Press Report

Press Report

Council of Europe Commissioner Hans van den Broek in a brief interview for

Council of Europe Commissioner Hans van den Broek in a brief interview for "DIENA" journalist named the issue of non-citizens "one of the most important problems" to be resolved by Latvia. He made the statement during the Strasbourg Council of Europe Summit. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs said that the country "had already taken important steps toward abolishing employment restrictions for non-citizens." President Ulmanis told the press that "he had a feeling that a moment had come when no-one could criticize Latvia for human rights violations." At a press-conference in Riga Mr. Ulmanis said that the Baltic states were not mentioned in the context of human rights during the Summit. Among the issues widely discussed at the Summit was the abolishment of death penalty. President Yeltsin, while addressing the Summit, mentioned violations of the interests of Russian-speakers "in certain countries." Russia hoped that Latvia and Estonia would settle the problem, said the Russian President. The Latvian President had a meeting with Russian President Yeltsin. According to President Ulmanis, the meeting allowed him to be more optimistic about future relations between the two countries. Mr. Ulmanis believes that another meeting with the Russian President in Moscow will be possible. Diena

Press Report

"DIENA"

interviewed Deputy-Chairman of the Russian Parliament Committee for CIS Affairs and Contacts with Compatriots Abroad Vyacheslav Igrunov. While touching upon the situation in the Baltic states, Mr. Igrunov emphasized the importance of providing non-citizens with economic rights equal to those enjoyed by citizens. He stressed that naturalization of non-citizens along with granting them equal political and economic rights would be a powerful factor of strengthening Latvia's independence. Mr.Igrunov believes that non-citizens should not be used as a tool for political pressure on the Baltic states. Instead, the pressure may be used to improve the situation of non-citizens. Mr. Igrunov supports the concept of "sleeping" Russian citizenship for all compatriots. (The principle is practiced by Spain, the country granting its citizenship to all citizens of Latin countries.) The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee warned Latvia against joining NATO and explained that the step would force Russia to alter its transit roots to bypass Latvia. interviewed Deputy-Chairman of the Russian Parliament Committee for CIS Affairs and Contacts with Compatriots Abroad Vyacheslav Igrunov. While touching upon the situation in the Baltic states, Mr. Igrunov emphasized the importance of providing non-citizens with economic rights equal to those enjoyed by citizens. He stressed that naturalization of non-citizens along with granting them equal political and economic rights would be a powerful factor of strengthening Latvia's independence. Mr.Igrunov believes that non-citizens should not be used as a tool for political pressure on the Baltic states. Instead, the pressure may be used to improve the situation of non-citizens. Mr. Igrunov supports the concept of "sleeping" Russian citizenship for all compatriots. (The principle is practiced by Spain, the country granting its citizenship to all citizens of Latin countries.) The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee warned Latvia against joining NATO and explained that the step would force Russia to alter its transit roots to bypass Latvia. DienaDiena Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima adopted the second reading of amendments to the Law on Elections. The Saeima declined suggestions on allowing former KGB officers and members of the Communist party and the Interfront to run for seats in the Saeima. The next elections will be held on the first Saturday of October 1998. Diena, SM

Member of the Saeima Ilmars Bisers in an interview for

Member of the Saeima Ilmars Bisers in an interview for "SM" spoke in favor of canceling employment restrictions for non-citizens. Mr. Bisers is a member of the Saeima Committee working on a human rights chapter to be added to the Satversme (the Constitution). Its draft guarantees basic human rights and liberties to all residents of Latvia and names human rights a priority of the state of Latvia. Mr. Bisers agreed that the adoption of the new Satversme chapter would require amending of several laws and abolishing death penalty. SM

Mr. Vladlen Dozortsev ("People's Harmony") believes the recent support of canceling the "window mechanism" by Head of the Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts (

Mr. Vladlen Dozortsev ("People's Harmony") believes the recent support of canceling the "window mechanism" by Head of the Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts ("Latvijas Cels") to be a populist maneuver. According to Mr. Dozortsev's forecasts, all initiatives aimed at amending the Citizenship Law will be blocked by the "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK faction. SM

