Press Review

Diena runs an article by Ilmars Mezs about the situation in the Eastern part of Latvia where in 15 towns there are no schools with the Latvian language of instruction. Latvian children who live there either attend the local Russian school or go to the Latvian schools in neighboring towns. Government members will not take part in the Legion commemoration events on March 16 but a special decision was not be passed to avoid unnecessary attention. As reported, also other state officials will not participate in the events stressing that March 16 as the Latvian Soldiers Commemoration Day is deleted from the list of official commemoration days.

As every year, the procession organized by the National Soldiers Association will go from the Dome cathedral through Riga’s Old Town to the Freedom Monument. Foreign Ministry predicted that on March 16 Latvia again will be in the focus of foreign mass media but there was no information about the possible provocations.

As every year, the procession organized by the National Soldiers Association will go from the Dome cathedral through Rigas Old Town to the Freedom Monument. Foreign Ministry predicted that on March 16 Latvia again will be in the focus of foreign mass media but there was no information about the possible provocations. Diena, Neatkariga

Saeima’s Commission for Implementation of the Citizenship Law in a closed meeting will hear reports from the Foreign and Defense Ministries to find out the number of non-citizens illegally serving in Latvia’s army and interior units. The commission has fully accepted the practice of the Naturalization Board which according to the law does not allow to grant citizenship to persons who right after the service in Soviet army got demobilized in Latvia before that did not permanently live there.

Saeimas Commission for Implementation of the Citizenship Law in a closed meeting will hear reports from the Foreign and Defense Ministries to find out the number of non-citizens illegally serving in Latvias army and interior units. The commission has fully accepted the practice of the Naturalization Board which according to the law does not allow to grant citizenship to persons who right after the service in Soviet army got demobilized in Latvia before that did not permanently live there. Diena, Vesti

Persons who have applied for Latvian citizenship through naturalization in Rezekne department of Naturalization Board this week can sign up for free Latvian language classes.

Persons who have applied for Latvian citizenship through naturalization in Rezekne department of Naturalization Board this week can sign up for free Latvian language classes. Panorama Latvii

Chas, Vesti, Jauna Avize report on the article published by The Guardian with a title In this country Nazis walk as heroes about the attitude toward people who served in Soviet and German forces during the WW2.

After his visit in the US the Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins said that the American officials have expressed their wish to see modern European-like history books including facts and explanations about Holocaust.

After his visit in the US the Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins said that the American officials have expressed their wish to see modern European-like history books including facts and explanations about Holocaust. Jauna Avize

Experts and mass media representatives met at the facilities of the State Language Training program to discuss the socio-linguistic aspects of forming of a political nation in Latvia and answer the question of what is the right way to say “Latvian nation” or “Latvia’s people”.

Experts and mass media representatives met at the facilities of the State Language Training program to discuss the socio-linguistic aspects of forming of a political nation in Latvia and answer the question of what is the right way to say Latvian nation or Latvias people. Respublika

Yesterday the Latvian government after the suggestion of the European commission passed a decision to give up the temporary agreement with Russia about favorable order of border crossing for inhabitants of border areas.

Yesterday the Latvian government after the suggestion of the European commission passed a decision to give up the temporary agreement with Russia about favorable order of border crossing for inhabitants of border areas. Vesti

Latvijas Vestnesis of 14.03.00 reports on the meetings of the president of Latvia and the prime minister with Mr. Max van der Stoel.

Press Report

President V.V.Freiberga considers that the ruling coalition is not so united as it used to be at the beginning. She thinks that these parties should work to consolidate the coalition and the society would not get an impression that the Government is busy just with quarrelling and having no time for doing its proper job.

President V.V.Freiberga considers that the ruling coalition is not so united as it used to be at the beginning. She thinks that these parties should work to consolidate the coalition and the society would not get an impression that the Government is busy just with quarrelling and having no time for doing its proper job. Neatkariga, Diena, Respublika

During her meeting with the Minister of Education, the President pointed out that the education reform should be realised so that the children’s interests would not suffer. She said that the child should be in the centre of attention, let he had a possibility to get to school, have lunch there and do his home works.

During her meeting with the Minister of Education, the President pointed out that the education reform should be realised so that the childrens interests would not suffer. She said that the child should be in the centre of attention, let he had a possibility to get to school, have lunch there and do his home works. Neatkariga

The annual marching of legionnaires will take place without any stir and participation of high state officials. State President was positive about crossing this day off the list of national commemoration days and suggested to celebrate it on November 11. The Saeima Speaker J.Straume will be on an official visit to Germany, and the Prime Minister has no intention to attend it. Some politicians TB/LNNK and People’s Party plan to participate in this march. There is no exact information about the position of the representatives of Armed Forces.

