Press Report

Press Report

Several US senators in the talks with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, currently on visit to the United States, expressed their support to Latvia's admission to NATO. The Latvian president met with US senators John McKane, Gordon Smith, Carl Levin. "Baltic states deserve NATO membership," said McKane. According to the opinions of several Latvian political scientists the favourable attitude of the US President toward Latvia has been judged as clearly expressed support to Latvia’s wish join NATO. Smith, the chairman of the European sub-committee under the Senate's foreign committee, also supported the opinion that Baltic states should be among new

Several US senators in the talks with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, currently on visit to the United States, expressed their support to Latvia's admission to NATO. The Latvian president met with US senators John McKane, Gordon Smith, Carl Levin. "Baltic states deserve NATO membership," said McKane. According to the opinions of several Latvian political scientists the favourable attitude of the US President toward Latvia has been judged as clearly expressed support to Latvias wish join NATO. Smith, the chairman of the European sub-committee under the Senate's foreign committee, also supported the opinion that Baltic states should be among new

NATO members. Smith said that a delegation from the US Congress will visit Latvia in May to assess possibilities for a dialogue between Latvia and the US.

NATO members. Smith said that a delegation from the US Congress will visit Latvia in May to assess possibilities for a dialogue between Latvia and the US. Diena, Neatkariga, Respublika

Research carried out by the organisation for open society Delna shows that means of mass media have performed hidden advertising of political character before the municipal election. Among newspapers

Research carried out by the organisation for open society Delna shows that means of mass media have performed hidden advertising of political character before the municipal election. Among newspapers Panorama Latvii, Chas and Neatkariga are the leaders in the number of publications which according to the opinion of experts reflected the candidates in a positive light, however, were not indicated as political advertisement. Diena

The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Tuesday approved Latvian representative, Egils Levits, as a judge for the European Court of Human Rights for another term of six-years.

The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Tuesday approved Latvian representative, Egils Levits, as a judge for the European Court of Human Rights for another term of six-years. Diena, Neatkariga

Sweden Parliament General Secretary A.Forsberg will visit Latvia and have meetings with Saeima vice-speaker J.Straume and other deputies to learn what kind of assistance needs Latvian Saeima to improve its institutional capacity.

Sweden Parliament General Secretary A.Forsberg will visit Latvia and have meetings with Saeima vice-speaker J.Straume and other deputies to learn what kind of assistance needs Latvian Saeima to improve its institutional capacity. Neatkariga

Neatkariga

provides information about the article about Latvia in Swedish newspaper provides information about the article about Latvia in Swedish newspaper Expressen.Expressen. The article says that one fourth of Latvian residents are non-citizens who do not have voting rights, they do not have real passports and Latvia tries to melt them into Latvian society. The article says that one fourth of Latvian residents are non-citizens who do not have voting rights, they do not have real passports and Latvia tries to melt them into Latvian society. Neatkariga. Neatkariga.

Chas

gives comments of Latvia on the case of the Slivenko. The deputy head of the Department of Migration and Citizenship Affairs J.Lejins says that the case was reviewed by the Latvian courts of different levels, including the Supreme Court and all of them turned down Slivenkos claim. Nikolaj Slivenko fell into category of military persons who receive money compensation for leaving Latvia. Besides, Tatiana hid the fact that her husband serves in the Soviet Army when she had to register, and that means, she provided false information to the state. And there was no search carried out at Silivenkos apartment. gives comments of Latvia on the case of the Slivenko. The deputy head of the Department of Migration and Citizenship Affairs J.Lejins says that “the case was reviewed by the Latvian courts of different levels, including the Supreme Court and all of them turned down Slivenko’s claim. Nikolaj Slivenko fell into category of military persons who receive money compensation for leaving Latvia. Besides, Tatiana hid the fact that her husband serves in the Soviet Army when she had to register, and that means, she provided false information to the state. And there was no search carried out at Silivenko’s apartment”. Vesti SegodnjaVesti Segodnja

Vesti Segodnja

turns readers attention to the fact that in the meeting of Prime Minister A.Berzins with NATO high officials they were more concerned with integration issues than defence matters in Latvia. turns readers’ attention to the fact that in the meeting of Prime Minister A.Berzins with NATO high officials they were more concerned with integration issues than defence matters in Latvia. War veterans, who fought on the Soviet side in World War Two and are now residing in the Baltic States, will soon be able to receive free medical care in Russia, Moskovsky Komsomolets newspaper reported. The Russian newspaper wrote Tuesday that it was the decision made by the Russian Health Care Ministry in co-operation with the federation's Obligatory Health Insurance Fund.

