LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

Yesterday Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins held a meeting with the Italian Ambassador to Latvia Maurizio Lo Re, who confirmed Italy's support for Latvia's move to the European Union and NATO. Berzins stressed in commenting on social integration issues that Latvia will consistently continue implementing the social integration program, he also expressed support for amendments to the laws on parliamentary and municipal elections, as proposed by the President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. Lo Re said in turn that the OSCE mission's further presence in Latvia was unnecessary, he said however that it would be in Latvia's interest to pass the required amendments to the law, which would considerably aid Latvia on its way to EU and NATO.

Yesterday Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins held a meeting with the Italian Ambassador to Latvia Maurizio Lo Re, who confirmed Italy's support for Latvia's move to the European Union and NATO. Berzins stressed in commenting on social integration issues that Latvia will consistently continue implementing the social integration program, he also expressed support for amendments to the laws on parliamentary and municipal elections, as proposed by the President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. Lo Re said in turn that the OSCE mission's further presence in Latvia was unnecessary, he said however that it would be in Latvia's interest to pass the required amendments to the law, which would considerably aid Latvia on its way to EU and NATO. Latvijas Vestnesis

Jauna

interviews Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Indulis Berzins about the impact of the events of the 11 September on the global situation and Latvias perspectives to join NATO and the EU. interviews Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Indulis Berzins about the impact of the events of the 11 September on the global situation and Latvia’s perspectives to join NATO and the EU. Yesterday the President Vike-Freiberga held a meeting with Education Minister K.Greiskalns to discuss bilingual education reform due to 2004. After the meeting with the President, the minister stated that it is possible to implement the reform in 2004 as it is foreseen and there are no arguments to postpone it. The President has supported Greiskaln’s opinion.

Yesterday the President Vike-Freiberga held a meeting with Education Minister K.Greiskalns to discuss bilingual education reform due to 2004. After the meeting with the President, the minister stated that it is possible to implement the reform in 2004 as it is foreseen and there are no arguments to postpone it. The President has supported Greiskalns opinion. Diena, Neatkariga, Telegraf, Chas

FHRUL member Andrejs Klementjevs has asked General Prosecutor Office look into the statements of A.Argalis, Riga ex-Mayor and former member of FF/LNNK, in magazine

FHRUL member Andrejs Klementjevs has asked General Prosecutor Office look into the statements of A.Argalis, Riga ex-Mayor and former member of FF/LNNK, in magazine Rigas Laiks December issue. A.Argalis said that the Latvians were not suited for the Soviet system. If a Russian has genetic predisposition to stealing and fooling around, then a Latvian is an absolutely coward theft. Diena, Neatkariga, Telegraf

The Russian language press came out most heavily on Argalis' words publishing headlines such as - Ex-mayor slams Russians!

The Russian language press came out most heavily on Argalis' words publishing headlines such as - Ex-mayor slams Russians! Vesti Segodnja, The word is said, willactions follow? Panorama Latvii, Argalis will have to answer for thieves Chas

Chas gives a summary of President’s latest activities in the field of language policy. The newspaper writes “let’s not judge the President too heavily. She “plays” as she can in the framework of the rights delegated to her by the Constitution. Besides, she has not get rid of all assumptions about our the real life here which is characteristic to all people coming from the West”. The conclusion is “the main thing is that for the first time in history of the independent Latvia the President tries to represent all people of Latvia”.

Chas gives a summary of Presidents latest activities in the field of language policy. The newspaper writes lets not judge the President too heavily. She plays as she can in the framework of the rights delegated to her by the Constitution. Besides, she has not get rid of all assumptions about our the real life here which is characteristic to all people coming from the West. The conclusion is the main thing is that for the first time in history of the independent Latvia the President tries to represent all people of Latvia.

Vesti Segodnja

re-publishes those parts of Peter Semnebys interview for re-publishes those parts of Peter Semneby’s interview for Lauku Avize, Lauku Avize, where he talks about the possible problems for Latvia. where he talks about the possible problems for Latvia.

