Press Report

First non-citizens' passports will be issued this week. According to Deputy-Director of the Citizenship and Immigration Board Janis Leins, ten or fifteen new passports will be handed out on April 10. Application forms have been available starting April 2 at post-offices and local offices of the Board. Mr. Leins informed applicants for new non-citizens' passport about a mistake that occurred in the Russian version of the form. The form does not specify the age of an applicant's children to be listed in the form. Regulations require that children under sixteen years of age should be listed in the form. Mr. Leins advised holders of old "brown" non-citizens' passports not to rush for new passports to avoid excessive queues at local offices of the Board. New non-citizens' passports have been recognized by USA, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Byelorussia, Slovakia and Norway.

First non-citizens' passports will be issued this week. According to Deputy-Director of the Citizenship and Immigration Board Janis Leins, ten or fifteen new passports will be handed out on April 10. Application forms have been available starting April 2 at post-offices and local offices of the Board. Mr. Leins informed applicants for new non-citizens' passport about a mistake that occurred in the Russian version of the form. The form does not specify the age of an applicant's children to be listed in the form. Regulations require that children under sixteen years of age should be listed in the form. Mr. Leins advised holders of old "brown" non-citizens' passports not to rush for new passports to avoid excessive queues at local offices of the Board. New non-citizens' passports have been recognized by USA, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Byelorussia, Slovakia and Norway. Diena, Panorama Latvii

EU Commissioner van den Broek called upon Latvian statesmen to bring the country's legislation in compliance with EU standards. At his press-conference last Friday Mr. van den Broek stressed the importance of resolving the problem of non-citizens paying special attention to employment restrictions. During his visit to the Human Rights Office the EU Commissioner highly evaluated its efforts calling it "a unique institution". Mr. van den Broek also touched upon the low pace of naturalization and recommended to study the process thoroughly. He also noted that the Government was ready to discuss naturalization procedure. In an interview for

EU Commissioner van den Broek called upon Latvian statesmen to bring the country's legislation in compliance with EU standards. At his press-conference last Friday Mr. van den Broek stressed the importance of resolving the problem of non-citizens paying special attention to employment restrictions. During his visit to the Human Rights Office the EU Commissioner highly evaluated its efforts calling it "a unique institution". Mr. van den Broek also touched upon the low pace of naturalization and recommended to study the process thoroughly. He also noted that the Government was ready to discuss naturalization procedure. In an interview for "DIENA" Mr. van den Broek said that "Latvia approached the issue of non-citizens in a sensible way in compliance with EU norms". The EU Commissioner said that he was satisfied with the recent progress in Latvia's talks with Russia. He stressed that the EU would not agree to Russia connecting border delimitation to the issue of Russian-speakers. Diena

Press Report

Press Report

The President's Advisor Armands Gutmanis told

The President's Advisor Armands Gutmanis told "DIENA" that Mr. Ulmanis in his statement on "the opening of naturalization windows" did not suggest amending the Citizenship Law. The purpose of the statement was to encourage a discussion of social and ethnic harmony in the country and to attract the attention of political parties to the issue. Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane believes that canceling the "window mechanism" would not bring about a dramatic increase in the number of applicants for citizenship. Only ten thousand Latvia's inhabitants out of 124 thousand having the right to undergo naturalization have applied for it. Mrs. Aldermane does not believe naturalization tests to be overcomplicated and criticizes "SM" for exaggerating the difficulties faced by applicants. Still, she thinks that the number of questions on the history of Latvia should be reduced along with canceling a written rendering of a Latvian text in the Latvian Language test. The current Saeima is unlikely to remove the "window mechanism" from the Citizenship Law since the Law can be amended only upon a decree by the Co-operation Council adopted upon a consensus principle. "Tevzemei un Brivibai" and the LNNK have already objected to canceling the "window mechanism" (see below). Diena

"Tevzemei un Brivibai" Chairman Maris Grinblats and "TB" Secretary General Aigars Kimenis held a press-conference on the steps taken recently by President Ulmanis and Prime-Minister Skele. The "TB" leaders criticized the President for his recent suggestion "to open naturalization windows" interpreting it as a proposal to amend the Citizenship Law. The "TB" Party Council circulated a statement claiming that there were no minority problems in Latvia and insisting that the country should overcome the consequences of occupation by resolving the problem of repatriating "the colonists". Mr. Kimenis believes that President Ulmanis' statements "are advantageous to Russian imperialists, who have intensified their efforts aimed at involving Latvia in the CIS by using the country's Russian-speaking population". Any attempts to amend the Citizenship Law would lead to a Government crisis, warned Mr. Kimenis. The "TB" leaders also criticized Prime-Minister Skele for interfering into the affairs of the Ministry of Economics headed by "TB" member Guntars Krasts. The Prime-Minister did not agree to replacing two of the four Directors of the Latvian Privatization Agency. B&B

