Press Report

Press Report

Election of Riga city council committee heads has triggered disagreements within the Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK party that formally has not joined the ruling coalition in city council but has its members elected as heads of two committees. Party chairman Maris Grinblats told it was not the party's decision and the deputies "had acted on their own" and now the party's board will have to consider the matter. But the rest the government coalition parties (People's Party and Latvia's Way) don't believe the two were elected as committee heads without the party knowing about it.

Election of Riga city council committee heads has triggered disagreements within the Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK party that formally has not joined the ruling coalition in city council but has its members elected as heads of two committees. Party chairman Maris Grinblats told it was not the party's decision and the deputies "had acted on their own" and now the party's board will have to consider the matter. But the rest the government coalition parties (People's Party and Latvia's Way) don't believe the two were elected as committee heads without the party knowing about it. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Respublika, Chas

Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov congratulated new Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars with election to the post voicing a hope his work would promote dialogue between the two cities, Riga town council public relations office reported to

Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov congratulated new Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars with election to the post voicing a hope his work would promote dialogue between the two cities, Riga town council public relations office reported to BNS.

A Latvian lawmaker, the chairman of Latvian delegation to the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, died last night during his visit to the People's Republic of China, the parliament press service reported to BNS on Wednesday. The deceased was Juris Sinka, 73, who represented Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK party in the parliament since 1993. He also was a member of Chechnya and Tibet support groups at the parliament and in 1996 chaired talks between Latvia and Lithuania about the sea border.

A Latvian lawmaker, the chairman of Latvian delegation to the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, died last night during his visit to the People's Republic of China, the parliament press service reported to BNS on Wednesday. The deceased was Juris Sinka, 73, who represented Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK party in the parliament since 1993. He also was a member of Chechnya and Tibet support groups at the parliament and in 1996 chaired talks between Latvia and Lithuania about the sea border. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Lauku Avize, Latvijas Vestnesis

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins Thursday will meet NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Issues Klaus Peter Klaiber to discuss the role of partner countries in NATO and future perspectives of NATO activities, Latvian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman reported to

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins Thursday will meet NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Issues Klaus Peter Klaiber to discuss the role of partner countries in NATO and future perspectives of NATO activities, Latvian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman reported to BNS.

Latvia has made a great progress both in democratic reforms and economic changes during the last decade since the restoration of the country's independence, Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner said Wednesday in Riga. Speaking at a news conference Ferrero-Waldner gave together with Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins, the Austrian minister said that changes had taken place not only in Latvia but the Baltic region in general.

Latvia has made a great progress both in democratic reforms and economic changes during the last decade since the restoration of the country's independence, Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner said Wednesday in Riga. Speaking at a news conference Ferrero-Waldner gave together with Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins, the Austrian minister said that changes had taken place not only in Latvia but the Baltic region in general. BNS, Diena, Latvijas Vestnesis

Yesterday according to the order of Russian Prime Minister M.Kasyanov were increased pensions for war veterans living in Latvia. Prime Minister signed a document stipulating that pension for this category of people should not be less than the minimal pension in their country of residence.

Yesterday according to the order of Russian Prime Minister M.Kasyanov were increased pensions for war veterans living in Latvia. Prime Minister signed a document stipulating that pension for this category of people should not be less than the minimal pension in their country of residence. Chas, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnya

Russia decided to protect its citizens, and today Russian advocate S.Belyak is coming to Riga to participate in the defence of National Bolsheviks arrested last September.

Russia decided to protect its citizens, and today Russian advocate S.Belyak is coming to Riga to participate in the defence of National Bolsheviks arrested last September. Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Press Report

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner on Tuesday at the talks in Riga discussed Latvia's integration in NATO, the presidential press centre reported to

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner on Tuesday at the talks in Riga discussed Latvia's integration in NATO, the presidential press centre reported to BNS. The Latvian president told the foreign minister from neutral Austria about Latvia's action plan for NATO membership and commitment to join the organisation in 2002. Both officials also talked about economic relations and their potential. Vike-Freiberga noted Latvia's increasing trade

with the European Union (EU) member states which indicated further possibilities in trade also with Austria.

with the European Union (EU) member states which indicated further possibilities in trade also with Austria. BNS, Neatkariga, Latvijas Vestnesis

Latvia's Way party will nominate Romualds Razuks to the position of parliament vice-speaker because previous nominee, Edvins Inkens, has withdrawn his candidature. Latvia's Way parliamentary faction chairwoman Kristiana Libane explained to

