Press Review

At a press conference on Friday the Prime Minister Guntars Krasts said that he had no information at his disposal that Russia had started to implement economic sanctions against Latvia. After the extraordinary meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on Saturday the Prime Minister expressed a hope that the new government of Russia will continue constructive relations with Latvia and find possibilities of the dialogue between two countries. At the same time according to Latvian Ambassador in Russia Imants Daudiss, the Russian Council of the Petroleum Transit has decided to decrease the petroleum transit through Ventspils (a Latvian port) for 30 percent.

At a press conference on Friday the Prime Minister Guntars Krasts said that he had no information at his disposal that Russia had started to implement economic sanctions against Latvia. After the extraordinary meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on Saturday the Prime Minister expressed a hope that the new government of Russia will continue constructive relations with Latvia and find possibilities of the dialogue between two countries. At the same timeaccording to Latvian Ambassador in Russia Imants Daudiss, the Russian Council of the Petroleum Transit has decided to decrease the petroleum transit through Ventspils (a Latvian port) for 30 percent. Diena, Neatkariga

According to Andrejs Pantelejevs (

According to Andrejs Pantelejevs (Latvijas Cels), stability of the government depends on the meeting of the Co-operation Council of the government forming fractions on Wednesday when the amendments to the Citizenship Law will be discussed. Mr. Pantelejevs said that even if the Tevzemei un Brivibai does not support amendments, LC will submit its proposals to the Saeima, and formally it will not be the violation of the co-operation agreement of the government forming fractions. (Neatkariga, 30 March) At the meeting on Saturday the Council of the TB/LNNK decided not to give up the resolution not to amend the Citizenship Law during the mandate of this Saeima. Moreover, the TB/LNNK should work on having enough influence in the next Saeima, so that the Law would be made even more strict by introducing the annual quotas for naturalization. Diena

Neatkarigareports on the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Max van der Stoel to Latvia before the second reading of the draft Language Law. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no information that during his visit the High Commissioner will submit new recommendations. Andrejs Pildegovics, Press Secretary of the MFA, said that the visit was planned at the beginning of the year, therefore the MFA does not think that it is related with the consideration of the draft language law in the Saeima, or the recent events in Riga. Neatkariga

On Saturday the Cabinet of Ministers approved the general part of the 3rd National Program on Latvia's integration into the European Union. Specific issues will be discussed at the governmental meeting on 28 April. In the program the priority is given to the integration of the society, including the speeding up of the naturalization process and increasing of possibilities to acquire the state language, as well as the economic development, and the co-ordination of the legislation.

On Saturday the Cabinet of Ministers approved the general part of the 3rd National Program on Latvia's integration into the European Union. Specific issues will be discussed at the governmental meeting on 28 April. In the program the priority is given to the integration of the society, including the speeding up of the naturalization process and increasing of possibilities to acquire the state language, as well as the economic development, and the co-ordination of the legislation.

Chas reports that although the program is approved, there is no money in the state budget for implementing it. Diena, Neatkariga

On Saturday deputies of the Moscow City Council organized a rally at the Latvian Embassy in Moscow, in which Jury Luzhkov, Mayor of Moscow, gave a speech. According to Luzhkov, Russian-speaking population of Latvia has become "slaves - they cannot have private property, they are forbidden to do business, they cannot be elected in state offices, they do not have the same social rights as citizens." The Mayor of Moscow said that he had discussed with Acting Prime Minister of Russia Sergey Kirijenko the implementation of economic sanctions against Latvia and Estonia.

On Saturday deputies of the Moscow City Council organized a rally at the Latvian Embassy in Moscow, in which Jury Luzhkov, Mayor of Moscow, gave a speech. According to Luzhkov, Russian-speaking population of Latvia has become "slaves - they cannot have private property, they are forbidden to do business, they cannot be elected in state offices, they do not have the same social rights as citizens." The Mayor of Moscow said that he had discussed with Acting Prime Minister of Russia Sergey Kirijenko the implementation of economic sanctions against Latvia and Estonia. Diena, Neatkariga

Last week several journalists from the Russian TV companies visited Latvia to make programs about Latvia, to meet with the Latvian journalists and officials. According to journalists, the national conflict in Latvia exists among older people, while young people support the integration process.

