Press Report

Press Report

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will be on a working visit in Bulgaria 4-5 October to join the summit of Vilnius Nine group which will be attended also by top NATO officials and representatives of non-governmental organisation. And 16-18 October is scheduled for a state visit in Hungary for talks with Hungarian president, parliament speaker and Budapest mayor.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will be on a working visit in Bulgaria 4-5 October to join the summit of Vilnius Nine group which will be attended also by top NATO officials and representatives of non-governmental organisation. And 16-18 October is scheduled for a state visit in Hungary for talks with Hungarian president, parliament speaker and Budapest mayor. Latvijas Vestnesis

Russia may reconsider its opposition to the enlargement of NATO into countries of the former Soviet bloc, if the alliance transforms into a political organisation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in Brussels on Wednesday. Latvian foreign affairs minister I.Berzins considers it as a positive sign; in the opinion of Prime Minister A.Berzins it is a logic step. FF/LNNK parliament member G.Krasts hopes that “the words will be followed by real actions” and he was not surprised at the statement as he expected that Russia would try to move toward West. Foreign policy expert N.Neilands voices that Putin’s statement is very “interesting” and it could reduce the tension in Latvia Russia relations.

Russia may reconsider its opposition to the enlargement of NATO into countries of the former Soviet bloc, if the alliance transforms into a political organisation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in Brussels on Wednesday. Latvian foreign affairs minister I.Berzins considers it as a positive sign; in the opinion of Prime Minister A.Berzins it is a logic step. FF/LNNK parliament member G.Krasts hopes that the words will be followed by real actions and he was not surprised at the statement as he expected that Russia would try to move toward West. Foreign policy expert N.Neilands voices that Putins statement is very interesting and it could reduce the tension in Latvia Russia relations. Neatkariga, Chas

Diena

provides the article by provides the article by Dr.histDr.hist. L.Dribins about whether Russians should be considered a national minority in Latvia. He expresses the support to the ratification of the EC Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities and sees Russians as alive and healthy national minority in Latvia. . L.Dribins about whether Russians should be considered a national minority in Latvia. He expresses the support to the ratification of the EC Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities and sees Russians as “alive and healthy national minority” in Latvia.

Neatkariga

reports about the tendencies in naturalisation process. On average the number of applicants for naturalisation per month this year (992v applications) has dropped in comparison to 1999 (1265 applications). reports about the tendencies in naturalisation process. On average the number of applicants for naturalisation per month this year (992v applications) has dropped in comparison to 1999 (1265 applications).

Lauku Avize

talks to Latvian foreign affairs minister I.Berzins and defence minister G.Kristovskis. The main discussion subject is the current international situation in regard to the recent terrorism attack in the USA and what influence it could have on Latvia. When asked about the statements voiced by national radicals that Latvia will experience ethnic crisis, foreign affairs minister states that radicals start to understand that Latvia is getting closer to the EU and NATO and thus Latvia in a way slipps out and gets to much safer positions. Also defence minister G.Kristovskis would like to see more support from non-citizens to Latvias membership to NATO. Foreign affair minister reproaches Latvian mass media published in Russian for not publishing his opinion on the statements coming from Russia on comparison between Latvia and Macedonia, as well as I.Berzins does not see any grounds for nervous articles in these newspapers that Latvia have to change its foreign policy. talks to Latvian foreign affairs minister I.Berzins and defence minister G.Kristovskis. The main discussion subject is the current international situation in regard to the recent terrorism attack in the USA and what influence it could have on Latvia. When asked about the statements voiced by national radicals that Latvia will experience ethnic crisis, foreign affairs minister states that radicals start to understand that Latvia is getting closer to the EU and NATO and thus Latvia in a way slipps out and gets to much safer positions. Also defence minister G.Kristovskis would like to see more support from non-citizens to Latvia’s membership to NATO. Foreign affair minister reproaches Latvian mass media published in Russian for not publishing his opinion on the statements coming from Russia on comparison between Latvia and Macedonia, as well as I.Berzins does not see any grounds for “nervous articles” in these newspapers that Latvia have to change its foreign policy. Latvian politicians voices their opinion on the statement of People Harmony Party leaders J.Jurkans and N.Neilands regarding “the necessity to review Latvian foreign policy and give up using the term “occupation””. Social Democrat J.Bojars says that it is just a word game and that “Jurkans has always tried to realise foreign policy of their party, however, up to now they have never succeeded”. Baltic Strategic Research Centre Director T.Jundzis does not consider the suggested changes could have any influence on Latvia Russia relations

