Press Review

Press Review

The Saeima has adopted the amendments to the law on pensions in the final reading, but, answering to this, the Minister of Well-being V.Makarovs submitted a letter of resignation to the Prime Minister G.Krasts. He explained this action with no wish to undertake political responsibility for this decision of the deputies which could endanger indexation of pensions due to insufficient resources in the social budget.

The Saeima has adopted the amendments to the law on pensions in the final reading, but, answering to this, the Minister of Well-being V.Makarovs submitted a letter of resignation to the Prime Minister G.Krasts. He explained this action with no wish to undertake political responsibility for this decision of the deputies which could endanger indexation of pensions due to insufficient resources in the social budget. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, SM, Chas

The Board of TB/LNNK announced yesterday that the party did not intend to participate in any pre-election coalitions and conclude agreements or treaties but admitted discussions of parties before an election with an aim to compare programs and models of state development.

The Board of TB/LNNK announced yesterday that the party did not intend to participate in any pre-election coalitions and conclude agreements or treaties but admitted discussions of parties before an election with an aim to compare programs and models of state development. Neatkariga, Bizness & Baltiya

The Mayor of Venspils A.Lembergs, answering to the news spread by several newspapers yesterday on the possible agreement between him and A.Skele, said that the financial industrial group Ave Lat had formed a new political party in order to make more money and solve its financial problems. Now Ave Lat is fighting to gain the power in a parliamentary state, i.e. to control not only the legislative, but also executive and juridical powers and mass media. A.Lembergs considers it inadmissible. Therefore the only possibility to come to any agreement is if after the election

The Mayor of Venspils A.Lembergs, answering to the news spread by several newspapers yesterday on the possible agreement between him and A.Skele, said that the financial industrial group Ave Lat had formed a new political party in order to make more money and solve its financial problems. Now Ave Lat is fighting to gain the power in a parliamentary state, i.e. to control not only the legislative, but also executive and juridical powers and mass media. A.Lembergs considers it inadmissible. Therefore the only possibility to come to any agreement is if after the election Peoples Party represents interests of the state not Ave Lat. Neatkariga

Diena interviewed the leaders of TB/LNNK, Latvijas Cels and New Party about the announcement made by Peoples Party on the financial dependence of. these parties. All three of them denied receiving any financila support from enterprises of Venspils either lately or ever, but they would not refuse any donations because an election campaign is very expensive. The Chairman of Latvijas Cels A.Pantelejevs considers that A.Skele is afraid that A.Lembergs could use his past experience and become the Prime Minister himself. Diena

Payment of pensions to Russia military pensioners has been started in full amount, but it needs some tome to convert the received money. Therefore there could be some delay in payments outside Riga till Monday.

Payment of pensions to Russia military pensioners has been started in full amount, but it needs some tome to convert the received money. Therefore there could be some delay in payments outside Riga till Monday. Panorama Latvii

Estonian government is looking for a possibility to legalise about 70 000 foreigners that reside in Estonia illegally. These people were not able to receive a domicile registration in 1995, which was the only means for them to legalise their staying in the country. According to the law on foreigners, a noncitizen could receive domicile registration only if he had a permanent residence permit on 1990. It turned out that these people had been residing in Estonia with temporary residence permits, for example in hostels. According to the data of the Ministry of Social Affairs, more that 25 000 of these illegals still continue to receive pensions and social aid. But the rest of them can not even find a job legally. It means that they do not pay taxes, because they officially do not exist. At the end of this week the government submitted to the Parliament a draft law on amending the existing law on foreigners. This law would give more authority to the executive powers in dealing with illegals.

Bizness & Baltiya

Press Review

Press Review

The Saeima Commission on Education, Culture and Science continued to consider the draft language law, adopted in the second reading and supported the norm demanding a mandatory use of the state language at public events and Latvian translation of public information, as well as gradual transition to the Latvian language as the language of tuition in all state financed education institutions. The Head of the Commission Dz.Abikis said that it would not be allowed to soften the existing legislation concerning the state language. The Commission, considering the use of the language at public events, has not supported the recommendations of OSCE experts to regulate the language only at events organised by the state institutions. Thus, they preserved the norm demanding private events to be interpreted into the state language because, according to Mr.Abikis, you may consider as such both sport competitions and musical festivals important for the whole state. The only exception is pickets, rallies, demonstrations and activities of national culture societies and separate ethnic groups. The Education Commission also agreed upon the chapter on education. It envisages that in all state financed education institutions a transition to the state language is to be carried out, but those subjects that will be included in a special national minorities education program. In their turn, students of private education institutions that do not receive financing from the state budget will have to pass the state language examination in accordance with the level of knowledge established by the Ministry of Education and Science. The Commission must finish considering the draft law by next Tuesday and to submit it to the Saeima for adoption in the final reading. For this purpose it is planned to summon an extraordinary plenary session on September 28.

