Press Report

Press Report

An official parliament meeting and laying flowers at the Freedom Monument in Riga, as well as other events will mark the celebration of Latvia's 10th anniversary since the constitutional restoration of independence of the Republic of Latvia, a crucial turning point in the struggle for regaining an independent state. Latvia's high officials, former Supreme Council and government members, as well as foreign diplomats and parliament representatives will be attending the parliament meeting on August 21 with a speech by Parliament Speaker Janis Straume and the former chairman of the Supreme Council, Anatolijs Gorbunovs. The events will also be attended by parliament speakers from Estonia, Poland, Finland, Sweden, Norway and

An official parliament meeting and laying flowers at the Freedom Monument in Riga, as well as other events will mark the celebration of Latvia's 10th anniversary since the constitutional restoration of independence of the Republic of Latvia, a crucial turning point in the struggle for regaining an independent state. Latvia's high officials, former Supreme Council and government members, as well as foreign diplomats and parliament representatives will be attending the parliament meeting on August 21 with a speech by Parliament Speaker Janis Straume and the former chairman of the Supreme Council, Anatolijs Gorbunovs. The events will also be attended by parliament speakers from Estonia, Poland, Finland, Sweden, Norway and

Denmark, as well as the deputy speaker from Lithuania and Lithuania's former Supreme council chairman Vitautas Landsbergis, former Lithuanian prime ministers Kazimira Prunskiene and Gediminas Vagnoris and the head of the Czech Republic President office, Ivo Mathe.

Denmark, as well as the deputy speaker from Lithuania and Lithuania's former Supreme council chairman Vitautas Landsbergis, former Lithuanian prime ministers Kazimira Prunskiene and Gediminas Vagnoris and the head of the Czech Republic President office, Ivo Mathe. BNS

The board of the Riga branch of the Latvian Way (LW) party, a center-right ruling government party, and its Riga City Council faction has urged the Riga Mayor, social democrat Gundars Bojars, to step down for the policies he has implemented and for being too friendly to Russia. An open letter addressed to the Riga Mayor on Monday evening names a number of actions carried out by Bojars in which LW doubts the existence of any clear policies or actions carried out by the mayor.

The board of the Riga branch of the Latvian Way (LW) party, a center-right ruling government party, and its Riga City Council faction has urged the Riga Mayor, social democrat Gundars Bojars, to step down for the policies he has implemented and for being too friendly to Russia. An open letter addressed to the Riga Mayor on Monday evening names a number of actions carried out by Bojars in which LW doubts the existence of any clear policies or actions carried out by the mayor. BNS, Diena

The board of Latvia's right-from-center for Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK party decided on Monday evening to break the coalition agreement with the social democrats on cooperation in the Riga City Council and renounce its representatives from the coalition council, but not from their posts, reported party chairman Maris Grinblats. The almost unanimous decision motivated by "countless unacceptable actions from the social democrats," like the mess in Dome Square during the presentation concert of the Russian newspaper Moskovsky Komsomolets Baltic edition, Russian youth demonstrations in Mezaparks, Riga, inviting Moscow city council representative and former KGB general Alexander Perelygin to the Riga 800 anniversary celebrations, and finally secretly erecting a statue of Peter the Great, a Russian tzar, in central Riga during the Riga 800 celebrations. FF/LNNK is against both the close relations between the social democrats and the left-wing alliance, and the council's attempts at establishing its own foreign policy.

The board of Latvia's right-from-center for Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK party decided on Monday evening to break the coalition agreement with the social democrats on cooperation in the Riga City Council and renounce its representatives from the coalition council, but not from their posts, reported party chairman Maris Grinblats. The almost unanimous decision motivated by "countless unacceptable actions from the social democrats," like the mess in Dome Square during the presentation concert of the Russian newspaper Moskovsky Komsomolets Baltic edition, Russian youth demonstrations in Mezaparks, Riga, inviting Moscow city council representative and former KGB general Alexander Perelygin to the Riga 800 anniversary celebrations, and finally secretly erecting a statue of Peter the Great, a Russian tzar, in central Riga during the Riga 800 celebrations. FF/LNNK is against both the close relations between the social democrats and the left-wing alliance, and the council's attempts at establishing its own foreign policy. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

In order to promote the faster naturalization of non-citizens in Latvia, the Latvian government and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) mission in Latvia plan to stage soon a broad information campaign, reported the head of the OSCE mission in Latvia, Peter Semneby. After having met Latvia's Prime Minister Andris Berzins, Semneby said "We hope that it will have the sought for effect," adding "the pace of naturalization points to what extent people feel at home in the Latvian society." Russia has previously criticized the slow naturalization process in Latvia, despite the fact that the government has reduced the fees and eased the process of gaining citizenship. Nevertheless, the OSCE mission leader commented on Russia's accusations of human rights violations against Latvia's Russian-speaking population by saying, "I don't think that Russia's accusations have any grounds, although there are still a few things Latvia must settle." The OSCE plans to submit the government with recommendations for education, based on independent research. The main thing is the quality of education, claimed Semneby - "So that teachers, who are forced to learn Latvian, can do it qualitatively. No matter what changes occur in the educational system, the quality must not suffer." Semneby considers that communication with society at the beginning of reforms as an important factor for the

