Press Report

About 41 00 people have signed the proposal for a referendum in Riga by Sunday. It is possible that the total number of signatures collected could be more that 100 000 - 3/4 of the necessary number to propose a referendum. Central Election commission informs that activity of people is still increasing.

About 41 00 people have signed the proposal for a referendum in Riga by Sunday. It is possible that the total number of signatures collected could be more that 100 000 - 3/4 of the necessary number to propose a referendum. Central Election commission informs that activity of people is still increasing. Diena, Jauna Avize

Diena

continues its series of articles on the referendum, this time it is A.Ozolins who tries to explain what the amendments to the Law on Citizenship are for in reality. To begin with - abolishing the window mechanism does not mean granting citizenship automatically to non-citizens but just the opposite - taking away the automatic prohibition for a big part of people, knowing the state language, at least an attempt to receive citizenship. Secondly - the amendments do not anticipate granting citizenship automatically to any non-citizen, even, to children born in the independent Latvia. Parents of such a children have to comply with several criteria to be able to submit a written request to grant their children Latvian citizenship, besides they have to prove with their signature their intention to raise their children as loyal citizens of Latvia and to further mastering of the Latvian language.

Press Review

Press Review

Diena

commentator A.Rodin writes about the proposal campaign. At the very beginning it was left to itself but when it became evident that the necessary amount of signatures would not be collected, commentator A.Rodin writes about the proposal campaign. At the very beginning it was left to itself but when it became evident that the necessary amount of signatures would not be collected, Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK got actively involved in it. The Union still denies the connection of this campaign to the pre-election campaign, although it is evident that the signature collection campaign, lasting till August 18, will most probably grow into the next stage - pre-election campaign. got actively involved in it. The Union still denies the connection of this campaign to the pre-election campaign, although it is evident that the signature collection campaign, lasting till August 18, will most probably grow into the next stage - pre-election campaign. DienaDiena

Latvian Prime Minister G.Krasts signed the proposal for a referendum. According to the information given by his Press Secretary, G.Krasts did not want to make a campaign for his signing and therefor he had not informed journalists.

Latvian Prime Minister G.Krasts signed the proposal for a referendum. According to the information given by his Press Secretary, G.Krasts did not want to make a campaign for his signing and therefor he had not informed journalists. Diena, Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii, Bizness & Baltiya (17.08.98)

Latvian representative to UN J.Priedkalns in his letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses his protest against UNICEF interference in the internal affairs of Latvia when some UNICEF National Committee representative publicly supported the Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centres action directed against the proposed referendum on amending the Law on Citizenship. J.Priedkalns voiced an opinion that this should be taken as an officially voiced opinion of UNICEF thus making this international organisation to interfere in Latvian democratic processes. Responding to that, the Executive Director of UNICEF National Committee I.Doskina told

Jauna Avize that Priedkalnss letter was the result of misunderstanding. She had never been against the referendum or collecting signatures. We just do our duty and inform society how undesirable would be abolishing of those amendments. Jauna Avize Russian Defence Minister I.Sergejev considers that dismantling of Skrunda Radar station will have a small impact of Russia’s defence . But he stressed that they knew how to compensate it. This announcement contradicts the one made by V.Muravyov, the First Deputy of the Commander-in-Chief of the Strategic Missile Troops that closing down of Skrunda Radar station according to the Russian Latvian agreement caused a problem for Russia to cover the missile dangerous North-west direction. V.Muravyov also said that the new Radar station constructed in Baranovichi would replace Skrunda Radar station but its completion was delayed due to lack of finances.

