Press Review

Dienapublishes unofficial translation of the memorandum of three EU countries -ex-presiding, currently presiding, and the next presiding state, which was submitted to Russia last month concerning the Russias negative attitude towards Latvia. Diena

Yesterday after the meeting with the Latvian Minister of Welfare Vladimir Makarov the Russian Ambassador in Latvia Alexander Udalcov said that Russia will not step back from its commitments and will continue paying retirement allowances to the military pensioners. Mr. Udalcov expressed hope that within a week this problem will be solved. 

Yesterday after the meeting with the Latvian Minister of Welfare Vladimir Makarov the Russian Ambassador in Latvia Alexander Udalcov said that Russia will not step back from its commitments and will continue paying retirement allowances to the military pensioners. Mr. Udalcov expressed hope that within a week this problem will be solved.Diena already wrote that due to the economic situation in Russia some 20, 000 military pensioners residing in Latvia have not been receiving pensions since August.

Nellija Locmele draws comparison between the debates in 1994 concerning the singing of the agreement between Latvia and Russia, and the present day discussions about the amendments to the Citizenship Law. According to Ms. Locmele, there are lot of similarities in a way the radical parties, mainly, the

Nellija Locmele draws comparison between the debates in 1994 concerning the singing of the agreement between Latvia and Russia, and the present day discussions about the amendments to the Citizenship Law. According to Ms. Locmele, there are lot of similarities in a way the radical parties, mainly, the Tevzemei un Brivibai/ LNNK objected to the signing of the Russian- Latvian agreement in 1994 and how it protests against the amendments of the Citizenship Law now. Diena

Yesterday the Saeima Commission of Education, Culture and Science discussed the Draft Education Law, and agreed that only in private schools and schools of the national minorities the language of the instruction might be other than the state language. Besides, the draft law provides that if the private schools as well as the national minority schools implement the method of the bilingual education, the state or municipality might participate in their financing. The Draft Education Law also provides that all examinations shall be carried out in the state language. According to Juris Celmins, a member of the aforementioned commission, if this provision is not amended, all schools of the national minorities in Latvia will have to introduce the method of bilingual education, but schools with Russian as the language of instruction will have to choose between the education in the Latvian language or the bilingual educational method. There is also a possibility to become a private school. The Commission believes that the Law on Education should be adopted during the mandate of this Saeima. Once the Saeima Commission of Education, Culture and Science completes the consideration of the draft law for the 2nd reading, there will be the collection of signatures to summon the extraordinary session of the parliament.

Yesterday the Saeima Commission of Education, Culture and Science discussed the Draft Education Law, and agreed that only in private schools and schools of the national minorities the language of the instruction might be other than the state language. Besides, the draft law provides that if the private schools as well as the national minority schools implement the method of the bilingual education, the state or municipality might participate in their financing. The Draft Education Law also provides that all examinations shall be carried out in the state language. According to Juris Celmins, a member of the aforementioned commission, if this provision is not amended, all schools of the national minorities in Latvia will have to introduce the method of bilingual education, but schools with Russian as the language of instruction will have to choose between the education in the Latvian language or the bilingual educational method. There is also a possibility to become a private school. The Commission believes that the Law on Education should be adopted during the mandate of this Saeima. Once the Saeima Commission of Education, Culture and Science completes the consideration of the draft law for the 2nd reading, there will be the collection of signatures to summon the extraordinary session of the parliament. Diena

Members of the Latvian delegation to the regional conference on Human Rights for the Nation Development organised by the UNDP and the Ukrainian government in Yalta told press that in the sphere of human rights Latvia is behind Estonia and Lithuania, although the situation in Latvia is better than in the countries of the Central Asia. According to Ms. Aldermane, the state should pay more attention to the teching of history, since it might promote the social integration. Mr. Antons Seiksts, Chair of the Human Rights Commission of the Saeima believes that Latvia will not be able to solve the problems of integration unless the human rights issues are solved. Ms. Anhelita Kamenska thinks that representatives of private businesses should be more involved into the solution of the human rights issues. Boris Tsilevich, the UN expert and political scientist, who presented his report about the national minorities in the Baltic state think that the very fact that such an issue was included into the agenda of the conference witnesses the concern of international society about these problems.