War veterans, who fought on the Soviet side in World War Two and are now residing in the Baltic States, will soon be able to receive free medical care in Russia, Moskovsky Komsomolets newspaper reported. The Russian newspaper wrote Tuesday that it was the decision made by the Russian Health Care Ministry in co-operation with the federation's Obligatory Health Insurance Fund. Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Press Report

Prime Minister A.Berzins and Defense Minister Girts Valdis Kristovskis reflected Latvia's progress towards NATO membership on Monday at a North-Atlantic council in Brussels and answered to questions posed by NATO ambassadors. 12 NATO ambassadors were assessed the indicators of Latvia's defense and macroeconomic development as impressive. Before presenting their report the Latvian officials met with NATO Secretary General George Robertson The main topics upon which lay most of the questions coming from the ambassadors were relations with Russia, public

Prime Minister A.Berzins and Defense Minister Girts Valdis Kristovskis reflected Latvia's progress towards NATO membership on Monday at a North-Atlantic council in Brussels and answered to questions posed by NATO ambassadors. 12 NATO ambassadors were assessed the indicators of Latvia's defense and macroeconomic development as impressive. Before presenting their report the Latvian officials met with NATO Secretary General George Robertson The main topics upon which lay most of the questions coming from the ambassadors were relations with Russia, public

integration and naturalisation, as well as privatisation. The German NATO ambassador emphasised Latvia's great progress, and the need to continue strengthening relations with Russia.

integration and naturalisation, as well as privatisation. The German NATO ambassador emphasised Latvia's great progress, and the need to continue strengthening relations with Russia. Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Lauku Avize , Chas

Some 80 essays have been submitted to the youth essay contest, announced by Vieda publishing house, that was sharply criticised by Russian Foreign Ministry and described also in Latvia as being on the edge of inciting to national hatred.

Some 80 essays have been submitted to the youth essay contest, announced by Vieda publishing house, that was sharply criticised by Russian Foreign Ministry and described also in Latvia as being on the edge of inciting to national hatred.

Vieda Director Aivars Garda told that the best essays which "are even unexpectedly good and indicate that there still is hope for the Latvian nation" will be published in a book in a month's time. The winners of the 100 lats (USD 160) have not been picked yet.

Vieda Director Aivars Garda told that the best essays which "are even unexpectedly good and indicate that there still is hope for the Latvian nation" will be published in a book in a month's time. The winners of the 100 lats (USD 160) have not been picked yet. Panorama Latvii, Respublika

The President V.Vike-Freiberga had an unscheduled meeting with the US President G. Bush, who suddenly joined to Latvian President’s meeting with vice-president R.Cheney, on the first day of her visit to the States. Among different discussion subjects the presidents talked about society integration issues and president G.Bush expressed his full support to society integration policy realised by the Latvian state.

The President V.Vike-Freiberga had an unscheduled meeting with the US President G. Bush, who suddenly joined to Latvian Presidents meeting with vice-president R.Cheney, on the first day of her visit to the States. Among different discussion subjects the presidents talked about society integration issues and president G.Bush expressed his full support to society integration policy realised by the Latvian state. Diena, Rigas Balss, Neatkariga

Yesterday the Saeima launched its spring session. Among the most important tasks for the deputies is the review of the Law on Society Integration Fund and National Programme on Society Integration. FHRUL chairman J.Jurkans says that the fact that this problem is left unsolved shows indifference of ruling parties’ deputies towards the problem that Latvia becomes a two-community country.

