Press Report

Press Report

Newly appointed Ambassador of Russia Alexander Udaltsov is expected to arrive in Riga in mid-December. Before his appointment as a Deputy-Director of the Second European Department, Mr. Udaltsov worked as a Ministry of Foreign Affairs expert on Czechoslovakia and Poland. He is known as a strict follower of official policy. Sources in the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs say that Udaltsov's appointment will not bring any serious changes into Russian policies in Latvia.

Newly appointed Ambassador of Russia Alexander Udaltsov is expected to arrive in Riga in mid-December. Before his appointment as a Deputy-Director of the Second European Department, Mr. Udaltsov worked as a Ministry of Foreign Affairs expert on Czechoslovakia and Poland. He is known as a strict follower of official policy. Sources in the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs say that Udaltsov's appointment will not bring any serious changes into Russian policies in Latvia. "DIENA" believes that Russia could find a pretext for not signing the border delimitation agreement with Latvia even if Latvia agrees not to refer to the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty in the document. Russia has already accused Estonia of deliberately delaying the forming of a joint committee on the Russian-speaking minority and can as well find a reason for refusing to sign the agreement with Latvia. Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes that establishing closer contacts between the two countries could be useful. According to the Ministry, a meeting of Latvian and Russian Prime-Ministers will be held within the next few months. Diena

The UN General Assembly will discuss the draft resolution on human rights in Latvia and Estonia, submitted on 22 November to the Assembly by Russia. Estonia and Latvia have also submitted their draft resolutions on the issue. Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told the press that the US will not support the resolution drafted by Russia. The CIS countries, except Tajikistan, will not support the draft resolution as well. Birkavs has discussed the issue with ambassadors of NATO countries. He says that Latvia will look for a way to exclude the draft resolution from the agenda of the UN General Assembly. According to the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Service, Russian representative Lavrov in his report at the meeting of the UN Social and Human Rights Committee accused Latvia of refusing to cooperate with the OSCE and pointed at gross violations of human rights in the country. A spokesman for the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that only problem mentioned by the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights in his report to the Committee was the issuance of valid identification documents to non-citizens. Several UN members advised Estonia to cooperate with Russia in order to make the resolution "milder". The human rights situation in Latvia is also on the agenda of the OSCE Summit in Lisbon. A report on Latvia will be delivered by the Swiss Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The UN General Assembly will discuss the draft resolution on human rights in Latvia and Estonia, submitted on 22 November to the Assembly by Russia. Estonia and Latvia have also submitted their draft resolutions on the issue. Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told the press that the US will not support the resolution drafted by Russia. The CIS countries, except Tajikistan, will not support the draft resolution as well. Birkavs has discussed the issue with ambassadors of NATO countries. He says that Latvia will look for a way to exclude the draft resolution from the agenda of the UN General Assembly. According to the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Service, Russian representative Lavrov in his report at the meeting of the UN Social and Human Rights Committee accused Latvia of refusing to cooperate with the OSCE and pointed at gross violations of human rights in the country. A spokesman for the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that only problem mentioned by the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights in his report to the Committee was the issuance of valid identification documents to non-citizens. Several UN members advised Estonia to cooperate with Russia in order to make the resolution "milder". The human rights situation in Latvia is also on the agenda of the OSCE Summit in Lisbon. A report on Latvia will be delivered by the Swiss Minister of Foreign Affairs. Diena, B&B, Neatkariga

US Ambassador to Sweden Tomas Siebert in a speech delivered a the Tumbro Institute said that the United States would support the admission of the Baltic states into NATO. The Ambassador stressed that the main question was not "whether" but "when". Mr. Siebert believes that developing democratic institutions will help the three Baltic countries in joining NATO. He also pointed at the importance of integrating Russian-speakers in Latvia and Estonia. The Ambassador mentioned "large Russian communities in Estonia and Latvia whose situation often causes concern."