Members of the Latvian delegation to the regional conference on Human Rights for the Nation Development organised by the UNDP and the Ukrainian government in Yalta told press that in the sphere of human rights Latvia is behind Estonia and Lithuania, although the situation in Latvia is better than in the countries of the Central Asia. According to Ms. Aldermane, the state should pay more attention to the teching of history, since it might promote the social integration. Mr. Antons Seiksts, Chair of the Human Rights Commission of the Saeima believes that Latvia will not be able to solve the problems of integration unless the human rights issues are solved. Ms. Anhelita Kamenska thinks that representatives of private businesses should be more involved into the solution of the human rights issues. Boris Tsilevich, the UN expert and political scientist, who presented his report about the national minorities in the Baltic state think that the very fact that such an issue was included into the agenda of the conference witnesses the concern of international society about these problems. Diena

Panorama Latvii publishes the interview with Alfreds Rubiks, the initiator and co-ordinator of the Union of the leftist political forces, in which he advocates the support to the list of the People's Harmony Party and calls for the negative voting on the referendum question.

In response to the interview with the Deputy Director of the DCMA Andris Janis Lejins published on 1 September in which Mr. Lejins argued that DCMA does not receive mass complaints about the "violate” passports, the

In response to the interview with the Deputy Director of the DCMA Andris Janis Lejins published on 1 September in which Mr. Lejins argued that DCMA does not receive mass complaints about the "violate passports, the Panorama Latvii publishes the interview with the representative of the Latvian Human Rights Committee Jury Sokolovski. According to Mr. Sokolovski, the majority of 19, 482 complaints received by the Committee by 1 August are related with the Alien's passports. Panorama Latvii

Nikolay Buyvid, chairman of the trade union of the VEF, suggests voters who have lost any belief in parties or the electoral system, in general, instead of not particiapting into the elections at all, to put the empty envelop into the ballot box so that no party will receive their ballot.

Nikolay Buyvid, chairman of the trade union of the VEF, suggests voters who have lost any belief in parties or the electoral system, in general, instead of not particiapting into the elections at all, to put the empty envelop into the ballot box so that no party will receive their ballot.

SM publishes comments of several politicians concerning the interview with Guntars Krasts on the Latvian Radio last week when the Prime Minister accused European politicians and officials of the lack of professionalism. Antons Seiksts, chair of the Human Rights Commission, thinks that such arguments do not do him a credit. The similar opinion is expressed by the deputy head of the Peoples Harmony Party Sergey Dolgopolov who thinks that the Prime Minister acted like a "public politician, and not as the head of the government. The vice speaker of the Saeima Andris Ameriks thinks that by criticising the European experts Guntars Krasts prepares the world community that the upcoming referendum might abolish the amendments to the Citizenship Law. SM

Peteris Tabuns, member of the Saeima Commission on Education, Culture and Science, objects to the recent statements in the mass media that "Max van der Stoel has finally understood the situation of Latvians and the Latvian language, and has become more yielding." According to him, the Commissioner cares little about the popular opinions, and "interfered with the revision of the Citizenship Law, now - with the Latvian language law, and there are no doubts that he will do the same with the Education Law."

Peteris Tabuns, member of the Saeima Commission on Education, Culture and Science, objects to the recent statements in the mass media that "Max van der Stoel has finally understood the situation of Latvians and the Latvian language, and has become more yielding." According to him, the Commissioner cares little about the popular opinions, and "interfered with the revision of the Citizenship Law, now - with the Latvian language law, and there are no doubts that he will do the same with the Education Law." Jauna Avize

Press Review

Press Review

The Central Election Commission has requested to increase financing for the national voting for 438 000 Ls, that is almost a half of the sum allocated for organising the 7th election of the Saeima. Among that Central Election Commission requested means to increase the salary fund and administration expenses almost in half. In its turn the Ministry of Finances doubts the validity of this request.

