LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

In opening the 46th Latvian Intelligentsia Conference in Riga on Friday President Vaira Vike-Freiberga called on intellectuals to participate in the debate on national development and Latvia’s integration into the EU and NATO, pointing out that this year will be crucial for Latvia - whether the state continues its development or lags behind other countries. In the President's view, there is still much to do in enforcing democracy in Latvia in order to enter NATO. She expressed her readiness to oppose anyone who believes that there is no hurry to join the EU and NATO, because "the price we are requested for the EU and NATO membership is normal."

In opening the 46th Latvian Intelligentsia Conference in Riga on Friday President Vaira Vike-Freiberga called on intellectuals to participate in the debate on national development and Latvias integration into the EU and NATO, pointing out that this year will be crucial for Latvia - whether the state continues its development or lags behind other countries. In the President's view, there is still much to do in enforcing democracy in Latvia in order to enter NATO. She expressed her readiness to oppose anyone who believes that there is no hurry to join the EU and NATO, because "the price we are requested for the EU and NATO membership is normal."

The President also voiced that if Latvia remains outside NATO then the country could follow the course of undemocratic development as it has happened with Moldova.

The President also voiced that if Latvia remains outside NATO then the country could follow the course of undemocratic development as it has happened with Moldova. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Panorama Latvii

The working group composed of the members of Saeima’s ruling parties will develop a joint proposal of the amendments to the Satversme aimed at securing the status of the state language in Latvia. The Coalition Board does not discuss the possible amendments to election laws. Last Friday parties presented their proposals and they do not exclude each other. Latvia’s Way’s suggest that each MP undertaking his/her duties in the Saeima takes a solemn oath in the state language where s/he promises to be loyal to the Republic of Latvia, defend its sovereignty and state language, secure Latvia as a democratic and independent country, observe the Satversme and other laws, including the State Language Law. If a deputy refuses to take an oath, s/he looses the mandate. People’s Party suggest to secure the State Language Law with the Status of a Constitutional Law. FF/LNNK suggests to introduce to the Satversme the norm, which provides for that the working language at state and municipal institutions is the Latvian language. They also want to add to the Satversme the norm, which provides for that non-citizens do not have rights to participate at municipal election.

The working group composed of the members of Saeimas ruling parties will develop a joint proposal of the amendments to the Satversme aimed at securing the status of the state language in Latvia. The Coalition Board does not discuss the possible amendments to election laws. Last Friday parties presented their proposals and they do not exclude each other. Latvias Ways suggest that each MP undertaking his/her duties in the Saeima takes a solemn oath in the state language where s/he promises to be loyal to the Republic of Latvia, defend its sovereignty and state language, secure Latvia as a democratic and independent country, observe the Satversme and other laws, including the State Language Law. If a deputy refuses to take an oath, s/he looses the mandate. Peoples Party suggest to secure the State Language Law with the Status of a Constitutional Law. FF/LNNK suggests to introduce to the Satversme the norm, which provides for that the working language at state and municipal institutions is the Latvian language. They also want to add to the Satversme the norm, which provides for that non-citizens do not have rights to participate at municipal election. Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Vesti Segodnja

Political scientist Konrads Sondors looks into the changes regarding the election system introduced to the Latvian Constitution in the course of 80 years since the Constitution was adopted. He concludes that during last 12 years no changes have been introduced to the Satversme and he calls experts to come up with the proposals regarding better election systems.

Political scientist Konrads Sondors looks into the changes regarding the election system introduced to the Latvian Constitution in the course of 80 years since the Constitution was adopted. He concludes that during last 12 years no changes have been introduced to the Satversme and he calls experts to come up with the proposals regarding better election systems. Neatkariga

Latvia’s ambassador to the USA Aivis Ronis is invited to participate at the joint meeting of Saeima’s Defense Committee and Foreign Policy Committee next week to provide explanations regarding the statements that the USA would not support Latvia’s NATO bid if language requirement for election candidates is not removed from election laws. MPs want to hear an accurate information who, where and when has made such statements.

Latvias ambassador to the USA Aivis Ronis is invited to participate at the joint meeting of Saeimas Defense Committee and Foreign Policy Committee next week to provide explanations regarding the statements that the USA would not support Latvias NATO bid if language requirement for election candidates is not removed from election laws. MPs want to hear an accurate information who, where and when has made such statements. Lauku Avize

The Latvian Prosecutor General department working on the recently discovered citizenship selling case, has produced the first charges on 15 February, expecting to launch criminal investigation against seven people, including two from the Naturalization Board, for bribery, mediating bribery and abuse of position.

