Press Review

The press characterizes the chances of the LNNK-formed cabinet to come to power as questionable. Several journalists stress that the government declaration contradicts the principles of the LNNK program. It is expected that the "Farmers" will express their official point of view regarding the new government today. Currently the new cabinet is supported by the LNNK, "Tevzemei un Brivibai", and Christian Democrats. "Latvijas Cels" and People's Harmony will vote against the new cabinet. "Ravnopraviye" has not declared its official point of view yet. It is suggested that in case of the failure of the LNNK-formed cabinet to come to power the President could appoint Mr.Kinna a Prime-Minister. Mr.Kinna expressed his concern about radical nationalist ideas expressed by Mr.Kirsteins and Mr. Sinka. Mr.Krastins announced the list of government members on Friday. He said that changes could be introduced into the government declaration after additional consultations with the Saeima factions. The declaration mentions the issue of Abrene. Mr. Lamberts during his meeting with the press stressed that the main objective of the government would be to provide political and economical stability. The cabinet will include only six LNNK members. Three of the cabinet members are from the Farmers' Union, two are from "Tevzemei un Brivibai", one is a Christian Democrat while the rest are not members of any party.The Presidium of the Saeima named August 18 as the date of the extraordinary Saeima session that would vote for the new cabinet.

The press characterizes the chances of the LNNK-formed cabinet to come to power as questionable. Several journalists stress that the government declaration contradicts the principles of the LNNK program. It is expected that the "Farmers" will express their official point of view regarding the new government today. Currently the new cabinet is supported by the LNNK, "Tevzemei un Brivibai", and Christian Democrats. "Latvijas Cels" and People's Harmony will vote against the new cabinet. "Ravnopraviye" has not declared its official point of view yet. It is suggested that in case of the failure of the LNNK-formed cabinet to come to power the President could appoint Mr.Kinna a Prime-Minister. Mr.Kinna expressed his concern about radical nationalist ideas expressed by Mr.Kirsteins and Mr. Sinka. Mr.Krastins announced the list of government members on Friday. He said that changes could be introduced into the government declaration after additional consultations with the Saeima factions. The declaration mentions the issue of Abrene. Mr. Lamberts during his meeting with the press stressed that the main objective of the government would be to provide political and economical stability. The cabinet will include only six LNNK members. Three of the cabinet members are from the Farmers' Union, two are from "Tevzemei un Brivibai", one is a Christian Democrat while the rest are not members of any party.The Presidium of the Saeima named August 18 as the date of the extraordinary Saeima session that would vote for the new cabinet. Diena, Labrit, SM Segodnya

Prime-Minister Birkavs and US Ambassador to Latvia Silins signed agreements on technical aid for the dismantling of the Skrunda radar station. According to the agreements 7 million dollars will be allotted to the project.

Prime-Minister Birkavs and US Ambassador to Latvia Silins signed agreements on technical aid for the dismantling of the Skrunda radar station. According to the agreements 7 million dollars will be allotted to the project. Diena

Co-Chairman of the Latvian Committee for Human Rights Mr.Buzayev in his article for SM SEVODNYA states that 23,000 people whose rights had been violated in some manner were registered by the Committee.

Co-Chairman of the Latvian Committee for Human Rights Mr.Buzayev in his article for SM SEVODNYA states that 23,000 people whose rights had been violated in some manner were registered by the Committee.

According to SM SEVODNYA the government is preparing the law that will restrict education in the Russian language. According to the law it will be only few private schools that will provide education in Russian.

According to SM SEVODNYA the government is preparing the law that will restrict education in the Russian language. According to the law it will be only few private schools that will provide education in Russian.

Press Review

Mr.Andrejs Krastins submitted the list of cabinet members and the government declaration to President Ulmanis and Chairman of the Saeima Gorbunov yesterday. The President in his interview approved of the list. Today the Saeima is to appoint the date of the extraordinary Saeima session. The most probable dates are August 18 or 19. It is also today that factions are expected to receive the list of the cabinet and the declaration. According to unofficial forecasts votes in the Saeima will divide equally. Decisively negative attitude towards the new government has already been expressed by the People's Harmony. The attitude of "Ravnopravije" is not clear yet. According to forecasts "Latvijas Cels" will vote against the LNNK government as well. "LABRIT" published a draft government declaration. The declaration is basically focused on social and economical issues. It states that the government will strictly adhere to the Satversme, the Saeima decrees, and international agreements. There are certain changes introduced into the unofficial list of the cabinet members. Mrs.Rutgale will most probably be appointed a State Minister for Human Rights. "SM SEVODNYA" characterizes her as a radical nationalist and intolerant and hysterical person.

