Press Report

Press Report

Prime Minister A.Berzins asked 4 deputies of New Party faction to stop their work in coalition, as they voted for the Law on Real Estate Taxes together with the opposition and it is a violation of the coalition agreement as this Law has direct relation to the state budget. The New Party faction deputies are not going to follow the request of Prime Minister.

Prime Minister A.Berzins asked 4 deputies of New Party faction to stop their work in coalition, as they voted for the Law on Real Estate Taxes together with the opposition and it is a violation of the coalition agreement as this Law has direct relation to the state budget. The New Party faction deputies are not going to follow the request of Prime Minister. Diena, Jauna, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Jauna

confronts two popular persons – M.Vulfsons, one of the main political persons, who fought for Latvias independence, and former Communist Party leader A.Rubiks. In M.Vulfsons opinion political parties in Latvia are degraded and he is also disappointed in the President, as she has alienated from the people. M.Vulfsons says that during Gorbachovs times there was more press freedom, as nowadays even such newspapers as confronts two popular persons – M.Vulfsons, one of the main political persons, who fought for Latvia’s independence, and former Communist Party leader A.Rubiks. In M.Vulfsons’ opinion political parties in Latvia are degraded and he is also disappointed in the President, as she has alienated from the people. M.Vulfsons says that during Gorbachov’s times there was more press freedom, as nowadays even such newspapers as Diena, Lauku AvizeDiena, Lauku Avize do not publish his articles where the issues concerning high political powers are discussed. A.Rubiks gives his forecast of Latvias future – if Latvia becomes a member of either the EU or NATO, Latvia and Latvians disappear. do not publish his articles where the issues concerning high political powers are discussed. A.Rubiks gives his forecast of Latvia’s future – if Latvia becomes a member of either the EU or NATO, Latvia and Latvians disappear. In the recent meeting at Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Russia’s President V.Putin stated that “NATO enlargement is a mistake and it is not acceptable for us”. Latvia’s State Secretary of foreign affair M.Riekstins gave a very short comment on the statement “I think, Putin is making a mistake”.

In the recent meeting at Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs Russias President V.Putin stated that NATO enlargement is a mistake and it is not acceptable for us. Latvias State Secretary of foreign affair M.Riekstins gave a very short comment on the statement I think, Putin is making a mistake. Neatkariga

Russia regained its voting rights at PACE. B.Cilevics (FHRUL) and J.Sinka (FF/LNNK) represent Latvia at PACE. B.Cilevics voted for and J.Sinka voted against the re-establishment of Russia’s voting rights.

Russia regained its voting rights at PACE. B.Cilevics (FHRUL) and J.Sinka (FF/LNNK) represent Latvia at PACE. B.Cilevics voted for and J.Sinka voted against the re-establishment of Russias voting rights. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

Russia’s ambassador to Latvia A.Udalcovs went to his farewell visit to Ventspils where he had meetings with Ventspils Mayor, the heads of big companies and enterprises, NGOs members and veterans.

Russias ambassador to Latvia A.Udalcovs went to his farewell visit to Ventspils where he had meetings with Ventspils Mayor, the heads of big companies and enterprises, NGOs members and veterans. Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

On Friday Russia’s Duma Speaker met with Saeima Vice-speaker G.Bojars and New Party deputy I.Stirans. According to G.Bojars the discussion took place in a positive atmosphere.

On Friday Russias Duma Speaker met with Saeima Vice-speaker G.Bojars and New Party deputy I.Stirans. According to G.Bojars the discussion took place in a positive atmosphere. Chas

The Head of Central Electorate A.Cimdars provides some information about municipal election. The number of deputies elected at this election will be lower than at the previous one because of municipal reforms. For the first time election is financed from municipal budgets and the total expenses should not exceed 1 million 40 thousand lats.

The Head of Central Electorate A.Cimdars provides some information about municipal election. The number of deputies elected at this election will be lower than at the previous one because of municipal reforms. For the first time election is financed from municipal budgets and the total expenses should not exceed 1 million 40 thousand lats. Chas

On Friday about 100 people assembled in front of the building of General Prosecutor Office demanding to stop criminal persecution of Soviet Partisan V.Kononov.

