Press Report

Press Report

The publishing house Vieda director, Aivars Garda stated that he is not satisfied with the response of EU Enlargement Commissioner G.Verhoigen and that he is planning to send another letter. A.Garda also informed that only four suggestions on the announced contest for amending criminal law were received in August, but that he has received news from a number of lawyers that would be ready to work out the decolonisation law and amendments to the criminal law. He did not want to reveal the names of these lawyers.

The publishing house Vieda director, Aivars Garda stated that he is not satisfied with the response of EU Enlargement Commissioner G.Verhoigen and that he is planning to send another letter. A.Garda also informed that only four suggestions on the announced contest for amending criminal law were received in August, but that he has received news from a number of lawyers that would be ready to work out the decolonisation law and amendments to the criminal law. He did not want to reveal the names of these lawyers. Vesti Segodnja

Support for the European Union in Latvia has considerably increased in the last three months, with 42.7 % of the Latvian population ready to vote for joining the EU in August, up for 5.1 % since May, according to a survey carried out by SKDS. Positive attitudes towards the EU have also increased, up for 10.1% to 55% in August. The results were announced on Thursday by Edvards Kusners, director of the European Integration Bureau (EIB) in Riga, who also added that a more positive attitude towards the EU has resulted from growing support in rural regions (61.9 %), up by 22.9 % since May. In a referendum for joining the EU, 30.7 % of Latvia's population would currently vote against, compared to 37.4 % in May, while 26.6 % of the population has no opinion on the issue, compared to 25.1 % in May. Citizens of Latvia tend to have a more positive view of the EU (44 %) than non-citizens (38.4 %), while 29.9 % citizens are against joining the EU and 33.5 % non-citizens would also vote against. With the increase in Euro-optimists in August, the number of Euro-sceptics has fallen from 42.2 % in May to 35.4 % in August.

Diena, Neatkariga

Press Report

Press Report

The European Union's enlargement commissioner, Gunter Verhoigen, has answered to a letter he received from the scandalous nationalistic essay organiser A.Garda, stating that Latvia's attitude towards ethnic minorities is correct and democratic.

The European Union's enlargement commissioner, Gunter Verhoigen, has answered to a letter he received from the scandalous nationalistic essay organiser A.Garda, stating that Latvia's attitude towards ethnic minorities is correct and democratic. Chas, Respublika

Diena

publishes an informal information about the new Latvian ambassador to Russia N.Penke who yesterday received his credentials from the President. publishes an informal information about the new Latvian ambassador to Russia N.Penke who yesterday received his credentials from the President. Chas, RespublikaChas, Respublika Yesterday Latvia’s Bank President Einars Repse appeared on the TV show accompanied by five more of his companions for forming the new party, all of these five not having previously been in politics. The five people, none of whom has ever been in public spotlight, are highly qualified professionals in their spheres of occupation.

Yesterday Latvias Bank President Einars Repse appeared on the TV show accompanied by five more of his companions for forming the new party, all of these five not having previously been in politics. The five people, none of whom has ever been in public spotlight, are highly qualified professionals in their spheres of occupation. Diena, Neatkariga

Vesti Segodnja

talks to Russian Association in Latvia president G.Astahov. The president gives his opinion about the financial aspects of the activities of the Association. In regard to other roles of the Association, G.Astahov says do not force us to be involved in politics; give us a possibility which is given to all national minorities in Europe – to have their own, officially acknowledged language and its representative in the government, and then we would prefer to deal with cultural issues. talks to Russian Association in Latvia president G.Astahov. The president gives his opinion about the financial aspects of the activities of the Association. In regard to other roles of the Association, G.Astahov says “do not force us to be involved in politics; give us a possibility which is given to all national minorities in Europe – to have their own, officially acknowledged language and its representative in the government, and then we would prefer to deal with cultural issues”. NGO Union of Citizens and Non-citizens and public foundation “Citizenship. Education. Culture” continue to work at the idea to establish the Advisory Council on Non-citizen Matters at Riga City Council. They have received letters from both Latvia’s Way and FHRUL faction expressing support to the idea. However, there is no support in actual matters.

NGO Union of Citizens and Non-citizens and public foundation Citizenship. Education. Culture continue to work at the idea to establish the Advisory Council on Non-citizen Matters at Riga City Council. They have received letters from both Latvias Way and FHRUL faction expressing support to the idea. However, there is no support in actual matters. Chas

