Press Review

Roamano Prodi and Gunter Verheugen in their meetings with the Latvian officials have made it clear that there is a chance for Latvia to catch up with the 1st group countries if it works hard. In his address to the Saeima Mr. Prodi paid special attention to the issue of society integration. He noted that with the citizenship and language laws Latvia has outran several other countries.

Roamano Prodi and Gunter Verheugen in their meetings with the Latvian officials have made it clear that there is a chance for Latvia to catch up with the 1st group countries if it works hard. In his address to the Saeima Mr. Prodi paid special attention to the issue of society integration. He noted that with the citizenship and language laws Latvia has outran several other countries. Neatkariga, Diena, Chas, Respublika, Vesti

After information provided by the Board of Naturalization, this January the number of applicants for citizenship has decreased. 726 people received citizenship in january – by 423 less than last December and by 969 less than last November. 1177 applications came in in Januray which is by 235 less than in December.

After information provided by the Board of Naturalization, this January the number of applicants for citizenship has decreased. 726 people received citizenship in january – by 423 less than last December and by 969 less than last November. 1177 applications came in in Januray which is by 235 less than in December. Neatkariga

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will not comment on the suggestion of the New Party to award Boris Yeltsin with the Three Star Order for his merits in recognizing independence of Latvia in 1991 as the members of the Order Council do not publicly discuss their decisions. Other officials, including the Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins, tend to support the idea.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will not comment on the suggestion of the New Party to award Boris Yeltsin with the Three Star Order for his merits in recognizing independence of Latvia in 1991 as the members of the Order Council do not publicly discuss their decisions. Other officials, including the Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins, tend to support the idea. Neatkariga, Diena, Chas, Respublika

Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane noted that the language barrier is making the naturalization process slower. Non-citizens should understand that one cannot obtain citizenship without applying some effort as the law requires knowledge of the state language to become a citizen.

Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane noted that the language barrier is making the naturalization process slower. Non-citizens should understand that one cannot obtain citizenship without applying some effort as the law requires knowledge of the state language to become a citizen. Vesti

Minister of Justice and Minister of Education have agreed that before a unified state language examination center is set up under the Ministry of Education, the language testing should be entrusted to the Naturalization Board instead of the current testing commissions under local governments. Minister of Justice hopes that the move will be supported by the government this month.

Minister of Justice and Minister of Education have agreed that before a unified state language examination center is set up under the Ministry of Education, the language testing should be entrusted to the Naturalization Board instead of the current testing commissions under local governments. Minister of Justice hopes that the move will be supported by the government this month. Diena, Neatkariga

The Swedish government is ready to finance translation and printing of the book on holocaust for schools titled “Tell it to your children” to advance the knowledge of young people in Latvia on prosecution of Jews in 1939-1945.

The Swedish government is ready to finance translation and printing of the book on holocaust for schools titled Tell it to your children to advance the knowledge of young people in Latvia on prosecution of Jews in 1939-1945. Diena

Press Review

With a majority of 77 votes the Saeima yesterday passed the strategy for integration into EU. It was decided that the Foreign Ministry would inform the parliament once in six months about the implementation of the strategy. Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins in his address to the politicians brought up a goal that Latvia should finish accession negotiations by 2003.

With a majority of 77 votes the Saeima yesterday passed the strategy for integration into EU. It was decided that the Foreign Ministry would inform the parliament once in six months about the implementation of the strategy. Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins in his address to the politicians brought up a goal that Latvia should finish accession negotiations by 2003. Neatkariga, Diena, Vesti

Chas

has stressed more the position of the opposition faction For Human Rights in United Latvia who voted against the strategy – they support Latvia joining the EU but they have objections to the document. After Janis Jurkans, it does not provide for practical steps in integration of non-citizens, just the opposite – it says that schools will shift exclusively to Latvian language of instruction. Only few words are devoted to national minorities. has stressed more the position of the opposition faction For Human Rights in United Latvia who voted against the strategy – they support Latvia joining the EU but they have objections to the document. After Janis Jurkans, it does not provide for practical steps in integration of non-citizens, just the opposite – it says that schools will shift exclusively to Latvian language of instruction. Only few words are devoted to national minorities. Commenting on the visit of the European Commission officials in Latvia, Deputy State Secretary of the Latvian Foreign Ministry Andris Kesteris told

Commenting on the visit of the European Commission officials in Latvia, Deputy State Secretary of the Latvian Foreign Ministry Andris Kesteris told Neatkariga that the European Commission has been closely following the society integration problems and implementation of the Language Law and these will be topics of interest during the visit to Latvia as well.

