Press Report

Yesterday Russian Ambassador to Latvia Alexander Udaltsov handed President Yeltsin's statement on security guarantees for Baltic states to President Ulmanis. The Ambassador told the press that the statement suggested several possible options including a pact that would contain political, economic, ecological and humanitarian guarantees. Ambassador Udaltsov informed President Ulmanis about Russian Prime-Minister Chernomyrdin's visit to Latvia in January 1998. Mr. Chernomyrdin will participate in the meeting of Baltic leaders in Riga.

Yesterday Russian Ambassador to Latvia Alexander Udaltsov handed President Yeltsin's statement on security guarantees for Baltic states to President Ulmanis. The Ambassador told the press that the statement suggested several possible options including a pact that would contain political, economic, ecological and humanitarian guarantees. Ambassador Udaltsov informed President Ulmanis about Russian Prime-Minister Chernomyrdin's visit to Latvia in January 1998. Mr. Chernomyrdin will participate in the meeting of Baltic leaders in Riga. Diena

A chapter of the latest UNDP report on Latvia's development focuses on a thorough analysis of ethnic relations in Latvia and recommendations related to the forming of integrated society. The chapter was prepared by Director of the Center for Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks, political scientist Boris Tsilevich, language experts Tatyana Liguta and Anhelita Kamenska and sociologists Ilmars Mezs and Aivars Tabuns. The authors of the chapter define modern Latvia as "a national state with a multi-cultural society". Still, the state does not guarantee the preservance of cultural identity to ethnic minorities. Minorities in Latvia do not participate in political life of the state since the majority of non-Latvians do not have Latvian citizenship. The report also mentions social research results showing that the percentage of the poor is higher (5 to 10 percent) among non-Latvian population and so is the unemployment rate. The UNDP recommends to abolish the mandatory registration of (ethnic) nationality in passports. The recommendations also include granting of citizenship to all children born in Latvia after the country regained its independence. UNDP experts believe that psychological reasons account for non-citizens' indifference toward naturalization. Although most of non-citizens identify themselves with Latvia, they are offended by the prospect of proving their loyalty to the country during naturalization tests. Statistical data shows a derease in the number of non-citizens willing to undergo naturalization. In this connection, the UNDP does not see any necessity in preserving the "window mechanism."

A chapter of the latest UNDP report on Latvia's development focuses on a thorough analysis of ethnic relations in Latvia and recommendations related to the forming of integrated society. The chapter was prepared by Director of the Center for Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks, political scientist Boris Tsilevich, language experts Tatyana Liguta and Anhelita Kamenska and sociologists Ilmars Mezs and Aivars Tabuns. The authors of the chapter define modern Latvia as "a national state with a multi-cultural society". Still, the state does not guarantee the preservance of cultural identity to ethnic minorities. Minorities in Latvia do not participate in political life of the state since the majority of non-Latvians do not have Latvian citizenship. The report also mentions social research results showing that the percentage of the poor is higher (5 to 10 percent) among non-Latvian population and so is the unemployment rate. The UNDP recommends to abolish the mandatory registration of (ethnic) nationality in passports. The recommendations also include granting of citizenship to all children born in Latvia after the country regained its independence. UNDP experts believe that psychological reasons account for non-citizens' indifference toward naturalization. Although most of non-citizens identify themselves with Latvia, they are offended by the prospect of proving their loyalty to the country during naturalization tests. Statistical data shows a derease in the number of non-citizens willing to undergo naturalization. In this connection, the UNDP does not see any necessity in preserving the "window mechanism." Diena

Saeima member Alekasndrs Bartasevics ("Equal Rights") criticizes Latvian politicians and governing factions for applying "double standards" to minority problem and to the joining of the European Union. Mr. Bartasevics believes that the current approach to the issue of minorities fully excludes the possibility of Latvia joining the Union. Latvia's domestic policies that allow "the interests of the nation to supersede the interests of an individual" contradict its international obligations. Mr. Bartasevics quotes the International Pact on Civil and Political Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights to prove that the Latvian legislation contradicts these human rights instruments by requiring an immaculate knowledge of Latvian by candidates to the Saeima as well as by banning former Communists and KGB agents and officers from running for seats in the Saeima. He stresses that even Chairman of the Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts voted against a provision that would allow international conventions to supersede the Latvian legislation. The provision was included in the initial version of the draft chapter on human rights to be added to the Satversme.

