Press Report

Press Report

D.Araja in

D.Araja in Diena writes that there has been little research done on that part of electorate that received Latvian citizenship through naturalization process, and therefor it is difficult to foresee what political party would be their choice. Most likely the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia hopes for these voters, because during their visit to Moscow MPs already started to discuss the possible co-operation with the local municipality. Ethnic issues specialists and leaders of national minority NGOs are not so sure in their forecasts. They think that the new citizens will not concentrate on one political power but look into the direction of left and center parties. Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center Director N.Muiznieks considers that the new citizens could vote mainly for 5 lists – For Human Rights in United Latvia, Latvian Way, Latvian Democratic Party, Peoples Party and Russian Party.

Union FF/LNNK will ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins to arrive to the faction’s meeting and explain his opinion on Latvian legionnaires. The Union has received a letter for the Society of National Soldiers where the former legionnaires express their incomprehension about what they see as contemptuous statements, made by the Minister in the newspaper

Union FF/LNNK will ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins to arrive to the factions meeting and explain his opinion on Latvian legionnaires. The Union has received a letter for the Society of National Soldiers where the former legionnaires express their incomprehension about what they see as contemptuous statements, made by the Minister in the newspaper Lauku Avize, on the Latvian SS Legion. Diena, Neatkariga

The leader of the Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans told Diena that it was too ear to start talking about a general change of mood in Latvian – Russian relations. Representative of Russian government expressed their wish to intensify negotiations, but there was still a long way to arrange economic relations because they wanted to stress also human rights issues, especially ratification of framework convention on national minorities and elaborating its norms into the existent legislation on social and political rights of residents.

The leader of the Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans told Diena that it was too ear to start talking about a general change of mood in Latvian – Russian relations. Representative of Russian government expressed their wish to intensify negotiations, but there was still a long way to arrange economic relations because they wanted to stress also human rights issues, especially ratification of framework convention on national minorities and elaborating its norms into the existent legislation on social and political rights of residents. Diena

President V.Vike-Freiberga does not find the visit of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia to Moscow as anything extraordinary. Nevertheless the President found the fact that the Russian Prime Minister received the delegation as not corresponding to the diplomatic practice.

President V.Vike-Freiberga does not find the visit of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia to Moscow as anything extraordinary. Nevertheless the President found the fact that the Russian Prime Minister received the delegation as not corresponding to the diplomatic practice. Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii

Panorama Latvii

interviewed Deputy Mayor of Moscow A.Perelygin on the results of Latvian opposition delegation visit to the government of Moscow. This meeting had a practical side as well both parties discussed a possibility for Latvian construction companies to take part in a tender on construction a residential complex in Moscow. interviewed Deputy Mayor of Moscow A.Perelygin on the results of Latvian opposition delegation visit to the government of Moscow. This meeting had a practical side as well both parties discussed a possibility for Latvian construction companies to take part in a tender on construction a residential complex in Moscow. During his farewell visit to the Latvian Saeima Speaker J.Straume Russian Ambassador A.Udaltsov said that a dialog between Russia and Latvia had been started on the highest level and it was important let the recent discussions of both presidents had a concrete and practical continuation.

During his farewell visit to the Latvian Saeima Speaker J.Straume Russian Ambassador A.Udaltsov said that a dialog between Russia and Latvia had been started on the highest level and it was important let the recent discussions of both presidents had a concrete and practical continuation. Neatkariga

Saeima Speaker J.Straume together with the Saeima delegation started an official visit to Finland. During this visit they will have meetings with Finnish Parliament Speaker R.Osulkainen, political groups in the Parliament and President T.Halonen.

Saeima Speaker J.Straume together with the Saeima delegation started an official visit to Finland. During this visit they will have meetings with Finnish Parliament Speaker R.Osulkainen, political groups in the Parliament and President T.Halonen. Neatkariga, Rigas Balss

A.Arbatov, Deputy Chairman of Russian National Council Defense Commission thinks that Russia has changed her priorities in relations with the Baltic States. Both in economic and military fields. With the new President relations with former USSR republics have become more serious in these both fields.

