Press Report

Press Report

Persons, living in the border zone Latvia – Russia, will be able to pass the border on easier conditions till 10 January 2001. Latvia and Russia have to come to an agreement on the new procedure till January 10, 2001.

Persons, living in the border zone Latvia – Russia, will be able to pass the border on easier conditions till 10 January 2001. Latvia and Russia have to come to an agreement on the new procedure till January 10, 2001. Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Neatkariga

Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Research Centre director Nils Muiznieks comments the recent “show” on the television – the discussion between two “iron ladies” FF/LNNK deputy P.Lace and “For Equality” deputy T.Zdanoka. They present the extreme opposite wings of political parties. They both expressed their negative, however, on quite different aspects, opinions on society integration program and naturalisation.

Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Research Centre director Nils Muiznieks comments the recent show on the television – the discussion between two iron ladies FF/LNNK deputy P.Lace and For Equality deputy T.Zdanoka. They present the extreme opposite wings of political parties. They both expressed their negative, however, on quite different aspects, opinions on society integration program and naturalisation. Diena

NGO National Forum took place in Riga, October 21. The main issue of the discussions was how to attract funds as 80% of NGO’s in Latvia are financed from foreign sources. In upcoming 3-4 years these funds will become less and less available, so it is necessary to find other sources for financing activities of NGO’s. There are 5 000 registered NGO’s in Latvia, however, only about 750 works actively.

NGO National Forum took place in Riga, October 21. The main issue of the discussions was how to attract funds as 80% of NGOs in Latvia are financed from foreign sources. In upcoming 3-4 years these funds will become less and less available, so it is necessary to find other sources for financing activities of NGOs. There are 5 000 registered NGOs in Latvia, however, only about 750 works actively. Neatkariga.

Latvia has prepared and sent its response to the European Court of Human Rights regarding the case of A.Lavents (ex-chairman of “Bankas Baltija” Supervision Board). From the point of view of people, who will represent the state of Latvia, in this case, the response is well prepared and has sound arguments.

Latvia has prepared and sent its response to the European Court of Human Rights regarding the case of A.Lavents (ex-chairman of Bankas Baltija Supervision Board). From the point of view of people, who will represent the state of Latvia, in this case, the response is well prepared and has sound arguments. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

The diplomats of Latvia had an annual meeting in Riga. The Prime Minister A.Berzins stressed the importance of the close co-operation with Sweden as Sweden is a governing country of the EU next year, as well as the challenges, which the embassy of Latvia in the USA will face when trying to reach Latvia’s acceptance to the NATO.

The diplomats of Latvia had an annual meeting in Riga. The Prime Minister A.Berzins stressed the importance of the close co-operation with Sweden as Sweden is a governing country of the EU next year, as well as the challenges, which the embassy of Latvia in the USA will face when trying to reach Latvias acceptance to the NATO. Neatkariga

The Government of Russia yesterday adopted the mechanism for the allocation of funds to Russian people living in the former USSR and Baltic countries.

The Government of Russia yesterday adopted the mechanism for the allocation of funds to Russian people living in the former USSR and Baltic countries. Vesti Segodnja.

 

 Press Report

Press Report

I.Mezs discusses the problem of non-citizens in Latvia. Already for some time you can find the latest statistical information about non-citizens in home pages of the Naturalisation Board (www.nb.gov.lv) and the DCMA (

I.Mezs discusses the problem of non-citizens in Latvia. Already for some time you can find the latest statistical information about non-citizens in home pages of the Naturalisation Board (www.nb.gov.lv) and the DCMA (www.pid.gov.lv). Quite recently the Prime Minister expressed an opinion that non-citizens could be granted the right of vote in municipal elections if the percentage of Latvian citizens reached 75%. Only a few people knew that it was not a distant future. According the latest information at the beginning of June 2000 the number of citizens reached 1776004 or 79.4% from 2 371 333 residents of Latvia. There are three main reasons for this rapid increase – emigration, demography and naturalisation. Diena

At the annual Baltic Region Security and Co-operation Conference Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga pointed out Latvia’s wish to join NATO as soon as possible.

