Press Review

Press Review

The Presidium of the Saeima decided the summon an extraordinary sitting of the Saeima to consider the third reading of the draft language law.

The Presidium of the Saeima decided the summon an extraordinary sitting of the Saeima to consider the third reading of the draft language law. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

The Speaker of the Saeima A.Cepanis met the President of Byelorussia A.Lukashenko. The main topics of discussion were demarcation of borders and readmitting of refugees. Although the both parties did not have any major objections to the border issue, no real progress was made. Byelorussia lacks money for arranging the border with Latvia, and A.Cepanis refused a possibility that Latvia could start arranging its border unilaterally. Concerning readmitting of refugees, Byelorussia has no serious policy concerning illegal immigrants. A.Lukashenko proposed to solve this issue by involving also Russia and Lithuania in this process. Answering to this, A.Cepanis said that an agreement on readmitting could be the start of this process. Byelorussian part refrained from discussing of the problem of non-citizens in Latvia. When journalists asked the Speaker about this at a press conference, he answered that there were no oppression of Byelorussians in Latvia if one of them had been elected to the Saeima. A.Cepanis mother is a Byelorussian.

The Speaker of the Saeima A.Cepanis met the President of Byelorussia A.Lukashenko. The main topics of discussion were demarcation of borders and readmitting of refugees. Although the both parties did not have any major objections to the border issue, no real progress was made. Byelorussia lacks money for arranging the border with Latvia, and A.Cepanis refused a possibility that Latvia could start arranging its border unilaterally. Concerning readmitting of refugees, Byelorussia has no serious policy concerning illegal immigrants. A.Lukashenko proposed to solve this issue by involving also Russia and Lithuania in this process. Answering to this, A.Cepanis said that an agreement on readmitting could be the start of this process. Byelorussian part refrained from discussing of the problem of non-citizens in Latvia. When journalists asked the Speaker about this at a press conference, he answered that there were no oppression of Byelorussians in Latvia if one of them had been elected to the Saeima. A.Cepanis mother is a Byelorussian. Neatkariga

Several newspapers add that A.Lukasenko has called to protect Byelorussian citizens, both Byelorussians and Russians, living in Latvia.

Several newspapers add that A.Lukasenko has called to protect Byelorussian citizens, both Byelorussians and Russians, living in Latvia. Diena, Chas , Bizness & Baltiya

The newspaper

The newspaper Neatkariga interviews the leader of TB/LNNK M.Grinblats about his personal and TB/LNNK position on the amendments to the Law on Citizenship and the referendum. M.Grinblats thinks that abolishing of the amendments would not stop the discussion. It the nation decides the amendments to be refused, the new parliament will make some other. Of course, according to the EU recommendations, these children would be some priority group, but it should be linked with the language. M.Grinblats agreed to the statement that EU recommendations on citizenship would be accepted in some or other form, but this form would be more elastic. And he did not think that abolishing of the amendments could cause tension among nations and even conflicts. Latvia has different traditions, and problems here are solved not with the help of weapons. What concerns loyalty towards the state, M.Grinblats agreed that language is not the only criteria of it, but is one of the means for an individual to join the society. He agreed to the statement that abolishing of the amendments could make Latvias joining EU more difficult, but citizenship is not the only criteria used. Neatkariga

Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the statements, made by the Latvian President G.Ulmanis at the UN General Assembly session, as “unfriendly”. G.Ulmanis had centred his speech on “speculations on historic topics” containing an obvious subtext directed against Russia and Russians. Russian MFA noted that Latvian President had tried to prove that it was not Latvian authorities to be blamed for the situation with minorities in Latvia but the consequences of “Soviet occupation regime”.

Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the statements, made by the Latvian President G.Ulmanis at the UN General Assembly session, as unfriendly. G.Ulmanis had centred his speech on speculations on historic topics containing an obvious subtext directed against Russia and Russians. Russian MFA noted that Latvian President had tried to prove that it was not Latvian authorities to be blamed for the situation with minorities in Latvia but the consequences of Soviet occupation regime. Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas, Bizness & Baltiya

Rating of

Rating of Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK has decreased to 12.8% in September, but Social Democrats had an increase to 14.2% , and now they are the second most popular political party. The first one is still Peoples Party with 29%. Diena

