Press Review

According to Ministry of the Interior spokesman Normunds Belskis, the Ministry was forced to submit its proposals on amending the Law on the Status of Former USSR Citizens to the Cabinet of Ministers for the second time. The purpose of the amendments is to establish the legal status of 6,000 persons illegally residing in Latvia. Draft amendments to the Law were submitted to the Cabinet last summer. Still, the Cabinet declined the amendments. The CID addressed the Saeima Committee for the Implementation of the Citizenship Law with a letter on the issue. Still, the Saeima Committee refused to hear a report on the problem to be delivered by CID Director Zitars and Ministry of the Interior Parliamentary Secretary Allere on October 28. The CID believes it to be possible to place residence permit stickers in former USSR passports. The current legislation does not provide for the option. Persons illegally residing in Latvia could be given the status of the stateless or some other special status confirmed by a document that would allow them to receive residence permits.

According to Ministry of the Interior spokesman Normunds Belskis, the Ministry was forced to submit its proposals on amending the Law on the Status of Former USSR Citizens to the Cabinet of Ministers for the second time. The purpose of the amendments is to establish the legal status of 6,000 persons illegally residing in Latvia. Draft amendments to the Law were submitted to the Cabinet last summer. Still, the Cabinet declined the amendments. The CID addressed the Saeima Committee for the Implementation of the Citizenship Law with a letter on the issue. Still, the Saeima Committee refused to hear a report on the problem to be delivered by CID Director Zitars and Ministry of the Interior Parliamentary Secretary Allere on October 28. The CID believes it to be possible to place residence permit stickers in former USSR passports. The current legislation does not provide for the option. Persons illegally residing in Latvia could be given the status of the stateless or some other special status confirmed by a document that would allow them to receive residence permits. Diena

"DIENA"

journalist Sandris Tocs in his article points to a passive attitude of the Latvian Government to the problem of a large number of non-citizens in the country. Small steps toward simplifying the terms of naturalization cannot change the situation. The journalist admits that the Cabinet could function without the participation of journalist Sandris Tocs in his article points to a passive attitude of the Latvian Government to the problem of a large number of non-citizens in the country. Small steps toward simplifying the terms of naturalization cannot change the situation. The journalist admits that the Cabinet could function without the participation of "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK"Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK that blocks all attempts to amend the Citizenship Law. Still, he does not believe that other governing factions would agree to risk their seats in the Cabinet in order to improve the citizenship situation. that blocks all attempts to amend the Citizenship Law. Still, he does not believe that other governing factions would agree to risk their seats in the Cabinet in order to improve the citizenship situation. DienaDiena

"DIENA"

asked several prominent persons for their comments on the draft Language Law. Chairman of the asked several prominent persons for their comments on the draft Language Law. Chairman of the SaeimaSaeima Committee on Education and Science Dzintars Abikis objects to the provision requiring the mandatory use of Latvian in private companies and suggests to replace it with a requirement for translation into Latvia upon a request of Latvian-speakers. He believes that private vocational schools and universities could use languages other than Latvian as languages of instruction with graduation exams being passed in Latvian. Mr. Abikis does not support the mandatory use of Latvian in public information and advertising. He does not think that the article of the draft Law on the use of the state language in courts would cause any changes since it refers to existing applicable acts.Chairman of the Committee on Education and Science Dzintars Abikis objects to the provision requiring the mandatory use of Latvian in private companies and suggests to replace it with a requirement for translation into Latvia upon a request of Latvian-speakers. He believes that private vocational schools and universities could use languages other than Latvian as languages of instruction with graduation exams being passed in Latvian. Mr. Abikis does not support the mandatory use of Latvian in public information and advertising. He does not think that the article of the draft Law on the use of the state language in courts would cause any changes since it refers to existing applicable acts.Chairman of the Saeima Saeima Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts also does not support the demand for the mandatory use of Latvian in private companies. He believes the article on the use of Latvian in public gatherings and religious organizations to be a violation of freedom of speech. Director of the State Language Center Dzintra Hirsa says that Latvian is being ousted from private business. She fully supports the draft Language Law and does not believe it to restrict the rights of non-Latvians or to be an attempt of their assimilation. Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts also does not support the demand for the mandatory use of Latvian in private companies. He believes the article on the use of Latvian in public gatherings and religious organizations to be a violation of freedom of speech. Director of the State Language Center Dzintra Hirsa says that Latvian is being ousted from private business. She fully supports the draft Language Law and does not believe it to restrict the rights of non-Latvians or to be an attempt of their assimilation. DienaDiena The Russian State

