Press Report

Press Report

Prime Minister A.Berzins organised his first press conference after coming to his post. He informed about the government activities and main tasks drawing the “red line” as a reporting point for realisation of state priorities. A.Berzins acknowledged that the situation in the state was far from the best and many macroeconomic data were worse that the last year ones but expressed hope that things would improve.

Prime Minister A.Berzins organised his first press conference after coming to his post. He informed about the government activities and main tasks drawing the red line as a reporting point for realisation of state priorities. A.Berzins acknowledged that the situation in the state was far from the best and many macroeconomic data were worse that the last year ones but expressed hope that things would improve. Neatkariga

The Council of Latvijas Cels, basing on the agreement achieved at the party congress, established a working group to prepare the party’s code of ethics. The deputy I.Birzniece was approved as the head of the working group.

The Council of Latvijas Cels, basing on the agreement achieved at the party congress, established a working group to prepare the partys code of ethics. The deputy I.Birzniece was approved as the head of the working group. Neatkariga

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins will visit China next week. This will be the first visit of the kind.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins will visit China next week. This will be the first visit of the kind. Neatkariga

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no information that Russian President V.Putin would plan to visit Latvia. The newspaper Bysiness & Baltija, referring to well informed persons in Moscow, wrote that Putin could come to Latvia on a visit, at least such a possibility had been discussed in the circles close to the President.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no information that Russian President V.Putin would plan to visit Latvia. The newspaper Bysiness & Baltija, referring to well informed persons in Moscow, wrote that Putin could come to Latvia on a visit, at least such a possibility had been discussed in the circles close to the President. Neatkariga

The untipical announcement of the Russian Security Council Secretary S.Ivanov that Russia would not use military force to oppose the Baltic States joining NATO raises a question whether Russia is changing her tone in the discussions with Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania on their possible joining NATO.

The untipical announcement of the Russian Security Council Secretary S.Ivanov that Russia would not use military force to oppose the Baltic States joining NATO raises a question whether Russia is changing her tone in the discussions with Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania on their possible joining NATO. Diena

On June 12 and 13 in Jurmala will take place the CoE government institutions meeting on co-operation with minorities. The goal of this meeting is to exchange information in the field of national minority rights protection as well as to analyse the most succesful samplae of forming ethnic relations in Europe.

On June 12 and 13 in Jurmala will take place the CoE government institutions meeting on co-operation with minorities. The goal of this meeting is to exchange information in the field of national minority rights protection as well as to analyse the most succesful samplae of forming ethnic relations in Europe. Lauku Avize

Peoples Harmony Party plans to change its program already this year in accordance with the samples of modern Social Democracy in Europe and win local government election in Riga and Latgale. These plans were adopted at the Party’s congress last Saturday.

Peoples Harmony Party plans to change its program already this year in accordance with the samples of modern Social Democracy in Europe and win local government election in Riga and Latgale. These plans were adopted at the Partys congress last Saturday. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

A new party – Latvia’s Future Party (LFP) was established last Saturday. The most active organiser of the Party was former LNNK activist R.Pussar. LFP claims to be a national patriotic party, but R.Pusasr stressed that it did not link itself with “pseudo radicals” and would try to keep centric position.

A new party – Latvias Future Party (LFP) was established last Saturday. The most active organiser of the Party was former LNNK activist R.Pussar. LFP claims to be a national patriotic party, but R.Pusasr stressed that it did not link itself with pseudo radicals and would try to keep centric position. Diena, Neatkariga

 

Press Review

The second day of the Jűmala conference on Latvian-Russian relations discussed issues of economic cooperation and society integration. At the press conference closing the conference a Russian representative stated that rights of non-citizens and Latvia’s aspirations to join NATO and not economic cooperation will be on the foreground of Russia’s attention. The democratic forces will oppose introduction of economic sanctions against Latvia but the ruling environment in the parliament makes to predict that the sanctions will be introduced. Member of Russia’s Foreign Security Policy Council Igor Yurgen stated that in order to improve the relations, Latvia and Russia should treat their manias: Latvia - the mania of persecution, Russia – the mania of arrogance. The next meeting of this level is planned to take place this November in St. Petersburg to discuss economic issues.

The second day of the Jűmala conference on Latvian-Russian relations discussed issues of economic cooperation and society integration. At the press conference closing the conference a Russian representative stated that rights of non-citizens and Latvias aspirations to join NATO and not economic cooperation will be on the foreground of Russias attention. The democratic forces will oppose introduction of economic sanctions against Latvia but the ruling environment in the parliament makes to predict that the sanctions will be introduced. Member of Russias Foreign Security Policy Council Igor Yurgen stated that in order to improve the relations, Latvia and Russia should treat their manias: Latvia - the mania of persecution, Russia – the mania of arrogance. The next meeting of this level is planned to take place this November in St. Petersburg to discuss economic issues. Diena, Vesti, Chas, Respublika, Jauna Avize

After meeting with the Latvian President Freiberga a member of the Russian Duma Boris Pastuhov said he believed that the relations between the two countries develops positively. As unfavorable aspects he mentioned the situation of Russian speakers, persecution of war veterans, NATO accession.

After meeting with the Latvian President Freiberga a member of the Russian Duma Boris Pastuhov said he believed that the relations between the two countries develops positively. As unfavorable aspects he mentioned the situation of Russian speakers, persecution of war veterans, NATO accession. Neatkariga

At the closure of his visit in Latvia the German Chancellor Schroder said that Germany understands that the Baltic countries need security but did not want to speak about concrete military cooperation and assistance programs. Observers comment that the chancellor is quite supportive as for EU accession but more reserved about NATO as Germany takes into account Russia’s considerations. During the visit in Tallinn the chancellor praised Estonia’s achievements in economy and other fields but reminded about the unsolved problems in the language law.

At the closure of his visit in Latvia the German Chancellor Schroder said that Germany understands that the Baltic countries need security but did not want to speak about concrete military cooperation and assistance programs. Observers comment that the chancellor is quite supportive as for EU accession but more reserved about NATO as Germany takes into account Russias considerations. During the visit in Tallinn the chancellor praised Estonias achievements in economy and other fields but reminded about the unsolved problems in the language law. Diena, Jauna Avize

As the Acting Head of DCMA Bičevskis reported to the Saeima’s Commission for Implementation of the Citizenship Law, 31,065 or of the registered non-citizens and 10,904 citizens still hold the old USSR passports. However, out of this number, 7000 have left Latvia in mid-nineties. 467,528 or 92% of non-citizens have obtained the Latvian non-citizen passports.

As the Acting Head of DCMA Bičevskis reported to the Saeimas Commission for Implementation of the Citizenship Law, 31,065 or of the registered non-citizens and 10,904 citizens still hold the old USSR passports. However, out of this number, 7000 have left Latvia in mid-nineties. 467,528 or 92% of non-citizens have obtained the Latvian non-citizen passports. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize

After the public opinion Almost half of Latvia’s residents (42.1% of citizens and 75.9% of non-citizens) believe that the wellbeing of Latvia mainly depends on Russia while 45% do not agree.

After the public opinion Almost half of Latvias residents (42.1% of citizens and 75.9% of non-citizens) believe that the wellbeing of Latvia mainly depends on Russia while 45% do not agree. Diena, Respublika, Panorama Latvii

One of the leaders of Parex Bank Viktors Krasovickis in an interview to Neatkarîgâ disagrees that the political parties should be financed from the state budget saying that the parties can take care of themselves, instead, the money should go for pensioners, students, education, health care. Over the last years the bank has sponsored political parties for more than 100,000 lats.

One of the leaders of Parex Bank Viktors Krasovickis in an interview to Neatkarîgâ disagrees that the political parties should be financed from the state budget saying that the parties can take care of themselves, instead, the money should go for pensioners, students, education, health care. Over the last years the bank has sponsored political parties for more than 100,000 lats. Diena

CNN yesterday ran the second this year report prepared by the news service of the Latvian national TV, this time about the Latvian soldiers serving in Bosnia. Two more reports are sent to CNN – one about the meeting of EBRD governors in Riga and the other about the President Freiberga as the first female president in Eastern Europe.