A.Arbatov, Deputy Chairman of Russian National Council Defense Commission thinks that Russia has changed her priorities in relations with the Baltic States. Both in economic and military fields. With the new President relations with former USSR republics have become more serious in these both fields. Respublika

In her press interview to Latvian Radio President V.Vike-Freiberga spoke about Latvian – Russian relations and their future. Latvian party could expect from Russia a certain change that would allow starting solving several exact bilateral co-operation issues; a whole set of agreements had remained without any development and reaction from Russian side, starting with border agreement and the still valid draft law on imposing economic sanctions against Latvia. From Latvian side Latvian authorities could work more seriously trying to explain what was the real situation in the fields that worry Russia very much.

In her press interview to Latvian Radio President V.Vike-Freiberga spoke about Latvian – Russian relations and their future. Latvian party could expect from Russia a certain change that would allow starting solving several exact bilateral co-operation issues; a whole set of agreements had remained without any development and reaction from Russian side, starting with border agreement and the still valid draft law on imposing economic sanctions against Latvia. From Latvian side Latvian authorities could work more seriously trying to explain what was the real situation in the fields that worry Russia very much. Latvijas Vestnesis

Press Report

Press Report

D.Araja in

D.Araja in Diena writes that there has been little research done on that part of electorate that received Latvian citizenship through naturalization process, and therefor it is difficult to foresee what political party would be their choice. Most likely the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia hopes for these voters, because during their visit to Moscow MPs already started to discuss the possible co-operation with the local municipality. Ethnic issues specialists and leaders of national minority NGOs are not so sure in their forecasts. They think that the new citizens will not concentrate on one political power but look into the direction of left and center parties. Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center Director N.Muiznieks considers that the new citizens could vote mainly for 5 lists – For Human Rights in United Latvia, Latvian Way, Latvian Democratic Party, Peoples Party and Russian Party.

Union FF/LNNK will ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins to arrive to the faction’s meeting and explain his opinion on Latvian legionnaires. The Union has received a letter for the Society of National Soldiers where the former legionnaires express their incomprehension about what they see as contemptuous statements, made by the Minister in the newspaper

Union FF/LNNK will ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins to arrive to the factions meeting and explain his opinion on Latvian legionnaires. The Union has received a letter for the Society of National Soldiers where the former legionnaires express their incomprehension about what they see as contemptuous statements, made by the Minister in the newspaper Lauku Avize, on the Latvian SS Legion. Diena, Neatkariga

The leader of the Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans told Diena that it was too ear to start talking about a general change of mood in Latvian – Russian relations. Representative of Russian government expressed their wish to intensify negotiations, but there was still a long way to arrange economic relations because they wanted to stress also human rights issues, especially ratification of framework convention on national minorities and elaborating its norms into the existent legislation on social and political rights of residents.

The leader of the Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans told Diena that it was too ear to start talking about a general change of mood in Latvian – Russian relations. Representative of Russian government expressed their wish to intensify negotiations, but there was still a long way to arrange economic relations because they wanted to stress also human rights issues, especially ratification of framework convention on national minorities and elaborating its norms into the existent legislation on social and political rights of residents. Diena

President V.Vike-Freiberga does not find the visit of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia to Moscow as anything extraordinary. Nevertheless the President found the fact that the Russian Prime Minister received the delegation as not corresponding to the diplomatic practice.

President V.Vike-Freiberga does not find the visit of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia to Moscow as anything extraordinary. Nevertheless the President found the fact that the Russian Prime Minister received the delegation as not corresponding to the diplomatic practice. Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii

Panorama Latvii

interviewed Deputy Mayor of Moscow A.Perelygin on the results of Latvian opposition delegation visit to the government of Moscow. This meeting had a practical side as well both parties discussed a possibility for Latvian construction companies to take part in a tender on construction a residential complex in Moscow. interviewed Deputy Mayor of Moscow A.Perelygin on the results of Latvian opposition delegation visit to the government of Moscow. This meeting had a practical side as well both parties discussed a possibility for Latvian construction companies to take part in a tender on construction a residential complex in Moscow. During his farewell visit to the Latvian Saeima Speaker J.Straume Russian Ambassador A.Udaltsov said that a dialog between Russia and Latvia had been started on the highest level and it was important let the recent discussions of both presidents had a concrete and practical continuation.

During his farewell visit to the Latvian Saeima Speaker J.Straume Russian Ambassador A.Udaltsov said that a dialog between Russia and Latvia had been started on the highest level and it was important let the recent discussions of both presidents had a concrete and practical continuation. Neatkariga

Saeima Speaker J.Straume together with the Saeima delegation started an official visit to Finland. During this visit they will have meetings with Finnish Parliament Speaker R.Osulkainen, political groups in the Parliament and President T.Halonen.

Saeima Speaker J.Straume together with the Saeima delegation started an official visit to Finland. During this visit they will have meetings with Finnish Parliament Speaker R.Osulkainen, political groups in the Parliament and President T.Halonen. Neatkariga, Rigas Balss

A.Arbatov, Deputy Chairman of Russian National Council Defense Commission thinks that Russia has changed her priorities in relations with the Baltic States. Both in economic and military fields. With the new President relations with former USSR republics have become more serious in these both fields.

A.Arbatov, Deputy Chairman of Russian National Council Defense Commission thinks that Russia has changed her priorities in relations with the Baltic States. Both in economic and military fields. With the new President relations with former USSR republics have become more serious in these both fields. Respublika

In her press interview to Latvian Radio President V.Vike-Freiberga spoke about Latvian – Russian relations and their future. Latvian party could expect from Russia a certain change that would allow starting solving several exact bilateral co-operation issues; a whole set of agreements had remained without any development and reaction from Russian side, starting with border agreement and the still valid draft law on imposing economic sanctions against Latvia. From Latvian side Latvian authorities could work more seriously trying to explain what was the real situation in the fields that worry Russia very much.

In her press interview to Latvian Radio President V.Vike-Freiberga spoke about Latvian – Russian relations and their future. Latvian party could expect from Russia a certain change that would allow starting solving several exact bilateral co-operation issues; a whole set of agreements had remained without any development and reaction from Russian side, starting with border agreement and the still valid draft law on imposing economic sanctions against Latvia. From Latvian side Latvian authorities could work more seriously trying to explain what was the real situation in the fields that worry Russia very much. Latvijas Vestnesis

Press Report

The newspapers

The newspapers Diena and Chas introduce their readers with the candidate list and program of Christian Democrats for Riga City Council election.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins considers that the visit of the union For Human Rights in United Latvia will not influence the total process of Latvian – Russian relations. I.Berzins said that Russia realized well the status of this delegation representing only one opposition party.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins considers that the visit of the union For Human Rights in United Latvia will not influence the total process of Latvian – Russian relations. I.Berzins said that Russia realized well the status of this delegation representing only one opposition party. Neatkariga

Respublika

informs that during the meeting of J.Jurkans with Russian Prime Minister they discussed Latvian – Russian relations stressing the situation with Russian speaking population. With every visit of For Human Rights in United Latvia in Moscow the level of meeting gets higher. And judging from the reaction of some Latvian officials, it is clear that they are envious for this success of the opposition.

With every visit of For Human Rights in United Latvia in Moscow the level of meeting gets higher. And judging from the reaction of some Latvian officials, it is clear that they are envious for this success of the opposition. Vesti Segodnya

Newspaper

Newspaper Chas interviewed MP from the New Faction I.Udre. Ms. Udre thinks that the present situation when any decision is taken neither by the Saeima nor government but by some unconstitutional institution – Coalition Council, does to correspond to the Latvian constitution – Satversme. Now the Saeima has lost its meaning, even for the state budget it is responsible just formally. It means that the Satversme has to be changed but not amended.

The candidates for the local government election who so far did not have the state language proficiency certificate from this Thursday will be able to take the state language test at the Riga Commission. The deadline for taking the test is March 1.

