Press Report

Press Report

Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will be participating in the opening of a new border crossing on Latvia's eastern border with Russia on August 8. The opening ceremony of the Aisgarsa border point of is also expected to be participated by the parliament's Defense and Internal commission chairman Dzintars Kudums, Minister of Interior Mareks Seglins, chief of the Latvian border guards Gunars Dabolins and other officials of the Interior Ministry and border guard veterans.

Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will be participating in the opening of a new border crossing on Latvia's eastern border with Russia on August 8. The opening ceremony of the Aisgarsa border point of is also expected to be participated by the parliament's Defense and Internal commission chairman Dzintars Kudums, Minister of Interior Mareks Seglins, chief of the Latvian border guards Gunars Dabolins and other officials of the Interior Ministry and border guard veterans. BNS

National Radio and TV Council decided to stop for one day broadcasting of radio station Radio Daugavai in Daugavpils. The reason is given non-compliance of broadcasts to the adopted conception. Broadcasting will be stopped on August 10. When analyzing broadcasts of one week in May the Council found that the station did not observe the conception on news and informative broadcasts.

National Radio and TV Council decided to stop for one day broadcasting of radio station Radio Daugavai in Daugavpils. The reason is given non-compliance of broadcasts to the adopted conception. Broadcasting will be stopped on August 10. When analyzing broadcasts of one week in May the Council found that the station did not observe the conception on news and informative broadcasts. Diena

Giving as the reason wrong information entered in software program, Russian Councilor in Latvia ordered the representatives of Travel Company Irbe to take out Russian visa from Latvian journalist A.Klimovics’ passport. A.Klimovics had been refused to receive a Russian visa already three times, and Russian MFA gave as the reason Klimovics’ articles that “misreflected” the situation in Chechnya.

Giving as the reason wrong information entered in software program, Russian Councilor in Latvia ordered the representatives of Travel Company Irbe to take out Russian visa from Latvian journalist A.Klimovics passport. A.Klimovics had been refused to receive a Russian visa already three times, and Russian MFA gave as the reason Klimovics articles that misreflected the situation in Chechnya. Diena

Latvian citizen Aivars Smans considers a possibility to address the International Court for help because he thinks that third Secretary of Latvian Embassy in Ukraine J.Lobzova has exceeded her authority wen forbidding a relative of Smans, citizen of Ukraine V.Dudjak to enter Latvia for one year. In the answer, given by MFA Consular Department there is given no clear explanation of such an action. This incident took place this summer in the Latvian Embassy in Ukraine during which J.Lobzova without any explanation called V.Dudjak a representative of criminal circles and after a short time put a stamp in his passport forbidding him to enter Latvia for one year.

Latvian citizen Aivars Smans considers a possibility to address the International Court for help because he thinks that third Secretary of Latvian Embassy in Ukraine J.Lobzova has exceeded her authority wen forbidding a relative of Smans, citizen of Ukraine V.Dudjak to enter Latvia for one year. In the answer, given by MFA Consular Department there is given no clear explanation of such an action. This incident took place this summer in the Latvian Embassy in Ukraine during which J.Lobzova without any explanation called V.Dudjak a representative of criminal circles and after a short time put a stamp in his passport forbidding him to enter Latvia for one year. Neatkariga

The new Polish Ambassador to Latvia T.Fishbah has arrived to Latvia. Soon he will go on an official visit to Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga to hand in his letter of accreditation.

The new Polish Ambassador to Latvia T.Fishbah has arrived to Latvia. Soon he will go on an official visit to Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga to hand in his letter of accreditation. Rigas Balss

Next Saturday Union of National Soldiers will held in Smarde Forest the third get-together of formed SS legionnaires. Invitations to state officials have been sent out but no responses are received.

