Press Review

Press Review

On Monday night at 1.58 a.m. in Kronvalda Park, 50 m from the Russian Embassy, there was an explosion. It was an infantry mine. Criminal police considers this explosion to be performed by the same persons who carried out the explosion at Riga synagogue. The mine was of the type widely used by Soviet troops during the Afghan war. Within two hours the Interior Minister Z.Cevers had a meeting with the Ambassador of Russia A.Udaltsovand they shared the opinion that this was a provocation. At 5 a.m. Z.Cevers summoned a meeting of several top police officers, but at the meeting of police departments heads was present the State President G.Ulmanis.

On Monday night at 1.58 a.m. in Kronvalda Park, 50 m from the Russian Embassy, there was an explosion. It was an infantry mine. Criminal police considers this explosion to be performed by the same persons who carried out the explosion at Riga synagogue. The mine was of the type widely used by Soviet troops during the Afghan war. Within two hours the Interior Minister Z.Cevers had a meeting with the Ambassador of Russia A.Udaltsovand they shared the opinion that this was a provocation. At 5 a.m. Z.Cevers summoned a meeting of several top police officers, but at the meeting of police departments heads was present the State President G.Ulmanis. Diena; Bizness & Baltiya, Chas and Panorama Latvii have published the full text of the Russian Embassy announcement.

Latvian officials and politicians have expressed a categorical condemnation to the persons who had organised this explosion at the Embassy of Russia.

Latvian officials and politicians have expressed a categorical condemnation to the persons who had organised this explosion at the Embassy of Russia.

The MFA of Russia expressed a serious concern on the happened because lives and security of Russian citizens have been endangered, as well as damage done to the property of the Embassy. “This terror act is the result of anti-Russian hysterics that has been kindled up lately and support to National Socialism and Extremism. Explosions take place in Latvia, monuments are desecrated. nazis are raising their heads. An end must be put to this. We demand Latvian authorities to take decisive steps and punish the guilty.”

The MFA of Russia expressed a serious concern on the happened because lives and security of Russian citizens have been endangered, as well as damage done to the property of the Embassy. This terror act is the result of anti-Russian hysterics that has been kindled up lately and support to National Socialism and Extremism. Explosions take place in Latvia, monuments are desecrated. nazis are raising their heads. An end must be put to this. We demand Latvian authorities to take decisive steps and punish the guilty.

The State President G.Ulmanis also condemned this explosion and said that all forces should be combined to control the tense situation and prevent any terror acts.

The State President G.Ulmanis also condemned this explosion and said that all forces should be combined to control the tense situation and prevent any terror acts. Diena, Neatkariga, Vakara Zinas, Chas

The Prime Minister G.Krasts, answering to questions of

The Prime Minister G.Krasts, answering to questions of Diena correspondent, said that they were able to control the situation on the country. Such individual, unpredictable events did not have any far-reaching effect. Such terrorist activities could not put the situation in the country out of control. The authorities had not taken any extreme actions.

The Co-chairman of Jewish community G.Krupnikov, being asked about the recent events, did not want to make any direct personal, technical or material link between the rally of SS legionaries and desecration of Jewish monuments or explosion at Riga synagogue. Instead he would rather speak of psychological, emotional and historical ties. According to his opinion there was lack of understanding and acknowledging of its own history. There was still no proper explanation of Holocaust in Latvia.

The Co-chairman of Jewish community G.Krupnikov, being asked about the recent events, did not want to make any direct personal, technical or material link between the rally of SS legionaries and desecration of Jewish monuments or explosion at Riga synagogue. Instead he would rather speak of psychological, emotional and historical ties. According to his opinion there was lack of understanding and acknowledging of its own history. There was still no proper explanation of Holocaust in Latvia. Diena

“Anxiety that Russia could impose official sanctions against Latvia has no grounds because it would not correspond to obligations of Russia towards international organisations and would contradict Russia’s international position that economic sanctions must not be used if political interests of a state are to be touched upon,” this is the opinion of Latvian MFA experts.