Last week several journalists from the Russian TV companies visited Latvia to make programs about Latvia, to meet with the Latvian journalists and officials. According to journalists, the national conflict in Latvia exists among older people, while young people support the integration process. Diena

In SM Alexander Rylov, Head of the Consular Section of the Russian Embassy in Latvia, answers the readers' questions about the travelling to Russia.

In SM Alexander Rylov, Head of the Consular Section of the Russian Embassy in Latvia, answers the readers' questions about the travelling to Russia. SM

The movement "Lidztiesiba" organizes a rally on 31 March to advocate the prolongation of the validity term of the former USSR passports, the freedom of locomotion, and the solution of the non-citizen problems.

The movement "Lidztiesiba" organizes a rally on 31 March to advocate the prolongation of the validity term of the former USSR passports, the freedom of locomotion, and the solution of the non-citizen problems. SM

Press Review

Press Review

Andrejs Pildegovics, Press Secretary of MFA, informed 

Andrejs Pildegovics, Press Secretary of MFA, informedDiena that according to the Ambassador of France Bernard Poncet, the President of France Chirac did not express objection to the accession of the Baltic States to the NATO, and soon the MFA of France will submit the official opinion on this issue. The MFA of Latvia also contacted the German Embassy which informed that Germany is aware of the fact that the border agreement between Latvia and Russia is ready and that it is not Latvia's fault that the agreement is not signed yet. Furthermore, Germany has an objective understanding about the events of the 3rd March, and has several times expressed the opinion that it does not think there is the violation of human rights in Latvia. Diena

Results of a survey done by the Russian Center of the Public Opinion on 20 -22 March show that 77 % of respondents consider the situation of Russians in Latvia being the matter of interest for Russia and the international society, and only 11% of respondents think that it is the Latvia's internal issue.

Results of a survey done by the Russian Center of the Public Opinion on 20 -22 March show that 77 % of respondents consider the situation of Russians in Latvia being the matter of interest for Russia and the international society, and only 11% of respondents think that it is the Latvia's internal issue. SM

Press Review

Press Review

At the summit meeting in Moscow, the three leaders among other matters also discussed the meeting of legionnaires in Latvia. According to Press Secretary S.Yastrzhemsky, when talking about the enlargement of NATO, the President of France Jacques Chirac had been against accepting Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to NATO. German Chancellor Helmut Kohl announced at a briefing that he had always denounced meetings of extremists, but demonstrations of Nazis - even more. Answering to the question why EU countries did not react to that event, Mr. Kohl answered that it would be taken into consideration when accepting Latvia to EU.

At the summit meeting in Moscow, the three leaders among other matters also discussed the meeting of legionnaires in Latvia. According to Press Secretary S.Yastrzhemsky, when talking about the enlargement of NATO, the President of France Jacques Chirac had been against accepting Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to NATO. German Chancellor Helmut Kohl announced at a briefing that he had always denounced meetings of extremists, but demonstrations of Nazis - even more. Answering to the question why EU countries did not react to that event, Mr. Kohl answered that it would be taken into consideration when accepting Latvia to EU. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, B&B, Chas

The Saeima Education Commission has received OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel’s letter with his conclusions that 19 articles of the draft State Language law do not correspond to the European Human Rights Declaration and International Pact on Civic and Political Rights. The High Commissioner considers that the state language law must not regulate the use of a language in organisations and enterprises as well as private radio stations and educational institutions.