Russian Defence Minister I.Sergejev considers that dismantling of Skrunda Radar station will have a small impact of Russias defence . But he stressed that they knew how to compensate it. This announcement contradicts the one made by V.Muravyov, the First Deputy of the Commander-in-Chief of the Strategic Missile Troops that closing down of Skrunda Radar station according to the Russian Latvian agreement caused a problem for Russia to cover the missile dangerous North-west direction. V.Muravyov also said that the new Radar station constructed in Baranovichi would replace Skrunda Radar station but its completion was delayed due to lack of finances. Jauna Avize, Neatkariga (18.08.98)

SM analyses the recent developments in Skrunda Radar station affair. MP O.Grigs has demanded to summon the Saeima National Security Commission because Russia doe not plan to close down the station and 40 families of Russian Latvia military personnel plan to stay in Latvia. The Chairman of the Commission A.Pantelejevs agreed eagerly to do it because closing down was regulated in international agreements both in UN and OSCE. Should Russia fail to close down the Skrunda Radar station till August 31, it would be a violation of these international agreements, and it would give Latvia advantages in its internal and foreign policy.

SM analyses the recent developments in Skrunda Radar station affair. MP O.Grigs has demanded to summon the Saeima National Security Commission because Russia doe not plan to close down the station and 40 families of Russian Latvia military personnel plan to stay in Latvia. The Chairman of the Commission A.Pantelejevs agreed eagerly to do it because closing down was regulated in international agreements both in UN and OSCE. Should Russia fail to close down the Skrunda Radar station till August 31, it would be a violation of these international agreements, and it would give Latvia advantages in its internal and foreign policy.

Peoples Harmony Party

and the political union Our Home - Russia plan to sign an agreement on co-operation. The agreement anticipates regular meetings of party representatives, as well as consultations. Both parties have already ratified the agreement. They plan that it will be signed by J.Jurkans and V.Chernomirdin. and the political union “Our Home - Russia” plan to sign an agreement on co-operation. The agreement anticipates regular meetings of party representatives, as well as consultations. Both parties have already ratified the agreement. They plan that it will be signed by J.Jurkans and V.Chernomirdin.  

Press Review

Press Review

Latvian and Estonian working groups on Valka - Valga problem have come the to an agreement to establish a joint border control point. It is planned that Estonians will construct the point but both countries will use it.

Latvian and Estonian working groups on Valka - Valga problem have come the to an agreement to establish a joint border control point. It is planned that Estonians will construct the point but both countries will use it. Neatkariga

Russia admits a possibility to abolish the status of the most favoured nation in trade for Latvia if Latvia does not follow the demands concerning citizenship and other issues. This opinion was voiced by the Chairman of central union

Russia admits a possibility to abolish the status of the most favoured nation in trade for Latvia if Latvia does not follow the demands concerning citizenship and other issues. This opinion was voiced by the Chairman of central union Turiba Ivars Strautins after returning from his visit to Moscow together with A.Rubiks. Neatkariga

National Security commission of the Saeima will invite to its regular meeting on August 17 Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs and the Satversme Defence Office Director A.Kamaldins to give explanations concerning the operation of Skrunda Radar station. This topic on the agenda was included upon the request of MP O.Grigs because the Saeima should know what institutions were maintained by the tax-payers money. O.Grigs refused to comment his information on the things happening in Skrunda Radar station. Some other sources inform that about 40 families of Russia military personnel do not want to leave Latvia. Meanwhile the head of Skrunda Radar station A.Nikitin informed that Russia, in accordance with the agreement between Latvia and Russia planned to close down the station on August 31 but in September 3 a OSCE comission would come to Latvia to state the fact of closing down the station.

National Security commission of the Saeima will invite to its regular meeting on August 17 Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs and the Satversme Defence Office Director A.Kamaldins to give explanations concerning the operation of Skrunda Radar station. This topic on the agenda was included upon the request of MP O.Grigs because the Saeima should know what institutions were maintained by the tax-payers money. O.Grigs refused to comment his information on the things happening in Skrunda Radar station. Some other sources inform that about 40 families of Russia military personnel do not want to leave Latvia. Meanwhile the head of Skrunda Radar station A.Nikitin informed that Russia, in accordance with the agreement between Latvia and Russia planned to close down the station on August 31 but in September 3 a OSCE comission would come to Latvia to state the fact of closing down the station. Neatkariga

NA “Novosti” announced yesterday that lack of the necessary financing would not allow Russia to compensate the closure down of Skrunda Radar station in the nearest future. V.Muravyov, the First deputy of the Commander-in-Chief of the Strategic Missile Troops told the news agency that closing down of Skrunda Radar station according to the Russian Latvian agreement caused a problem for Russia to cover the missile dangerous North-west direction.

