Press Report

Deputy Prime-Minister Ziedonis Cevers resigned yesterday. Among reasons for his resignation, Mr. Cevers names Prime-Minister Skele’s “dictatorship” over the Cabinet. Cevers accused Skele in ignoring economic problems of the majority of Latvia's population. Cevers especially pointed at taxation of pensions suggested by Skele and criticized him for "backing up the interests of a small group of entrepreneurs". At a press-conference Mr. Cevers said he would return to his duties as a

Deputy Prime-Minister Ziedonis Cevers resigned yesterday. Among reasons for his resignation, Mr. Cevers names Prime-Minister Skeles dictatorship over the Cabinet. Cevers accused Skele in ignoring economic problems of the majority of Latvia's population. Cevers especially pointed at taxation of pensions suggested by Skele and criticized him for "backing up the interests of a small group of entrepreneurs". At a press-conference Mr. Cevers said he would return to his duties as a Saeima deputy while "Saimnieks" would stay in the Government. Prime-Minister Skele says he will terminate Cevers' office "with all its staff and motor-cars". He refuses to comment on the resignation adding that Mr. Cevers had to submit a memo on the state security concept today. Yesterday Cevers had a meeting with President Ulmanis. The President told "DIENA" Mr. Cevers was dissatisfied with the Prime-Minister's disrespect for the opinion of the Cabinet members and ignoring the importance of a team work. Mr. Ulmanis agrees that the team spirit and strict subordination are of an utmost importance for a Cabinet consisting of twenty-seven ministers. Diena, SM, Neatkariga

Lithuanian Conservative "Union for Motherland" headed by Vitautas Landsbergis is winning parliamentary elections. It has already won over 29% of votes. Mr. Landsbergis told the press the policy of the party would be aimed at "forming a healthy society without discrimination and privileges". State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins admits the results of the election do not give any hope of an easier negotiation over the border problem. Mr. Landsbergis said yesterday Lithuania would "strengthen its relations with Baltic states including Latvia". Still, he suggested establishing the sea border with Latvia unilaterally. He believes that would allow reaching a compromise with Latvia.

Lithuanian Conservative "Union for Motherland" headed by Vitautas Landsbergis is winning parliamentary elections. It has already won over 29% of votes. Mr. Landsbergis told the press the policy of the party would be aimed at "forming a healthy society without discrimination and privileges". State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins admits the results of the election do not give any hope of an easier negotiation over the border problem. Mr. Landsbergis said yesterday Lithuania would "strengthen its relations with Baltic states including Latvia". Still, he suggested establishing the sea border with Latvia unilaterally. He believes that would allow reaching a compromise with Latvia. Neatkariga

Latvian State University Professor Aivars Stranga in an interview for

Latvian State University Professor Aivars Stranga in an interview for "SM" warns against "irrational" policy toward Russia. Such a policy would only harm Latvia's interests says the historian. The country should focus on the problems of Russian-speakers and naturalization. Mr. Stranga suggests Latvia should not press too much on NATO and the EU since it would not help the country in joining the organizations. On the contrary, Latvia's policy should be more reserved and pragmatic, says Mr. Stranga. SM

Press Review

Duma

Speaker Ivan Ribkin has been appointed Secretary of the Security Council to replace Mr. Lebed. Mr. Ribkin had been a member of the "Communists of Russia" faction before 1993 and later turned into one of the most ardent Yeltsin's supporters. Before the appointment Mr. Ribkin was the Head of the President's Political Consultative Board. Speaker Ivan Ribkin has been appointed Secretary of the Security Council to replace Mr. Lebed. Mr. Ribkin had been a member of the "Communists of Russia" faction before 1993 and later turned into one of the most ardent Yeltsin's supporters. Before the appointment Mr. Ribkin was the Head of the President's Political Consultative Board. DienaDiena According to the Russian Armed Forces, the Swedish fighter crushed during a risky manoeuvre when imitating an attack on

According to the Russian Armed Forces, the Swedish fighter crushed during a risky manoeuvre when imitating an attack on "Peter the Great". Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Kasatonov says that was not the first time the Swedish Air Force imitated attacks on Russian ships. He criticized the pilot of the Swedish fighter for "uncivilized behavior". Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement accusing the Latvian authorities in "stirring anti-Russian feelings" in connection with the incident. Diena, SM

An anonymous Lithuanian diplomat told

An anonymous Lithuanian diplomat told "DIENA" he was surprised by the Mr. Maris Riekstins' comments regarding talks between Latvia and Lithuania. The Lithuanian diplomat referred to by "DIENA" says Lithuania has suggested discussing a trilateral agreement between Lithuania, Latvia, and the oil companies. Head of the Latvian delegation to the talks Riekstins refused to confirm that the option was discussed. Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gilis says Lithuania is working on a "scenario" of its possible reaction to the ratification of Latvia's agreement with AMOCO/OPAB. A Lithuanian news agency reports on a document drafted by the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The document interprets the ratification of the first reading of Latvia's agreement with oil companies as a territorial claim toward Lithuania. The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends the Government to address the UN, the OSCE, and the Baltic Council of Ministers on the issue. Diena, Neatkariga

Prime-Minister Skele warned Minister of Defense Krastins and Deputy Prime-Minister Skele against further delaying the submission of reports requested by the Prime-Minister. In an interview Mr. Skele said he was not planning to resign, but admitted he would leave the Cabinet if the governing factions chose another candidate.