Latvian politicians voices their opinion on the statement of People Harmony Party leaders J.Jurkans and N.Neilands regarding the necessity to review Latvian foreign policy and give up using the term occupation. Social Democrat J.Bojars says that it is just a word game and that Jurkans has always tried to realise foreign policy of their party, however, up to now they have never succeeded. Baltic Strategic Research Centre Director T.Jundzis does not consider the suggested changes could have any influence on Latvia Russia relations. Lauku Avize

Minister of Justice I.Labucka is taking part in the European Conference of Justice Ministers in Moscow till 5 October

Minister of Justice I.Labucka is taking part in the European Conference of Justice Ministers in Moscow till 5 October. Lauku Avize

Lauku Avize

reports that in Latgale three groups of non-citizens will have a possibility to attend Latvian language courses free of charge and as the only sponsor of the project the newspaper names the OSCE Mission to Latvia. reports that in Latgale three groups of non-citizens will have a possibility to attend Latvian language courses free of charge and as the only sponsor of the project the newspaper names the OSCE Mission to Latvia. One of Riga movie theatres was fined for violating Article 17 of the State Language Law. The movie theatre showed a movie in Russian and did not provide the subtitles in the state language. As the director of the movie explains “we wanted to introduce our audience with the film as soon as possible, so we did not have time to produce subtitles”. The penalty could be in the form of warning or a fine even up to LVL 100.

One of Riga movie theatres was fined for violating Article 17 of the State Language Law. The movie theatre showed a movie in Russian and did not provide the subtitles in the state language. As the director of the movie explains we wanted to introduce our audience with the film as soon as possible, so we did not have time to produce subtitles. The penalty could be in the form of warning or a fine even up to LVL 100. Chas

Chas

publishes speculations about the chances of left-wing parties at the 8th Saeima election. The estimation of the newspaper is that Social Democrats and FHRUL will have 40% of the votes in 2002 election. However, as the threat could be the new parties, as the part of voters in Latvia (20%) are ready to vote exclusively for the new parties. publishes speculations about the chances of left-wing parties at the 8th Saeima election. The estimation of the newspaper is that Social Democrats and FHRUL will have 40% of the votes in 2002 election. However, as the threat could be the new parties, as the part of voters in Latvia (20%) are ready to vote exclusively for the new parties.

Vesti Segodnja

reports about the meeting of Saeima Education, Science and Human Rights Committee members with Czech MP during which also FHRUL members had a possibility to express their opinion, in particular, about violation of the rights of Russian-speakers in Latvia. reports about the meeting of Saeima Education, Science and Human Rights Committee members with Czech MP during which also FHRUL members had a possibility to express their opinion, in particular, about violation of the rights of Russian-speakers in Latvia. Vesti SegodnyaVesti Segodnya writes that after the meeting FHRUL Y.Cilevich received reproaches from right wing party members for discrediting Latvias image. writes that after the meeting FHRUL Y.Cilevich received reproaches from right wing party members for “discrediting Latvia’s image”.