Movement

Movement Equality, protesting against the planned gradual transition to the Latvian language as the language of tuition in state and municipality financed schools, has collected 70 000 signatures. But Diena verified, at inspecting these lists that these signatures had been collected not as a protest against this language law but as an appeal to include in the draft law a condition of state support to schools with the Russian or a minority language as the language of tuition. Diena, Bizness & Baltiya

The deputy from

The deputy from Equality A.Bartashevich considers that Latvian ruling elite has decided to take a very dangerous step - to endanger the rights and future of the children of national minorities. If the law is adopted, in private school majority of subjects, possibly all of them but the native language and literature, will have to be taught in the state language otherwise the school would not get a license. SM

Activists of the movement

Activists of the movement Equality and some other Russian organisations will collect signatures on September 26 to protect Russian speaking schools in Riga. Panorama Latvii

Estonian Parliamentary Commission has decided to continue the consideration of the amendments to the Law on Citizenship that anticipate granting citizenship to the children of non-citizens, born after the restoration independence, on October 12, after the referendum in Latvia.

Estonian Parliamentary Commission has decided to continue the consideration of the amendments to the Law on Citizenship that anticipate granting citizenship to the children of non-citizens, born after the restoration independence, on October 12, after the referendum in Latvia. Diena

Deputy candidates from the list of

Deputy candidates from the list of Peoples Harmony Party collect signatures to allow the minorities living in Latvia to acquire education in their mother tongue. PHP want education in minority schools to be acquired in the mother tongue and the Latvian language to be a mandatory subject. Party members also suggest to cancel the extraordinary sitting of the Saeima when it is planned to consider the draft language law. Jauna Avize

Almost 1 500 Latvian citizens will not be able to take part in the Saeima election in Rezekne because they have not received their citizen passports, yet. As the DCMA Rezekne office official V.Zaluzinska informed, 300 of them had submitted all necessary documents to receive a passport, they were ready, but nobody came to receive them. As V.Zaluzinska said, the problem could be those 5 Ls, 1 Ls pensioners - to be paid when receiving a passport. There are many people who had showed no interest in receiving the new passport and currently in Rezekne Region there are more than 1000 Latvian citizens with no ID.

Almost 1 500 Latvian citizens will not be able to take part in the Saeima election in Rezekne because they have not received their citizen passports, yet. As the DCMA Rezekne office official V.Zaluzinska informed, 300 of them had submitted all necessary documents to receive a passport, they were ready, but nobody came to receive them. As V.Zaluzinska said, the problem could be those 5 Ls, 1 Ls pensioners - to be paid when receiving a passport. There are many people who had showed no interest in receiving the new passport and currently in Rezekne Region there are more than 1000 Latvian citizens with no ID. Jauna Avize

The consultations between

The consultations between Latvijas Cels and New Party, planned for yesterday, were cancelled for some time in the future due to technical reasons. Chas

A resident of the Republic of Ukraine has spent eight months in Latvian centres for illegal immigrants.

A resident of the Republic of Ukraine has spent eight months in Latvian centres for illegal immigrants. Chas learned about this fact from Ye.Grisheckin, who had spent two weeks together with this person. The Ukrainian was ready to go on a hunger strike until he would be release and even threatened to commit a suicide. He had come to Latvia in 1991, married here but was detained last year by the Immigration police and since then was behind the bars. Chas

Chas

publishes an article by B.Cilevich on the draft language law. He describes the adoption of this law as the last opportunity for parties to show their patriotic feelings to the voters.

Press Review

K.Adenauer Fund and European Movement in Latvia organised a discussion among representatives of political parties. The main question the politicians had to answer during this discussion was what the state policy on citizenship and learning the Latvian language should be to guarantee formation of a stable society. Solutions offered were different. The representative of

K.Adenauer Fund and European Movement in Latvia organised a discussion among representatives of political parties. The main question the politicians had to answer during this discussion was what the state policy on citizenship and learning the Latvian language should be to guarantee formation of a stable society. Solutions offered were different. The representative of Peoples Harmony Party B.Cilevics attacked other members of the discussion, who stressed the necessity to increase the role of the Latvian language in the system of education, reproaching that such a position was insulting to non-Latvians living here. They should be given the right of choice whether they want to learn the language and strengthen their career position or not, thus retaining their low social status. And the state should help these people in accordance with European convention on national minorities to ensure official bilingualism in areas densely populated by these minorities. The majority of the representatives of Latvian parties opposed to this and put learning of the language as the main criteria for public integration, but stresses were different. TB/LNNK, DP/KDS/LZP and LZS (Farmers Union) were against granting citizenship to children without passing a language knowledge test and put receiving citizenship as the final goal of integration. Latvijas Cels and New Party were inclined to consider it a precondition for integration to take place at all. The representative of Social Democrats J.Adamsons made a statement that unity of the society is endangered not so much by conflicts between citizens and non-citizens as the difference in the life level of the impoverishing nation and a handful of people making money on privatisation of the state property. Neatkariga