Press Report

The

The Saeima Human Rights Committee is planning to consider the possibility of abolishing the age group "window" principle currently provided for by the Citizenship Law. Chairman of the Committee Antons Seiksts told the press that the discussion will be held upon the initiative of the Citizenship and Immigration Department and the Naturalization Board. The Committee will review proposals by the two organizations and OSCE High Commissioner's van der Stoel's recommendations on the issue. Mr. Seiksts admitted that non-citizens willing to undergo naturalization could not receive citizenship while those having no intention to apply for naturalization have the right. He noted that canceling the "window" mechanism would be the best defence against critical statements often made by Russia and by international organizations. Mr. Seiksts believes that provisions of the Law requiring the knowledge of the Latvian language and history by applicants should be preserved. Chairman of the "Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK" faction Janis Straume in an interview for the Latvian Radio said that amending the Citizenship Law would inevitably lead to a government crisis. "TB/LNNK" Chairman Juris Vidins believes that the Human Rights Committee would not support the proposal on amending the Citizenship Law. Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs agrees to the suggested amendment to the Citizenship Law and believes that it could be a step toward improving relations with Russia and facilitating Latvia's integration in the EU. Still, the governing factions should not allow the decision to cause a government crisis, says Mr. Birkavs. Diena, B&B

Head of the Saeima Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts told journalists that the Committee will suggest to ratify the International Convention on Protection of National Minorities. Mr. Seiksts also expressed his concern about the inefficiency of the Law on National Cultural Autonomy. According to Mr. Seiksts, the Law is not being applied.

Head of the Saeima Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts told journalists that the Committee will suggest to ratify the International Convention on Protection of National Minorities. Mr. Seiksts also expressed his concern about the inefficiency of the Law on National Cultural Autonomy. According to Mr. Seiksts, the Law is not being applied. SM

Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane told the press yesterday that the Board had launched a comprehensive research of the issues related to the forming of a political nation in Latvia. The Board has interviewed 1,500 citizens and the same number of non-citizens. After the data obtained during the interviews is systematized, the Board will work out a set of recommendations to the Government. Ms. Aldermane told the journalists that the interviews had already shown a wide gap between citizens and non-citizens proving that two separate communities had already formed in Latvia. The agenda of the press-conference also included information on the set of aids for the study of the Latvian language issued by the Board.

Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane told the press yesterday that the Board had launched a comprehensive research of the issues related to the forming of a political nation in Latvia. The Board has interviewed 1,500 citizens and the same number of non-citizens. After the data obtained during the interviews is systematized, the Board will work out a set of recommendations to the Government. Ms. Aldermane told the journalists that the interviews had already shown a wide gap between citizens and non-citizens proving that two separate communities had already formed in Latvia. The agenda of the press-conference also included information on the set of aids for the study of the Latvian language issued by the Board. Diena, B&B

"PANORAMA LATVII"

interviewed Director of the State Human Rights Office Oafs Bruvers. The Human Rights Office receives around 1,700 complaints annually. Most of the complaints received by the Office are related to social problems. If the Office discovers a violation of a Latvian law or an international convention, it recommends the institution responsible for the violation to review its decision. Mr. Bruvers says that all recommendations of this kind were fulfilled. The second large category of complaints is CID-related cases. The Head of the Human Rights Office pointed to a decrease of the number of complaints relating to non-implementation of court decrees. He stressed a noticeable improvement of relations between the Human Rights Office and the CID. Mr. Bruvers in his interview spoke in favor of canceling twenty employment restrictions for non-citizens. The interviewed Director of the State Human Rights Office Oafs Bruvers. The Human Rights Office receives around 1,700 complaints annually. Most of the complaints received by the Office are related to social problems. If the Office discovers a violation of a Latvian law or an international convention, it recommends the institution responsible for the violation to review its decision. Mr. Bruvers says that all recommendations of this kind were fulfilled. The second large category of complaints is CID-related cases. The Head of the Human Rights Office pointed to a decrease of the number of complaints relating to non-implementation of court decrees. He stressed a noticeable improvement of relations between the Human Rights Office and the CID. Mr. Bruvers in his interview spoke in favor of canceling twenty employment restrictions for non-citizens. The "PL" "PL" journalist reminded the Head of the Office about a skeptical attitude toward the Office among the country's inhabitants. Mr. Bruvers explained that the office could not resolve all the cases, many of them being beyond its authority. journalist reminded the Head of the Office about a skeptical attitude toward the Office among the country's inhabitants. Mr. Bruvers explained that the office could not resolve all the cases, many of them being beyond its authority. President Ulmanis will participate in the Council of Europe Conference in Strasbourg on October 10/11. The Latvian president will deliver a report at the First Plenary session of the Conference. The report will focus on the forming of a harmonious society in European countries. Such a possibility is based on the variety of cultural heritage, national identity and the rights of national minorities. The President will also inform the Conference about the Latvia's decision to extend the moratorium on the capital punishment.