On Friday about 100 people assembled in front of the building of General Prosecutor Office demanding to stop criminal persecution of Soviet Partisan V.Kononov. Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnja

Press Report

Press Report

In order to implement the PACE recommendations and ratify the Framework Convention on National Minorities Latvia would have to make some amendments to the legislation that could theoretically mean introducing of two state languages in the territories where majority of residents is Russian speakers if they were defined as a national minority. But the convention does not contain this definition. Every state may define it according its understanding as it has been done by several states. Also Latvia would have to define first what a national minority means in the context of this convention, thinks the Head of Latvian delegation to PACE J.Sinka.

In order to implement the PACE recommendations and ratify the Framework Convention on National Minorities Latvia would have to make some amendments to the legislation that could theoretically mean introducing of two state languages in the territories where majority of residents is Russian speakers if they were defined as a national minority. But the convention does not contain this definition. Every state may define it according its understanding as it has been done by several states. Also Latvia would have to define first what a national minority means in the context of this convention, thinks the Head of Latvian delegation to PACE J.Sinka. Diena

P.Gouble analyses the data of UNDP research stating that ethnic Latvians and ethnic Russians in Latvia have approximately the same income. And the fact that wealth and poverty does not depend on the national belonging helps to explain why ethnic differences have not turned into open political conflicts.

P.Gouble analyses the data of UNDP research stating that ethnic Latvians and ethnic Russians in Latvia have approximately the same income. And the fact that wealth and poverty does not depend on the national belonging helps to explain why ethnic differences have not turned into open political conflicts. Diena

The New Christian Party will be allowed to submit its list of candidates for the local government election although it requested to exchange its name after January 20, when all the lists were published in the newspaper Latvijas Vestnesis.

The New Christian Party will be allowed to submit its list of candidates for the local government election although it requested to exchange its name after January 20, when all the lists were published in the newspaper Latvijas Vestnesis. Diena

The government decided on Tuesday that the State Language Center together with the function of testing the state language proficiency level had to hand over to the Education Content and Examination Center also 2 staff positions with financing of 6119Ls.

The government decided on Tuesday that the State Language Center together with the function of testing the state language proficiency level had to hand over to the Education Content and Examination Center also 2 staff positions with financing of 6119Ls. Diena

Already 80 local government election candidates have passed the state language proficiency test showing the necessary language proficiency level. The Head of the State Language Center Testing Department A.Zuiceva told journalists that yesterday 20 candidates from Riga, Jelgava, Rujiena and some other places had arrived for a test. More than a half of them received the highest evaluation, but three candidates failed.

Already 80 local government election candidates have passed the state language proficiency test showing the necessary language proficiency level. The Head of the State Language Center Testing Department A.Zuiceva told journalists that yesterday 20 candidates from Riga, Jelgava, Rujiena and some other places had arrived for a test. More than a half of them received the highest evaluation, but three candidates failed. Neatkariga

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga arrived to the World Economics Forum in Dallas. She will give a short 5 minutes speech. She has to describe not only the perspectives on Latvia but also talk on the development of relations with Russia.

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga arrived to the World Economics Forum in Dallas. She will give a short 5 minutes speech. She has to describe not only the perspectives on Latvia but also talk on the development of relations with Russia. Chas

Yesterday Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins gave a speech at the PACE meeting describing the situation in Chechnya and his meeting with Russian officials. He had three positive and three negative points.

Yesterday Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins gave a speech at the PACE meeting describing the situation in Chechnya and his meeting with Russian officials. He had three positive and three negative points. Chas

Press Report

Press Report

Opposite to the coalition agreement part of FF/LNNK deputies are going to support the amendments to the draft law on real property tax of religious organizations, proposed by Social Democrats. As voting for this opposition proposal that could cause some economic consequences is a violation of coalition agreement, Prime Minister A.Berzins called for a Coalition Council’s extraordinary meeting on Thursday.