Latvia's Way party will nominate Romualds Razuks to the position of parliament vice-speaker because previous nominee, Edvins Inkens, has withdrawn his candidature. Latvia's Way parliamentary faction chairwoman Kristiana Libane explained to BNS that the party considered foreign affairs as a priority therefore Inkens should continue as the chairman of the parliamentary committee for foreign affairs. BNS

The Prosecutor General's Office has opened another criminal case over crimes against humanity and genocide and already in March pressed charges against Russian national Nikolai Tess who took part in deportations of Latvian people in 1949. Prosecutor General's Office spokeswoman Dzintra Subrovska said Tess, age 80, is charged over taking part in deportation of Latvian people on March 25, 1949 while himself being an official at section two of Soviet Latvian state security ministry.

The Prosecutor General's Office has opened another criminal case over crimes against humanity and genocide and already in March pressed charges against Russian national Nikolai Tess who took part in deportations of Latvian people in 1949. Prosecutor General's Office spokeswoman Dzintra Subrovska said Tess, age 80, is charged over taking part in deportation of Latvian people on March 25, 1949 while himself being an official at section two of Soviet Latvian state security ministry. BNS, Vesti Segodnya

Russian Foreign Ministry believes the persecution campaign against war and military veterans who fought against fascism is continuing in Latvia, Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement distributed Monday evening. "A regular example of it is the case opened by Latvian prosecutor general against Russian national Nikolay Tess, an 80 year old disabled war veteran, former Soviet Latvian security structures employee, and rejection by a Riga city court of a claim by 84 year old Mikhail Farbtukh, a helpless disabled, to release him from confinement due to his health condition," the statement reads.

Russian Foreign Ministry believes the persecution campaign against war and military veterans who fought against fascism is continuing in Latvia, Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement distributed Monday evening. "A regular example of it is the case opened by Latvian prosecutor general against Russian national Nikolay Tess, an 80 year old disabled war veteran, former Soviet Latvian security structures employee, and rejection by a Riga city court of a claim by 84 year old Mikhail Farbtukh, a helpless disabled, to release him from confinement due to his health condition," the statement reads. BNS

Riga City Council members could not elect the second Vice-Mayor because the two candidates for this post did not receive enough voices. This result proves that Social Democrats are more sure about co-operation with FF/LNNK and they do not need the trust of small parties to give them this important post. Social Democrats have fulfilled one condition put forward by FF/LNNK – on Tuesday the deputies supported the idea within a month to reorganise the Council Board and replace it by a Council Presidium. It would help FF/LNNK while heading commissions to avoid co-operation with For Human Rights in United Latvia.

Riga City Council members could not elect the second Vice-Mayor because the two candidates for this post did not receive enough voices. This result proves that Social Democrats are more sure about co-operation with FF/LNNK and they do not need the trust of small parties to give them this important post. Social Democrats have fulfilled one condition put forward by FF/LNNK – on Tuesday the deputies supported the idea within a month to reorganise the Council Board and replace it by a Council Presidium. It would help FF/LNNK while heading commissions to avoid co-operation with For Human Rights in United Latvia. Diena, Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii, Chas

FF/LNNK admitted yesterday that they could head two permanent commissions at the “red” Riga City Council. According to unofficial information they could be municipal and apartment commissions.

FF/LNNK admitted yesterday that they could head two permanent commissions at the red Riga City Council. According to unofficial information they could be municipal and apartment commissions. Neatkariga

In the annual address to the Federal Parliament Russian President V.Putin stated that Moscow would protect its national interests and compatriots living abroad. “Nobody will be allowed to sort international rights and human freedoms according person’s passport.”

In the annual address to the Federal Parliament Russian President V.Putin stated that Moscow would protect its national interests and compatriots living abroad. Nobody will be allowed to sort international rights and human freedoms according persons passport. Diena

Yesterday Prime Ministers of the Baltic States met with their Swedish colleague J.Pershon. The host informed his guests about the last meeting of the heads of EU member states and his talks with Russian President V.Putin.

Yesterday Prime Ministers of the Baltic States met with their Swedish colleague J.Pershon. The host informed his guests about the last meeting of the heads of EU member states and his talks with Russian President V.Putin. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya

Latvian Business days in Russian city Tver ended with a scandal. Several public organisations opposed the idea to organise the exhibition “ExpoLatvia 2001” due to human rights of Russian speakers in Latvia. Several days before opening this exhibition was circulated a call to boycott this event, and during the opening ceremony a rotten egg was thrown at the Chairman of Latvian – Russian Business Co-operation Council G.Kazeks. After the event in the premises was found a pamphlet with a call to cut Latvians their ears, deprive them from Riga and afterwards to do away with them.