Diena

interviewed the Director of the National Latvian Language Training Program A.Priedite and co-ordinator B.Silina. They told about the new centre that was opened in Daugavpils on Wednesday and the popularity of this program in Latgale region because every third person having acquired the program came from Latgale. Therefore the greatest need for people who could teach the methods of teaching the Latvian language is in Daugavpils. Currently there are about 200 courses for teaching the Latvian language with about 4000 people involved. Part of them are teachers of non-Latvian schools who want to learn the language. interviewed the Director of the National Latvian Language Training Program A.Priedite and co-ordinator B.Silina. They told about the new centre that was opened in Daugavpils on Wednesday and the popularity of this program in Latgale region because every third person having acquired the program came from Latgale. Therefore the greatest need for people who could teach the methods of teaching the Latvian language is in Daugavpils. Currently there are about 200 courses for teaching the Latvian language with about 4000 people involved. Part of them are teachers of non-Latvian schools who want to learn the language. DienaDiena

The Press Secretary of NHRO A.Petersons announced that no Russian speaking teacher has addressed the Office during this year to complain about human rights violations during certification of teachers. Some time ago NHRO Director O.Bruveris expressed his concern that human right violations during certification of Russian speaking teachers could cause reproaches from neighbouring countries. Having acquainted himself with the procedure of the certification, O.Bruveris came to a conclusion that it is proper and for persons with higher education was not difficult. Riga City School Board expert D.Locis said that there were 367 teachers in Riga that had not passed this certification so far, and part of them were aged persons, irreplaceable at their schools and therefore the Teacher Education Centre had prepared a special program of 48 hours to learn the Latvian language.

The Press Secretary of NHRO A.Petersons announced that no Russian speaking teacher has addressed the Office during this year to complain about human rights violations during certification of teachers. Some time ago NHRO Director O.Bruveris expressed his concern that human right violations during certification of Russian speaking teachers could cause reproaches from neighbouring countries. Having acquainted himself with the procedure of the certification, O.Bruveris came to a conclusion that it is proper and for persons with higher education was not difficult. Riga City School Board expert D.Locis said that there were 367 teachers in Riga that had not passed this certification so far, and part of them were aged persons, irreplaceable at their schools and therefore the Teacher Education Centre had prepared a special program of 48 hours to learn the Latvian language. Rigas Balss (September 23)

Lauku Avize

interviews the Russian Ambassador the Latvia A.Udaltsov. He speaks about the dialogue between Russia and Latvia and lays the blame for not taking any steps to improve it on Latvia. When the journalist asked about the possible Russian actions accusing Latvia for human rights violations on the international level, A.Udaltsov answered that Russian party had always used international organisations to raise this issue if there was such a need. Russian activity depends on the situation in Latvia, and if there are adopted new, stricter laws and liberalisation process of human sphere legislation is slowed down, this direction of Russian foreign policy will be more active. What concerned the border agreement between those two countries, the Ambassador said that the conditions for signing such a document are not ripe yet, and this basic document could not be considered outside the context of bilateral relations. Answering to the question of a possibility of a thaw in bilateral relations, A.Udaltsov stated that it was possibly only when Latvia would implement all OSCE recommendations concerning the laws on Citizenship, Language, Education and Labour Code. interviews the Russian Ambassador the Latvia A.Udaltsov. He speaks about the dialogue between Russia and Latvia and lays the blame for not taking any steps to improve it on Latvia. When the journalist asked about the possible Russian actions accusing Latvia for human rights violations on the international level, A.Udaltsov answered that Russian party had always used international organisations to raise this issue if there was such a need. Russian activity depends on the situation in Latvia, and if there are adopted new, stricter laws and liberalisation process of human sphere legislation is slowed down, this direction of Russian foreign policy will be more active. What concerned the border agreement between those two countries, the Ambassador said that the conditions for signing such a document are not ripe yet, and this basic document could not be considered outside the context of bilateral relations. Answering to the question of a possibility of a “thaw” in bilateral relations, A.Udaltsov stated that it was possibly only when Latvia would implement all OSCE recommendations concerning the laws on Citizenship, Language, Education and Labour Code. Atis Lejins, Director of Latvian Foreign Policy Institute, expresses his opinion in

