Press Report

Press Report

Prime-Minister Skele told the press yesterday that his concept of a new Cabinet provided for the participation of the three major factions

Prime-Minister Skele told the press yesterday that his concept of a new Cabinet provided for the participation of the three major factions ("Tevzemei un Brivibai", "Saimnieks" and "Latvijas Cels") and a group representing smaller factions. Each of the three factions and a "mixed" group will have three posts in the Cabinet. Still, the Prime-Minister will most probably reserve the right to select candidates for Minister of Finance and State Ministers. The candidates could be professionals not belonging to any political party. Chairman of "LC" faction Pantelejevs says that the faction expects to retain its posts in the Government (Minister of Foreign Birkavs, Minister of Transport Vilis Kristopans and the Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development Anatolijs Gorbunovs). According to "TB" deputy Roberts Zile, his faction, in case Skele's concept is accepted, would have its members for Minister of Economics (Guntars Krasts), Minister of Justice (Dzintars Rasnacs) and a post of a State Minister and several senior officials in the domain of welfare and education. "Saimnieks'" attitude to Skele's concept is unclear yet. Its leader Cevers, while commenting on Skele's suggestion at a press-conference, said that his party objected to "political deals". Still, some politicians forecast "Saimnieks" to suggest several candidates for Minister of the Interior. The faction may also lose the post of Minister of Finance. Smaller factions have not worked out a uniform approach to the issue yet. A possible option could be the signing of an agreement by the LNNK, the Latvian Farmers' Party, the Latvian Farmers' Union, the Union of Christian Democrats, and "Tautai un Taisnibai". It is not clear whether the Unity party will participate in the forming of the Cabinet. Prime-Minister's Advisor Liepnieks says that Skele's concept could provide or canceling the right of a faction to replace its members relieved of their Minister's duties by the Premier. Diena, Neatkariga President Ulmanis told "DIENA" that he would agree to two of the three major factions forming the Cabinet. That could happen if one of the three factions disagreed to a candidate for Prime-Minister. "Saimnieks" will not agree to a candidate other than Skele, "Tevzemei un Brivibai" proposes Krasts as its candidate but is open to other proposals, while "Latvijas Cels" seems to agree to any candidature suggested by the President. Diena, Neatkariga

Newly appointed Ambassador of Russia Aleksandr Udaltsov handed over his credentials yesterday. In his speech Mr. Udaltsov pointed at the integration of Russian-speakers into Latvian society as one of the most important problems impeding the relations between the two countries. He highly praised the forming of the State Human Rights Office. The Ambassador said that he looked forward to resolving the border delimitation issue. Mr. Udaltsov also had a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs.

Newly appointed Ambassador of Russia Aleksandr Udaltsov handed over his credentials yesterday. In his speech Mr. Udaltsov pointed at the integration of Russian-speakers into Latvian society as one of the most important problems impeding the relations between the two countries. He highly praised the forming of the State Human Rights Office. The Ambassador said that he looked forward to resolving the border delimitation issue. Mr. Udaltsov also had a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs. Diena

Press Report

Prime-Minister Skele told the press yesterday that his concept of a new Cabinet provided for the participation of the three major factions ("Tevzemei un Brivibai", "Saimnieks" and "Latvijas Cels") and a group representing smaller factions. Each of the three factions and a "mixed" group will have three posts in the Cabinet. Still, the Prime-Minister will most probably reserve the right to select candidates for Minister of Finance and State Ministers himself. The candidates could be professionals not belonging to any political party. Chairman of "LC" faction Pantelejevs says that the faction expects to retain its posts in the Government (Minister of Foreign Birkavs, Minister of Transport Vilis Kristopans and the State Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development Anatolijs Gorbunovs). According to "TB" deputy Roberts Zile, his faction, in case Skele's concept is accepted, would have its members for Minister of Economics (Guntars Krasts, Minister of Justice (Dzintars Rasnacs) and posts and a State Minister in the welfare and education domains. "Saimnieks'" attitude to Skele's concept is unclear yet. Its leader Cevers, while commenting on Skele's suggestion at a press-conference, said that his party objected to "political deals". Still, some politicians forecast "Saimnieks" to suggest several candidates for Minister of the Interior. The faction may also lose the post of Minister of finance. Smaller factions have not worked out a uniform approach to the issue yet. A possible option could be the signing of an agreement to be signed by the LNNK, the latvian Farmers' Party, the Latvian Farmers' Union, the Union of Christian Democrats, and "Tautai un Taisnibai". It is not clear whether the Unity party will participate in the forming of the Cabinet. The Prime-Minister's advisor Liepnieks says that Skele's concept could provide for canceling the right of a faction to replace its members relieved of their Minister's duties by the Premier.