Latvian Business days in Russian city Tver ended with a scandal. Several public organisations opposed the idea to organise the exhibition ExpoLatvia 2001 due to human rights of Russian speakers in Latvia. Several days before opening this exhibition was circulated a call to boycott this event, and during the opening ceremony a rotten egg was thrown at the Chairman of Latvian – Russian Business Co-operation Council G.Kazeks. After the event in the premises was found a pamphlet with a call to cut Latvians their ears, deprive them from Riga and afterwards to do away with them. Jauna Avize, Respublika, Panorama Latvii, Chas

Press Report

Press Report

Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner on Tuesday will meet Latvian president and foreign minister, spokespeople told to

Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner on Tuesday will meet Latvian president and foreign minister, spokespeople told to BNS. The Austrian foreign minister in the meeting with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will discuss co-operation in interior affairs and environment protection as well as infrastructure development. The officials also will analyse society integration issues, said president's spokeswoman Aiva Rozenberga. BNS, Latvijas Vestnesis

Latvian government coalition factions council Monday did not reach an agreement on supporting appointing Latvia's Way MP Edvins Inkens as deputy parliament speaker as two of the government factions objected to his wish to hold two posts, the prime minister told

Latvian government coalition factions council Monday did not reach an agreement on supporting appointing Latvia's Way MP Edvins Inkens as deputy parliament speaker as two of the government factions objected to his wish to hold two posts, the prime minister told BNS. Andris Berzins said he reported to the coalition council about Inkens' wish to hold not only the post of the deputy parliament speaker but also keep his current post of European affairs committee head, to which People's Party and Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK did not agree. BNS

Latvian president on Monday accredited Latvia's new ambassador to Mexico, Aivis Ronis, who also is Latvian ambassador to the United States.

Latvian president on Monday accredited Latvia's new ambassador to Mexico, Aivis Ronis, who also is Latvian ambassador to the United States. BNS, Latvijas Vestnesis

To ensure stable operation of Riga city council Social Democrats would have to halt co-operation with leftist union For Human Rights in United Latvia and re-elect Riga vice-mayor, heads of government parties' factions on Riga city council told

BNS. Janis Birks who heads Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK faction on the city council said Social Democrats should decide what kind of politics they want to pursue in Riga and the kind of ties they have with the leftist union. "Given the currently elected version it is possible to work on the Riga city council only in a coalition comprised of Latvia's Way, People's Party, FF/LNNK and Social Democrats," said Birks. BNS, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK party faction on Riga city council Monday decided FF/LNNK is not ready to undertake heading city council committees in the present situation when Social Democrats have closed co-operation co-ordination agreement with the leftist union. He said FF/LNNK respects decision of city council deputies to elect Social Democrat member Gundars Bojars as Riga mayor and called on him to "rally around himself forces loyal to Latvia". Birks reiterated that FF/LNNK faction called on Social Democrats to revise its agreement relations with leftist union For Human Rights in United Latvia.

BNS, Panorama Latvii

Riga Mayor G.Bojars said on Monday that Social Democrats were not ready to yield to the demand of FF/LNNK to reconsider their agreement with the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia. Diena

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins and Russia's new Ambassador to Latvia discussed in a meeting on Monday bilateral co-operation issues, including work of Latvian and Russian inter-governmental commission, state chancellery press office reported to BNS. Berzins and Russian Ambassador Igor Studennikov concluded the inter-governmental commission was a good instrument for solving a number of important issues and improvement of relations between Latvia and Russia. The two officials said the inter-governmental commission was a way for holding talks between the two countries by means of a constructive dialogue. BNS,

The Ambassador stressed the need to promote co-operation in cultural fields and informed that already this yeas was planned a visit of Russian Minister of Culture to Latvia.

The Ambassador stressed the need to promote co-operation in cultural fields and informed that already this yeas was planned a visit of Russian Minister of Culture to Latvia. Neatkariga, Latvijas Vestnesis

Repeated local government election will be hold on July 8 in Viesturi Parish, Bauska Region and Preili District where with a court decree were annulled.

