Press Review

Press Review

German newspaper Zurcher Zeitung, commenting future reforms and referendum in Latvia, stated that the position of Latvian Prime Minister G.Krasts’s position was disgraceful. The authors of the article stressed that the government managed to amend the Law on Citizenship, but it was achieved fighting the fierce opposition of G.Krasts party

German newspaper Zurcher Zeitung, commenting future reforms and referendum in Latvia, stated that the position of Latvian Prime Minister G.Krastss position was disgraceful. The authors of the article stressed that the government managed to amend the Law on Citizenship, but it was achieved fighting the fierce opposition of G.Krasts party Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK. Neatkariga

A UNDP and Ukranian government organised conference for European and CIS countries

A UNDP and Ukranian government organised conference for European and CIS countries Human Rights for the development of a Nation will take place in Yalta on September 2 - 4. Latvia will be represented by the Chairman of the Saeima Human Rights and Social Affairs Commission A.Seiksts, Naturalisation Board Head E.Aldermane and the Deputy Director of Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centre A.Kamenska who will represent the national report Human Rights and Social Integration in the Republic of Latvia. Neatkariga

By September 1, a DCMA working group has to prepare regulations for an international tender on printing new, safe passport blanks for citizen passports of the Republic of Latvia and to announce this tender. It most probably will be done, but the government has forgotten to allocate financing fort this purpose.

By September 1, a DCMA working group has to prepare regulations for an international tender on printing new, safe passport blanks for citizen passports of the Republic of Latvia and to announce this tender. It most probably will be done, but the government has forgotten to allocate financing fort this purpose. Neatkariga

At a press conference, hold on Thursday,

At a press conference, hold on Thursday, Democratic Party Saimnieks expressed their support to the amendments to the Law on Citizenship and called their supporters to vote for them at the referendum. The party reminded that they were the initiators to elaborate such amendments and thanked Latvijas Cels, Peoples Party and other political forces for their support to this DPS initiative. DPS Deputy Chairman D.Turlais said that, according to his information, several Russian diplomats had voiced their belief that abolishing of the amendments to the Law on Citizenship would be in favour of Russia because Latvia would loose its western supporters. Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii (31.08.98)

Central Board of the

Central Board of the Union of Christian Democrats adopted an announcement calling the citizens of Latvia to participate in the referendum and vote for the amendments. Neatkariga

Diena

publishes an interview with the Chairman of publishes an interview with the Chairman of Latvijas CelsLatvijas Cels A.Pantelejevs where Mr.Pantelejevs voices the position of A.Pantelejevs where Mr.Pantelejevs voices the position of LC LC on the amendments to the Law on Citizenship. He says that the adoption of amendments means that the state assumes a political responsibility for these 18 000 children and describes the present situation as absurd when, Latvia, being an independent state, has an increasing number of non-citizens. on the amendments to the Law on Citizenship. He says that the adoption of amendments means that the state assumes a political responsibility for these 18 000 children and describes the present situation as absurd when, Latvia, being an independent state, has an increasing number of non-citizens. The leader of the faction of Labour Party, unions of Christians and Greens I.Kreituse proposed the Saeima to take another vote on abolishing the “window” mechanism while the amendments had been stopped and no national voting had not taken place yet. She considers that the main issue of the referendum is granting citizenship to children of non-citizens but not abolishing of the “window” mechanism, and the Saeima could agree on this issue. The Head of the Saeima Juridical Office G.Kusins considers that it would not be correct for the Saeima to adopt new amendments to the Law on Citizenship, abolishing the “window” mechanism before the national voting on them.

The leader of the faction of Labour Party, unions of Christians and Greens I.Kreituse proposed the Saeima to take another vote on abolishing the window mechanism while the amendments had been stopped and no national voting had not taken place yet. She considers that the main issue of the referendum is granting citizenship to children of non-citizens but not abolishing of the window mechanism, and the Saeima could agree on this issue. The Head of the Saeima Juridical Office G.Kusins considers that it would not be correct for the Saeima to adopt new amendments to the Law on Citizenship, abolishing the window mechanism before the national voting on them. Diena, Bizness & Baltiya

Lauku Avize

interview the Chairman of Peoples Party A.Skele on PPs position concerning citizenship and state language law issues. A.Skele explains why PP decided to support the amendments to the Law on Citizenship. He also tells the correspondents about partys ideas to realise an active national policy that contains 6 paragraphs on education because in 13 parishes of Latvia Latvian children have to go to a Russian speaking school because there is no Latvian school. Skeles position of the state language is very strict - nobody will be granted Latvian citizenship without knowing the Latvian language. The only exception will be these 18 000 children He tries to make Russian speakers to realise that they willnot be able to get a well paid job in Latvia not knowing the state language. OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel, during his meeting with the Minister of Education and Science J.Gaigals, had threatened that OSCE would refuse to allocate 20 million LVL that OSCE offered to invest in the Latvian system of education within 10 years if the amendments to the Law on Citizenship would be abolished during the referendum. Latvian Minister is ready to fight

OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel, during his meeting with the Minister of Education and Science J.Gaigals, had threatened that OSCE would refuse to allocate 20 million LVL that OSCE offered to invest in the Latvian system of education within 10 years if the amendments to the Law on Citizenship would be abolished during the referendum. Latvian Minister is ready to fight Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK . He refused the rumour spread by TB/LNNK that schools directors could only be citizens of Latvia and prolonged the term for Russian speaking teachers to pass the state language knowledge test on the highest level till January 1, 1999. SM

Panorama Latvii announces a telephone action on the topic “What I think about the coming referendum.” They will receive calls from people on Saturday, August 30 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Panorama Latvii announces a telephone action on the topic What I think about the coming referendum. They will receive calls from people on Saturday, August 30 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

 

Press Review

Press Review

The Saeima approved the amendments to the law on national voting elaborated by the Juridical Commission of the Saeima to avoid juridical contradictions between the Saeima election law and the law on national voting.

The Saeima approved the amendments to the law on national voting elaborated by the Juridical Commission of the Saeima to avoid juridical contradictions between the Saeima election law and the law on national voting. Diena

The Central Election Commission announced the official data of the signature collection campaign - 226 530; 225 024 of them collected in Latvia and 1506 - abroad and fixed the dates for organising the referendum along with the election to the 7th Saeima - October 3 and 4. Central Election Commission also decided about the wording of the question Latvian citizens would have to answer - “Do you support the abolishment of the amendments to the Law on Citizenship adopted by the Saeima on June 22, 1998?”

The Central Election Commission announced the official data of the signature collection campaign - 226 530; 225 024 of them collected in Latvia and 1506 - abroad and fixed the dates for organising the referendum along with the election to the 7th Saeima - October 3 and 4. Central Election Commission also decided about the wording of the question Latvian citizens would have to answer - Do you support the abolishment of the amendments to the Law on Citizenship adopted by the Saeima on June 22, 1998? Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas

Yesterday a group of radical Russian speakers organised a picket at the Saeima building with an aim to achieve equal possibilities to study the Latvian language. It was organised by a group of deputy candidates from the union “Equality” to the Saeima ans Riga City COuncil. The people present voiced an opinion that the state should take care of preparation of qualified Latvian language teachers, taking into consideration the specific character of working at a Russian speaking school. Part of the participants expressed their distrust to the state authorities and asked to return to the Soviet times.

Yesterday a group of radical Russian speakers organised a picket at the Saeima building with an aim to achieve equal possibilities to study the Latvian language. It was organised by a group of deputy candidates from the union Equality to the Saeima ans Riga City COuncil. The people present voiced an opinion that the state should take care of preparation of qualified Latvian language teachers, taking into consideration the specific character of working at a Russian speaking school. Part of the participants expressed their distrust to the state authorities and asked to return to the Soviet times. Neatkariga, Chas, Panorama Latvii

The main issue of discussion between Minister of Education and Science J.Gaigals and the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel was the Latvian language teaching at Russian speaking schools. Latvia would need at least 20 million Lats to realise the National Latvian language training program for about 150 000 students. The Minister commented that EU was ready to grant large sums for this training. But the issue of citizenship concerns 100 000 children but there are 150 000 students at Russian speaking schools. Now it is up to Latvia to decide whether it wants to train only those 100 000 or using EU aid money, many more.

The main issue of discussion between Minister of Education and Science J.Gaigals and the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel was the Latvian language teaching at Russian speaking schools. Latvia would need at least 20 million Lats to realise the National Latvian language training program for about 150 000 students. The Minister commented that EU was ready to grant large sums for this training. But the issue of citizenship concerns 100 000 children but there are 150 000 students at Russian speaking schools. Now it is up to Latvia to decide whether it wants to train only those 100 000 or using EU aid money, many more. Neatkariga

Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs announced yesterday that there no changes might be expected in Latvian - Russian relations before the referendum and formation of the new government in Latvia. The situation could not be even influenced by resignation of B.Yelstsin, as demanded by some political forces. V.Birkavs said this after returning from the meeting of ministers of Foreign Affairs of Nordic and Baltic countries. Speaking on the possible Russian attitude if the amendments were abolished during the referendum, V.Birkavs pointed out three problems that Latvia could face. The first - formation of an integrated society would be delayed, second - no improvement in Latvian - Russian relations and the last - Latvia would not be invited to start talks on joining EU.

Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs announced yesterday that there no changes might be expected in Latvian - Russian relations before the referendum and formation of the new government in Latvia. The situation could not be even influenced by resignation of B.Yelstsin, as demanded by some political forces. V.Birkavs said this after returning from the meeting of ministers of Foreign Affairs of Nordic and Baltic countries. Speaking on the possible Russian attitude if the amendments were abolished during the referendum, V.Birkavs pointed out three problems that Latvia could face. The first - formation of an integrated society would be delayed, second - no improvement in Latvian - Russian relations and the last - Latvia would not be invited to start talks on joining EU. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize

The leader of

Peoples Party A.Skele, answering to the questions about PPs position on the referendum, said that Peoples Party was for adopting the amendments although opinions differ not only within one party but even in one family. But such a large political organization as PP would have a decisive role on the outcome of the referendum. So the party had to form its opinion. Speaking on the possible situation after the amendments were adopted or abolished, Skele said that public integration might not be decided by the question of 18 000 children of non-citizens. It will be decided by what amount the politicians, responsible for implementation of corresponding legal acts and concerning them, will ensure it. If there were no concrete action program that PP stands for, it would not be possible to answer the question if these amendments would make Latvia more Latvian. The answer could be positive only in the case when PP s program is realized and when training in state financed secondary and higher education institutions is carried out in Latvian. A.Skele also said that Peoples Party planed to explain its position on the referendum during their election campaign . Diena

Press Review

Press Review

OSCE experts yielded to the opinion on the Saeima Education, Science and Culture Commission that use of the state language should also be regulated in private businesses. Before this, the experts had objections that a state should interfere in this sphere, but yesterday, meeting with the Commission members, they agreed to their arguments. The head of the Commission Dz.Abikis announced it to be a great progress and said that the law most probably would be adopted by the present Saeima, but suggested to do it after the election day.

OSCE experts yielded to the opinion on the Saeima Education, Science and Culture Commission that use of the state language should also be regulated in private businesses. Before this, the experts had objections that a state should interfere in this sphere, but yesterday, meeting with the Commission members, they agreed to their arguments. The head of the Commission Dz.Abikis announced it to be a great progress and said that the law most probably would be adopted by the present Saeima, but suggested to do it after the election day. Neatkariga, Diena, Lauku Avize, Chas, Bizness & Baltiya

Refugees Affairs Appeal Council of the Interior Ministry has refused an appeal on granting the status of a refugee in Latvia to a family of two persons because it had found no grounds for such an appeal. Since March of this year the Council has returned 4 cases for reconsideration to the DCMA but three more cases are pending.

Refugees Affairs Appeal Council of the Interior Ministry has refused an appeal on granting the status of a refugee in Latvia to a family of two persons because it had found no grounds for such an appeal. Since March of this year the Council has returned 4 cases for reconsideration to the DCMA but three more cases are pending. Neatkariga

Riga Council Finance Committee decided to support establishment of a Byelorussian elementary school in Riga. But the deputies put forward a condition that in two years there have to be at least 100 students, but if during one school year the average student number would be less, the school should be closed down.

Riga Council Finance Committee decided to support establishment of a Byelorussian elementary school in Riga. But the deputies put forward a condition that in two years there have to be at least 100 students, but if during one school year the average student number would be less, the school should be closed down. Neatkariga

Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs A.Avdeyev organised a press conference in Swedish city Vesteros where he was attending the meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Nordic and Baltic countries. Mr. Avdeyev mostly dealt with the problem of “blocking of rights of national minorities in Latvia”, “hopelessly shy steps of the Latvian government to achieve positive changes in the human sphere” and that Latvia should have to observe OSCE recommendations for all 100 %. Only then the situation could be “normal” and Latvia would be able to normalise its relations with Russia and EU. From these expressions one may conclude that, even after Latvia would implement all OSCE recommendations, Russia would go on with observing the humanitarian situation in Latvia.

Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs A.Avdeyev organised a press conference in Swedish city Vesteros where he was attending the meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Nordic and Baltic countries. Mr. Avdeyev mostly dealt with the problem of blocking of rights of national minorities in Latvia, hopelessly shy steps of the Latvian government to achieve positive changes in the human sphere and that Latvia should have to observe OSCE recommendations for all 100 %. Only then the situation could be normal and Latvia would be able to normalise its relations with Russia and EU. From these expressions one may conclude that, even after Latvia would implement all OSCE recommendations, Russia would go on with observing the humanitarian situation in Latvia. Neatkariga, Diena

Jauna Avize quotes Swedish newspapers which pointed out some differences in the position of Russia, stating that it could be softening of Russia’s originally tough position.

Jauna Avize quotes Swedish newspapers which pointed out some differences in the position of Russia, stating that it could be softening of Russias originally tough position.

