Press Review

Press Review

President Yeltsin told the press that Russia would guarantee security of the three Baltic states. While touching upon the results of his meeting with President Clinton, the Russian President noted that the parties "still had different opinions on admission of former USSR republics to NATO". Member of the Russian President's Council Sergey Karaganov told

President Yeltsin told the press that Russia would guarantee security of the three Baltic states. While touching upon the results of his meeting with President Clinton, the Russian President noted that the parties "still had different opinions on admission of former USSR republics to NATO". Member of the Russian President's Council Sergey Karaganov told "DIENA" that Russia would prefer Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania to follow Finland's example in their security policy. The US agreed not to deploy nuclear arms on the territory of new members of the bloc and to support the joining of international economic institutions by Russia. Observers point out that no binding documents were signed during the summit. Diena

Last Saturday Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs said that the border agreement with Estonia would be signed only after Estonia stops discriminating Russian-speakers. "We only want Estonia to take into consideration OSCE recommendations," said Primakov.

Last Saturday Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs said that the border agreement with Estonia would be signed only after Estonia stops discriminating Russian-speakers. "We only want Estonia to take into consideration OSCE recommendations," said Primakov. Duma Deputy-Speaker Alexander Shohin told the press that Russia could use economic sanctions against Baltic states as a response to discrimination of Russian-speakers. Diena

Another round of border talks between Russia and Latvia was accomplished early in the morning on Saturday. The parties drafted an agreement on the state border and, according to Head of the Latvian Delegation Aivars Vovers, will settle technical issues during the next round of talks in April. Head of the Russian Delegation Mr. Chizhov in an interview for

Another round of border talks between Russia and Latvia was accomplished early in the morning on Saturday. The parties drafted an agreement on the state border and, according to Head of the Latvian Delegation Aivars Vovers, will settle technical issues during the next round of talks in April. Head of the Russian Delegation Mr. Chizhov in an interview for "SM" said that the problem of Russian-speakers should not be connected to the border agreement.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs in an interview for

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs in an interview for "Radio Biznes i Baltiya" said that he believed Latvia could resolve the problem of Russian-speakers. He stressed that Latvia="s" integration into European community required introducing internationally accepted "principles of relations between its inhabitants." B&B

Today the Daugavpils City Court is expected to end the hearing of Mr. Vidavsky's case. If recognized guilty, Vidavsky will have to resign from the post of Mayor. Last Friday hundreds of his supporters picketed the court in Daugavpils and carried the Mayor from the court room to his office.

Today the Daugavpils City Court is expected to end the hearing of Mr. Vidavsky's case. If recognized guilty, Vidavsky will have to resign from the post of Mayor. Last Friday hundreds of his supporters picketed the court in Daugavpils and carried the Mayor from the court room to his office. Diena, SM

Press Report

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima declined amendments to the Citizenship Law drafted by the Saeima Committee on Education and Science. According to the amendments, the President would be given the right to suggest candidates to be granted citizenship for an outstanding service to Latvia. The candidates were to be supported by a the Saeima. "Tevzemei un Brivibai" faction did not agree to bringing any amendments to the Citizenship Law and to extending the powers of the President. Neatkariga

According to Danish newspaper

According to Danish newspaper "B.T.", the Danish Prime-Minister's chancellory crossed out a period from the Queen's speech delivered at a dinner on March 18. The part of the speech crossed out said that Denmark supported the joining of NATO by the Baltic countries. President Ulmanis refused to comment on the issue at a press-conference. Diena

Yeltsin's Press-Secretary Sergey Yastrzhembsky said that issues related to the Baltic states would not be on the agenda of the Helsinki summit. Mr. Yastrzhembsky stressed that Yeltsin's meeting with President Clinton was not directed against third parties. "We will not decide the fate of independent countries behind their backs," said the Press-Secretary. Spokesmen for American and Russian sides at the meeting say that reaching a definite agreement on NATO enlargement was not among the objectives of the summit.

Yeltsin's Press-Secretary Sergey Yastrzhembsky said that issues related to the Baltic states would not be on the agenda of the Helsinki summit. Mr. Yastrzhembsky stressed that Yeltsin's meeting with President Clinton was not directed against third parties. "We will not decide the fate of independent countries behind their backs," said the Press-Secretary. Spokesmen for American and Russian sides at the meeting say that reaching a definite agreement on NATO enlargement was not among the objectives of the summit. Diena

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern about the recent parade of the SS Legion veterans in Riga and an act of vandalism against the Monument to the Liberators of Riga.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern about the recent parade of the SS Legion veterans in Riga and an act of vandalism against the Monument to the Liberators of Riga. SM

The Riga City Council decided to reorganize the Riga Experimental Polish School. According to the city authorities, the school does not meet standard requirements and will be merged with the Polish Secondary School. Still, the Union of Latvia's Poles believes that the reorganization means the closure of the school.

