Press Report

Press Report

Yesterday Estonian Prime Minister M.Laar confirmed that the OSCE Mission would leave Estonia for sure but only after the Parliament adopted the amendments to the election law. It will be done in the nearest future. In Latvia the government is still waiting for the decision of the European Human Rights Court. But state authorities continue repeating that the Mission would leave even if the law were not amended.

Yesterday Estonian Prime Minister M.Laar confirmed that the OSCE Mission would leave Estonia for sure but only after the Parliament adopted the amendments to the election law. It will be done in the nearest future. In Latvia the government is still waiting for the decision of the European Human Rights Court. But state authorities continue repeating that the Mission would leave even if the law were not amended. Telegraf

Latvia supports Russia's admission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), as it would promote both bilateral economic relations and co-operation in entire North Europe, said the Latvian ambassador to Russia. "We believe it would be great if Russia could join the WTO as soon as possible," Normans Penke, the Latvian ambassador to Russia, told

Latvia supports Russia's admission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), as it would promote both bilateral economic relations and co-operation in entire North Europe, said the Latvian ambassador to Russia. "We believe it would be great if Russia could join the WTO as soon as possible," Normans Penke, the Latvian ambassador to Russia, told BNS.

The admission of Baltic States to the European Union (EU) and NATO will strengthen security in the region and improve Baltic-Russian relations, said a Latvian diplomat. "Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian membership in the EU and NATO will not only stabilise the situation in these states but also bolster our co-operation with Russia and other countries in the region," said Normans Penke, the Latvian ambassador to Russia. He told BNS that Russia was also interested in strengthening security in the Baltic region and greater certainty in the Baltic States' situation will be to the benefit of Balts themselves and their eastern neighbour as well.

The admission of Baltic States to the European Union (EU) and NATO will strengthen security in the region and improve Baltic-Russian relations, said a Latvian diplomat. "Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian membership in the EU and NATO will not only stabilise the situation in these states but also bolster our co-operation with Russia and other countries in the region," said Normans Penke, the Latvian ambassador to Russia. He told BNS that Russia was also interested in strengthening security in the Baltic region and greater certainty in the Baltic States' situation will be to the benefit of Balts themselves and their eastern neighbour as well. BNS

Today the Constitutional Court begins review of the first case opened following an individual petition reports Diena. The petition has been filed by Juta Mencena, married to a German citizen; she categorically disagrees to Latvianization of her husband’s name in the passport. Mencena has also turned to the Human Rights Court in Strasbourg, which accepted her petition and has already demanded explanations form the Latvian government.

Today the Constitutional Court begins review of the first case opened following an individual petition reports Diena. The petition has been filed by Juta Mencena, married to a German citizen; she categorically disagrees to Latvianization of her husbands name in the passport. Mencena has also turned to the Human Rights Court in Strasbourg, which accepted her petition and has already demanded explanations form the Latvian government. Diena, Telegraf

Only 243 out of polled 1,919 Latvia’s residents back Latvia’s accession to NATO, according to a poll that Latvia’s non-governmental organization “Prata speks” (Power of Reason) conducted in August. The organisation’s chairman Aleksandrs Sakovskis tells VS that the poll’s data clearly indicates a need to hold a referendum on Latvia’s accession to NATO. The organisation also plans on staging a picket at the Cabinet of Ministers on November 22.

Only 243 out of polled 1,919 Latvias residents back Latvias accession to NATO, according to a poll that Latvias non-governmental organization Prata speks (Power of Reason) conducted in August. The organisations chairman Aleksandrs Sakovskis tells VS that the polls data clearly indicates a need to hold a referendum on Latvias accession to NATO. The organisation also plans on staging a picket at the Cabinet of Ministers on November 22. Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

On Tuesday the deputies of Estonian Parliament adopted amendments to the law stipulating that the Estonian language was the language of office work in the Parliament. It means that the work in plenary sessions and commissions has to be in the Estonian language. All speeches must be in this language and there is no right to use an interpreter.

On Tuesday the deputies of Estonian Parliament adopted amendments to the law stipulating that the Estonian language was the language of office work in the Parliament. It means that the work in plenary sessions and commissions has to be in the Estonian language. All speeches must be in this language and there is no right to use an interpreter. Diena, Neatkariga

Riga City Council Property and Privatisation Commission supported a draft resolution in the regulations of the State and Municipal Residential Buildings Privatisation Commission that in reality open a possibility for the scandalous leader of the movement Equality T.Zhdanok to receive a good post in this institution.

