Press Report

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga has sent for a repeated review the amendments to the law On Public Organizations passed by the Saeima last Thursday requiring at least 1000 Latvian citizens to be founders of a political party instead of the current 200. In her letter, the president states that by introducing the above amendments restrict the legal rights of the Latvian citizens.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga has sent for a repeated review the amendments to the law On Public Organizations passed by the Saeima last Thursday requiring at least 1000 Latvian citizens to be founders of a political party instead of the current 200. In her letter, the president states that by introducing the above amendments restrict the legal rights of the Latvian citizens. Neatkariga, Diena

President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Helle Degn after her visit to Latvia last Friday told the press that Latvia has shown progress in the fields earlier seriously criticised by OSCE, like society integration, naturalization and the state language issues. Answering the question about the possible influence of the invitation issued by the Latvian MPs to Chechen parliamentarians on Latvia’s security, Ms. Degn noted that the politicians should realize their responsibility and avoid situations creating threat to Europe.

President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Helle Degn after her visit to Latvia last Friday told the press that Latvia has shown progress in the fields earlier seriously criticised by OSCE, like society integration, naturalization and the state language issues. Answering the question about the possible influence of the invitation issued by the Latvian MPs to Chechen parliamentarians on Latvias security, Ms. Degn noted that the politicians should realize their responsibility and avoid situations creating threat to Europe. Diena, Chas

Chas

writes about the successful visit to Moscow of the Latvian MP from For Human Rights in United Latvia Janis Urbanovics and politologist Nikolajs Neilands, their meeting with Yevgeny Primakov. writes about the successful visit to Moscow of the Latvian MP from For Human Rights in United Latvia Janis Urbanovics and politologist Nikolajs Neilands, their meeting with Yevgeny Primakov.

Diena

reflects on the recent European Commission report on Latvia mentioning the Language Law, language training and informing non-citizens about naturalization as still unsolved problems in Latvia. Latvian language specialists and representatives of several parties have stated that they wouldnt agree to using another language parallel to Latvian in public signs while in other articles changes are possible. As for language training, there is all necessary legislation and now only funding and the desire to learn the language are needed. Developing of integration program has been slowed down by objections from Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK and Peoples Party but Eizenija Aldermane from Naturalization Board believes that after the program gets a political agreement the work will continue. reflects on the recent European Commission report on Latvia mentioning the Language Law, language training and informing non-citizens about naturalization as still unsolved problems in Latvia. Latvian language specialists and representatives of several parties have stated that they wouldn’t agree to using another language parallel to Latvian in public signs while in other articles changes are possible. As for language training, there is all necessary legislation and now only funding and the desire to learn the language are needed. Developing of integration program has been slowed down by objections from Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK and People’s Party but Eizenija Aldermane from Naturalization Board believes that after the program gets a political agreement the work will continue. October 22 Latvia joined the EU declaration on the situation in Belarus condemning violence during the October 17 demonstration in Minsk.

October 22 Latvia joined the EU declaration on the situation in Belarus condemning violence during the October 17 demonstration in Minsk. Neatkariga

Press Report

Press Report

Yesterday the Saeima adopted in the final reading the amendments to the law “On public organisations and their unions” increasing for five times the minimal number of party members. Now a political party may be organised if there are 1000 members. Latvijas Cels and the New Party did not support this amendment and would ask the President not to announce this law.

Yesterday the Saeima adopted in the final reading the amendments to the law On public organisations and their unions increasing for five times the minimal number of party members. Now a political party may be organised if there are 1000 members. Latvijas Cels and the New Party did not support this amendment and would ask the President not to announce this law. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

Since yesterday the territory of Skrunda Radar Station is once again under administration of Latvia, as it was stipulated by the signed Latvian – Russian SRS hand-over and receiving act. The radar Station is dismantled completely, and the representatives of the OSCE, Latvian and Russian parties as well as foreign diplomats, accredited in Riga, witnessed it. But Latvian party does not know how to use this territory and the military town. No serious business offers have been received so far on the management of these sites.

Since yesterday the territory of Skrunda Radar Station is once again under administration of Latvia, as it was stipulated by the signed Latvian – Russian SRS hand-over and receiving act. The radar Station is dismantled completely, and the representatives of the OSCE, Latvian and Russian parties as well as foreign diplomats, accredited in Riga, witnessed it. But Latvian party does not know how to use this territory and the military town. No serious business offers have been received so far on the management of these sites. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Bizness & Baltiya

Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs published an announcement stating that closing down of SRS was evidence on Russia’s adherence to its international obligations. The early closing down of SRS was possible thanks to the constructive approach of both parties and the useful role of the OSCE as an observant of the process. Now it is even more important for Russia to open its new RS next to the Byelorussian City Baranovichi.

Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs published an announcement stating that closing down of SRS was evidence on Russias adherence to its international obligations. The early closing down of SRS was possible thanks to the constructive approach of both parties and the useful role of the OSCE as an observant of the process. Now it is even more important for Russia to open its new RS next to the Byelorussian City Baranovichi. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

The representatives of the Saeima faction FHRIUN J.Urbanovics and N.Neilands met yesterday with the former Russian Prime Minister Y.Primakov. They discussed bilateral relations of these two countries and Mr.Primakov had said that no improvements could be anticipated in the relations between Latvia and Russia in the nearest future.

The representatives of the Saeima faction FHRIUN J.Urbanovics and N.Neilands met yesterday with the former Russian Prime Minister Y.Primakov. They discussed bilateral relations of these two countries and Mr.Primakov had said that no improvements could be anticipated in the relations between Latvia and Russia in the nearest future. Neatkariga, Chas, Bizness & Baltiya

Russian newspaper

Russian newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda writes that Russia may consider that it has lost its Diaspora of Russians, residing in the Baltic States because these countries provide such living conditions that their historical fatherland is not able to do. In Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, that de facto have become members of EU, nobody, even the most radical Interfront members intend to return to Russia. Neatkariga

By the next year could be solved all problems facing private persons who cross Latvian – Lithuanian border. To speed up this process Latvian Interior Minister M.Seglins signed an intention protocol with his Lithuanian colleague Ch.Blozis.

By the next year could be solved all problems facing private persons who cross Latvian – Lithuanian border. To speed up this process Latvian Interior Minister M.Seglins signed an intention protocol with his Lithuanian colleague Ch.Blozis. Jauna Avize

The Saeima at its yesterday sitting voted for submitting for the third reading the amendments to the law “State holidays and commemoration days”. The majority decided to replace the words “March 16” with the words “November 11” which meant that the commemoration day of the Latvian Riflemen would be transferred form March 16 to November 11, Lacplesis Day.

The Saeima at its yesterday sitting voted for submitting for the third reading the amendments to the law State holidays and commemoration days. The majority decided to replace the words March 16 with the words November 11 which meant that the commemoration day of the Latvian Riflemen would be transferred form March 16 to November 11, Lacplesis Day.

Press Report

Press Report

The Government forming factions will consider all proposals of the Free Trade Unions on the amendments to the pension law and formulate their position by Monday. Currently these parties do not have a common position on what proposals should be included for consideration in the second reading.

The Government forming factions will consider all proposals of the Free Trade Unions on the amendments to the pension law and formulate their position by Monday. Currently these parties do not have a common position on what proposals should be included for consideration in the second reading. Neatkariga, Diena, Bizness & Baltiya

Teachers have started their protest actions by a picket by the Saeima. They ask to increase their salaries starting form January 1, 2000.

Teachers have started their protest actions by a picket by the Saeima. They ask to increase their salaries starting form January 1, 2000. Neatkariga

Prime Minister A.Skele has planned to address the deputies of the Saeima and report on the Government activities during the first 100 days of its rule.

Prime Minister A.Skele has planned to address the deputies of the Saeima and report on the Government activities during the first 100 days of its rule. Neatkariga, Diena

Four of the six Saeima factions have promised to support the draft budget for 2000 in the first reading – the three ruling factions and the New Party from the opposition. The Chairman of NP S.Dreimane acknowledged that the Party had some objections to this budget, but they would be submitted for the second reading.

Four of the six Saeima factions have promised to support the draft budget for 2000 in the first reading – the three ruling factions and the New Party from the opposition. The Chairman of NP S.Dreimane acknowledged that the Party had some objections to this budget, but they would be submitted for the second reading. Neatkariga

Due to the internal political situation the visit of Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs A.Saudarg is postponed for some time in the future.

Due to the internal political situation the visit of Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs A.Saudarg is postponed for some time in the future. Neatkariga

Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers that Latvia is prosecuting the executors of Stalinist repression to kindle anti-Russian feelings. Official representative of MFA V.Rahmanin stated that these actions were a political order, no doubt. He pointed out that such a position did favour neither the public consolidation in Latvia nor forming of good neighbourly relations with Russia. In its turn t Latvian MFA announced that the court proceedings against persons accused in violations against mankind should not influence the relations of both countries.

Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers that Latvia is prosecuting the executors of Stalinist repression to kindle anti-Russian feelings. Official representative of MFA V.Rahmanin stated that these actions were a political order, no doubt. He pointed out that such a position did favour neither the public consolidation in Latvia nor forming of good neighbourly relations with Russia. In its turn t Latvian MFA announced that the court proceedings against persons accused in violations against mankind should not influence the relations of both countries. Neatkariga

On Thursday, the Saeima, discussing in the final reading the amendments to the law on public organisations and their unions could cross out the norm, proposed by Peoples Party that would increase the original number members of a public organisation from 200 to 1000 Latvian citizens. The Chairman of Latvijas Cels faction K.Libane pointed out that the wish to increase the number of party members five times causes doubt that it would correspond to the human rights principles.

On Thursday, the Saeima, discussing in the final reading the amendments to the law on public organisations and their unions could cross out the norm, proposed by Peoples Party that would increase the original number members of a public organisation from 200 to 1000 Latvian citizens. The Chairman of Latvijas Cels faction K.Libane pointed out that the wish to increase the number of party members five times causes doubt that it would correspond to the human rights principles. Diena

On Wednesday and agreement was signed on granting 708 935USD additional financing to the National Language Training Program. Six donor countries – Sweden, GB, USA, DENMARK, Norway and Finland, have granted the money. Finnish Ambassador to Latvia H.Hamelainen said that the activities of the NLLTP were well organised and effective and there was no other program that could substitute it. The granted money is planned to be used for organising the Latvian language training courses, it will be enough only for 800 groups.

On Wednesday and agreement was signed on granting 708 935USD additional financing to the National Language Training Program. Six donor countries – Sweden, GB, USA, DENMARK, Norway and Finland, have granted the money. Finnish Ambassador to Latvia H.Hamelainen said that the activities of the NLLTP were well organised and effective and there was no other program that could substitute it. The granted money is planned to be used for organising the Latvian language training courses, it will be enough only for 800 groups. Diena, Jauna Avize

The Prime Minister together with the ruling coalition had driven them to a cul-de-sack what concerns the Language law because it is evident that the current law returned for consideration by the President is a failure. But the deputies may amend only those articles, which the President had objections to. But the other articles, even the most absurd ones, the deputies may not change. So there will remain articles contradictory to some European conventions and the recommendations of the OSCE. The members of the faction FHRIL B.Cilevic and M.Mitrofanov think that a completely new law, corresponding to the international standards, is necessary, but the ruling coalition will no go for it.

The Prime Minister together with the ruling coalition had driven them to a cul-de-sack what concerns the Language law because it is evident that the current law returned for consideration by the President is a failure. But the deputies may amend only those articles, which the President had objections to. But the other articles, even the most absurd ones, the deputies may not change. So there will remain articles contradictory to some European conventions and the recommendations of the OSCE. The members of the faction FHRIL B.Cilevic and M.Mitrofanov think that a completely new law, corresponding to the international standards, is necessary, but the ruling coalition will no go for it. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

The leader of Social Democrats J. Bojars explains why during the discussion of opposition factions about their further activities concerning the referendum on the pension law the decision was taken not to try to avoid the referendum. The representatives of these parties came to a conclusion that they had no authority to stop the referendum when so many people voted for it, and now it was for the nation to decide about the pension system.

The leader of Social Democrats J. Bojars explains why during the discussion of opposition factions about their further activities concerning the referendum on the pension law the decision was taken not to try to avoid the referendum. The representatives of these parties came to a conclusion that they had no authority to stop the referendum when so many people voted for it, and now it was for the nation to decide about the pension system. Neatkariga

US President B.Clinton and Norway Prime Minister K.M.Bondevik promised to continue their support for the Baltic States in the future and pointed out the importance of integration and participation of these states in European and transatlantic structures. The leaders also promised to continue supporting the language training programs in Latvia and Estonia.

US President B.Clinton and Norway Prime Minister K.M.Bondevik promised to continue their support for the Baltic States in the future and pointed out the importance of integration and participation of these states in European and transatlantic structures. The leaders also promised to continue supporting the language training programs in Latvia and Estonia. Neatkariga

The Cabinet of Ministers confirmed the list of delegates who will represent Latvia in the negotiations on joining EU. There will be representatives from 24 different ministries, and the leader of the delegation will be the MFA Deputy State Secretary A.Kesteris.

