Press Review

Press Review

Press Centre of the Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry informs that the talks about Latvia’s joining the World Trade Organisation were completed on Tuesday, and the formal voting of the WTO General Council will take place on 14 October. Latvia is the first of three Baltic countries to complete the entrance talks.

Press Centre of the Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry informs that the talks about Latvias joining the World Trade Organisation were completed on Tuesday, and the formal voting of the WTO General Council will take place on 14 October. Latvia is the first of three Baltic countries to complete the entrance talks. Diena

On Tuesday the court ruled an amicable settlement between the former deputy director of the National Human Rights Office Kaija Gertnere and the National Human Rights Office. Accordingly, a resolution of the NHRO director about the dismissal of Kaija Gertnere was annulled and Kaija Gertnere was released from duties at her request.

On Tuesday the court ruled an amicable settlement between the former deputy director of the National Human Rights Office Kaija Gertnere and the National Human Rights Office. Accordingly, a resolution of the NHRO director about the dismissal of Kaija Gertnere was annulled and Kaija Gertnere was released from duties at her request. Diena

On Wednesday or Thursday of this week Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will officially express its opinion about a ceremony of re-burial of Latvian legionnaires in Listene last Sunday, a representative of the Russian MFA Vladimir Rahmanin told BNS.

On Wednesday or Thursday of this week Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will officially express its opinion about a ceremony of re-burial of Latvian legionnaires in Listene last Sunday, a representative of the Russian MFA Vladimir Rahmanin told BNS. Diena

Yesterday at a press briefing Mr. Vladimir Rahmanin, representative of Russian MFA, expressed a hope that Latvian parliamentarians will take international legal norms into account, when adopting the Language Law in the final reading. he also stated that the existing draft Language Law considerably limits the use of the Russian language in Latvia, and it has caused serious objections from international organisations.

Yesterday at a press briefing Mr. Vladimir Rahmanin, representative of Russian MFA, expressed a hope that Latvian parliamentarians will take international legal norms into account, when adopting the Language Law in the final reading. he also stated that the existing draft Language Law considerably limits the use of the Russian language in Latvia, and it has caused serious objections from international organisations. Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers reviewed a report of an expert commission on the control of crisis situation concerning the influence of the Russia’ s economic crises on Latvia. According to the report, a crisis in Russia will affect the Latvian export and, correspondingly, the balance of trade, and it also will negatively influence Latvian commercial banks and insurance companies which have investments in Russia’s or CIS financial markets.

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers reviewed a report of an expert commission on the control of crisis situation concerning the influence of the Russia s economic crises on Latvia. According to the report, a crisis in Russia will affect the Latvian export and, correspondingly, the balance of trade, and it also will negatively influence Latvian commercial banks and insurance companies which have investments in Russias or CIS financial markets. Diena

The Swedish government anticipates to allocate approximately 392, 000 LVL for the Latvian Language Training State Program. Such resolution may be passed on Thursday, office of Swedish government informed

The Swedish government anticipates to allocate approximately 392, 000 LVL for the Latvian Language Training State Program. Such resolution may be passed on Thursday, office of Swedish government informed Diena. In 1997 and 1998 the Swedish government allotted 5, 6 million SEK (approximately 392, 000 LVL) and the same amount of money will be allotted for next two years. According to the director of the program Aija Priedite, this financing would be very important for the program.

On Thursday a delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe will arrive in Riga to monitor the Saeima elections and the referendum on 3 October. The delegation will consist of representatives from Switzerland, Italy, Turkey, Spain, Croatia, Great Britain, Sweden, Estonia and Russia, and will be headed by Mikko Elo a delegate from Finland. Evaluation of election process will be included in a general report on how Latvia as a member of the Council of Europe fulfils its obligations and commitments.

On Thursday a delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe will arrive in Riga to monitor the Saeima elections and the referendum on 3 October. The delegation will consist of representatives from Switzerland, Italy, Turkey, Spain, Croatia, Great Britain, Sweden, Estonia and Russia, and will be headed by Mikko Elo a delegate from Finland. Evaluation of election process will be included in a general report on how Latvia as a member of the Council of Europe fulfils its obligations and commitments. Diena

Dienapublishes Paul Gobles analysis of perspective Latvian -Russian and Latvian-West relations in the context of the upcoming referendum on the Citizenship Law amendments. In order to avoid further straining of Latvia-Russian relations, and possible alienation from the Western countries Mr.Goble suggests to support the amendments.The newspaper also publishes an interview with Mr. Goble in which he once more emphasises his theses that Russia wants to see Latvia weak and dependant. In a case amendments to the Citizenship Law are rejected, Russia will renew its demands for the automatic granting of citizenship to all residents, and Mr. Goble is afraid that this requirement will find more and more supporters in the West. Implementation of zero version , in turn, would destroy a fundamental principle of the Latvian statehood - legal continuance of 1918 Republic of Latvia, Mr. Goble argues.