The Central Election Commission has requested to increase financing for the national voting for 438 000 Ls, that is almost a half of the sum allocated for organising the 7th election of the Saeima. Among that Central Election Commission requested means to increase the salary fund and administration expenses almost in half. In its turn the Ministry of Finances doubts the validity of this request. Neatkariga, Diena, Bizness & Baltiya

The decree to assign a personal code to the daughter of Georgian Irma Tkeshelashvili, who has been illegally residing in Latvia for 7 years and officially expelled from the country, was finally signed at the DCMA yesterday. The daughter was born in Latvia, her father was a Latvian but Irma has no citizenship at all. Therefore law demands to assign the child both citizenship and a personal code, but the officials of the DCMA lingered to do so. Ms.Tkeshelashvili, a former student of the Latvian International Institute of the Bible, has not managed to legalise its staying in Latvia nor find a country where she could go legally. Immigration offices have already several times promised to issue a residence permit, three times tried to expel her from the country, once even by force but did not succeed.

The decree to assign a personal code to the daughter of Georgian Irma Tkeshelashvili, who has been illegally residing in Latvia for 7 years and officially expelled from the country, was finally signed at the DCMA yesterday. The daughter was born in Latvia, her father was a Latvian but Irma has no citizenship at all. Therefore law demands to assign the child both citizenship and a personal code, but the officials of the DCMA lingered to do so. Ms.Tkeshelashvili, a former student of the Latvian International Institute of the Bible, has not managed to legalise its staying in Latvia nor find a country where she could go legally. Immigration offices have already several times promised to issue a residence permit, three times tried to expel her from the country, once even by force but did not succeed. Neatkariga

Yesterday the Saeima adopted amendments to the Civil code establishing the procedure how the violations of the Saeima election law are stated. The amendments anticipate that applications of finding limitations of the right of vote may be submitted by a prosecutor or persons submitting a list of deputy candidates.

Neatkariga The Saeima also adopted in the second and final reading amendments to the

The Saeima also adopted in the second and final reading amendments to the Law on national voting and proposing laws anticipating that a referendum should be organised in one day - on Saturday, instead of former two days, so the referendum will be carried out along with the election on October 3. Another amendment states that military servicemen will be released from their duties for the period of time necessary for voting. During the referendum voters will have to mark their choice with + or - answering the question Are you for the abolishment of the law Amendments to the Law on Citizenship. One more amendment is that it will be possible to vote by mail. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize

Neatkariga

, answering to the requests of its readers, publishes a full text of amendments to the Law on Citizenship and comments, explaining the essence of them. At first the author of the article explains the process and ways of receiving citizenship, them deals with the window mechanism and the reasons for implementing it. Then he details about the changes, if the amendments would be adopted, and finally explains what the referendum will be about. , answering to the requests of its readers, publishes a full text of amendments to the Law on Citizenship and comments, explaining the essence of them. At first the author of the article explains the process and ways of receiving citizenship, them deals with the “window” mechanism and the reasons for implementing it. Then he details about the changes, if the amendments would be adopted, and finally explains what the referendum will be about. The Chairman of

The Chairman of Latvian Farmers Union L.Strujevics represents his party position on the amendments to the Law on Citizenship in Diena. The Board of LFU took a decision on August 26 to connects its attitude on the amendments to the Law on Citizenship to the adoption of the state language law. If till the referendum such a language law were adopted that would guarantee that all students in Latvia have to master the Latvian language, as well as it would guarantee the use of the Latvian language, then LFU would ask to vote for the amendments. If no such law were adopted till the referendum, the party keeps the right not to support the law. Asked about the possible influence of the amendments to the process of public integration and Latvias joining EU, L.Strujevics answered that amending the Law on Citizenship would favour the process on integration only if citizens and candidates to citizens have common basic interests, understanding of traditions and other emotional factors. And a language is the shortest way to incorporate non-Latvians who have been granted Latvian citizenship. In such a case abolishing of window mechanism would also favour the process of integration. If citizenship, upon a request of childs parents, were granted to a group of children who would not have proper training of Latvian at school, there could form a group on citizens that would have no ties of the language, understanding of the culture and traditions with the state and the rest of citizens. Then there could form a group of citizens having the right to take decisions, but due to the lack of language knowledge, it would be possible to manipulate with it. Diena

The Head of Saeima Commission on Education, Culture and Science Dz.Abikis wrote an open letter correcting the wrong statement published in