Repeated local government election will be hold on July 8 in Viesturi Parish, Bauska Region and Preili District where with a court decree were annulled. Diena, Neatkariga

The latest social opinion polls (SKD data) show that the popularity decrease of major political parties (Latvian Way, People’s Party) before the local government election was not just a short time tendency. But the greatest change is noticed in people’s attitude toward the work of the government and increased distrust towards some state institutions and even local governments.

The latest social opinion polls (SKD data) show that the popularity decrease of major political parties (Latvian Way, Peoples Party) before the local government election was not just a short time tendency. But the greatest change is noticed in peoples attitude toward the work of the government and increased distrust towards some state institutions and even local governments. Neatkariga

Last week the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Commission visited Estonia to find out how integration problems were solved there. The deputies met with Estonian Minister of Ethnic Affairs, MRs and other officials. The Head A.Seiksts said they came to a conclusion that Estonian society and political circles were more consolidated than in Latvia. The delegation also met with the opposition representatives and they had objections neither to the integration process nor interpretation of history. They wanted to co-operate in a constructive manner. FF/LNNK representative J.Vidins did not agree completely with it. He said that the opposition representatives had also travelled to Moscow seeking for advice but finally spitted on everything and understood that all problems should be solved at home. But they still complained – Russians felt pressure that the state demanded them to learn the Estonian language. That was a minor human rights violation. But the Russian speaking press was favourable towards Estonians. In his turn the representative of For Human Rights in United Latvia M.Mitrfanov was glad that Estonian integration program stipulated that the state should be responsible for preservation of ethnic identity of every national minority. In Latvia they tried to achieve just the opposite.

Last week the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Commission visited Estonia to find out how integration problems were solved there. The deputies met with Estonian Minister of Ethnic Affairs, MRs and other officials. The Head A.Seiksts said they came to a conclusion that Estonian society and political circles were more consolidated than in Latvia. The delegation also met with the opposition representatives and they had objections neither to the integration process nor interpretation of history. They wanted to co-operate in a constructive manner. FF/LNNK representative J.Vidins did not agree completely with it. He said that the opposition representatives had also travelled to Moscow seeking for advice but finally spitted on everything and understood that all problems should be solved at home. But they still complained – Russians felt pressure that the state demanded them to learn the Estonian language. That was a minor human rights violation. But the Russian speaking press was favourable towards Estonians. In his turn the representative of For Human Rights in United Latvia M.Mitrfanov was glad that Estonian integration program stipulated that the state should be responsible for preservation of ethnic identity of every national minority. In Latvia they tried to achieve just the opposite. Lauku Avize

2000 non-citizens on the whole territory of Latvia, whose language skills turned out to be inadequate for passing the naturalisation test, will be able to take the test for the second time free of charge. Press Secretary of the Naturalisation Board S.Bardins informed that, persons whose language skills would be still inadequate to pass this test, would be able to register for another training for 30 – 80 hours. But the time of these courses was not fixed yet because the Board was still looking for the possible donors because courses were planned to be free of charge.

2000 non-citizens on the whole territory of Latvia, whose language skills turned out to be inadequate for passing the naturalisation test, will be able to take the test for the second time free of charge. Press Secretary of the Naturalisation Board S.Bardins informed that, persons whose language skills would be still inadequate to pass this test, would be able to register for another training for 30 – 80 hours. But the time of these courses was not fixed yet because the Board was still looking for the possible donors because courses were planned to be free of charge. Panorama Latvii

A.Krumins in

A.Krumins in Panorama Latvii writes about the reaction in the Saeima when the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia proposed to allow non-citizens to buy land in Latvia. The most active opponent to this was P.Tabuns from FF/LNNK. He announced that that was an intentional directing of state policy along the so-called Moscow road.

Not so long ago some Latvian officials assured that Latvia would not become a country of emigrants, but the need to harmonise Latvian legislation with EU demands made some structures to take decisions that could bring Latvia to such a situation. Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers adopted the draft law “On Asylum”. The law establishes the legal status of asylum seekers and refugees and gives them the right to settle in Latvia. European institutions demand let this law would ensure attractiveness of Latvian State for asylum seekers. The draft law stipulates that a refugee after receiving the status may receive a PRP free of charge. It also guarantees the victims of far away regimes integration in Latvia – free of charge language training that even local residents are not entitled for.

