Press Report 

Press Report

Canadian Foreign Minister John Manley after meeting with the President of Latvia, Vaira Vike-Freiberga said that at the NATO summit meeting in Prague, November 2002, he will be voting for acceptance of Latvia into the NATO alliance if it has carried out all the criteria. He also said that countries that are not NATO members "do not have the right to discuss whether the Baltics should be in NATO or not." Manley gave a positive evaluation of Latvia's public integration policies, while the President in turn told him that Latvia is an open society in which minorities may acquire their own language and culture in minority schools.

Canadian Foreign Minister John Manley after meeting with the President of Latvia, Vaira Vike-Freiberga said that at the NATO summit meeting in Prague, November 2002, he will be voting for acceptance of Latvia into the NATO alliance if it has carried out all the criteria. He also said that countries that are not NATO members "do not have the right to discuss whether the Baltics should be in NATO or not." Manley gave a positive evaluation of Latvia's public integration policies, while the President in turn told him that Latvia is an open society in which minorities may acquire their own language and culture in minority schools. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas

One of Latvia's oldest political parties, the Latvian Farmers Union appointed a new party program at its congress on Saturday and decided to change the party's name to Center Party Latvian Farmers Union. One of the most famous party members Latvian ex-President G.Ulmanis just before party’s congress decided to leave it.

One of Latvia's oldest political parties, the Latvian Farmers Union appointed a new party program at its congress on Saturday and decided to change the party's name to Center Party Latvian Farmers Union. One of the most famous party members Latvian ex-President G.Ulmanis just before partys congress decided to leave it. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas

Vesti Segodnja

talks to famous Russian politician D.Rogozin, Russian State Duma Foreign Affairs Committee chairperson and the Head of Russian delegation to PACE. He says that even those European politicians who previously were in strong support to Latvian policy now look at the situation from the different perspective. My colleagues start to understand that Macedonia precedent can occur in Latvia… What example does NATO give to Russians in Baltic States – that they should act like Albanians did to get their rights? talks to famous Russian politician D.Rogozin, Russian State Duma Foreign Affairs Committee chairperson and the Head of Russian delegation to PACE. He says that “even those European politicians who previously were in strong support to Latvian policy now look at the situation from the different perspective. My colleagues start to understand that Macedonia precedent can occur in Latvia… What example does NATO give to Russians in Baltic States – that they should act like Albanians did to get their rights?” The Governments of the USA, Norway and Sweden have allotted USD 216,000 for providing free of charge Latvian language courses to persons who want to naturalise. According to the Naturalisation Board, the amount should be sufficient for 2000 applicants.

The Governments of the USA, Norway and Sweden have allotted USD 216,000 for providing free of charge Latvian language courses to persons who want to naturalise. According to the Naturalisation Board, the amount should be sufficient for 2000 applicants. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

As of today, 10 September the Naturalisation Board opens a phone line free of charge for people who want to learn about naturalisation procedures and other issues concerning citizenship. The operational period of the phone line is scheduled till January, however, if the number of calls stays high the phone line would keep operating longer.

As of today, 10 September the Naturalisation Board opens a phone line free of charge for people who want to learn about naturalisation procedures and other issues concerning citizenship. The operational period of the phone line is scheduled till January, however, if the number of calls stays high the phone line would keep operating longer. Chas, Panorama Latvii, Neatkariga, Respublika

Press Report

Press Report

Five Latvian lawmakers have left for Belarus to act as observers in presidential elections to be held in the neighboring state on Sept. 9. Initially it was planned that only one Latvian MP will join the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) mission of observers in Belarus. A representative of Latvia's Way party from the ruling coalition and the chairman of the parliamentary human rights and social issues committee, Antons Seiksts, was selected for the purpose. As it turned out, Juris Vidins, a representative from another ruling coalition party, Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK, and Alexander Golubev from the opposition left-wing alliance also decided to take the parliament service car to Belarus to monitor the presidential elections, Vidins told

Five Latvian lawmakers have left for Belarus to act as observers in presidential elections to be held in the neighboring state on Sept. 9. Initially it was planned that only one Latvian MP will join the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) mission of observers in Belarus. A representative of Latvia's Way party from the ruling coalition and the chairman of the parliamentary human rights and social issues committee, Antons Seiksts, was selected for the purpose. As it turned out, Juris Vidins, a representative from another ruling coalition party, Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK, and Alexander Golubev from the opposition left-wing alliance also decided to take the parliament service car to Belarus to monitor the presidential elections, Vidins told BNS.

