Press Report

Press Report

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The newspaper Diena asked several experts about the proposal of Estonians for all three Baltic States to claim compensation from Russia together. Some experts say that it is unreal to hope for any compensation from Russia, but if Latvia still insists on it, then it should calculate the exact amount of damages, as well as explain the reason of this step to the Western countries. Other experts consider this idea senseless that could just spoil relations with Russia even more. Diena

Today the Saeima will vote on the case of Social Democrat J.Adamsons and decide whether it will allow starting criminal proceedings against him.

Today the Saeima will vote on the case of Social Democrat J.Adamsons and decide whether it will allow starting criminal proceedings against him. Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Respublika, Vesti Segodnya

If a referendum on joining EU took place in August, 44.5% of all Latvia’s population would vote in favour of this step, that is 4.8% more than in May 2000.

If a referendum on joining EU took place in August, 44.5% of all Latvias population would vote in favour of this step, that is 4.8% more than in May 2000. Diena

Disregarding the fact that April 1, 2000 was the deadline for non-citizens in Latvia to exchange their old former USSR passports, on September 1 20 800 non-citizens have not done it. And the number of persons coming to exchange their passports reduced radically. From January 1 up to September 1 the DCMA had drawn up 477 administrative records for residing without a valid ID. Total number of persons registered in the Residents Register was - 1778 674 Latvian citizens and 499 239 non-citizens.

Disregarding the fact that April 1, 2000 was the deadline for non-citizens in Latvia to exchange their old former USSR passports, on September 1 20 800 non-citizens have not done it. And the number of persons coming to exchange their passports reduced radically. From January 1 up to September 1 the DCMA had drawn up 477 administrative records for residing without a valid ID. Total number of persons registered in the Residents Register was - 1778 674 Latvian citizens and 499 239 non-citizens. Diena

Jauna Avize

writes that 27 794 Latvian non-citizens have not exchanged their passports (Residents Registers data). Yesterday Prime Minister A.Berzins met tęte-ŕ-tęte with the leader of People’s Party A.Skele. According to official information this was an informative meeting, but news agency LETA informs that they discussed today’s Saeima vote on Social Democrat J.Adamsons.

Yesterday Prime Minister A.Berzins met tęte-ŕ-tęte with the leader of Peoples Party A.Skele. According to official information this was an informative meeting, but news agency LETA informs that they discussed todays Saeima vote on Social Democrat J.Adamsons. Neatkariga

During her visit to the UN Millennium Assembly Latvian President V.V.Freiberga met several high UN officials and the President of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev.

During her visit to the UN Millennium Assembly Latvian President V.V.Freiberga met several high UN officials and the President of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev. Neatkariga, Lauku Avize ,

More than half of Latvian population considers that corruption is a serious problem in Latvia but the fight of the Government against it is not very successful. 57.3% of residents grade the level of corruption up to 5 points from the 5-point scale. 32% of people consider that the Government not only does not fight corruption but also even aids it. 74.1% think that the most corrupted is politics, 66.8% state administration, 48.1 businesses, 38.7 – self-governments. Lauku Avize

More than half of Latvian population considers that corruption is a serious problem in Latvia but the fight of the Government against it is not very successful. 57.3% of residents grade the level of corruption up to 5 points from the 5-point scale. 32% of people consider that the Government not only does not fight corruption but also even aids it. 74.1% think that the most corrupted is politics, 66.8% state administration, 48.1 businesses, 38.7 – self-governments. Lauku Avize

Lauku Avize

asked politicians, state officials and simple people a question whether the call of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia could be considered as an announcement of war to Latvia. Prime Minister A.Berzins thinks that one should not overestimate the influence of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia and if Russian speakers followed this call they would just suffer themselves. Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins states that this was one of those seldom cases then in the name of some tiny political aims is shuttered one of the most important processes in Latvia – integration. All speakers condemn this action and think that the left-wingers will fail. asked politicians, state officials and simple people a question whether the call of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia could be considered as an announcement of war to Latvia. Prime Minister A.Berzins thinks that one should not overestimate the influence of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia and if Russian speakers followed this call they would just suffer themselves. Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins states that this was one of those seldom cases then in the name of some tiny political aims is shuttered one of the most important processes in Latvia – integration. All speakers condemn this action and think that the left-wingers will fail. The Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia T.Örn met with the Minister of Education and Science K.Greiskalns and expressed his satisfaction with public integration process in Latvia. Both officials discussed the integration program and the role of the Ministry of Education and Science there. Respublika

The Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia T.Örn met with the Minister of Education and Science K.Greiskalns and expressed his satisfaction with public integration process in Latvia. Both officials discussed the integration program and the role of the Ministry of Education and Science there. Respublika

Journalist S.Zaletayev from

Journalist S.Zaletayev from Panorama Latvii writes that the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia should thank Latvian Government and the Government forming factions for the wide advertising of their conference on non-violent methods of resistance against the State Language Law regulations. And the reaction of officials showed that they were afraid.

The residents who come to the Managers office of Kurzeme Region in principle refuse to speak in the Latvian language and ignore the norms of the state language. The Head of the Domicile Registry Department S.Apsite complained that after remarks of the municipal officials about violating the State Language Law, visitors expressed their dissatisfaction and named the officials as “Nazis”. Panorama Latvii

The residents who come to the Managers office of Kurzeme Region in principle refuse to speak in the Latvian language and ignore the norms of the state language. The Head of the Domicile Registry Department S.Apsite complained that after remarks of the municipal officials about violating the State Language Law, visitors expressed their dissatisfaction and named the officials as Nazis. Panorama Latvii

A.Stroy in

A.Stroy in Chas writes that if the MPs from the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia sticked to their words they should be the first to start speaking in the Russian language in the Saeima and resign from their parliamentarian seats. A.Stroy thinks that this call would finally turn the Russian faction into political outcasts because their 16 votes are not in high demand in the Saeima but politics is an art of compromises.

Latvijas Vestnesis

(06.09.00)(06.09.00) published the declaration of French Presidency in the name of EU about the regulations for implementing the State Language Law where EU expressed its satisfaction with the newly adopted State Language Law regulations. EU sides with the OSCE High Commissioner High Commissioner Max van der Stoel declaration on these Regulations where he pointed out the compliance of those regulations with international standards, published the declaration of French Presidency in the name of EU about the regulations for implementing the State Language Law where EU expressed its satisfaction with the newly adopted State Language Law regulations. EU sides with the OSCE High Commissioner High Commissioner Max van der Stoel declaration on these Regulations where he pointed out the compliance of those regulations with international standards, And the full text of the announcement of the Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia where it is stated that Latvia adopts its rules according to international standards and with the OSCE recommendations. The Cabinet of Ministers calls people not to submit to the call of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia that aims to split the society of Latvia according their language or national belonging cause distrust and hatred among people of different nations.

And the full text of the announcement of the Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia where it is stated that Latvia adopts its rules according to international standards and with the OSCE recommendations. The Cabinet of Ministers calls people not to submit to the call of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia that aims to split the society of Latvia according their language or national belonging cause distrust and hatred among people of different nations.

Press Report

Press Report

The Government calls people not to submit to the provocative calls of left-wingers to start non-violent resistance. The aim of these calls is to split society, create distrust and hate between nationalities. On Tuesday Latvian authorities received one more confirmation that the State Language Law recommendations complied with international standards – a positive statement from the OSCE stating that these regulation were a serious step in a successful public integration process in Latvia.

The Government calls people not to submit to the provocative calls of left-wingers to start non-violent resistance. The aim of these calls is to split society, create distrust and hate between nationalities. On Tuesday Latvian authorities received one more confirmation that the State Language Law recommendations complied with international standards – a positive statement from the OSCE stating that these regulation were a serious step in a successful public integration process in Latvia. Diena, Chas, Respublika

Answering to this call of the Government the opposition MP J.Urbanovics from For Human Rights in United Latvia said that the society had split long tome ago, just the Government had not noticed it so far. And the reason there were no ethnic conflicts was thanks to non-Latvians who had hoped for common sense of politicians, but in vain. The Chairman of the Saeima Human Rights Commission A.Seiksts was sure that national minorities would not support this left wingers' action.