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Nordic countries in their common communiqué expressed their regret about problems still existing in Latvian - Russian relations and stressed that Russia’s economic sanctions against Latvia were unacceptable and preventing regional development. They called Russia to sign a border treaty with Latvia. The ministers also welcomed the amendments to the Latvian Law on Citizenship and expressed their hope that the amendments would be adopted by the referendum.

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Nordic countries in their common communiqué expressed their regret about problems still existing in Latvian - Russian relations and stressed that Russias economic sanctions against Latvia were unacceptable and preventing regional development. They called Russia to sign a border treaty with Latvia. The ministers also welcomed the amendments to the Latvian Law on Citizenship and expressed their hope that the amendments would be adopted by the referendum. Jauna Avize, Chas, Bizness & Baltiya

The Board of

The Board of Peoples Party made a decision at its yesterdays sitting to call people to support the amendments to the Law on Citizenship. The party did not consider these amendments to be ideal, but they had to be adopted to be able to move forwards. They informed also the State President about their decision who had planned political consultations with all major parties on the issue of citizenship. In their turn, PP representatives received support from the State President for their action program in solving language and education issues. Neatkariga (Chas and Bizness & Baltiya write that the State President reprimanded Skele and his party for their passive position concerning the referendum).

Diena

publishes the full text of the announcement, publishes the full text of the announcement, PPPP circulated to explain its position on the referendum. circulated to explain its position on the referendum. R.Petersons, a commentator of

R.Petersons, a commentator of Neatkariga, writes about the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel, saying that Latvians should not make a myth out of him and not to mix OSCE with EU. The High Commissioner represents an organisation that Latvia is a full-fledged member of, and where all major decision are taken according to the principle of consensus, and the High Commissioner has no authority to issue a pass to EU. His task is to supervise whether there are any signs of an escalation of an ethnic conflict in any of 55 OSCE member states. And he has the right to choose those states which need special attention and to put forward recommendations what should be done (in his opinion) to avoid a deterioration of the situation in these countries. So, it is possible to conclude that Max van der Stoels recommendations for Latvia are his personal opinion, but they are based on European schemes, used to define the situation of national minorities. Neatkariga

Kaliningrad newspaper

Kaliningrad newspaper Zavtra informs that Russia and Germany had signed a secret agreement in 1996 on gradual handing over of Kaliningrad Region under German jurisdiction in exchange for financial injections. Neatkariga, Lauku Avize

The Saeima Juridical Commission intends to amend urgently the law on national voting to avoid juridical uncertainties and allow voting by mail abroad. In its turn, the Central Election Commission could announce the date of the referendum on Thursday and, not later that Friday, announce the exact number of signatures for the referendum.

The Saeima Juridical Commission intends to amend urgently the law on national voting to avoid juridical uncertainties and allow voting by mail abroad. In its turn, the Central Election Commission could announce the date of the referendum on Thursday and, not later that Friday, announce the exact number of signatures for the referendum. Diena

Prime Minister G.Krasts acknowledged yesterday that the Director of the NHRO O.Bruveris should resign. The government forming factions have not discussed the situation with the NHRO so far.

Prime Minister G.Krasts acknowledged yesterday that the Director of the NHRO O.Bruveris should resign. The government forming factions have not discussed the situation with the NHRO so far. Diena

Diena

publishes precise numbers of signatures collected in all regions and cities of Latvia during the campaign for the proposal of a referendum. Sociologists consider that the great activity of people during this campaign was raised by advertising the opinion of popular people such as poets M.Zalite and I.Ziedonis, etc. It also could be some kind of protest against the political elite of the country which has alienated from the nation. Sociologic research also shows that the amendments could be abolished, although scientists refused to predict the outcome of the referendum because the situation could change. The Chairman of the Central Election Commission A.Cimdins, after consultations with the heads of regional and city election commissions has come to a conclusion that the referendum should be organised separately from the election to the 7th Saeima and gives his reasons for this position.

The Chairman of the Central Election Commission A.Cimdins, after consultations with the heads of regional and city election commissions has come to a conclusion that the referendum should be organised separately from the election to the 7th Saeima and gives his reasons for this position. Diena

St.Chernichenko, Director of Russian International Rights and Humanitarian Problems Centre writes about the events of 1940 as a pretext for the authorities of Baltic states to discriminate Russian speakers in this region.

