Press Report

Press Report

Latvia's eastern border will become the European Union's border after Latvia joins, and this is when Latvia's relations with Russia could improve, said Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga at the opening of the new Aizgarsa border crossing to Russia on Wednesday. "We also want to have our border agreement with Russia signed, so that the work carried out by the inter-governmental commission go ahead and that we may lawfully and in a legally suitable way put order to our relations with the large neighbor," said Vike-Freiberga. "...the border is a dividing line between our two sovereign countries, and it is important that we may be able to physically mark the borderline in nature, at the point where one country starts and where the next," she added.

Latvia's eastern border will become the European Union's border after Latvia joins, and this is when Latvia's relations with Russia could improve, said Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga at the opening of the new Aizgarsa border crossing to Russia on Wednesday. "We also want to have our border agreement with Russia signed, so that the work carried out by the inter-governmental commission go ahead and that we may lawfully and in a legally suitable way put order to our relations with the large neighbor," said Vike-Freiberga. "...the border is a dividing line between our two sovereign countries, and it is important that we may be able to physically mark the borderline in nature, at the point where one country starts and where the next," she added. BNS, Respublika, LETA

A Moscow City executive, declared by Latvia as persona non grata in last November, is on the official list of Moscow delegation visitors for coming to Riga in mid-August for celebration of the Latvian capital's 800th anniversary. The list is currently being checked by the Foreign Ministry. The Riga mayor's foreign advisor said that Alexander Perelygin, a Moscow mayor advisor banned from entering Latvia for one year will more likely be in than out of the list of Moscow visitors, he also said that he sees no problem in including Perelygin on the list, because "if that is the wish of Moscow, we [the Riga City Council] have no right to change it."

A Moscow City executive, declared by Latvia as persona non grata in last November, is on the official list of Moscow delegation visitors for coming to Riga in mid-August for celebration of the Latvian capital's 800th anniversary. The list is currently being checked by the Foreign Ministry. The Riga mayor's foreign advisor said that Alexander Perelygin, a Moscow mayor advisor banned from entering Latvia for one year will more likely be in than out of the list of Moscow visitors, he also said that he sees no problem in including Perelygin on the list, because "if that is the wish of Moscow, we [the Riga City Council] have no right to change it." BNS

Vesti Segodnya, answering to the accusations from newspaper Diena to Russian MFA for not giving a visa to its correspondent A.Klimovics, writes that a similar list of persons non-grata exists in Latvia and there are included 6 journalists from Russia. Director of Department on Control on Status of Persons J.Rudzats refused the give these names, just explained this fact with an argument that activities of those persons had been directed against Latvia and its independence. Along with journalists in the list there are names of Russian politicians, e.g. MPs V.Alksnis, G.Zyuganov, V.Zhirinovsky, etc.

A popular newspaper in Russia, the

A popular newspaper in Russia, the Moskovsky Komsomolets (MK), is presenting its MK-Baltija paper in the center of Riga on Wednesday with participation of Latvian and Russian pop stars. MK reports that the project's Latvian partners are Petit publishing and TEM TV. Another of the roughly 10 Russian language newspapers in Latvia will be publishing the "Hottest news from Latvia and Russia." BNS

The President of the Bank of Latvia, Einars Repse, does not rule out the possibility of him getting involved in politics. On Wednesday Repse said in press conference that it was still too early to speak of anything specific, but it was a possibility. "Seeing things that take place around me, I of course sometimes acquire a great will to do something myself for the good of the country, but I must say that this is a serious and complicated enough issue," said Repse.

