Press Report

Press Report

All three main Russian newspapers –

All three main Russian newspapers – Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Panorama Latvii - inform that the mandate of the OSCE Mission to Latvia has been prolonged for the next 6 months. Chas reminds the readers that the President and the foreign affair minister of Sweden consider the presence of the OSCE in Latvia unfavourable as it proves that there is something wrong with democracy in the country.

The Committee of MoC has reviewed the proposal regarding the equalisation of the language examination at secondary school with language tests in naturalisation process. According to the amendments entered state language proficiency is confirmed not only by the certificate issued by the state language examination commission, but also by the certificate of secondary education.

The Committee of MoC has reviewed the proposal regarding the equalisation of the language examination at secondary school with language tests in naturalisation process. According to the amendments entered state language proficiency is confirmed not only by the certificate issued by the state language examination commission, but also by the certificate of secondary education. Vesti Segodnja

The case of Soviet partisan Kononov will be the main discussion subject at Advisory Board of NGOs and most likely the joint statement will be drawn and a protest meeting will be planned.

The case of Soviet partisan Kononov will be the main discussion subject at Advisory Board of NGOs and most likely the joint statement will be drawn and a protest meeting will be planned. Chas

All last week People’s Party webpage was devoted to the issues concerning Russia and Russians. Politicians explain this campaign as a try to attract Russian voters.

All last week Peoples Party webpage was devoted to the issues concerning Russia and Russians. Politicians explain this campaign as a try to attract Russian voters. Chas

The Naturalisation Board continues tradition to organise “an open door day” when interested people can find answers to their questions and have a trial naturalisation examinations. This time information day will take place on 17 January, in Jelgava.

The Naturalisation Board continues tradition to organise an open door day when interested people can find answers to their questions and have a trial naturalisation examinations. This time information day will take place on 17 January, in Jelgava. Chas.

Respublika

publishes an article written for Russias newspaper Moskovskije Novosti where the Head of International Human Co-operation and Human Rights Department of Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs J.Ivanov gives reasons why Russia is not satisfied with the State Language Law in Latvia. Among the main points of dissatisfaction requirement to communicate with state institutions only in the state language, restrictions in private business sphere are mentioned. In order to acquire rights to participate at the closed sessions of MoC, where the initial share price of “Latvijas kugnieciba” (Latvian Shipping Agency) will be decided, the independent observers will have to have a permit to access information containing state secrets. This was a trade-off achieved by the organisation for Open Society “Delna”, management of Privatisation Agency and economy minister A.Kalvitis. “Delna” chairman I.Voika considers that most likely corruption can occur at the phase when the initial price of Latvian Shipping Agency share is set. Diena

In order to acquire rights to participate at the closed sessions of MoC, where the initial share price of Latvijas kugnieciba (Latvian Shipping Agency) will be decided, the independent observers will have to have a permit to access information containing state secrets. This was a trade-off achieved by the organisation for Open Society Delna, management of Privatisation Agency and economy minister A.Kalvitis. Delna chairman I.Voika considers that most likely corruption can occur at the phase when the initial price of Latvian Shipping Agency share is set. Diena

Protestant archbishop J.Vanags voices that the New Christian Party should not be viewed as the party of protestant church “Priest Dishler has his citizen rights and the church does not prohibit priests to be active in politics, however, he had to ask the permission of the archbishop first, but he did not do it”.

Protestant archbishop J.Vanags voices that the New Christian Party should not be viewed as the party of protestant church Priest Dishler has his citizen rights and the church does not prohibit priests to be active in politics, however, he had to ask the permission of the archbishop first, but he did not do it. Diena

Some candidates who want to run for municipal elections still have not passed state language examinations and due to reorganisation in state language examination system, it will possible to take the examination only as of 1 February. However, the lists of candidates have to be handed in till the end of January. A special commission could be established with the approval of the Ministry of Justice to certify candidates language skills.