The Russian State Duma held a closed session on the country's relations with the Baltic states. Chairman of the Committee on Contacts with Compatriots Abroad Mikhail Vakulenko in an interview stressed that Latvia was the only Baltic country to take even a stricter stand than earlier by planning to introduce a new Language Law. Mr. Vakulenko points to similar opinions of the situation in Latvia shared by Russian MPs, the OSCE, The Baltic Council and other international organizations. SM

Russian Ambassador Udaltsov is to visit the jail were illegal immigrants are being kept before their expulsion from Latvia. According to several sources, the conditions in the jail (

Russian Ambassador Udaltsov is to visit the jail were illegal immigrants are being kept before their expulsion from Latvia. According to several sources, the conditions in the jail ("izolators") are strikingly inhuman. SM

Yesterday former Latvian Communist leader Alfreds Rubiks was released from prison two years before the expiration of his term upon a verdict by the Riga Zemgale District Court. Mr. Rubiks told the press that he was planning to join Latvia's political life after a brief rest and visits to several parts of the country. He was sentenced to eight years in prison for attempting a coup in 1991.

Yesterday former Latvian Communist leader Alfreds Rubiks was released from prison two years before the expiration of his term upon a verdict by the Riga Zemgale District Court. Mr. Rubiks told the press that he was planning to join Latvia's political life after a brief rest and visits to several parts of the country. He was sentenced to eight years in prison for attempting a coup in 1991. Neatkariga

Several prominent figures applied to the

Several prominent figures applied to the Saeima Committee on the Implementation of the Citizenship Law with a request to grant Latvian citizenship for outstanding service to the country to President of the Parex Bank Valery Kargin. Mr. Kargin's citizenship was annulled in 1993 after the Vidzeme CID Office claimed the documents submitted to prove his right for Latvian citizenship to be forged. Diena

Press Review

Yesterday the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially declined unilateral security guarantees offered by Russia. A statement handed to Russian Ambassador Mr. Udaltsov says that unilateral guarantees do not comply with the "spirit of new Europe". The document stresses the importance of enlarged and reformed European and trans-Atlantic bodies along with broad co-operation as the main elements of European security. The Latvian side calls upon Russia to participate more actively in regional co-operation and to strengthen its relations with European and trans-Atlantic organizations. The statement expresses hope for a further dialogue with Russia and for developing neighborly relations between Latvia and Russia.

Yesterday the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially declined unilateral security guarantees offered by Russia. A statement handed to Russian Ambassador Mr. Udaltsov says that unilateral guarantees do not comply with the "spirit of new Europe". The document stresses the importance of enlarged and reformed European and trans-Atlantic bodies along with broad co-operation as the main elements of European security. The Latvian side calls upon Russia to participate more actively in regional co-operation and to strengthen its relations with European and trans-Atlantic organizations. The statement expresses hope for a further dialogue with Russia and for developing neighborly relations between Latvia and Russia. Diena

The governing factions invited the Party for National Reforms/the Green Party faction to join the coalition. Faction Chairman Andrejs Krastins told

The governing factions invited the Party for National Reforms/the Green Party faction to join the coalition. Faction Chairman Andrejs Krastins told "DIENA" that he expected his faction to accept the proposal. The faction has six members. Green Party member Indulis Emsis holds the posts of a State minister. Currently, the governing coalition has 66 seats in the Saeima. Diena

Yesterday the Ministry of the Interior held a press-conference on the problem of illegal residents. According to the CID, six thousand Latvia's inhabitants do not have any legal status in the country. CID Deputy-Director Andris Leins suggests to define the status of such persons and to legalize their stay in the country. He stressed that their documents should be thoroughly examined as for their citizenship status. Mr. Leins noted that the CID had registered 7,995 Russian citizens residing in Latvia while the Russian Embassy gave a figure of 50 to 60 thousand. Draft amendments to the Law on the Status of Former USSR Citizens submitted by the Ministry of the Interior to the Cabinet of Ministers on July 30, 1997, to resolve the problem were declined by the Cabinet. The Ministry hopes that the Government will pay adequate attention to the issue of illegal residents.

