Press Report

In an interview Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins, speaking about the future of Latvian – Russian relations after the meeting with his Russian colleague, did not forecast any immediate bright future, but the atmosphere of their meeting for the first time after a long time was somewhat friendly. But to speak about a breakthrough is still too early. Latvia is ready and wants to develop relations with Russia, especially taking into consideration that it is going to join EU, but Russia, as President Putin has stated, considers EU to its main partner. I.Berzins arrived to Moscow with many proposals and said Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov that they were ready to start discussing all issues – co-operation with regions, co-operation between parliaments, and activities of intergovernmental commission.

In an interview Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins, speaking about the future of Latvian – Russian relations after the meeting with his Russian colleague, did not forecast any immediate bright future, but the atmosphere of their meeting for the first time after a long time was somewhat friendly. But to speak about a breakthrough is still too early. Latvia is ready and wants to develop relations with Russia, especially taking into consideration that it is going to join EU, but Russia, as President Putin has stated, considers EU to its main partner. I.Berzins arrived to Moscow with many proposals and said Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov that they were ready to start discussing all issues – co-operation with regions, co-operation between parliaments, and activities of intergovernmental commission. Diena

Latvia plans this year to sign no-visa agreements with six more countries – Israel, Singapore, Korea, Chili, Monaco and San Marino. So far Latvia has such agreements with 31 countries.

Latvia plans this year to sign no-visa agreements with six more countries – Israel, Singapore, Korea, Chili, Monaco and San Marino. So far Latvia has such agreements with 31 countries. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

The data from the concept of the Repatriation program show that within the next three years about 400 people will move to Latvia through repatriation. In 1999 the number of repatriates was 599.

The data from the concept of the Repatriation program show that within the next three years about 400 people will move to Latvia through repatriation. In 1999 the number of repatriates was 599. Neatkariga

Chairman of FF/LNNK M.Grinblats expressed an opinion that in the current situation to swing the government was advantageous only for People’s Party. Thus People’s Party could raise their low popularity rating before the local government election.

Chairman of FF/LNNK M.Grinblats expressed an opinion that in the current situation to swing the government was advantageous only for Peoples Party. Thus Peoples Party could raise their low popularity rating before the local government election. Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Press Report

On Friday Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins finished his visit to Moscow during which he collected materials for a report to CoE on situation in Chechnya. The report has to be made on January 25, and it may leave a great impact on solving the conflict between CoE and Russia. Judging from the mood of the delegation, the recommendations I.Berzins is going to make in the name of the Council of Ministers, will be positive for Russia. This hope has been voiced by several Russian officials.

On Friday Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins finished his visit to Moscow during which he collected materials for a report to CoE on situation in Chechnya. The report has to be made on January 25, and it may leave a great impact on solving the conflict between CoE and Russia. Judging from the mood of the delegation, the recommendations I.Berzins is going to make in the name of the Council of Ministers, will be positive for Russia. This hope has been voiced by several Russian officials. Diena

In order to develop mutual co-operation between NGOs and the state in the fields of improving legislation and developing of state policy, Ministry of Justice I.Labucka and Director of NGOs Center K.Gertnere signed an agreement protocol. It is planned to establish a working group to develop a draft law on NGOs.

In order to develop mutual co-operation between NGOs and the state in the fields of improving legislation and developing of state policy, Ministry of Justice I.Labucka and Director of NGOs Center K.Gertnere signed an agreement protocol. It is planned to establish a working group to develop a draft law on NGOs. Diena

With the help of the Dutch Embassy Rezekne office of the National Employment Service organized this year two groups for unemployed persons to study the state language free of charge. Last year 107 unemployed received such training, and 95 of them passed the state language test. In January 2001 the unemployment rate in Rezekne was 11.41% but in the Region – 25.63%.

With the help of the Dutch Embassy Rezekne office of the National Employment Service organized this year two groups for unemployed persons to study the state language free of charge. Last year 107 unemployed received such training, and 95 of them passed the state language test. In January 2001 the unemployment rate in Rezekne was 11.41% but in the Region – 25.63%. Diena

Contrary to the opposition factions, the ruling coalition partners People’s Party, FF/LNNK and Latvian Way – do not link the disputable issue of privatizing the Latvian Shipping Company with the stability of the government. Prime Minister’s Press Secretary A.Lapins said that if somebody wanted to overthrow the government he might find many different ways, but it would be a very unpopular move. Already two weeks ago the Prime Minister learned about such plans. Deputy Chairman of Latvian Way A.Pantelejevs voiced an opinion that it was possible to find a compromise concerning privatization of Latvian Shipping Company.