Diena continues inquiry of major political parties - People s Party, For Fatherland and Freedom, Latvian Way, Union of Latvian Social Democrats, New Party, Peoples Conformity Party, Democratic Party Saimnieks, Coalition of Labour Party, Christian Democratic Union and Green Party, and Farmers Union. This time parties are asked to describe a model of ethnic relations they want to see in Latvia, as well as to give their attitude towards the referendum. Diena

Latvian news agency LETA informs that only one family of a Russian military person previously residing in Skrunda, has already left Latvia. The Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs has reviewed applications of 12 families and stated that these families have legal grounds to stay in Latvia(a spouse is either a Latvian citizen or has status of a repatriate). The DCMA still has to review applications of 17 more families.

Latvian news agency LETA informs that only one family of a Russian military person previously residing in Skrunda, has already left Latvia. The Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs has reviewed applications of 12 families and stated that these families have legal grounds to stay in Latvia(a spouse is either a Latvian citizen or has status of a repatriate). The DCMA still has to review applications of 17 more families. Neatkariga

By 31 October the first stage of building of the Mucinieki refugee centre will be completed, but the government still has not approved regulations of the centre and the allocation of 160,000 LVL for the centre operation. It is planned that under normal circumstances the refugee centre will be able to host 150-180 refugees.

By 31 October the first stage of building of the Mucinieki refugee centre will be completed, but the government still has not approved regulations of the centre and the allocation of 160,000 LVL for the centre operation. It is planned that under normal circumstances the refugee centre will be able to host 150-180 refugees. Neatkariga

Oleg Denisov, a president of Youth Social Assistance Fund, states that textbooks received from Russia as a present, do not have ideological contradiction with Latvia’ s independence, although Minister of Education and Science Janis Gaigals is of different opinion, LETA informs.

Oleg Denisov, a president of Youth Social Assistance Fund, states that textbooks received from Russia as a present, do not have ideological contradiction with Latvia s independence, although Minister of Education and Science Janis Gaigals is of different opinion, LETA informs. Neatkariga

Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry expressed regret about the broadcasting of a documentary “Chronicle of Latvia: Thirties to nineties” shown by Russian TV channel RTR on Monday. The film is biased and distorts historical facts. The film unmistakably makes audience understand that history of independent Latvia can be characterised as fascist. It is worth to note that there are no history experts among the film makers. Latvian MFA hopes that the audience distinguishes between the truth and lies, and that it cannot be affected by methods of the Soviet propaganda.

Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry expressed regret about the broadcasting of a documentary Chronicle of Latvia: Thirties to nineties shown by Russian TV channel RTR on Monday. The film is biased and distorts historical facts. The film unmistakably makes audience understand that history of independent Latvia can be characterised as fascist. It is worth to note that there are no history experts among the film makers. Latvian MFA hopes that the audience distinguishes between the truth and lies, and that it cannot be affected by methods of the Soviet propaganda. Jauna Avize

Yesterday the director of the National Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers met with the deputy director of Immigration Police Janis Zeps and director of the Centre for illegal immigrants Igor Silantjev to discuss the problems of illegal immigrants . During the discussion it was decided that “many of them will have to leave Latvia.”

Yesterday the director of the National Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers met with the deputy director of Immigration Police Janis Zeps and director of the Centre for illegal immigrants Igor Silantjev to discuss the problems of illegal immigrants . During the discussion it was decided that many of them will have to leave Latvia. Chas

Yesterday leaders of

Yesterday leaders of New Party met with representatives of the Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK and Social Democratic Union to discuss basic principles of co-operation in the next Saeima. Today the New Party has planned to meet with the Latvijas Cels.Chas

B&B publishes interview with the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Alexander Udalcov. Evaluating prospects of the Latvian-Russian relations, Mr. Udalcov said that the situation will start improving when Latvia fulfils the OSCE recommendations concerning citizenship, language, education and labour laws. Without real advance in this sphere Latvia should count on enlarging of economic relations.

 Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday, when considering the draft language law, the deputies managed to discuss only 1/5 part of all the proposals. The Saeima Commission on Education, Culture and Science had prepared, in accordance with the demands of OSCE experts, a chapter regulating language use in private businesses. According to this principle the Commission wanted to take out from the second reading all references on the use of the language in the private sphere that have been included in other articles of the law. It was the source of all problems because part of the deputies wanted to preserve it and keep the wording of the second draft the text regulating the use of the language in private businesses in every article.

Yesterday, when considering the draft language law, the deputies managed to discuss only 1/5 part of all the proposals. The Saeima Commission on Education, Culture and Science had prepared, in accordance with the demands of OSCE experts, a chapter regulating language use in private businesses. According to this principle the Commission wanted to take out from the second reading all references on the use of the language in the private sphere that have been included in other articles of the law. It was the source of all problems because part of the deputies wanted to preserve it and keep the wording of the second draft the text regulating the use of the language in private businesses in every article. Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK representatives considered it as inexcusable yielding to OSCE demands. When a voting was necessary for one of the proposals, part of the deputies present refused to vote. The Speaker Cepanis used his legal right and announced this meeting to be interrupted till October 8. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Lauku Avize, Chas, SM, Panorama Latvii, Bizness & Baltiya

State President G.Ulmanis and Prime Minister G.Krasts plan to address the nation on the eve before the referendum on local TV. The first to speak will be the State President who is in favour of amending the language law. The Prime Minister will speak after him supporting just the oposit opinion.