Prime-Minister Skele warned Minister of Defense Krastins and Deputy Prime-Minister Skele against further delaying the submission of reports requested by the Prime-Minister. In an interview Mr. Skele said he was not planning to resign, but admitted he would leave the Cabinet if the governing factions chose another candidate. Diena

Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs in an interview for

Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs in an interview for "NEATKARIGA" disagrees with criticism expressed by former Ministry of Foreign Affairs official Markots. Mr. Birkavs said several articles by Mr. Markots were based on outdated and imprecise facts. Birkavs said Latvia diplomacy was developing in a fast and dynamic way. The Minister of Foreign Affairs believes the Declaration on Occupation and claims for compensation of losses incurred by Soviet and German occupation may harm Latvia and "cut off aid to be received in the future." Diena

A conference on the forming of a political nation in Latvia was held in Riga last week. Dr. Leo Dribin in his report singled out the establishing of a political nation as the only way of building a democratic society. Head of the Center for Human rights and ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks pointed at an "old Soviet tradition" of including ethnic nationality into passport data. Mr. Muiznieks believes registration of an individual's nationality to be undemocratic. A representative of the Naturalization Board pointed at an extraordinary high percentage of noncitizens among Latvia's population not allowing the forming of a political nation. The pace of the naturalization process is too slow. Potential applicants name several reasons for their "low activity". Many of them believe the language test to be over-complicated. Young people are not willing to serve in the Latvian Army or choose to retain their stateless status that allows them to travel to the CIS countries without applying for visas. Some Latvia's inhabitants willing to apply for citizenship still cannot have their chance due to the strict Citizenship Law. Mr. Muiznieks also pointed at the absence of a program for integrating non-Latvians into the country's society. Several speakers stress the importance of developing political consciousness of noncitizens by allowing them to feel part of Latvia's society.

A conference on the forming of a political nation in Latvia was held in Riga last week. Dr. Leo Dribin in his report singled out the establishing of a political nation as the only way of building a democratic society. Head of the Center for Human rights and ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks pointed at an "old Soviet tradition" of including ethnic nationality into passport data. Mr. Muiznieks believes registration of an individual's nationality to be undemocratic. A representative of the Naturalization Board pointed at an extraordinary high percentage of noncitizens among Latvia's population not allowing the forming of a political nation. The pace of the naturalization process is too slow. Potential applicants name several reasons for their "low activity". Many of them believe the language test to be over-complicated. Young people are not willing to serve in the Latvian Army or choose to retain their stateless status that allows them to travel to the CIS countries without applying for visas. Some Latvia's inhabitants willing to apply for citizenship still cannot have their chance due to the strict Citizenship Law. Mr. Muiznieks also pointed at the absence of a program for integrating non-Latvians into the country's society. Several speakers stress the importance of developing political consciousness of noncitizens by allowing them to feel part of Latvia's society. SM

Chief of the Riga Immigration Police J.Kaudze in an interview for "SM" says they are trying to be flexible while implementing expulsion orders. In some cases the IP even had to ask the CID to reconsider its decisions when no country agreed to accept illegal immigrants expelled from Latvia. The IP suspends the implementation of an expulsion order if the order is appealed in court, at the Procurator's Office, or at the CID. Most of illegal immigrants, according to Mr. Kaudze, are inhabitants of Southern parts of former USSR.

Chief of the Riga Immigration Police J.Kaudze in an interview for "SM" says they are trying to be flexible while implementing expulsion orders. In some cases the IP even had to ask the CID to reconsider its decisions when no country agreed to accept illegal immigrants expelled from Latvia. The IP suspends the implementation of an expulsion order if the order is appealed in court, at the Procurator's Office, or at the CID. Most of illegal immigrants, according to Mr. Kaudze, are inhabitants of Southern parts of former USSR. SM

Press Report

A representative of the Russian Embassy made a statement in the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the presence of Russia's war ships in Latvia's economic zone. Latvia's protests are baseless, said the Russian diplomat stressing that all countries have a right of free navigation in national economic zones according to international legal norms. Mr. Aivars Vovers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs admitted that international legal norms do not allow Latvia to put any weighty reprimands toward Russia. Still, Latvia is concerned about Russia not informing it of the presence of its war ships close to Latvian territorial waters, says Mr. Vovers.