Mr.Andrejs Krastins submitted the list of cabinet members and the government declaration to President Ulmanis and Chairman of the Saeima Gorbunov yesterday. The President in his interview approved of the list. Today the Saeima is to appoint the date of the extraordinary Saeima session. The most probable dates are August 18 or 19. It is also today that factions are expected to receive the list of the cabinet and the declaration. According to unofficial forecasts votes in the Saeima will divide equally. Decisively negative attitude towards the new government has already been expressed by the People's Harmony. The attitude of "Ravnopravije" is not clear yet. According to forecasts "Latvijas Cels" will vote against the LNNK government as well. "LABRIT" published a draft government declaration. The declaration is basically focused on social and economical issues. It states that the government will strictly adhere to the Satversme, the Saeima decrees, and international agreements. There are certain changes introduced into the unofficial list of the cabinet members. Mrs.Rutgale will most probably be appointed a State Minister for Human Rights. "SM SEVODNYA" characterizes her as a radical nationalist and intolerant and hysterical person. Diena, Labrit, SM Segodnya

Yeaterday was the date of the coming into force of the Citizenship Law. Both LNNK and "Tevzemei un Brivibai" have abandoned their attempts to launch a referendum campaign on amendments to the Citizenship Law. Chairman of LNNK Mr.Lamberts told "DIENA" that on August 27 the party council would consider the possibility of introduction of amendments into the law and decide where the campaign would be continued.

Yeaterday was the date of the coming into force of the Citizenship Law. Both LNNK and "Tevzemei un Brivibai" have abandoned their attempts to launch a referendum campaign on amendments to the Citizenship Law. Chairman of LNNK Mr.Lamberts told "DIENA" that on August 27 the party council would consider the possibility of introduction of amendments into the law and decide where the campaign would be continued. Diena

Christopher Paniko of "Helsinki Watch" during a press-conference told the press that citizenship in Latvia was not determined according to an ethnic principle, but with regard to a person's historical connection to Latvia. He pointed out that it was mainly the inconsistency of Latvian laws and deliberate interpretation of those by the CID officials that caused most of the problems. 

Christopher Paniko of "Helsinki Watch" during a press-conference told the press that citizenship in Latvia was not determined according to an ethnic principle, but with regard to a person's historical connection to Latvia. He pointed out that it was mainly the inconsistency of Latvian laws and deliberate interpretation of those by the CID officials that caused most of the problems.Labrit

Ambassador of the United Kingdom Mr.Richard R.Ralph in his interview for "SM SEVODNYA" pointed out that Great Britain welcomed the changes introduced into the Citizenship Law and looked forward to its just and prompt implementation.

Ambassador of the United Kingdom Mr.Richard R.Ralph in his interview for "SM SEVODNYA" pointed out that Great Britain welcomed the changes introduced into the Citizenship Law and looked forward to its just and prompt implementation. SM Segodnya