In order to promote the faster naturalization of non-citizens in Latvia, the Latvian government and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) mission in Latvia plan to stage soon a broad information campaign, reported the head of the OSCE mission in Latvia, Peter Semneby. After having met Latvia's Prime Minister Andris Berzins, Semneby said "We hope that it will have the sought for effect," adding "the pace of naturalization points to what extent people feel at home in the Latvian society." Russia has previously criticized the slow naturalization process in Latvia, despite the fact that the government has reduced the fees and eased the process of gaining citizenship. Nevertheless, the OSCE mission leader commented on Russia's accusations of human rights violations against Latvia's Russian-speaking population by saying, "I don't think that Russia's accusations have any grounds, although there are still a few things Latvia must settle." The OSCE plans to submit the government with recommendations for education, based on independent research. The main thing is the quality of education, claimed Semneby - "So that teachers, who are forced to learn Latvian, can do it qualitatively. No matter what changes occur in the educational system, the quality must not suffer." Semneby considers that communication with society at the beginning of reforms as an important factor for the

successful integration of societies, "By informing of the strategic targets of reform - why it’s needed." In this sphere the government has not done enough, believes Semneby. Semneby said that ensuring constant development has been the most important in the work of his mission up until it is closed. "[The mission] will not manage to solve all the problems, but we must be sure that reforms launched and their direction will continue even after the mission is closed," said Semneby. Latvia's Prime Minister met with Semneby of the OSCE on Monday to discuss issues of cooperation between Latvia and the OSCE. The OSCE has been mainly concerned with naturalization and citizenship issues in Latvia, while lately it has also been involved in the process of forming an ombudsman institution and strengthening other human rights institutions. The OSCE mission also monitors the implementation of the state language law in Latvia. Latvia hopes that the OSCE mission will be closed at the end of this year together with the mission in Estonia, hinting at the fact that the OSCE sees no serious problems in the sphere of human rights.

successful integration of societies, "By informing of the strategic targets of reform - why its needed." In this sphere the government has not done enough, believes Semneby. Semneby said that ensuring constant development has been the most important in the work of his mission up until it is closed. "[The mission] will not manage to solve all the problems, but we must be sure that reforms launched and their direction will continue even after the mission is closed," said Semneby. Latvia's Prime Minister met with Semneby of the OSCE on Monday to discuss issues of cooperation between Latvia and the OSCE. The OSCE has been mainly concerned with naturalization and citizenship issues in Latvia, while lately it has also been involved in the process of forming an ombudsman institution and strengthening other human rights institutions. The OSCE mission also monitors the implementation of the state language law in Latvia. Latvia hopes that the OSCE mission will be closed at the end of this year together with the mission in Estonia, hinting at the fact that the OSCE sees no serious problems in the sphere of human rights. BNS

Political scientist A.Pabriks writes that 10 years after Latvia escaped from the Soviet Union there had to be two basic values for Latvia to observe: 1) free, European and democratic Latvia; 2) Latvian language as the only all-round language in this state. “Only by uniting society around these values we would create criteria for long time existence. In the Baltic Region the language is the factor determining our nationality. If a person can not speak Latvian he is a “stranger”. It means that also a Russian, Byelorussian, German, etc, if he speaks Latvian he is looked upon as “ours””. According to the latest statistics there are 62% of such people in Latvia. Although the Latvian language is the language of majority, its development is not imaginary in the completely free culture market. Thus state’s interference in the language and culture environment is not an anti-liberal feature. Just the opposite – the goal of such interference is one of the basic values of European culture – equality. And if we want those people who do not speak the Latvian language to master it we should motive them not to punish.

Political scientist A.Pabriks writes that 10 years after Latvia escaped from the Soviet Union there had to be two basic values for Latvia to observe: 1) free, European and democratic Latvia; 2) Latvian language as the only all-round language in this state. Only by uniting society around these values we would create criteria for long time existence. In the Baltic Region the language is the factor determining our nationality. If a person can not speak Latvian he is a stranger. It means that also a Russian, Byelorussian, German, etc, if he speaks Latvian he is looked upon as ours. According to the latest statistics there are 62% of such people in Latvia. Although the Latvian language is the language of majority, its development is not imaginary in the completely free culture market. Thus states interference in the language and culture environment is not an anti-liberal feature. Just the opposite – the goal of such interference is one of the basic values of European culture – equality. And if we want those people who do not speak the Latvian language to master it we should motive them not to punish. Diena

Two U.S. Republican senators and active supporters of the Baltic NATO bid, Richard G. Lugar and John McCain will be arriving in Latvia this weekend on an official visit, reports the Latvian president's office. The senators are set to meet President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, as well as the Prime Minister Andris Berzins.

Two U.S. Republican senators and active supporters of the Baltic NATO bid, Richard G. Lugar and John McCain will be arriving in Latvia this weekend on an official visit, reports the Latvian president's office. The senators are set to meet President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, as well as the Prime Minister Andris Berzins.

Control Commission of Social Democrats will call MP J.Leja to recall his signature under the letter of Publisher A.Garda to EU Commissioner G.Verheugen. J.Leja informed Press Agency LETA that he did not intend to recall his signature because he had not violated ether the program or statutes of the Party.

Control Commission of Social Democrats will call MP J.Leja to recall his signature under the letter of Publisher A.Garda to EU Commissioner G.Verheugen. J.Leja informed Press Agency LETA that he did not intend to recall his signature because he had not violated ether the program or statutes of the Party. Diena, Jauna Avize, Lauku Avize

Jauna Avize

published an open letter of A.Garda where he answers to the accusations made by journalist J.Streips. A.Garda insisted that Latvia should be decolonised. published an open letter of A.Garda where he answers to the accusations made by journalist J.Streips. A.Garda insisted that Latvia should be decolonised. Newspaper

Newspaper Lauku Avize interviewed several known people in Latvia about the threat to Latvias existance as a national state. All these people agreed that such a threat existed and would exist until Latvia joined NATO. Publicist V.Lacis thinks that that there is a great danger not only from the growth of Russias government imperialistic intentions but also from the same thing in the Russian community in Latvia. It is becoming more and more organised.