Answering to this call of the Government the opposition MP J.Urbanovics from For Human Rights in United Latvia said that the society had split long tome ago, just the Government had not noticed it so far. And the reason there were no ethnic conflicts was thanks to non-Latvians who had hoped for common sense of politicians, but in vain. The Chairman of the Saeima Human Rights Commission A.Seiksts was sure that national minorities would not support this left wingers' action. Vesti Segodnya

Jauna Avize

interviewed the Director of the Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centre N.Muiznieks about this call. Mr.Muiznieks said that there were some constructive demands, e.g. Latvia should ratify the General Convention on National Minorities. On Wednesday Latvia for one month will become the presiding state of the OSCE Co-operation Forum, that on its regular weekly plenary sittings discusses arms limiting and control activities.

On Wednesday Latvia for one month will become the presiding state of the OSCE Co-operation Forum, that on its regular weekly plenary sittings discusses arms limiting and control activities. Diena, Neatkariga, Respublika, Vesti Segodnya

The leaders of the New Party and Latvijas Cels signed an intention protocol on bilateral co-operation in the Government, Saeima and for the next municipal election. This protocol will be some kind of guarantee that there will be any changes in the Government because both sides undertake to support the ministers of the other party. In they turn, the five deputies from the New Party, who had left the party met with the Prime Minister A.Berzins and assured of their support to the Government.

The leaders of the New Party and Latvijas Cels signed an intention protocol on bilateral co-operation in the Government, Saeima and for the next municipal election. This protocol will be some kind of guarantee that there will be any changes in the Government because both sides undertake to support the ministers of the other party. In they turn, the five deputies from the New Party, who had left the party met with the Prime Minister A.Berzins and assured of their support to the Government. Diena, Neatkariga, Respublika, Vesti Segodnya

On Tuesday the Supreme Court passed a decision to deprive the Riga City Council deputy J.Zhuravlyov of Latvian citizenship. J.Zhuravlyov, loosing his Latvian citizenship, may loose also his City Council deputy mandate. Riga Mayor A.Argalis promised that J.Zhuravlov’s mandate would be annulled as soon as the City Council received the SC decision.

On Tuesday the Supreme Court passed a decision to deprive the Riga City Council deputy J.Zhuravlyov of Latvian citizenship. J.Zhuravlyov, loosing his Latvian citizenship, may loose also his City Council deputy mandate. Riga Mayor A.Argalis promised that J.Zhuravlovs mandate would be annulled as soon as the City Council received the SC decision. Diena, Neatkariga, Respublika

The Council of Fatherland Union, led by Estonian Prime Minister M.Laar, took a decision to propose the Baltic Assembly to discuss a possibility for the Baltic States to start a joint discussion with Russia on compensating the losses made to those countries during the 50 years of Soviet occupation.

The Council of Fatherland Union, led by Estonian Prime Minister M.Laar, took a decision to propose the Baltic Assembly to discuss a possibility for the Baltic States to start a joint discussion with Russia on compensating the losses made to those countries during the 50 years of Soviet occupation. Diena

The Government accepted the Law on Declaring Person’s Place of Residence that stipulates abolishing of domicile registration system. The new law charges persons to declare their place of residence and it will take effect on July 1, 2001.

The Government accepted the Law on Declaring Persons Place of Residence that stipulates abolishing of domicile registration system. The new law charges persons to declare their place of residence and it will take effect on July 1, 2001. Jauna Avize

Yesterday the Government adopted amendments to the regulations on the procedure of receiving people’s complains. The main thing in these amendments is that now state officials have to record not only written complains but also oral; they have to listen to the visitor, record the complain and give it to the person for signing. If a visitor speaks Russian then it is up to the official to translate the complain in to the state language.