Atis Lejins, Director of Latvian Foreign Policy Institute, expresses his opinion in Jauna Avize. He regards the question of the referendum the be insignificant because those 18 000 children is not a big number. The referendum itself will not decide anything because major parties have already agreed to abolish the window mechanism. Jauna Avize

Russian speaking newspapers write about the third reading of the draft language law that is to be considered on September 28. They are sure that the law will be adopted due to a good calculation of the initiators of this law because no centric party would dare to vote against it fearing to be accused of a treachery of Latvian interests. The author of the article considers that abolishing of the amendments to the Law on Citizenship would be a mere trifle comparing to the adoption of this law.

Russian speaking newspapers write about the third reading of the draft language law that is to be considered on September 28. They are sure that the law will be adopted due to a good calculation of the initiators of this law because no centric party would dare to vote against it fearing to be accused of a treachery of Latvian interests. The author of the article considers that abolishing of the amendments to the Law on Citizenship would be a mere trifle comparing to the adoption of this law. Chas, SM

Press Review

Press Review

All polling stations are opened since today. It is planned that they will be opened at least for four hours every day to receive applications from persons who will not be able to come there due to their health condition and wish to vote at home. The stations have been opened ten days before the election for people to learn about the lists of candidates, pre-election programs, information about the candidates and amendments to the Law on Citizenship.

All polling stations are opened since today. It is planned that they will be opened at least for four hours every day to receive applications from persons who will not be able to come there due to their health condition and wish to vote at home. The stations have been opened ten days before the election for people to learn about the lists of candidates, pre-election programs, information about the candidates and amendments to the Law on Citizenship. Neatkariga

Yesterday the Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs gave a presentation

Yesterday the Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs gave a presentation Latvia in the Context of Global Conflicts at the Academy of Sciences. The Minister described Latvian involvement in international organisations and anticipated that in 2000 Latvia could have a no visa regime with all EU countries. He called to view Latvia not from the point of view of 1930 but following the globalisation parameters of 21st century. Neatkariga

The Saeima Commission on Education, Culture and Science finished to consider the draft state language law which is planned to be adopted by the Saeima on September 28 in the final reading. Despite to the objections of OSCE experts, the Commission agreed that the law should also regulate the use of the language in private businesses. The Head of the Commission Dz.Abikis explained that they could not agree to the opinion of the experts because in the worst case such a norm could lead to existence of two languages. In the draft law is included a norm stating that, in accordance with the regulations established by the Cabinet of Ministers, the use of a foreign language for public information was permissible only when it concerned international tourism and warning signs in places visited by foreigners. The Commission supported the recommendation of the experts on the use of the state language on labels for goods produced in Latvia for local consumption. The Commission also established that in private businesses the information, necessary for employees to perform their duties, as well as to guarantee safety at work places should be in the state language.

Neatkariga, Chas, Bizness & Baltiya

Chas

also publishes an article of L.Fedoseyev where he analyses the language situation in Latvia starting from 1918 up to nowadays and tries to predict the future situation. also publishes an article of L.Fedoseyev where he analyses the language situation in Latvia starting from 1918 up to nowadays and tries to predict the future situation.

Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK

advertises its position on amending the Law on Citizenship in the newspaper advertises its position on amending the Law on Citizenship in the newspaper NeatkarigaNeatkariga by publishing the opinion of a very popular Latvian poet Maris Caklais and eight statements on this topic: a person may not receive citizenship in any EU state without knowing the state language, and there are no arguments why it should be different in Latvia; it is not possible to ensure the knowledge of the state language for all residents just with the help of education system; recommendations to amend the Law on Citizenship have no grounds in any of EU legal acts; EU countries themselves do not fulfil all obligations forced upon Latvia; the issue of citizenship is not to be considered as the primary and decisive for Latvia to join EU; there is an unofficial information that the tempo of EU expansion will be determined by the influence on Eastern Europe countries of the economic crises in Russia as well as administrative and financial problems of EU institutions; EU has never and nowhere declared that the abolishing of the amendments to the Law on Citizenship would prevent Latvia to become a EU member state; the hullabaloo about Latvian Law on Citizenship is started just due to the result of long lasting political pressure of Russia. by publishing the opinion of a very popular Latvian poet Maris Caklais and eight statements on this topic: a person may not receive citizenship in any EU state without knowing the state language, and there are no arguments why it should be different in Latvia; it is not possible to ensure the knowledge of the state language for all residents just with the help of education system; recommendations to amend the Law on Citizenship have no grounds in any of EU legal acts; EU countries themselves do not fulfil all obligations forced upon Latvia; the issue of citizenship is not to be considered as the primary and decisive for Latvia to join EU; there is an unofficial information that the tempo of EU expansion will be determined by the influence on Eastern Europe countries of the economic crises in Russia as well as administrative and financial problems of EU institutions; EU has never and nowhere declared that the abolishing of the amendments to the Law on Citizenship would prevent Latvia to become a EU member state; the hullabaloo about Latvian Law on Citizenship is started just due to the result of long lasting political pressure of Russia. NeatkarigaNeatkariga Political sympathies of non-citizens are very different from those of citizens. It is shown by a public opinion poll made by SKDS. The leader if

Political sympathies of non-citizens are very different from those of citizens. It is shown by a public opinion poll made by SKDS. The leader if Peoples Harmony Party with 16.1%, but half of non-citizens answered that if they had a chance to vote they would not do it. Peoples Party runs the second with 9.2%. The rest of the parties would not overcome the 5% barrier. Diena

N.Locmele published another article in

N.Locmele published another article in Diena explaining the essence of the amendments to the Law on Citizenship and calling people to vote for adoption of these amendments. Diena

Peoples Party

has agreed to the late invitation of New Party to start discussion with it. PP agreed to it because the wanted to find out the content and sense of these mysterious discussions. Jauna Avize

Jauna Avize

interviews the leader of interviews the leader of Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK M.Grinblats. Answering to the question on the possible outcome of the referendum, M.Grinblats answers that it very difficult to predict it because nine parties stand for adopting the amendments and they have more resources than M.Grinblats. Answering to the question on the possible outcome of the referendum, M.Grinblats answers that it very difficult to predict it because nine parties stand for adopting the amendments and they have more resources than TB/LNNKTB/LNNK. After the referendum the party plans to work on including the status of the language in the Satversme, it will also pay attention to the language and education laws. . After the referendum the party plans to work on including the status of the language in the Satversme, it will also pay attention to the language and education laws. TB/LNNKTB/LNNK considers that the state should determine the amount of program taught in the Latvian language in private schools. It also stands for transition to the Latvian language as the language of tuition in secondary schools and that at least half of the subjects at elementary schools are to be taught in the Latvian language. When asked about the possible outcome of the election, M.Grinblats said that they were realists and planned about 20 seats in the Parliament. considers that the state should determine the amount of program taught in the Latvian language in private schools. It also stands for transition to the Latvian language as the language of tuition in secondary schools and that at least half of the subjects at elementary schools are to be taught in the Latvian language. When asked about the possible outcome of the election, M.Grinblats said that they were realists and planned about 20 seats in the Parliament. An international conference “Ethnic minorities, international co-operation and security in the Baltic region: the role of political parties” took place in Riga on September 19 - 20. It was organised by the support of

An international conference Ethnic minorities, international co-operation and security in the Baltic region: the role of political parties took place in Riga on September 19 - 20. It was organised by the support of Peoples Harmony Party and Russian public union Yabloko. The participants discussed the situation of ethnic minorities in the Baltic states which B.Cilevich characterised as followed, The low level of self-organisation and responsive ethnic mobilisation, lack of political culture that is based on understanding the rights of minorities. Panorama Latvii

Representatives of the Latvian Committee on Human Rights use the data of a recent public opinion poll made by the Centre of market research and public opinion, which show that from 1003 responders 41.2% either participated in or witnessed an inter ethnic conflict on everyday level, to prove their point of view that there are problems with national proud of Latvians. For this they use expressions of ultra-radical nationalists to prove their point of view.

Representatives of the Latvian Committee on Human Rights use the data of a recent public opinion poll made by the Centre of market research and public opinion, which show that from 1003 responders 41.2% either participated in or witnessed an inter ethnic conflict on everyday level, to prove their point of view that there are problems with national proud of Latvians. For this they use expressions of ultra-radical nationalists to prove their point of view. Panorama Latvii

Latvian citizens residing in Russia will be able to vote in the 7th Saeima election at three polling stations, located at the Embassy in Moscow, Consulate-General in Sankt-Petersburg and consulate in Pskov. The total number of Latvian citizens in Russia could be 40 000, including about 4 -5 thousand in Moscow.

