Press Report

Press Report

The Union of Christian Democrats asked Prime-Minister Skele to attend in the party meeting to be held November 23. The subject of the discussion is the future participation of the party in the Cabinet. The issue was raised by the Kurzeme District Chapter of the Christian Democrats. Many UCD members, especially in provincial areas, are dissatisfied with the current policy of the Government aimed at cutting down the authority of self-governments. The party is represented in the Government by one State Minister.

The Union of Christian Democrats asked Prime-Minister Skele to attend in the party meeting to be held November 23. The subject of the discussion is the future participation of the party in the Cabinet. The issue was raised by the Kurzeme District Chapter of the Christian Democrats. Many UCD members, especially in provincial areas, are dissatisfied with the current policy of the Government aimed at cutting down the authority of self-governments. The party is represented in the Government by one State Minister. Diena

The Kreituses have chosen not to join the Social-Democratic Workers' Party after its congress decided to merge with Bojars' Social-Democratic Party. Ilga and Aivars Kreituss are planning to establish “the Labor Party” already this year. Mr. Kreituss told

The Kreituses have chosen not to join the Social-Democratic Workers' Party after its congress decided to merge with Bojars' Social-Democratic Party. Ilga and Aivars Kreituss are planning to establish the Labor Party already this year. Mr. Kreituss told "DIENA" he would not join the party that chose to unite forces with Bojars' "National-Communists".

Head of the Police Department Aldis Lielukis told

Head of the Police Department Aldis Lielukis told "DIENA" thata bulletin prepared by the Human Rights Office and circulated by the Soros Foundation was "inaccurate". According to Lielukis, the bulletin on the rights of an individual detained by the police ignores important details of applicable laws, thus misinforming Latvia's inhabitants. Mr. Putnis of the Human Rights Office Information Department says that the idea of the bulletin was to inform the country's inhabitants of the most general legislative norms without focusing on small details and special provisions. Diena

President Ulmanis was expected to decide on approving the Conscription Law today. According to today's (11 November) radio broadcasts, the President suggested revising the Law.

President Ulmanis was expected to decide on approving the Conscription Law today. According to today's (11 November) radio broadcasts, the President suggested revising the Law. Diena

Prime-Minister Skele believes that the border agreement with Russia should be a purely "technical" document without any emphasis laid on the political aspects of relations between the two countries. The Prime-Minister suggests to discuss changing the mandate of the Latvian delegation with political parties and the President. Currently, the mandate includes negotiations over compensations to former Abrene inhabitants and the recognition of the Riga 1920 Peace Treaty by the Russian side.

Prime-Minister Skele believes that the border agreement with Russia should be a purely "technical" document without any emphasis laid on the political aspects of relations between the two countries. The Prime-Minister suggests to discuss changing the mandate of the Latvian delegation with political parties and the President. Currently, the mandate includes negotiations over compensations to former Abrene inhabitants and the recognition of the Riga 1920 Peace Treaty by the Russian side. "Tevzemei un Brivibai" is not likely to support such changes. As for the LNNK, its reaction is hard to predict. Minister for the European Union Affairs Kirsteins (LNNK) agrees to changing the mandate and suggests splitting the agreement into two parts. One part of the document would define the state border as agreed by both parties. Another part would specify an administrative border (Latvia's border with its former territory) leaving the border issue open for future negotiations. President Ulmanis believes the settling of the border problem to be of a vital importance for Latvia. He says that the issue should be thoroughly considered by the Saeima and suggests launching a nation-wide discussion on the problem. Mr. Ulmanis admits that "the Estonians have left Latvia behind in their search for an acceptable solution" to a similar problem. Diena

"Saimnieks"

