Press Report

Press Report

During the meeting of the Baltic States Presidents the main attention was paid to co-operation, common goals and future defence strategy while preparing for NATO expansion. The Presidents agreed to pay more attention in the future to the co-ordination of foreign policy attempts of the three countries.

During the meeting of the Baltic States Presidents the main attention was paid to co-operation, common goals and future defence strategy while preparing for NATO expansion. The Presidents agreed to pay more attention in the future to the co-ordination of foreign policy attempts of the three countries. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Panorama Latvii

The New Party has made public the names of its “engines” for the next local government election. They are the former Minister of Finances E.Krastins, entrepreneur S.Pika and Saeima MP J.Dalbins. E.Krastins could run for the position of Riga City Mayor.

The New Party has made public the names of its engines for the next local government election. They are the former Minister of Finances E.Krastins, entrepreneur S.Pika and Saeima MP J.Dalbins. E.Krastins could run for the position of Riga City Mayor. Diena, Jauna Avize

Latvian – Russian agreement on free entering of Latvian non-citizens into Russia, the validity term of which expires on December 31, 2000, is planned to be extended without any amendments. The newspaper

Latvian – Russian agreement on free entering of Latvian non-citizens into Russia, the validity term of which expires on December 31, 2000, is planned to be extended without any amendments. The newspaper Diena learned about it in the Russian Embassy. Starting with January 1, 2001 Russia has established a new procedure how former USSR citizens who have taken neither Russian nor any other citizenship may settle down in Russia for permanent residing. The new regulations will not limit the right of entering and locomotion of former USSR citizens on the whole CIS territory. Diena

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga announced yesterday that she was convinced about the ratification of Latvian – Lithuanian Sea Border Agreement at the Saeima. At a joint press conference V.Vike-Freiberga stated that this ratification was just a matter of time and it might not be postponed endlessly.

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga announced yesterday that she was convinced about the ratification of Latvian – Lithuanian Sea Border Agreement at the Saeima. At a joint press conference V.Vike-Freiberga stated that this ratification was just a matter of time and it might not be postponed endlessly. Neatkariga

The New Party plans to receive 7-8 seats at the Riga City Council in the next local government election. Acting Chairman of the party A.Slesers said that the new local government election would be the main topic of the party congress that would take place on January 13.

The New Party plans to receive 7-8 seats at the Riga City Council in the next local government election. Acting Chairman of the party A.Slesers said that the new local government election would be the main topic of the party congress that would take place on January 13. Neatkariga, Diena (18.12)

The Council of Latvian Way re-elected Z.Tikmers as the Secretary General of the Union, and the Secretary would be P.Strubergs.

The Council of Latvian Way re-elected Z.Tikmers as the Secretary General of the Union, and the Secretary would be P.Strubergs. Neatkariga

Vesti Segodnya

writes about Nina Shevanova, who five years ago agreed to go for a business trip to Chechnya. She was advised to get Russian citizenship, because it was very dangerous there and if she got kidnapped; only Russia could do anything. So she did and got this stamp in the passport that she announced to be lost some time age. She had suddenly found the passport just before her departure. In the same passport she put a fake stamp of moving out from her Riga apartment and got domicile registration in Russia. The rouble began when in 1998 N.Shevanova went to the local DCMA office to exchange her former USSR passport for the Latvian non-citizen passport. She submitted this passport but the officials found out that she had Russian citizenship and after three months she received an order to leave Latvia within 7 days.

Press Report

Press Report

In the framework of Soros Foundation project “Open School” the first manual for bilingual teachers has been developed. This is a first study aid which helps teachers conduct classes for students who are of different nationalities. The opinion of the Ministry of Education and Science is that minority schools do not need books specially adapted to bilingual education programmes.

In the framework of Soros Foundation project Open School the first manual for bilingual teachers has been developed. This is a first study aid which helps teachers conduct classes for students who are of different nationalities. The opinion of the Ministry of Education and Science is that minority schools do not need books specially adapted to bilingual education programmes. Diena.

Government working group, which was formed to develop financing system for political parties, has proposed to pay LVL 0.5 from the state budget for each voter to these parties which collected more than 2% of the votes at the last election. The working group also suggests to determine the smaller amount which a private individual can donate for the party, as well as recommend establishing a special unit at the Central Electorate, which would control money, flows within political parties. The proposals have to be elaborated to 1 January 2001.