The Cabinet of Ministers confirmed the list of delegates who will represent Latvia in the negotiations on joining EU. There will be representatives from 24 different ministries, and the leader of the delegation will be the MFA Deputy State Secretary A.Kesteris. Neatkariga, Diena

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers decided to establish a consultative council that would co-ordinate the national foreign economical policy. One of the main tasks of this council would be to elaborate a common policy and collect information.

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers decided to establish a consultative council that would co-ordinate the national foreign economical policy. One of the main tasks of this council would be to elaborate a common policy and collect information. Neatkariga

Lithuanian parliamentarians unanimously supported the sea border agreement with Latvia, and now it is up to the Seim to vote for the ratification of this agreement.

Lithuanian parliamentarians unanimously supported the sea border agreement with Latvia, and now it is up to the Seim to vote for the ratification of this agreement. Neatkariga

BNS informed that the Deputy Chairman of Defence Committee of the Russian National Council A.Arbatov stood for increasing military troops in the West part of Russia if the Baltic States would join NATO.

BNS informed that the Deputy Chairman of Defence Committee of the Russian National Council A.Arbatov stood for increasing military troops in the West part of Russia if the Baltic States would join NATO. Neatkariga

Russian Embassy in Riga sent a note of protest to the Latvian MFA concerning the started court proceedings against some Russian citizens. Ambassador Udaltsov says that a wish for revenge has gained the upper hand over common sense and attempts to consolidate the society.

Russian Embassy in Riga sent a note of protest to the Latvian MFA concerning the started court proceedings against some Russian citizens. Ambassador Udaltsov says that a wish for revenge has gained the upper hand over common sense and attempts to consolidate the society. Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii

The National Language Training Program Latvian has broadcasted new Latvian language training programs on Latvian TV2, Latvian Radio Channel 2 and Internet. The NLTR Head A.Priedite says that it is an illusion to hope that one could master the language with these programs, but they are interesting and not didactic and could give a positive motivation to learn the language more profoundly.

The National Language Training Program Latvian has broadcasted new Latvian language training programs on Latvian TV2, Latvian Radio Channel 2 and Internet. The NLTR Head A.Priedite says that it is an illusion to hope that one could master the language with these programs, but they are interesting and not didactic and could give a positive motivation to learn the language more profoundly. Diena

National Language Training Program organised a discussion how to create a positive motivation for learning the Latvian language. In the discussion participated the representatives of the Program and different public organisations, officials and teachers. Before the discussion the Program presented their new teaching programs.

National Language Training Program organised a discussion how to create a positive motivation for learning the Latvian language. In the discussion participated the representatives of the Program and different public organisations, officials and teachers. Before the discussion the Program presented their new teaching programs. Diena

On Tuesday the Lithuania Seim ratified with a huge majority the border agreement with Russia. The agreement determines the land border, as well as exclusive borders of economic zones and divides the continental shelf in the Baltic Sea.

On Tuesday the Lithuania Seim ratified with a huge majority the border agreement with Russia. The agreement determines the land border, as well as exclusive borders of economic zones and divides the continental shelf in the Baltic Sea. Diena

The Director of National Human Rights and Ethnic Research Centre N.Muiznieks thinks that the issue of ratification of the General Convention on Protection of National Minorities could become more important with the adoption of the Language law. According to N.Muiznieks after the adoption of the Language law the international pressure could increase, thus furthering the process of ratification.

The Director of National Human Rights and Ethnic Research Centre N.Muiznieks thinks that the issue of ratification of the General Convention on Protection of National Minorities could become more important with the adoption of the Language law. According to N.Muiznieks after the adoption of the Language law the international pressure could increase, thus furthering the process of ratification. Diena

The Latvian language Olympiad of schools of national minority took place yesterday. A journalist, talking with the participants and their teachers, learned that the Latvian language did not create special problems for pupils. Methodologist of Central Region School Board I.Gudevica acknowledged that there present situation could not be compared with the situation five years ago.