Yesterday the Government adopted amendments to the regulations on the procedure of receiving peoples complains. The main thing in these amendments is that now state officials have to record not only written complains but also oral; they have to listen to the visitor, record the complain and give it to the person for signing. If a visitor speaks Russian then it is up to the official to translate the complain in to the state language. Chas

Chas

interviewed the new head of the DCMA M.Bicevskis. Mr.Bicevskis assured that soon there would be more civilised procedure of residents registration. Answering to the question on the possible changes when Latvia joined EU the DCMA Head said that EU residents would be able to come to Latvia and work here with no visas, but the procedure of receiving permanent residence permit would not change much PRPs would be granted after 10 years of legal residence in Latvia. Mr. Bicevskis answered also to the questions about 6000 illegals saying that most of them had already left Latvia but the ones, who decided to stay, had started court proceedings against the DCMA. interviewed the new head of the DCMA M.Bicevskis. Mr.Bicevskis assured that soon there would be more civilised procedure of residents’ registration. Answering to the question on the possible changes when Latvia joined EU the DCMA Head said that EU residents would be able to come to Latvia and work here with no visas, but the procedure of receiving permanent residence permit would not change much PRPs would be granted after 10 years of legal residence in Latvia. Mr. Bicevskis answered also to the questions about 6000 illegals saying that most of them had already left Latvia but the ones, who decided to stay, had started court proceedings against the DCMA.

Vesti Segodnya

interviewed the Press Secretary of the Naturalisation Board K.Apkalns about the situation in the naturalisation process, especially about persons who had been a secret service agent or officer of some other country. Mr.Apkalns said that there were many cases when people were refused in receiving documents for naturalisation, among them also persons whom the Centre of Documenting the consequences of Totalitarism and Security Police consider to be a former agent or officer of some secret service. Then it depends on the person himself; he may appeal this decision in court and during the last 5 years about such 20 people had won their court cases. interviewed the Press Secretary of the Naturalisation Board K.Apkalns about the situation in the naturalisation process, especially about persons who had been a secret service agent or officer of some other country. Mr.Apkalns said that there were many cases when people were refused in receiving documents for naturalisation, among them also persons whom the Centre of Documenting the consequences of Totalitarism and Security Police consider to be a former agent or officer of some secret service. Then it depends on the person himself; he may appeal this decision in court and during the last 5 years about such 20 people had won their court cases.

Press Report

Press Report

TB/LNNK faction decided to vote against permitting Prosecutor’s Office to start criminal proceedings against the MP from Social Democrats Party J.Adamsons thus giving him a hope to avoid further investigation of the case and remain in the Saeima.

TB/LNNK faction decided to vote against permitting Prosecutors Office to start criminal proceedings against the MP from Social Democrats Party J.Adamsons thus giving him a hope to avoid further investigation of the case and remain in the Saeima. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Lauku Avize , Chas,

Protesting against the State Language Law and the norms of its implementation the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia decided to announce a civic non-violent resistance campaign, calling to boycott the enterprises where customers were refused to be served in the Russian language, not to watch non-Russian TV programs and deliberately violate the language norms that did not satisfy them. The Government forming factions gave a very critical evaluation of this aggressive call. Social scientist N.Muiznieks thinks that the senseless content of this call is an evidence of closeness of election and the solution for this situation should be sought through a court not on the street level.

Protesting against the State Language Law and the norms of its implementation the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia decided to announce a civic non-violent resistance campaign, calling to boycott the enterprises where customers were refused to be served in the Russian language, not to watch non-Russian TV programs and deliberately violate the language norms that did not satisfy them. The Government forming factions gave a very critical evaluation of this aggressive call. Social scientist N.Muiznieks thinks that the senseless content of this call is an evidence of closeness of election and the solution for this situation should be sought through a court not on the street level.

The draft resolution was adopted on Monday at a conference organised by For Human Rights in United Latvia dedicated to the language legislation. The goal of the union is ratifying of the General Convention of National Minorities at the Saeima, therefore it is necessary to achieve it by all means possible let their mother tongue could be used in communicating with state and municipal institutions, to abolish restrictions to use the Russian language and the mandatory nationality record in passport and language restrictions in TV and radio broadcasts.