 Press Report

Press Report

Journalist D.Araja published an article on the possible closure of the OSCE Mission to Latvia. Latvian progress concerning national minority and human rights could give enough grounds to close the Mission but no precise forecasts are given yet. Latvian MFA considers that the Mission’s mandate has been fulfilled and the Mission should be closed. Also the President gave a direct hint about it. She had come to this conclusion after her discussion with the OSCE High Commissioner R.Ekeuss. HoM P.Semneby admits that this topic was discussed during the visit of the High Commissioner, but no exact decision has been taken yet. It is up to the OSCE member states to do it, and the possible closure will depend on P.Semneby’s regular report to the OSCE headquarters in Vienna. Political scientist N.Muiznieks pointed out that closure of the Mission would be a good signal to EU and NATO showing that Latvia was able to solve its problems. Currently the biggest objections are against the election law stipulating that deputy candidates must have the highest level of state language knowledge.

Journalist D.Araja published an article on the possible closure of the OSCE Mission to Latvia. Latvian progress concerning national minority and human rights could give enough grounds to close the Mission but no precise forecasts are given yet. Latvian MFA considers that the Missions mandate has been fulfilled and the Mission should be closed. Also the President gave a direct hint about it. She had come to this conclusion after her discussion with the OSCE High Commissioner R.Ekeuss. HoM P.Semneby admits that this topic was discussed during the visit of the High Commissioner, but no exact decision has been taken yet. It is up to the OSCE member states to do it, and the possible closure will depend on P.Semnebys regular report to the OSCE headquarters in Vienna. Political scientist N.Muiznieks pointed out that closure of the Mission would be a good signal to EU and NATO showing that Latvia was able to solve its problems. Currently the biggest objections are against the election law stipulating that deputy candidates must have the highest level of state language knowledge. Diena

Latvia's government accepted the National Security Concept on Tuesday, describing Latvia's situation from security aspects and assesses factors influencing the country's security situation, reported the government's press service. The basic principles of the National Security Concept are determined by the National Security Law, passed by parliament, which are to define the basic strategic principles, priorities and events for preventing threats to the state.

Latvia's government accepted the National Security Concept on Tuesday, describing Latvia's situation from security aspects and assesses factors influencing the country's security situation, reported the government's press service. The basic principles of the National Security Concept are determined by the National Security Law, passed by parliament, which are to define the basic strategic principles, priorities and events for preventing threats to the state. BNS

Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins will be on a visit in Bled, Slovenia, beginning today through October 5 in order to participate in the annual 47th assembly of the Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA). Representatives from non-governmental organizations along with NATO and associate countries are set to discuss developments in the Euro-Atlantic security and NATO expansion matters.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins will be on a visit in Bled, Slovenia, beginning today through October 5 in order to participate in the annual 47th assembly of the Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA). Representatives from non-governmental organizations along with NATO and associate countries are set to discuss developments in the Euro-Atlantic security and NATO expansion matters. LETA, Diena

Danish and Latvian governments' talks on bilateral cooperation program for this and following years will be held in Riga today, LETA learned at the press service of the minister for international financial affairs. The Danish-Latvian bilateral cooperation program sets guidelines for Denmark's aid to Latvia in the next several years. In 2000,

Danish and Latvian governments' talks on bilateral cooperation program for this and following years will be held in Riga today, LETA learned at the press service of the minister for international financial affairs. The Danish-Latvian bilateral cooperation program sets guidelines for Denmark's aid to Latvia in the next several years. In 2000,

Denmark's financing in Latvia was DKK 200 million, including non-refundable aid of DKK 165 million, the rest were investments.

Denmark's financing in Latvia was DKK 200 million, including non-refundable aid of DKK 165 million, the rest were investments. LETA

According to the Cabinet of Ministers' conclusions after discussions on the year 2002 budget, the Finance Ministry has amended the draft budget and raised the forecast budget's deficit up to 2.14 percent of gross domestic product instead of the 1.73 percent set initially.

