Press Report

Press Report

Iranian and Venezuelan ambassadors Tuesday presented their credentials to Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. Vike-Freiberga and the Iranian ambassador, Mahmoud Bayat, discussed the possibilities for closer co-operation in trade, education and tourism. The talks with the Venezuelan ambassador, Jose Eugenio Lopez Contreras, focused on the need to facilitate economic ties between businessmen from the two countries as well as the co-operation in tourism and other areas. The Iranian ambassador to Latvia will reside in Stockholm, and the Venezuelan ambassador will reside in Helsinki. None of these countries have been represented in Latvia on the ambassadorial level before.

Iranian and Venezuelan ambassadors Tuesday presented their credentials to Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. Vike-Freiberga and the Iranian ambassador, Mahmoud Bayat, discussed the possibilities for closer co-operation in trade, education and tourism. The talks with the Venezuelan ambassador, Jose Eugenio Lopez Contreras, focused on the need to facilitate economic ties between businessmen from the two countries as well as the co-operation in tourism and other areas. The Iranian ambassador to Latvia will reside in Stockholm, and the Venezuelan ambassador will reside in Helsinki. None of these countries have been represented in Latvia on the ambassadorial level before. Neatkariga

Two Russian extremists from National Bolshevik Party at the court hearing on Tuesday said they were not guilty on charges of terrorism and illegal border crossing and the third defendant also rejected terrorism charges while pleading guilty for illegal crossing of Latvian border. Adult defendants Maxim Zhurkin and Sergei Solovey rejected the charges, but their underage fellow party member Dmitry Gafarov admitted he was guilty in crossing the Latvian border illegally. Tuesday marked the beginning of the first terrorist trial in Latvia with three Russian extremists and their Latvian supporter, Vladimir Moskovtsev, as the defendants. The foursome was charged with the incident in the St.Peters Church in Riga on the eve of the Latvian Independence Day last year.

Two Russian extremists from National Bolshevik Party at the court hearing on Tuesday said they were not guilty on charges of terrorism and illegal border crossing and the third defendant also rejected terrorism charges while pleading guilty for illegal crossing of Latvian border. Adult defendants Maxim Zhurkin and Sergei Solovey rejected the charges, but their underage fellow party member Dmitry Gafarov admitted he was guilty in crossing the Latvian border illegally. Tuesday marked the beginning of the first terrorist trial in Latvia with three Russian extremists and their Latvian supporter, Vladimir Moskovtsev, as the defendants. The foursome was charged with the incident in the St.Peters Church in Riga on the eve of the Latvian Independence Day last year. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Panorama Latvii, Respublika, Vesti Segodnja

According to unofficial information the former Riga mayor A.Argalis who gave up the post in FF/LNNK board last week is planning to found his own right-wing party for the upcoming election of 8 Saeima. The speculations are that People’s party could also be interested in founding a new party.

According to unofficial information the former Riga mayor A.Argalis who gave up the post in FF/LNNK board last week is planning to found his own right-wing party for the upcoming election of 8 Saeima. The speculations are that Peoples party could also be interested in founding a new party. Neatkariga

Yesterday Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov met with the new Riga mayor G.Bojars.

Yesterday Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov met with the new Riga mayor G.Bojars. Chas, Vesti Segodnja

American Research and Development Institute RAND Environmental Science & Policy Centre has published a study “Expansion of NATO 2000-2015”. In regard to Latvia, in the paper it is indicated that the Baltic countries could join NATO in middle-term perspective.

American Research and Development Institute RAND Environmental Science & Policy Centre has published a study Expansion of NATO 2000-2015. In regard to Latvia, in the paper it is indicated that the Baltic countries could join NATO in middle-term perspective. Neatkariga, Respublika

Respublika

gives some comments about the municipal election and the choice of the new naturalised citizens. According to the data and numbers provided by the Naturalisation Board, gives some comments about the municipal election and the choice of the “new naturalised citizens”. According to the data and numbers provided by the Naturalisation Board, RespublikaRespublika comes to conclusion that these people voted not only for the union FHRUL, thus the ruling parties have no rights to call them non-loyal citizens. comes to conclusion that these people voted not only for the union FHRUL, thus the ruling parties have no rights to call them “non-loyal citizens”. Yesterday was the last day when Latvian students could hand in their essays on the topic how to free Latvia from occupants and the means of mass media in Russian – the contest organised by publishing house “Vieda”. In the opinion of

Yesterday was the last day when Latvian students could hand in their essays on the topic how to free Latvia from occupants and the means of mass media in Russian – the contest organised by publishing house Vieda. In the opinion of Vesti Segodnja it is a case of kindling national hate and should be reviewed at the court, however, there are no reactions from state authorities.