Saeima member Alekasndrs Bartasevics ("Equal Rights") criticizes Latvian politicians and governing factions for applying "double standards" to minority problem and to the joining of the European Union. Mr. Bartasevics believes that the current approach to the issue of minorities fully excludes the possibility of Latvia joining the Union. Latvia's domestic policies that allow "the interests of the nation to supersede the interests of an individual" contradict its international obligations. Mr. Bartasevics quotes the International Pact on Civil and Political Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights to prove that the Latvian legislation contradicts these human rights instruments by requiring an immaculate knowledge of Latvian by candidates to the Saeima as well as by banning former Communists and KGB agents and officers from running for seats in the Saeima. He stresses that even Chairman of the Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts voted against a provision that would allow international conventions to supersede the Latvian legislation. The provision was included in the initial version of the draft chapter on human rights to be added to the Satversme. Diena

Press Report

"PANORAMA LATVII"

analyzed a travel document status of passports currently held by inhabitants of the Republic of Latvia. A travel document valid for entering any country should expire not earlier than in two months after the date of expiration of an entry visa. Citizens of Latvia travel abroad holding citizens' passports. Their children traveling with them should have passports of their own. If citizens' children are accompanied by persons other than their parents, such persons should hold notarized warrants (in Russian or English) authorizing them to accompany the children. Persons, to whom the "Law on Former USSR Citizens who do not have Citizenship of Latvia or of Another State" ("non-citizens") applies, can travel holding the following documents: 1. Non-citizens' passports issued after April 10, 1997. Holders of these passports can enter Latvia after the passports have expired upon extending the term of the passports or upon receiving new travel documents as determined by Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No.49 "On Passports of Non-Citizens of Latvia" of Jan. 21, 1997. 2. Identification documents of the Republic of Latvia ("brown passports") issued between July 28, 1995, and April 10, 1997. The identification documents can be used before their expiration dates. 3. Former USSR travel passports issued by the Republic of Latvia and re-registered by the Latvian Ministry of the Interior. The passports are valid for leaving the territory of Latvia until January 1, 1998, and require return visas. The passports are valid for entering Latvia until July 1, 1998, and require return visas as determined by Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No.49 "On Passports of Non-Citizens of Latvia". 4. Former USSR internal passports with Register of Inhabitants stamps ("red passports"). The passports are valid for leaving the territory of Latvia until January 1, 1998, and for entering Latvia until July 1, 1998. Former USSR internal passports are valid only for travel to Russia, Byelorussia and Ukraine. Non-citizens under 16 years of age entering the Russian Federation should hold birth certificates, persons accompanying such children should hold notarized warrants issued by the children's parents and certificates with photos confirming that such non-citizens="" children permanently reside in Latvia. The certificates are issued by local CID offices. Citizens and non-citizens of the Republic of Latvia under 16 years of age traveling to countries other than the Russian Federation should receive special passports and their parents should provide the warrants mentioned above to be held by persons accompanying their children. analyzed a travel document status of passports currently held by inhabitants of the Republic of Latvia. A travel document valid for entering any country should expire not earlier than in two months after the date of expiration of an entry visa. Citizens of Latvia travel abroad holding citizens' passports. Their children traveling with them should have passports of their own. If citizens' children are accompanied by persons other than their parents, such persons should hold notarized warrants (in Russian or English) authorizing them to accompany the children. Persons, to whom the "Law on Former USSR Citizens who do not have Citizenship of Latvia or of Another State" ("non-citizens") applies, can travel holding the following documents: 1. Non-citizens' passports issued after April 10, 1997. Holders of these passports can enter Latvia after the passports have expired upon extending the term of the passports or upon receiving new travel documents as determined by Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No.49 "On Passports of Non-Citizens of Latvia" of Jan. 21, 1997. 2. Identification documents of the Republic of Latvia ("brown passports") issued between July 28, 1995, and April 10, 1997. The identification documents can be used before their expiration dates. 3. Former USSR travel passports issued by the Republic of Latvia and re-registered by the Latvian Ministry of the Interior. The passports are valid for leaving the territory of Latvia until January 1, 1998, and require return visas. The passports are valid for entering Latvia until July 1, 1998, and require return visas as determined by Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No.49 "On Passports of Non-Citizens of Latvia". 4. Former USSR internal passports with Register of Inhabitants stamps ("red passports"). The passports are valid for leaving the territory of Latvia until January 1, 1998, and for entering Latvia until July 1, 1998. Former USSR internal passports are valid only for travel to Russia, Byelorussia and Ukraine. Non-citizens under 16 years of age entering the Russian Federation should hold birth certificates, persons accompanying such children should hold notarized warrants issued by the children's parents and certificates with photos confirming that such non-citizens="" children permanently reside in Latvia. The certificates are issued by local CID offices. Citizens and non-citizens of the Republic of Latvia under 16 years of age traveling to countries other than the Russian Federation should receive special passports and their parents should provide the warrants mentioned above to be held by persons accompanying their children. PLPL