Prime-Minister Skele told the press yesterday that his concept of a new Cabinet provided for the participation of the three major factions ("Tevzemei un Brivibai", "Saimnieks" and "Latvijas Cels") and a group representing smaller factions. Each of the three factions and a "mixed" group will have three posts in the Cabinet. Still, the Prime-Minister will most probably reserve the right to select candidates for Minister of Finance and State Ministers himself. The candidates could be professionals not belonging to any political party. Chairman of "LC" faction Pantelejevs says that the faction expects to retain its posts in the Government (Minister of Foreign Birkavs, Minister of Transport Vilis Kristopans and the State Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development Anatolijs Gorbunovs). According to "TB" deputy Roberts Zile, his faction, in case Skele's concept is accepted, would have its members for Minister of Economics (Guntars Krasts, Minister of Justice (Dzintars Rasnacs) and posts and a State Minister in the welfare and education domains. "Saimnieks'" attitude to Skele's concept is unclear yet. Its leader Cevers, while commenting on Skele's suggestion at a press-conference, said that his party objected to "political deals". Still, some politicians forecast "Saimnieks" to suggest several candidates for Minister of the Interior. The faction may also lose the post of Minister of finance. Smaller factions have not worked out a uniform approach to the issue yet. A possible option could be the signing of an agreement to be signed by the LNNK, the latvian Farmers' Party, the Latvian Farmers' Union, the Union of Christian Democrats, and "Tautai un Taisnibai". It is not clear whether the Unity party will participate in the forming of the Cabinet. The Prime-Minister's advisor Liepnieks says that Skele's concept could provide for canceling the right of a faction to replace its members relieved of their Minister's duties by the Premier. Diena, Neatkariga

President Ulmanis told "DIENA" that he would agree to two of the three major factions forming the Cabinet. That could happen if one of the three factions disagreed to a candidate for Prime-Minister. "Saimnieks" will not agree to a candidate other than Skele, "Tevzemei un Brivibai" insists on its candidate Krasts but is open to other proposals, while "Latvijas Cels" seems to agree to any candidature suggested by the President.

President Ulmanis told "DIENA" that he would agree to two of the three major factions forming the Cabinet. That could happen if one of the three factions disagreed to a candidate for Prime-Minister. "Saimnieks" will not agree to a candidate other than Skele, "Tevzemei un Brivibai" insists on its candidate Krasts but is open to other proposals, while "Latvijas Cels" seems to agree to any candidature suggested by the President. Diena, Neatkariga

Newly appointed Ambassador of Russia Aleksandr Udaltsov handed in his credentials yesterday. In his speech at the ceremony Mr. Udaltsov pointed out integration of Russian-speakers into Latvian society as one of the most complicated problems impeding the relations between the two countries and highly praised the forming of the State Human Rights Office. The Ambassador said that he looked forward to resolving the border delimitation issue. Mr. Udaltsov also had a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs.

Newly appointed Ambassador of Russia Aleksandr Udaltsov handed in his credentials yesterday. In his speech at the ceremony Mr. Udaltsov pointed out integration of Russian-speakers into Latvian society as one of the most complicated problems impeding the relations between the two countries and highly praised the forming of the State Human Rights Office. The Ambassador said that he looked forward to resolving the border delimitation issue. Mr. Udaltsov also had a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs. Diena

Press Report

President Ulmanis at his yesterday's press-conference said that he would nominate a candidate for Prime-Minister on Wednesday this week. He will name a candidate even if

President Ulmanis at his yesterday's press-conference said that he would nominate a candidate for Prime-Minister on Wednesday this week. He will name a candidate even if "Tevzemei un Brivibai" ("TB"), "Latvijas Cels" ("LC") and "Saimnieks" failed to agree on their candidate. The President believes that a Cabinet can be formed without the participation of one of the three major factions ("TB", according to rumors in the Saeima). He criticized the factions for holding behind-the-scene negotiations. "TB", "LC" and "Saimnieks" proceeded with their talks yesterday with no results. "TB" suggests its member Guntars Krasts as a candidate, "Saimnieks" insists on Skele's candidature, while "LC" has not chosen between the two candidates yet. "LC" representatives say that the faction cannot take a premature decision without a thorough study of cabinet concepts proposed by the two candidates. "TB" has already come up with its model of a future Cabinet. Still, "LC" representatives say that the faction should discuss the concept with other parties represented in the Saeima. Skele has not revealed his plans to "LC" yet. Tonight the President is having a meeting with "TB" candidate G.Krasts. Diena, Neatkariga, SM, B&B

According to the regulations by the Cabinet of Ministers, the CID is to start issuing new passports to non-citizens before April 10. The CID is panning to issue around 700,000 Latvia's inhabitants with new passports in three years. According to the regulations, former USSR passports will not be valid for leaving Latvia starting January 1, 1998, and will not be recognized as documents valid for entering the country after July 1, 1998. Former USSR passports held by non-citizens will lose their validity as internal identification documents on January 1, 2000. The CID is working on a draft decree to be approved by the Cabinet of Ministers requiring that all citizens should exchange old USSR passports before July 1.

According to the regulations by the Cabinet of Ministers, the CID is to start issuing new passports to non-citizens before April 10. The CID is panning to issue around 700,000 Latvia's inhabitants with new passports in three years. According to the regulations, former USSR passports will not be valid for leaving Latvia starting January 1, 1998, and will not be recognized as documents valid for entering the country after July 1, 1998. Former USSR passports held by non-citizens will lose their validity as internal identification documents on January 1, 2000. The CID is working on a draft decree to be approved by the Cabinet of Ministers requiring that all citizens should exchange old USSR passports before July 1. Diena

"People's Harmony" issued a statement calling upon its voters to participate in a referendum on canceling restrictions depriving non-citizens, former CPSU members and KGB officers and informers of the right to participate in local elections. The statement says that granting non-citizens the right would contribute to their integration into Latvian society.

"People's Harmony" issued a statement calling upon its voters to participate in a referendum on canceling restrictions depriving non-citizens, former CPSU members and KGB officers and informers of the right to participate in local elections. The statement says that granting non-citizens the right would contribute to their integration into Latvian society. SM

President Ulmanis and Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs held a press-conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday. The President stressed the importance of developing Latvia's relations with Russia. He criticized Russian foreign policy for the lack of "rationality and efficiency". The press-conference was held on occasion of recognition of Latvia's independence

President Ulmanis and Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs held a press-conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday. The President stressed the importance of developing Latvia's relations with Russia. He criticized Russian foreign policy for the lack of "rationality and efficiency". The press-conference was held on occasion of recognition of Latvia's independence de jure on 26 January 1921. Diena

Russian Prime-Minister Chernomyrdin at a press-conference that followed the meeting of the Council of "Russia Is My Home" movement laid a special emphasis on the issue of Russian-speakers in the Baltic states. He said that countries willing to integrate into European community should observe human rights. Chernomyrdin told the press that he was planning to meet Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian Prime-Ministers this year. He stressed the importance of "practical steps" aimed at protecting the rights of Russian-speakers abroad.

Russian Prime-Minister Chernomyrdin at a press-conference that followed the meeting of the Council of "Russia Is My Home" movement laid a special emphasis on the issue of Russian-speakers in the Baltic states. He said that countries willing to integrate into European community should observe human rights. Chernomyrdin told the press that he was planning to meet Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian Prime-Ministers this year. He stressed the importance of "practical steps" aimed at protecting the rights of Russian-speakers abroad. Diena

Press Report

President Ulmanis told the representatives of the Gulbene district authorities that he was planning to nominate a candidate for Prime-Minister on Wednesday, January 29. Last Friday Andris Skele had a meeting with "Latvijas Cels" ("LC") representatives. He is reported to say that participation of "LC" was essential for the forming of a new Cabinet. Earlier Skele said that he did not exclude the possibility of forming a government without one of the tree largest factions. Still, Skele's advisor Liepnieks told the press that the statement made by the Prime-Minister did not mean that he planned to do without "Saimnieks", "Tevzemei un Brivibai" ("TB") or "LC" in his new Cabinet. "Saimnieks", "LC" and "TB" representatives had a meeting last Saturday. The press was not admitted to the meeting held in the office of the "Tevzemei un Brivibai" Public Foundation. Its participants refused to give any comments on the issues discussed and Maris Grinblats ("TB") was the only politician who agreed to talk to journalists. He responded to their questions over an intercom unit saying that the press would receive information on the meeting only after the three parties reach a certain agreement. President Ulmanis held meetings with representatives of the "Farmers' Union" ("FU")/the Christian Democratic, the LNNK, "Tautai un Taisnibai" and the Unity Party factions. The meetings showed that the small factions supported Skele's candidature. These factions could also benefit from one of the major factions leaving the Cabinet giving an opportunity to take several seats in the cabinet top the smaller factions. The only faction that would not vote for Skele is Zigerist's party. The party criticizes the secret negotiations and suggests to re-elect the Saeima. "LC" has not decided on candidate to support yet. Boris Tsilevich believes that "LC" will support Krasts of "TB". Having Krasts for Prime-Minister, according to Tsilevich, may help "LC" to win competition with "TB" during next elections, since "TB" will be the one to blame for recession and declining living standards. He compares governing factions (with an exception of "TB") with large companies trying to agree on the spheres of their interests. All posts in the Cabinet that are important from an economic point of view are taken by either "Saimnieks" or "LC" members.

President Ulmanis told the representatives of the Gulbene district authorities that he was planning to nominate a candidate for Prime-Minister on Wednesday, January 29. Last Friday Andris Skele had a meeting with "Latvijas Cels" ("LC") representatives. He is reported to say that participation of "LC" was essential for the forming of a new Cabinet. Earlier Skele said that he did not exclude the possibility of forming a government without one of the tree largest factions. Still, Skele's advisor Liepnieks told the press that the statement made by the Prime-Minister did not mean that he planned to do without "Saimnieks", "Tevzemei un Brivibai" ("TB") or "LC" in his new Cabinet. "Saimnieks", "LC" and "TB" representatives had a meeting last Saturday. The press was not admitted to the meeting held in the office of the "Tevzemei un Brivibai" Public Foundation. Its participants refused to give any comments on the issues discussed and Maris Grinblats ("TB") was the only politician who agreed to talk to journalists. He responded to their questions over an intercom unit saying that the press would receive information on the meeting only after the three parties reach a certain agreement. President Ulmanis held meetings with representatives of the "Farmers' Union" ("FU")/the Christian Democratic, the LNNK, "Tautai un Taisnibai" and the Unity Party factions. The meetings showed that the small factions supported Skele's candidature. These factions could also benefit from one of the major factions leaving the Cabinet giving an opportunity to take several seats in the cabinet top the smaller factions. The only faction that would not vote for Skele is Zigerist's party. The party criticizes the secret negotiations and suggests to re-elect the Saeima. "LC" has not decided on candidate to support yet. Boris Tsilevich believes that "LC" will support Krasts of "TB". Having Krasts for Prime-Minister, according to Tsilevich, may help "LC" to win competition with "TB" during next elections, since "TB" will be the one to blame for recession and declining living standards. He compares governing factions (with an exception of "TB") with large companies trying to agree on the spheres of their interests. All posts in the Cabinet that are important from an economic point of view are taken by either "Saimnieks" or "LC" members. Diena, Neatkariga, SM

Press Report

Commander-in-Chief of the swedish Armed Forces Ove Victorin criticized NATO enlargement plans last Thursday. He believes that the process will weaken the block and will be an open challenge to Russia. The Commander-in-Chief suggest further military co-operation within the "Partnership for Peace" program to be a more preferable option.

Commander-in-Chief of the swedish Armed Forces Ove Victorin criticized NATO enlargement plans last Thursday. He believes that the process will weaken the block and will be an open challenge to Russia. The Commander-in-Chief suggest further military co-operation within the "Partnership for Peace" program to be a more preferable option.