Yesterday the Saeima launched its spring session. Among the most important tasks for the deputies is the review of the Law on Society Integration Fund and National Programme on Society Integration. FHRUL chairman J.Jurkans says that the fact that this problem is left unsolved shows indifference of ruling parties deputies towards the problem that Latvia becomes a two-community country. Jauna, Vesti Segodnja

Rigas Balss

and and Lauku AvizeLauku Avize provide some numbers from the study Towards Civic Society. 45% of non-citizens consider their status as humiliating, for 64% non-citizens their status mean insecurity and 63% non-citizens think that they are discriminated in a labour market. provide some numbers from the study “Towards Civic Society”. 45% of non-citizens consider their status as humiliating, for 64% non-citizens their status mean insecurity and 63% non-citizens think that they are discriminated in a labour market.

Lauku Avize

also provides the comments of OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby on the process of naturalisation in Latvia. In his opinion it is rather dangerous that people who do not want to be naturalised somehow stay outside the society. They and also the country should be interested in the development of Latvia. Therefore, the state has act in such a way that people acquire citizenship and become a legitimate part of the society. Mr.Semneby understands that a part of them will remain non-citizens for a while, however, it is very important for the country to involve them, particularly young people, in state affairs. However, one of the paradoxes of Latvia is that the differences between citizens and non-citizens have been eliminated too successfully – people are rather happy with non-citizen passports. We could say – that proves how unfounded are the statements about non-citizens discrimination. OSCE Mission to Latvia Head indicated that it is possible to notice that there are two groups of people residing in Latvia, however, Russians who live here differ from Russians of Russia. In his opinion, it is an indication that social integration has taken place. At the same time it is true, that more should be done to develop the contacts between the two communities and that Russians should start using the Latvian language more. also provides the comments of OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby on the process of naturalisation in Latvia. “In his opinion it is rather dangerous that people who do not want to be naturalised somehow stay outside the society. They and also the country should be interested in the development of Latvia. Therefore, the state has act in such a way that people acquire citizenship and become a legitimate part of the society. Mr.Semneby understands that a part of them will remain non-citizens for a while, however, it is very important for the country to involve them, particularly young people, in state affairs. However, one of the paradoxes of Latvia is that the differences between citizens and non-citizens have been eliminated too successfully – people are rather happy with non-citizen passports. We could say – that proves how unfounded are the statements about non-citizens’ discrimination. OSCE Mission to Latvia Head indicated that it is possible to notice that there are two groups of people residing in Latvia, however, Russians who live here differ from Russians of Russia. In his opinion, it is an indication that social integration has taken place. At the same time it is true, that more should be done to develop the contacts between the two communities and that Russians should start using the Latvian language more”.

Chas

journalist views this study more in regard to the issue concerning relations between citizens and non-citizens – how possible are mixed marriages, tolerance toward other nationalities and languages spoken in communication between two nationalities. journalist views this study more in regard to the issue concerning relations between citizens and non-citizens – how possible are mixed marriages, tolerance toward other nationalities and languages spoken in communication between two nationalities.

Vesti Segodnja

considers strange that the number of citizens who think that the Latvian language is in danger has increased for 4% and the number of citizens who would agree to give the state language status to Russian has dropped for 3%. The conclusion of the newspaper is that the only mean, which could harmonise and integrate Latvian society is the time machine. considers strange that the number of citizens who think that the Latvian language is in danger has increased for 4% and the number of citizens who would agree to give the state language status to Russian has dropped for 3%. The conclusion of the newspaper is that the only mean, which could harmonise and integrate Latvian society is the time machine.

Panorama Latvii

writes that the only thing that is common for both citizens and non-citizens is the lack of trust in Latvian politicians. writes that the only thing that is common for both citizens and non-citizens is the lack of trust in Latvian politicians.