US Ambassador to Sweden Tomas Siebert in a speech delivered a the Tumbro Institute said that the United States would support the admission of the Baltic states into NATO. The Ambassador stressed that the main question was not "whether" but "when". Mr. Siebert believes that developing democratic institutions will help the three Baltic countries in joining NATO. He also pointed at the importance of integrating Russian-speakers in Latvia and Estonia. The Ambassador mentioned "large Russian communities in Estonia and Latvia whose situation often causes concern." Neatkariga

Latvia will start issuing non-citizens with new passports in March 1997 but not in December this year. According to Head of the CID Passport Bureau Leins, Latvia is still waiting for recognition of the new passport by foreign experts. The Cabinet of Ministers vetoed the introduction of the new non-citizen passport to avoid the situation that occurred after Latvia had introduced the so-called "brown passports" for non-citizens. Several countries, including France, Austria and the USA, refused to recognize the document then. Mr. Leins also says the construction of a new Passport Center has not been accomplished yet. The Center is expected to be opened on 23 December. "Brown passports" will still be valid for two years from the date of their issuance, while former USSR internal passports will stay valid at least until 31 December 1999. New passports will be issued for five years and their validity term will be extended. Individuals over sixty years of age will receive passports with no validity term limitations.

Latvia will start issuing non-citizens with new passports in March 1997 but not in December this year. According to Head of the CID Passport Bureau Leins, Latvia is still waiting for recognition of the new passport by foreign experts. The Cabinet of Ministers vetoed the introduction of the new non-citizen passport to avoid the situation that occurred after Latvia had introduced the so-called "brown passports" for non-citizens. Several countries, including France, Austria and the USA, refused to recognize the document then. Mr. Leins also says the construction of a new Passport Center has not been accomplished yet. The Center is expected to be opened on 23 December. "Brown passports" will still be valid for two years from the date of their issuance, while former USSR internal passports will stay valid at least until 31 December 1999. New passports will be issued for five years and their validity term will be extended. Individuals over sixty years of age will receive passports with no validity term limitations. Diena

"We are here to assist the Government of Latvia in building an integrated society after fifty years of foreign rule," says Deputy-Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Pirkka Tapiola. He admits that the main problem is not the minority issue but the fact, that the population of the country is divided into citizens and non-citizens. Latvia is unique in this respect and can be compared only to Estonia. The OSCE Mission opened on the seventy-fifth Anniversary of Latvia's independence and has been working for three years with its staff changing constantly. Since 1994 the Mission is headed by Charles Magee, and Mr. Tapiola arrived to Riga approximately at the same time. Does the Mission still receive complaints? They are less numerous and the problems are less complicated. Mr. Tapiola believes that the Citizenship and Immigration Department has improved its work, and the Mission is closely collaborating with the Naturalization Board. Currently, the OSCE team (an American, a Finn, a Dane, a Slovak, a Pole, a German) see the upcoming issuance of non-citizens' passports as the most urgent issue. "I believe it to be a very important process, since new identification documents will be provided to 700,000 inhabitants of Latvia who currently are not its citizens," says the Deputy-Head of the Mission. Mr. Tapiola explains that OSCE Mission mandates differ to meet the specific needs of a host-country. OSCE Missions have been opened on the former USSR territory in the Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Tajikistan.

"We are here to assist the Government of Latvia in building an integrated society after fifty years of foreign rule," says Deputy-Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Pirkka Tapiola. He admits that the main problem is not the minority issue but the fact, that the population of the country is divided into citizens and non-citizens. Latvia is unique in this respect and can be compared only to Estonia. The OSCE Mission opened on the seventy-fifth Anniversary of Latvia's independence and has been working for three years with its staff changing constantly. Since 1994 the Mission is headed by Charles Magee, and Mr. Tapiola arrived to Riga approximately at the same time. Does the Mission still receive complaints? They are less numerous and the problems are less complicated. Mr. Tapiola believes that the Citizenship and Immigration Department has improved its work, and the Mission is closely collaborating with the Naturalization Board. Currently, the OSCE team (an American, a Finn, a Dane, a Slovak, a Pole, a German) see the upcoming issuance of non-citizens' passports as the most urgent issue. "I believe it to be a very important process, since new identification documents will be provided to 700,000 inhabitants of Latvia who currently are not its citizens," says the Deputy-Head of the Mission. Mr. Tapiola explains that OSCE Mission mandates differ to meet the specific needs of a host-country. OSCE Missions have been opened on the former USSR territory in the Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Tajikistan. Neatkariga

Press Report

Yesterday the Presidents of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania signed a joint declaration. The document defines the objectives pursued by the three countries. These are stability, security, the growth of living standards, and full-fledged membership in international political, economic and security bodies. The Presidents stress the importance of common strategies aimed at joining of the European Union. The Declaration says that long-term security in Europe can be provided by integrating the three countries into NATO. President Ulmanis said at a press-conference that NATO enlargement should not lead to the forming of "a grey zone". The Presidents of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are planning to discuss the prospects of joining the block with NATO member-countries and hold consultations with Russia and other countries that do not intend to join the alliance. President Ulmanis said that the Latvian Government could not annul the 1920 Peace Treaty, the document being one of the corner-stones of Latvia's independence. Still, he admitted that mentioning or not mentioning the 1920 Treaty in the border delimitation agreement with Russia was not of essential importance. When asked to comment on Russia accusing Latvia of violating the rights of Russian-speakers, Mr. Ulmanis explained that such criticism was part of Russia's political tactics and expressed hope the UN would adopt a decision on the issue that would be favorable to Latvia. President Brazauskas told the press that a border argument with Latvia would not impede cooperation between the two countries.

