Press Report

The Saeima will have to consider the draft law proposed by the nation against privatisation of Latvenergo. On Friday until 8.20 p.m. already 161 981 signatures were collected that is more than necessary to get this draft law to the Saeima.

The Saeima will have to consider the draft law proposed by the nation against privatisation of Latvenergo. On Friday until 8.20 p.m. already 161 981 signatures were collected that is more than necessary to get this draft law to the Saeima. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas,

A.Lejins, Director of Latvian Foreign Policy Institute, writes about Russian – Latvian relations stating that Russia should change her attitude towards the Baltic States and learn from history. A.Lejins predicts that these relations would improve radically when Latvia will join NATO and EU, organisations that Russia, whether she likes it or not, will have to co-operate.

A.Lejins, Director of Latvian Foreign Policy Institute, writes about Russian – Latvian relations stating that Russia should change her attitude towards the Baltic States and learn from history. A.Lejins predicts that these relations would improve radically when Latvia will join NATO and EU, organisations that Russia, whether she likes it or not, will have to co-operate. Diena

There are more than 9000 people in Latvia who are registered as Romany people in their passports, but in reality there are two times more. Many people do not want to reveal their true nationality being afraid to lose their jobs. To ensure public integration of this minority group in Venspils was established Romany people’s association Gloss with 820 participants. The most urgent problem to solve is unemployment – nobody wants to employ gypsies. Neatkariga

There are more than 9000 people in Latvia who are registered as Romany people in their passports, but in reality there are two times more. Many people do not want to reveal their true nationality being afraid to lose their jobs. To ensure public integration of this minority group in Venspils was established Romany peoples association Gloss with 820 participants. The most urgent problem to solve is unemployment – nobody wants to employ gypsies. Neatkariga

Latvian Minister of Justice I.Labucka participated in a popular TV show after her return from Moscow. The Minister told journalists that Moscow criticised the new Latvian language law regulations even without reading them although they were available on Internet. Everybody can make comments there. A.Story compares this situation with the public discussion of the integration program – “do propose – the unnecessary we will cut out.” Answering on the question about the fact that Latvia had not ratified the EU frame convention on national minorities yet, I.Labucka said that this ratification was not necessary for joining EU.

Latvian Minister of Justice I.Labucka participated in a popular TV show after her return from Moscow. The Minister told journalists that Moscow criticised the new Latvian language law regulations even without reading them although they were available on Internet. Everybody can make comments there. A.Story compares this situation with the public discussion of the integration program – do propose – the unnecessary we will cut out. Answering on the question about the fact that Latvia had not ratified the EU frame convention on national minorities yet, I.Labucka said that this ratification was not necessary for joining EU. Chas

 

Press Review

 Latvian President Vaira Vонe-Freiberga stressed the importance of integration Ц both in Latvia and on European level Ц during her meeting with the German President on Wednesday in Berlin as well as in her speech at the German Foreign Politics Society.

Latvian President Vaira Vонe-Freiberga stressed the importance of integration Ц both in Latvia and on European level Ц during her meeting with the German President on Wednesday in Berlin as well as in her speech at the German Foreign Politics Society. Diena

OECD experts in their report have expressed serious concern about the Latvian education system with the remaining traditions of the Soviet time. The biggest problem pointed out in the report is the huge difference between accessibility and quality of education in rural districts and towns. Also, there is a big gap between the concepts of education and reality in schools.

OECD experts in their report have expressed serious concern about the Latvian education system with the remaining traditions of the Soviet time. The biggest problem pointed out in the report is the huge difference between accessibility and quality of education in rural districts and towns. Also, there is a big gap between the concepts of education and reality in schools. Diena

The mandate of OSCE missions in Latvia and Estonia is prolonged till the end of the year. The decision was made at the organizationТs permanent council without debate. Language Law is one of the politically most sensitive issues Latvia still has discussions about and cooperates with the OSCE.

The mandate of OSCE missions in Latvia and Estonia is prolonged till the end of the year. The decision was made at the organizationТs permanent council without debate. Language Law is one of the politically most sensitive issues Latvia still has discussions about and cooperates with the OSCE. Diena

All SaeimaТs factions are ready to discuss the need for state budget funding for the political parties. Although some MPs forecast that parties could get funding for the 8th SaeimaТs elections, deputies donТt think that the movement of this draft law will go smoothly.

All SaeimaТs factions are ready to discuss the need for state budget funding for the political parties. Although some MPs forecast that parties could get funding for the 8th SaeimaТs elections, deputies donТt think that the movement of this draft law will go smoothly. Neatkariga

Naturalization Board mailed an invitation to Vasily Kononov asking to come to the office within two weeksТ time to discuss his case of giving up Latvian citizenship. This discussion is the last stage in the procedure before the claim goes to court.