Anxiety that Russia could impose official sanctions against Latvia has no grounds because it would not correspond to obligations of Russia towards international organisations and would contradict Russias international position that economic sanctions must not be used if political interests of a state are to be touched upon, this is the opinion of Latvian MFA experts. Diena

Yesterday the Prime Minister G.Krasts signed the decree demanding the Minister of Economics A.Sausnitis to resign. It means automatic dismiss of several his team members because according the law on the Cabinet of Ministers when a minister is dismissed , it also refers to the corresponding Parliamentary Secretary and State Secretary. Most probably, also several councillors of the Minister will have to resign. All this cased rumours on a possible fall of the government to start again.

Yesterday the Prime Minister G.Krasts signed the decree demanding the Minister of Economics A.Sausnitis to resign. It means automatic dismiss of several his team members because according the law on the Cabinet of Ministers when a minister is dismissed , it also refers to the corresponding Parliamentary Secretary and State Secretary. Most probably, also several councillors of the Minister will have to resign. All this cased rumours on a possible fall of the government to start again. Neatkariga

It is planned to build a TV bridge Latvia and Russia. It will be performed by several TV stations - Latvian TV and two Russia TV station. The organisers of it hope that it will help to improve relation between those two countries. Latvian showman will be Natalija Abols, her Russia counterpart - Vladimir Pozner. The idea to establish such a bridge is supported also by Russia.

It is planned to build a TV bridge Latvia and Russia. It will be performed by several TV stations - Latvian TV and two Russia TV station. The organisers of it hope that it will help to improve relation between those two countries. Latvian showman will be Natalija Abols, her Russia counterpart - Vladimir Pozner. The idea to establish such a bridge is supported also by Russia. Dienas Bizness, Panorama Latvii, Chas

The first sitting of the parliamentary group that is charged with the task to prepare the last reading of the amendments to the Law on Citizenship till April 14. The group tried to combine the proposals of all the factions. As the Chairman of this working group A.Ameriks told the correspondent, deputies of four major factions, represented in the group, were ready to show their willingness to solve this issue, therefore he hoped for a positive result.

Chas

At a press briefing the Minister of Communications V.Kristopans announced that Latvian authorities were too late to reconsider the Law on Citizenship. And not only the very law but also a large number of smaller restrictions. All that was the reason for the fuss in Latvia. He thinks that in order to join U , Latvia would have to sign border treaty with Russia. But to sign it Latvia would have to admit that it has problems with non-citizens. But the most interesting thing is that politicians are unwilling to mention it - it is unpopular. As the means to solve this problem, the Minister proposes to do away with all discriminative restrictions for population residing here and paying their taxes. Although he would not favour 0 version.

Panorama Latvii

A.Voroncov in

Segodnya calls for all Russians, Ukrainians, Byelorussians and Jews to unite in order to create a political force to protect their interests. He analyses the reasons for the necessity of such an union, political platform of it and the possible financial base.

Press Review

The State President G.Ulmanis announced to the press that at the National Security Council meeting on Friday, there had been a unanimous decision that it was not possible for state police head A.Lieljuksis and National Armed Forces Commander- in-Chief J.Dalbins to remain in their posts. The meeting was summoned in connection with the blow at the Riga synagogue. For investigation of this crime there was established a special working group led by USA FBI specialists.

The State President G.Ulmanis announced to the press that at the National Security Council meeting on Friday, there had been a unanimous decision that it was not possible for state police head A.Lieljuksis and National Armed Forces Commander- in-Chief J.Dalbins to remain in their posts. The meeting was summoned in connection with the blow at the Riga synagogue. For investigation of this crime there was established a special working group led by USA FBI specialists. Diena

Rigas Balss writes about the local and international reaction of the blow at the Riga synagogue. All Latvian top officilas condemned this action, and the Saeima decree names it as a provocation. Both high foreign officials present in Latvia at that time - the High Commissioner on Minorities Max van der Stoel and USA former Deputy State Secretary R.Holbruck think that this event has made a serious damage to the image of Latvia in the world, and it was organised by forces, hostile to Latvia.

Rigas Balss writes about the local and international reaction of the blow at the Riga synagogue. All Latvian top officilas condemned this action, and the Saeima decree names it as a provocation. Both high foreign officials present in Latvia at that time - the High Commissioner on Minorities Max van der Stoel and USA former Deputy State Secretary R.Holbruck think that this event has made a serious damage to the image of Latvia in the world, and it was organised by forces, hostile to Latvia. Rigas Balss

The Prime Minister G.Krasts sent a letter to the government forming factions informing them on his attention to demand a demission of the Minister of Economics A.Sausnitis. This sdecision has several reasons, explained his Press Secretary R.Melniks. As the major reason was mentioned Susnitis position on privatisation of Latvenergo. One more reasomn was Ministeer’s reaction to the Prime Minister ‘s taks to prepare a report on what lossed could cause Russia’s economic sanctions. Instead of writing this report, Sausnitis organised a press briefing, thaus causing confusion among Latvian businesmen and made it more difficult to improve Latvian - Russian relations.