St.Chernichenko, Director of Russian International Rights and Humanitarian Problems Centre writes about the events of 1940 as a pretext for the authorities of Baltic states to discriminate Russian speakers in this region. Diena

Lauku Avize

publishes an interview with OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel where Mr.Stoel speaks about his understanding of the situation in Latvia and possible developments here in the future. Russian representative at the PACE S.Glotov informed

Russian representative at the PACE S.Glotov informed SM that today the date should be fixed when to discuss and a concrete decision taken on the human rights situation in Latvia. It could be this September or January of the next year. When asked if Russia would continue its economic sanctions against Latvia, Mr.Glotov answered that currently this pressure was performed on the level of individual regions, and there was no government decision on it. Of course, applying the principle transit in exchange for human rights could be a very serious means to protect the rights of Russian speakers in Latvia. SM

Panorama Latvii

writes about the history of the draft language law, recommendations of the OSCE High Commissioner and the position of the State President G.Ulmanis and Latvian MPs who consider that strengthening of the position of the state language is more important than friendship with Europe. writes about the history of the draft language law, recommendations of the OSCE High Commissioner and the position of the State President G.Ulmanis and Latvian MPs who consider that “strengthening of the position of the state language is more important than friendship with Europe.” European Commission found Latvian attempts to join EU already in 2002 too ambitious thus evaluating the Latvian National Program of Integration but the document itself rather optimistic. The Commission pointed out that the Program lacked description of processes that should take place in social and regional policy as well as the monetary system.

European Commission found Latvian attempts to join EU already in 2002 too ambitious thus evaluating the Latvian National Program of Integration but the document itself rather optimistic. The Commission pointed out that the Program lacked description of processes that should take place in social and regional policy as well as the monetary system. Bizness & Baltiya

Press Review

Press Review

A regular autumn conference of foreign ministers of Nordic countries started yesterday in Swedish city Vesteros. The ministers paid special attention to Latvia, highly appraising its amendments to the Law on Citizenship and recognising that Latvia, taking this step, had observed the main elements of international recommendations. Ministers considered that due to this fact there was no need to put forward any new demands for Latvia to amend its Law on Citizenship apart from the current OSCE recommendations. Therefore ministers of Nordic countries expressed their hope that the referendum in Latvia would confirm the Saeima decision to amend the Law on Citizenship. They also expressed their regret on existence of a whole set of not solved problems in Latvian - Russian relations and stressed that participation of Russia in signing bilateral border agreement with Latvia was an important condition to further mutual understanding. The ministers hoped that this agreement would be signed in the nearest future.

A regular autumn conference of foreign ministers of Nordic countries started yesterday in Swedish city Vesteros. The ministers paid special attention to Latvia, highly appraising its amendments to the Law on Citizenship and recognising that Latvia, taking this step, had observed the main elements of international recommendations. Ministers considered that due to this fact there was no need to put forward any new demands for Latvia to amend its Law on Citizenship apart from the current OSCE recommendations. Therefore ministers of Nordic countries expressed their hope that the referendum in Latvia would confirm the Saeima decision to amend the Law on Citizenship. They also expressed their regret on existence of a whole set of not solved problems in Latvian - Russian relations and stressed that participation of Russia in signing bilateral border agreement with Latvia was an important condition to further mutual understanding. The ministers hoped that this agreement would be signed in the nearest future. Neatkariga,

According to Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs, the Nordic countries are worried that Latvia could be excluded from European integration if the amendments to the citizenship law were not adopted, though nobody expressed this opinion openly.

According to Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs, the Nordic countries are worried that Latvia could be excluded from European integration if the amendments to the citizenship law were not adopted, though nobody expressed this opinion openly. Diena

The Refugees Affairs Centre of the DCMA has received some more applications for granting the status of a refugee. The total number of applications is 19.

The Refugees Affairs Centre of the DCMA has received some more applications for granting the status of a refugee. The total number of applications is 19. Neatkariga

OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel and a group of experts visited Latvia from August 24 to 26. The high guest had meetings with the State President, Minister of Education, MFA State Secretary and the Head of the Naturalization Board. Max van der Stoel stressed that the amendments to the Law on Citizenship that corresponded to his recommendations, did not threaten the Latvian language and expressed his hope the Latvian citizens would support those amendments at the referendum. Both the State President and the High Commissioner acknowledged that the nation needed more explanations about the essence of the amendments to the Law on Citizenship and considered that these amendments should take force. At the meeting with State Secretary, Max van der Stoel pointed out that implementation of those amendments would essentially influence the international position of Latvia, e.g. when joining EU.

OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel and a group of experts visited Latvia from August 24 to 26. The high guest had meetings with the State President, Minister of Education, MFA State Secretary and the Head of the Naturalization Board. Max van der Stoel stressed that the amendments to the Law on Citizenship that corresponded to his recommendations, did not threaten the Latvian language and expressed his hope the Latvian citizens would support those amendments at the referendum. Both the State President and the High Commissioner acknowledged that the nation needed more explanations about the essence of the amendments to the Law on Citizenship and considered that these amendments should take force. At the meeting with State Secretary, Max van der Stoel pointed out that implementation of those amendments would essentially influence the international position of Latvia, e.g. when joining EU. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas, SM, Panorama Latvii , Bizness & Baltiya

Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia A.Avdejev, answering to the questions of journalists, explained the position of Russia concerning Latvia. Russia strongly intends to improve the dialog with Latvia basing it on the principles of good neighborly relations and trust. But bilateral relations do not form so easily. Latvian - Russian relations are far from their best due to the discrimination policy of Latvian authorities against Russian speakers in Latvia. And the first steps, taken by the Saeima to amend the discriminative legislation, are blocked again. Asked about the possible changes in Russian policy after the Saeima election, A.Avdeyev answered that it was an internal matter of Latvia, but Russia cared who came to power after the election and it would form its relations with Latvia adequately to the actions of the Latvian authorities. Concerning the statement of Latvian authorities that Russian demands exceed the limits of OSCE recommendations, the Deputy Minister said that the demands of Russia were based on these recommendations, but the requirement to grant a corresponding status to the Russian language had arisen from recommendations of many international experts, who had based them on the existing legal norms. Speaking about the statements linking operation of Skrunda Radar station to the status of the most favored nation, the Russian official said that some Latvian politicians and businessmen accused Russia of economic sanctions, but Russia just wanted to arrange bilateral trade relations.

Neatkariga, SM The Head of the Saeima Education Commission Dz.Abikis thinks that the state language law should be adopted in the third reading after the Saeima election in an extraordinary plenary session. The Commission had a meeting with the OSCE High Commissioner and the experts and exchanged their opinions on correspondence of the state language law to the international norms. OSCE representatives considered that the draft law did not comply with Latvia’s international obligations in the sphere of regulating the state language use in private businesses. But the members of the Commission were not ready to yield. The High Commissioner himself did not have any essential objections to the draft law.

The Head of the Saeima Education Commission Dz.Abikis thinks that the state language law should be adopted in the third reading after the Saeima election in an extraordinary plenary session. The Commission had a meeting with the OSCE High Commissioner and the experts and exchanged their opinions on correspondence of the state language law to the international norms. OSCE representatives considered that the draft law did not comply with Latvias international obligations in the sphere of regulating the state language use in private businesses. But the members of the Commission were not ready to yield. The High Commissioner himself did not have any essential objections to the draft law. Diena, Panorama Latvii

The government has assigned the Real Property Agency to take gradually over in its property the dwelling, public, maintenance buildings and objects as well as utility constructions on the territory of Skrunda Radar station. The taking over of these buildings is conducted in accordance with Latvian - Russian agreement on Skrunda.

The government has assigned the Real Property Agency to take gradually over in its property the dwelling, public, maintenance buildings and objects as well as utility constructions on the territory of Skrunda Radar station. The taking over of these buildings is conducted in accordance with Latvian - Russian agreement on Skrunda. Diena

Russian MFA in the person of V.Rahmanin has announced that Latvian - Russian relations will not be changed in spite of the change of the government . He also expressed the concern of MFA about the future referendum on amendments to the Law on Citizenship. Concerning the announcement of the State President G.Ulmanis about a pressure from European experts and Russia on the independent Latvia, he said that Russia did not consider this pressure unfair.

Russian MFA in the person of V.Rahmanin has announced that Latvian - Russian relations will not be changed in spite of the change of the government . He also expressed the concern of MFA about the future referendum on amendments to the Law on Citizenship. Concerning the announcement of the State President G.Ulmanis about a pressure from European experts and Russia on the independent Latvia, he said that Russia did not consider this pressure unfair. Chas, Bizness & Baltiya

Riga City Council refused the Russian community in Latvia to organize a picket at the Saeima, planned for August 27, motivating it to be not corresponding to the demands of the law “On meetings, rallies and pickets.” Therefore the candidates to the Saeima and Riga City Council from the party “Equality” will hold a meeting with the voters.

Riga City Council refused the Russian community in Latvia to organize a picket at the Saeima, planned for August 27, motivating it to be not corresponding to the demands of the law On meetings, rallies and pickets. Therefore the candidates to the Saeima and Riga City Council from the party Equality will hold a meeting with the voters. SM, Panorama Latvii

Press Review

Press Review

Latvian state officials voiced their perplexity about the action of B.Yelstsin, dismissing the government of Prime Minister S.Kiriyenko. Nevertheless the majority of local politicians do not consider that this event could radically influence Latvian - Russian relations. State President G.Ulmanis was surprised about the announcement of B.Yelstsin, but was sure that at that moment Russia cared about Latvia the least. During the last months he had not felt any active Russian steps concerning Latvia. G.Ulmanis considered the political dialogue could get more active in autumn.

