Press Report

Diena

informs about the letter from Mr. Max van der Stoel's office to the Saeima's Education Commission. By the end of this week proposals should be submitted before the repeated review of the Language Law. Up until now only the left block has suggested amendments. The final adoption of the law is scheduled for December 9. informs about the letter from Mr. Max van der Stoel's office to the Saeima's Education Commission. By the end of this week proposals should be submitted before the repeated review of the Language Law. Up until now only the left block has suggested amendments. The final adoption of the law is scheduled for December 9. The opinion page of

The opinion page of Diena published an article by Aigars Kimenis, member of the board of Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK where he names and explains the partys objections regarding the draft concept of Society Integration in Latvia.

Today documents granting citizenship through naturalization were given to 81 person during a celebration ceremony at the Riga City Council. Among the 81 was the 20,000th resident of Latvia who obtained citizenship through naturalization.

Today documents granting citizenship through naturalization were given to 81 person during a celebration ceremony at the Riga City Council. Among the 81 was the 20,000th resident of Latvia who obtained citizenship through naturalization. Neatkariga

Latvia’s Social Democrats could consider uniting with the Democratic Party Saimnieks after the referendum. Chairman of the party Juris Bojars noted that merging could be a difficult procedure as Social Democrats would need to develop a new program.

Latvias Social Democrats could consider uniting with the Democratic Party Saimnieks after the referendum. Chairman of the party Juris Bojars noted that merging could be a difficult procedure as Social Democrats would need to develop a new program. Neatkariga, Chas

First deputy head of the Russian Army General Headquarters Valery Manilov told a Russian newspaper Vremja MN that Russia could carry out “assimetric steps” to avoid the NATO expansion: withdraw the troops from the border in order not to scare the neighbors.

First deputy head of the Russian Army General Headquarters Valery Manilov told a Russian newspaper Vremja MN that Russia could carry out assimetric steps to avoid the NATO expansion: withdraw the troops from the border in order not to scare the neighbors. Neatkariga

Latvian Foreign Ministry has considered the note submitted by the Russian Embassy requesting the permission to visit the Russian citizen Yevgeny Savenko who is accused of genocide against the people of Latvia. Savenko currently is staying in Riga Central Prison hospital. The Foreign Ministry has decided to grant the permission.

Latvian Foreign Ministry has considered the note submitted by the Russian Embassy requesting the permission to visit the Russian citizen Yevgeny Savenko who is accused of genocide against the people of Latvia. Savenko currently is staying in Riga Central Prison hospital. The Foreign Ministry has decided to grant the permission. Neatkariga

Yesterday a parliamentarian delegation from Chechen Republic Ichkeria came on a visit to Riga. They were received by the MPs from the Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK faction. Latvian top officials and the representatives of the MFA did not agree to meet them.

Yesterday a parliamentarian delegation from Chechen Republic Ichkeria came on a visit to Riga. They were received by the MPs from the Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK faction. Latvian top officials and the representatives of the MFA did not agree to meet them. BB, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodna

The last Russian militaries who worked at Skrunda left Latvia yeasterday. Several militaries have stayed to live in Latvia as they are married to a Latvian citizen or have received a residence permit due to other reasons.

The last Russian militaries who worked at Skrunda left Latvia yeasterday. Several militaries have stayed to live in Latvia as they are married to a Latvian citizen or have received a residence permit due to other reasons. BB

Press Report

Latvian Foreign Ministry has expressed the deepest concern about the military activities in Chechnya and the big losses among civilians, and calls for using a dialogue to regulate the conflict.

Latvian Foreign Ministry has expressed the deepest concern about the military activities in Chechnya and the big losses among civilians, and calls for using a dialogue to regulate the conflict. Neatkariga, Chas

Russian State Duma has not decided on the date for the second reading of the draft laws on sanctions against Latvia, however, documents are being prepared to be submitted at one of the nearest Duma sessions.

Russian State Duma has not decided on the date for the second reading of the draft laws on sanctions against Latvia, however, documents are being prepared to be submitted at one of the nearest Duma sessions. Neatkariga

Latvian Saeima’s Commission of Education has received a letter from Mr. Van der Stoel’s office before the Language Law goes for a repeated review by the Saeima asking to separate usage of language in private and public sphere, stressing the need to indicate legitimate public interests when regulating the usage of language in public information, explaining that the requirement to use the state language in letterheads violates the person’s right for privacy.