Next Saturday Union of National Soldiers will held in Smarde Forest the third get-together of formed SS legionnaires. Invitations to state officials have been sent out but no responses are received. Chas

On Sunday, August 5 in Mezaparks a concert-meeting will take place to support education in the Russian language. The organizers of the meeting expect about 3000 people. The initiator of this event is youth movement “Equality” and their aim is to protect education in the Russian language, They will try to unite all youngsters because, according to opinion polls, not only Russians but also 70% of Latvians stand for the principle that students have to study in their mother tongue.

On Sunday, August 5 in Mezaparks a concert-meeting will take place to support education in the Russian language. The organizers of the meeting expect about 3000 people. The initiator of this event is youth movement Equality and their aim is to protect education in the Russian language, They will try to unite all youngsters because, according to opinion polls, not only Russians but also 70% of Latvians stand for the principle that students have to study in their mother tongue. Vesti Segodnya

N.Kabanov writes about the meeting of CIS states leaders in Sochi, describing it as one of the most important international events and states that MFAs of the Baltic States could and should have sent their representatives there. But CIS has been already excluded form international policy concept of Latvia and other Baltic States. The main priority for Latvian diplomats is EU and NATO. And they keep their eyes closed towards CIS, to be more exact; somebody closes their eyes on purpose.

N.Kabanov writes about the meeting of CIS states leaders in Sochi, describing it as one of the most important international events and states that MFAs of the Baltic States could and should have sent their representatives there. But CIS has been already excluded form international policy concept of Latvia and other Baltic States. The main priority for Latvian diplomats is EU and NATO. And they keep their eyes closed towards CIS, to be more exact; somebody closes their eyes on purpose. Vesti Segodnya

Newspaper

Newspaper Respublika interviewed several well-known persons about their most important events during last three years. One of the interviewed was the Head of Naturalization Board E.Aldermane. She thinks that the most important event was adoption of amendments to the law on Citizenship, the next important event is that the government adopted Public Integration Program and within this program an information center was opened at the Naturalization Board. The most important event of this year is governments two decisions that eased life for the potential citizens of Latvia – equalizing the centralized Latvian language exam at schools with naturalization test and decreasing the amount of the naturalization fee. And an important fact for E.Aldermane herself was receiving the award of Sorsos Foundation Latvia For Public Harmony.

A web-site mocking and offending Latvia's history, culture and language has been found in Russian at www.lat.narod.ru. The anonymous authors of this web-site warn users that its content is mainly meant for Latvia's Russian-speaking population, nevertheless, the page also has many explanations meant for residents of Russia. For years high Russian officials have been accusing Latvia of bad attitudes towards its Russian speaking population, claiming that their rights to acquire Latvian citizenship, speak the Russian language and acquire education in their mother tongue are restricted. Latvia, 30 percent of its 2.4 million strong population being ethnic Russians, claims these accusations as ungrounded.

A web-site mocking and offending Latvia's history, culture and language has been found in Russian at www.lat.narod.ru. The anonymous authors of this web-site warn users that its content is mainly meant for Latvia's Russian-speaking population, nevertheless, the page also has many explanations meant for residents of Russia. For years high Russian officials have been accusing Latvia of bad attitudes towards its Russian speaking population, claiming that their rights to acquire Latvian citizenship, speak the Russian language and acquire education in their mother tongue are restricted. Latvia, 30 percent of its 2.4 million strong population being ethnic Russians, claims these accusations as ungrounded. BNS

Press Report

Press Report

A Moscow city executive, declared by Latvia as persona non grata in last November, may nevertheless be let into the country as a part of the Moscow delegation expected to come to Riga in mid-August for celebration of the Latvian capital's 800th anniversary. Riga mayor Gundars Bojars told BNS Alexander Perelygin could be among Moscow City delegates sent to Riga. Mayor's foreign advisor told BNS that official invitation to the Riga anniversary celebrations had been made to Moscow mayor Jury Luzhkov and a delegation but Luzhkov elected to send to Riga his first deputy Vladimir Shantsev instead.