Press Report

Press Report

Latvijas vestnesis

reports: Tuesday justice minister I.Labucka met with the OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby to discuss further co-operation and its main issues – state language legislation, society integration process and formation of the ombudsman institution in Latvia. Both parties acknowledged the necessity to study the situation concerning the ruling of the European Human Rights Court on the case of excluding candidates from election lists due to their insufficient level of state language proficiency and the consequences on legislation, as well as possibility to enter amendments to legal norms if the claim is found grounded by the court. The justice minister informed OSCE Mission to Latvia Head about the implementation course of the national programme Society Integration in Latvia, as well as about the job done and actual tasks regarding the establishment of Society Integration Foundation, which is scheduled to be completed till the beginning of October. In his turn, P.Semneby informed about the activities of the OSCE concerning state language studies and public awareness campaign. When discussing the establishment of the ombudsman institution in Latvia, I.Labucka and P.Semneby agreed on continuing the successful co-operation. reports: “Tuesday justice minister I.Labucka met with the OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby to discuss further co-operation and its main issues – state language legislation, society integration process and formation of the ombudsman institution in Latvia. Both parties acknowledged the necessity to study the situation concerning the ruling of the European Human Rights Court on the case of excluding candidates from election lists due to their insufficient level of state language proficiency and the consequences on legislation, as well as possibility to enter amendments to legal norms if the claim is found grounded by the court. The justice minister informed OSCE Mission to Latvia Head about the implementation course of the national programme “Society Integration in Latvia”, as well as about the job done and actual tasks regarding the establishment of Society Integration Foundation, which is scheduled to be completed till the beginning of October. In his turn, P.Semneby informed about the activities of the OSCE concerning state language studies and public awareness campaign. When discussing the establishment of the ombudsman institution in Latvia, I.Labucka and P.Semneby agreed on continuing the successful co-operation”. The signing of the coalition agreement among Latvia’s Way, People’s Party and FF/LNNK scheduled for yesterday was postponed. FF/LNNK stated that it would be premature, as the hopes that other small parties will also join the coalition, have failed.

The signing of the coalition agreement among Latvias Way, Peoples Party and FF/LNNK scheduled for yesterday was postponed. FF/LNNK stated that it would be premature, as the hopes that other small parties will also join the coalition, have failed. Diena, Neatkariga

Latvia's member of parliament, Antons Seiksts, recently observing the Belarus residential elections as part of the OSCE mission, claims that the elections were undemocratic. The MP told reporters on Tuesday that he had for the first time seen such a paradox, that an undemocratic pre-election campaign could have ended up sodemocratically.

Latvia's member of parliament, Antons Seiksts, recently observing the Belarus residential elections as part of the OSCE mission, claims that the elections were undemocratic. The MP told reporters on Tuesday that he had for the first time seen such a paradox, that an undemocratic pre-election campaign could have ended up sodemocratically. Neatkariga

Neatkariga

reports that Latvias Way is having crisis in its administration and provides example of three party members who have showed non-loyalty to Latvias Way. Just recently Latvias Way member O.Kehris allotted funds for the to-be-established party and today he has to report on that to the Party Board. Another partys member Riga City Council deputy G.Grinberg left the party and yesterday joined Social Democrats. Former Prime Minister V.Kristopans has asked to release him from Partys Board member duties, as well as he stated that he would probably provide support the party to-be-establsihed after E.Repshe names other party members. reports that Latvia’s Way is having crisis in its administration and provides example of three party members who have showed “non-loyalty” to Latvia’s Way. Just recently Latvia’s Way member O.Kehris allotted funds for the to-be-established party and today he has to report on that to the Party Board. Another party’s member Riga City Council deputy G.Grinberg left the party and yesterday joined Social Democrats. Former Prime Minister V.Kristopans has asked to release him from Party’s Board member duties, as well as he stated that he would probably provide support the party to-be-establsihed after E.Repshe names other party members. Chas Chas

Latvijas vestnesis

asks President V.Vike-Freibergas opinion about the party-to be-established. The President considers that the main priority of the new party will be solution of actual interior problems and when asked to comment on the joining of ex-President G.Ulmanis to the new party, she, in a rather ironic manner, says that she feels glad that Ulmanis does not feel tired anymore and is ready for political activities. On the occasion of presenting credentials to the new Latvian ambassador to Russia N.Penke, the President says that his duties do not differ from the duties of other ambassadors, however, maybe in his situation they are more difficult to fulfil. asks President V.Vike-Freiberga’s opinion about the party-to be-established. The President considers that the main priority of the new party will be solution of actual interior problems and when asked to comment on the joining of ex-President G.Ulmanis to the new party, she, in a rather ironic manner, says that she feels glad that Ulmanis does not feel tired anymore and is ready for political activities. On the occasion of presenting credentials to the new Latvian ambassador to Russia N.Penke, the President says that his duties do not differ from the duties of other ambassadors, however, maybe in his situation they are more difficult to fulfil.

Chas

gives a little bit more detailed information about Latvian language courses free of charge for the applicants for naturalisation funded by the Governments of Norway, Sweden and the USA. gives a little bit more detailed information about Latvian language courses free of charge for the applicants for naturalisation funded by the Governments of Norway, Sweden and the USA. At the beginning of October the Russian Compatriot Congress will take place in Moscow. The member of Compatriot Council at Russia’s State Duma V.Gavrilov informs about the main issues on Congress’ agenda – adoption of the “Framework Programme on Russia’s Support to Compatriots Residing Abroad”, which received Russian President’s approval last week; round table discussions on legal norms concerning lives of Russian compatriots abroad. About the situation in Latvia, V.Gavrilovs says “existing opposition of the two communities is created and maintained in an artificial manner by radical political powers and, unfortunately, West and the States had and are having their roles in that, too”.