Government working group, which was formed to develop financing system for political parties, has proposed to pay LVL 0.5 from the state budget for each voter to these parties which collected more than 2% of the votes at the last election. The working group also suggests to determine the smaller amount which a private individual can donate for the party, as well as recommend establishing a special unit at the Central Electorate, which would control money, flows within political parties. The proposals have to be elaborated to 1 January 2001. Diena

Although the licence of the radio “Bizness&Baltija;” can be ceased, the broadcasting station expands its covering territories – up till now only people living in Riga could listen to it, now it will be heard in Liepaja, Daugavpils, Vilnius, Tallinn.

Although the licence of the radio Bizness&Baltija can be ceased, the broadcasting station expands its covering territories – up till now only people living in Riga could listen to it, now it will be heard in Liepaja, Daugavpils, Vilnius, Tallinn. Diena

Today all three presidents of Baltic States have a meeting in Riga to discuss co-operation issues between the countries, as well as the presidents will receive the reports of the Baltic Armed Forces commandeers.

Today all three presidents of Baltic States have a meeting in Riga to discuss co-operation issues between the countries, as well as the presidents will receive the reports of the Baltic Armed Forces commandeers. Jauna, Respublika

Today in Moscow journalists form Russia and Baltic States come together at the round table to discuss Russia’s relations with neighbour countries, as well as Russia’s domestic affairs.

Today in Moscow journalists form Russia and Baltic States come together at the round table to discuss Russias relations with neighbour countries, as well as Russias domestic affairs. Vesti Segodnja, Chas

Vesti Segodnja

gives sarcastic comments on the Law on National Security adopted yesterday. The law provides for division among deputies – trustworthy and not, and according to that division some individual deputies are denied to work in the parliamentarian committees where they could have access to confidential documents and information. gives sarcastic comments on the Law on National Security adopted yesterday. The law provides for division among deputies – trustworthy and not, and according to that division some individual deputies are denied to work in the parliamentarian committees where they could have access to confidential documents and information. Panorama LatviiPanorama Latvii

Respublika

publishes an article about the meeting of representatives of Russian mass media in Latvia organised by National Human Rights Office Director O.Bruvers and which main discussion subject was society integration. The next meeting is already scheduled and representatives of Latvian mass media will be invited. publishes an article about the meeting of representatives of Russian mass media in Latvia organised by National Human Rights Office Director O.Bruvers and which main discussion subject was society integration. The next meeting is already scheduled and representatives of Latvian mass media will be invited. Saeima Chairman Deputy R.Piks gives information about the upcoming visit to Russia. For the first time there will be visit to Russia on such a high official level and the discussions will cover those issues which are important for both parties.

Saeima Chairman Deputy R.Piks gives information about the upcoming visit to Russia. For the first time there will be visit to Russia on such a high official level and the discussions will cover those issues which are important for both parties. Respublika

Press Report

Press Report

Yesterday the framework document “Latvia: from Vision to Co-operation” developed by the working group composed of diverse specialists was presented for a public. The framework document will be given for public discussions and then it should be developed into detailed national programmes. It covers all important issues for Latvia’s continous development and growth for the next 20-30 years.

Yesterday the framework document Latvia: from Vision to Co-operation developed by the working group composed of diverse specialists was presented for a public. The framework document will be given for public discussions and then it should be developed into detailed national programmes. It covers all important issues for Latvias continous development and growth for the next 20-30 years. Diena, Respublika

Today at Brussels the Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins will take part in Euro Atlantic Partnership meeting where foreign affair ministers of 9 NATO candidate states and 3 new alliance states will meet with M.Olbright.

Today at Brussels the Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins will take part in Euro Atlantic Partnership meeting where foreign affair ministers of 9 NATO candidate states and 3 new alliance states will meet with M.Olbright. Neatkariga

Out of 27 teachers of Riga Boarding School No 1 who have certificates proving that their language proficiency is on the highest level only half matches with these criteria. There is no information how many teachers are working at schools of Latvia not possessing adequate language proficiency level and having faked language proficiency certificates.