Yesterday the Presidents of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania signed a joint declaration. The document defines the objectives pursued by the three countries. These are stability, security, the growth of living standards, and full-fledged membership in international political, economic and security bodies. The Presidents stress the importance of common strategies aimed at joining of the European Union. The Declaration says that long-term security in Europe can be provided by integrating the three countries into NATO. President Ulmanis said at a press-conference that NATO enlargement should not lead to the forming of "a grey zone". The Presidents of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are planning to discuss the prospects of joining the block with NATO member-countries and hold consultations with Russia and other countries that do not intend to join the alliance. President Ulmanis said that the Latvian Government could not annul the 1920 Peace Treaty, the document being one of the corner-stones of Latvia's independence. Still, he admitted that mentioning or not mentioning the 1920 Treaty in the border delimitation agreement with Russia was not of essential importance. When asked to comment on Russia accusing Latvia of violating the rights of Russian-speakers, Mr. Ulmanis explained that such criticism was part of Russia's political tactics and expressed hope the UN would adopt a decision on the issue that would be favorable to Latvia. President Brazauskas told the press that a border argument with Latvia would not impede cooperation between the two countries. Diena, SM

Although French, German, and Swedish politicians sound quite optimistic about the prospects of the Baltic states admission to the European Union, Western business community doubts economic and political stability in the countries. Latvia has to prove its ability to bring its economic and political systems in compliance with European standards. The results obtained by the EU from the "White Books" distributed among its potential members in 1995 are being analyzed. The rights of minorities were among the essential factors to be assessed by the EU experts. The EU is still not satisfied with minority situation in Latvia. Among other problems spotted by the EU experts are flaws in the work of the customs, the police, and the Department of Agriculture. Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovenia have the best chances for becoming EU members during the first stage of its enlargement, while Latvia, Bulgaria, and Romania have the weakest prospects. Sweden, Denmark, and France still insist on allowing the three Baltic states and Romania to join the EU on the firs stage of the enlargement. The Baltic countries are also supported by the US suggesting that the EU membership could serve as a compensation for not being admitted to NATO.

Although French, German, and Swedish politicians sound quite optimistic about the prospects of the Baltic states admission to the European Union, Western business community doubts economic and political stability in the countries. Latvia has to prove its ability to bring its economic and political systems in compliance with European standards. The results obtained by the EU from the "White Books" distributed among its potential members in 1995 are being analyzed. The rights of minorities were among the essential factors to be assessed by the EU experts. The EU is still not satisfied with minority situation in Latvia. Among other problems spotted by the EU experts are flaws in the work of the customs, the police, and the Department of Agriculture. Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovenia have the best chances for becoming EU members during the first stage of its enlargement, while Latvia, Bulgaria, and Romania have the weakest prospects. Sweden, Denmark, and France still insist on allowing the three Baltic states and Romania to join the EU on the firs stage of the enlargement. The Baltic countries are also supported by the US suggesting that the EU membership could serve as a compensation for not being admitted to NATO. Neatkariga

"Latvijas Cels" will nominate Valdis Birkavs the Chairman of the party at the upcoming Party Congress. "LC" members interviewed by "DIENA" believe Mr. Birkavs will gain the majority of votes. Other candidates are Andrejs Pantelejevs and Indulis Berzins.

"Latvijas Cels" will nominate Valdis Birkavs the Chairman of the party at the upcoming Party Congress. "LC" members interviewed by "DIENA" believe Mr. Birkavs will gain the majority of votes. Other candidates are Andrejs Pantelejevs and Indulis Berzins. Diena

Yesterday President Yeltsin officially appointed Aleksandr Udaltsov (a former Deputy-Director of the second European Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation) Ambassador to Latvia. Sergey Zotov has been appointed Ambassador to Slovakia.