Press Review

Last Saturday the Latvian Social-Democratic Workers' Party (LSDWP) and the Latvian Social-Democratic Party (LSDP) formed the Latvian Union of Social-Democrats (LUSD). The amalgamation of the two parties was supported by party congresses. The LSDP Congress elected Mr. Juris Bojars Chairman of the Party while Mr. Janis Adamsons was elected Chairman of the LSDWP. In his report at the LSDWP Congress Mr. Adamsons suggested to amend the Citizenship Law in the way that would allow anyone who lived in Latvia for five to ten years and had a command of the Latvian language to receive citizenship through naturalization. Some of Adamsons' colleagues criticized the ideas expressed in his report. The program of the Latvian Union of Social-Democrats will be adopted on May 1, 1998.

Last Saturday the Latvian Social-Democratic Workers' Party (LSDWP) and the Latvian Social-Democratic Party (LSDP) formed the Latvian Union of Social-Democrats (LUSD). The amalgamation of the two parties was supported by party congresses. The LSDP Congress elected Mr. Juris Bojars Chairman of the Party while Mr. Janis Adamsons was elected Chairman of the LSDWP. In his report at the LSDWP Congress Mr. Adamsons suggested to amend the Citizenship Law in the way that would allow anyone who lived in Latvia for five to ten years and had a command of the Latvian language to receive citizenship through naturalization. Some of Adamsons' colleagues criticized the ideas expressed in his report. The program of the Latvian Union of Social-Democrats will be adopted on May 1, 1998. Diena

"People's Harmony" finalized its new draft program to be adopted on November 8. The document defines "PH" as "a Social-Democratic" party for the first time. A spokesman for the party stressed that the difference between the "PH" and Bojars' Social-Democrats would lie in the emphasis put by the party on the development of democracy in Latvia with special attention paid to the problems of non-Latvians and to a well-balanced foreign policy.

"People's Harmony" finalized its new draft program to be adopted on November 8. The document defines "PH" as "a Social-Democratic" party for the first time. A spokesman for the party stressed that the difference between the "PH" and Bojars' Social-Democrats would lie in the emphasis put by the party on the development of democracy in Latvia with special attention paid to the problems of non-Latvians and to a well-balanced foreign policy. Chas

Current "Latvijas Cels" Chairman Valdis Birkavs and

Current "Latvijas Cels" Chairman Valdis Birkavs and "LC" faction Chairman Andrejs Pantelejevs will run for the post of Party Chairman. They announced the decision at the "LC" Conference last Saturday. Diena

Press Review

Mr. Janis Freimanis of the Christian Democratic Union faction analyzes the problem naturalization. He explains non-citizens' indifference toward naturalization by their fear of assimilation. He believes it to be quite a natural feeling and suggests that integration entails at least a certain degree of ethnic amalgamation. Mr. Freimanis does not believe assimilation of 44% of non-Latvian population to be possible. He stresses that two ethnic communities already exist in Latvia while the only plausible solution to the problem is to "make Latvia a civilized society" where non-citizens would not fear to lose their ethnic identity. Mr. Freimanis sees the Language Law as a factor required to protect the Latvian language.