At the annual Baltic Region Security and Co-operation Conference Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga pointed out Latvias wish to join NATO as soon as possible. Diena, Respublika

With a small majority of voted the Saeima adopted the proposal to establish a possibility to get back the mandate of a municipal deputy for government members and MPs after their term in the government or Saeima has expired.

With a small majority of voted the Saeima adopted the proposal to establish a possibility to get back the mandate of a municipal deputy for government members and MPs after their term in the government or Saeima has expired. Diena, Neatkariga

On Saturday will take place 32nd congress of Latvian Social Democrats.

On Saturday will take place 32nd congress of Latvian Social Democrats. Neatkariga interviewed the Chairman of the Partys Saeima faction E.Baldzens. Speaking about their nearest future plans, E.Baldzens said that they planned to be in the new government. When the journalist asked to say something more about this new government, the Chairman answered that he could not say when it would be established, who would form it, but Social Democrats were ready to support a candidate from FF/LNNK.

MFA State Secretary M.Riekstins so far abstained from commenting the statement of Lithuanian Prime Minister on the Latvian – Lithuanian sea border agreement. The State Secretary said that the Ministry wanted to wait until Lithuanian MFA would ask for official explanation.

MFA State Secretary M.Riekstins so far abstained from commenting the statement of Lithuanian Prime Minister on the Latvian – Lithuanian sea border agreement. The State Secretary said that the Ministry wanted to wait until Lithuanian MFA would ask for official explanation. Neatkariga

At the annual meeting of Latvian ambassadors Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins pointed out the role of diplomats in achieving foreign policy goals. The m thought that those goals could be achieved by clearly defining foreign policy priorities and realising what should be done in the internal policy of Latvia.

At the annual meeting of Latvian ambassadors Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins pointed out the role of diplomats in achieving foreign policy goals. The m thought that those goals could be achieved by clearly defining foreign policy priorities and realising what should be done in the internal policy of Latvia. Respublika, Vesti Segodnya

Today in Pskov take place a meeting of Russian and Latvian experts to discuss the border crossing procedures for frontier residents. The previous agreement expired on October 19, and now these people need visa to cross the border.

Today in Pskov take place a meeting of Russian and Latvian experts to discuss the border crossing procedures for frontier residents. The previous agreement expired on October 19, and now these people need visa to cross the border. Respublika

The Chairman of Human Rights Commission A.Seiksts participated in a conference on the situation of Russian speakers in the post –Soviet areas. The newspaper

The Chairman of Human Rights Commission A.Seiksts participated in a conference on the situation of Russian speakers in the post –Soviet areas. The newspaper Chas interviewed one of the participants from the Russian party M.Lazutova and she said that the Latvian MP instead of talking about problems started to share Latvian experience in the process of naturalisation.

“To study in the mother tongue” This is the title of a conference organised by the Association of schools with the Russian language as the language of tuition that will take place today. The organisers call parents of their students to achieve the right for their children to study in their mother tongue.

To study in the mother tongue This is the title of a conference organised by the Association of schools with the Russian language as the language of tuition that will take place today. The organisers call parents of their students to achieve the right for their children to study in their mother tongue. Chas

On September 1 when the Russian speaking first graders came to Tukums School No 3 that is a Russian speaking school they found out that they had to study in the Latvian language. One of the first classes was turned into a bilingual class. And there was no such subject in the curriculum as the Russian language.

On September 1 when the Russian speaking first graders came to Tukums School No 3 that is a Russian speaking school they found out that they had to study in the Latvian language. One of the first classes was turned into a bilingual class. And there was no such subject in the curriculum as the Russian language. Chas

Last week the only Byelorussian elementary school in Latvia was under the danger of closure. The Head of the Riga City School Council explained that this was a municipal school and self cost of one student there was 400 Ls per month when in other schools it was only 100 Ls. Th school receives some financing from Byelorussian government but that was not enough. Now the school and the Council have to find some compromise. But the title of this article is “Problems of Byelorussians may face Russians”.