One more criminal case over crimes against humanity and genocide committed by former Soviet officials has reached the court in Latvia. The Latvian Prosecutor General's Office on Thursday sent to the court the case against Russian citizen Nikolai Tess, a former Soviet state security official, who took part in deportations of Latvian people in 1949, reported a spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office. Tess, 80, is charged with crimes against humanity and genocide for his participation in deportation of Latvian people on March 25, 1949. At the time Tess was an official at the Soviet Latvian State security ministry.

One more criminal case over crimes against humanity and genocide committed by former Soviet officials has reached the court in Latvia. The Latvian Prosecutor General's Office on Thursday sent to the court the case against Russian citizen Nikolai Tess, a former Soviet state security official, who took part in deportations of Latvian people in 1949, reported a spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office. Tess, 80, is charged with crimes against humanity and genocide for his participation in deportation of Latvian people on March 25, 1949. At the time Tess was an official at the Soviet Latvian State security ministry. BNS

The Russian delegation's report about allegedly violated rights of Russian-speaking population in Latvia and Estonia failed to draw the intended response at the UN anti-racism conference in South Africa said the Latvian president upon her return from Durban. She told reporters Thursday that Russia did not get the intended response to its report because it was presented late at night in a near-empty conference hall.

The Russian delegation's report about allegedly violated rights of Russian-speaking population in Latvia and Estonia failed to draw the intended response at the UN anti-racism conference in South Africa said the Latvian president upon her return from Durban. She told reporters Thursday that Russia did not get the intended response to its report because it was presented late at night in a near-empty conference hall. BNS

Today Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs J.Manley is arriving on an official visit to Latvia. He will have meetings with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Saeima Speaker J.Straume and Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins.

Today Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs J.Manley is arriving on an official visit to Latvia. He will have meetings with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Saeima Speaker J.Straume and Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins. Latvijas Vestnesis

In his interview to Latvian Radio Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins commented the statements made by Russian President V.Putin in Finland. I.Berzins was not surprised about Russia’s position concerning Baltic States joining NATO. When asked about Russia’s possible counter steps Minister said that Russia would of course speak openly against this and Latvia would present its arguments. I.Berzins agreed to the newspaper

In his interview to Latvian Radio Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins commented the statements made by Russian President V.Putin in Finland. I.Berzins was not surprised about Russias position concerning Baltic States joining NATO. When asked about Russias possible counter steps Minister said that Russia would of course speak openly against this and Latvia would present its arguments. I.Berzins agreed to the newspaper Diena commentator Ozolins who had said that V.Putin comparing Latvia to Macedonia at the same time had spoken about Albanian and Kosovian terrorists, who acted in this republic and did everything to maintain the conflict. Concerning Putins statement about granting the Russian language status of the second state language, I.Berzins said that important was Latvias position. It is important that it corresponds to the position of OSCE countries and it is so. Latvijas Vestnesis

During a TV show one of the most important people in Latvia Mayor of Venspils A.Lembergs, answering to the question about the V.Putins statements on rights of national minorities violations in Latvia, said that according to him those rights, in general, were observed but there was one thing he was very concerned about. And it was the article in the state language law stipulating transition the tuition in the Latvian language in Russian-speaking schools. A.Lembergs did not like fixing any certain deadline; everything should proceed in process.

Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

Press Report

Press Report

Outgoing US Ambassador to Latvia, James Holmes, will Thursday make his last public speech before leaving his office, reported the embassy. Holmes will make his last public address as the US ambassador to Latvia at the meeting of the Association of Latvian Graduates of American Universities on Sept. 6 in Riga.