Chairman Cevers in an interview for Chairman Cevers in an interview for "SM""SM" says that Skele's budget policy and the Prime-Minister's unwillingness to listen to different opinions forced him to resign. says that Skele's budget policy and the Prime-Minister's unwillingness to listen to different opinions forced him to resign. "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" will not agree to compromising the interests of the poor, says Cevers. He also objects against the economic policy practiced by Skele and will not agree to compromising the interests of the poor, says Cevers. He also objects against the economic policy practiced by Skele and "Latvijas Cels""Latvijas Cels" that leads to foreign capital predominating in Latvia's economics. Skele supports reducing the staff of Government institutions. that leads to foreign capital predominating in Latvia's economics. Skele supports reducing the staff of Government institutions. "Saimnieks" "Saimnieks" has enough influence to afford losing several posts in the Cabinet, explains Cevers. Cevers does not mention the possibility of the party leaving the Government. Ziedonis Cevers told has enough influence to afford losing several posts in the Cabinet, explains Cevers. Cevers does not mention the possibility of the party leaving the Government. Ziedonis Cevers told "DIENA""DIENA" that "Saimnieks" would not benefit from leaving the Cabinet. Being among the governing parties gives that "Saimnieks" would not benefit from leaving the Cabinet. Being among the governing parties gives "Saimnieks" "Saimnieks" better opportunities to implement its policies, says Cevers. better opportunities to implement its policies, says Cevers. SM, DienaSM, Diena

Press Report

Press Report

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima adopted the final reading of the Conscription Law. Ministry of Defense officials and the Saeima Defense Committee members are reported to be dissatisfied with the Law. The President says that the Law meets Latvia's "needs and interests". Minister of Defense Krastins told the press he would analyze the Law and inform President Ulmanis of his point of view. Krastins disagrees with several points introduced into the Law by Aivars Endzins's ("Latvijas Cels") initiative. The Minister of Defense does not agree to allowing students to accomplish a military training course during their studies. Holders of a Bachelor's degree are to be drafted if they chose not to study further. The newly adopted Conscription Law covers the group between 18 and 27 years of age. The upper age limit is not to be applied to individuals who turn 25 before the Law comes into force. Although the President has seven days to approve a law adopted by the Saeima, Mr. Ulmanis says his official decision will be made public already today, since he is leaving for Great Britain on Monday.Diena, Neatkariga

President Ulmanis says that Latvia's policy at its border delimitation talks with Russia should be formed by the country's State institutions and the

President Ulmanis says that Latvia's policy at its border delimitation talks with Russia should be formed by the country's State institutions and the Saeima. When asked by the press to comment on the Abrene issue, Mr. Ulmanis chose not to answer directly. He said that "after four years in office" he could not afford "being light-minded and say right away, whether we renounce or do not renounce" our sovereignty over Abrene. Neatkariga

State Minister for Self-Governments Ernests Jurkans believes he should follow a decision made by his party (

State Minister for Self-Governments Ernests Jurkans believes he should follow a decision made by his party ("Saimnieks") and resign. The Prime-Minister refused to accept Jurkans' resignation until all projects managed by the State Minister are accomplished. An Advisor to the Prime-Minister says Mr. Skele will not agree to Mr. Jurkans' resignation if addressed by the State Minister on the issue again. Diena

Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima adopted the third final reading of the amendments to the law on self-government elections. The amendments give the right to run for posts in a self-government to individuals who have had a "propiska" for at least twelve months or own property on its territory. The previous version of the law gave the right only citizens permanently residing on a territory under a self-government administration. The Saeima voted against granting the right to vote and run for office in local elections to non-citizens. The suggestion on non-citizens was submitted by the Socialists and supported by Andris Ameriks ("Saimnieks"), Viktors Kalnberzs ("Unity"), Anta Rugate (the "Christian Democrats"), by the "People's Harmony", and by several independent deputies. Diena, Neatkariga

Last Tuesday Prime-Minister Skele accepted the resignation of State Minister of Industry, Privatization, and Property J.Dzenis and State Minister of Investments and Credit Policy S.Jegere (both are the

Last Tuesday Prime-Minister Skele accepted the resignation of State Minister of Industry, Privatization, and Property J.Dzenis and State Minister of Investments and Credit Policy S.Jegere (both are the "Saimnieks" party members). The post of State Minister of Self-Government is to be abolished after April 1, 1997, to allow Mr. Ernest Jurkans (ASaimnieks@) to accomplish all his assignments. Diena

Last Tuesday, several political organizations (the Socialist Party, the Political Organization of the Impoverished, and several others) told the press they had formed a group that would use the right for legislative initiative and launch a poll on the dissolution of the

Last Tuesday, several political organizations (the Socialist Party, the Political Organization of the Impoverished, and several others) told the press they had formed a group that would use the right for legislative initiative and launch a poll on the dissolution of the Saeima, the Cabinet, and the Electoral Committee. Chairman of the Social-Democratic Party Bojars expects the first stage of the poll could be accomplished before March 1997. The Social-Democratic Workers' Party does not support the initiative. Diena