The President of the Bank of Latvia, Einars Repse, does not rule out the possibility of him getting involved in politics. On Wednesday Repse said in press conference that it was still too early to speak of anything specific, but it was a possibility. "Seeing things that take place around me, I of course sometimes acquire a great will to do something myself for the good of the country, but I must say that this is a serious and complicated enough issue," said Repse. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Respublika, Chas

Russian President Vladimir Putin recognizes problematic status of ethnic Russians in Latvia, he said in a letter to a Russian-speaking Latvian resident. "I see it a very important task to pay attention to our compatriots, former Soviet citizens. I am well aware that they have enough problems, especially in the Baltic States," wrote Putin. "It is inadmissible to let these people feel abandoned, forgotten. I am sure that it is Russia's obligation to take a firm stand to protect their legal rights and interests," said the Russian president. Putin's letter was handed over to the addressee, Ludmila Avanesova, by Russian ambassador in Latvia. It was the Russian president's response to the message Avanesova, now a resident of Latvia, sent him on the Victory Day marked in Russia on May 9 as the end of the World War Two.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recognizes problematic status of ethnic Russians in Latvia, he said in a letter to a Russian-speaking Latvian resident. "I see it a very important task to pay attention to our compatriots, former Soviet citizens. I am well aware that they have enough problems, especially in the Baltic States," wrote Putin. "It is inadmissible to let these people feel abandoned, forgotten. I am sure that it is Russia's obligation to take a firm stand to protect their legal rights and interests," said the Russian president. Putin's letter was handed over to the addressee, Ludmila Avanesova, by Russian ambassador in Latvia. It was the Russian president's response to the message Avanesova, now a resident of Latvia, sent him on the Victory Day marked in Russia on May 9 as the end of the World War Two. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Respublika, Panorama Latvii, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Changes in Latvia's Permanent Mission to the United Nations and the recalling of Ambassador Janis Priedkalns from the post has occurred in accordance with a Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs decision,

Changes in Latvia's Permanent Mission to the United Nations and the recalling of Ambassador Janis Priedkalns from the post has occurred in accordance with a Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs decision, LETA was told by the president's press secretary Aiva Rozenberga. According to Rozenberga, President Vike-Freiberga has approved the decision. The changes have been made according to the existing rotation system and "how this is done, is a matter for the foreign ministry", said Rozenberga. Priedkalns, who was the TB/LNNK candidate for president in 1999, left the post in May, ending his service as U.N. ambassador ahead of schedule, and his work in Latvia's diplomatic corps altogether. Foreign Ministry Press Secretary Vilmars Henins declined to comment to LETA on the reasons why Priedkalns left his post before his term of duty was up. LETA, Diena

Riga City Mayor G.Bojars, opposite to the opinion of People’s Party faction, considers it to be unnecessary to consider the Riga – Moscow daft co-operation agreement at Council commissions because it has been considered at all party factions, and MFA has submitted it commentary on this agreement. The Mayor said that in the nearest future Riga City Council would establish a working group to specify the agreement text, and it could be signed in autumn.

Riga City Mayor G.Bojars, opposite to the opinion of Peoples Party faction, considers it to be unnecessary to consider the Riga – Moscow daft co-operation agreement at Council commissions because it has been considered at all party factions, and MFA has submitted it commentary on this agreement. The Mayor said that in the nearest future Riga City Council would establish a working group to specify the agreement text, and it could be signed in autumn. Diena. Lauku Avize

Chairman of Latvian National Soldiers Society N.Romanovskis sent a letter to the Satversme Security Office with a request to evaluate the publication of August 4 in newspaper

Chas about the third get-together of Latvian legionnaires. Latvian national soldiers see this publication as a regular attempt to kindle hatred against them. Lauku Avize

With his campaign to protect Russian schools the leader of youth movement Solidarnostj I.Stalnoy has attracted the interest of State Security Police. Security policemen called him on his mobile phone and offered to have a meeting somewhere in Old Riga. At the same time Riga City Council representative Tralmaks accused the movement Solidarity for different violations during their organized event in Mezaparks. The Council wants to fine Solidarnostj for the fact that to the event arrived ten times more people than it was announced, second violation was that there were given speeches but not only a concert. I.Stalnoy had answers to all of these accusations. Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnya

The Russian television KST today will broadcast an interview with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga on the program "Formula for Power" at 10.45 p.m. this night. As LETA was informed by the press secretary of the president, Aiva Rozenberga, the Russian program has already interviewed the presidents of Chechnya, Finland and other countries. In the interview with Vike-Freiberga, Russian reporters were interested in events in her life, and her stance on Latvian-Russian economic and political relations. LETA

Press Report

Press Report

Former U.S. administration's NATO enlargement coordinator Ronald D. Asmus, answering to the question of newspaper

Former U.S. administration's NATO enlargement coordinator Ronald D. Asmus, answering to the question of newspaper Diena about Latvias possibilities to join NATO said that one of the fields US administration would pay special attention to was public integration. It is important because it is linked with the basic question about unity of Latvian society. In the USA, which is a multiethnic state, the question of integration is regarded as a litmus test. Diena

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers passed two decrees on granting Latvian citizenship trough the process of naturalization to 354 persons. So far 45 241 persons have received Latvian citizenship through this process.