Opposite to the coalition agreement part of FF/LNNK deputies are going to support the amendments to the draft law on real property tax of religious organizations, proposed by Social Democrats. As voting for this opposition proposal that could cause some economic consequences is a violation of coalition agreement, Prime Minister A.Berzins called for a Coalition Councils extraordinary meeting on Thursday. Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Respublika, Panorama Latvii

Already eight political forces are ready to fight for positions in the Riga City Council because on Wednesday the Riga City Election Commission received 4 more lists from the left wing union For Human Rights in United Latvia, Social Democrats, People’s Party and Russians’ Party.

Already eight political forces are ready to fight for positions in the Riga City Council because on Wednesday the Riga City Election Commission received 4 more lists from the left wing union For Human Rights in United Latvia, Social Democrats, Peoples Party and Russians Party. Diena

The call of teachers’ trade union to vote for those parties that would sign co-operation agreement with it may seem as an indirect intention to support Social Democrats. So far the only party which promised to promote formation of trade unions and sign co-operation agreements with trade unions was Social Democrats.

The call of teachers trade union to vote for those parties that would sign co-operation agreement with it may seem as an indirect intention to support Social Democrats. So far the only party which promised to promote formation of trade unions and sign co-operation agreements with trade unions was Social Democrats. Diena

On Wednesday Latvian Way Council called all political forces running for the local government election to use politically proper methods avoiding slandering and circulating compromises.

On Wednesday Latvian Way Council called all political forces running for the local government election to use politically proper methods avoiding slandering and circulating compromises. Diena

Yesterday Russian President V.Putin said during his meeting with Finish Prime Minister P.Lipponen that Russia was interested in good relations with the Baltic States and hoped for the same position in Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. In his turn Finnish Prime Minister evaluated this position as a positive one and expressed an opinion that this Russia’s wish would be positively received in those countries.

Yesterday Russian President V.Putin said during his meeting with Finish Prime Minister P.Lipponen that Russia was interested in good relations with the Baltic States and hoped for the same position in Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. In his turn Finnish Prime Minister evaluated this position as a positive one and expressed an opinion that this Russias wish would be positively received in those countries. Neatkariga

Court of Melbourne will start today considering the extradition case of K.Kalejs, accused of wartime crimes, but the Saeima Foreign Affairs Commission decided that due to the great stir about Latvian – Australian extradition agreement the future of it should be decided by the Saeima factions.

Court of Melbourne will start today considering the extradition case of K.Kalejs, accused of wartime crimes, but the Saeima Foreign Affairs Commission decided that due to the great stir about Latvian – Australian extradition agreement the future of it should be decided by the Saeima factions. Neatkariga

Z.Katc from

Z.Katc from Respublika writes about the PACE decision to stop monitoring of Latvia although it has not ratified the Framework Convention. He tells about he situation with ratification of this convention and states that while in the ruling coalition there are FF/LNNK and Peoples Party, ratification is unreal. He also asked to comment this situation several people standing linked with politics.

At the PACE meeting Russian former Prime Minister V.Chernomirdin called to continue monitoring human rights situation in Latvia. V.Chernomirdin thinks that naturalization in Latvia if the present speed remained would continue for 100 years, it means that the majority of present non-citizens would not live long enough to receive a citizen’s passport.

At the PACE meeting Russian former Prime Minister V.Chernomirdin called to continue monitoring human rights situation in Latvia. V.Chernomirdin thinks that naturalization in Latvia if the present speed remained would continue for 100 years, it means that the majority of present non-citizens would not live long enough to receive a citizens passport. Vesti Segodnya

Russian National Council demanded Latvian authorities to stop any attempts to revive Fascism and close so-called case of WWII veteran V.Kononov.

Russian National Council demanded Latvian authorities to stop any attempts to revive Fascism and close so-called case of WWII veteran V.Kononov. Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins said to the newspaper Vesti Segodnya that the PCE most likely support returning the right of vote to the Russian delegation. That would also be his recommendation to the PACE. Another Latvian representative to PACE B.Cilevich from For Human Rights in United Latvia faction will vote for this proposal.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins said to the newspaper Vesti Segodnya that the PCE most likely support returning the right of vote to the Russian delegation. That would also be his recommendation to the PACE. Another Latvian representative to PACE B.Cilevich from For Human Rights in United Latvia faction will vote for this proposal. Vesti Segodnya

The Head of Russian delegation to PACE and National Council’s Foreign Affairs Committee Head D.Rogozin sent an invitation to the representative s of Latvian opposition faction For Human Rights in United Latvia to visit Moscow to discuss the coming local government election.

The Head of Russian delegation to PACE and National Councils Foreign Affairs Committee Head D.Rogozin sent an invitation to the representative s of Latvian opposition faction For Human Rights in United Latvia to visit Moscow to discuss the coming local government election. Chas

Some time ago co-chairman of Latvian Human Rights Committee L.Raihman and V.Buzayev called people to fight for their right to use the Russian language. Now A.Stroy interviewed them about the campaign of public disobedience and the information center on language issues. V.B answered that the center was not established yet, but the Committee received visitors and registered their complaints about language situation in Latvia.

Some time ago co-chairman of Latvian Human Rights Committee L.Raihman and V.Buzayev called people to fight for their right to use the Russian language. Now A.Stroy interviewed them about the campaign of public disobedience and the information center on language issues. V.B answered that the center was not established yet, but the Committee received visitors and registered their complaints about language situation in Latvia. Chas

Today in Riga at the Baltic Russian Institute is celebrated the day of Russian education. As a present for this event was the draft decree of the Riga City Council Committee on Education, Youth and Sport Affairs to close Russian speaking schools No 17 and Brekshi Elementary School.

Today in Riga at the Baltic Russian Institute is celebrated the day of Russian education. As a present for this event was the draft decree of the Riga City Council Committee on Education, Youth and Sport Affairs to close Russian speaking schools No 17 and Brekshi Elementary School. Panorama Latvii

Latvian government decided that graduates from Russian speaking schools after passing the centralized Latvian language test would not need to pass another test to become naturalized. This exam is also made equal to the one for receiving state language proficiency level certificate.

Latvian government decided that graduates from Russian speaking schools after passing the centralized Latvian language test would not need to pass another test to become naturalized. This exam is also made equal to the one for receiving state language proficiency level certificate. Panorama Latvii (24.01.)

Press Report

Press Report

Leaders of FF/LNNK M.Grinblats and Latvian Social Democratic Workers’ Party J.Bojars rejected the information about their agreement to co-operate in the Riga City Council after the local government election, but they did not exclude such a possibility. It could happen it those two parties would collect more voices than the rest of parties, but then this layout could influence stability of A.Berzins’s government.

Leaders of FF/LNNK M.Grinblats and Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party J.Bojars rejected the information about their agreement to co-operate in the Riga City Council after the local government election, but they did not exclude such a possibility. It could happen it those two parties would collect more voices than the rest of parties, but then this layout could influence stability of A.Berzinss government. Diena

During the night from Monday to Tuesday some hooligans smashed the door and ground floor windows of Latvian Consulate General in St.Petersburg. Although such acts of vandalism have repeated already 5 times, Russian authorities have not fulfilled their promise to provide security.

During the night from Monday to Tuesday some hooligans smashed the door and ground floor windows of Latvian Consulate General in St.Petersburg. Although such acts of vandalism have repeated already 5 times, Russian authorities have not fulfilled their promise to provide security. Diena, Neatkariga, Respublika

On Tuesday the New Christian Party submitted an application to the Enterprise Register requesting to exchange party’s name.

On Tuesday the New Christian Party submitted an application to the Enterprise Register requesting to exchange partys name. Diena

Saeima State Administration and Local Governments Affairs Commission accepted the amendments to the law on the procedure for considering applications of residents, proposed by National Civil Service Council. The amendments envisage that henceforth requests and complaints might be submitted to the state institutions also orally. To ease the work of officials, uniformed forms will be prepared to receive oral applications.

Saeima State Administration and Local Governments Affairs Commission accepted the amendments to the law on the procedure for considering applications of residents, proposed by National Civil Service Council. The amendments envisage that henceforth requests and complaints might be submitted to the state institutions also orally. To ease the work of officials, uniformed forms will be prepared to receive oral applications. Diena

On Tuesday with a majority of voices PACE decided to stop so called monitoring procedure of Latvia. This was suggested by both responsible observers T.Deivis and G.Janson. The experts still pointed out that after this monitoring procedure a dialog with Latvia would be continued and said that in the future PACE expected from Latvia two major things – to ratify CoE Framework Convention and to stimulate non-citizens to be more active and apply for citizenship. Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga in her address to the deputies expressed satisfaction about this decision.

On Tuesday with a majority of voices PACE decided to stop so called monitoring procedure of Latvia. This was suggested by both responsible observers T.Deivis and G.Janson. The experts still pointed out that after this monitoring procedure a dialog with Latvia would be continued and said that in the future PACE expected from Latvia two major things – to ratify CoE Framework Convention and to stimulate non-citizens to be more active and apply for citizenship. Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga in her address to the deputies expressed satisfaction about this decision. Diena, Neatkariga

Answering to the questions of PACE deputies, V.Vike-Freiberga said that Latvia was ready to ratify the Framework Convention but she did not mention any time.

Answering to the questions of PACE deputies, V.Vike-Freiberga said that Latvia was ready to ratify the Framework Convention but she did not mention any time. Chas

The top issue of this PACE meeting was Latvia and Russia. In the first round Russian deputies lobbied the decision for Latvian authorities to adopt a law on protection of national minorities, they also were the major opponents to the decision to stop monitoring. In the second round Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins reported on the situation in Chechnya.

The top issue of this PACE meeting was Latvia and Russia. In the first round Russian deputies lobbied the decision for Latvian authorities to adopt a law on protection of national minorities, they also were the major opponents to the decision to stop monitoring. In the second round Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins reported on the situation in Chechnya. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Disregarding the fact that authority of the present Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov expired at the end of last year, accreditation of the new Ambassador is delayed due to the protracted farewell procedure of A.Udaltsov. According to internationally accepted diplomatic procedure a new ambassador may be accredited only when the previous one has written an official farewell letter and officially submitted it to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the hosting state. Unofficial sources inform that the new ambassador will be I.Studennikov, who was for a comparatively short time an ambassador to Guinea and Sierra Leone.

Disregarding the fact that authority of the present Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov expired at the end of last year, accreditation of the new Ambassador is delayed due to the protracted farewell procedure of A.Udaltsov. According to internationally accepted diplomatic procedure a new ambassador may be accredited only when the previous one has written an official farewell letter and officially submitted it to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the hosting state. Unofficial sources inform that the new ambassador will be I.Studennikov, who was for a comparatively short time an ambassador to Guinea and Sierra Leone. Diena

Already in the nearest future the Baltic States will be able to apply for different public integration projects in a USA program where there are allocated 5 million USD. This promise was made by the former US Ambassador to Latvia L.Napper to the Councilor to Latvian President M.Bondars. Money will be spent on projects concerning public integration as well as language training. During this meeting L.Napper showed his interests about the events in Latvia.

Already in the nearest future the Baltic States will be able to apply for different public integration projects in a USA program where there are allocated 5 million USD. This promise was made by the former US Ambassador to Latvia L.Napper to the Councilor to Latvian President M.Bondars. Money will be spent on projects concerning public integration as well as language training. During this meeting L.Napper showed his interests about the events in Latvia. Neatkariga

Some experts think that program e-Latvia, developed by the Ministry of Economics, could be a desperate attempt of the political forces linked to the former Ave Lat Group (A.Skele’s property) to take under their control all IT development projects. For involved businessmen they promise huge profit but for politicians – wide possibilities of manipulating. D.Zanfelde describes the scheme of this attempt.

