Press Report

The next round of the talks on troops' withdrawal scheduled for February 28 is postponed on the request of the Russian party. The group of Latvian experts has returned from Moscow without achieving any results during negotiations on the draft law on social protection for retired Russian officers. Such situation according to Prime-Minister Birkavs is caused by Latvia's demand to officially acknowledge its occupation by the USSR in 1940. The problem of Russian military presence in Latvia was discussed during negotiations in Russia with the participation of CSCE. Mr.Birkavs stressed that social security might be provided only to the officers retired before January 28, 1992 which is the date of the transfer of the USSR army under Russian jurisdiction.

The next round of the talks on troops' withdrawal scheduled for February 28 is postponed on the request of the Russian party. The group of Latvian experts has returned from Moscow without achieving any results during negotiations on the draft law on social protection for retired Russian officers. Such situation according to Prime-Minister Birkavs is caused by Latvia's demand to officially acknowledge its occupation by the USSR in 1940. The problem of Russian military presence in Latvia was discussed during negotiations in Russia with the participation of CSCE. Mr.Birkavs stressed that social security might be provided only to the officers retired before January 28, 1992 which is the date of the transfer of the USSR army under Russian jurisdiction. Diena, Labrit

"Latvia's Cels" had a joint conference with the Noeman Foundation on the security of Latvia. Prime-Minister Birkavs reported on the concept of Latvian security politics. He underlined that the state security can be provided only by combining far-sighted foreign policy with effective military means and stable economics. He also pointed out that though Latvia is oriented towards the West in the matters of defence it does not exclude the necessity of maintaining good relations with Russia. He also mentioned possible participation of CSCE in the process of monitoring the implementation of upcoming agreements between Latvia and Russia. It was stressed that co-ordination of efforts of the three Baltic states is necessary in order to participate in new international initiatives like the Partnership for Peace Programme and European Stability Pact. Minister of Foreign affairs Mr.Andreyev called upon the political forces that did not approve of the Government's option of the Skrunde agreement to start searching for a suitable compromise. He expressed the opinion that the Skrunde radar station is more of a political importance to Russia. He also added that its presence on the Latvian soil would not influence the international attitude towards Latvia and would not jeopardize its sovereignty. Minister of Defence Mr.Pavlovskis pointed out that Latvian armed forces should be re-organized to fit the NATO standards

"Latvia's Cels" had a joint conference with the Noeman Foundation on the security of Latvia. Prime-Minister Birkavs reported on the concept of Latvian security politics. He underlined that the state security can be provided only by combining far-sighted foreign policy with effective military means and stable economics. He also pointed out that though Latvia is oriented towards the West in the matters of defence it does not exclude the necessity of maintaining good relations with Russia. He also mentioned possible participation of CSCE in the process of monitoring the implementation of upcoming agreements between Latvia and Russia. It was stressed that co-ordination of efforts of the three Baltic states is necessary in order to participate in new international initiatives like the Partnership for Peace Programme and European Stability Pact. Minister of Foreign affairs Mr.Andreyev called upon the political forces that did not approve of the Government's option of the Skrunde agreement to start searching for a suitable compromise. He expressed the opinion that the Skrunde radar station is more of a political importance to Russia. He also added that its presence on the Latvian soil would not influence the international attitude towards Latvia and would not jeopardize its sovereignty. Minister of Defence Mr.Pavlovskis pointed out that Latvian armed forces should be re-organized to fit the NATO standards. Diena

Press Review

Maris Grinbalts gives his opinion on the problem in his exclusive interview for NEATKARIGA CINA. He expresses his doubts about the actual term of operation of the Skrunde radar station. He says that according to American experts it would take Russia eight to twelve years to built a similar unit to replace the radar station in Skrunde. So he does not exclude that demands for the prolongation of the four-year term are possible in the future. He also mentions the approach of his fraction ("Tevzemei un Brivibai") to the citizenship issue. Both "T un B" and DNNL suggest that retired officers and members of their families should be issued with one year temporary residence permits while civil non-citizens should be issued with five-year temporary residence permits. Both types of permits might be prolonged. And finally there should be a group of residents constituted mainly by spouses of citizens that would be issued with permanent residence permits. Neatkariga, Cina

The "Saskana" fraction addressed an inquiry to the Minister of interior Mr.Krestovski regarding the open letter by the officials of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration. The Minister informed the MPs that the Ministry of interior is currently planning to institute criminal proceedings against certain executives of Vidzeme and Ziemele Offices of the Department. He also says that the Ministry had prepared suggestions on the improvement of the management of the Department. He also stressed the importance of the prompt adoption of the Law on Non-Citizens and Foreigners. He believes that such law should exclude the possibility of misinterpretation of such persons' status. SM Segodnya