The Head of Saeima Commission on Education, Culture and Science Dz.Abikis wrote an open letter correcting the wrong statement published in Diena as if he considered the law on education should be adopted by the next Saeima. He explains that the law has to be considered in the second reading, and it could happen after the Saeima election. But he reminds that the 6th Saeima will still work one month after the election and expresses his hope that the law will still be adopted by this Saeima. Diena

Diena

commentator A.Ozolins analyses the situation with Prime Minister G.Krasts who does not believe in the promises of western states that there will be no additional demands for Latvia if the amendments to the Law on Citizenship were adopted. A.Ozolins writes about the EU answer to Russia concerning Moscows critique that the amendments adopted by the Saeima are just a cosmetic repair and non-sufficient, therefore Latvian legislation needs further improvement and agreement with international (Russian) standards. In the above mentioned document, EU declares clearly that it considers Russia facts and considerations inaccurate and not reflecting the real situation and that it agrees to the announcement of Max van der Stoel that these amendments correspond to the very essence of his recommendations. The other important document is the unprecedented personal announcement of OSCE High Commissioner for G.Krasts that Latvia, adopting these amendments, would fulfil all OSCE recommendation concerning citizenship and no new recommendations are not planned. Diena

I.Egle writes about the possible situation with forming the next government after the election. Sometimes there is a situation when the majority parties may not agree on the candidate for the post of Prime Minister, and in such a case an “outside” might come to the power. During the 6th Saeima it was A.Skele. Several politicians admit that such a possibility could establish after this election. But it is not a secret that the most influential parties have received financing from Venspils transit business enterprises. And

I.Egle writes about the possible situation with forming the next government after the election. Sometimes there is a situation when the majority parties may not agree on the candidate for the post of Prime Minister, and in such a case an outside might come to the power. During the 6th Saeima it was A.Skele. Several politicians admit that such a possibility could establish after this election. But it is not a secret that the most influential parties have received financing from Venspils transit business enterprises. And Diena has an information that the parties, receiving money from Venspils, have been asked to sign a promise not to form a coalition government with Peoples Party lead by A.Skele. The leaders of such parties as Latvijas Cels and TB/LNNK refused such a statement but agreed that their relations with Peoples Party were complicated. But they admit that a coalition without PP could be possible. I.Egle also analyses the possibility of the Mayor of Venspils Lembergs to become a Prime Minister. Diena

S.Upleja writes in

S.Upleja writes in Diena about the Estonian Fund For Integration of non-Estonians, its activities and things achieved. During the first months of its operation, they have received proposals for about 70 different projects, and 5 of them have received financing. Those were projects dealing mostly with teaching the Estonian language to non-Estonians at summer camps but one was about language training in Estonian families. Diena

 Press Review

Press Review

The government has considered the question of the financing necessary for exchanging citizen passports - in 1999 it should be 2 240 800 Ls, but in 2000 - 1.8 million Ls. It is planned that the question of financing will be discussed together with the program of state investments for 1999 and that the new citizen passports would be made by laser engraving method.

The government has considered the question of the financing necessary for exchanging citizen passports - in 1999 it should be 2 240 800 Ls, but in 2000 - 1.8 million Ls. It is planned that the question of financing will be discussed together with the program of state investments for 1999 and that the new citizen passports would be made by laser engraving method. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

The illegal immigrants to Latvia, kept at the Centre for Illegal Immigrants on Gaizina St., continue their hunger strike they started on Monday demanding for better living conditions. Originally there were 52 people on strike but, after talks with the Head of Immigration Police I.Silantjevs, only 32 immigrants continue their strike. Police press centre informed that not all demands of these people were realistic, e.g. inspections in the cells were necessary because there had been cases when immigrants had used blade weapons.

The illegal immigrants to Latvia, kept at the Centre for Illegal Immigrants on Gaizina St., continue their hunger strike they started on Monday demanding for better living conditions. Originally there were 52 people on strike but, after talks with the Head of Immigration Police I.Silantjevs, only 32 immigrants continue their strike. Police press centre informed that not all demands of these people were realistic, e.g. inspections in the cells were necessary because there had been cases when immigrants had used blade weapons. Neatkariga, Chas

The Chancellery of the State President considers that the problem of border crossing in Valka - Valga needs more serious attitude from Latvian and Estonian governments. The Head of the Chancellery I.Miller in the answer letter to the NHRO says that the proposals on border crossing in these towns, made by NHRO, are constructive and the Chancellery has forwarded them to the Cabinet of Ministers. Meanwhile the NHRO has received an answer from Estonia on the problem of border crossing for children.