Outgoing US Ambassador to Latvia, James Holmes, will Thursday make his last public speech before leaving his office, reported the embassy. Holmes will make his last public address as the US ambassador to Latvia at the meeting of the Association of Latvian Graduates of American Universities on Sept. 6 in Riga. BNS

The European Commission's Director-General for Enlargement, Eneko Landaburu, will be in Riga on Sept. 17-18 for the seventh meeting of the EU-Latvia Joint Parliamentary Committee, said a spokesman for the Latvian Foreign Ministry.

The European Commission's Director-General for Enlargement, Eneko Landaburu, will be in Riga on Sept. 17-18 for the seventh meeting of the EU-Latvia Joint Parliamentary Committee, said a spokesman for the Latvian Foreign Ministry. BNS

Two more non-Latvian families may be able to return to countries of their ethnic origin with the help of funds provided by a group organized by Latvian lawmakers to support repatriation of non-Latvians. The repatriation support group received a letter from the Leonovs family, a mother with three children, wishing to move to Russia and asking for 250 Lats (USD 400) to cover the costs. In another letter, Ms. Fila Antonina asked for 200 liters of gasoline and USD 40 to be able to return for permanent residence in Ukraine. A support group member, Social Democrat lawmaker Janis Leja, pledged to help the two families. He said he would ask prominent businessmen to donate funds required to cover their repatriation costs. The Latvian lawmakers, members of the repatriation support group, have already help 11 people to leave Latvia. Two families got one USD 1,000 and the other USD 3,000 supplied by Leja, and one more family was able to repatriate because the related costs were paid by Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK faction MPs.

Two more non-Latvian families may be able to return to countries of their ethnic origin with the help of funds provided by a group organized by Latvian lawmakers to support repatriation of non-Latvians. The repatriation support group received a letter from the Leonovs family, a mother with three children, wishing to move to Russia and asking for 250 Lats (USD 400) to cover the costs. In another letter, Ms. Fila Antonina asked for 200 liters of gasoline and USD 40 to be able to return for permanent residence in Ukraine. A support group member, Social Democrat lawmaker Janis Leja, pledged to help the two families. He said he would ask prominent businessmen to donate funds required to cover their repatriation costs. The Latvian lawmakers, members of the repatriation support group, have already help 11 people to leave Latvia. Two families got one USD 1,000 and the other USD 3,000 supplied by Leja, and one more family was able to repatriate because the related costs were paid by Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK faction MPs. BNS

Latvian foreign minister Indulis Berzins will visit the United States from Sept. 10 to 15 to attend the fourth meeting of the US-Baltic Partnership Commission expected to discuss ways to step up further cooperation, said a spokesman for the Latvian Foreign Ministry.

Latvian foreign minister Indulis Berzins will visit the United States from Sept. 10 to 15 to attend the fourth meeting of the US-Baltic Partnership Commission expected to discuss ways to step up further cooperation, said a spokesman for the Latvian Foreign Ministry. BNS, Neatkariga

Latvia's Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins will be headed for Belgium on September 9 to take part in an informal meeting between EU member and EU candidate country foreign ministers to discuss issues related to the future of the European Union.

Latvia's Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins will be headed for Belgium on September 9 to take part in an informal meeting between EU member and EU candidate country foreign ministers to discuss issues related to the future of the European Union. BNS

Due to the fact that not all necessary changes in the legislation have been made, Latvian residents will be able to receive their new travel passports no sooner than March 1. This forecast was made by MFA Consular Department Head A.Vanaga. She pointed out that the government and Saeima needed to adopt amendments concerning making records in the new passports because they had been planned to use as a travel document.