State President G.Ulmanis and Prime Minister G.Krasts plan to address the nation on the eve before the referendum on local TV. The first to speak will be the State President who is in favour of amending the language law. The Prime Minister will speak after him supporting just the oposit opinion. Neatkariga

The victory of Social Democrats in Germany will not effect its relations with the Baltic states, as well as their integration process in EU. State President G.Ulmanis in his radio speech yesterday said that the new leader of Germany Schreder had promised him during their meeting a year ago not to forget the Baltic states, and G.Ulmanis hoped that he had not forgotten his promise.

The victory of Social Democrats in Germany will not effect its relations with the Baltic states, as well as their integration process in EU. State President G.Ulmanis in his radio speech yesterday said that the new leader of Germany Schreder had promised him during their meeting a year ago not to forget the Baltic states, and G.Ulmanis hoped that he had not forgotten his promise. Neatkariga, Diena

The Presidium of the Saeima rejected a suggestion to summon an extraordinary Saeima sitting on October 1 and decided to dedicate the next extraordinary Saeima sitting on October 8 to consideration of the draft education law and the Saeima Roll of Procedures.

The Presidium of the Saeima rejected a suggestion to summon an extraordinary Saeima sitting on October 1 and decided to dedicate the next extraordinary Saeima sitting on October 8 to consideration of the draft education law and the Saeima Roll of Procedures. Neatkariga, Diena

Latvian MFA feels surprised about the Russian reaction to the speech of the State President at the UN General Assembly session. MFA points out that G.Ulmanis stressed in his speech those principles that Latvia was standing for from the restoration of its independence, directed to strengthening of democratic values and promotion of mutual understanding and co-operation in the whole world. Latvian MFA may conclude that the authors of this announcement have not studied the speech carefully enough or they try to deceive the Russian nation.

Latvian MFA feels surprised about the Russian reaction to the speech of the State President at the UN General Assembly session. MFA points out that G.Ulmanis stressed in his speech those principles that Latvia was standing for from the restoration of its independence, directed to strengthening of democratic values and promotion of mutual understanding and co-operation in the whole world. Latvian MFA may conclude that the authors of this announcement have not studied the speech carefully enough or they try to deceive the Russian nation. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize

Party consultations, announced more than a week ago, have started at last. The leaders of

Party consultations, announced more than a week ago, have started at last. The leaders of New Party met yesterday with the representatives of Democratic Party Saimnieks and the Association of UKD and the Green party and came to a conclusion that peoples well-being should become the main objective of the new government. Today New Party plans to meet with Latvijas Cels and the Union of Social Democrats. In their turn, TB/LNNK announced that they would not discuss anything with New Party till October 3. Neatkariga

Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Latvia and Estonia met yesterday to discuss several issues; the future referendum and the problems of Valka - Valga also were on the agenda.

Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Latvia and Estonia met yesterday to discuss several issues; the future referendum and the problems of Valka - Valga also were on the agenda. Neatkariga

During his radio interview State President G.Ulmanis suggested those people who were going to vote for abolishing of the amendments to the Law on Citizenship to think twice about this decision, their decision could isolate Latvia from other countries. He pointed out that citizenship was not the laws on education and language. G.Ulmanis considers that these laws should be strict but civilised and democratic.

During his radio interview State President G.Ulmanis suggested those people who were going to vote for abolishing of the amendments to the Law on Citizenship to think twice about this decision, their decision could isolate Latvia from other countries. He pointed out that citizenship was not the laws on education and language. G.Ulmanis considers that these laws should be strict but civilised and democratic. Neatkariga

A group of people held a picket at the Saeima building on Monday, where it was planned to consider the 3 rd reading of the draft language law, demanding the status of the state language to the Russian language.

A group of people held a picket at the Saeima building on Monday, where it was planned to consider the 3 rd reading of the draft language law, demanding the status of the state language to the Russian language. Diena

Panorama Latvii and Bizness & Baltiya write about this picket in more details.

A.Pabriks in

A.Pabriks in Diena writes the possible outcome of the referendum. He states that it is up to the Latvian nation to decide whether it wants to live a full-fledged live or just to go on complaining about hardships of being a small nation. Diena

The Cabinet of Ministers adopted amendments to the draft law “On the change of the record of person’s name and nationality”. It establishes that, starting with January 1, 1999, the Registry office takes over from the DCMA the function of changing these records.

The Cabinet of Ministers adopted amendments to the draft law On the change of the record of persons name and nationality. It establishes that, starting with January 1, 1999, the Registry office takes over from the DCMA the function of changing these records. Jauna Avize

The historian M.Vulfsons is for amending the law on citizenship because Latvians should more think about their security and not to create obstacles on their way to EU.