A Moscow city executive, declared by Latvia as persona non grata in last November, may nevertheless be let into the country as a part of the Moscow delegation expected to come to Riga in mid-August for celebration of the Latvian capital's 800th anniversary. Riga mayor Gundars Bojars told BNS Alexander Perelygin could be among Moscow City delegates sent to Riga. Mayor's foreign advisor told BNS that official invitation to the Riga anniversary celebrations had been made to Moscow mayor Jury Luzhkov and a delegation but Luzhkov elected to send to Riga his first deputy Vladimir Shantsev instead. BNS

The chairman of the opposition Social Democrat faction in the Latvian parliament has survived recent attempts to replace him. After several hours of debate, the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party board Wednesday resolved to stop discussing removal of Social Democrat parliamentary faction chairman Egils Baldzens. Reports about plans to remove Baldzens first appeared two weeks ago. The removal was allegedly due to Baldzens having acted contrary to the party instructions during local election campaign this spring. It was also suggested that Social Democrat leader Juris Bojars wanted to displace Baldzens within the party and in the politics. After the party board meeting where passions ran high Wednesday, Bojars told reporters that the Social Democratic party board had resolved to stop discussing the need to replace Baldzens in order "not to play into hands of the enemies of the party."

The chairman of the opposition Social Democrat faction in the Latvian parliament has survived recent attempts to replace him. After several hours of debate, the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party board Wednesday resolved to stop discussing removal of Social Democrat parliamentary faction chairman Egils Baldzens. Reports about plans to remove Baldzens first appeared two weeks ago. The removal was allegedly due to Baldzens having acted contrary to the party instructions during local election campaign this spring. It was also suggested that Social Democrat leader Juris Bojars wanted to displace Baldzens within the party and in the politics. After the party board meeting where passions ran high Wednesday, Bojars told reporters that the Social Democratic party board had resolved to stop discussing the need to replace Baldzens in order "not to play into hands of the enemies of the party." BNS, Diena, Jauna Avize, Lauku Avize, Panorama Latvii, Neatkariga

The Latvian Foreign Ministry has received from Russia a note of acceptance, approving the nominee to the Latvian ambassador in Moscow, the ministry reported. The note of acceptance, stating Russia's approval of Normans Penke as the new Latvian Ambassador in Moscow, had been received already July 2, said a spokesman for the Latvian Foreign Ministry.

The Latvian Foreign Ministry has received from Russia a note of acceptance, approving the nominee to the Latvian ambassador in Moscow, the ministry reported. The note of acceptance, stating Russia's approval of Normans Penke as the new Latvian Ambassador in Moscow, had been received already July 2, said a spokesman for the Latvian Foreign Ministry. BNS, Chas

The Latvian top national security agency has reprimanded the head of a controversial publishing company for taking actions harmful to the state. The Constitution Protection Office (CPO) has reprimanded Aivars Garda, the head of Vieda publishers notorious for organizing a youth contest of nationalist essays. CPO deputy head Uldis Dzenitis told BNS the agency had warned Garda that it was inadmissible to take actions that posed a threat to national security.

The Latvian top national security agency has reprimanded the head of a controversial publishing company for taking actions harmful to the state. The Constitution Protection Office (CPO) has reprimanded Aivars Garda, the head of Vieda publishers notorious for organizing a youth contest of nationalist essays. CPO deputy head Uldis Dzenitis told BNS the agency had warned Garda that it was inadmissible to take actions that posed a threat to national security. BNS, Chas

National Radio and TV Council (NRTC), examining the record of Broadcasting Company Bizness&Baltija; of June 1, found that the amount of information broadcasted in a foreign language exceeded the limit stipulated by the Radio and TV law. It was 54% of the whole 24-hour broadcasting program. According to the law it should not exceed 25%. The Company denied this violation assuring that the total time in the Russian language had been 24.9%. NRTC has prepared a draft regulation with a warming to B&B.;