Yesterday the Ministry of the Interior held a press-conference on the problem of illegal residents. According to the CID, six thousand Latvia's inhabitants do not have any legal status in the country. CID Deputy-Director Andris Leins suggests to define the status of such persons and to legalize their stay in the country. He stressed that their documents should be thoroughly examined as for their citizenship status. Mr. Leins noted that the CID had registered 7,995 Russian citizens residing in Latvia while the Russian Embassy gave a figure of 50 to 60 thousand. Draft amendments to the Law on the Status of Former USSR Citizens submitted by the Ministry of the Interior to the Cabinet of Ministers on July 30, 1997, to resolve the problem were declined by the Cabinet. The Ministry hopes that the Government will pay adequate attention to the issue of illegal residents.

The

The Saeima Human Rights Committee suggested amendments to the Latvia legislation that would allow non-citizens to work as lawyers, private detectives and certified pharmaceutists. The Committee is currently drafting the amendments allowing non-citizens to work as veterinary surgeons. The State Human Rights Office believes that Latvia must still go further and should abolish all the restrictions related to the private sector that contradict Latvia's obligations in the human rights domain. SM

Press Review

Press Review

Saeima

members and the delegation of the European Parliament members held a joint session yesterday. The session was addressed by European Commission Chairman Santer and Latvian Prime-Minister Krasts. Member of the EP Commission on Foreign Affairs Ernesto Cacavale recommended to bring the Latvian legislation in compliance with EU norms and mentioned the importance of facilitating the naturalization process. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs said that the EC had reduced Latvia's economic development and reproached the EU for its criticism of slow naturalization of non-citizens in Latvia. Mr. Birkavs explained that by postponing the admission talks with Latvia the EU left non-citizens uncertain about Latvia's future. members and the delegation of the European Parliament members held a joint session yesterday. The session was addressed by European Commission Chairman Santer and Latvian Prime-Minister Krasts. Member of the EP Commission on Foreign Affairs Ernesto Cacavale recommended to bring the Latvian legislation in compliance with EU norms and mentioned the importance of facilitating the naturalization process. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs said that the EC had reduced Latvia's economic development and reproached the EU for its criticism of slow naturalization of non-citizens in Latvia. Mr. Birkavs explained that by postponing the admission talks with Latvia the EU left non-citizens uncertain about Latvia's future. DienaDiena Chairman of the

Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Education and Science Dzintars Abikis told "BIZNESS & BALTIJA" that he did not believe the adoption of the new Language Law to be necessary. He also objected to a provision in the new draft Language Law that restricts the use of languages in private businesses. Mr. Abikis believes the development of education programs for non-Latvians to be more important than the adoption of the new Language Law. B&B

Yesterday President Ulmanis was informed about the debate on unemployment benefits for persons not holding "language certificates". Minister of Welfare Vladimirs Makarovs supports the Unemployment Act currently in force requiring that an applicant for unemployment benefits should hold a certificate confirming his or her command of the Latvian language. Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Social and Labor Issues Ludmila Kupriyanova believes the requirement to be a violation of social welfare principles.

Yesterday President Ulmanis was informed about the debate on unemployment benefits for persons not holding "language certificates". Minister of Welfare Vladimirs Makarovs supports the Unemployment Act currently in force requiring that an applicant for unemployment benefits should hold a certificate confirming his or her command of the Latvian language. Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Social and Labor Issues Ludmila Kupriyanova believes the requirement to be a violation of social welfare principles. B&B

Press Review

OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel at his press-conference at the Riga Airport stressed that the press had exaggerated the differences in opinions expressed during his meeting with President Ulmanis. He referred to his talks with the President as "an open and constructive conversation". Mr. van der Stoel said that he supported a special role of the Latvian language in the independent state of Latvia. Still he pointed to certain provisions in the new draft Language Law regulating the application of languages in a private domain that do not comply with international conventions acceded by Latvia. The High Commissioner hopes that the current reading of the draft Law will be amended as promised by the Chairman of the

OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel at his press-conference at the Riga Airport stressed that the press had exaggerated the differences in opinions expressed during his meeting with President Ulmanis. He referred to his talks with the President as "an open and constructive conversation". Mr. van der Stoel said that he supported a special role of the Latvian language in the independent state of Latvia. Still he pointed to certain provisions in the new draft Language Law regulating the application of languages in a private domain that do not comply with international conventions acceded by Latvia. The High Commissioner hopes that the current reading of the draft Law will be amended as promised by the Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Education and Science Mr. Abikis. Mr. van der Stoel also hopes that the change of public opinion on citizenship issues will as well influence the opinion of Latvian politicians. He has already suggested granting of Latvian citizenship to children born in independent Latvia and discussed the prospect with Latvian politicians. Five years of parents' residence in Latvia and their application could be the basis for granting citizenship to children born in Latvia. The High Commissioner stressed that those children would be educated in Latvia, would know Latvian and would integrate in the country's society. The High Commissioner said that he was aware of the agreement between the governing that would not allow to implement his recommendations and stressed that the recommendations and views would be understood correctly. Yesterday OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel met representatives of the Socialist faction. According to Party Chairman Mr. Stroganov, the High Commissioner showed a profound understanding of the situation in Latvia and promised to follow the development of Rubiks' case. Diena, SM, B&B

Member of

Member of "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK faction Mr. Aigars Jirgens suggests that preserving "status quo" is the best compromise solution for the Citizenship Law problem. He believes the current discussion of possible amendments to the Citizenship Law to be undemocratic since politicians are ignoring the opinion clearly expressed by a considerable part of Latvian citizens who supported a stricter Law in a "TB" opinion poll. A large part of citizens would like naturalization criteria to be even stricter than they are now. He stresses that "TB"/LNNK has never hoped to integrate the entire non-Latvian population in the country's society and has always supported repatriation of non-citizens. Mr. Jirgens sees naturalization as "the final product of naturalization" and opposes this view to the opinion of citizenship as a bass for an individual's loyalty to Latvia and his or her integration to the society. Diena

Press Report

Press Report

OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel during his yesterday's meetings with Latvian President Ulmanis and the

OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel during his yesterday's meetings with Latvian President Ulmanis and the Saeima Committee on Education and Science said that he was dissatisfied with several provisions of the draft Language Law. "The leading role of the Latvian language should be reinforced. Still, this should be done in accordance with international conventions," said the High Commissioner. He objected to the articles of the draft Law demanding mandatory use of the state language in private companies, courts, private educational institutions. Mr. van der Stoel also criticized regulations for the Latvian spelling of proper names. Chairman of the Committee on Education and Science Dzintars Abikis agreed that a compromise could be a suitable solution while President Ulmanis firmly supported the right of the Latvian people to decide the Latvian language-related issues (see below). During the meetings with the President and members of the Saeima Committees on Foreign Affairs and on Human Rights the OSCE High Commissioner expressed his concern about the low naturalization rate and suggested granting citizenship to children born in Latvia after the country regained its independence. Saeima members noted that amending the Citizenship Law would jeopardize the stability of the Cabinet. Still, they supported abolishing some of the restrictions of non-citizens' non-political rights. Mr. van der Stoel also met Head of the Human Rights Office Mr. Olafs Bruvers who stressed that the Bureau supported granting of Latvian citizenship to all children born in independent Latvia. Mr. Bruvers also pointed at the increase in the number of complaints connected with violations of social rights. Diena, PL, SM, Chas

ULMANIS ALSO STARTED DISLIKING VAN DER STOEL

ULMANIS ALSO STARTED DISLIKING VAN DER STOEL

The Latvian President believes that a threat to the Latvian Language grows with the strengthening of Latvia's independence.

The Latvian President believes that a threat to the Latvian Language grows with the strengthening of Latvia's independence.