Riga City Council Property and Privatisation Commission supported a draft resolution in the regulations of the State and Municipal Residential Buildings Privatisation Commission that in reality open a possibility for the scandalous leader of the movement Equality T.Zhdanok to receive a good post in this institution. Neatkariga

Newspaper

Newspaper Chas interviewed the Saeima Vice-Speaker R.Piks. He acknowledged that they still did not manage to establish good relations with their Russian colleagues and complained that deputies in Moscow welcomed only one faction thus receiving only one-sided information. R.Piks would like raise the level of mutual co-operation at least for one step, and there are many people in Russia that would like the same, but the position of Russian MFA does not allow it. When asked about the demand of Russia to ratify the Framework Convention on National Minorities, Vice-Speaker answered that Latvian legislation complied with international standards; when Russia demanded Latvia to solve the border problem and it did, amend the language law – Latvia did, amend the citizenship law – Latvia did. And now it is turn for Russia to understand that it has to deal with its own problems, not about the policy of Latvia, and then everything would normalise.

Yesterday Russian Ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov visited the Publishing House Petit and the editor’s office of the newspaper

Yesterday Russian Ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov visited the Publishing House Petit and the editors office of the newspaper Chas. He said that he received objective and true information from this newspaper and was of high opinion about the support the newspaper provided to the Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia. Chas

Newspaper

Newspaper Chas organised a meeting of parents of Russian students with the Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane and the Head of the Saeima Education Commission Dz.Abikis. Mr.Abikis said that according to the education law from 2004 all tuition in national minority schools starting from grade 10 would be in the Latvian language but there would still be a discussion on deadlines because this one had been fixed for the Ministry of Education officials to pay more attention to the bilingual education. E.Aldermane thinks that it is not reasonable to postpone the transition but only those schools may transfer to the Latvian language where 100% of teachers are able to teach their subjects in the Latvian language.

Recently in the Latvian press was published information that the leaders of For Human Rights in United Latvia, influenced by Russia, on purpose include in their lists candidates with poor knowledge of the Latvian language. Those, of course, are crossed out from these lists, and Latvia is accused for mass human rights violations. MP from For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Urbanovics calls this a slander in order in order to provoke the faction and make wrong steps before the next Saeima election.

Recently in the Latvian press was published information that the leaders of For Human Rights in United Latvia, influenced by Russia, on purpose include in their lists candidates with poor knowledge of the Latvian language. Those, of course, are crossed out from these lists, and Latvia is accused for mass human rights violations. MP from For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Urbanovics calls this a slander in order in order to provoke the faction and make wrong steps before the next Saeima election. Vesti Segodnya

Newspaper

Newspaper Vesti Segodnya published an open letter written by the teaching staff of the Magnitogorsk University to the Latvian intellectuals with a request not to keep silent when Russian children were deprived of a possibility to study their language, literature and history in their mother tongue.

Newspaper

Newspaper Telegraf interviewed the leader of the Association for Support of Russian language Schools in Latvia I.Pimenov about the plans on the Ministry of Education and Science to transfer national minority schools to the tuition in the Latvian language.

Telegraf

published information about the situation with Russian-speaking schools in CIS countries, stating that only three of them managed to abstain from mass closure of those schools. published information about the situation with Russian-speaking schools in CIS countries, stating that only three of them managed to abstain from mass closure of those schools.

Press Report

Press Report

In his interview to the Russian-speaking newspaper

In his interview to the Russian-speaking newspaper Telegraf Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins, when asked about the future of the OSCE Mission to Latvia, said, I think the OSCE Mission will be closed this year. We have fulfilled all our obligations that were under discussion. And it is not right to change the rules during the game. (19.11.01)

On Tuesday Latvian Foreign Ministry state secretary Maris Riekstins will join the meeting of European foreign and defence ministers in Brussels expected to discuss the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) reported the Foreign Ministry.

On Tuesday Latvian Foreign Ministry state secretary Maris Riekstins will join the meeting of European foreign and defence ministers in Brussels expected to discuss the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) reported the Foreign Ministry. BNS

Latvian foreign and defence ministries positively view the efforts of NATO and Russia to find more pragmatic and practical ways for mutual co-operation, officials at the two ministries said. Foreign Ministry state secretary Maris Riekstins and Defence Ministry state secretary Edgars Rinkevics were commenting to BNS on proposal of British Prime Minister Tony Blair to set up Russian and North-Atlantic council for developing of closer co-operation. Regardless of the negative attitude by Russia towards admission of the Baltic states to NATO Riekstins ruled out a possibility that, as a result of closer co-operation, NATO and Russia could jointly make decision on admission of new members to NATO. "Such an option is impossible," he said.

Latvian foreign and defence ministries positively view the efforts of NATO and Russia to find more pragmatic and practical ways for mutual co-operation, officials at the two ministries said. Foreign Ministry state secretary Maris Riekstins and Defence Ministry state secretary Edgars Rinkevics were commenting to BNS on proposal of British Prime Minister Tony Blair to set up Russian and North-Atlantic council for developing of closer co-operation. Regardless of the negative attitude by Russia towards admission of the Baltic states to NATO Riekstins ruled out a possibility that, as a result of closer co-operation, NATO and Russia could jointly make decision on admission of new members to NATO. "Such an option is impossible," he said. BNS

Today, three foreign ambassadors will present their credentials to President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, LETA learned at the President's Press Service. The president will receive credentials from the Thai Ambassador to Latvia Thakur Phanit, Irish Ambassador to Latvia Thelma M. Doran and Tunisian Ambassador to Latvia. LETA

Today, three foreign ambassadors will present their credentials to President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, LETA learned at the President's Press Service. The president will receive credentials from the Thai Ambassador to Latvia Thakur Phanit, Irish Ambassador to Latvia Thelma M. Doran and Tunisian Ambassador to Latvia. LETA

Andris Zorgevics, director general at the state-owned railroad company Latvijas Dzelzcels, quit the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDSP) on Monday, calling it "simply the party of [LSDSP chairman Juris] Bojars, a Bolshevik organisation, not a parliamentary party" in an interview to DB. VZ says that the new party will unite the current LSDSP members who believe Bojars’ authoritarian leadership unacceptable, and disapprove of LSDSP’s close relations with the socialists. Egils Baldzens is being mentioned as the likely leader of the new party.

Andris Zorgevics, director general at the state-owned railroad company Latvijas Dzelzcels, quit the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDSP) on Monday, calling it "simply the party of [LSDSP chairman Juris] Bojars, a Bolshevik organisation, not a parliamentary party" in an interview to DB. VZ says that the new party will unite the current LSDSP members who believe Bojars authoritarian leadership unacceptable, and disapprove of LSDSPs close relations with the socialists. Egils Baldzens is being mentioned as the likely leader of the new party. Diena, Neatkariga, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Diena

interviews Markus Meckel, Vice-President at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, member of Bundestags Foreign Affairs Committee, who says that "the development of the Baltic countries and societies makes it clear that these countries are ready for accession, and we have to do it as soon as possible" interviews Markus Meckel, Vice-President at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, member of Bundestag’s Foreign Affairs Committee, who says that "the development of the Baltic countries and societies makes it clear that these countries are ready for accession, and we have to do it as soon as possible" The Citizenship and Migration Administration is unable to curb activities of persons who receive questionable visas and Latvia’s residency permits with the help of middleman firms and banks. The administration itself, as well as the Ministry of Interior and the Immigration Police is not interested in putting an end to such a situation, says a representative of the administration.

The Citizenship and Migration Administration is unable to curb activities of persons who receive questionable visas and Latvias residency permits with the help of middleman firms and banks. The administration itself, as well as the Ministry of Interior and the Immigration Police is not interested in putting an end to such a situation, says a representative of the administration. Neatkariga

Yesterday the Naturalisation Board in co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Latvia, UNDP and Society integration Department of the Ministry of Justice started a wide information project “Public awareness campaign” in order to motivate non-citizens to apply for Latvian citizenship and further public understanding on citizenship and naturalisation issues in general.

Yesterday the Naturalisation Board in co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Latvia, UNDP and Society integration Department of the Ministry of Justice started a wide information project Public awareness campaign in order to motivate non-citizens to apply for Latvian citizenship and further public understanding on citizenship and naturalisation issues in general. Latvijas Vestnesis, Diena,

Lauku Avize

published an open letter of the former FF/LNNK activist Eduards Berklavs under the tittle Shameful campaign. A new well thought over campaign to deprive Latvians of saying in their Fatherland – only thus I can evaluate this made up three months advertisement campaign to lure non-Latvians into Latvian citizenship thus endangering the existence of Latvia as an independent state. It is unlikely that Eizenija Aldermane alone managed to get 260 000USD from institutions in Germany, USA, Great Britain, Sweden, Canada and Norway to finance this shameful campaign. I remind E.Aldermane and everybody, who works against Latvia, the lines from a poem written by an unknown soldier in the Gulag concentration camp, Nobody will forgive us, either the deceased or alive ones .. that we ourselves help to cut our roots. published an open letter of the former FF/LNNK activist Eduards Berklavs under the tittle “Shameful campaign”. “A new well thought over campaign to deprive Latvians of saying in their Fatherland – only thus I can evaluate this made up three months advertisement campaign to lure non-Latvians into Latvian citizenship thus endangering the existence of Latvia as an independent state. It is unlikely that Eizenija Aldermane alone managed to get 260 000USD from institutions in Germany, USA, Great Britain, Sweden, Canada and Norway to finance this shameful campaign. I remind E.Aldermane and everybody, who works against Latvia, the lines from a poem written by an unknown soldier in the Gulag concentration camp, “Nobody will forgive us, either the deceased or alive ones .. that we ourselves help to cut our roots.” Publicist V.Avotins writes that the Cabinet of Ministers proved (by amending Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No 239) that the official language policy (as the government sees it) limits itself only to the campaign of receiving language proficiency certificates. By this the Cabinet turned knowing the language into a formal thing in the field where it had to be mastered without any excuse, without any political or ethnic speculation. The government is not interested in the quality of real language usage. If anything – just show the certificate, and nobody will bother you. And the role of the State Language Centre is also degraded; now it is to be seen as a police department because SLC will deal more with the cases of forged documents than with the language itself.

Publicist V.Avotins writes that the Cabinet of Ministers proved (by amending Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No 239) that the official language policy (as the government sees it) limits itself only to the campaign of receiving language proficiency certificates. By this the Cabinet turned knowing the language into a formal thing in the field where it had to be mastered without any excuse, without any political or ethnic speculation. The government is not interested in the quality of real language usage. If anything – just show the certificate, and nobody will bother you. And the role of the State Language Centre is also degraded; now it is to be seen as a police department because SLC will deal more with the cases of forged documents than with the language itself. Neatkariga

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga in her greeting speech to the participants of the international conference “Forming a civic culture in Central and Eastern Europe” said that Latvia did not have the centuries long integration experience which many European nations had. Latvia is just forming in strengthening its democratic system and we may be proud with the things achieved and honest when speaking about the things still to be done. And this road has to be followed by the whole society – politicians, scientists, teachers, public organisations and others.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga in her greeting speech to the participants of the international conference Forming a civic culture in Central and Eastern Europe said that Latvia did not have the centuries long integration experience which many European nations had. Latvia is just forming in strengthening its democratic system and we may be proud with the things achieved and honest when speaking about the things still to be done. And this road has to be followed by the whole society – politicians, scientists, teachers, public organisations and others. Latvijas Vestnesis

Editors of the newspaper

Editors of the newspaper Panorama Latvii received a letter from Latvian national radicals with a swastika and information that within the framework of de-colonisation all journalist of this newspaper had to leave Latvia.

In an interview given to Russian newspaper

In an interview given to Russian newspaper Izvestiya I.Berzins stated that Latvia was not a self-murderer when joining NATO, and it was not a step against Russia. He even assured that according to opinion polls Russians in Latvia supported Latvias joining EU more that Latvians did. And when speaking about youngsters, then for joining NATO stand more Russians than Latvians. Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnya

Panorama Latvii

in its editorial analyses the statements made by Latvian politicians concerning the worming-up of American – Russian relations. It seems that politicians are satisfied with it. Thus Latvian Ambassador to Moscow N.Penke greeted the positive moves in Russias relations with NATO. He thinks that integration of Latvia into Europe would improve Latvias relations with Russia. But the words of Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins even sound surprising, Improving of the relations between Russia and NATO is profitable for us. We do not want to join NATO just for starting a new cold war. The Minister also assures that the cold war started by Russia in 1998 led to the fact that Russia lost its former economic influence in Latvia. in its editorial analyses the statements made by Latvian politicians concerning the worming-up of American – Russian relations. It seems that politicians are satisfied with it. Thus Latvian Ambassador to Moscow N.Penke greeted the positive moves in Russia’s relations with NATO. He thinks that integration of Latvia into Europe would improve Latvia’s relations with Russia. But the words of Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins even sound surprising, “Improving of the relations between Russia and NATO is profitable for us. We do not want to join NATO just for starting a new “cold war”. The Minister also assures that the “cold war” started by Russia in 1998 led to the fact that Russia lost its former economic influence in Latvia. The Union of Searchers’ Units addressed the Latvian society with a call to collect money for restoration the Victory Monument.

The Union of Searchers Units addressed the Latvian society with a call to collect money for restoration the Victory Monument. Vesti Segodnya

A.Vasiljeva writes that the union of the left wing parties For Human Rights in United Latvia has passed the test of time now it will have to pass the test of power. Being in the opposition consolidated these different parties, and after the last local government election left wing parties came to power in many Latvian towns and in Riga. Now a very important task for them is to be very flexible in choosing their coalition partners and careful in their tactics and strategy. One of the fist tests was the question whether to support the nomination of T.Zhdanok to the post of Managing Director of Vidzeme Suburb District of Riga; another is whether to develop co-operation with Social Democrats.

A.Vasiljeva writes that the union of the left wing parties For Human Rights in United Latvia has passed the test of time now it will have to pass the test of power. Being in the opposition consolidated these different parties, and after the last local government election left wing parties came to power in many Latvian towns and in Riga. Now a very important task for them is to be very flexible in choosing their coalition partners and careful in their tactics and strategy. One of the fist tests was the question whether to support the nomination of T.Zhdanok to the post of Managing Director of Vidzeme Suburb District of Riga; another is whether to develop co-operation with Social Democrats. Chas

Press Report

Press Report

Council of FF/LNNK finds unacceptable the attempts to abolish the language proficiency norm in the election law. Dz.Rasnacs even thinks that in the case of adopting such amendments they could address the Constitutional court referring to the Satversme article that stipulates the status of the Latvian language as the only state language in Latvia.

Council of FF/LNNK finds unacceptable the attempts to abolish the language proficiency norm in the election law. Dz.Rasnacs even thinks that in the case of adopting such amendments they could address the Constitutional court referring to the Satversme article that stipulates the status of the Latvian language as the only state language in Latvia. Diena

Russia and NATO becoming closer is good for Latvia, said Latvian foreign minister Indulis Berzins. "Russia and NATO becoming closer plays into our hands. We are not suicidal, we do not want to join [NATO] only to begin a new 'cold war'," Berzins said in the interview to a new Latvian Russian-language newspaper,

Russia and NATO becoming closer is good for Latvia, said Latvian foreign minister Indulis Berzins. "Russia and NATO becoming closer plays into our hands. We are not suicidal, we do not want to join [NATO] only to begin a new 'cold war'," Berzins said in the interview to a new Latvian Russian-language newspaper, Telegraf.

Prime Minister Andris Berzins' interview in the newspaper

Prime Minister Andris Berzins' interview in the newspaper "Vesti Segodnya", conducted yesterday, November 18, and featured today, had not been previously co-ordinated, LETA was told by the premier's press secretary Arnis Lapins.

The

The "Vesti Segodnya" reporter says in the interview that Berzins' having lunch at a "Russian tavern" on Latvia's Independence Day bears symbolic meaning. The premier denied this, however. Asked whether he agrees that the Latvian-Russian relations are clearly improving, Berzins replies that apparently, there will never be the tension of the past, however, his being in the restaurant is in no way linked with this.

Latvian parliament speaker Janis Straume, addressing lawmakers during a special session dedicated to the 83rd anniversary since proclamation of independent Latvia, said security was "the first and foremost" priority of Latvia's policy. "We have ensured democratic political development, paid great attention to solving the public integration problems, made efforts to strengthen defence capacity of our nation and achieve compatibility of our armed forces with NATO standards," said the parliament speaker, noting also Latvia's major progress in the EU pre-accession talks.

Latvian parliament speaker Janis Straume, addressing lawmakers during a special session dedicated to the 83rd anniversary since proclamation of independent Latvia, said security was "the first and foremost" priority of Latvia's policy. "We have ensured democratic political development, paid great attention to solving the public integration problems, made efforts to strengthen defence capacity of our nation and achieve compatibility of our armed forces with NATO standards," said the parliament speaker, noting also Latvia's major progress in the EU pre-accession talks. BNS

On Saturday one of Russian national Bolsheviks was released from detention because his sentence term had expired.

On Saturday one of Russian national Bolsheviks was released from detention because his sentence term had expired. Neatkariga, Chas,

Ahead of the 8th Saeima elections, For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK (TB/LNNK) wishes to define its place among right-wing political parties more clearly by explaining its stance on several important matters so that it becomes more attractive to voters. The TB/LNNK chairman Maris Grinblats said at the party council's meeting today that the motto of the TB/LNNK congress on December 15 could be: security to the state of Latvia, Latvian language and people.

Ahead of the 8th Saeima elections, For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK (TB/LNNK) wishes to define its place among right-wing political parties more clearly by explaining its stance on several important matters so that it becomes more attractive to voters. The TB/LNNK chairman Maris Grinblats said at the party council's meeting today that the motto of the TB/LNNK congress on December 15 could be: security to the state of Latvia, Latvian language and people. LETA, Neatkariga

Newspaper

Newspaper Chas points out that with every year the FF/LNNK member J.Straume acts as the Saeima Speaker he becomes more tolerant concerning non-Latvians. He even had called the 7th Saeima in the time left to the 8th Saeima election to think what is necessary for Latvia, Latvians, and everybody, who lives in this country, loves it and works in for its benefit.