Due to the fact that not all necessary changes in the legislation have been made, Latvian residents will be able to receive their new travel passports no sooner than March 1. This forecast was made by MFA Consular Department Head A.Vanaga. She pointed out that the government and Saeima needed to adopt amendments concerning making records in the new passports because they had been planned to use as a travel document. Neatkariga

Journalist Z.Kac writes in the newspaper

Journalist Z.Kac writes in the newspaper Respublika about the proposal of Naturalization Board Rezekne Office Head R.Zommere concerning the vast joint project of Naturalization Board, UNDP and OSCE Mission to Latvia to give free of charge Latvian language training to 800 residents of Latvia. Financing for this project is provided by Swedish and US governments. R.Zommere finds the situation that all financing is given by foreign donors abnormal and suggests that also local municipalities and entrepreneurs should join it. Thus the number of people trained could be enlarged and speed of naturalization increased.

On Wednesday Saeima commission conceptually adopted the draft repatriation law. But with one essential pretext. It concerns the amendments to the law concerning repatriation of foreigners and appatrids. The draft law, prepared by the government, gives the list of persons who could be regarded as repatriates and stipulates their rights to receive a financial aid. Commission members did not like that the draft law described only on way repatriation – to Latvia, and they asked the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Commission to pay attention to developing the principle of two-way repatriation.

On Wednesday Saeima commission conceptually adopted the draft repatriation law. But with one essential pretext. It concerns the amendments to the law concerning repatriation of foreigners and appatrids. The draft law, prepared by the government, gives the list of persons who could be regarded as repatriates and stipulates their rights to receive a financial aid. Commission members did not like that the draft law described only on way repatriation – to Latvia, and they asked the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Commission to pay attention to developing the principle of two-way repatriation. Panorama Latvii

Vesti Segodnya

informs about the donation of 1.8 million USD made by Canadian government to establish National Translation and Terminology Center. Official representation of this project will take place today. informs about the donation of 1.8 million USD made by Canadian government to establish National Translation and Terminology Center. Official representation of this project will take place today. MP Y.Pliner, B.Zelcerman and Dr. V.Buhalov comment on the interviews given to Russian-speaking newspapers by Minister of Education K.Greiskalns and speak about 4 myths the Minister used: 1. Transition program to tuition in the Latvian language in Russian-speaking schools by 2004 is well developed and does not need any corrections; 2. education in the state language increases competitiveness of graduates in the labor market; 3. transition to the tuition in the Latvian language will increase the quality of education; 4. Using the experience of New-Latvian K.Barons as a proof for the change of tuition language.

MP Y.Pliner, B.Zelcerman and Dr. V.Buhalov comment on the interviews given to Russian-speaking newspapers by Minister of Education K.Greiskalns and speak about 4 myths the Minister used: 1. Transition program to tuition in the Latvian language in Russian-speaking schools by 2004 is well developed and does not need any corrections; 2. education in the state language increases competitiveness of graduates in the labor market; 3. transition to the tuition in the Latvian language will increase the quality of education; 4. Using the experience of New-Latvian K.Barons as a proof for the change of tuition language. Vesti Segodnya

Newspaper

Newspaper Lauku Avize interviewed the new Polish Ambassador to Latvia T.Fishbach. When speaking about his compatriots residing in Latvia, he said that they made great achievements here but also had great needs, especially in the field of education. The Ambassador was glad about the fact that those people completely identified them with the Latvian State. They are a minority that does not cause any problems for Latvia and enrich its culture.

Press Report

Press Report

Latvian parliament speaker Janis Straume on Tuesday met with visiting Benelux ambassadors to NATO and presented to them the Baltic State’s accomplishments in its efforts to join the alliance reported the Latvian parliament press service. Straume told Belgian, Luxembourg and Dutch ambassadors to NATO that Latvia can wait for the next NATO enlargement wave with well-grounded hopes. The Benelux representatives praised Latvia's progress in its movement towards NATO. They also inquired about ratification of the convention on the protection of ethnic minorities. Latvia has signed the convention but it has not been approved by the parliament yet.

