Press Review

Head of

Head of Latvijas Cels faction Kristiana Libane informed press yesterday that the council and the faction of Latvijas Cels will ask the coalition partners to agree on uniting of three Citizenship Law amendments and simultaneously reviewing them in the Saeima. Diena

On Monday the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers a draft resolution concerning the adherence to the Protocol 6 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms about the abolishment of the death penalty. It is possible that the Cabinet of Ministers considers this draft resolution at the meeting on Tuesday.

On Monday the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers a draft resolution concerning the adherence to the Protocol 6 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms about the abolishment of the death penalty. It is possible that the Cabinet of Ministers considers this draft resolution at the meeting on Tuesday. Diena

At the interview for the Latvian Radio State President Guntis Ulmanis said that there are no grounds for not taking seriously the statements of Russian President Boris Yeltsin about the possible meeting of two presidents.

At the interview for the Latvian Radio State President Guntis Ulmanis said that there are no grounds for not taking seriously the statements of Russian President Boris Yeltsin about the possible meeting of two presidents. Diena

SM andSegodnya continues publishing opinions of readers and journalists about the Appeal of Russian intelligentsia to non-citizens to become naturalized which was published in Russian newspapers a couple of weeks ago. Abram Kleckin, professor of the Latvian University and one of the signatories of the aforementioned Appeal, tells SM about his motives behind the signing that document. According to Mr. Kleckin, the main task of the Appeal was to inform the society and to initiate the discussion about these issues, and not to make people immediately apply for the naturalization. Mr. Kleckin believes that faster non-citizens become the citizens, more quickly Latvia will become a democratic society, since more people will participate in decision-making processes. A different point of view is expressed by Oleg Goculak. He argues that the capacity of the Naturalization Board is 10,000 applications reviewed per year, subsequently, it will take 14 years for non-citizens to be able to influence the politics. Mr. Goculak sees other more effective ways of protecting the rights of non-citizens, for example, establishing a representative institution of non-citizens. Segodnyapublishes an opinion of Nikolay Kabanov who thinks that total ignorance of the social-psychology of Russians living in Latvia led the signatories of the aforementioned appeal to assume that people will apply for the naturalization. According to Mr. Kabanov, people simply do not want to bend. SM

Panorama Latvii informs its readers about the upcoming "hot line" in the editorial office on Wednesday when people will be able to call and express their opinion about the naturalization and citizenship issues.

Consul of Belorus Vladimir Gromiko informs readers of the

Consul of Belorus Vladimir Gromiko informs readers of the Panorama Latvii about the necessary documents for applying for the Belorussian citizenship.

Panorama Latviipublishes a story of Mrs. Taisija Gedz who has received an expulsion order from the Cesis DCMA due to the fact that her temporary residence permit expired a half of a year ago.

Estonian mass media has started a campaign for the protection of the rights of Estonians in the Latvian border town Valka,

Estonian mass media has started a campaign for the protection of the rights of Estonians in the Latvian border town Valka, B&B informs. The front page story of an Estonian newspaper Sonumileth says that Latvian authorities do not allow Estonian citizens residing in Latvia to cross the border as freely as before. Yesterday B&B asked the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to give some explanations concerning this issue.. Press Secretary of the Estonian MFA said that they have contacted Latvian colleagues, unfortunately it was impossible to solve the problems related with the border crossing, since the favourable regime for the border crossing existed only on the basis of oral agreements. No solutions to this issue was mentioned by the Estonian MFA. B&B

Igor Pimenov, Head of the Association Supporting Schools with Russian as the Language of Instruction, thinks that people living in Latvia should honour and know the language of the native population. Still, the education project presented by the Ministry of Education providing by the year of 2007 in national minority schools only 25% of subjects to be taught in the minority language (other subjects are to be taught in the Latvian language), promotes the assimilation of the national minorities. As one of major obstacles to implementation of such an educational program for the national minority schools is the insufficient command of the Latvian language of teachers. The proposal of the Association is to introduce into the educational programs a new subject of systematic knowledge about Latvia - geography, culture, ethnography which could be taught every day and in the Latvian language. Besides, new methods of teaching Latvian should be used in these classes.