EU Commissioner on Security Issues and Relations with East and Central European Countries van den Broek during his meeting with Minister for EU Affairs Kirsteins stressed that Latvia should accelerate harmonization of its legislation. According to the EU Commissioner, Latvia should pay special attention to legislation on foreign trade, customs, competition and illegal financial operations. Yesterday Mr. van den Broek visited the State Human Rights Bureau and had a meeting with members of the

EU Commissioner on Security Issues and Relations with East and Central European Countries van den Broek during his meeting with Minister for EU Affairs Kirsteins stressed that Latvia should accelerate harmonization of its legislation. According to the EU Commissioner, Latvia should pay special attention to legislation on foreign trade, customs, competition and illegal financial operations. Yesterday Mr. van den Broek visited the State Human Rights Bureau and had a meeting with members of the Saeima Committee on European Affairs. Diena

Press Report

Press Report

An article by President Ulmanis circulated after his meeting with representatives of regional press criticizes party programs for ambiguity. The article titled "For Secure Future of each Individual and the State" focuses on the issue of non-citizens. The President stresses that Latvians, while managing their own country, cannot afford overlooking the problem of non-Latvians and non-citizens, in particular. Mr. Ulmanis believes that all inhabitants of Latvia should feel confident about their future. He stresses that Latvia, being a European democracy, should open "naturalization windows" for all its inhabitants loyal to the country and willing to obtain its citizenship. The President points at the lack of a strategic program for resolving of minority issues that even were not included in the foreign policy concept adopted by the Saeima.

An article by President Ulmanis circulated after his meeting with representatives of regional press criticizes party programs for ambiguity. The article titled "For Secure Future of each Individual and the State" focuses on the issue of non-citizens. The President stresses that Latvians, while managing their own country, cannot afford overlooking the problem of non-Latvians and non-citizens, in particular. Mr. Ulmanis believes that all inhabitants of Latvia should feel confident about their future. He stresses that Latvia, being a European democracy, should open "naturalization windows" for all its inhabitants loyal to the country and willing to obtain its citizenship. The President points at the lack of a strategic program for resolving of minority issues that even were not included in the foreign policy concept adopted by the Saeima. Diena

Yesterday Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs participated in the fifty-third Session of the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva delivered a report on the human rights situation in Latvia. On April 9 the Minister of Foreign Affairs will visit Moscow to discuss the work of the Russian-Latvian Commission with Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Igor Ivanov. The Commission has not started its work yet although its heads (Anatoly Gorbunov and Valery Serov) held a meeting last February.

Yesterday Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs participated in the fifty-third Session of the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva delivered a report on the human rights situation in Latvia. On April 9 the Minister of Foreign Affairs will visit Moscow to discuss the work of the Russian-Latvian Commission with Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Igor Ivanov. The Commission has not started its work yet although its heads (Anatoly Gorbunov and Valery Serov) held a meeting last February. B&B

Prime-Minister Skele will visit Sweden on April 9. The agenda of the visit will include the signing of an agreement on illegal immigration. The agreement is a prerequisite for establishing a non-visa entrance regime between the two countries. The Latvian Premier will meet Swedish Prime-Minister Person. The talks will be focused on Latvia's integration in the European Union and security issues in relation with the OSCE, NATO and the "Partnership for Peace Program."

Prime-Minister Skele will visit Sweden on April 9. The agenda of the visit will include the signing of an agreement on illegal immigration. The agreement is a prerequisite for establishing a non-visa entrance regime between the two countries. The Latvian Premier will meet Swedish Prime-Minister Person. The talks will be focused on Latvia's integration in the European Union and security issues in relation with the OSCE, NATO and the "Partnership for Peace Program." Neatkariga

Prime-Minister Skele at his regular monthly meeting with the press said that the date of his visit to Moscow was not set yet. The Prime-Minister believes that the Government could run a referendum on joining the NATO and the EU by Latvia. According to recent polls, 34% of Latvia's population support such a referendum, one third of its inhabitants would prefer establishing closer contacts with Russia, while 27% spoke in favor of joining the EU. When asked to comment on Mayor Vidavsky's case, Mr. Skele said that the situation demonstrated "the uselessness of unjustified barriers."

Prime-Minister Skele at his regular monthly meeting with the press said that the date of his visit to Moscow was not set yet. The Prime-Minister believes that the Government could run a referendum on joining the NATO and the EU by Latvia. According to recent polls, 34% of Latvia's population support such a referendum, one third of its inhabitants would prefer establishing closer contacts with Russia, while 27% spoke in favor of joining the EU. When asked to comment on Mayor Vidavsky's case, Mr. Skele said that the situation demonstrated "the uselessness of unjustified barriers." SM

Press Report

European Union Commissioner van der Broek will visit Latvia on April 3 to meet Latvian politicians and to open the office of the European Commission Delegation in Riga. Mr. van der Broek will have meetings with Minister for European Union Affairs Kirsteins, members of the Saeima Committee for European Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs, President Ulmanis, Saeima Speaker Cepanis and Prime-Minister Skele.