Latvian parliament speaker Janis Straume on Tuesday met with visiting Benelux ambassadors to NATO and presented to them the Baltic States accomplishments in its efforts to join the alliance reported the Latvian parliament press service. Straume told Belgian, Luxembourg and Dutch ambassadors to NATO that Latvia can wait for the next NATO enlargement wave with well-grounded hopes. The Benelux representatives praised Latvia's progress in its movement towards NATO. They also inquired about ratification of the convention on the protection of ethnic minorities. Latvia has signed the convention but it has not been approved by the parliament yet. BNS, Latvijas Vestnesis

Social Democrats who now practically are in charge for development of Moscow – Riga cooperation agreement promise that in the agreement will take into consideration the proposal made by local government factions and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the society will be informed about everything. In spite of these promises political scientists are rather skeptic and point out that a year before the important decision on Latvia’s joining NATO activities of Social Democrats could hinder Latvia’s movement towards West.

Social Democrats who now practically are in charge for development of Moscow – Riga cooperation agreement promise that in the agreement will take into consideration the proposal made by local government factions and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the society will be informed about everything. In spite of these promises political scientists are rather skeptic and point out that a year before the important decision on Latvias joining NATO activities of Social Democrats could hinder Latvias movement towards West. Diena

Let families of non-citizens be more actively involved in the processes of civic participation Naturalization Board Rezekne Office has restores a TV contest “Latvia in my family”. In the contest are invited to participate families of residing in Eastern Latvia where at least one family member is a non-citizen. Participants will have to show their knowledge of Latvian history, possibilities to receive citizenship. The main prize is a trip abroad.

Let families of non-citizens be more actively involved in the processes of civic participation Naturalization Board Rezekne Office has restores a TV contest Latvia in my family. In the contest are invited to participate families of residing in Eastern Latvia where at least one family member is a non-citizen. Participants will have to show their knowledge of Latvian history, possibilities to receive citizenship. The main prize is a trip abroad. Diena

K.Valcers writes about one of the top priorities of Latvian foreign policy - joining NATO. Writing about the possible threats to Latvia in the future K.Valcers names a possibility that Latvians might become a minority even among citizens, and integration will not prevent non-Latvian citizens from uniting with their ethnic fatherland. And remembering the fact that in Latvia will always reside a considerable number of disloyal non-citizens, a possibility that Latvia might became an autonomous republic within Russian Federation in even more possible that Russian invasion.

K.Valcers writes about one of the top priorities of Latvian foreign policy - joining NATO. Writing about the possible threats to Latvia in the future K.Valcers names a possibility that Latvians might become a minority even among citizens, and integration will not prevent non-Latvian citizens from uniting with their ethnic fatherland. And remembering the fact that in Latvia will always reside a considerable number of disloyal non-citizens, a possibility that Latvia might became an autonomous republic within Russian Federation in even more possible that Russian invasion. Rigas Balss

In accordance with the State Language law have been developed regulations of spelling foreign personal names and surnames in the Latvian language. The draft regulations were approved by the government commission, now it is up to the Cabinet of Ministers. Deputy Director of State Language Center A.Timuska explains newspaper

In accordance with the State Language law have been developed regulations of spelling foreign personal names and surnames in the Latvian language. The draft regulations were approved by the government commission, now it is up to the Cabinet of Ministers. Deputy Director of State Language Center A.Timuska explains newspaper Neatkariga details of these regulations.

The recent dismissal of Riga City Vice Mayor representative of Freedom and Fatherland I.Vaidere was just a trial step of Social Democrats. Yesterday the leader of Social Democrats J.Bojars announced that next week a new vote would take place in Riga City Council but he did not specify who would be dismissed.

The recent dismissal of Riga City Vice Mayor representative of Freedom and Fatherland I.Vaidere was just a trial step of Social Democrats. Yesterday the leader of Social Democrats J.Bojars announced that next week a new vote would take place in Riga City Council but he did not specify who would be dismissed. Vesti Segodnya

Just at the very end of tourist season DCMA prepared regulations stipulating the procedure of drawing up, approving, shipping and annulling private visas to the Republic of Latvia. These regulations are necessary to ease considerably the trouble for future applicants. Ten changes were made in the regulations, e.g. invitation time has been prolonged from 30 to 90 days.

