Press Report

Press Report

Diena

correspondent in Moscow informs that anti-Semitism becomes more widespread in Russia. Anti-Semitic literature and newspapers can be purchased easily; and high officials do not express their condemnation towards hostility raisers but pretend not noticing them. correspondent in Moscow informs that anti-Semitism becomes more widespread in Russia. Anti-Semitic literature and newspapers can be purchased easily; and high officials do not express their condemnation towards hostility raisers but pretend not noticing them. General Prosecutor Office asked the State Revenue Service to check the income declaration of People’s Party chairman A.Skele for the third time. The previous times SRS did not check very carefully the sources from which money was obtained to cover expenses in 1999.

General Prosecutor Office asked the State Revenue Service to check the income declaration of Peoples Party chairman A.Skele for the third time. The previous times SRS did not check very carefully the sources from which money was obtained to cover expenses in 1999. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika, Chas

Latvia wants to re-establish transit visa regime with Russia, basing this decision on the fact that November last year 4 national bolshevists entered Latvia by jumping from the train St.Petesburg – Kaliningrad.

Latvia wants to re-establish transit visa regime with Russia, basing this decision on the fact that November last year 4 national bolshevists entered Latvia by jumping from the train St.Petesburg – Kaliningrad. Diena

The Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins in his interview for the national radio stated that Latvia is working hard to improve relations with Russia, however “it takes two to dance”.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins in his interview for the national radio stated that Latvia is working hard to improve relations with Russia, however it takes two to dance. Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

Newspaper

Chas discusses the interpretation of the term Latvians in regard to people of other nationalities that reside in Latvia. In the opinion of the author people of other nationalities are named Latvians (in the situations when it is necessary to name their country identity) only in such cases when it is politically advantageous for politicians.

The permanent visa regime with Russia has been approved and according to the procedure the non-citizens who want to go to Russia for the time period up to 3 months need a valid non-citizen passport and an invitation from Russia. However, the press centre of Russias Embassy to Latvia could not inform when the new procedure is effective. Chas

On Monday the court of Liepaja City started revision of the case of the magazine “Patriots”. The magazine was issued 3 times and its publications were of Nazis and anti-Semitic character.

On Monday the court of Liepaja City started revision of the case of the magazine Patriots. The magazine was issued 3 times and its publications were of Nazis and anti-Semitic character. Chas

“Russian factor” will play a particular role in the upcoming municipal election, as about 34 thousand people who have acquired citizenship very recently will be among the voters for the first time. From the viewpoint of the author there are three kinds of political organisations. “At elections Latvians usually vote for new parties as they are disappointed in the existing ones, that is why such parties as “Latvia’s Way” and Democratic Party try to convince non-Latvians to vote for them. Other parties, like FF/LNNK and People’s Party chose different approach – these parties try to convince non-Latvians not to come to elections at all. And then there is a third group – such as FHRUL – which has always defended non-Latvians”.

Russian factor will play a particular role in the upcoming municipal election, as about 34 thousand people who have acquired citizenship very recently will be among the voters for the first time. From the viewpoint of the author there are three kinds of political organisations. At elections Latvians usually vote for new parties as they are disappointed in the existing ones, that is why such parties as Latvias Way and Democratic Party try to convince non-Latvians to vote for them. Other parties, like FF/LNNK and Peoples Party chose different approach – these parties try to convince non-Latvians not to come to elections at all. And then there is a third group – such as FHRUL – which has always defended non-Latvians. Chas

Press Report

Press Report

After long discussions on Monday the left wing union For Human Rights in United Latvia agreed on its list of candidates to the Riga City Council election. And as the No 1 is put the candidate proposed by the People’s Harmony Party S.Dolgopolov. All together on this list there are 24 candidates from People’s Harmony Party, 17 from Socialist Party, 14 – Equality.