Out of 27 teachers of Riga Boarding School No 1 who have certificates proving that their language proficiency is on the highest level only half matches with these criteria. There is no information how many teachers are working at schools of Latvia not possessing adequate language proficiency level and having faked language proficiency certificates. Neatkariga.

Chas

interviews the chairman of Latvian Association for Supporting Schools with the Russian Language of Tuition I.Pimenovs. He notes unwillingness of the Ministry of Education and Science to listen to them, as well as gives information about the model of bilingual education developed by LASSRLT. Yesterday Saeima Standing Committee on Human Rights turned down proposals of the FHRUL to enter amendments in the Administrative Violation Code. The proposals were to ease charges for the violation of language law norms.

Yesterday Saeima Standing Committee on Human Rights turned down proposals of the FHRUL to enter amendments in the Administrative Violation Code. The proposals were to ease charges for the violation of language law norms. Panorama Latvii.

Yesterday Saeima Standing Juridical Committee gave its partial approval to the proposal of FF/LNNK deputy J.Dobelis to enter amendments in the Administrative Violation Code, which determines a charge (LVL 200) for openly voiced disrespect toward the state language. The Committee considers that only the court can decide to charge a person for openly voiced disrespect toward the state language.

Yesterday Saeima Standing Juridical Committee gave its partial approval to the proposal of FF/LNNK deputy J.Dobelis to enter amendments in the Administrative Violation Code, which determines a charge (LVL 200) for openly voiced disrespect toward the state language. The Committee considers that only the court can decide to charge a person for openly voiced disrespect toward the state language. Respublika

The head of State Duma Committee on International Affairs D.Ragozin in the framework of his visit to Riga as a member of PAEC answers some questions asked by “Vesti Segodnja”. In his opinion relations between Latvia and Russia can get better only if Latvia changes its policy toward Russians residing in Latvia. Meanwhile Russia could do something for strengthening Russians positions in Latvia – Russia should open a branch of a Russia’s bank which would perform money operations with money coming from Russia’s government to war veterans or similar purposes and some part of the profit would be allotted to the needs of Russians in Latvia.

The head of State Duma Committee on International Affairs D.Ragozin in the framework of his visit to Riga as a member of PAEC answers some questions asked by Vesti Segodnja. In his opinion relations between Latvia and Russia can get better only if Latvia changes its policy toward Russians residing in Latvia. Meanwhile Russia could do something for strengthening Russians positions in Latvia – Russia should open a branch of a Russias bank which would perform money operations with money coming from Russias government to war veterans or similar purposes and some part of the profit would be allotted to the needs of Russians in Latvia.

Centre of Human Rights and Ethnic Research Director N.Muiznieks talks about extremism of both left and right wings in Latvia.

Centre of Human Rights and Ethnic Research Director N.Muiznieks talks about extremism of both left and right wings in Latvia. Respublika

Press Report

Press Report

The Government of Latvia receives reproaches for not being able to influence the number of votes in the EU Council and being not very talented in diplomatic matters. The Minister of FA I.Berzins says “Ourr main goal was assignment of one commissioner to each member state and we reached the goal. We are very proud of that”.

The Government of Latvia receives reproaches for not being able to influence the number of votes in the EU Council and being not very talented in diplomatic matters. The Minister of FA I.Berzins says Ourr main goal was assignment of one commissioner to each member state and we reached the goal. We are very proud of that. Diena

On Tuesday the Government approved “Latvijas Kugniecibas” (Latvian Shipping Company) privatisation regulations, thus launching company’s privatisation for the fourth time. However, this is a first time when it is planned to sell a control package (68% shares) to one investor.

On Tuesday the Government approved Latvijas Kugniecibas (Latvian Shipping Company) privatisation regulations, thus launching companys privatisation for the fourth time. However, this is a first time when it is planned to sell a control package (68% shares) to one investor. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna

In August this year when the Regulations on the State Language Proficiency Examination procedure were adopted no funding was allotted for that purpose, therefore the lack of funds could become an obstacle to start reforms in language certification at the State Language Centre. It is necessary to have LVL 128 000, and if this amount is not found then it would not be possible to carry out language examinations in February 2001

In August this year when the Regulations on the State Language Proficiency Examination procedure were adopted no funding was allotted for that purpose, therefore the lack of funds could become an obstacle to start reforms in language certification at the State Language Centre. It is necessary to have LVL 128 000, and if this amount is not found then it would not be possible to carry out language examinations in February 2001. Diena

Yesterday Saeima Committee on Budget and Finances gave its conceptual approval to the foundation of Society Integration Fund. The Ministry of Finance in its letter to the committee says that it does not agree to the establishment of the Fund, in its opinion the Public Integration Department at the Ministry of Justice could perform these functions.