Last week the only Byelorussian elementary school in Latvia was under the danger of closure. The Head of the Riga City School Council explained that this was a municipal school and self cost of one student there was 400 Ls per month when in other schools it was only 100 Ls. Th school receives some financing from Byelorussian government but that was not enough. Now the school and the Council have to find some compromise. But the title of this article is Problems of Byelorussians may face Russians. Chas

 Press Report

Press Report

The new OSCE Mission to Latvia Head Peter Somneby during his meeting with the Prime Minister A.Berzins prised Latvia’s economic progress and achievements in the fields that were within the interests of the OSCE Mission.

The new OSCE Mission to Latvia Head Peter Somneby during his meeting with the Prime Minister A.Berzins prised Latvias economic progress and achievements in the fields that were within the interests of the OSCE Mission.

P.Semneby found as successful also the Latvian negotiations to join EU. As very important step he thought the adoption of public integration program as well as the work on harmonising Latvian legislation. Important is also introduction of ombudsmen institution in Latvia. Both Prime Minister and the Ambassador prised the existing mutual co-operation in providing updated information about the development in public integration field to OSCE structures.

P.Semneby found as successful also the Latvian negotiations to join EU. As very important step he thought the adoption of public integration program as well as the work on harmonising Latvian legislation. Important is also introduction of ombudsmen institution in Latvia. Both Prime Minister and the Ambassador prised the existing mutual co-operation in providing updated information about the development in public integration field to OSCE structures. Neatkariga, Respublika, Vesti Segodnya

About 1000 former workers of Daugavpils factory “Toleram Fiber” addressed the OSCE with a call for help. They were fired basing on the decreasing of jobs when the former owners went bankrupt. The workers ask the OSCE to influence the Latvian government to make a decision to annul their debt of social tax payment.

About 1000 former workers of Daugavpils factory Toleram Fiber addressed the OSCE with a call for help. They were fired basing on the decreasing of jobs when the former owners went bankrupt. The workers ask the OSCE to influence the Latvian government to make a decision to annul their debt of social tax payment.

The Heads of Latvian diplomatic representatives will meet in Riga to discuss acute foreign policy issues and practical co-operation for realising Latvian foreign policy goals. The diplomats will be addressed by Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins, Prime Minister and President.

The Heads of Latvian diplomatic representatives will meet in Riga to discuss acute foreign policy issues and practical co-operation for realising Latvian foreign policy goals. The diplomats will be addressed by Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins, Prime Minister and President. Neatkariga

At the farewell visit of the Japanese Ambassador T.Fudgy to Prime Minister A.Berzins, the Prime Minister said that Latvia considered a possibility to open an embassy in Japan but it would depend on the financial situation and budget possibilities.

At the farewell visit of the Japanese Ambassador T.Fudgy to Prime Minister A.Berzins, the Prime Minister said that Latvia considered a possibility to open an embassy in Japan but it would depend on the financial situation and budget possibilities. Neatkariga, Respublika

During the meeting of the ministers of Baltic States and Russia journalists got an impression that Russia was the one that dictated the rules. Russian Minister was guarded the most; most discussions went on in the Russian language.

During the meeting of the ministers of Baltic States and Russia journalists got an impression that Russia was the one that dictated the rules. Russian Minister was guarded the most; most discussions went on in the Russian language. Neatkariga

The high Russian guest described this visit as sensational and was satisfied with the documents signed during this visit, that opened possibilities for future co-operation.

The high Russian guest described this visit as sensational and was satisfied with the documents signed during this visit, that opened possibilities for future co-operation. Chas, Panorama Latvii

Russian speaking newspaper

Russian speaking newspaper Respublika called this a visit no future because it would not bring any changes in Latvian – Russian relations.