National Radio and TV Council (NRTC), examining the record of Broadcasting Company Bizness&Baltija of June 1, found that the amount of information broadcasted in a foreign language exceeded the limit stipulated by the Radio and TV law. It was 54% of the whole 24-hour broadcasting program. According to the law it should not exceed 25%. The Company denied this violation assuring that the total time in the Russian language had been 24.9%. NRTC has prepared a draft regulation with a warming to B&B. Diena

Financing of Russia to support programs for compatriots residing in CIS and Baltic States has been increase two times in comparison to the previous year. It was announced by Russian Vice-Prime Minister V.Hristenko on Wednesday. According to what V.Hristenko said Russia respected attempts of those states to strengthen their sovereignty but it might not cause discrimination of some categories of residents. Vice –Prime Minister confirmed the information that in October this year in Moscow would take place congress of compatriots with participation of about 500 representatives from compatriot organizations in CIS and Baltic States.

Financing of Russia to support programs for compatriots residing in CIS and Baltic States has been increase two times in comparison to the previous year. It was announced by Russian Vice-Prime Minister V.Hristenko on Wednesday. According to what V.Hristenko said Russia respected attempts of those states to strengthen their sovereignty but it might not cause discrimination of some categories of residents. Vice –Prime Minister confirmed the information that in October this year in Moscow would take place congress of compatriots with participation of about 500 representatives from compatriot organizations in CIS and Baltic States. Diena, Chas

A.Yelkin in

A.Yelkin in Vesti Segodnya writes that the decision of Privatization Agency to sell 3% of Latvijas Gaze stock for privatization vouchers, stating that one of possible reasons for such a decision could be fear that one of the stock holders of latvijas Gaze – company Itera Latvia that is very closely linked with Russian monopoly company Gazprom would buy these stocks to sell them to Gazprom afterwards. And it seems that for many Latvian journalists and politicians the combination of words Russian enterprise causes allergy. Even after 1o years of independence Latvia can not get rid of fear from Russia.

Press Report

Press Report

Juris Bojars, leader of Latvia's Social Democratic Workers Party, claims that the Prime Minister's critique over unfruitful work at the Riga City Council by the social democrats, is proof of hostility and arrogance. Bojars told BNS that the Prime Minister, Andris Berzins, has always been "very hostile and arrogant, with no intellectual basis." "Confucius has said that, if you want to lead then don't hope for fast results," said Bojars. He said that the new Riga City council has been working for only three months and that he doubts if Berzins, former Riga mayor, had achieved as much in the same time. "Establishing a Riga City Council coalition took one and a half months alone, because For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK tried to manipulate in all sorts of ways," said Bojars. The social democrat leader considers the democratization of the city council's work the biggest achievement carried out by the council faction, including Russian speakers in the work of the council. "This has taken away the arguments from a number of hostile forces in neighboring countries. An internationally huge step has been taken in the democratization of the council's decision making," said Bojars.

Juris Bojars, leader of Latvia's Social Democratic Workers Party, claims that the Prime Minister's critique over unfruitful work at the Riga City Council by the social democrats, is proof of hostility and arrogance. Bojars told BNS that the Prime Minister, Andris Berzins, has always been "very hostile and arrogant, with no intellectual basis." "Confucius has said that, if you want to lead then don't hope for fast results," said Bojars. He said that the new Riga City council has been working for only three months and that he doubts if Berzins, former Riga mayor, had achieved as much in the same time. "Establishing a Riga City Council coalition took one and a half months alone, because For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK tried to manipulate in all sorts of ways," said Bojars. The social democrat leader considers the democratization of the city council's work the biggest achievement carried out by the council faction, including Russian speakers in the work of the council. "This has taken away the arguments from a number of hostile forces in neighboring countries. An internationally huge step has been taken in the democratization of the council's decision making," said Bojars. BNS

The Riga City Council factions could assess an offer for multi-level cooperation between Riga and Moscow within a week's time, while the Foreign Ministry is yet to give its assessment of the agreement, which may also, change in a few sections. Deputy mayor of Riga, Sergejs Dolgapolovs, said that the agreement would be assessed by the council factions within a week and that it should not be prolonged, as it is expected to be signed in mid-August when the city will be visited by Moscow officials during Riga's 800th anniversary celebrations. The cooperation agreement offer received by the Moscow city council is expected to be in force for three years, while an answer with suggestions from Riga is being prepared. Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars previously said that the agreement would be signed in fall, when Riga will be visited by Moscow Mayor Yuriy Luzhkov, while a protocol could be signed with the city council even earlier. The Foreign Ministry claims that it is unable to say how long the assessment of such an offer may take, adding that some points may be changed during the assessment process.