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers passed two decrees on granting Latvian citizenship trough the process of naturalization to 354 persons. So far 45 241 persons have received Latvian citizenship through this process. Jauna Avize

In an interview to Latvian Radio President V.Vike-Freiberga, speaking about the action of youth movement Solidarnost said that she was sure that it was an initiative of political forces. The President could not make any conclusion about responsiveness of the public because during it there was organized a free of charge concert and many youngsters used this possibility. At the same time she did understand that a certain part of them had a wish to study in their mother tongue. “We live in democratic country and thanks God everybody has a chance and possibility to express his opinion and wishes.”

In an interview to Latvian Radio President V.Vike-Freiberga, speaking about the action of youth movement Solidarnost said that she was sure that it was an initiative of political forces. The President could not make any conclusion about responsiveness of the public because during it there was organized a free of charge concert and many youngsters used this possibility. At the same time she did understand that a certain part of them had a wish to study in their mother tongue. We live in democratic country and thanks God everybody has a chance and possibility to express his opinion and wishes. Latvijas Vestnesis

President V.Vike-Freiberga gave an interview to Russian newspaper Moskovskiye Novosti.

President V.Vike-Freiberga gave an interview to Russian newspaper Moskovskiye Novosti. Vesti Segodnya commenting it writes that it is possible that the opinion of V.Vike-Freiberga on Russia has undergone evaluation. The President had acknowledged that perspectives of Latvias development were linked with Russia and other East European states. She even used this possibility and advertised advantages of Latvian ports. Nevertheless it is too early to speak about radical change in Latvian – Russian relations. Latvian government still refuses to organize by autumn a meeting of working groups on social issues. The reason for that is unwillingness of Latvia to sign an agreement that would oblige it to recalculate pensions to those non-citizens who until 1991 worked outside Latvia. But without this agreement Russia would not conclude the whole package of economical agreement. A signal for improvement of bilateral relations should serve signing of co-operation agreement between Riga and Moscow. But FF/LNNK and Peoples Party have already expressed their objections to it. They propose to reconsider several articles, put forward by Moscow City Council. One of them envisages ensuring a possibility of receiving secondary and higher education for representatives of national minorities in their mother tongue. Latvian MFA pointed out that issues of education, choice of language were not under competence of local governments. Vesti Segodnya,

Russian speaking newspaper

Russian speaking newspaper Chas says that the representatives of FF/LNNK and Peoples Party in Riga City Council consider this co-operation agreement to be a mistake and treachery of national interests.

Yesterday took place a press conference about the idea to establish Russian library in Riga. After publications in press people called expressing a wish not only to donate books but also sponsor this event. Now the Council of the library is looking for appropriate premises for the library.

Yesterday took place a press conference about the idea to establish Russian library in Riga. After publications in press people called expressing a wish not only to donate books but also sponsor this event. Now the Council of the library is looking for appropriate premises for the library. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

In the next 14 months until the NATO summit meeting in Prague, Latvia must keep progressing, because if in case Latvia is unable to demonstrate good results, even the best lobbying will do no help. This statement was made by the former U.S. administration's NATO enlargement coordinator Ronald D. Asmus on Monday upon meeting Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. "Latvia is on the last lap of the marathon, so do all you can to not trip," said Asmus. "If I was your coach, then I would say you have a good speed" - Latvia has caught up to many other candidate countries and even passed some of them, Asmus told reporters.