Aleksandrs Kirsteins, the leader of the DNNL fraction, gives his opinion on the current situation in Latvia in his interview for "SM SEVODNYA". He objects against the latest proposition by the Russian party to grant permanent residents' status to all officers retired before the date of the signing of the agreement on troops' withdrawal. Still he believes that in case Russia cancels this condition the Saema will support the agreement. Mr.Kirstein emphasizes that the main objective for Latvia the Saema is to obtain Western assistance in the solution of social problems, improvement of defence, and maintaining law and order. In this connection he stresses that the Saema and the Government should agree to the CSCE recommendations regarding the Draft Citizenship Law to ensure that Latvia joins the European Union thus providing guarantees for preserving national independence. SM Segodnya

The Minister of Foreign affairs Mrs.af Uglas underlined that there is no basis for accusing Latvia of the violations of human rights. She also emphasized the importance of troops' withdrawal from the Baltics. Diena

The new head of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration is expected to be inaugurated next week. according to the Minister of Interior. He also added that the performance of the Department under the current vice-director is far from being satisfactory. He also mentioned the fact that his office currently spends up to 70% of its working time on the Department-associated complaints. He pointed out that the Department supports the DNNL political platform. He noted that the legislation in force does ensure any responsibility on the part of state officials. Diena

In his interview for the "Labyrinth" TV talk-show Mr.Zotov said that the ratification of any agreements on troops' withdrawal from Latvia was out of the question in case Latvia would continue insisting on the official acknowledgement of its occupation by the USSR. He also said that if Latvia supported the so-called Baladeour Plan "the consequences would be unpredictable". The plan envisages that the countries having arguments with the neighboring states should discuss their problems in conference. The Minister of European Affairs of France has confirmed during his visit to Latvia that the Plan had been approved of by Boris Yeltsin. The head of the Latvian Delegation to the talks Mr.Virsis believes that this may evidence the desire of the Russian party to delay the ratification of the agreement. Diena

Press Review

Maris Grinbalts, the head of the Latvian delegation to the talks on troops' withdrawal expresses his opinion on the problem in his exclusive interview for NEATKARIGA CINA. He expresses his doubts about the actual term of operation of the Skrunde radar station. He says that according to American experts it would take Russia eight to twelve years to built a similar unit to replace the radar station in Skrunde. So he does not exclude that demands for the prolongation of the four-year term are possible in the future. He also mentions the approach of his fraction ("Tevzemei un Brivibai") to the citizenship issue. Both "T un B" and DNNL suggest that retired officers and members of their families should be issued with one year temporary residence permits while civil non-citizens should be issued with five-year temporary residence permits. Both types of permits might be prolonged. And finally there should be a group of residents constituted mainly by spouses of citizens that would be issued with permanent residence permits.

Maris Grinbalts, the head of the Latvian delegation to the talks on troops' withdrawal expresses his opinion on the problem in his exclusive interview for NEATKARIGA CINA. He expresses his doubts about the actual term of operation of the Skrunde radar station. He says that according to American experts it would take Russia eight to twelve years to built a similar unit to replace the radar station in Skrunde. So he does not exclude that demands for the prolongation of the four-year term are possible in the future. He also mentions the approach of his fraction ("Tevzemei un Brivibai") to the citizenship issue. Both "T un B" and DNNL suggest that retired officers and members of their families should be issued with one year temporary residence permits while civil non-citizens should be issued with five-year temporary residence permits. Both types of permits might be prolonged. And finally there should be a group of residents constituted mainly by spouses of citizens that would be issued with permanent residence permits. Neatkariga, Cina

The "Saskana" fraction addressed an inquiry to the Minister of interior Mr.Krestovski regarding the open letter by the officials of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration. The Minister informed the MPs that the Ministry of interior is currently planning to institute criminal proceedings against certain executives of Vidzeme and Ziemele Offices of the Department. He also says that the Ministry had prepared suggestions on the improvement of the management of the Department. He also stressed the importance of the prompt adoption of the Law on Non-Citizens and Foreigners. He believes that such law should exclude the possibility of misinterpretation of such persons' status.