Contrary to the opposition factions, the ruling coalition partners Peoples Party, FF/LNNK and Latvian Way – do not link the disputable issue of privatizing the Latvian Shipping Company with the stability of the government. Prime Ministers Press Secretary A.Lapins said that if somebody wanted to overthrow the government he might find many different ways, but it would be a very unpopular move. Already two weeks ago the Prime Minister learned about such plans. Deputy Chairman of Latvian Way A.Pantelejevs voiced an opinion that it was possible to find a compromise concerning privatization of Latvian Shipping Company. Neatkariga

Today is planned to establish diplomatic relations between Latvia and Yugoslavian Federative Republic. The new government of this republic already last December expressed a wish to renew or establish new relations with all states in the world.

Today is planned to establish diplomatic relations between Latvia and Yugoslavian Federative Republic. The new government of this republic already last December expressed a wish to renew or establish new relations with all states in the world. Neatkariga

Evaluating the relations of Russia and Latvia after his visit to Moscow Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of CoE Council of Ministers I.Berzins said that there were too many myths about the situation in Latvia. As one of the myths he named the opinion that Russian war veterans do not enjoy any privileges while former legionnaires had received the status of politically repressed persons. During his visit I.Berzins called the Russian government to sign border agreement with Latvia.

Evaluating the relations of Russia and Latvia after his visit to Moscow Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of CoE Council of Ministers I.Berzins said that there were too many myths about the situation in Latvia. As one of the myths he named the opinion that Russian war veterans do not enjoy any privileges while former legionnaires had received the status of politically repressed persons. During his visit I.Berzins called the Russian government to sign border agreement with Latvia. Neatkariga

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga received the concept of ombudsmen institution from the leader of the working group, established by the President’s Chancellery. The working group consisted of the representatives of all Saeima factions, the President, Constitutional Court, Latvian University, Association of Latvian Lawyers, Ministry of Justice, NHRO, Ministry of Communications, NGOs and other institutions.

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga received the concept of ombudsmen institution from the leader of the working group, established by the Presidents Chancellery. The working group consisted of the representatives of all Saeima factions, the President, Constitutional Court, Latvian University, Association of Latvian Lawyers, Ministry of Justice, NHRO, Ministry of Communications, NGOs and other institutions. Neatkariga

On Friday evening representatives of political parties queued up in front of the door of the Central Election Commission to be the first to submit their candidates’ lists for local government election because the lists would receive a number according to their submission.

On Friday evening representatives of political parties queued up in front of the door of the Central Election Commission to be the first to submit their candidates lists for local government election because the lists would receive a number according to their submission. Chas, (22.01)- Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

“The time has come to activate relations between Latvia and Russia”, said I.Berzins after the meeting with Russia’s minister of FA I.Ivanov. The official goal of Latvia’s FA minister’s visit to Russia was to obtain information about situation in Chechnya, however, the first part of the meeting was devoted to discussions about the relations between the two countries. Latvia’s minister of FA passed the invitation of Latvia’s President V.Vike-Freiberga for Russia’s President to visit Latvia.

The time has come to activate relations between Latvia and Russia, said I.Berzins after the meeting with Russias minister of FA I.Ivanov. The official goal of Latvias FA ministers visit to Russia was to obtain information about situation in Chechnya, however, the first part of the meeting was devoted to discussions about the relations between the two countries. Latvias minister of FA passed the invitation of Latvias President V.Vike-Freiberga for Russias President to visit Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Chas, Respublika, Panorama Latvii

Yesterday when discussing Latvian Shipping Agency privatisation FF/LNNK had an open and harsh confrontation with People’s Party, FF/LNNK announced that “so called orange power gave enormous bribes to high state officials to ensure positive privatisation result for them. People’s Party chairman A.Skele voiced that “FF/LNNK has developed a scenario how to overthrow the Government”. Minister of Economy A.Kalvitis stated that the Government has never been so close to fall as it is now. FF/LNNK chairman M.Grinblats opposed these statements saying that People’s Party is trying to push out FF/LNNK from the Government and decrease FF/LNNK rating before the election.