According to the Cabinet of Ministers' conclusions after discussions on the year 2002 budget, the Finance Ministry has amended the draft budget and raised the forecast budget's deficit up to 2.14 percent of gross domestic product instead of the 1.73 percent set initially. LETA

Newspaper

Newspaper Neatkariga interviewed the new German Ambassador to Latvia E.Herold. The Ambassador told the journalist about future developments in German – Latvian relations.

Around a third - 34.2 percent - of Latvia's population considers Russia a threat to Latvia's independence, according to a poll carried out by SKDS in August. Most of those surveyed - 57 percent do not agree to the claim, while almost a tenth - 8.8 percent - have no answer to the issue. Latvian and non-ethnic Latvians differ in their attitude towards Russia with 49.7 percent ethnic Latvians considering Russia as a threat to Latvia's independence and only 15.4 percent of non-ethnic Latvians agreeing to the statement. Russia is not considered a threat by 40.3 percent ethnic Latvians and 77.3 percent non-ethnic Latvians.

Around a third - 34.2 percent - of Latvia's population considers Russia a threat to Latvia's independence, according to a poll carried out by SKDS in August. Most of those surveyed - 57 percent do not agree to the claim, while almost a tenth - 8.8 percent - have no answer to the issue. Latvian and non-ethnic Latvians differ in their attitude towards Russia with 49.7 percent ethnic Latvians considering Russia as a threat to Latvia's independence and only 15.4 percent of non-ethnic Latvians agreeing to the statement. Russia is not considered a threat by 40.3 percent ethnic Latvians and 77.3 percent non-ethnic Latvians. BNS

Latvia's government accepted an action plan for introducing Schengen requirements, foreseeing complete adoption and introduction of Schengen requirements on Latvia's borders before joining the EU, reported the Interior Minister Mareks Seglins. The State Chancellery reported that the Schengen axis is an irrevocable part of EU legislation, and that the indicative action plan is expected to be submitted by Latvia for the next EU summit, informing of the current situation, as well as on further development harmonizing and implementing EU legislation.

Latvia's government accepted an action plan for introducing Schengen requirements, foreseeing complete adoption and introduction of Schengen requirements on Latvia's borders before joining the EU, reported the Interior Minister Mareks Seglins. The State Chancellery reported that the Schengen axis is an irrevocable part of EU legislation, and that the indicative action plan is expected to be submitted by Latvia for the next EU summit, informing of the current situation, as well as on further development harmonizing and implementing EU legislation. BNS

The Naturalization Board to realize one of its tasks to revoke Latvian citizenship it needs additional 8500 LVL. Ministry of Justice has accepted the request, and yesterday the Naturalization Board Head E.Aldermane asked for support of the Saeima Citizenship Law Implementation Commission. Deprivation has been one of the Board’s tasks since January 1,1999 but the institution has not received a santim for this purpose.

The Naturalization Board to realize one of its tasks to revoke Latvian citizenship it needs additional 8500 LVL. Ministry of Justice has accepted the request, and yesterday the Naturalization Board Head E.Aldermane asked for support of the Saeima Citizenship Law Implementation Commission. Deprivation has been one of the Boards tasks since January 1,1999 but the institution has not received a santim for this purpose. Neatkariga

Yesterday President Vaira Vike-Freiberga accepted the accreditation letter from the new Norwegian Ambassador to Latvia J.W.Hegg.

Yesterday President Vaira Vike-Freiberga accepted the accreditation letter from the new Norwegian Ambassador to Latvia J.W.Hegg. Neatkariga, Latvijas Vestnesis

Next year the Municipality of Moscow intends to spent 120 million RBL (about 4 million USD) to support Russian in the former USSR countries. Municipality plans to develop an action plan for working with compatriots and by the end of this year to establish a database on Russian Diaspora.

Next year the Municipality of Moscow intends to spent 120 million RBL (about 4 million USD) to support Russian in the former USSR countries. Municipality plans to develop an action plan for working with compatriots and by the end of this year to establish a database on Russian Diaspora. Chas

Newspaper

Newspaper Vesti Segodnya writes that Latvia got afraid of international reaction and the Saeima Commission on Human Rights unexpectedly put off indefinitely consideration of the draft law On repatriation.

Newspaper

Newspaper Panorama Latvii asked the leader of Freedom and Fatherland/LNNK M.Grinblats to explain his recent statement that it would be bad for Latvia if parties favoring cooperation with Russia win the next Saeima election. Mr.Grinblats said that what he meant was if in the government was dominated by forces, for which it was typical to obey to Russias policy, it would be a disaster for Latvia, because Russia regarded all former USSR states as its estate and did not want to change its attitude.

 Press Report

Press Report

Latvian Citizenship and Migration Department is set to incorporate recommendations of ministries in the draft immigration law by the end of the week to eliminate deficiencies and disparity of the effective legislation to the European Union requirements and norms, a spokeswoman said. Laine Boldane quoted Citizenship and Migration Department deputy chief Maira Roze as saying that under the new draft legislation, regulating stay of foreigners and stateless persons in Latvia, the foreigners will be entitled to receive a permanent residence permit in Latvia after ten years spent here non-stop holding a temporary residence permit.

Latvian Citizenship and Migration Department is set to incorporate recommendations of ministries in the draft immigration law by the end of the week to eliminate deficiencies and disparity of the effective legislation to the European Union requirements and norms, a spokeswoman said. Laine Boldane quoted Citizenship and Migration Department deputy chief Maira Roze as saying that under the new draft legislation, regulating stay of foreigners and stateless persons in Latvia, the foreigners will be entitled to receive a permanent residence permit in Latvia after ten years spent here non-stop holding a temporary residence permit. BNS

The People's Party's (TP) Saeima faction will not vote for a national budget and volumes of taxes that do not coincide with TP's stance, TP Chairman Andris Skele said today during the TP Saeima faction's meeting with Prime Minister Andris Berzins. Skele stressed that TP has already accepted not lowering real estate tax and social tax, and does not insist any longer on entirely giving up corporate income tax, however, there is no more room to step back for the party.

The People's Party's (TP) Saeima faction will not vote for a national budget and volumes of taxes that do not coincide with TP's stance, TP Chairman Andris Skele said today during the TP Saeima faction's meeting with Prime Minister Andris Berzins. Skele stressed that TP has already accepted not lowering real estate tax and social tax, and does not insist any longer on entirely giving up corporate income tax, however, there is no more room to step back for the party. LETA, Diena

Yesterday 20 people from the Union of Latvian Patriotic Youth “Everybody – for Latvia” organized a rally at the Ministry of Education and Science demanding to introduce patriotic upbringing lessons at school. If this demand were be neglected they threatened to organize a workers strike.

Yesterday 20 people from the Union of Latvian Patriotic Youth Everybody – for Latvia organized a rally at the Ministry of Education and Science demanding to introduce patriotic upbringing lessons at school. If this demand were be neglected they threatened to organize a workers strike. Chas, Panorama Latvii,

Vesti Segodnya tittles this information “Last refuge for villains?”

Vesti Segodnya tittles this information Last refuge for villains?

Political scientist, Head of Baltic Forum N.Neilands thinks that the USA had driven Latvia into a blind alley with State Secretary Powell’s letter where Mr.Powell recommended Latvian authorities to settle down their relations with Russia. And N.Neilands offered to help Latvian authorities to do it. Next week the regular international conference of the Baltic forum will be held in Riga

Political scientist, Head of Baltic Forum N.Neilands thinks that the USA had driven Latvia into a blind alley with State Secretary Powells letter where Mr.Powell recommended Latvian authorities to settle down their relations with Russia. And N.Neilands offered to help Latvian authorities to do it. Next week the regular international conference of the Baltic forum will be held in Riga. Vesti Segodnya

 Press Report

Press Report

Latvia's Parliament Speaker, Janis Straume, met with Lithuania's Prime Minister, Algirdas Brazauskas, in Riga on Thursday and discussed the good mutual relations between both countries and developing these relations in future. The Latvian Parliament reported that during their meeting, Straume said that Latvian and Lithuanian relations have developed successfully. He reminded that an active inter-governmental political dialogue has established on all levels, giving the possibility for regular information exchange on significant foreign policy issues, namely EU and NAT enlargement, the political and practical aspects of these issues.

Latvia's Parliament Speaker, Janis Straume, met with Lithuania's Prime Minister, Algirdas Brazauskas, in Riga on Thursday and discussed the good mutual relations between both countries and developing these relations in future. The Latvian Parliament reported that during their meeting, Straume said that Latvian and Lithuanian relations have developed successfully. He reminded that an active inter-governmental political dialogue has established on all levels, giving the possibility for regular information exchange on significant foreign policy issues, namely EU and NAT enlargement, the political and practical aspects of these issues. BNS, Latvijas Vestnesis, Chas

Vaira Paegle, the head of the Latvian delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has criticized the anti-terrorism resolution adopted by PACE on Wednesday, describing it as "lukewarm and self-satisfying."

Vaira Paegle, the head of the Latvian delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has criticized the anti-terrorism resolution adopted by PACE on Wednesday, describing it as "lukewarm and self-satisfying." BNS

Vaira Paegle, was elected as vice president of the assembly unanimously today, as LETA was informed by the secretariat of Latvia's delegation.

Vaira Paegle, was elected as vice president of the assembly unanimously today, as LETA was informed by the secretariat of Latvia's delegation. LETA

Talks on the budget for 2002 are almost in a deadlock position, Prime Minister Andris Berzins said in an interview on Latvian State Radio today in commenting on the government's debate on the national budget for next year. The premier said that the delay is because Ministry of Finance is changing its stance frequently, and Finance Minister Gundars Berzins thinks, "he is the only person who has the right to decide financial matters". Berzins believes that such finance minister's actions are "an attempt to put the government in a silly situation".

Talks on the budget for 2002 are almost in a deadlock position, Prime Minister Andris Berzins said in an interview on Latvian State Radio today in commenting on the government's debate on the national budget for next year. The premier said that the delay is because Ministry of Finance is changing its stance frequently, and Finance Minister Gundars Berzins thinks, "he is the only person who has the right to decide financial matters". Berzins believes that such finance minister's actions are "an attempt to put the government in a silly situation". LETA, Latvijas Vestnesis, Vesti Segognya

Diena adds that now the relations between the two ruling coalition parties Peoples Party and Latvias Way have become critical.

Newspaper

Newspaper Neatkariga wanted the publish the full text of US State Secretary C.Powells letter, but Latvian MFA refused to give it. Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins explained that if Mr. Powell would like this letter to be public he would have stated so. Minister said that there was nothing secret in that letter and no underwater cliffs.

Faction For Human Rights in United Latvia leader J.Jurkans writes that now Latvia has to understand – it may not afford any more to disregard Russia; all major political decisions in the world will be made taking into consideration Russian interests. And clear indication for this is Powell’s letter. Unwillingness of Latvian MFA to publish it shows that the Ministry is at a loss what to do.

Faction For Human Rights in United Latvia leader J.Jurkans writes that now Latvia has to understand – it may not afford any more to disregard Russia; all major political decisions in the world will be made taking into consideration Russian interests. And clear indication for this is Powells letter. Unwillingness of Latvian MFA to publish it shows that the Ministry is at a loss what to do. Neatkariga

Vesti Segodnya writes about one more political scandal. During the discussion of the draft law “On repatriation” at the Saeima Human Rights Commission MPs from faction For Freedom and Fatherland/LNNK demanded to supplement this law with a new “de-occupation” chapter “On departure from Latvia”. These radicals think that the state has to provide all financing for departure (read – eviction) of non-Latvians from the state. If this gets support in the parliament the idea of de-occupation and “de-colonization” will be implemented; on the account of taxpayers.