Naturalization Board mailed an invitation to Vasily Kononov asking to come to the office within two weeksТ time to discuss his case of giving up Latvian citizenship. This discussion is the last stage in the procedure before the claim goes to court. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

During the Russian-Danish diplomatic consultations in Copenhagen First Deputy to the Russian Foreign Minister Alexander Avdeyev stressed that the situation of Russian-speaking residents in Latvia and Estonia does not correspond international norms.

During the Russian-Danish diplomatic consultations in Copenhagen First Deputy to the Russian Foreign Minister Alexander Avdeyev stressed that the situation of Russian-speaking residents in Latvia and Estonia does not correspond international norms. Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii

Panorama Latvii continues to review the draft regulations for the Language Law with a closer look at the language requirements for each proficiency degree.

MP from For Human Rights in United Latvia Aleksandrs Bartasevics visited a conference of orthodox politicians that took place in Israel and met with two EU observers. Bartasevics had acquainted them with the version of the language regulations. The observers did not understand how one of the categories of language proficiency (even in a private company) to know the state language on the level of the native language.

MP from For Human Rights in United Latvia Aleksandrs Bartasevics visited a conference of orthodox politicians that took place in Israel and met with two EU observers. Bartasevics had acquainted them with the version of the language regulations. The observers did not understand how one of the categories of language proficiency (even in a private company) to know the state language on the level of the native language. Vesti

Press Review

After survey carried out by SKDS, Party Latvia’s Way stays firm in the first place of party rating list, popularity in June has grown also for other Saeima’s political forces except for People’s Party and New Party.

After survey carried out by SKDS, Party Latvias Way stays firm in the first place of party rating list, popularity in June has grown also for other Saeimas political forces except for Peoples Party and New Party. Diena

Latvian President Freiberga believes that Latvia should draft a balance of losses incurred by the Soviet occupation irrespective whether Russia will be required to compensate these losses. Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK will consider the possibility to develop a draft law on collecting compensation for losses. After

Latvian President Freiberga believes that Latvia should draft a balance of losses incurred by the Soviet occupation irrespective whether Russia will be required to compensate these losses. Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK will consider the possibility to develop a draft law on collecting compensation for losses. After Jauna Avize, the president thinks that demanding the compensation would considerably damage Latvias relations with Russia. Russia has not acknowledged the fact of Latvias occupation therefore there is no ground to believe that it could pay. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Respublika, Panorama Latvii

Criminal case (for violation of ethnic and racial equality) will not be filed for the report of the news program Panorâma telling about the cheater who was ethnic Gipsy. Prosecutor’s Office states that the authors of the report have not committed a criminal offence since the report was a warning to prevent more crimes to happen.

Criminal case (for violation of ethnic and racial equality) will not be filed for the report of the news program Panorâma telling about the cheater who was ethnic Gipsy. Prosecutors Office states that the authors of the report have not committed a criminal offence since the report was a warning to prevent more crimes to happen. Diena

The discussion “80 Years Anniversary of the Latvian-Russian Peace Treaty” organized by Guntis Ulmanis Foundation looked at what the Russian-Latvian relations are like and what they should be like. Foreign relations specialists, professors, representatives of NGO’s, businessmen, MPs participated.

The discussion 80 Years Anniversary of the Latvian-Russian Peace Treaty organized by Guntis Ulmanis Foundation looked at what the Russian-Latvian relations are like and what they should be like. Foreign relations specialists, professors, representatives of NGOs, businessmen, MPs participated. Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Vesti

An opinion article in Respublika suggests that the citizenship law was drafted to first of all pursue economic and not political interests: if 30% of population cannot influence the state power, the state power has by 30% less problems to explain its activities to the society. The state power apparently will start promoting naturalization and possibly grant municipal election rights to non-citizens after privatization is completed.

An opinion article in Respublika suggests that the citizenship law was drafted to first of all pursue economic and not political interests: if 30% of population cannot influence the state power, the state power has by 30% less problems to explain its activities to the society. The state power apparently will start promoting naturalization and possibly grant municipal election rights to non-citizens after privatization is completed.

Chas

runs an interview with the Head of the State Language Center Dzintra Hirsa and a member of the Main Testing Commission Vija Piese about the enforcement of the Language Law, the regulations being developed, the language situation in the country. runs an interview with the Head of the State Language Center Dzintra Hirsa and a member of the Main Testing Commission Vija Piese about the enforcement of the Language Law, the regulations being developed, the language situation in the country.