The Saeima Commission on Education, Culture and Science continued to consider the draft language law, adopted in the second reading and supported the norm demanding a mandatory use of the state language at public events and Latvian translation of public information, as well as gradual transition to the Latvian language as the language of tuition in all state financed education institutions. The Head of the Commission Dz.Abikis said that it would not be allowed to soften the existing legislation concerning the state language. The Commission, considering the use of the language at public events, has not supported the recommendations of OSCE experts to regulate the language only at events organised by the state institutions. Thus, they preserved the norm demanding private events to be interpreted into the state language because, according to Mr.Abikis, you may consider as such both sport competitions and musical festivals important for the whole state. The only exception is pickets, rallies, demonstrations and activities of national culture societies and separate ethnic groups. The Education Commission also agreed upon the chapter on education. It envisages that in all state financed education institutions a transition to the state language is to be carried out, but those subjects that will be included in a special national minorities education program. In their turn, students of private education institutions that do not receive financing from the state budget will have to pass the state language examination in accordance with the level of knowledge established by the Ministry of Education and Science. The Commission must finish considering the draft law by next Tuesday and to submit it to the Saeima for adoption in the final reading. For this purpose it is planned to summon an extraordinary plenary session on September 28. Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Chas

The Chairman of

The Chairman of Social Democratic Party J.Bojars writes about the referendum on the amendments to the Law on Citizenship. He considers it just an election trick of Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK which has nothing else to attract the electorate. J.Bojars gives a brief history of the present Law on Citizenship. Analysing the referendum, he says that there is a discussion only about the amendment concerning the children of non-citizens, but the voting will be on all 16 amendments, majority of which are rather sensible. He finds this step of TB/LNNK a contradictory if not a initiating one because the party stands for joining EU, but EU representatives have warned that if the amendments were not adopted, it would be an obstacle for Latvia to join EU. Also the USA Ambassador L.Napper, during his meeting with the leaders of Latvian parties, has reminded about the US position in this respect corresponding to that of EU and OSCE. Then J.Bojars analyses the situation with these children stating that there is no danger in granting them Latvian citizenship because citizenship is not granted automatically but basing on an application and describes the European practice in this matter. Neatkariga

State President G.Ulmanis has met with the representative of

State President G.Ulmanis has met with the representative of Democratic Party Saimnieks to discuss different issues, such as preparation for the election, the attitude of DPS towards the referendum, etc. The interlocutors hold the same opinion that the amendments to the law on citizenship would be one of the basic cornerstones for the next Saeima. Presidents Press Secretary informed that G.Ulmanis had reproached DPS for their not enough active policy in support of the amendments, but DPS representatives denied this. As the President announced on Monday that he had started to consider the composition of the new government, journalists asked DPS representatives whether they had been informed about this. The answer was that the composition of the government had not been discussed. Neatkariga, Diena

MFA Press Secretary A.Pildegovics informed that at least four families of Russian military servicemen, demobilised after January 28, 1992, with their family members were still in Latvia. He said that they were still here because construction of apartments in Kursk Region was not completed yet. MFA has informed about this fact both OSCE and the USA which sponsors construction of the apartments for Russian military pensioners. Also Russian party is informed about them, and there is no doubt that they will leave Latvia.