The new Regulations to the Language Law took effect almost two months ago but there are no reports on any repression. Just the opposite – the very author of these regulations - Head of the State Language Centre Dz.Hirsa shows incredible liberalism in interpretation of these legal norms. Opposition MP B.Cilevich sent a letter to the Centre with a request to fine him because he accepted a complain from M.Krumina in the Russian language and forwarded it the Prosecutor’s Office. And them complained about himself to the Centre, explaining the situation as followed - the complaint did not know the state language well enough to address the highest state institution and had no money to hire a translator. But Article 104 of the Satversme states that everybody addressing state or municipal institution holds the right to receive as answer in essence. Cilevich comments, “Every person, not only those who know the state language.”

The new Regulations to the Language Law took effect almost two months ago but there are no reports on any repression. Just the opposite – the very author of these regulations - Head of the State Language Centre Dz.Hirsa shows incredible liberalism in interpretation of these legal norms. Opposition MP B.Cilevich sent a letter to the Centre with a request to fine him because he accepted a complain from M.Krumina in the Russian language and forwarded it the Prosecutors Office. And them complained about himself to the Centre, explaining the situation as followed - the complaint did not know the state language well enough to address the highest state institution and had no money to hire a translator. But Article 104 of the Satversme states that everybody addressing state or municipal institution holds the right to receive as answer in essence. Cilevich comments, Every person, not only those who know the state language. Chas

National Security Council several times proudly announced that soon their Russian colleagues would come to visit them, they even go a special permission from the Saeima to receive these high guests but then received to postpone this visit for the next year. No reason was give.

National Security Council several times proudly announced that soon their Russian colleagues would come to visit them, they even go a special permission from the Saeima to receive these high guests but then received to postpone this visit for the next year. No reason was give. Vesti Segodnya

Panorama Latvii

interviewed Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins about the last activities of the Saeima – the draft law on decorations and demand Russia to compensate losses mad during last 50 years. I.Berzins was against the last draft law because even the authors of this draft law FF/LNNK faction acknowledged that there was no way go make Russia to pay and taking into consideration current Latvian – Russian relations, even less. What concerns decorations, the Minister advised his party not to support this proposal because there was no time to deal it.

Press Report

Press Report

Along with the state and NGO developed integration programs offering non-Latvians to master the state language, some other integration forms are observed in the society. One of such forms is the tendency of Russian speaking families to send their children to Latvian kindergartens. And some pre-school institutions have started to adjust themselves to the needs of mixed families. For most of the families this choice is connected with a wish to send their children to Latvian schools afterwards. Last year 1107 Russian kids started to study at Latvian schools, joining those 7696 Russian students who already studied at such schools. According to the Ministry of Education and Science data in school year 1998/99 3.4% of all Russian speaking students studied at Latvian schools but in 1999/2000 already 3.8%.

Along with the state and NGO developed integration programs offering non-Latvians to master the state language, some other integration forms are observed in the society. One of such forms is the tendency of Russian speaking families to send their children to Latvian kindergartens. And some pre-school institutions have started to adjust themselves to the needs of mixed families. For most of the families this choice is connected with a wish to send their children to Latvian schools afterwards. Last year 1107 Russian kids started to study at Latvian schools, joining those 7696 Russian students who already studied at such schools. According to the Ministry of Education and Science data in school year 1998/99 3.4% of all Russian speaking students studied at Latvian schools but in 1999/2000 already 3.8%. Diena

On October 19 Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga is going to Stockholm to the annual Baltic Region Security and Co-operation Conference

On October 19 Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga is going to Stockholm to the annual Baltic Region Security and Co-operation Conference. Diena, Neatkariga

In order to create more favourable conditions for satisfying needs and necessities for autonomy of the national minorities, residing in the city and region, was established Venspils National Cultural Societies Association. The regulations of the new public organisation envisage that it will serve for improving ethnic relations and furthering of establishing a civic, integrated society in Latvia.