Panorama Latvii

reviews the draft regulations on state language proficiency level necessary to perform professional duties, focusing on who can be checked by the State Language Center. reviews the draft regulations on state language proficiency level necessary to perform professional duties, focusing on “who” can be checked by the State Language Center.

Press Report

Press Report

The Speaker of Lithuanian Seim V.Landsbergis signed the law stipulating to request Russia to compensate Lithuania the damages done during the Soviet occupation. It happened the President V.Adamkus refused to sign this law.

The Speaker of Lithuanian Seim V.Landsbergis signed the law stipulating to request Russia to compensate Lithuania the damages done during the Soviet occupation. It happened the President V.Adamkus refused to sign this law. Diena, Jauna Avize

Minister of Education K.Greiskalns announced that contrary to the promise, made by A.Skele’s Government, there would be no 10 Ls salary increase for teachers starting from September 1 because the idea to save money on extending school year failed. The Minister will discuss the possible amount of the increase with the Prime Minister A.Berzins on July 1.

Minister of Education K.Greiskalns announced that contrary to the promise, made by A.Skeles Government, there would be no 10 Ls salary increase for teachers starting from September 1 because the idea to save money on extending school year failed. The Minister will discuss the possible amount of the increase with the Prime Minister A.Berzins on July 1. Diena

The Senate of the Supreme Court took a decision that the Prosecutor’s Office would have to do additional investigation in the case of the red guerrilla man V.Kononov. It means that the hearing of this case could take place not sooner than in half a year. Meanwhile Kononov remains out of jail.

The Senate of the Supreme Court took a decision that the Prosecutors Office would have to do additional investigation in the case of the red guerrilla man V.Kononov. It means that the hearing of this case could take place not sooner than in half a year. Meanwhile Kononov remains out of jail. Diena, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii, Chas

Disregarding the fact that the Government made a decision to start intervention in the grain market from August 1, Latvian farmers are still preparing for active protest actions asking people to sing a call for dismissal of the Parliament.

Disregarding the fact that the Government made a decision to start intervention in the grain market from August 1, Latvian farmers are still preparing for active protest actions asking people to sing a call for dismissal of the Parliament. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

Finance Minister G.Berzins used a possibility to brush up the image of People’s Party leader A.Skele claiming that A.Skele’s Government was responsible for the increase of DNP for 5.3% during the first half of this year. The Press Secretary of the current Prime Minister A.Lapins stated that the Prime Minister had a different point of view.

Finance Minister G.Berzins used a possibility to brush up the image of Peoples Party leader A.Skele claiming that A.Skeles Government was responsible for the increase of DNP for 5.3% during the first half of this year. The Press Secretary of the current Prime Minister A.Lapins stated that the Prime Minister had a different point of view. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

President V.V.Freiberga will visit Germany to meet high German officials, participate in opening ceremony of the Latvian Embassy and be present in the Latvian Day at Expo 2000.

President V.V.Freiberga will visit Germany to meet high German officials, participate in opening ceremony of the Latvian Embassy and be present in the Latvian Day at Expo 2000. Neatkariga

President V.V.Freiberga received a letter from US President B.Clinton where he expressed acknowledgement and support to the co-operation of the USA and Baltic States Partnership Commission. Neatkariga

President V.V.Freiberga received a letter from US President B.Clinton where he expressed acknowledgement and support to the co-operation of the USA and Baltic States Partnership Commission. Neatkariga

State Real Property Agency has not received any serious proposal on the future usage of the Skrunda RS town therefore it was decided to demolish it. Demolishing will cost about 1 million Ls and long for 2 years.

State Real Property Agency has not received any serious proposal on the future usage of the Skrunda RS town therefore it was decided to demolish it. Demolishing will cost about 1 million Ls and long for 2 years. Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

Russian parliamentarians learned about the new regulation to the Latvian State Language Law and the reaction was immediate. Tomorrow they will discuss at the regular Russian National Council meeting the draft law on economic sanctions against Latvia.

Russian parliamentarians learned about the new regulation to the Latvian State Language Law and the reaction was immediate. Tomorrow they will discuss at the regular Russian National Council meeting the draft law on economic sanctions against Latvia. Vesti Segodnya

A.Utkin in

A.Utkin in Vesti Segodnya writes that yesterday information, published by the newspaper Neatkariga, about 50 million RUB for those Latvian newspapers that would be loyal to Russia, as if promised by the Chairman of the Committee on CIS and Compatriots Affairs of the Russian National Council B.Pastuhov, was just a bluff.