In the next 14 months until the NATO summit meeting in Prague, Latvia must keep progressing, because if in case Latvia is unable to demonstrate good results, even the best lobbying will do no help. This statement was made by the former U.S. administration's NATO enlargement coordinator Ronald D. Asmus on Monday upon meeting Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. "Latvia is on the last lap of the marathon, so do all you can to not trip," said Asmus. "If I was your coach, then I would say you have a good speed" - Latvia has caught up to many other candidate countries and even passed some of them, Asmus told reporters. BNS

Mayor of southeast Latvian City Daugavpils, Rihards Eigims, and his first deputy will be visiting Vitebsk in Belarus from Tuesday till August 8, set to discuss cultural cooperation with the city's administration. Daugavpils deputy Mayor Livija Jankovska reported on Monday that the two parties would be discussing the possibility of organizing an international cultural event in Daugavpils, similar a festival having taken place in Vitebsk. Jankovska said that the heads of both cities might also sign an agreement on cultural cooperation.

Mayor of southeast Latvian City Daugavpils, Rihards Eigims, and his first deputy will be visiting Vitebsk in Belarus from Tuesday till August 8, set to discuss cultural cooperation with the city's administration. Daugavpils deputy Mayor Livija Jankovska reported on Monday that the two parties would be discussing the possibility of organizing an international cultural event in Daugavpils, similar a festival having taken place in Vitebsk. Jankovska said that the heads of both cities might also sign an agreement on cultural cooperation. BNS

Latvian capital Riga and St.Petersburg City in Russia will exchange monuments. The Riga City Council has resolved to present to St.Petersburg the monument of Russian czar Peter the Great, who founded this Russian City in the 18th century. St.Petersburg governor Vladimir Yakovlev, scheduled to visit Riga during the city's 800th anniversary celebrations in mid-August, will return the favor by giving to Riga a bust of famous Latvian poet Janis Rainis. Riga vice-mayor Sergei Dolgopolov told BNS that a St.Petersburg delegation on its previous visit to Riga had made several suggestions as to the piece of art the Russian city could give to the Latvian capital in exchange of the czar's monument.

Latvian capital Riga and St.Petersburg City in Russia will exchange monuments. The Riga City Council has resolved to present to St.Petersburg the monument of Russian czar Peter the Great, who founded this Russian City in the 18th century. St.Petersburg governor Vladimir Yakovlev, scheduled to visit Riga during the city's 800th anniversary celebrations in mid-August, will return the favor by giving to Riga a bust of famous Latvian poet Janis Rainis. Riga vice-mayor Sergei Dolgopolov told BNS that a St.Petersburg delegation on its previous visit to Riga had made several suggestions as to the piece of art the Russian city could give to the Latvian capital in exchange of the czar's monument. BNS, Panorama Latvii

It is likely that youth movement Solidarity will organize this Friday a picket in front of Riga City Council to voice their position on possibilities for every youngster to study in his mother tongue.

It is likely that youth movement Solidarity will organize this Friday a picket in front of Riga City Council to voice their position on possibilities for every youngster to study in his mother tongue. Diena, Vesti Segodnya

DCMA representative informed that 6 foreign journalists have been included in the lists of persons non grata in Latvia. The representative did not want to reveal their names, he just explained that their activity was directed against Latvia and its independence.

DCMA representative informed that 6 foreign journalists have been included in the lists of persons non grata in Latvia. The representative did not want to reveal their names, he just explained that their activity was directed against Latvia and its independence. Neatkariga

Newspaper

Newspaper Lauku Avize interviewed the leader of youth movement Solidarnost I.Stalnoy about this movement and their activities. He said that there were about 50 active members in Solidarnost. During this interview journalists got impression that I.Stalnoy preferred not to speak about many questions and answered to others partially. So when asked about the sponsor of their movement he answered that the sponsor wanted to remain anonymous, and the answer to the questions where this sponsor from Latvia or abroad he refused to answer.

Also Russian speaking newspaper

Also Russian speaking newspaper Chas interviewed I.Stalnoy. He said that in their action in Mezaparks participated about 3000 people and 6000 came during the whole day. They were satisfied with the result but did not think to stop on the achieved. The authorities had to understand that they would achieve what they want.

J.Rimsans in

J.Rimsans in Rigas Balss ponders about the term decolonization in the context of Latvian actual facts and states that nobody has analyzed whether this colonisation is a real fact and if decolonisation is an acute issue.