The Riga City Council factions could assess an offer for multi-level cooperation between Riga and Moscow within a week's time, while the Foreign Ministry is yet to give its assessment of the agreement, which may also, change in a few sections. Deputy mayor of Riga, Sergejs Dolgapolovs, said that the agreement would be assessed by the council factions within a week and that it should not be prolonged, as it is expected to be signed in mid-August when the city will be visited by Moscow officials during Riga's 800th anniversary celebrations. The cooperation agreement offer received by the Moscow city council is expected to be in force for three years, while an answer with suggestions from Riga is being prepared. Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars previously said that the agreement would be signed in fall, when Riga will be visited by Moscow Mayor Yuriy Luzhkov, while a protocol could be signed with the city council even earlier. The Foreign Ministry claims that it is unable to say how long the assessment of such an offer may take, adding that some points may be changed during the assessment process. BNS, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Although the union For Human Rights in United Latvia is not in the Riga City Council coalition but only holds several important positions in the Council, after a discussion on Monday between Social Democrats and For Human Rights in United Latvia they strengthened co-operation of both parties after the disagreement when control over development of Riga City was given to a representative of FF/LNNK I.Vaidere but not the Deputy mayor S.Dolgopolov. During the discussion no decision was taken on re-division fields to be controlled but both political forces agreed on closer co-operation and improving of exchange of information.

Although the union For Human Rights in United Latvia is not in the Riga City Council coalition but only holds several important positions in the Council, after a discussion on Monday between Social Democrats and For Human Rights in United Latvia they strengthened co-operation of both parties after the disagreement when control over development of Riga City was given to a representative of FF/LNNK I.Vaidere but not the Deputy mayor S.Dolgopolov. During the discussion no decision was taken on re-division fields to be controlled but both political forces agreed on closer co-operation and improving of exchange of information. Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Current Latvian Ambassador to Sweden J.Dripe will be replaced by G.Jegermanis who will take this post from August 19.

Current Latvian Ambassador to Sweden J.Dripe will be replaced by G.Jegermanis who will take this post from August 19. Diena

According to the information of Russian newspaper “Nezavisimaya Gazeta” does not satisfy Russian government. As the newspaper wrote, “the situation with the national minorities in Latvia for Kremlin – the most important priority, but the process of naturalization - receiving of citizenship – proceeds extremely slow”.

According to the information of Russian newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta does not satisfy Russian government. As the newspaper wrote, the situation with the national minorities in Latvia for Kremlin – the most important priority, but the process of naturalization - receiving of citizenship – proceeds extremely slow. Vesti Segodnya

MP Helena Demakova writes about the reaction to the letter of A.Garda. She finds the reaction of EU Commissioner G.Verheugen to be adequate – The Commissioner stated that it was not essential in Latvia’s total movement towards EU. Also Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga’s reaction was humane – she called it for unacceptable for us prejudices. But hysteria and a wish to see conspiracy were typical for some Latvian Way deputies. H.Demakova also explains the reason for writing this article- she does not want to lose her and Latvia’s friends, especially many supporters of Latvian security policy in the USA.

MP Helena Demakova writes about the reaction to the letter of A.Garda. She finds the reaction of EU Commissioner G.Verheugen to be adequate – The Commissioner stated that it was not essential in Latvias total movement towards EU. Also Latvian President V.Vike-Freibergas reaction was humane – she called it for unacceptable for us prejudices. But hysteria and a wish to see conspiracy were typical for some Latvian Way deputies. H.Demakova also explains the reason for writing this article- she does not want to lose her and Latvias friends, especially many supporters of Latvian security policy in the USA. Diena

The leader of Social Democrats J.Bojars told press agency BNS that replacement of Latvian Social Democratic Workers’ Party Saeima faction leader E.Baldzens was vitally important to the interests of the party. E.Baldzens explained such a reaction of J.Bojars with the fact that he accepted a proposal of some party members to run for the post of Party Chairman in the next party congress planned in autumn. Diena

The leader of Social Democrats J.Bojars told press agency BNS that replacement of Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party Saeima faction leader E.Baldzens was vitally important to the interests of the party. E.Baldzens explained such a reaction of J.Bojars with the fact that he accepted a proposal of some party members to run for the post of Party Chairman in the next party congress planned in autumn. Diena

Lauku Avize

continues to write about A.Gardas letter. This time they asked the opinion of some influential people. Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center Director N.Muiznieks states that neither of the government forming parties nor the involved politicians have condemned the letter. J.Radzevics, Chairman of Latvian Free Trade Unions thinks it does no good for the country when youngsters are urged to write such things. V.Terauda, Managing Director of Soros Foundation thinks it unacceptable that parties, deputies of which participated in Gardas actions, have not voiced their attitude towards the action of their members. continues to write about A.Garda’s letter. This time they asked the opinion of some influential people. Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center Director N.Muiznieks states that neither of the government forming parties nor the involved politicians have condemned the letter. J.Radzevics, Chairman of Latvian Free Trade Unions thinks it does no good for the country when youngsters are urged to write such things. V.Terauda, Managing Director of Soros Foundation thinks it unacceptable that parties, deputies of which participated in Garda’s actions, have not voiced their attitude towards the action of their members.

Press Report

After the visit of Riga City Mayor G.Bojars’s visit to Moscow Riga City Council has received already the second proposal for co-operation from their Russian colleagues. The first proposal came at the beginning of July and it was just a draft on general co-operation. This time it is a more elaborated draft of co-operation agreement that would be concluded for three years. Some of the articles of this agreement attracted special attention of Latvian deputies; e.g. Article 7 stipulated that both parties “within the limits f their authority ensure a possibility for representatives of national minorities to receive secondary education in their mother tongue.

After the visit of Riga City Mayor G.Bojarss visit to Moscow Riga City Council has received already the second proposal for co-operation from their Russian colleagues. The first proposal came at the beginning of July and it was just a draft on general co-operation. This time it is a more elaborated draft of co-operation agreement that would be concluded for three years. Some of the articles of this agreement attracted special attention of Latvian deputies; e.g. Article 7 stipulated that both parties within the limits f their authority ensure a possibility for representatives of national minorities to receive secondary education in their mother tongue. Diena

The current Latvian ambassador to Estonia, Gints Jegermans, will be transferred to New York this fall to take place as Latvia's ambassador to the UN in New York, reported diplomatic sources. Latvia has not yet announced to Estonia that its ambassador will be changing, and no replacement is known to be named as yet. Jegermans is set to visit top Estonian officials to bid farewell in September, to later return to Latvia and head for New York in November. Latvia's representative to UN in New York is currently Janis Priedkalns, previously having run for president.

The current Latvian ambassador to Estonia, Gints Jegermans, will be transferred to New York this fall to take place as Latvia's ambassador to the UN in New York, reported diplomatic sources. Latvia has not yet announced to Estonia that its ambassador will be changing, and no replacement is known to be named as yet. Jegermans is set to visit top Estonian officials to bid farewell in September, to later return to Latvia and head for New York in November. Latvia's representative to UN in New York is currently Janis Priedkalns, previously having run for president. BNS

Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov has sent official letters to several international organization and officials where he asks to give their opinion on the tendencies of nationalism in Latvia and the reaction of Latvian officials and judicial institutions on the book published by the Publishing House Vieda.

Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov has sent official letters to several international organization and officials where he asks to give their opinion on the tendencies of nationalism in Latvia and the reaction of Latvian officials and judicial institutions on the book published by the Publishing House Vieda. Diena, Neatkariga

G.Krupnikov, Chairman of Latvian Jewish Community answers to the questions of a Chas journalist and among other things assures that there is no anti-Semitism on the national level in Latvia.

G.Krupnikov, Chairman of Latvian Jewish Community answers to the questions of a Chas journalist and among other things assures that there is no anti-Semitism on the national level in Latvia. Chas

Panorama Latvii

published full text of the notorious letter of A.Garda, Director of Publishing House Vieda. published full text of the notorious letter of A.Garda, Director of Publishing House Vieda.

Lauku Avize

interviewed MP from Peoples Party A.Rugate about national feelings, nationalism and loyalty in connection of the latest scandal with Vieda Publishing House. A.Rugate thinks that the youngsters who sent their compositions to Vieda competition are worried about the existence of Latvian nation, but due their young age and lack of life experience they are maximalists, Therefore their expressions were so strong and without any restriction. And therefor it is so easy to defy them both with positive motives and provocations. Answering to the question does everybody in the Saeima spoke Latvian A.Rugate answered that the situation had changed there. If before if anybody spoke a foreign language there it was done in a quiet voice but now the left wingers communicated in the Russian language openly. Nobody has forbid them to do so, but the question is what respect they have towards the state and its state language where they are as an ethnic constituent part. interviewed MP from People’s Party A.Rugate about national feelings, nationalism and loyalty in connection of the latest scandal with Vieda Publishing House. A.Rugate thinks that the youngsters who sent their compositions to Vieda competition are worried about the existence of Latvian nation, but due their young age and lack of life experience they are maximalists, Therefore their expressions were so strong and without any restriction. And therefor it is so easy to defy them both with positive motives and provocations. Answering to the question does everybody in the Saeima spoke Latvian A.Rugate answered that the situation had changed there. If before if anybody spoke a foreign language there it was done in a quiet voice but now the left wingers communicated in the Russian language openly. Nobody has forbid them to do so, but the question is what respect they have towards the state and its state language where they are as an ethnic constituent part. (26.07.01)(26.07.01)

Press Report

Press Report

Latvia and France at the close of French President Jacques Chirac's visit in Latvia reached agreement in principle on the compensation payment for the former Latvian embassy building in Paris which currently is used by Russian diplomats, Latvian president's spokeswoman said. Latvia and France also agreed that "agreement on the compensation payment will be closed during the coming weeks" but the essence of the agreement is not being disclosed.

Latvia and France at the close of French President Jacques Chirac's visit in Latvia reached agreement in principle on the compensation payment for the former Latvian embassy building in Paris which currently is used by Russian diplomats, Latvian president's spokeswoman said. Latvia and France also agreed that "agreement on the compensation payment will be closed during the coming weeks" but the essence of the agreement is not being disclosed. BNS, Diena, Panorama Latvii, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The opinion of the United States on admission of Baltic states to NATO, which is not known yet, will play the ruling role on the issue and, in the event the US supports it, France will be unable not to support the wish of the three Baltic states to become the alliance's member countries. The position was voiced Friday in Riga by French President Jacques Chirac who said "there is a norm in the international law envisaging to respect wish of countries to join alliances". Latvian Foreign Ministry state secretary Maris Riekstins told reporters after the press conference that French president's remarks about accession of Baltics to NATO "shows progress in rhetoric".