Not so long ago some Latvian officials assured that Latvia would not become a country of emigrants, but the need to harmonise Latvian legislation with EU demands made some structures to take decisions that could bring Latvia to such a situation. Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers adopted the draft law On Asylum. The law establishes the legal status of asylum seekers and refugees and gives them the right to settle in Latvia. European institutions demand let this law would ensure attractiveness of Latvian State for asylum seekers. The draft law stipulates that a refugee after receiving the status may receive a PRP free of charge. It also guarantees the victims of far away regimes integration in Latvia – free of charge language training that even local residents are not entitled for. Chas

Press Report

Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK party has prepared a text for an agreement with Social Democrats on co-operation on the city council. Under the prepared agreement, Social Democrats will not be allowed to close a coalition agreement with leftist union For Human Rights in United Latvia, FF/LNNK deputy on the Riga city council, Janis Karpovics, told

Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK party has prepared a text for an agreement with Social Democrats on co-operation on the city council. Under the prepared agreement, Social Democrats will not be allowed to close a coalition agreement with leftist union For Human Rights in United Latvia, FF/LNNK deputy on the Riga city council, Janis Karpovics, told BNS. He said the party is ready to co-operate with Social Democrats on the city council and sign a joint agreement on co-operation principles.

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins believes that the right-of-center For Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK party's decision on taking part in running the Riga City Council will not promote government stability. PM spokesperson Arnis Lapins told

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins believes that the right-of-center For Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK party's decision on taking part in running the Riga City Council will not promote government stability. PM spokesperson Arnis Lapins told BNS that "FF/LNNK entering the governing coalition on the Riga City Council is

contradicting the joint coalition in the government. The move is like sitting on two benches at the same time, which definitely won't promote government stability."

contradicting the joint coalition in the government. The move is like sitting on two benches at the same time, which definitely won't promote government stability."

After the last local government election several politicians expressed an opinion that it was the new citizens who were guilty of the victory of the left wingers. Political scientist A.Pabriks opposes this statement and says that responsible for this victory of left-wingers are not the new Latvian citizens but those politicians and parties that during the nineties were almost hysterically against public integration and calling for de-colonisation. According to the data of the Naturalisation Board by the local government election of 2001 in the major cities of Latvia were naturalised 29 091 people, in the whole state about 40 000. According to A.Pabriks’s calculation only 9000 new citizens participated in the Riga City Council election – it is less than 2.5% of the whole Riga electorate.

After the last local government election several politicians expressed an opinion that it was the new citizens who were guilty of the victory of the left wingers. Political scientist A.Pabriks opposes this statement and says that responsible for this victory of left-wingers are not the new Latvian citizens but those politicians and parties that during the nineties were almost hysterically against public integration and calling for de-colonisation. According to the data of the Naturalisation Board by the local government election of 2001 in the major cities of Latvia were naturalised 29 091 people, in the whole state about 40 000. According to A.Pabrikss calculation only 9000 new citizens participated in the Riga City Council election – it is less than 2.5% of the whole Riga electorate. Diena

FF/LNNK fact Chairman J.Birkans stated that in order not to permit a transfer of all political power to the left-wingers, closing of Latvian schools and restoration of the Soviet time street names, the FF/LNNK Saeima faction considered its duty to be actively involved in the work of the Riga City Council. Ant it will be FF/LNNK deputies who will stabilise the positions of Riga Mayor G.Bojars.

FF/LNNK fact Chairman J.Birkans stated that in order not to permit a transfer of all political power to the left-wingers, closing of Latvian schools and restoration of the Soviet time street names, the FF/LNNK Saeima faction considered its duty to be actively involved in the work of the Riga City Council. Ant it will be FF/LNNK deputies who will stabilise the positions of Riga Mayor G.Bojars. Diena, Rigas Balss

Press Report

Press Report

Society and political circles in Estonia are less split than in Latvia, Latvian parliament human rights and public affairs committee chairman told a news conference Wednesday. Antons Seiksts was speaking on return of the committee MPs from a visit in Tallinn. He said that in Estonia differences between ethnic Estonians and people of other nationalities are less perceptible and, the opposition MPs in Estonian parliament are much more constructive in their work. Seiksts said that in practical matters Estonians are much more flexible towards people of other nationalities. For example, Estonia has state financed Russian radio and the entire legislation is automatically being translated not only into English language but also into Russian. A.Seiksts also wanted to stress the role of the Russian mass media in Estonia – they are constructive and politically alienated.

Society and political circles in Estonia are less split than in Latvia, Latvian parliament human rights and public affairs committee chairman told a news conference Wednesday. Antons Seiksts was speaking on return of the committee MPs from a visit in Tallinn. He said that in Estonia differences between ethnic Estonians and people of other nationalities are less perceptible and, the opposition MPs in Estonian parliament are much more constructive in their work. Seiksts said that in practical matters Estonians are much more flexible towards people of other nationalities. For example, Estonia has state financed Russian radio and the entire legislation is automatically being translated not only into English language but also into Russian. A.Seiksts also wanted to stress the role of the Russian mass media in Estonia – they are constructive and politically alienated.