The Prime Minister G.Krasts sent a letter to the government forming factions informing them on his attention to demand a demission of the Minister of Economics A.Sausnitis. This sdecision has several reasons, explained his Press Secretary R.Melniks. As the major reason was mentioned Susnitis position on privatisation of Latvenergo. One more reasomn was Ministeers reaction to the Prime Minister ‘s taks to prepare a report on what lossed could cause Russias economic sanctions. Instead of writing this report, Sausnitis organised a press briefing, thaus causing confusion among Latvian businesmen and made it more difficult to improve Latvian - Russian relations. Diena, Neatkariga, SM, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Lauku Avize, Panorama Latvii, etc.

The State President G.Ulmanis considers that Naturalisation window mechanism should be abolished so that any permanent resident of Latvia could receive Latvian citizenship. G.Ulmanis planned to discuss this isue on his Friday meeting with the resident ambassadors of EU contries. As G.Ulmanis acknowledged before this meeting, he was interested to learn what ambassadors think of Latvia’s chances to join EU. The President expressed regret that it was not possible to convince the permanent residents of Latvia about the necesity to receive Latvian citizenship. G.Ulmanis thinks that the issue of granting citizenship to children born infamilies of non-citizens. He also thinks that Naturalisation “windows” shold be opened that are not operating in reality. Along with these changes, the attitude of Latvian citizens towards it should be analysed, “but the majority of Latvian society is for opening these “windows”, thinks the President.

The State President G.Ulmanis considers that Naturalisation window mechanism should be abolished so that any permanent resident of Latvia could receive Latvian citizenship. G.Ulmanis planned to discuss this isue on his Friday meeting with the resident ambassadors of EU contries. As G.Ulmanis acknowledged before this meeting, he was interested to learn what ambassadors think of Latvias chances to join EU. The President expressed regret that it was not possible to convince the permanent residents of Latvia about the necesity to receive Latvian citizenship. G.Ulmanis thinks that the issue of granting citizenship to children born infamilies of non-citizens. He also thinks that Naturalisation windows shold be opened that are not operating in reality. Along with these changes, the attitude of Latvian citizens towards it should be analysed, but the majority of Latvian society is for opening these windows, thinks the President. Diena

“Russia does not exclude a possibility to impose economis sanctions against Latvia,” Deputy Minister of Russian MFA A.Avdejev announced to the press agency Interfax. “We havs a set of sanctions, but we just investigate the possible options of their use.” He added that Moscow is taking active steps to make pressure on Riga with the help of international organisations, mainly UN, Council of Europe, OSCE. Russia’s position to the visit of Latvian Foreign Mininster V.Birkavs has not changed. “Russia does not see any sence for such a visit,” said the Deputy Minister.

Russia does not exclude a possibility to impose economis sanctions against Latvia, Deputy Minister of Russian MFA A.Avdejev announced to the press agency Interfax. We havs a set of sanctions, but we just investigate the possible options of their use. He added that Moscow is taking active steps to make pressure on Riga with the help of international organisations, mainly UN, Council of Europe, OSCE. Russias position to the visit of Latvian Foreign Mininster V.Birkavs has not changed. Russia does not see any sence for such a visit, said the Deputy Minister.

Sales of Latvian goods in Russia after the threat of the Mayor of Moscow Y.Luzhkow has decreased for 30%. The President of Latvian Trading Center R.Bullitis told

Sales of Latvian goods in Russia after the threat of the Mayor of Moscow Y.Luzhkow has decreased for 30%. The President of Latvian Trading Center R.Bullitis told Neatkariga after his visit to Moscow, Russian businessmen were afraid to purchase large quantities of Latvian goods in the case the Major would realise his threat. Neatkariga, Chas, Rigas Balss