Yesterday when discussing Latvian Shipping Agency privatisation FF/LNNK had an open and harsh confrontation with Peoples Party, FF/LNNK announced that so called orange power gave enormous bribes to high state officials to ensure positive privatisation result for them. Peoples Party chairman A.Skele voiced that FF/LNNK has developed a scenario how to overthrow the Government. Minister of Economy A.Kalvitis stated that the Government has never been so close to fall as it is now. FF/LNNK chairman M.Grinblats opposed these statements saying that Peoples Party is trying to push out FF/LNNK from the Government and decrease FF/LNNK rating before the election. Diena, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii

Social Democrats have proposed to enter amendments to the Law on Retirement, which would allow persons who are retired but still working receive their pensions in full amount. Social Democrats do not try to deny that it is related to the election.

Social Democrats have proposed to enter amendments to the Law on Retirement, which would allow persons who are retired but still working receive their pensions in full amount. Social Democrats do not try to deny that it is related to the election. Diena, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Candidates for municipal election, who do not have certificate confirming their language proficiency level, are given the opportunity to take the test at the examination commission established for this purpose. It is according Tuesday’s directive of justice minister I.Labucka. Till now 11 candidates took the examination and all of them have passed.

Candidates for municipal election, who do not have certificate confirming their language proficiency level, are given the opportunity to take the test at the examination commission established for this purpose. It is according Tuesdays directive of justice minister I.Labucka. Till now 11 candidates took the examination and all of them have passed. Diena, Chas

The amendments to Criminal Code which foreseen more serious punishment for members and supporters of antigovernment organisations have been passed from the Saeima for the revision at Saeima’s committees. Union for Human Rights in the United Latvia expressed their dissatisfaction with the amendments proposed by FF/LNNK. UFHRUL is also not satisfied with another draft proposed by FF/LNNK – on prohibition the usage and demonstration of Soviet symbols in public.

The amendments to Criminal Code which foreseen more serious punishment for members and supporters of antigovernment organisations have been passed from the Saeima for the revision at Saeimas committees. Union for Human Rights in the United Latvia expressed their dissatisfaction with the amendments proposed by FF/LNNK. UFHRUL is also not satisfied with another draft proposed by FF/LNNK – on prohibition the usage and demonstration of Soviet symbols in public. Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Chas

re-publishes an interview with EC ambassador G.Veiss from Latvian newspaper re-publishes an interview with EC ambassador G.Veiss from Latvian newspaper “Neatkariga”.Neatkariga.

Today Russia’s ambassador to Latvia A.Udolcovs is visiting Daugavpils. He has scheduled meetings with the Mayor of Daugavpils, will visit Russian Culture Centre and Russia’s Consulate

Today Russias ambassador to Latvia A.Udolcovs is visiting Daugavpils. He has scheduled meetings with the Mayor of Daugavpils, will visit Russian Culture Centre and Russias Consulate. Respublika, Vesti Segodnja

Respublika

interviews the Director of Latvian Institute O.Kalnins about his and his institute investment in promoting a positive image of Latvia. interviews the Director of Latvian Institute O.Kalnins about his and his institute investment in promoting a positive image of Latvia.

Press Report

Press Report

“FF/LNNK and Social Democrats could form a coalition at Riga City Council after election and Latvia’s Way could also join this coalition,” says entrepreneur J.Lakucs, who supports FF/LNNK. FF/LNNK chairman M.Grinbergs and Riga Mayor A.Argalis denied the information. A.Argalis said, “no coalition is going to be formed as our list itself will get the majority of voices”.

FF/LNNK and Social Democrats could form a coalition at Riga City Council after election and Latvias Way could also join this coalition, says entrepreneur J.Lakucs, who supports FF/LNNK. FF/LNNK chairman M.Grinbergs and Riga Mayor A.Argalis denied the information. A.Argalis said, no coalition is going to be formed as our list itself will get the majority of voices. Diena

People’s Party and Social Democrats name their number one candidates. People’s Party named former finance minister E.Krastins and Social Democrats chose D.Ivans – the leader of the Awakening.

Peoples Party and Social Democrats name their number one candidates. Peoples Party named former finance minister E.Krastins and Social Democrats chose D.Ivans – the leader of the Awakening. Diena

Neatkariga

interviews the member of British Parliament D.Anderson. The Parliamentarian was asked about Latvias perspectives to be accessed in the EU, immigration issues in the EU, his plans for upcoming election in Great Britain and his impressions about the President of Latvia. interviews the member of British Parliament D.Anderson. The Parliamentarian was asked about Latvia’s perspectives to be accessed in the EU, immigration issues in the EU, his plans for upcoming election in Great Britain and his impressions about the President of Latvia. NeatkarigaNeatkariga Russia has announced permanent visa procedure for non-citizens of Latvia, who want to visit Russia. The terms to get a visa for non- citizens are easier than for citizens - they do not need an invitation, instead they have to hand in an application and fill out the form. A visa valid for three months costs USA 8, multiple entrance visa valid for a year costs USA 12.