Mr. Janis Freimanis of the Christian Democratic Union faction analyzes the problem naturalization. He explains non-citizens' indifference toward naturalization by their fear of assimilation. He believes it to be quite a natural feeling and suggests that integration entails at least a certain degree of ethnic amalgamation. Mr. Freimanis does not believe assimilation of 44% of non-Latvian population to be possible. He stresses that two ethnic communities already exist in Latvia while the only plausible solution to the problem is to "make Latvia a civilized society" where non-citizens would not fear to lose their ethnic identity. Mr. Freimanis sees the Language Law as a factor required to protect the Latvian language. Diena

The latest UNDP overview of the situation in Latvia includes a chapter on political integration written by Mr. Boris Tsilevich and a chapter on education in Russian language schools by Ms. Tatyana Liguta. The report also contains a comprehensive analysis of naturalization, language policy and differences between the rights of citizens and non-citizens. The document will be circulated in the

The latest UNDP overview of the situation in Latvia includes a chapter on political integration written by Mr. Boris Tsilevich and a chapter on education in Russian language schools by Ms. Tatyana Liguta. The report also contains a comprehensive analysis of naturalization, language policy and differences between the rights of citizens and non-citizens. The document will be circulated in the Saeima and in the Latvian Government. Diena

Press Review

Mr. Juris Lorencs (

Mr. Juris Lorencs ("Latvijas Cels" Secretary General) does not believe that a two-community society has formed in Latvia. He stresses that there are no ethnicity-based political parties in Latvia while 73% of the country's population voted for its independence in 1991. Mr. Lorencs notes that the figure equals the percentage of citizens among Latvia's population. Still, Latvian and Russian-speaking communities are separated with one part of the mass-media being Latvian-oriented and another part focusing entirely on Russian readers, viewers and listeners, stresses Lorencs. He refers to a sociological research showing that Latvians and non-Latvians have very similar values. Mr. Lorencs believes that the idea of Latvia's independence should serve as a main factor for integrating the country's society and criticizes both Latvian and Russian radicals for promoting ideas that may lead to the forming of a two isolated communities. Mr. Lorencs believes that several reasons account for slow naturalization of non-citizens. Among these are a disappointment with the policy of the Government and its poor morals and campaigns launched by political parties that use non-Latvians as a culprit responsible for all problems faced by the country. Mr. Lorencs believes that annual quotas for naturalization of all applicants for citizenship irrespective of their age should be introduce in the Citizenship Law. Another solution, according to Lorencs, could be canceling all quota or "window" mechanisms. He supports naturalization of all Latvia's inhabitants having a command of the Latvian language. Diena

Head of the Latvian UNDP Bureau John Hendra in his interview for "BIZNES & BALTIYA" summarized Latvia's achievements and the UNDP contribution to the country's development during last four years. He believes the assistance provided by the UNDP to Latvia in establishing the Human Rights Office to be the most significant achievement of the organization in the human dimension domain. Mr. Hendra singled out the development of the State Language Training Program as the most difficult assignment. The UNDP Bureau was involved in a heated political discussion that focused on the teaching of the Latvian language in Russian schools. The UNDP Bureau was criticized both by the Russian-language press and by the Latvian side. Still, Mr. Hendra believes that the results achieved are acceptable to both sides. Mastering of the Latvian language by non-Latvians is an essential mechanism for facilitating the integration of the Latvian society, believes Mr. Hendra. He mentioned granting of Latvian citizenship to all children born in Latvia as one of the most important amendments to be introduced in the Latvian legislation stressing that the OSCE Mission to Latvia had a similar opinion on the issue.

Head of the Latvian UNDP Bureau John Hendra in his interview for "BIZNES & BALTIYA" summarized Latvia's achievements and the UNDP contribution to the country's development during last four years. He believes the assistance provided by the UNDP to Latvia in establishing the Human Rights Office to be the most significant achievement of the organization in the human dimension domain. Mr. Hendra singled out the development of the State Language Training Program as the most difficult assignment. The UNDP Bureau was involved in a heated political discussion that focused on the teaching of the Latvian language in Russian schools. The UNDP Bureau was criticized both by the Russian-language press and by the Latvian side. Still, Mr. Hendra believes that the results achieved are acceptable to both sides. Mastering of the Latvian language by non-Latvians is an essential mechanism for facilitating the integration of the Latvian society, believes Mr. Hendra. He mentioned granting of Latvian citizenship to all children born in Latvia as one of the most important amendments to be introduced in the Latvian legislation stressing that the OSCE Mission to Latvia had a similar opinion on the issue. B&B