Press Review

Yesterday LNNK faction adopted the list of the candidates for the posts in the Cabinet of Ministers. Today the list of the candidates is expected to be submitted to the President and the Chairman of the Saeima. The faction also adopted a government declaration. The press will not be officially informed about the list of the candidates and the declaration until they are submitted, still, the names of the candidates are known from unofficial sources. It is also expected that the Presidium of the Saeima will adopt a decision regarding the date of the extraordinary session on Friday. The most possible date is August 18. The meeting of the LNNK faction also adopted the statement rejecting the possibility of an agreement on collaboration with "Latvijas Cels". LNNK does not agree to most of the political conditions put forward by "LC". The LNNK declaration does not include clauses on Citizenship Law and agreements with Russia. Mr.Krastins explained that it was sufficient that the declaration stated that the government would implement the Saeima decisions and international agreements. He informed the press that LNNK will take a full political responsibility for the new government. According to unofficial information the Cabinet will be constituted by the following members: Andrejs Krastins, Prime-Minister (LNNK member, a lawyer); Minister of Defence - Anita Stankevica (former "LC" faction member, former leader of the "Women's League"), Minister for Foreign Affairs - Aleksandrs Kirsteins (LNNK member, Head of the Saeima Commission for Foreign Affairs), State Minister of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs - Juris Sinka ("Tevzemei un Brivibai" member, former BBC journalist and Latvian emigrant newspaper editor); Minister of Economics - Dzintars Kalnins (an American businessman); State Minister of Privatization - Roberts Zile ("Tevzemei un Brivibai" member, an economist); Minister of Finance - Edmunds Krastins ("Farmers' Union" member, former State Minister for State Property in Birkavs' Cabinet); Minister of Transport - Aristids Lambergs (Head of the LNNK party, an American businessman); Minister of Interior - Imants Bekess (former police inspector); Minister for State Reforms - Viesturs Pauls Karnups (LNNK member, former chief of immigration bureau in Australian Papua-New Guinea, former Acting-Head of the CID, a sociologist); Minister of Welfare - Maris Budovskis (Deputy-Chairman of the LNNK faction, one of the "hard-liners", a physician); Minister of Justice - Aiva Zarina (Judge of the Central District of Riga, lawyer); Minister of Education and Science - Elmars Grens ( a scientist, academician); Minister for Environment and Regional Development - Inese Vaidere (LNNK member, an economist), Minister of Culture - Ramona Umblija (works at the Cultural foundation); State Minister of Health Care - Viktors Jansons (physician); State Minister for Human Rights - Modris Vitols (Secretary General of the Christian Democrats, a student of politology).

Yesterday LNNK faction adopted the list of the candidates for the posts in the Cabinet of Ministers. Today the list of the candidates is expected to be submitted to the President and the Chairman of the Saeima. The faction also adopted a government declaration. The press will not be officially informed about the list of the candidates and the declaration until they are submitted, still, the names of the candidates are known from unofficial sources. It is also expected that the Presidium of the Saeima will adopt a decision regarding the date of the extraordinary session on Friday. The most possible date is August 18. The meeting of the LNNK faction also adopted the statement rejecting the possibility of an agreement on collaboration with "Latvijas Cels". LNNK does not agree to most of the political conditions put forward by "LC". The LNNK declaration does not include clauses on Citizenship Law and agreements with Russia. Mr.Krastins explained that it was sufficient that the declaration stated that the government would implement the Saeima decisions and international agreements. He informed the press that LNNK will take a full political responsibility for the new government. According to unofficial information the Cabinet will be constituted by the following members: Andrejs Krastins, Prime-Minister (LNNK member, a lawyer); Minister of Defence - Anita Stankevica (former "LC" faction member, former leader of the "Women's League"), Minister for Foreign Affairs - Aleksandrs Kirsteins (LNNK member, Head of the Saeima Commission for Foreign Affairs), State Minister of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs - Juris Sinka ("Tevzemei un Brivibai" member, former BBC journalist and Latvian emigrant newspaper editor); Minister of Economics - Dzintars Kalnins (an American businessman); State Minister of Privatization - Roberts Zile ("Tevzemei un Brivibai" member, an economist); Minister of Finance - Edmunds Krastins ("Farmers' Union" member, former State Minister for State Property in Birkavs' Cabinet); Minister of Transport - Aristids Lambergs (Head of the LNNK party, an American businessman); Minister of Interior - Imants Bekess (former police inspector); Minister for State Reforms - Viesturs Pauls Karnups (LNNK member, former chief of immigration bureau in Australian Papua-New Guinea, former Acting-Head of the CID, a sociologist); Minister of Welfare - Maris Budovskis (Deputy-Chairman of the LNNK faction, one of the "hard-liners", a physician); Minister of Justice - Aiva Zarina (Judge of the Central District of Riga, lawyer); Minister of Education and Science - Elmars Grens ( a scientist, academician); Minister for Environment and Regional Development - Inese Vaidere (LNNK member, an economist), Minister of Culture - Ramona Umblija (works at the Cultural foundation); State Minister of Health Care - Viktors Jansons (physician); State Minister for Human Rights - Modris Vitols (Secretary General of the Christian Democrats, a student of politology). Diena, Labrit, Neatkariga, SM Segodnya

Deputy-Director of the CID Mr.Ugis Sulcs explained that residents of Latvia traveling with Soviet internal passports with "square stamps" to the countries that recognized such passports would not have to apply for return visas. He also said that the issuance of travel passports was suspended due to technical reasons, i.e. the shortage of blank passports. As for provisional travel document their issuance is not possible until the adoption of the alien law. Mr.Sulcs also noted that several countries have not recognized provisional travel documents issued by Estonia which caused problems for holders of such documents.