The Latvian language Olympiad of schools of national minority took place yesterday. A journalist, talking with the participants and their teachers, learned that the Latvian language did not create special problems for pupils. Methodologist of Central Region School Board I.Gudevica acknowledged that there present situation could not be compared with the situation five years ago. Diena

Tomorrow Latvian Parliament will consider the draft law “On the budget of 2000” and amendments to the 33 line laws. According to the information received by the Newspaper

Tomorrow Latvian Parliament will consider the draft law On the budget of 2000 and amendments to the 33 line laws. According to the information received by the Newspaper Bizness & Baltiya, contradictions arose in the positions of TB/LNNK and Peoples Party already in the Commissions where this law was discussed. As it seems, Latvijas Cels will have to act as the mediator between these two parties.

The representative of TB/LNNK J.Dobelis has come to a conclusion that Russia is just threatening and will not impose sanctions against Latvia. He made this statement at the conference of the Council of Parliaments.

The representative of TB/LNNK J.Dobelis has come to a conclusion that Russia is just threatening and will not impose sanctions against Latvia. He made this statement at the conference of the Council of Parliaments. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

Latvian Ministry of Well-being published a report on the social situation in Latvia. It is characterised by very rapid reforms leading to more explicit stratification of the society. The analysis showed that many families do not want to increase the number of children to avoid risk to worsen their material situation and become poor.

Latvian Ministry of Well-being published a report on the social situation in Latvia. It is characterised by very rapid reforms leading to more explicit stratification of the society. The analysis showed that many families do not want to increase the number of children to avoid risk to worsen their material situation and become poor. Neatkariga

Latvian President V.V.Freiberga doubts that she could receive an invitation to visit Russia in the nearest future. She thinks that Russia is not ready to normalise relations with Latvia due to the approaching presidential election.

Latvian President V.V.Freiberga doubts that she could receive an invitation to visit Russia in the nearest future. She thinks that Russia is not ready to normalise relations with Latvia due to the approaching presidential election. Neatkariga

Peoples Party and

Peoples Party and Latvijas Cels call the voters who support the softened amendments to the pension law not to take part in the referendum on this law let the compromise amendments prepared by the coalition could take effect. PP faction leader G.Berzins told a journalist that the ruling factions had reached the maximum compromise on the pension law not to destroy the pension system. Latvian President has decided to start consultations with the parties, represented in the Saeima, on the internal political situation in the state, including the abolishment of the amendments to the pension law. Neatkariga

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins met with the ambassadors of EU countries accredited in Latvia to discuss the EU decision to invite Latvia to negotiations on joining EU. During the meeting the Minister expressed his joy about this decision and the conclusion, made in the report, that Latvia had fulfilled all OSCE recommendations on citizenship.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins met with the ambassadors of EU countries accredited in Latvia to discuss the EU decision to invite Latvia to negotiations on joining EU. During the meeting the Minister expressed his joy about this decision and the conclusion, made in the report, that Latvia had fulfilled all OSCE recommendations on citizenship. Neatkariga

The Director of the Defence Policy Department of the Ministry of Defence J.Sarts has been appointed to the post of the State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence as the Acting State Secretary. Along with the new tasks, he will continue to fulfil his previous duties.

The Director of the Defence Policy Department of the Ministry of Defence J.Sarts has been appointed to the post of the State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence as the Acting State Secretary. Along with the new tasks, he will continue to fulfil his previous duties. Neatkariga

Russian speaking newspaper Chas published an article under the title “40 minutes to “a cause to start a war””. It tells about the arrest of a Russian citizen Ye.Savenko, former KGB officer accused of repression of Latvian people during Soviet times, executed by Latvian authorities. Russian side was informed about this step only forty minutes before the internationally accepted time limit for informing the other party expired. The article states that according to the international norms this could be considered as

Russian speaking newspaper Chas published an article under the title 40 minutes to a cause to start a war. It tells about the arrest of a Russian citizen Ye.Savenko, former KGB officer accused of repression of Latvian people during Soviet times, executed by Latvian authorities. Russian side was informed about this step only forty minutes before the internationally accepted time limit for informing the other party expired. The article states that according to the international norms this could be considered as casus belli. Chas

Panorama Latvii writes about the joined project of the Naturalisation Board and

Panorama Latvii writes about the joined project of the Naturalisation Board and Panorama Latvii to publish sample texts of the naturalisation exam in the Latvian language, let the future applicants could check their knowledge. The newspaper publishes the first example text and an interview with the Deputy Head of the Naturalisation Board J.Kahanovics. On the same pages there are given the address list of all regional offices and answers to some questions how a non-citizen could acquire Latvian citizenship.