Latvian state officials voiced their perplexity about the action of B.Yelstsin, dismissing the government of Prime Minister S.Kiriyenko. Nevertheless the majority of local politicians do not consider that this event could radically influence Latvian - Russian relations. State President G.Ulmanis was surprised about the announcement of B.Yelstsin, but was sure that at that moment Russia cared about Latvia the least. During the last months he had not felt any active Russian steps concerning Latvia. G.Ulmanis considered the political dialogue could get more active in autumn.

Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs admitted a possibility that Latvian - Russian relations could get more tense due to the crisis in Russia but thought that the solution could be postponed. He did not anticipate any serious changes until the election in Latvia because Russia considered the issue of citizenship as a very essential.

Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs admitted a possibility that Latvian - Russian relations could get more tense due to the crisis in Russia but thought that the solution could be postponed. He did not anticipate any serious changes until the election in Latvia because Russia considered the issue of citizenship as a very essential.

Speaker of the Saeima A.Cepanis found the dismissal of Russian Prime Minister “unexpected, unpredictable and incomprehensible”. But he did not think that it could leave a negative impression on the relations between those two countries.

Speaker of the Saeima A.Cepanis found the dismissal of Russian Prime Minister unexpected, unpredictable and incomprehensible. But he did not think that it could leave a negative impression on the relations between those two countries. Neatkariga, Diena, Rigas Balss, Chas, SM, Bizness & Baltiya

Central Election Commission has received the final results of the signature collecting campaign from all regions of Latvia and cities. The total number is 223 999 signatures. According to the law on national voting, Central Election Commission has to count again all the signatures therefore the official figure will be announced by August 28. In his turn , State President G.Ulmanis expressed repeatedly his support for the amendments adopted by the Saeima. State President thinks that the amendments correspond to the interests of the state and hopes that parties will be able to explain them to the nation. G.Ulmanis admits a possibility that the supporters of the referendum protested against exaggerated teaching methods of European representatives.

Neatkariga, Diena, Rigas Balss, Chas The leader of

The leader of Peoples Party A.Skele visited Valka Region and also had a meeting with Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs T.H.Ilvess. Three major topics they spoke about were easing of border crossing and simplification of border procedures, ensuring of social guarantees for those 200 non-citizens of Valka who have to stay in Valga for more than 90 days and adopting of laws necessary for development of Latvian - Estonian economic relations. Neatkariga

G.Ulmanis announced in an interview to the Latvian Radio that the government had to take a concrete decision on NHRO so the Saeima could take its. He considered that the government should not allow the NHRO to be preoccupied just with its own problems and stressed that NHRO activities had not to be politicised and used for populist goals.

G.Ulmanis announced in an interview to the Latvian Radio that the government had to take a concrete decision on NHRO so the Saeima could take its. He considered that the government should not allow the NHRO to be preoccupied just with its own problems and stressed that NHRO activities had not to be politicised and used for populist goals. Neatkariga

A big problem for Latvia is what to do with the hazardous waste. One of the solutions could be to use the solid basement of Skrunda Radar station as a disposal site.

A big problem for Latvia is what to do with the hazardous waste. One of the solutions could be to use the solid basement of Skrunda Radar station as a disposal site. Neatkariga

N.Muiznieks, A.Kamenska and Ie.Leimane from Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centre wrote to

N.Muiznieks, A.Kamenska and Ie.Leimane from Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centre wrote to Diena about the current situation at the NHRO and its Director O.Bruveris. They state that O.Bruveris has completely destroyed this unique state institution with wide authority for furthering human rights protection. The Director has not managed to maintain independence of NHRO. Diena

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs K.Vollebekk, meeting with the representatives of the major newspapers from the Baltic states expressed his concern about the trade barriers among these states and the fate of amendments to the Law on Citizenship in Latvia. Norway welcomes the Latvian intention to amend the Law on Citizenship according to the OSCE and CBSS recommendations and hopes that these amendments will be supported at the referendum. Oslo is also worried about the not concluded Latvian and Estonian border agreements with Russia, and it has pointed out to Moscow the necessity to settle this issue.

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs K.Vollebekk, meeting with the representatives of the major newspapers from the Baltic states expressed his concern about the trade barriers among these states and the fate of amendments to the Law on Citizenship in Latvia. Norway welcomes the Latvian intention to amend the Law on Citizenship according to the OSCE and CBSS recommendations and hopes that these amendments will be supported at the referendum. Oslo is also worried about the not concluded Latvian and Estonian border agreements with Russia, and it has pointed out to Moscow the necessity to settle this issue. Diena

The Board Chairman of the Baltic Data House B.Zepa tells

The Board Chairman of the Baltic Data House B.Zepa tells Rigas Balss about their co-operation with the Naturalisation Board in the research program On the Road to a Civic Society and the conclusions she has come to during this research. B.Zepa considers that understanding about the necessity to amend the Law on Citizenship has come from inside but not due to the pressure from outside. Only lingering to take the first step caused reproaches from all sides. Speaking about the loyalty of non-citizens, Ms.Zepa states that it has neither increased nor decreased although there is a whole bunch of threatening symptoms. Rigas Balss

O.Shipcov in his article to

O.Shipcov in his article to SM writes about differences between non-citizens and citizens in Latvia and, in particular, the differences when a citizen and a non-citizen want to leave the country or to return to it. For example, when leaving the country for permanent residence abroad, a citizen has to check out of his flat (domicile registration) but he is not deprived of his code, pension if he receives one and, if not, will receive it in the future upon reaching the age of retirement. He may return to Latvia having no problems with return, domicile registration, etc. In his turn, a non-citizen is deprived of his code, domicile registration, retirement money ( a compensation is paid in the amount of 6 pensions) and faces a lot of problems when returning to the country. SM

Yu.Soolyate in

Yu.Soolyate in Panorama Latvii argues with the basic principle of integration in Latvia - every resident must know the Latvian language, and opposes the methods of realising it. He compares these methods with the ones used in army - I said, just do it!. The author of the article cites as the proof to his statement the words of Professor Ina Druviete, Market value of the Latvian language in incomparably less than the one of its main competitors. The author considers that the knowledge of the Latvian language should be just desirable but not mandatory.

N.Evteev, the Head of the Social Maintenance Section of Russian Embassy, answering to the questions of Russian military pensioners, says that the devaluation of the Rouble will not effect the amount of their pensions and explains that reasons for delayed pension payments this summer.

N.Evteev, the Head of the Social Maintenance Section of Russian Embassy, answering to the questions of Russian military pensioners, says that the devaluation of the Rouble will not effect the amount of their pensions and explains that reasons for delayed pension payments this summer. Panorama Latvii

The same newspaper writes about the problems of T.Pancenko, she had with her non-citizen passport. When she wanted to exchange her passport at DCMA Vidzeme Suburb office, the answer was an order to leave Latvia within 7 days. It turned out that some time ago Ms.Pancenko had drawn up a former USSR travel passport at a private firm and, receiving it, saw the stamp of Russian citizenship there. When she asked the employee for an explanation of this fact , the answer was it was put there just for travelling and had nothing to do with Russia citizenship. On the next day after receiving the decree of departure the Pancenkos called the Russian Embassy asking about this Russian citizenship. The official there got interested about this fact, confirmed that they were not citizens of Russia and asked to submit the illegal passport. And a long process of litigation began.

The same newspaper writes about the problems of T.Pancenko, she had with her non-citizen passport. When she wanted to exchange her passport at DCMA Vidzeme Suburb office, the answer was an order to leave Latvia within 7 days. It turned out that some time ago Ms.Pancenko had drawn up a former USSR travel passport at a private firm and, receiving it, saw the stamp of Russian citizenship there. When she asked the employee for an explanation of this fact , the answer was it was put there just for travelling and had nothing to do with Russia citizenship. On the next day after receiving the decree of departure the Pancenkos called the Russian Embassy asking about this Russian citizenship. The official there got interested about this fact, confirmed that they were not citizens of Russia and asked to submit the illegal passport. And a long process of litigation began. Panorama Latvii

Panorama Latvii

writes in more details about the demands of Association for Supporting Russian speaking Schools concerning the demand of the Ministry of Education and Science for the Russian speaking teachers to know the Latvian language. writes in more details about the demands of Association for Supporting Russian speaking Schools concerning the demand of the Ministry of Education and Science for the Russian speaking teachers to know the Latvian language.

Bizness & Baltiya

interviews the leader of interviews the leader of People’s Harmony PartyPeoples Harmony Party J.Jurkans about his meeting with former ex-Prime Minister V.Chernomirdin and his `partys plans for the election to the 7th Saeima. J.Jurkans about his meeting with former ex-Prime Minister V.Chernomirdin and his `party’s plans for the election to the 7th Saeima. People’s Harmony PartyPeoples Harmony Party plans to receive -teen seats in the Parliament, and if it does, the party could be in position instead of opposition.. When asked about future prospects for Latvian - Russian relations, J.Jurkans said that he expected warming up although it depends on the results of the election. plans to receive “-teen” seats in the Parliament, and if it does, the party could be in “position” instead of “opposition.”. When asked about future prospects for Latvian - Russian relations, J.Jurkans said that he expected “warming up” although it depends on the results of the election.