After long discussions on Monday the left wing union For Human Rights in United Latvia agreed on its list of candidates to the Riga City Council election. And as the No 1 is put the candidate proposed by the Peoples Harmony Party S.Dolgopolov. All together on this list there are 24 candidates from Peoples Harmony Party, 17 from Socialist Party, 14 – Equality. Diena

Although the last Saeima election proved that including popular people on party lists not always gave positive results, the submitted lists still show that political forces had not given up the idea to increase their rating with the help of popular persons. So the Well-fare Party proposed former volleyball player P.Selivanovs as a candidate for the post of Riga Mayor, but People’s Party plans to include in their list Selivanov’s colleague R.Vilde. Also Latvian Way could not go without a former sportsman – the famous hockey player H.Balderis-Sildedzis.

Although the last Saeima election proved that including popular people on party lists not always gave positive results, the submitted lists still show that political forces had not given up the idea to increase their rating with the help of popular persons. So the Well-fare Party proposed former volleyball player P.Selivanovs as a candidate for the post of Riga Mayor, but Peoples Party plans to include in their list Selivanovs colleague R.Vilde. Also Latvian Way could not go without a former sportsman – the famous hockey player H.Balderis-Sildedzis. Neatkariga

Until March 10 is prolonged the Latvian – Russian agreement stipulating that Latvian and Russian border area residents might receive visas free of charge. Latvian – Russian discussion on eased border crossing for those people are still continuing.

Until March 10 is prolonged the Latvian – Russian agreement stipulating that Latvian and Russian border area residents might receive visas free of charge. Latvian – Russian discussion on eased border crossing for those people are still continuing. Neatkariga

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga does not see a greater risk in the system of popularly elected president, as it is the current system when the Saeima elects president. In an interview to the Latvian Radio she admitted that in any system it was possible to elect to this post a person who was not ideally corresponding to it. V.Vike-Freiberga would be quite surprised if the Saeima deputies would be in raptures to give up their privilege to elect the State President.

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga does not see a greater risk in the system of popularly elected president, as it is the current system when the Saeima elects president. In an interview to the Latvian Radio she admitted that in any system it was possible to elect to this post a person who was not ideally corresponding to it. V.Vike-Freiberga would be quite surprised if the Saeima deputies would be in raptures to give up their privilege to elect the State President. Neatkariga

President V.Vike-Freiberga handed the letter of accreditation to the new Latvian residing Ambassador to Ukraine Andris Vilcins who would also fulfil the duties of a non-residing Ambassador to Egypt.

President V.Vike-Freiberga handed the letter of accreditation to the new Latvian residing Ambassador to Ukraine Andris Vilcins who would also fulfil the duties of a non-residing Ambassador to Egypt. Diena, Neatkariga

The Saeima faction of the New Party that consists of 5 independent deputies now will be called the New Faction. This faction will support the present government of A.Berzins.

The Saeima faction of the New Party that consists of 5 independent deputies now will be called the New Faction. This faction will support the present government of A.Berzins. Respublika

Former president G.Ulmanis refused to candidate in the list of Farmers’ Party for the next local government election.

Former president G.Ulmanis refused to candidate in the list of Farmers Party for the next local government election. Panorama Latvii

Vesti Segodnya

informs that Latvian authorities are going to take a decision that would influence Russian citizens. The government discusses a draft on denouncing Latvian – Russian agreement of 1993 on transit travels of Russian citizens through Latvia. If it happens then Russian citizens going by train from St.Petersburg to Kaliningrad would need a Latvian visa. The newspaper describes this situation as ridiculous, adding that there in no Latvian Consulate in Kaliningrad. A.Arkadyev in

A.Arkadyev in Vesti Segodnya opposes to the statement made by Latvian newspaper Neatkariga that in the future Russia in its relations with Latvia would put more stress on Economy. The author points out that Russian foreign policy is formed by the President and realised by the MFA but not by the Ministry of Trade. And the present information proves that this year Moscow concerning Latvia intends to tie the political relations with the economic ones.