European Union Commissioner van der Broek will visit Latvia on April 3 to meet Latvian politicians and to open the office of the European Commission Delegation in Riga. Mr. van der Broek will have meetings with Minister for European Union Affairs Kirsteins, members of the Saeima Committee for European Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs, President Ulmanis, Saeima Speaker Cepanis and Prime-Minister Skele. Diena

According to

According to "DIENA", a US Congressional delegation confirmed that Latvia satisfies requirements for potential NATO members. Delegation member Gerald Solomon at a press-conference stressed that Latvia was advancing toward democracy, free market economy, civil control of the armed forces and observance of human rights. The US fully supports Latvia's intention to join NATO, said Mr. Solomon. He is the author of a draft resolution supporting the admission of the Baltic states to NATO currently circulating in the Congress. Diena

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs received a note by the Russian Embassy to Latvia on acts of vandalism toward the Monument to the Liberators of Riga and other monuments to participants of World War Two. The note refers to the 1994 agreement between Latvia and Russia obliging Latvia to take care of war memorials. 

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs received a note by the Russian Embassy to Latvia on acts of vandalism toward the Monument to the Liberators of Riga and other monuments to participants of World War Two. The note refers to the 1994 agreement between Latvia and Russia obliging Latvia to take care of war memorials.Diena

Byelorussia and Slovakia officially recognized the new non-citizens' passport. The passport has already been recognized by the USA, Estonia and Lithuania. Samples of the passport and official notes have been sent to almost 200 states on February 26.

Byelorussia and Slovakia officially recognized the new non-citizens' passport. The passport has already been recognized by the USA, Estonia and Lithuania. Samples of the passport and official notes have been sent to almost 200 states on February 26. Neatkariga

Andris and Albina Kiskis told

Andris and Albina Kiskis told "VAKARA ZINAS" that they had been residing for three years in Holland in a refugee home while their children attended school. To apply for Dutch citizenship they had to provide a certificate confirming that they were not Latvian citizens. The Latvian Embassy refused to issue the document and the Kiskises were expelled from Holland. Liepaja authorities refused to provide them with suitable lodging and threaten to move them out of the abandoned apartment they have recently occupied. According to the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kiskises applied for a document confirming that Latvia was refusing to receive them. A spokesman for the Ministry said that the family was not persecuted in Latvia and, thus, could not apply for refugee status in Holland. VZ

Press Review

According to the Western press, NATO is planning to sign an agreement on co-operation with NATO in May. The agreement will provide for forming a joint council and establishing Russia's representation at the NATO Headquarters. The document will also define relations between NATO and its new East-European members. Observers expect that the part of the agreement recognizing the right any European nation to choose its security model may cause objections from the Russian side.

According to the Western press, NATO is planning to sign an agreement on co-operation with NATO in May. The agreement will provide for forming a joint council and establishing Russia's representation at the NATO Headquarters. The document will also define relations between NATO and its new East-European members. Observers expect that the part of the agreement recognizing the right any European nation to choose its security model may cause objections from the Russian side. Diena

Latvian Social-Democratic Party leader Juris Bojars told

Latvian Social-Democratic Party leader Juris Bojars told "DIENA" that the party brought an action against Prime-Minister Skele in the Riga District Court. The Social-Democrats accuse Skele of humiliating the party in his TV speech. The party demands revocation of "humiliating statements" and claim an Ls. 1,000 compensation for defamation. A spokesman for the Prime-Minister told "DIENA" that Mr. Skele was ready to defend his views in court.

The Procurator General's Office will appeal the decree by the Daugavpils City Court on Mayor Vidavsky's case. The Court terminated the consideration of Mr. Vidavsky's case. The appeal will be sent to the Daugavpils District Court that will reconsider the case.

The Procurator General's Office will appeal the decree by the Daugavpils City Court on Mayor Vidavsky's case. The Court terminated the consideration of Mr. Vidavsky's case. The appeal will be sent to the Daugavpils District Court that will reconsider the case. Diena

Tomorrow blank forms for applying for new non-citizens' passports will become available at post-offices and at local CID offices. A completed form and a photo should be delivered or mailed to an applicant's CID office. The CID office will notify an applicant within one month about the date of submission of a request. A notification contains a list of documents required for submitting a request for a passport. A request form is filled out by a CID official.

Tomorrow blank forms for applying for new non-citizens' passports will become available at post-offices and at local CID offices. A completed form and a photo should be delivered or mailed to an applicant's CID office. The CID office will notify an applicant within one month about the date of submission of a request. A notification contains a list of documents required for submitting a request for a passport. A request form is filled out by a CID official. PL

Chairman of the

Chairman of the Saeima Committee for Education and Science Dzintars Abikis told the press that the Committee would demand canceling a decision on opening a branch of the Moscow State University (MSU) in Riga should such a decision be adopted by the Government. Committee members believe that opening an MSU branch would impede integrating Russian-speakers into Latvian society. SM