The Latvian Prosecutor General department working on the recently discovered citizenship selling case, has produced the first charges on 15 February, expecting to launch criminal investigation against seven people, including two from the Naturalization Board, for bribery, mediating bribery and abuse of position. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Vesti Segodnja

looks into the program of Einârs Repses party New Era. The newspaper concludes that partys program concerning education, science, social and health care presents the values of the left-wing parties, however, partys program on financial and economical issues is definitely the model of right wing parties. looks into the program of Einârs Repse’s party New Era. The newspaper concludes that party’s program concerning education, science, social and health care presents the values of the left-wing parties, however, party’s program on financial and economical issues is definitely the model of right wing parties.

Chas

informs about the conference The Role of National-Cultural Communities in the Integration of Cultures. The newspaper believes that the main problem in this field is the lack of funding as the state has allotted only 14 thousand lats for national cultural communities within 10 years, as well as legislation on national minorities should be adopted providing for equal rights for all members of society. The speakers talked about the poor quality of national organizations, the negative role of means of mass media writing in Russian. Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Research Center director Nils Muiznieks discussed whether Latvia needs to ratify the Framework Convention. He informed that the Center is going to launch a national discussion about the issue. MP Boriss Cilevics when assessing the conference says the overall impression is that people who have power are trying to implement the concept which is already doomed. informs about the conference “The Role of National-Cultural Communities in the Integration of Cultures.” The newspaper believes that the main problem in this field is the lack of funding as the state has allotted only 14 thousand lats for national cultural communities within 10 years, as well as legislation on national minorities should be adopted providing for equal rights for all members of society. The speakers talked about the “poor quality” of national organizations, the negative role of means of mass media writing in Russian. Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Research Center director Nils Muiznieks discussed whether Latvia needs to ratify the Framework Convention. He informed that the Center is going to launch a national discussion about the issue. MP Boriss Cilevics when assessing the conference says “the overall impression is that people who have power are trying to implement the concept which is already doomed.” Panorama LatviiPanorama Latvii Friday the second part of the conference “Russian Dialogue: New Page. Mutual Trust” organized by the organization Western Russians was held in Riga. Only two speakers and 6 representatives of mass media participated at the conference.

Friday the second part of the conference Russian Dialogue: New Page. Mutual Trust organized by the organization Western Russians was held in Riga. Only two speakers and 6 representatives of mass media participated at the conference. Chas

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

The new Latvian ambassador to Estonia, Edgars Skuja, on Thursday presented his credentials to Estonian President Arnold Ruutel.

The new Latvian ambassador to Estonia, Edgars Skuja, on Thursday presented his credentials to Estonian President Arnold Ruutel. BNS

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will propose that Saeima amend the parliamentary and municipal election laws if her initiative is supported by the ruling coalition parties. The president has already commented on the election laws' point on state language tests for candidates for Saeima and municipal seats, ruling coalition parties must now come to agreement on the matter, the president told reporters after her meeting with Prime Minister Andris Berzins today. The government parties are set for a thorough evaluation of the proposed amendments, tomorrow, another meeting of the ruling coalition parties will be held to decide if ruling coalition partners are ready to enhance protection of the Latvian language in the Constitution and lift the requirement in the election laws, Berzins said. Enhancing the status of the state language in the Constitution is good if the ruling coalition parties thus decide and if it diminishes public concern about the state language, the president added. Vike-Freiberga believes however that there already is an effective system in Latvia which provides sufficient protection of the state language, and the people's concern about any threats to the state language are unjustified, the president stressed.

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will propose that Saeima amend the parliamentary and municipal election laws if her initiative is supported by the ruling coalition parties. The president has already commented on the election laws' point on state language tests for candidates for Saeima and municipal seats, ruling coalition parties must now come to agreement on the matter, the president told reporters after her meeting with Prime Minister Andris Berzins today. The government parties are set for a thorough evaluation of the proposed amendments, tomorrow, another meeting of the ruling coalition parties will be held to decide if ruling coalition partners are ready to enhance protection of the Latvian language in the Constitution and lift the requirement in the election laws, Berzins said. Enhancing the status of the state language in the Constitution is good if the ruling coalition parties thus decide and if it diminishes public concern about the state language, the president added. Vike-Freiberga believes however that there already is an effective system in Latvia which provides sufficient protection of the state language, and the people's concern about any threats to the state language are unjustified, the president stressed. LETA

Lauku Avize

interviews the Head of the Naturalization Board E.Aldermane about the consequences on the last scandal with the Boards employees. E.Aldermane thinks that due to those two corrupted people the rest should not walk with lowered heads. Cases with illegally received citizenship are just few, not more than ten, maybe even four or five. And next week the Naturalization Board plans to greet the 50 000th naturalized citizen. interviews the Head of the Naturalization Board E.Aldermane about the consequences on the last scandal with the Board’s employees. E.Aldermane thinks that due to those two corrupted people the rest should not walk with lowered heads. Cases with illegally received citizenship are just few, not more than ten, maybe even four or five. And next week the Naturalization Board plans to greet the 50 000th naturalized citizen. For Human Rights in United Latvia announced a contest of compositions for high school students and their teachers, and the theme is integration of the society (mainly language integration). Compositions will be accepted both in the Latvian and Russian languages.

For Human Rights in United Latvia announced a contest of compositions for high school students and their teachers, and the theme is integration of the society (mainly language integration). Compositions will be accepted both in the Latvian and Russian languages. Chas

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins thinks that Latvia has no other option but to integrate into EU and NATO as soon as possible. He is sure that Latvia will be invited to NATO this November in Prague. To ensure this event Latvia will have to abolish the language proficiency norm in the election laws. And this demand was known a long time ago. Also the process of public integration is monitored by Latvia’s Western partners. I.Berzins has come to a conclusion that Russian President V.Putin has changed his position and does not objects Latvia’s joining NATO and assured that in principle Latvia had good relations with Russia.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins thinks that Latvia has no other option but to integrate into EU and NATO as soon as possible. He is sure that Latvia will be invited to NATO this November in Prague. To ensure this event Latvia will have to abolish the language proficiency norm in the election laws. And this demand was known a long time ago. Also the process of public integration is monitored by Latvias Western partners. I.Berzins has come to a conclusion that Russian President V.Putin has changed his position and does not objects Latvias joining NATO and assured that in principle Latvia had good relations with Russia. Vesti Segodnya

In Latvia still exist differences in rights not only between citizens and non-citizens but also between citizens and citizens. Yesterday the Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia tried to correct the situation by asking to amend the laws on legal profession, public notary office and prosecutor’s office. According to the current legislation only those persons may be employed as assessors in legal profession and public notary offices, who have graduated the Faculty of Law of University of Latvia. MP Y.Pliner called this phenomenon discrimination. There are thousands of young lawyers, who have graduated other higher education institutions. Disregarding this evident fact of discrimination, and the majority just abstained from voting.

In Latvia still exist differences in rights not only between citizens and non-citizens but also between citizens and citizens. Yesterday the Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia tried to correct the situation by asking to amend the laws on legal profession, public notary office and prosecutors office. According to the current legislation only those persons may be employed as assessors in legal profession and public notary offices, who have graduated the Faculty of Law of University of Latvia. MP Y.Pliner called this phenomenon discrimination. There are thousands of young lawyers, who have graduated other higher education institutions. Disregarding this evident fact of discrimination, and the majority just abstained from voting. Vesti Segodnya

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

Russian ex-military's wife Tatyana Slivenko and her representative at the European Court of Human Rights believe the adjournment announced by the court in the legal proceeding until the next sitting is needed for reaching settlement with the Latvian state. "Formally the case has now reached the stage of the settlement talks between parties," Tatyana Slivenko told BNS Wednesday. The family's lawyers have not ruled out the Latvian government will try to solve the dispute by paying a certain amount of money. But Tatyana Slivenko said "money is the last provision under the claim". The family still insists it wants the right to return in Latvia for permanent stay as well as wants its apartment be returned or an equal apartment granted in its stead. The amount of compensation demanded by Slivenko family is 400,000 Euro. Tatyana Slivenko said it is the amount the family is ready to discuss with the Latvian government.

Russian ex-military's wife Tatyana Slivenko and her representative at the European Court of Human Rights believe the adjournment announced by the court in the legal proceeding until the next sitting is needed for reaching settlement with the Latvian state. "Formally the case has now reached the stage of the settlement talks between parties," Tatyana Slivenko told BNS Wednesday. The family's lawyers have not ruled out the Latvian government will try to solve the dispute by paying a certain amount of money. But Tatyana Slivenko said "money is the last provision under the claim". The family still insists it wants the right to return in Latvia for permanent stay as well as wants its apartment be returned or an equal apartment granted in its stead. The amount of compensation demanded by Slivenko family is 400,000 Euro. Tatyana Slivenko said it is the amount the family is ready to discuss with the Latvian government. BNS

The more farmland in Latvia belongs to foreign citizens, the greater the guarantee for our country's security, Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins told the Saeima emergency session yesterday on defending national interests in agriculture. According to Berzins, this does not mean that he openly supports selling land to foreigners, he believes however that "in view of security, we would have greater guarantees if foreigners owned, for instance, 5 percent of land in Latvia", Berzins told LETA. Foreign citizens who own land in Latvia are interested in protecting Latvia's security as "the land cannot be lifted and taken away," said the minister.

The more farmland in Latvia belongs to foreign citizens, the greater the guarantee for our country's security, Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins told the Saeima emergency session yesterday on defending national interests in agriculture. According to Berzins, this does not mean that he openly supports selling land to foreigners, he believes however that "in view of security, we would have greater guarantees if foreigners owned, for instance, 5 percent of land in Latvia", Berzins told LETA. Foreign citizens who own land in Latvia are interested in protecting Latvia's security as "the land cannot be lifted and taken away," said the minister. BNS

Newspaper

Newspaper Lauku Avize interviewed Latvian MPs after the Presidents report on her meetings with US officials. Deputies still do not rush to amend the election laws. V.Muizniece (Peoples Party) said that the coalition parties knew Presidents position, and after her return she did not say anything new. The parties can not fulfill the Presidents wish immediately but the ruling coalition has started to work on the options how to strengthen the state language in other laws and only then, possible, to decide on abolishing the language proficiency norm. G.Krasts (FF/LNNK) said that they might not follow the directions of the President because discussions were still going on. And FF/LNNK had already submitted proposals to amend the local government election law to strengthen the state language. And the coalition council is preparing other proposals. And even then he (GK) will not be able to support abolishing the language proficiency norm because FF/LNNK has adopted in its congress a resolution not to support such amendments. Social Democrat E.Baldzens stated that they were not going to propose anything or supporting other proposals because according their opinion was that not all possibilities had been used to explain the international society and the USA why Latvia might not abolish this norm. B.Cilevich (For Human Rights in United Latvia) reminded that their faction had submitted such a proposal even before the President did, and the ruling coalition refused it. He felt sorry for the President because she had changed her position. If at the beginning Vaira Vike-Freiberga said that the election laws should be amended for being undemocratical, then now she said that the norm should be abolished in order to join NATO.

In an interview to the newspaper

In an interview to the newspaper Latvijas Vestnesis Head of DCMA M.Bicevskis said that the number of issued departure orders for persons, who have illegally come or resided in Latvia, decreased every year. It means that no uncontrolled and illegal arriving of foreigners to Latvia takes place. From January 1 the control on illegal immigration issues is handed over to the National Border Guards. Thus an efficient system is established for solving immigration issues – one institution ) is dealing with forming immigration policy and bureaucratic procedures (issuing and abolishing visas, RPs and establishing Immigrant Register but another - controls. Migration flow in Latvia is under control and the system of control is being improved. Just the legislation is lagging behind the real work. Draft Immigration law has been submitted to the government for consideration, and adopting of it is important not only for internal policy but also for foreign policy.

Some deputies of the Russian National Council (Duma) came to Riga for a conference of Orthodox politicians and gave an interview to the newspaper

Some deputies of the Russian National Council (Duma) came to Riga for a conference of Orthodox politicians and gave an interview to the newspaper Vesti Segodnya. Chairman of Duma Commission on Public and Religious Organizations V.Zorkalcev said that neither EU, NATO or other structure would change historical situation of things – Latvia would remain with Russia due to its geography, cultural links and the language that united both. Speaking about NATO Mr.Zorkalcev was negative about Latvias intention to join this organization and reminded the situation with Greece when NATO did not save the Greek island Cyprus form dividing into two parts – Greek and Turkish. But Russia would not make any aggressive plans concerning Latvia. Now it wants to build its relation with its former partners basing on its national interests.

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

The United States favorable attitude towards Latvia ahead of the next NATO enlargement wave may change to negative if Latvia failed to amend its election laws, lifting language qualification for candidates, said the Latvian president. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga upon her return from the US told reporters Tuesday that so far she had done a better job in convincing Americans of Latvia's serious democratization efforts than in persuading Latvian politicians about the need to amend the election laws. She said that "we do not make the rules, we are the ones who need this security." If Latvia showed inability to leave behind "traumas of the past," its admission to NATO may get delayed, said Vike-Freiberga. "Candidate states are expected to show good will and commitment," because the alliance wants to accept states capable of contributing to NATO, explained the Latvian president. She said she tried to convince the US officials that "NATO would benefit from admitting Latvia and Baltic States in the next enlargement wave as it would expand the area of security and [NATO] values." This is the time for ruling coalition parties to come forth with constructive proposals and initiative to amend the election laws, stated Vike-Freiberga. "The responsibility is in the hands of lawmakers, the government and coalition parties" because the government declaration expressly lists foreign policy goals in integration into NATO and the European Union," said the Latvian president. She was angered by behavior of ruling political forces "in the given situation pretending that it's nothing, that nobody is asking anything." "Our future is in their hands," stressed the president. She also said the US support to NATO membership for the Balts has grown much stronger as seen from talks with high-ranking American officials.

The United States favorable attitude towards Latvia ahead of the next NATO enlargement wave may change to negative if Latvia failed to amend its election laws, lifting language qualification for candidates, said the Latvian president. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga upon her return from the US told reporters Tuesday that so far she had done a better job in convincing Americans of Latvia's serious democratization efforts than in persuading Latvian politicians about the need to amend the election laws. She said that "we do not make the rules, we are the ones who need this security." If Latvia showed inability to leave behind "traumas of the past," its admission to NATO may get delayed, said Vike-Freiberga. "Candidate states are expected to show good will and commitment," because the alliance wants to accept states capable of contributing to NATO, explained the Latvian president. She said she tried to convince the US officials that "NATO would benefit from admitting Latvia and Baltic States in the next enlargement wave as it would expand the area of security and [NATO] values." This is the time for ruling coalition parties to come forth with constructive proposals and initiative to amend the election laws, stated Vike-Freiberga. "The responsibility is in the hands of lawmakers, the government and coalition parties" because the government declaration expressly lists foreign policy goals in integration into NATO and the European Union," said the Latvian president. She was angered by behavior of ruling political forces "in the given situation pretending that it's nothing, that nobody is asking anything." "Our future is in their hands," stressed the president. She also said the US support to NATO membership for the Balts has grown much stronger as seen from talks with high-ranking American officials. BNS, Diena, Latvijas Vestnesis, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Vechernyaya Riga

The Latvian government Tuesday accepted amendments to the criminal law envisaging to delete the capital punishment from the legislation, government press office reported. Amendments also were introduced to a provision regulating limitation period regarding a person having committed a crime punishable with a life imprisonment, envisaging that application of the limitation period will be decided by the court in the event 30 years have passed since the crime. Under the effective legislation, a limitation period is applied after ten years have passed since the time when the crime was committed. Apart from amendments to the criminal law amendments to other related legislation, including the law on enactment of the criminal law, penalty implementation code, criminal proceedings code and pardon law, have been worked out.

The Latvian government Tuesday accepted amendments to the criminal law envisaging to delete the capital punishment from the legislation, government press office reported. Amendments also were introduced to a provision regulating limitation period regarding a person having committed a crime punishable with a life imprisonment, envisaging that application of the limitation period will be decided by the court in the event 30 years have passed since the crime. Under the effective legislation, a limitation period is applied after ten years have passed since the time when the crime was committed. Apart from amendments to the criminal law amendments to other related legislation, including the law on enactment of the criminal law, penalty implementation code, criminal proceedings code and pardon law, have been worked out. BNS

After the news that granting Latvian citizenship has been stopped for uncertain time, journalists from the newspaper

After the news that granting Latvian citizenship has been stopped for uncertain time, journalists from the newspaper Telegraf called the Cabinet of Ministers asking when the process of naturalization would be continued. According the information in the last list of persons to be naturalized were 200 persons. Press Secretary answered that they could not name a proper time because they were waiting for the results of investigation.

According to

According to World Tribune Pentagon has started ousting of Iraqs leader Husein. To keep Russia quiet about this action, Latvia will not be accepted to NATO. According to the information of British The Times G.Bush intends to offer V.Putin a deal – Moscow closes eyes on the operation against Iraq and remains in the anti-terrorist coalition, and for that the White House starts a speedy process of approaching NATO and Russia, that would result in granting Russia the status of a full-fledged member. The Times thinks that Putin might be interested by only one version – trading Iraq for the Baltic States. Chas

Newspaper

Newspaper Vesti Segodnya interviewed the leader of Peoples Party A.Skele, who did not consider himself to be a national radical. Answering the question about the pressure of the USA and international organizations to abolish the language proficiency norm in the election laws and the local government rights for non-citizens, former Prime Minister said that both Latvian foreign partners and the President knew – Latvia was a parliamentary republic. It is clearly stated in the constitution who is responsible for what, who may make any promises and assume responsibility. And in this respect some persons behave themselves concerning the Saeima quite shamelessly. A.Skele says that before sending them letters and asking for serious discussions it would be necessary to discuss it peacefully and evaluate all plusses and minuses. While he was Prime Minister, no such issue had been raised during meetings with foreign colleagues. Why now there is such a rush? Latvia has changed its citizenship law radically, and now they once again try to push us to change something, even not looking into our situation. A.Skele does not like when somebody without asking or suggesting just demands –vote for this! And he asks, will these amendments and granting local government election rights to non-citizens speed up naturalization? and states that the answer is obvious.

Leader of the Movement Equality T.Zhdanok denies any connection to the scandal in London with selling information on human rights violations in Latvia. She calls it an open provocation.

Leader of the Movement Equality T.Zhdanok denies any connection to the scandal in London with selling information on human rights violations in Latvia. She calls it an open provocation. Vesti Segodnya

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

Germany that so far was rather reserved concerning NATO enlargement voiced Monday in a meeting of German and Baltic states foreign ministers in Riga an active support to admission of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to the European Union and NATO. German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer voiced the opinion in the joint communiqué adopted by all four foreign ministers on Monday, Latvian Foreign Ministry press office reported. The Baltic States foreign ministers in a joint press conference voiced conviction about a positive decision of NATO member countries on admission of the three Baltic States to the alliance. Fischer told reporters "everybody is convinced of getting the invitation to join NATO in Prague and I could not lessen this optimism and I fully support it" but noted the candidate countries should carefully prepare for the upcoming summit of the alliance. Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins voiced conviction Latvia "will turn from a good [NATO] candidate country into a good member country" and Estonian Foreign Minister Kristiina Ojuland noted that admission of Estonia to NATO "will be a beginning of a new life".

Germany that so far was rather reserved concerning NATO enlargement voiced Monday in a meeting of German and Baltic states foreign ministers in Riga an active support to admission of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to the European Union and NATO. German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer voiced the opinion in the joint communiqué adopted by all four foreign ministers on Monday, Latvian Foreign Ministry press office reported. The Baltic States foreign ministers in a joint press conference voiced conviction about a positive decision of NATO member countries on admission of the three Baltic States to the alliance. Fischer told reporters "everybody is convinced of getting the invitation to join NATO in Prague and I could not lessen this optimism and I fully support it" but noted the candidate countries should carefully prepare for the upcoming summit of the alliance. Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins voiced conviction Latvia "will turn from a good [NATO] candidate country into a good member country" and Estonian Foreign Minister Kristiina Ojuland noted that admission of Estonia to NATO "will be a beginning of a new life". BNS, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Latvijas Vestnesis, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii,

One more employee of the Naturalization Department has been detained who, possibly, has helped naturalization applicants to acquire Latvia's citizenship in illegal way, the Naturalization Department reported Feb. 11.

One more employee of the Naturalization Department has been detained who, possibly, has helped naturalization applicants to acquire Latvia's citizenship in illegal way, the Naturalization Department reported Feb. 11. Lauku Avize

Nikolai Tess, former official at the security ministry of the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic, who has been charged with genocide, has turned to the Constitutional Court - he believes that the Criminal Code's article, on which the charges against him are based, does not comply with international laws. Tess was charged with the Criminal Code's Article 68.1 for crimes against humanity and genocide as he had participated in organizing deportations from Latvia in March of 1949.