Lauku Avize

asked MPs and security police officers what they thought about the movement Solidarnostj. D.Kudums from FF/LNNK said that from time to time such organisations appeared. It would be god if the goal of such organisations were to make common cause between national minorities and Latvian nation, but Solidarnostj was more likely acting to oppose nations. Dz.Abikis thinks that somebody from aside manages this organisation; it is not an initiative of those youngsters themselves. J.Pliner, For Human Rights in United Latvia has read about it only in the mass media. If those youngsters are not manipulated with and if they try to achieve their goals with democratic means, it is a good thing. G.Rutkis Deputy Head of Security Police said that they had examined the registration of this organisation and found just some formal violations but concerning the event in Mezaparks, it had turned out opposite to what was stated. Instead of the announced goal to further integration and support Latvias movement towards NATO the event took a completely different direction. asked MPs and security police officers what they thought about the movement Solidarnostj. D.Kudums from FF/LNNK said that from time to time such organisations appeared. It would be god if the goal of such organisations were to make common cause between national minorities and Latvian nation, but Solidarnostj was more likely acting to oppose nations. Dz.Abikis thinks that somebody from aside manages this organisation; it is not an initiative of those youngsters themselves. J.Pliner, For Human Rights in United Latvia has read about it only in the mass media. If those youngsters are not manipulated with and if they try to achieve their goals with democratic means, it is a good thing. G.Rutkis Deputy Head of Security Police said that they had examined the registration of this organisation and found just some formal violations but concerning the event in Mezaparks, it had turned out opposite to what was stated. Instead of the announced goal to further integration and support Latvia’s movement towards NATO the event took a completely different direction. Newspaper

Newspaper Chas has received information that State Enterprise Register addressed Security police with a request to examine the activities of youth movement Solidarnostj. It is possible that after this the movement cold lose its official status. The leader of Solidarnostj I.Stalnoy said that they had nothing to be afraid of and such activities of state authorities proved that they lived under a regime.

Latvian Social Democratic Workers’ Party Chairman J.Bojars was surprised about the statement made by one of Party’s leaders J.Adamsons that Social Democrats would unite with J.Jurkans’s People’s Harmony Party. J.Bojars assured that none of Social Democrats decision taking institutions had discussed such a possibility.

Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party Chairman J.Bojars was surprised about the statement made by one of Partys leaders J.Adamsons that Social Democrats would unite with J.Jurkanss Peoples Harmony Party. J.Bojars assured that none of Social Democrats decision taking institutions had discussed such a possibility. Rigas Balss

Press Report

Riga department of Latvia's Way (LC) in conjunction with the party's faction at the Riga City Council will hold a joint emergency session today in order to decide on demanding resignation of the Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars, LETA was told by the LC press secretary Dace Gulbe. The LC faction at the Riga City Council believes that Bojars' action in accepting placing the monument to Peter I in the night-time was absolutely unacceptable and also points towards totalitarianism. The People's Party and For Fatherland And Freedom/LNNK have also said they are indignant at setting up the monument to the Russian Czar in downtown Riga.

Riga department of Latvia's Way (LC) in conjunction with the party's faction at the Riga City Council will hold a joint emergency session today in order to decide on demanding resignation of the Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars, LETA was told by the LC press secretary Dace Gulbe. The LC faction at the Riga City Council believes that Bojars' action in accepting placing the monument to Peter I in the night-time was absolutely unacceptable and also points towards totalitarianism. The People's Party and For Fatherland And Freedom/LNNK have also said they are indignant at setting up the monument to the Russian Czar in downtown Riga. LETA

Riga Mayor G.Bojars in an interview to the newspaper Panorama Latvii stated that the capital of Latvia Riga needed its own foreign policy. Prime Minister A.Berzins did not find this statement to be acceptable because there should be only one foreign policy – the one realised by the President, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other state institutions. Activities of Social Democrats prove about the change in their foreign policy orientation. In his interview the mayor said that Riga foreign policy would not contradict the national foreign policy, but it should be directed towards the interests of Riga City.

Riga Mayor G.Bojars in an interview to the newspaper Panorama Latvii stated that the capital of Latvia Riga needed its own foreign policy. Prime Minister A.Berzins did not find this statement to be acceptable because there should be only one foreign policy – the one realised by the President, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other state institutions. Activities of Social Democrats prove about the change in their foreign policy orientation. In his interview the mayor said that Riga foreign policy would not contradict the national foreign policy, but it should be directed towards the interests of Riga City. Diena,

More and more residents of Latvia interest about a possibility to repatriate to Russia. Reasons are different but the basic one is their wish to return to the place where they feel at home. Yesterday one repatriate received a financial support for his travel expenses. So far there is no local institution that would officially deal with emigrants. Repatriation Center is working only with Latvians and citizens of Latvia who want to return to Latvia. But with those who want to return to Russia is dealing Russian Federation Migration Service. As representative of this Service T.Slichkova told

More and more residents of Latvia interest about a possibility to repatriate to Russia. Reasons are different but the basic one is their wish to return to the place where they feel at home. Yesterday one repatriate received a financial support for his travel expenses. So far there is no local institution that would officially deal with emigrants. Repatriation Center is working only with Latvians and citizens of Latvia who want to return to Latvia. But with those who want to return to Russia is dealing Russian Federation Migration Service. As representative of this Service T.Slichkova told Rigas Balss journalist that annually about 1.5 to 2 000 people move to Russia. This year even more people have come to their office to get information about possibilities to emigrate. Their number has increased for 1/3. Lauku Avize

On August 17 Prime Minister A.Berzins met with Governor of St.Petersburg V.Jakovlev who arrived with a delegation to Riga 800 festivity. Using this Governor’s visit to Riga Russian President V.Putin sent his greeting to the Latvian government and expresses his pleasant memories about hiss meeting with Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga. During the meeting with the Governor A.Berzins pointed out that good neighbourly relations with Russia was one of Latvian foreign policy priorities and said that Latvia remembered August 24, 1991 when Russia was one the first countries to recognise independence of Latvia. A.Berzins pointed out that it was a good cornerstone to build good relations between those two countries.