The draft resolution was adopted on Monday at a conference organised by For Human Rights in United Latvia dedicated to the language legislation. The goal of the union is ratifying of the General Convention of National Minorities at the Saeima, therefore it is necessary to achieve it by all means possible let their mother tongue could be used in communicating with state and municipal institutions, to abolish restrictions to use the Russian language and the mandatory nationality record in passport and language restrictions in TV and radio broadcasts. Diena, Neatkariga,

Lauku Avize writes thatthey received an invitation to this conference and decided to attend it, but when they arrived there that Latvian journalists were not welcomed there.

Lauku Avize writes thatthey received an invitation to this conference and decided to attend it, but when they arrived there that Latvian journalists were not welcomed there.

Respublika

informs about his conference and writes about the immediate reaction of the Prime Minister A.Berzins who had expressed his complete perplexity for such call of the left-wingers. His Press Secretary A.Lapins announced that the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia had opposed themselves to the whole civilised society, but the Chairman of the Saeima Commission on education, culture and science Dz.Abikis decided to ask the prosecutors office to check whether by this resolution the Union had not called to illegal actions. informs about his conference and writes about the immediate reaction of the Prime Minister A.Berzins who had expressed his complete perplexity for such call of the left-wingers. His Press Secretary A.Lapins announced that the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia had opposed themselves to the whole civilised society, but the Chairman of the Saeima Commission on education, culture and science Dz.Abikis decided to ask the prosecutor’s office to check whether by this resolution the Union had not called to illegal actions.

Chas, Panorama Latvii and Vesti Segodnya write that the For Human Rights in United Latvia leaders had stated that parliamentarian methods of opposition did not give the necessary result: the ruling majority did not want to listen to the opinion of the minority. Therefore in order to influence the authorities, the opposition leaders called their electorate to a non-violent resistance. Chas gives also a brief history of non-violent resistance in the world.

D.Fedoruk in

D.Fedoruk in Respublika describes the situation with the state language in EU countries. Some of them, e.g. France and Germany decided not to put up with the increasing influence of the English language and take secret actions against it.

The call of the New Party to recall the former New Party member S.Dreimane from her post in the Saeima Presidium did not get support from the Government forming factions. Also Latvijas Cels was against it, although the party did not have their representative in the Presidium. The Chairman of LC A.Pantelejevs acknowledged that the future co-operation of LC and the New Party could be disturbed by the wish of their partners to make any changes in the Presidium as a precondition for their co-operation.

The call of the New Party to recall the former New Party member S.Dreimane from her post in the Saeima Presidium did not get support from the Government forming factions. Also Latvijas Cels was against it, although the party did not have their representative in the Presidium. The Chairman of LC A.Pantelejevs acknowledged that the future co-operation of LC and the New Party could be disturbed by the wish of their partners to make any changes in the Presidium as a precondition for their co-operation. Diena, Jauna Avize, Lauku Avize ,

Today the New Party and LC plan to sign an intention protocol on their future co-operation.

Today the New Party and LC plan to sign an intention protocol on their future co-operation. Respublika

The new foreign affairs councillor to the Prime Minister A.Sjanitis, former Latvian Ambassador to Lithuania, started to fulfil his duties. The former councillor A.Groza was appointed to the post of Latvian Ambassador to Belgium.

The new foreign affairs councillor to the Prime Minister A.Sjanitis, former Latvian Ambassador to Lithuania, started to fulfil his duties. The former councillor A.Groza was appointed to the post of Latvian Ambassador to Belgium. Respublika

Yesterday in Riga was opened the education and culture centre of the Baltic Russian Institute. The Institute has departments in Davgavpils, Liepaja, Venspils, Tallinn, Klaipeda, Vilnius and now it will have in Riga a club with a real stage and hall with 700 seats.