CNN yesterday ran the second this year report prepared by the news service of the Latvian national TV, this time about the Latvian soldiers serving in Bosnia. Two more reports are sent to CNN – one about the meeting of EBRD governors in Riga and the other about the President Freiberga as the first female president in Eastern Europe. Diena

The Senate of the Supreme Court plans to consider on June 27 the protest of the prosecutor’s office concerning the court ruling to send Kononov’s case for additional investigation.

The Senate of the Supreme Court plans to consider on June 27 the protest of the prosecutors office concerning the court ruling to send Kononovs case for additional investigation. Diena, Vesti, Panorama Latvii

A Latvian National TV report about a woman who has allegedly cheated out jewelry worth of 4000 lats from a young girl has unnecessarily stressed the fact that the suspect was a gypsy woman but the report was not intended to raise national hostility. This statement was made by National TV and Radio Council. Head of the Saeima’s Human Rights Commission Antons Seiksts expressed his astonishment about the way the story was presented. Latvia’s Gypsy National Culture Society considers turning to law enforcement institutions asking to investigate the case.

A Latvian National TV report about a woman who has allegedly cheated out jewelry worth of 4000 lats from a young girl has unnecessarily stressed the fact that the suspect was a gypsy woman but the report was not intended to raise national hostility. This statement was made by National TV and Radio Council. Head of the Saeimas Human Rights Commission Antons Seiksts expressed his astonishment about the way the story was presented. Latvias Gypsy National Culture Society considers turning to law enforcement institutions asking to investigate the case. Diena, Vesti, Rigas Balss

The Cabinet of Ministers yesterday decided to send 2 Latvian militaries to Gergia to participate in the OSCE border observing mission.

The Cabinet of Ministers yesterday decided to send 2 Latvian militaries to Gergia to participate in the OSCE border observing mission. Neatkariga, Vesti

The government yesterday confirmed regulations of the special 2-year military training for university students.

The government yesterday confirmed regulations of the special 2-year military training for university students. Chas

Advisor to the mayor of Moscow Alexander Pereligin announced during the Jurmala conference that the government of Moscow is ready to buy food from Latvian farmers if they can supply large amounts of products.

Advisor to the mayor of Moscow Alexander Pereligin announced during the Jurmala conference that the government of Moscow is ready to buy food from Latvian farmers if they can supply large amounts of products. Vesti

Latvijas Vestnesis publishes the speech of Justice Minister Ingrîda Labucka about the Society Integration Program she made at the integration seminar in Riga last Friday.

Press Review

The speeches on the first day of the conference УLatvia-Russia in United Europe. Who are we: friends, enemies or partners?Ф in Jыrmala were devoted to the security policy of both countries. A Moscow professor Aleksey Arbatov who represents the liberal Yabloko faction in Duma stated that in his mind the war in Chechnya followed like a continuation of the war in Balkans and the consequences could be even worse if the Baltics join NATO. The audience showed discontent when the speaker from Latvia Aivars Stranga mentioned that naturalization process and the human rights situation of ethnic minorities are satisfactory. The report by one of the organizers of the conference, Head of RussiaТs Foreign and Defense Policy Council Sergey Karaganov on RussiaТs new foreign policy attracted the attention of several foreign ambassadors to Latvia. At the conference, Latvia is mainly represented by the politicians from For Human Rights in united Latvia but there are very few from the ruling coalition. In an interview to Panorama Latvii Deputy Speaker of the Russian Duma Irina Hakamada stresses that RussiaТs priority is not waving guns Ц the priority is to present itself as a reliable long-term business partner.