Jauna Avize Russian TV station RTR showed a half an hour long documentary about Latvia. The authors of this film show Latvians as full of hatred towards aliens, accuse them of shooting in the backs of Soviet solders, executing Jews and waiting for Germans to come. They forget about Latvian Red Riflemen and many others who fought on the side of the Soviet Union.

Russian TV station RTR showed a half an hour long documentary about Latvia. The authors of this film show Latvians as full of hatred towards aliens, accuse them of shooting in the backs of Soviet solders, executing Jews and waiting for Germans to come. They forget about Latvian Red Riflemen and many others who fought on the side of the Soviet Union. SM

Panorama Latvii writes about continuing problems of T.Pancenko who wanted to receive a non-citizen passport and submitted all the necessary documents but, instead of it, she got accused of being a Russian citizen and having a domicile registration in Russia. After examining this case, it turned out that when T.Pancenko was registered in the Resident Register, the officials recorded a wrong father’s name in her registration card. After a very long fight with officials, she received a letter from the central office of the DCMA that she had to be issued a non-citizen passport within two weeks. But when T.Pancenko arrived to the local office to receive it, she was refused once again.

Panorama Latvii writes about continuing problems of T.Pancenko who wanted to receive a non-citizen passport and submitted all the necessary documents but, instead of it, she got accused of being a Russian citizen and having a domicile registration in Russia. After examining this case, it turned out that when T.Pancenko was registered in the Resident Register, the officials recorded a wrong fathers name in her registration card. After a very long fight with officials, she received a letter from the central office of the DCMA that she had to be issued a non-citizen passport within two weeks. But when T.Pancenko arrived to the local office to receive it, she was refused once again.

R.Gulayeva writes about the problems she had to experience at DCMA Kurzeme office when she needed to draw up non-citizen passports for all her family of 5 people to visit her old father in Byelorussia. After many visits to the office and long waiting in the lines, they finally receives these passports but with different terms of validity. So when they plan to visit Byelorussia next year, some family members will need to draw up a new passport.

R.Gulayeva writes about the problems she had to experience at DCMA Kurzeme office when she needed to draw up non-citizen passports for all her family of 5 people to visit her old father in Byelorussia. After many visits to the office and long waiting in the lines, they finally receives these passports but with different terms of validity. So when they plan to visit Byelorussia next year, some family members will need to draw up a new passport. Panorama Latvii

Press Report

State President G.Ulmanis hopes that Russia, after careful studying if his speech at the UN General Assembly meeting, will the his with to bring closer both nations because evaluation of the consequences of Soviet totalitarian regime is important both for the Latvian and Russian nations, they both suffered from it. Russia condemned Latvian President for his unfriendly utterances. In its turn, Latvian MFA admits a possibility that Russia could make its campaign against Latvia more active. The Saeima Secretary I.Berzins also thinks that Russia could use this Ulmanis’s address to the UN and re-burring of Latvian legionnaires in Lestene to express its reproaches. In their turn, Latvian citizens, protesting against this campaign, will abolish the amendments to the Law on Citizenship. He pointed out that, after this, the West would refuse to help Latvia to oppose Russian pressure.

State President G.Ulmanis hopes that Russia, after careful studying if his speech at the UN General Assembly meeting, will the his with to bring closer both nations because evaluation of the consequences of Soviet totalitarian regime is important both for the Latvian and Russian nations, they both suffered from it. Russia condemned Latvian President for his unfriendly utterances. In its turn, Latvian MFA admits a possibility that Russia could make its campaign against Latvia more active. The Saeima Secretary I.Berzins also thinks that Russia could use this Ulmaniss address to the UN and re-burring of Latvian legionnaires in Lestene to express its reproaches. In their turn, Latvian citizens, protesting against this campaign, will abolish the amendments to the Law on Citizenship. He pointed out that, after this, the West would refuse to help Latvia to oppose Russian pressure. Neatkariga, Diena, Bizness & Baltiya

Eleven international observers from OSCE have arrived to Latvia to monitor the preparation for the Saeima election. The total number of observers from OSCE, PACE, International Election System Fund will be about 100. International observers will also come from Sweden, Great Britain, Denmark, Estonia, the USA, Byelorussia, etc.

Eleven international observers from OSCE have arrived to Latvia to monitor the preparation for the Saeima election. The total number of observers from OSCE, PACE, International Election System Fund will be about 100. International observers will also come from Sweden, Great Britain, Denmark, Estonia, the USA, Byelorussia, etc. Neatkariga

At the end of September, there will be no more than 30 teachers in Daugavpils Region with not adequate knowledge of the state language. In order to improve the Latvian language knowledge of teachers there was organised a study camp for four teachers and 25 students in Staicele. It lasted for two weeks, and the participants had 6 classes a day. Partially this camp was financed by the National Latvian Language Training Program, partially by the participants themselves.