The annual marching of legionnaires will take place without any stir and participation of high state officials. State President was positive about crossing this day off the list of national commemoration days and suggested to celebrate it on November 11. The Saeima Speaker J.Straume will be on an official visit to Germany, and the Prime Minister has no intention to attend it. Some politicians TB/LNNK and Peoples Party plan to participate in this march. There is no exact information about the position of the representatives of Armed Forces. Diena, Vesti Segodnya

Riga Municipal Police will take care of order during this event, but the Satversme Defence Office Director L.Kamaldins admitted a possibility that left radicals could plan some activities on this day.

Riga Municipal Police will take care of order during this event, but the Satversme Defence Office Director L.Kamaldins admitted a possibility that left radicals could plan some activities on this day.

A.Riskin in

A.Riskin in Panorama Latvii gives the Russian point of view on the situation in Latvia concerning the rebirth of Nazism. One may have an impression that Nazism is reviving in Europe. The Austrian events and now this march in Latvia are evidences to it.

The Saeima Budget Commission insisted that the proposed draft law of the Cabinet of Ministers on introducing a state fee of 15 LVL for taking the state language exam should be maximally specified. From this fee will be exempt people who undergo naturalisation. These 15 LVL will be the maximal sum, and the Cabinet of Ministers has to prepare the exemptions according to income groups. And there is one more thing to worry about – a new draft law increasing the number of the state language knowledge groups from three to six. The responsinle institutions: the Ministry of Education and Science and the State language Centre are trying to get the monopoly of this profitable business.

The Saeima Budget Commission insisted that the proposed draft law of the Cabinet of Ministers on introducing a state fee of 15 LVL for taking the state language exam should be maximally specified. From this fee will be exempt people who undergo naturalisation. These 15 LVL will be the maximal sum, and the Cabinet of Ministers has to prepare the exemptions according to income groups. And there is one more thing to worry about – a new draft law increasing the number of the state language knowledge groups from three to six. The responsinle institutions: the Ministry of Education and Science and the State language Centre are trying to get the monopoly of this profitable business. Panorama Latvii

Press Report

The TB/LNNK Saeima faction leader A.Pozarnovs announced at the TB/LNNK Council meeting that the hasty decision of the Government on constructing the national Library and introducing a new tax to finance this project was linked to the change of profile and economic interests of Ave Lat group (Prime Minister A.Skele’s private business).

The TB/LNNK Saeima faction leader A.Pozarnovs announced at the TB/LNNK Council meeting that the hasty decision of the Government on constructing the national Library and introducing a new tax to finance this project was linked to the change of profile and economic interests of Ave Lat group (Prime Minister A.Skeles private business). Neatkariga, Diena, Respublika

The leading persons of TB/LNNK stated at the TB/LNNK Council meeting that took place on Saturday that the Party, realising an honest policy and acting as the uniting element in the coalition would oppose the pressure policy realised by People’s Party and Latvijas Cels. Characterising the situation the Chairman M.Grinblats said that at that moment one might observe politicising of state administration, legislative powers, mass media that prevented development of Latvia as a democratic country. The Cabinet of Ministers was using more and more the method of voting than reaching consensus, thus trying to realise interests of economic groups.

The leading persons of TB/LNNK stated at the TB/LNNK Council meeting that took place on Saturday that the Party, realising an honest policy and acting as the uniting element in the coalition would oppose the pressure policy realised by Peoples Party and Latvijas Cels. Characterising the situation the Chairman M.Grinblats said that at that moment one might observe politicising of state administration, legislative powers, mass media that prevented development of Latvia as a democratic country. The Cabinet of Ministers was using more and more the method of voting than reaching consensus, thus trying to realise interests of economic groups. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Respublika

One more picket took place at the Latvian Embassy in Moscow. About 300 people protested against conviction of V.Kononov, who was sentenced for war crimes for 6 years.

One more picket took place at the Latvian Embassy in Moscow. About 300 people protested against conviction of V.Kononov, who was sentenced for war crimes for 6 years. Neatkariga, Diena

Latvian MFA Consular Department Director S.Mellupe speaks about the process of drawing up visas and the quality of services provided by private firms.

Latvian MFA Consular Department Director S.Mellupe speaks about the process of drawing up visas and the quality of services provided by private firms. Jauna Avize

Estonian newspaper “Esti Paevaleht” voiced its concern about the Russian policy towards the neighbouring country – Latvia. Estonia has been Russian enemy No 1 for many years in the Baltic. As Russia did not succeed to break it, now she attacked the weakest element in the chain – Latvia.