Yesterday Saeima Committee on Budget and Finances gave its conceptual approval to the foundation of Society Integration Fund. The Ministry of Finance in its letter to the committee says that it does not agree to the establishment of the Fund, in its opinion the Public Integration Department at the Ministry of Justice could perform these functions. Neatkariga, Respublika

Yesterday the movement “For Equality” organised a picket at the building of the Saeima. About 30 people holding posters saying “Integration – yes! Assimilation – no!” in Latvian and Russian participated in the picket. “For Equality” chairman T.Zdanok informed that their main objections are toward the Education Law which determine providing secondary education only in the state language as of 2004..

Yesterday the movement For Equality organised a picket at the building of the Saeima. About 30 people holding posters saying Integration – yes! Assimilation – no! in Latvian and Russian participated in the picket. For Equality chairman T.Zdanok informed that their main objections are toward the Education Law which determine providing secondary education only in the state language as of 2004.. Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

In November 1309 persons have acquired citizenship through naturalisation. The Naturalisation Board informs that through the course of this year 24 767 persons took the examination in the state language – 2182 of them did not pass the exam, and out of 25 106 persons who took the examination in history, 582 persons failed.

In November 1309 persons have acquired citizenship through naturalisation. The Naturalisation Board informs that through the course of this year 24 767 persons took the examination in the state language – 2182 of them did not pass the exam, and out of 25 106 persons who took the examination in history, 582 persons failed. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

5 teachers of Riga Boarding School No 1 have been warned that they could be fired in the closest future because they do not speak the state language. The teachers have to have a repeated examination on 4 January, however, the principle of the school is already looking for replacement, as he thinks that it is not possible to learn the language in such a short period of time.

5 teachers of Riga Boarding School No 1 have been warned that they could be fired in the closest future because they do not speak the state language. The teachers have to have a repeated examination on 4 January, however, the principle of the school is already looking for replacement, as he thinks that it is not possible to learn the language in such a short period of time. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

2-day field session of the Parliamentarian Assembly of the European Council was opened yesterday in Riga. The session is closed to public and no press conference is planned after the session. However, the possible discussion subjects are the report about the UN activities in the beginning of a new century, problems concerning paedophilia and national minorities. The head of Russia’s delegation in PAEC D.Rogozin will report on the situation of national minorities in Latvia and according to him “the report in a very open and harsh way discloses the situation national minorities experience in Latvia”.

2-day field session of the Parliamentarian Assembly of the European Council was opened yesterday in Riga. The session is closed to public and no press conference is planned after the session. However, the possible discussion subjects are the report about the UN activities in the beginning of a new century, problems concerning paedophilia and national minorities. The head of Russias delegation in PAEC D.Rogozin will report on the situation of national minorities in Latvia and according to him the report in a very open and harsh way discloses the situation national minorities experience in Latvia. Respublika

Education Policy Department Head J.Karklins informs about the elaborated document “Education Development Programme 200-2004”. The most important issues are reforms in teacher payment system and development of common curriculum and educational standards.

Education Policy Department Head J.Karklins informs about the elaborated document Education Development Programme 200-2004. The most important issues are reforms in teacher payment system and development of common curriculum and educational standards. Latvijas Vestnesis

Press Report

Press Report

Yesterday the President of Latvia V.Vike-Freiberga had a meeting with the Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia P.Semneby. The two officials discussed integration processes in the country and the measures, which would foster these processes. P.Semneby voiced his positive judgement on the reforms introduced in the country.

Yesterday the President of Latvia V.Vike-Freiberga had a meeting with the Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia P.Semneby. The two officials discussed integration processes in the country and the measures, which would foster these processes. P.Semneby voiced his positive judgement on the reforms introduced in the country. Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Latvijas Vestnesis

Neatkariga adds “the mission has been in Latvia since 1993 and on 7 December this year its mandate has been prolonged for 6 months”.