President Ulmanis will participate in the Council of Europe Conference in Strasbourg on October 10/11. The Latvian president will deliver a report at the First Plenary session of the Conference. The report will focus on the forming of a harmonious society in European countries. Such a possibility is based on the variety of cultural heritage, national identity and the rights of national minorities. The President will also inform the Conference about the Latvia's decision to extend the moratorium on the capital punishment. Diena

The

The Saeima Human Rights Committee is planning to consider the possibility of abolishing the age group "window" principle currently provided for by the Citizenship Law. Chairman of the Committee Antons Seiksts told the press that the discussion will be held upon the initiative of the Citizenship and Immigration Department and the Naturalization Board. The Committee will review proposals by the two organizations and OSCE High Commissioner's van der Stoel's recommendations on the issue. Mr. Seiksts admitted that non-citizens willing to undergo naturalization could not receive citizenship while those having no intention to apply for naturalization have the right. He noted that canceling the "window" mechanism would be the best defence against critical statements often made by Russia and by international organizations. Mr. Seiksts believes that provisions of the Law requiring the knowledge of the Latvian language and history by applicants should be preserved. Chairman of the "Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK" faction Janis Straume in an interview for the Latvian Radio said that amending the Citizenship Law would inevitably lead to a government crisis. "TB/LNNK" Chairman Juris Vidins believes that the Human Rights Committee would not support the proposal on amending the Citizenship Law. Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs agrees to the suggested amendment to the Citizenship Law and believes that it could be a step toward improving relations with Russia and facilitating Latvia's integration in the EU. Still, the governing factions should not allow the decision to cause a government crisis, says Mr. Birkavs. Diena, B&B

Head of the Saeima Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts told journalists that the Committee will suggest to ratify the International Convention on Protection of National Minorities. Mr. Seiksts also expressed his concern about the inefficiency of the Law on National Cultural Autonomy. According to Mr. Seiksts, the Law is not being applied.

Head of the Saeima Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts told journalists that the Committee will suggest to ratify the International Convention on Protection of National Minorities. Mr. Seiksts also expressed his concern about the inefficiency of the Law on National Cultural Autonomy. According to Mr. Seiksts, the Law is not being applied. SM

Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane told the press yesterday that the Board had launched a comprehensive research of the issues related to the forming of a political nation in Latvia. The Board has interviewed 1,500 citizens and the same number of non-citizens. After the data obtained during the interviews is systematized, the Board will work out a set of recommendations to the Government. Ms. Aldermane told the journalists that the interviews had already shown a wide gap between citizens and non-citizens proving that two separate communities had already formed in Latvia. The agenda of the press-conference also included information on the set of aids for the study of the Latvian language issued by the Board.

Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane told the press yesterday that the Board had launched a comprehensive research of the issues related to the forming of a political nation in Latvia. The Board has interviewed 1,500 citizens and the same number of non-citizens. After the data obtained during the interviews is systematized, the Board will work out a set of recommendations to the Government. Ms. Aldermane told the journalists that the interviews had already shown a wide gap between citizens and non-citizens proving that two separate communities had already formed in Latvia. The agenda of the press-conference also included information on the set of aids for the study of the Latvian language issued by the Board. Diena, B&B

