Press Report

The Chairman of

The Chairman of Latvijas Cels A.Pantelejevs acknowledged in the 7th congress of LC that their co-operation with TB/LNNK was not satisfactory at all. He said that part of Peoples Party members admitted a possibility to participate in the government, replacing Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK. In his turn, TB/LNNK leader M.Grinblats stressed that all efforts should be taken to strengthen the existing government. Diena

The candidate to the post of the State President from

The candidate to the post of the State President from Latvijas Cels Anatolijs Gorbunovs announced during the Latvijas Cels congress that he did not want to run for this post due to moral reasons. The Chairman of this party thinks that A.Gorbunovs does not belong to himself and this decision has to be considered seriously. Diena , Jauna Avize, SM

A.Pantelejevs has been elected the Chairman of

A.Pantelejevs has been elected the Chairman of Latvijas Cels at the party congress repeatedly. He set the target for the party for the next four years - to complete a construction of a civic society in Latvia. Diena, Jauna Avize, SM, Bizness & Baltiya

The Saeima deputy from the faction “For Human Rights in united Latvia” A.Urbanovics took part in the foundation congress of Russian party “Fatherland”, organised by the Mayor of Moscow A.Luzhkov. According to Latvian deputy, A.Luzhkov had made two shocking statements: 1) Russia should become a unitary state otherwise it would cease to exist; 2) the results of privatisation should be reconsidered. During the congress A.Urbanovics had several meetings with administrators of Pskov and Leningrad regions to discuss co-operation between neighbouring regions.

The Saeima deputy from the faction For Human Rights in united Latvia A.Urbanovics took part in the foundation congress of Russian party Fatherland, organised by the Mayor of Moscow A.Luzhkov. According to Latvian deputy, A.Luzhkov had made two shocking statements: 1) Russia should become a unitary state otherwise it would cease to exist; 2) the results of privatisation should be reconsidered. During the congress A.Urbanovics had several meetings with administrators of Pskov and Leningrad regions to discuss co-operation between neighbouring regions. SM

L.Fedoseyev, when writing about the 7th congress of

Latvijas Cels, states that this party with its new goal of building an integrated society in Latvia is responsible for dividing Latvian society because it was LC government who adopted this division into citizens and non-citizens. SM

L.Fedoseyev publishes also an article on the process of formation and international recognition of the new Latvian state in 1918 - 1921.

SM

Press Review

Press Review

State Revenue Service informs that trade with Russia has improved slightly, and the situation may be characterised as stable.

State Revenue Service informs that trade with Russia has improved slightly, and the situation may be characterised as stable. Diena

Prime Minister V.Kristopans announced that he was going to stop acting as the Minister of Agriculture. He did not reveal yet to which TB/LNNK Minister he would entrust this post. He would decide it on Monday, announcing it on a press conference. The Board of TB/LNNK did not take any decision which Minister to suggest to this post because it was for the Prime Minister to choose, but it also did not change their decision to consider the question about inviting a

Prime Minister V.Kristopans announced that he was going to stop acting as the Minister of Agriculture. He did not reveal yet to which TB/LNNK Minister he would entrust this post. He would decide it on Monday, announcing it on a press conference. The Board of TB/LNNK did not take any decision which Minister to suggest to this post because it was for the Prime Minister to choose, but it also did not change their decision to consider the question about inviting a Social Democrats minister to the government on January 21. Diena

The Saeima deputy R.Razuks writes about a necessity of co-operation among the Baltic states to join EU.

The Saeima deputy R.Razuks writes about a necessity of co-operation among the Baltic states to join EU. Diena

N.Locmele writes about the 7th congress of Latvian leading party

N.Locmele writes about the 7th congress of Latvian leading party Latvijas Cels where they reelected A.Pantelejevs as their new chairman. Diena

Latvian Ambassador to Russia I.Daudiss in his letter to the Chairman of the Saeima called for legalisation of double citizenship for Latvians residing in Russia. The Ambassador writes about the situation of these people, contradictory to their compatriots in the West who may have a double citizenship. Since 1991 about 500 Latvians residing in Russia registered as Latvian citizens, but their situation deteriorated after adoption of the Law on Citizenship in 1994, because these people had to denounce their Russian citizenship by 1992, but there was no Latvian law prohibiting a double citizenship at that time.