Estonian newspaper Esti Paevaleht voiced its concern about the Russian policy towards the neighbouring country – Latvia. Estonia has been Russian enemy No 1 for many years in the Baltic. As Russia did not succeed to break it, now she attacked the weakest element in the chain – Latvia. Neatkariga

Russian speaking newspaper

Russian speaking newspaper Chas started an opinion poll asking the readers to answer the question it they believed that European structures would like to and succeed in amending in their (Russian speakers) interests the strict norms of the Language law.

MP from the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia A.Bartashevich organised a press conference where he told journalists about the latest activity of the faction - they had collected the necessary amount of signatures to address the Constitutional court with a request to evaluate the conformity of two laws - On Saeima elections and On municipal elections to the Satversme of the Republic of Latvia.

MP from the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia A.Bartashevich organised a press conference where he told journalists about the latest activity of the faction - they had collected the necessary amount of signatures to address the Constitutional court with a request to evaluate the conformity of two laws - On Saeima elections and On municipal elections to the Satversme of the Republic of Latvia. Panorama Latvii

Panorama Latvii

reminds its readers that March 16 is approaching when Latvian legionnaires will march along Riga streets disregarding the crossing off this day from the list of national commemoration days.

Press Report

Press Report

Danish Prime Minister during his visit to Latvia stated that Denmark supported Latvia’s joining NATO and provided considerable support for public integration. He appreciated the things achieved by the Latvian Government in public integration issues and assured of Danish readiness to continue their support.

Danish Prime Minister during his visit to Latvia stated that Denmark supported Latvias joining NATO and provided considerable support for public integration. He appreciated the things achieved by the Latvian Government in public integration issues and assured of Danish readiness to continue their support. Neatkariga, Diena, Panorama Latvii, Respublika (13.03.2000)

Riga City Council coalition members Democratic Party Saimnieks and national Progress Party admit that the coalition could expand. Two other Council factions - Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (10 deputies) and Wellbeing Party (5 deputies) are ready to join the ruling coalition. Neatkariga

Riga City Council coalition members Democratic Party Saimnieks and national Progress Party admit that the coalition could expand. Two other Council factions - Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (10 deputies) and Wellbeing Party (5 deputies) are ready to join the ruling coalition. Neatkariga

The OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel during his visit to Latvia showed his interest about the red guerrilla man V.Kononov, implementation of the state language law and public integration. Latvian President V.V.Freiberga discussed with the High Commissioner the strange Russian accusations for persecuting former fighters against Nazism, and he had agreed with this opinion but warned about Russia’s hostile attitude towards Latvia for convicting war criminals. In his discussion with Prime Minister A.Skele, Max van der Stoel concluded that nobody could speak about Latvian Government supporting Nazi supporters. At the same time he was very reserved when speaking about Kononov’s case.

The OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel during his visit to Latvia showed his interest about the red guerrilla man V.Kononov, implementation of the state language law and public integration. Latvian President V.V.Freiberga discussed with the High Commissioner the strange Russian accusations for persecuting former fighters against Nazism, and he had agreed with this opinion but warned about Russias hostile attitude towards Latvia for convicting war criminals. In his discussion with Prime Minister A.Skele, Max van der Stoel concluded that nobody could speak about Latvian Government supporting Nazi supporters. At the same time he was very reserved when speaking about Kononovs case. Neatkariga, Diena, Vesti Segodnya

The High Commissioner agreed with Latvian officials that the OSCE experts would take part in elaboration of the regulations necessary for implementation of the state language law let they conformed with the spirit of the law and international standards. The High Commissioner expressed his complete conviction that Latvian Government was ready to observe international standards while implementing the Language law. Latvia accepted the help offered by the OSCE, and during the next month the OSCE experts would come to consult Latvian specialists.

The High Commissioner agreed with Latvian officials that the OSCE experts would take part in elaboration of the regulations necessary for implementation of the state language law let they conformed with the spirit of the law and international standards. The High Commissioner expressed his complete conviction that Latvian Government was ready to observe international standards while implementing the Language law. Latvia accepted the help offered by the OSCE, and during the next month the OSCE experts would come to consult Latvian specialists. Diena

Russian speaking newspaper

Russian speaking newspaper Chas writes that High Commissioner Max van der Stoel during his press conference had promised to look after the Latvian officials not allowing them to make the law stricter and study in more details the law on radio and TV. Panorama Latvii states the High Commissioner finds the situation in Latvia very good but still interests about the fate of Kononov.

While Latvia has not started criminal persecution of K.Kalejs and K.Ozols for the committed war crimes there is no grounds to discuss the possible extradition of these people to Latvia. Next month Latvia and Australia plan to conclude an extradition agreement.