Russia has announced permanent visa procedure for non-citizens of Latvia, who want to visit Russia. The terms to get a visa for non- citizens are easier than for citizens - they do not need an invitation, instead they have to hand in an application and fill out the form. A visa valid for three months costs USA 8, multiple entrance visa valid for a year costs USA 12. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja, Chas

Yesterday People’s Party, Latvia’s Way, Social Democrats, Farmer Union and Work Party confirmed their lists of candidates in the biggest cities of Latvia and there are ten candidates for the post of Mayor of Riga. FF/LNNK – A.Argalis, Latvia’s Way – A.Poca, Farmer Union – J.Strazdins, People’s Party – E.Krastins, Union for Human Rigts in the United Latvia – S.Dolgopolov, Green Party – I.Emsis, Democracy Party – A.Ameriks.

Yesterday Peoples Party, Latvias Way, Social Democrats, Farmer Union and Work Party confirmed their lists of candidates in the biggest cities of Latvia and there are ten candidates for the post of Mayor of Riga. FF/LNNK – A.Argalis, Latvias Way – A.Poca, Farmer Union – J.Strazdins, Peoples Party – E.Krastins, Union for Human Rigts in the United Latvia – S.Dolgopolov, Green Party – I.Emsis, Democracy Party – A.Ameriks. Neatkariga

Vesti Segodnja

describes official procedure of the upcoming election. describes official procedure of the upcoming election. Due to Sweden’s presidency in the EU Sweden ambassador to Latvia Bertelman had a meeting with the representatives of mass media. He named Latvia among the advanced candidate states and promised “speedy political tempo” concerning candidate state accession to the EU. Then the author of the article states that currently the only connection Latvia has with the EU is booklets published by the EU countries, like the one published by Swedish Institute whereas among different information provided is the article explaining the reasons of Awakening and how Russians who emigrated to Latvia during Soviet times were in a privileged position in comparison to Latvians in regard to possibilities to have a flat, a car, etc.

Due to Swedens presidency in the EU Sweden ambassador to Latvia Bertelman had a meeting with the representatives of mass media. He named Latvia among the advanced candidate states and promised speedy political tempo concerning candidate state accession to the EU. Then the author of the article states that currently the only connection Latvia has with the EU is booklets published by the EU countries, like the one published by Swedish Institute whereas among different information provided is the article explaining the reasons of Awakening and how Russians who emigrated to Latvia during Soviet times were in a privileged position in comparison to Latvians in regard to possibilities to have a flat, a car, etc. Vesti Segodnja

State Secretary of Latvia’s Ministry of Defence E.Rinkevics is in Washington DC to discuss Latvia’s integration into NATO.

State Secretary of Latvias Ministry of Defence E.Rinkevics is in Washington DC to discuss Latvias integration into NATO. Respublika

Respublika

gives its forecasts for the course of I.Berzins visit to Moscow. gives its forecasts for the course of I.Berzins visit to Moscow. Last week the representatives of Society Integration Department of the Ministry of Justice met with the members of the organisation “Russian Community in Latvia”. According to the Director of the Department V.Antoniskis it was a first introductory visit, during which the possible co-operation in the field of integration was discussed.

Last week the representatives of Society Integration Department of the Ministry of Justice met with the members of the organisation Russian Community in Latvia. According to the Director of the Department V.Antoniskis it was a first introductory visit, during which the possible co-operation in the field of integration was discussed. Latvijas Vestnesis.

Saeima Education Committee Chairman Dz.Abikis talks about education legislation issues. The top three priorities are – harmonisation of Latvia’s legislation with the EU, make education available for all people in Latvia and, third, Latvia has to be one community country. Dz. Abikis does not see any discriminating aspects in providing education only in the state language.

Saeima Education Committee Chairman Dz.Abikis talks about education legislation issues. The top three priorities are – harmonisation of Latvias legislation with the EU, make education available for all people in Latvia and, third, Latvia has to be one community country. Dz. Abikis does not see any discriminating aspects in providing education only in the state language. Latvijas Vestnesis

Yesterday USA ambassador to Latvia J.Houlm had a meeting with journalists in the event of inauguration ceremony of USA President The ambassador said that in the future there will not be any radical changes and that the States will continue a dialogue with Russia first of all on the issues regarding disarmament.