Some candidates who want to run for municipal elections still have not passed state language examinations and due to reorganisation in state language examination system, it will possible to take the examination only as of 1 February. However, the lists of candidates have to be handed in till the end of January. A special commission could be established with the approval of the Ministry of Justice to certify candidates language skills. Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Vesti Segodnja, Chas

Diena

gives a reflection of the events 10 years ago when 2 Swedish politicians and 2 businessmen organised campaign of meetings in Sweden in defence and support to the independence of the Baltic States. gives a reflection of the events 10 years ago when 2 Swedish politicians and 2 businessmen organised campaign of meetings in Sweden in defence and support to the independence of the Baltic States. According to social poll data popularity ratings of parties differ in Riga and Latvia’s countryside – in December the most popular party in Latvia’s countryside was Social Democrats leaving quite far behind FF/LNNK (which received the biggest support in Riga) and then Latvia’s Way. In December the most significant increase of people’s support experienced UFHRUL (Union for Human Rights in the United Latvia).

According to social poll data popularity ratings of parties differ in Riga and Latvias countryside – in December the most popular party in Latvias countryside was Social Democrats leaving quite far behind FF/LNNK (which received the biggest support in Riga) and then Latvias Way. In December the most significant increase of peoples support experienced UFHRUL (Union for Human Rights in the United Latvia). Neatkariga

Yesterday the Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins met with Russia’s ambassador to Latvia to discuss I.Berzins visit to Moscow.

Yesterday the Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins met with Russias ambassador to Latvia to discuss I.Berzins visit to Moscow. Neatkariga, Latvijas Vestnesis

As of 16 January 2001 the Register of Enterprises took over the responsibility to register parties and unions. Up to this moment the Ministry of Justice was in charge of this task.

As of 16 January 2001 the Register of Enterprises took over the responsibility to register parties and unions. Up to this moment the Ministry of Justice was in charge of this task. Neatkariga, Latvijas Vestnesis, Panorama Latvii

Six deputies representing all factions of Saeima inform about main plans of their parties for the next parliamentarian session. Social Democrats main goal is to align legislation for the development of state economy, particularly it regards Laws on Taxes and Commercial Law. New Party faction considers development of the Commercial Law their number one priority. Union For Human Rights in the United Latvia will place main emphasis on municipal elections; Latvia’s Way will continue its work in the Government and Saeima; People’s Party also states work at Commercial Law as the top priority.

Six deputies representing all factions of Saeima inform about main plans of their parties for the next parliamentarian session. Social Democrats main goal is to align legislation for the development of state economy, particularly it regards Laws on Taxes and Commercial Law. New Party faction considers development of the Commercial Law their number one priority. Union For Human Rights in the United Latvia will place main emphasis on municipal elections; Latvias Way will continue its work in the Government and Saeima; Peoples Party also states work at Commercial Law as the top priority. Jauna

The President V.Vike-Freiberga has a meeting with a professor of Canadian University to discuss the establishment of ombudsman institution in Latvia.

The President V.Vike-Freiberga has a meeting with a professor of Canadian University to discuss the establishment of ombudsman institution in Latvia. Lauku Avize

Press Report

On Saturday New Party Congress took place during which the Party changed its title – now it is called New Christian Party – as well as changes occurred in the leadership of the Party – the new party chairman is protestant priest M.Dishlers

On Saturday New Party Congress took place during which the Party changed its title – now it is called New Christian Party – as well as changes occurred in the leadership of the Party – the new party chairman is protestant priest M.Dishlers. Neatkariga, Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii

The ex-member of Democratic Party Saimnieks and Latvias Way D.Turlais established a new liberal party Our Latvia and was elected to the post of its chairman. The party supports the accession to the EU, however, NATO is not the number one priority for our party. The party is constituted of about 400 members of which 271 are the citizens and others are holders of purple passports.

Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

The book about human rights issues in the Baltic States will be published in Russia. The non-commercial organisation Human Rights Institute is collecting and writing materials for this book. The book will give an opportunity to study the discussions of the round table which participants were not only the representatives from the CIS and Baltic States, but also the members of the OSCE, EC and UNDP. The book in Russian and English will be published next month.

Neatkariga, Jauna, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

The President V.Vike-Freiberga gave interview for Russias newspaper Segodnja where she once again confirmed her willingness to meet the President of Russia. Panorama Latvii.

Russia keeps following the case of Soviet partisan V.Kononov. The Prosecutor Office of Latvia indicted Kononov for war crimes for the second time. V.Kononov informs that Russia “will stand by him to the end and if necessary will apply to international organisations, including, anti-nazis organisations”.

Russia keeps following the case of Soviet partisan V.Kononov. The Prosecutor Office of Latvia indicted Kononov for war crimes for the second time. V.Kononov informs that Russia will stand by him to the end and if necessary will apply to international organisations, including, anti-nazis organisations. Chas, Respublika

The President of Byelorussia A.Lukasenko says, “Byelorussia starts a new millennium as a European country”. The President also mentions necessity to have close relations with the Baltic States and Poland.

The President of Byelorussia A.Lukasenko says, Byelorussia starts a new millennium as a European country. The President also mentions necessity to have close relations with the Baltic States and Poland. Panorama Latvii

Panorama Latvii

gives its comments in regard to the articles in Latvian newspapers about Russias President where V.Putin is reflected as not only unfriendly toward Latvia but also as mediocre official of KGB and is criticised for his international and domestic policy. gives its comments in regard to the articles in Latvian newspapers about Russia’s President where V.Putin is reflected as “not only unfriendly toward Latvia but also as mediocre official of KGB” and is criticised for his international and domestic policy. Panorama LatviiPanorama Latvii thinks that these kind of articles have features of dynamite and they could make not only the President but also other officials busy and not available for meetings during the visit of foreign affairs minister I.Berzins to Moscow. thinks that “these kind of articles have features of dynamite and they could make not only the President but also other officials busy and not available for meetings during the visit of foreign affairs minister I.Berzins to Moscow”.

Press Report

Press Report

Friday Liepaja City Court found G.Landmanis, the publisher of the newspaper “Patriot”, guilty and he has been sentenced to 6 months in jail. The court established that the materials published in “Patriots” kindled national hatred and contained negative, humiliating attitude toward Jews and other nationalities.

Friday Liepaja City Court found G.Landmanis, the publisher of the newspaper Patriot, guilty and he has been sentenced to 6 months in jail. The court established that the materials published in Patriots kindled national hatred and contained negative, humiliating attitude toward Jews and other nationalities. Diena, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii

State Language Centre will examine violations in LNT (Latvian Independent Television) programmes. The National Television and Radio Board established that LNT has several times violated the State Language law by showing the movies dubbed in the Russian language with Latvian subtitles.

State Language Centre will examine violations in LNT (Latvian Independent Television) programmes. The National Television and Radio Board established that LNT has several times violated the State Language law by showing the movies dubbed in the Russian language with Latvian subtitles. Diena

Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development V.Makarovs recalled his offence to Minister of Finance G.Berzins that G.Berzins has some relation to money laundering. V.Makarovs admitted that he had not formulated his opinion very clearly.

Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development V.Makarovs recalled his offence to Minister of Finance G.Berzins that G.Berzins has some relation to money laundering. V.Makarovs admitted that he had not formulated his opinion very clearly. Jauna, Diena, Vesti Segodnja

“Russia is not satisfied with the situation in Latvia and Estonia. The Russian language has to have the status of the state language”, was stated by the high official of Russia’s Foreign Affair Ministry in the interview for Internet portal

Russia is not satisfied with the situation in Latvia and Estonia. The Russian language has to have the status of the state language, was stated by the high official of Russias Foreign Affair Ministry in the interview for Internet portal Strana.ru. He admitted that there have been some positive changes, however, in general the situation is bad. Neatkariga

“Russia will not keep silent about war crimes committed by the NATO in Yugoslavia” voiced the chairman of the Investigation Commission on NATO war crimes in Yugoslavia at Russia’s State Duma. The Baltic countries are also mentioned in the report – “theses countries have to take more responsibility for these crimes as they supported the aggression”.

Russia will not keep silent about war crimes committed by the NATO in Yugoslavia voiced the chairman of the Investigation Commission on NATO war crimes in Yugoslavia at Russias State Duma. The Baltic countries are also mentioned in the report – theses countries have to take more responsibility for these crimes as they supported the aggression. Vesti Segodnja

It has been 10 years since January events when the people of the Baltic States went on barricades to defend the independence of their countries. Russian newspapers in Latvia reflects these events in two ways –

It has been 10 years since January events when the people of the Baltic States went on barricades to defend the independence of their countries. Russian newspapers in Latvia reflects these events in two ways – Vesti Segodnja and Panorama Latvii publishe articles where these events are reflected in a very ironic way, the seriousness of these events are heavily doubted and from the point of view of these newspapers todays Latvia is not the one people defended 10 years ago; Chas reproaches that nowadays when these events are discussed the role of Russian speaking people who also took part in these events have been forgotten and neglected.

The Head of Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane gives her opinion about the choice of new citizens at municipal election. She thinks that the new citizens will be active participants at municipal election and they will pay more attention to the personalities of candidates than to which party a candidate belongs to.

The Head of Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane gives her opinion about the choice of new citizens at municipal election. She thinks that the new citizens will be active participants at municipal election and they will pay more attention to the personalities of candidates than to which party a candidate belongs to. Chas

According to the social poll in December the most popular party was FF/LNNK, then goes Social Democrats, the Union for Human Rights in the United Latvia and Latvia’s Way.

According to the social poll in December the most popular party was FF/LNNK, then goes Social Democrats, the Union for Human Rights in the United Latvia and Latvias Way. Chas

25 January Baltic Russian Institute Education and Culture Centre and Association of Russian Speaking Schools will organise celebration of Russian education in Latvia.

Vesti Segodnja

Famous Latvian composer and ex-chairman of New party R.Pauls received greetings from the presidents of Russia and Ukraine for his 65th birthday. Although there are some disagreements between our countries, Russia still loves you, says Putin.

Press Report

Press Report

According to the data of the Naturalisation Board the rapid increase of naturalisation applicants after abolishing of the naturalisation “windows”, last year the interest for Latvian citizenship decreased. In 2000 there was a record number of persons receiving Latvian citizenship, but the number of applications decreased. Naturalisation Board management and political scientists foresee that the number of applicants will not decrease essentially this year.

According to the data of the Naturalisation Board the rapid increase of naturalisation applicants after abolishing of the naturalisation windows, last year the interest for Latvian citizenship decreased. In 2000 there was a record number of persons receiving Latvian citizenship, but the number of applications decreased. Naturalisation Board management and political scientists foresee that the number of applicants will not decrease essentially this year. Diena, Neatkariga

On Thursday Swedish Embassy in Latvia sent a note to the Latvian MFA where Latvia was urged to implement the decision of the International Arbitrage Court that charged Latvia to pay Swedish company SwemBalt 3 million USD as compensation for its ship turned into scrap metal.

On Thursday Swedish Embassy in Latvia sent a note to the Latvian MFA where Latvia was urged to implement the decision of the International Arbitrage Court that charged Latvia to pay Swedish company SwemBalt 3 million USD as compensation for its ship turned into scrap metal. Diena

Diena

published an article of P.Goble where he analysed the research of Estonian and Scottish scientists Baltic Barometer. Although Latvian Social Democratic Workers’ Party Riga organisation adopted its list for Riga City Council election, and candidates there were numbered according the alphabet, Deputy Chairman of this organisation J.Dinevics acknowledged that No 1 on this list could be D.Ivans, No2 – MP G.Bojars and No 3 – J.Gulbis. The list in the final version will be adopted on January 17 at the LSDWP Council meeting.

