Press Report

Press Report

Several Riga residents told the newspaper

Several Riga residents told the newspaper Diena that the norm to vote at ones registered place of domicile not only proved that the state did not trust voters but also limited their rights in electing local governments. They said those bureaucratic obstacles had decreased their wish to participate in this election. Although the state has acknowledged the absurdity of this situation, legislators do not worry about it, promising to change it only before the next local government election. Diena

People’s Party finds unacceptable the passive position of Minister of Welfare A.Pozharnov on concluding a social welfare agreement with Russia. Due to Minister’s passiveness interests of Latvia suffer. People’s Party faction asked the Minister to give explanations why the Ministry of Welfare had started negotiations with Russia for advantages in receiving pensions for non-citizens and Russian citizens residing in Latvia. After listening to the Minister, the faction came to a conclusion that the Ministry of Welfare had not done economically grounded calculation whether such an agreement was profitable for Latvia.

Peoples Party finds unacceptable the passive position of Minister of Welfare A.Pozharnov on concluding a social welfare agreement with Russia. Due to Ministers passiveness interests of Latvia suffer. Peoples Party faction asked the Minister to give explanations why the Ministry of Welfare had started negotiations with Russia for advantages in receiving pensions for non-citizens and Russian citizens residing in Latvia. After listening to the Minister, the faction came to a conclusion that the Ministry of Welfare had not done economically grounded calculation whether such an agreement was profitable for Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize

The opinion poll carried out in February showed that the activity of voters could be even higher than during the last two local government elections. In 1994 election participated 58.5% of electorate, in 1997 – 56.8%.

The opinion poll carried out in February showed that the activity of voters could be even higher than during the last two local government elections. In 1994 election participated 58.5% of electorate, in 1997 – 56.8%. Diena

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga in her Monday radio interview called for urgent abolishment of domicile registration system, stating that it was outdated and a relict of the previous totalitarian system.

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga in her Monday radio interview called for urgent abolishment of domicile registration system, stating that it was outdated and a relict of the previous totalitarian system. Diena, Neatkariga

On Tuesday the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Commission will consider the proposals submitted by the National TV and Radio Council that envisage granting the Council more authority to impose administrative fines on broadcasting organisations for violating the law.

On Tuesday the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Commission will consider the proposals submitted by the National TV and Radio Council that envisage granting the Council more authority to impose administrative fines on broadcasting organisations for violating the law. Diena

Byelorussian Prime Minister V.Jermoshin arrived on a several days visit to Latvia. Latvian MFA defined this visit as a private one, but Byelorussian officials had announced it as a working one. The main goal of Prime Minister’s visit is to open the exposition Byelorussia Expo 2001 in Riga. Journalists found out that neither Latvian Prime Minister nor President had planned any meeting with Mr. Yermoshin.

Byelorussian Prime Minister V.Jermoshin arrived on a several days visit to Latvia. Latvian MFA defined this visit as a private one, but Byelorussian officials had announced it as a working one. The main goal of Prime Ministers visit is to open the exposition Byelorussia Expo 2001 in Riga. Journalists found out that neither Latvian Prime Minister nor President had planned any meeting with Mr. Yermoshin. Neatkariga, Respublika

The newspaper

The newspaper Lauku Avize interviewed V.Avercev, who arrived to Riga as a member of Russian Foreign Policy and Defence Council delegation. Mr.Avercev told journalists that Russia was concerned about the situation of Russian speakers in the Baltic States, and in Latvia the situation was the worst. Criticism about this had come not only from Russia but also from international organisation and Latvia did not improve it. But in general the relations between Russia and Latvia improve.

Rigas Balss

published complete lists of candidates for the local government election of all political parties. published complete lists of candidates for the local government election of all political parties. National Employment Service plans to organise the state language training for unemployed people, who face problems to find a job due to their state language proficiency level. According to statistics there are about 16 000 such people.

National Employment Service plans to organise the state language training for unemployed people, who face problems to find a job due to their state language proficiency level. According to statistics there are about 16 000 such people. Vesti Segodnya

Yesterday the radio station Maximus in Daugavpils did not broadcast. The National TV and Radio Council closed this station for one day, accusing it of violating the language law norms. Officials found out that 61% of all broadcasting time was in the Russian language.

Yesterday the radio station Maximus in Daugavpils did not broadcast. The National TV and Radio Council closed this station for one day, accusing it of violating the language law norms. Officials found out that 61% of all broadcasting time was in the Russian language. Vesti Segodnya

The latest in the middle of April European Human Rights Court has to take a decision in the case of Latvian citizen I.Podkolzina. Ms.Podkolzina accused Latvian authorities of violating her human rights and discriminating her due to her mother tongue. In October 1998 she was crossed out of the list of candidates for the Saeima election “due to insufficient state language proficiency”.

The latest in the middle of April European Human Rights Court has to take a decision in the case of Latvian citizen I.Podkolzina. Ms.Podkolzina accused Latvian authorities of violating her human rights and discriminating her due to her mother tongue. In October 1998 she was crossed out of the list of candidates for the Saeima election due to insufficient state language proficiency. Vesti Segodnya

The newspaper

The newspaper Chas writes about the case of N.Shevanova. A short time domicile registration in Russia cost her an expulsion order from Latvia. Then she was saved by a stroke. But now it seems that Latvian authorities will have to restore her rights after a European Human Rights Court decision and pay a large sum of money as compensation.

On Friday President V.Vike-Freiberga handed letters of accreditation to the new Latvian Ambassadors to Kirgistan A.Puga and to Malta Republic – M.Perts.

On Friday President V.Vike-Freiberga handed letters of accreditation to the new Latvian Ambassadors to Kirgistan A.Puga and to Malta Republic – M.Perts. Latvijas Vestnesis

 

Press Report

Political scientist A.Pabriks writes that Latvia has managed to avoid any ethnic conflicts although the majority of population holds an opinion that ethnic discrimination in Latvia exists. According to the research done by the agency Baltic Data House about 28% of Latvian population have experienced ethnic discrimination on themselves but 24% were discriminated due to their language. In Latvian legislation there are established punishments for such discrimination but it lacks the definition of discrimination.

Politicalscientist A.Pabriks writes that Latvia has managed to avoid any ethnic conflicts although the majority of population holds an opinion that ethnic discrimination in Latvia exists. According to the research done by the agency Baltic Data House about 28% of Latvian population have experienced ethnic discrimination on themselves but 24% were discriminated due to their language. In Latvian legislation there are established punishments for such discrimination but it lacks the definition of discrimination. Diena

At the railway terminal in Moscow where the train from Riga arrives, in March is opened an experimental immigration control checkpoint. The passengers arriving by this train will be issued immigration forms. They are to be filled in and submitted to the checkpoint officials. Passengers have to state their purpose of arrival and reason; they will also be warned about their responsibility for violating migration laws.

At the railway terminal in Moscow where the train from Riga arrives, in March is opened an experimental immigration control checkpoint. The passengers arriving by this train will be issued immigration forms. They are to be filled in and submitted to the checkpoint officials. Passengers have to state their purpose of arrival and reason; they will also be warned about their responsibility for violating migration laws. Diena

On Saturday several hundred Russian speakers gathered at the Congress House for a meeting “My vote for my city”. These people voiced their opinions about participation of non-citizens in local government elections. This event turned out to be a pre-election campaign event of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia during which people shouted anti-state slogans. Left wingers commemorated March 3 as a double mourning day - ten years ago there was a referendum whether Latvia should remain within the USSR, but three years ago was the picket of pensioners at the Riga City Council that was driven away by police.

On Saturday several hundred Russian speakers gathered at the Congress House for a meeting My vote for my city. These people voiced their opinions about participation of non-citizens in local government elections. This event turned out to be a pre-election campaign event of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia during which people shouted anti-state slogans. Left wingers commemorated March 3 as a double mourning day - ten years ago there was a referendum whether Latvia should remain within the USSR, but three years ago was the picket of pensioners at the Riga City Council that was driven away by police. Neatkariga

Chas and Panorama Latvii write that opinions of speakers at this meeting differed – some called for the Soviet times, some suggested to become Latvian citizens and take the future in their own hands.

With the help of the Chancellery of the State President is prepared the concept of establishing ombudsmen institution in Latvia. The first version envisages establishing it on the basis of the National Human Rights Office. Councillor to the President on Legal Affairs S.Kukule told journalists that the draft concept had been sent to several state institutions, Saeima factions, Academy of Sciences, representatives of international organisations and all ombudsmen institutions in the Nordic States. The working group has planned for the second part of March an extended working session to involve in it also people from UNDP, OSCE and Nordic Council, but for May is planned a large international conference on this issue.

With the help of the Chancellery of the State President is prepared the concept of establishing ombudsmen institution in Latvia. The first version envisages establishing it on the basis of the National Human Rights Office. Councillor to the President on Legal Affairs S.Kukule told journalists that the draft concept had been sent to several state institutions, Saeima factions, Academy of Sciences, representatives of international organisations and all ombudsmen institutions in the Nordic States. The working group has planned for the second part of March an extended working session to involve in it also people from UNDP, OSCE and Nordic Council, but for May is planned a large international conference on this issue. Neatkariga

The Union of Citizens of Russia held its congress in Riga last Saturday with more 600 delegates present from all over Latvia. The Congress plans to establish its own business structure to co-operate with big businesses in Russia. From the earned money the Union plans to provide subsidised or free of charge medical service for war veterans and carry out many other projects.

The Union of Citizens of Russia held its congress in Riga last Saturday with more 600 delegates present from all over Latvia. The Congress plans to establish its own business structure to co-operate with big businesses in Russia. From the earned money the Union plans to provide subsidised or free of charge medical service for war veterans and carry out many other projects. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

Russian Federal Migration Service representative in Latvia T.Slichkova stated in a press conference that the recent statements of Mayor of Moscow Y.Luzhkov at the conference “Moscow and Compatriots” that in Russia could be established a new institution that would deal with the problems of Russians residing outside Russian Federation had nothing in common with the decree signed by President Putin in February in which he charged Russian Federation Affairs, National and Migration Ministry to open its representatives in Latvia, Armenia, Kirgizstan, Tadzikstan and Turkmenia.

Russian Federal Migration Service representative in Latvia T.Slichkova stated in a press conference that the recent statements of Mayor of Moscow Y.Luzhkov at the conference Moscow and Compatriots that in Russia could be established a new institution that would deal with the problems of Russians residing outside Russian Federation had nothing in common with the decree signed by President Putin in February in which he charged Russian Federation Affairs, National and Migration Ministry to open its representatives in Latvia, Armenia, Kirgizstan, Tadzikstan and Turkmenia. Diena

The recent decree of Russian President Putin on charging Russian Federation Affairs, National and Migration Ministry to open its representatives in Latvia is just due to some re-organisation matters in several Russian ministries. T.Slichkova said that no new Russia structures would be opened in Latvia and Russian Federation Migration Service Representatives would continue to solve all migration issues in Latvia.

The recent decree of Russian President Putin on charging Russian Federation Affairs, National and Migration Ministry to open its representatives in Latvia is just due to some re-organisation matters in several Russian ministries. T.Slichkova said that no new Russia structures would be opened in Latvia and Russian Federation Migration Service Representatives would continue to solve all migration issues in Latvia. Neatkariga, Chas,

Vesti Segodnya cites T.Slichkova’s words that every year about 1500 people emigrate from Latvia to Russia and 80% of them are Russians. From Russia to Latvia arrive about 400 people a year.

Vesti Segodnya cites T.Slichkovas words that every year about 1500 people emigrate from Latvia to Russia and 80% of them are Russians. From Russia to Latvia arrive about 400 people a year.

Prosecutor’s General Office will carry out an inspection to find out whether the information in the press about 700 illegally issued USSR internal passports at the Riga City Zemgale Suburb Passport Section was true. The newspaper

Prosecutors General Office will carry out an inspection to find out whether the information in the press about 700 illegally issued USSR internal passports at the Riga City Zemgale Suburb Passport Section was true. The newspaper Vakara Zinas wrote that at the beginning of nineties about 700 people had illegally received those passports, also several well-known criminals. Diena

Cabinet of Ministers adopted the Strategic Memorandum on National Development Plan. Within half a year this memorandum should turn into a real plan but several experts are sceptical about it. Minister of Special Portfolio R.Zile assures that it is not correct to consider the NDP as the CoE task for Latvia as a future EU member state. Basing on this plan was prepared an agreement on CoE investments’ project by-financing from EU financial instruments – PHARE, ISPA, and SAPARD. Director of Institute of Economics of Latvian Academy of Sciences R.Karnite told that working groups of several ministries took part in the development of the new version of NDP, but she preferred the old version that had the priorities of ministries. R.Zile told that 120 copies of the NDP had been sent to scientists and representatives of different associations but only 50 responses received. So there is lack of interest and proposals to continue working on this plan.

Cabinet of Ministers adopted the Strategic Memorandum on National Development Plan. Within half a year this memorandum should turn into a real plan but several experts are sceptical about it. Minister of Special Portfolio R.Zile assures that it is not correct to consider the NDP as the CoE task for Latvia as a future EU member state. Basing on this plan was prepared an agreement on CoE investments project by-financing from EU financial instruments – PHARE, ISPA, and SAPARD. Director of Institute of Economics of Latvian Academy of Sciences R.Karnite told that working groups of several ministries took part in the development of the new version of NDP, but she preferred the old version that had the priorities of ministries. R.Zile told that 120 copies of the NDP had been sent to scientists and representatives of different associations but only 50 responses received. So there is lack of interest and proposals to continue working on this plan. Neatkariga

A conference of the representatives of Russian speaking organisations in former republics of the USSR, several European countries and Israel took place in Moscow. The participants adopted a resolution and an address to Russian President Putin where they asked Putin to control liberation of Soviet veterans, sentenced in the Baltic States.

A conference of the representatives of Russian speaking organisations in former republics of the USSR, several European countries and Israel took place in Moscow. The participants adopted a resolution and an address to Russian President Putin where they asked Putin to control liberation of Soviet veterans, sentenced in the Baltic States. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

As of 1 March the electorates are opened on the whole territory of Latvia where people can learn the lists of candidates and parties’ programmes. At all electorates also information about the candidates – occupation, year of birth, education – is provided.

As of 1 March the electorates are opened on the whole territory of Latvia where people can learn the lists of candidates and parties programmes. At all electorates also information about the candidates – occupation, year of birth, education – is provided. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Vesti Segodnja

The most popular candidate for the post of Riga Mayor is the current Mayor A.Argalis (FF/LNNK), on the second place there is Latvia’s Way candidate A.Poca – 20,7% would vote for her and on the third place, quite far behind the first two candidates – A.Kreituss, Labour Party 4,3%.

The most popular candidate for the post of Riga Mayor is the current Mayor A.Argalis (FF/LNNK), on the second place there is Latvias Way candidate A.Poca – 20,7% would vote for her and on the third place, quite far behind the first two candidates – A.Kreituss, Labour Party 4,3%. Diena, Neatkariga

Latvian diplomats welcome the opinions voiced at the U.S. Senate's Foreign Affairs Committee meeting as they believe the participants of the debate had confirmed that admission of Baltic states to NATO was a matter of time. FHRUL faction leader J.Jurkans is more sceptic “these discussions were a signal for Russia – America can take a very strict position if Russia continues to trade military technologies with Iran and Iraq”.

Latvian diplomats welcome the opinions voiced at the U.S. Senate's Foreign Affairs Committee meeting as they believe the participants of the debate had confirmed that admission of Baltic states to NATO was a matter of time. FHRUL faction leader J.Jurkans is more sceptic these discussions were a signal for Russia – America can take a very strict position if Russia continues to trade military technologies with Iran and Iraq. Diena

Leading analysers of the Council of Interior and Defence Affairs of Russia (CIDA) took part in book’s “Russia – Baltics” presentation in Riga. Latvian politicians ignored the event organised by leftists.

Leading analysers of the Council of Interior and Defence Affairs of Russia (CIDA) took part in books Russia – Baltics presentation in Riga. Latvian politicians ignored the event organised by leftists. Jauna, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Vesti Segodnja asks couple questions to CIDA director A.Fjedorov. He stressed that Latvia has to realise that it is very important for Latvia to have good relations with her neighbouring countries.

Vesti Segodnja asks couple questions to CIDA director A.Fjedorov. He stressed that Latvia has to realise that it is very important for Latvia to have good relations with her neighbouring countries.

“Russian language is under the threat” – that was the main discussion subject for teachers from Latvia and Estonia in Moscow. The teachers from the Baltic States stressed that the main problem is that after some time there will be no space for the Russian language in education system and Russians will be assimilated.

Russian language is under the threat – that was the main discussion subject for teachers from Latvia and Estonia in Moscow. The teachers from the Baltic States stressed that the main problem is that after some time there will be no space for the Russian language in education system and Russians will be assimilated. Vesti Segodnja

Vesti Segodnja

referes to the interview of referes to the interview of Lauku AvizeLauku Avize with USA ambassador J.Holmes. with USA ambassador J.Holmes. Vesti SegodnjaVesti Segodnja says It is hard to believe, however, the main part of the interview the ambassador taught Russias President how to built relations with Latvia. says “It is hard to believe, however, the main part of the interview the ambassador taught Russia’s President how to built relations with Latvia”. Leaders of Russian political and culture organisations of Baltic countries took part in two-days international conference held in Moscow. The main discussion subject was Russia’s assistance to compatriots. In the framework of the conference four Round Tables were organised – on political issues, problems concerning Russian language and education in Russian language in CIS and Baltic countries, business affairs and mass media.

Leaders of Russian political and culture organisations of Baltic countries took part in two-days international conference held in Moscow. The main discussion subject was Russias assistance to compatriots. In the framework of the conference four Round Tables were organised – on political issues, problems concerning Russian language and education in Russian language in CIS and Baltic countries, business affairs and mass media. Panorama Latvii

Tomorrow the Congress of Russia’s Citizens permanently residing in Latvia will take place. It is planned that about 800 people will take part in the congress.

Tomorrow the Congress of Russias Citizens permanently residing in Latvia will take place. It is planned that about 800 people will take part in the congress. Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Press Report

The European Union (EU) presiding country's foreign minister, Anna Lindh from Sweden, and the EU Enlargement Commissioner Guenther Verheugen on Tuesday in Brussels named Latvia among best second-group candidates likely to catch up with the so-called fast-track candidates. Latvia has to think how to keep up non-citizens' interest to be naturalised and to continue providing state language courses. The EU reminded that law harmonisation is not completed in the fields regarding refuge and migration issues, as well as some international conventions are to be ratified.

The European Union (EU) presiding country's foreign minister, Anna Lindh from Sweden, and the EU Enlargement Commissioner Guenther Verheugen on Tuesday in Brussels named Latvia among best second-group candidates likely to catch up with the so-called fast-track candidates. Latvia has to think how to keep up non-citizens' interest to be naturalised and to continue providing state language courses. The EU reminded that law harmonisation is not completed in the fields regarding refuge and migration issues, as well as some international conventions are to be ratified. Diena

Left-wingers want to change pension calculation procedure for non-citizens. Leftists want that the years which non-citizens worked outside Latvia would also be taken into account when their pensions are calculated.

Left-wingers want to change pension calculation procedure for non-citizens. Leftists want that the years which non-citizens worked outside Latvia would also be taken into account when their pensions are calculated. Diena, Chas, Pnorama Latvii

Diena

provides the main points of OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby's report to OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna, which he will present on Thursday. Access to information and its distribution to non-citizens about the possibilities to learn the language and be naturalised is a top priority of Latvian Government. provides the main points of OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby's report to OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna, which he will present on Thursday. Access to information and its distribution to non-citizens about the possibilities to learn the language and be naturalised is a top priority of Latvian Government. The Council of Europe secretary general Tuesday congratulated Latvia with the adoption of a public integration program and urged other countries and international organisations to assist in the financing of the program. Walter Schwimmer expressed hope that Latvia might also ratify the convention on national minorities rights as soon as possible, and join the European charter on regional and minority languages.

The Council of Europe secretary general Tuesday congratulated Latvia with the adoption of a public integration program and urged other countries and international organisations to assist in the financing of the program. Walter Schwimmer expressed hope that Latvia might also ratify the convention on national minorities rights as soon as possible, and join the European charter on regional and minority languages. Diena, Neatkariga

Vesti Segodnja

comments on the article published in comments on the article published in Diena Diena about the possible choice of people who recently acquired citizenship and therefore will vote for the first time. about the possible choice of people who recently acquired citizenship and therefore will vote for the first time. Vesti SegodnjaVesti Segodnja agrees with agrees with DienaDiena about the choice - most likely it will be FHRUL, however, disagrees on the reasons for that - about the choice - most likely it will be FHRUL, however, disagrees on the reasons for that - Vesti SegodnjaVesti Segodnja says it will be because "it is the party which has never cheated and betrayed them" as other parties do. says it will be because "it is the party which has never cheated and betrayed them" as other parties do. Latvia has another case on discrimination by language and rights to participate at election in UN Human Rights Office. The claim is submitted by teacher A.Ignate who was excluded from the lists of candidates to municipal elections because of her insufficient language skills. T.Zhdanok is sure that they will win the case.

Latvia has another case on discrimination by language and rights to participate at election in UN Human Rights Office. The claim is submitted by teacher A.Ignate who was excluded from the lists of candidates to municipal elections because of her insufficient language skills. T.Zhdanok is sure that they will win the case. Vesti Segodnja

Chas

gives the main points of the report by USA State Department about discrimination of different human rights in Latvia. The main problems in Latvia are the observance of the rights of children and women, however, the discrimination of the rights of non-citizens are also mentioned in the report. Experts admit that non-citizen rights are discriminated by election and prohibition on some professions. American experts also see a problem in the lack of Latvian language teachers at Russian schools and in their opinion most likely that will hinder introduction of general education only in the state language in 2004 as it is provided for by the law. gives the main points of the report by USA State Department about discrimination of different human rights in Latvia. The main problems in Latvia are the observance of the rights of children and women, however, the discrimination of the rights of non-citizens are also mentioned in the report. Experts admit that non-citizen rights are discriminated by election and prohibition on some professions. American experts also see a problem in the lack of Latvian language teachers at Russian schools and in their opinion most likely that will hinder introduction of general education only in the state language in 2004 as it is provided for by the law.

Respublika

asks the opinion of Nils Muiznieks, Head of Human Rights and Ethnic Research Centre, on the first case against Latvia in the European Human Rights Court. N.Muiznieks forecasts that Latvia will lose the case against Podkolzina and will have to enter respective amendments in the legislation. In his opinion, it will not give a big impact on the reputation of Latvia and he does not think that there will follow many claims from Latvia of that character asks the opinion of Nils Muiznieks, Head of Human Rights and Ethnic Research Centre, on the first case against Latvia in the European Human Rights Court. N.Muiznieks forecasts that Latvia will lose the case against Podkolzina and will have to enter respective amendments in the legislation. In his opinion, it will not give a big impact on the reputation of Latvia and he does not think that there will follow many claims from Latvia of that character Tomorrow the book "Russia - Baltics", which had been presented recently in Moscow, will be presented in Riga.

Tomorrow the book "Russia - Baltics", which had been presented recently in Moscow, will be presented in Riga. Respublika

Russia is strictly against the joining of the Baltic States to NATO", stated Russian State Duma Speaker G.Seleznyev in Vienna.

Russia is strictly against the joining of the Baltic States to NATO", stated Russian State Duma Speaker G.Seleznyev in Vienna. Respublika