On the occasion of the 5-year anniversary of the Naturalization Board

On the occasion of the 5-year anniversary of the Naturalization Board Diena looks at the overall results reached in naturalization so far, stresses that the key for success in future will be learning of the Latvian language. Jauna Avize stresses that although the government has declared its attempts to grant wide possibilities for non-citizens to obtain citizenship, due to the insufficient funding Naturalization Board has to dismiss employees and slow down the speed of Naturalization. Respublika gives a short insight in the development of the Board during the five years and the planned celebration events.

Another article in

Another article in Jauna Avize criticizes the government of being incapable to allot money (16 thousand lats) to pay for developing the society integration program while most of the needed money – almost 42 thousand lats – has been allotted by UN.

Vilis Seleckis in

Vilis Seleckis in Jauna Avize looks at the lessons Latvia could learn from the response among the EU countries to the new government in Austria. The conclusion for Latvia should be that the ideas of radical nationalism have no future if Latvia wants to join the EU. Most likely the visits and teaching of Max van der Stoel are only the beginning in our political education.

Experts of foreign relations do not support the New Party’s initiative to have a survey on the opinion on EU along with the census as the answers will have no legal force. President Freiberga thinks that the money should be rather spent for providing more information about the EU. Prime Minister Skele still maintains that this could be a good opportunity to learn the opinion of the whole spectrum of Latvia’s residents without spending big money.

Experts of foreign relations do not support the New Partys initiative to have a survey on the opinion on EU along with the census as the answers will have no legal force. President Freiberga thinks that the money should be rather spent for providing more information about the EU. Prime Minister Skele still maintains that this could be a good opportunity to learn the opinion of the whole spectrum of Latvias residents without spending big money. Neatkariga

Saeima’s Commission for implementation of the Citizenship Law will request the government to grant 3000 lats from the state budget to help the Association of National Cultural Societies.

Saeimas Commission for implementation of the Citizenship Law will request the government to grant 3000 lats from the state budget to help the Association of National Cultural Societies. Diena

Lauku Avize tells about a Latvian farmer from Jelgava district who has decided to give up his Latvian citizenship but has not succeeded for several weeks. The paper offers an explanation by the Head of the Legal Department of the Naturalization Board Vitalijs Rutkovskis what is the procedure for such a step.

Lauku Avize tells about a Latvian farmer from Jelgava district who has decided to give up his Latvian citizenship but has not succeeded for several weeks. The paper offers an explanation by the Head of the Legal Department of the Naturalization Board Vitalijs Rutkovskis what is the procedure for such a step.

The government regulations in Estonia now provide that foreigners seeking for residence permits will not have to present documents proving the place they are staying at and their earnings. This information will be entered in the application form and confirmed by the applicant’s signature.

The government regulations in Estonia now provide that foreigners seeking for residence permits will not have to present documents proving the place they are staying at and their earnings. This information will be entered in the application form and confirmed by the applicants signature. Respublika

Press Review

People’s Party has expressed support for the New Party’s initiative to have a survey on Latvia’s residents’ opinion on Latvia joining the EU. The survey is suggested to be carried out along with the census planned to take place in March. With the recent negotiations the People’s Party and the New Party is said to come closer to each other.

Peoples Party has expressed support for the New Partys initiative to have a survey on Latvias residents opinion on Latvia joining the EU. The survey is suggested to be carried out along with the census planned to take place in March. With the recent negotiations the Peoples Party and the New Party is said to come closer to each other. Neatkariga

The Saeima today in an extraordinary session will pass Latvia’s strategy for integration into EU to mark the visit of the President of the European Commission Romano Prodi. A group of Eurosceptic youth will rally outside the parliament building to protest Latvia’s plans to join the EU.

The Saeima today in an extraordinary session will pass Latvias strategy for integration into EU to mark the visit of the President of the European Commission Romano Prodi. A group of Eurosceptic youth will rally outside the parliament building to protest Latvias plans to join the EU. Diena

Diena

publishes an interview with Gunter Verheugen where he assures the readers that the EU wants to see Latvia as a member state in future. publishes an interview with Gunter Verheugen where he assures the readers that the EU wants to see Latvia as a member state in future. The first formal meeting between the accession negotiators from Latvia and the EU is planned for March 28. Starting of the negotiations will be announced February 15.

The first formal meeting between the accession negotiators from Latvia and the EU is planned for March 28. Starting of the negotiations will be announced February 15. Neatkariga, Diena

Chas

and and Panorama LatviiPanorama Latvii comment on a provision in the draft strategy to be passed by the Saeima saying that at creating an integrated society the state should ensure shift to the state language in all state funded schools. comment on a provision in the draft strategy to be passed by the Saeima saying that at creating an integrated society the state should ensure shift to the state language in all state funded schools.

Vesti

interview the secretary of ideology of Russias Communist Party. When asked about the popularity of the party among the Russian citizens living in Latvia he explains it by the activities of Latvian nationalist politicians – they help the communists in Russia. interview the secretary of ideology of Russia’s Communist Party. When asked about the popularity of the party among the Russian citizens living in Latvia he explains it by the activities of Latvian nationalist politicians – “they help the communists in Russia”. Deputy head of Israeli Foreign Ministry’ s Legal Department Claims Division will visit Riga to attend the next week’s international conference on holocaust and investigation in Konrads Kalejs case.

Deputy head of Israeli Foreign Ministry s Legal Department Claims Division will visit Riga to attend the next weeks international conference on holocaust and investigation in Konrads Kalejs case. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Vesti, Panorama Latvii

Diena prints an article by Andrievs Ezergailis about the misperceptions on Latvia’s role in holocaust against Jews during the Nazi occupation which arise from the book by Pauls Ducmanis “Who are Daugavas Vanagi” printed in 1962 with the support of the Latvian Socialist Republic Committee for Cultural Contacts.

Diena prints an article by Andrievs Ezergailis about the misperceptions on Latvias role in holocaust against Jews during the Nazi occupation which arise from the book by Pauls Ducmanis Who are Daugavas Vanagi printed in 1962 with the support of the Latvian Socialist Republic Committee for Cultural Contacts.

Russian Foreign Ministry has criticised the integration program developed in Estonia. Russia calls it one-sided and aiming at assimilation. The program currently is passed over for public hearing. Diena

Russian Foreign Ministry has criticised the integration program developed in Estonia. Russia calls it one-sided and aiming at assimilation. The program currently is passed over for public hearing. Diena

The Russian government has just passed the main directions of interstate human cooperation with the CIS and the Baltic countries. Vladimir Putin has assigned the Ministry of CIS Affairs to develop a program for the support for compatriates in the above countries. An article by Aris Jansons in

The Russian government has just passed the main directions of interstate human cooperation with the CIS and the Baltic countries. Vladimir Putin has assigned the Ministry of CIS Affairs to develop a program for the support for compatriates in the above countries. An article by Aris Jansons in Neatkariga looks at what has been the support to Russian nationals up until now.

Results of five researches on poverty in Latvia carried out by Latvian and foreign experts in cooperation with the Welfare Ministry, UNDP, World Bank and ILO were released yesterday. One of the researches looked at the relation of a person’s ethnic origin and social conditions. Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry Ruta Purina said that although there are no differences as to poverty in different ethnic groups “Latvians feel themselves a little more assured than Russians”. She explained that by the fact that majority of Russians live in towns and Latvians in rural territories.

Results of five researches on poverty in Latvia carried out by Latvian and foreign experts in cooperation with the Welfare Ministry, UNDP, World Bank and ILO were released yesterday. One of the researches looked at the relation of a persons ethnic origin and social conditions. Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry Ruta Purina said that although there are no differences as to poverty in different ethnic groups Latvians feel themselves a little more assured than Russians. She explained that by the fact that majority of Russians live in towns and Latvians in rural territories. Respublika

Vesti

publish a short statement that the survey has found that there are more poor people among Russians than among the people of the indigenous nation. The fate of Skrunda military town could be decided by the Cabinet of Ministers within three months. Currently the potential users of the facilities are not found.

The fate of Skrunda military town could be decided by the Cabinet of Ministers within three months. Currently the potential users of the facilities are not found. Neatkariga

Latvijas Vestnesis publishes the text of the EU integration strategy and the text of the alternative draft law submitted by the Saeima’s Legal Commission February 3 “Amendments to the law “On the status of the former USSR citizens who do not have Latvian or other citizenship””.

Latvijas Vestnesis publishes the text of the EU integration strategy and the text of the alternative draft law submitted by the Saeimas Legal Commission February 3 Amendments to the law On the status of the former USSR citizens who do not have Latvian or other citizenship.

Press Report

Press Report

Expansion of the ruling coalition could only take oplace if all Government forming factions agree to it, but currently there is no need to make any changes in the coalition. During the consultations of Latvijas Cels and New Party they harmonised the opinions on some votes but did not touch upon the issue of New Party’s joining the coalition. The Chairman of New Party R.Pauls pointed out that there is no threat for A.Skele’s government and the NP when calling Latvijas Cels and Peoples Party for closer co-operation did not intend to join the coalition.

Expansion of the ruling coalition could only take oplace if all Government forming factions agree to it, but currently there is no need to make any changes in the coalition. During the consultations of Latvijas Cels and New Party they harmonised the opinions on some votes but did not touch upon the issue of New Partys joining the coalition. The Chairman of New Party R.Pauls pointed out that there is no threat for A.Skeles government and the NP when calling Latvijas Cels and Peoples Party for closer co-operation did not intend to join the coalition. Neatkariga, Diena

The New Party proposed to organise a referendum on Latvia’s joining EU. The Board of Latvijas Cels will discuss this proposal but the representatives of other Government forming factions were negative about this initiative.

The New Party proposed to organise a referendum on Latvias joining EU. The Board of Latvijas Cels will discuss this proposal but the representatives of other Government forming factions were negative about this initiative. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas, Bizness & Baltiya

Poverty, in which now the majority of Latvian families with children live, will leave a serious negative impact on the development of the society in the future because poor material conditions most directly influence development, health and education of children. As experts acknowledged, the current Government was not interested what would happen in this country after several years. According to the research of 1999 made by the Ministry of Welfare, the income of 83% of all Latvian families is under the critical subsistence wage – 38.23 Ls per month.

Poverty, in which now the majority of Latvian families with children live, will leave a serious negative impact on the development of the society in the future because poor material conditions most directly influence development, health and education of children. As experts acknowledged, the current Government was not interested what would happen in this country after several years. According to the research of 1999 made by the Ministry of Welfare, the income of 83% of all Latvian families is under the critical subsistence wage – 38.23 Ls per month. Neatkariga, Rigas Balss

Lithuanian MFA expressed its incomprehension of Latvian criticism of the wish of Lithuania to join NATO as soon as possible. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins in his speech at an academic conference criticised this Lithuanian wish to join NATO sooner than Latvia and Estonia. Lithuanian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs told that he considered this to be a misunderstanding.

Lithuanian MFA expressed its incomprehension of Latvian criticism of the wish of Lithuania to join NATO as soon as possible. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins in his speech at an academic conference criticised this Lithuanian wish to join NATO sooner than Latvia and Estonia. Lithuanian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs told that he considered this to be a misunderstanding. Neatkariga

Latvian Minister of Economics met yesterday with his Russian colleague at the conference of the Ministers of Trade and Economics of the Baltic Sea Region States. Both ministers hold the same opinion that political decisions e.g., on economic sanctions harm the entrepreneurs and development of economics in both countries.

Latvian Minister of Economics met yesterday with his Russian colleague at the conference of the Ministers of Trade and Economics of the Baltic Sea Region States. Both ministers hold the same opinion that political decisions e.g., on economic sanctions harm the entrepreneurs and development of economics in both countries. Neatkariga

Latvian President V.V.Freiberga was surprised by the unwillingness of Israel to send an expert to the conference on wartime violations. It has been planned to discuss the problems of Holocaust and K.Kalejs’s case at this conference. The President said that she had asked her Advisor on Foreign Affairs to contact the Israeli Embassy let Israeli Government think it over and send some other expert.

Latvian President V.V.Freiberga was surprised by the unwillingness of Israel to send an expert to the conference on wartime violations. It has been planned to discuss the problems of Holocaust and K.Kalejss case at this conference. The President said that she had asked her Advisor on Foreign Affairs to contact the Israeli Embassy let Israeli Government think it over and send some other expert. Neatkariga, Chas

Starting with this week all interested are able to read draft laws submitted for consideration to the Saeima, as well as full texts of the adopted laws. The address is www.mk.gov.lv.

Starting with this week all interested are able to read draft laws submitted for consideration to the Saeima, as well as full texts of the adopted laws. The address is www.mk.gov.lv. Diena

The President of the Association of Latvian Commercial banks T.Terjohin tells about his experience going through the naturalisation process five years ago. He thinks that people are exaggerating when stating that for integration of non-citizens is necessary a huge state language training program.

The President of the Association of Latvian Commercial banks T.Terjohin tells about his experience going through the naturalisation process five years ago. He thinks that people are exaggerating when stating that for integration of non-citizens is necessary a huge state language training program. Diena

Yesterday Austrian Ambassador A.Kozushnik during his visit to Liepaja, answering to the question of Chas journalist, said that Austrian Government would support the attempts of the Eastern countries to join EU.

Yesterday Austrian Ambassador A.Kozushnik during his visit to Liepaja, answering to the question of Chas journalist, said that Austrian Government would support the attempts of the Eastern countries to join EU. Chas

Latvian President hopes that the activities of the recently established national patriotic organisation would not used for provocative purposes, and it would not give any reason to be treated as a ultra right party. She called Latvians to learn from the sad Austrian lesson.

Latvian President hopes that the activities of the recently established national patriotic organisation would not used for provocative purposes, and it would not give any reason to be treated as a ultra right party. She called Latvians to learn from the sad Austrian lesson. Chas

Indignation about sentencing former Soviet guerrilla commander A.Kononov is still high in Russian society. Pickets are organised at the Latvian Embassy in Moscow; veteran organisations send letters of protest to Latvian authorities. After the strict announcements of the Russian National Council also the presidential structures got involved into this. Recently the Chairman of Commission on Human rights at the President of Russia addressed Latvian President. He voiced indignation of Russian authorities about this court pursuit and the very sentencing.

Indignation about sentencing former Soviet guerrilla commander A.Kononov is still high in Russian society. Pickets are organised at the Latvian Embassy in Moscow; veteran organisations send letters of protest to Latvian authorities. After the strict announcements of the Russian National Council also the presidential structures got involved into this. Recently the Chairman of Commission on Human rights at the President of Russia addressed Latvian President. He voiced indignation of Russian authorities about this court pursuit and the very sentencing. Vesti Segodnya

Russian National Council does not intend to limit itself with the 101st warning to Latvian authorities. They are preparing a stern announcement to the PACE and OSCE about the decision of Latvian courts to sentence V.Kononov.

Russian National Council does not intend to limit itself with the 101st warning to Latvian authorities. They are preparing a stern announcement to the PACE and OSCE about the decision of Latvian courts to sentence V.Kononov. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

A Consultative Council of Non-citizen Affairs will be established in Venspils within the framework of public integration project carried out by the City Council. It will deal with involving non-citizens in solving education, culture and welfare problems, establish a closer link between the municipality and resident non-citizens, as well as between citizens and non-citizens. It will also further the integration process.

A Consultative Council of Non-citizen Affairs will be established in Venspils within the framework of public integration project carried out by the City Council. It will deal with involving non-citizens in solving education, culture and welfare problems, establish a closer link between the municipality and resident non-citizens, as well as between citizens and non-citizens. It will also further the integration process. Neatkariga

During the LTV news broadcast Minister of Economics V.Makarovs named the possible candidates for the post of the Prime Minister in the Government fall. As a good, neutral candidate he named the President of Latvian Bank E.Repse, then O.Kehris, J.Naglis and A.Gorbunovs form Latvijas Cels. People’s Party candidate could be K.Greiskalns.