MFA Press Secretary A.Pildegovics informed that at least four families of Russian military servicemen, demobilised after January 28, 1992, with their family members were still in Latvia. He said that they were still here because construction of apartments in Kursk Region was not completed yet. MFA has informed about this fact both OSCE and the USA which sponsors construction of the apartments for Russian military pensioners. Also Russian party is informed about them, and there is no doubt that they will leave Latvia. Neatkariga

Latvian newspapers have already informed about the possible coalition of major political parties to prevent A.Skele coming to power. As one of the reasons was mentioned a possibility to have no obstacles for privatising of the enterprise

Latvian newspapers have already informed about the possible coalition of major political parties to prevent A.Skele coming to power. As one of the reasons was mentioned a possibility to have no obstacles for privatising of the enterprise Venspils Nafta. But several Latvian politicians admit a possibility that A.Skele and the Mayor of Venspils A.Lembergs could find a compromise to normalise their relations. As one of the signs of this is that they have started discussions, and A.Skele does not deny it. The leaders of major political parties also are sure that these two persons could come to an agreement. Diena, Chas

Immigration Police officers have prevented an attempt of escape from the Illegal Immigrants Centre. On Monday night 4 people tried to escape from the centre on Gaizina street, but policemen noticed this attempt and captured them.

Immigration Police officers have prevented an attempt of escape from the Illegal Immigrants Centre. On Monday night 4 people tried to escape from the centre on Gaizina street, but policemen noticed this attempt and captured them. Diena

The government has prepared a draft law on the situation of a stateless person thus doing away with the 8 years old contradiction between Latvian legislation and international human rights norms. On May 4, 1990 the Supreme Council along with the proclamation of independence adopted a declaration on Latvia joining international legal documents on Human Rights issues. Among these documents there was the Convention on reducing the number of stateless persons, but no law defines the status of a stateless person. Now there are several hundred of such people, so called illegals. The status of a stateless person shall be referred to those persons whose status is not determined either by the law “On the status of former USSR citizens who are not citizens of Latvia or any other state” or the law on asylum seekers and refugees. According to Article 3 of this draft law, the sample form of the ID of a stateless person will be confirmed by the Cabinet of Ministers and it will also be a travel document. The draft law is still to be adopted by the Saeima.

The government has prepared a draft law on the situation of a stateless person thus doing away with the 8 years old contradiction between Latvian legislation and international human rights norms. On May 4, 1990 the Supreme Council along with the proclamation of independence adopted a declaration on Latvia joining international legal documents on Human Rights issues. Among these documents there was the Convention on reducing the number of stateless persons, but no law defines the status of a stateless person. Now there are several hundred of such people, so called illegals. The status of a stateless person shall be referred to those persons whose status is not determined either by the law On the status of former USSR citizens who are not citizens of Latvia or any other state or the law on asylum seekers and refugees. According to Article 3 of this draft law, the sample form of the ID of a stateless person will be confirmed by the Cabinet of Ministers and it will also be a travel document. The draft law is still to be adopted by the Saeima. Rigas Balss

State Police administration organized a meeting yesterday to discuss the issue of illegal immigrants and refugees and the possible influx of them from Russia with participation of the NHRO Director O.Bruveris, representatives of Immigration Police, as well as the official representatives of the OSCE High Commissioner on Refugee Affairs. As one of the major problems was discussed the lack of qualified specialists and not adequate division of functions among the customs, border guards and Immigration Police. Training of new officers would allow to find out whether the illegals, currently kept at the Center on Gaizins str., are political or economical refugees. OSCE representatives promised to train psychologists who could work with people kept in such centres.

State Police administration organized a meeting yesterday to discuss the issue of illegal immigrants and refugees and the possible influx of them from Russia with participation of the NHRO Director O.Bruveris, representatives of Immigration Police, as well as the official representatives of the OSCE High Commissioner on Refugee Affairs. As one of the major problems was discussed the lack of qualified specialists and not adequate division of functions among the customs, border guards and Immigration Police. Training of new officers would allow to find out whether the illegals, currently kept at the Center on Gaizins str., are political or economical refugees. OSCE representatives promised to train psychologists who could work with people kept in such centres. Jauna Avize

Press Review

Press Review

The Appeal Council of Refugees Affairs has taken a decision to grant the status of a refugee to a former Sudan citizen. He has been residing in Latvia for a long time, part of it illegally and studied at Riga Aviation University. The Council has irrefutable facts that this person had been persecuted in Sudan for his political activities. This is the first case when a asylum seeker has been granted such a status. All together there are 21 persons in Latvia claiming for this status.