Latvian citizens residing in Russia will be able to vote in the 7th Saeima election at three polling stations, located at the Embassy in Moscow, Consulate-General in Sankt-Petersburg and consulate in Pskov. The total number of Latvian citizens in Russia could be 40 000, including about 4 -5 thousand in Moscow. Bizness & Baltiya

Today in the second largest city of Latvia - Daugavpils, a Latgalian office of the Latvian language training program is opened. It is planned to teach the methodology of teaching the Latvian language as the second language to about 700 teachers.

Today in the second largest city of Latvia - Daugavpils, a Latgalian office of the Latvian language training program is opened. It is planned to teach the methodology of teaching the Latvian language as the second language to about 700 teachers. Bizness & Baltiya

Press Review

Press Review

Giving speech at the 53rd session of the UN General Assembly in New York, the Latvian State President said that it is time to evaluate one of the most inhuman regimes of this century - the Soviet totalitarianism, the Press Service of the State President informs. Mr. Ulmanis acknowledged the positive role played by the international organisations in the successful implementation of the closure of the Skrunda Radar Station. Guntis Ulmanis informed about the integration processes in Latvia, amendments to the Citizenship Law and about the upcoming referendum. On Sunday the Latvian State President met with the US State Secretary Madelein Albright to talk about the Latvian internal situation, and the upcoming elections and the referendum.

Giving speech at the 53rd session of the UN General Assembly in New York, the Latvian State President said that it is time to evaluate one of the most inhuman regimes of this century - the Soviet totalitarianism, the Press Service of the State President informs. Mr. Ulmanis acknowledged the positive role played by the international organisations in the successful implementation of the closure of the Skrunda Radar Station. Guntis Ulmanis informed about the integration processes in Latvia, amendments to the Citizenship Law and about the upcoming referendum. On Sunday the Latvian State President met with the US State Secretary Madelein Albright to talk about the Latvian internal situation, and the upcoming elections and the referendum. Diena

On Monday the Prime Minister Guntars Krasts met with the representatives of cultural sphere to discuss the authority of the Latvian language in society, issues of the Latvian self - confidence and the social integration process. During the discussion it was acknowledged that the strengthening of the middle class and providing the rural population with job opportunities, would improve the language situation.

On Monday the Prime Minister Guntars Krasts met with the representatives of cultural sphere to discuss the authority of the Latvian language in society, issues of the Latvian self - confidence and the social integration process. During the discussion it was acknowledged that the strengthening of the middle class and providing the rural population with job opportunities, would improve the language situation. Diena

In September the number of voters who have not made up their mind yet, has decreased, while the popularity of the leftist forces has increased, the sociological research firm “Latvijas Fakti” informs. According to the survey, only 13.9% of voters have not decided for which party to cast their votes, but some 4.5% have decided not to participate in elections. If the elections were in September, 21.3% of voters will cast their votes for the

In September the number of voters who have not made up their mind yet, has decreased, while the popularity of the leftist forces has increased, the sociological research firm Latvijas Fakti informs. According to the survey, only 13.9% of voters have not decided for which party to cast their votes, but some 4.5% have decided not to participate in elections. If the elections were in September, 21.3% of voters will cast their votes for the People Party, 13.7% - for Fatherland and Freedom, 13.5% - for the Latvias Way, 9.1%, - Social Democratic Union; 7.6% - Peoples Harmony Party, and 6.1.% - the New Party. Other parties would not reach the 5% barrier. Diena

On Monday the Saeima Commission of Education, Culture and Science continued revision of the final draft of the State Language Law. The Chair of the Commission Dzintars Abikis told Diena that the commission approved the stipulation providing the free choice of language for people engaged in the enterpreneurship, except for cases when person is engaged in activities related with the protection of the employees rights an consumers rights, in the health care, as well as in the relations with the institutions of the state power, municipal institutions and law enforcement agencies. These exceptions, in general, are in conformity with the recommendations of the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel. However, the commission has not implemented the recommendation stating that the state can regulate the use of language at meetings only in those organisations in which the state hold more than 50% shares of the capital. Diena