On August 17 Prime Minister A.Berzins met with Governor of St.Petersburg V.Jakovlev who arrived with a delegation to Riga 800 festivity. Using this Governors visit to Riga Russian President V.Putin sent his greeting to the Latvian government and expresses his pleasant memories about hiss meeting with Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga. During the meeting with the Governor A.Berzins pointed out that good neighbourly relations with Russia was one of Latvian foreign policy priorities and said that Latvia remembered August 24, 1991 when Russia was one the first countries to recognise independence of Latvia. A.Berzins pointed out that it was a good cornerstone to build good relations between those two countries. Latvijas Vestnesis, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Panorama Latvii,

Russian speaking newspaper

Russian speaking newspaper Vesti Segodnya writes that during the celebration of Riga 800 festivity the authorities had managed to ensure the absolute minimum of the Russian language in the city with 60% of Russian population. And the President was charged with the honorary task to rewrite the history of Riga. During the official reception at the House of Blackheads V.Vike-Freiberga gave a speech full of appraising German – Baltic relations. When speaking about the influence of Baltic Germans the President did not mention the cruel baptising of local people and 700 years of slavery.

Author of a Latvian language textbook for 2nd class Dz.Paegle gives in the texts of this book a definition of KGB officer “USSR KGB officer – spy, interrogator, torturer. Several texts of this book are describing deportations of Latvians. Several Latvian teachers have expressed their concern that such descriptions of deportation atrocities could influence sensitive children and it could endanger integration process – children could associate the term “KGB officer” with all Russians.

Author of a Latvian language textbook for 2nd class Dz.Paegle gives in the texts of this book a definition of KGB officer USSR KGB officer – spy, interrogator, torturer. Several texts of this book are describing deportations of Latvians. Several Latvian teachers have expressed their concern that such descriptions of deportation atrocities could influence sensitive children and it could endanger integration process – children could associate the term KGB officer with all Russians. Vesti Segodnya, Respublika

Press Report

Press Report

Latvia's Prime Minister Andris Berzins and Germany's President Johannes Rau met in Riga on Saturday and discussed the future structure of Europe, noting that the opinions of both on this issue are similar, reported the Latvian Prime Minister's foreign advisor. Germany's president said that "Europe will have no future, if it is formed upon the principles of federalism," reported the Prime Minister. The European Union "must be built as a union of national countries, so that national countries have the chance to implement their own functions," and strictly separate these from central EU functions, the prime minister said of the German president's opinion.

Latvia's Prime Minister Andris Berzins and Germany's President Johannes Rau met in Riga on Saturday and discussed the future structure of Europe, noting that the opinions of both on this issue are similar, reported the Latvian Prime Minister's foreign advisor. Germany's president said that "Europe will have no future, if it is formed upon the principles of federalism," reported the Prime Minister. The European Union "must be built as a union of national countries, so that national countries have the chance to implement their own functions," and strictly separate these from central EU functions, the prime minister said of the German president's opinion. BNS

Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Germany are tied not only by the "Mare Balticum" as countries of the Baltic Sea region, their close and common values, and their common future aims, said Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga addressing the president's of Germany, Estonia and Lithuania at a Luncheon in Riga on Saturday." The Baltic states are ready to take care of our continent's security and stability. We want to join the community of countries with whom we are tied and united in common values. Consequent integration in the European Union and NATO are not only Latvia's, Lithuania's and Estonia’s strategic aims. These issues have become a part of life for

Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Germany are tied not only by the "Mare Balticum" as countries of the Baltic Sea region, their close and common values, and their common future aims, said Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga addressing the president's of Germany, Estonia and Lithuania at a Luncheon in Riga on Saturday." The Baltic states are ready to take care of our continent's security and stability. We want to join the community of countries with whom we are tied and united in common values. Consequent integration in the European Union and NATO are not only Latvia's, Lithuania's and Estonias strategic aims. These issues have become a part of life for

these countries and societies," said Vike-Freiberga, emphasising that only by becoming a member of the EU and NATO will Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia completely be part of the space of security and stability.

these countries and societies," said Vike-Freiberga, emphasising that only by becoming a member of the EU and NATO will Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia completely be part of the space of security and stability. BNS

A number of politicians in Latvia expressed protest on Friday against the actions of the Riga City Council in erecting a renewed statue of Peter the Great, a former Russian Tsar. The statue was placed in a central park in Riga last night, right in front of the Riga Freeport administration building in the canal-side Kronvalda Park. For now it is expected that the statue will stay there for only a couple of days. The state cultural monument protection office claims that the City Council's actions of secretly erecting the statue at night brings shame to the council, planning to request the Riga council explain its actions of placing an "object in the grass", which can't even really be called a statue. Latvia's Prime Minister also claims that the Riga City Council's actions of erecting the statue without consulting the cultural monument protection office as a sign of totalitarianism. The city council's People's Party faction claims that the move is a stately unacceptable decision, claiming that erecting a statue symbolising imperialism is yet another sign of the foreign policy beliefs held by the majority of the Riga City Council. Meanwhile, right-wing for Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK, in coalition with the Latvian Social democratic Workers Party at the Riga council, expressed upset over the actions of the social democrats, and will be deciding on whether to continue Cupertino with the said party. Riga Mayor, Gundars Bojars, is not commenting the accusations made by FF/LNNK until he receives anything official from them.