Rigas Balss

comments on the OSCE High Commissioner on Minorities Max van der Stoels visit to Latvia. Panorama Latvii 98.04.06 does it from a different angle, strarting the comment with words God with usand mister Max van der Stoel and then addressing the issue of the rally of former SS Waffen legioneers. The author of the article ties radical change of attitude of the State President G.Ulmanis

Press Review

Yesterday after meetings with high officials of Latvia the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel said that Latvia started a new phase of development which would assist the country and legitimate aspirations of non-citizens. Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs informed the High Commissioner about the governmental resolution to form a work group which would develop the integration program, and the resolution of the co-ordination council of the government forming fractions to start work on the amendments of the Citizenship Law. The Minister also said that this time the High Commissioner has not submitted any new recommendations. At the meeting with the Minister of the Interior Ziedonis Cevers the High Commissioner expressed a positive opinion about the attempts to solve the problems with non-citizen passports. The Minister promised that by 31 October non-citizen passports would be issued to all who wants to travel. On Wednesday the High Commissioner also met with the State President and the Saeima Commissions on Human Rights and Foreign Affairs to discuss the citizenship and language policy issues. The High Commissioner repeated his recommendations to grant citizenship to children who are born after the restoration of the independence and to eliminate the restrictions on the language use in private sphere. An exception might be the service sphere, the Saeima Press Service reported.

Yesterday after meetings with high officials of Latvia the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel said that Latvia started a new phase of development which would assist the country and legitimate aspirations of non-citizens. Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs informed the High Commissioner about the governmental resolution to form a work group which would develop the integration program, and the resolution of the co-ordination council of the government forming fractions to start work on the amendments of the Citizenship Law. The Minister also said that this time the High Commissioner has not submitted any new recommendations. At the meeting with the Minister of the Interior Ziedonis Cevers the High Commissioner expressed a positive opinion about the attempts to solve the problems with non-citizen passports. The Minister promised that by 31 October non-citizen passports would be issued to all who wants to travel. On Wednesday the High Commissioner also met with the State President and the Saeima Commissions on Human Rights and Foreign Affairs to discuss the citizenship and language policy issues. The High Commissioner repeated his recommendations to grant citizenship to children who are born after the restoration of the independence and to eliminate the restrictions on the language use in private sphere. An exception might be the service sphere, the Saeima Press Service reported. Diena

Yesterday at the meeting with the State President Guntis Ulmanis the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel expressed a hope that the relations between Latvia and Russia would normalize, and the dialogue between two countries would continue. Mr. Ulmanis, in turn, said that he was surprised about the demagogy started in Russia which was used to incite hatred of the Russian population towards Latvians. He also reproached Secretary General of the UN and the European Secretary General who, while being in Moscow, were attempting to adjust themselves to Russia's remarks.

Yesterday at the meeting with the State President Guntis Ulmanis the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel expressed a hope that the relations between Latvia and Russia would normalize, and the dialogue between two countries would continue. Mr. Ulmanis, in turn, said that he was surprised about the demagogy started in Russia which was used to incite hatred of the Russian population towards Latvians. He also reproached Secretary General of the UN and the European Secretary General who, while being in Moscow, were attempting to adjust themselves to Russia's remarks. Diena, B&B

The Ministry of Economics predicts the decrease of Latvia's export to Russia for 50 %. The Prime Minister Guntars Krasts has no official information that Russia has started implementing of the economic sanctions. Still, several Latvian companies already experience "unfavourable attitude" of their Russian partners.

The Ministry of Economics predicts the decrease of Latvia's export to Russia for 50 %. The Prime Minister Guntars Krasts has no official information that Russia has started implementing of the economic sanctions. Still, several Latvian companies already experience "unfavourable attitude" of their Russian partners. Diena, Neatkariga

The government forming fractions agreed to form a work group which by 14 April would prepare amendments to the Citizenship Law by synthesising proposals of all fractions. Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs told the press that the government is ready for the discussion about the amendments of the Citizenship Law. Andrejs Pantelejevs,

The government forming fractions agreed to form a work group which by 14 April would prepare amendments to the Citizenship Law by synthesising proposals of all fractions. Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs told the press that the government is ready for the discussion about the amendments of the Citizenship Law. Andrejs Pantelejevs, Latvijas Cels, said that is possible that during this synthesis process the proposal of the Tevzemei un Brivibai eliminating the granting of citizenship for outstanding service for the benefit of Latvia, might be adopted. Diena, Chas

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the draft law on General Education and sent it to the Saeima for the further consideration.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the draft law on General Education and sent it to the Saeima for the further consideration. Diena

Panorama Latvii publishes an interview with the Minister of Education Juris Celmins about the prospects of the educational system in Latvia. According to the Minister, until the year of 2005 there will be three types of schools in Latvia- first, schools with Latvian as the language of instruction; second, schools of the ethnic minorities; and third, specialized schools. Starting the year of 2005 the state financed schools will have only Latvian as the language of instruction.