Yesterday President Yeltsin officially appointed Aleksandr Udaltsov (a former Deputy-Director of the second European Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation) Ambassador to Latvia. Sergey Zotov has been appointed Ambassador to Slovakia. SM

Member of the Saeima Committee on Foreign Affairs Janis Jurkans ("People's Harmony") in a brief interview for "SM" criticized Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs for ignoring Latvia's relations with Russia. According to Jurkans, Birkavs "brought the idea of Latvia becoming a EU and NATO member to a dead-end". Jurkans believes Birkavs should have been relieved of his duties for approving the Declaration on Occupation noting that it should not have been adopted before Skele's visit to Moscow. Tomorrow Saeima Plenary Meeting will consider the vote of no-confidence for Birkavs as suggested earlier by the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Member of the Saeima Committee on Foreign Affairs Janis Jurkans ("People's Harmony") in a brief interview for "SM" criticized Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs for ignoring Latvia's relations with Russia. According to Jurkans, Birkavs "brought the idea of Latvia becoming a EU and NATO member to a dead-end". Jurkans believes Birkavs should have been relieved of his duties for approving the Declaration on Occupation noting that it should not have been adopted before Skele's visit to Moscow. Tomorrow Saeima Plenary Meeting will consider the vote of no-confidence for Birkavs as suggested earlier by the Committee on Foreign Affairs. SM

An article in "SM" quotes pre-war statistical data to prove that the Abrene District was populated by ethnic Russians and should be consireded a part of Russia. Russians constituted 82.01% to 95.5% of its population in the twenties.

An article in "SM" quotes pre-war statistical data to prove that the Abrene District was populated by ethnic Russians and should be consireded a part of Russia. Russians constituted 82.01% to 95.5% of its population in the twenties. SM

Press Review

American Ambassador L. Napper delivered a lecture on US policy in the Baltic countries at the Institute of International Relations in Riga. He pointed out that Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia regarded as potential NATO members. The US Ambassador hopes that the Baltic countries will be admitted to the European Union on the first stage of its enlargement.

American Ambassador L. Napper delivered a lecture on US policy in the Baltic countries at the Institute of International Relations in Riga. He pointed out that Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia regarded as potential NATO members. The US Ambassador hopes that the Baltic countries will be admitted to the European Union on the first stage of its enlargement. Diena

"Saimnieks"

deputy Eriks Zunda in an article for deputy Eriks Zunda in an article for "DIENA" "DIENA" criticizes draft amendments to the Law on Municipal Elections. The amendments require that candidates to posts in a local administration should permanently reside on the territory governed by the local administration. The fact of permanent residence can be proved by criticizes draft amendments to the Law on Municipal Elections. The amendments require that candidates to posts in a local administration should permanently reside on the territory governed by the local administration. The fact of permanent residence can be proved by "propiska" "propiska" only. Mr. Zunda objects to preserving only. Mr. Zunda objects to preserving "propiska""propiska" as an important element of the Latvian legislation. as an important element of the Latvian legislation. "Propiska""Propiska" should be abolished to bring Latvian legislation into compliance with international human rights norms and the 1937 Civil Law of the Republic of Latvia that allowed an individual to have several places of residence. should be abolished to bring Latvian legislation into compliance with international human rights norms and the 1937 Civil Law of the Republic of Latvia that allowed an individual to have several places of residence. DienaDiena Prime-Minister Skele suggested canceling a restriction introduced into the Law "On the Election of Self-Governments" by the

Prime-Minister Skele suggested canceling a restriction introduced into the Law "On the Election of Self-Governments" by the Saeima on November 6. The amendment bans individuals who were active members of the CPSU, the Interfront, and the All-Latvian National Salvation Committee after January 13, 1991, from running for posts in a self-government. Skele explained later that he had suggested to cancel only part of the restrictions, namely those banning former CPSU members from participating in local elections. The ban is to be applied to Mayor of Daugavpils Vidavsky, formerly an Interfront activist. Vidavsky is popular among voters who believe his professional qualities to be more important than his political past. Mr. Vidavsky is also said to be supported by "Latvijas Cels". "DIENA" claims to have a copy of a confidential agreement between Vidavsky and a "LC" representative. "LC" (represented by the so-called Club 21) guaranteed support for the Daugavpils City Council decisions in the Saeima while Vidavsky agreed to create favorable conditions for certain companies. "LC" leaders interviewed by "DIENA" say that they had no information on the agreement. Maris Gailis denies any links between Club 21 and "LC" at the time the agreement with Vidavsky was allegedly concluded.Diena