By G.Pommere,

By G.Pommere, SM

Yesterday Mr. Guntis Ulmanis met OSCE Commissioner Max van der Stoel. According to the President's Press-Service, the agenda of the meeting included the new draft Language Law, naturalization problems and the further role of the OSCE Mission. Mr. van der Stoel gave a critical assessment of the new draft Citizenship Law. He believes that some of its provisions do not comply with international conventions. The Commissioner suggested that the country could manage with the existing Language Law while focusing more effort on the teaching of the state language. The President firmly declined such an approach stressing unacceptable discrimination of the state language in some domains that has been observed recently. Mr. Ulmanis said: "We can even see that some of those who initially intended to study the state language now do not believe it to be necessary feeling of our liberal attitude. The pressure of the Russian language is quite high while the status of the Latvian language has become weaker. We need the new law to strengthen the status, since the law currently in force was adopted during the forming of Latvia's independence." The Latvian President also touched upon the psychological aspect of the problem: "The Latvian people is often reprimanded for failing to bring certain matters in compliance with European standards. Still, in the European countries the similar laws are known to be much stricter than ours. Such persistent criticism makes the Latvian people feel as if it cannot even determine the status of is native tongue." It looks as if the OSCE Commissioner did not agree to Mr. Ulmanis' arguments and promised to provide his comments on compliance of some of the provisions of the Law with internationally recognized norms for the second reading of the document. Neither did coincide the assessments of the naturalization process given by the President and by the Commissioner. Mr. van der Stole again came up with a suggestion to grant citizenship to all children born in Latvia after it regained independence and stressed that Estonia and Latvia were the only European countries that had not made any steps toward resolving the issue of stateless children. Mr. Ulmanis responded by saying that the Commissioner's statement was incorrect and noted that granted of citizenship to children depended on many factors in other countries as well. In the end the discussion Mr. Ulmanis advised the OSCE Mission to re-orientate its activities in Latvia. The Mission should be helping Latvia to integrate non-citizens instead of endlessly criticizing it for not complying with European standards, said the President. "The OSCE Mission, said Mr. Ulmanis, could be a powerful mouthpiece calling upon non-citizens to naturalize. The Mission could make a more profound contribution to the forming of an adequate psychological climate."

Yesterday Mr. Guntis Ulmanis met OSCE Commissioner Max van der Stoel. According to the President's Press-Service, the agenda of the meeting included the new draft Language Law, naturalization problems and the further role of the OSCE Mission. Mr. van der Stoel gave a critical assessment of the new draft Citizenship Law. He believes that some of its provisions do not comply with international conventions. The Commissioner suggested that the country could manage with the existing Language Law while focusing more effort on the teaching of the state language. The President firmly declined such an approach stressing unacceptable discrimination of the state language in some domains that has been observed recently. Mr. Ulmanis said: "We can even see that some of those who initially intended to study the state language now do not believe it to be necessary feeling of our liberal attitude. The pressure of the Russian language is quite high while the status of the Latvian language has become weaker. We need the new law to strengthen the status, since the law currently in force was adopted during the forming of Latvia's independence." The Latvian President also touched upon the psychological aspect of the problem: "The Latvian people is often reprimanded for failing to bring certain matters in compliance with European standards. Still, in the European countries the similar laws are known to be much stricter than ours. Such persistent criticism makes the Latvian people feel as if it cannot even determine the status of is native tongue." It looks as if the OSCE Commissioner did not agree to Mr. Ulmanis' arguments and promised to provide his comments on compliance of some of the provisions of the Law with internationally recognized norms for the second reading of the document. Neither did coincide the assessments of the naturalization process given by the President and by the Commissioner. Mr. van der Stole again came up with a suggestion to grant citizenship to all children born in Latvia after it regained independence and stressed that Estonia and Latvia were the only European countries that had not made any steps toward resolving the issue of stateless children. Mr. Ulmanis responded by saying that the Commissioner's statement was incorrect and noted that granted of citizenship to children depended on many factors in other countries as well. In the end the discussion Mr. Ulmanis advised the OSCE Mission to re-orientate its activities in Latvia. The Mission should be helping Latvia to integrate non-citizens instead of endlessly criticizing it for not complying with European standards, said the President. "The OSCE Mission, said Mr. Ulmanis, could be a powerful mouthpiece calling upon non-citizens to naturalize. The Mission could make a more profound contribution to the forming of an adequate psychological climate." SM