A number of politicians in Latvia expressed protest on Friday against the actions of the Riga City Council in erecting a renewed statue of Peter the Great, a former Russian Tsar. The statue was placed in a central park in Riga last night, right in front of the Riga Freeport administration building in the canal-side Kronvalda Park. For now it is expected that the statue will stay there for only a couple of days. The state cultural monument protection office claims that the City Council's actions of secretly erecting the statue at night brings shame to the council, planning to request the Riga council explain its actions of placing an "object in the grass", which can't even really be called a statue. Latvia's Prime Minister also claims that the Riga City Council's actions of erecting the statue without consulting the cultural monument protection office as a sign of totalitarianism. The city council's People's Party faction claims that the move is a stately unacceptable decision, claiming that erecting a statue symbolising imperialism is yet another sign of the foreign policy beliefs held by the majority of the Riga City Council. Meanwhile, right-wing for Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK, in coalition with the Latvian Social democratic Workers Party at the Riga council, expressed upset over the actions of the social democrats, and will be deciding on whether to continue Cupertino with the said party. Riga Mayor, Gundars Bojars, is not commenting the accusations made by FF/LNNK until he receives anything official from them. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Panorama Latvii, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The Riga Latgale district court repeatedly refused a request filed by the Matiss Prison administration, asking for an early release of Mihail Farbtuh, an ex-Soviet Partisan sentenced for Genocide in Latvia. The court reported that the case was refused at a court hearing held at the prison. Farbtuh's lawyer is not commenting the refusal and has not said whether he will again appeal. The deputy head of the Prison Board, Aleksandrs Tocelovskis, told BNS that Farbtuh's health is not getting any better, but that such conclusions are for the medics to make. Farbtuh had apparently taken the court decision calmly. Meanwhile, Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars, of the social democrats, claims that attempts at politicising the statue at its current location is "politically short-sighted and foolish."

The Riga Latgale district court repeatedly refused a request filed by the Matiss Prison administration, asking for an early release of Mihail Farbtuh, an ex-Soviet Partisan sentenced for Genocide in Latvia. The court reported that the case was refused at a court hearing held at the prison. Farbtuh's lawyer is not commenting the refusal and has not said whether he will again appeal. The deputy head of the Prison Board, Aleksandrs Tocelovskis, told BNS that Farbtuh's health is not getting any better, but that such conclusions are for the medics to make. Farbtuh had apparently taken the court decision calmly. Meanwhile, Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars, of the social democrats, claims that attempts at politicising the statue at its current location is "politically short-sighted and foolish." BNS, Panorama Latvii

Latvia is interested in seeing itself even higher on Germany's list of foreign policy priorities, said Latvia's Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins upon meeting the German Bundestag's German-Baltic Cupertino group delegation leader Dr. Wolfgang von Stetten in Riga Friday. Latvia's Foreign Ministry reported that the meeting touched upon mutual Cupertino perspectives and Latvia's foreign policy priorities of EU and NATO integration. Berzins spoke of Germany's important role in the implementation

Latvia is interested in seeing itself even higher on Germany's list of foreign policy priorities, said Latvia's Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins upon meeting the German Bundestag's German-Baltic Cupertino group delegation leader Dr. Wolfgang von Stetten in Riga Friday. Latvia's Foreign Ministry reported that the meeting touched upon mutual Cupertino perspectives and Latvia's foreign policy priorities of EU and NATO integration. Berzins spoke of Germany's important role in the implementation

of Latvia's foreign policy targets. Both officials said that Latvian and German bilateral relations are good and are continuing to develop in an active way. Germany is also one of Latvia's main economic partners.

of Latvia's foreign policy targets. Both officials said that Latvian and German bilateral relations are good and are continuing to develop in an active way. Germany is also one of Latvia's main economic partners. BNS

Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and the King of Sweden, Karl Gustav XVI spoke of the Riga 800 anniversary celebrations during their meeting in the Riga Castle Friday, Sweden's King showing great interest in the economy of Latvia. Latvia's presidential spokesperson said that King Karl Gustav was also interested in the Stockholm School of Economics which he opened together with Latvia's former President Guntis Ulmanis, and plans to visit on Friday afternoon. He made a joke in saying that he often participates in the opening of various things, but seldom manages

Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and the King of Sweden, Karl Gustav XVI spoke of the Riga 800 anniversary celebrations during their meeting in the Riga Castle Friday, Sweden's King showing great interest in the economy of Latvia. Latvia's presidential spokesperson said that King Karl Gustav was also interested in the Stockholm School of Economics which he opened together with Latvia's former President Guntis Ulmanis, and plans to visit on Friday afternoon. He made a joke in saying that he often participates in the opening of various things, but seldom manages

to see how they actually function in real life. The two also discussed the effect of globalisation on the economy, especially in relation to Europe. Vike-Freiberga thanked Sweden's royal family for charity they have carried out in Latvia.

to see how they actually function in real life. The two also discussed the effect of globalisation on the economy, especially in relation to Europe. Vike-Freiberga thanked Sweden's royal family for charity they have carried out in Latvia. BNS

Although the opinion expressed by Deputy Chairman of Latvian Social Democratic Workers’ Party J.Adamsons that Social Democrats would unite with People’s Harmony Party, led by J.Jurkans, is not taken seriously either by Social Democrats themselves or Jurkans’s party members, political scientist J.Ikstens thinks that this statement has some grounds. The latest activities of Social Democrats show that they are changing their foreign policy priorities.