PL

interviewed Director of the State Human Rights Office Oafs Bruvers. The Human Rights Office receives around 1,700 complaints annually. Most of the complaints received by the Office are related to social problems. If the Office discovers a violation of a Latvian law or an international convention, it recommends the institution responsible for the violation to review its decision. Mr. Bruvers says that all recommendations of this kind were fulfilled. The second large category of complaints is CID-related cases. The Head of the Human Rights Office pointed to a decrease of the number of complaints relating to non-implementation of court decrees. He stressed a noticeable improvement of relations between the Human Rights Office and the CID. Mr. Bruvers in his interview spoke in favor of canceling twenty employment restrictions for non-citizens. Theinterviewed Director of the State Human Rights Office Oafs Bruvers. The Human Rights Office receives around 1,700 complaints annually. Most of the complaints received by the Office are related to social problems. If the Office discovers a violation of a Latvian law or an international convention, it recommends the institution responsible for the violation to review its decision. Mr. Bruvers says that all recommendations of this kind were fulfilled. The second large category of complaints is CID-related cases. The Head of the Human Rights Office pointed to a decrease of the number of complaints relating to non-implementation of court decrees. He stressed a noticeable improvement of relations between the Human Rights Office and the CID. Mr. Bruvers in his interview spoke in favor of canceling twenty employment restrictions for non-citizens. The "PL" "PL" journalist reminded the Head of the Office about a skeptical attitude toward the Office among the country's inhabitants. Mr. Bruvers explained that the office could not resolve all the cases, many of them being beyond its authority. journalist reminded the Head of the Office about a skeptical attitude toward the Office among the country's inhabitants. Mr. Bruvers explained that the office could not resolve all the cases, many of them being beyond its authority. Panorama LatviiPanorama Latvii President Ulmanis will participate in the Council of Europe Conference in Strasbourg on October 10/11. The Latvian president will deliver a report at the First Plenary session of the Conference. The report will focus on the forming of a harmonious society in European countries. Such a possibility is based on the variety of cultural heritage, national identity and the rights of national minorities. The President will also inform the Conference about the Latvia's decision to extend the moratorium on the capital punishment.

President Ulmanis will participate in the Council of Europe Conference in Strasbourg on October 10/11. The Latvian president will deliver a report at the First Plenary session of the Conference. The report will focus on the forming of a harmonious society in European countries. Such a possibility is based on the variety of cultural heritage, national identity and the rights of national minorities. The President will also inform the Conference about the Latvia's decision to extend the moratorium on the capital punishment. Diena, LV

Press Report

Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Richard Samuel during his meeting with Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs stressed the importance of accelerating the naturalization process. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Head of the Mission also discussed future research of the problem. Only slightly more than five thousand non-citizens received citizenship through naturalization between the beginning of 1995 and April 1997 although 93 thousand had the right to apply during the period. President Ulmanis during his meeting with the Head of the OSCE Mission admitted that agreement between the governing factions did not allow to amend the Citizenship Law. Still, the President believes that an open discussion and amending certain regulations could help to improve the situation. Among steps that could be taken to improve the situation Mr. Ulmanis mentioned granting citizenship to children born in Latvia and reducing the number of employment restrictions for non-citizens. During his talk with Mr. Samuel the President suggested to hold regular meetings of Naturalization Board, Human Rights Bureau, OSCE Mission and Council of Nationalities representatives.

Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Richard Samuel during his meeting with Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs stressed the importance of accelerating the naturalization process. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Head of the Mission also discussed future research of the problem. Only slightly more than five thousand non-citizens received citizenship through naturalization between the beginning of 1995 and April 1997 although 93 thousand had the right to apply during the period. President Ulmanis during his meeting with the Head of the OSCE Mission admitted that agreement between the governing factions did not allow to amend the Citizenship Law. Still, the President believes that an open discussion and amending certain regulations could help to improve the situation. Among steps that could be taken to improve the situation Mr. Ulmanis mentioned granting citizenship to children born in Latvia and reducing the number of employment restrictions for non-citizens. During his talk with Mr. Samuel the President suggested to hold regular meetings of Naturalization Board, Human Rights Bureau, OSCE Mission and Council of Nationalities representatives. Diena, SM

Co-chairman of the Latvian Human Rights Committee Gennady Kotov prepared a report on the human rights situation in Latvia for the UN Human Rights Committee. The report is an attempt to prove that Latvia's policy toward non-citizens can be qualified as apartheid. Mr. Kotov believes that a group deprived of political rights cannot defend its other rights efficiently. According to Mr. Kotov, the Human Rights Committee provided proofs of discrimination to Western authorities when such proofs were required by individuals willing to emigrate to the West. In most cases Western immigration authorities had to agree to the argumentation provided by the Committee and gave the applicants a political refugee status. Mr. Kotov is skeptical about the decrease in the number of court cases lost by the CID. He explains the tendency by a growing political partiality of Latvian courts that are trying to back the CID. Mr. Kotov believes the naturalization procedure to be humiliating. He objects to complicated tests and the Oath of Loyalty to Latvia, the latter requiring that a person should sometimes sacrifice his or her religious or political beliefs.