Press Report

Yesterday the Prime Minister Guntars Krasts told 

Yesterday the Prime Minister Guntars Krasts toldDiena that there is no reason to dissolve the government, although several politicians have predicted the possibility of the resignation of the government. The outcome of the today's meeting of the co-ordination council of the government forming fractions will determine the destiny of the government. Diena

There is a "certain change" in the attitude of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Max van der Stoel, Dzintars Abikis, Chair of the Saeima Commission on Education, said after the meeting with the High Commissioner. Mr. Abikis noted that at the meeting Max van der Stoel was very tolerant and expressed his understanding of the Latvia's historical situation and Latvia’s rights to have its own language law. Besides, the High Commissioner hopes that after 20 years everybody in Latvia will know the Latvian language. It was agreed that in summer when the third reading of the State Language law is prepared in the Saeima, an OSCE expert will take part in that process, Mr. Abikis said. Yesterday the High Commissioner also met with the Speaker of the Saeima Alfreds Cepanis. During the meeting the High Commissioner expressed the worries about the slow naturalization process and the incompatibility of the draft language law with the international human right norms. The High Commissioner reminded that ignoring the recommendations of the European organizations concerning the language and citizenship might lead to the international isolation of Latvia.

There is a "certain change" in the attitude of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Max van der Stoel, Dzintars Abikis, Chair of the Saeima Commission on Education, said after the meeting with the High Commissioner. Mr. Abikis noted that at the meeting Max van der Stoel was very tolerant and expressed his understanding of the Latvia's historical situation and Latvias rights to have its own language law. Besides, the High Commissioner hopes that after 20 years everybody in Latvia will know the Latvian language. It was agreed that in summer when the third reading of the State Language law is prepared in the Saeima, an OSCE expert will take part in that process, Mr. Abikis said. Yesterday the High Commissioner also met with the Speaker of the Saeima Alfreds Cepanis. During the meeting the High Commissioner expressed the worries about the slow naturalization process and the incompatibility of the draft language law with the international human right norms. The High Commissioner reminded that ignoring the recommendations of the European organizations concerning the language and citizenship might lead to the international isolation of Latvia. Diena, B&B

In the press statement distributed yesterday, the State President Guntis Ulmanis asks the Saeima and the government to give political assessment of the commemoration events of the Legion Day on 16 March.

In the press statement distributed yesterday, the State President Guntis Ulmanis asks the Saeima and the government to give political assessment of the commemoration events of the Legion Day on 16 March. Diena

Yesterday the movement

Yesterday the movement Lidztiesiba (Equality of Rights) organized a rally in which around 1000 people (Russian newspapers give the number of 2000 to 3000 participants) demanded to prolong the validity term of the internal USSR passports for the travelling to the CIS countries until the year of 2000. Co-ordinator of the Lidztiesiba Tatjana Zdanoka told Diena the protesters will turn to the international organizations for help. The petition with the requirements of non-citizens will be submitted to the Council of the Baltic Sea Countries, the representation of the EU, as well as other diplomatic representation of the European Union countries accredited in Latvia. The OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel also will be informed about these demands. Diena

According to the calculations of the Ministry of Economics, in the case of continuing economic sanctions of Russia against Latvia approximately 4000 thousand people working in food industry and approximately 4300 people in textile industry might lose their jobs. That, in turn, will create additional burden on the social budget of the country. Russia has started implementing economic sanctions against Latvia in the sphere of the fish industry by reducing the quotas for cod fishing in Russia's territorial waters from 500 tons to 100 tons of the fish.

According to the calculations of the Ministry of Economics, in the case of continuing economic sanctions of Russia against Latvia approximately 4000 thousand people working in food industry and approximately 4300 people in textile industry might lose their jobs. That, in turn, will create additional burden on the social budget of the country. Russia has started implementing economic sanctions against Latvia in the sphere of the fish industry by reducing the quotas for cod fishing in Russia's territorial waters from 500 tons to 100 tons of the fish. Neatkariga, SM

The Saeima Commission on Human Rights and Social Affairs rejected the proposal of the Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK to state the 16th of March as the official Legion Day.