Panorama Latvii

writes about the letter of the Prime Minister of Great Britain T.Blair to the leaders of NATO member states with a proposal to accept Russia in this organisation. The newspaper writes that according Blairs plan joining could take place so fast that already the next year Russia would be able to take part in deciding whether the Baltic States were accepted in this organisation. writes about the letter of the Prime Minister of Great Britain T.Blair to the leaders of NATO member states with a proposal to accept Russia in this organisation. The newspaper writes that according Blair’s plan joining could take place so fast that already the next year Russia would be able to take part in deciding whether the Baltic States were accepted in this organisation. Tomorrow Estonian Parliament will discuss radical amendments to the election law stipulating abolishing of language proficiency norm for parliament and local government deputies. Constitutional Commission already discussed these amendments and recommended adopting them at the plenary sitting of the parliament.

Tomorrow Estonian Parliament will discuss radical amendments to the election law stipulating abolishing of language proficiency norm for parliament and local government deputies. Constitutional Commission already discussed these amendments and recommended adopting them at the plenary sitting of the parliament. Telegraf

Nationalist youth organisation “Everything for Latvia” held a procession to celebrate the Independence Day of Latvia. Their black uniforms reminded the black uniforms of SS very much.

Nationalist youth organisation Everything for Latvia held a procession to celebrate the Independence Day of Latvia. Their black uniforms reminded the black uniforms of SS very much. Telegraf

Newspaper

Newspaper Telegraf interviewed the leader of movement Equality T.Zhdanok about the congress of compatriots and the position of Russia towards those people in former USSR republics.

Press Report

Press Report

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins will leave for Romania on Dec. 2 to join the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Ministerial Council meeting in Bucharest, reported the Latvian Foreign Ministry. The meeting to be held on Dec. 3 and 4 is expected to discuss vital regional matters -- the situation in the Balkans, Central Asia, possibly the Caucasus and other problem regions, said Edgars Skuja, the head of the Latvian representation at the OSCE. BNS

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins will leave for Romania on Dec. 2 to join the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Ministerial Council meeting in Bucharest, reported the Latvian Foreign Ministry. The meeting to be held on Dec. 3 and 4 is expected to discuss vital regional matters -- the situation in the Balkans, Central Asia, possibly the Caucasus and other problem regions, said Edgars Skuja, the head of the Latvian representation at the OSCE. BNS

The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Permanent Council will decide on the future of its mission to Latvia at a weekly meeting in Vienna on Dec. 20, said Peter Semneby, the head of the organisation’s mission to Latvia. He told BNS that the Permanent Council decision would be based on his semi-annual report about the Latvian mission's performance and compliance with guidelines under the mandate as well as the recommendation by the OSCE presiding country, Romania. Semneby did not deny that "the decision on closing the mission will also be a political decision." Semneby would not disclose the contents of his report but said that the mission was fully satisfied with the situation concerning citizenship and naturalisation, a strategic priority of the mission to Latvia. He said, however, that the OSCE mission mandate could be extended if Latvia failed to take further efforts towards improving the situation.

The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Permanent Council will decide on the future of its mission to Latvia at a weekly meeting in Vienna on Dec. 20, said Peter Semneby, the head of the organisations mission to Latvia. He told BNS that the Permanent Council decision would be based on his semi-annual report about the Latvian mission's performance and compliance with guidelines under the mandate as well as the recommendation by the OSCE presiding country, Romania. Semneby did not deny that "the decision on closing the mission will also be a political decision." Semneby would not disclose the contents of his report but said that the mission was fully satisfied with the situation concerning citizenship and naturalisation, a strategic priority of the mission to Latvia. He said, however, that the OSCE mission mandate could be extended if Latvia failed to take further efforts towards improving the situation. BNS

The number of people renouncing Latvian citizenship has increased in recent years said the Latvian Naturalisation Board. In 1999 the board processed 94 cases of relinquishing the Latvian citizenship, last year this figure was 172 but in 10 months of this year already 183 such cases have been recorded, said a spokeswoman to the Naturalisation Board. According to the Naturalisation Board annual report on 2000, most of the people giving up the Latvian citizenship explained it by the decision to move for permanent residence in some other country.

The number of people renouncing Latvian citizenship has increased in recent years said the Latvian Naturalisation Board. In 1999 the board processed 94 cases of relinquishing the Latvian citizenship, last year this figure was 172 but in 10 months of this year already 183 such cases have been recorded, said a spokeswoman to the Naturalisation Board. According to the Naturalisation Board annual report on 2000, most of the people giving up the Latvian citizenship explained it by the decision to move for permanent residence in some other country. BNS

The family of a former Russian military officer that has lodged a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights wants to receive from Latvia a 400,000 Euro compensation for alleged violations of their human rights, a party to the proceedings told BNS. This is the amount indicated in the documents by lawyers representing the Slivenko family but so far there has been no official information about the size of the compensation they claim from Latvia. Latvia's representative to the human rights court, Kristine Malinovska, told BNS that the human rights court had not yet inquired about the compensation amount and the Latvian party did not have any information on it.