The opinion of the United States on admission of Baltic states to NATO, which is not known yet, will play the ruling role on the issue and, in the event the US supports it, France will be unable not to support the wish of the three Baltic states to become the alliance's member countries. The position was voiced Friday in Riga by French President Jacques Chirac who said "there is a norm in the international law envisaging to respect wish of countries to join alliances". Latvian Foreign Ministry state secretary Maris Riekstins told reporters after the press conference that French president's remarks about accession of Baltics to NATO "shows progress in rhetoric". BNS

Social Democrat party parliament faction Friday postponed the question on replacement of the faction head that had triggered rumors about splitting within the party, without providing much explanation to the press. Social Democrat leader Juris Bojars following the faction meeting declined to explain to reporters what reasons are

Social Democrat party parliament faction Friday postponed the question on replacement of the faction head that had triggered rumors about splitting within the party, without providing much explanation to the press. Social Democrat leader Juris Bojars following the faction meeting declined to explain to reporters what reasons are

being cited as grounds for replacing current faction head Egils Baldzens. He only reminded the party had already in its congress decided to do some clean up within it so to retain the party's face for elections. He denied the question on Baldzens replacement indicates of splitting within the party. "We will not collapse because we are too large a party," he said.

being cited as grounds for replacing current faction head Egils Baldzens. He only reminded the party had already in its congress decided to do some clean up within it so to retain the party's face for elections. He denied the question on Baldzens replacement indicates of splitting within the party. "We will not collapse because we are too large a party," he said. BNS, Diena

None of Latvia's political parties have experienced any considerable rise or fall in popularity polls for July, while the top three have shuffled - the social democrats still holding the lead, followed by the People's Party second and For Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK in third place. The fourth most popular party in Latvia is the Latvian Way only just after FF/LNNK, followed by left-wing alliance For Human Rights in a United Latvia (FHRUL), according to polls carried out by the SKDS office.

None of Latvia's political parties have experienced any considerable rise or fall in popularity polls for July, while the top three have shuffled - the social democrats still holding the lead, followed by the People's Party second and For Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK in third place. The fourth most popular party in Latvia is the Latvian Way only just after FF/LNNK, followed by left-wing alliance For Human Rights in a United Latvia (FHRUL), according to polls carried out by the SKDS office. BNS

Vesti Segodnya

writes that for the fist time some representatives of Latvian intellectuals condemned the regular act of Russophobia. Upon an initiative of Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center Director N.Muiznieks was published an open letter, signed by 30 people, to FF/LNNK and Social Democrats demanding these political parties to express their opinion in public towards the provocative activities of the director of Publishing House A.Garda. A Riga city court Friday postponed consideration of a claim by National Radio and Television Council (NRTVC) against Bizness & Baltija (B&B;) radio station over closure because the case has been transferred to another judge. Justice Leons Baumanis explained to BNS the court chairman decided to transfer the case because B&B; had sent to Justice Ministry a complaint over handling of the case. The complaint said the judge has failed to observe the interests and rights of B&B; and expressed other reproaches, which the judge regards as unfounded. He was rejected from consideration of the case last week and the case was transferred to Justice Marika Senkane. The hearing date is not known yet. According to the NRTVC opinion operations of radio B&B; fail to meet the submitted concept, the radio had exceeded the stipulated time for broadcasting in a foreign language within the total broadcasting time, as well as they played advertisements in the Russian language during broadcasts in the Latvian language. According to the Latvian radio and television law advertisement should be in the language of the program.

A Riga city court Friday postponed consideration of a claim by National Radio and Television Council (NRTVC) against Bizness & Baltija (B&B) radio station over closure because the case has been transferred to another judge. Justice Leons Baumanis explained to BNS the court chairman decided to transfer the case because B&B had sent to Justice Ministry a complaint over handling of the case. The complaint said the judge has failed to observe the interests and rights of B&B and expressed other reproaches, which the judge regards as unfounded. He was rejected from consideration of the case last week and the case was transferred to Justice Marika Senkane. The hearing date is not known yet. According to the NRTVC opinion operations of radio B&B fail to meet the submitted concept, the radio had exceeded the stipulated time for broadcasting in a foreign language within the total broadcasting time, as well as they played advertisements in the Russian language during broadcasts in the Latvian language. According to the Latvian radio and television law advertisement should be in the language of the program. BNS