Chas Yesterday members of Saeima Defence and National Security Committee gave their approval to the idea about establishing communication in the field of military issues among Latvia, Russia and countries of NATO. It became an issue after the information about nuclear weapons in Kaliningrad appeared in mass media.

Yesterday members of Saeima Defence and National Security Committee gave their approval to the idea about establishing communication in the field of military issues among Latvia, Russia and countries of NATO. It became an issue after the information about nuclear weapons in Kaliningrad appeared in mass media. Chas

Panorama Latvii

provides its considerations about the candidates to the post of Riga Mayor. provides its considerations about the candidates to the post of Riga Mayor. “Inability to communicate with municipal and state institutions in Russian will soon become a No 1 problem”, states

Inability to communicate with municipal and state institutions in Russian will soon become a No 1 problem, states Panorama Latvii and publishes some complaints of its readers.

Press Report

Press Report

All biggest political powers have decided to organise active election campaigns in all 38 towns and regions of Latvia. According to inquiry carried out by

All biggest political powers have decided to organise active election campaigns in all 38 towns and regions of Latvia. According to inquiry carried out by Diena in all towns there will be 5-6 lists of candidates, which will represent not only 6 ruling parties, but also parties, which are not presented in the Parliament. Diena

Yesterday the exhibition devoted to interstate relations between the USA and Latvia was opened to celebrate 3-year anniversary of signing the Charter on Partnership between America and the Baltic States.

Yesterday the exhibition devoted to interstate relations between the USA and Latvia was opened to celebrate 3-year anniversary of signing the Charter on Partnership between America and the Baltic States. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Rigas Balss

The ambassador of the EC to Latvia G.Veiss considers that Latvia is the country which most likely could manage to catch up with so called Luxembourg group. The most difficult part and the biggest obstacle to finish discussions early are the adoption of environment protection standards. In his turn, Sweden ambassador to Latvia did not tell the date when Latvia could be accessed to the EU, as Nice Summit helped to define not the date, but the way it should happen.

The ambassador of the EC to Latvia G.Veiss considers that Latvia is the country which most likely could manage to catch up with so called Luxembourg group. The most difficult part and the biggest obstacle to finish discussions early are the adoption of environment protection standards. In his turn, Sweden ambassador to Latvia did not tell the date when Latvia could be accessed to the EU, as Nice Summit helped to define not the date, but the way it should happen. Diena

State Chancellery head M.Bondars went to Washington to participate at President’s inauguration procedure. He has scheduled meetings with officials of the State Department and National Security Board.

State Chancellery head M.Bondars went to Washington to participate at Presidents inauguration procedure. He has scheduled meetings with officials of the State Department and National Security Board. Neatkariga, Chas

Neatkariga

gives information about the visit of 8 British Parliament members. During the meeting with the Prime Minister A.Berzins parliamentarians were interested in issues regarding naturalisation, economic situation, policy on agriculture, privatisation and corruption prevention. The main discussion subjects with the President were Latvia and the EU, NATO enlargement and society integration. gives information about the visit of 8 British Parliament members. During the meeting with the Prime Minister A.Berzins parliamentarians were interested in issues regarding naturalisation, economic situation, policy on agriculture, privatisation and corruption prevention. The main discussion subjects with the President were Latvia and the EU, NATO enlargement and society integration. NeatkarigaNeatkariga Yesterday First Deputy Head of Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs A.Avdejev gave interview for Interfax pointing out the main problems Latvia has in the field of human rights. The Governor of Kemerova region was more sharp in his views about situation of Russians in Latvia.

Yesterday First Deputy Head of Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs A.Avdejev gave interview for Interfax pointing out the main problems Latvia has in the field of human rights. The Governor of Kemerova region was more sharp in his views about situation of Russians in Latvia. Chas

Vesti Segodnja

and and Panorama LatviiPanorama Latvii continue discussion about language proficiency certificate for the candidates for municipal elections. As the candidates who are non-Latvians do know Latvian very well in most cases, it was the only way – deny a possibility to take the exam – to prevent their participation at municipal election. continue discussion about language proficiency certificate for the candidates for municipal elections. “As the candidates who are non-Latvians do know Latvian very well in most cases, it was the only way – deny a possibility to take the exam – to prevent their participation at municipal election”.

Respublika

interviews foreign affair minister I.Berzins about his visit to Moscow. For the first time Latvia will have a visit on such high official level to Russia. The minister I.Berzins has scheduled a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia I.Ivanov. interviews foreign affair minister I.Berzins about his visit to Moscow. For the first time Latvia will have a visit on such high official level to Russia. The minister I.Berzins has scheduled a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia I.Ivanov.