Neatkariga adds the mission has been in Latvia since 1993 and on 7 December this year its mandate has been prolonged for 6 months.

According to the adopted Nica agreement Latvia will have 4 votes in EU Council. The President of Latvia V.Vike-Freiberga when having a meeting with ambassadors of EU member states assessed it as “in general positive result for candidate states from Eastern Europe”.

According to the adopted Nica agreement Latvia will have 4 votes in EU Council. The President of Latvia V.Vike-Freiberga when having a meeting with ambassadors of EU member states assessed it as in general positive result for candidate states from Eastern Europe. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Today three Baltic Prime Ministers are having a meeting with Sweden Prime Minister in Stockholm. Tomorrow in the framework of the events Baltic year they are opening a modern art exhibition Baltic Security! in the airport of Stockholm.

Diena, Respublika According to the social poll in November people in Latvia see corruption in political sphere (parties, Government and Saeima) 73,6% and state institutions 71,7% more often than in July. Positive evaluation to the efforts of the Government to solve the issues related to corruption is given only by 0,3% respondents.

According to the social poll in November people in Latvia see corruption in political sphere (parties, Government and Saeima) 73,6% and state institutions 71,7% more often than in July. Positive evaluation to the efforts of the Government to solve the issues related to corruption is given only by 0,3% respondents. Diena

Today and tomorrow the Parliamentarian Assembly of European Council has its 2-day session in Riga. Important report on the observance of human rights in Chechnya has to be presented at this session

Today and tomorrow the Parliamentarian Assembly of European Council has its 2-day session in Riga. Important report on the observance of human rights in Chechnya has to be presented at this session. Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

New names are related to the organisation “Secret Brotherhood”, which is claimed to be “the actual ruling power in Latvia”, – as one of them is Prime Minister A.Berzins. There is no information how many members are in this organisation in total, however, the sessions of the brotherhood takes place on regular basis. Another member A.Skele denies any relation to any secret organisation. Ventspils Mayor A.Lembergs says it is “100% truth. They invited me, too, however, I refused”.

New names are related to the organisation Secret Brotherhood, which is claimed to be the actual ruling power in Latvia, – as one of them is Prime Minister A.Berzins. There is no information how many members are in this organisation in total, however, the sessions of the brotherhood takes place on regular basis. Another member A.Skele denies any relation to any secret organisation. Ventspils Mayor A.Lembergs says it is 100% truth. They invited me, too, however, I refused. Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Russian press wants to establish the Press Club where journalists could come together and discuss important issues. The representatives of Russian mass media also were willing to see the representatives of Latvian mass media at the discussion table, as “Russians are not interested in processes occurring in Latvian community and vice verse”.

Russian press wants to establish the Press Club where journalists could come together and discuss important issues. The representatives of Russian mass media also were willing to see the representatives of Latvian mass media at the discussion table, as Russians are not interested in processes occurring in Latvian community and vice verse. Neatkariga

Yesterday took place a picket against war activities in Chechnya at Russia’s embassy in Latvia.

Yesterday took place a picket against war activities in Chechnya at Russias embassy in Latvia. Lauku Avize, Jauna, Respublika

Chas gives rather ironical description of the picket as, first of all,

Chas gives rather ironical description of the picket as, first of all, Russias embassy was closed yesterday – it has a day off.

Vesti Segodnja

interviews Prime Minister A.Berzins after his election to the post of Latvias Way party chairman. Many politicians and specialists in political sciences consider that the change in leadership of the party will result in the change of party policy – Latvias Way will launch more activities targeted to the non-citizens of Latvia. interviews Prime Minister A.Berzins after his election to the post of Latvia’s Way party chairman. Many politicians and specialists in political sciences consider that the change in leadership of the party will result in the change of party policy – “Latvia’s Way” will launch more activities targeted to the non-citizens of Latvia. Yesterday National Human Rights Office Director O.Bruvers invited Russian journalists to discuss problems actual for the communities of national minorities. O.Bruvers expressed his support to the establishment of the post of the Minister of National Minority Affairs and Russian Press Club.

Yesterday National Human Rights Office Director O.Bruvers invited Russian journalists to discuss problems actual for the communities of national minorities. O.Bruvers expressed his support to the establishment of the post of the Minister of National Minority Affairs and Russian Press Club. Respublika