Press Report

Yesterday the Saeima ratified the final reading of Latvia's agreement with

Yesterday the Saeima ratified the final reading of Latvia's agreement with OPAB/AMOCO. A statement by the Lithuanian Parliament of October 23 was circulated among the Saeima deputies before the voting. The statement said that by ratifying the agreement Latvia would violate Lithuania's exclusive right for its natural resources, the 1992 UN Sea Convention, the OSCE Helsinki Act, and the 1934 Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation. The agreement, if ratified, would not have any legal force, said the statement. Mr. Janis Jurkans was the only one to suggest postponing the ratification until Lithuania forms a new Cabinet. Chairman of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Indulis Berzins told "DIENA" Lithuania could respond by unilaterally determining its sea border. That, according to Berzins, would contradict the 1993 agreement on the land border between the two countries. Lithuanian President Brazauskas told BNS the ratification might impair relations between Latvia and Lithuania. Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gilis doubts that talks between the two countries are possible in the nearest future after the agreement with the oil companies has been ratified. Diena, Neatkariga, B&B

Several Russian war ships and a submarine entered Latvia's economic zone again on October 23. This time Latvian Government has made no official statements on the issue.

Several Russian war ships and a submarine entered Latvia's economic zone again on October 23. This time Latvian Government has made no official statements on the issue. Diena

Former Minister of the Interior Adamsons joined the Social-Democratic Workers' Party. Mr. Adamsons, formerly a

Former Minister of the Interior Adamsons joined the Social-Democratic Workers' Party. Mr. Adamsons, formerly a "Latvijas Cels" member, says he expects "the consolidation of all left-wing forces." Diena

Today Prime-Minister Skele is expected to meet Mr. Ziedonis Cevers to discuss the Premier's future relations with

Today Prime-Minister Skele is expected to meet Mr. Ziedonis Cevers to discuss the Premier's future relations with "Saimnieks". The party warned Mr. Skele it could leave the Cabinet should its suggestions on the state budget be ignored. "Saimnieks" objects against several draft laws while the Prime-Minister has the right to reorganize the Cabinet in exceptional cases (e.i., when important decisions are blocked by some of the governing parties. Diena

Natalja Lebedeva in her article for

Natalja Lebedeva in her article for "SM" analyzes the effect of Latvia ratifying the European Human Rights Convention. The ratification will not resolve any of the country's problems, writes Lebedeva. The only advantage obtained by its inhabitants will be the right to apply to the European Human Rights Court. It might take the Court up to three years to review an individual case, making the institution of little use to ethnic minorities in Latvia. Lebedeva refers to the ODIHR experts who had pointed at the absence of an anti-discrimination article in the list of fundamental rights and liberties that is a part of the Convention. Article 14 does not say anything about Restriction of minority rights. Lebedeva is surprised by the fact that OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel has been "paying astonishingly little attention to the issue" lately. The conclusion was made by Lebedeva after the High Commissioner's visit to Latvia this October. Lebedeva points at serious discussions the High Commissioner had with the leaders of Macedonia on the problems of the local Albanian minority. The agenda included education of Macedonian Albanians in their native language and their participation in the government institutions. Still, the High Commissioner gives no comments on the fact that Latvia's government officials being recruited exclusively from ethnic Latvians, says the article. Since international experts admit the CE Parliamentary Assembly recommendations to have weak effect on minority situation, the Russian-speaking minority in Latvia should "fight if not for themselves, than for their children's future, at least", writes Lebedeva. SM