Yesterday upon the invitation of the director of the Riga gymnasium No 1, representatives of various public organisations met to express the public support to the abolishing of the Citizenship Law amendments. They called all conscious citizens of Latvia, regardless of their belonging to parties, vote for the abolishing of the Citizenship Law amendments, because it is unacceptable to grant the citizenship without the language proficiency examination. Neatkariga

During the working visit in the Krasnoyarsk region, the Latvian Ambassador in Russia Imants Daudiss met with the governor of the region Alexander Lebed. According to Mr. Daudiss, the governor supported the economic co-operation between Latvia and the region and expressed distrust towards those mass media which started the campaign against Latvia after the events of the 3rd March. Chas

The dismantling of the Skrunda Radar Station goes as it should. Recently the communication and transmission appliances, as well as the emblem of the unit were brought to Russia. Along with the equipment, the personnel of the Skrunda Radar Station is also leaving Latvia, although the Russian Ministry of Defence still have no found possibilities to supply these people with apartments in Russia. It might be a reason why 98 former employees of the Skrunda Radar Station have addressed the Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs with the request to issue residence permits. Chas

Sergey Zaletayev criticises the State Presidents speech at the 53rd session of the UN General Assembly. According to Mr. Zaletayev, the State President concealed several important aspects not only about the Latvias past, but also its present. Panorama Latvii

Jauna Avize publishes a story of Jelena Suvorova and her son who have illegally resided in Latvia for 7 years. Despite the fact that Ms. Suvorova and her son were born in Latvia, the DCMA is of the opinion that they do not have legal grounds to stay in the country. SM publishes an interview with Vladimir Averchev, a deputy of the Russian Duma, who last Saturday participated in the international conference on the national minorities and the international co-operation. According to Mr. Averchev, the most important thing for Latvia is to understand that internal conformity of the society is the obligatory pre-requisite for the countrys persistence and strength. At the moment Latvia stands on the cross-roads. But it still has a chance to become a unified society, and consequently, a strong country, Mr. Averchev said. SM

To inform the readers about the issue put on the upcoming referendum, Lauku Avize publishes the full text of the Law on Amendments to the Citizenship law adopted on 22 June 1998, and the sample of the ballot with the question to be answered during the referendum.

Lauku Avize publishes the interview with the Latvian State President Guntis Ulmanis. Referring to the upcoming referendum, Mr. Ulmanis said that the situation around the Citizenship Law amendments shows how uninformed the population is, and how short-sighted the politicians have been when using the language which incomprehensible to the people. Mr. Ulmanis refuses to predict the results of the referendum. Lauku Avize

Press Report

Rolands Petersons, a journalist of

Rolands Petersons, a journalist of Neatkariga discusses important legislative acts which have to be adopted by the present parliament before the new Saeima starts its work on 3 November. Among the laws to be adopted there are the State Language law which will be discussed on 28 September and the amendments to the Satversme (Constitution) which also are ready for the final reading. Diena

On Saturday the representatives of the movement

On Saturday the representatives of the movement For Equality and several Russian public organisations continued collecting signatures in support of education in the native language. Within an hour they managed to collect some 15,000 signatures. The leader of the movement For Equality Tatjana Zhdanok informed the SM that the movement plans to organise a meeting in support of education in the native language on 1 October.

All Monday newspapers publish articles about the international conference ”Ethnic Minorities, International Co-operation and Security in the Baltic Region: Role of Political Parties” which was organised by the Legal Research Institution in co-operation with the

All Monday newspapers publish articles about the international conference Ethnic Minorities, International Co-operation and Security in the Baltic Region: Role of Political Parties which was organised by the Legal Research Institution in co-operation with the Peoples Conformity Party and the Russian Public Union JaBloko. The Latvias political spectrum was limited to the Peoples Conformity Party, the Latvian Socialist Party, Russian Party, and the movement For Equality. Among the participants there were the former advisor to the Russian President Mr. Georgy Satarov, Ambassadors of Russia, the Ukraine, Estonia, Lithuania, the head of the OSCE Mission, as well as politicians of state and municipal level from Baltic States Russia, and Germany. The participants of the conference passed a resolution which emphasised the need for co-operation between representatives of ethnic minorities, and first of all the Russian minorities, of three Baltic states, when establishing the contacts between deputies of parliaments and municipalities, and preparing the educational conception for national minority schools in the Baltics. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas