Press Report

Press Report

The meeting between Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and OSCE High Commissioner for Ethnic Minorities Max van der Stoel, scheduled for Friday, will not take place because the commissioner will have to leave for emergency meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna.

The meeting between Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and OSCE High Commissioner for Ethnic Minorities Max van der Stoel, scheduled for Friday, will not take place because the commissioner will have to leave for emergency meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna. BNS

OSCE High Commissioner for Ethnic Minorities Max van der Stoel on Thursday in Riga suggested to eliminate bureaucracy in Latvian language proficiency tests required to obtain the citizenship. Stoel made this suggestion, talking to reporters after the meeting with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins. The OSCE commissioner said that the Latvian language test should be co-ordinated with requirements of the

OSCE High Commissioner for Ethnic Minorities Max van der Stoel on Thursday in Riga suggested to eliminate bureaucracy in Latvian language proficiency tests required to obtain the citizenship. Stoel made this suggestion, talking to reporters after the meeting with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins. The OSCE commissioner said that the Latvian language test should be co-ordinated with requirements of the

Naturalisations test so that a person will not be required to take two examinations. It would also help to boost the number of naturalisations. At the talks on Thursday the Latvian Premier and OSCE commissioner also analysed the pace of naturalisation. Van der Stoel said it was good that the number of naturalisation applications was not falling, while noting that activity was required from both parties seeking or giving the citizenship.

Naturalisations test so that a person will not be required to take two examinations. It would also help to boost the number of naturalisations. At the talks on Thursday the Latvian Premier and OSCE commissioner also analysed the pace of naturalisation. Van der Stoel said it was good that the number of naturalisation applications was not falling, while noting that activity was required from both parties seeking or giving the citizenship. BNS

Prime Minister A.Berzins thanked the High Commissioner for his support to Latvia and pointed out that during his term many important initiatives were implemented – naturalisation process was proceeding successfully, introduced National State Language Training Program. A.Berzins also informed his guest about the adopted National Integration Program and that in 2001 the state had allotted 428 000 Ls for National State Language Training Program.

Prime Minister A.Berzins thanked the High Commissioner for his support to Latvia and pointed out that during his term many important initiatives were implemented – naturalisation process was proceeding successfully, introduced National State Language Training Program. A.Berzins also informed his guest about the adopted National Integration Program and that in 2001 the state had allotted 428 000 Ls for National State Language Training Program. Neatkariga

Diena adds that the High Commissioner stated that Latvian national minority policy has experienced large growth during the last years but added that the number of non-citizens in Latvia was still large.

It is not likely that by Tuesday Social Democrats could agree with FF/LNNK on one candidate for the post of Riga City Mayor although both parties expressed their wish to co-operate. FF/LNNK Council came forward with a call to Latvian Social Democratic Workers’ Party, Latvian Way and People’s Party to vote for A.Argalis as the Mayor. In his turn the candidate of Social Democrats for this post G.Bojars confirmed that Social Democrats would not yield and was sure that they would win in the election of the mayor.

It is not likely that by Tuesday Social Democrats could agree with FF/LNNK on one candidate for the post of Riga City Mayor although both parties expressed their wish to co-operate. FF/LNNK Council came forward with a call to Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party, Latvian Way and Peoples Party to vote for A.Argalis as the Mayor. In his turn the candidate of Social Democrats for this post G.Bojars confirmed that Social Democrats would not yield and was sure that they would win in the election of the mayor. Diena, Neatkariga, Respublika, Chas

In an interview to four Russian newspapers Russian President V.Putin once again pointed out that Russia was concerned about the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia. He said that during a dialogue Russia would demand observing of the legitimate rights of those people. In order to take care of the interests of Russian speakers in Latvia Russia should not start confrontation with Latvia but solve this issued in a dialogue.

In an interview to four Russian newspapers Russian President V.Putin once again pointed out that Russia was concerned about the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia. He said that during a dialogue Russia would demand observing of the legitimate rights of those people. In order to take care of the interests of Russian speakers in Latvia Russia should not start confrontation with Latvia but solve this issued in a dialogue. Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

Saeima Foreign affairs Commission Chairman G.Krasts, commenting this statement said that Russian President demanded that Latvia should introduce the same demands as they were in Europe. But they are already in Latvia, and this is stated by the OSCE experts.

Saeima Foreign affairs Commission Chairman G.Krasts, commenting this statement said that Russian President demanded that Latvia should introduce the same demands as they were in Europe. But they are already in Latvia, and this is stated by the OSCE experts. Neatkariga

Analysing V.Putin’s statement Z.Kac in

Analysing V.Putins statement Z.Kac in Respublika writes that there could be noticed some new developments in the Russian position. At first glance this position seems the same as it was ten years ago, but the situation Latvia has changed. Its is true that the number of non-citizens here is still large. But one must understand the motivation of those people who have naturalised and those who do not do it. But neither Russia nor Latvia analyses it. Both countries should learn from their Western colleagues who speak about Latvian problems precisely but very tactfully.

The leader of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans said that the Union realised the role of “younger brother” what Social Democrats and other future coalition parties intended for it. The Union should support the coalition and for that they would be given the post of the third Vice-Mayor specially created for this purpose (for S.Dolgopolov). This Vice-Mayor will have almost no authority but a car, office and secretary. For this the Union has to support the candidate of Social Democrats G.Bojars. But the Union will never agree with this.

The leader of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans said that the Union realised the role of younger brother what Social Democrats and other future coalition parties intended for it. The Union should support the coalition and for that they would be given the post of the third Vice-Mayor specially created for this purpose (for S.Dolgopolov). This Vice-Mayor will have almost no authority but a car, office and secretary. For this the Union has to support the candidate of Social Democrats G.Bojars. But the Union will never agree with this. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

Social Democrats and Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK have agreed the two parties should form the base of the ruling coalition on Riga city council and can also take up Latvia's Way and the small parties as coalition partners avoiding from Cupertino with the People's Party, Social Democrat leader said. Juris Bojars told reporters Wednesday that a member of FF/LNNK whose name he declined to reveal had reported to Social Democrat board member Maris Tralmaks that FF/LNNK agrees that the "main axis of power" of the coalition in Riga city council will be Social Democrats and FF/LNNK and will also include the small parties. "The raft should be made of as many timbers as possible so it is stable," said Bojars.

Social Democrats and Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK have agreed the two parties should form the base of the ruling coalition on Riga city council and can also take up Latvia's Way and the small parties as coalition partners avoiding from Cupertino with the People's Party, Social Democrat leader said. Juris Bojars told reporters Wednesday that a member of FF/LNNK whose name he declined to reveal had reported to Social Democrat board member Maris Tralmaks that FF/LNNK agrees that the "main axis of power" of the coalition in Riga city council will be Social Democrats and FF/LNNK and will also include the small parties. "The raft should be made of as many timbers as possible so it is stable," said Bojars. BNS, Diena

Social Democrats board Wednesday decided to approve Gundars Bojars as party's candidate for Riga mayor. Bojars was nominated as candidate for Riga mayor with 12 votes against five.

Social Democrats board Wednesday decided to approve Gundars Bojars as party's candidate for Riga mayor. Bojars was nominated as candidate for Riga mayor with 12 votes against five. BNS, Diena, Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii

OSCE High Commissioner for National Minorities Max van der Stoel will be on a farewell visit in Latvia March 22-23, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman told reporters Wednesday. Liga Bergmane said the commissioner is attending most Eastern European countries, as his mandate in July will be taken over by Rolf Ekeus. During his visit in Latvia Stoel will meet Prime Minister Andris Berzins, Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins, Justice Minister Ingrida Labucka, Naturalisation Department Head Eizenija Aldermane and other officials. Bergmane said Stoel, while fulfilling his mandate in Latvia, has helped a lot in developing the state language law and on human rights issues. He also took active involvement in attracting international donors who supported developing and implementation of Latvian language teaching program.

OSCE High Commissioner for National Minorities Max van der Stoel will be on a farewell visit in Latvia March 22-23, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman told reporters Wednesday. Liga Bergmane said the commissioner is attending most Eastern European countries, as his mandate in July will be taken over by Rolf Ekeus. During his visit in Latvia Stoel will meet Prime Minister Andris Berzins, Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins, Justice Minister Ingrida Labucka, Naturalisation Department Head Eizenija Aldermane and other officials. Bergmane said Stoel, while fulfilling his mandate in Latvia, has helped a lot in developing the state language law and on human rights issues. He also took active involvement in attracting international donors who supported developing and implementation of Latvian language teaching program. BNS, Diena, Chas

The newspaper

The newspaper Respublika interviewed several well-known people in Latvia about their opinion on the High Commissioner and his successor. A.Borovkovs, Chairman of Association of Latvian Lawyers said that the High Commissioner was no authority for him and he did not care who would replace him. T.Zhdanok from For Human Rights in United Latvia answered that the High Commissioner had a very strong apparatus and she believed that it would help the new Commissioner to understand the essence of problems. N.Muiznieks Director of Human rights and ethnic studies Research Centre stated that the High Commissioner and his team demonstrated high professionalism in national minority affairs. The new Commissioner is a good diplomat but he lacks understanding of national minority problems. At least so far. Respublika

A.Stroy writes about the attitude towards Max van der Stoel. And she starts with a statement that one of her Latvian acquaintances even named his dog Max van der Dog. But Latvian newspapers called the High Commissioner himself in different names and “Angel of Death of Latvian nation” was one of the mildest. MP B.Cilevich states that input of the High Commissioner in the development of democracy in Latvia is extremely high. In general his tactics of “keeping silent” B.Cilevich finds a success, although concerning Latvia the High Commissioner often lowered the level of his demands. N.Muiznieks adds that the High Commissioner is not popular in Eastern Europe because anybody would be treated in the same why because of the things he has to say.

A.Stroy writes about the attitude towards Max van der Stoel. And she starts with a statement that one of her Latvian acquaintances even named his dog Max van der Dog. But Latvian newspapers called the High Commissioner himself in different names and Angel of Death of Latvian nation was one of the mildest. MP B.Cilevich states that input of the High Commissioner in the development of democracy in Latvia is extremely high. In general his tactics of keeping silent B.Cilevich finds a success, although concerning Latvia the High Commissioner often lowered the level of his demands. N.Muiznieks adds that the High Commissioner is not popular in Eastern Europe because anybody would be treated in the same why because of the things he has to say. Chas

Latvian-Russian inter governmental commission will meet on March 27 in Moscow to agree on resumption of talks about agreements concerning social and economic issues, Latvian co-chairman of the commission told reporters Wednesday following the parliament foreign affairs committee meeting. Anatolijs Gorbunovs, who also is Latvian transport minister, said negotiations on signing of inter governmental agreements, which have been suspended for some time, could resume after the meeting with the Russian task force in Moscow.

Latvian-Russian inter governmental commission will meet on March 27 in Moscow to agree on resumption of talks about agreements concerning social and economic issues, Latvian co-chairman of the commission told reporters Wednesday following the parliament foreign affairs committee meeting. Anatolijs Gorbunovs, who also is Latvian transport minister, said negotiations on signing of inter governmental agreements, which have been suspended for some time, could resume after the meeting with the Russian task force in Moscow. BNS, Diena, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnya

Repeated local elections will be held in central Latvian district Viesturi and eastern district Preili in accordance with respective court rulings passed on Wednesday. Bauska District Court Wednesday resolved to annul the district election commission decision on approving election results in Viesturi, Bauska county, as, the court ruled, the election commission there had permitted gross violations that had probably affected the outcome of the poll. The court ruling is final and cannot be appealed against. Concerning Preili meanwhile the ruling, passed by Preili District Court, was due to four odd bulletins found during the counting of votes. The odd bulletins could influence the election results. The court ruling takes immediate effect and can not be appealed.

Repeated local elections will be held in central Latvian district Viesturi and eastern district Preili in accordance with respective court rulings passed on Wednesday. Bauska District Court Wednesday resolved to annul the district election commission decision on approving election results in Viesturi, Bauska county, as, the court ruled, the election commission there had permitted gross violations that had probably affected the outcome of the poll. The court ruling is final and cannot be appealed against. Concerning Preili meanwhile the ruling, passed by Preili District Court, was due to four odd bulletins found during the counting of votes. The odd bulletins could influence the election results. The court ruling takes immediate effect and can not be appealed. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga

In the competition between Latvian Way and People’s Party, which of those will receive more posts of city mayor, Latvian Way is starting to lead. According to the information received on Wednesday from 10 elected mayors 6 represented Latvian Way.

In the competition between Latvian Way and Peoples Party, which of those will receive more posts of city mayor, Latvian Way is starting to lead. According to the information received on Wednesday from 10 elected mayors 6 represented Latvian Way. Diena

The Union For Human Rights in United Latvia received 13 seats at the Riga City Council although the most optimistic forecast spoke about 6 – 7. The newspaper

The Union For Human Rights in United Latvia received 13 seats at the Riga City Council although the most optimistic forecast spoke about 6 – 7. The newspaper Chas interviewed the person No 1 on their list S.Dolgopolov. He agreed that this election was an election of protest during which people expressed their attitude towards the ruling coalition. Speaking about their possible co-operation partners, S.Dolgopolov said that they were ready to co-operate with all political forces because people had elected all of them, so they had to co-operate. But their faction is ready to work also in the opposition.

Only few residents of Eastern Latvia town Zilupe have used a possibility to submit application documents for naturalisation in Zilupe. Naturalisation Board Rezekne Office organised a road trip to Zilupe to receive these document at the premises of Zilupe municipality but only two applicants arrived. The major obstacles for these people to apply for naturalisation is the comparatively high naturalisation fee and poor knowledge of the state language.

Only few residents of Eastern Latvia town Zilupe have used a possibility to submit application documents for naturalisation in Zilupe. Naturalisation Board Rezekne Office organised a road trip to Zilupe to receive these document at the premises of Zilupe municipality but only two applicants arrived. The major obstacles for these people to apply for naturalisation is the comparatively high naturalisation fee and poor knowledge of the state language. Diena

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will be on an official visit in Denmark March 28-30 to meet Danish Queen Margrethe II, Prime Minister Paul Nyrup Rasmussen and other officials.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will be on an official visit in Denmark March 28-30 to meet Danish Queen Margrethe II, Prime Minister Paul Nyrup Rasmussen and other officials. BNS

A journalist from

A journalist from Vesti Segodnya interviewed the President of the Public Union of Citizens and Non-citizens V.Sokolov about the situation of non-citizens in Latvia. Speaking about the last local government election V.Sokolov says that this was not a liberal election. The very idea of liberalism is discredited in Latvia. The question of the right of vote for non-citizens – it is a mater of citizens. Why it is not solved? The argument is that non-citizens are not ready, unworthy, not loyal. It means – fear. Authorities are afraid of their own people. Latvia is an independent country and it is irreversible process. Therefore all problems should be solved within this country. Not looking either to the East or West.

Press Report

Press Report

The election of city and regional council chairmen has started with a remarkable leadership of People’s Party although it was the first local government election for this party and it suffered a serious loss of popularity in ratings. Nevertheless from ten local government chairmen, elected by Tuesday, seven were representatives of People’s Party.

The election of city and regional council chairmen has started with a remarkable leadership of Peoples Party although it was the first local government election for this party and it suffered a serious loss of popularity in ratings. Nevertheless from ten local government chairmen, elected by Tuesday, seven were representatives of Peoples Party. Diena

Negotiations of Social Democrats with other political forces elected to Riga City Council came to a break. FF/LNNK whom the right wing parties have authorised to talk with Social Democrats consider that negotiations could be renewed only when Social Democrats name their candidate for the Riga Mayor. LSDWP plans to do it on Wednesday.

Negotiations of Social Democrats with other political forces elected to Riga City Council came to a break. FF/LNNK whom the right wing parties have authorised to talk with Social Democrats consider that negotiations could be renewed only when Social Democrats name their candidate for the Riga Mayor. LSDWP plans to do it on Wednesday. Diena

The Latvian parliamentary defence and interior committee supported for the final reading the bill under which only Latvia's citizens will be able to receive licenses of private detectives, committee chairman Dzintars Kudums reported to

The Latvian parliamentary defence and interior committee supported for the final reading the bill under which only Latvia's citizens will be able to receive licenses of private detectives, committee chairman Dzintars Kudums reported to BNS. The draft law about detective business says that licenses will be granted only to Latvian citizens and detective agencies employing at least one certified detective.

The Latvian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday rejected Russia's accusations about official Latvian authorities supporting the commemoration of soldiers from the Latvian Nazi Waffen SS unit or the so-called Legionnaires and attempting to revise the outcome of World War Two. Foreign Ministry deputy state secretary Armands Gutmanis, who also represents Latvia in the international commission of historians under presidential auspices, told BNS that March 16 commemorations were organised by non-governmental organisations according to the principles of a democratic state, not the Latvian government.

The Latvian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday rejected Russia's accusations about official Latvian authorities supporting the commemoration of soldiers from the Latvian Nazi Waffen SS unit or the so-called Legionnaires and attempting to revise the outcome of World War Two. Foreign Ministry deputy state secretary Armands Gutmanis, who also represents Latvia in the international commission of historians under presidential auspices, told BNS that March 16 commemorations were organised by non-governmental organisations according to the principles of a democratic state, not the Latvian government. BNS

The Russian Foreign Ministry Tuesday criticised the annual March 16 commemoration of soldiers from the Latvian Nazi Waffen SS unit or the so-called Latvian Legion in this Baltic state, stressing the attendance of Latvian lawmakers as well as support and consent of official authorities to the event.

The Russian Foreign Ministry Tuesday criticised the annual March 16 commemoration of soldiers from the Latvian Nazi Waffen SS unit or the so-called Latvian Legion in this Baltic state, stressing the attendance of Latvian lawmakers as well as support and consent of official authorities to the event. BNS, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

Saeima Citizenship Implementation Commission considered that was a necessity to introduce residents ID cards, but acknowledged that was not possible to ensure issuing of these cards by the deadline established by the government – July 1 next year.

Saeima Citizenship Implementation Commission considered that was a necessity to introduce residents ID cards, but acknowledged that was not possible to ensure issuing of these cards by the deadline established by the government – July 1 next year. Neatkariga

OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel is coming on his farewell visit to Latvia tomorrow. He will meet the President, Minister of Justice I.Labucka, Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane and the Chairman of Saeima Juridical Commission L.Mucins.

OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel is coming on his farewell visit to Latvia tomorrow. He will meet the President, Minister of Justice I.Labucka, Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane and the Chairman of Saeima Juridical Commission L.Mucins. Chas

Vesti Segodnya

interviewed the former Councillor to Prime Minister Y.Primakov I.Yurgen when he arrived to Latvia to prepare the conference Russia – Byelorussia – Baltic States in Jurmala. He told the journalist that processes taking place in all those countries were similar. Along with that co-operation of Russia and Byelorussia proceeded, and according to plan all works on establishing a united state should be accomplished in 2005. Therefore it was necessary to collect political scientists and economists to discuss European integration and the future co-operation in this sub-region. interviewed the former Councillor to Prime Minister Y.Primakov I.Yurgen when he arrived to Latvia to prepare the conference “Russia – Byelorussia – Baltic States” in Jurmala. He told the journalist that processes taking place in all those countries were similar. Along with that co-operation of Russia and Byelorussia proceeded, and according to plan all works on establishing a united state should be accomplished in 2005. Therefore it was necessary to collect political scientists and economists to discuss European integration and the future co-operation in this sub-region.

Press Report

Press Report

The Latvian president's chancellery head Martins Bondars, who resigned from the office on the day following municipal elections in Riga, will return to his previous position in the presidential office, he told

The Latvian president's chancellery head Martins Bondars, who resigned from the office on the day following municipal elections in Riga, will return to his previous position in the presidential office, he told BNS after the meeting with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga on Monday. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga on Monday called on political parties to pay more attention the electorate of new citizens or naturalised persons. "All Latvian parties should make it a serious task for themselves to turn to the electorate of new citizens, considering that many of them will vote for the first time, to introduce them to the situation in the country, to other parties and own programs," Vike-Freiberga said in her regular interview to the Latvian Radio.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga on Monday called on political parties to pay more attention the electorate of new citizens or naturalised persons. "All Latvian parties should make it a serious task for themselves to turn to the electorate of new citizens, considering that many of them will vote for the first time, to introduce them to the situation in the country, to other parties and own programs," Vike-Freiberga said in her regular interview to the Latvian Radio. BNS, Neatkariga

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins will be visiting Yugoslavia from Monday till March 20 and Bosnia-Herzegovina on March 21-22, as part of Latvia's presidency on the Council of Europe. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Liga Bergmane said at a press conference that Berzins will visit the two Council of Europe candidate countries as the chairman of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers. During the visit Berzins is scheduled to meet top officials from both countries. Berzins will also meet with OSCE, United Nations and EU representatives.

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins will be visiting Yugoslavia from Monday till March 20 and Bosnia-Herzegovina on March 21-22, as part of Latvia's presidency on the Council of Europe. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Liga Bergmane said at a press conference that Berzins will visit the two Council of Europe candidate countries as the chairman of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers. During the visit Berzins is scheduled to meet top officials from both countries. Berzins will also meet with OSCE, United Nations and EU representatives. BNS, Latvijas Vestnesis

During the first sitting of the newly elected Daugavpils City Council businessman R.Eigim was elected the new Mayor. Ten deputies voted for him but five were against. The new Mayor addressed deputies in a stumbling Latvian language. He agreed to take the state language test on April 6 because the local language inspectors did not manage to test his knowledge before the election.

During the first sitting of the newly elected Daugavpils City Council businessman R.Eigim was elected the new Mayor. Ten deputies voted for him but five were against. The new Mayor addressed deputies in a stumbling Latvian language. He agreed to take the state language test on April 6 because the local language inspectors did not manage to test his knowledge before the election. Diena

Among the supporters of the new Mayor were “Latgales Gaisma”, LSDWP and Union For Human Rights in United Latvia.

Among the supporters of the new Mayor were Latgales Gaisma, LSDWP and Union For Human Rights in United Latvia. Chas

The difference in opinions among Social Democrats, hidden from the electorate during the election, has become evident during the formation of Riga City Council. An exsample for that are the different opinions of Social Democrats’ leaders about the possible Riga Mayor. Part of Social Democrats do not agree with the manner how the Chairman J.Bojars conducts negotiations with the potential coalition partners. Some party members, also the Social Democrats faction leader E.Baldzens called J.Bojars to be more responsive in talks with FF/LNNK.

The difference in opinions among Social Democrats, hidden from the electorate during the election, has become evident during the formation of Riga City Council. An exsample for that are the different opinions of Social Democrats leaders about the possible Riga Mayor. Part of Social Democrats do not agree with the manner how the Chairman J.Bojars conducts negotiations with the potential coalition partners. Some party members, also the Social Democrats faction leader E.Baldzens called J.Bojars to be more responsive in talks with FF/LNNK. Diena

Yesterday Latvian Social Democratic Workers’ Party started negotiations with the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia in attempt to find a common position. Social Democrats Board member J.Dinevics said afterwards that it was not a talk on forming a coalition but just an attempt to harmonise basic positions. In her turn Co-chairman of For Human Rights in United Latvia T.Zdanok informed that they had discussed the possibilities of co-operation and future steps to draft a co-operation agreement.

Yesterday Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party started negotiations with the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia in attempt to find a common position. Social Democrats Board member J.Dinevics said afterwards that it was not a talk on forming a coalition but just an attempt to harmonise basic positions. In her turn Co-chairman of For Human Rights in United Latvia T.Zdanok informed that they had discussed the possibilities of co-operation and future steps to draft a co-operation agreement. Neatkariga

Also the leader of For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans said that they had started to work on a coalition agreement and that the Union would support Social Democrats’ candidate to the Mayor’s post.

Also the leader of For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans said that they had started to work on a coalition agreement and that the Union would support Social Democrats candidate to the Mayors post. Chas

Having received more than 200 mandates in Latvia Social Democrats won the local government election, leaving behind them such parties as Latvian Farmers Union, Latvian Way and People’s Party. But as the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia did not receive so much support the election results do not prove a general victory of left wingers. Although in some municipalities Social Democrats will have a possibility to work in the position and some places even to candidate for the post of Mayor, the majority of these posts will be occupied by the representatives of Latvian Way and People’s Party.

Having received more than 200 mandates in Latvia Social Democrats won the local government election, leaving behind them such parties as Latvian Farmers Union, Latvian Way and Peoples Party. But as the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia did not receive so much support the election results do not prove a general victory of left wingers. Although in some municipalities Social Democrats will have a possibility to work in the position and some places even to candidate for the post of Mayor, the majority of these posts will be occupied by the representatives of Latvian Way and Peoples Party. Diena

The new Russian Ambassador I.Studennikov arrived to Riga on Sunday evening and it is planned that he will hand his letter of accreditation to the Latvian President on March 27. On March 26 he will meet Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins.