Russia's Ambassador to Latvia Rannih in an interview for

Russia's Ambassador to Latvia Rannih in an interview for "SM" says Latvian politicians "are trying to accuse Russia in all possible deadly sins". He sees a recent reaction to the incident in Latvia's economic zone a striking example of an anti-Russian campaign. Mr. Rannih believes Latvia and Russia have "excellent prerequisites for establishing stable political and economic relations". Russia is fulfilling all its obligations toward Latvia, stresses Rannih. Main obstacles to the dialogue between the two countries, according to the Ambassador, are the border problem and the issue of noncitizens. Mr. Rannih says Russia is feeling a moral responsibility for noncitizen Russian speakers but cannot take a material responsibility for them. Russian-speaking tax-payers should have an access to state-financed education in their native tongue, says Mr. Rannih. He stresses the importance of an uninterrupted dialogue between Russia and Latvia for both countries. Touching again on minority problems, Rannih says Russia will raise the issue during its talks with Latvia and on the international scale "in New-York, London and Paris". He notes that Latvia will not be admitted to the European Council without having resolved the problem of the Russian-speaking minority. The EC will not welcome a country having complicated relations with Russia, says Rannih. According to the Ambassador, Russian side will not apply severe measures (sanctions, etc.) but will still find the ways to influence the situation in Latvia. Mr. Rannih expects the left-wing forces will consolidate during next election in Latvia and will start playing a much more important part in the country's political life. This will change economic and political situation in the country. The policy toward noncitizens might become more liberal after the country's economic resources are finally "redistributed", believes Rannih. He suggests Latvia's future development might be more dynamic and fast than Russia's. SM

Press Report

Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret in connection with the statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. The statement criticized Latvia for an inadequate reaction to the incident in its economic zone. Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that the Russian side has not responded to Latvia's request for explaining the reasons for a stay of Russian war ships in its economic zone. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia says the stay of the ships in the close proximity of Latvia's border contradicts the spirit the Helsinki Act.

Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret in connection with the statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. The statement criticized Latvia for an inadequate reaction to the incident in its economic zone. Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that the Russian side has not responded to Latvia's request for explaining the reasons for a stay of Russian war ships in its economic zone. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia says the stay of the ships in the close proximity of Latvia's border contradicts the spirit the Helsinki Act. Diena

Yesterday the

Yesterday the "Saimnieks" faction elected Mr. Ziedonis Cevers a Chairman of the Faction. Mr. Juris Celmins was elected his deputy. Now the party leaders are heading the faction as well since Cevers is the Party Chairman while Celmins is a Deputy-Chairman. Meanwhile, "Saimnieks" is said to insist on retaining the post of the Deputy Prime-Minister. Saeima insiders say current Saeima Speaker Mr. Ameriks could take the office with A.Krastins (currently the Minister of Defense) receiving the post of the Speaker. Diena

Russian authorities refused to issue visas to Saeima deputies Juris Vidins (

Russian authorities refused to issue visas to Saeima deputies Juris Vidins ("Tevzemei un Brivibai") and Janis Adamsons (independent deputy). Both are members of the Parliamentary Group for the Support of Chechnya. The two deputies were invited to Ingtushetia by the People's Assembly of the Republic. SM

Security issues prevailed in the agenda of President Ulmanis' meeting with Estonian President Meri. The declaration signed by the Presidents names integration of the Baltic states into NATO a prerequisite of a long-term cooperation and stability in Europe. The Presidents believe all candidate states should start the talks on joining the EU simultaneously not later than six months after the EU Conference. The Declaration outlines the importance of neighborly relations with Russia.

Security issues prevailed in the agenda of President Ulmanis' meeting with Estonian President Meri. The declaration signed by the Presidents names integration of the Baltic states into NATO a prerequisite of a long-term cooperation and stability in Europe. The Presidents believe all candidate states should start the talks on joining the EU simultaneously not later than six months after the EU Conference. The Declaration outlines the importance of neighborly relations with Russia. Diena, Neatkariga

Head of the UNDP Latvian Bureau John Hendra in an interview for

Head of the UNDP Latvian Bureau John Hendra in an interview for "DIENA" named the development of the language study program as one of the priority tasks of the Bureau. Mr. Hendra says minority representatives will be involved more actively in the UNDP activities. Touching upon the refugee problem he pointed out the importance of Latvia developing a relevant policy that would allow for a close cooperation between Latvia, the UN, the UNDP, and Nordic countries on the issue. According to Mr. Hendra, the Bureau in its present form will last for six more years to be transferred into a regional bureau with functions different from those currently performed by the UNDP Latvian Bureau. Diena