FF/LLNK member, Riga Council deputy V.Kalnozols answers to couple questions asked by

FF/LLNK member, Riga Council deputy V.Kalnozols answers to couple questions asked by Vesti Segodnja. V.Kalnozols says that he is not against integration and equal rights for all people in Latvia.

Press Report

Press Report

FF/LNNK party’s board has approved the intention of Riga City Council deputies to form the coalition with social democrats. The board is especially happy with the reached agreement that both coalition partners will have veto rights on inviting other partners to the coalition, thus co-operation with FHRUL is made impossible.

FF/LNNK partys board has approved the intention of Riga City Council deputies to form the coalition with social democrats. The board is especially happy with the reached agreement that both coalition partners will have veto rights on inviting other partners to the coalition, thus co-operation with FHRUL is made impossible. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe in early March asked the Latvian National Armed Forces (NAF) to find the possibility to send observers to Georgia. Now Latvia has sent a response to OSCE that Latvia is ready to send two observers to Georgia.

The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe in early March asked the Latvian National Armed Forces (NAF) to find the possibility to send observers to Georgia. Now Latvia has sent a response to OSCE that Latvia is ready to send two observers to Georgia. Neatkariga

Today and tomorrow foreign affair minister I.Berzins is participating in the discussions with high officials of the OSCE and EC in Bucharest. I.Berzins takes part in the meetings as a chairman of the EC Council of Ministers.

Today and tomorrow foreign affair minister I.Berzins is participating in the discussions with high officials of the OSCE and EC in Bucharest. I.Berzins takes part in the meetings as a chairman of the EC Council of Ministers. Neatkariga

Many journalists working for the means of mass media issued in Russian are the members of the union For Human Rights in a United Latvia. The most presented newspaper in the union is

Panorama Latvii. FHRUL chairperson J.Jurkans when asked if he influences the writers answered that sometimes he had indicated which issue is to be reflected. Lauku Avize

Latvijas Vestnesis

interviews the Latvian Language Learning Programme management unit director A.Priedite. One of the most serious issues regarding other nationalities is that information provided in the Russian language is not adequate and in A.Priedites opinion the solution could be the official newspaper in Russian free of charge or at very low cost reflecting processes in the country. As most successful events organised in the framework of the programme A.Priedite names youth camps and courses. In the second part of the interview she provides more detailed information about Latvian Language Learning National Programme and LAT2. interviews the Latvian Language Learning Programme management unit director A.Priedite. One of the most serious issues regarding other nationalities is that information provided in the Russian language is not adequate and in A.Priedite’s opinion the solution could be the official newspaper in Russian free of charge or at very low cost reflecting processes in the country. As most successful events organised in the framework of the programme A.Priedite names youth camps and courses. In the second part of the interview she provides more detailed information about Latvian Language Learning National Programme and LAT2. Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs will celebrate 10-year anniversary and in honour of the event on 18 and 19 April the information days will be organised to introduce people with the work of DCMA.

Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs will celebrate 10-year anniversary and in honour of the event on 18 and 19 April the information days will be organised to introduce people with the work of DCMA. Chas, Panorama Latvii

Vesti Segodnja publishes some statistics about the work of DCMA.

Vesti Segodnja publishes some statistics about the work of DCMA.

Panorama Latvii

publishes informative article about the functions of Latvian Russian Co-operation Association. Readers are introduced with different issues concerning returning back to Russia. publishes informative article about the functions of Latvian Russian Co-operation Association. Readers are introduced with different issues concerning returning back to Russia.

 

Press Report

Saturday night Social democrats and FF/LLNK have prepared the agreement on coalition at Riga City Council. The agreement comes into effect after it is approved by the councils of both parties, until that the parties have agreed not to disclose the content of the document.

Saturday night Social democrats and FF/LLNK have prepared the agreement on coalition at Riga City Council. The agreement comes into effect after it is approved by the councils of both parties, until that the parties have agreed not to disclose the content of the document. Diena

Finnish President Tarja Halonen is sceptic about admission of all three Baltic States to NATO, she stated in her Saturday’s interview for German newspaper

Finnish President Tarja Halonen is sceptic about admission of all three Baltic States to NATO, she stated in her Saturdays interview for German newspaper Der Spiegel. She thinks that peace and stability in Europe should be viewed in broader sense than NATO and Russias opinion should be considered. Diena, Jauna, Respublika

On their Saturday’s sitting Social democrat chairperson J.Bojars called social democrats to focus their efforts to the next victory – to win at least 30% of mandates at the next Saeima election and then to overtake the power in the country. However, the sitting itself took place in rather tense atmosphere – a part of social democrats (presenting town Jelgava) did not agree with the decision of party’s leaders and demonstratively left the sitting, as well as the proposal to expel two party members – one for accusing social democrat leader J.Bojars – was not approved.