Deputy-Director of the CID Mr.Ugis Sulcs explained that residents of Latvia traveling with Soviet internal passports with "square stamps" to the countries that recognized such passports would not have to apply for return visas. He also said that the issuance of travel passports was suspended due to technical reasons, i.e. the shortage of blank passports. As for provisional travel document their issuance is not possible until the adoption of the alien law. Mr.Sulcs also noted that several countries have not recognized provisional travel documents issued by Estonia which caused problems for holders of such documents. Panorama Latvii

Last night there was an explosion of a bomb planted next to the building of the Zemgale District School Council. There were no casualties and no serious damages. In the morning the police pressed picketers to leave the yard of School 26 which is a dozen meters away from the building of the School Council.

Last night there was an explosion of a bomb planted next to the building of the Zemgale District School Council. There were no casualties and no serious damages. In the morning the police pressed picketers to leave the yard of School 26 which is a dozen meters away from the building of the School Council. SM Segodnya

On Friday Prime-Minister Birkavs and the US Ambassador Silins will sign an agreement on technical co-operation for dismantling of the Skrunda radar. The project will be implemented by an American and a Latvian company. Today Amercican experts are expected to assess projects by Latvian companies.

On Friday Prime-Minister Birkavs and the US Ambassador Silins will sign an agreement on technical co-operation for dismantling of the Skrunda radar. The project will be implemented by an American and a Latvian company. Today Amercican experts are expected to assess projects by Latvian companies. Diena

Press Review

According to Mr.Andrejs Krastins there is only one concept of the LNNK-formed government that has been suggested to the Saeima factions. It is possible that the LNNK faction adopts the candidatures for the cabinet members and the government declaration today and will submit it to the President and the Chairman of the Saeima on Thursday. Yesterday Mr.Krastins denied the fact that "Latvijas Cels" had been suggested an option different from those offered to other factions and stated that the creation of a coalition government had not been discussed with "LC". He said that the majority of new ministers and state ministers will be professionals from outside the Saeima while the rest of the government will be constituted by LNNK, the Farmers,"Tevzemei un Brivibai", and Union of Christian Democrats. According to Mr.Piebalgs of "LC" it was LNNK who suggested the "agreement on co-operation". "LC" formulated its political and economical requirements towards LNNK on Tuesday. Leader of the Political Union of Economists Mr.Kide said that his faction would support the LNNK-formed government if its declaration complies with the demands put forward by the Forum of Centrist Parties. Chairman of the LNNK faction Mr.Aleksandrs Kirsteins in his interview for "DIENA" stated that LNNK would not change its attitude towards the Citizenship Law and would change the Law if it wins next elections. The faction will also try to implement its citizenship policies by insisting on adopting a more strict alien law. "If we receive the majority of seats after next elections we shall be able to adopt the alien law that would allow us to extradite half of the aliens out of the country. And no international organization will object against it. The only effect of it will be that the US will not allot seven million for the dismantling of Skrunda", said Mr.Kirsteins. He also added that the LNNK majority in the Saeima would not under any circumstance ratify the agreement on pensioned officers. "We could have continued negotiations (with Russia) until August 30, and still the troop withdrawal would have been completed on august 31. I have information from the FBI that Russia's government is totally corrupt, and everyone there has accounts in Switzerland. Therefore, they can issue whatever statements they want to, but I never had a doubt that they would withdraw their troops from Estonia before August 31," said Mr.Kirsteins.