The family of a former Russian military officer that has lodged a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights wants to receive from Latvia a 400,000 Euro compensation for alleged violations of their human rights, a party to the proceedings told BNS. This is the amount indicated in the documents by lawyers representing the Slivenko family but so far there has been no official information about the size of the compensation they claim from Latvia. Latvia's representative to the human rights court, Kristine Malinovska, told BNS that the human rights court had not yet inquired about the compensation amount and the Latvian party did not have any information on it. BNS, Lauku Avize, Panorama Latvii, Telegraf (19.11)

Prime Minister’s Press Secretary A.Lapins, answering to the letter of MP Dz. Abikis, where he accused the Prime Minister of providing false information concerning the draft regulations on state language proficiency tests for state officials, assured that the People’s Party faction had received this information and it was the faction’s guilt if they had not sent it to Abikis.

Prime Ministers Press Secretary A.Lapins, answering to the letter of MP Dz. Abikis, where he accused the Prime Minister of providing false information concerning the draft regulations on state language proficiency tests for state officials, assured that the Peoples Party faction had received this information and it was the factions guilt if they had not sent it to Abikis. Lauku Avize

In an interview to the US National Radio Broadcasting Company Russian President V.Putin announced that he had no objections against the Baltic States joining NATO but added that he did not see any sense in expanding this organisation.

In an interview to the US National Radio Broadcasting Company Russian President V.Putin announced that he had no objections against the Baltic States joining NATO but added that he did not see any sense in expanding this organisation. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas,

Russian-speaking newspaper

Russian-speaking newspaper Vesti Segodnya writes that Latvian politicians have heard what they wanted to hear in this Putins announcement. The journalist checked the shorthand of Putins speech and found out that Russian Presidents words had been misinterpreted.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga gave an interview to the newspaper

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga gave an interview to the newspaper Neatkariga. When asked about the recommendation to amend the election law as one of preconditions for closing the OSCE Mission to Latvia, which could lead even to establishing two official state languages in Latvia, Vaira Vike-Freiberga answered that the language situation was over-dramatised here, but one was sure – Latvia had no intention to establish two official state languages.

Vesti Segodnya

writes about the meeting of Dusseldorf Club of Businessmen where Latvian President in her speech assured that in Latvia was an open society but stood for preserving the Latvian language, and there would never be introduced the second state languages. writes about the meeting of Dusseldorf Club of Businessmen where Latvian President in her speech assured that in Latvia was an open society but stood for preserving the Latvian language, and there would never be introduced the second state languages. On November 18 Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins will go on an official visit to Turkey.

On November 18 Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins will go on an official visit to Turkey. Neatkariga

Social Democrats Saeima faction leader E.Baldzens is against signing the coalition agreement with the opposition factions For Human Rights in United Latvia and the New Party contrary to the announcement made by MP Social Democrat J.Adamsons that all Social Democrats supported this agreement.

Social Democrats Saeima faction leader E.Baldzens is against signing the coalition agreement with the opposition factions For Human Rights in United Latvia and the New Party contrary to the announcement made by MP Social Democrat J.Adamsons that all Social Democrats supported this agreement. Lauku Avize

Lauku Avize interviewed the Estonian President A.Rüütel. Speaking about current political situation in Estonia, the President said that Estonian Parliament was discussing a problem whether an MP might be a person who did not know the state language. No solution has been found yet, but this is not a principal issue. If some political group want to delegate a candidate who does not now the state language, it is a problem of the people delegating him but not the parliament because the working language of the Parliament is the Estonian language.

Vesti Segodnya

informs about the Baltic Ombudsman Workshop that took place in Riga recently. informs about the Baltic Ombudsman Workshop that took place in Riga recently. It also published letters, sent by parents of Russian students, about the planned transition to the tuition in the Latvian language. They do not support this plan.

It also published letters, sent by parents of Russian students, about the planned transition to the tuition in the Latvian language. They do not support this plan.

Columnist A.Fedoseyev from the newspaper

Columnist A.Fedoseyev from the newspaper Chas writes that according to the Latvian constitution all sovereign power in Latvia belongs to the Latvian nation. But does this power belong to the nation today? Many politicians would like it. But how about non-citizens? According to the constitution in Latvia should be established an integrated society of Latvia. But it is not the case. And now Latvia is moving towards a two-community society.

T.Arshavskaya, member of the Board of Association for Support of the Russian language Schools in Latvia, on Internet answered to the questions of Russian speakers about the education system in Latvia. Some of the questions were – Maybe it was useful to organise a referendum of all Russian-speakers in Latvia about the planned transfer to the tuition in the Latvian language. What does ASRLSL expect from the next conference of the parents of Russian school students?

T.Arshavskaya, member of the Board of Association for Support of the Russian language Schools in Latvia, on Internet answered to the questions of Russian speakers about the education system in Latvia. Some of the questions were – Maybe it was useful to organise a referendum of all Russian-speakers in Latvia about the planned transfer to the tuition in the Latvian language. What does ASRLSL expect from the next conference of the parents of Russian school students?

Press Report

Press Report

Saturday is set to see the release of one of three Russian extreme National Bolsheviks, accused of terrorism, and convicted for hooliganism after they broke into a church in Riga one year ago. He will be handed over to Russia for serving their sentences at home.

Saturday is set to see the release of one of three Russian extreme National Bolsheviks, accused of terrorism, and convicted for hooliganism after they broke into a church in Riga one year ago. He will be handed over to Russia for serving their sentences at home. Chas

A.Brauna writes editorial in

A.Brauna writes editorial in Diena Latvia from European Perspective. She writes that according to the statements of some EU officials Latvia could have dramatic trials in regard to legal status of minorities, in particular, about citizens rights to be elected irrespectively of the level of their state language proficiency and about Latvias efforts in ensuring naturalisation of non-citizens. It seems, that politicians will not be able to escape without the abolishment of the language requirement for election candidates, and the Government will have to demonstrate its true intentions regarding society integration, inviting people to naturalise and providing broad possibilities to learn the language.

Two-day seminar “Baltic Ombudsman Workshop” is held in the National Human Rights Office in Riga. The seminar has gathered also relevant institutions from Estonia, Lithuania and the USA.

Two-day seminar Baltic Ombudsman Workshop is held in the National Human Rights Office in Riga. The seminar has gathered also relevant institutions from Estonia, Lithuania and the USA. Neatkariga

Diena

publishes Estonian Prime Minister M.Laars article NATO and the Baltic States where he names the main reasons why the Baltic States want to join NATO and why the status of neutral countries is not the best solution for these countries. publishes Estonian Prime Minister M.Laar’s article “NATO and the Baltic States” where he names the main reasons why the Baltic States want to join NATO and why the status of neutral countries is not the best solution for these countries. Press continues to inform about the launching event of the Public and Promotion of the Latvian Citizenship Campaign.

Press continues to inform about the launching event of the Public and Promotion of the Latvian Citizenship Campaign. Vechernaja Riga, Latvijas Vçstnesis, Panorama Latvii

Jauna

interviews State President V.Vike-Freiberga. The majority of questions are about the upcoming Latvias Independence Day. To the question What was the biggest challenge during your presidential period, the President replies It was the State Language Law. I was just elected and I had only few days to decide. It was a very serious political decision with long-term consequences. I think that the decision made was the overcoming of a big challenge. interviews State President V.Vike-Freiberga. The majority of questions are about the upcoming Latvia’s Independence Day. To the question “What was the biggest challenge during your presidential period”, the President replies “It was the State Language Law. I was just elected and I had only few days to decide. It was a very serious political decision with long-term consequences. I think that the decision made was the overcoming of a big challenge”.

Latvijas Vestnesis

interviews UN Resident Co-ordinator J.S.Sorensen about the activities of the UN for 10 years since its establishment in Latvia. interviews UN Resident Co-ordinator J.S.Sorensen about the activities of the UN for 10 years since its establishment in Latvia.

Vesti Segodnja

asks opinion of several Latvian leading politicians about the meeting of Russian and American presidents. Latvian foreign affairs minister says that the whole world, including Latvia, will only profit from good relations between Russia and America. FF/LNNK J.Dobelis hopes that all agreements will be reasonable and not aimed against the development of three Baltic countries. asks opinion of several Latvian leading politicians about the meeting of Russian and American presidents. Latvian foreign affairs minister says that “the whole world, including Latvia, will only profit from good relations between Russia and America”. FF/LNNK J.Dobelis hopes that all agreements will be reasonable and not aimed against the development of three Baltic countries.

Vesti Segodnja objects to OSCE Mission Head P.Semneby who said that language problem is a subjective hindrance in naturalisation. As an example the newspaper gives the story of a woman who could not pass the language test for two times The newspaper also stresses that the international community is the one that takes care of ensuring and providing Latvian language courses and not the Latvian Government.