At the end of September, there will be no more than 30 teachers in Daugavpils Region with not adequate knowledge of the state language. In order to improve the Latvian language knowledge of teachers there was organised a study camp for four teachers and 25 students in Staicele. It lasted for two weeks, and the participants had 6 classes a day. Partially this camp was financed by the National Latvian Language Training Program, partially by the participants themselves. Neatkariga

Liepaja Registry Office in co-operation with Adult Education Centre of Liepaja Pedagogical High school have started a special alien integration program let mixed families could better understand themselves. This program has been prepared for two years, and its realisation is very important now because 18% of all marriages in Liepaja are mixed, The goal of this program is to integrate aliens in Latvian environment but the tasks to help families to understand themselves, improve the knowledge of aliens about the Latvian culture and traditions.

Liepaja Registry Office in co-operation with Adult Education Centre of Liepaja Pedagogical High school have started a special alien integration program let mixed families could better understand themselves. This program has been prepared for two years, and its realisation is very important now because 18% of all marriages in Liepaja are mixed, The goal of this program is to integrate aliens in Latvian environment but the tasks to help families to understand themselves, improve the knowledge of aliens about the Latvian culture and traditions. Neatkariga

The state language courses for unemployed have been started at Daugavpils Employment Centre. Ten groups have been formed of 15 people each. The study process will be very intensive - 118 lessons in three weeks. The Ministry of Well-being is financing the courses. The city Council itself financed short term courses (10 lessons) this summer with about 700 unemployed persons participating, and 600 of them received certificates of mastering a certain level of the Latvian language. Currently there are about 1 500 people registered at the centre who need the certificate of the state language knowledge.

The state language courses for unemployed have been started at Daugavpils Employment Centre. Ten groups have been formed of 15 people each. The study process will be very intensive - 118 lessons in three weeks. The Ministry of Well-being is financing the courses. The city Council itself financed short term courses (10 lessons) this summer with about 700 unemployed persons participating, and 600 of them received certificates of mastering a certain level of the Latvian language. Currently there are about 1 500 people registered at the centre who need the certificate of the state language knowledge. Neatkariga

The USA Ambassador Larry Naper is leaving Latvia and

The USA Ambassador Larry Naper is leaving Latvia and Neatkariga interviewed him. Answering about the referendum in Latvia, the Ambassador said that the American government hoped that the amendments would be adopted. These amendments are a step towards public integration, and the society could loose its tempo of integration if the amendments were abolished. L.Naper did not want to predict the outcome of the referendum, but, if the amendments were not adopted, it could create doubt in Latvian and international societies whether integration is the strategic goal of this state. Speaking on the possible changes in the relations between Latvia and the USA, L.Naper said that the USA was always fulfilling its resolutions. The goals of the US government are to support Latvian independence, sovereignty and security. Neatkariga

American political analyst P.Goble thinks that if Latvia and Estonia would not adopt such amendments to the citizenship law, easing the terms of receiving citizenship, these countries could almost forget about joining EU. Western countries would be less willing to support these Baltic states disregarding the actions Russia takes. P.Goble is eager to convince Latvian society to amend the citizenship law. Latvian decision could also negatively influence Estonia and Lithuania. West in interested in liberalisation of citizenship policy in these countries because EU candidate states should do away the major part of conflict sources both internal and in their relations with Russia. It is worthwhile to yield to be able to join NATO and EU.

American political analyst P.Goble thinks that if Latvia and Estonia would not adopt such amendments to the citizenship law, easing the terms of receiving citizenship, these countries could almost forget about joining EU. Western countries would be less willing to support these Baltic states disregarding the actions Russia takes. P.Goble is eager to convince Latvian society to amend the citizenship law. Latvian decision could also negatively influence Estonia and Lithuania. West in interested in liberalisation of citizenship policy in these countries because EU candidate states should do away the major part of conflict sources both internal and in their relations with Russia. It is worthwhile to yield to be able to join NATO and EU. Diena

Diena

political commentator A.Ozolins considers that the intense and aggressive reaction of Russia towards the speech of G.Ulmanis at the UN General Assembly session is a serious sign for Russias intention to attack Latvia politically. The amount and direction of this attack would depend of the outcome of the referendum. Russia was the only state that put forward additional demands for Latvia after it adopted the amendments to the Law on Citizenship, and now it is just waiting for a signal to launch a wide scale hostile action against Latvia. If the amendments were abolished, Latvia would find itself in an international isolation and could not hope for Western support. Russia would use this situation to compensate its internal problems with victories in the international field. Unfortunately also many people in the West would feel relieved for the received pretext for political non-interference in the relations of the Baltic states with their ill neighbour. Diena

The MFA Permanent Under Secretary of GB J.Kerr, answering to the questions of

The MFA Permanent Under Secretary of GB J.Kerr, answering to the questions of Diena journalist, predicted that the outcome of the referendum would effect the process of Latvia Joining EU, but this influence would not be direst and automatic. But it will leave impression on the general mood in the EU decision making institution, that are to take the decision on Latvia quite soon. That is why GB is worried about it, because it wanted Latvia to join EU as soon as possible. But well-wishes should avoid preaching, taking into consideration all those things Latvians have gone through. What concerns Russian position on the amendments as being partial, cosmetic, the diplomat answers that the position of British MFA was very clear. Minister of Foreign Affairs R Cook announced that GB did not find acceptable Russian attempt to put pressure not the long list of additional recommendations. When the journalist asked why western states found these amendments so important, J.Kerr answered that there were two possible answers - a philosophical and a practical one. The philosophical is that EU was not just a union of economic interests, but EU also agreed upon the list of human rights principles which were the values to protect. The practical answer is that there were different priorities among different EU countries. E.g. for some of them it is introduction of Euro. Diena

Russian Public Council supports the picket organized by the movement Equality on September 28 at the Saeima to protest against the adoption of the language law .

Russian Public Council supports the picket organized by the movement Equality on September 28 at the Saeima to protest against the adoption of the language law . SM

Press Review

Press Review

Saeima Commission on Education, Culture and Science has received new OSCE recommendations before the planned consideration of the draft language law in the third reading on September 28. In his letter to the Head of the Commission Dz.Abikis, Max van der Stoel points out that Copenhagen document states for OSCE member states that persons belonging to national minorities shall have sufficient possibilities to receive education or study in their native language. The High Commissioner stresses that education institutions have to provide qualified teachers of the Latvian language in minority schools, “otherwise these pupils will find themselves in more disadvantageous position than Latvian pupils”. And Max van der Stoel calls the Saeima to establish the Latvian language as the working language only for those private enterprises where the state owns more than 50% of the equity capital. The current wording of the draft law does not provide such terms.

Saeima Commission on Education, Culture and Science has received new OSCE recommendations before the planned consideration of the draft language law in the third reading on September 28. In his letter to the Head of the Commission Dz.Abikis, Max van der Stoel points out that Copenhagen document states for OSCE member states that persons belonging to national minorities shall have sufficient possibilities to receive education or study in their native language. The High Commissioner stresses that education institutions have to provide qualified teachers of the Latvian language in minority schools, otherwise these pupils will find themselves in more disadvantageous position than Latvian pupils. And Max van der Stoel calls the Saeima to establish the Latvian language as the working language only for those private enterprises where the state owns more than 50% of the equity capital. The current wording of the draft law does not provide such terms. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Chas, Bizness & Baltiya

Diena publishes comments on the new draft language law. The new law will define more clearly and strictly the use of the state language in state authority and administration institution, businesses, education and public information. The draft law has been amended in great extent during the discussion that longed for several years, especially lately agreeing it with the recommendations of OSCE that are not implemented completely yet. OSCE have just some objections to it. They were expressed in Max van der Stoel’s letter to Dz.Abikis

Diena publishes comments on the new draft language law. The new law will define more clearly and strictly the use of the state language in state authority and administration institution, businesses, education and public information. The draft law has been amended in great extent during the discussion that longed for several years, especially lately agreeing it with the recommendations of OSCE that are not implemented completely yet. OSCE have just some objections to it. They were expressed in Max van der Stoels letter to Dz.Abikis

In its turn the newspaper

In its turn the newspaper Chas decided to interview the representatives of Estonia, Canada, Finland, Uzbekistan and the USA, where several languages are spoken, about the situation with the state language. Chas

State Police together with country guards will take care of security during the last pre-election week. About 90% of all police personnel will be involved in guarding polling stations and patrolling in operative groups.

State Police together with country guards will take care of security during the last pre-election week. About 90% of all police personnel will be involved in guarding polling stations and patrolling in operative groups. Neatkariga

Byelorussian democratic opposition considers that Latvian party has legitimized the regime of A.Lukashenko by the visit of the Saeima Speaker A.Cepanis to Minsk. Before this visit only Slavic friends from Yugoslavia had made friends with A.Lukashenko.

Byelorussian democratic opposition considers that Latvian party has legitimized the regime of A.Lukashenko by the visit of the Saeima Speaker A.Cepanis to Minsk. Before this visit only Slavic friends from Yugoslavia had made friends with A.Lukashenko. Neatkariga,

More than 400 Latvian citizens have not arrived to receive their citizen passports in Valka Region. The local DCMA office Head B.Zabaka considers that the reason of this is just carelessness because the DCMA officials visit themselves towns and villages to issue these passports.

More than 400 Latvian citizens have not arrived to receive their citizen passports in Valka Region. The local DCMA office Head B.Zabaka considers that the reason of this is just carelessness because the DCMA officials visit themselves towns and villages to issue these passports. Neatkariga

Sociologic research firms have not conducted any research on the possible outcome of this election, in addition, reliability of such data could be very low. And nobody ordered such a research.

Sociologic research firms have not conducted any research on the possible outcome of this election, in addition, reliability of such data could be very low. And nobody ordered such a research. Neatkariga

Diena

interviewed several officials, who are closely connected with the problem of integration in their everyday activities, about their understanding of the term - public integration. N.Muiznieks considers it to be the process during which common values and interests are strengthened. He finds the principle of granting citizenship to people when they have become 18 years old and have learned the Latvian language completely wrong because non-citizens associate their status with the feeling of insecurity, and you may not expect that the children who have grown up in such conditions would want Latvian citizenship. N.Muiznieks thinks that it is not possible to integrate older generation, many of them will never learn the Latvian language and forget their feeling of offense. A.Priedite says that many people think of integration as assimilation, losing their national identity. The process of integration should be voluntary. If people here want to live together, the existing stereotypes should be broken. Journalist A.Stroy, who represents Russian speaking population, considers Latvia to be a national state and it should not endanger identity of non-Latvians. It is important that non-Latvians, living here, would have the feeling of belonging to this state. G.Catlaks finds reality to be the basic motivation for integration. And stimuli are the actions of the government. The result of ethnic integration could also be assimilation, but it is a voluntary process. But the current issue is just political integration. interviewed several officials, who are closely connected with the problem of integration in their everyday activities, about their understanding of the term - public integration. N.Muiznieks considers it to be the process during which common values and interests are strengthened. He finds the principle of granting citizenship to people when they have become 18 years old and have learned the Latvian language completely wrong because non-citizens associate their status with the feeling of insecurity, and you may not expect that the children who have grown up in such conditions would want Latvian citizenship. N.Muiznieks thinks that it is not possible to integrate older generation, many of them will never learn the Latvian language and forget their feeling of offense. A.Priedite says that many people think of integration as assimilation, losing their national identity. The process of integration should be voluntary. If people here want to live together, the existing stereotypes should be broken. Journalist A.Stroy, who represents Russian speaking population, considers Latvia to be a national state and it should not endanger identity of non-Latvians. It is important that non-Latvians, living here, would have the feeling of belonging to this state. G.Catlaks finds reality to be the basic motivation for integration. And stimuli are the actions of the government. The result of ethnic integration could also be assimilation, but it is a voluntary process. But the current issue is just political integration. DienaDiena

The consultations planned between

The consultations planned between New Party and Latvijas Cels and Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK did not take place. The first were Latvijas Cels not to arrive due to some technical reasons, and the meeting was postponed for Monday. A day later also TB/LNNK did not show up with no argumented explanation and not fixing the date of the possible meeting in the future. Chas

Press Review

Press Review

The Presidium of the Saeima decided the summon an extraordinary sitting of the Saeima to consider the third reading of the draft language law.

The Presidium of the Saeima decided the summon an extraordinary sitting of the Saeima to consider the third reading of the draft language law. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

The Speaker of the Saeima A.Cepanis met the President of Byelorussia A.Lukashenko. The main topics of discussion were demarcation of borders and readmitting of refugees. Although the both parties did not have any major objections to the border issue, no real progress was made. Byelorussia lacks money for arranging the border with Latvia, and A.Cepanis refused a possibility that Latvia could start arranging its border unilaterally. Concerning readmitting of refugees, Byelorussia has no serious policy concerning illegal immigrants. A.Lukashenko proposed to solve this issue by involving also Russia and Lithuania in this process. Answering to this, A.Cepanis said that an agreement on readmitting could be the start of this process. Byelorussian part refrained from discussing of the problem of non-citizens in Latvia. When journalists asked the Speaker about this at a press conference, he answered that there were no oppression of Byelorussians in Latvia if one of them had been elected to the Saeima. A.Cepanis mother is a Byelorussian.

The Speaker of the Saeima A.Cepanis met the President of Byelorussia A.Lukashenko. The main topics of discussion were demarcation of borders and readmitting of refugees. Although the both parties did not have any major objections to the border issue, no real progress was made. Byelorussia lacks money for arranging the border with Latvia, and A.Cepanis refused a possibility that Latvia could start arranging its border unilaterally. Concerning readmitting of refugees, Byelorussia has no serious policy concerning illegal immigrants. A.Lukashenko proposed to solve this issue by involving also Russia and Lithuania in this process. Answering to this, A.Cepanis said that an agreement on readmitting could be the start of this process. Byelorussian part refrained from discussing of the problem of non-citizens in Latvia. When journalists asked the Speaker about this at a press conference, he answered that there were no oppression of Byelorussians in Latvia if one of them had been elected to the Saeima. A.Cepanis mother is a Byelorussian. Neatkariga

Several newspapers add that A.Lukasenko has called to protect Byelorussian citizens, both Byelorussians and Russians, living in Latvia.