On their Saturdays sitting Social democrat chairperson J.Bojars called social democrats to focus their efforts to the next victory – to win at least 30% of mandates at the next Saeima election and then to overtake the power in the country. However, the sitting itself took place in rather tense atmosphere – a part of social democrats (presenting town Jelgava) did not agree with the decision of partys leaders and demonstratively left the sitting, as well as the proposal to expel two party members – one for accusing social democrat leader J.Bojars – was not approved. Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Central Statistics Department has published the preliminary results of people census. The final results will be definite at the end of the year.

Central Statistics Department has published the preliminary results of people census. The final results will be definite at the end of the year. Diena

Attorney from Russia S.Belaks has arrived in Riga to defend the rights of accused national bolshevists at court. In Russia S.Belak is known as an attorney of V.Zhirinovsky. The attorney voiced that neither he nor the embassy supports that kind of activities, however, it should be taken into account that the aim of these national bolshevists was not selfish, but political.

Attorney from Russia S.Belaks has arrived in Riga to defend the rights of accused national bolshevists at court. In Russia S.Belak is known as an attorney of V.Zhirinovsky. The attorney voiced that neither he nor the embassy supports that kind of activities, however, it should be taken into account that the aim of these national bolshevists was not selfish, but political. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Panorama Latvii

“Almost half of the residents of Riga are Russians. In Daugavpils almost all residents are Russians. Russians feel discriminated and not taken into account in Latvia”, writes Sweden newspaper

Almost half of the residents of Riga are Russians. In Daugavpils almost all residents are Russians. Russians feel discriminated and not taken into account in Latvia, writes Sweden newspaper Upsala Nya Tidning. In the eyes of many Latvians they are still viewed as occupants. The newspaper also introduces with the activities of FHRUL and opinions of its leaders T.Zhdanok and B.Cilevich. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

84,4% of Latvia’s people can speak Russian and only 81,7% of Latvia’s people can speak Latvian.

84,4% of Latvias people can speak Russian and only 81,7% of Latvias people can speak Latvian. Vesti Segodnja

Press Report

Press Report

Former Riga mayor Andris Argalis, dissatisfied over his party's recent local election campaign and the actions of a number of his party members, wants to lave his position as deputy chairman and board member of FF/LNNK party. An application of such content was handed to the party's board on Thursday, and discussed in a meeting on the same day. Party’s chairman Maris Grinblats said that despite party member efforts at trying to talk Argalis out of the move, he has not dropped his intention and will continue work as a FF/LNNK bench member on the newly elected city council.

Former Riga mayor Andris Argalis, dissatisfied over his party's recent local election campaign and the actions of a number of his party members, wants to lave his position as deputy chairman and board member of FF/LNNK party. An application of such content was handed to the party's board on Thursday, and discussed in a meeting on the same day. Partys chairman Maris Grinblats said that despite party member efforts at trying to talk Argalis out of the move, he has not dropped his intention and will continue work as a FF/LNNK bench member on the newly elected city council.

Argalis mentioned various reasons for leaving his leading post in the party. The former Riga mayor has also claimed that the party's election campaign and personal attacks against him personally from other parties, from which FF/LNNK had not "defended him accordingly," were more reasons for his decision.

Argalis mentioned various reasons for leaving his leading post in the party. The former Riga mayor has also claimed that the party's election campaign and personal attacks against him personally from other parties, from which FF/LNNK had not "defended him accordingly," were more reasons for his decision. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Chas

The group of international and local experts have visited several Latvian institutions and organisations to evaluate situation in the field of human rights and provide their opinion on the necessity to establish ombudsman institution in Latvia. The experts also had a meeting with Presidential working group, which has developed the concept paper on the establishment of ombudsman institution in the country.

The group of international and local experts have visited several Latvian institutions and organisations to evaluate situation in the field of human rights and provide their opinion on the necessity to establish ombudsman institution in Latvia. The experts also had a meeting with Presidential working group, which has developed the concept paper on the establishment of ombudsman institution in the country. Neatkariga, Chas

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent a note to Russian embassy to Latvia asking to prolong for 6 months the agreement, which provided for visas free of charge for the citizens of Russia and Latvia residing at the border for travelling to the neighbouring country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent a note to Russian embassy to Latvia asking to prolong for 6 months the agreement, which provided for visas free of charge for the citizens of Russia and Latvia residing at the border for travelling to the neighbouring country. Neatkariga

Daugavpils Mayor R.Eigims can speak Latvian fluently on different subjects. He has some grammar mistakes, however, it does not disturb communication ability. His Latvian what regards ability to speak corresponds to the third level degree A. However, mayor’s writing skills correspond to level 2 degree A. R.Eigims should improve his writing and speaking skills till 6 July, is stated in the conclusion of the State Language Inspection.