The Saeima Education Commission has received OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoels letter with his conclusions that 19 articles of the draft State Language law do not correspond to the European Human Rights Declaration and International Pact on Civic and Political Rights. The High Commissioner considers that the state language law must not regulate the use of a language in organisations and enterprises as well as private radio stations and educational institutions. Diena

Diena writes about increasing talks on a governmental crisis. It is connected to amendments in the Law on Citizenship, to be considered at the next Co-operation Council meeting, as well as contradictions concerning privatisation process. The leader of Peoples Harmony Party J.Jurkans says that there is an authority and governmental crisis and a solution should come in the nearest future. The Chairman of the Union Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK M.Grinbergs confirmes that several influential persons have said that the government would step down in April. The Chairman of Latvijas Cels A.Pantelejevs hopes that it will not happen because there is no serious motivation for that. The changes in the government are connected with party ratings which, according to the opinion of some politicians, are too high for the Prime Minister and is party and unreasonably low for the rest of government forming factions.

DCMA Deputy Head A.J.Lejins gave a briefing on the extension of validity terms for former USSR internal and travel passports. He explained the reasons for this step and characterised current situation. “About 70 people leave Latvia every week, and they have problems with the documents, we have issued them, to integrate in Russia because due to their violet passport they are regarded as foreigners, strangers. ... We have agreed with Russia that they will be able to cross borders with a former USSR passport, get “propiska” and settle other formalities.” He pointed out that there were even greater problems with those permanent residents of Latvia who, having received Russian citizenship, had decided to give it up.

DCMA Deputy Head A.J.Lejins gave a briefing on the extension of validity terms for former USSR internal and travel passports. He explained the reasons for this step and characterised current situation. About 70 people leave Latvia every week, and they have problems with the documents, we have issued them, to integrate in Russia because due to their violet passport they are regarded as foreigners, strangers. ... We have agreed with Russia that they will be able to cross borders with a former USSR passport, get propiska and settle other formalities. He pointed out that there were even greater problems with those permanent residents of Latvia who, having received Russian citizenship, had decided to give it up. Diena

Russian TV days started in Riga on Thursday. They will last till March 30. More that 30 representatives of eleven Russia TV stations have come to Latvia. They have planned to film in Latvia but did not want to specify on the possible topics.

Russian TV days started in Riga on Thursday. They will last till March 30. More that 30 representatives of eleven Russia TV stations have come to Latvia. They have planned to film in Latvia but did not want to specify on the possible topics. Diena, Jauna Avize, SM, Chas

The Mayor of Moscow Yuriy Luzhkov came out with an announcement that economic sanctions should be imposed on Latvia for human rights violation of Russian-speakers. The Russian state should decrease its economic co-operation with Latvia, and the first step could be directing its goods flow from Latvia to Kaliningrad and Leningrad region.

The Mayor of Moscow Yuriy Luzhkov came out with an announcement that economic sanctions should be imposed on Latvia for human rights violation of Russian-speakers. The Russian state should decrease its economic co-operation with Latvia, and the first step could be directing its goods flow from Latvia to Kaliningrad and Leningrad region. B&B, SM

Press Review

Press Review

The State President G.Ulmanis informed that the National Security Council on its Wednesday meeting had stated that relations with Russia were not dramatic, but co-operation should become closer. NSC listened to the MFA State Secretary M.Riekstins’s report on the situation in Latvian-Russian relations and decided what should be done in the future. Accent should be put on co-operation with international organisations, much closer co-operation with Russia, starting with the lowest levels, co-operation with regions of Russia. Work should be continued on border issues and preparation of agreements between those two countries.

The State President G.Ulmanis informed that the National Security Council on its Wednesday meeting had stated that relations with Russia were not dramatic, but co-operation should become closer. NSC listened to the MFA State Secretary M.Riekstinss report on the situation in Latvian-Russian relations and decided what should be done in the future. Accent should be put on co-operation with international organisations, much closer co-operation with Russia, starting with the lowest levels, co-operation with regions of Russia. Work should be continued on border issues and preparation of agreements between those two countries. Diena

Two pickets of about 200 people took place at the Russian Embassy in Riga, and about 30 people with slogans expressed their opinion at the Russian Consulate General in Liepaja.