Just at the very end of tourist season DCMA prepared regulations stipulating the procedure of drawing up, approving, shipping and annulling private visas to the Republic of Latvia. These regulations are necessary to ease considerably the trouble for future applicants. Ten changes were made in the regulations, e.g. invitation time has been prolonged from 30 to 90 days. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

Latvian Foreign Ministry Monday expressed surprise and concern over the statements made by Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki about treatment of ethnic minorities in the Baltic States. Putin during his visit to Helsinki draw parallels between the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia and that of Albanian minority in Macedonia in a statement which that Latvian Foreign Ministry said won't promote public integration in Latvia. Latvian Foreign Ministry spokesman Vilmars Henins told BNS that the Latvian government had a clear-cut position in this matter -- public integration based on principles of democracy and human rights. Latvia's foreign partners and experts from international organizations had approved this approach as the right way, added Henins.

Latvian Foreign Ministry Monday expressed surprise and concern over the statements made by Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki about treatment of ethnic minorities in the Baltic States. Putin during his visit to Helsinki draw parallels between the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia and that of Albanian minority in Macedonia in a statement which that Latvian Foreign Ministry said won't promote public integration in Latvia. Latvian Foreign Ministry spokesman Vilmars Henins told BNS that the Latvian government had a clear-cut position in this matter -- public integration based on principles of democracy and human rights. Latvia's foreign partners and experts from international organizations had approved this approach as the right way, added Henins. BNS

During his visit to Helsinki on Monday, Putin said Russia would not put any pressure on the Baltic countries to solve humanitarian problems, primarily the problem of ethnic Russians. Nevertheless, he referred to Albanian minority in Macedonia demanding special representation in parliament and a solution of the language-related and other problems and wondered why the Baltic States could not adopt the same approach in respect of their much more numerous Russian-speaking communities. The Russian president also suggested the Baltic countries should follow the example of Finland, which had a Swedish minority, and the Swedish language had been declared as the second official language. In addition, Putin stated that expanding NATO to include the Baltic States would be a "mistake" which would not enhance European security.

During his visit to Helsinki on Monday, Putin said Russia would not put any pressure on the Baltic countries to solve humanitarian problems, primarily the problem of ethnic Russians. Nevertheless, he referred to Albanian minority in Macedonia demanding special representation in parliament and a solution of the language-related and other problems and wondered why the Baltic States could not adopt the same approach in respect of their much more numerous Russian-speaking communities. The Russian president also suggested the Baltic countries should follow the example of Finland, which had a Swedish minority, and the Swedish language had been declared as the second official language. In addition, Putin stated that expanding NATO to include the Baltic States would be a "mistake" which would not enhance European security. BNS, Lauku Avize, Neatkariga, Respublika, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Diena writes that Putin did not manage to receive official support from Finland to Russian objections to the participation of Baltic States in NATO.

Diena writes that Putin did not manage to receive official support from Finland to Russian objections to the participation of Baltic States in NATO.

Canadian foreign minister John Manley will make an official visit to Latvia on Sept. 7 and 8 reported the Latvian Foreign Ministry. Manley will meet with top Latvian officials to discuss the European Union (EU) and NATO enlargement and other vital issues.

Canadian foreign minister John Manley will make an official visit to Latvia on Sept. 7 and 8 reported the Latvian Foreign Ministry. Manley will meet with top Latvian officials to discuss the European Union (EU) and NATO enlargement and other vital issues. BNS

An influential German politician, Schleswig-Holstein federal land premier Heide Simonis, will make a working visit to Latvia this week, reported a spokesman for the Latvian Prime Minister. Simonis will stay in Latvia from Sept. 4 to 6 to discuss with Latvian officials latest international developments as well as German-Latvian economic and political relations.

An influential German politician, Schleswig-Holstein federal land premier Heide Simonis, will make a working visit to Latvia this week, reported a spokesman for the Latvian Prime Minister. Simonis will stay in Latvia from Sept. 4 to 6 to discuss with Latvian officials latest international developments as well as German-Latvian economic and political relations. BNS

Ambassador H.G.Vieck, Head of OSCE Consultative and Supervisory Group to Byelorussia describes the pre-election situation in this country and states that although the opposition leader V.Goncharik has challenged President A.Lukashenko, all indications show that Lukashenko will have a Soviet style victory. Nevertheless the opposition managed to unite, and the reasons for this unity are decline of economy and Lukashenko’s dictatorship.