The Saeima Commission on Human Rights and Social Affairs rejected the proposal of the Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK to state the 16th of March as the official Legion Day. Neatkariga, SM

The Russian Society in Latvia, the Russian Community in Latvia and its Daugavpils’ section ask the Saeima to take the consideration of the draft language law off the agenda of the Saeima session on April 2 due to its incompatibility with the international conventions.

The Russian Society in Latvia, the Russian Community in Latvia and its Daugavpils section ask the Saeima to take the consideration of the draft language law off the agenda of the Saeima session on April 2 due to its incompatibility with the international conventions. Panorama Latvii

Press Review

Andrejs Pantelejevs, leader of

Andrejs Pantelejevs, leader of Latvijas Cels, thinks that the disagreements between the government forming fractions concerning the recommendations of the European institutions to the draft Language law and the Citizenship might lead to the governmental crisis. The proposals for amendments of the Citizenship Law will be discussed tomorrow at the meeting of the co-ordination council of the government forming fractions. Representatives of the fractions hope that it will be possible to reach a compromise. Maris Grinblats, leader of the Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK, thinks that the instability of the government might be created by the attempts of "Latvia's economic groups to influence the partners of the governmental coalition. Prime Minister refers from commenting the statements of some politicians about the possible governmental crisis. Diena, Rita Zinas

Dzintars Abikis, Chair of the Saeima Commission on Education, Culture and Science, considers some of the recommendations of the High Commissioner Max van der Stoel being incompatible with the Latvia’s situation. According to Mr. Abikis, experts of the European Union do not take into consideration the fact that Latvia was occupied for 50 years, and therefore, the norms which are applicable to other countries, cannot be 100% applicable to Latvia. Besides, Mr. Abikis referred to the Oslo recommendations concerning the language legislation which provide for the state regulation of the language use in private business sphere, if it is in the interests of consumers. According to Abikis, the OSCE experts contradict their own recommendations.

Dzintars Abikis, Chair of the Saeima Commission on Education, Culture and Science, considers some of the recommendations of the High Commissioner Max van der Stoel being incompatible with the Latvias situation. According to Mr. Abikis, experts of the European Union do not take into consideration the fact that Latvia was occupied for 50 years, and therefore, the norms which are applicable to other countries, cannot be 100% applicable to Latvia. Besides, Mr. Abikis referred to the Oslo recommendations concerning the language legislation which provide for the state regulation of the language use in private business sphere, if it is in the interests of consumers. According to Abikis, the OSCE experts contradict their own recommendations. Rita Zinas, Jauna Avize

SM asks its readers to send letters to the State President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Saeima and deputies with the request to initiate the amendments of the Citizenship Law, to eliminate the discrepancy between rights of citizens and non-citizens, and to start a dialogue in the society about the future relations with Russia.

SM continues publishing answers by the Alexander Rylov, Head of the Consular Section of the Russian Embassy in Latvia, to the readers' questions. Today's theme is the Russian citizenship.

Administrative action is brought against participants of the 3rd and 17th March demonstrations who used the placards with the Soviet symbols

Administrative action is brought against participants of the 3rd and 17th March demonstrations who used the placards with the Soviet symbols. Chas

PL publishes an open letter of a permanent resident of Latvia to the High Commissioner Max van der Stoel in which he asks the High Commissioner to have more than just a formal approach to the issues about the violation of human rights and rights of national minorities in Latvia, since it touches the lives of hundreds of thousands people. Panorama Latvii

SM publishes an interview with the Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Richard Samuel about the 3rd March events at the Riga City Council.

SM publishes an interview with the Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Richard Samuel about the 3rd March events at the Riga City Council. SM

According to the information provided by the State Language Center, approximately 1000 language proficiency certificates per year are being falsified. In a "language market" a falsified certificate costs from 20 to 70 Lats depending on the quality of the certificate.

According to the information provided by the State Language Center, approximately 1000 language proficiency certificates per year are being falsified. In a "language market" a falsified certificate costs from 20 to 70 Lats depending on the quality of the certificate. Neatkariga