Tomorrow the Cabinet of Ministers will decide on changing the procedure according to which applicants for Latvian citizenship will take the history and Satversme knowledge test. It is planned that applicant will take this test in a written form. The new procedure envisages including in the test also questions which have to be answered precisely, not choosing any given option. The tittle of this information is “Knowledge of applicants for citizenship will be tested more carefully”.

Tomorrow the Cabinet of Ministers will decide on changing the procedure according to which applicants for Latvian citizenship will take the history and Satversme knowledge test. It is planned that applicant will take this test in a written form. The new procedure envisages including in the test also questions which have to be answered precisely, not choosing any given option. The tittle of this information is Knowledge of applicants for citizenship will be tested more carefully. Rigas Balss

Newspaper

Newspaper Neatkariga states that History and Satversme knowledge test will be more difficult. 06.08.01 Panorama Latvii states History test – differently.

Latvian branch of Barkashiovci organisation “Russian National Unity in Latvia” in Liepaja filed a case with Riga Regional Court against Enterprise register for refusing to register their organisation.

Latvian branch of Barkashiovci organisation Russian National Unity in Latvia in Liepaja filed a case with Riga Regional Court against Enterprise register for refusing to register their organisation. Respublika

President of Russian Commune in Latvia V.Altuhov told

President of Russian Commune in Latvia V.Altuhov told Chas journalist that from September they start stating Latvian language training courses according new methodology - whole families would be trained together. Trainers would come from National Language Training Center, and the Center would pay teachers salaries. The generator of this idea was musician O.Bogdanov who was now out of job. Premises for training is provided by Russian Community in Latvia. This will be a joined project of those two Russian organizations. It is planned that training will be free of charge, but unfortunately they will not be able to train all willing. So the priority will be given to active members of Russian Commune.

Press Report

Youth movement Solidarity decided to unite youngsters of different nationalities let to manage everybody’s rights to study in his mother tongue opposite to the planned transition to tuition in the state language. On Sunday in Mezaparks instead of announced 500 youngsters came several thousand for a meeting that was combined with a concert of several groups and singers. Participants of the meeting had slogans and upon a call of Solidarity representative I.Stalnoy shouted “Hands of from our schools”, “We want to study in our mother tongue”, If we are united, we are undefeatable”. Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Commission head A.Seiksts said according there was nothing illegal in activities of the organizers’ of this meeting but they had to take responsibility for splitting the society that did not favor its integration.

Youth movement Solidarity decided to unite youngsters of different nationalities let to manage everybodys rights to study in his mother tongue opposite to the planned transition to tuition in the state language. On Sunday in Mezaparks instead of announced 500 youngsters came several thousand for a meeting that was combined with a concert of several groups and singers. Participants of the meeting had slogans and upon a call of Solidarity representative I.Stalnoy shouted Hands of from our schools, We want to study in our mother tongue, If we are united, we are undefeatable. Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Commission head A.Seiksts said according there was nothing illegal in activities of the organizers of this meeting but they had to take responsibility for splitting the society that did not favor its integration. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

Russian speaking newspaper

Russian speaking newspaper Chas writes about 3000 participants and of different nationalities. The Chairman of youth movement Solidarity I.Stalnoy told journalists that the goal of this action was to attract public attention to the attempt of state authorities to close Russian schools by 2004. They had organized an opinion poll among Latvian youngsters was it worthwhile to close down Russian speaking schools, and more than 70% of respondents considered that it should no be done. I.Stalnoy said that they would fight fort their rights disregarding opposition from politicians. Respublika and Panorama Latvii give more than 5000 participants.

Participants of legionnaires’ get-together on Saturday adopted an address to the President V.Vike-Freiberga, Saeima and government to evaluate the guilt of Communist party in the genocide against Latvians. At the same time the state is called to evaluate impartially the role of Latvian legionnaires in the WW II as well as to claim compensation from Russia and Germany for damages made during the years of occupation.