Nikolai Tess, former official at the security ministry of the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic, who has been charged with genocide, has turned to the Constitutional Court - he believes that the Criminal Code's article, on which the charges against him are based, does not comply with international laws. Tess was charged with the Criminal Code's Article 68.1 for crimes against humanity and genocide as he had participated in organizing deportations from Latvia in March of 1949. LETA, Neatkariga

Russian President V.Putin considers “mechanical expansion of NATO to be unproductive” but acknowledges that “every state has the right to choose its way to ensure security.”

Russian President V.Putin considers mechanical expansion of NATO to be unproductive but acknowledges that every state has the right to choose its way to ensure security. Neatkariga, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii,

Newspaper

Newspaper Lauku Avize writes that the attitude towards the state language in the Latvian police is just the opposite to the one in other state institutions. Many policemen do not know the state language and school graduates, who apply to the Police Academy and have not taken the Russian language test, are asked to take it there. Officials justify this with the fact that policemen mostly have to deal with Russian-speakers.

Aivars Datavs, Legal Adviser to the Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia, thinks that National Radicals will use the situation with corruption in the Naturalization Board to get rid of the Head of the Board E.Aldermane because they are not satisfied with her liberal policy. Radicals even started discussing a possibility to amend the citizenship law by adding a norm stipulating that in cases when citizenship had been received illegally, it could be annulled. Speaking about the very process of naturalization, Mr.Datavs said that some breaking point in this process could be approaching. Many people want to participate in the political life of Latvia because they feel themselves to be a part of this country. And if the attitude of the state is positive, the naturalization process will speed up.

Aivars Datavs, Legal Adviser to the Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia, thinks that National Radicals will use the situation with corruption in the Naturalization Board to get rid of the Head of the Board E.Aldermane because they are not satisfied with her liberal policy. Radicals even started discussing a possibility to amend the citizenship law by adding a norm stipulating that in cases when citizenship had been received illegally, it could be annulled. Speaking about the very process of naturalization, Mr.Datavs said that some breaking point in this process could be approaching. Many people want to participate in the political life of Latvia because they feel themselves to be a part of this country. And if the attitude of the state is positive, the naturalization process will speed up. Vesti Segodnya

People from Latvia willing to stay for life in Great Britain can do it easily by buying information about human rights violations in Latvia, a newspaper reported. Latvia's leading daily newspaper Diena said it Monday called on the phone to an ad placed in a local London newspaper offering to sell documents about human rights violations in Latvia. A man who answered the phone said his cooperation partner in Latvia is Latvia's Human Rights Committee and its co-chairman Genadijs Kotovs in particular. Kotovs and Latvia's Human Rights Committee head Tatyana Zdanoka have denied the possible co-operation and making profits at the cost of human rights violations. They did not rule out the human rights violations "dealer" acquired the information from the Internet and is using it for profit making. Latvia's Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center director Nils Muiznieks told Diena that Latvia's Human Rights Committee has close ties with colleagues in London. He said it is affirmed by the fact that both Zdanoka and Ingrida Podkolzina in the case against the Latvian state at the European Court of Human Rights are represented by a lawyer from Britain.

People from Latvia willing to stay for life in Great Britain can do it easily by buying information about human rights violations in Latvia, a newspaper reported. Latvia's leading daily newspaper Diena said it Monday called on the phone to an ad placed in a local London newspaper offering to sell documents about human rights violations in Latvia. A man who answered the phone said his cooperation partner in Latvia is Latvia's Human Rights Committee and its co-chairman Genadijs Kotovs in particular. Kotovs and Latvia's Human Rights Committee head Tatyana Zdanoka have denied the possible co-operation and making profits at the cost of human rights violations. They did not rule out the human rights violations "dealer" acquired the information from the Internet and is using it for profit making. Latvia's Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center director Nils Muiznieks told Diena that Latvia's Human Rights Committee has close ties with colleagues in London. He said it is affirmed by the fact that both Zdanoka and Ingrida Podkolzina in the case against the Latvian state at the European Court of Human Rights are represented by a lawyer from Britain. Diena