Press Report

Press Report

Last Saturday (June 28) the Union of Christian Democrats and the Christian People's party (former People's Front) merged into the Christian-Democratic Union. The founding congress of the new party elected Minister of Defense Talavs Jundzis its Chairman. The party will have six seats in the

Last Saturday (June 28) the Union of Christian Democrats and the Christian People's party (former People's Front) merged into the Christian-Democratic Union. The founding congress of the new party elected Minister of Defense Talavs Jundzis its Chairman. The party will have six seats in the Saeima and will remain in a coalition with the Farmers' Union. Diena

Minister of Agriculture Roberts Dilba (the Farmers' Union) will decide on his resignation next week. Prime-Minister Skele did not require Dilba's resignation and expects the Minister to make an independent decision. Mr. Dilba was accused of violating the Anti-Corruption Law by not mentioning his shares in private businesses in his annual income declarations.

Minister of Agriculture Roberts Dilba (the Farmers' Union) will decide on his resignation next week. Prime-Minister Skele did not require Dilba's resignation and expects the Minister to make an independent decision. Mr. Dilba was accused of violating the Anti-Corruption Law by not mentioning his shares in private businesses in his annual income declarations. Diena

A group of prominent American politicians and analysts addressed President Clinton with an open letter calling upon the President to suspend the enlargement of NATO. The letter points at the complications that may be caused by the Baltic states joining the bloc. Admitting the three countries to NATO would damage the relations between the West and Russia. The letter also mentions "serious border and ethnic minority problems" in some of the countries willing to enter NATO.

A group of prominent American politicians and analysts addressed President Clinton with an open letter calling upon the President to suspend the enlargement of NATO. The letter points at the complications that may be caused by the Baltic states joining the bloc. Admitting the three countries to NATO would damage the relations between the West and Russia. The letter also mentions "serious border and ethnic minority problems" in some of the countries willing to enter NATO. Diena

Forty-one countries have recognized the new Latvian alien passports. Still, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not recognized the document yet and claims it to contradict the UN Convention on Reduction of Statelessness. The issue is likely to be included in the agenda of the consultations between the two countries this July. According to

Forty-one countries have recognized the new Latvian alien passports. Still, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not recognized the document yet and claims it to contradict the UN Convention on Reduction of Statelessness. The issue is likely to be included in the agenda of the consultations between the two countries this July. According to "SM", Latvian non-citizens currently can have five types of travel documents, many of them having serious problems while traveling abroad. Diena, SM

Director of the European Commission of Multilateral Issues Mr. Vinhas in an interview for

Director of the European Commission of Multilateral Issues Mr. Vinhas in an interview for "DIENA" said that although the issue of non-citizens was thoroughly analyzed by Latvian authorities and politicians, nationalistic tendencies still dominated their approach to the problem. He stressed that a country with a large number of its resident shaving no citizenship could not become an EU member. The European Commission will accomplish the evaluation of potential new EU members this July. Diena

Baltic Council Commissioner Ole Espersen suggests establishing the post of European Commissioner on Human Rights. In an interview for

Baltic Council Commissioner Ole Espersen suggests establishing the post of European Commissioner on Human Rights. In an interview for "DIENA" Mr. Espersen explained that the Commissioner would provide recommendations on minority issues and observance of human rights. The Commissioner's tasks would be similar to those of a national ombudsman and would comprise the entire spectrum of human rights issues. As examples of such issues Mr. Espersen mentioned the draft law restricting the right of newly formed political parties to participate in elections and a suggested provision of the Language Law demanding a mandatory use of the Latvian language during all public events. Mr. Espersen believes that an Ombudsman should be elected by the Parliament but not appointed by the Cabinet, as suggested by the Latvian Government. He also pointed at the importance of abolishing capital punishment for bringing the Latvian legislation into compliance with EU norms. Mr. Espersen spoke in favor of simplifying the naturalization procedure and called upon Latvia to display a more pragmatic approach in resolving the problem of its large number of non-citizens. Diena

Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Pildegovics commented on President Yeltsin's criticism of Latvia during the Denver Summit. Mr. Pildegovics said that Latvia was paying close attention to human rights issues and referred to Baltic Council Commissioner Espersen who admitted that flagrant human rights violations were not observed in Latvia.

Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Pildegovics commented on President Yeltsin's criticism of Latvia during the Denver Summit. Mr. Pildegovics said that Latvia was paying close attention to human rights issues and referred to Baltic Council Commissioner Espersen who admitted that flagrant human rights violations were not observed in Latvia. SM

Press Report

Press Report

The Prosecutor General's Office has discovered that Minister of Agriculture Roberts Dilba ("The Farmers' Union") violated the Anti-Corruption Law by not stating his shares in two companies when declaring his annual income in 1996 and 1997. The Prosecutor General's Office will not institute criminal proceedings against Mr. Dilba. The Office still has not accomplished the investigation of Minister of Communications Kristopans' case. Five Ministers have already been officially accused of violating the Anti-corruption Law. Minister of Culture Rihards Piks and Minister of Health Juris Vinkelis had to resign. The

The Prosecutor General's Office has discovered that Minister of Agriculture Roberts Dilba ("The Farmers' Union") violated the Anti-Corruption Law by not stating his shares in two companies when declaring his annual income in 1996 and 1997. The Prosecutor General's Office will not institute criminal proceedings against Mr. Dilba. The Office still has not accomplished the investigation of Minister of Communications Kristopans' case. Five Ministers have already been officially accused of violating the Anti-corruption Law. Minister of Culture Rihards Piks and Minister of Health Juris Vinkelis had to resign. The "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK faction circulated a statement criticizing Prime-Minister Skele for a biased approach to the Ministers violating the Law. The statement suggests that the Prime-Minister displayed tolerance toward "Saimnieks" members by not insisting on Minister of Education and Science Celmins's and Deputy Prime-Minister Kaksistis' resignation. Still, the Prime-Minister demanded "TB" member Vinkelis' (Minister of Health) resignation for similar violations of the Anti-Corruption Law. Diena

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Ron Asmus during his visit to Latvia made it clear the US did not consider the three Baltic states to be prepared for entering NATO. The aim of the visit is introducing the draft Baltic-American Charter to the Latvian Government. According to Mr. Asmus, the Charter is a manifestation of commitment to common values but will not provide security guarantees to the Baltic states.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Ron Asmus during his visit to Latvia made it clear the US did not consider the three Baltic states to be prepared for entering NATO. The aim of the visit is introducing the draft Baltic-American Charter to the Latvian Government. According to Mr. Asmus, the Charter is a manifestation of commitment to common values but will not provide security guarantees to the Baltic states. Diena

Yesterday Latvia initialed an agreement on a non-visa regime with Switzerland. The agreement is to be ratified this year. A similar agreement with Finland will be ratified in late July.

Yesterday Latvia initialed an agreement on a non-visa regime with Switzerland. The agreement is to be ratified this year. A similar agreement with Finland will be ratified in late July. B&B

Boris Tsilevich in his article points at double standards used by the Latvian political system. Although formal procedures look quite "civilized", the law requires that all

Boris Tsilevich in his article points at double standards used by the Latvian political system. Although formal procedures look quite "civilized", the law requires that all Saeima deputies have a command of the Latvian language and restricts political rights of former Communist Party members. Although the West defends Latvia against Russia's criticism regarding the rights of non-citizens, Western countries (e.g., Canada) have provided asylum to several Latvian non-citizens. Boris Tsilevich stressed the role of the Latvian Human Rights Committee in helping to protect the rights of non-citizens at the European Human Rights Court.SM

Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday Prime-Minister Skele officially dismissed Minister of Health Juris Vinkelis. His duties will be performed by Minister of Welfare Vladimirs Makarovs. Today the

Yesterday Prime-Minister Skele officially dismissed Minister of Health Juris Vinkelis. His duties will be performed by Minister of Welfare Vladimirs Makarovs. Today the "Tevzemei un Brivibai" faction will discuss candidatures for the post. "TB" faction Chairman Janis Straume told "DIENA" that the Prime-Minister ignored the agreement between the governing factions. According to the agreement, the Prime-Minister should have informed the faction about his decision at least forty-eight hours before officially dismissing the Minister. The Prosecutor General's Office is still investigating alleged violations of the Anti-Corruption Law by Minister of Welfare Makarovs and Minister of Communications Kristopans. Diena, B&B

"Latvijas Cels"

and the Naumann Foundation held a discussion of the prospects for the forming of a political nation in Latvia. The idea of a political nation may become a cornerstone of and the Naumann Foundation held a discussion of the prospects for the forming of a political nation in Latvia. The idea of a political nation may become a cornerstone of "LC" "LC" program during the election of the Seventh program during the election of the Seventh SaeimaSaeima. Participants of the discussion pointed at the role of a political nation in maintaining political stability. Mr. Panteleyevs pointed at the increasing isolation between the Latvian and the Russian communities.. Participants of the discussion pointed at the role of a political nation in maintaining political stability. Mr. Panteleyevs pointed at the increasing isolation between the Latvian and the Russian communities. "LC" "LC" Secretary General Juris Lorencs noted that the existence of isolated communities could lead to a political and economic crisis and stressed the importance of an integrated society for developing market economy. Mr. Lorencs sees a multi-cultural society as a model that would suit Latvia's needs. Secretary General Juris Lorencs noted that the existence of isolated communities could lead to a political and economic crisis and stressed the importance of an integrated society for developing market economy. Mr. Lorencs sees a multi-cultural society as a model that would suit Latvia's needs. "LC""LC" members expressed different opinions on the possibility of amending the Citizenship Law. Mrs. Maryash said that the Law should allow all individuals loyal to Latvia and having a command of the Latvian language to obtain citizenship through naturalization. Mr. Lorencs objected to amending the Citizenship Law. Still, he supported granting citizenship to children born in Latvia after the country had restored its independence. members expressed different opinions on the possibility of amending the Citizenship Law. Mrs. Maryash said that the Law should allow all individuals loyal to Latvia and having a command of the Latvian language to obtain citizenship through naturalization. Mr. Lorencs objected to amending the Citizenship Law. Still, he supported granting citizenship to children born in Latvia after the country had restored its independence. DienaDiena President Yeltsin pointed at the violations of the rights of Russian-speakers in Estonia and Latvia during the G-7 Summit in Denver last Sunday. The Russian President stressed the importance of observing the rights of ethnic and religious minorities and said that 1998 had been declared the Human Rights Year in Russia. Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov said that Russia would "revise" its relations with NATO should the enlargement of the bloc involve former USSR republics.

President Yeltsin pointed at the violations of the rights of Russian-speakers in Estonia and Latvia during the G-7 Summit in Denver last Sunday. The Russian President stressed the importance of observing the rights of ethnic and religious minorities and said that 1998 had been declared the Human Rights Year in Russia. Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov said that Russia would "revise" its relations with NATO should the enlargement of the bloc involve former USSR republics. Neatkariga, SM

The CID agreed to cancel an expulsion order issued to Natalia Sivokon, a common-law wife of a Latvian resident. The Russian Embassy will provide her with documents required for travel to Kirgizia to obtain

The CID agreed to cancel an expulsion order issued to Natalia Sivokon, a common-law wife of a Latvian resident. The Russian Embassy will provide her with documents required for travel to Kirgizia to obtain "vipiska". She will be allowed to enter Latvia, register her marriage to the Latvian resident and receive a temporary residence permit. Ms. Sivokon was kept in custody by the Immigration Police for thirty days. SM

Press Report

Press Report

Director of the European Commission on Multilateral Issues Anhel Vinhas participated in a conference on democratic security and human rights held in Riga last week. At a press-conference Mr. Vinhas said that the large number of non-citizens is a problem to be resolved by the Latvian Government. He stressed that the European Union was aware of the country's history. Still, Latvia had to "pay political and economic charges" to enter the EU, said Mr. Vinhas. In his report at the conference Mr. Vinhas said that the existence of the large number of non-citizens did not comply with EU principles. He referred to EU Commissioner van den Broek's recommendations for Latvia on human rights issues. The recommendations suggested focusing efforts on citizenship-related issues, accelerating naturalization and abolishing restrictions of non-citizens' rights. Head of the European Committee Delegation to Latvia Gunter Weiss noted that although no flagrant human rights violations were encountered in Latvia, the country still had not abolished capital punishment. He also stressed the importance of the citizenship issue. Baltic Council Commissioner Ole Espersen highly evaluated the work of the Human Rights Bureau focusing on its report on employment restrictions for non-citizens. He admitted that the restrictions formally could not be regarded as a violation of human rights in terms of the Human Rights Convention. Still, the only restriction allowed by EU standards is applied to posts in governments and parliaments.

Director of the European Commission on Multilateral Issues Anhel Vinhas participated in a conference on democratic security and human rights held in Riga last week. At a press-conference Mr. Vinhas said that the large number of non-citizens is a problem to be resolved by the Latvian Government. He stressed that the European Union was aware of the country's history. Still, Latvia had to "pay political and economic charges" to enter the EU, said Mr. Vinhas. In his report at the conference Mr. Vinhas said that the existence of the large number of non-citizens did not comply with EU principles. He referred to EU Commissioner van den Broek's recommendations for Latvia on human rights issues. The recommendations suggested focusing efforts on citizenship-related issues, accelerating naturalization and abolishing restrictions of non-citizens' rights. Head of the European Committee Delegation to Latvia Gunter Weiss noted that although no flagrant human rights violations were encountered in Latvia, the country still had not abolished capital punishment. He also stressed the importance of the citizenship issue. Baltic Council Commissioner Ole Espersen highly evaluated the work of the Human Rights Bureau focusing on its report on employment restrictions for non-citizens. He admitted that the restrictions formally could not be regarded as a violation of human rights in terms of the Human Rights Convention. Still, the only restriction allowed by EU standards is applied to posts in governments and parliaments. Diena

The US Congress Committee on Security and Co-operation in Europe circulated a statement calling for involving Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania in the process of NATO enlargement. Head of the Committee D`Amato said that NATO should start talks with the three countries during the Madrid Summit.

The US Congress Committee on Security and Co-operation in Europe circulated a statement calling for involving Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania in the process of NATO enlargement. Head of the Committee D`Amato said that NATO should start talks with the three countries during the Madrid Summit. Diena

Last Friday Prime-Minister Skele demanded the resignation of Minister of Health Juris Vinkelis. Mr. Vinkelis ignored the requirements of the Anti-Corruption Law and stayed on the boards of three companies. The Prosecutor General's Office confirmed that Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs had not violated the Anti-Corruption Law. The Office discovered that Deputy Prime-Minister Juris Kaksitis has not mentioned his share in a non-profit company in his annual declaration. The violation is not subject to criminal proceedings.

Last Friday Prime-Minister Skele demanded the resignation of Minister of Health Juris Vinkelis. Mr. Vinkelis ignored the requirements of the Anti-Corruption Law and stayed on the boards of three companies. The Prosecutor General's Office confirmed that Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs had not violated the Anti-Corruption Law. The Office discovered that Deputy Prime-Minister Juris Kaksitis has not mentioned his share in a non-profit company in his annual declaration. The violation is not subject to criminal proceedings. Diena

Last Saturday

Last Saturday "Tevzemei un Brivibai" and the LNNK officially merged into "a national conservative political organization". The founding congress of the organization elected Maris Grinblats Chairman of the new party. Juris Dobelis was elected Deputy-Chairman. After accomplishing a registration procedure the new political party will establish a faction. The "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK faction will have seventeen seats, fourteen seats being held by "TB" members. LNNK members Juris Dobelis, Peteris Tabuns and Anna Seile will take remaining three seats. Former head of the LNNK faction Aleksandrs Kirsteins has established the National Party for Reforms. Speakers at the founding congress of the "TB"/LNNK party criticized Kirsteins' party for "forsaking the principles of nationalism." The program of the new party provides for safeguarding the Citizenship Law in its current reading, encouraging repatriation of non-citizens and supporting businesses owned by ethnic Latvians. Diena, B&B

Press Report

Director of the Second Political Department of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Edgars Skuja told

Director of the Second Political Department of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Edgars Skuja told "DIENA" that Latvia observed its obligations toward Russia as determined by the agreement between the two countries. Mr. Skuja said that the Latvian side would restore the Monument to the Liberators of Riga damaged by the recent terrorist attack. The repair costs are Ls 10,500 while Ls 26,000 are allotted by the Riga City Hall to maintain the Monument this year. Mr. Edgars Skuja also said that Latvia did not have complete information on the state of memorials to Latvians repressed by Stalin's regime erected in Russia.Diena

The International Helsinki Federation for Protection of Human Rights in its recent report criticized former Soviet bloc countries, including the Baltic states, for violating human rights. The report singles out an underdeveloped court system and corruption among problems typical for these countries. The document also points at the violations of the rights of Russian-speakers in the three Baltic states.

The International Helsinki Federation for Protection of Human Rights in its recent report criticized former Soviet bloc countries, including the Baltic states, for violating human rights. The report singles out an underdeveloped court system and corruption among problems typical for these countries. The document also points at the violations of the rights of Russian-speakers in the three Baltic states. Neatkariga

Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told

Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told "SM" that the Ministry was concerned about Russia's refusal to recognize new alien passports. He believes that Russia has to recognize the passports. Otherwise, it will be restricting non-citizens' freedom of travel. The Minister of Foreign Affairs hopes that the upcoming consular talks will contribute to resolving the problem.

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima ratified the UN 1951 Convention on Refugees. All expenses related to refugees' stay in Latvia will be covered by the UN. The Saeima adopted a provision suggested by "Tevzemei un Brivibai". The provision provides for applying the Convention only to refugees entering Latvia from European countries. Chairman of the Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts said that he would suggest canceling the provision this autumn after the parliamentary vacations. B&B

The Prosecutor General's Office accomplished the investigation of alleged violation of the Anti-Corruption Law by State Minister of Health Juris Vinkelis and Minister of Education and Science Juris Celmins. The Office discovered that the Ministers had violated the Law but did not commit criminal offenses. Prime-Minister Skele said that he would discuss the issue with Mr. Vinkelis. As for Mr. Celmins, the Prime-Minister believes that he should not resign and says that the Minister's situation is similar to that of Minister of economics Krasts.

The Prosecutor General's Office accomplished the investigation of alleged violation of the Anti-Corruption Law by State Minister of Health Juris Vinkelis and Minister of Education and Science Juris Celmins. The Office discovered that the Ministers had violated the Law but did not commit criminal offenses. Prime-Minister Skele said that he would discuss the issue with Mr. Vinkelis. As for Mr. Celmins, the Prime-Minister believes that he should not resign and says that the Minister's situation is similar to that of Minister of economics Krasts. B&B The Saeima completed its spring session yesterday. The autumn session will start on September 2. Saeima premises will be redesigned during the vacations. Diena