The Chancellery of the State President considers that the problem of border crossing in Valka - Valga needs more serious attitude from Latvian and Estonian governments. The Head of the Chancellery I.Miller in the answer letter to the NHRO says that the proposals on border crossing in these towns, made by NHRO, are constructive and the Chancellery has forwarded them to the Cabinet of Ministers. Meanwhile the NHRO has received an answer from Estonia on the problem of border crossing for children. Neatkariga

The coalition of

The coalition of Labour Party , the Union of Christian Democrats and Latvian Green Party made an announcement yesterday calling Latvian people to vote for abolishing the amendments to the Law on Citizenship but at the same they suggested the Saeima to adopt, by October 3, new amendments to this law that would abolish the window mechanism but would not deal with granting citizenship to children of non-citizens born in Latvia after 1991. The Head of this faction I.Kreituse commented it with the fact that, during the extraordinary Saeima sitting on June 22, when the current amendments to the Law on Citizenship were discussed, 51 deputies supported the idea to abolish the legal norm of so called window mechanism, and there was almost no objection to abolishment of the window mechanism in the society. Other factions of the Saeima did not seem very eager about this initiative, pointing out that new amendments would just cause confusion among people. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, SM, Panorama Latvii

Diena

publishes an interview with one of the leaders of the publishes an interview with one of the leaders of the Labour Party Labour Party , A.Kreituss on the amendments to the Law on Citizenship. He speaks in the name of the coalition of , A.Kreituss on the amendments to the Law on Citizenship. He speaks in the name of the coalition of Labour Party Labour Party , , Coalition of Christian Democrats Coalition of Christian Democrats and and Latvian Green PartyLatvian Green Party and states that it has declared their firm position against amending the Law on Citizenship, and now they are busy elaborating their proposals for amending the law. He explains the announcement of the coalition and , answering to a question on the future of the process of integration, states that a careful evaluation of the situation is needed. Even, if the amendments were rejected, and it could happen, there will be a need to reconsider the Law on Citizenship and abolish the window mechanism. And the children problem might be solved only when the law on education has been adopted. and states that it has declared their firm position against amending the Law on Citizenship, and now they are busy elaborating their proposals for amending the law. He explains the announcement of the coalition and , answering to a question on the future of the process of integration, states that a careful evaluation of the situation is needed. Even, if the amendments were rejected, and it could happen, there will be a need to reconsider the Law on Citizenship and abolish the “window” mechanism. And the children problem might be solved only when the law on education has been adopted. The Saeima has adopted amendments to the law “On the status of former USSR citizens who are not citizens of Latvia or any other state”, anticipating that about 6000 permanent residents of Latvia who currently have no status here, would be able to receive a non-citizen passport. To this group of people belong:

The Saeima has adopted amendments to the law On the status of former USSR citizens who are not citizens of Latvia or any other state, anticipating that about 6000 permanent residents of Latvia who currently have no status here, would be able to receive a non-citizen passport. To this group of people belong:

1) those who on July 1, 1992 had a terminated residence permit in Latvia and have valid residence permit or a right to receive such a permit,

1) those who on July 1, 1992 had a terminated residence permit in Latvia and have valid residence permit or a right to receive such a permit,

2) those whose last registered domicile was in the Republic of Latvia and who, after having lost their domicile registration, continued to live permanently in Latvia.

2) those whose last registered domicile was in the Republic of Latvia and who, after having lost their domicile registration, continued to live permanently in Latvia.

About 4000 of the above mentioned persons are spouses of citizens of Latvia, non-citizens, foreigners or stateless persons, about 1000 are registered of personnel departments of different enterprises, but the rest - homeless persons.