Co-chairman of the Latvian Human Rights Committee Gennady Kotov prepared a report on the human rights situation in Latvia for the UN Human Rights Committee. The report is an attempt to prove that Latvia's policy toward non-citizens can be qualified as apartheid. Mr. Kotov believes that a group deprived of political rights cannot defend its other rights efficiently. According to Mr. Kotov, the Human Rights Committee provided proofs of discrimination to Western authorities when such proofs were required by individuals willing to emigrate to the West. In most cases Western immigration authorities had to agree to the argumentation provided by the Committee and gave the applicants a political refugee status. Mr. Kotov is skeptical about the decrease in the number of court cases lost by the CID. He explains the tendency by a growing political partiality of Latvian courts that are trying to back the CID. Mr. Kotov believes the naturalization procedure to be humiliating. He objects to complicated tests and the Oath of Loyalty to Latvia, the latter requiring that a person should sometimes sacrifice his or her religious or political beliefs. Diena

Representatives of the Citizenship and Immigration Department at the yesterday's meeting of the

Representatives of the Citizenship and Immigration Department at the yesterday's meeting of the Saeima Committee on the Implementation of the Citizenship Law said that 6,000 inhabitants of Latvia had no status at all in accordance with the legislation in force. 4,000 persons having no status are spouses of citizens, non-citizens, foreigners, and stateless persons. 1,000 persons are registered only at company staff departments. Another 1,000 is homeless and stateless. CID Director Ints Zitars in a letter addressed to the Saeima stresses that the existing situation contradicted the European Human Rights Convention. The problem was raised by the CID in connection with the upcoming expiration of former USSR passports. Neatkariga, B&B

Press Report

EU Commissioner on Foreign Affairs Hans van der Broek told

EU Commissioner on Foreign Affairs Hans van der Broek told DIENA that the EU Council shared the opinion of the European Commission on future talks with candidates for EU membership. He is certain that the talks will not be started simultaneously with all candidates. Mr. van der Broek said that although citizenship issues and other political aspects played certain role in assessing Latvias potential for joining the EU, the main emphasis was laid on the economic situation. Diena

Yesterday Mr. George Soros visited the Central Prison that runs a Latvian language training program financed by the Soros foundation. At his yesterday’s press-conference Mr. Soros noted that he “could hardly imagine Latvia integrating in the European Union with existing penitentiary system”. He was also shocked by the situation when suspects were kept in custody for up to three years waiting for final court verdicts on their cases. Mr. Soros said that he could see two separate communities (i.e., Latvians and non-Latvians) in Latvia that had very few links with each other. He believes that democratic processes in the country and naturalization of non-citizens to be too slow. Yesterday Mr. Soros had a meeting with Prime-Minister Guntars Krasts and Director of the Soros Foundation-Latvia Ms. Vita Terauda. The agenda of the meetings included economic issues, privatization and naturalization-related issues.

Yesterday Mr. George Soros visited the Central Prison that runs a Latvian language training program financed by the Soros foundation. At his yesterdays press-conference Mr. Soros noted that he could hardly imagine Latvia integrating in the European Union with existing penitentiary system. He was also shocked by the situation when suspects were kept in custody for up to three years waiting for final court verdicts on their cases. Mr. Soros said that he could see two separate communities (i.e., Latvians and non-Latvians) in Latvia that had very few links with each other. He believes that democratic processes in the country and naturalization of non-citizens to be too slow. Yesterday Mr. Soros had a meeting with Prime-Minister Guntars Krasts and Director of the Soros Foundation-Latvia Ms. Vita Terauda. The agenda of the meetings included economic issues, privatization and naturalization-related issues. Diena, SM, B&B

Mr. Gennady Kotov of the Latvian Human Rights Committee in his report on the human rights situation in Latvia points to an increase of the number of complaints related to court decrees that contradicted the Law and Latvia’s international obligations. He connects the tendency to the Mr. Rasnacs of

Mr. Gennady Kotov of the Latvian Human Rights Committee in his report on the human rights situation in Latvia points to an increase of the number of complaints related to court decrees that contradicted the Law and Latvias international obligations. He connects the tendency to the Mr. Rasnacs of Tevzemei un Brivibai taking the office of Minister of Justice. SM