The new Russian Ambassador I.Studennikov arrived to Riga on Sunday evening and it is planned that he will hand his letter of accreditation to the Latvian President on March 27. On March 26 he will meet Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins. Diena, Lauku Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

A.Lembergs was elected the Mayor of Venspils for the third time. Upon Lembergs’s proposal were re-elected his first deputy and deputy.

A.Lembergs was elected the Mayor of Venspils for the third time. Upon Lembergss proposal were re-elected his first deputy and deputy. Diena, Chas

Lauku Avize

interviewed some Latvian MPs about the considerable success of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia. J.Snepsts from Peoples Party said that such an outcome of the election was closely linked with the naturalisation process. Latvia has so easy naturalisation norms that almost no country in the world. Therefore these norms should be made stricter. J.Vidins from FF/LNNK blames Latvian Way for its liberal citizenship law. K.Leiskalns (Latvian Way) says that naturalisation process in 97% works in favour of For Human Rights in United Latvia, and the electorate of this Union relies not on socialistic opinions but on the Russian speaking subculture. Mr.Leiskalns still thinks that the citizenship law should not be changed. Other parties just have to wait till people notice that these left-wingers may not fulfil their economic solutions. Responding to the letter of MP Dz.Abikis on the necessity to merge some Russian schools thus decreasing their number in order to optimise the school network,

Responding to the letter of MP Dz.Abikis on the necessity to merge some Russian schools thus decreasing their number in order to optimise the school network, Vesti Segodnya called the deputy and asked what was the reason to close those schools if according to the valid laws in 2004 they would transit to the Latvian language as the language of tuition. The answer was that it might not happen because there was a national minority school program and nobody had abolished it. Nevertheless, if optimisation succeeds Russian schools could not last until 2004 due to integration process. Mr.Abikiss colleague MP Y.Pliner from For Human Rights in United Latvia does not agree to such an interpretation of integration – he calls it assimilation. And he states that there are no objective reasons to reduce the number of Russian schools. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

It seems that the plans of Social Democrats to sign co-operation agreements with the small parties, represented at Riga City Council, to prevent the government forming parties – FF/LNNK, People’s Party and Latvian Way to form a coalition with the support of those small parties could fail. The representatives of several such parties said that they would not sign such an agreement because the leaders of Social Democrats had not clearly stated their goals, potential partners and the candidate for the post of Riga Mayor.

It seems that the plans of Social Democrats to sign co-operation agreements with the small parties, represented at Riga City Council, to prevent the government forming parties – FF/LNNK, Peoples Party and Latvian Way to form a coalition with the support of those small parties could fail. The representatives of several such parties said that they would not sign such an agreement because the leaders of Social Democrats had not clearly stated their goals, potential partners and the candidate for the post of Riga Mayor. Diena

MP Dz.Abikis writes that one of the first tasks of the new Riga City Council will be to adopt the reorganised school network. One of the main reasons for such network is the necessity is to strengthen the Latvian language as the language of tuition in the education system of Latvia. It is not a pleasant task but if they want to utilise the resources available as rationally as possible and also further public integration with the help of the education system, it should be done.

MP Dz.Abikis writes that one of the first tasks of the new Riga City Council will be to adopt the reorganised school network. One of the main reasons for such network is the necessity is to strengthen the Latvian language as the language of tuition in the education system of Latvia. It is not a pleasant task but if they want to utilise the resources available as rationally as possible and also further public integration with the help of the education system, it should be done. Diena

Yesterday the new Russian Ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov arrived to Riga.

Yesterday the new Russian Ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov arrived to Riga. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

A few days ago Russian Minister on Federation Affairs A.Blohin informed mass media on the possible changes in the migration policy of Russia – introducing entry quotas.

A few days ago Russian Minister on Federation Affairs A.Blohin informed mass media on the possible changes in the migration policy of Russia – introducing entry quotas. Chas, Panorama Latvii

On Friday election results were summed up in Daugavpils and the first sitting of the City Council will take place today during which the deputies will elect the Mayor.

On Friday election results were summed up in Daugavpils and the first sitting of the City Council will take place today during which the deputies will elect the Mayor. Chas

II Congress of Russian Citizens adopted an address to their Russian compatriots in Latvia, stating that so far there was no real mechanism of intergovernmental co-operation, and they proposed all Russian compatriots in Latvia to establish their representative organ – Republican Council of Citizens of Russia that should unite no less than 6000 Russian citizens.

Panorama Latvii