The newspaper

The newspaper Chas interviewed the Saeima Speaker J.Straume. During this interview the Speaker stated non-citizen could be granted municipal election rights but only theoretically and in some distant future. Speaking about Latvian – Russian relations A.Straume said that he had sent an invitation to his Russian colleague to visit Latvia but had not received any answer yet.

Swedish Prime Minister J.Persson during his visit to Riga pointed out the Latvian progress on the road to EU but did not want to predict the possible time of Latvia’s joining this organisation.

Swedish Prime Minister J.Persson during his visit to Riga pointed out the Latvian progress on the road to EU but did not want to predict the possible time of Latvias joining this organisation. Respublika

Press Report

Press Report

The Saeima Anticorruption Commission has drafted a law to start financing of political parties from the state budget. The current law prohibits direct financing of parties by the state, but the new law is meant to make parties more independent from business.

The Saeima Anticorruption Commission has drafted a law to start financing of political parties from the state budget. The current law prohibits direct financing of parties by the state, but the new law is meant to make parties more independent from business. Diena, Lauku Avize

Estonian Delegation to the CBSS refused to agree to extend the mandate of the Commissioner on Democratic Institutions and Human Rights O.Espersen and to this post was approved the Danish representative H.Degn. O.Espersen was accused of supporting Moscow’s accusations about the Russian minority discrimination in Latvia and Estonia and attempts to prevent to refute this Russian criticism.

Estonian Delegation to the CBSS refused to agree to extend the mandate of the Commissioner on Democratic Institutions and Human Rights O.Espersen and to this post was approved the Danish representative H.Degn. O.Espersen was accused of supporting Moscows accusations about the Russian minority discrimination in Latvia and Estonia and attempts to prevent to refute this Russian criticism. Neatkariga

The deadline for collecting signatures to propose amendments to the law on privatisation of the state Power Company Latvenergo is June 30, and the activity of the population has increased. By yesterday 95 000 people have signed this call.

The deadline for collecting signatures to propose amendments to the law on privatisation of the state Power Company Latvenergo is June 30, and the activity of the population has increased. By yesterday 95 000 people have signed this call. Neatkariga

Swedish Prime Minister J.Person is coming for a short one-day visit to Latvia. He will have meetings with Prime Minister A.Berzins and President V.V.Freiberga.

Swedish Prime Minister J.Person is coming for a short one-day visit to Latvia. He will have meetings with Prime Minister A.Berzins and President V.V.Freiberga. Neatkariga, Chas

In order to speed up border control on railway, starting from June 1 the persons crossing border by train will have to record in the forms their passport data and submit the forms to the bordergards when crossing the border. In international trains these forms will be handed to the passengers at the departure station and they should be filled in by coming to the border. The forms will be in the Latvian, English and Russian languages.

In order to speed up border control on railway, starting from June 1 the persons crossing border by train will have to record in the forms their passport data and submit the forms to the bordergards when crossing the border. In international trains these forms will be handed to the passengers at the departure station and they should be filled in by coming to the border. The forms will be in the Latvian, English and Russian languages. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

Upon a request of the Russian speaking newspaper Chas, Latvian Prime Minister’s Press Secretary A.Lapins presented A.Berzins's position on the regulations on the State Language Law. According to A.Lapins, the Prime Minister had not studied the regulations yet and had no formulated opinion on them. The Press Secretary anticipated that the Prime Minister would receive the regulations within one month. In any case the Prime Minister had wanted to point out that during the process of elaboration and adoption the OSCE experts would participate. The Prime Minister was ready to guarantee it but was not sure about his personal decision during voting on the law.

Upon a request of the Russian speaking newspaper Chas, Latvian Prime Ministers Press Secretary A.Lapins presented A.Berzins's position on the regulations on the State Language Law. According to A.Lapins, the Prime Minister had not studied the regulations yet and had no formulated opinion on them. The Press Secretary anticipated that the Prime Minister would receive the regulations within one month. In any case the Prime Minister had wanted to point out that during the process of elaboration and adoption the OSCE experts would participate. The Prime Minister was ready to guarantee it but was not sure about his personal decision during voting on the law. Chas

The Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia warned the ruling coalition that if there were no changes in the regulations on the State Language Law, they would use non-parliamental methods of struggle – of course within the limits of valid legislation. The Deputy Chairman of the faction J.Urbanovics said that it was possible that the deputies would call their electorate to start acts of civil disobedience.

The Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia warned the ruling coalition that if there were no changes in the regulations on the State Language Law, they would use non-parliamental methods of struggle – of course within the limits of valid legislation. The Deputy Chairman of the faction J.Urbanovics said that it was possible that the deputies would call their electorate to start acts of civil disobedience. Vesti Segodnya