The speeches on the first day of the conference УLatvia-Russia in United Europe. Who are we: friends, enemies or partners?Ф in Jыrmala were devoted to the security policy of both countries. A Moscow professor Aleksey Arbatov who represents the liberal Yabloko faction in Duma stated that in his mind the war in Chechnya followed like a continuation of the war in Balkans and the consequences could be even worse if the Baltics join NATO. The audience showed discontent when the speaker from Latvia Aivars Stranga mentioned that naturalization process and the human rights situation of ethnic minorities are satisfactory. The report by one of the organizers of the conference, Head of RussiaТs Foreign and Defense Policy Council Sergey Karaganov on RussiaТs new foreign policy attracted the attention of several foreign ambassadors to Latvia. At the conference, Latvia is mainly represented by the politicians from For Human Rights in united Latvia but there are very few from the ruling coalition. In an interview to Panorama Latvii Deputy Speaker of the Russian Duma Irina Hakamada stresses that RussiaТs priority is not waving guns Ц the priority is to present itself as a reliable long-term business partner. Neatkariga, Vesti, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

As commented by the Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Bзrziтр, Latvia sees the visit of the German Chancellor Schroder as important for reaching its foreign policy goals Ц EU and NATO accession as well as hopes for making more active the bilateral relations of the countries. Diena

As commented by the Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Bзrziтр, Latvia sees the visit of the German Chancellor Schroder as important for reaching its foreign policy goals Ц EU and NATO accession as well as hopes for making more active the bilateral relations of the countries. Diena

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins met Deputy Speaker of the Russian Duma Irina Hakamada. At the meeting, the importance of economic cooperation was stressed. Latvian party expressed support for RussiaТs accession to the WTO.

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins met Deputy Speaker of the Russian Duma Irina Hakamada. At the meeting, the importance of economic cooperation was stressed. Latvian party expressed support for RussiaТs accession to the WTO. Neatkariga, Respublika

Draft recommendations being considered by the Russian Duma this week state that Russia does not ensure a sufficiently active policy in relations with the CIS and Baltics to protect the Russian language and rights for education.

Draft recommendations being considered by the Russian Duma this week state that Russia does not ensure a sufficiently active policy in relations with the CIS and Baltics to protect the Russian language and rights for education. Diena, Respublika

In an interview to the national radio Latvian President Freiberga expressed her belief that non-citizens should acquire the rights to vote through naturalization Ц then they could vote both in municipal and parliament elections. She added that currently only two countries in Europe allow non-citizens to vote in municipal elections.

In an interview to the national radio Latvian President Freiberga expressed her belief that non-citizens should acquire the rights to vote through naturalization Ц then they could vote both in municipal and parliament elections. She added that currently only two countries in Europe allow non-citizens to vote in municipal elections. Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii, Respublika, Lauku Avize

The Baltic-American Partnership Program will provide $170,000 funding for the best NGO projects aimed at solving socially important issues or protecting the interests of certain groups of society in their dialogue with the state authorities.

The Baltic-American Partnership Program will provide $170,000 funding for the best NGO projects aimed at solving socially important issues or protecting the interests of certain groups of society in their dialogue with the state authorities. Diena, Neatkariga

June 10, a scientific conference УThe Latvian Legion in Latvian HistoryФ will take place in the Latvian Society House in Riga. The conference was organized in order to start a discussion Уon the unfair attitude in the society towards legionaries, the fact that they are called Nazis and FascistsФ.

June 10, a scientific conference УThe Latvian Legion in Latvian HistoryФ will take place in the Latvian Society House in Riga. The conference was organized in order to start a discussion Уon the unfair attitude in the society towards legionaries, the fact that they are called Nazis and FascistsФ. Chas, Panorama Latvii, Vesti

Press Report

The tender for the rights to make the new Latvian passports out of 6 applicants was won by a German company Giesecke&Devrient.; The author doubts whether the tender has been fair and whether the winner is the best choice.