About 4000 of the above mentioned persons are spouses of citizens of Latvia, non-citizens, foreigners or stateless persons, about 1000 are registered of personnel departments of different enterprises, but the rest - homeless persons. Neatkariga

Peoples Harmony Party

calls its supporters to take part in the referendum and vote against abolishment of the amendments to the Law on Citizenship The Board of the Party considers that further lingering to amend the Law on Citizenship just splits Latvian society even more, disturbs the process if integration, complicates relations with neighbouring states and endanger chances for Latvia to join EU. Diena

Jauna Avize

investigates how serious is the problem of Russian speaking teachers knowing the Latvian language. The Ministry of Education and Science has requested school boards to give their forecast for possible situation. Answers have been received from 26 boards and they plan that 443 teachers could have problems, but 284 of them are over retirement age. In vocational schools there could be 26 teachers and 31 in pre-school education institutions. So about 3% of all Russian speaking teachers might to fired after January 1, 1999. An opinion poll on the popularity rate of political parties, made by the research Centre “Socially Correlative Data System”, shows that

An opinion poll on the popularity rate of political parties, made by the research Centre Socially Correlative Data System, shows that Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK with its 16.7% is coming close to Peoples Party - 19.4%. Latvijas Cels is running third with 10.6%, fourth is the Union of Social Democrats - 10.3%, next is Peoples Harmony Party - 6.1% followed by the New Party - 5.2%. Rigas Balss

SM

writes about the town of Skrunda Radar station after the radar station has been closed down, about the feelings of its military personnel and their family members who know that they have to leave Latvia. writes about the town of Skrunda Radar station after the radar station has been closed down, about the feelings of its military personnel and their family members who know that they have to leave Latvia. Yesterday Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs gave an interview to Latvijas Radio where he spoke about the crisis in Russia. On the one hand it is profitable for Latvia because Russia would be forced to export more raw materials and Latvia could profit on it, but on the other hand Latvia was more interested in the solution of this crisis because Latvia would still need Russian market.

Yesterday Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs gave an interview to Latvijas Radio where he spoke about the crisis in Russia. On the one hand it is profitable for Latvia because Russia would be forced to export more raw materials and Latvia could profit on it, but on the other hand Latvia was more interested in the solution of this crisis because Latvia would still need Russian market. Chas

Press Review

Press Review

On August 31, at 12 o’clock, in accordance with the international agreement signed between Latvia and Russia, all transmitters at Skrunda Radar station were switched off. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs and generals of Russian AF had come to Skrunda to be present at this moment and assured that everything would proceed as it had been agreed upon. They also expressed their satisfaction about successful co-operation. Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs stressed that Russia had carried out all its obligations perfectly and added that with closing down of Skrunda Radar station a new stage of Latvian - Russian relations began. He thanked international donor states, especially the USA and Sweden, international organisations for their input in the implementation of this agreement. Latvia considers OSCE involvement in ensuring the agreement very important. For people in Skrunda it was a festivity day but it was not so for the Skrunda Radar station personnel. As the authorised Skrunda Radar station representative A.Nikitin explained about 200 military servicemen from 450 would stay to dismantle the radar. He did not admit that any serviceman could remain here but those who got married here.

On August 31, at 12 oclock, in accordance with the international agreement signed between Latvia and Russia, all transmitters at Skrunda Radar station were switched off. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs and generals of Russian AF had come to Skrunda to be present at this moment and assured that everything would proceed as it had been agreed upon. They also expressed their satisfaction about successful co-operation. Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs stressed that Russia had carried out all its obligations perfectly and added that with closing down of Skrunda Radar station a new stage of Latvian - Russian relations began. He thanked international donor states, especially the USA and Sweden, international organisations for their input in the implementation of this agreement. Latvia considers OSCE involvement in ensuring the agreement very important. For people in Skrunda it was a festivity day but it was not so for the Skrunda Radar station personnel. As the authorised Skrunda Radar station representative A.Nikitin explained about 200 military servicemen from 450 would stay to dismantle the radar. He did not admit that any serviceman could remain here but those who got married here. Neatkariga, Diena, Rigas Bals, Jauna Avize, Lauku Avize , Chas , SM, Bizness & Baltiya, Panorama Latvii

State Minister of Municipal Affairs J.Bunkss told

State Minister of Municipal Affairs J.Bunkss told Neatkariga that although it was September 1, Latvian representatives had not received any answer from Estonian officials whether students, going to education institutions in another country would not face any problems with border crossing. The answer according to the agreement should have been given on August 20. Estonian embassy in Riga explained that a written material on border crossing had already been sent. Bunkss said that students would have no problems from Latvian side. Meanwhile, NHRO has received no answers from Latvian and Estonian presidents who were asked to address this problem. Neatkariga