The candidates for the local government election who so far did not have the state language proficiency certificate from this Thursday will be able to take the state language test at the Riga Commission. The deadline for taking the test is March 1. Chas

The Head of Latvian bordergards General G.Dabolins thinks that activities of Latvian bordergards are hindered by the fact that faking Latvian citizen’s passports is so simple. From 36 persons, detained by bordergards last year for producing fake identity documents, 25 had fake Latvian citizen’s passports. Only at the Riga international airport there is equipment allowing to distinguish forged identity documents. Everywhere else bordergards have to inspect IDs just with the naked eye.

The Head of Latvian bordergards General G.Dabolins thinks that activities of Latvian bordergards are hindered by the fact that faking Latvian citizens passports is so simple. From 36 persons, detained by bordergards last year for producing fake identity documents, 25 had fake Latvian citizens passports. Only at the Riga international airport there is equipment allowing to distinguish forged identity documents. Everywhere else bordergards have to inspect IDs just with the naked eye. Chas

Just before leaving for an official visit to Moscow Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins told journalists about the priorities of it. First of all – to resume the activities of Latvian – Russian intergovernmental Commission, second – to develop contacts on the highest level possible, especially between the Presidents. And one more news that on March 27-28 will take place a meeting of the co-Chairmen of the Latvian - Russian Inter-governmental commission.

Just before leaving for an official visit to Moscow Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins told journalists about the priorities of it. First of all – to resume the activities of Latvian – Russian intergovernmental Commission, second – to develop contacts on the highest level possible, especially between the Presidents. And one more news that on March 27-28 will take place a meeting of the co-Chairmen of the Latvian - Russian Inter-governmental commission. Respublika

Press Report

Press Report

The originally low profile visit of the left wing Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia to Moscow turned out to be a rather high level event. During it Latvian MP J.Jurkans had a separate meeting with the highest officials of the Russian National Council, President’s administration and the government. At the end of this visit even Russian Prime Minister M.Kasyanov agreed for a half an hour meeting with Latvian MPs. During this meeting they discussed Latvian – Russian relations. At the same time the Saeima Foreign Affairs Commission dissociated itself from the content of these meetings, stating that nobody had authorized this delegation to express the point of view of Latvia.

The originally low profile visit of the left wing Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia to Moscow turned out to be a rather high level event. During it Latvian MP J.Jurkans had a separate meeting with the highest officials of the Russian National Council, Presidents administration and the government. At the end of this visit even Russian Prime Minister M.Kasyanov agreed for a half an hour meeting with Latvian MPs. During this meeting they discussed Latvian – Russian relations. At the same time the Saeima Foreign Affairs Commission dissociated itself from the content of these meetings, stating that nobody had authorized this delegation to express the point of view of Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga

A.Lejins, Director of Latvian Foreign Policy Institute, analyses the Latvian foreign policy priorities, stating that Latvia has made the correct choice deciding to join EU and NATO. The example of what could have happen to Latvia if it decided to join CIS countries is the situation in Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.

A.Lejins, Director of Latvian Foreign Policy Institute, analyses the Latvian foreign policy priorities, stating that Latvia has made the correct choice deciding to join EU and NATO. The example of what could have happen to Latvia if it decided to join CIS countries is the situation in Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. Diena

FF/LNNK deputies G.Krasts and Dz.Rasnacs, the possible allies of Latvian Social Democrats in their vote of non-confidence to the Minister of Economics A.Kalvitis, decided to observe the coalition agreement and not to vote for the draft decision on expressing non-confidence to the Minister of Economics, proposed by the Social Democrats.

FF/LNNK deputies G.Krasts and Dz.Rasnacs, the possible allies of Latvian Social Democrats in their vote of non-confidence to the Minister of Economics A.Kalvitis, decided to observe the coalition agreement and not to vote for the draft decision on expressing non-confidence to the Minister of Economics, proposed by the Social Democrats. Diena, Neatkariga

Yesterday representatives of the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia hold a press conference where they explained journalists the necessity to establish the Council on Non-citizens’ Affairs in Riga. According to calculations even after10 years there will be several hundred thousand non-citizens in Latvia. There is such a council already in Venspils, and several years ago European experts recommended Latvian authorities to give non-citizens the right of vote in local government election.

Yesterday representatives of the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia hold a press conference where they explained journalists the necessity to establish the Council on Non-citizens Affairs in Riga. According to calculations even after10 years there will be several hundred thousand non-citizens in Latvia. There is such a council already in Venspils, and several years ago European experts recommended Latvian authorities to give non-citizens the right of vote in local government election. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

FHRUL faction Chairman J.Jurkans in the framework of his visit to Moscow gave an interview for RTR – Russia’s TV channel.

FHRUL faction Chairman J.Jurkans in the framework of his visit to Moscow gave an interview for RTR – Russias TV channel. Diena writes In general J.Jurkans remains faithful to the usual complaints about the hard life of non-citizens in Latvia. In the opinion of some politicians of FF/LNNK and Peoples Party these visits are harmful to the development of normal relations between the countries. The Saeima has sent an official letter to Russias State Duma stating that it is not an official delegation from Latvias Saeima. Chas, Panorama Latvii

Belgium Prime Minister Guy Verkofstadt praises Latvia’s progress in harmonising legislation, especially the one, which concerns minorities, in its way to the EU. He expressed determination to close as many negation talks’ sections as possible during Belgium Presidency. Belgium Prime Minister informed that during his meeting with the President one of the discussion subjects was also relation between Russia and Latvia.

Belgium Prime Minister Guy Verkofstadt praises Latvias progress in harmonising legislation, especially the one, which concerns minorities, in its way to the EU. He expressed determination to close as many negation talks sections as possible during Belgium Presidency. Belgium Prime Minister informed that during his meeting with the President one of the discussion subjects was also relation between Russia and Latvia. Diena, Jauna, Neatkariga, Respublika

The amendments to the Radio and Television Law probably will not be implemented in the reality, as Committee on European Affairs Chairman E.Ikens is considering a possibility to ask the President not to promulgate the Law and return it to the Saeima. On Thursday the Saeima adopted the following amendments to the Law – not less than 40% of European audio visual works has to be in Latvian during one week and that as of 2006 particularly important events for Latvia’s society could be aired only by such television companies, which cover 90% of Latvia’s territory.

The amendments to the Radio and Television Law probably will not be implemented in the reality, as Committee on European Affairs Chairman E.Ikens is considering a possibility to ask the President not to promulgate the Law and return it to the Saeima. On Thursday the Saeima adopted the following amendments to the Law – not less than 40% of European audio visual works has to be in Latvian during one week and that as of 2006 particularly important events for Latvias society could be aired only by such television companies, which cover 90% of Latvias territory. Diena

USA President G.Bush has sent a letter to the President of Latvia where confirms the will of the USA to continue co-operation between the two countries.

USA President G.Bush has sent a letter to the President of Latvia where confirms the will of the USA to continue co-operation between the two countries. Neatkariga

The new General Consul of Russia to Liepaja J.Popov gives a short interview. As his main task he considers protection the rights of “his citizens”.

The new General Consul of Russia to Liepaja J.Popov gives a short interview. As his main task he considers protection the rights of his citizens.

Panorama Latvii

devotes a whole page to the discussions of the issues concerning the establishment of the Consultative Council on Non-citizen Affairs at Riga City Council. devotes a whole page to the discussions of the issues concerning the establishment of the Consultative Council on Non-citizen Affairs at Riga City Council. Latvia’s teachers of the Russian language went to Pskov. They have meetings with Russian language teachers, officials of Russia’s education administration.

Latvias teachers of the Russian language went to Pskov. They have meetings with Russian language teachers, officials of Russias education administration. Panorama Latvii

The conference “Russia and the EU” was launched yesterday in Moscow. The question for Russia is in what kind of relations Russia has to engage with the EU - should it be co-operation or membership. The Baltic States were mentioned quite often during the first day of the conference as these countries “are turning into a proving ground for improving relations among the USA, Europe and Latvia”.

The conference Russia and the EU was launched yesterday in Moscow. The question for Russia is in what kind of relations Russia has to engage with the EU - should it be co-operation or membership. The Baltic States were mentioned quite often during the first day of the conference as these countries are turning into a proving ground for improving relations among the USA, Europe and Latvia. Respublika