Press Report

Press Report

Although there are observed some positive changes in the natural increase of the number of population, according to the data of the Central Statistics Board the total number of Latvian residents in 2000 decreased for 13.8 000 or 0.6%. Natural decrease constituted 12 000 people and 1800 people migrated from Latvia. At the beginning of this year the population number was 2 366 000.

Although there are observed some positive changes in the natural increase of the number of population, according to the data of the Central Statistics Board the total number of Latvian residents in 2000 decreased for 13.8 000 or 0.6%. Natural decrease constituted 12 000 people and 1800 people migrated from Latvia. At the beginning of this year the population number was 2 366 000. Diena

Diena

published the results of an opinion poll, organized by company SKD in order to find out what political parties were the most popular in Latvia. Respondents were asked to answer the question What party would you vote for if the Saeima took place tomorrow? Social Democrats run first – 18,85 (December 2000 – 17.8%), second were FF/LNNK 11% (13.3%), third - Latvian Way – 10.8% (11.6%). published the results of an opinion poll, organized by company SKD in order to find out what political parties were the most popular in Latvia. Respondents were asked to answer the question “What party would you vote for if the Saeima took place tomorrow?” Social Democrats run first – 18,85 (December 2000 – 17.8%), second were FF/LNNK 11% (13.3%), third - Latvian Way – 10.8% (11.6%). During a meeting the highest state officials and Minister of Foreign Affairs harmonized their opinions on vital foreign policy aspects, paying special attention to relations with Russia. After this meeting President V.Vike-Freiberga said that they wished pragmatic and mutually friendly relations with Russia.

During a meeting the highest state officials and Minister of Foreign Affairs harmonized their opinions on vital foreign policy aspects, paying special attention to relations with Russia. After this meeting President V.Vike-Freiberga said that they wished pragmatic and mutually friendly relations with Russia. Neatkariga

V.Vike-Freiberga told journalists that she expected to meet Russian President V.Putin, Latvian party was just waiting for a signal from Moscow.

V.Vike-Freiberga told journalists that she expected to meet Russian President V.Putin, Latvian party was just waiting for a signal from Moscow. Vesti Segodnya

CoE stopped monitoring of Latvia that was meant to protect the rights of non-Latvians here. At the same time the international community pointed out the Latvia had not so far ratifies the Framework Convention on National minorities although the Cabinet of Ministers already in 1995 promised that the Saeima would adopt it. Several months ago the ac For Human Rights in United Latvia submitted for consideration at the Saeima a draft law on ratifying this convention but all other factions rejected it immediately even without discussing it. Saeima Human Rights and Social Affairs Commission Head A.Seiksts thinks that the ratification of this convention could do any harm to Latvia. It would just gain. He thinks that Latvia should ratify it in the nearest future but with at least one subterfuge – stating that Latvia temporarily might not implement Part 2 of Article 10.

CoE stopped monitoring of Latvia that was meant to protect the rights of non-Latvians here. At the same time the international community pointed out the Latvia had not so far ratifies the Framework Convention on National minorities although the Cabinet of Ministers already in 1995 promised that the Saeima would adopt it. Several months ago the ac For Human Rights in United Latvia submitted for consideration at the Saeima a draft law on ratifying this convention but all other factions rejected it immediately even without discussing it. Saeima Human Rights and Social Affairs Commission Head A.Seiksts thinks that the ratification of this convention could do any harm to Latvia. It would just gain. He thinks that Latvia should ratify it in the nearest future but with at least one subterfuge – stating that Latvia temporarily might not implement Part 2 of Article 10. Lauku Avize

MP G.Bojars just returned from his regular visit to Moscow. During this visit he met the Chairman of national Council G.Seleznyov. Mr.Bojars told that it was an unofficial meeting during which they discussed standard issues of the situation with non-citizens and Russian speakers in Latvia, but more both officials spoke about possibilities to cooperate on parliamentarian level. The Chairman was positive about the visit of Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins.