According to Mr.Andrejs Krastins there is only one concept of the LNNK-formed government that has been suggested to the Saeima factions. It is possible that the LNNK faction adopts the candidatures for the cabinet members and the government declaration today and will submit it to the President and the Chairman of the Saeima on Thursday. Yesterday Mr.Krastins denied the fact that "Latvijas Cels" had been suggested an option different from those offered to other factions and stated that the creation of a coalition government had not been discussed with "LC". He said that the majority of new ministers and state ministers will be professionals from outside the Saeima while the rest of the government will be constituted by LNNK, the Farmers,"Tevzemei un Brivibai", and Union of Christian Democrats. According to Mr.Piebalgs of "LC" it was LNNK who suggested the "agreement on co-operation". "LC" formulated its political and economical requirements towards LNNK on Tuesday. Leader of the Political Union of Economists Mr.Kide said that his faction would support the LNNK-formed government if its declaration complies with the demands put forward by the Forum of Centrist Parties. Chairman of the LNNK faction Mr.Aleksandrs Kirsteins in his interview for "DIENA" stated that LNNK would not change its attitude towards the Citizenship Law and would change the Law if it wins next elections. The faction will also try to implement its citizenship policies by insisting on adopting a more strict alien law. "If we receive the majority of seats after next elections we shall be able to adopt the alien law that would allow us to extradite half of the aliens out of the country. And no international organization will object against it. The only effect of it will be that the US will not allot seven million for the dismantling of Skrunda", said Mr.Kirsteins. He also added that the LNNK majority in the Saeima would not under any circumstance ratify the agreement on pensioned officers. "We could have continued negotiations (with Russia) until August 30, and still the troop withdrawal would have been completed on august 31. I have information from the FBI that Russia's government is totally corrupt, and everyone there has accounts in Switzerland. Therefore, they can issue whatever statements they want to, but I never had a doubt that they would withdraw their troops from Estonia before August 31," said Mr.Kirsteins. Diena, Neatkariga Cina, Labrit

Yesterday Riga City council was picketed by students and teachers of School 26 again. The Commission on Youth, Sports, and Education will meet on Monday to discuss the situation. According to member of the Commission Mr.Mezeckis ("Saimnieks") it is hard to forecast the results of the meeting.

Yesterday Riga City council was picketed by students and teachers of School 26 again. The Commission on Youth, Sports, and Education will meet on Monday to discuss the situation. According to member of the Commission Mr.Mezeckis ("Saimnieks") it is hard to forecast the results of the meeting. SM Segodnya

Intelligence and Counter-Intelligence Staff will be one of the last units to leave Latvia. Head of the National Guards Information Service Mr.Gunars Kandis suggested that counter-intelligence officers were transferred to other units to be send afterwards to the Skrunda radar.

Intelligence and Counter-Intelligence Staff will be one of the last units to leave Latvia. Head of the National Guards Information Service Mr.Gunars Kandis suggested that counter-intelligence officers were transferred to other units to be send afterwards to the Skrunda radar. Diena

On August 9 President of the Western European Union Assembly Mr.Smith discussed possible ways of co-operation between WEU and Latvia with Chairman of the Saeima Mr.Gorbunov. President of the Assembly also discussed issues of security and international politics with Parliamentary Secretary Virsis, Chairman of Commission for Foreign affairs Kirsteins, and Chairman of the Saeima Commission for Defence Silars. The schedule also includes a meeting with Minister of Defence Pavlovskis and a visit to the Skrunda radar station

On August 9 President of the Western European Union Assembly Mr.Smith discussed possible ways of co-operation between WEU and Latvia with Chairman of the Saeima Mr.Gorbunov. President of the Assembly also discussed issues of security and international politics with Parliamentary Secretary Virsis, Chairman of Commission for Foreign affairs Kirsteins, and Chairman of the Saeima Commission for Defence Silars. The schedule also includes a meeting with Minister of Defence Pavlovskis and a visit to the Skrunda radar station. Diena