The tender for the rights to make the new Latvian passports out of 6 applicants was won by a German company Giesecke&Devrient. The author doubts whether the tender has been fair and whether the winner is the best choice. Neatkariga

Neatkariga reviews the interview with the Swedish Foreign Minister in International Herald Tribune. Ms. Lind speaks about the possible reaction from Russia to EU and NATO accession of the Baltic countries. Neatkariga

Neatkariga reviews the interview with the Swedish Foreign Minister in International Herald Tribune. Ms. Lind speaks about the possible reaction from Russia to EU and NATO accession of the Baltic countries. Neatkariga

Today, an international forum on Latvian-Russian relations begins in Jurmala.

Today, an international forum on Latvian-Russian relations begins in Jurmala. Respublika, Neatkariga (May 3)

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins today meets the vice-speaker of the Russian Duma Irina Hakamada who came to Latvia to attend the conference in Jurmala.

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins today meets the vice-speaker of the Russian Duma Irina Hakamada who came to Latvia to attend the conference in Jurmala. Respublika, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Sources in the German government had noted as an important the fact that the Chancellor Schroder's visit to the Baltics on May 5,6, and 7 is scheduled before he meets Russian President Putin.

Sources in the German government had noted as an important the fact that the Chancellor Schroder's visit to the Baltics on May 5,6, and 7 is scheduled before he meets Russian President Putin. Diena

Out of residents of Latvia who are 18 years old or older, 78% were born in Latvia. The figure is 97% for Latvians and 57% for Russians.

Out of residents of Latvia who are 18 years old or older, 78% were born in Latvia. The figure is 97% for Latvians and 57% for Russians. Diena

The congress of Latvia's Way last Saturday decided that there should a stronger control over the observance of the party discipline among the MPs and the government ministers. Also, it was decided to create a working group to develop the code of political ethics.

The congress of Latvia's Way last Saturday decided that there should a stronger control over the observance of the party discipline among the MPs and the government ministers. Also, it was decided to create a working group to develop the code of political ethics. Diena, Neatkariga, Respublika

Before announcing the opinion on the suggested draft law providing for making public the KGB archives in Latvia, the Saeima's Legal Commission will look for advice from a competent German institution.

Before announcing the opinion on the suggested draft law providing for making public the KGB archives in Latvia, the Saeima's Legal Commission will look for advice from a competent German institution. Diena

Press Review

In May, 136 administrative protocols were created for living with invalid identity documents - the old USSR passports. The protocols were created when the residents wanted to exchange the old passports for the new non-citizen passports. In April no fine had to be paid, now it can be established from 1 to 25 lats. 33,350 non-citizens in Latvia still live with the old passports.

In May, 136 administrative protocols were created for living with invalid identity documents - the old USSR passports. The protocols were created when the residents wanted to exchange the old passports for the new non-citizen passports. In April no fine had to be paid, now it can be established from 1 to 25 lats. 33,350 non-citizens in Latvia still live with the old passports. Diena

Russian government ruled that a complex of activities should be developed to complete exchange the former USSR passports for the Russian passports. It is suggested that the exchange is completed by 2005.

Russian government ruled that a complex of activities should be developed to complete exchange the former USSR passports for the Russian passports. It is suggested that the exchange is completed by 2005. Diena

Last Friday, residents of the Naval Port (Karosta), the former military town, in Liepaja went with placards to the downtown of Liepâja to complain about the poor living conditions and the neglect of the town's authorities towards the district.

Last Friday, residents of the Naval Port (Karosta), the former military town, in Liepaja went with placards to the downtown of Liepâja to complain about the poor living conditions and the neglect of the town's authorities towards the district. Diena

A commentary by Artis Pabriks "Should a non-citizen become a half-citizen?" in

A commentary by Artis Pabriks "Should a non-citizen become a half-citizen?" in Diena speaks about the on-going discussion about the possibility to grant municipal election rights to non-citizens.

The speakers in the last Friday's seminar about society integration addressed criticism towards the political parties for not showing the will to actively participate in the discussions of integration problems.

The speakers in the last Friday's seminar about society integration addressed criticism towards the political parties for not showing the will to actively participate in the discussions of integration problems. Neatkariga, Respublika, Vesti (June 5)