State President G.Ulmanis met yesterday the representatives of

Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK and he stuck to his opinion that adopting the amendments to the Law on Citizenship would be more favourable to Latvian interests than abolishing them. In their turn TB/LNNK people boasted that they managed to show a clear picture what development of the state could be if amendments were abolished and stressed that it would not endanger Latvias joining EU. Neatkariga, d

Diena

commentator K.Plamse writes that OSCE recommendations are not bickering to Latvia but a suggestion to do it as it is done elsewherein Europe. She says that an opinion about OSCE demands concerning citizenship and the state language being especial and stricter than the ones for Estonia is wrong and these recommendations are just the existing practice in European countries. K.Plamse analyses the situation with window mechanism and compares citizenship laws in different European countries. as well as the differences in this aspect in Latvia and Estonia. She also writes about Latvian international obligations. commentator K.Plamse writes that OSCE recommendations are not bickering to Latvia but a suggestion to do it as it is done elsewherein Europe. She says that an opinion about OSCE demands concerning citizenship and the state language being especial and stricter than the ones for Estonia is wrong and these recommendations are just the existing practice in European countries. K.Plamse analyses the situation with “window” mechanism and compares citizenship laws in different European countries. as well as the differences in this aspect in Latvia and Estonia. She also writes about Latvian international obligations. J.Adamsons explains in

J.Adamsons explains in Diena the position of the Union of Latvian Socialist Democrats and hs own on the referendum and the amendments to the Law on Citizenship. ULSD stands for elaboration and adoption of a completely new Law on Citizenship. Then the absurd norms in the Law on Citizenship would be corrected. In principle, J.Adamsons is for organising such a referendum but objects using it for some partys election campaign. What concerns the referendum itself, it is very important how the question will be formulated, but it is not known so far. J.Adamsons considers that everybody here must know the Latvian language, but he thinks that people should vote for adopting the amendments. Diena

Several newspapers repeat the information published by SM that OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel had threaten not to give 20 million Lats for Latvian education system to improve the quality of teaching Russian if the amendments to the Law on Citizenship were not adopted.

Several newspapers repeat the information published by SM that OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel had threaten not to give 20 million Lats for Latvian education system to improve the quality of teaching Russian if the amendments to the Law on Citizenship were not adopted. Lauku Avize, Bizness & Baltiya

Y.Yevteyev, the Head of the Social Maintenance Division confirmed the information that Russian military pensioners residing in Latvia had not received their pensions for August due to the fact that the money for it had not been transferred to Latvia yet. They hope that the situation could improve by the end of this week.

Bizness & Baltiya The Deputy Director of DCMA A.J.Lejins, answering the questions of

The Deputy Director of DCMA A.J.Lejins, answering the questions of Panorama Latvii, tells about the situation with the violet passports. Panorama Latvii has received many complains about violation of the date of issuance, too long examination of persons data. The Deputy Director explained that the main problem was with the people who had claimed their former USSR interior passports to be lost, had received a new one and in the lost one they got a domicile registration in Russia. DCMA also pays special attention to military servicemen demobilised in 1991 - 1992. Panorama Latvii

Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs gave a long interview to

Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs gave a long interview to Panorama Latvii where he spoke about European integration, saying that Russians in Latvia could be the first Euro-Russians, and the process of Latvia joining EU could take 7 - 8 years. He also analyses Latvian - Russian relations and says that Russia does not want any dialogue with Latvia, it organises military manoeuvres called Return near the border with Latvia and interferes in the internal affairs of Latvia. Using this possibility, he addresses Russia once again to start an open dialogue on all problems Russia would like to speak about. Panorama Latvii

Press Review

August 31 is the last day of Skrunda Radar station operation and it will be closed down in the presence of Latvian authorised representative E.Skuja. It is planned that Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs, the Ambassador of Russian Federation A.Udaltsov and representatives of Russian AF will be there. Experts, questioned by journalist, affirmed that Russia followed all its obligations. After the Radar is closed down, the fact will be checked by OSCE experts. The first Deputy of the Commander-in Chief of Russian Strategic Missile forces V.Muravyov had already announced that closing down of Skrunda Radar station would cause problems for Russia to defend its territory from possible missile attack from North-west direction.