President V.Vike-Freiberga refused to comment on the presence of Russian nuclear weapons in Kaliningrad until a complete information is received. Yesterday Russian Embassy in Latvia circulated an announcement of Russian MFA that the information on presence of Russian nuclear armament in Kaliningrad Region “did not correspond to the reality”.

President V.Vike-Freiberga refused to comment on the presence of Russian nuclear weapons in Kaliningrad until a complete information is received. Yesterday Russian Embassy in Latvia circulated an announcement of Russian MFA that the information on presence of Russian nuclear armament in Kaliningrad Region did not correspond to the reality.

The newspaper

The newspaper Chas published comments and explanations on the new visa regime for Latvian non-citizens who wanted to visit Russia.

Press Report

Australian Court will consider the request of Latvia to extradite K.Kalejs on January 25. But this might not be the final decision because K.Kalejs has the right to appeal this decision.

Australian Court will consider the request of Latvia to extradite K.Kalejs on January 25. But this might not be the final decision because K.Kalejs has the right to appeal this decision. Diena, Panorama Latvii

According to an unofficial information from the Riga City Council it seems that the Council could have to operate without the Major for some time. All the major political forces have named their candidates and would insist on their candidates to this post. According to the present Riga City Council regulations, after the Election Commission Head announces the election results from the City Council Sittings hall rostrum, the authority of the previous Council and its Chairman expires automatically.

According to an unofficial information from the Riga City Council it seems that the Council could have to operate without the Major for some time. All the major political forces have named their candidates and would insist on their candidates to this post. According to the present Riga City Council regulations, after the Election Commission Head announces the election results from the City Council Sittings hall rostrum, the authority of the previous Council and its Chairman expires automatically. Neatkariga

A bilingual education evaluation seminar took place in Daugavpils where participated trainers from the Latgale Region. In December 18 groups completed a training courses where the bilingual tuition methodology mastered Russian schools’ teachers of Geography, Biology, History and other subjects. The main problem in such courses was the different state language knowledge level of participants, but during the training self-confidence of teachers grew and they started speaking Latvian although with errors.

A bilingual education evaluation seminar took place in Daugavpils where participated trainers from the Latgale Region. In December 18 groups completed a training courses where the bilingual tuition methodology mastered Russian schools teachers of Geography, Biology, History and other subjects. The main problem in such courses was the different state language knowledge level of participants, but during the training self-confidence of teachers grew and they started speaking Latvian although with errors. Neatkariga

Last weekend Latgale Office of the LLTP organised a discussion on democracy in Latvia and Latvia in Europe with an aim to find out what problems worried youngsters most of all. The participants could express their opinion on culture of inter-ethnic communication, language as a means of integration, process of naturalisation in Latvia, it’s future prospects. Although most of participants spoke Latvian, an opinion was expressed that a second state language should be introduced in Latvia. S.Kucina, Latgale Office Head was surprised that youngsters worried less about themselves, but more about their parents who had problems with mastering the state language.

Last weekend Latgale Office of the LLTP organised a discussion on democracy in Latvia and Latvia in Europe with an aim to find out what problems worried youngsters most of all. The participants could express their opinion on culture of inter-ethnic communication, language as a means of integration, process of naturalisation in Latvia, its future prospects. Although most of participants spoke Latvian, an opinion was expressed that a second state language should be introduced in Latvia. S.Kucina, Latgale Office Head was surprised that youngsters worried less about themselves, but more about their parents who had problems with mastering the state language. Neatkariga

Prime Ministers of the Baltic States will meet in Riga on their regular meeting on February 8.

Prime Ministers of the Baltic States will meet in Riga on their regular meeting on February 8. Jauna Avize

On Tuesday the government will decide about granting financing to Latvian Embassy in Moscow to establish security and fire alarm systems. MFA in its letter to the government stated that these issues were closely linked with state security taking into consideration the recent acts of vandalism against Latvian embassies in Moscow, St.Petersburg and Pskov.