Vesti Segodnja

comments the recent developments concerning the language issue. The newspaper writes, in fact, the President decided to establish a language committee only because of the pressure of the invited experts. The newspaper disagrees with the opinion of the experts that the Latvian language is under threat, as well as it does not think that the State Language Centre should receive any additional funding in order to strengthen positions of the Latvian language, the contributor considers that this money should be better used for providing Latvian language courses free of charge. comments the recent developments concerning the language issue. The newspaper writes, “in fact, the President decided to establish a language committee only because of the pressure of the invited experts”. The newspaper disagrees with the opinion of the experts that the Latvian language is under threat, as well as it does not think that the State Language Centre should receive any additional funding in order to strengthen positions of the Latvian language, the contributor considers that this money should be better used for providing Latvian language courses free of charge.

Panorama Latviis

editorial reffers to the discussion between Latvian delegation head to OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Helena Demakova and Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) commissioner Helle Degn about the further co-operation possibilities with the OSCE. The contributor thinks that after this meeting Helle Degn should not have any optimism regarding further co-operation between Latvia and the OSCE. He writes after the closure of the Mission, our political elite not only is forgetting to do what was promised, but also will turn into failures all successes achieved on the way to the EU under its [OSCE] pressure. editorial reffers to the discussion between Latvian delegation head to OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Helena Demakova and Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) commissioner Helle Degn about the further co-operation possibilities with the OSCE. The contributor thinks that after this meeting Helle Degn should not have any optimism regarding further co-operation between Latvia and the OSCE. He writes “after the closure of the Mission, our political elite not only is “forgetting” to do what was promised, but also will turn into failures all “successes achieved on the way to the EU” under its [OSCE] pressure”.

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

According to language experts, Latvia still has no state language policy, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga said in an interview on Latvian State Radio yesterday. The President stressed that Latvia not only has no policy for protection of the language, but not even a language policy. Vike-Freiberga added that the state language control service is not sufficiently provided with financing and human resources, which does not allow for it to follow the implementation of the state language law and protection of the state language. Taking into account the current situation, Saeima deputies and government officials should consider raising support for the language and allotting financing to protection of the Latvian language, the President underlined. Work on protection of the state language is insufficient, which is also proved by the fact that it is not unusual that goods can be purchased in stores, supplemented with instructions in various foreign languages but not in Latvian, believes the President. She said that she is to hold several more meetings with experts and language specialists in order to discuss the state policy concerning protection of the Latvian language. When asked whether “OSCE decision to close its Mission to Latvia would be positive for Latvia if the President had not come with the initiative to remove language requirement," the President replied that “these are just empty guesses: what if…” In her interview Vaira Vike-Freiberga also said that serious consideration should be given to the possibility of introducing measures that would prevent lawmakers from changing their party affiliation during their term in the parliament. "Under our system, a lawmaker get elected to the parliament from a list of a political party. This political party presents itself to people with a certain platform, certain ideas, goals and activities... If this man, halfway trough his mandate, now turns to completely different directions, he in fact has betrayed the trust of voters," said the President.