August 31 is the last day of Skrunda Radar station operation and it will be closed down in the presence of Latvian authorised representative E.Skuja. It is planned that Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs, the Ambassador of Russian Federation A.Udaltsov and representatives of Russian AF will be there. Experts, questioned by journalist, affirmed that Russia followed all its obligations. After the Radar is closed down, the fact will be checked by OSCE experts. The first Deputy of the Commander-in Chief of Russian Strategic Missile forces V.Muravyov had already announced that closing down of Skrunda Radar station would cause problems for Russia to defend its territory from possible missile attack from North-west direction. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas (28.08.98), Bizness & Baltiya

State President G.Ulmanis addressed the nation in connection with closing down Skrunda Radar station and called it a day when the last units of a alien army is leaving Latvia. He characterised Russia’s activities during closing down period as very correct and had a high opinion on them. He thanked all those Latvian officials, people and diplomats of the democratic world who favoured this event.

State President G.Ulmanis addressed the nation in connection with closing down Skrunda Radar station and called it a day when the last units of a alien army is leaving Latvia. He characterised Russias activities during closing down period as very correct and had a high opinion on them. He thanked all those Latvian officials, people and diplomats of the democratic world who favoured this event. Diena

Diena

publishes Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK representative M.Grinblats explanation of TB/LNNK policy concerning the amendments to the Law on Citizenship. The party considers that it is not possible to admit some group of non-citizens to the Latvian citizenship with no Latvian language test and at the same time stresses the necessity to make essential changes to the education and language law, maybe even amending the Law on Citizenship. What concerns the attitude of other states and international organisations, they should respect the decision of the nation. The party is ready to advertise its position during the pre-election period. The Committee of the Cabinet of Ministers has accepted several draft laws concerning the concept of development of DCMA. It anticipates handing over several functions of the Department to the Naturalisation Board that is under the Ministry of Justice from January 1, 1999. The draft law “Amendments to the law on changes in the name, family name and nationality record” anticipates to hand over the function of recording person’s nationality, so far carried out by DCMA to the Registry Office. The Ministry of Finance acknowledged in its report that for realising these new functions Naturalisation Board would need about 60 000 LVL.

The Committee of the Cabinet of Ministers has accepted several draft laws concerning the concept of development of DCMA. It anticipates handing over several functions of the Department to the Naturalisation Board that is under the Ministry of Justice from January 1, 1999. The draft law Amendments to the law on changes in the name, family name and nationality record anticipates to hand over the function of recording persons nationality, so far carried out by DCMA to the Registry Office. The Ministry of Finance acknowledged in its report that for realising these new functions Naturalisation Board would need about 60 000 LVL. Diena

Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK

has nominated its candidates to the Cabinet of Ministers and calls citizen of Latvia to vote against the amendments to the Law on Citizenship because they do not encourage the interest of non-citizens to master the Latvian language and wish to integrate into the society, and they threaten establishing of a national state. TB/LNNK representatives acknowledge that it is necessary to create such conditions that would make leaning of the Latvian language unavoidable for all people residing in Latvia, make Latvian foreign policy more active, ensuring observing the interests of the nation, with democratic means support emigration of those Latvian residents to their ethnic fatherland who can not or do not wish to integrate in the Latvian society. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize

To explain to non-Latvians residing in Latvia the development processes and tendencies of this country, the organisation

To explain to non-Latvians residing in Latvia the development processes and tendencies of this country, the organisation Union of Citizens and Non-citizens has published 5 booklets that, basing on official historic documents show different states of the development of Latvian society and state. Every booklet deals with different topic, e.g. one is dedicated to the system of education from 1919 up to the present times. The Head of this organisation V.Sokolov says that Union of Citizens and Non-citizens wants to further integration of Latvian society and prevent formation of a two community state. Diena

The editors office of

The editors office of Panorama Latvii has received a letter from the Centre of Illegal Immigrants with complains about inhuman living conditions, lack of medical care, impossibility to meet any responsible state officials. They demand for a meeting with the representatives of Latvian Human Rights Committee, OSCE Mission and journalists from Panorama Latvii .