law has suggested that a foreign language could be used along with the state language in tourist information.

Chas

informs about the meeting of Education Committee and European Affairs Committee to discuss the amendments to the Language law. Five of the proposals submitted by Latvia's Way and Human Rights Committee have gained support of the left-wing For Human Rights in United Latvia. The final approval of the law in the commissions is scheduled for next Monday. informs about the meeting of Education Committee and European Affairs Committee to discuss the amendments to the Language law. Five of the proposals submitted by Latvia's Way and Human Rights Committee have gained support of the left-wing For Human Rights in United Latvia. The final approval of the law in the commissions is scheduled for next Monday.