Committee MP Viola Lazo meanwhile said Estonians have all the time been a small step ahead of Latvia in society integration and had granted citizenship to people who were loyal towards formation of the Estonian state. Lazo stressed integration is a bilateral process and therefore the wish to integrate should be created both for Latvians and people of other nationalities. "Nobody wants to go along the golden middle because extremities are of more political advantage," she said. Lazo added that in numerous areas of integration Latvia has done a lot more than Estonia but Estonia has succeeded in better presenting its achievements both at home and internationally.

Committee MP Viola Lazo meanwhile said Estonians have all the time been a small step ahead of Latvia in society integration and had granted citizenship to people who were loyal towards formation of the Estonian state. Lazo stressed integration is a bilateral process and therefore the wish to integrate should be created both for Latvians and people of other nationalities. "Nobody wants to go along the golden middle because extremities are of more political advantage," she said. Lazo added that in numerous areas of integration Latvia has done a lot more than Estonia but Estonia has succeeded in better presenting its achievements both at home and internationally.

Committee MP Juris Vidins said he feels convinced after the visit in Estonia that financial resources help to solve a lot of problems. "Estonia has the same problems we have but bigger financial resources, granted for the integration, help to smooth soaring matters", said Vidins. Committee MP Miroslavs Mitrofanovs said his impressions about the processes in Estonia are contradictory. On the one hand, Estonians are more tolerant towards people of other nationalities, for example, in the area of education. But a negative impression is created by the fact that integration achievements, which are being declared quite often, differ from what is actually implemented in life, for example, people of other nationalities are rarely involved in implementation of integration programs.

Committee MP Juris Vidins said he feels convinced after the visit in Estonia that financial resources help to solve a lot of problems. "Estonia has the same problems we have but bigger financial resources, granted for the integration, help to smooth soaring matters", said Vidins. Committee MP Miroslavs Mitrofanovs said his impressions about the processes in Estonia are contradictory. On the one hand, Estonians are more tolerant towards people of other nationalities, for example, in the area of education. But a negative impression is created by the fact that integration achievements, which are being declared quite often, differ from what is actually implemented in life, for example, people of other nationalities are rarely involved in implementation of integration programs. Latvijas Vestnesis, Vesti Segodnja

The Social Democrats Wednesday in consultations with nationalist Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK offered the party to co-operate on the Riga city council and hold the post of a vice-mayor and head four committees, a Social Democrat board member said. Janis Dinevics said the Social Democrats offered the FF/LNNK to co-operate on the Riga city council and not to remain in the opposition. "We offered them concrete offices -- the post of vice-mayor and heading social, environment, property and security committees," said Dinevics. FF/LNNK had not provided an answer to the offer and pledged to discuss it within the party. FF/LNNK faction head on the city council, Janis Birks, told that the question about the possible co-operation with Social Democrats "remains open" and will be considered at the party's board meeting on Thursday, however, neither he nor the former Riga Mayor Argalis took part in these discussion.

The Social Democrats Wednesday in consultations with nationalist Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK offered the party to co-operate on the Riga city council and hold the post of a vice-mayor and head four committees, a Social Democrat board member said. Janis Dinevics said the Social Democrats offered the FF/LNNK to co-operate on the Riga city council and not to remain in the opposition. "We offered them concrete offices -- the post of vice-mayor and heading social, environment, property and security committees," said Dinevics. FF/LNNK had not provided an answer to the offer and pledged to discuss it within the party. FF/LNNK faction head on the city council, Janis Birks, told that the question about the possible co-operation with Social Democrats "remains open" and will be considered at the party's board meeting on Thursday, however, neither he nor the former Riga Mayor Argalis took part in these discussion. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnja, Lauku Avize

The new Russian ambassador I.Studennikov’s first official visit was to the Soviet Soldiers Monument. The ambassador stressed the important role of Russia in fighting against Nazis and when asked about the first impressions about Latvia he said he would give a press conference a little bit later.

The new Russian ambassador I.Studennikovs first official visit was to the Soviet Soldiers Monument. The ambassador stressed the important role of Russia in fighting against Nazis and when asked about the first impressions about Latvia he said he would give a press conference a little bit later. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii