Press Report

In Byelorussian city Braslaw a meeting of the leaders of frontier area municipalities took place where they signed an agreement on establishment of a regional council of cross border co-operation. Latvia was represented by the representatives of Davgavpils City and Region, Kraslava, Ludza and Rezekne Regions and Rezekne City. Such a council already operates in the Northern Latvia.

In Byelorussian city Braslaw a meeting of the leaders of frontier area municipalities took place where they signed an agreement on establishment of a regional council of cross border co-operation. Latvia was represented by the representatives of Davgavpils City and Region, Kraslava, Ludza and Rezekne Regions and Rezekne City. Such a council already operates in the Northern Latvia. Neatkariga

MFA State Secretary M.Riekstins expressed a hope of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia that the newly appointed Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov would avoid politicisation of bilateral relations. M.Riekstins thinks that it is difficult to foresee the possible changes in Russian foreign policy after appointing the new Minister of Foreign Affairs but still hopes that I.Ivanov as a career diplomat could approach interstate relations with less politicised attitude.

MFA State Secretary M.Riekstins expressed a hope of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia that the newly appointed Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov would avoid politicisation of bilateral relations. M.Riekstins thinks that it is difficult to foresee the possible changes in Russian foreign policy after appointing the new Minister of Foreign Affairs but still hopes that I.Ivanov as a career diplomat could approach interstate relations with less politicised attitude. Neatkariga

The Union of Economists 2010 has evaluated economic viewpoints of the programs of the nine the most popular political parties and come to a conclusion that the best are the ones of

The Union of Economists 2010 has evaluated economic viewpoints of the programs of the nine the most popular political parties and come to a conclusion that the best are the ones of Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK, Latvijas Cels and Peoples Party. The aim of this evaluation was to give a professional, objective conclusion on economic viewpoints, thus helping people to chose the most suitable party from the list. The union considered ten positions: attitude towards the property and entrepreneurship; the role of the state in the Economy; attitude towards foreign investments, privatisation, health care, system of education, etc. All 16 members took part in voting and, to avoid a political sympathies, the biggest and smallest evaluations were not considered. The highest scores got those parties the programs of which corresponded to the conditions of a liberal market. TB/LNNK scored 58.7 points, Latvijas Cels - 57, Peoples Party - 46.3, DPS - 42.3, New Party - 39.4, LP, UCD and LGP - 30, social democrats - 28.5, Peoples Harmony Party - 16.7, Latvian Farmers Union - 15.2. Neatkariga, Diena

The Director of NHRO O.Bruveris has received an answer from the Office of EstonianPresident with gratitude for raising the issue of Valka - Valga border crossing problems. It is said in the letter that the Office is informed about these problems, mentioned by O.Bruveris, and that the letter will be forwarded to the Estonian President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Neatkariga

Latvijas Cels

continues its campaign preparing for the referendum on amendments to the Law on Citizenship, by publishing an explanation of the essence of the amendments and answering to the questions What agitates those who are ready to vote for or against abolishment of the law Amendments to the Law on Citizenship adopted by the Saeima on June 22?. continues its campaign preparing for the referendum on amendments to the Law on Citizenship, by publishing an explanation of the essence of the amendments and answering to the questions “ What agitates those who are ready to vote “for” or “against” abolishment of the law “Amendments to the Law on Citizenship” adopted by the Saeima on June 22?”. NeatkarigaNeatkariga

Press Review

Press Review

Four families of Russian military servicemen employed at Skrunda Radar station have submitted an application to the DCMA for receiving a permit to stay in Latvia. All together there are 10 people in these families. The Commander of Skrunda Radar station has already submitted a list of 30 families (98 people) willing to stay in Latvia, but the rest of these families (88 people) have not submitted their applications and the necessary documents to the DCMA.

Four families of Russian military servicemen employed at Skrunda Radar station have submitted an application to the DCMA for receiving a permit to stay in Latvia. All together there are 10 people in these families. The Commander of Skrunda Radar station has already submitted a list of 30 families (98 people) willing to stay in Latvia, but the rest of these families (88 people) have not submitted their applications and the necessary documents to the DCMA. Neatkariga

In its turn the newspaper

In its turn the newspaper Diena writes about 10 such families. As a DCMA official M.Zile informed Diena, in three of these families one of the spouses was a citizen of Latvia, so they could hope for receiving a residence permit. The residence permit for these thirty families expires on September 30, but according to M.Zile, they will not be expelled while their applications are not considered.

Neatkariga

instructs the future participants in the referendum on the amendments to the Law on Citizenship. It published the voting sign with the question Are you for abolishment of the law Amendments to the Law on Citizenship of June 22, 1998 ? and a brief explanation of these amendments. instructs the future participants in the referendum on the amendments to the Law on Citizenship. It published the voting sign with the question “Are you for abolishment of the law “Amendments to the Law on Citizenship” of June 22, 1998 ?” and a brief explanation of these amendments. In order to find out the position of different parties on foreign policy aspects,

In order to find out the position of different parties on foreign policy aspects, Diena questioned the representatives of five political parties. One of the questions was what according their understanding would be the most important activity to tart discussion on Latvia joining EU?

A.Zunda

A.Zunda Latvian Farmers Union - ...to adopt the amendments to the Law on Citizenship ass soon as possible, giving the priority to the knowledge of the state language;

M.Vulfsons

M.Vulfsons Peoples Harmony Party - ... If we are in the government, we will work on alignment of our legislation according to EU and OSCE recommendations, as well as manage to conclude a border agreement with Russia;

A.Ameriks

A.Ameriks Democratic Party Saimnieks - ... formation of a civic society;

A.Kreituss

A.Kreituss Union of LP/UCD/LGP - ... To establish the post of the State Minister of Public Integration, the Minister will work directly under the Prime Minister and will prepare integration programs for different age groups, paying maximum attention to the training of the state language. For this there is a large financial support promised from the institutions influenced by Max van der Stoel. Diena

Latvijas Cels

decided not to vote for the draft state budget for 1999 if financing for education and science were not increased. The Minister of Education J.Gaigals (Latvijas Cels) found the sum allocated for this purpose 43 153 650 Ls too little, and he was followed by the announcement of the faction Latvijas Cels that it would not vote for the draft budget in its present form. The leader of the faction K.Libane explained that they did not want to overthrow the government but just want their demand to be fulfilled. Chas

Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov comments on the Russian - Latvian relations in the light of recent events. He states that these relations depend not on the personalia of the leading figures, but the cause of all problems is still the same - the situation of Russian population in Latvia. Russia is waiting for Latvia to implement all OSCE recommendations on citizenship, language, education, and in a broader sense - harmonising of Latvian legislation with European standards and those international documents, Latvia has signed. When asked about the influence of the referendum on bilateral relations, A.Udaltsov said that it would have a direct impact on these relations although he did not want to agitate Latvian citizens neither “for” nor “against”. What concerns the border agreement between Russia and Latvia, the Ambassador explained that the agreement had not been signed yet, and it depended on the bilateral relations. A.Udaltsov also said that the problem of delayed pensions payments for Russian military pensioners was being solved on the top level, Ye.Primakov himself was involved in this problem.

Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov comments on the Russian - Latvian relations in the light of recent events. He states that these relations depend not on the personalia of the leading figures, but the cause of all problems is still the same - the situation of Russian population in Latvia. Russia is waiting for Latvia to implement all OSCE recommendations on citizenship, language, education, and in a broader sense - harmonising of Latvian legislation with European standards and those international documents, Latvia has signed. When asked about the influence of the referendum on bilateral relations, A.Udaltsov said that it would have a direct impact on these relations although he did not want to agitate Latvian citizens neither for nor against. What concerns the border agreement between Russia and Latvia, the Ambassador explained that the agreement had not been signed yet, and it depended on the bilateral relations. A.Udaltsov also said that the problem of delayed pensions payments for Russian military pensioners was being solved on the top level, Ye.Primakov himself was involved in this problem. Chas

A conference “Ethnic minorities, inter ethnic relations and security in the Baltic region. The role of political parties” will take place in Riga on September 19 - 20. It is quite possible that this conference will be attended by the Mayor of MOscow Yu.Luzhkov and the leader of “Yabloko” G.Yavlinsky.

A conference Ethnic minorities, inter ethnic relations and security in the Baltic region. The role of political parties will take place in Riga on September 19 - 20. It is quite possible that this conference will be attended by the Mayor of MOscow Yu.Luzhkov and the leader of Yabloko G.Yavlinsky. Chas

F.Krasilnikov reports from Tallinn that Estonian authorities have started slightly to change the national policy on minorities. The first sign of it was the official “Integration Program of Non-Estonians into Estonian Society”, started last year. With this Estonian authorities acknowledged the existence of 30% of non-Estonian population and did not intend to change the demographic situation by coercive methods. Another sign, indicating this change of attitude, was a program of settling Estonians in the regions with mostly populated by Russians. In 1992 - 1995 the authorities tries to persuade Estonians to move to traditionally Russian cities Narva and Kohtla-Yarve but people did not show much response.

F.Krasilnikov reports from Tallinn that Estonian authorities have started slightly to change the national policy on minorities. The first sign of it was the official Integration Program of Non-Estonians into Estonian Society, started last year. With this Estonian authorities acknowledged the existence of 30% of non-Estonian population and did not intend to change the demographic situation by coercive methods. Another sign, indicating this change of attitude, was a program of settling Estonians in the regions with mostly populated by Russians. In 1992 - 1995 the authorities tries to persuade Estonians to move to traditionally Russian cities Narva and Kohtla-Yarve but people did not show much response. Chas

Panorama Latvii

organises a telephone action asking people to answer the question What do I expect from the list No 6? The list No 6 represents the coalition of left-wing parties for the election to the 7th Saeima. The action is taking place on Sunday, September 13.

Press Review

Yesterday the Saeima turned down the proposal of the Union of the Labour Party, Christian Democratic Party and the Green Party concering the new amendment to the Citizenship Law abolishing the “naturalisation windows.” Majority of deputies considered it unacceptable to amend the Citizenship Law before the referendum on the already adopted amendments.

Yesterday the Saeima turned down the proposal of the Union of the Labour Party, Christian Democratic Party and the Green Party concering the new amendment to the Citizenship Law abolishing the naturalisation windows. Majority of deputies considered it unacceptable to amend the Citizenship Law before the referendum on the already adopted amendments. Diena

The Prime Minister Guntars Krasts asked the Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister and the Minister of Finance to prepare necessary formalities related with the providing of the humanitarian aid to Russian population. President of the Latvian Red Cross informed the Prime Minster about the readiness to start the co-operation with the Russian Red Cross on this matter. The Latvian Minister of Agriculture Andris Ravins said that the government will ask the European Union to finance the Latvian humanitarian aid to Russia.

The Prime Minister Guntars Krasts asked the Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister and the Minister of Finance to prepare necessary formalities related with the providing of the humanitarian aid to Russian population. President of the Latvian Red Cross informed the Prime Minster about the readiness to start the co-operation with the Russian Red Cross on this matter. The Latvian Minister of Agriculture Andris Ravins said that the government will ask the European Union to finance the Latvian humanitarian aid to Russia. Diena

If Yevgeny Primakov is elected for the post of the Russian Prime Minister, the Latvian-Russian relations will not improve, the Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Valdis Birkavs said. Still, according to politicians interviewed by the

If Yevgeny Primakov is elected for the post of the Russian Prime Minister, the Latvian-Russian relations will not improve, the Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Valdis Birkavs said. Still, according to politicians interviewed by the Diena, the vary fact that there is a new candidate for the Russian Prime Ministers post, can be evaluated positively, since it would allow the Russian government to start working on the prevention of the total crisis in the country. Diena

A program prepared by the Crisis Management Centre concerning the undertakings to prevent the possible refugee flow from Russia, will be considered by the Cabinet of Ministers on 22 September. According to the Prime Minister Guntars Krasts, the program will provide for the co-operative actions of the Ministry of the Interior and the Defence Ministry for the securing of the borders.

A program prepared by the Crisis Management Centre concerning the undertakings to prevent the possible refugee flow from Russia, will be considered by the Cabinet of Ministers on 22 September. According to the Prime Minister Guntars Krasts, the program will provide for the co-operative actions of the Ministry of the Interior and the Defence Ministry for the securing of the borders. Neatkariga

Sergey Zaletayev discusses the recent letter of the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel to the chair of the Saeima Commission on Education Dzintars Abikis concerning the proposals to the Language Law. According to Mr. Zaletayev, there are almost no doubts that on 28 September when the Law will be discussed in the final reading in the Saeima, the deputies will ignore the most important recommendations of the Commissioner concerning the use of the language in the private sphere. Therefore, Mr. Zaletayev calls people to be active in expressing their opinion before the final reading of the Law.

Sergey Zaletayev discusses the recent letter of the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel to the chair of the Saeima Commission on Education Dzintars Abikis concerning the proposals to the Language Law. According to Mr. Zaletayev, there are almost no doubts that on 28 September when the Law will be discussed in the final reading in the Saeima, the deputies will ignore the most important recommendations of the Commissioner concerning the use of the language in the private sphere. Therefore, Mr. Zaletayev calls people to be active in expressing their opinion before the final reading of the Law. Panorama Latvii

Press Review

Yesterday at the press conference the Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Valdis Birkavs said that Latvia should seek to promote the economic development of the Russian borderland with Latvia regions, since it is related with the security and stability of Latvia. Mr. Birkavs also expressed a hope that the issue of economic refugees from Russia will not become urgent. Still, the Latvian government thinks that it necessary to ensure the security of the Latvian-Russian border and intensify the border control.

Yesterday at the press conference the Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Valdis Birkavs said that Latvia should seek to promote the economic development of the Russian borderland with Latvia regions, since it is related with the security and stability of Latvia. Mr. Birkavs also expressed a hope that the issue of economic refugees from Russia will not become urgent. Still, the Latvian government thinks that it necessary to ensure the security of the Latvian-Russian border and intensify the border control. Diena

Yesterday the government-forming fractions agreed to summon the extraordinary session of the parliament on 28 September to adopt the State Language Law.

Yesterday the government-forming fractions agreed to summon the extraordinary session of the parliament on 28 September to adopt the State Language Law. Chaswrites that Mr. Abikis, Chair of the Saeima Commission on Education, refused to supply journalists with the draft law which will be on the agenda of the parliamentary session by saying that it has not been finalised yet. Still, Mr. Abikis announced that the draft law does not contradict the recommendations of the OSCE experts. We came to an agreement with the OSCE expert, Mr Abikis told Chas. Chaspredicts that majority of the deputies will support the adoption of the Law, only deputies of the Peoples Harmony party and independent deputies, earlier representing Socialist Party and the Equality, will vote against the Law on the State Language. Diena, Chas

Ludmila Kuzmina, a teacher of Baltinava Christian boarding school in the Balvi region, is the 10,000 th person who has acquired the Latvian citizenship through naturalisation. The head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane officially issued her documents certifying the Latvian citizenship. In the Balvi region only 43 persons of 1900 who have rights to be naturalised, have acquired the citizenship.

Ludmila Kuzmina, a teacher of Baltinava Christian boarding school in the Balvi region, is the 10,000 th person who has acquired the Latvian citizenship through naturalisation. The head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane officially issued her documents certifying the Latvian citizenship. In the Balvi region only 43 persons of 1900 who have rights to be naturalised, have acquired the citizenship. Diena

Sergey Zaletayev, commentator of

Sergey Zaletayev, commentator of Panorama Latvii, calls the Russian -speaking voters not to give their votes for the parties and deputies who smile on the posters, but have done little in the Saeima. He refers to the New Party and its leader - famous composer Raimonds Pauls. Panorama Latvii

The movement For Equality and the Russian Public Council in Latvia will continue collection of signatures in support of education in the native language in streets of Riga on 12 September, SM informs.

The movement For Equality and the Russian Public Council in Latvia will continue collection of signatures in support of education in the native language in streets of Riga on 12 September, SM informs. SM

Press Review

The Central Electoral Commission (CEC) has approved the formate of the referendum-note with the question to be answered during the referendum on 3 October - “ Are you for the abolishing of the Law on Amendments to the Citizenship Law adopted on 22 June 1998?” The amendments will be abolished if at least 477,696 voters participate in the referendum, and at least 238,849 vote for the abolishing of the amendments. Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers decided to allot 232, 600 Lats to the Central Electoral Commission for the organisation of the referendum which is a half of the amount requested by the Commission. According to Mr. Arnis Cimdars, the Chair of the CEC, it might create queues in some electoral districts due to the lack of the pooling “booths.”

The Central Electoral Commission (CEC) has approved the formate of the referendum-note with the question to be answered during the referendum on 3 October - Are you for the abolishing of the Law on Amendments to the Citizenship Law adopted on 22 June 1998? The amendments will be abolished if at least 477,696 voters participate in the referendum, and at least 238,849 vote for the abolishing of the amendments. Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers decided to allot 232, 600 Lats to the Central Electoral Commission for the organisation of the referendum which is a half of the amount requested by the Commission. According to Mr. Arnis Cimdars, the Chair of the CEC, it might create queues in some electoral districts due to the lack of the pooling booths. Diena

The Saeima Commission on Education has received the clarified and more tolerant recommendations from the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel concerning the amendments to the draft Language Law. According to the Chair of the Commission Mr. Abikis, the new proposals are more “yielding” than the ones presented in spring since they provide cases when the state is allowed to regulate the use of the language in private sphere. The Commission has not reviewed these recommendations yet.

The Saeima Commission on Education has received the clarified and more tolerant recommendations from the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel concerning the amendments to the draft Language Law. According to the Chair of the Commission Mr. Abikis, the new proposals are more yielding than the ones presented in spring since they provide cases when the state is allowed to regulate the use of the language in private sphere. The Commission has not reviewed these recommendations yet.

During his visit in Moscow this week, the speaker of the Latvian parliament Alfreds Cepanis met with the speaker of the Russian Duma Gennady Seleznov, and the vice speaker of the Council of the Russian Federation Vladimir Platonov to discuss the Latvia-Russian relations. According to Mr. Cepanis, both parties were satisfied with the pace of meetings. Mr. Seleznov had expressed the need to resume the work of the Latvian-Russian inter-governmental commission.

During his visit in Moscow this week, the speaker of the Latvian parliament Alfreds Cepanis met with the speaker of the Russian Duma Gennady Seleznov, and the vice speaker of the Council of the Russian Federation Vladimir Platonov to discuss the Latvia-Russian relations. According to Mr. Cepanis, both parties were satisfied with the pace of meetings. Mr. Seleznov had expressed the need to resume the work of the Latvian-Russian inter-governmental commission. Chas

Commenting the statements of the Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Valdis Birkavs concerning the Latvian-Russian relations, the official representative of the Russian MFA Vladimir Rachmanin said that “Latvia knows that the pre-requisite for the normalisation of the Latvia-Russian relations is the complete fulfilment of all OSCE recommendations, which do not limit only to the amending of the Citizenship Law.”

Commenting the statements of the Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Valdis Birkavs concerning the Latvian-Russian relations, the official representative of the Russian MFA Vladimir Rachmanin said that Latvia knows that the pre-requisite for the normalisation of the Latvia-Russian relations is the complete fulfilment of all OSCE recommendations, which do not limit only to the amending of the Citizenship Law. Panorama Latvii, Neatkariga

Press Secretary of the Naturalisation Board Aigars Smiltnieks informed that today the 10,000 th person who had completed the naturalisation procedure, will receive the document about the acquiring of the Latvian citizenship. Since the beginning of the naturalisation process which started in 1995, some 149,000 people had rights to be naturalised, and only approximately 7% of them used these rights.

Press Secretary of the Naturalisation Board Aigars Smiltnieks informedthat today the 10,000 th person who had completed the naturalisation procedure, will receive the document about the acquiring of the Latvian citizenship. Since the beginning of the naturalisation process which started in 1995, some 149,000 people had rights to be naturalised, and only approximately 7% of them used these rights. Neatkariga

SM publishes the opinion of Mr. Oleg Shiptsov who argues that the result of the referendum- either abolishing amendments or keeping them - will not change the situation of non-citizens who, in any case, will be subjected to the humiliating procedure of naturalisation. However, if the outcome of the referendum is in favour of the keeping of the amendments, it will give a green light to Latvias movement into the European structures, since neither Europe nor US, nor Russia will have any pretensions towards Latvia. Therefore, Mr. Schiptsov calls for the voting against the amendments.

SM publishes the summary of the Russias response to the memorandum of three European countries concerning the Latvian-Russian relations in which Russia emphasised that the recommendations of the OSCE were not limited to the Citizenship Law, they addressed several other humanitarian problems in Latvia, for example, in sphere of language, and education. SM

Rigas Balss publishes an article about the Riga Secondary School No 40 with Russian as the language of instruction which has established the exchange program for teachers and students with the Pavilosta Secondary School with Latvian as the language of instruction, and could serve as an example of the successful integration. Rigas Balss