Press Report

Press Report

Latvijas vestnesis

reports: Tuesday justice minister I.Labucka met with the OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby to discuss further co-operation and its main issues – state language legislation, society integration process and formation of the ombudsman institution in Latvia. Both parties acknowledged the necessity to study the situation concerning the ruling of the European Human Rights Court on the case of excluding candidates from election lists due to their insufficient level of state language proficiency and the consequences on legislation, as well as possibility to enter amendments to legal norms if the claim is found grounded by the court. The justice minister informed OSCE Mission to Latvia Head about the implementation course of the national programme Society Integration in Latvia, as well as about the job done and actual tasks regarding the establishment of Society Integration Foundation, which is scheduled to be completed till the beginning of October. In his turn, P.Semneby informed about the activities of the OSCE concerning state language studies and public awareness campaign. When discussing the establishment of the ombudsman institution in Latvia, I.Labucka and P.Semneby agreed on continuing the successful co-operation. reports: “Tuesday justice minister I.Labucka met with the OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby to discuss further co-operation and its main issues – state language legislation, society integration process and formation of the ombudsman institution in Latvia. Both parties acknowledged the necessity to study the situation concerning the ruling of the European Human Rights Court on the case of excluding candidates from election lists due to their insufficient level of state language proficiency and the consequences on legislation, as well as possibility to enter amendments to legal norms if the claim is found grounded by the court. The justice minister informed OSCE Mission to Latvia Head about the implementation course of the national programme “Society Integration in Latvia”, as well as about the job done and actual tasks regarding the establishment of Society Integration Foundation, which is scheduled to be completed till the beginning of October. In his turn, P.Semneby informed about the activities of the OSCE concerning state language studies and public awareness campaign. When discussing the establishment of the ombudsman institution in Latvia, I.Labucka and P.Semneby agreed on continuing the successful co-operation”. The signing of the coalition agreement among Latvia’s Way, People’s Party and FF/LNNK scheduled for yesterday was postponed. FF/LNNK stated that it would be premature, as the hopes that other small parties will also join the coalition, have failed.

The signing of the coalition agreement among Latvias Way, Peoples Party and FF/LNNK scheduled for yesterday was postponed. FF/LNNK stated that it would be premature, as the hopes that other small parties will also join the coalition, have failed. Diena, Neatkariga

Latvia's member of parliament, Antons Seiksts, recently observing the Belarus residential elections as part of the OSCE mission, claims that the elections were undemocratic. The MP told reporters on Tuesday that he had for the first time seen such a paradox, that an undemocratic pre-election campaign could have ended up sodemocratically.

Latvia's member of parliament, Antons Seiksts, recently observing the Belarus residential elections as part of the OSCE mission, claims that the elections were undemocratic. The MP told reporters on Tuesday that he had for the first time seen such a paradox, that an undemocratic pre-election campaign could have ended up sodemocratically. Neatkariga

Neatkariga

reports that Latvias Way is having crisis in its administration and provides example of three party members who have showed non-loyalty to Latvias Way. Just recently Latvias Way member O.Kehris allotted funds for the to-be-established party and today he has to report on that to the Party Board. Another partys member Riga City Council deputy G.Grinberg left the party and yesterday joined Social Democrats. Former Prime Minister V.Kristopans has asked to release him from Partys Board member duties, as well as he stated that he would probably provide support the party to-be-establsihed after E.Repshe names other party members. reports that Latvia’s Way is having crisis in its administration and provides example of three party members who have showed “non-loyalty” to Latvia’s Way. Just recently Latvia’s Way member O.Kehris allotted funds for the to-be-established party and today he has to report on that to the Party Board. Another party’s member Riga City Council deputy G.Grinberg left the party and yesterday joined Social Democrats. Former Prime Minister V.Kristopans has asked to release him from Party’s Board member duties, as well as he stated that he would probably provide support the party to-be-establsihed after E.Repshe names other party members. Chas Chas

Latvijas vestnesis

asks President V.Vike-Freibergas opinion about the party-to be-established. The President considers that the main priority of the new party will be solution of actual interior problems and when asked to comment on the joining of ex-President G.Ulmanis to the new party, she, in a rather ironic manner, says that she feels glad that Ulmanis does not feel tired anymore and is ready for political activities. On the occasion of presenting credentials to the new Latvian ambassador to Russia N.Penke, the President says that his duties do not differ from the duties of other ambassadors, however, maybe in his situation they are more difficult to fulfil. asks President V.Vike-Freiberga’s opinion about the party-to be-established. The President considers that the main priority of the new party will be solution of actual interior problems and when asked to comment on the joining of ex-President G.Ulmanis to the new party, she, in a rather ironic manner, says that she feels glad that Ulmanis does not feel tired anymore and is ready for political activities. On the occasion of presenting credentials to the new Latvian ambassador to Russia N.Penke, the President says that his duties do not differ from the duties of other ambassadors, however, maybe in his situation they are more difficult to fulfil.

Chas

gives a little bit more detailed information about Latvian language courses free of charge for the applicants for naturalisation funded by the Governments of Norway, Sweden and the USA. gives a little bit more detailed information about Latvian language courses free of charge for the applicants for naturalisation funded by the Governments of Norway, Sweden and the USA. At the beginning of October the Russian Compatriot Congress will take place in Moscow. The member of Compatriot Council at Russia’s State Duma V.Gavrilov informs about the main issues on Congress’ agenda – adoption of the “Framework Programme on Russia’s Support to Compatriots Residing Abroad”, which received Russian President’s approval last week; round table discussions on legal norms concerning lives of Russian compatriots abroad. About the situation in Latvia, V.Gavrilovs says “existing opposition of the two communities is created and maintained in an artificial manner by radical political powers and, unfortunately, West and the States had and are having their roles in that, too”.

At the beginning of October the Russian Compatriot Congress will take place in Moscow. The member of Compatriot Council at Russias State Duma V.Gavrilov informs about the main issues on Congress agenda – adoption of the Framework Programme on Russias Support to Compatriots Residing Abroad, which received Russian Presidents approval last week; round table discussions on legal norms concerning lives of Russian compatriots abroad. About the situation in Latvia, V.Gavrilovs says existing opposition of the two communities is created and maintained in an artificial manner by radical political powers and, unfortunately, West and the States had and are having their roles in that, too.

Press Report

The outgoing U.S. ambassador in Latvia, James Holmes, gives an interview to

The outgoing U.S. ambassador in Latvia, James Holmes, gives an interview to Diena. The ambassador gives a positive assessment to Latvias progress in general since his arrival and particularly praises Latvias ability to judge historical events, such as Kaleja case. When asked if Russia is going to use in its advantage difficulties with integration process in Latvia, the ambassador says Society integration is of enormous importance for the future of Latvia. Whether one likes it or not Latvian community is a multi-cultural community, therefore there should be the way ensuring not only peaceful but also successful co-living of its members. And I see it true in todays Latvia. And also OSCE, which representation was opened here in order to observe how these issues are dealt with, sees the same. In general the OSCE is satisfied with the achievements of Latvia in this sphere and it has not found any proves of systematic human rights violations. We consider that the statements saying society integration has not succeeded and that a community here is neo-fascistic are untrue. Latvia has done everything what it had to normalise and stabilise relations with Russia. It has fulfilled its obligations towards the OSCE in the spheres of citizenship and society integration.

BNS

informs about the meeting of Latvia's parliament speaker J.Straume and the U.S. ambassador when they also discussed Latvian-Russian bilateral relations. Holmes said that the most effective argument against current Russian comments on the state language issue would be the OSCE mission's work in Latvia. informs about the meeting of Latvia's parliament speaker J.Straume and the U.S. ambassador when they also discussed Latvian-Russian bilateral relations. Holmes said that the most effective argument against current Russian comments on the state language issue would be the OSCE mission's work in Latvia. 25% St.Petersburg residents see Latvia and the USA as the main enemies of Russia, then follows NATO and Estonia and Lithuania are the enemies for 20% of respondents.

25% St.Petersburg residents see Latvia and the USA as the main enemies of Russia, then follows NATO and Estonia and Lithuania are the enemies for 20% of respondents. Diena

Chas

asks politician, Peoples Harmony Party member N.Neilands to share his views about Latvian Social Democrats. In his opinion the existing Latvias Social Democrats Workers Party does not correspond to classic perception of Social Democrats – in regard to treatment of national issues Latvian Social Democrats are the same as FF/LNNK. In regard to the possible merge of Peoples Harmony Party and Social Democrats Neilands is rather sceptic when in the programmes and deeds of parties the way to harmony in a society is clearly defined, then the merge takes place. asks politician, People’s Harmony Party member N.Neilands to share his views about Latvian Social Democrats. In his opinion the existing Latvia’s Social Democrats Workers Party does not correspond to classic perception of Social Democrats – in regard to treatment of national issues “Latvian Social Democrats are the same as FF/LNNK”. In regard to the possible merge of Peoples Harmony Party and Social Democrats Neilands is rather sceptic “when in the programmes and deeds of parties the way to harmony in a society is clearly defined, then the merge takes place”. Prime Minister A.Berzins has not decided yet whether he will run for the 8th Saeima election.

Prime Minister A.Berzins has not decided yet whether he will run for the 8th Saeima election. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika, Panorama Latvii

Riga District Court will review the case of war crime suspect red partisan V.Kononov no sooner as at the end of 2002, but the appellation of the sentenced M.Farbtuh will be reviewed on 2 November.

Riga District Court will review the case of war crime suspect red partisan V.Kononov no sooner as at the end of 2002, but the appellation of the sentenced M.Farbtuh will be reviewed on 2 November. Chas

Saeima deputy B.Cilevic provides an analyses of the current policy in Latvia. He thinks that the fact that the ruling parties did not distanced themselves from radical nationalistic activities, putting all their efforts in keeping power and trying to continue the implementation of their current programmes are the obvious guarantee that the process of changes in regard to the current ruling politicians will go on.

Saeima deputy B.Cilevic provides an analyses of the current policy in Latvia. He thinks that the fact that the ruling parties did not distanced themselves from radical nationalistic activities, putting all their efforts in keeping power and trying to continue the implementation of their current programmes are the obvious guarantee that the process of changes in regard to the current ruling politicians will go on. Vesti Segodnja

Press Report 

Press Report

Canadian Foreign Minister John Manley after meeting with the President of Latvia, Vaira Vike-Freiberga said that at the NATO summit meeting in Prague, November 2002, he will be voting for acceptance of Latvia into the NATO alliance if it has carried out all the criteria. He also said that countries that are not NATO members "do not have the right to discuss whether the Baltics should be in NATO or not." Manley gave a positive evaluation of Latvia's public integration policies, while the President in turn told him that Latvia is an open society in which minorities may acquire their own language and culture in minority schools.

Canadian Foreign Minister John Manley after meeting with the President of Latvia, Vaira Vike-Freiberga said that at the NATO summit meeting in Prague, November 2002, he will be voting for acceptance of Latvia into the NATO alliance if it has carried out all the criteria. He also said that countries that are not NATO members "do not have the right to discuss whether the Baltics should be in NATO or not." Manley gave a positive evaluation of Latvia's public integration policies, while the President in turn told him that Latvia is an open society in which minorities may acquire their own language and culture in minority schools. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas

One of Latvia's oldest political parties, the Latvian Farmers Union appointed a new party program at its congress on Saturday and decided to change the party's name to Center Party Latvian Farmers Union. One of the most famous party members Latvian ex-President G.Ulmanis just before party’s congress decided to leave it.

One of Latvia's oldest political parties, the Latvian Farmers Union appointed a new party program at its congress on Saturday and decided to change the party's name to Center Party Latvian Farmers Union. One of the most famous party members Latvian ex-President G.Ulmanis just before partys congress decided to leave it. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas

Vesti Segodnja

talks to famous Russian politician D.Rogozin, Russian State Duma Foreign Affairs Committee chairperson and the Head of Russian delegation to PACE. He says that even those European politicians who previously were in strong support to Latvian policy now look at the situation from the different perspective. My colleagues start to understand that Macedonia precedent can occur in Latvia… What example does NATO give to Russians in Baltic States – that they should act like Albanians did to get their rights? talks to famous Russian politician D.Rogozin, Russian State Duma Foreign Affairs Committee chairperson and the Head of Russian delegation to PACE. He says that “even those European politicians who previously were in strong support to Latvian policy now look at the situation from the different perspective. My colleagues start to understand that Macedonia precedent can occur in Latvia… What example does NATO give to Russians in Baltic States – that they should act like Albanians did to get their rights?” The Governments of the USA, Norway and Sweden have allotted USD 216,000 for providing free of charge Latvian language courses to persons who want to naturalise. According to the Naturalisation Board, the amount should be sufficient for 2000 applicants.

The Governments of the USA, Norway and Sweden have allotted USD 216,000 for providing free of charge Latvian language courses to persons who want to naturalise. According to the Naturalisation Board, the amount should be sufficient for 2000 applicants. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

As of today, 10 September the Naturalisation Board opens a phone line free of charge for people who want to learn about naturalisation procedures and other issues concerning citizenship. The operational period of the phone line is scheduled till January, however, if the number of calls stays high the phone line would keep operating longer.

As of today, 10 September the Naturalisation Board opens a phone line free of charge for people who want to learn about naturalisation procedures and other issues concerning citizenship. The operational period of the phone line is scheduled till January, however, if the number of calls stays high the phone line would keep operating longer. Chas, Panorama Latvii, Neatkariga, Respublika

Press Report

Press Report

Five Latvian lawmakers have left for Belarus to act as observers in presidential elections to be held in the neighboring state on Sept. 9. Initially it was planned that only one Latvian MP will join the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) mission of observers in Belarus. A representative of Latvia's Way party from the ruling coalition and the chairman of the parliamentary human rights and social issues committee, Antons Seiksts, was selected for the purpose. As it turned out, Juris Vidins, a representative from another ruling coalition party, Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK, and Alexander Golubev from the opposition left-wing alliance also decided to take the parliament service car to Belarus to monitor the presidential elections, Vidins told

Five Latvian lawmakers have left for Belarus to act as observers in presidential elections to be held in the neighboring state on Sept. 9. Initially it was planned that only one Latvian MP will join the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) mission of observers in Belarus. A representative of Latvia's Way party from the ruling coalition and the chairman of the parliamentary human rights and social issues committee, Antons Seiksts, was selected for the purpose. As it turned out, Juris Vidins, a representative from another ruling coalition party, Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK, and Alexander Golubev from the opposition left-wing alliance also decided to take the parliament service car to Belarus to monitor the presidential elections, Vidins told BNS.

One more criminal case over crimes against humanity and genocide committed by former Soviet officials has reached the court in Latvia. The Latvian Prosecutor General's Office on Thursday sent to the court the case against Russian citizen Nikolai Tess, a former Soviet state security official, who took part in deportations of Latvian people in 1949, reported a spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office. Tess, 80, is charged with crimes against humanity and genocide for his participation in deportation of Latvian people on March 25, 1949. At the time Tess was an official at the Soviet Latvian State security ministry.

One more criminal case over crimes against humanity and genocide committed by former Soviet officials has reached the court in Latvia. The Latvian Prosecutor General's Office on Thursday sent to the court the case against Russian citizen Nikolai Tess, a former Soviet state security official, who took part in deportations of Latvian people in 1949, reported a spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office. Tess, 80, is charged with crimes against humanity and genocide for his participation in deportation of Latvian people on March 25, 1949. At the time Tess was an official at the Soviet Latvian State security ministry. BNS

The Russian delegation's report about allegedly violated rights of Russian-speaking population in Latvia and Estonia failed to draw the intended response at the UN anti-racism conference in South Africa said the Latvian president upon her return from Durban. She told reporters Thursday that Russia did not get the intended response to its report because it was presented late at night in a near-empty conference hall.

The Russian delegation's report about allegedly violated rights of Russian-speaking population in Latvia and Estonia failed to draw the intended response at the UN anti-racism conference in South Africa said the Latvian president upon her return from Durban. She told reporters Thursday that Russia did not get the intended response to its report because it was presented late at night in a near-empty conference hall. BNS

Today Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs J.Manley is arriving on an official visit to Latvia. He will have meetings with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Saeima Speaker J.Straume and Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins.

Today Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs J.Manley is arriving on an official visit to Latvia. He will have meetings with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Saeima Speaker J.Straume and Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins. Latvijas Vestnesis

In his interview to Latvian Radio Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins commented the statements made by Russian President V.Putin in Finland. I.Berzins was not surprised about Russia’s position concerning Baltic States joining NATO. When asked about Russia’s possible counter steps Minister said that Russia would of course speak openly against this and Latvia would present its arguments. I.Berzins agreed to the newspaper

In his interview to Latvian Radio Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins commented the statements made by Russian President V.Putin in Finland. I.Berzins was not surprised about Russias position concerning Baltic States joining NATO. When asked about Russias possible counter steps Minister said that Russia would of course speak openly against this and Latvia would present its arguments. I.Berzins agreed to the newspaper Diena commentator Ozolins who had said that V.Putin comparing Latvia to Macedonia at the same time had spoken about Albanian and Kosovian terrorists, who acted in this republic and did everything to maintain the conflict. Concerning Putins statement about granting the Russian language status of the second state language, I.Berzins said that important was Latvias position. It is important that it corresponds to the position of OSCE countries and it is so. Latvijas Vestnesis

During a TV show one of the most important people in Latvia Mayor of Venspils A.Lembergs, answering to the question about the V.Putins statements on rights of national minorities violations in Latvia, said that according to him those rights, in general, were observed but there was one thing he was very concerned about. And it was the article in the state language law stipulating transition the tuition in the Latvian language in Russian-speaking schools. A.Lembergs did not like fixing any certain deadline; everything should proceed in process.

Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii, Respublika