The Appeal Council of Refugees Affairs has taken a decision to grant the status of a refugee to a former Sudan citizen. He has been residing in Latvia for a long time, part of it illegally and studied at Riga Aviation University. The Council has irrefutable facts that this person had been persecuted in Sudan for his political activities. This is the first case when a asylum seeker has been granted such a status. All together there are 21 persons in Latvia claiming for this status. Neatkariga

Although the Saeima election is approaching, the DCMA has information that 9274 Latvian citizens have not gone to receive their Latvian citizen passports. These passports are at the DCMA offices for different reasons - the validity term of a document has expired, the document has been lost, damaged, etc. The former experience of the DCMA shows that people realise the fact of lacking the document on the very last day and then blame officials both of the poling districts and DCMA offices.

Although the Saeima election is approaching, the DCMA has information that 9274 Latvian citizens have not gone to receive their Latvian citizen passports. These passports are at the DCMA offices for different reasons - the validity term of a document has expired, the document has been lost, damaged, etc. The former experience of the DCMA shows that people realise the fact of lacking the document on the very last day and then blame officials both of the poling districts and DCMA offices. Neatkariga

Russian Embassy in Riga informed that Russia has transferred the money necessary for paying pensions to Russia military pensioners. Paying out of pensions will be started on Thursday. About 20 000 of these people, residing in Latvia, have not received pensions for more than a month. And Russia has not paid for their health care. Therefore the Minister of Well-being V.Makarovs asked the Russian Ambassador A.Udaltsov for a discussion last week during which the Ambassador promised that Russia would fulifil all its obligations towards these pensioners.

Russian Embassy in Riga informed that Russia has transferred the money necessary for paying pensions to Russia military pensioners. Paying out of pensions will be started on Thursday. About 20 000 of these people, residing in Latvia, have not received pensions for more than a month. And Russia has not paid for their health care. Therefore the Minister of Well-being V.Makarovs asked the Russian Ambassador A.Udaltsov for a discussion last week during which the Ambassador promised that Russia would fulifil all its obligations towards these pensioners. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii

Italian MFA State Secretary Piero Fasino, who has arrived to Latvia, explained the position of Italy concerning the future referendum on the amendments to the Law on Citizenship in Latvia. The State Secretary said that EU paid great attention to ethnic minorities issues in its member and candidate states. Therefore it was of a very high opinion of the amendments adopted by the Latvian Saeima. It hopes that these amendments will remain in force, but the citizenship law is a sovereign right of every country. But if a EU candidate state adopts a law corresponding to EU standards, it would favor moving of this country towards EU. It the referendum were in favor of these amendments, Latvian dialog with Brussels would be easier.

Italian MFA State Secretary Piero Fasino, who has arrived to Latvia, explained the position of Italy concerning the future referendum on the amendments to the Law on Citizenship in Latvia. The State Secretary said that EU paid great attention to ethnic minorities issues in its member and candidate states. Therefore it was of a very high opinion of the amendments adopted by the Latvian Saeima. It hopes that these amendments will remain in force, but the citizenship law is a sovereign right of every country. But if a EU candidate state adopts a law corresponding to EU standards, it would favor moving of this country towards EU. It the referendum were in favor of these amendments, Latvian dialog with Brussels would be easier. Neatkariga, Chas

The leaders of

The leaders of Latvijas Cels, Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK and New Party acknowledged yesterday that they planned next Wednesday to discuss a possibility to form the next government, to evaluate the possibilities of co-operation, as well as evaluate the similarities and differences of their positions. The Deputy Chairman of TB/LNNK J.Dobelis said that , before the election, just general consultations were possible, but no talks on forming an exact model of coalition or exact persons. Dobelis characterized the initiative of New Party as ridiculous. In his turn, the representative of Peoples Party J.Legzdins called this meeting as a move in the pre-election campaign that has nothing in common with forming a real government after the election. The head of the faction of Democratic Party Saimnieks E.Jurkans called this meeting a warm-up before the real discussion, and in reality it was just a pre-election trick of New Party. The representative of PP J.Liepnieks, when asked about their possible co-operation with New Party, answered that forming of the new government would not be the business of New Party. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Lauku Avize

It is envisaged that Estonian Parliament will continue consideration of the amendments to the Law on Citizenship (which would grant citizenship to the children of non-citizens, who are born in independent Estonia) after the referendum on the amendments to the Law on Citizenship in Latvia. The Chairman of the Constitutional Commission M.Nut told