During the LTV news broadcast Minister of Economics V.Makarovs named the possible candidates for the post of the Prime Minister in the Government fall. As a good, neutral candidate he named the President of Latvian Bank E.Repse, then O.Kehris, J.Naglis and A.Gorbunovs form Latvijas Cels. Peoples Party candidate could be K.Greiskalns. Neatkariga

European Commission President R.Prodi and EU Commissioner G.Verheugen will visit Riga on Tuesday and Thursday to support Latvia on its way to EU. But there is little hope to hear any concrete promises. It is just a part of their regular visits to EU candidate states.

European Commission President R.Prodi and EU Commissioner G.Verheugen will visit Riga on Tuesday and Thursday to support Latvia on its way to EU. But there is little hope to hear any concrete promises. It is just a part of their regular visits to EU candidate states. Diena

Deputy Chairman of faction For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Urbanovics writes about the possibility for non-citizens to vote in municipal elections. The Union proposed amendments to the municipal elections law, but only the New Party agreed to discuss this question. J.Urbanovics states that the only argument against participation of non-citizens in these elections is the old age reason – distribution of power.

Deputy Chairman of faction For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Urbanovics writes about the possibility for non-citizens to vote in municipal elections. The Union proposed amendments to the municipal elections law, but only the New Party agreed to discuss this question. J.Urbanovics states that the only argument against participation of non-citizens in these elections is the old age reason – distribution of power. Diena

He also stated that the Union was ready to co-operate with all sensible powers at the Saeima to oust radicals from the Government.

He also stated that the Union was ready to co-operate with all sensible powers at the Saeima to oust radicals from the Government. Vesti Segodnya

The proposals to allow only party lists to participate in the municipality elections in municipalities with more than 5000 inhabitants, grant election rights also to non-citizens and extend the election day were submitted for final amendments of the election law.

The proposals to allow only party lists to participate in the municipality elections in municipalities with more than 5000 inhabitants, grant election rights also to non-citizens and extend the election day were submitted for final amendments of the election law. Diena

Latvian Minister of Economics V.Makarovs will meet his Russian colleague at a conference taking place on February 7 – 8. They will discuss the planned reducing of economic relations with Latvia, adopted by the Russian National Council in the second reading, as well as possibilities to make the work of intergovernmental commissions more active.

Latvian Minister of Economics V.Makarovs will meet his Russian colleague at a conference taking place on February 7 – 8. They will discuss the planned reducing of economic relations with Latvia, adopted by the Russian National Council in the second reading, as well as possibilities to make the work of intergovernmental commissions more active. Diena

The Board of Latvijas Cels announced on Friday that they did not support the rushy and immediate introduction of a tuition fee in higher education because the new model had not been elaborated in due time and discussed publicly. Latvijas Cels advises the ministers to take this into account when discussing the issue in the Government.

The Board of Latvijas Cels announced on Friday that they did not support the rushy and immediate introduction of a tuition fee in higher education because the new model had not been elaborated in due time and discussed publicly. Latvijas Cels advises the ministers to take this into account when discussing the issue in the Government. Diena

About 200 people gathered in Riga to establish a new national radical party – Latvia’s Future Party. In their speeches they called to limit the number of non-Latvians in state administration, compared the public integration program to forming the Soviet nations and opposed Latvia’s joining EU.

About 200 people gathered in Riga to establish a new national radical party – Latvias Future Party. In their speeches they called to limit the number of non-Latvians in state administration, compared the public integration program to forming the Soviet nations and opposed Latvias joining EU. Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas

First time this year the Government granted 40 000 Ls for training of judges. The Judges’ Training Centre will have resources to ensure a systematic training for judges according to the EU standards.

First time this year the Government granted 40 000 Ls for training of judges. The Judges Training Centre will have resources to ensure a systematic training for judges according to the EU standards. Jauna Avize

A journalist of

A journalist of Panorama Latvii interviewed the advisor of the Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia N.Neilands after his return from Moscow where he had meetings with representatives of Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Council Commission on Foreign Affairs. When asked about the draft law on imposing sanctions against Latvia, Mr.Neilands answered that it did not seem likely because now everything was under control of the Acting President V.Putin, but he as a pragmatic person, would be against it. Speaking about the future of Latvian – Russian relations, he said that Putin was interested in co-operation with the West, so Latvia could hope that Russia would start talks - first with Lithuania, then with Latvia. Panorama Latvii