MP G.Bojars just returned from his regular visit to Moscow. During this visit he met the Chairman of national Council G.Seleznyov. Mr.Bojars told that it was an unofficial meeting during which they discussed standard issues of the situation with non-citizens and Russian speakers in Latvia, but more both officials spoke about possibilities to cooperate on parliamentarian level. The Chairman was positive about the visit of Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins. Lauku Avize

Latvian authorities decided to stop broadcasting of the Russian speaking radio station B&B; for four days. But now it seems that local officials have overdone. According to the information received by

Latvian authorities decided to stop broadcasting of the Russian speaking radio station B&B for four days. But now it seems that local officials have overdone. According to the information received by Vesti Segodnya, Latvia faced problems with conformity of its legislation on radio and TV broadcasting with EU standards. EU Commission in Brussels demands Latvia to implement a whole set of amendments in its law on radio and TV. Officials in Brussels may not comprehend how state authorities in a democratic country may intervene in the language of broadcasting on private radio and TV stations. Brussels considers that any percentage limits should be abolished in broadcasting.

A.Story in

A.Story in Chas, writing about the conference Problems of legislation transformation due to integration in Europe, says that Latvias joining EU will also influence its legislation. Reforms must take place in many spheres – from state administration to rights of refuge seekers, from changes in Satversme to the Criminal Code. But the most important thing, as our constitution is the oldest in Europe, it should be changed quite a lot.

 

Press Report

Press Report

There is no reason to give optimistic forecasts that Latvia could enter the EU in 2004 and NATO in 2002, say the analysts of Economist Intelligence Unit of the magazine

There is no reason to give optimistic forecasts that Latvia could enter the EU in 2004 and NATO in 2002, say the analysts of Economist Intelligence Unit of the magazine Economist. Diena

As of 3 February every Saturday Latvia’s national radio will broadcast a programme in Russian "The Ways We Chose". The programme is prepared by Radio Free Europe/Radio Freedom and its aim is to inform about integration processes in Latvia.

As of 3 February every Saturday Latvias national radio will broadcast a programme in Russian "The Ways We Chose". The programme is prepared by Radio Free Europe/Radio Freedom and its aim is to inform about integration processes in Latvia. Diena, Jauna, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

The President of Radio Free Europe/Radio Freedom T.Dine has arrived in Riga and gives couple interviews. In his interview to the newspaper

The President of Radio Free Europe/Radio Freedom T.Dine has arrived in Riga and gives couple interviews. In his interview to the newspaper Neatkariga T.Dine gives information about the activities of his radio on the territory of the East and Central Europe and talks about the aims of the radio in the Baltic States - to reduce the gap between Latvian and Russian communities. In his opinion Russian mass media in Latvia do not foster integration in Latvia.

On Thursday former employees of Russia's Embassy in Latvia organised a picket at the building of Russia's embassy. They protested against their illegitimate firing and indifference of Russia's ambassador to Latvia A.Udalcov as the ambassador was not able to find time for the audience with them for couple months. The attorney of the former employees says that the situation is very non-ethical, as Russia's authorities always say that Russians are offended in Latvia, but actually it turns out that they do not care for their own citizens. The agreement between the former employees and Russia's embassy was not reached.

On Thursday former employees of Russia's Embassy in Latvia organised a picket at the building of Russia's embassy. They protested against their illegitimate firing and indifference of Russia's ambassador to Latvia A.Udalcov as the ambassador was not able to find time for the audience with them for couple months. The attorney of the former employees says that the situation is very non-ethical, as Russia's authorities always say that Russians are offended in Latvia, but actually it turns out that they do not care for their own citizens. The agreement between the former employees and Russia's embassy was not reached. Jauna, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika, Panorama Latvii

According to social poll data the most popular party among the citizens is Social Democrats (18,8 Latvia's citizens would vote for them), followed by FF/LNNK (11%) and Latvia's Way (10,8%). V.Vike-Freiberga remains the most popular person in the country, followed by Latvia's Bank Governor E.Repse and Riga's Mayor A.Argalis and the most unpopular persons are A.Skele (People's Party), T.Zhadonk (FHRUL) and A.Rubiks. Most trusted social institutions are church and mass media.

According to social poll data the most popular party among the citizens is Social Democrats (18,8 Latvia's citizens would vote for them), followed by FF/LNNK (11%) and Latvia's Way (10,8%). V.Vike-Freiberga remains the most popular person in the country, followed by Latvia's Bank Governor E.Repse and Riga's Mayor A.Argalis and the most unpopular persons are A.Skele (People's Party), T.Zhadonk (FHRUL) and A.Rubiks. Most trusted social institutions are church and mass media. Neatkariga, Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

Broadcast of Radio Station Biznes&Baltija; will be ceased again. As of 5 February broadcast of the radio station Biznes&Baltija; will be stopped for 4 days once again, as B&B; has exceeded the amount of the foreign language allowed to be aired by the Law on Radio and Television. The National Television and Radio Council adopted this decision on Thursday. Already last year broadcast of B&B; was stopped because the radio station violated language norms - B&B; mainly airs in Russian and broadcasts the programme of Russia's radio station. Last year B&B; aired hidden advertisement for alcohol promoting whiskey "Grant". After these violations NTRC filed the claim on B&B; to the court. The management of B&B; does not agree with the reproaches and is ready to defend its position at any court.

Broadcast of Radio Station Biznes&Baltija will be ceased again. As of 5 February broadcast of the radio station Biznes&Baltija will be stopped for 4 days once again, as B&B has exceeded the amount of the foreign language allowed to be aired by the Law on Radio and Television. The National Television and Radio Council adopted this decision on Thursday. Already last year broadcast of B&B was stopped because the radio station violated language norms - B&B mainly airs in Russian and broadcasts the programme of Russia's radio station. Last year B&B aired hidden advertisement for alcohol promoting whiskey "Grant". After these violations NTRC filed the claim on B&B to the court. The management of B&B does not agree with the reproaches and is ready to defend its position at any court. Diena

Chas informs that B&B; has not given any comments on NTRC decision yet.

Chas informs that B&B has not given any comments on NTRC decision yet. Vesti Segodnja informs that the usage of a foreign language has been measured very accurately – it is stated that form 7 -22 December 63% of broadcasting was in Russian.

Chas

talks with FHRUL deputy B.Cilevich. The Latvian language usage, ratification of the Framework Convention on National Minority Rights, Convention on Involvement of Immigrants and Non-citizens in Social and Political Activities in the Member-countries of the EU were the discussion subjects. He says, "For other countries Latvia mainly associates with the vast number of non-citizens". talks with FHRUL deputy B.Cilevich. The Latvian language usage, ratification of the Framework Convention on National Minority Rights, Convention on Involvement of Immigrants and Non-citizens in Social and Political Activities in the Member-countries of the EU were the discussion subjects. He says, "For other countries Latvia mainly associates with the vast number of non-citizens". Panorama LatviiPanorama Latvii

Chas

visits Naturalisation Board in Rezekne. The Head of Rezekne's Naturalisation Board says that the problem in Rezekne is a significant number of people who are Latvias citizens, but who do not speak Latvian as in this region Russians have been living since very old times, so they acquired citizenship automatically, however, they do not speak Latvian. visits Naturalisation Board in Rezekne. The Head of Rezekne's Naturalisation Board says that the problem in Rezekne is a significant number of people who are Latvia’s citizens, but who do not speak Latvian as in this region Russians have been living since very old times, so they acquired citizenship automatically, however, they do not speak Latvian. Yesterday the majority of Saeima deputies turned down the proposed amendments to the Law on the Procedure on Reviewing Applications, Complaints and Proposals at State and Municipal Institutions. FHRUL proposed that an applicant can receive a verbal response in his/her native tongue if a civil officer speaks the language.

Yesterday the majority of Saeima deputies turned down the proposed amendments to the Law on the Procedure on Reviewing Applications, Complaints and Proposals at State and Municipal Institutions. FHRUL proposed that an applicant can receive a verbal response in his/her native tongue if a civil officer speaks the language.

Latvian Committee on Human Rights co-chairman G.Kotov informs that the Committee will award those entrepreneurs who will be among the first ones establishing their companies' sign boards not only in Latvian, but also in Russian.

Latvian Committee on Human Rights co-chairman G.Kotov informs that the Committee will award those entrepreneurs who will be among the first ones establishing their companies' sign boards not only in Latvian, but also in Russian. Panorama Latvii.

Yesterday the amendments were entered to the Regulations of CoM No 296 "Regulations on State Language Proficiency Level Necessary to Carry Out Professional and Job Duties and on State Language Proficiency Examination Procedure", as well as the amendments were entered to CoM Regulations No 293 "The Statutes of the State Language Centre" and Regulations on Non- citizens Passports.

Yesterday the amendments were entered to the Regulations of CoM No 296 "Regulations on State Language Proficiency Level Necessary to Carry Out Professional and Job Duties and on State Language Proficiency Examination Procedure", as well as the amendments were entered to CoM Regulations No 293 "The Statutes of the State Language Centre" and Regulations on Non- citizens Passports. Latvijas Vestnesis

Press Report

Press Report

Yesterday was the last day for handing in the lists of candidates for municipal election. As it was foreseen the big cities were the most popular ones – 17 lists of candidates are presented in Riga (it makes 15 candidates for 1 seat), 16 in Jurmala and Jelgava, 8 in Liepaja, Daugavpils, Rezekne, 4 in Ventspils. During the next week the electorates will check if the persons on the lists are entitled to be candidates. One of FHRUL deputy candidates has been already excluded from the list, as he presented a false state language proficiency certificate.

Yesterday was the last day for handing in the lists of candidates for municipal election. As it was foreseen the big cities were the most popular ones – 17 lists of candidates are presented in Riga (it makes 15 candidates for 1 seat), 16 in Jurmala and Jelgava, 8 in Liepaja, Daugavpils, Rezekne, 4 in Ventspils. During the next week the electorates will check if the persons on the lists are entitled to be candidates. One of FHRUL deputy candidates has been already excluded from the list, as he presented a false state language proficiency certificate. Diena, Jauna, Chas, Respublika

For Human Rights in the United Latvia block at Riga City Council is the only one that expressed support to the proposal of the Union of Citizens and Non-citizens to establish Non-citizen Consultative Council at the City Council. If the field of issues the Council would deal with is clear, than the source of funding for this institution is not established. The Union of Citizens and Non-citizens chairman V.Sokolovs considers that it should be funded from municipal budget.

For Human Rights in the United Latvia block at Riga City Council is the only one that expressed support to the proposal of the Union of Citizens and Non-citizens to establish Non-citizen Consultative Council at the City Council. If the field of issues the Council would deal with is clear, than the source of funding for this institution is not established. The Union of Citizens and Non-citizens chairman V.Sokolovs considers that it should be funded from municipal budget. Jauna, Panorama Latvii, Chas.

Vesti Segodnja asks few deputies to express their opinion on the subject. FF/LNNK faction chairperson says that there is no such necessity to establish the institution. FHRUL deputy S.Dolgopolov is convinced that the Council is needed and it could be established even before municipal election. Farmers Union faction chairperson and Latvia’s Way deputy J.Visockis expressed their personal approval to the idea.

Vesti Segodnja asks few deputies to express their opinion on the subject. FF/LNNK faction chairperson says that there is no such necessity to establish the institution. FHRUL deputy S.Dolgopolov is convinced that the Council is needed and it could be established even before municipal election. Farmers Union faction chairperson and Latvias Way deputy J.Visockis expressed their personal approval to the idea.