NA Novosti announced yesterday that lack of the necessary financing would not allow Russia to compensate the closure down of Skrunda Radar station in the nearest future. V.Muravyov, the First deputy of the Commander-in-Chief of the Strategic Missile Troops told the news agency that closing down of Skrunda Radar station according to the Russian Latvian agreement caused a problem for Russia to cover the missile dangerous North-west direction. Chas, Panorama Latvii

The current Estonian government and former Cabinets of Ministers have permitted one exception to the state language law in Narva, but no more exceptions will be made. It was announced yesterday during a seminar of municipalities in Finland by the Estonian Minister of National Affairs A.Veidemane. “ In reality the Estonia government accepts Narva as an language enclave, and it is the only one Estonian society is ready to accept.

The current Estonian government and former Cabinets of Ministers have permitted one exception to the state language law in Narva, but no more exceptions will be made. It was announced yesterday during a seminar of municipalities in Finland by the Estonian Minister of National Affairs A.Veidemane. In reality the Estonia government accepts Narva as an language enclave, and it is the only one Estonian society is ready to accept. Neatkariga

Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK

is indignant about the informational material Think before you sign or vote! published by the Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centre and considers it as distorting the essence of the signature collection campaign. is indignant about the informational material “ Think before you sign or vote!” published by the Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centre and considers it as distorting the essence of the signature collection campaign. Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK stresses that the campaign is not directed against the non-citizens children born in the independent Latvia but against the possibility to receive the Latvian citizenship without knowing the Latvian language. stresses that the campaign is not directed against the non-citizens’ children born in the independent Latvia but against the possibility to receive the Latvian citizenship without knowing the Latvian language. DienaDiena

The improvement of the quality of non-citizens passports is going on. The fifth page of the passport, containing personal identification marks, is put in a plastic coating to preserve the notes from smearing out or going out. About 450 passports already have this coating. This service is free of charge but rendered only in Riga, therefore people submitting their passports for this service in regions, have to wait a bit longer that a day or two. DCMA Passport Department receives about 100 such passports a week, and it has exchanged this year about 500 passports with damaged information page. If this page is damaged, the holder of such a passport may not cross the state border.

The improvement of the quality of non-citizens passports is going on. The fifth page of the passport, containing personal identification marks, is put in a plastic coating to preserve the notes from smearing out or going out. About 450 passports already have this coating. This service is free of charge but rendered only in Riga, therefore people submitting their passports for this service in regions, have to wait a bit longer that a day or two. DCMA Passport Department receives about 100 such passports a week, and it has exchanged this year about 500 passports with damaged information page. If this page is damaged, the holder of such a passport may not cross the state border. Rigas Balss

NGOs further the formation of a civic society and functional democracy in Latvia. Such an opinion was voiced during the informal discussion with participation of UNDP official representative to Latvia S.Sorensen, Executive Director of Soros Foundation in Latvia V.Terauda and Director of NGOs Centre E.Leits. During this discussion they talked about the role of NGOs in the society, problems of these organisations and the attitude of state institutions and the society towards these organisations.

NGOs further the formation of a civic society and functional democracy in Latvia. Such an opinion was voiced during the informal discussion with participation of UNDP official representative to Latvia S.Sorensen, Executive Director of Soros Foundation in Latvia V.Terauda and Director of NGOs Centre E.Leits. During this discussion they talked about the role of NGOs in the society, problems of these organisations and the attitude of state institutions and the society towards these organisations. Jauna Avize, Neatkariga

The Interior Minister A.Krastins was accepted yesterday to the union

Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK. By now the Minister was a member of the National Reforms Party and some time ago was against Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK .

From well informed sources there is information that the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Party Our Home - Russia Yu.Sizov has visited Riga. He had meetings with the leader of Peoples Party A.Skele and the Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs. There is also a not confirmed information that Russian ex-Prime Minister V.Chernomirdin plans to visit Riga. Bizness & Baltiya

 Press Review

Press Review

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs announced yesterday that Latvia could not accept Russian policy of pressure and Russia would have to listen to Latvia. Birkavs thinks that Russia does not listen to Latvian arguments and the opinion of EU. And it puts forward more new demands for Latvia. The reason of it, according to V.Birkavs, is different opinions on Latvia’s future, i.e. Latvia is moving towards EU and cares more about EU demands thus decreasing Russian influence in Latvia.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs announced yesterday that Latvia could not accept Russian policy of pressure and Russia would have to listen to Latvia. Birkavs thinks that Russia does not listen to Latvian arguments and the opinion of EU. And it puts forward more new demands for Latvia. The reason of it, according to V.Birkavs, is different opinions on Latvias future, i.e. Latvia is moving towards EU and cares more about EU demands thus decreasing Russian influence in Latvia. Neatkariga. Jauna Avize

Several more newspapers publish information about the posters “ Think before you sign or vote!” printed by the Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centre.

Several more newspapers publish information about the posters Think before you sign or vote! printed by the Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centre. Diena, Jauna Avize, SM, Panorama Latvii

State Secretary of Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs M.Riekstins voiced his agitation about unprecedented ignoring of Latvian and international opinion by Russia in the expressions of Russian MFA official representative V.Nesteryushkin. M.Riekstins is worried about ignoring of these opinions and public misrepresentation of facts concerning conformity of Latvian legislation to international norms and OSCE recommendations that Latvia fulfils. Latvian party calls Russia to listen to the opinion of OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel and EU.

Lauku Avize

Press Report

State President G.Ulmanis, during his visit to Ukraine and talks to the former Russian Prime Minister V.Chernomirdin and other politicians, has understood that there were only one major problem in Latvia’s relations with Russia but he did not specify it. G.Ulmanis acknowledged that Latvia had to balance forming its relations between East and West and try to suppress but not stress its negative attitude towards Russia.

State President G.Ulmanis, during his visit to Ukraine and talks to the former Russian Prime Minister V.Chernomirdin and other politicians, has understood that there were only one major problem in Latvias relations with Russia but he did not specify it. G.Ulmanis acknowledged that Latvia had to balance forming its relations between East and West and try to suppress but not stress its negative attitude towards Russia. Diena

Maris Pukitis, Consultant to the Union of Self-Governments writes about the municipal right of vote and non-citizens. According to Part C of the convention “On participation of foreigners in the public life on the local level” adopted by the Council of Europe in 1992 foreigners (also non-citizens in Latvia

Maris Pukitis, Consultant to the Union of Self-Governments writes about the municipal right of vote and non-citizens. According to Part C of the convention On participation of foreigners in the public life on the local level adopted by the Council of Europe in 1992 foreigners (also non-citizens in Latvia M.P.) could be granted passive or active rights of vote. But in 90% of all EU countries non-citizens do not have this right. Discussions in Strasbourg in May this year showed that such a demand for Latvia could be a result of Russian pressure on some of experts. Foreign policy experts from the Russian delegation concentrated their attention not to internal problems of Russia ( in great part of this country there are no elected self-governments at all) but took care of non-citizens rights in Latvia. Diena

To support the amendments to the Law on Citizenship adopted by the Saeima and call people not to sign the proposal, Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centre in co-operation with UNICEF National Committee and other public organisations have published posters and booklets “ Think before you sign or vote!” All together there will be 1000 posters and 800 booklets.

To support the amendments to the Law on Citizenship adopted by the Saeima and call people not to sign the proposal, Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centre in co-operation with UNICEF National Committee and other public organisations have published posters and booklets Think before you sign or vote! All together there will be 1000 posters and 800 booklets. Jauna Avize, Chas