Press Review

Press Review

According to the data of the Social Research Centre 48% of all Latvian citizens, when asked about their opinion about a referendum on the amendments to the Law on Citizenship, think a national voting is necessary, 31% do not agree with this idea and 16.1% have not made their minds. Among the supporters 52.8% are Latvians and 36.4% non-Latvians. If there were a referendum, the greatest activity would be in Riga - 56.6%, the least - in Zemgale - 42.6%.

According to the data of the Social Research Centre 48% of all Latvian citizens, when asked about their opinion about a referendum on the amendments to the Law on Citizenship, think a national voting is necessary, 31% do not agree with this idea and 16.1% have not made their minds. Among the supporters 52.8% are Latvians and 36.4% non-Latvians. If there were a referendum, the greatest activity would be in Riga - 56.6%, the least - in Zemgale - 42.6%. Diena

It seems possible that UNDP could stop its financial support to the NHRO. A UNDP representative neither confirmed nor affirmed this information and said that there would be no comments until the Head of the UNDP J.Sorensen were back from his vacation. NHRO Director O.Bruveris told

It seems possible that UNDP could stop its financial support to the NHRO. A UNDP representative neither confirmed nor affirmed this information and said that there would be no comments until the Head of the UNDP J.Sorensen were back from his vacation. NHRO Director O.Bruveris told Neatkariga that he had no information about such a decision, but he would not be surprised if there were one. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs announced yesterday that Russia’s reproaches about Latvia starting a unilateral demarcation of its Eastern border did not correspond to the truth: according to Latvian - Russian border delimitation maps, Russia was the first to install the first boundary post, thus starting a unilateral demarcation of its border. The Minister wanted to stress once more that the announcement on a unilateral border demarcation should be understood not as an immediate start of the process but as a consideration of such a possibility. At the same time MFA had requested Byelorussia to renew talks on establishing a demarcation border between those two countries.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs announced yesterday that Russias reproaches about Latvia starting a unilateral demarcation of its Eastern border did not correspond to the truth: according to Latvian - Russian border delimitation maps, Russia was the first to install the first boundary post, thus starting a unilateral demarcation of its border. The Minister wanted to stress once more that the announcement on a unilateral border demarcation should be understood not as an immediate start of the process but as a consideration of such a possibility. At the same time MFA had requested Byelorussia to renew talks on establishing a demarcation border between those two countries. Neatkariga, SM, Bizness & Baltiya

EU and the USA have achieved a compromise in their different approach to liberalisation of audio - visual market that was an obstacle to Latvia’s joining the World Trade Organisation. Therefore it is planned that Latvia would be accepted to WTO on October 14.

EU and the USA have achieved a compromise in their different approach to liberalisation of audio - visual market that was an obstacle to Latvias joining the World Trade Organisation. Therefore it is planned that Latvia would be accepted to WTO on October 14. Neatkariga, Diena, Bizness & Baltiya

About 70% of Russian military pensioners or their widows, residing in Latvia, have not received their pensions for July,

About 70% of Russian military pensioners or their widows, residing in Latvia, have not received their pensions for July, Diena was informed by O.Shchepkin, the Chairman of Liepaja branch of the Association of Military pensioners. There are about 20 000 people that would have to receive monthly pensions from the budget of Russia. In July only pensioners residing in Jelgava Region and Riga City Centre Region have received their pensions, there was no money for the rest. Diena

One year after the law on the status of a refugee was adopted in Lithuania, fifteen persons have received such a status. From nine present refugees, five are from Afghanistan, two - from Iraq, one from Russian and one is a stateless person. This year the Migration Department has received 77 applications with a request for a refugee status, last year there were 186 applications, and 59 have already been considered by the Interior Ministry.

One year after the law on the status of a refugee was adopted in Lithuania, fifteen persons have received such a status. From nine present refugees, five are from Afghanistan, two - from Iraq, one from Russian and one is a stateless person. This year the Migration Department has received 77 applications with a request for a refugee status, last year there were 186 applications, and 59 have already been considered by the Interior Ministry. Diena

Latvian President G.Ulmanis is leaving for the Crimea tomorrow to celebrate the 60th anniversary of his Ukrainian colleague L.Kuchma. During the celebration both officials will have discussions, the topics of which are not made public.

Latvian President G.Ulmanis is leaving for the Crimea tomorrow to celebrate the 60th anniversary of his Ukrainian colleague L.Kuchma. During the celebration both officials will have discussions, the topics of which are not made public. Bizness & Baltiya

Press Review

Press Review

About thirty young members of Russian Liberal Democratic Party hold a picket at the Latvian Embassy in Moscow. They did not burn a Latvian flag there as they had promised before, but at their headquarters afterwards.

About thirty young members of Russian Liberal Democratic Party hold a picket at the Latvian Embassy in Moscow. They did not burn a Latvian flag there as they had promised before, but at their headquarters afterwards. Neatkariga, Diena, SM

Tuesday was the last day for parties to submit their candidate lists for the Saeima elections. Central Election Commission has received altogether 21 lists, but the number of lists accepted will be known only after CEC today’s meeting.

Tuesday was the last day for parties to submit their candidate lists for the Saeima elections. Central Election Commission has received altogether 21 lists, but the number of lists accepted will be known only after CEC todays meeting. Neatkariga, Diena

At the meeting of Co-operation Council (CC) of the government forming factions it was decided that the question of NHRO Director O.Bruveris conformity to his post would be considered at the next CC meeting.

At the meeting of Co-operation Council (CC) of the government forming factions it was decided that the question of NHRO Director O.Bruveris conformity to his post would be considered at the next CC meeting. Neatkariga

The government forming factions agreed that they supported joining of the new coalition faction to the government coalition and that representatives of this faction would participate in the government activities. Prime Minister G.Krasts said after the CC meeting that such an agreement was achieved last week and the new coalition member would not claim any minister’s post.

The government forming factions agreed that they supported joining of the new coalition faction to the government coalition and that representatives of this faction would participate in the government activities. Prime Minister G.Krasts said after the CC meeting that such an agreement was achieved last week and the new coalition member would not claim any ministers post. Neatkariga

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs announced that Latvia would not give up its intention to demarcate one unilaterally the Latvian - Russian border. The Minister pointed out that Latvia had fulfilled many Russian demands - amendments to the Law on Citizenship among them. Therefore Latvia was not guilty for not signing this border agreement.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs announced that Latvia would not give up its intention to demarcate one unilaterally the Latvian - Russian border. The Minister pointed out that Latvia had fulfilled many Russian demands - amendments to the Law on Citizenship among them. Therefore Latvia was not guilty for not signing this border agreement. Jauna Avize, Neatkariga, Chas, Bizness & Baltiya

Diena publishes also A.Ozolins’scomments on the Russian position in this respect.

Diena publishes also A.Ozolinsscomments on the Russian position in this respect.

According to the data of a sociological research only six parties would overcome 5% barrier if the election to the Saeima were held in the nearest future. They are -

According to the data of a sociological research only six parties would overcome 5% barrier if the election to the Saeima were held in the nearest future. They are - Peoples Party (20.3%), Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK (15.2%), Union of Latvian Social Democrats 1(0.5%), Latvijas Cels (8.2), New Party (7.5%), Democratic Party Saimnieks (5.3%). Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

In its column “Citizenship” Russian version of

In its column Citizenship Russian version of Diena writes about Valerija Rode, a Latvian non-citizen, eligible for naturalisation because of her husband, a Latvian citizen, but she refuses it till the time when the same right would be granted to her relatives - mother and brother.

Panorama Latvii

informs about the Latvian language courses for unemployed women, organised by the Club of Business Women. These courses are free of charge because the money for organising them comes from the Finnish Embassy. informs about the Latvian language courses for unemployed women, organised by the Club of Business Women. These courses are free of charge because the money for organising them comes from the Finnish Embassy.

Press Review

Press Review

V.Rahmanin, official representative of Russian MFA announced yesterday that Russia called Latvia to give up one sided demarcation of its border. He said that the dialogue on concluding Latvian - Russian border agreement would be continued, but it was necessary for Latvia to give up one-sided border demarcation and solve Russian speakers’ problems in accordance with international norms by reconsidering the Law on Citizenship and restrictions to hold certain posts for persons not knowing the state language. V.Rahmanin explained that the border agreement had not been signed due to the Latvian party because it had not retracted its demand to mention Latvian - Russian peace treaty of 1920 in this agreement. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs announced yesterday that Latvia was ready to sing the agreement, establish a demarcation commission and start a joined demarcation of the border with Russia.

V.Rahmanin, official representative of Russian MFA announced yesterday that Russia called Latvia to give up one sided demarcation of its border. He said that the dialogue on concluding Latvian - Russian border agreement would be continued, but it was necessary for Latvia to give up one-sided border demarcation and solve Russian speakers problems in accordance with international norms by reconsidering the Law on Citizenship and restrictions to hold certain posts for persons not knowing the state language. V.Rahmanin explained that the border agreement had not been signed due to the Latvian party because it had not retracted its demand to mention Latvian - Russian peace treaty of 1920 in this agreement. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs announced yesterday that Latvia was ready to sing the agreement, establish a demarcation commission and start a joined demarcation of the border with Russia. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

Representatives of The Youth Initiative Support Centre held a picket at the Latvian Embassy in Moscow demanding to stop genocide of Russian speakers in Latvia. One of the leaders of the Centre explained that this picket was not connected with any particular fact of genocide.

Representatives of The Youth Initiative Support Centre held a picket at the Latvian Embassy in Moscow demanding to stop genocide of Russian speakers in Latvia. One of the leaders of the Centre explained that this picket was not connected with any particular fact of genocide. Neatkariga, Diena, Chas

Latvian State Minister o Municipalities Affairs J.Bunkss, who is also leading the working group on solving Valka - Valga problem, said that Latvian party did not see any reason why a treaty on a simplified border crossing for people living next to the border could not be signed in September. Now there are two problems to be solved: one - social guaranties for residents of Savieniba Street; second - establishing a border crossing point on this street.

Latvian State Minister o Municipalities Affairs J.Bunkss, who is also leading the working group on solving Valka - Valga problem, said that Latvian party did not see any reason why a treaty on a simplified border crossing for people living next to the border could not be signed in September. Now there are two problems to be solved: one - social guaranties for residents of Savieniba Street; second - establishing a border crossing point on this street. Neatkariga

More than 20 000 signatures for the proposal have been collected till the beginning of this week. There are no data about the weekend, but the activity of people has increased during this time.

More than 20 000 signatures for the proposal have been collected till the beginning of this week. There are no data about the weekend, but the activity of people has increased during this time. Neatkariga, Diena

Director of the Consular Department of Latvian MFA S.Mellupe told

Director of the Consular Department of Latvian MFA S.Mellupe told Diena that German experts have introduced them with drawbacks of Latvian passports in connection with the possible introduction of no visa agreement with Germany. The main problem is with the first page of a passport and the photo. The photo is glued in but not scanned and therefor it can be exchanged. There are not so many forged passports discovers yet, but when the no visa agreement is signed with Germany, security of such a travel document will be very important because it allows you to travel freely in all Europe. Deputy Director of DCMA A.J.Lejins explained why Latvian passports were like this. When a tender on printing these passports was announced, Latvia had no experience, and the main criteria was cheapens. S.Mellupe informs that the Cabinet of Ministers has affirmed a working group that has to prepare terms of an international tender for passport printing firms. Still both those officials stress that there is no reason to worry that all citizens will be forced to exchange their passports. People holding passports issued for 50 years and who do not plan to go abroad will not need to exchange their passports. At least, is planned so. And there is no plan to exchange non-citizens passports. Diena

Press Report

The President of Finland M.Ahtisari has arrived to an unofficial visit to Latvia. During the meeting with his Latvian colleague, M.Ahtisari also said that neither EU nor Finland would put forward any new demands concerning citizenship issue and expressed his hope that the adopted law giving possibilities for faster integration of non-Latvians in the society would come into force soon.

The President of Finland M.Ahtisari has arrived to an unofficial visit to Latvia. During the meeting with his Latvian colleague, M.Ahtisari also said that neither EU nor Finland would put forward any new demands concerning citizenship issue and expressed his hope that the adopted law giving possibilities for faster integration of non-Latvians in the society would come into force soon. Diena, Jauna Avize, Bizness & Baltiya

Professor I.Lazovskis continues his dialogue with M.Ozolins and explains in

Professor I.Lazovskis continues his dialogue with M.Ozolins and explains in Diena his position on the amendments to the Law on Citizenship. The real situation on Latvia according to I.Lazovskis is as follows - Latvia has expressed its wish to join EU that demands to observe its regulations; the Saeima has adopted a law allowing to grant Latvian citizenship to the children of non-citizens, born after August 1991 without taking a language knowledge test; the question itself to be answered in a public referendum is not known yet. There are two ways to proceed - first is the referendum, it will make the way to EU longer, second - if there is no referendum or the vote leaves the adopted amendments as they are, there is still a solution it would only demand co-ordinated efforts of specialists from education and other fields to establish a system ensuring mastering of the Latvian language at school. Diena

Galina Boicuk from Aluksne has dared to sue the head of the local DCMA office S.Redmanis for her double illegal deportation from the country. While Galena litigated to annul both decrees of deportation and finally won, she could neither find a job, nor receive children and unemployment benefits, as well as had to pay extra for medical services, etc. The defended himself did not arrive for the hearing, a lawyer from the central DCMA office came instead. Tis lawyer managed to prove that the application was not filled in correctly - S.Redmanis was treated as a juridical person but should be as a physical person instead. The court took a decision to postpone the hearing and ask I.Redmanis to arrive to it as a physical person.

Galina Boicuk from Aluksne has dared to sue the head of the local DCMA office S.Redmanis for her double illegal deportation from the country. While Galena litigated to annul both decrees of deportation and finally won, she could neither find a job, nor receive children and unemployment benefits, as well as had to pay extra for medical services, etc. The defended himself did not arrive for the hearing, a lawyer from the central DCMA office came instead. Tis lawyer managed to prove that the application was not filled in correctly - S.Redmanis was treated as a juridical person but should be as a physical person instead. The court took a decision to postpone the hearing and ask I.Redmanis to arrive to it as a physical person. Panorama Latvii

Press Review

On the eleventh day of the signature collection campaign, according to

On the eleventh day of the signature collection campaign, according to Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK data, more than 16 000 signatures have been collected, half of them in Riga. The Head of TB Co-ordination Centre J.Bernans informed that activity of people had increased just during the last days. But they have also received four threat calls. Russian speaking people had called, cursed Latvians and threatened all with the stamp of signing for the proposal would be sent to Siberia. Representatives of TB/LNNK Minister of Justice Dz.Rasnacs, State Secretary V.Jaksons and Prime Ministers Councillor I.Vaidere signed for the proposal publicly in Maza Gilde Maybe to agitate the rest with their example. Latvian Socialist Democratic Workers Party (LSDWP) joined the campaign yesterday by circulating an announcement calling people to express their opinion by participation in this procedure. Neatkariga, SM, Chas

Latvian MFA informs that, starting from August 10, residents of Latvia do not need a visa for going to Malta. The agreement on this was signed on April 15, 1998.

Latvian MFA informs that, starting from August 10, residents of Latvia do not need a visa for going to Malta. The agreement on this was signed on April 15, 1998. Neatkariga

The Mayor of Moscow J.Luzhkov called B.Jeltsin and other political forces to support A.Rubikss pre-election block. This block is the only force that continues fighting for observation of basic human rights disregarding national or ethnic belonging.

SM, Panorama Latvii.

Jauna Avize

makes a conclusion that taking into consideration the position of the Mayor, Rubikss block has guaranteed possibilities to receive unlimited financing for election campaign from Russia. makes a conclusion that taking into consideration the position of the Mayor, Rubiks’s block has guaranteed possibilities to receive unlimited financing for election campaign from Russia.

Jauna Avize

describes the situation with illegal immigrants in Latvia. According to statistics during the first half of this year 690 illegal immigrants were detained. 331 of them are put into an isolation ward, 161 - expelled from Latvia. Majority of the last - expelled to Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Pakistan. NHRO Director proposed to issue illegal immigrants TRPs that would legalise their status in Latvia till the time all formalities were drawn up to carry out their expulsion. The administration of the immigration police announced that they were busy with preparing a draft law that would solve many problems concerning illegal immigration. describes the situation with illegal immigrants in Latvia. According to statistics during the first half of this year 690 illegal immigrants were detained. 331 of them are put into an isolation ward, 161 - expelled from Latvia. Majority of the last - expelled to Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Pakistan. NHRO Director proposed to issue illegal immigrants TRPs that would legalise their status in Latvia till the time all formalities were drawn up to carry out their expulsion. The administration of the immigration police announced that they were busy with preparing a draft law that would solve many problems concerning illegal immigration. The President of Latvia G.Ulmanis publishes his opinion on the amendments to the Law on Citizenship and the proposal for a referendum. He has a very high opinion on the work done by MPs in preparation of these amendments but he also recognises that collection of signatures to be a democratic force and an attempt of a dialogue with the society.

The President of Latvia G.Ulmanis publishes his opinion on the amendments to the Law on Citizenship and the proposal for a referendum. He has a very high opinion on the work done by MPs in preparation of these amendments but he also recognises that collection of signatures to be a democratic force and an attempt of a dialogue with the society. Chas

Latvian Minister of Communications V.Kristopans announced that Latvia had to warm up its relations with Russia otherwise realisation of some projects would be started without Latvia.

Latvian Minister of Communications V.Kristopans announced that Latvia had to warm up its relations with Russia otherwise realisation of some projects would be started without Latvia. Bizness & Baltiya