Prime-Minister Skele in an interview for the BNS news agency spoke in favor of a "purely technical" approach to Latvia's border agreement with Russia. He believes that a separate declaration could be signed stating both parties' viewpoint of the 1920 Peace Treaty and other historical documents and events. Mr. Skele believes that Latvia will have to resolve the problem of compensating losses incurred by the incorporation of Abrene into the Russian Federation to former inhabitants of the region. He is planning to change the mandate of the Latvian delegation to exclude references to the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty from the border agreement. The Prime-Minister will discuss the issue with political parties and expects the President to make a statement on the issue. A step, similar to the one suggested by Skele, has already been taken by Estonia. Its delegation withdrew the demand to refer to the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty in the border agreement with Russia. Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Pildegovics said that the Ministry would not comment on the development of the talks between Estonia and Russia since the text of the agreement between the two countries had not been agreed on yet.

Prime-Minister Skele in an interview for the BNS news agency spoke in favor of a "purely technical" approach to Latvia's border agreement with Russia. He believes that a separate declaration could be signed stating both parties' viewpoint of the 1920 Peace Treaty and other historical documents and events. Mr. Skele believes that Latvia will have to resolve the problem of compensating losses incurred by the incorporation of Abrene into the Russian Federation to former inhabitants of the region. He is planning to change the mandate of the Latvian delegation to exclude references to the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty from the border agreement. The Prime-Minister will discuss the issue with political parties and expects the President to make a statement on the issue. A step, similar to the one suggested by Skele, has already been taken by Estonia. Its delegation withdrew the demand to refer to the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty in the border agreement with Russia. Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Pildegovics said that the Ministry would not comment on the development of the talks between Estonia and Russia since the text of the agreement between the two countries had not been agreed on yet. Diena, SM

Russian Foreign Minister Primakov at the meeting of the Barents Sea Council in Petrozavodsk last Tuesday said that Latvia and Estonia violated the rights of the Russian-speaking minorities. The problem was slowing further development of Russia's relations with the two countries, said Primakov. The issue of the Russian-speaking minority was also on the agenda of Primakov's meeting with Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kallas. Primakov and Kallas agreed on forming a joint expert group that would work on finding ways of improving the situation.

Russian Foreign Minister Primakov at the meeting of the Barents Sea Council in Petrozavodsk last Tuesday said that Latvia and Estonia violated the rights of the Russian-speaking minorities. The problem was slowing further development of Russia's relations with the two countries, said Primakov. The issue of the Russian-speaking minority was also on the agenda of Primakov's meeting with Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kallas. Primakov and Kallas agreed on forming a joint expert group that would work on finding ways of improving the situation. Neatkariga

Press Report

Press Report

The Lithuanian Parliament did not adopt the law on the unilateral establishment of the sea border with Latvia. The law was opposed by Landsbergis' "Union for Fatherland" that came up with its own draft law. The "Union" interprets Latvia's agreement with

The Lithuanian Parliament did not adopt the law on the unilateral establishment of the sea border with Latvia. The law was opposed by Landsbergis' "Union for Fatherland" that came up with its own draft law. The "Union" interprets Latvia's agreement with AMOCO/OPAB as a purely economic document having no legal effect. Yesterday's debate in the parliament ended up in deciding to review both draft laws in the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs. Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Povilas Gilis says that certain politicians are trying to "gain internal political advantages on the account of foreign policies". The Union for Fatherland might have become more cautious and changed its view of the issue being aware that it will have to handle the border problem after becoming a governing party. Diena, Neatkariga

"Latvijas Cels"