Daugavpils Mayor R.Eigims can speak Latvian fluently on different subjects. He has some grammar mistakes, however, it does not disturb communication ability. His Latvian what regards ability to speak corresponds to the third level degree A. However, mayors writing skills correspond to level 2 degree A. R.Eigims should improve his writing and speaking skills till 6 July, is stated in the conclusion of the State Language Inspection. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Riga City Council turned down the request of national bolshevists to organise a protest meeting in defence to accused national bolshevists on 10 April – the day when their case is reviewed at the court.

Riga City Council turned down the request of national bolshevists to organise a protest meeting in defence to accused national bolshevists on 10 April – the day when their case is reviewed at the court. Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Press Report

Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK will ask at the Coalition Council meeting Monday to assess actions by MPs from two other ruling coalition parties -- Latvia's Way and the People's Party -- which in FF/LNNK opinion had voted against the government position concerning national defence financing. After the FF/LNNK party board meeting late Thursday the party's chairman Maris Grinblats told reporters that FF/LNNK was concerned with the attitude of the other two coalition partners towards the national defence budget as demonstrated at the vote in the Parliament on Thursday.

Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK will ask at the Coalition Council meeting Monday to assess actions by MPs from two other ruling coalition parties -- Latvia's Way and the People's Party -- which in FF/LNNK opinion had voted against the government position concerning national defence financing. After the FF/LNNK party board meeting late Thursday the party's chairman Maris Grinblats told reporters that FF/LNNK was concerned with the attitude of the other two coalition partners towards the national defence budget as demonstrated at the vote in the Parliament on Thursday. BNS

Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK party board late Thursday resolved not to demand its party members holding chairmanship of two Riga city council committees to step down from their offices. After the FF/LNNK board meeting the party chairman Maris Grinblats told reporters that the current situation was somewhat controversial because committee chairman were still a part of the city council leadership and thus together with the opposition forces, Social Democrats and left-wing alliance For Human Rights, which won in recent local elections in Riga.

Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK party board late Thursday resolved not to demand its party members holding chairmanship of two Riga city council committees to step down from their offices. After the FF/LNNK board meeting the party chairman Maris Grinblats told reporters that the current situation was somewhat controversial because committee chairman were still a part of the city council leadership and thus together with the opposition forces, Social Democrats and left-wing alliance For Human Rights, which won in recent local elections in Riga. BNS, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize,

A new head was Thursday appointed to the Latvian delegation to Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly to replace the deceased chairman of the delegation. Vaira Paegle from the People's Party was appointed as the successor to Juris Sinka from Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK, who unexpectedly died from heart attack during visit to China.

A new head was Thursday appointed to the Latvian delegation to Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly to replace the deceased chairman of the delegation. Vaira Paegle from the People's Party was appointed as the successor to Juris Sinka from Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK, who unexpectedly died from heart attack during visit to China. BNS

Three new Saeima deputies replaced the MPs, elected to the Riga City Council. They are T.Ketlers from Latvian Way, Z.Vasaraudze (People’s Party) and G.Freimanis (Latvian Social Democratic Workers’ Party).

Three new Saeima deputies replaced the MPs, elected to the Riga City Council. They are T.Ketlers from Latvian Way, Z.Vasaraudze (Peoples Party) and G.Freimanis (Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party). Diena, Chas

State Language Centre has planned for Friday to examine the state language proficiency level of the new Mayor of Daugavpils City R.Eigim whether it is on the highest – third level. The test will have both parts – written and oral.

State Language Centre has planned for Friday to examine the state language proficiency level of the new Mayor of Daugavpils City R.Eigim whether it is on the highest – third level. The test will have both parts – written and oral. Diena, Panorama Latvii

Panorama Latvii writes that 16 Russian schools remained without first graders. Parents preferred to send their children to Latvian schools. Disregarding the fact that in many of those families nobody speaks any Latvian. Therefore these children are doomed to be lagging behind the rest of the class. And a way to solve the problem of these half-empty Russian speaking schools the Riga City Council sees to close them.

Panorama Latvii writes that 16 Russian schools remained without first graders. Parents preferred to send their children to Latvian schools. Disregarding the fact that in many of those families nobody speaks any Latvian. Therefore these children are doomed to be lagging behind the rest of the class. And a way to solve the problem of these half-empty Russian speaking schools the Riga City Council sees to close them.

TheAdvocate of war veteran V.Kononov announced that his defendant might not study materials of his case because he underwent an eye surgery. He could not give any date when V.Kononov would recover so much to be able to read.

Panorama Latvii

A low-profile Israeli movement has staged a picket at the Latvian Embassy in Israel, demanding that diplomatic relations with Latvia should be terminated over the trial of former Soviet partisan Vassily Kononov charged with war crimes in Latvia. The demonstrators also ripped in pieces the Latvian national flag. BNS