Vesti Segodnya writes about one more political scandal. During the discussion of the draft law On repatriation at the Saeima Human Rights Commission MPs from faction For Freedom and Fatherland/LNNK demanded to supplement this law with a new de-occupation chapter On departure from Latvia. These radicals think that the state has to provide all financing for departure (read – eviction) of non-Latvians from the state. If this gets support in the parliament the idea of de-occupation and de-colonization will be implemented; on the account of taxpayers.

Press Report

Press Report

In an interview to the Latvian Radio Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga said that the time had come the close the OSCE Mission to Latvia because Latvia had fulfilled its obligations.

In an interview to the Latvian Radio Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga said that the time had come the close the OSCE Mission to Latvia because Latvia had fulfilled its obligations. Vesti Segodnya

The European Court of Human Rights Nov. 14 will hear parties in a case opened after complaint by a family of Russian military who sued Latvian state over violating their right to inviolability of family life by deporting the family from the country, the court reported. Latvian representative at the European Court of Human Rights, Kristine Malinovska, told BNS a panel of 17 judges in a hearing in the Grand Chamber will hear arguments and considerations by both the Shlivenko family and the Latvian state on whether the case falls into the court's competence and on the merit of the case and will then decide which part of the complaint should be accepted for consideration and which would be rejected.

The European Court of Human Rights Nov. 14 will hear parties in a case opened after complaint by a family of Russian military who sued Latvian state over violating their right to inviolability of family life by deporting the family from the country, the court reported. Latvian representative at the European Court of Human Rights, Kristine Malinovska, told BNS a panel of 17 judges in a hearing in the Grand Chamber will hear arguments and considerations by both the Shlivenko family and the Latvian state on whether the case falls into the court's competence and on the merit of the case and will then decide which part of the complaint should be accepted for consideration and which would be rejected. BNS, Neatkariga, Chas

All three Baltic countries want to boost cooperation with Russia, and the United States have been also informed about this goal, Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins said in an interview on Latvian state radio today in commenting on the appeal made by the U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell requesting to set series of measures in order to facilitate the implementation of the U.S. and Baltic Partnership Charter. Berzins believes that Baltic-Russian cooperation noted in the letter from Powell is meant as a signal both for Russia and the Baltic countries. "We may offer good relations with Russia, and we have always done so," the minister stressed.

All three Baltic countries want to boost cooperation with Russia, and the United States have been also informed about this goal, Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins said in an interview on Latvian state radio today in commenting on the appeal made by the U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell requesting to set series of measures in order to facilitate the implementation of the U.S. and Baltic Partnership Charter. Berzins believes that Baltic-Russian cooperation noted in the letter from Powell is meant as a signal both for Russia and the Baltic countries. "We may offer good relations with Russia, and we have always done so," the minister stressed. LETA, Latvijas Vestnesis

Newspaper

Newspaper Chas commentator L.Fedoseyev states that now Latvia could turn from a subject of international legislation into an object – not Latvia would decide but somebody would decide for it when the USA needs Russia to fight Afghan terrorists. And instead of subtle hints C.Powell spoke openly about the need for Latvia to make friends with Russia. Translated from the diplomatic language into a simple one it means – either you (Latvia) finally settle your problems with Russia or we (US and Russia) would decide how to act.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Brazauskas and Estonian Prime Minister Mart Laar are visiting Latvia today in order to participate in the Baltic Sea region's E-business forum.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Brazauskas and Estonian Prime Minister Mart Laar are visiting Latvia today in order to participate in the Baltic Sea region's E-business forum. LETA, Diena, Neatkariga, Latvijas Vestnesis

Yesterday, the new Latvian Ambassador to Sweden Artis Bertulis presented his credentials to the King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf. The ambassador told LETA that during the meeting, the Swedish Royal Family's cooperation with Latvia was discussed.