Yesterday in Riga was opened the education and culture centre of the Baltic Russian Institute. The Institute has departments in Davgavpils, Liepaja, Venspils, Tallinn, Klaipeda, Vilnius and now it will have in Riga a club with a real stage and hall with 700 seats. Vesti Segodnya

The 37th regular conference of creative unions took place in Riga. The topic of discussions was “United and quality education – basis for integration of the society”. Minister of Education K.Greiskals reported on the current situation and about the future plans of the Ministry. Panorama Latvii cites the Chairman of the Riga City Council Commission J.Mikelsons, who stated that the highest value for them was a healthy, educated, honest citizen, and makes a conclusion that non-citizens are left outside integration process. But the most attention in the conference was paid to the problem of teachers’ salaries. The author of the article sarcastically points out that during five hours none of the speakers said a word about abolishing education in the Russian language. What an integration!

The 37th regular conference of creative unions took place in Riga. The topic of discussions was United and quality education – basis for integration of the society. Minister of Education K.Greiskals reported on the current situation and about the future plans of the Ministry. Panorama Latvii cites the Chairman of the Riga City Council Commission J.Mikelsons, who stated that the highest value for them was a healthy, educated, honest citizen, and makes a conclusion that non-citizens are left outside integration process. But the most attention in the conference was paid to the problem of teachers salaries. The author of the article sarcastically points out that during five hours none of the speakers said a word about abolishing education in the Russian language. What an integration! Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Press Report

On Sunday Latvian President V.V.Freiberga will go to New York to participate in the UN Millennium Summit. It is planned that she will take part also in the World Female Leaders Forum and meet Human Rights High Commissioner M.Robinson.

On Sunday Latvian President V.V.Freiberga will go to New York to participate in the UN Millennium Summit. It is planned that she will take part also in the World Female Leaders Forum and meet Human Rights High Commissioner M.Robinson. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize (04.09)

Experts think that the Saeima has to reconsider the procedure how laws are prepared for publishing after they have been adopted in the last reading. It should be done to avoid situations like the one when the Saeima Speaker J.Straume signed for publication wrong amendments to the Power Law.

Experts think that the Saeima has to reconsider the procedure how laws are prepared for publishing after they have been adopted in the last reading. It should be done to avoid situations like the one when the Saeima Speaker J.Straume signed for publication wrong amendments to the Power Law. Neatkariga

Answering to the invitation of the Norwegian royal couple President V.V.Freiberga will visit Norway this month. During this visit she will meet the King and Queen, President of the Parliament and Prime Minister.

Answering to the invitation of the Norwegian royal couple President V.V.Freiberga will visit Norway this month. During this visit she will meet the King and Queen, President of the Parliament and Prime Minister. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize(04.09

On Friday the US Embassy gave a positive evaluation of the new regulations to the State Language Law and expressed a hope that, implementing it, Latvia would treat all residents fairly and observe international standards.

On Friday the US Embassy gave a positive evaluation of the new regulations to the State Language Law and expressed a hope that, implementing it, Latvia would treat all residents fairly and observe international standards. Diena, Neatkariga (04.09)

N.Kabanov in

N.Kabanov in Vesti Segodnya analyses a textbook, published for Russian speaking schools, History of XX century prepared by a Latvian teacher J.Freibergs. N.Kabanov disagrees with the concept of this book where too much attention is paid to the Latvian history, ignoring the realities of that time.

Yesterday President V.V.Freiberga visited Riga Russian speaking school No 13. She assured the students that they all would find a proper place in Latvia. V.V.Freiberga thinks that all residents of Latvia have and will have equal rights disregarding their nationality, mother tongue, etc. the President stated that Latvia was a democratic country and there was no place for racism and laws there were the same for everybody.

Yesterday President V.V.Freiberga visited Riga Russian speaking school No 13. She assured the students that they all would find a proper place in Latvia. V.V.Freiberga thinks that all residents of Latvia have and will have equal rights disregarding their nationality, mother tongue, etc. the President stated that Latvia was a democratic country and there was no place for racism and laws there were the same for everybody. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Vesti Segodnya

writes about the visit of Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane and Head of the Latvian MFA Human Rights Department J.Mazeiks to Moscow where they together with Latvian Ambassador I.Daudiss tried to persuade Russian officials that everything in Latvia was OK and the new State Language Law with its regulations was the best thing to have. The author of the article writes that the only thing these people did there was trying to sell untrue stories. September 4, 2000

September 4, 2000

The Council of the New Party demanded those MPs, who were elected from this party but left the faction afterwards, to resign from their seats in the Saeima. But the politicians under discussion do not intend to obey. The New Party MPs also plans to submit to the Saeima a draft decision on recalling the Saeima Secretary S.Dreimane from the Saeima Presidium because represent no party any more.