In order to create more favourable conditions for satisfying needs and necessities for autonomy of the national minorities, residing in the city and region, was established Venspils National Cultural Societies Association. The regulations of the new public organisation envisage that it will serve for improving ethnic relations and furthering of establishing a civic, integrated society in Latvia. Diena

Diena interviewed the High Commissioner of the World Romany Government N.Rudevics. He told the journalist about the activities of his government and the situation with Romany people in Latvia. There are more than 15 000 Gypsies in Latvia, and most of them are without any education and job. Therefore the crime rate among this part of population increases. Integration in Latvia for Gypsies is not a problem, 98% off them are citizens, they are integrated in the language –have their own Latvian Romany dialect, also in the religion, culture and traditions.

Diena interviewed the High Commissioner of the World Romany Government N.Rudevics. He told the journalist about the activities of his government and the situation with Romany people in Latvia. There are more than 15 000 Gypsies in Latvia, and most of them are without any education and job. Therefore the crime rate among this part of population increases. Integration in Latvia for Gypsies is not a problem, 98% off them are citizens, they are integrated in the language –have their own Latvian Romany dialect, also in the religion, culture and traditions. Diena

The Ministers of Interior of the Baltic States and Russia decided during their meeting yesterday that it was necessary to start exchanging information on the possible terror acts in these countries. They also discussed drugs trafficking.

The Ministers of Interior of the Baltic States and Russia decided during their meeting yesterday that it was necessary to start exchanging information on the possible terror acts in these countries. They also discussed drugs trafficking. Neatkariga, Respublika, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Latvian attempts to put forward new conditions for signing the sea border agreement with Lithuania has raised incomprehension in Lithuania. Lithuania Prime Minister A.Kubilus said that ratification of this border agreement was exclusively internal affair of Latvia, but establishing borders with neighbouring countries was internationally binding for every state that respected accepted mutual relation norms.

Latvian attempts to put forward new conditions for signing the sea border agreement with Lithuania has raised incomprehension in Lithuania. Lithuania Prime Minister A.Kubilus said that ratification of this border agreement was exclusively internal affair of Latvia, but establishing borders with neighbouring countries was internationally binding for every state that respected accepted mutual relation norms. Neatkariga, Rigas Balss

Neatkariga

published the list of all Latvian NGs. published the list of all Latvian NGs. This year 260 people have changed their nationality in Latvia. Mostly they chose to become Jewish, Latvians or Germans. Latvian nationality chose those who wanted to receive Latvian citizenship, but Jewish – those who wanted to emigrate to Israel. Jauna Avize

This year 260 people have changed their nationality in Latvia. Mostly they chose to become Jewish, Latvians or Germans. Latvian nationality chose those who wanted to receive Latvian citizenship, but Jewish – those who wanted to emigrate to Israel. Jauna Avize

Rezekne City Council Deputy S.Druzhinin addressed the Council with a request to establish a position of Latvian – Russian translator at the Council. The Managing Director of the Council A.Dreimanis told

Rezekne City Council Deputy S.Druzhinin addressed the Council with a request to establish a position of Latvian – Russian translator at the Council. The Managing Director of the Council A.Dreimanis told Jauna Avize that there was a special meeting to discuss this request, and they came to a conclusion that there was enough financing for this but no special need. S.Druzhinin thinks that the translator is necessary because many old age people who come to the Council do not know the state language, and the translator would be necessary to help them to draw up applications, documents and fill in forms. Jauna Avize asked the State Language Centre to explain this situation, and they answered that the City Council might do what they wanted in this respect because the State Language Law stipulated only that starting from September 1 applications might be submitted only in the state language and there were no regulations how to achieve that.