Press Report

Representatives of the governing factions discussed the election of the Constitutional Court Judges during their traditional working breakfast yesterday. The participants of the meeting considered possible mandatory voting on the candidates nominated by the Supreme Court. The

Representatives of the governing factions discussed the election of the Constitutional Court Judges during their traditional working breakfast yesterday. The participants of the meeting considered possible mandatory voting on the candidates nominated by the Supreme Court. The Saeima failed to elect five judges required for the Court to start its work. The Saeima declined both candidates (Ilze Skultane and Andrejs Lepse) nominated by the Supreme Court. Chairman of the Supreme Court Gulans admits persuading the two candidates to run for the posts again will not be an easy task. The agenda of the working breakfast also included Mr. Cevers' resignation. Most faction representatives agreed that Prime-Minister Skele should have discussed the canceling the office of the Deputy Prime-Minister with the factions before making the decision public. Diena, B&B

Tomorrow the

Tomorrow the Saeima may make a formal decision on renewing Mr. Cevers' mandate. "Saimnieks" faction leaders do not exclude the possibility of Mr. Cevers taking the post of the faction leader. Neatkariga

Boris Tsilevich in his comment on recent developments in the Cabinet points at

Boris Tsilevich in his comment on recent developments in the Cabinet points at "Latvijas Cels" gradually losing its influence in the Saeima and in the Government. Recently "LC" lost the office of a State Minister in the Ministry of Finance. The weakening of "LC", according to Tsilevich, led to the current confrontation between the two remaining leading forces, e.i., Skele and Cevers. The nationalist Block will continue maneuvering between "LC" and "Saimnieks" to retain its electorate. SM

Although Mr. Landsbergis suggests determining Lithuania's sea boarder with Latvia unilaterally, he believes the border argument should be resolved by the current Cabinet. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs in an interview for the national radio said the argument could not be resolved unilaterally. Latvia had not violated international legal norms and should not be disturbed by Lithuania possibly addressing the UN and the OSCE, said Birkavs. Latvia has already suggested taking the argument to an international court. Tomorrow the Saeima will ratify the final reading of the agreement with AMOCO/OPAB.

Although Mr. Landsbergis suggests determining Lithuania's sea boarder with Latvia unilaterally, he believes the border argument should be resolved by the current Cabinet. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs in an interview for the national radio said the argument could not be resolved unilaterally. Latvia had not violated international legal norms and should not be disturbed by Lithuania possibly addressing the UN and the OSCE, said Birkavs. Latvia has already suggested taking the argument to an international court. Tomorrow the Saeima will ratify the final reading of the agreement with AMOCO/OPAB. Diena

The agenda of President Ulmanis' meeting with Estonian President Meri may include the problem of establishing the state borders with Russia. Mr. Ulmanis in an interview for

The agenda of President Ulmanis' meeting with Estonian President Meri may include the problem of establishing the state borders with Russia. Mr. Ulmanis in an interview for "DIENA" said Latvia had no claims toward Russia. On the opposite, it is Russia who puts forward claims by arguing the validity of the Tartu and the Riga Peace Treaties. Mr. Ulmanis said both countries will use similar approaches to their negotiations with Russia. Diena

Press Report

Deputy Prime-Minister Ziedonis Cevers resigned yesterday. Among reasons for his resignation, Mr. Cevers names Prime-Minister Skele’s “dictatorship” over the Cabinet. Cevers accused Skele in ignoring economic problems of the majority of Latvia's population. Cevers especially pointed at taxation of pensions suggested by Skele and criticized him for "backing up the interests of a small group of entrepreneurs". At a press-conference Mr. Cevers said he would return to his duties as a

Deputy Prime-Minister Ziedonis Cevers resigned yesterday. Among reasons for his resignation, Mr. Cevers names Prime-Minister Skeles dictatorship over the Cabinet. Cevers accused Skele in ignoring economic problems of the majority of Latvia's population. Cevers especially pointed at taxation of pensions suggested by Skele and criticized him for "backing up the interests of a small group of entrepreneurs". At a press-conference Mr. Cevers said he would return to his duties as a Saeima deputy while "Saimnieks" would stay in the Government. Prime-Minister Skele says he will terminate Cevers' office "with all its staff and motor-cars". He refuses to comment on the resignation adding that Mr. Cevers had to submit a memo on the state security concept today. Yesterday Cevers had a meeting with President Ulmanis. The President told "DIENA" Mr. Cevers was dissatisfied with the Prime-Minister's disrespect for the opinion of the Cabinet members and ignoring the importance of a team work. Mr. Ulmanis agrees that the team spirit and strict subordination are of an utmost importance for a Cabinet consisting of twenty-seven ministers. Diena, SM, Neatkariga