Latvian Ambassador to Russia I.Daudiss in his letter to the Chairman of the Saeima called for legalisation of double citizenship for Latvians residing in Russia. The Ambassador writes about the situation of these people, contradictory to their compatriots in the West who may have a double citizenship. Since 1991 about 500 Latvians residing in Russia registered as Latvian citizens, but their situation deteriorated after adoption of the Law on Citizenship in 1994, because these people had to denounce their Russian citizenship by 1992, but there was no Latvian law prohibiting a double citizenship at that time. Diena

Only the faction of left wing parties was positive about the proposal on

Only the faction of left wing parties was positive about the proposal on Peoples Party to start a discussion on exchanging the Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs. Diena

The Russian State Council deputies who visited Estonia last week, consider that Estonia has not fulfilled all recommendations of European institutions on citizenship. The deputies stressed that ratification of bilateral agreements, including border agreement between these two countries, depended only on the development of the relations between Estonia and Russia. Estonian MFA representatives consider that Estonia has fulfilled all recommendations by adopting the amendments to the Law on Citizenship providing an eased procedure of naturalisation for the children of non-citizens.

Diena

NHRO Director O.Bruveris has written an article about the situation with human rights in the world, the role of state to ensure these rights and the activities of the NHRO. Diena

Jauna Avize

interviews former head of DCMA Visa Department A.Kalnins about this institution. Describing the style of work of the DCMA A.Kalnins says that it is not able to cope with its tasks, the staff is too large, many of officials are relatives or friends of the top administration. A.Kalnins has ideas how to reorganise this institution, but nobody wants to listen to him. Jauna Avize Prime Minister V.Kristopans plans to prepare a “black list” of those government coalition ministers and deputies who do not observe the coalition discipline during the Saeima voting. If these ministers are not able to cope with their tasks, V.Kristopans will demand their resignation.

Prime Minister V.Kristopans plans to prepare a black list of those government coalition ministers and deputies who do not observe the coalition discipline during the Saeima voting. If these ministers are not able to cope with their tasks, V.Kristopans will demand their resignation. Rigas Balss

A new standard of national education was adopted, and the consequences of this document are that students of classes 1 - 9 will have a unique program but national minority students - more exams to pass.

A new standard of national education was adopted, and the consequences of this document are that students of classes 1 - 9 will have a unique program but national minority students - more exams to pass. SM

 

Press Review

Press Review

Latvia expresses comprehension about the decision by the United States and the United Kingdom to solve Iraq by military force. Latvia sees a solution of the crisis in co-operation between Iraq and the United Nations, it is said in the statement of the Latvian Foreign Affairs.

Latvia expresses comprehension about the decision by the United States and the United Kingdom to solve Iraq by military force. Latvia sees a solution of the crisis in co-operation between Iraq and the United Nations, it is said in the statement of the Latvian Foreign Affairs. Diena, Chas

Chaspublishes a statement by the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Alexander Udalcov in which he expresses the Russias opinion about the use of military force in solving crisis with Iraq. He also points out differences between Latvian and Russian perception of methods to be used in conflict solution. Chas

The draft budget for 1999 does not provide funds for implementation of priorities in education sphere stated in the governmental declaration, for Latvia’s participation in the EU education programmes, and for acquiring of the state language. The draft budget does not include requested 142,000 Lats which are needed for the Latvian language courses for the teachers. Director of the Finance Department of the Ministry of Education Aldis Baumanis told

The draft budget for 1999 does not provide funds for implementation of priorities in education sphere stated in the governmental declaration, for Latvias participation in the EU education programmes, and for acquiring of the state language. The draft budget does not include requested 142,000 Lats which are needed for the Latvian language courses for the teachers. Director of the Finance Department of the Ministry of Education Aldis Baumanis told Diena that the funds will be found, because the Ministry cannot not teach the state language. Diena

The Fraction “

The Fraction For Equal Rights in United Latvia has sent a letter to the Minister of Education Janis Gaigals with a request to prolong the period for passing the Latvian language exam for teachers of the Russian schools until 1 September 1999. Otherwise, 448 teachers of which 75% have higher pedagogical education, will be dismissed on January 1. SM

The newspaper Baltic Times has awarded the title of the Person of the Year of Baltics to four people who have made an influence on events in the Baltic States in 1998. They are Andris Skele (leader of the People’s Party) , Vahur Kraft (President of the Estonian Central Bank), Valdas Adamkus (the Lithuanian President) and the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Max van der Stoel.

The newspaper Baltic Times has awarded the title of the Person of the Year of Baltics to four people who have made an influence on events in the Baltic States in 1998. They are Andris Skele (leader of the Peoples Party) , Vahur Kraft (President of the Estonian Central Bank), Valdas Adamkus (the Lithuanian President) and the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Max van der Stoel. Diena

Yesterday a Centre for Temporary Stay of Illegal Immigrants was opened in the Riga International Airport. It was a joint project of UNHCR and the Ministry of the Interior. The centre will be able to provide facilities for up to twenty persons for period up to five days.

Yesterday a Centre for Temporary Stay of Illegal Immigrants was opened in the Riga International Airport. It was a joint project of UNHCR and the Ministry of the Interior. The centre will be able to provide facilities for up to twenty persons for period up to five days. Diena, B&B

Brunis Rubess, Advisor in the National bank, analyses Latvia in the context of the future Europe. Speaking about political integration in Latvia, the author argues that the major task for Latvia in the next ten years is to consolidate the people of Latvia - the Latvians and other citizens of Latvia.

Brunis Rubess, Advisor in the National bank, analyses Latvia in the context of the future Europe. Speaking about political integration in Latvia, the author argues that the major task for Latvia in the next ten years is to consolidate the people of Latvia - the Latvians and other citizens of Latvia. Diena

The Saeima Legal Commission suggests to abolish the death penalty by 1 January 2001.

The Saeima Legal Commission suggests to abolish the death penalty by 1 January 2001. Jauna Avize

SM publishes an interview with the Head of the Migration Service of the Russian Federation Jury Bigarov who was on a three-day official visit to Latvia this week. The main issue discussed during the visit was prolongation of Agreement between Latvia and Russia on regulation of re-settlement issues and protection of rights of re-settlers. There were meetings with officials of the DCMA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Labour Department to discuss the issues of the labour migration, illegal migration and voluntary return to Russia.

SM publishes an interview with the Head of the Migration Service of the Russian Federation Jury Bigarov who was on a three-day official visit to Latvia this week. The main issue discussed during the visit was prolongation of Agreement between Latvia and Russia on regulation of re-settlement issues and protection of rights of re-settlers. There were meetings with officials of the DCMA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Labour Department to discuss the issues of the labour migration, illegal migration and voluntary return to Russia. SM

 Press Review

Press Review

Starting March 1, 1999 Latvia will have visa free regime with the countries of Shengen Agreement, the Foreign Affairs Minister Valdis Birkavs informed the press yesterday. Such a decision was passed during a meeting of the European Union Shengen Agreement Executive committee.

Starting March 1, 1999 Latvia will have visa free regime with the countries of Shengen Agreement, the Foreign Affairs Minister Valdis Birkavs informed the press yesterday. Such a decision was passed during a meeting of the European Union Shengen Agreement Executive committee. Diena

Yesterday the Russian Ambassador in Latvia Alexander Udalcov met with the Latvian Minister of Communications Anatolijs Gorbunovs to discuss resumption of work of the Latvian -Russian inter-governmental commission. According to Mr. Udalcov, there are no political obstacles to that. Both parties agreed that during next couple of weeks, specialists of both countries would review intergovernmental agreements which were prepared earlier, so, that working groups of both countries could resume the work.

Yesterday the Russian Ambassador in Latvia Alexander Udalcov met with the Latvian Minister of Communications Anatolijs Gorbunovs to discuss resumption of work of the Latvian -Russian inter-governmental commission. According to Mr. Udalcov, there are no political obstacles to that. Both parties agreed that during next couple of weeks, specialists of both countries would review intergovernmental agreements which were prepared earlier, so, that working groups of both countries could resume the work. Diena, Jauna Avize

Proposals prepared by the Ministries which could be adopted according to the Article 81 of the Constitution provide for changes in laws adopted by the 6th Saeima. The Ministry of Finance has calculated that for implementation of some provisions of laws adopted before the elections there might be no financing. One of such laws is the Education Law. Prime Minister Vilis Kristopans admitted that due to the insufficient financing, implementation term for a provision of the Education Law stating that for a pedagogue with the lowest professional qualifications minimal payment for a full load should be no less than total of two minimal wages, could be postponed till 1 January 2000.

Proposals prepared by the Ministries which could be adopted according to the Article 81 of the Constitution provide for changes in laws adopted by the 6th Saeima. The Ministry of Finance has calculated that for implementation of some provisions of laws adopted before the elections there might be no financing. One of such laws is the Education Law. Prime Minister Vilis Kristopans admitted that due to the insufficient financing, implementation term for a provision of the Education Law stating that for a pedagogue with the lowest professional qualifications minimal payment for a full load should be no less than total of two minimal wages, could be postponed till 1 January 2000. Diena

Dienapublishes an analysis of the outcome of the Vienna summit prepared by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs. Diena

During a meeting on Wednesday the Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia David Johnson informed the Prime Minister Vilis Kristopans and Foreign Affairs Minister Valdis Birkavs about a possible visit of the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel in January next year.

During a meeting on Wednesday the Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia David Johnson informed the Prime Minister Vilis Kristopans and Foreign Affairs Minister Valdis Birkavs about a possible visit of the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel in January next year. Panorama Latvii, Chas

Legal Department of the Ministry of the Interior informed B&B; that a working group was formed to prepare a draft law on Improvement of residence place registration system. The working group will have to choose one of three models of registration system already proposed.

Legal Department of the Ministry of the Interior informed B&B that a working group was formed to prepare a draft law on Improvement of residence place registration system. The working group will have to choose one of three models of registration system already proposed. B&B

On Tuesday the Saeima Commission of Internal Affairs decided to support adoption of the 6th Protocol on Abolishment of the Death Penalty.

On Tuesday the Saeima Commission of Internal Affairs decided to support adoption of the 6th Protocol on Abolishment of the Death Penalty. Diena

Press Review

Press Review

Dienapublishes an article about prospects of education system in Latvia written by the Minister of Education Janis Gaigals. According to Mr. Gaigals, the main objective in education sphere is the formation of a modern and integrated education system in Latvia. Education should be considered as unified system which provides each resident of Latvia with equal rights and opportunities to obtain education. The State should implement education policy and strategy, education development programme for next four years as it is provided for by the new Education Law adopted by the Saeima. Mr. Gaigals believes that purposefully organised education system can ensure that the learning of the Latvian language becomes one of the main instruments in building integrated civic society. In 1998 the Ministry has prepared almost ten different state programs that provide for solution of issues related with the acquiring of the state language, youth policy, protection of rights of the child, juvenile delinquency, and other. Unfortunately, it will be impossible to start entire implementation of these programs in 1999 due to the lack of financing from the state budget.Diena

Teachers lack information about a bilingual education method which will have to be used in primary schools of national minorities. In the Ministry of Education and Science a journalist was told that there has not been sufficient attention paid to an instruction of teachers about a bilingual method. Tatjana Liguta, Chair of the Association of Teachers of the Russian language and literature, told 

Teachers lack information about a bilingual education method which will have to be used in primary schools of national minorities. In the Ministry of Education and Science a journalist was told that there has not been sufficient attention paid to an instruction of teachers about a bilingual method. Tatjana Liguta, Chair of the Association of Teachers of the Russian language and literature, toldDiena that she learned about the conception of bilingual education prepared by the Ministry of Education only on 3 December. It means that teachers have not reviewed the conception, yet. The method also requires changes in teachers thinking, but that does not occur quickly, Ms. Liguta says. According to Romans Alijevs, Director of the Classical Gymnasium with Russian as the language of instruction, each national minority school has a teacher who is interested and who knows about the bilingual education, and who could provide other teachers with training. However, their work should be co-ordinated and paid. Baiba Kinstlere, a chair of the Integration Department at the Ministry of Education, admitted that there is not enough information about a bilingual education method. It is also unclear how to implement the conception of bilingual education. The Ministry of Education has planned to publish brochures about bilingual education next year. Diena

Boris Tsilevch (

Boris Tsilevch (Peoples Harmony Party) and Tatjana Zhdanok (movement For Equality) returned from an international conference dedicated to the 50th Anniversary of the UN Human Rights Declaration which took place in Paris. The conference in which human rights advocates from 68 countries participated, adopted the Paris Declaration which included proposals of the Latvian representatives, namely, a statement that the discrimination cannot be justified by historical reasons. This, according to Boris Tsilevich, is exactly what the Latvian authorities do in relation to the national minorities in Latvia. Tatjana Zhdanok argues that Latvia continues to violate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Latvia might be accused of racism which is a discrimination on the basis of ethnicity and origin. SM, Chas

BIZNES&BALTIYA; publishes excerpts from a discussion about the role of mass media in the acquiring of the Latvian language which was organised by the State Language Training Program last Monday.

BIZNES&BALTIYA publishes excerpts from a discussion about the role of mass media in the acquiring of the Latvian language which was organised by the State Language Training Program last Monday. B&B

Nikolay Kabanov in article for the SM states that after regaining independence there is “an unprecedented experiment - forced assimilation of considerably large and compactly residing Russian people“ being carried out in Latvia. “A banal Latvianisation takes place.” Mr. Kabanov explains this aggression towards the Russian language as an expression of inferiority complex of the Latvian intelligentsia. “It is apophasis of cultural protectionism policy, “Mr. Kabanov states, and the reason is inability of the Latvian language to compete in the market. “The Latvian state who, first of all, implements interests of bourgeoisie and intelligentsia, has to use all its might to impose on Russians - carriers of thousand years culture - a pleasant but completely local culture of Latvians.”

Nikolay Kabanov in article for the SM states that after regaining independence there is an unprecedented experiment - forced assimilation of considerably large and compactly residing Russian people being carried out in Latvia. A banal Latvianisation takes place. Mr. Kabanov explains this aggression towards the Russian language as an expression of inferiority complex of the Latvian intelligentsia. It is apophasis of cultural protectionism policy, Mr. Kabanov states, and the reason is inability of the Latvian language to compete in the market. The Latvian state who, first of all, implements interests of bourgeoisie and intelligentsia, has to use all its might to impose on Russians - carriers of thousand years culture - a pleasant but completely local culture of Latvians. SM