At the beginning of October the Russian Compatriot Congress will take place in Moscow. The member of Compatriot Council at Russias State Duma V.Gavrilov informs about the main issues on Congress agenda – adoption of the Framework Programme on Russias Support to Compatriots Residing Abroad, which received Russian Presidents approval last week; round table discussions on legal norms concerning lives of Russian compatriots abroad. About the situation in Latvia, V.Gavrilovs says existing opposition of the two communities is created and maintained in an artificial manner by radical political powers and, unfortunately, West and the States had and are having their roles in that, too.

Press Report

The outgoing U.S. ambassador in Latvia, James Holmes, gives an interview to

The outgoing U.S. ambassador in Latvia, James Holmes, gives an interview to Diena. The ambassador gives a positive assessment to Latvias progress in general since his arrival and particularly praises Latvias ability to judge historical events, such as Kaleja case. When asked if Russia is going to use in its advantage difficulties with integration process in Latvia, the ambassador says Society integration is of enormous importance for the future of Latvia. Whether one likes it or not Latvian community is a multi-cultural community, therefore there should be the way ensuring not only peaceful but also successful co-living of its members. And I see it true in todays Latvia. And also OSCE, which representation was opened here in order to observe how these issues are dealt with, sees the same. In general the OSCE is satisfied with the achievements of Latvia in this sphere and it has not found any proves of systematic human rights violations. We consider that the statements saying society integration has not succeeded and that a community here is neo-fascistic are untrue. Latvia has done everything what it had to normalise and stabilise relations with Russia. It has fulfilled its obligations towards the OSCE in the spheres of citizenship and society integration.

BNS

informs about the meeting of Latvia's parliament speaker J.Straume and the U.S. ambassador when they also discussed Latvian-Russian bilateral relations. Holmes said that the most effective argument against current Russian comments on the state language issue would be the OSCE mission's work in Latvia. informs about the meeting of Latvia's parliament speaker J.Straume and the U.S. ambassador when they also discussed Latvian-Russian bilateral relations. Holmes said that the most effective argument against current Russian comments on the state language issue would be the OSCE mission's work in Latvia. 25% St.Petersburg residents see Latvia and the USA as the main enemies of Russia, then follows NATO and Estonia and Lithuania are the enemies for 20% of respondents.

25% St.Petersburg residents see Latvia and the USA as the main enemies of Russia, then follows NATO and Estonia and Lithuania are the enemies for 20% of respondents. Diena

Chas

asks politician, Peoples Harmony Party member N.Neilands to share his views about Latvian Social Democrats. In his opinion the existing Latvias Social Democrats Workers Party does not correspond to classic perception of Social Democrats – in regard to treatment of national issues Latvian Social Democrats are the same as FF/LNNK. In regard to the possible merge of Peoples Harmony Party and Social Democrats Neilands is rather sceptic when in the programmes and deeds of parties the way to harmony in a society is clearly defined, then the merge takes place. asks politician, People’s Harmony Party member N.Neilands to share his views about Latvian Social Democrats. In his opinion the existing Latvia’s Social Democrats Workers Party does not correspond to classic perception of Social Democrats – in regard to treatment of national issues “Latvian Social Democrats are the same as FF/LNNK”. In regard to the possible merge of Peoples Harmony Party and Social Democrats Neilands is rather sceptic “when in the programmes and deeds of parties the way to harmony in a society is clearly defined, then the merge takes place”. Prime Minister A.Berzins has not decided yet whether he will run for the 8th Saeima election.

Prime Minister A.Berzins has not decided yet whether he will run for the 8th Saeima election. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika, Panorama Latvii

Riga District Court will review the case of war crime suspect red partisan V.Kononov no sooner as at the end of 2002, but the appellation of the sentenced M.Farbtuh will be reviewed on 2 November.

Riga District Court will review the case of war crime suspect red partisan V.Kononov no sooner as at the end of 2002, but the appellation of the sentenced M.Farbtuh will be reviewed on 2 November. Chas

Saeima deputy B.Cilevic provides an analyses of the current policy in Latvia. He thinks that the fact that the ruling parties did not distanced themselves from radical nationalistic activities, putting all their efforts in keeping power and trying to continue the implementation of their current programmes are the obvious guarantee that the process of changes in regard to the current ruling politicians will go on.

Saeima deputy B.Cilevic provides an analyses of the current policy in Latvia. He thinks that the fact that the ruling parties did not distanced themselves from radical nationalistic activities, putting all their efforts in keeping power and trying to continue the implementation of their current programmes are the obvious guarantee that the process of changes in regard to the current ruling politicians will go on. Vesti Segodnja