Several newspapers add that A.Lukasenko has called to protect Byelorussian citizens, both Byelorussians and Russians, living in Latvia. Diena, Chas , Bizness & Baltiya

The newspaper

The newspaper Neatkariga interviews the leader of TB/LNNK M.Grinblats about his personal and TB/LNNK position on the amendments to the Law on Citizenship and the referendum. M.Grinblats thinks that abolishing of the amendments would not stop the discussion. It the nation decides the amendments to be refused, the new parliament will make some other. Of course, according to the EU recommendations, these children would be some priority group, but it should be linked with the language. M.Grinblats agreed to the statement that EU recommendations on citizenship would be accepted in some or other form, but this form would be more elastic. And he did not think that abolishing of the amendments could cause tension among nations and even conflicts. Latvia has different traditions, and problems here are solved not with the help of weapons. What concerns loyalty towards the state, M.Grinblats agreed that language is not the only criteria of it, but is one of the means for an individual to join the society. He agreed to the statement that abolishing of the amendments could make Latvias joining EU more difficult, but citizenship is not the only criteria used. Neatkariga

Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the statements, made by the Latvian President G.Ulmanis at the UN General Assembly session, as “unfriendly”. G.Ulmanis had centred his speech on “speculations on historic topics” containing an obvious subtext directed against Russia and Russians. Russian MFA noted that Latvian President had tried to prove that it was not Latvian authorities to be blamed for the situation with minorities in Latvia but the consequences of “Soviet occupation regime”.

Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the statements, made by the Latvian President G.Ulmanis at the UN General Assembly session, as unfriendly. G.Ulmanis had centred his speech on speculations on historic topics containing an obvious subtext directed against Russia and Russians. Russian MFA noted that Latvian President had tried to prove that it was not Latvian authorities to be blamed for the situation with minorities in Latvia but the consequences of Soviet occupation regime. Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas, Bizness & Baltiya

Rating of

Rating of Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK has decreased to 12.8% in September, but Social Democrats had an increase to 14.2% , and now they are the second most popular political party. The first one is still Peoples Party with 29%. Diena

Movement

Movement Equality, protesting against the planned gradual transition to the Latvian language as the language of tuition in state and municipality financed schools, has collected 70 000 signatures. But Diena verified, at inspecting these lists that these signatures had been collected not as a protest against this language law but as an appeal to include in the draft law a condition of state support to schools with the Russian or a minority language as the language of tuition. Diena, Bizness & Baltiya

The deputy from

The deputy from Equality A.Bartashevich considers that Latvian ruling elite has decided to take a very dangerous step - to endanger the rights and future of the children of national minorities. If the law is adopted, in private school majority of subjects, possibly all of them but the native language and literature, will have to be taught in the state language otherwise the school would not get a license. SM

Activists of the movement

Activists of the movement Equality and some other Russian organisations will collect signatures on September 26 to protect Russian speaking schools in Riga. Panorama Latvii

Estonian Parliamentary Commission has decided to continue the consideration of the amendments to the Law on Citizenship that anticipate granting citizenship to the children of non-citizens, born after the restoration independence, on October 12, after the referendum in Latvia.

Estonian Parliamentary Commission has decided to continue the consideration of the amendments to the Law on Citizenship that anticipate granting citizenship to the children of non-citizens, born after the restoration independence, on October 12, after the referendum in Latvia. Diena

Deputy candidates from the list of

Deputy candidates from the list of Peoples Harmony Party collect signatures to allow the minorities living in Latvia to acquire education in their mother tongue. PHP want education in minority schools to be acquired in the mother tongue and the Latvian language to be a mandatory subject. Party members also suggest to cancel the extraordinary sitting of the Saeima when it is planned to consider the draft language law. Jauna Avize

Almost 1 500 Latvian citizens will not be able to take part in the Saeima election in Rezekne because they have not received their citizen passports, yet. As the DCMA Rezekne office official V.Zaluzinska informed, 300 of them had submitted all necessary documents to receive a passport, they were ready, but nobody came to receive them. As V.Zaluzinska said, the problem could be those 5 Ls, 1 Ls pensioners - to be paid when receiving a passport. There are many people who had showed no interest in receiving the new passport and currently in Rezekne Region there are more than 1000 Latvian citizens with no ID.

Almost 1 500 Latvian citizens will not be able to take part in the Saeima election in Rezekne because they have not received their citizen passports, yet. As the DCMA Rezekne office official V.Zaluzinska informed, 300 of them had submitted all necessary documents to receive a passport, they were ready, but nobody came to receive them. As V.Zaluzinska said, the problem could be those 5 Ls, 1 Ls pensioners - to be paid when receiving a passport. There are many people who had showed no interest in receiving the new passport and currently in Rezekne Region there are more than 1000 Latvian citizens with no ID. Jauna Avize

The consultations between

The consultations between Latvijas Cels and New Party, planned for yesterday, were cancelled for some time in the future due to technical reasons. Chas

A resident of the Republic of Ukraine has spent eight months in Latvian centres for illegal immigrants.

A resident of the Republic of Ukraine has spent eight months in Latvian centres for illegal immigrants. Chas learned about this fact from Ye.Grisheckin, who had spent two weeks together with this person. The Ukrainian was ready to go on a hunger strike until he would be release and even threatened to commit a suicide. He had come to Latvia in 1991, married here but was detained last year by the Immigration police and since then was behind the bars. Chas

Chas

publishes an article by B.Cilevich on the draft language law. He describes the adoption of this law as the last opportunity for parties to show their patriotic feelings to the voters.