"Tevzemei un Brivibai" faction Chairman Janis Straume addressed Procurator General Janis Skrastins with a letter accusing the Ministry of the Interior senior executives of "constantly exceeding their authority in order to legalize individuals" illegally staying in the country who are to be "expelled from Latvia". In this connection Straume names State Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior Andris Staris, CID Director Ints Zitars and other officials. Minister of the Interior Turlais and CID Director's Advisor Jaudzems in their interviews "admit" that they are looking for a possibility of providing a legal status to individuals having no right to stay in Latvia, says the letter. Straume also criticizes Turlais and Zitars for not investigating cases of fraud. According to the Ministry of the Interior Press-Center, the Ministry would not comment on the letter until Mr. Straume provides documented proof of the accusations. Diena

President Ulmanis expressed support for Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs and criticized the recent decision the

President Ulmanis expressed support for Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs and criticized the recent decision the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee for its vote of no-confidence for the Minister. The President said that he expected the Committee to come up with "suggestions on improving the country's foreign policy." Diena

Ilga Apine, a Professor at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, recalls the role of Russian cultural associations in Latvia's struggle for independence. History proves that a large part of the Russian community is loyal to independent Latvia. Mrs. Apine believes legislation should be more flexible toward Russian-speakers. Laws affecting Russian-speakers should be discussed with their representatives and non-citizens could be granted the right to participate in local elections. Ilga Apine believes that Latvia could benefit from establishing closer contacts with Russian-speaking intellectuals.

Ilga Apine, a Professor at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, recalls the role of Russian cultural associations in Latvia's struggle for independence. History proves that a large part of the Russian community is loyal to independent Latvia. Mrs. Apine believes legislation should be more flexible toward Russian-speakers. Laws affecting Russian-speakers should be discussed with their representatives and non-citizens could be granted the right to participate in local elections. Ilga Apine believes that Latvia could benefit from establishing closer contacts with Russian-speaking intellectuals. Diena

Vladimir Buzayev and Leonid Raihman of the Latvian human Rights Committee in their regular report in

Vladimir Buzayev and Leonid Raihman of the Latvian human Rights Committee in their regular report in "SM" analyze the Regulations "On the Status of the Unemployed". The Regulations adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers on October 22 require a certificate of the command of the Latvian language from all applicants even if they are looking for a job that does not demand the knowledge of Latvia. Buzayev and Raihman believe that the issuance of new passports to non-citizens will be used by the CID for reviewing the Register of Inhabitants. They refer to CID official J.Leins who had already named the documents to be produced by non-citizens applying for a new passport. More problems might be caused by an article of the Law on Former USSR Citizens giving the CID the right to apply the Law "On Foreigners' and Stateless Persons' Entrance to and Stay in the Republic of Latvia" to non-citizens having failed to exchange their passports within an established term. SM

Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the Ambassador of Lithuania on the reaction of the Lithuanian authorities to an interview by Prime-Minister Skele. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its incomprehension over statements made by leading Lithuanian politicians in connection with Skele's interview for

Yesterday the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the Ambassador of Lithuania on the reaction of the Lithuanian authorities to an interview by Prime-Minister Skele. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its incomprehension over statements made by leading Lithuanian politicians in connection with Skele's interview for "VERSLO ZINIOS". Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aivis Ronis in his official statement says again that Mr. Skele has never been interviewed by the newspaper and has never expressed the opinion on relations between the two countries quoted by "VZ". The Latvian side is upset by the fact that Lithuanian Government officials are still commenting on the interview although the Latvian side has already dispelled the information published by the paper. The Lithuanian side insists on more detailed explanations to be provided by the Latvian side. According to sources in the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Skele has also made tactless remarks on Lithuania during a reception in Copenhagen. President Brazauskas will still come to Riga on November 26 to participate in the meeting of the Presidents of the Baltic states. Diena

Janis Grasis, a graduate of the Institute of International relation, quotes Article 16 of the 1950 Council of Europe Convention "On Protection of Human and Civil Rights", Article 25 of the 1966 International Pact "On Civil and Political Rights" and several western legislations to prove that Latvia is not violating international norms by restricting political rights of non-citizens. Grasis also refers to the OSCE, the Baltic Council, and other experts who have not stated any mass violations of human rights in Latvia. He admits that the problem of 700,000 noncitizens currently residing in Latvia should be resolved and suggests amending the Citizenship Law to remove "the quota mechanism". This would allow all residents having the command of the Latvian language, who have "integrated" into the Latvian society and are loyal to the country, to take citizenship. On the other hand, Grasis believes that those openly opposing Latvia's independence should be stimulated to repatriate. This could be done through international agreements with the assistance of international organizations and private foundations.