Press Review

On Monday, August 8, the LNNK and Mr.Andrejs Krastins continued consultations with the Saeima fractions. Options suggested to the fractions differ. "Latvijas Cels" put forward requirements for the forming of the "LC"/LNNK government. The requirements include the continuation of current foreign policies, inadmissability of any amendments to citizenship law, ratification of the agreements with Russia, agreement between the two fractions on the alien law. Coalition between the two fractions can be possible only on the basis of an agreement between the two fractions. On Sunday LNNK without any prior consultations with its fraction suggested the "LC" representatives to form a government on the basis of an agreement. Several posts were offered to "LC" including the ministers of foreign affairs, interior, defence, finance, justice,and, probably, agriculture. The LNNK leader Lambergs refused to confirm that fact. LNNK adopted one of the possible cabinets on Yesterday and schedules to finally approve all the candidatures tomorrow to be submitted to the Saeima on Thursday. The fraction still does not reveal the names of the candidates to the press and to other fractions. Still, it is said that "LC" was the only fraction that LNNK revealed the names of the "first variant of the cabinet" that is supposed to be formed by LNNK, the Union of National Forces and the Farmers. The LNNK cabinet has been supported by the Farmers' Union, the Union of Christian Democrats, "Tevzemei un Brivibai", and "Ravnopraviye". "Ravnopraviye" deputy Mr.Fedorov in his interview for "PANORAMA LATVII" stressed that the fraction supported mainly economical aspect of the LNNK policies. He expressed opinion that the existing cabinet should be given an opportunity to complete the implementation of its program. Political Union of Economists and the Democratic Party will support the LNNK government in case it fulfills their requirements.

On Monday, August 8, the LNNK and Mr.Andrejs Krastins continued consultations with the Saeima fractions. Options suggested to the fractions differ. "Latvijas Cels" put forward requirements for the forming of the "LC"/LNNK government. The requirements include the continuation of current foreign policies, inadmissability of any amendments to citizenship law, ratification of the agreements with Russia, agreement between the two fractions on the alien law. Coalition between the two fractions can be possible only on the basis of an agreement between the two fractions. On Sunday LNNK without any prior consultations with its fraction suggested the "LC" representatives to form a government on the basis of an agreement. Several posts were offered to "LC" including the ministers of foreign affairs, interior, defence, finance, justice,and, probably, agriculture. The LNNK leader Lambergs refused to confirm that fact. LNNK adopted one of the possible cabinets on Yesterday and schedules to finally approve all the candidatures tomorrow to be submitted to the Saeima on Thursday. The fraction still does not reveal the names of the candidates to the press and to other fractions. Still, it is said that "LC" was the only fraction that LNNK revealed the names of the "first variant of the cabinet" that is supposed to be formed by LNNK, the Union of National Forces and the Farmers. The LNNK cabinet has been supported by the Farmers' Union, the Union of Christian Democrats, "Tevzemei un Brivibai", and "Ravnopraviye". "Ravnopraviye" deputy Mr.Fedorov in his interview for "PANORAMA LATVII" stressed that the fraction supported mainly economical aspect of the LNNK policies. He expressed opinion that the existing cabinet should be given an opportunity to complete the implementation of its program. Political Union of Economists and the Democratic Party will support the LNNK government in case it fulfills their requirements. Diena, Neatkariga, SM Segodnya

According to LNNK spokesmen names of several candidates for the government posts were found in the "KGB files". Those persons will not be included in any of the possible cabinets.

According to LNNK spokesmen names of several candidates for the government posts were found in the "KGB files". Those persons will not be included in any of the possible cabinets. Diena

Chairman of the Saeima Commission for Foreign Affairs Mr.Kirsteins pointed out in his interview for "LABRIT" that since there was a clause in the agreements saying that social guarantees would be also provided to persons who have not been issued with all required documents that could be understood in various ways. That means that a further investigation of almost 500 cases of "forged" documents discovered by the CID is needed.

Chairman of the Saeima Commission for Foreign Affairs Mr.Kirsteins pointed out in his interview for "LABRIT" that since there was a clause in the agreements saying that social guarantees would be also provided to persons who have not been issued with all required documents that could be understood in various ways. That means that a further investigation of almost 500 cases of "forged" documents discovered by the CID is needed. Labrit

Prime-Minister Birkavs during his meeting with the press said that the statement by President Yeltsin "was not unexpected". He also said that the issue of the ratification of agreements with Russia will be considered during one of the next sessions of the Saeima.

Prime-Minister Birkavs during his meeting with the press said that the statement by President Yeltsin "was not unexpected". He also said that the issue of the ratification of agreements with Russia will be considered during one of the next sessions of the Saeima. SM Segodnya