Press Report

Press Report

Latvian foreign minister Monday in Bucharest in address to Organisation of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) member countries foreign ministers meeting reported about society integration in Latvia and the OSCE's activities in the future, Foreign Ministry press office reported. Indulis Berzins said Latvia has actively worked towards strengthening of democratic society, it has simplified the naturalization procedure and devoted increased attention at explanation of citizenship acquiring aspects. He noted the permanent contribution of Latvia to securing education of minorities and pointed at formation of a special minorities education advisory council for successful implementation of bilingual and minorities education. Berzins said the work of Latvia's National Human Rights Office has significantly improved especially co-ordination with other human rights protection bodies. He said the European Commission in its progress report pointed at progress achieved by Latvia in observance of human rights and granting democracy.

Latvian foreign minister Monday in Bucharest in address to Organisation of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) member countries foreign ministers meeting reported about society integration in Latvia and the OSCE's activities in the future, Foreign Ministry press office reported. Indulis Berzins said Latvia has actively worked towards strengthening of democratic society, it has simplified the naturalization procedure and devoted increased attention at explanation of citizenship acquiring aspects. He noted the permanent contribution of Latvia to securing education of minorities and pointed at formation of a special minorities education advisory council for successful implementation of bilingual and minorities education. Berzins said the work of Latvia's National Human Rights Office has significantly improved especially co-ordination with other human rights protection bodies. He said the European Commission in its progress report pointed at progress achieved by Latvia in observance of human rights and granting democracy. BNS, Latvijas Vestnesis, Telegraf

The decision on closing the OSCE mission in Latvia will probably be made at the end of December, LETA was told by Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins. Berzins informed that he has met with foreign ministers of numerous countries and representatives of the government during the OSCE meeting in Bucharest, and all of them have expressed understanding of Latvia's desire to close the mission. Latvia has fulfilled tasks set by the OSCE and therefore the OSCE mission is to be closed, the minister stressed. Berzins pointed out that Latvia did not choose occupation and the processes that followed, Latvia chose social integration. The state has proved that the social integration process has not been carried out forcibly but because it is necessary for the state, the official pointed out.

The decision on closing the OSCE mission in Latvia will probably be made at the end of December, LETA was told by Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins. Berzins informed that he has met with foreign ministers of numerous countries and representatives of the government during the OSCE meeting in Bucharest, and all of them have expressed understanding of Latvia's desire to close the mission. Latvia has fulfilled tasks set by the OSCE and therefore the OSCE mission is to be closed, the minister stressed. Berzins pointed out that Latvia did not choose occupation and the processes that followed, Latvia chose social integration. The state has proved that the social integration process has not been carried out forcibly but because it is necessary for the state, the official pointed out. LETA, Diena

Answering to the statement of Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov on the presence of the OSCE missions to Latvia and Estonia, Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins said that unfortunately Estonian Prime Minister M.Laar was right when saying that Russia used these missions to achieve its goals.

Answering to the statement of Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov on the presence of the OSCE missions to Latvia and Estonia, Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins said that unfortunately Estonian Prime Minister M.Laar was right when saying that Russia used these missions to achieve its goals. Panorama Latvii

MP H.Demakova, leader of Latvian delegation to OSCE Parliamentary Assembly last week went to Austria to the conference “Baltic States, Austria and EU expansion”. Ms. Demakova told the journalist that Austria supported Latvia’s position on closing the OSCE Mission at end of this year.

MP H.Demakova, leader of Latvian delegation to OSCE Parliamentary Assembly last week went to Austria to the conference Baltic States, Austria and EU expansion. Ms. Demakova told the journalist that Austria supported Latvias position on closing the OSCE Mission at end of this year. Lauku Avize

N.Lebedeva in

N.Lebedeva in Chas comments the statement made by Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins that the OSCE Mission most likely would be closed and it meant that Latvia had passed its maturity examination. Already in 1996 Latvian officials expressed their wish to close the Mission or change its status; similar statements were made just a month ago. President of Rumania during his visit to Latvia last week said that he understood arguments of Latvia but there was no common opinion at the Ministerial Council. Ms.Lebedeva reminded the statement made by Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov that the OSCE Missions in Latvia and Estonia had not fulfilled their guidelines. Also Minister of Foreign Affairs of Rumania M.Joane, Acting Chairman of OSCE had the same opinion when stating that simultaneous closure of missions in Latvia and Estonia could have a negative impact on all operational activities of the organisation.

Quite often some politician or journalist speaks about serious problems concerning national minority rights in Latvia and refers to the annual EC progress report. In general EC acknowledged that Latvia had fulfilled the “political criteria” on its way to EU, and basic human rights and freedoms were observed here. Newspaper

Quite often some politician or journalist speaks about serious problems concerning national minority rights in Latvia and refers to the annual EC progress report. In general EC acknowledged that Latvia had fulfilled the political criteria on its way to EU, and basic human rights and freedoms were observed here. Newspaper Lauku Avize asks two human rights experts – MFA Humanitarian Issues Department Head J.Mazeiks and the Saeima European Affairs Commission Head E.Inkens why such different interpretation of this document is possible and about the real situation with human rights in Latvia.

In order to harmonise international commitments with national interests concerning the state language issue, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga has called on her advisors to hold a meeting with experts, LETA was informed at the president's press centre. Experts from the justice and foreign affairs ministries, Saeima Legal Commission will be invited to the meeting, as well as specialists from the faculty of law at the University of Latvia (LU), LU Human Rights Institute, Human Rights and Ethnical Studies Centre, State Language Centre. The meeting is scheduled at the Riga Palace at 11.30 a.m. December 6.

In order to harmonise international commitments with national interests concerning the state language issue, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga has called on her advisors to hold a meeting with experts, LETA was informed at the president's press centre. Experts from the justice and foreign affairs ministries, Saeima Legal Commission will be invited to the meeting, as well as specialists from the faculty of law at the University of Latvia (LU), LU Human Rights Institute, Human Rights and Ethnical Studies Centre, State Language Centre. The meeting is scheduled at the Riga Palace at 11.30 a.m. December 6. LETA

Newspaper

Newspaper Chas writes that according their information the main topic on the agenda will be the case of A.Ignatene about violation her human rights. Likely that experts will also speak about the Estonian amendments to their election laws. When asked about the possible outcome of this meeting, officials were quite reserved. A.Pildegovics, Adviser to President on Political Issues said that they intended to discuss a set of questions concerning protection of national interests concerning national minorities, and as the result could be summing up of the different opinions on this issue. M.Mits from the Human Rights Institute had the same opinion.

Latvia's Social Democratic Welfare Party (SDWP) members last weekend took part in the congress of Russia's Unity and Fatherland party congress in Moscow and discussed with the Russian party's leaders the possible cooperation both at the level of parties and states. SDWP representatives met Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov, Russia's Emergency Situations Minister Sergey Shoiga and the party's third co-chairman Mintimer Shaimiyev, SDWP leader Jurij Zuravlov told reporters.

Latvia's Social Democratic Welfare Party (SDWP) members last weekend took part in the congress of Russia's Unity and Fatherland party congress in Moscow and discussed with the Russian party's leaders the possible cooperation both at the level of parties and states. SDWP representatives met Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov, Russia's Emergency Situations Minister Sergey Shoiga and the party's third co-chairman Mintimer Shaimiyev, SDWP leader Jurij Zuravlov told reporters. BNS

Some time ago Latvian mass media published information that Russia has allotted certain sum of money to start information war against Latvia. Now Russian-speaking newspaper

Some time ago Latvian mass media published information that Russia has allotted certain sum of money to start information war against Latvia. Now Russian-speaking newspaper Vesti Segodnya tries to prove the opposite – it was Latvia that started it. As examples are named the broadcasting on Russian TV channel RTR the documentary The Union of Former that described the heavenly life of Russian speakers in Latvia; Swiss newspaper Neue Zurcher Zeitung published an article Difficult heritage of the Soviet Russification policy. The Swiss journalist used as experts a Latvian political scientist and editor of the newspaper Diena. After describing the Russification of Latvia during the Soviet period the journalist comes to a conclusion that due to the consequences of this polity Latvian authorities could not implement 0 version for citizenship and grant the Russian language the status of the second official language. Vesti Segodnya

National Development Plan submitted to the government. After the plan is passed it should become a foundation for distribution of state investment program and receiving financing from the European Union pre-accession programs. The plan’s major goals are business-friendly economy, development of human resources, promoting employment and growth of all regions, the plan also includes an action plan with estimated EU financing and state money required for administering the EU financing. Ieva Jaunzeme, director general at the Latvian Employees Confederation and a member of the National Development Plan’s expert group, tells Diena that the plan was not developed for the European Commission but the state itself, so that the nation’s competitiveness is promoted.

National Development Plan submitted to the government. After the plan is passed it should become a foundation for distribution of state investment program and receiving financing from the European Union pre-accession programs. The plans major goals are business-friendly economy, development of human resources, promoting employment and growth of all regions, the plan also includes an action plan with estimated EU financing and state money required for administering the EU financing. Ieva Jaunzeme, director general at the Latvian Employees Confederation and a member of the National Development Plans expert group, tells Diena that the plan was not developed for the European Commission but the state itself, so that the nations competitiveness is promoted. Diena, Neatkariga

Press Report

President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga considers that the OSCE Mission to Latvia has fulfilled all the guidelines and should be closed by the end of this year. The President praised Latvia’s co-operation with OSCE high commissioners and Mission members.

President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga considers that the OSCE Mission to Latvia has fulfilled all the guidelines and should be closed by the end of this year. The President praised Latvias co-operation with OSCE high commissioners and Mission members. Diena

The OSCE missions in Estonia and Latvia have not yet fulfilled their pledge to protect local ethnic Russians from discrimination, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov charged. Even though the OSCE activities have made a significant impact on the Baltic States' policy toward their sizeable Russian communities, issues of citizenship and Russian language remain unresolved, Ivanov said late Saturday. Citizenship for local Russians is a particular concern, with only 8,000 out of 550,000 legal aliens receiving Latvian citizenship this year. According to Ivanov, only 3,500 people out of 220,000 Russians living in Estonia received citizenship status last year. Moscow also called for "serious attention to be paid to Latvian and Estonian laws on the Russian language," Ivanov was as saying by the ITAR-TASS news agency.

The OSCE missions in Estonia and Latvia have not yet fulfilled their pledge to protect local ethnic Russians from discrimination, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov charged. Even though the OSCE activities have made a significant impact on the Baltic States' policy toward their sizeable Russian communities, issues of citizenship and Russian language remain unresolved, Ivanov said late Saturday. Citizenship for local Russians is a particular concern, with only 8,000 out of 550,000 legal aliens receiving Latvian citizenship this year. According to Ivanov, only 3,500 people out of 220,000 Russians living in Estonia received citizenship status last year. Moscow also called for "serious attention to be paid to Latvian and Estonian laws on the Russian language," Ivanov was as saying by the ITAR-TASS news agency. BNS, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya

"I hope that the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe will not succumb to Russia's pressure and the situation in Latvia will be evaluated according to the achievements," Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins said in commenting on the Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov's statement to OSCE member countries concerning the work of OSCE missions in Latvia and Estonia. Berzins said that the situation is not ideal and perfect in any country. Much can be done in any country concerning the human rights sector. Latvia's progress however has been recognised in the last report by the European Commission, which said that Latvia has complied with the Copenhagen criteria, added Berzins. Latvia has observed OSCE's guidelines, and the mission should be closed in Latvia at the end of December, stressed Berzins adding that the mission to Estonia should also be closed as the neighbour country has observed the OSCE requirements as well. Berzins said he regrets that the Estonian premier's statement has proved to be right, the statement said that Russia uses the OSCE missions for achieving goals that are different from the OSCE missions' goals.

"I hope that the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe will not succumb to Russia's pressure and the situation in Latvia will be evaluated according to the achievements," Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins said in commenting on the Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov's statement to OSCE member countries concerning the work of OSCE missions in Latvia and Estonia. Berzins said that the situation is not ideal and perfect in any country. Much can be done in any country concerning the human rights sector. Latvia's progress however has been recognised in the last report by the European Commission, which said that Latvia has complied with the Copenhagen criteria, added Berzins. Latvia has observed OSCE's guidelines, and the mission should be closed in Latvia at the end of December, stressed Berzins adding that the mission to Estonia should also be closed as the neighbour country has observed the OSCE requirements as well. Berzins said he regrets that the Estonian premier's statement has proved to be right, the statement said that Russia uses the OSCE missions for achieving goals that are different from the OSCE missions' goals.
Prime Minister Andris Berzins' advisor Atis Sjanitis also told LETA that the guidelines set by the OSCE mission have been observed and all OSCE member countries are being informed about the situation in Latvia. The matter has also been discussed in Romania a few days ago. It will be decided at the end of December if the OSCE mission in Latvia is to be closed. Sjanitis said that the mission to Latvia has been working successfully. Sjanitis added that Russia's stance on the matter of Russian-speakers in the Baltic countries is nothing new, and such a statement of Ivanov did not surprise Latvia. Besides, Russia has only one vote at the OSCE, said Sjanitis. LETA

Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins today and tomorrow (December 4) is taking part in an annual meeting of foreign ministers from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) member states in Bucharest,

Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins today and tomorrow (December 4) is taking part in an annual meeting of foreign ministers from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) member states in Bucharest, LETA was informed by the press centre at the Ministry of Foreign Ministry.

Closing the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) missions in Latvia and Estonia has not been included on the agenda of OSCE foreign ministers' summit in Bucharest, the OSCE chairman, Romanian Foreign Affairs Minister Mircea Geoana told ITAR-TASS on Sunday. Geoana said that the matter would be reviewed later. He said that the OSCE would attempt to find an optimal solution, taking into account changes in internal legislation of Latvia and Estonia according to OSCE's directives and principles.

Closing the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) missions in Latvia and Estonia has not been included on the agenda of OSCE foreign ministers' summit in Bucharest, the OSCE chairman, Romanian Foreign Affairs Minister Mircea Geoana told ITAR-TASS on Sunday. Geoana said that the matter would be reviewed later. He said that the OSCE would attempt to find an optimal solution, taking into account changes in internal legislation of Latvia and Estonia according to OSCE's directives and principles. LETA

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has to date sent the Latvian government information and requested comments for 27 complaints filed by residents of Latvia, said Latvia's representative at the ECHR. Kristine Malinovska said that most of the complaints have cited European human rights clauses related to the right to a private and family life, inviolability of housing and correspondence (10 cases), as well as the rights to a fair trial and trial in fair time (9 cases).

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has to date sent the Latvian government information and requested comments for 27 complaints filed by residents of Latvia, said Latvia's representative at the ECHR. Kristine Malinovska said that most of the complaints have cited European human rights clauses related to the right to a private and family life, inviolability of housing and correspondence (10 cases), as well as the rights to a fair trial and trial in fair time (9 cases). BNS, Telegraf

The board of the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDSP) will turn against those who want to split the ranks of Social Democrats. As

The board of the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDSP) will turn against those who want to split the ranks of Social Democrats. As LETA was told by LSDSP Secretary General Janis Dinevics, the party's board has already prepared a call "On Unity of the Party", for which the party's November 28 board meeting did not vote only because the Saeima LSDSP deputies had confirmed their readiness to work in one faction. The situation is different now, after Deputy Janis Leja has announced his wish to leave LSDSP and its Saeima faction. Neatkariga

Ventspils’ event "Year of European Languages and Society Integration" concludes the year of European languages in Latvia. Events of the European languages year took place in 47 countries – the Council of Europe member countries and countries that have signed the European Cultural Convention.

Ventspils event "Year of European Languages and Society Integration" concludes the year of European languages in Latvia. Events of the European languages year took place in 47 countries – the Council of Europe member countries and countries that have signed the European Cultural Convention. Neatkariga says that the goal of the languages year was to increase awareness of the beauty of multi-lingual society, and Ventspils is a good place for this as several languages are spoken in the city. Neatkariga, Diena, Vechernyaya Riga

Diena

looks into positions of Latvias political parties ahead of eighth Saeima elections. Right-wing political forces – Latvias Way, the Peoples Party and TB/LNNK – have not lost hope to keep power after the Saeima elections, meanwhile, leftist forces – LSDSP and PCTVL – are convinced they can take power from the right-wing parties, says Diena. PCTVL could have very good results, chances of LSDSP are rather unclear, and they will be greatly determined by outcome of internal discussions within the party and on whether Egils Baldzens quits and establishes a new party. The eighth Saeima elections will be however the most serious test for right-wing forces that have been in power since Latvias independence was restored, which is proved by their defeat at Riga municipal elections, concludes the newspaper. looks into positions of Latvia’s political parties ahead of eighth Saeima elections. Right-wing political forces – Latvia’s Way, the People’s Party and TB/LNNK – have not lost hope to keep power after the Saeima elections, meanwhile, leftist forces – LSDSP and PCTVL – are convinced they can take power from the right-wing parties, says Diena. PCTVL could have very good results, chances of LSDSP are rather unclear, and they will be greatly determined by outcome of internal discussions within the party and on whether Egils Baldzens quits and establishes a new party. The eighth Saeima elections will be however the most serious test for right-wing forces that have been in power since Latvia’s independence was restored, which is proved by their defeat at Riga municipal elections, concludes the newspaper.

Press Report

Press Report

"The right to assess specific countries in the field o minorities is held by such international organisations as the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the UN institutions with such a mandate may do so... We have already previously received positive assessments from international organisations," said the Foreign Ministry's state secretary M.Riekstins, adding that individual countries are not competent in giving such assessments. On Wednesday Russia's Foreign Ministry spread an announcement stating that believes that a conference held in Riga last weekend on education in the Russian language, is "more proof of the poor situation in Latvia in relation to national minority rights." Russia's Foreign Ministry claims that "European institutions, first of all the OSCE and the Council of Europe, still have much serious work to do in LatviaФ. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that the conference held by Latvia's Russian educational language support association, "sharply criticised the bilingual educational models in schools, which are scientifically and methodically undeveloped, and aimed at the assimilation of non-ethnic Latvian school kidsФ. "On its behalf, Russia is ready to continue promoting the reduction of worry in our peoples on the possibility of acquiring an education in their native tongue, including by signing respective bilateral agreements, such projects being still long since looked into by the Latvian side," said the announcement.

"The right to assess specific countries in the field o minorities is held by such international organisations as the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the UN institutions with such a mandate may do so... We have already previously received positive assessments from international organisations," said the Foreign Ministry's state secretary M.Riekstins, adding that individual countries are not competent in giving such assessments. On Wednesday Russia's Foreign Ministry spread an announcement stating that believes that a conference held in Riga last weekend on education in the Russian language, is "more proof of the poor situation in Latvia in relation to national minority rights." Russia's Foreign Ministry claims that "European institutions, first of all the OSCE and the Council of Europe, still have much serious work to do in LatviaФ. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that the conference held by Latvia's Russian educational language support association, "sharply criticised the bilingual educational models in schools, which are scientifically and methodically undeveloped, and aimed at the assimilation of non-ethnic Latvian school kidsФ. "On its behalf, Russia is ready to continue promoting the reduction of worry in our peoples on the possibility of acquiring an education in their native tongue, including by signing respective bilateral agreements, such projects being still long since looked into by the Latvian side," said the announcement. Diena, Chas

Panorama Latvii publishes editorial in regard to that.

Panorama Latvii publishes editorial in regard to that.

One day information booth where people could receive information about the possibilities to acquire Latvian citizenship was opened in Kengarags (one of Riga suburbs) yesterday. About 200 people attended the information booth. Information booths are a part of Public Awareness Campaign.

One day information booth where people could receive information about the possibilities to acquire Latvian citizenship was opened in Kengarags (one of Riga suburbs) yesterday. About 200 people attended the information booth. Information booths are a part of Public Awareness Campaign. Diena writes about the venue in a very positive light emphasising the role of the OSCE in the Public Awareness Campaign, as well as its contribution in providing Latvian language courses free of charge. Neatkariga

Political parties are not ready to abolish language requirements for election candidates, writes

Political parties are not ready to abolish language requirements for election candidates, writes Diena. (full coverage of the article)

УSaeima ruling parties are not going to yield to the call of the OSCE Mission to abolish language requirements for election candidates by amending Election Laws, because on contrary to Estonia, Latvia has not given such promise to the OSCE Mission, said the members of the ruling political parties. In their opinion the requirement is not discriminating, but only limiting and that is very effective and ensures that the representatives chosen and elected by people can fulfil their tasks qualitatively.

УSaeima ruling parties are not going to yield to the call of the OSCE Mission to abolish language requirements for election candidates by amending Election Laws, because on contrary to Estonia, Latvia has not given such promise to the OSCE Mission, said the members of the ruling political parties. In their opinion the requirement is not discriminating, but only limiting and that is very effective and ensures that the representatives chosen and elected by people can fulfil their tasks qualitatively.

Referring to the decision of the Estonian Parliament to abolish language requirements for persons running for the office, OSCE Mission to Latvia Head Peter Semneby invites also Latvian politicians to take this difficult step in his article in ThursdayТs

Referring to the decision of the Estonian Parliament to abolish language requirements for persons running for the office, OSCE Mission to Latvia Head Peter Semneby invites also Latvian politicians to take this difficult step in his article in ThursdayТs Diena. The call is based on that voters should have Уthe right to elect whomever they see fit as their representativesФ. As well as it is noted that any limitation on political participation that is based on language is discriminatory and therefore not permissible because such a requirement makes it more difficult for minority candidates to be elected. However, other restrictions have equal effect on all ethnic groups or other categories of candidates.

FF/LNNK chairperson Maris Grinblats emphasised that the Constitution guarantees the status of the state language to the Latvian language. Restrictions are the norms of the transitional period and they will not be needed when everybody speaks Latvian. УFor the time being I do not see the reason for the Saeima to take such inconsiderate stepsФ, says LatviaТs Way faction chairperson Kristiana Libane. Besides this norm is not discriminating but limiting and it applies equally to all citizens who have to know the state language, says PeopleТs Party faction chairperson Vineta Muizniece. In her opinion, in that case the discriminated would be a voter, if s/he is represented by a parliament member who would not be able to fulfil his/her tasks to the full extentФ.

FF/LNNK chairperson Maris Grinblats emphasised that the Constitution guarantees the status of the state language to the Latvian language. Restrictions are the norms of the transitional period and they will not be needed when everybody speaks Latvian. УFor the time being I do not see the reason for the Saeima to take such inconsiderate stepsФ, says LatviaТs Way faction chairperson Kristiana Libane. Besides this norm is not discriminating but limiting and it applies equally to all citizens who have to know the state language, says PeopleТs Party faction chairperson Vineta Muizniece. In her opinion, in that case the discriminated would be a voter, if s/he is represented by a parliament member who would not be able to fulfil his/her tasks to the full extentФ.

The Latvian parliament Thursday in the final reading adopted national budget for the next year envisaging a fiscal deficit to an amount of nearly 140 million lats (USD 221 mln) or 2.45 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).

The Latvian parliament Thursday in the final reading adopted national budget for the next year envisaging a fiscal deficit to an amount of nearly 140 million lats (USD 221 mln) or 2.45 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

A new head of the European Commission Delegation in Latvia will assume his position on January 1, 2002. The present head of the EC Delegation in Latvia, Gunter Weiss will be replaced by Andrew Rasbash.

A new head of the European Commission Delegation in Latvia will assume his position on January 1, 2002. The present head of the EC Delegation in Latvia, Gunter Weiss will be replaced by Andrew Rasbash. Diena

Telegraf

interviews Latvian Minister of Culture K.Petersone about co-operation between Latvia and Russia in the field of culture. interviews Latvian Minister of Culture K.Petersone about co-operation between Latvia and Russia in the field of culture. RussiaТs Public TV channel (PTP) demonstrated the documentary about Latvia.

RussiaТs Public TV channel (PTP) demonstrated the documentary about Latvia.

Panorama Latvii

asks the opinions of Latvian politicians about the film. The members of the ruling parties find the film objective and positive towards Latvia. The member of FHRUL M.Mitrafanovs calls the film Уhack work as it does not give the true picture about the problems of Russians in LatviaФ. asks the opinions of Latvian politicians about the film. The members of the ruling parties find the film objective and positive towards Latvia. The member of FHRUL M.Mitrafanovs calls the film Уhack work as it does not give the true picture about the problems of Russians in LatviaФ. Vesti SegodnjaVesti Segodnja Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins met with the new U.S. Ambassador to Latvia Brian Carlson in order to discuss bilateral co-operation. Both officials discussed the course of the implementation of foreign policy priorities in Latvia, the fight against international terrorism and social integration matters. Social integration issues were discussed during the talks, pointing out that the guidelines of the OSCE mission in Latvia have been fulfilled and it should be closed as confirmation of successful co-operation with OSCE.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins met with the new U.S. Ambassador to Latvia Brian Carlson in order to discuss bilateral co-operation. Both officials discussed the course of the implementation of foreign policy priorities in Latvia, the fight against international terrorism and social integration matters. Social integration issues were discussed during the talks, pointing out that the guidelines of the OSCE mission in Latvia have been fulfilled and it should be closed as confirmation of successful co-operation with OSCE. Vesti Segodnja, LETA

Chas

interviews Naturalisation Board Head Eizenija Aldermane. When asked what is the goal of the Public Awareness and Citizenship Promotion Campaign, she replies Уthe goal is one Ц to make us heardЕ However, it would not be a misfortune if one decides to get naturalised for the sake of practical benefitsФ. Naturalisation Board Head agrees that the lack of state language skills is still one of the main hindrances to acquire Latvian citizenship, as well as lack of information about naturalisation procedure. interviews Naturalisation Board Head Eizenija Aldermane. When asked what is the goal of the Public Awareness and Citizenship Promotion Campaign, she replies Уthe goal is one Ц to make us heardЕ However, it would not be a misfortune if one decides to get naturalised for the sake of practical benefitsФ. Naturalisation Board Head agrees that the lack of state language skills is still one of the main hindrances to acquire Latvian citizenship, as well as lack of information about naturalisation procedure. On Thursday LatviaТs National TV channel interviewed Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister I.Bзrziтр.

On Thursday LatviaТs National TV channel interviewed Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister I.Bзrziтр. Latvijas Vestnesis provides the printed version of the interview. To the journalistТs introductory statement УI will start with a rather strange letter, where the person writes that the President is so brilliant in LatviaТs foreign policy that we do not need the Ministry of Foreign AffairsФ, the Minister replies УI think we have a very good co-operation between the Ministry and the President , as well as Prime Minister. Our great achievements in stateТs foreign policy for the last two years since the President is Vaira Vike-Freiberga and coincidentally I am the Minister of Foreign Affairs is due to this very successful co-operation. Tomorrow at 12 oТclock I am having the meeting with the State President to discuss the most important issue: the closure of the OSCE Mission; the things what our friends, including Havel, have said about NATO enlargementФ. The Minister also answers couple questions regarding Latvia and Russia relations, LatviaТs bid to NATO.

Press Report

Press Report

Diena publishes OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semnebys article Language, Democracy and Western Values.

Prime Minister Andris Berzins has come out with a proposal on holding the referendum on Latvia's accession to the EU on August 23 of 2003, besides the government head believes that such a public vote is to be held in the three Baltic countries simultaneously.

Prime Minister Andris Berzins has come out with a proposal on holding the referendum on Latvia's accession to the EU on August 23 of 2003, besides the government head believes that such a public vote is to be held in the three Baltic countries simultaneously. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Diena

informs about the opening of one-day information booth for people interested in the issues concerning the acquisition of citizenship in one of the suburbs of Riga. The information booth is a part of Public Awareness Campaign.

Lauku Avize

publishes its former editor-in-chief V.Krustins article where he refers to current political situation, in particular politicians stance towards non-citizens and their interests. He writes that … the representative of the OSCE Mr.P.Semneby also does not like that election candidates have to know the Latvian language according to the Latvian legislation… But we cannot agree with that, although we have to admit that Mr.Semneby is not alone in his opinion, he is supported by publishes its former editor-in-chief V.Krustins’ article where he refers to current political situation, in particular politicians stance towards non-citizens and their interests. He writes that “… the representative of the OSCE Mr.P.Semneby also does not like that election candidates have to know the Latvian language according to the Latvian legislation… But we cannot agree with that, although we have to admit that Mr.Semneby is not alone in his opinion, he is supported by Diena, Panorama Latvii and ChasDiena, Panorama Latvii and Chas. ”. Yesterday the content of Public Awareness and Citizenship Promotion Campaign was on Saeima Citizenship Law Implementation Commission’s agenda. Naturalisation Board Head E.Aldermane presented the materials (videoclips) of the campaign. After the presentation the MPs concluded that this campaign will make non-citizens naturalise only because of practical advantages of being a Latvian citizen and not because they would feel linked to this country. People’s Party member J.Lagzdins concluded that the overall goal of the campaign is bad.

Yesterday the content of Public Awareness and Citizenship Promotion Campaign was on Saeima Citizenship Law Implementation Commissions agenda. Naturalisation Board Head E.Aldermane presented the materials (videoclips) of the campaign. After the presentation the MPs concluded that this campaign will make non-citizens naturalise only because of practical advantages of being a Latvian citizen and not because they would feel linked to this country. Peoples Party member J.Lagzdins concluded that the overall goal of the campaign is bad. Lauku Avize

Panorama Latvii

devotes the whole page to inform about the mass media seminar The Mass Media in Latvia – Integrated or Divided? devotes the whole page to inform about the mass media seminar “The Mass Media in Latvia – Integrated or Divided?” During the meetings of Rumanian President with Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins and Saeima Vice Speaker J.Straume one of the discussion subjects was the closure of the OSCE Mission to Latvia by the end of the year. The Rumanian President expressed his support to Latvia’s wish to close the Mission at the end of the year.

During the meetings of Rumanian President with Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins and Saeima Vice Speaker J.Straume one of the discussion subjects was the closure of the OSCE Mission to Latvia by the end of the year. The Rumanian President expressed his support to Latvias wish to close the Mission at the end of the year. Panorama Latvii, Latvijas Vestnesis

Vesti Segodnja

informs that Saeima Legal Committee has received a letter from OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby, where … he clearly states that it will be very difficult for Latvia to hope to be understood by Europe and the world, if it does not abolish language requirements in the Election Laws. The newspaper provides the main points of ambassadors letter. informs that Saeima Legal Committee has received a letter from OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby, where “… he clearly states that it will be very difficult for Latvia to hope to be understood by Europe and the world, if it does not abolish language requirements in the Election Laws”. The newspaper provides the main points of ambassador’s letter.

Telegrafs

editorial is about the closure of the OSCE Mission to Latvia. The contributor concludes that our politicians want to close the Mission to be able to take decision without witnesses. editorial is about the closure of the OSCE Mission to Latvia. The contributor concludes that our politicians want to close the Mission to be able to take decision “without witnesses”. FHRUL member J.Urbanovics writes that the ruling coalition parties have started to organise their pre-election campaigns using funds from the state budget.