According to language experts, Latvia still has no state language policy, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga said in an interview on Latvian State Radio yesterday. The President stressed that Latvia not only has no policy for protection of the language, but not even a language policy. Vike-Freiberga added that the state language control service is not sufficiently provided with financing and human resources, which does not allow for it to follow the implementation of the state language law and protection of the state language. Taking into account the current situation, Saeima deputies and government officials should consider raising support for the language and allotting financing to protection of the Latvian language, the President underlined. Work on protection of the state language is insufficient, which is also proved by the fact that it is not unusual that goods can be purchased in stores, supplemented with instructions in various foreign languages but not in Latvian, believes the President. She said that she is to hold several more meetings with experts and language specialists in order to discuss the state policy concerning protection of the Latvian language. When asked whether OSCE decision to close its Mission to Latvia would be positive for Latvia if the President had not come with the initiative to remove language requirement," the President replied that these are just empty guesses: what if… In her interview Vaira Vike-Freiberga also said that serious consideration should be given to the possibility of introducing measures that would prevent lawmakers from changing their party affiliation during their term in the parliament. "Under our system, a lawmaker get elected to the parliament from a list of a political party. This political party presents itself to people with a certain platform, certain ideas, goals and activities... If this man, halfway trough his mandate, now turns to completely different directions, he in fact has betrayed the trust of voters," said the President. Latvijas Vestnesis, Diena, Chas, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Foreign policy experts say that this year will be determining for meeting foreign policy goals – invitations to join the EU and NATO. Foreign affairs minister I.Berzins named involvement in anti-terrorism war, more active Latvia’s involvement in the processes where other European countries are involved, such as humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, as well as enhancing democratic values and history studies as the main foreign policy tasks. Political scientist N.Neilands considers planned American President’s visit to Russia as very important for Latvia. Foreign Affairs Institute director Atis Lejins thinks that the most important event will be 8th Saeima election. Latvian Institute director Ojars Kalnins says that the most important moment for Latvia next year will be NATO summit in Prague.

Foreign policy experts say that this year will be determining for meeting foreign policy goals – invitations to join the EU and NATO. Foreign affairs minister I.Berzins named involvement in anti-terrorism war, more active Latvias involvement in the processes where other European countries are involved, such as humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, as well as enhancing democratic values and history studies as the main foreign policy tasks. Political scientist N.Neilands considers planned American Presidents visit to Russia as very important for Latvia. Foreign Affairs Institute director Atis Lejins thinks that the most important event will be 8th Saeima election. Latvian Institute director Ojars Kalnins says that the most important moment for Latvia next year will be NATO summit in Prague. Neatkariga

Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs’ letter to President Vaira Vike-Freiberga expresses support for education in Russian language. He says in the letter that bilingual education reform will endanger social integration and bring irreversible harm. In his opinion many problems, including integration and national minority education, are politicised in Latvia. The President has replied that the mentioned issues are not easy one, but she follows the situation and promises to pay very detailed attention to them also in the future. The President has also scheduled a meeting with education minister K.Greiskalns just after her Christmas holidays. The main subject of the meeting will be the course of education reform.

Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs letter to President Vaira Vike-Freiberga expresses support for education in Russian language. He says in the letter that bilingual education reform will endanger social integration and bring irreversible harm. In his opinion many problems, including integration and national minority education, are politicised in Latvia. The President has replied that the mentioned issues are not easy one, but she follows the situation and promises to pay very detailed attention to them also in the future. The President has also scheduled a meeting with education minister K.Greiskalns just after her Christmas holidays. The main subject of the meeting will be the course of education reform. Chas

Chas

writes about the case of a naturalisation applicant. The applicant successfully passed naturalisation examinations, however, he was refused to issue citizens passport due to unpaid fine for driving drunk. The fine was imposed 4 years ago. According to Naturalisation Board Legal department head I.Poca the unpaid fine could not be the reason for declining to issue citizens passport, criminal penalty is the only legal reason for refusing Latvian citizenship through naturalisation. writes about the case of a naturalisation applicant. The applicant successfully passed naturalisation examinations, however, he was refused to issue citizen’s passport due to unpaid fine for driving drunk. The fine was imposed 4 years ago. According to Naturalisation Board Legal department head I.Poca the unpaid fine could not be the reason for declining to issue citizen’s passport, criminal penalty is the only legal reason for refusing Latvian citizenship through naturalisation. National Human Rights Office received 969 complaints in 2001. The main areas of problems for Latvia’s people are housing and social problems.

National Human Rights Office received 969 complaints in 2001. The main areas of problems for Latvias people are housing and social problems. Vesti Segodnja

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

According to language experts, Latvia still has no state language policy, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga said in an interview on Latvian State Radio yesterday. The President stressed that Latvia not only has no policy for protection of the language, but not even a language policy. Vike-Freiberga added that the state language control service is not sufficiently provided with financing and human resources, which does not allow for it to follow the implementation of the state language law and protection of the state language. Taking into account the current situation, Saeima deputies and government officials should consider raising support for the language and allotting financing to protection of the Latvian language, the President underlined. Work on protection of the state language is insufficient, which is also proved by the fact that it is not unusual that goods can be purchased in stores, supplemented with instructions in various foreign languages but not in Latvian, believes the President. She said that she is to hold several more meetings with experts and language specialists in order to discuss the state policy concerning protection of the Latvian language. When asked whether “OSCE decision to close its Mission to Latvia would be positive for Latvia if the President had not come with the initiative to remove language requirement”, the President replied that “these are just empty guesses: what if…” In her interview Vaira Vike-Freiberga also said that serious consideration should be given to the possibility of introducing measures that would prevent lawmakers from changing their party affiliation during their term in the parliament. "Under our system, a lawmaker get elected to the parliament from a list of a political party. This political party presents itself to people with a certain platform, certain ideas, goals and activities... If this man, halfway trough his mandate, now turns to completely different directions, he in fact has betrayed the trust of voters," said the President.

According to language experts, Latvia still has no state language policy, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga said in an interview on Latvian State Radio yesterday. The President stressed that Latvia not only has no policy for protection of the language, but not even a language policy. Vike-Freiberga added that the state language control service is not sufficiently provided with financing and human resources, which does not allow for it to follow the implementation of the state language law and protection of the state language. Taking into account the current situation, Saeima deputies and government officials should consider raising support for the language and allotting financing to protection of the Latvian language, the President underlined. Work on protection of the state language is insufficient, which is also proved by the fact that it is not unusual that goods can be purchased in stores, supplemented with instructions in various foreign languages but not in Latvian, believes the President. She said that she is to hold several more meetings with experts and language specialists in order to discuss the state policy concerning protection of the Latvian language. When asked whether OSCE decision to close its Mission to Latvia would be positive for Latvia if the President had not come with the initiative to remove language requirement, the President replied that these are just empty guesses: what if… In her interview Vaira Vike-Freiberga also said that serious consideration should be given to the possibility of introducing measures that would prevent lawmakers from changing their party affiliation during their term in the parliament. "Under our system, a lawmaker get elected to the parliament from a list of a political party. This political party presents itself to people with a certain platform, certain ideas, goals and activities... If this man, halfway trough his mandate, now turns to completely different directions, he in fact has betrayed the trust of voters," said the President. Latvijas Vestnesis, Diena, Chas, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Foreign policy experts say that this year will be determining for meeting foreign policy goals – invitations to join the EU and NATO. Foreign affairs minister I.Berzins named involvement in anti-terrorism war, more active Latvia’s involvement in the processes where other European countries are involved, such as humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, as well as enhancing democratic values and history studies as the main foreign policy tasks. Political scientist N.Neilands considers planned American President’s visit to Russia as very important for Latvia. Foreign Affairs Institute director Atis Lejins thinks that the most important event will be 8th Saeima election. Latvian Institute director Ojars Kalnins says that the most important moment for Latvia next year will be NATO summit in Prague.

Foreign policy experts say that this year will be determining for meeting foreign policy goals – invitations to join the EU and NATO. Foreign affairs minister I.Berzins named involvement in anti-terrorism war, more active Latvias involvement in the processes where other European countries are involved, such as humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, as well as enhancing democratic values and history studies as the main foreign policy tasks. Political scientist N.Neilands considers planned American Presidents visit to Russia as very important for Latvia. Foreign Affairs Institute director Atis Lejins thinks that the most important event will be 8th Saeima election. Latvian Institute director Ojars Kalnins says that the most important moment for Latvia next year will be NATO summit in Prague. Neatkariga

Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs’ letter to President Vaira Vike-Freiberga expresses support for education in Russian language. He says in the letter that bilingual education reform will endanger social integration and bring irreversible harm. In his opinion many problems, including integration and national minority education, are politicised in Latvia. The President has replied that the mentioned issues are not easy one, but she follows the situation and promises to pay very detailed attention to them also in the future. The President has also scheduled a meeting with education minister K.Greiškalns just after her Christmas holidays. The main subject of the meeting will be the course of education reform.

Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs letter to President Vaira Vike-Freiberga expresses support for education in Russian language. He says in the letter that bilingual education reform will endanger social integration and bring irreversible harm. In his opinion many problems, including integration and national minority education, are politicised in Latvia. The President has replied that the mentioned issues are not easy one, but she follows the situation and promises to pay very detailed attention to them also in the future. The President has also scheduled a meeting with education minister K.Greiškalns just after her Christmas holidays. The main subject of the meeting will be the course of education reform. Chas

Chas

writes about the case of a naturalisation applicant. The applicant successfully passed naturalisation examinations, however, he was refused to issue citizens passport due to unpaid fine for driving drunk. The fine was imposed 4 years ago. According to Naturalisation Board Legal department head I.Poca the unpaid fine could not be the reason for declining to issue citizens passport, criminal penalty is the only legal reason for refusing Latvian citizenship through naturalisation. writes about the case of a naturalisation applicant. The applicant successfully passed naturalisation examinations, however, he was refused to issue citizen’s passport due to unpaid fine for driving drunk. The fine was imposed 4 years ago. According to Naturalisation Board Legal department head I.Poca the unpaid fine could not be the reason for declining to issue citizen’s passport, criminal penalty is the only legal reason for refusing Latvian citizenship through naturalisation. National Human Rights Office received 969 complaints in 2001. The main areas of problems for Latvia’s people are housing and social problems.

National Human Rights Office received 969 complaints in 2001. The main areas of problems for Latvias people are housing and social problems. Vesti Segodnja

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

Dita Araja in

Dita Araja in Diena writes about the future of the Latvian language as the state language. The upcoming events in January when the experts group summoned by the President submits its proposals concerning amending the election laws show that the time up to the planned transfer to the tuition into the state language in secondary school classes of national minority schools on September 1, 2004 will be decisive to the Latvian language. Language specialists have found that the favourable attitude of non-Latvians towards the state language is decreasing, and this happens due to the political events of several last years. Of course, Latvia has to follow the recommendations of international organisations and has to sacrifice the language proficiency norm for deputy candidates in favour of joining EU and NATO. Experts still point out that it will be important for the future of the Latvian language how the President will announce on a regular receding from the existing language legal norms. In Latvia, contrary to Western states, exists a wide gap among knowledge of the language, usage of it and attitude towards it. Dr.Phil. D.Baltaiskalna in a research has found that the most positive towards the Latvian language are people who were raised after WW II in a language environment. Most negative are people in the age group of 25 – 40 years. Ms. Baltaiskalna concludes that at the beginning of 90s when there was a clear position that the Latvian language would bet only state language was created a positive attitude towards it but the turning point was the referendum on amending the citizenship law of 1998 that was accompanied with the prolonged development of the State language law when under influence of the OSCE experts the wording of the law was changed several times. Diena

The new Social Democratic faction, established at Saeima, will in the future become the core of a new political party - the Social Democratic Union, Social Democrat Egils Baldzens told a press conference today. Baldzens said that the Social Democratic Union "will not be a party of leaders but a constellation". A statement on establishing a new Social Democratic faction, signed by deputies Baldzens, Janis Leja, Imants Burvis, Peteris Salkazanovs and Risards Labanovskis, was filed to the Saeima presidium today.

The new Social Democratic faction, established at Saeima, will in the future become the core of a new political party - the Social Democratic Union, Social Democrat Egils Baldzens told a press conference today. Baldzens said that the Social Democratic Union "will not be a party of leaders but a constellation". A statement on establishing a new Social Democratic faction, signed by deputies Baldzens, Janis Leja, Imants Burvis, Peteris Salkazanovs and Risards Labanovskis, was filed to the Saeima presidium today. LETA

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will meet with Minister of Education and Science Karlis Greiskalns this week. President's press secretary Aiva Rozenberga told LETA that the meeting would be held at the president's initiative, during the meeting, issues that concern the situation with education in Latvia will be discussed. The officials are to meet on Thursday, January 10, at 3:30 p.m.

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will meet with Minister of Education and Science Karlis Greiskalns this week. President's press secretary Aiva Rozenberga told LETA that the meeting would be held at the president's initiative, during the meeting, issues that concern the situation with education in Latvia will be discussed. The officials are to meet on Thursday, January 10, at 3:30 p.m. LETA

Legal experts’ task force summoned by the president Monday after listening to the report of State Language Center representative on the problems of observing the state language law have agreed to prepare more precise proposals how language inspectors could control implementation of language norms after abolishing language restrictions. There would be no problems with language use in the Saeima but they could arise in municipalities. The experts agree on proposal to amend the law on municipalities in order to ensure the usage of the Latvian language at municipalities after potential changes to the election law take effect. They also agreed: it is no longer demanded that candidates for deputies have a top-grade command of the state language.

Legal experts task force summoned by the president Monday after listening to the report of State Language Center representative on the problems of observing the state language law have agreed to prepare more precise proposals how language inspectors could control implementation of language norms after abolishing language restrictions. There would be no problems with language use in the Saeima but they could arise in municipalities. The experts agree on proposal to amend the law on municipalities in order to ensure the usage of the Latvian language at municipalities after potential changes to the election law take effect. They also agreed: it is no longer demanded that candidates for deputies have a top-grade command of the state language. Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, BNS,

Leftist block For Human Rights in United Latvia parliament faction chairman Janis Jurkans has issued a statement calling on Defence Minister Girts Valdis Kristovskis to apologise to residents of eastern Latvian region Latgale and Russia over his statements in an open letter the minister distributed in connection with the planned installation of TPS-117 radar in Audrini county, eastern Latvia. Otherwise the faction undertakes to launch a no-confidence motion against the minister in the parliament. Kristovskis meanwhile said he knows that political force very well and is not to set either to comment or resign.

Leftist block For Human Rights in United Latvia parliament faction chairman Janis Jurkans has issued a statement calling on Defence Minister Girts Valdis Kristovskis to apologise to residents of eastern Latvian region Latgale and Russia over his statements in an open letter the minister distributed in connection with the planned installation of TPS-117 radar in Audrini county, eastern Latvia. Otherwise the faction undertakes to launch a no-confidence motion against the minister in the parliament. Kristovskis meanwhile said he knows that political force very well and is not to set either to comment or resign. BNS Diena, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii, Chas, BNS

The Latvian government committee Monday upheld amendments to the criminal law and other legislative acts abolishing death penalty in Latvia, government press office reported. Before the matter is put before the Cabinet, the Justice Ministry has to prepare some more amendments, acting on the opinion of the State Chancellery that pointed out the need to reshape other criminal law articles, penalty execution code and pardon law. These amendments will be approved under urgent procedures so that the government would be able to review them together with those upheld by the Cabinet committee on Monday. It is not known yet when the government would deal with this issue.

The Latvian government committee Monday upheld amendments to the criminal law and other legislative acts abolishing death penalty in Latvia, government press office reported. Before the matter is put before the Cabinet, the Justice Ministry has to prepare some more amendments, acting on the opinion of the State Chancellery that pointed out the need to reshape other criminal law articles, penalty execution code and pardon law. These amendments will be approved under urgent procedures so that the government would be able to review them together with those upheld by the Cabinet committee on Monday. It is not known yet when the government would deal with this issue. BNS

Newspaper

Newspaper Lauku Avize interviewed several Latvian MPs asking what they thought about the conclusion of the Jamestown Foundation that Russian President V.Putin tried to create ethnic tension in the Baltic States to hinder their moving towards NATO. G.Krasts (FF/LNNK) thinks that the Foundation is right, and Latvia just has to be frank and explain the international society it position on ethnic issues. Latvia has to prove that accession to NATO would improve security in the region. A.Kirsteins (Peoples Party) agrees with this conclusion and says that the comparison of Latvia to Macedonia was a pure provocation. M.Lujans (For Human Rights in United Latvia) says that we should not perceive this Putins announcement as an attempt to cause any ethnic tension here. So far he had no policy concerning compatriots abroad, and now he wants to start forming it.

Newspaper

Newspaper Latvijas Vestnesis informs about the new procedure of annulling persons domicile registration. According to the new temporary procedure of receiving domicile registration and checking out, the decision on annulling ones domicile registration will be taken by a local municipality. It will have the authority to annul it within one month after receiving appropriate information in the ten cases stipulated in the Cabinet of Ministers regulations. This temporary procedure will take effect on February 1, 200. It is planned that the new law on declaring ones place of residence could take effect on January 1, 2003.

Head of National Human Rights Office O.Bruveris went on one of his regular visit to DCMA to see how this institution was solving the cases registered with the Office. This time there were eight cases. Two of them are in Strasbourg Human Rights Court. O.Bruveris was optimistic describing the situation at the Department. Working process is going on and if a person has not committed any criminal violations and does not try to cheat the state, then his status is established quite smoothly.

Head of National Human Rights Office O.Bruveris went on one of his regular visit to DCMA to see how this institution was solving the cases registered with the Office. This time there were eight cases. Two of them are in Strasbourg Human Rights Court. O.Bruveris was optimistic describing the situation at the Department. Working process is going on and if a person has not committed any criminal violations and does not try to cheat the state, then his status is established quite smoothly. Chas

Vesti Segodnya writes about the fate of Valentina Demidovec, a Biology teacher of Salaspils School No 2. She is dismissed for not sufficient state language knowledge. Ninety students of the school signed a letter to defend their teacher.

Vesti Segodnya writes about the fate of Valentina Demidovec, a Biology teacher of Salaspils School No 2. She is dismissed for not sufficient state language knowledge. Ninety students of the school signed a letter to defend their teacher.

Russian Parliament is very busy considering a package of laws concerning the citizenship of the Russian Federation, Status of foreigners, refugees, procedure of entry and leaving, migration, etc. So far is valid the USSR law of 1981 that grants the right of political asylum for citizens persecuted in their countries of residence for “defending the rights of working people, for participation in revolutionary of national liberation movements.”

Russian Parliament is very busy considering a package of laws concerning the citizenship of the Russian Federation, Status of foreigners, refugees, procedure of entry and leaving, migration, etc. So far is valid the USSR law of 1981 that grants the right of political asylum for citizens persecuted in their countries of residence for defending the rights of working people, for participation in revolutionary of national liberation movements. Panorama Latvii

2002 will be a successful year for the party and its supporters," Janis Jurkans, the head of Saeima faction of For Human Rights In A United Latvia, says in an interview in VS. He says that the party could get about 300,000 votes at the eighth Saeima elections.

2002 will be a successful year for the party and its supporters," Janis Jurkans, the head of Saeima faction of For Human Rights In A United Latvia, says in an interview in VS. He says that the party could get about 300,000 votes at the eighth Saeima elections. Vesti Segodnya

Despite considerable pressure from the leaders of the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDSP), LSDSP Saeima faction deputy Peteris Salkazanovs will quit the faction and join a new Saeima faction that is also to include four current members of the LSDSP faction. Salkazanovs confirmed to LETA once more that he, the current LSDSP faction's chairman Egils Baldzens, deputies Imants Burvis, Janis Leja and Risards Labanovskis would leave the LSDSP faction and form a new one.

Despite considerable pressure from the leaders of the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDSP), LSDSP Saeima faction deputy Peteris Salkazanovs will quit the faction and join a new Saeima faction that is also to include four current members of the LSDSP faction. Salkazanovs confirmed to LETA once more that he, the current LSDSP faction's chairman Egils Baldzens, deputies Imants Burvis, Janis Leja and Risards Labanovskis would leave the LSDSP faction and form a new one. LETA, Neatkariga, Diena, Chas, Panorama Latvii,

Today the government commission will consider amendments to the Criminal Code to abolish the capital punishment in Latvia. This penalty has not been applied for several years but is still existing in the Code.

Neatkariga