Diena that deputies might submit their proposals till September 17 to the Commission, and they were planned to be considered at the next sitting of the Commission. M.Nut did not acknowledge any ties between this discussion with Latvian referendum but did not exclude that the outcome of the referendum could influence the procedure of considering this law. Diena

Diena

commentator A.Ozolins writes about the situation with the initiative of New Party to form the new government. He considers that New Party itself has to worry about getting elected to the Saeima and Slesers has no hope to become the next Prime Minister. The present attempt to form a post-election coalition is due to other reason - money. And the holder of it is the Mayor of Venspils A.Lembergs, a possible candidate to the post of the Prime Minister. And the reason for this manipulation is tiny - Lembergs is afraid of A.Skele becoming the Prime Minister. A.Ozolins evaluates the possible candidates to the post of the Prime Minister and considers A.Skele the least of all evils. Diena

The commentator of Jauna Avize G.Kokars also deals with the same problem but only from the different end - who will be in the opposition. These are social democrats, for sure but it is doubtful that they could form a coalition with Peoples Harmony Party. Another candidate for opposition could be A.Skele with his Peoples Party. Jauna Avize

The director of the State Language Training Program A.Priedite tells about the activities of this project. They have two major directions - to prepare such a Latvian language training program that could ensure Russian speaking students to continue their in the Latvian language studies also in higher education institutions and preparing teachers of the Latvian language as the second language for work in Russian schools. Now they are busy preparing courses foe Russian speaking teachers to improve their Latvian language skills. Groups are formed so that lessons take place within one concrete school - both “students” and teachers are from the same school. Now there are about 100 of such groups. Great interest about studying the Latvian language is in Latgale. In addition to those teacher groups there about 50 professional groups of medical workers, policemen, border guards, railwaymen, even prison personnel. There is also an initiative in Liepaja and Ludza that, if an unemployed person works for the city council for 60 hours he or she is offered a chance to take a 60 hours course of the Latvian language.

The director of the State Language Training Program A.Priedite tells about the activities of this project. They have two major directions - to prepare such a Latvian language training program that could ensure Russian speaking students to continue their in the Latvian language studies also in higher education institutions and preparing teachers of the Latvian language as the second language for work in Russian schools. Now they are busy preparing courses foe Russian speaking teachers to improve their Latvian language skills. Groups are formed so that lessons take place within one concrete school - both students and teachers are from the same school. Now there are about 100 of such groups. Great interest about studying the Latvian language is in Latgale. In addition to those teacher groups there about 50 professional groups of medical workers, policemen, border guards, railwaymen, even prison personnel. There is also an initiative in Liepaja and Ludza that, if an unemployed person works for the city council for 60 hours he or she is offered a chance to take a 60 hours course of the Latvian language. Jauna Avize

Chas writes about the situation with the Latvian language in Daugavpils. 1500 teachers have passed the Latvian language test, and only 38 people have to take a repeated test. Nobody has been officially fired for not knowing the Latvian language. Russian speakers in Daugavpils are ready to learn the state language, but why they need to close down Russian schools? They just need financing from the government and some interest. People of the city have decided to try to solve the problem. They have organised Centre of Learning the Latvian language to assist both students and teachers, but they lack money. At the same time UNDP program plans to open another centre, financed and controlled from the capital, bypassing the local municipality. Local people disagree with such a situation. And receiving of this money depends if EU likes the outcome f the referendum in Latvia.

Chas writes about the situation with the Latvian language in Daugavpils. 1500 teachers have passed the Latvian language test, and only 38 people have to take a repeated test. Nobody has been officially fired for not knowing the Latvian language. Russian speakers in Daugavpils are ready to learn the state language, but why they need to close down Russian schools? They just need financing from the government and some interest. People of the city have decided to try to solve the problem. They have organised Centre of Learning the Latvian language to assist both students and teachers, but they lack money. At the same time UNDP program plans to open another centre, financed and controlled from the capital, bypassing the local municipality. Local people disagree with such a situation. And receiving of this money depends if EU likes the outcome f the referendum in Latvia.

Community of Russians in Latvia organises a public opinion poll on the situation with democracy in Latvia. They published the questionnaire with 4 questions asking people to give their opinion on this issue.