Participants of legionnaires get-together on Saturday adopted an address to the President V.Vike-Freiberga, Saeima and government to evaluate the guilt of Communist party in the genocide against Latvians. At the same time the state is called to evaluate impartially the role of Latvian legionnaires in the WW II as well as to claim compensation from Russia and Germany for damages made during the years of occupation. Diena

Russian speaking newspaper

Russian speaking newspaper Chas writes in a little sarcastic manner about this get-together and publishes their demands. Panorama Latvii adds that among participants were also MPs O.Grigs and P.Tabuns.

At least 20 non-citizen after finishing a training course in Valka will not be able to take the Latvian language test because authorities have abolished the special state language examination commission for Valka Region. Most of those people are unemployed, and they may take this test only in Riga. E.Poermeiter, local State Employment Office head told journalists that those people did not have money to go there but the Commission had no time or money to come to Valka. Non-citizens find such a situation when there is no Commission in Valka absurd.

At least 20 non-citizen after finishing a training course in Valka will not be able to take the Latvian language test because authorities have abolished the special state language examination commission for Valka Region. Most of those people are unemployed, and they may take this test only in Riga. E.Poermeiter, local State Employment Office head told journalists that those people did not have money to go there but the Commission had no time or money to come to Valka. Non-citizens find such a situation when there is no Commission in Valka absurd. Neatkariga

Russian speaking newspaper

Russian speaking newspaper Chas when writing about the interview of MP J.Leja called the article Saeima Deputy Let non-Latvians go to Russia! In the press conference J.Leja said that he did not agree to Gardas statement about the second Yugoslavia in Latvia (Latvians are a peaceful nation). MP is sure that there should be national policy to drive out non-Latvians. Bu Latvia has no money and neighboring countries should assist in it. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

The third Latvian SS Waffen legion reunion on Saturday resolved in urging Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the parliament and government to assess the guilt of the communist party in genocide against the Latvian nation. The Latvian government has also been urged to objectively assess the importance of the Latvian legion in World War II, and demand compensation from Russia and Germany for losses caused during their occupation. Mentioning Russian President Putin's call for Russians to return home, the legion veterans also want the government to ask the international society to offer financial assistance to disloyal residents of Latvia who wish to return to Russia. A document signed at the reunion also urges that those guilty of genocide against the Latvian nation during both occupations be found and tried. Author of the document, Nikolajs Romanovskis, chairman of the Latvian national soldier society, announced that the document has been prepared following a similar one issued last year to which there was no response.

The third Latvian SS Waffen legion reunion on Saturday resolved in urging Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the parliament and government to assess the guilt of the communist party in genocide against the Latvian nation. The Latvian government has also been urged to objectively assess the importance of the Latvian legion in World War II, and demand compensation from Russia and Germany for losses caused during their occupation. Mentioning Russian President Putin's call for Russians to return home, the legion veterans also want the government to ask the international society to offer financial assistance to disloyal residents of Latvia who wish to return to Russia. A document signed at the reunion also urges that those guilty of genocide against the Latvian nation during both occupations be found and tried. Author of the document, Nikolajs Romanovskis, chairman of the Latvian national soldier society, announced that the document has been prepared following a similar one issued last year to which there was no response. BNS

The UN Human Rights Committee will in its next session in October look into a complaint made by a Latvian citizen for not being allowed to run for local government elections in 1997, due to her insufficient knowledge of the state language. Antonina Ignatane's representative Tatjana Zdanoka, a member of the Latvian Human Rights committee, said that her case was meant to be looked at in the UN committee's previous session in July, however, cases are often postponed because of the large amount to be looked into by the human rights committee. Experts have already given Ignatane a positive report, leading her to believe that the UN committee may also satisfy her claim.

The UN Human Rights Committee will in its next session in October look into a complaint made by a Latvian citizen for not being allowed to run for local government elections in 1997, due to her insufficient knowledge of the state language. Antonina Ignatane's representative Tatjana Zdanoka, a member of the Latvian Human Rights committee, said that her case was meant to be looked at in the UN committee's previous session in July, however, cases are often postponed because of the large amount to be looked into by the human rights committee. Experts have already given Ignatane a positive report, leading her to believe that the UN committee may also satisfy her claim. BNS

Two US Republican senators, who strongly support admission of the Baltic States to NATO, will visit Latvia late August, the Latvian Foreign Ministry reported. Senators Richard G.Lugar and John McCain are expected to meet with top Latvian officials, including President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, said the presidential office said. No other details of the senators' agenda in Latvia were released as it is still being drafted.