The Council of the New Party demanded those MPs, who were elected from this party but left the faction afterwards, to resign from their seats in the Saeima. But the politicians under discussion do not intend to obey. The New Party MPs also plans to submit to the Saeima a draft decision on recalling the Saeima Secretary S.Dreimane from the Saeima Presidium because represent no party any more. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas

Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a note to the Russian MFA stating that since the end of May, when Latvian Embassy restored the front of the Embassy building that was damaged during hooligans’ attack, Russia still had not discharged 2000USD. Latvian Embassy had reminded Russian officials about it several times but with no success.

Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a note to the Russian MFA stating that since the end of May, when Latvian Embassy restored the front of the Embassy building that was damaged during hooligans attack, Russia still had not discharged 2000USD. Latvian Embassy had reminded Russian officials about it several times but with no success. Diena

Answering to this note, Russian officials said that they lacked resources and people to ensure round-o-clock guarding of diplomatic representatives.

Answering to this note, Russian officials said that they lacked resources and people to ensure round-o-clock guarding of diplomatic representatives. Chas

According to the data of the Central Statistics Board within the last 10 years the population number in Latvia has decreased for 244 000 people due to natural movement and migration, and at the beginning of 2000 in Latvia were 2424 000 residents. In its turn the decrease in Riga from 1991 to 1999 was 117 000.

According to the data of the Central Statistics Board within the last 10 years the population number in Latvia has decreased for 244 000 people due to natural movement and migration, and at the beginning of 2000 in Latvia were 2424 000 residents. In its turn the decrease in Riga from 1991 to 1999 was 117 000. Neatkariga

In a press conference Minister of Justice I.Labucka stated that the regulations to the State Language Law were the golden mean - they complied with the norms of the State Language Law and interests of the society. And they also complied with international standards and Latvia’s international obligations. The Minister answered to journalists’ questions explaining some unclear issues. Although the OSCE High Commissioner High Commissioner Max van der Stoel had announced that he had no essential objections the regulations and they basically complied with international standards and Latvia’s international obligations, he called to make some small improvements to do away with some drawbacks, e.g. concerning ensuring interpretation during public events, taking into consideration the intention of Latvia to ratify the Convention on National Minorities.

In a press conference Minister of Justice I.Labucka stated that the regulations to the State Language Law were the golden mean - they complied with the norms of the State Language Law and interests of the society. And they also complied with international standards and Latvias international obligations. The Minister answered to journalists questions explaining some unclear issues. Although the OSCE High Commissioner High Commissioner Max van der Stoel had announced that he had no essential objections the regulations and they basically complied with international standards and Latvias international obligations, he called to make some small improvements to do away with some drawbacks, e.g. concerning ensuring interpretation during public events, taking into consideration the intention of Latvia to ratify the Convention on National Minorities. Rigas Balss

Rigas Balss

interviewed the Head of the State Language Centre Dz.Hirsa. When asked how she felt now, when the regulation to the State Language Law were adopted Dz.Hirsa answered that she was not quiet satisfied with the result but glad that they managed to preserve several very important norms. She also told the journalist about the threats to her personally and to the language inspectors, adding that she relied to the services that should ensure peoples security. When asked why there was so much fuss about the regulations because there were not so many new things, Dz.Hirsa answered that it was a responsibility of politicians who used the situation when people did not have adequate information to organise protests. A group of Russian sculptors and restores will come to Riga in September to re-erect the monument to Peter the Great. The place or re-erection is still to be decided but the administration of Teikas Nami that invested about 40 000 Ls in restoration of this monument thinks that the best place could be the embankment of the Daugava.