Although Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party Riga organisation adopted its list for Riga City Council election, and candidates there were numbered according the alphabet, Deputy Chairman of this organisation J.Dinevics acknowledged that No 1 on this list could be D.Ivans, No2 – MP G.Bojars and No 3 – J.Gulbis. The list in the final version will be adopted on January 17 at the LSDWP Council meeting. Diena, Rigas Balss

Prosecutor General’s Office once more accused the 75 years old red guerrilla man V.Kononov of committing war time crimes. He was interrogated as the person accused, and the victims started to study materials of the case.

Prosecutor Generals Office once more accused the 75 years old red guerrilla man V.Kononov of committing war time crimes. He was interrogated as the person accused, and the victims started to study materials of the case. Diena, Rigas Balss, Panorama Latvii

On Thursday morning the leader of the Saeima FF/LNNK faction M.Grinblats caused unrest in the government concerning privatisation of Latvian Shipping Company by announcing that privatisation of SHC could influence the fate of the government, but already in the afternoon he said that this privatisation process should not be linked with the stability of the government, just FF/LNNK would find it difficult to take a common responsibility for it. Prime Minister A.Berzins was convinced in an interview to the Latvian Radio that FF/LNNK would not leave the government due to the SHC privatisation regulations.

On Thursday morning the leader of the Saeima FF/LNNK faction M.Grinblats caused unrest in the government concerning privatisation of Latvian Shipping Company by announcing that privatisation of SHC could influence the fate of the government, but already in the afternoon he said that this privatisation process should not be linked with the stability of the government, just FF/LNNK would find it difficult to take a common responsibility for it. Prime Minister A.Berzins was convinced in an interview to the Latvian Radio that FF/LNNK would not leave the government due to the SHC privatisation regulations. Diena, Jauna Avize, Vesti Segodnya

S.Tocs in

Neatkariga writes that for several years public opinion polls show that about 80% of Latvian population stand for popularly elected president. Majority of politicians ignores this fact although support of establishing such an institution could become an important trump during the next election. S.Tocs considers that politicians should respect the wish of the population, and the state system and first of all legislation should correspond to what people think to be just.

Answering to the request of MP R.Pauls Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs said in a radio interview that MFA had always paid a lot of attention to establishing relations with Russia because one of Latvian priorities was establishing good neighbourly relations. The Minister said that there is a special department in the Ministry dealing Latvian – Russian and CIS states relations. The Minister also said that he was going to Russia next week as the Chairman of the CoE Council of Ministers and meet with hi s Russian colleague. Neatkariga

T.Ramishvili, Director of the International Co-operation Department of Russian MFA said in an interview that they would continue stating that in countries where Russians constituted one half or at least one third it was necessary to give the Russian language status of the second language or at least the official language. Lately Russia has made its position tougher concerning states that, according to Russias opinion, might be accused of violations of the rights of Russian speakers. And many connect these changes with the position of Russian President V.Putin. Respublika

Byelorussian Embassy in Latvia informs that, due to issuing of visas by the Russian Federation in the Republic of Latvia for non-citizens of Latvia, starting from January 2001 Latvian non-citizens crossing the territory of the Republic of Byelorussia by transit will need visa. Chas

Press Report

Press Report

The New Party has planned in its congress, taking place on Saturday, to overcome the crisis in the organisation and put the main stress on Christian values. It may be also reflected in the name of the party – the New Christian Party. The Chairman of the party A.Slesers told

The New Party has planned in its congress, taking place on Saturday, to overcome the crisis in the organisation and put the main stress on Christian values. It may be also reflected in the name of the party – the New Christian Party. The Chairman of the party A.Slesers told Diena that instead the members who had left the organisation many new people have joined it and many from the Christian Academy, among them also priest G.Dislers. According to unofficial information he could be at the head of the party. Diena

Answering to the People’s Party call to consider competency of the Minister of Environment V.Makarovs and a possibility to remain in his post after his harsh statements about the Minister of Economics G.Berzins, Prime Minister A.Berzins decided to discuss with both Ministers the reasons for this discord and possibilities to overcome it.

Answering to the Peoples Party call to consider competency of the Minister of Environment V.Makarovs and a possibility to remain in his post after his harsh statements about the Minister of Economics G.Berzins, Prime Minister A.Berzins decided to discuss with both Ministers the reasons for this discord and possibilities to overcome it. Diena, Rigas Balss, Respublika

The dispute between both Ministers arose on Tuesday when G.Berzins objected to the amendments to the law on living area rent proposed by V.Makarovs. People’s Party invited V.Makarovs to the faction meeting to give explanations.

The dispute between both Ministers arose on Tuesday when G.Berzins objected to the amendments to the law on living area rent proposed by V.Makarovs. Peoples Party invited V.Makarovs to the faction meeting to give explanations. Diena, Jauna Avize, Lauku Avize, Rigas Balss

Neatkariga

states that Peoples Party will request Makarovss resignation. The Minister of Special Portfolio in State Reforms Affairs J.Krumins considers that implementation of regional local government reform should be started in the middle of March after the local government election. The final stage of the regional reform that according to the Minister’s model would be establishing of 5 second level local governments, will be possible only during the next Saeima.

The Minister of Special Portfolio in State Reforms Affairs J.Krumins considers that implementation of regional local government reform should be started in the middle of March after the local government election. The final stage of the regional reform that according to the Ministers model would be establishing of 5 second level local governments, will be possible only during the next Saeima. Diena

The Council of Social Democrats decided on Wednesday to finish the discussion on establishing an institution of a popularly elected president in the middle of February at the Latvian Social Democratic Party Council meeting and then take the final decision. The deputy Chairman of the party E.Baldzens do not support this idea; he thinks that it is necessary to submit to the Saeima amendments to the Satversme aiming to increase president’s authority in foreign affairs thus bringing Latvia closer to EU and NATO.

The Council of Social Democrats decided on Wednesday to finish the discussion on establishing an institution of a popularly elected president in the middle of February at the Latvian Social Democratic Party Council meeting and then take the final decision. The deputy Chairman of the party E.Baldzens do not support this idea; he thinks that it is necessary to submit to the Saeima amendments to the Satversme aiming to increase presidents authority in foreign affairs thus bringing Latvia closer to EU and NATO. Diena

Since the beginning of the naturalisation process in 1995 altogether have naturalised 38 700 residents of Latvia. Only last year – 14 900. During these years Latvian citizenship have received also 5132 underage children. Statistics shows that among them 68.64% are women. Speaking about nationalities – Russians are 65.7%, Byelorussians – 10%, Ukrainians – 7.96%, Estonians – 6.59%.

Since the beginning of the naturalisation process in 1995 altogether have naturalised 38 700 residents of Latvia. Only last year – 14 900. During these years Latvian citizenship have received also 5132 underage children. Statistics shows that among them 68.64% are women. Speaking about nationalities – Russians are 65.7%, Byelorussians – 10%, Ukrainians – 7.96%, Estonians – 6.59%. Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii, Lauku Avize

According to the data of the Human Rights Office, the number of written complains in 1999 increased for 30% but oral consultations – for 60%. In 2000 the Office received 837 written complaints and gave 4347 consultations. The most of complaints are about eviction from flats, rights for social welfare and employment.

According to the data of the Human Rights Office, the number of written complains in 1999 increased for 30% but oral consultations – for 60%. In 2000 the Office received 837 written complaints and gave 4347 consultations. The most of complaints are about eviction from flats, rights for social welfare and employment. Rigas Balss

Since January 1, 1999 the Naturalisation Board has received 266 applications on giving up Latvian citizenship. The Cabinet of Ministers issued 295 decrees on depriving Latvian citizenship, among them 29 underage persons.