Panorama Latvii

keeps informing about what difficult situations non-Latvians have to experience because of the State Language Law. This time it is in regard to labels and instructions for medicine – according to the law they have to be only in Latvian and thus people who do not speak Latvian are exposed to serious danger of misusing medicine. keeps informing about what difficult situations non-Latvians have to experience because of the State Language Law. This time it is in regard to labels and instructions for medicine – according to the law they have to be only in Latvian and thus people who do not speak Latvian are exposed to serious danger of misusing medicine.

Chas

gives information about the European Union and what could be the losses and gains for Latvia after the accession. The rights of all residents – both citizens and non-citizens – to vote and run for municipal elections are mentioned as the most positive factor. As the most negative aspect is mentioned that Latvia is too small to have any influence on the processes. gives information about the European Union and what could be the losses and gains for Latvia after the accession. The rights of all residents – both citizens and non-citizens – to vote and run for municipal elections are mentioned as the most positive factor. As the most negative aspect is mentioned that Latvia is too small to have any influence on the processes.

Vesti Segodnja

tries to find out all reasons why Latvian authorities do not like the Convention on National Minority Rights. The emphasis is placed that after adoption national minorities are entitled to use and receive information in their own languages. tries to find out all reasons “why Latvian authorities do not like the Convention on National Minority Rights”. The emphasis is placed that after adoption national minorities are entitled to use and receive information in their own languages. According to Residents’ Register 23 654 persons have not exchanged their former USSR citizen passports for the passports of non-citizens of Latvia. The rough estimation is that 7000 non-citizens have already left Latvia, it leaves 16 645 people who do not have valid documents. These persons can be imposed the fine in the amount of LVL 25 for having non-valid documents.

According to Residents Register 23 654 persons have not exchanged their former USSR citizen passports for the passports of non-citizens of Latvia. The rough estimation is that 7000 non-citizens have already left Latvia, it leaves 16 645 people who do not have valid documents. These persons can be imposed the fine in the amount of LVL 25 for having non-valid documents. Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

As demographic situation in Latvia is getting worse it is planned to close some schools because of insufficient number of students.

As demographic situation in Latvia is getting worse it is planned to close some schools because of insufficient number of students. Vesti Segodnja views this problem in regard to Russian schools.

Respublika

interviews the representative of Latvia at PACE, FHRUL deputy B.Cilevics. He is asked questions about interruption of PACE monitoring in Latvia and adoption of the Convention on National Minorities. interviews the representative of Latvia at PACE, FHRUL deputy B.Cilevics. He is asked questions about interruption of PACE monitoring in Latvia and adoption of the Convention on National Minorities.

Press Report

Press Report

FF/LNNK party member E.Cepurnieks denied that he had given the names of his party members who wanted to bribe state officials in charge of “Latvian Shipping Company” privatisation to the organisation for open society “Delna”. FF/LLNK board asked E.Cepurnieks to reside from the post of the state governor of “Latvian Shipping Company”, however, he was not excluded from the party.

FF/LNNK party member E.Cepurnieks denied that he had given the names of his party members who wanted to bribe state officials in charge of Latvian Shipping Company privatisation to the organisation for open society Delna. FF/LLNK board asked E.Cepurnieks to reside from the post of the state governor of Latvian Shipping Company, however, he was not excluded from the party. Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Jauna, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Ventspils Mayor A.Lembergs is disappointed in Prime Minister A.Berzins. As one of Prime Minister’s faults A.Lembergs mentioned not sufficient effort invested in establishing stable relations with Russia. In this respect, Ventspils Mayor expressed his reproaches also toward Russia’s Government and Putin’s administration, as well as mass media saying that “there are some such newspapers, which shout about any step of our Government in the direction of Russia”.

Ventspils Mayor A.Lembergs is disappointed in Prime Minister A.Berzins. As one of Prime Ministers faults A.Lembergs mentioned not sufficient effort invested in establishing stable relations with Russia. In this respect, Ventspils Mayor expressed his reproaches also toward Russias Government and Putins administration, as well as mass media saying that there are some such newspapers, which shout about any step of our Government in the direction of Russia. Diena

Latvia’s Way and People’s Party expressed their support to Prime Minister’s decision that New Party faction’s four deputies have to be excluded from coalition. New Party chairperson I.Udre considers the decision illegitimate and does not plan to leave the coalition.

Latvias Way and Peoples Party expressed their support to Prime Ministers decision that New Party factions four deputies have to be excluded from coalition. New Party chairperson I.Udre considers the decision illegitimate and does not plan to leave the coalition. Neatkariga, Jauna, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

On Thursday 4 former employees of Russias diplomatic service in Riga whose firing was violation of Latvias Labour Law will organise a picket at the embassy of Russia.

Chas, Panorama Latvii 87 deputy candidates out of 90 who had to take the examination in the state language and prove their language proficiency on level 3 degree either A or B, successfully passed the examination.

87 deputy candidates out of 90 who had to take the examination in the state language and prove their language proficiency on level 3 degree either A or B, successfully passed the examination. Chas

Chas

journalist discusses the necessity to establish an institution, which would deal with non-citizens issues at Riga City Council similar to one in Ventspils. This institution could be the main instrument in preparing non-citizens to become voters at elections in the future. journalist discusses the necessity to establish an institution, which would deal with non-citizens issues at Riga City Council similar to one in Ventspils. This institution could be the main instrument in “preparing” non-citizens to become voters at elections in the future.

Chas

interviews Latvias Way faction chairperson K.Libane. The interview reflects more her personality, memories rather than her political activities and opinions. interviews Latvia’s Way faction chairperson K.Libane. The interview reflects more her personality, memories rather than her political activities and opinions. The book prepared by the Council of Interior and Defence Affairs Policy (CIDAP) chaired by Russia’s political scientist S.Karaganov has appeared in Riga. The book is devoted to the relations between Russia and Latvia and includes the materials of the conferences organised by CIDAP and Baltic Forum. The first copies of the book have been sent to Russia’s President V.Putin and his administration.

The book prepared by the Council of Interior and Defence Affairs Policy (CIDAP) chaired by Russias political scientist S.Karaganov has appeared in Riga. The book is devoted to the relations between Russia and Latvia and includes the materials of the conferences organised by CIDAP and Baltic Forum. The first copies of the book have been sent to Russias President V.Putin and his administration. Vesti Segodnja

Panorama Latvii

informs that as of February the project Golden Ball will be launched. The project is targeted to national minority students and in the framework of it the students will have an opportunity to attend concerts and lectures where people of different nationalities will talk about history and traditions of nationalities residing in Latvia. informs that as of February the project “Golden Ball” will be launched. The project is targeted to national minority students and in the framework of it the students will have an opportunity to attend concerts and lectures where people of different nationalities will talk about history and traditions of nationalities residing in Latvia. Writer S.Belan gives his opinion on the reasons why according to the forecast about 300 000 non-citizens will never go through naturalisation. In his opinion these people could be divided into 2 categories: people of principal and passive pragmatics. He gives deeper characterisation of these two groups.

Writer S.Belan gives his opinion on the reasons why according to the forecast about 300 000 non-citizens will never go through naturalisation. In his opinion these people could be divided into 2 categories: people of principal and passive pragmatics. He gives deeper characterisation of these two groups. Panorama Latvii

Respublika

interviews the moderator of Baltic States Presidents discussion at World Economy Forum Russias political scientist S.Karaganov. In his opinion, Russia would only benefit from the accession of the Baltic States to the EU and all three Baltic States have to be accessed to the EU simultaneously. interviews the moderator of Baltic States Presidents discussion at World Economy Forum Russia’s political scientist S.Karaganov. In his opinion, Russia would only benefit from the accession of the Baltic States to the EU and all three Baltic States have to be accessed to the EU simultaneously. Latvia is among the participants of the international forum “Intolerance Prevention” organised by Swedish Government at Stockholm. Human Rights and Ethnic Research Centre Director N.Muiznieks presents the report on the problems concerning extremism in Latvia. It is revealed that in Latvia exist both sides of extremism – Russian and Latvian.

Latvia is among the participants of the international forum Intolerance Prevention organised by Swedish Government at Stockholm. Human Rights and Ethnic Research Centre Director N.Muiznieks presents the report on the problems concerning extremism in Latvia. It is revealed that in Latvia exist both sides of extremism – Russian and Latvian. Respublika.

Press Report

“Latvia out of all the Baltic countries has chosen the most correct policy in developing its defence system to participate in NATO”, said NATO General Secretary Assistant at the international seminar “Reforms in National Armed Forces” which took place in Cesis. The main goal of the seminar was to learn diverse opinions on the subject.

Latvia out of all the Baltic countries has chosen the most correct policy in developing its defence system to participate in NATO, said NATO General Secretary Assistant at the international seminar Reforms in National Armed Forces which took place in Cesis. The main goal of the seminar was to learn diverse opinions on the subject. Diena, Vesti Segodnja

Latvia’s General Consular J.Audarins in St.Petesburg denied information provided by Russia’s mass media that he had asked personal V.Putins assistance in ensuring security of Latvia’s consulate.

Latvias General Consular J.Audarins in St.Petesburg denied information provided by Russias mass media that he had asked personal V.Putins assistance in ensuring security of Latvias consulate. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

Students who have passed the centralised examination in the Latvian language do not have to re-take the exam, which would determine language proficiency level to perform job and professional duties. However, if they want to be naturalised they will have to pass the exam once again.

Students who have passed the centralised examination in the Latvian language do not have to re-take the exam, which would determine language proficiency level to perform job and professional duties. However, if they want to be naturalised they will have to pass the exam once again. Vesti Segodnja

Latvia’s President has called Latvia’s politicians to think about the reputation of the country and approve the bilateral agreement with Australia on Extradition of War Criminals. FF/LNNK, Social Democrats and People’s Party responded that they are not going to rush with the agreement, as the legal proceeding of Kalejs case in Latvia is not in the interests of our country. In

Latvias President has called Latvias politicians to think about the reputation of the country and approve the bilateral agreement with Australia on Extradition of War Criminals. FF/LNNK, Social Democrats and Peoples Party responded that they are not going to rush with the agreement, as the legal proceeding of Kalejs case in Latvia is not in the interests of our country. In Chas opinion it will cause the first serious conflict among the President and the parties, which supported her.

Panorama Latvii

gives its comments on Latvias Presidents activities at World Economy Forum. The newspaper states that the forum is not so prestigious as it is reflected in Latvian mass media, as only the leaders of new democracies took part in the forum. The conclusion of the newspaper is that nobody took us seriously. gives its comments on Latvia’s President’s activities at World Economy Forum. The newspaper states that the forum is not so prestigious as it is reflected in Latvian mass media, as only the leaders of new democracies took part in the forum. The conclusion of the newspaper is that “nobody took us seriously”. Panorama Latvii gives the reasons of the fall of People’s Party rating. The main reason is that the chairman of the party A.Skele has been involved in many scandals (paedophilia, sale of Ave Lat). According to social poll data only 7% of citizens would vote for People’s party and if party’s rating keeps falling People’s Party will not be among the parties of the next Saeima.

Panorama Latvii gives the reasons of the fall of Peoples Party rating. The main reason is that the chairman of the party A.Skele has been involved in many scandals (paedophilia, sale of Ave Lat). According to social poll data only 7% of citizens would vote for Peoples party and if partys rating keeps falling Peoples Party will not be among the parties of the next Saeima. Panorama Latvii

Panorama Latvii

asked Peoples Harmony Party chairman J.Jurkans about the planned partys visit to Moscow. J.Jurkans could not provide any specific information but the time of the visit – in February and that the meetings most probably will be held with the representatives of left wingers.