A representative of the Russian Embassy made a statement in the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the presence of Russia's war ships in Latvia's economic zone. Latvia's protests are baseless, said the Russian diplomat stressing that all countries have a right of free navigation in national economic zones according to international legal norms. Mr. Aivars Vovers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs admitted that international legal norms do not allow Latvia to put any weighty reprimands toward Russia. Still, Latvia is concerned about Russia not informing it of the presence of its war ships close to Latvian territorial waters, says Mr. Vovers. Diena

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima adopted the Law on the State Secret. The law classifies as secret all economic, political, military, technological, scientific and other information included in a list adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers. According to the Law, information on natural and other disasters and their consequences, information on environmental situation, on the state of medical care, science, education, demographic data and crime statistics, information on human rights violations, on corruption, on living standards and economic situation, including the implementation of the State budget, cannot be a State secret. Information on the salaries of Government officials and on privileges enjoyed by them cannot be given the State secret status as well. Mr. Janis Adamsons criticized the provision of the Law restricting the access to the State secrets of persons whose "personal and professional qualities" allow to doubt their capability to follow confidentiality regulations. The Law does not define the notion of "personal and professional qualities," says Mr. Adamsons. Diena

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima managed to elect only three Constitutional Court Judges (Aivars Endzins, Ilma Cepane, and Romans Apsitis). The three candidates were nominated by the Cabinet of Ministers. Mr. Endzins said he was disappointed by the Saeima not having supported the candidates nominated by the Supreme Court. He was also upset about factions voting with the only goal of obtaining seats in the Court. The Constitutional court cannot perform its duties unless the Saeima elects at least two more judges. Diena

State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins says Latvia has never suggested Lithuania to conclude a trilateral agreement with

State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins says Latvia has never suggested Lithuania to conclude a trilateral agreement with AMOCO/OPAB. The proposal was to "share" oil resources. Lithuania insists on establishing a special zone in the area. Next week Saeima will vote on the final reading of the law on the ratification of Latvia's agreement with the oil companies. Diena

The Soros Foundation is distributing cards containing information on the rights of an individual detained by the police. A spokesman for the National Human Rights Office told

The Soros Foundation is distributing cards containing information on the rights of an individual detained by the police. A spokesman for the National Human Rights Office told "DIENA" the Office had received several complaints from individuals detained by the police.

Former Latvian diplomat Aivars Markots in an interview for

Former Latvian diplomat Aivars Markots in an interview for "SM SEVODNYA" explains his criticism of Latvia's foreign policies. According to Mr. Markots, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not developed a proper concept for the operation of Latvian embassies. Former KGB collaborators have been appointed ambassadors to NATO countries. Markots recalls that the Estonian President refused to accept credentials from a diplomat later appointed Ambassador of Latvia to Spain. Mr. Markots criticizes Mr. Birkavs and his ministry for ignoring Latvias policy in the East. He believes Birkavs should have participated in a discussion over the Declaration on Occupation before the document was adopted. A pragmatic approach instead of political rhetoric should dominate relations between Latvia and Russia. Mr. Markots believes Mr. Birkavs has changed his approach toward the concept of the country's foreign policy, the change resulting in Latvia facing problems in its relations with Lithuania, Estonia, and Russia. SM Segodnya

Press Report

Last week leaders of the largest

Last week leaders of the largest Saeima factions ("Latvijas Cels", "Tevzemei un Brivibai", and "Saimnieks") held an unofficial meeting to discuss the Prime-Minister's policy and possible steps to be taken by the parties in case a new cabinet is formed. According to sources referred to by "DIENA", "LC" faction Chairman Pantelejevs and "TB" faction Chairman Straume were among the participants of the meetings. Faction representatives believe talks with Prime-Minister Skele could help compelling the Prime-Minister to consider the opinion of the factions. They criticize the Prime-Minister for an unsystematic approach to reforms. An anonymous source says deputies are concerned about many issues being resolved not by the factions but solely by the Prime-Minister's advisors. A "DIENA" analyst says the factions could join their forces not only for discussions with the Prime-Minister but also for the forming of a new cabinet. Today the Saeima declined a draft decree on a vote of no-confidence against the Cabinet of Ministers submitted by the Socialists, three "Latvijai" deputies, one "Unity" and one "People's Harmony" deputies. Cevers, Pantelejevs and Straume say they are not considering a possible model of a new Cabinet but will recommend the Prime-Minister to abstain from terminating the posts in the Cabinet. Some politicians told "DIENA" rumors of changes in the Government are not unfounded. They allow the possibility of Skele's resignation. Mr. Skele when asked to comment on the suggested moratorium on any changes in the Cabinet said "the parties should better care about the quality of the Government". "Saimnieks" leader Cevers confirms the party could leave the Government should its proposals be ignored when adopting the budget. Mr. Cevers does not believe it to be an extraordinary step in a democratic state. Diena