Igor Pimenov, Head of the Association Supporting Schools with Russian as the Language of Instruction, thinks that people living in Latvia should honour and know the language of the native population. Still, the education project presented by the Ministry of Education providing by the year of 2007 in national minority schools only 25% of subjects to be taught in the minority language (other subjects are to be taught in the Latvian language), promotes the assimilation of the national minorities. As one of major obstacles to implementation of such an educational program for the national minority schools is the insufficient command of the Latvian language of teachers. The proposal of the Association is to introduce into the educational programs a new subject of systematic knowledge about Latvia - geography, culture, ethnography which could be taught every day and in the Latvian language. Besides, new methods of teaching Latvian should be used in these classes. B&B

Rita Zinas publishes an interview with Ilga Kreituse, head of the Saeima Commission on the Implementation of the Citizenship Law in which she supports the amendments concerning the granting of citizenship on the basis of outstanding service for the benefit of Latvia. According to Kreituse the quota of 50 persons per year who would receive citizenship on the aforementioned grounds, would be a normal situation. Mrs. Kreituse is against the delegating power to grant citizenship on the grounds of outstanding service to the Cabinet of Ministers, since "this should be an open process" and the candidates should be discussed in the Saeima. Rita Zinas

Jauna Avize publsihes an article about the recent conflict between head of the National Human Rights Office Mr. Olafs Bruvers and his ex-deputy Ms. Kaija Gertnere. After presenting the arguments of both sides involved into the conflict and noting how eager both sides were in presenting the discrediting documents, the newspaper concludes that the positions which will be held by persons involved into the conflict in the future, will reveal real instigators of this discord.

Press Review

On 23 May the

On 23 May the Diena (Russian and Latvian versions) publishes a document On Implementation of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minority Recommendations prepared by the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The document lists the recommendations which are implemented and the recommendations which are not implemented, yet.

The Council of the

The Council of the Christian Democratic Union supported joining of the Green Party, the National Reform Party and the Work Party to make a political union for the elections of the 7th Saeima. Diena

Janis Urbanovics, member of the

Janis Urbanovics, member of the People's Harmony Union, states that he does not see a possibility to have Russian-Latvian relationship considerably stabilized this year, since the roots of the discord are very deep. He blames Tevzemei un Brivibai/ LNNK for destructivism concerning the citizenship law. Janis Urbanovics points out that the intention of TB/LNNK is not to amend the Citizenship Law, but to start a discussion in the Saeima. Besides, according to the TB/LNNK, these amendments might be adopted only by the next Saeima and come into force at the end of 1999, at its earliest. Diena

Last week the

Last week the B&B published an interview with the leader of the Union of Communists in Latvia Albert Lebedev in which he stated that the Union has its own security service, and that the Union of Communists in Latvia does not exclude methods of armed struggle for their justice. On Friday the Security Police brought a criminal action against him on charges of the call to overthrow the legal state power. B&B andChas questions the efficiency and motives of the security service in Latvia. According to the head of the Satversme Defence Bureau Lainis Kamaldins, the Bureau controls the activities of the Union , and until now there have not been anything criminal detected. SM, B&B

Diena(Russian version) publishes an informative letter by the Deputy Head of the DCMA Juris Dombrovskis about the procedure of inviting relatives and friends from the CIS countries to Latvia for summer holidays. Diena

European Commission experts who evaluated the work of various structures of the Interior Ministry, approved the work of the Latvian Immigration police and plans for the development of the Latvia’s eastern borders. At the same they expressed a regret that there were still no border agreements signed between Latvia and Russia ,and between Latvia and Belorus.

European Commission experts who evaluated the work of various structures of the Interior Ministry, approved the work of the Latvian Immigration police and plans for the development of the Latvias eastern borders. At the same they expressed a regret that there were still no border agreements signed between Latvia and Russia ,and between Latvia and Belorus. Diena

In an interview for the press agency Interfax the Latvian Minister of Defence Talavs Jundzis said that the co-operation between Latvian and Russian Armed Forces might promote building of trust between two countries. Mr. Jundzis said that this subject will be included into the discussion of Ministers of Defence of the Baltic and Northern European countries at their meeting in Oslo on 25-26 May.