Latvian Saeimas Commission of Education has received a letter from Mr. Van der Stoels office before the Language Law goes for a repeated review by the Saeima asking to separate usage of language in private and public sphere, stressing the need to indicate legitimate public interests when regulating the usage of language in public information, explaining that the requirement to use the state language in letterheads violates the persons right for privacy. Neatkariga, Chas, BB

Press Report

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga has sent for a repeated review the amendments to the law On Public Organizations passed by the Saeima last Thursday requiring at least 1000 Latvian citizens to be founders of a political party instead of the current 200. In her letter, the president states that by introducing the above amendments restrict the legal rights of the Latvian citizens.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga has sent for a repeated review the amendments to the law On Public Organizations passed by the Saeima last Thursday requiring at least 1000 Latvian citizens to be founders of a political party instead of the current 200. In her letter, the president states that by introducing the above amendments restrict the legal rights of the Latvian citizens. Neatkariga, Diena

President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Helle Degn after her visit to Latvia last Friday told the press that Latvia has shown progress in the fields earlier seriously criticised by OSCE, like society integration, naturalization and the state language issues. Answering the question about the possible influence of the invitation issued by the Latvian MPs to Chechen parliamentarians on Latvia’s security, Ms. Degn noted that the politicians should realize their responsibility and avoid situations creating threat to Europe.

President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Helle Degn after her visit to Latvia last Friday told the press that Latvia has shown progress in the fields earlier seriously criticised by OSCE, like society integration, naturalization and the state language issues. Answering the question about the possible influence of the invitation issued by the Latvian MPs to Chechen parliamentarians on Latvias security, Ms. Degn noted that the politicians should realize their responsibility and avoid situations creating threat to Europe. Diena, Chas

Chas

writes about the successful visit to Moscow of the Latvian MP from For Human Rights in United Latvia Janis Urbanovics and politologist Nikolajs Neilands, their meeting with Yevgeny Primakov. writes about the successful visit to Moscow of the Latvian MP from For Human Rights in United Latvia Janis Urbanovics and politologist Nikolajs Neilands, their meeting with Yevgeny Primakov.

Diena

reflects on the recent European Commission report on Latvia mentioning the Language Law, language training and informing non-citizens about naturalization as still unsolved problems in Latvia. Latvian language specialists and representatives of several parties have stated that they wouldnt agree to using another language parallel to Latvian in public signs while in other articles changes are possible. As for language training, there is all necessary legislation and now only funding and the desire to learn the language are needed. Developing of integration program has been slowed down by objections from Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK and Peoples Party but Eizenija Aldermane from Naturalization Board believes that after the program gets a political agreement the work will continue. reflects on the recent European Commission report on Latvia mentioning the Language Law, language training and informing non-citizens about naturalization as still unsolved problems in Latvia. Latvian language specialists and representatives of several parties have stated that they wouldn’t agree to using another language parallel to Latvian in public signs while in other articles changes are possible. As for language training, there is all necessary legislation and now only funding and the desire to learn the language are needed. Developing of integration program has been slowed down by objections from Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK and People’s Party but Eizenija Aldermane from Naturalization Board believes that after the program gets a political agreement the work will continue. October 22 Latvia joined the EU declaration on the situation in Belarus condemning violence during the October 17 demonstration in Minsk.

October 22 Latvia joined the EU declaration on the situation in Belarus condemning violence during the October 17 demonstration in Minsk. Neatkariga

Press Report

Press Report

Yesterday the Saeima adopted in the final reading the amendments to the law “On public organisations and their unions” increasing for five times the minimal number of party members. Now a political party may be organised if there are 1000 members. Latvijas Cels and the New Party did not support this amendment and would ask the President not to announce this law.