Community of Russians in Latvia organises a public opinion poll on the situation with democracy in Latvia. They published the questionnaire with 4 questions asking people to give their opinion on this issue. Panorama Latvii

Press Review

Press Review

State President G.Ulmanis is convinced that Latvian - Russian relations will not decline after Ye.Primakov has become the Prime Minister of Russia. G.Ulmanis admitted in his interview to the Latvian Radio that Ye.Primakov could stabilise the situation in Russia. It would be possible to make any judgements about the future of Latvian - Russian relations only when the Russian government is formed, and Latvian - Russian intergovernmental commission resume its work.

State President G.Ulmanis is convinced that Latvian - Russian relations will not decline after Ye.Primakov has become the Prime Minister of Russia. G.Ulmanis admitted in his interview to the Latvian Radio that Ye.Primakov could stabilise the situation in Russia. It would be possible to make any judgements about the future of Latvian - Russian relations only when the Russian government is formed, and Latvian - Russian intergovernmental commission resume its work. Neatkariga, Bizness & Baltiya

The State President has started to consider the possible candidate for the post of the Prime Minister. G.Ulmanis stressed in its interview to the Latvian Radio that the new Saeima will start its activities at the beginning of November, one month after the election. He also said that representatives of political parties did not want to have joint meetings with him because they are fighting for their electorate. But such meeting will take place after the election because there are several issues: citizenship, EU, agriculture, on which the State President has to agree with the parties. In its turn the

The State President has started to consider the possible candidate for the post of the Prime Minister. G.Ulmanis stressed in its interview to the Latvian Radio that the new Saeima will start its activities at the beginning of November, one month after the election. He also said that representatives of political parties did not want to have joint meetings with him because they are fighting for their electorate. But such meeting will take place after the election because there are several issues: citizenship, EU, agriculture, on which the State President has to agree with the parties. In its turn the New Party plans to start immediate consultations with other political parties to avoid the situation after the 6th Saeima when the new government was affirmed only 3 months after the election. This is the first case when some political force has announced in open for starting such a negotiation. So far the most popular parties or coalitions have avoided to name their possible partners. According to the unofficial information Diena has, on Tuesday New Party plans to start talks with Latvijas Cels and TB/LNNK. What concerns Peoples Party , the leader of the New Party has voiced his opinion on A.Skele as unacceptable candidate for the post of the Prime Minister . Diena, Chas

Sociologic poll data show that

Sociologic poll data show that Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK could achieve good success in this election, but the forecast of politicians show that the Prime Minister will not be from this party but from a more centric one. The leader of Latvijas Cels A.Pantelejevs points out that it would help not only to strengthen the centre but also stabilise relations with East and West. Most probably that the new Prime Minister will be from Peoples Party or Latvijas Cels, but it does not mean that the position will be given to A.Skele (PP) or V.Kristopans (LC). If none of the parties would receive the majority over the rest then formation of the new government would demand mutual concession. TB/LNNK is ready to name its candidate after the election, and it is up to the State President to decide the best option. But this party could have a problem because of the opinion, expressed by other parties, that a Prime Minister from Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK would not be the best option from the point of view of Latvias international relations. M.Grinblats acknowledged last week that formation of the new government would be difficult and let it understand that the party would not be inclined to receive the post of the Prime Minister. A.Pantelejevs did not deny that the Prime Minister could be some other person not mentioned either by Latvijas Cels or Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK . He also did not deny that, during a meeting with the State President, G.Ulmanis had said that he could suggest this party to nominate another person for this post. The same situation was with Peoples Party and A.Skele. When Diena tried to find out the opinion of politicians on the possible candidates for this post, not named so far, they mentioned two - the Mayor of Venspils A.Lembergs and the Director-General of the Agency of Privatisation J.Naglis. The Secretary-General of Peoples Party G.Berzins expressed an opinion that only A.Skele was strong enough personality who could lead the country in such a difficult situation. When asked whether the party could work in the government led by a Prime Minister from another party, G.Berzins answered that this post should be given to a party which would get the majority at the parliament. If it were Latvijas Cels, then this issue could be discussed but he did not think this to happen. Diena

Last week sittings of the Association of Free Latvians of the World took place in Aluksne and Riga, and they adopted a resolution stating that the amendments to the Law on Citizenship should be preserved. The Board of AFLW expressed their concern that the citizens who were naturalised due to these amendments could endanger Latvia’s moving to EU as well as the leading role of the Latvian language and culture in Latvia, but it was unacceptable risk for Latvia at the present situation to abolish these amendments, and Latvia could find itself in an international isolation.