The Riga City Council decided to reorganize the Riga Experimental Polish School. According to the city authorities, the school does not meet standard requirements and will be merged with the Polish Secondary School. Still, the Union of Latvia's Poles believes that the reorganization means the closure of the school. Diena

Press Report

Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told the press that Danish Prime-Minister Rasmussen promised assistance in resolving the problems impeding Latvia's joining of the European Union. Mr. Birkavs said that he was concerned about the lack of clear prospects for Latvia's admission to the European Union. The Danish side confirmed that it would further support the joining of NATO by Latvia.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told the press that Danish Prime-Minister Rasmussen promised assistance in resolving the problems impeding Latvia's joining of the European Union. Mr. Birkavs said that he was concerned about the lack of clear prospects for Latvia's admission to the European Union. The Danish side confirmed that it would further support the joining of NATO by Latvia. Diena

Most analysts forecast the Helsinki summit to end without any tangible results. Yeltsin's Press-Secretary Yastrzhembsky told

Most analysts forecast the Helsinki summit to end without any tangible results. Yeltsin's Press-Secretary Yastrzhembsky told "DIENA" that the President could agree to Russia and NATO providing joint security guarantees to the Baltic states. Recent Yeltsin's interviews show that he will demand strict guarantees of non-deployment of nuclear arms and anti-missile systems in Central and Eastern Europe. Russia may also demand reviewing the agreement on conventional arms. Diena

Latvia will conclude agreements with Sweden, Norway and Iceland on illegal immigration. Such agreements have been already concluded with Denmark and Finland.

Latvia will conclude agreements with Sweden, Norway and Iceland on illegal immigration. Such agreements have been already concluded with Denmark and Finland. Diena

After April 7 the CID will accept photos of applicants for citizens' and non-citizens' passports produced only by certified studios. According to CID Deputy-Director Andris Leins, the procedure of certification will not be complicated or time- consuming. The CID will set strict requirements to the quality of photos.

After April 7 the CID will accept photos of applicants for citizens' and non-citizens' passports produced only by certified studios. According to CID Deputy-Director Andris Leins, the procedure of certification will not be complicated or time- consuming. The CID will set strict requirements to the quality of photos. B&B

Member of the Moscow "Helsinki Group" and the President's Committee on Human Rights Nikolay Monahov in an interview for

Member of the Moscow "Helsinki Group" and the President's Committee on Human Rights Nikolay Monahov in an interview for "Panorama Latvii" said that the Committee received huge numbers of letters from Latvia on human rights violations. Mr. Monahov, a former dissident, believes that observance of human rights in Russia may be provided only through strengthening state power. PL

Tomorrow (March 21) the Daugavpils City court will consider Aleksey Vidavsky's case. Vidavky, recently elected Mayor of Daugavpils, is accused of active participation in the activities of the Communist Party before 13 January 1991. He will have to leave his post if the fact is confirmed by the court.

Tomorrow (March 21) the Daugavpils City court will consider Aleksey Vidavsky's case. Vidavky, recently elected Mayor of Daugavpils, is accused of active participation in the activities of the Communist Party before 13 January 1991. He will have to leave his post if the fact is confirmed by the court. B&B

Press Report

Press Report

Yesterday President Ulmanis and Mrs. Ulmane arrived to Denmark on a three-day visit. In a report delivered at the Danish Foreign Politicy Society the President expressed concern about the possibility of secret agreements related to the security of the Baltic states. He stressed that Latvia was hoping to continue working on a plan that would bring the Baltic states closer to NATO. President Ulmanis believes that the issue of observing the interests of small countries while enlarging European international organizations is of essential importance for Europe. The President hopes that the dialogue between Russia and the West will meet the interests of the Baltic states. Tomorrow President Clinton and President Yeltsin will meet in Helsinki to discuss NATO enlargement and related issues. Yeltsin is expected to lay a strong emphasis on the 1990 OSCE Paris Agreement. Russia believes NATO enlargement to contradict the basic principles of the document.

Yesterday President Ulmanis and Mrs. Ulmane arrived to Denmark on a three-day visit. In a report delivered at the Danish Foreign Politicy Society the President expressed concern about the possibility of secret agreements related to the security of the Baltic states. He stressed that Latvia was hoping to continue working on a plan that would bring the Baltic states closer to NATO. President Ulmanis believes that the issue of observing the interests of small countries while enlarging European international organizations is of essential importance for Europe. The President hopes that the dialogue between Russia and the West will meet the interests of the Baltic states. Tomorrow President Clinton and President Yeltsin will meet in Helsinki to discuss NATO enlargement and related issues. Yeltsin is expected to lay a strong emphasis on the 1990 OSCE Paris Agreement. Russia believes NATO enlargement to contradict the basic principles of the document. Diena, SM

The

The Saeima Mandate Committee has drafted a decree on instituting criminal proceedings against independent deputy Valdis Krisbergs. The Saeima will consider the issue on March 20. The Committee adopted the draft decree after hearing the accounts by Mr. Krisbergs and a representative of the Procurator General's Office. Diena

Prime-Minister Skele in an interview for

Prime-Minister Skele in an interview for "SM" explained that Latvia's efforts aimed at improving and strengthening its border with Russia did not contradict the policy of improving economic co-operation with Russia. According to the Prime-Minister, both countries are concerned about smuggling of goods and illegal immigration. SM

Press Report

A knee surgery forced President Clinton to postpone the Helsinki Summit for one day. The agenda of the US President meeting with President Yeltsin will be focused on NATO enlargement.

A knee surgery forced President Clinton to postpone the Helsinki Summit for one day. The agenda of the US President meeting with President Yeltsin will be focused on NATO enlargement. "SM" refers to a source in the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs that claims a provision on not including the Baltic countries in the first stage of NATO enlargement to be an essential part of the agreement between Russia and NATO. The provision is said to be supported by Germany, France and USA. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs told the press that he expected both sides at the talks to confirm the right of an independent state for its own security model. He stressed that only openness could prove that no deals would be made behind the scene. Diena, SM

The

The "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK faction in the Riga City Council suggested Andris Argalis as a candidate for Mayor. "Latvijas Cels" nominated Andris Berzins for the post. Today "TB", "LC" and "Saimnieks" will discuss the candidates and the structure of the City Council. B&B