Lithuanian Conservative "Union for Motherland" headed by Vitautas Landsbergis is winning parliamentary elections. It has already won over 29% of votes. Mr. Landsbergis told the press the policy of the party would be aimed at "forming a healthy society without discrimination and privileges". State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins admits the results of the election do not give any hope of an easier negotiation over the border problem. Mr. Landsbergis said yesterday Lithuania would "strengthen its relations with Baltic states including Latvia". Still, he suggested establishing the sea border with Latvia unilaterally. He believes that would allow reaching a compromise with Latvia.

Lithuanian Conservative "Union for Motherland" headed by Vitautas Landsbergis is winning parliamentary elections. It has already won over 29% of votes. Mr. Landsbergis told the press the policy of the party would be aimed at "forming a healthy society without discrimination and privileges". State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins admits the results of the election do not give any hope of an easier negotiation over the border problem. Mr. Landsbergis said yesterday Lithuania would "strengthen its relations with Baltic states including Latvia". Still, he suggested establishing the sea border with Latvia unilaterally. He believes that would allow reaching a compromise with Latvia. Neatkariga

Latvian State University Professor Aivars Stranga in an interview for

Latvian State University Professor Aivars Stranga in an interview for "SM" warns against "irrational" policy toward Russia. Such a policy would only harm Latvia's interests says the historian. The country should focus on the problems of Russian-speakers and naturalization. Mr. Stranga suggests Latvia should not press too much on NATO and the EU since it would not help the country in joining the organizations. On the contrary, Latvia's policy should be more reserved and pragmatic, says Mr. Stranga. SM

Press Review

Duma

Speaker Ivan Ribkin has been appointed Secretary of the Security Council to replace Mr. Lebed. Mr. Ribkin had been a member of the "Communists of Russia" faction before 1993 and later turned into one of the most ardent Yeltsin's supporters. Before the appointment Mr. Ribkin was the Head of the President's Political Consultative Board. Speaker Ivan Ribkin has been appointed Secretary of the Security Council to replace Mr. Lebed. Mr. Ribkin had been a member of the "Communists of Russia" faction before 1993 and later turned into one of the most ardent Yeltsin's supporters. Before the appointment Mr. Ribkin was the Head of the President's Political Consultative Board. DienaDiena According to the Russian Armed Forces, the Swedish fighter crushed during a risky manoeuvre when imitating an attack on

According to the Russian Armed Forces, the Swedish fighter crushed during a risky manoeuvre when imitating an attack on "Peter the Great". Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Kasatonov says that was not the first time the Swedish Air Force imitated attacks on Russian ships. He criticized the pilot of the Swedish fighter for "uncivilized behavior". Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement accusing the Latvian authorities in "stirring anti-Russian feelings" in connection with the incident. Diena, SM

An anonymous Lithuanian diplomat told

An anonymous Lithuanian diplomat told "DIENA" he was surprised by the Mr. Maris Riekstins' comments regarding talks between Latvia and Lithuania. The Lithuanian diplomat referred to by "DIENA" says Lithuania has suggested discussing a trilateral agreement between Lithuania, Latvia, and the oil companies. Head of the Latvian delegation to the talks Riekstins refused to confirm that the option was discussed. Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gilis says Lithuania is working on a "scenario" of its possible reaction to the ratification of Latvia's agreement with AMOCO/OPAB. A Lithuanian news agency reports on a document drafted by the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The document interprets the ratification of the first reading of Latvia's agreement with oil companies as a territorial claim toward Lithuania. The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends the Government to address the UN, the OSCE, and the Baltic Council of Ministers on the issue. Diena, Neatkariga

Prime-Minister Skele warned Minister of Defense Krastins and Deputy Prime-Minister Skele against further delaying the submission of reports requested by the Prime-Minister. In an interview Mr. Skele said he was not planning to resign, but admitted he would leave the Cabinet if the governing factions chose another candidate.