Yesterday Russian nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

Yesterday Russian nuclear-powered aircraft carrier "Pyotr Veliky" ("Peter the Great") and two other navy vessels entered Latvia's economic zone not far from Liepaja without notifying the Latvian authorities. Latvia's coast guard boats were warned not to approach the Russian war ships. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded explanations from Russian Ambassador Rannih who said the incident could be a result of a technical problem. The Ambassador promised to contact corresponding Russian authorities for an explanation. Later the "Associated Press" agency informed of a Swedish aircraft having crashed only several hundred meters away from the Russian aircraft carrier. According to the Swedish Armed Forces, the aircraft was on a surveillance flight over the Russian ship. The accident, according to the press, could lead to a nuclear disaster if the aircraft hit the Russian aircraft carrier. Witnesses say the Swedish aircraft crashed into the sea due to a mistake made by its pilot. The pilot's body has not been discovered. President Ulmanis said yesterday that the presence of Russia's war ship showed its policy "was not as friendly and peace-loving, as often stated". The incident, according to Mr. Ulmanis, compels Latvia to be more decisive in seeking to become "a subject of a collective security." Diena

Latvia's Second World War veterans addressed former anti-Nazi coalition Governments with an open letter saying Latvian authorities ignore the Second World War veterans. Unlike former Nazi army soldiers they are not granted social benefits, says the letter.

Latvia's Second World War veterans addressed former anti-Nazi coalition Governments with an open letter saying Latvian authorities ignore the Second World War veterans. Unlike former Nazi army soldiers they are not granted social benefits, says the letter. SM

Mrs. Junkevica (the Union of Christian Democrats) criticizes the nominees for the posts of the Constitutional Court judges for the lack of professional experience. She is concerned about their active participation in the work of old Soviet legal and ideological institutions and does not believe the Court to be fully independent of political parties.

Mrs. Junkevica (the Union of Christian Democrats) criticizes the nominees for the posts of the Constitutional Court judges for the lack of professional experience. She is concerned about their active participation in the work of old Soviet legal and ideological institutions and does not believe the Court to be fully independent of political parties. Diena

"SM"

correspondent in Berlin points at the recent developments in Germany's policy toward Latvia's admission to NATO. Leading German politicians, although stressing the importance of security for Baltic states, do not mention these states among the nations to enter NATO during the first phase of its enlargement. State Minister Helmut Schefer said the role of the OSCE and the European Union in maintaining stability and security in the region should be increased. correspondent in Berlin points at the recent developments in Germany's policy toward Latvia's admission to NATO. Leading German politicians, although stressing the importance of security for Baltic states, do not mention these states among the nations to enter NATO during the first phase of its enlargement. State Minister Helmut Schefer said the role of the OSCE and the European Union in maintaining stability and security in the region should be increased. SMSM

Press Report

Yesterday President Ulmanis had a meeting with a working group formed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense. The working group will represent Latvia at the third round of talks with NATO in Brussels on October 17. Head of the group Maris Riekstins, while commenting on the topics to be touched upon during the forthcoming talks, says they are not of a decisive importance. He sees "convincing NATO that Latvia is ready to become its members" as the main task of the delegation. During the first meeting with NATO representatives the Latvian delegation reported on the country's economic and financial situation and on the legal issues connected with the joining of NATO.

Yesterday President Ulmanis had a meeting with a working group formed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense. The working group will represent Latvia at the third round of talks with NATO in Brussels on October 17. Head of the group Maris Riekstins, while commenting on the topics to be touched upon during the forthcoming talks, says they are not of a decisive importance. He sees "convincing NATO that Latvia is ready to become its members" as the main task of the delegation. During the first meeting with NATO representatives the Latvian delegation reported on the country's economic and financial situation and on the legal issues connected with the joining of NATO. Diena

Last night a rally marking the fifth anniversary of the adoption of the decree on the restoration of citizens' rights and the main principles of naturalization was held by the Latvian Human Rights Committee in the Grizinkalns Park in Riga. Member of the LHRC Konstatntin Matveyev stressed the decree laid the basis for depriving "a large part of the population of their rights". All other legal acts, including the Citizenship Law, had been based upon the decree "forming a pyramid that will collapse one fine day", said Mr. Matveyev.

Last night a rally marking the fifth anniversary of the adoption of the decree on the restoration of citizens' rights and the main principles of naturalization was held by the Latvian Human Rights Committee in the Grizinkalns Park in Riga. Member of the LHRC Konstatntin Matveyev stressed the decree laid the basis for depriving "a large part of the population of their rights". All other legal acts, including the Citizenship Law, had been based upon the decree "forming a pyramid that will collapse one fine day", said Mr. Matveyev. SM