In an interview for the press agency Interfax the Latvian Minister of Defence Talavs Jundzis said that the co-operation between Latvian and Russian Armed Forces might promote building of trust between two countries. Mr. Jundzis said that this subject will be included into the discussion of Ministers of Defence of the Baltic and Northern European countries at their meeting in Oslo on 25-26 May. Chas

On 23 February the Cabinet of Ministers decreed to work out regulations on compensation for those who leave for the permanent residence in Russia by 15 May. Now the project has been reviewed by the Ministries and discussed at the meeting of the State Secretaries. Basically, the Ministries support the project. Still, the Ministry of Justice emphasizes that there is no law on which these regulations could be based. It would be logical if the Saeima adopts the law regulating the emigration process, although it is unlikely that it might happen before the end of this year. Draft regulations prepared by the DCMA work group state three instances when the compensation might be paid, first when leaving the apartment which is under the jurisdiction of the municipality and cannot be privatized; secondly, to cover travel expenses, and the third, to assist the settling down in a new place.

On 23 February the Cabinet of Ministers decreed to work out regulations on compensation for those who leave for the permanent residence in Russia by 15 May. Now the project has been reviewed by the Ministries and discussed at the meeting of the State Secretaries. Basically, the Ministries support the project. Still, the Ministry of Justice emphasizes that there is no law on which these regulations could be based. It would be logical if the Saeima adopts the law regulating the emigration process, although it is unlikely that it might happen before the end of this year. Draft regulations prepared by the DCMA work group state three instances when the compensation might be paid, first when leaving the apartment which is under the jurisdiction of the municipality and cannot be privatized; secondly, to cover travel expenses, and the third, to assist the settling down in a new place. Neatkariga

Panorama Latvii publishes an article about the situation with non-citizen passports in the DCMA division of the Kurzemes district of Riga. People who aply for the "fast passports and pay 25 Lats fee, have to wait for two weeks instead of 2 days as set by the law.

Sergey Zaletaev, a journalist of

Sergey Zaletaev, a journalist of Panorama Latvii, urges his "countryman and fellow-noncitizens" to apply for naturalization, since only by becoming citizens and being united, it would be possible to preserve culture and education.

 

Press Review

On Thursday the Saeima adopted in the first reading the draft law Amendments to the Satversme of the Republic of Latvia anticipating to define more clearly the basic human rights. It is said in the draft law that all people in Latvia shall be equal before the Law and the Court, and realisation of obligations and freedoms fixed in the Satversme is ensured with no discrimination.

On Thursday the Saeima adopted in the first reading the draft law Amendments to the Satversme of the Republic of Latvia anticipating to define more clearly the basic human rights. It is said in the draft law that all people in Latvia shall be equal before the Law and the Court, and realisation of obligations and freedoms fixed in the Satversme is ensured with no discrimination. Neatkariga, Rita Zinas

Neatkariga

informs about the case of Russian artist Fateyev who has to leave the country upon an expulsion order of the DCMA. According to the DCMA, Fateyev has acquired informs about the case of Russian artist Fateyev who has to leave the country upon an expulsion order of the DCMA. According to the DCMA, Fateyev has acquired propiska propiska and residence permit illegally and, after the fact had been established, refused to legalise his staying in a legal way. In his turn Fateyev maintains that his actions were legal, and the DCMA was guilty for this problem. Russian newspaper and residence permit illegally and, after the fact had been established, refused to legalise his staying in a legal way. In his turn Fateyev maintains that his actions were legal, and the DCMA was guilty for this problem. Russian newspaper ChasChas looks at this problem from a different angle. looks at this problem from a different angle. The Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs considers that expressions of the NHRO Director O.Bruveris concerning State Audit findings at the NHRO hinder Latvian co-operation with international organisations. The Head of the Saeima Human Rights Commission A.Seiks holds the same opinion.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs considers that expressions of the NHRO Director O.Bruveris concerning State Audit findings at the NHRO hinder Latvian co-operation with international organisations. The Head of the Saeima Human Rights Commission A.Seiks holds the same opinion. Neatkariga, Rita Zinas

The Riga City Council plans to ban

The Riga City Council plans to ban Latvian Socialist Party to organise any public events. Before the rally of May 14 LSP signed a document undertaking all responsibility for it. When the permission was granted, there were leaflets circulated with Neo-bolshevik content and the very rally turned into this mood. Neatkariga, Chas

The Chairman of the faction

The Chairman of the faction Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK J.Straume was elected the Deputy Speaker of the Saeima to replace A.Jirgens who stepped down from this post due to a scandal. Diena, Rita Zinas, Chas

The Saeima at its ordinary sitting has adopted the Law on General Education in the first reading. A member of the Saeima Committee on Education, Culture and Science A.Tomasuns considers that most lively debates could be on the state language. He thinks that this issue should be solved in such a way that Russia could not use it in “its games”. The Chairman of this commission Dz.Abikis stressed that it should be achieved that at least half of all subjects in secondary schools and all in professional education would be taught in the Latvian language till 2005.