Two pickets of about 200 people took place at the Russian Embassy in Riga, and about 30 people with slogans expressed their opinion at the Russian Consulate General in Liepaja.

From 12 to 1 p.m. there as a picket announced by the National Union Namejs. They asked the Embassy representatives to receive their petition and a book describing Communist atrocities against Latvian nation. The Russian Ambassador A.Udalcov received the delegation of those people. The discussion was proper. Mr.Udalcov agreed that repression against the nation should be condemned, both countries should co-operate more but disagreed that Russia should take responsibility for Communist terror. He also did not like slogans asking 700 000 non-citizens to go home. At 2 p.m. there was another picket of youth department of the Union

From 12 to 1 p.m. there as a picket announced by the National Union Namejs. They asked the Embassy representatives to receive their petition and a book describing Communist atrocities against Latvian nation. The Russian Ambassador A.Udalcov received the delegation of those people. The discussion was proper. Mr.Udalcov agreed that repression against the nation should be condemned, both countries should co-operate more but disagreed that Russia should take responsibility for Communist terror. He also did not like slogans asking 700 000 non-citizens to go home. At 2 p.m. there was another picket of youth department of the Union Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK. Press agency BNS informed that Russian Council General to Liepaja G.Kurockin found the slogans offensive, but the very picket proceeded peacefully. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, B&B, SM

145 390 people have received non-citizen passports of the Republic of Latvia until March 19. It means that 22.3% of all non-citizens have received them. The largest numbers are in Preili - 34%, Rezekne - 33%, Daugavpils - 27.9% but in Riga - 20.6%. It turned out that people having received non-citizen passport have problems in Russia when they try to settle their civil matters. As Russia recognises these violet passports only as a travel document, the winners among people leaving Latvia are those who kept their former USSR internal passports.

145 390 people have received non-citizen passports of the Republic of Latvia until March 19. It means that 22.3% of all non-citizens have received them. The largest numbers are in Preili - 34%, Rezekne - 33%, Daugavpils - 27.9% but in Riga - 20.6%. It turned out that people having received non-citizen passport have problems in Russia when they try to settle their civil matters. As Russia recognises these violet passports only as a travel document, the winners among people leaving Latvia are those who kept their former USSR internal passports. Neatkariga. There is also a tendency observed that Russian citizens give up their citizenship in Latvia. The total number is 47 people who, knowing about their undetermined status in Latvia, still have given up their Russian citizenship. Neatkariga, Rita Zinas.

DCMA have started to draw up departure documents for Irma Tkeshelashvili who has already been residing illegally in Latvia for five years and currently even have no identification documents. As Ms. Tkeshelashvili informed the correspondent of

DCMA have started to draw up departure documents for Irma Tkeshelashvili who has already been residing illegally in Latvia for five years and currently even have no identification documents. As Ms. Tkeshelashvili informed the correspondent of Neatkariga, she did not manage to get documents permitting her to reside in Latvia legally although she studied at Riga International Institute of the Bible. She also could not register her marriage officially and get Resident Registers number for her child. As the result of lacking this number her daughter was refused free of charge treatment in several Riga policlinics as well as a vaccine against rabies. Neatkariga

Chas comments on the situation with the National Latvian language Training Program. The author of the article doubts the announcements of Latvian officials that knowledge of the Latvian language could solve many social problems and improve political situation in the country and points out that the real sponsors of the program will be UNDP and governments of foreign countries, not the Latvian government.

Chas comments on the situation with the National Latvian language Training Program. The author of the article doubts the announcements of Latvian officials that knowledge of the Latvian language could solve many social problems and improve political situation in the country and points out that the real sponsors of the program will be UNDP and governments of foreign countries, not the Latvian government.