The "Saskana" fraction addressed an inquiry to the Minister of interior Mr.Krestovski regarding the open letter by the officials of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration. The Minister informed the MPs that the Ministry of interior is currently planning to institute criminal proceedings against certain executives of Vidzeme and Ziemele Offices of the Department. He also says that the Ministry had prepared suggestions on the improvement of the management of the Department. He also stressed the importance of the prompt adoption of the Law on Non-Citizens and Foreigners. He believes that such law should exclude the possibility of misinterpretation of such persons' status. SM Segodnya

Aleksandrs Kirsteins, the leader of the DNNL fraction, gives his opinion on the current situation in Latvia in his interview for "SM SEVODNYA". He objects against the latest proposition by the Russian party to grant permanent residents' status to all officers retired before the date of the signing of the agreement on troops' withdrawal. Still he believes that in case Russia cancels this condition the Saema will support the agreement. Mr.Kirstein emphasizes that the main objective for Latvia the Saema is to obtain Western assistance in the solution of social problems, improvement of defence, and maintaining law and order. In this connection he stresses that the Saema and the Government should agree to the CSCE recommendations regarding the Draft Citizenship Law to ensure that Latvia joins the European Union thus providing guarantees for preserving national independence. Foreign affairs Mrs.af Uglas underlined that there is no basis for accusing Latvia of the violations of human rights. She also emphasized the importance of troops' withdrawal from the Baltics.

Aleksandrs Kirsteins, the leader of the DNNL fraction, gives his opinion on the current situation in Latvia in his interview for "SM SEVODNYA". He objects against the latest proposition by the Russian party to grant permanent residents' status to all officers retired before the date of the signing of the agreement on troops' withdrawal. Still he believes that in case Russia cancels this condition the Saema will support the agreement. Mr.Kirstein emphasizes that the main objective for Latvia the Saema is to obtain Western assistance in the solution of social problems, improvement of defence, and maintaining law and order. In this connection he stresses that the Saema and the Government should agree to the CSCE recommendations regarding the Draft Citizenship Law to ensure that Latvia joins the European Union thus providing guarantees for preserving national independence. Foreign affairs Mrs.af Uglas underlined that there is no basis for accusing Latvia of the violations of human rights. She also emphasized the importance of troops' withdrawal from the Baltics. Diena

The new head of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration is expected to be inaugurated next week. according to the Minister of Interior. He also added that the performance of the Department under the current vice-director is far from being satisfactory. He also mentioned the fact that his office currently spends up to 70% of its working time on the Department-associated complaints. He pointed out that the Department supports the DNNL political platform. He noted that the legislation in force does ensure any responsibility on the part of state officials.

The new head of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration is expected to be inaugurated next week. according to the Minister of Interior. He also added that the performance of the Department under the current vice-director is far from being satisfactory. He also mentioned the fact that his office currently spends up to 70% of its working time on the Department-associated complaints. He pointed out that the Department supports the DNNL political platform. He noted that the legislation in force does ensure any responsibility on the part of state officials. Diena

In his interview for the "Labyrinth" TV talk-show Mr.Zotov said that the ratification of any agreements on troops' withdrawal from Latvia was out of the question in case Latvia would continue insisting on the official acknowledgement of its occupation by the USSR. He also said that if Latvia supported the so-called Baladeour Plan "the consequences would be unpredictable". The plan envisages that the countries having arguments with the neighboring states should discuss their problems in conference. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of France has confirmed during his visit to Latvia that the Plan had been approved of by Boris Yeltsin. The head of the Latvian Delegation to the talks Mr.Virsis believes that this may evidence the desire of the Russian party to delay the ratification of the agreement.

In his interview for the "Labyrinth" TV talk-show Mr.Zotov said that the ratification of any agreements on troops' withdrawal from Latvia was out of the question in case Latvia would continue insisting on the official acknowledgement of its occupation by the USSR. He also said that if Latvia supported the so-called Baladeour Plan "the consequences would be unpredictable". The plan envisages that the countries having arguments with the neighboring states should discuss their problems in conference. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of France has confirmed during his visit to Latvia that the Plan had been approved of by Boris Yeltsin. The head of the Latvian Delegation to the talks Mr.Virsis believes that this may evidence the desire of the Russian party to delay the ratification of the agreement. Diena

Press Review

The meeting of trade-union activists, employees, and unemployed was held on Feb.24 at the "Daugava" indoor stadium. The issues under discussion included officially permitted minimal salaries, social taxes, etc. According to the research by the Department of Statistics and Demography of the Latvian University there is a certain increase in the percentage of Latvians among the population of the country. Currently Latvians constitute 54.2% of the population while in 1989 the percentage was 52%. The main factor that contributes to such increase is a growing assimilation of non-Latvians due to the tendency among the persons born from mixed marriages to consider themselves to be ethnic Latvians. Such persons are registered as Latvians and send their children to Latvian schools. The research also states that 28,000 persons has left Latvia during 1993.