Yesterday, the new Latvian Ambassador to Sweden Artis Bertulis presented his credentials to the King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf. The ambassador told LETA that during the meeting, the Swedish Royal Family's cooperation with Latvia was discussed. LETA

Head of DCMA M.Bicevskis informed the Saeima Citizenship Law Implementation Commission that if the Saeima adopted in October the necessary amendments to laws Latvian residents might be able from the beginning of the next year to receive the new passports but the new ID cards could be issued no sooner that 2003. Now Saeima commissions discuss amendments to several laws to stipulate that in these new passports will be nether marriage or divorce record, but will be permission or prohibition to use the bearer’s body for medical purposes after his death.

Head of DCMA M.Bicevskis informed the Saeima Citizenship Law Implementation Commission that if the Saeima adopted in October the necessary amendments to laws Latvian residents might be able from the beginning of the next year to receive the new passports but the new ID cards could be issued no sooner that 2003. Now Saeima commissions discuss amendments to several laws to stipulate that in these new passports will be nether marriage or divorce record, but will be permission or prohibition to use the bearers body for medical purposes after his death. Diena

Also the newspaper

Also the newspaper Lauku Avize informs about the new passports but in more details. M.Bicevskis has said that already in June the Department had received 55 500 new passports. The Department is technically ready to issue them now but is not possible due to some legislative problems. During this meeting a strong discussion started why there was no demand to record persons ethnicity. Mr.Bicevskis explained the deputies that the page containing information on the person had to be made according international standards and would be machine readable therefore there was no record of ethnicity. He added that theoretically it could be done in some other page. MP from the faction Freedom and Fatherland P.Lace objected to this, and M.Bicevskis calmed the deputies down saying that information about persons ethnicity would be preserved in Residents Register and ethnicity could be recorded in the new ID cards if the received wished it.

Political scientist E.Vebers writes that according to the census in Latvia there are 57.6% of Latvians, 29.6% of Russians, 4.1% - Ukrainians, etc. but if you go to a countryside you can see that styles of living, behaving, traditions, everyday psychology are quite homogeneous, also conversations are only in two languages – Latvian and Russian. People do not feel this statistical ethnic diversity. We fool ourselves and the world saying that in Latvia exist large and strong national minorities.

Political scientist E.Vebers writes that according to the census in Latvia there are 57.6% of Latvians, 29.6% of Russians, 4.1% - Ukrainians, etc. but if you go to a countryside you can see that styles of living, behaving, traditions, everyday psychology are quite homogeneous, also conversations are only in two languages – Latvian and Russian. People do not feel this statistical ethnic diversity. We fool ourselves and the world saying that in Latvia exist large and strong national minorities. Neatkariga

Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins during the two days spent in St.Petersburg had not discussed with Russian officials signing of bilateral agreements but just had pointed out the necessity to increase the activities of intergovernmental commission.

Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins during the two days spent in St.Petersburg had not discussed with Russian officials signing of bilateral agreements but just had pointed out the necessity to increase the activities of intergovernmental commission. Lauku Avize

Newspaper

Newspaper The Baltic Times published an article about the launching of a free-of-charge Latvian language training program on September 19 in Riga and the process of naturalization in Latvia.

By December 6 Latvian government has to submit to the European Human Rights Court an answer to the questions the Court asked about the case of Ms.Zhdanok. She was elected a deputy to the Riga City Council and afterwards deprived of her mandate, and T.Zhdanok addressed this court.

By December 6 Latvian government has to submit to the European Human Rights Court an answer to the questions the Court asked about the case of Ms.Zhdanok. She was elected a deputy to the Riga City Council and afterwards deprived of her mandate, and T.Zhdanok addressed this court. Panorama Latvii