Lauku Avize

informs that just before Presidents visit to Washington DC when Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov presented Putins letter to Latvian President coincidentally informs that just before President’s visit to Washington DC when Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov presented Putin’s letter to Latvian President “coincidentally” Vesti SegodnjaVesti Segodnja political columnist A.Elkin was around. And V.Vike-Freiberga voiced that I have discussed with the Prime Minister and foreign affair minister two specific steps in regard to naturalisation. The first one is to reduce the amount of the state fee. The second step is also related to that – I asked the Ministry of Education to create such conditions that a centralised examination for 9 graders of national minority schools would be considered equal to naturalisation examination. political columnist A.Elkin was around. And V.Vike-Freiberga voiced that “I have discussed with the Prime Minister and foreign affair minister two specific steps in regard to naturalisation. The first one is to reduce the amount of the state fee. The second step is also related to that – I asked the Ministry of Education to create such conditions that a centralised examination for 9 graders of national minority schools would be considered equal to naturalisation examination”. Some left-wing Saeima deputies comment the statement of the President. FHRUL chairman J.Jurkans says that he is satisfied with the President, however, he does not believe that she will manage to reach these goals. Other deputies were of the same opinion, too – in general they were satisfied with the opinion expressed by the President, however, they did not believe that the ruling parties will listen to her.

Some left-wing Saeima deputies comment the statement of the President. FHRUL chairman J.Jurkans says that he is satisfied with the President, however, he does not believe that she will manage to reach these goals. Other deputies were of the same opinion, too – in general they were satisfied with the opinion expressed by the President, however, they did not believe that the ruling parties will listen to her.

The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg has accepted for consideration a claim by a Russian family against Latvian authorities whose actions forced the family to leave Latvia, Russia's authorized representative at the court said Monday.

The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg has accepted for consideration a claim by a Russian family against Latvian authorities whose actions forced the family to leave Latvia, Russia's authorized representative at the court said Monday.

Pavel Laptev said the case of Shlivenko family reveals a "whole bunch of European [human rights] convention violations". Tatyana Shlivenko told ORT television earlier that after retirement of her husband from the service the Latvian authorities took away their documents, searched their apartment and then ordered to leave Latvia. Shlivenko family were forced to leave for Kursk and today they can not even arrive in Riga for a while to visit their parents.

Pavel Laptev said the case of Shlivenko family reveals a "whole bunch of European [human rights] convention violations". Tatyana Shlivenko told ORT television earlier that after retirement of her husband from the service the Latvian authorities took away their documents, searched their apartment and then ordered to leave Latvia. Shlivenko family were forced to leave for Kursk and today they can not even arrive in Riga for a while to visit their parents. Vesti Segodnja

Five months have passed since the Conference for Russian Students’ Parents took place. Latvian Support Association to Schools with Russian as a Tuition Language (LSASRTL) chairman I.Pimenov talks about the work done during these months. As one of the achievements is the establishment of Consultative Council at the Ministry of Education where two members of LSASRTL are presented. Their future objectives are to enter the changes in bilingual education – abolish the transfer of secondary school to education in the state language in 2004, review the requirement which determines the minimum number of students to open a class at national minority schools. This year LSASRTL is planning to organise two more parents’ conferences.

Five months have passed since the Conference for Russian Students Parents took place. Latvian Support Association to Schools with Russian as a Tuition Language (LSASRTL) chairman I.Pimenov talks about the work done during these months. As one of the achievements is the establishment of Consultative Council at the Ministry of Education where two members of LSASRTL are presented. Their future objectives are to enter the changes in bilingual education – abolish the transfer of secondary school to education in the state language in 2004, review the requirement which determines the minimum number of students to open a class at national minority schools. This year LSASRTL is planning to organise two more parents conferences. Vesti Segodnja

Panorama Latvii

writes that the line where the nationality of cards holder should be indicated will be included in the new ID cards. Latvias Way deputy V.Birkavs says that such line should not be in the new ID cards; social democrat I.Burvis considers that it should be up to cards holder to fill in the line or leave it empty and FF/LNNK deputy P.Tabuns voices that it is an absolute requirement to have this line in the new cards. writes that the line where the nationality of card’s holder should be indicated will be included in the new ID cards. Latvia’s Way deputy V.Birkavs says that such line should not be in the new ID cards; social democrat I.Burvis considers that it should be up to card’s holder to fill in the line or leave it empty and FF/LNNK deputy P.Tabuns voices that it is an absolute requirement to have this line in the new cards...