Since January 1, 1999 the Naturalisation Board has received 266 applications on giving up Latvian citizenship. The Cabinet of Ministers issued 295 decrees on depriving Latvian citizenship, among them 29 underage persons. Respublika

Yesterday Estonian social scientists in co-operation with a Scottish scientist proved that only 39% on Russians in Latvia trusted policy of Latvia. And this is the worst figure among the Baltic States. Vesti Segodnya asked N.Muiznieks, Head of the Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centre and Latvian several politicians why it was so. N.Muiznieks answered that first of all Russian residents were dissatisfied with t national policy of Latvia, second – general economic situation, third – program of integration, so much advertised but still just on the paper. G.Astahov, leader of Russian community in Latvia said that t government had done everything to lose the trust of this part of population – discriminatory laws on education, language. They had been prohibited to establish a Centre of Russian Culture, and the authorities had been ignoring national minority organisations for years. V.Kalnberzs, leader of the movement “Equality of people of Latvia”, - in Latvia has been created such officials, who have no problem to offend, humiliate visitors. He himself experienced that when applied for Latvian citizenship.

Yesterday Estonian social scientists in co-operation with a Scottish scientist proved that only 39% on Russians in Latvia trusted policy of Latvia. And this is the worst figure among the Baltic States. Vesti Segodnya asked N.Muiznieks, Head of the Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centre and Latvian several politicians why it was so. N.Muiznieks answered that first of all Russian residents were dissatisfied with t national policy of Latvia, second – general economic situation, third – program of integration, so much advertised but still just on the paper. G.Astahov, leader of Russian community in Latvia said that t government had done everything to lose the trust of this part of population – discriminatory laws on education, language. They had been prohibited to establish a Centre of Russian Culture, and the authorities had been ignoring national minority organisations for years. V.Kalnberzs, leader of the movement Equality of people of Latvia, - in Latvia has been created such officials, who have no problem to offend, humiliate visitors. He himself experienced that when applied for Latvian citizenship. Vesti Segodnya

The research showed that the closest links with authorities were in Estonia – 62% of Estonian Russians, answering whether they trusted their country, gave a positive answer. In Latvia only 39% of this part of population trust authorities.

The research showed that the closest links with authorities were in Estonia – 62% of Estonian Russians, answering whether they trusted their country, gave a positive answer. In Latvia only 39% of this part of population trust authorities. Chas

G.Pommere in the newspaper

G.Pommere in the newspaper Chas writes about the planned system of financing political parties. Soon this project will be submitted to ministries for consideration, and most likely it will be offered for public discussions. There will be many things to discuss, but the author asks why Latvian non-citizens, who have no right of vote but have to pay taxes, have to finance political parties.

According to Russian citizenship legislation from January 1 all Latvian non-citizens became stateless persons in Russia. Due to this reason entry stamps were replaced by visas for non-citizens. Due to this fact the newspaper Chas inquired about other consequences of this change for Latvian non-citizens in their relations with Russia, especially about possibilities to study in Russian higher education institutions. The answer was that all persons residing on the territories of former USSR participate in enrolment in general competition – i.e. they may candidate for positions financed by the state. What concerns Russian citizenship, that after introducing visa regime with Russia, the number of applicants for Russian citizenship increased radically.

According to Russian citizenship legislation from January 1 all Latvian non-citizens became stateless persons in Russia. Due to this reason entry stamps were replaced by visas for non-citizens. Due to this fact the newspaper Chas inquired about other consequences of this change for Latvian non-citizens in their relations with Russia, especially about possibilities to study in Russian higher education institutions. The answer was that all persons residing on the territories of former USSR participate in enrolment in general competition – i.e. they may candidate for positions financed by the state. What concerns Russian citizenship, that after introducing visa regime with Russia, the number of applicants for Russian citizenship increased radically. Chas

Yesterday the Council of Latvian Way adopted local government election lists for 15 provincial towns.

Chas