A group of Russian sculptors and restores will come to Riga in September to re-erect the monument to Peter the Great. The place or re-erection is still to be decided but the administration of Teikas Nami that invested about 40 000 Ls in restoration of this monument thinks that the best place could be the embankment of the Daugava. Chas

Today the political parties from the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia together with representatives of Russian public organisations organise a conference to discuss the situation in Latvia after the new regulations to the State Language Law were adopted. Among other things they will also discuss forms of non-violent resistance, civic disobedience, etc.

Today the political parties from the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia together with representatives of Russian public organisations organise a conference to discuss the situation in Latvia after the new regulations to the State Language Law were adopted. Among other things they will also discuss forms of non-violent resistance, civic disobedience, etc. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

At the meeting of ministers of foreign affairs of 5 Scandinavian and 3 Baltic states the High Officer of EU F.Solana expressed his opinion that 3 Baltic States could be the members of EU and NATO very soon. In the future this meeting will not be named 3+5, but the meeting of 8 and that is considered a good sign.

At the meeting of ministers of foreign affairs of 5 Scandinavian and 3 Baltic states the High Officer of EU F.Solana expressed his opinion that 3 Baltic States could be the members of EU and NATO very soon. In the future this meeting will not be named 3+5, but the meeting of 8 and that is considered a good sign. Diena

Saeima’s chairman J.Straume in place of amendments to the Law on Power Industry adopted by Saeima signed alternative amendments. In opposition to the correct amendments alternative amendments did not prohibit the possibility that some objects of “Latvenergo” could be privatised. The incorrect amendments were published in the official newspaper “Latvijas Vestnesis”. Saeima’s secretary says that this mistake cannot and will not do any harm, as the amendments adopted by Saeima are effective.

Saeimas chairman J.Straume in place of amendments to the Law on Power Industry adopted by Saeima signed alternative amendments. In opposition to the correct amendments alternative amendments did not prohibit the possibility that some objects of Latvenergo could be privatised. The incorrect amendments were published in the official newspaper Latvijas Vestnesis. Saeimas secretary says that this mistake cannot and will not do any harm, as the amendments adopted by Saeima are effective. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika, Chas

The Constitutional Court (CC) turned down the application of the left wing to recognise as not effective prohibition, not allowing persons, who have worked for organisations which were illegitimate after 13 January, 1991 (Communist Party, Interfronte, KGB), to run for Saeima’s and municipal elections. The left wing considers the prohibition to be in opposition with the international norms and because of that the elections in Latvia cannot be considered free. However, the CC advises legislators to examine periodically the necessity and term of this limitation. Left wing representative A.Bartasevics says that they are considering to turn to the European Court of Human Rights.

The Constitutional Court (CC) turned down the application of the left wing to recognise as not effective prohibition, not allowing persons, who have worked for organisations which were illegitimate after 13 January, 1991 (Communist Party, Interfronte, KGB), to run for Saeimas and municipal elections. The left wing considers the prohibition to be in opposition with the international norms and because of that the elections in Latvia cannot be considered free. However, the CC advises legislators to examine periodically the necessity and term of this limitation. Left wing representative A.Bartasevics says that they are considering to turn to the European Court of Human Rights. Diena, Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Chas, Novosti Latvii

The New Party and Latvia’s Way have agreed to sign the intention protocol on closer co-operation in Saeima and in municipal elections.

The New Party and Latvias Way have agreed to sign the intention protocol on closer co-operation in Saeima and in municipal elections. Diena. Neatkariga

In yesterday’s press conference Freedom Party General Secretary Peter Zihrovsky said that Latvia has problems with the observance of human rights and that could make Latvia’s accession to EU more difficult. He came to this conclusion after learning the case of ex-banker A.Lavent who has spent 5 years in the jail without a sentence.

In yesterdays press conference Freedom Party General Secretary Peter Zihrovsky said that Latvia has problems with the observance of human rights and that could make Latvias accession to EU more difficult. He came to this conclusion after learning the case of ex-banker A.Lavent who has spent 5 years in the jail without a sentence. Vesti Segodnja, Respublika, Novosti Latvii

The Prime Minister A.Berzins will take 2 days off because of serious health problems

The Prime Minister A.Berzins will take 2 days off because of serious health problems. Diena, Chas