FHRUL member J.Urbanovics writes that the ruling coalition parties have started to organise their pre-election campaigns using funds from the state budget. Telegraf

Latvijas Vçstnesis

interviews Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister I.Berzins. To journalists question You are going to Bucharest at the end of the week to take part at the meeting of the foreign ministers of the OSCE states. What issues are on the agenda? Will you discuss the closure of the OSCE Mission to Latvia? the Foreign Affairs Minister replies Yes, Latvias stance is very clear. We have fulfilled the guidelines provided already by Austrian Presidency, we have done what we promised to do and therefore the Mission is to be closed. It does not mean that Latvia is perfect, it does not mean that we do not have any space for improvement. I think that there is no such country in the world, including Latvia, which should not improve anything in the field of human rights. But what regards the Mission, then we, of course, will have to close it. That is not directly linked to this meeting, although I assume that there will be discussions about that in both political corridors and, quite possible, some countries will mention the missions in Latvia and Estonia. In principle, the issue will be solved, I think in a positive way for Latvia, on 20 December in Vienna, when Missions representative to Latvia will report on the situation in Latvia. interviews Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister I.Berzins. To journalist’s question “You are going to Bucharest at the end of the week to take part at the meeting of the foreign ministers of the OSCE states. What issues are on the agenda? Will you discuss the closure of the OSCE Mission to Latvia?” the Foreign Affairs Minister replies “Yes, Latvia’s stance is very clear. We have fulfilled the guidelines provided already by Austrian Presidency, we have done what we promised to do and therefore the Mission is to be closed. It does not mean that Latvia is perfect, it does not mean that we do not have any space for improvement. I think that there is no such country in the world, including Latvia, which should not improve anything in the field of human rights. But what regards the Mission, then we, of course, will have to close it. That is not directly linked to this meeting, although I assume that there will be discussions about that in both political corridors and, quite possible, some countries will mention the missions in Latvia and Estonia. In principle, the issue will be solved, I think in a positive way for Latvia, on 20 December in Vienna, when Mission’s representative to Latvia will report on the situation in Latvia”. Social Democrats Party Board has also turned down the proposal of FHRUL to sign an agreement on co-operation in the Saeima between the parties. Social Democrats secretary general J.Dinçvičs says that “the signing of the agreement before the 8the Saeima election would be premature and useless”.

Social Democrats Party Board has also turned down the proposal of FHRUL to sign an agreement on co-operation in the Saeima between the parties. Social Democrats secretary general J.Dinçvičs says that the signing of the agreement before the 8the Saeima election would be premature and useless. Diena

Press Report

Press Report

Romania's President Ion Iliescu voiced that Romania is ready to support the closing of the OSCE mission in Latvia by the end of this year and harmonise its stance on the issue with Latvia by the OSCE council meeting in Vienna. Iliescu voiced the stance while meeting Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga on Tuesday at the Riga Castle, saying that the issue has been discussed by both country delegations and an agreement was reached on continuing consultations. Iliescu said that the opinion of the rest of the OSCE countries may differ, however, Romania is ready to support Latvia. Romania holds the OSCE presidency in the second half of this year, while the organisationТs council meeting in Vienna on December 20 is set to decide on extending the mission's mandate in Latvia and Estonia, both of which hope to close the missions with the turn of the year, believing this would be proof that there does not exist any serious human rights problems in these countries.

Romania's President Ion Iliescu voiced that Romania is ready to support the closing of the OSCE mission in Latvia by the end of this year and harmonise its stance on the issue with Latvia by the OSCE council meeting in Vienna. Iliescu voiced the stance while meeting Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga on Tuesday at the Riga Castle, saying that the issue has been discussed by both country delegations and an agreement was reached on continuing consultations. Iliescu said that the opinion of the rest of the OSCE countries may differ, however, Romania is ready to support Latvia. Romania holds the OSCE presidency in the second half of this year, while the organisationТs council meeting in Vienna on December 20 is set to decide on extending the mission's mandate in Latvia and Estonia, both of which hope to close the missions with the turn of the year, believing this would be proof that there does not exist any serious human rights problems in these countries. Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Chas

Diena, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii

publish the news provided by news agency publish the news provided by news agency LetaLeta (see yesterdayТs press report)(see yesterdayТs press report) concerning Saeima Legal CommitteeТs support to the closure of the OSCE Mission by the end of the year. concerning Saeima Legal CommitteeТs support to the closure of the OSCE Mission by the end of the year. TelegrafTelegraf provides also a brief comment by FHRUL deputy B.Cilзviиs: Уthe closure of the Mission will ease the work of our politicians. Further decisions will be taken without witnessesФ. He also states that the Mission in Riga played the role of the mediator between the opposition parties and the government. provides also a brief comment by FHRUL deputy B.Cilзviиs: Уthe closure of the Mission will ease the work of our politicians. Further decisions will be taken without witnessesФ. He also states that the Mission in Riga played the role of the mediator between the opposition parties and the government. The most popular politician in Latvia for November remains the President Vaira Vонe-Freiberga, while the stable second place held by the central banker Einars Repрe has fallen to fourth with his would-be party not even founded yet, according to polls carried out in November by SKDS. Second place is held by Parliament Speaker Janis Straume on 23.9%, followed by New faction parliament member Ingrida Udre on 20 %. Riga Mayor G.Bojars saw a significant fall from fourth to eighth in November, with his father J.Bojars, head of the Social Democratic Workers Party down 9.1%. The least most popular politicians in November were again the head of the left-wing Equality party Tatjana Zdanoka, head of the Socialist Party Alfreds Rubiks, and former prime minister and head of the People's Party Andris Skele.

The most popular politician in Latvia for November remains the President Vaira Vонe-Freiberga, while the stable second place held by the central banker Einars Repрe has fallen to fourth with his would-be party not even founded yet, according to polls carried out in November by SKDS. Second place is held by Parliament Speaker Janis Straume on 23.9%, followed by New faction parliament member Ingrida Udre on 20 %. Riga Mayor G.Bojars saw a significant fall from fourth to eighth in November, with his father J.Bojars, head of the Social Democratic Workers Party down 9.1%. The least most popular politicians in November were again the head of the left-wing Equality party Tatjana Zdanoka, head of the Socialist Party Alfreds Rubiks, and former prime minister and head of the People's Party Andris Skele.

The Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party has regained the lead as the most popular party in Latvia with 13.4 % support. The previous number one party of E.Repse fell second on 13.1 %, leaving the People's Party third on 10.7 %. Latvian Way fell fourth to 9.4 %, followed by the left-wing For Human Rights in a United Latvia alliance, receiving 8.4 %, and the right-from-center for FF/LNNK still in sixth place on 7.1 %.

The Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party has regained the lead as the most popular party in Latvia with 13.4 % support. The previous number one party of E.Repse fell second on 13.1 %, leaving the People's Party third on 10.7 %. Latvian Way fell fourth to 9.4 %, followed by the left-wing For Human Rights in a United Latvia alliance, receiving 8.4 %, and the right-from-center for FF/LNNK still in sixth place on 7.1 %. Diena, Neatkariga

Diena

writes that the Constitution Protection Office had filed to the National Security Council intelligence on the possible "information war" launched by Russia against Latvia to blackmail Latvia in the eyes of NATO. Existence of such intelligence was affirmed to the newspaper by Defense Minister Girts Valdis Kristovskis while other officials were evasive saying the information was secret. Latvia's top national security agency or Constitution Protection Office (CPO) avoids to comment on its actions after reports about possible information campaign of Russia against Latvia were made public saying it has not affirmed these reports are true. CPO chief Lainis Kamaldins on the phone declined to comment to BNS the information published by Diena. BNSwrites that the Constitution Protection Office had filed to the National Security Council intelligence on the possible "information war" launched by Russia against Latvia to blackmail Latvia in the eyes of NATO. Existence of such intelligence was affirmed to the newspaper by Defense Minister Girts Valdis Kristovskis while other officials were evasive saying the information was secret. Latvia's top national security agency or Constitution Protection Office (CPO) avoids to comment on its actions after reports about possible information campaign of Russia against Latvia were made public saying it has not affirmed these reports are true. CPO chief Lainis Kamaldins on the phone declined to comment to BNS the information published by Diena. BNS

Vesti Segodnja

asks opinions of Latvian and Russian politicians about the matter. Latvian MPs, members of FF/LNNK and Social Democrats, think that it is possible, but RussiaТs politician and Russian State Duma Governmental Commission advisor deny possibility of such УwarФ and say that Уprobably the Baltic Countries have learned that they are not going to be admitted to NATO and therefore are preparing ground to blame Moscow for this failureФ. asks opinions of Latvian and Russian politicians about the matter. Latvian MPs, members of FF/LNNK and Social Democrats, think that it is possible, but RussiaТs politician and Russian State Duma Governmental Commission advisor deny possibility of such УwarФ and say that Уprobably the Baltic Countries have learned that they are not going to be admitted to NATO and therefore are preparing ground to blame Moscow for this failureФ.

Telegraf

deputy editor-in-chief comments on possible effectiveness of Public Awareness and Citizenship Promotion Campaign. He thinks that it would be better to distribute the amount invested in the Campaign directly to non-citizens. deputy editor-in-chief comments on possible effectiveness of Public Awareness and Citizenship Promotion Campaign. He thinks that it would be better to distribute the amount invested in the Campaign directly to non-citizens. State President V.Vike-Freiberga shares her experience of learning the Russian language with

State President V.Vike-Freiberga shares her experience of learning the Russian language with Vesti Segodnja.

Chas

informs about one of the activities in the framework of the Public Awareness Campaign - the information booth in one of the suburbs of Riga where interested people can acquire information about the possibilities to acquire Latvian citizenship. informs about one of the activities in the framework of the Public Awareness Campaign - the information booth in one of the suburbs of Riga where interested people can acquire information about the possibilities to acquire Latvian citizenship. Chas provides some responses of yesterdayТs on-line discussion УWhy I (do not) take naturalisation examination to receive Latvian citizenshipФ. There were different opinions, however, the majority of participants felt offended that Уthey were promised citizenship, but it stayed only the promiseФ.

Chas provides some responses of yesterdayТs on-line discussion УWhy I (do not) take naturalisation examination to receive Latvian citizenshipФ. There were different opinions, however, the majority of participants felt offended that Уthey were promised citizenship, but it stayed only the promiseФ.

Panorama Latvii

gives editorial regarding the closure of the Missions to Latvia and Estonia. The author refers to the changes in the Election Laws adopted by the Estonian Parliament and LatviaТs stance regarding its Election Law. gives editorial regarding the closure of the Missions to Latvia and Estonia. The author refers to the changes in the Election Laws adopted by the Estonian Parliament and LatviaТs stance regarding its Election Law. Latvian foreign minister I.Berzins met with his Austrian counterpart Benita Ferrero-Waldner. Among other discussion subjects the foreign ministers discussed the feasible closure of the OSCE Mission to Latvia by the end of the year. The Austrian foreign affairs minister noted LatviaТs progress in the field of national minorities and human rights protection, as well as expressed understanding about LatviaТs wish to close the OSCE Mission.

Latvian foreign minister I.Berzins met with his Austrian counterpart Benita Ferrero-Waldner. Among other discussion subjects the foreign ministers discussed the feasible closure of the OSCE Mission to Latvia by the end of the year. The Austrian foreign affairs minister noted LatviaТs progress in the field of national minorities and human rights protection, as well as expressed understanding about LatviaТs wish to close the OSCE Mission. Latvijas Vestnesis