Press Review

Press Review

On Monday meeting with the Saeima Education Commission, EU experts acknowledged that several articles of the state language law restricted the freedom of speech, and Latvian state would lose a court case if anybody sued the state in European Human Rights Court. The representative of the Human Rights Directorate Frank Stekele pointed out that European Human Rights Convention was legally binding for Latvia and they were recommendations not to be neglected. The article under discussion is the one stating mandatory use of the Latvian language in private businesses. The Chairman of the Commission Dz.Abikis agreed that conformity of several norms of the draft law could be discussed but stressed that the draft could be essentially improved during the third reading. He acknowledged that public integration, based on the Latvian language, proceeded successfully in total, and it proved correctness of current language policy, taking into consideration the results of 50 years of occupation and Russification.

On Monday meeting with the Saeima Education Commission, EU experts acknowledged that several articles of the state language law restricted the freedom of speech, and Latvian state would lose a court case if anybody sued the state in European Human Rights Court. The representative of the Human Rights Directorate Frank Stekele pointed out that European Human Rights Convention was legally binding for Latvia and they were recommendations not to be neglected. The article under discussion is the one stating mandatory use of the Latvian language in private businesses. The Chairman of the Commission Dz.Abikis agreed that conformity of several norms of the draft law could be discussed but stressed that the draft could be essentially improved during the third reading. He acknowledged that public integration, based on the Latvian language, proceeded successfully in total, and it proved correctness of current language policy, taking into consideration the results of 50 years of occupation and Russification. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, SM

The Cabinet of Ministers on its Tuesday meeting prolonged the validity term for former USSR passports for entering Latvia by adopting amendments to the regulations of January 21 on non-citizen passports of Latvia.

The Cabinet of Ministers stated that former USSR passports with Latvian Resident Registers stamp would not be valid for entry to Latvia from July 1, 1998 (previous deadline was March 31), but former USSR travel passports issued in Latvia should be considered invalid for going to CIS countries form October 31, 1998 ( previous deadline was March 31). The government also stated that henceforth former USSR internal passports with the Resident Registers stamp would be considered invalid but the cases when a person was moving to a CIS country for permanent residence.

Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, B&B, SM

The official representative of Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs G.Tarasov has characterized the speech made by his Latvian counterpart V.Birkavs at UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva as announcements isolated from the real life. Tarasov said that, while describing achievements of Latvia in the aspect of human rights, Birkavs had avoided the central issue - situation with 700 000 of the state residents having no rights and citizenship. Birkavs had not mentioned also such acute issues as the ban on professions for non-citizens, differences in political and socially economic rights, ousting of the Russia language, etc. Latvia was still completely ignoring the proposals made by OSCE and other international organizations on the need to improve the human situation in the country.

The Press Secretary of Latvian MFA A.Pildegovics told

Diena that Latvian MFA did not intend to make any comments on that, but they were just surprised by the low level of information of the particular official on how Latvia was carrying out recommendations of OSCE High Commissioner that were not binding for Latvia. From 18 recommendation 11 have been fulfilled, 3 - fulfilled partially, realization of the rest was not possible due to political reasons. Diena, B&B

Chas

writes about the new governmental program for joining EU. Due to the results of the research performed by European Commission stating that the main problem for Latvia to join EU would be 700000 people with no citizenship, the Bureau for European Integration included the problem of non-citizens for the first time. This program envisages several steps for integration of non-citizens into Latvian society. This problem could be solved by speeding up the Naturalization process and creating more favorable conditions for learning the Latvian language.

The official representative of Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs G.Tarasov considers that during the meeting of Russian, German and French leaders in Moscow on March 26 they could also discuss the situation with Russian-speakers in Latvia and Estonia. He stressed that Russia would propose this topic for discussion. The Press Secretary of Latvian MFA A.Pildegovics said that Latvian party had no information on that. He also informed that Latvian MFA was ready for bilateral discussion about the topic with any of those countries. Jauna Avize

The State President G.Ulmanis meeting with Latvian Trade and Industry Chamber members at an official dinner announced that frankness in contacts with Russia may be politically dangerous because that neighbouring country could play on false political instruments, turning political problems into economical ones. Economical sanctions would be the least proper move Russia could make against Latvia. The only thing to do at that moment was to wait for an announcement on economical policy of the government of Russia.

Neatkariga