Prime-Minister Skele warned Minister of Defense Krastins and Deputy Prime-Minister Skele against further delaying the submission of reports requested by the Prime-Minister. In an interview Mr. Skele said he was not planning to resign, but admitted he would leave the Cabinet if the governing factions chose another candidate. Diena

Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs in an interview for

Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs in an interview for "NEATKARIGA" disagrees with criticism expressed by former Ministry of Foreign Affairs official Markots. Mr. Birkavs said several articles by Mr. Markots were based on outdated and imprecise facts. Birkavs said Latvia diplomacy was developing in a fast and dynamic way. The Minister of Foreign Affairs believes the Declaration on Occupation and claims for compensation of losses incurred by Soviet and German occupation may harm Latvia and "cut off aid to be received in the future." Diena

A conference on the forming of a political nation in Latvia was held in Riga last week. Dr. Leo Dribin in his report singled out the establishing of a political nation as the only way of building a democratic society. Head of the Center for Human rights and ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks pointed at an "old Soviet tradition" of including ethnic nationality into passport data. Mr. Muiznieks believes registration of an individual's nationality to be undemocratic. A representative of the Naturalization Board pointed at an extraordinary high percentage of noncitizens among Latvia's population not allowing the forming of a political nation. The pace of the naturalization process is too slow. Potential applicants name several reasons for their "low activity". Many of them believe the language test to be over-complicated. Young people are not willing to serve in the Latvian Army or choose to retain their stateless status that allows them to travel to the CIS countries without applying for visas. Some Latvia's inhabitants willing to apply for citizenship still cannot have their chance due to the strict Citizenship Law. Mr. Muiznieks also pointed at the absence of a program for integrating non-Latvians into the country's society. Several speakers stress the importance of developing political consciousness of noncitizens by allowing them to feel part of Latvia's society.

A conference on the forming of a political nation in Latvia was held in Riga last week. Dr. Leo Dribin in his report singled out the establishing of a political nation as the only way of building a democratic society. Head of the Center for Human rights and ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks pointed at an "old Soviet tradition" of including ethnic nationality into passport data. Mr. Muiznieks believes registration of an individual's nationality to be undemocratic. A representative of the Naturalization Board pointed at an extraordinary high percentage of noncitizens among Latvia's population not allowing the forming of a political nation. The pace of the naturalization process is too slow. Potential applicants name several reasons for their "low activity". Many of them believe the language test to be over-complicated. Young people are not willing to serve in the Latvian Army or choose to retain their stateless status that allows them to travel to the CIS countries without applying for visas. Some Latvia's inhabitants willing to apply for citizenship still cannot have their chance due to the strict Citizenship Law. Mr. Muiznieks also pointed at the absence of a program for integrating non-Latvians into the country's society. Several speakers stress the importance of developing political consciousness of noncitizens by allowing them to feel part of Latvia's society. SM

Chief of the Riga Immigration Police J.Kaudze in an interview for "SM" says they are trying to be flexible while implementing expulsion orders. In some cases the IP even had to ask the CID to reconsider its decisions when no country agreed to accept illegal immigrants expelled from Latvia. The IP suspends the implementation of an expulsion order if the order is appealed in court, at the Procurator's Office, or at the CID. Most of illegal immigrants, according to Mr. Kaudze, are inhabitants of Southern parts of former USSR.

Chief of the Riga Immigration Police J.Kaudze in an interview for "SM" says they are trying to be flexible while implementing expulsion orders. In some cases the IP even had to ask the CID to reconsider its decisions when no country agreed to accept illegal immigrants expelled from Latvia. The IP suspends the implementation of an expulsion order if the order is appealed in court, at the Procurator's Office, or at the CID. Most of illegal immigrants, according to Mr. Kaudze, are inhabitants of Southern parts of former USSR. SM