While Latvia has not started criminal persecution of K.Kalejs and K.Ozols for the committed war crimes there is no grounds to discuss the possible extradition of these people to Latvia. Next month Latvia and Australia plan to conclude an extradition agreement. Diena

Russian speaking newspapers

Russian speaking newspapers Vesti Segodnya titles this information Latvia was forced to persecute the Nazis.

 

 Press Report

Press Report

PACE President Rassel-Johnston, who is visiting Latvia, was surprised about the achievements made here. During his meetings with Latvian politicians he discussed the national integration program, the Latvian language training program, political spectre of Latvia, the questions of adopting and implementing of the language and citizenship laws as well the problem of the huge number of non-citizens in Latvia.

PACE President Rassel-Johnston, who is visiting Latvia, was surprised about the achievements made here. During his meetings with Latvian politicians he discussed the national integration program, the Latvian language training program, political spectre of Latvia, the questions of adopting and implementing of the language and citizenship laws as well the problem of the huge number of non-citizens in Latvia. Neatkariga

Farmer organisations of several Latvian regions sent a letter to the President expressing their distrust to the Government and announced about their intention to start a non-violent protest movement. They demanded to prevent the pressure of the huge economical groups on the state policy, establish that high-ranking state officials should not be linked with economic groups and they should obey rules preventing the conflict of interests. The farmers stated that current Prime Minister A.Skele needed political power to secure his personal business.

Farmer organisations of several Latvian regions sent a letter to the President expressing their distrust to the Government and announced about their intention to start a non-violent protest movement. They demanded to prevent the pressure of the huge economical groups on the state policy, establish that high-ranking state officials should not be linked with economic groups and they should obey rules preventing the conflict of interests. The farmers stated that current Prime Minister A.Skele needed political power to secure his personal business. Neatkariga

On Friday Danish Prime Minister Rasmussen and Ms.Dybkjaer are coming on a three-day working visit to Latvia. They will meet the top state officials.

On Friday Danish Prime Minister Rasmussen and Ms.Dybkjaer are coming on a three-day working visit to Latvia. They will meet the top state officials. Neatkariga

The OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel is coming to Latvia to learn about the implementation of the Language law. He will meet the President, Prime Minister, Minister of Justice, Minister of Education and MFA State Secretary. The topics for discussions will be public integration issues and the implementation of the Language law. MFA Press Secretary L.Bergmane pointed out that the High Commissioner found the Language law, adopted last year, to be conforming to international standards. Some newspapers call this “an unexpected visit”.

The OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel is coming to Latvia to learn about the implementation of the Language law. He will meet the President, Prime Minister, Minister of Justice, Minister of Education and MFA State Secretary. The topics for discussions will be public integration issues and the implementation of the Language law. MFA Press Secretary L.Bergmane pointed out that the High Commissioner found the Language law, adopted last year, to be conforming to international standards. Some newspapers call this an unexpected visit. Neatkariga, Diena, Vesti Segodnya, Respublika, Chas

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins doubts the wish o Russia to join NATO. He had discussed this announcement with the US Acting State Secretary Talbout and did not see any reason why the alliance should change let Russia could join it.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins doubts the wish o Russia to join NATO. He had discussed this announcement with the US Acting State Secretary Talbout and did not see any reason why the alliance should change let Russia could join it. Neatkariga

Estonian MFA Vice-chancellor M.Helme stated that Latvians were partially guilty themselves for the Russia’s “fireworks” against Latvia, and Estonia and Lithuania have to defend Latvia with some amount of bitterness.

Estonian MFA Vice-chancellor M.Helme stated that Latvians were partially guilty themselves for the Russias fireworks against Latvia, and Estonia and Lithuania have to defend Latvia with some amount of bitterness. Diena

Since the beginning of this year the number of Eurosceptics in Latvia has reached 38% but the number of supporters is only for 6% more – 43.5%. 19% of the population have no certain opinion.

Since the beginning of this year the number of Eurosceptics in Latvia has reached 38% but the number of supporters is only for 6% more – 43.5%. 19% of the population have no certain opinion. Diena

According to the opinion poll made by Latvijas Fakti, popularity of People’s Party is increasing, reaching the level of 22.5% (+2% comparing to December), but negative figures are only for 2 parties - Latvijas Cels and the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia.

According to the opinion poll made by Latvijas Fakti, popularity of Peoples Party is increasing, reaching the level of 22.5% (+2% comparing to December), but negative figures are only for 2 parties - Latvijas Cels and the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia. Diena

On March 8, Liepaja City Court complied with the request of the solicitor of Ye. Savenko (accused of committing crimes against population of Latvia after WW II) to let him stay at home during the trial.

On March 8, Liepaja City Court complied with the request of the solicitor of Ye. Savenko (accused of committing crimes against population of Latvia after WW II) to let him stay at home during the trial. Panorama Latvii, Chas