The Saeima Budget and Finances Commission rejected forwarding the draft law on declaration of person’s domicile. As the Head of the Commission A.Poca stated, the draft law should have a different concept – it should be started with issuing residents ID cards. They could be the guarantee for more precise and secure registration of all residents.

The Saeima Budget and Finances Commission rejected forwarding the draft law on declaration of persons domicile. As the Head of the Commission A.Poca stated, the draft law should have a different concept – it should be started with issuing residents ID cards. They could be the guarantee for more precise and secure registration of all residents. Respublika

A new Internet site is established in Russia – www.vaira.boom. ru. This site is dedicated to the Latvian President - V.Vike-Freiberga. Possible that it was established by fans of our President.

A new Internet site is established in Russia – www.vaira.boom. ru. This site is dedicated to the Latvian President - V.Vike-Freiberga. Possible that it was established by fans of our President. Respublika, Panorama Latvii, Chas

Juridical Commission of the Baltic Assembly intends to call the Russian Federation to acknowledge the fact of the Baltic States’ occupation. The Estonian party made the proposal. The document calls Russia to start official negotiations with the representatives of the Baltic States establish amounts of damages made to these countries and seek together for the possible ways of solving this problem.

Juridical Commission of the Baltic Assembly intends to call the Russian Federation to acknowledge the fact of the Baltic States occupation. The Estonian party made the proposal. The document calls Russia to start official negotiations with the representatives of the Baltic States establish amounts of damages made to these countries and seek together for the possible ways of solving this problem. Respublika

Answering to the many complains of the readers of the newspaper

Answering to the many complains of the readers of the newspaper Vesti Segodnya, M.Blumental analysed two Russian language text books for junior high school (class 5 – 9), permitted for usage by the Ministry of Education and Science, and came to a conclusion that these books were too complicated for students of this age group.

L.Fedosejev from the newspaper

L.Fedosejev from the newspaper Chas writes about the record of nationality record in Latvian passport. In many states passports are used only for travelling abroad, for internal use people have just ID cards. It means that passport should contain only the minimal necessary information, the rest (nationality, domicile registration, religion, sexual orientation) is ones personal affair. Those interested to preserve this record are Racists who are afraid that racial cleaning could affect themselves.

  Press Report

Press Report

The Saeima faction FF/LNNK asked Prime Minister A.Berzins to the faction meeting to discuss the situation with signing Latvian – Lithuanian border agreement. Prime Minister repeated his previously stated position that ratification of this agreement would not be rushed until there was reached an agreement on fishing rights and economic co-operation between those two countries.

The Saeima faction FF/LNNK asked Prime Minister A.Berzins to the faction meeting to discuss the situation with signing Latvian – Lithuanian border agreement. Prime Minister repeated his previously stated position that ratification of this agreement would not be rushed until there was reached an agreement on fishing rights and economic co-operation between those two countries. Diena, Vesti Segodnya

Today in Mezotne castle takes place a meting of Interior Ministers of the Baltic States and Russia to discuss strengthening of co-operation in fighting drugs and weapons’ smuggling, terrorism and economic crimes.

Today in Mezotne castle takes place a meting of Interior Ministers of the Baltic States and Russia to discuss strengthening of co-operation in fighting drugs and weapons smuggling, terrorism and economic crimes. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya

Seems that the Saeima faction FF/LNNK has changed their attitude towards Social Democrats. Although these two parties are on the opposite ends of the political spectre, they have the same electorate and great chances to be successful in the next municipal election. Several politicians think that this is the reason for friendship between those two. But there are also talks that both parties have the same sponsors – entrepreneurs from Venspils.

Seems that the Saeima faction FF/LNNK has changed their attitude towards Social Democrats. Although these two parties are on the opposite ends of the political spectre, they have the same electorate and great chances to be successful in the next municipal election. Several politicians think that this is the reason for friendship between those two. But there are also talks that both parties have the same sponsors – entrepreneurs from Venspils. Diena

People’s Party under the leadership of Minister of Finances G.Berzins has started its pre-election activities. The Party plans to listen to the opinions of Riga residents to prepare the action program for this election. On Monday at a press conference People’s Party announced the start of their pre-election campaign and showed Riga map, divided in 52 districts. For every district there is one responsible Riga City Council candidate who will visit voters and listen to their opinions.

