Press Report

Press Report

Tomorrow in Madrid President Ulmanis will meet US President Clinton to discuss security and economic issues. Mr. Ulmanis will also have meetings with other state leaders during the Madrid Summit. At a press-conference President Ulmanis said that the US President always mentioned the large number of non-citizens in Latvia during their meetings. Mr. Ulmanis believes that President Clinton will raise the issue again in Madrid. US representatives told the press last Sunday that the US would call upon the three Baltic states to seek for opportunities of joining NATO despite Russia's objections. Still, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania will not be among the countries to be welcomed as new NATO members during the summit. According to a high-ranking NATO official, not less than three and not more than five new members will be admitted to the bloc.

Tomorrow in Madrid President Ulmanis will meet US President Clinton to discuss security and economic issues. Mr. Ulmanis will also have meetings with other state leaders during the Madrid Summit. At a press-conference President Ulmanis said that the US President always mentioned the large number of non-citizens in Latvia during their meetings. Mr. Ulmanis believes that President Clinton will raise the issue again in Madrid. US representatives told the press last Sunday that the US would call upon the three Baltic states to seek for opportunities of joining NATO despite Russia's objections. Still, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania will not be among the countries to be welcomed as new NATO members during the summit. According to a high-ranking NATO official, not less than three and not more than five new members will be admitted to the bloc. Diena, Neatkariga

The

The Saeima Presidium distributed the draft of the Second Part of the Satversme among the deputies. The Second Part will define human rights guaranteed by the Satversme. Saeima deputies will submit their proposals on the draft document to the Saeima Committee within one month to be later considered by the Saeima. Diena

The Procurator General's Office still has not managed to study all documents of Minister of Communications Kristopans' case. Mr. Kristopans has allegedly violated the Anti-Corruption Law. The Procurator General's Office has already postponed its final verdict on Kristopans' case. A spokesman for the Office told

The Procurator General's Office still has not managed to study all documents of Minister of Communications Kristopans' case. Mr. Kristopans has allegedly violated the Anti-Corruption Law. The Procurator General's Office has already postponed its final verdict on Kristopans' case. A spokesman for the Office told "DIENA" that a large number of documents to be studied accounted for the delays.

Representatives of the "Union of Councils" human rights organization had a meeting with Director of the State Human Rights Office Olafs Bruveris. Mr. Bruveris welcomed the establishment of the office of the American human rights organization in Riga. Mr. Leonid Stonov of the "Union of Councils" believes that all non-citizens permanently residing in Latvia should be granted citizenship. He said that the step would speed up the country's economic development.

Representatives of the "Union of Councils" human rights organization had a meeting with Director of the State Human Rights Office Olafs Bruveris. Mr. Bruveris welcomed the establishment of the office of the American human rights organization in Riga. Mr. Leonid Stonov of the "Union of Councils" believes that all non-citizens permanently residing in Latvia should be granted citizenship. He said that the step would speed up the country's economic development. SM

Tomorrow the Riga City Council will consider the possibility of restoring the Monument to the Liberators of Riga. Riga Mayor Andris Berzins believes that the monument should be restored and hopes that the City Council will support him.

Tomorrow the Riga City Council will consider the possibility of restoring the Monument to the Liberators of Riga. Riga Mayor Andris Berzins believes that the monument should be restored and hopes that the City Council will support him. B&B

In an article in

In an article in "SM" claims that some Western politicians are not aware of the large number of non-citizens in Latvia. The author forecasts a tangible worsening of relations between Latvia and Russia. He stresses that Latvian politicians did not keep their promise to review the Citizenship Law while the country was not implementing recommendations given by international experts. The situation is the reason for the Russian side postponing Prime-Minister Skele`s official visit to Moscow.

Press Report

The Baltic Assembly held a seminar on language and cultural policy in Tallinn last Saturday. Estonian member of the Assembly M.Kubo in his report said that Estonia could not afford financing of a bilingual education system. Latvian representatives mentioned problems encountered by native Latvian-speakers who often were not understood when using the language in their everyday life.

The Baltic Assembly held a seminar on language and cultural policy in Tallinn last Saturday. Estonian member of the Assembly M.Kubo in his report said that Estonia could not afford financing of a bilingual education system. Latvian representatives mentioned problems encountered by native Latvian-speakers who often were not understood when using the language in their everyday life. Diena

The Mandate of the OSCE Mission to Latvia has been extended until January 31, 1997. Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Pildegovics said that the Mission has almost accomplished it task and had to monitor the naturalization process.

The Mandate of the OSCE Mission to Latvia has been extended until January 31, 1997. Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Pildegovics said that the Mission has almost accomplished it task and had to monitor the naturalization process. Diena

Press Report

Press Report

Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Baltic Council states in their analysis of Commissioner Espersen's report expressed concern about violation of children's rights and the situation of asylum seekers. Mr. Ole Espersen stressed that Latvia ignored recommendations by the Council on granting non-citizens the right to vote in local elections. The Baltic Council suggested that the right could be given to non-citizens who had been residing in Latvia for three of five years. Russian Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs Avdeyev at a press-conference said that the Baltic Council should focus more on minority rights, the problem being "like an oil stain on a smooth surface of the Baltic Sea."

Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Baltic Council states in their analysis of Commissioner Espersen's report expressed concern about violation of children's rights and the situation of asylum seekers. Mr. Ole Espersen stressed that Latvia ignored recommendations by the Council on granting non-citizens the right to vote in local elections. The Baltic Council suggested that the right could be given to non-citizens who had been residing in Latvia for three of five years. Russian Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs Avdeyev at a press-conference said that the Baltic Council should focus more on minority rights, the problem being "like an oil stain on a smooth surface of the Baltic Sea." Diena, SM Mag. Phil. Maris Rutks insists on the positive role of nationalism in strengthening the independence of Latvia. He quotes Head of the OSCE Mission Charles Magee who said that further retaining of the large number of non-citizens would sustain a certain tension in the Latvian society. Mr. Rutks believes that the tension will remain anyway since most of non-citizens "have different traditions, language and economic and political values." Diena

According to Director of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Department Solvite Mellupe, holders of new alien passports will be able to enter Russia in late August or early September. Latvia and Russia will exchange official notes before August 1 and Russia will issue regulations for its Consular Departments in Latvia within thirty days after the exchange. Holder of alien passports will have to apply for an entry permit to the Russian Embassy. The permit will give the right for a multiple entry to Russia within one year. Spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Valery Nesterushkin told the press yesterday that the Russian side had drafted an agreement between the two countries on resolving the citizenship.

According to Director of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Department Solvite Mellupe, holders of new alien passports will be able to enter Russia in late August or early September. Latvia and Russia will exchange official notes before August 1 and Russia will issue regulations for its Consular Departments in Latvia within thirty days after the exchange. Holder of alien passports will have to apply for an entry permit to the Russian Embassy. The permit will give the right for a multiple entry to Russia within one year. Spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Valery Nesterushkin told the press yesterday that the Russian side had drafted an agreement between the two countries on resolving the citizenship. B&B

International Program Director of the "Union of Councils" human rights organizations Leonid Stonov held a press-conference yesterday. Mr. Stonov stressed that the large number of non-citizens was Latvia's major human rights problem. His organization regularly informs the US Congress and the President's Administration about human rights violations both in the US and abroad. Mr. Stonov believes that Latvia could grant citizenship to all its inhabitants who permanently resided in the country on the moment it regained independence. 

International Program Director of the "Union of Councils" human rights organizations Leonid Stonov held a press-conference yesterday. Mr. Stonov stressed that the large number of non-citizens was Latvia's major human rights problem. His organization regularly informs the US Congress and the President's Administration about human rights violations both in the US and abroad. Mr. Stonov believes that Latvia could grant citizenship to all its inhabitants who permanently resided in the country on the moment it regained independence.

An article in

An article in "SM" by Oleg Schiptsov points at numerous discrepancies between the draft Education Law and the Hague Recommendations. The document recommends providing education in minority languages in elementary schools and making higher education available to minorities in their native languages. The draft Law puts harder restrictions on the use of minority languages as languages of instruction in elementary and secondary schools and does not provide for the use of languages other than Latvian in vocational schools and universities.

Press Report

Press Report

The Russian side agreed to recognize new Latvian alien passports during the consultations on consular issues held in Moscow on June 30 -- July 2. The procedure of official recognition on all levels is to be accomplished by the end of this summer.

The Russian side agreed to recognize new Latvian alien passports during the consultations on consular issues held in Moscow on June 30 -- July 2. The procedure of official recognition on all levels is to be accomplished by the end of this summer. B&B

Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Baltic Council countries arrived to Riga yesterday to participate in the Sixth Session of the Council. The agenda of the Session includes the election of Commissioner on Human Rights and National Minority Issues. The post is currently held by former Danish Minister of Justice Ole Espersen. Mr. Espersen has pointed at a low pace of naturalization and high number of non-citizens in Latvia more than once. Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Alexander Avdeyev suggested electing Mr. Espersen for another three-year term. The issue of non-citizens will be on the agenda of Mr. Avdeyev's meeting with State Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins today. This year Latvia is passing its chairmanship in the Council to Denmark.

Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Baltic Council countries arrived to Riga yesterday to participate in the Sixth Session of the Council. The agenda of the Session includes the election of Commissioner on Human Rights and National Minority Issues. The post is currently held by former Danish Minister of Justice Ole Espersen. Mr. Espersen has pointed at a low pace of naturalization and high number of non-citizens in Latvia more than once. Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Alexander Avdeyev suggested electing Mr. Espersen for another three-year term. The issue of non-citizens will be on the agenda of Mr. Avdeyev's meeting with State Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins today. This year Latvia is passing its chairmanship in the Council to Denmark. SM, B&B

Gennady Kotov and Leonid Rayhman of the Latvian Human Rights Committee in their monthly survey of the human rights situation in Latvia accused the CID of pressing non-Latvians to leave the country. They mentioned a case when a fifteen year-old boy was given an expulsion order. Maxim Kostylev was born in Latvia and has never left the country. His father did not live with the family while his mother left Latvia and settled in Russia leaving the boy to be looked after by his grandmother. The CID canceled his registration and demanded annulling his