The meeting of trade-union activists, employees, and unemployed was held on Feb.24 at the "Daugava" indoor stadium. The issues under discussion included officially permitted minimal salaries, social taxes, etc. According to the research by the Department of Statistics and Demography of the Latvian University there is a certain increase in the percentage of Latvians among the population of the country. Currently Latvians constitute 54.2% of the population while in 1989 the percentage was 52%. The main factor that contributes to such increase is a growing assimilation of non-Latvians due to the tendency among the persons born from mixed marriages to consider themselves to be ethnic Latvians. Such persons are registered as Latvians and send their children to Latvian schools. The research also states that 28,000 persons has left Latvia during 1993. Diena

In his report to the Parliament President Yeltsin stressed that Russia would pay special attention to the situation of Russians residing in the former USSR countries. He stressed that "the violation of rights of ethnic Russians" abroad is not the internal affair of particular countries but the problem that Russia would be intensively involved with. He also mentioned that along with cooperation with other countries Russia reserves the right to undertake "strict" measures.

In his report to the Parliament President Yeltsin stressed that Russia would pay special attention to the situation of Russians residing in the former USSR countries. He stressed that "the violation of rights of ethnic Russians" abroad is not the internal affair of particular countries but the problem that Russia would be intensively involved with. He also mentioned that along with cooperation with other countries Russia reserves the right to undertake "strict" measures. Diena

During his meeting with Mr.Andreyevs (Minister for Foreign Affairs) and Mr.Pavlovskis (Minister of Defence) Mr.Walesa stressed that radical steps regarding the issue of citizenship are not desirable. President Ulmanis noted that both parties understand that proper arguments should be found to make it sure that Latvia would not be criticized for ethnic purges and violation of human rights.

During his meeting with Mr.Andreyevs (Minister for Foreign Affairs) and Mr.Pavlovskis (Minister of Defence) Mr.Walesa stressed that radical steps regarding the issue of citizenship are not desirable. President Ulmanis noted that both parties understand that proper arguments should be found to make it sure that Latvia would not be criticized for ethnic purges and violation of human rights. Diena

The Saema is currently working on the draft Law on the Nation-Wide Referendum. The adoption of such law is of particular importance to the Nationalist Block as it will allow to submit the draft Citizenship Law worked out by the block to a nation-wide discussion. Another issue discussed at the parliament is the draft Law on Privatization. The most discussed issue is the question whether certificates currently issued will be also applicable without any restrictions to the privatization of industrial units.

The Saema is currently working on the draft Law on the Nation-Wide Referendum. The adoption of such law is of particular importance to the Nationalist Block as it will allow to submit the draft Citizenship Law worked out by the block to a nation-wide discussion. Another issue discussed at the parliament is the draft Law on Privatization. The most discussed issue is the question whether certificates currently issued will be also applicable without any restrictions to the privatization of industrial units. Rigas Balss, Labrit

A group of Latvian experts has left for Moscow on Feb.24 to work out a draft agreement on the social protection for retired Russian servicemen. Discussion of other points of the troop withdrawal agreement (the Skrunda radar station) is also possible.

A group of Latvian experts has left for Moscow on Feb.24 to work out a draft agreement on the social protection for retired Russian servicemen. Discussion of other points of the troop withdrawal agreement (the Skrunda radar station) is also possible. Diena

Peteris Skukis, the President of the TELETON Research Institute suggests to re-organize the Skrunde radar into an international post to monitor possible launches of missiles by third world countries. He says that the process of re-organizing and re-equipping the station may take as little as six months.

Peteris Skukis, the President of the TELETON Research Institute suggests to re-organize the Skrunde radar into an international post to monitor possible launches of missiles by third world countries. He says that the process of re-organizing and re-equipping the station may take as little as six months. Diena

Press Review

CIT+DEF During his meeting with Mr.Ulmanis Mr.Walesa stressed that "Latvia may be considered a model state in the domain of human rights". One of the main issues of the summit are defence aspects in the Baltic region. Agreements existing between the two countries were renewed.

CIT+DEF During his meeting with Mr.Ulmanis Mr.Walesa stressed that "Latvia may be considered a model state in the domain of human rights". One of the main issues of the summit are defence aspects in the Baltic region. Agreements existing between the two countries were renewed. Diena, Labrit, Rigas Balss

During the dinner at the Riga Castle President Ulmanis pointed out that Latvia's commitment to international norms regarding human rights and expressed his hope that after the adoption of the Citizenship Law the country would be able to join such international bodies as the UN Civil Rights Commission, the UN Economy Council, and the Council of Europe.

During the dinner at the Riga Castle President Ulmanis pointed out that Latvia's commitment to international norms regarding human rights and expressed his hope that after the adoption of the Citizenship Law the country would be able to join such international bodies as the UN Civil Rights Commission, the UN Economy Council, and the Council of Europe. Diena