Last week sittings of the Association of Free Latvians of the World took place in Aluksne and Riga, and they adopted a resolution stating that the amendments to the Law on Citizenship should be preserved. The Board of AFLW expressed their concern that the citizens who were naturalised due to these amendments could endanger Latvias moving to EU as well as the leading role of the Latvian language and culture in Latvia, but it was unacceptable risk for Latvia at the present situation to abolish these amendments, and Latvia could find itself in an international isolation. Diena

Estonian President L.Meri, opening the autumn sitting of the Parliament, asked the deputies to adopt the draft law that would grant citizenship to the children of non-citizens, born after restoration of Estonia’s independence. L.Meri reminded that this would allow 8000 children with no citizenship receive Estonian citizenship.

Estonian President L.Meri, opening the autumn sitting of the Parliament, asked the deputies to adopt the draft law that would grant citizenship to the children of non-citizens, born after restoration of Estonias independence. L.Meri reminded that this would allow 8000 children with no citizenship receive Estonian citizenship. Diena

According to the data of Estonian DCMA, there are at least 105 demobilised Russian military servicemen, illegally staying in Estonia, but their deportation from the country or legalisation is a too complicated process. It is possible that some of them have already left the country, but there are no precise data. According to the DCMA information, all together there are 30 000 illegal residents in Estonia, about 4000 of them have got registered.

According to the data of Estonian DCMA, there are at least 105 demobilised Russian military servicemen, illegally staying in Estonia, but their deportation from the country or legalisation is a too complicated process. It is possible that some of them have already left the country, but there are no precise data. According to the DCMA information, all together there are 30 000 illegal residents in Estonia, about 4000 of them have got registered. Diena

Press Attaché of Russian Embassy to Latvia V.Ivanov informed that 55% of all money, necessary for payments of pensions to Russian military pensioners, has been transferred to Latvia. This sum will be paid out this week, but no decision has been taken on the procedure of paying. Latvian party is interested in this problem because some number of these military pensioners could apply also for Latvian pensions because they have worked in Latvia for some time after demobilisation. The Minister of Well-being V.Makarovs said after a meeting with Russian Ambassador A.Udaltsov that it was necessary to do calculations what this sum could be in order to pay it from the social budget.

Press Attaché of Russian Embassy to Latvia V.Ivanov informed that 55% of all money, necessary for payments of pensions to Russian military pensioners, has been transferred to Latvia. This sum will be paid out this week, but no decision has been taken on the procedure of paying. Latvian party is interested in this problem because some number of these military pensioners could apply also for Latvian pensions because they have worked in Latvia for some time after demobilisation. The Minister of Well-being V.Makarovs said after a meeting with Russian Ambassador A.Udaltsov that it was necessary to do calculations what this sum could be in order to pay it from the social budget. Jauna Avize, Chas

Three parties, represented at the Saeima -

Three parties, represented at the Saeima - Latvijas Cels, TB/LNNK and Democratic Party Saimnieks , inviting also the New Party have started discussions on formation of the new government after the Saeima election. If these parties manage to collect enough votes to form a majority government , A.Skele with his Peoples Party will be left in opposition. The Chairman of Latvijas Cels faction explained that they discussed just theoretical possibilities to form the new government. But also in theory it is evident that only three -LC, TB/LNNK and NP will have to form the government because DPS, most probably, will not overcome the barrier of 5%. Lauku Avize, Chas

Lauku Avize

publishes an interview also with A.Skele where among other things he expresses his opinion on the possibility of their party to be in the opposition. He states that if being in the position would demand to leave their position or to make a compromises on unacceptable grounds, they would agree to be in opposition. But he would never wish anybody to have such an opposition. publishes an interview also with A.Skele where among other things he expresses his opinion on the possibility of their party to be in the opposition. He states that if being in the position would demand to leave their position or to make a compromises on unacceptable grounds, they would agree to be in opposition. But he would never wish anybody to have such an opposition. The leader of

The leader of Democratic Party Saimnieks Z.Cevers wrote a letter to the newspaper SM where he described activities of the party during the 6th Saeima, proving it to be a real defender of people with low income. He reminds that DPS was the initiator of the amendments to the Law on Citizenship and describes the fight for this amendments to be adopted and speaks about their attempts to improve relations with Russia. SM

Panorama Latvii

writes about the dramatic situation with the Victory Monument. 60% of all polished granite plates have been stolen. But these plates were made on money donated by the society, collected after the terror act at this monument. The monument itself is in very bad condition because the organisation made to be responsible for this monument, refuses to undertake responsibility for it. writes about the dramatic situation with the Victory Monument. 60% of all polished granite plates have been stolen. But these plates were made on money donated by the society, collected after the terror act at this monument. The monument itself is in very bad condition because the organisation made to be responsible for this monument, refuses to undertake responsibility for it. Senior Counsellor of the Russian Embassy A.Rylov answers the questions of the readers of the newspaper

Senior Counsellor of the Russian Embassy A.Rylov answers the questions of the readers of the newspaper Panorama Latvii concerning different aspects of Russian citizenship.

Press Report

In Byelorussian city Braslaw a meeting of the leaders of frontier area municipalities took place where they signed an agreement on establishment of a regional council of cross border co-operation. Latvia was represented by the representatives of Davgavpils City and Region, Kraslava, Ludza and Rezekne Regions and Rezekne City. Such a council already operates in the Northern Latvia.

In Byelorussian city Braslaw a meeting of the leaders of frontier area municipalities took place where they signed an agreement on establishment of a regional council of cross border co-operation. Latvia was represented by the representatives of Davgavpils City and Region, Kraslava, Ludza and Rezekne Regions and Rezekne City. Such a council already operates in the Northern Latvia. Neatkariga

MFA State Secretary M.Riekstins expressed a hope of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia that the newly appointed Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov would avoid politicisation of bilateral relations. M.Riekstins thinks that it is difficult to foresee the possible changes in Russian foreign policy after appointing the new Minister of Foreign Affairs but still hopes that I.Ivanov as a career diplomat could approach interstate relations with less politicised attitude.

MFA State Secretary M.Riekstins expressed a hope of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia that the newly appointed Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov would avoid politicisation of bilateral relations. M.Riekstins thinks that it is difficult to foresee the possible changes in Russian foreign policy after appointing the new Minister of Foreign Affairs but still hopes that I.Ivanov as a career diplomat could approach interstate relations with less politicised attitude. Neatkariga

The Union of Economists 2010 has evaluated economic viewpoints of the programs of the nine the most popular political parties and come to a conclusion that the best are the ones of

The Union of Economists 2010 has evaluated economic viewpoints of the programs of the nine the most popular political parties and come to a conclusion that the best are the ones of Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK, Latvijas Cels and Peoples Party. The aim of this evaluation was to give a professional, objective conclusion on economic viewpoints, thus helping people to chose the most suitable party from the list. The union considered ten positions: attitude towards the property and entrepreneurship; the role of the state in the Economy; attitude towards foreign investments, privatisation, health care, system of education, etc. All 16 members took part in voting and, to avoid a political sympathies, the biggest and smallest evaluations were not considered. The highest scores got those parties the programs of which corresponded to the conditions of a liberal market. TB/LNNK scored 58.7 points, Latvijas Cels - 57, Peoples Party - 46.3, DPS - 42.3, New Party - 39.4, LP, UCD and LGP - 30, social democrats - 28.5, Peoples Harmony Party - 16.7, Latvian Farmers Union - 15.2. Neatkariga, Diena

The Director of NHRO O.Bruveris has received an answer from the Office of EstonianPresident with gratitude for raising the issue of Valka - Valga border crossing problems. It is said in the letter that the Office is informed about these problems, mentioned by O.Bruveris, and that the letter will be forwarded to the Estonian President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Neatkariga

Latvijas Cels

continues its campaign preparing for the referendum on amendments to the Law on Citizenship, by publishing an explanation of the essence of the amendments and answering to the questions What agitates those who are ready to vote for or against abolishment of the law Amendments to the Law on Citizenship adopted by the Saeima on June 22?. continues its campaign preparing for the referendum on amendments to the Law on Citizenship, by publishing an explanation of the essence of the amendments and answering to the questions “ What agitates those who are ready to vote “for” or “against” abolishment of the law “Amendments to the Law on Citizenship” adopted by the Saeima on June 22?”. NeatkarigaNeatkariga