Gennady Kotov and Leonid Rayhman of the Latvian Human Rights Committee in their monthly survey of the human rights situation in Latvia accused the CID of pressing non-Latvians to leave the country. They mentioned a case when a fifteen year-old boy was given an expulsion order. Maxim Kostylev was born in Latvia and has never left the country. His father did not live with the family while his mother left Latvia and settled in Russia leaving the boy to be looked after by his grandmother. The CID canceled his registration and demanded annulling his "propiska" in Riga. The State Human Rights Office gave only a formal response to a complaint submitted by Kostylev's grandmother. Meanwhile, the Orphanage Court deprived his grandmother of her guardian's rights. The survey notes that international organizations and foreign diplomats do not criticize Latvia for human rights violations due to political reasons. Still, in some cases Western courts recognize the right of emigrants from Latvia for a refugee status. According to Kotov and Rayhman, Baltic Council Commissioner Espersen openly claimed Latvia and Estonia to violate human rights saying that the two countries cannot be placed among democratic states. The authors also believe the presence of the OSCE Mission shows that the West believes the situation in Latvia to be "fraught with an open conflict." SM

Mr. Atis Silaroze, Chairman of the Committee for the Affairs of Non-citizens and Stateless Persons under the Olaine Self-Government, said that the number of non-citizens as of July 1 was 686,027. According to the Law on Self-Governments, all cities with non-citizens constituting over 20% of their population should establish committees similar to the one headed by Mr. Silaroze. Among the issues to be handled by the committees are human rights violations and individual complaints. Riga and Olaine were the only cities to follow the requirement of the Law and to establish the Committees. Mr. Silaroze criticized the existing legislation for discriminating against unemployed non-citizens by demanding that an applicant for an unemployment benefit should hold a "language certificate". He said that he stayed in touch with High Commissioner van der Stoel who said that Latvia could join all European institutions already next year if it managed to resolve the problem of non-citizens.

Mr. Atis Silaroze, Chairman of the Committee for the Affairs of Non-citizens and Stateless Persons under the Olaine Self-Government, said that the number of non-citizens as of July 1 was 686,027. According to the Law on Self-Governments, all cities with non-citizens constituting over 20% of their population should establish committees similar to the one headed by Mr. Silaroze. Among the issues to be handled by the committees are human rights violations and individual complaints. Riga and Olaine were the only cities to follow the requirement of the Law and to establish the Committees. Mr. Silaroze criticized the existing legislation for discriminating against unemployed non-citizens by demanding that an applicant for an unemployment benefit should hold a "language certificate". He said that he stayed in touch with High Commissioner van der Stoel who said that Latvia could join all European institutions already next year if it managed to resolve the problem of non-citizens. SM

Riga Mayor Andris Berzins told the press that the City Council could adopt a decision on the restoration of the Monument to the Liberators of Riga before summer vacations. The meeting of the Council scheduled for July 8 has the issue on its agenda. The Mayor believes that the Monument should be restored.

Riga Mayor Andris Berzins told the press that the City Council could adopt a decision on the restoration of the Monument to the Liberators of Riga before summer vacations. The meeting of the Council scheduled for July 8 has the issue on its agenda. The Mayor believes that the Monument should be restored. Diena

The Prosecutor General's Office is still analyzing information on possible violation of the Anti-Corruption Law by Minister of Communications Kristopans. The investigation is to be accomplished next Monday.

The Prosecutor General's Office is still analyzing information on possible violation of the Anti-Corruption Law by Minister of Communications Kristopans. The investigation is to be accomplished next Monday. Diena

Press Report

Press Report

Minister of Agriculture Roberts Dilba officially resigned yesterday. Members of major

Minister of Agriculture Roberts Dilba officially resigned yesterday. Members of major Saeima factions ("Saimnieks", "Tevzemei un Brivibai", LNNK, and "Latvijas Cels") hope that the Cabinet will remain stable despite recent resignations. Three ministers (Minister of Agriculture Roberts Dilba, Minister of Culture Rihards Piks, State Minister of Health Juris Vinkelis) resigned after the Prosecutor General's Office disclosed that they had violated the Anti-Corruption Law. Minister of the Interior Dainis Turlais resigned after the tragic accident in Talsi. The Procurator General's Office is still investigating a possible violation of the Anti-Corruption Law by Minister of Communications Vilis Kristopans. Diena

Gennady Kotov and Leonid Rayhman of the Latvian Human Rights Committee in a survey of the human rights situation in Latvia stress that the President has not made any proposals to the

Gennady Kotov and Leonid Rayhman of the Latvian Human Rights Committee in a survey of the human rights situation in Latvia stress that the President has not made any proposals to the Saeima on reducing the number of non-citizens. President Ulmanis only pointed at the problem in some of his speeches. The article by the human rights activists also highlights a recent tendency of gradual reduction of the number of Russian language schools. Local authorities are depriving the schools of their premises in favor of Latvian schools. SM