Two US Republican senators, who strongly support admission of the Baltic States to NATO, will visit Latvia late August, the Latvian Foreign Ministry reported. Senators Richard G.Lugar and John McCain are expected to meet with top Latvian officials, including President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, said the presidential office said. No other details of the senators' agenda in Latvia were released as it is still being drafted. BNS

MP from Social Democrats J.Leja published “Open letter to proletarian internationalists”. There he gives his opinion on the statement of Director of some human rights and ethnic studies center about existing individual cases of nationalism in Latvia. J.Leja stated that such a statement should have a scientific basis but only Bolshevics and ideologists of proletarian internationalism defamed nationalism. And the very intense and one-sided hustle about A.Garda’s book and his letter to EU Commissioner Verheugen speaks about a comparatively united ideology in the ruling tops and mass media. There is a proverb “Don’t come with your statutes in a strange monastery”. Our Russian speakers and people with different point of view have not only entered with their statutes in a strange monastery but also instruct us loudly and reprimand that we do not observe they statutes, but just opposite to their wish want to cherish Latvian traditions and speak in our mother tongue. And strange is the position of Russian speaking mass media against the authors of A.Garda’s letter. It evidently brings harm to Russia’s interests to prevent compatriots to follow the friendly call of Russian government top return to their fatherland.

MP from Social Democrats J.Leja published Open letter to proletarian internationalists. There he gives his opinion on the statement of Director of some human rights and ethnic studies center about existing individual cases of nationalism in Latvia. J.Leja stated that such a statement should have a scientific basis but only Bolshevics and ideologists of proletarian internationalism defamed nationalism. And the very intense and one-sided hustle about A.Gardas book and his letter to EU Commissioner Verheugen speaks about a comparatively united ideology in the ruling tops and mass media. There is a proverb Dont come with your statutes in a strange monastery. Our Russian speakers and people with different point of view have not only entered with their statutes in a strange monastery but also instruct us loudly and reprimand that we do not observe they statutes, but just opposite to their wish want to cherish Latvian traditions and speak in our mother tongue. And strange is the position of Russian speaking mass media against the authors of A.Gardas letter. It evidently brings harm to Russias interests to prevent compatriots to follow the friendly call of Russian government top return to their fatherland. Lauku Avize

Saeima Security Office warned publisher A.Garda about unacceptability of his creative activities to the state security. From different sources, also foreign, SSO got convinced that Garda’s activities were actively used by Russian MFA to prove that Latvia was not ready for participation in EU and NATO.

Saeima Security Office warned publisher A.Garda about unacceptability of his creative activities to the state security. From different sources, also foreign, SSO got convinced that Gardas activities were actively used by Russian MFA to prove that Latvia was not ready for participation in EU and NATO. Lauku Avize

During a TV show J.Leja assured that he was nationalist and announced that they were gradually constructing a national state in Latvia. He did not agree to all statements of A.Garda but felt offended by the tone of Russian speaking newspapers writing about A.Garda that decided to sign Garda’s letter. Answering to a question about the position of his party concerning Garda’s activities MP answered that in Party’s program was stated that there was no alternative to a national state. But a theory and practice of building a national state – it is nationalism. And there is nothing bad in it.

During a TV show J.Leja assured that he was nationalist and announced that they were gradually constructing a national state in Latvia. He did not agree to all statements of A.Garda but felt offended by the tone of Russian speaking newspapers writing about A.Garda that decided to sign Gardas letter. Answering to a question about the position of his party concerning Gardas activities MP answered that in Partys program was stated that there was no alternative to a national state. But a theory and practice of building a national state – it is nationalism. And there is nothing bad in it. Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

Russian speaking newspaper

Russian speaking newspaper Vesti Segodnya announced campaign offering free advertising in this newspaper for any service and trading enterprises that had their signboard both in Latvian and Russian languages. They ask to inform about such a signboard and within few days the picture of it will be published in the newspaper.