On Tuesday the government will decide about granting financing to Latvian Embassy in Moscow to establish security and fire alarm systems. MFA in its letter to the government stated that these issues were closely linked with state security taking into consideration the recent acts of vandalism against Latvian embassies in Moscow, St.Petersburg and Pskov. Jauna Avize

Latvian Farmers’ Party hopes to persuade the former president G.Ulmanis to candidate in their Riga City Council election list. Ulmanis has not confirmed his agreement to candidate yet, but has not given a negative answer as well.

Latvian Farmers Party hopes to persuade the former president G.Ulmanis to candidate in their Riga City Council election list. Ulmanis has not confirmed his agreement to candidate yet, but has not given a negative answer as well. Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii

In Moscow has finally been prepared the program for the Congress of Compatriots that is planned for April 2001.

In Moscow has finally been prepared the program for the Congress of Compatriots that is planned for April 2001. Panorama Latvii

On Saturday took place the congress of People’s Party that adopted party’s lists for local government election. Former Minister of Economics E.Krastins was named as the candidate for the post of Riga Mayor.

On Saturday took place the congress of Peoples Party that adopted partys lists for local government election. Former Minister of Economics E.Krastins was named as the candidate for the post of Riga Mayor. Panorama Latvii, Jauna Avize

Chas

published the full text of Russian Federation address to the residents of the Baltic States on introducing a visa regime for non-citizens of these countries. published the full text of Russian Federation address to the residents of the Baltic States on introducing a visa regime for non-citizens of these countries. 

Press Report

Press Report

Latvian political parties Latvian Way and Latvian Democratic Party have started their pre-election campaigns by selecting their candidates for Riga City mayor. Latvian Way has chosen A.Poca, but Latvian Democratic Party – A.Ameriks.

Latvian political parties Latvian Way and Latvian Democratic Party have started their pre-election campaigns by selecting their candidates for Riga City mayor. Latvian Way has chosen A.Poca, but Latvian Democratic Party – A.Ameriks. Diena, Neatkariga adds that there will be 3 engines in the Latvian Way list – A.Poca, former Criminal Police Head A.Blonskis and the Deputy Chairman of Riga City Council J.Visockis.

Latvian non-citizens who have in their passport a valid stamp for eased border crossing procedure with Russia will be able to enter this country with no visa until the validity of the stamp expires. This agreement was reached between the Latvian Borderguards administration and Russian Federation Borderguarding Service. According to LB information some stamps could be valid until March.

Latvian non-citizens who have in their passport a valid stamp for eased border crossing procedure with Russia will be able to enter this country with no visa until the validity of the stamp expires. This agreement was reached between the Latvian Borderguards administration and Russian Federation Borderguarding Service. According to LB information some stamps could be valid until March. Diena

Chas writes that the official price for a non-citizen visa will be 8 but for multi-entry visa – 16 USD.

In order to start a discussion on establishing a popularly elected president, as well as on changing the Saeima election system by introducing the mixed one, Latvian Social Democratic Party plans to submit corresponding amendments to the Satversme. The final decision has to be made by the Latvian Social Democratic Party Council. If it is positive, the Party plans to submit the amendments until the local government election in March.

In order to start a discussion on establishing a popularly elected president, as well as on changing the Saeima election system by introducing the mixed one, Latvian Social Democratic Party plans to submit corresponding amendments to the Satversme. The final decision has to be made by the Latvian Social Democratic Party Council. If it is positive, the Party plans to submit the amendments until the local government election in March. Neatkariga

The draft law “On financing of political parties from the state budget “ prepared by the Ministry of Justice envisages that parties would receive 0.5 Ls for every vote they got in the Saeima election. According to this draft financing for the next four years until the next Saeima election will receive those parties that overcame 3% barrier and political unions with more that 5% of votes.

The draft law On financing of political parties from the state budget prepared by the Ministry of Justice envisages that parties would receive 0.5 Ls for every vote they got in the Saeima election. According to this draft financing for the next four years until the next Saeima election will receive those parties that overcame 3% barrier and political unions with more that 5% of votes. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya

Soon Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins will visit Moscow but not as the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs. He will represent the Council of Europe.

Soon Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins will visit Moscow but not as the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs. He will represent the Council of Europe. Chas

Press Report

Press Report

Neatkariga

gives comments on Russian politician S.Shahraj article Relations between Russia and Latvia – Bermuda triangle. S.Shahraj sees Baltic countries serving as a bridge between Russia and Western countries in the field of economic relations and therefore Russia should invest more of the state funds in the Baltic States. In regard to political issues from the point of view of Russian politician the only solution in problems concerning citizenship is that Russians residing in Latvia have achieve the status of a national minority in the country. gives comments on Russian politician S.Shahraj article “Relations between Russia and Latvia – Bermuda triangle”. S.Shahraj sees Baltic countries serving as a bridge between Russia and Western countries in the field of economic relations and therefore Russia should invest more of the state funds in the Baltic States. In regard to political issues from the point of view of Russian politician the only solution in problems concerning citizenship is that Russians residing in Latvia have achieve the status of a national minority in the country.

Neatkariga

gives its thoughts about the choice of people who recently have acquired citizenship in municipal elections. Since the last Saeima elections 24 000 people have been naturalised – it is not a very big number to bring in any important changes in political power dislocation, however, quite big to see the situation in a domestic policy and integration. The author of the article comes to the conclusion that there is no party for one unified society in Latvia. gives its thoughts about the choice of people who recently have acquired citizenship in municipal elections. Since the last Saeima elections 24 000 people have been naturalised – it is not a very big number to bring in any important changes in political power dislocation, however, quite big to see the situation in a domestic policy and integration. The author of the article comes to the conclusion that there is no party for one unified society in Latvia.

Vesti Segodnja

draws attention of the readers to the fact that the State Language Law has been effective for almost half a year and although it does not prohibit the usage of other languages on the sign boards it is almost impossible to find any in other languages but Latvian. Latvian Human Rights Committee chairman L. Raihman says that when they informed entrepreneurs that it is allowed to write on the sign boards also in other language not only Latvian, the response of the business people were that there are no laws for language inspectors. draws attention of the readers to the fact that the State Language Law has been effective for almost half a year and although it does not prohibit the usage of other languages on the sign boards it is almost impossible to find any in other languages but Latvian. Latvian Human Rights Committee chairman L. Raihman says that when they informed entrepreneurs that it is allowed to write on the sign boards also in other language not only Latvian, the response of the business people were that “there are no laws for language inspectors”. In January people who want to take state language proficiency examination are denied this possibility because the previous procedure of the examination has been changed. Up to the year of 2001, examination committees established at municipalities were eligible to carry out examination of applicants language proficiency. The new procedure says that instead of municipal committees the examination has to be carried out by state committees. However, the new committees are not established yet.

In January people who want to take state language proficiency examination are denied this possibility because the previous procedure of the examination has been changed. Up to the year of 2001, examination committees established at municipalities were eligible to carry out examination of applicants language proficiency. The new procedure says that instead of municipal committees the examination has to be carried out by state committees. However, the new committees are not established yet. Panorama Latvii

The head of Consular Department of Russia’s Embassy in Latvia demands

The head of Consular Department of Russias Embassy in Latvia demands Panorama Latvii to recall the whole publication about firing some employees of this Department. The article was about 4 employees of Consular Department of Russias Embassy – 3 citizens of Russia and 1 non-citizen – who were fired not accordingly with the Labour Law of Latvia. The newspaper turned for an advice to the lawyer and according to his opinion the newspaper has not broken any regulations or norms. Panorama Latvii.