Peoples Party under the leadership of Minister of Finances G.Berzins has started its pre-election activities. The Party plans to listen to the opinions of Riga residents to prepare the action program for this election. On Monday at a press conference Peoples Party announced the start of their pre-election campaign and showed Riga map, divided in 52 districts. For every district there is one responsible Riga City Council candidate who will visit voters and listen to their opinions. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Respublika

On October 22 Prime Minister A.Berzins is going on a visit to the Netherlands. During this visit he will have meetings with the Dutch Prime Minister and Queen Beatrix.

On October 22 Prime Minister A.Berzins is going on a visit to the Netherlands. During this visit he will have meetings with the Dutch Prime Minister and Queen Beatrix. Neatkariga

With approaching of March 11 – the next municipal election, political parties start gradually revealing their future coalition partners. Major political forces have decided to run for Riga City Council independently. The toughest fight will be for the seats in the Riga City Council, and politicians explain it with the increasing influence of municipalities, especially in Riga, possibilities to play big politics and the concentration of large financial resources allowing realising vast scale strategically important projects. Now party offices are busy preparing candidate lists that will be made public in December.

With approaching of March 11 – the next municipal election, political parties start gradually revealing their future coalition partners. Major political forces have decided to run for Riga City Council independently. The toughest fight will be for the seats in the Riga City Council, and politicians explain it with the increasing influence of municipalities, especially in Riga, possibilities to play big politics and the concentration of large financial resources allowing realising vast scale strategically important projects. Now party offices are busy preparing candidate lists that will be made public in December. Neatkariga

Today Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins will meet the Czech President V.Havel and Senate Speaker L.Benesheva. During this visit I.Berzins will discuss bilateral co-operation, security issues, EU expansion and relations with Russia.

Today Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins will meet the Czech President V.Havel and Senate Speaker L.Benesheva. During this visit I.Berzins will discuss bilateral co-operation, security issues, EU expansion and relations with Russia. Respublika

Yesterday a conference on Holocaust was opened in Riga. The opening speech was delivered by Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga. The aim of the conference is to form the public understanding on this problem. Mostly academic discussions take place and local and foreign historians speak about the research on war-time crimes as well as discuss the most effective ways to research the Holocaust.

Yesterday a conference on Holocaust was opened in Riga. The opening speech was delivered by Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga. The aim of the conference is to form the public understanding on this problem. Mostly academic discussions take place and local and foreign historians speak about the research on war-time crimes as well as discuss the most effective ways to research the Holocaust. Diena, Respublika, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

S.Zaletayev from

S.Zaletayev from Panorama Latvii writing about the meeting of the political party Equality with Riga people, states that nine years ago a choice was made to divide people into citizens and non-citizens, thus turning the lives of many hundreds of thousands into a constant struggle for surviving. As people were divided, nothing prevented the authorities to increase rent and utility payments and monopolies charged for their services incredible sums of money. All this made many people to come to this meeting and discuss their problems with the party representatives.

O.Dementyeva starts her article in the newspaper

O.Dementyeva starts her article in the newspaper Chas with a description of one particular case of Rita from Rezekne Region. She has not exchanged her red – former USSR passport and now faces problems to find a job because employers ask her for a valid ID. And there are still many people like Rita. According to the data of the DCMA, about 15 thousand non-citizens and 10 thousand citizens live without valid IDs. Dz.Peneze, DCMA Passport Section Head assured the journalist that if a person had not exchanged his passport, it meant that he was either lazy or had a serious reason for that. Usually those are people who have no obligations towards the state – they have no need to cross the border, have no job or work without any employment contract. Chas