Ambassador H.G.Vieck, Head of OSCE Consultative and Supervisory Group to Byelorussia describes the pre-election situation in this country and states that although the opposition leader V.Goncharik has challenged President A.Lukashenko, all indications show that Lukashenko will have a Soviet style victory. Nevertheless the opposition managed to unite, and the reasons for this unity are decline of economy and Lukashenkos dictatorship. Diena

Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins will participate in a forum on the development of the Baltic Region that will take place September 23 – 25 in St.Petersburg.

Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins will participate in a forum on the development of the Baltic Region that will take place September 23 – 25 in St.Petersburg. Vesti Segodnya

Cabinet of Ministers finally adopted the regulations on spelling foreign proper names in the Latvian language. According to these regulations an official system of spelling names and family names is being introduced.

Cabinet of Ministers finally adopted the regulations on spelling foreign proper names in the Latvian language. According to these regulations an official system of spelling names and family names is being introduced. Vesti Segodnya, Respublika

On September 10 at the National Human Rights Office Director O.Bruveris will meet heads of state institutions and local governments under whose competence is to consider complains of population. O.Bruveris informed that in order to improve consideration of complains and observation of human rights NHRO intends to establish Coordinative Council of heads of the responsible state and municipal structures. Foreign experts during their visit to Latvia pointed out that activities of different institutions overlap when considering complains.

On September 10 at the National Human Rights Office Director O.Bruveris will meet heads of state institutions and local governments under whose competence is to consider complains of population. O.Bruveris informed that in order to improve consideration of complains and observation of human rights NHRO intends to establish Coordinative Council of heads of the responsible state and municipal structures. Foreign experts during their visit to Latvia pointed out that activities of different institutions overlap when considering complains. Vesti Segodnya

Newspaper

Newspaper Chas journalist interviewed Director of Riga Secondary School No 40. G.Yefremova, also about the bilingual education system. G.Yefremova found this system a positive thing when you understand it as knowledge of two or more languages, but when it is seen just as a transition from one tuition language to other – questions arise. The school has submitted for licensing to the Ministry of Education and Science an education program where are described blocks of subjects: some subjects are taught in Russian, some in Latvian and some in English language. The state should have only one interest – let secondary school graduates be able to enter higher education institutions. But means to achieve this goal could be different. Too much rush with billingualism could give just the opposite result. Chas

Yesterday Minister of Justice I.Labucka reported at the government meeting on implementation of public integration program. Ministry’s opinion is that there was no united opinion on the mechanism of delegating from regional to local governments and NGOs because local governments and organizations themselves did not have a united structure. And the Ministry urgently needed 400 000 USD from UN. Minister was of very high opinion on Latvian Integration Program because it was meant to integrate the whole Latvian society.

Yesterday Minister of Justice I.Labucka reported at the government meeting on implementation of public integration program. Ministrys opinion is that there was no united opinion on the mechanism of delegating from regional to local governments and NGOs because local governments and organizations themselves did not have a united structure. And the Ministry urgently needed 400 000 USD from UN. Minister was of very high opinion on Latvian Integration Program because it was meant to integrate the whole Latvian society. Vesti Segodnya

A.Arkadyev in

A.Arkadyev in Vesti Segodnya comments the information given by the newspaper Diena that 75% of all first grade students have chosen Latvian schools. He writes that in this country without participation and agreement of Russian-speakers has been established such a legal base that quite often does not give a right to chose the language of tuition. Now parents simply do not know what will be the future of Russian school if any. Many parents are afraid to send their children to Russian schools because they are not sure that within current situation they will receive qualitative, competitive education. In spite of the official propaganda on achievements of integration program, Europe is beginning to understand the real situation in Latvia - EU countries do not rush to transfer money to Integration Fund. Vesti Segodnya