Yesterday the Saeima adopted in the final reading the amendments to the law On public organisations and their unions increasing for five times the minimal number of party members. Now a political party may be organised if there are 1000 members. Latvijas Cels and the New Party did not support this amendment and would ask the President not to announce this law. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

Since yesterday the territory of Skrunda Radar Station is once again under administration of Latvia, as it was stipulated by the signed Latvian – Russian SRS hand-over and receiving act. The radar Station is dismantled completely, and the representatives of the OSCE, Latvian and Russian parties as well as foreign diplomats, accredited in Riga, witnessed it. But Latvian party does not know how to use this territory and the military town. No serious business offers have been received so far on the management of these sites.

Since yesterday the territory of Skrunda Radar Station is once again under administration of Latvia, as it was stipulated by the signed Latvian – Russian SRS hand-over and receiving act. The radar Station is dismantled completely, and the representatives of the OSCE, Latvian and Russian parties as well as foreign diplomats, accredited in Riga, witnessed it. But Latvian party does not know how to use this territory and the military town. No serious business offers have been received so far on the management of these sites. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Bizness & Baltiya

Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs published an announcement stating that closing down of SRS was evidence on Russia’s adherence to its international obligations. The early closing down of SRS was possible thanks to the constructive approach of both parties and the useful role of the OSCE as an observant of the process. Now it is even more important for Russia to open its new RS next to the Byelorussian City Baranovichi.

Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs published an announcement stating that closing down of SRS was evidence on Russias adherence to its international obligations. The early closing down of SRS was possible thanks to the constructive approach of both parties and the useful role of the OSCE as an observant of the process. Now it is even more important for Russia to open its new RS next to the Byelorussian City Baranovichi. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

The representatives of the Saeima faction FHRIUN J.Urbanovics and N.Neilands met yesterday with the former Russian Prime Minister Y.Primakov. They discussed bilateral relations of these two countries and Mr.Primakov had said that no improvements could be anticipated in the relations between Latvia and Russia in the nearest future.

The representatives of the Saeima faction FHRIUN J.Urbanovics and N.Neilands met yesterday with the former Russian Prime Minister Y.Primakov. They discussed bilateral relations of these two countries and Mr.Primakov had said that no improvements could be anticipated in the relations between Latvia and Russia in the nearest future. Neatkariga, Chas, Bizness & Baltiya

Russian newspaper

Russian newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda writes that Russia may consider that it has lost its Diaspora of Russians, residing in the Baltic States because these countries provide such living conditions that their historical fatherland is not able to do. In Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, that de facto have become members of EU, nobody, even the most radical Interfront members intend to return to Russia. Neatkariga

By the next year could be solved all problems facing private persons who cross Latvian – Lithuanian border. To speed up this process Latvian Interior Minister M.Seglins signed an intention protocol with his Lithuanian colleague Ch.Blozis.

By the next year could be solved all problems facing private persons who cross Latvian – Lithuanian border. To speed up this process Latvian Interior Minister M.Seglins signed an intention protocol with his Lithuanian colleague Ch.Blozis. Jauna Avize

The Saeima at its yesterday sitting voted for submitting for the third reading the amendments to the law “State holidays and commemoration days”. The majority decided to replace the words “March 16” with the words “November 11” which meant that the commemoration day of the Latvian Riflemen would be transferred form March 16 to November 11, Lacplesis Day.

The Saeima at its yesterday sitting voted for submitting for the third reading the amendments to the law State holidays and commemoration days. The majority decided to replace the words March 16 with the words November 11 which meant that the commemoration day of the Latvian Riflemen would be transferred form March 16 to November 11, Lacplesis Day.

Press Report

Press Report

The Government forming factions will consider all proposals of the Free Trade Unions on the amendments to the pension law and formulate their position by Monday. Currently these parties do not have a common position on what proposals should be included for consideration in the second reading.

The Government forming factions will consider all proposals of the Free Trade Unions on the amendments to the pension law and formulate their position by Monday. Currently these parties do not have a common position on what proposals should be included for consideration in the second reading. Neatkariga, Diena, Bizness & Baltiya

Teachers have started their protest actions by a picket by the Saeima. They ask to increase their salaries starting form January 1, 2000.

Teachers have started their protest actions by a picket by the Saeima. They ask to increase their salaries starting form January 1, 2000. Neatkariga

Prime Minister A.Skele has planned to address the deputies of the Saeima and report on the Government activities during the first 100 days of its rule.