Some experts think that program e-Latvia, developed by the Ministry of Economics, could be a desperate attempt of the political forces linked to the former Ave Lat Group (A.Skeles property) to take under their control all IT development projects. For involved businessmen they promise huge profit but for politicians – wide possibilities of manipulating. D.Zanfelde describes the scheme of this attempt. Neatkariga

Lord Rassel-Jonston described the input of Latvia in the CoE presidency to the Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga as a very recognizable. During this meeting both officials discussed the process of public integration in Latvia. Also CoE Secretary General V.Schimmer was positive about Latvian CoE presidency.

Lord Rassel-Jonston described the input of Latvia in the CoE presidency to the Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga as a very recognizable. During this meeting both officials discussed the process of public integration in Latvia. Also CoE Secretary General V.Schimmer was positive about Latvian CoE presidency. Neatkariga

The government supporting New Faction in the nearest future could sign a co-operation agreement with the opposition faction Latvian Social Democratic Workers’ Party. The Chairman of the New Faction I.Udre confirmed that this faction could sign such an agreement on solving social and welfare questions. The Chairman thinks that this planned co-operation should not be linked with the faction’s support to A.Berzins’s government.

The government supporting New Faction in the nearest future could sign a co-operation agreement with the opposition faction Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party. The Chairman of the New Faction I.Udre confirmed that this faction could sign such an agreement on solving social and welfare questions. The Chairman thinks that this planned co-operation should not be linked with the factions support to A.Berzinss government. Jauna Avize

Director of the National State Language Training Program A.Priedite tells a journalist from the newspaper Respublika about the NSLTP activities. A.Priedite finds that the current situation with state language training “normal” because they have received from the state budget 428 000 Ls for 2001. It was an important step from the government and it showed that the state realized the importance of the language training.

Director of the National State Language Training Program A.Priedite tells a journalist from the newspaper Respublika about the NSLTP activities. A.Priedite finds that the current situation with state language training normal because they have received from the state budget 428 000 Ls for 2001. It was an important step from the government and it showed that the state realized the importance of the language training. Respublika

Press Report

Press Report

It is likely that on Tuesday PACE will suggest cease three years long monitoring of Latvia, basing on the positive statements made by two reporters. T.Deivis and G.Janson, who went on their last monitoring visit to Latvia in November 2000, in their draft report state that “Latvia has essentially progressed in the fields of democracy and social integration”.

It is likely that on Tuesday PACE will suggest cease three years long monitoring of Latvia, basing on the positive statements made by two reporters. T.Deivis and G.Janson, who went on their last monitoring visit to Latvia in November 2000, in their draft report state that Latvia has essentially progressed in the fields of democracy and social integration. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

Before leaving to PACE meeting in Strasbourg, President V.Vike-Freiberga stated in a press conference that PACE most likely would vote for stopping monitoring and she considered that Latvia had fulfilled all international demands concerning national minorities.

Before leaving to PACE meeting in Strasbourg, President V.Vike-Freiberga stated in a press conference that PACE most likely would vote for stopping monitoring and she considered that Latvia had fulfilled all international demands concerning national minorities. Chas

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins after returning from Moscow described this dialog with his Russian colleague I.Ivanov as “proper”.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins after returning from Moscow described this dialog with his Russian colleague I.Ivanov as proper. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Chas got information that I.Berzins had called Moscow to acknowledge Latvia’s achievements in the field of public integration. But Russian authorities did not see any possibility to praise Latvia. When both ministers discussed the possible visit of Russian Foreign Minister to Riga, I.Ivanov announced that in the agenda of this visit would also be included a meeting with compatriots. He stressed that they had not received from their compatriots any signals on improvement of Latvian policy towards Russian speakers.

Chas got information that I.Berzins had called Moscow to acknowledge Latvias achievements in the field of public integration. But Russian authorities did not see any possibility to praise Latvia. When both ministers discussed the possible visit of Russian Foreign Minister to Riga, I.Ivanov announced that in the agenda of this visit would also be included a meeting with compatriots. He stressed that they had not received from their compatriots any signals on improvement of Latvian policy towards Russian speakers.

The group of international analysts Economist Intelligence Unit in their report to the magazine The Economist write that the local government election of March 11 will be a real test for the unstable government of Latvia. While the major parties mostly will use the national question in their pre-election campaign, independent candidates could make use of the reserved attitude of the electorate to the political elite, claiming themselves to be closer to the masses. According to the analysts, the most concern for major parties is the growing popularity of Social Democrats that could endanger the positions of the right-centric coalition.

The group of international analysts Economist Intelligence Unit in their report to the magazine The Economist write that the local government election of March 11 will be a real test for the unstable government of Latvia. While the major parties mostly will use the national question in their pre-election campaign, independent candidates could make use of the reserved attitude of the electorate to the political elite, claiming themselves to be closer to the masses. According to the analysts, the most concern for major parties is the growing popularity of Social Democrats that could endanger the positions of the right-centric coalition. Diena

The functions of testing the state language knowledge will perform Education Content and Examination Center of the Ministry of Education and Science but not the State Language Center of the Ministry of Justice as it was so far. It is stipulated in the draft decree adopted by the government commission. The government will discuss this draft on Tuesday.

The functions of testing the state language knowledge will perform Education Content and Examination Center of the Ministry of Education and Science but not the State Language Center of the Ministry of Justice as it was so far. It is stipulated in the draft decree adopted by the government commission. The government will discuss this draft on Tuesday. Diena

A.Story in

A.Story in Chas comments this news as a transition from repressions to pragmatism.

Yesterday the Prime Minister took an unordinary step – charged to Acting Minister of Economics R.Zile from FF/LNNK to ensure that his party member State Proxy in the Latvian Shipping Company E.Cepurnieks arrived to the Prosecutor General’s office. Although the ruling coalition members after the coalition’s council meeting assured that they had not discussed the privatization of SHC and it did not endanger stability of the government, one may see this act of Prime Minister as a brutal cornering of FF/LNNK, in reality violating the principle of independence of executive and judiciary powers, stipulated in the Satversme.

Yesterday the Prime Minister took an unordinary step – charged to Acting Minister of Economics R.Zile from FF/LNNK to ensure that his party member State Proxy in the Latvian Shipping Company E.Cepurnieks arrived to the Prosecutor Generals office. Although the ruling coalition members after the coalitions council meeting assured that they had not discussed the privatization of SHC and it did not endanger stability of the government, one may see this act of Prime Minister as a brutal cornering of FF/LNNK, in reality violating the principle of independence of executive and judiciary powers, stipulated in the Satversme. Neatkariga

According to the data of the Ministry of Justice, currently there are 50 political parties and their unions registered in Latvia.

According to the data of the Ministry of Justice, currently there are 50 political parties and their unions registered in Latvia. Neatkariga

Political observer A.Jansons in

Political observer A.Jansons in Neatkariga analyses the last tendencies and forecasts the future for the relations of the Baltic States with Russia. He thinks that economic priorities combined with the issues of compatriots will even more influence the activities of Russian embassies in this region.

The newspaper

The newspaper Lauku Avize has unofficial information that Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov will be replaced by some Mr.Studennikov who had so far fulfilled his diplomatic missions in Africa. Journalists asked Chairman of Saeima Foreign Affairs Commission G.Krasts to comment this news, but Mr.Krasts heard this name for the first time.

Chas writes that the name of the new Ambassador to Latvia will be made public in the nearest future.

According to the latest data of CoE, residents of Latvia are active in filing complaints with the European Human Rights Court. Last year in Strasbourg were registered 80 cases where Latvian residents expressed their indignation for illegal activities of Latvian authorities.

According to the latest data of CoE, residents of Latvia are active in filing complaints with the European Human Rights Court. Last year in Strasbourg were registered 80 cases where Latvian residents expressed their indignation for illegal activities of Latvian authorities. Chas