Chairman Andrejs Pantelejevs says that his party supports the Prime-Minister's Cabinet reorganization plan. When asked to comment on Chairman Andrejs Pantelejevs says that his party supports the Prime-Minister's Cabinet reorganization plan. When asked to comment on ASaimnieks'@ASaimnieks'@ suggestion to cancel all the posts of State Ministers he said he would object to a "competition" among the factions for implementing the project suggestion to cancel all the posts of State Ministers he said he would object to a "competition" among the factions for implementing the project. "LC". "LC" would not agree to canceling the post of State Minister of Self-Government since the self-government reform has not started yet. would not agree to canceling the post of State Minister of Self-Government since the self-government reform has not started yet. "Tevzemei un Brivibai""Tevzemei un Brivibai" suggests canceling the positions of Parliamentary Secretaries in the Ministries and the post of Minister for Special Missions on European Union Affairs. Mr. Cevers say suggests canceling the positions of Parliamentary Secretaries in the Ministries and the post of Minister for Special Missions on European Union Affairs. Mr. Cevers say "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" is not concerned about retaining its posts in the Government at any price. Although the party suggested three of its members holding the posts of State Ministers to resign, Prime-Minister Skele accepts the resignation of two ministers only (State Minister of Investments and Credit Policy S.Jegere and State Minister of Industry, Property and Privatization J.Dzenis). State Minister of Self-Government Ernests Jurkans is likely to retain his post. Apart from Jurkans, is not concerned about retaining its posts in the Government at any price. Although the party suggested three of its members holding the posts of State Ministers to resign, Prime-Minister Skele accepts the resignation of two ministers only (State Minister of Investments and Credit Policy S.Jegere and State Minister of Industry, Property and Privatization J.Dzenis). State Minister of Self-Government Ernests Jurkans is likely to retain his post. Apart from Jurkans, "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" has only two seats in the Government. These are Mr. Turlais (Minister of the Interior) and a still vacant post of Minister of Finance. Four Ministers are has only two seats in the Government. These are Mr. Turlais (Minister of the Interior) and a still vacant post of Minister of Finance. Four Ministers are "TB""TB" members. members. Diena, NeatkarigaDiena, Neatkariga Prime-Minister Skele in an interview for

Prime-Minister Skele in an interview for "DIENA" criticizes "certain politicians" objecting to a free land market for their "pre-historic thinking". He believes that refusing non-citizens the right to own land will lead to the forming of two separate communities, especially in Latgale, where non-citizens constitute 50% of the population. Skele complains about the Saeima deputies who, without notifying him, often amend draft laws that have been agreed on earlier. He says that the Latvian delegation to the border delimitation talks with Russia will discuss the entire border and believes the issue of Abrene to be less important than the reaching of the border agreement. Mr. Skele says he is not concerned about the governing parties being represented proportionally in the Cabinet as long as the parties do not insist on preserving the proportion.Diena

State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins agrees that Latvia and Russia are to resolve numerous problems to improve their relations. He explains that the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty documents the recognition of independent Latvia by Russia. Latvia's demand to refer to the treaty in a border delimitation agreement between the two countries should not be interpreted as an attempt to put forward territorial claims to Russia. Mr. Riekstins says many high-ranking Russian government officials tend to connect the development of the relations between the two countries with the naturalization problem and Latvia's efforts to join NATO. He believes these officials are trying to interfere in Latvia's internal affairs. Latvia is involved in a "broad and open dialogue with Russia on minority problems," says Riekstins. He believes that the border dispute with Lithuania will be successfully resolved in the way Latvia has managed to settle its territorial argument with Estonia. Mr. Riekestins believes that potential NATO members are to be given a clear perspective as for their participation in the block, while NATO enlargement, if restricted, may create a large number of new problems. 

State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins agrees that Latvia and Russia are to resolve numerous problems to improve their relations. He explains that the 1920 Riga Peace Treaty documents the recognition of independent Latvia by Russia. Latvia's demand to refer to the treaty in a border delimitation agreement between the two countries should not be interpreted as an attempt to put forward territorial claims to Russia. Mr. Riekstins says many high-ranking Russian government officials tend to connect the development of the relations between the two countries with the naturalization problem and Latvia's efforts to join NATO. He believes these officials are trying to interfere in Latvia's internal affairs. Latvia is involved in a "broad and open dialogue with Russia on minority problems," says Riekstins. He believes that the border dispute with Lithuania will be successfully resolved in the way Latvia has managed to settle its territorial argument with Estonia. Mr. Riekestins believes that potential NATO members are to be given a clear perspective as for their participation in the block, while NATO enlargement, if restricted, may create a large number of new problems.B&B

Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kallas is not demanding recognition of the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty by Russia anymore. Previously Estonia demanded the recognition of the Treaty as the main condition for signing a border agreement with Russia.

Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kallas is not demanding recognition of the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty by Russia anymore. Previously Estonia demanded the recognition of the Treaty as the main condition for signing a border agreement with Russia. B&B