The Saeima at its ordinary sitting has adopted the Law on General Education in the first reading. A member of the Saeima Committee on Education, Culture and Science A.Tomasuns considers that most lively debates could be on the state language. He thinks that this issue should be solved in such a way that Russia could not use it in its games. The Chairman of this commission Dz.Abikis stressed that it should be achieved that at least half of all subjects in secondary schools and all in professional education would be taught in the Latvian language till 2005. Jauna Avize

The Speaker of the Saeima A.Cepanis gave an interview to the newspaper

SM where he expressed his opinion on the situation with adopting the amendments to the Law on Citizenship. Cepanis thinks that the faction Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK will stick, although unwillingly, to its promise to the coalition partners to amend the Law on Citizenship. But they would use any means possibile to prevent the Saeima from adopting all the amendments. SM

Press Review

Yesterday the Saeima adopted as urgent the amendments to the Law on Citizenship. The draft law anticipates annulment of “window” mechanism and granting citizenship to children of non-citizens. Fifty two deputies voted for it, one was against and one - abstained.

Yesterday the Saeima adopted as urgent the amendments to the Law on Citizenship. The draft law anticipates annulment of window mechanism and granting citizenship to children of non-citizens. Fifty two deputies voted for it, one was against and one - abstained. Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK faction deputies supported the amendments, but the majority of DPS deputies did not vote at all. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii, Chas, SM, Bizness & Baltiya

The National Security Council has taken a decision that Latvian Socialist Party and the people who organised a rally in Vermanis Garden in Riga against the draft Law on Education should be punished in accordance with the existing legislation. The Interior Minister A.Krastins said to the press Latvian legislation was too feeble dealing with such extremists, and the Interior Ministry had prepared proposals for the necessary amendments to the legislation.

Diena, Chas

Bizness & Baltiya

published an analytical article of the ideologist of published an analytical article of the ideologist of Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK, Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK, the Saeima Deputy J.Sinka on the problem why Russians were not loved in Latvia. He writes about the history of Latvia, and the need for every non-citizen to realise the grounds for his being in Latvia. He analyses the events in Vermanis Garden and finds the hatred of those youngsters rooting from their families. He also speaks about the important role of the Latvian language in the process of Naturalisation. the Saeima Deputy J.Sinka on the problem why Russians were not loved in Latvia. He writes about the history of Latvia, and the need for every non-citizen to realise the grounds for his being in Latvia. He analyses the events in Vermanis Garden and finds the hatred of those youngsters rooting from their families. He also speaks about the important role of the Latvian language in the process of Naturalisation.

 

Press Review

State President G.Ulmanis and representatives of major political parties consider that amendments to the Law on Citizenship based on OSCE recommendations should be adopted in the nearest future. It could be done till Jani (June 24). It was said during a meeting that took place on Tuesday.

State President G.Ulmanis and representatives of major political parties consider that amendments to the Law on Citizenship based on OSCE recommendations should be adopted in the nearest future. It could be done till Jani (June 24). It was said during a meeting that took place on Tuesday. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas

Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the wish of G.Ulmanis to have a telephone conversation with B.Yeltsin. Latvian MFA representative E.Skuja said that now they just had to wait for the possible date of this conversation. For all that there was information in the mass media that in B.Yeltsin’s time table meeting with G.Ulmanis was not planned untill the end of this year. Nevertheless Skuja added, that if such a conversation was to take place, the presidents could themselves fix the date of this meeting.

Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the wish of G.Ulmanis to have a telephone conversation with B.Yeltsin. Latvian MFA representative E.Skuja said that now they just had to wait for the possible date of this conversation. For all that there was information in the mass media that in B.Yeltsins time table meeting with G.Ulmanis was not planned untill the end of this year. Nevertheless Skuja added, that if such a conversation was to take place, the presidents could themselves fix the date of this meeting. Neatkariga

B.Yelstsin’s Press Secretary S.Yastrzhemsky announced on Tuesday that there were no changes in Russia’s policy concerning Latvia. According to his opinion, Russia will strictly stand on its position and support OSCE recommendations to make 18 amendments to the Law on Citizenship. He refused to comment on Yeltsin’s words about the possible meeting with G.Ulmanis. S.Yastrzhemsky thinks that such a meeting could only take place when Latvia would fulfil all recommendations. They have received requests for such a meeting several times, but Russian part has done nothing yet.

B.Yelstsins Press Secretary S.Yastrzhemsky announced on Tuesday that there were no changes in Russias policy concerning Latvia. According to his opinion, Russia will strictly stand on its position and support OSCE recommendations to make 18 amendments to the Law on Citizenship. He refused to comment on Yeltsins words about the possible meeting with G.Ulmanis. S.Yastrzhemsky thinks that such a meeting could only take place when Latvia would fulfil all recommendations. They have received requests for such a meeting several times, but Russian part has done nothing yet. Diena

Several officials, questioned by

Several officials, questioned by Diena, were negative concerning the critics of NHRO Director O.Bruveris, and it is expected that Prime Minister G.Krasts will express his distrust to O.Bruveris at the end of this week. Diena

Practical Latvian language Chair of Latvian University conducted a research test for those students who had graduated from Russian speaking schools. 59% of these students failed it. So the conclusion, made in this article, is that 59% of all Russian speaking school students do not know the Latvian language.

Practical Latvian language Chair of Latvian University conducted a research test for those students who had graduated from Russian speaking schools. 59% of these students failed it. So the conclusion, made in this article, is that 59% of all Russian speaking school students do not know the Latvian language. Neatkariga

Social opinion research centre Socially Correlative Data System conducted a research on the future of national situation of Latvia. The society does not have a common opinion whether there will be any contradictions between Latvians and other nationalities living in Latvia. 11.8% are sure for such contradictions to exist.

Social opinion research centre Socially Correlative Data System conducted a research on the future of national situation of Latvia. The society does not have a common opinion whether there will be any contradictions between Latvians and other nationalities living in Latvia. 11.8% are sure for such contradictions to exist. Neatkariga

The deputies of the Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe who are preparing a report on Latvia presented to the Survey Committee a proposal that could further improvement of Latvian - Russian relations. It was acceptable also for Russia. But they did not want to go into details. Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs could not make any comments on this.

The deputies of the Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe who are preparing a report on Latvia presented to the Survey Committee a proposal that could further improvement of Latvian - Russian relations. It was acceptable also for Russia. But they did not want to go into details. Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs could not make any comments on this. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

Russian TV company ORT has acknowledged that behind so called campaign for protecting the rights of Russian speakers in Latvia are corporate interests of Russian industry groups. When reporting on Byelorussian Prime Minister S.Lingas visit to Latvia they voiced their lack of understanding for such a position of Byelorussian Prime Minister, especially about his meeting with G.Krasts. They offered two versions of this. One could be a treason of interests of Byelorussian - Russian union. The other could be a smart political move by the Kremlin to use A.Lukashenko administration of in their interests.

Dienas Bizness

Panorama Latvii

informs about the results of the hot line organised after the publication of Russian intelligentsia appeal to Russian speakers to naturalise in order to gain political influence in Latvia. Journalists asked the respondents to express their opinion on all matters connected to Naturalisation process in Latvia. Most of these people fell offended and humiliated and do not want Latvian citizenship at all. informs about the results of the “hot line” organised after the publication of Russian intelligentsia appeal to Russian speakers to naturalise in order to gain political influence in Latvia. Journalists asked the respondents to express their opinion on all matters connected to Naturalisation process in Latvia. Most of these people fell offended and humiliated and do not want Latvian citizenship at all.

SM

writes about the frequent visits of European experts to Latvia in order to understand why Latvia, despite its attempt to enter EU, simultaneously does just the opposite to EU and OSCE recommendations, e.g., annulment of death penalty, not increasing the number of persons with no citizenship, etc. The Saeima deputies A.Seiksts and V.Dozorcevs give their explanations of this problem. writes about the frequent visits of European experts to Latvia in order to understand why Latvia, despite its attempt to enter EU, simultaneously does just the opposite to EU and OSCE recommendations, e.g., annulment of death penalty, not increasing the number of persons with no citizenship, etc. The Saeima deputies A.Seiksts and V.Dozorcevs give their explanations of this problem.