Although the opinion expressed by Deputy Chairman of Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party J.Adamsons that Social Democrats would unite with Peoples Harmony Party, led by J.Jurkans, is not taken seriously either by Social Democrats themselves or Jurkanss party members, political scientist J.Ikstens thinks that this statement has some grounds. The latest activities of Social Democrats show that they are changing their foreign policy priorities. Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Panorama Latvii, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

On Tuesday the government changed the procedure of taking the test for persons to be naturalised, stipulating that during the test of Latvian history and Satversme knowledge might be included also question with no multiple choice answers. Deputy Head of Naturalisation Board Methodology and Examination Center L.Danga explained that multiple choice answers would not b e provided for those questions that should be known for sure and providing such multiple answers would not be proper. Naturalisation Board has published a booklet with 100 possible questions from which are formed different test versions with 18 questions.

On Tuesday the government changed the procedure of taking the test for persons to be naturalised, stipulating that during the test of Latvian history and Satversme knowledge might be included also question with no multiple choice answers. Deputy Head of Naturalisation Board Methodology and Examination Center L.Danga explained that multiple choice answers would not b e provided for those questions that should be known for sure and providing such multiple answers would not be proper. Naturalisation Board has published a booklet with 100 possible questions from which are formed different test versions with 18 questions. Lauku Avize

Dr.phil. A.Gutmanis analysis the relations between Latvia and Russia. There are many appearances and many realities there. And these appearances are that these relations are bad, the key to improving them is in Latvia’s hands, etc,. And these appearances are maintained by Moscow and they correspond to Moscow’s foreign policy goals. What are the realities? Latvia is EU and NATO borderstate with Russia. And co-operation in the spheres that correspond to this status is mutually beneficial to both parties; e.g. fighting organised crime, everyday co-operation of borderguards, cross border regional co-operation.

Dr.phil. A.Gutmanis analysis the relations between Latvia and Russia. There are many appearances and many realities there. And these appearances are that these relations are bad, the key to improving them is in Latvias hands, etc,. And these appearances are maintained by Moscow and they correspond to Moscows foreign policy goals. What are the realities? Latvia is EU and NATO borderstate with Russia. And co-operation in the spheres that correspond to this status is mutually beneficial to both parties; e.g. fighting organised crime, everyday co-operation of borderguards, cross border regional co-operation. Neatkariga

Members of Russian National Bolsheviks party published a call to all Russian speakers in Latvia not to participate in Riga 800 festivity in all Russian speaking newspapers. But not all the members support this idea.

Members of Russian National Bolsheviks party published a call to all Russian speakers in Latvia not to participate in Riga 800 festivity in all Russian speaking newspapers. But not all the members support this idea. Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnya

Russian MFA threatened to take counter measures after Latvian MFA refuse entry visa to the Councillor to Moscow City Mayor A.Pereligin. In reality it means that Russia could not issue an entry visa to some Latvian official if it wished so.

Russian MFA threatened to take counter measures after Latvian MFA refuse entry visa to the Councillor to Moscow City Mayor A.Pereligin. In reality it means that Russia could not issue an entry visa to some Latvian official if it wished so. Rigas Balss

 

Press Report

Press Report

Diena

informs about the official ceremony when 61 Riga residents were awarded with the status of citizenship acquired through naturalisation. Diena provides couple lines of the speech by Naturalisation Board head E.Aldermane and impressions of a new Russian family which all members just acquired citizenship. Diena, Neatkariga The issuance of new passports of Latvian citizens and non-citizens has been postponed again. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that it is related to legalisation of the new passports abroad, and the new passports could be available after 1 November.

The issuance of new passports of Latvian citizens and non-citizens has been postponed again. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that it is related to legalisation of the new passports abroad, and the new passports could be available after 1 November. Diena, Neatkariga

FF/LNNK deputy J.Vidinsh has for the second time allocated his personal funds (LVL 250) to provide assistance to the repatriate to Russia. In deputy’s opinion Russian and Latvian authorities if working together could help 200 thousand people to return to their ethnic countries.

FF/LNNK deputy J.Vidinsh has for the second time allocated his personal funds (LVL 250) to provide assistance to the repatriate to Russia. In deputys opinion Russian and Latvian authorities if working together could help 200 thousand people to return to their ethnic countries. Chas

Chas

informs that I.Stalnoy is not going to stop his activities in supporting Russians rights to have education in their own language. Famous lawyer, Latvian Human Rights Committee co-chairperson, Riga City Council deputy G.Kotov has decided to provide his advice to Solidarity on legal issues. And first of all, they will ask Riga City Council officials to give ground for the refusal to organise a picket at Riga City Council. In the opinion of G.Kotov, the already provided explanation is too abstract. informs that I.Stalnoy is not going to stop his activities in supporting Russians rights to have education in their own language. Famous lawyer, Latvian Human Rights Committee co-chairperson, Riga City Council deputy G.Kotov has decided to provide his advice to Solidarity on legal issues. And first of all, they will ask Riga City Council officials to give ground for the refusal to organise a picket at Riga City Council. In the opinion of G.Kotov, the already provided explanation is too abstract.

Chas

talks to Social Democrats deputy chairperson J.Adamsons. His vision of further development of the events in political field in Latvia is that Social Democrats will definitely merge with the Party headed by J.Jurkans, however, it will not occur this or next year. In the opinion of J.Adamsons, peoples attention to political problems are drawn intentionally, as while people are picketing against one state language or education in Latvian, it is possible to carry out secret privatisation of state property. J.Adamson says that Social Democrats will gain the majority of votes at 8th Saeima election, but absolute victory they will have at 9th Saeima election. talks to Social Democrats deputy chairperson J.Adamsons. His vision of further development of the events in political field in Latvia is that Social Democrats will definitely merge with the Party headed by J.Jurkans, however, it will not occur this or next year. In the opinion of J.Adamsons, people’s attention to political problems are drawn intentionally, as “while people are picketing against one state language or education in Latvian, it is possible to carry out secret privatisation of state property”. J.Adamson says that Social Democrats will gain the majority of votes at 8th Saeima election, but absolute victory they will have at 9th Saeima election.

Respublika

re-prints the article from Russias newspaper re-prints the article from Russia’s newspaper Nezavisimaja GazetaNezavisimaja Gazeta about Russias relations with its compatriots residing abroad. The journalist writes that nowadays to be Russian compatriot is not always of honour and never profitable. For example, Russian anti-fascists are at Latvian court. Further in the article the journalist looks at the problems which Russia has in providing assistance to its compatriots. about Russia’s relations with its compatriots residing abroad. The journalist writes that “nowadays to be Russian compatriot is not always of honour and never profitable. For example, Russian anti-fascists are at Latvian court”. Further in the article the journalist looks at the problems which Russia has in providing assistance to its compatriots.

Press Report

Press Report

Latvian-Russian relations are "normal" but Latvia still has not solved some problems of concern to Russia such as treatment of non-citizens, said Russian ambassador to Latvia, Igor Studennikov. After the meeting with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins on Wednesday, Studennikov told reporters that Latvia had failed to improve the situation of non-citizens and to simplify naturalisation procedures. "On one hand, positive decisions have been made, such as lowering the naturalisation fee and recognition of Grade 9 Latvian language exam results valid for the naturalisation tests, .... On the other hand, ... the oral history exam was replaced by a written and more difficult test," said the Russian ambassador. At the talks with the Latvian premier, Studennikov pointed out the need to pay more attention to social and humanitarian issues, to step up co-operation between Russian and Latvian education ministries as regards mutual recognition of university diplomas, reported the premier's press service. When talking to the Russian ambassador, Berzins said that Latvia submitted lists of burial sites required to draft an agreement about cemeteries in May 1999 while no such documents from Russia have been received to date. Berzins and Studennikov also discussed the possibility to open a Latvian consulate in Russia's Baltic enclave of Kaliningrad. Such consulate could be opened in the nearest future as soon as all formalities are settled by the governments of both countries, reported the Latvian premier's press service. The Latvian premier and Russian ambassador agreed that bilateral relations were developing along positive lines, especially in economic co-operation. Many issues will be solved if the Latvian-Russian intergovernmental commission steps up its activities. Diena, Lauku Avize, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

Latvian-Russian relations are "normal" but Latvia still has not solved some problems of concern to Russia such as treatment of non-citizens, said Russian ambassador to Latvia, Igor Studennikov. After the meeting with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins on Wednesday, Studennikov told reporters that Latvia had failed to improve the situation of non-citizens and to simplify naturalisation procedures. "On one hand, positive decisions have been made, such as lowering the naturalisation fee and recognition of Grade 9 Latvian language exam results valid for the naturalisation tests, .... On the other hand, ... the oral history exam was replaced by a written and more difficult test," said the Russian ambassador. At the talks with the Latvian premier, Studennikov pointed out the need to pay more attention to social and humanitarian issues, to step up co-operation between Russian and Latvian education ministries as regards mutual recognition of university diplomas, reported the premier's press service. When talking to the Russian ambassador, Berzins said that Latvia submitted lists of burial sites required to draft an agreement about cemeteries in May 1999 while no such documents from Russia have been received to date. Berzins and Studennikov also discussed the possibility to open a Latvian consulate in Russia's Baltic enclave of Kaliningrad. Such consulate could be opened in the nearest future as soon as all formalities are settled by the governments of both countries, reported the Latvian premier's press service. The Latvian premier and Russian ambassador agreed that bilateral relations were developing along positive lines, especially in economic co-operation. Many issues will be solved if the Latvian-Russian intergovernmental commission steps up its activities. Diena, Lauku Avize, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

The Moscow City delegation cancelled its visit after one of the delegation members, Alexander Perelygin, was refused a visa on grounds of a previous refusal last November, deeming him persona non grata for entry to Latvia. Latvia's Prime Minister Andris Berzins has said that the Moscow delegation's cancellation was a rash. Berzins said that Latvia has always been interested in good relations with its neighbours, and that an important corner stone of such relations is co-operation between capital cities. He also emphasised that good neighbourly relations is one of Latvia's foreign policy priorities and that Latvia has always expressed readiness for constructive dialogue with its neighbours, including Russia. Government coalition party Latvian Way parliament faction chairwoman Kristiana Libane told BNS that it is hard to speak of the influence of this fact, as there has been no such precedent case, but said that as Riga has had no such co-operative agreement with any Russian city, "therefore we will live as we have until now." People's Party Riga City Council faction leader, Edmunds Krastins, said that the cancellation of the Moscow delegation's visit would not effect Riga-Moscow or Latvian-Russian relations, adding that "they will stay as they are." For Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK parliament faction chairman, Vents Balodis, told BNS that such action is a political act on Moscow's behalf, emphasising that if one is not permitted entrance, then the rest will not come either. Chairman of the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party, Juris Bojars told that the refusal to issue a visa to Perelygin is yet another foolishness and even provocation aimed against the social democrats, as it is the social democrats working towards improving relations between Riga and Moscow. Left-wing union For Human Rights in a United Latvia parliament faction chairman, Janis Jurkans, told BNS that the government, by refusing a visa to one of the delegation members, new that the rest would not come either. Jurkans believes that this could have a bad effect on mutual relations. Riga City Mayor Gundars Bojars is worried that the Moscow delegation's cancellation could threat co-operation between Riga and Moscow. The Riga City Council received an official cancellation from Moscow on Wednesday announcing that the Moscow City Council delegation will not beattending the Riga 800 anniversary celebrations this weekend after a visa rejection for Moscow Mayor Advisor, Alexander Perelygin. Latvia's Foreign Ministry has urged the Moscow City Council to review the cancellation of its delegation attending the Riga 800 anniversary celebrations, emphasising that the visa refusal for a Moscow Mayor advisor, Alexander Perelygin, is neither a political, nor nationalistic gesture. Latvia's Foreign Ministry state secretary Maris Riekstins told that "This [Moscow] reaction is very emotional and we would urge it be reviewed and, nevertheless, attend the events." Riekstins emphasised that the decision to refuse Perelygin a visa was "according to Latvia's regulating documents" and is "in no way" related to co-operation between Riga and Moscow, which is supported by the Foreign Ministry.

The Moscow City delegation cancelled its visit after one of the delegation members, Alexander Perelygin, was refused a visa on grounds of a previous refusal last November, deeming him persona non grata for entry to Latvia. Latvia's Prime Minister Andris Berzins has said that the Moscow delegation's cancellation was a rash. Berzins said that Latvia has always been interested in good relations with its neighbours, and that an important corner stone of such relations is co-operation between capital cities. He also emphasised that good neighbourly relations is one of Latvia's foreign policy priorities and that Latvia has always expressed readiness for constructive dialogue with its neighbours, including Russia. Government coalition party Latvian Way parliament faction chairwoman Kristiana Libane told BNS that it is hard to speak of the influence of this fact, as there has been no such precedent case, but said that as Riga has had no such co-operative agreement with any Russian city, "therefore we will live as we have until now." People's Party Riga City Council faction leader, Edmunds Krastins, said that the cancellation of the Moscow delegation's visit would not effect Riga-Moscow or Latvian-Russian relations, adding that "they will stay as they are." For Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK parliament faction chairman, Vents Balodis, told BNS that such action is a political act on Moscow's behalf, emphasising that if one is not permitted entrance, then the rest will not come either. Chairman of the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party, Juris Bojars told that the refusal to issue a visa to Perelygin is yet another foolishness and even provocation aimed against the social democrats, as it is the social democrats working towards improving relations between Riga and Moscow. Left-wing union For Human Rights in a United Latvia parliament faction chairman, Janis Jurkans, told BNS that the government, by refusing a visa to one of the delegation members, new that the rest would not come either. Jurkans believes that this could have a bad effect on mutual relations. Riga City Mayor Gundars Bojars is worried that the Moscow delegation's cancellation could threat co-operation between Riga and Moscow. The Riga City Council received an official cancellation from Moscow on Wednesday announcing that the Moscow City Council delegation will not beattending the Riga 800 anniversary celebrations this weekend after a visa rejection for Moscow Mayor Advisor, Alexander Perelygin. Latvia's Foreign Ministry has urged the Moscow City Council to review the cancellation of its delegation attending the Riga 800 anniversary celebrations, emphasising that the visa refusal for a Moscow Mayor advisor, Alexander Perelygin, is neither a political, nor nationalistic gesture. Latvia's Foreign Ministry state secretary Maris Riekstins told that "This [Moscow] reaction is very emotional and we would urge it be reviewed and, nevertheless, attend the events." Riekstins emphasised that the decision to refuse Perelygin a visa was "according to Latvia's regulating documents" and is "in no way" related to co-operation between Riga and Moscow, which is supported by the Foreign Ministry. Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Rigas Balss, Jauna, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

In comparison to June in July the number of applications to receive citizenship through naturalisation has grown – 386 applications in June and 636 in July. Naturalisation Board explains that with summer time, as well as already in spring there were rumours that the state fee for naturalisation would be lowered, so people just waited.

Diena, Respublika

Chas

editorial looks at the issue concerning transfer of secondary education of national minorities to the state language in 2004. In his opinion, Latvian mass media either does not provide any information about this problem or gives a totally wrong picture. Chas columnist L.Fedoseyev writes first of all, Latvians themselves should be against this change in 2004, as then it could occur that, for example, in Daugavpils in the class of 30 pupils only 5 of them are Latvians, because non-Latvians usually live very compactly. editorial looks at the issue concerning transfer of secondary education of national minorities to the state language in 2004. In his opinion, Latvian mass media either does not provide any information about this problem or gives a totally wrong picture. Chas columnist L.Fedoseyev writes “first of all, Latvians themselves should be against this change in 2004, as then it could occur that, for example, in Daugavpils in the class of 30 pupils only 5 of them are Latvians, because non-Latvians usually live very compactly”.

Respublika

provides some excerpts of the article What to Do With the New Russia by H.Kissinger published in provides some excerpts of the article “What to Do With the New Russia” by H.Kissinger published in Washington Post.Washington Post. Kissinger looks at Russian American relations from the perspective of NATO expansion to the Baltic countries. Kissinger looks at Russian American relations from the perspective of NATO expansion to the Baltic countries.