Prime Minister A.Skele has planned to address the deputies of the Saeima and report on the Government activities during the first 100 days of its rule. Neatkariga, Diena

Four of the six Saeima factions have promised to support the draft budget for 2000 in the first reading – the three ruling factions and the New Party from the opposition. The Chairman of NP S.Dreimane acknowledged that the Party had some objections to this budget, but they would be submitted for the second reading.

Four of the six Saeima factions have promised to support the draft budget for 2000 in the first reading – the three ruling factions and the New Party from the opposition. The Chairman of NP S.Dreimane acknowledged that the Party had some objections to this budget, but they would be submitted for the second reading. Neatkariga

Due to the internal political situation the visit of Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs A.Saudarg is postponed for some time in the future.

Due to the internal political situation the visit of Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs A.Saudarg is postponed for some time in the future. Neatkariga

Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers that Latvia is prosecuting the executors of Stalinist repression to kindle anti-Russian feelings. Official representative of MFA V.Rahmanin stated that these actions were a political order, no doubt. He pointed out that such a position did favour neither the public consolidation in Latvia nor forming of good neighbourly relations with Russia. In its turn t Latvian MFA announced that the court proceedings against persons accused in violations against mankind should not influence the relations of both countries.

Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers that Latvia is prosecuting the executors of Stalinist repression to kindle anti-Russian feelings. Official representative of MFA V.Rahmanin stated that these actions were a political order, no doubt. He pointed out that such a position did favour neither the public consolidation in Latvia nor forming of good neighbourly relations with Russia. In its turn t Latvian MFA announced that the court proceedings against persons accused in violations against mankind should not influence the relations of both countries. Neatkariga

On Thursday, the Saeima, discussing in the final reading the amendments to the law on public organisations and their unions could cross out the norm, proposed by Peoples Party that would increase the original number members of a public organisation from 200 to 1000 Latvian citizens. The Chairman of Latvijas Cels faction K.Libane pointed out that the wish to increase the number of party members five times causes doubt that it would correspond to the human rights principles.

On Thursday, the Saeima, discussing in the final reading the amendments to the law on public organisations and their unions could cross out the norm, proposed by Peoples Party that would increase the original number members of a public organisation from 200 to 1000 Latvian citizens. The Chairman of Latvijas Cels faction K.Libane pointed out that the wish to increase the number of party members five times causes doubt that it would correspond to the human rights principles. Diena

On Wednesday and agreement was signed on granting 708 935USD additional financing to the National Language Training Program. Six donor countries – Sweden, GB, USA, DENMARK, Norway and Finland, have granted the money. Finnish Ambassador to Latvia H.Hamelainen said that the activities of the NLLTP were well organised and effective and there was no other program that could substitute it. The granted money is planned to be used for organising the Latvian language training courses, it will be enough only for 800 groups.

On Wednesday and agreement was signed on granting 708 935USD additional financing to the National Language Training Program. Six donor countries – Sweden, GB, USA, DENMARK, Norway and Finland, have granted the money. Finnish Ambassador to Latvia H.Hamelainen said that the activities of the NLLTP were well organised and effective and there was no other program that could substitute it. The granted money is planned to be used for organising the Latvian language training courses, it will be enough only for 800 groups. Diena, Jauna Avize

The Prime Minister together with the ruling coalition had driven them to a cul-de-sack what concerns the Language law because it is evident that the current law returned for consideration by the President is a failure. But the deputies may amend only those articles, which the President had objections to. But the other articles, even the most absurd ones, the deputies may not change. So there will remain articles contradictory to some European conventions and the recommendations of the OSCE. The members of the faction FHRIL B.Cilevic and M.Mitrofanov think that a completely new law, corresponding to the international standards, is necessary, but the ruling coalition will no go for it.

The Prime Minister together with the ruling coalition had driven them to a cul-de-sack what concerns the Language law because it is evident that the current law returned for consideration by the President is a failure. But the deputies may amend only those articles, which the President had objections to. But the other articles, even the most absurd ones, the deputies may not change. So there will remain articles contradictory to some European conventions and the recommendations of the OSCE. The members of the faction FHRIL B.Cilevic and M.Mitrofanov think that a completely new law, corresponding to the international standards, is necessary, but the ruling coalition will no go for it. Vesti Segodnya