Janis Grasis, a graduate of the Institute of International relation, quotes Article 16 of the 1950 Council of Europe Convention "On Protection of Human and Civil Rights", Article 25 of the 1966 International Pact "On Civil and Political Rights" and several western legislations to prove that Latvia is not violating international norms by restricting political rights of non-citizens. Grasis also refers to the OSCE, the Baltic Council, and other experts who have not stated any mass violations of human rights in Latvia. He admits that the problem of 700,000 noncitizens currently residing in Latvia should be resolved and suggests amending the Citizenship Law to remove "the quota mechanism". This would allow all residents having the command of the Latvian language, who have "integrated" into the Latvian society and are loyal to the country, to take citizenship. On the other hand, Grasis believes that those openly opposing Latvia's independence should be stimulated to repatriate. This could be done through international agreements with the assistance of international organizations and private foundations. Diena

Although several travel agencies offer Christmas tours to Paris to holders of "brown" noncitizens' passports, the French Consular Office says that France still has not recognized the "brown passports". The reason for not recognizing the passports is a paragraph in the documents saying that Latvia allows the re-entry of their holders only during the "brown" passports' validity term. France suggested adding a stamp that would cancel the restriction. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Department has not agreed to the suggestion believing the problem will be resolved when new non-citizens' passports will be issued in January 1997.

Although several travel agencies offer Christmas tours to Paris to holders of "brown" noncitizens' passports, the French Consular Office says that France still has not recognized the "brown passports". The reason for not recognizing the passports is a paragraph in the documents saying that Latvia allows the re-entry of their holders only during the "brown" passports' validity term. France suggested adding a stamp that would cancel the restriction. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Department has not agreed to the suggestion believing the problem will be resolved when new non-citizens' passports will be issued in January 1997. B&B

Press Review

Press Review

Tactless and ironic statements allegedly made by Prime-Minister Skele during his interview for Lithuanian newspaper

Tactless and ironic statements allegedly made by Prime-Minister Skele during his interview for Lithuanian newspaper "VERSLO ZINIAS" may become a reason for Lithuanian President Brazauskas canceling his visit to Latvia. According to a high-ranking official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry is currently considering the possibility of Brazauskas' participation in the meeting of Latvian, Estonian, and Lithuanian Presidents. The Press-Secretary of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday that the Ministry had no reasons to doubt the authenticity of the interview. A "VERSLO ZINAS" journalist claims that she has recorded Skele's interview. A statement by the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that Mr. Skele has not made any tactless comments in his interview for the Lithuanian newspaper, while the Prime-Minister's Assistant for Foreign Affairs Groza said that Skele had never been interviewed by "VERSLO ZINIAS". Diena, SM

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima Committee on Foreign Affairs supported Mr. Janis Jurkans' ("People's Harmony") suggestion to discuss the possibility of dismissing the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Several Saeima deputies (Gundars Valdmanis of the "Unity", Leopolds Ozolins of "Tevzemei un Brivibai", Janina Kusnere of "Latvijai", and independent deputies Ilga Kreituse and Andris Rubins) spoke in favor of the proposal. Janis Jurkans criticizes Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs for an "unbalanced" foreign policy and poor organization of the work of the Ministry. Mr. Birkavs told the press the decision made by the Committee was dictated by "the wish of certain political forces to undermine the stability of the Government". He accused Jurkans of trying to "pave a way for himself to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs". Prime-Minister Skele admits that there are certain flaws in Latvia's foreign policy, namely lack of progress in the country's relations with Russia. Still, the Prime-Minister's assessment of Mr. Birkavs efforts as a Minister of Foreign Affairs is positive. Diena, Neatkariga

Today the

Today the Saeima is considering the last reading of the draft law on land privatization in rural areas. The discussion is sure to be a heated one since the Farmers and the Christian Democrats insist on postponing the adoption of the law believing that the law will provide an opportunity for uncontrolled sales of land and woods to foreigners. "Tevzemei and Brivibai" shares their concern. If "TB" joins the Farmers and the Christian Democrats and votes against the adoption of the law, it may not pass its final reading. Neatkariga