It is planned to submit to the Saeima a new draft law on NGOs in the fall this year. In the new law the division of NGO into individual profit and public profit organisations will be introduced. The procedure of providing donations to NGO are to be simplified.

It is planned to submit to the Saeima a new draft law on NGOs in the fall this year. In the new law the division of NGO into individual profit and public profit organisations will be introduced. The procedure of providing donations to NGO are to be simplified. Diena

As a reaction to the essay contest organised by the publishing house Vieda

As a reaction to the essay contest organised by the publishing house Vieda Chas announced its own contest for students on the subject Why do I love Latvia and Consider it My Motherland.

Vesti Segodnja

will publish advertisements free of charge for the companies, which sign boards are written in both languages – Latvian and Russian. will publish advertisements free of charge for the companies, which sign boards are written in both languages – Latvian and Russian.

Press Report

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and an accompanying delegation set off for Washington DC on Sunday morning in order to meet with the new US administration. The aim of Vike-Freiberga's visit to the US is to meet with the new US administration in order to discuss issues mainly dealing with Latvian NATO integration. The trip will last until April 30.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and an accompanying delegation set off for Washington DC on Sunday morning in order to meet with the new US administration. The aim of Vike-Freiberga's visit to the US is to meet with the new US administration in order to discuss issues mainly dealing with Latvian NATO integration. The trip will last until April 30. Neatkariga, Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

Harsh discussions in FF/LNNK Council sitting between the supporters of the former Riga Mayor A.Argalis and their opponents are the indications of the crisis in the party. The main discord is the disagreement on the matter what is more harmful for the party either to co-operate with Social Democrats at Riga City Council or stay to the end with the ruling parties – Peoples Party and LW – which lost the election.

Neatkariga Movement’s “For Equality” 5th conference took place on Saturday. The members of the conference agreed that their strategic aim is to re-organise the Union for Human Rights in the United Latvia into one unified party. Equal Rights conference Saturday elected T.Zhdanok as the new party leader. She will replace Sergey Dimanis, who intends to quit politics "due to family-related reasons."

Movements For Equality 5th conference took place on Saturday. The members of the conference agreed that their strategic aim is to re-organise the Union for Human Rights in the United Latvia into one unified party. Equal Rights conference Saturday elected T.Zhdanok as the new party leader. She will replace Sergey Dimanis, who intends to quit politics "due to family-related reasons." Neatkariga,

Diena

informs about some disagreements inside the party. For Equality deputy in the Saeima A.Klementjev admitted that the atmosphere in the party has rather changed – it is more democratic and members want to free from the prejudices of Interfronte. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii Open door days organised by the Department of Citizenship and Migration have proved that people do not have very much information about DCMA and usually mix DCMA with the Naturalisation Board. The Head of DCMA M.Bichevskis says it makes to consider changes in the name of the organisation. People were mostly interested in matters concerning resident permits, visas, spelling of the last names in official papers.

Open door days organised by the Department of Citizenship and Migration have proved that people do not have very much information about DCMA and usually mix DCMA with the Naturalisation Board. The Head of DCMA M.Bichevskis says it makes to consider changes in the name of the organisation. People were mostly interested in matters concerning resident permits, visas, spelling of the last names in official papers. Neatkariga

FHRUL deputies in Riga City Council have strictly refused to meet with the language inspectors and demonstrate their language proficiency. The State Language Centre director Dz.Hirsha admitted that the situation is difficult as “the Language Centre has no rights to examine deputies’ language skills without their own agreement to that”.

FHRUL deputies in Riga City Council have strictly refused to meet with the language inspectors and demonstrate their language proficiency. The State Language Centre director Dz.Hirsha admitted that the situation is difficult as the Language Centre has no rights to examine deputies language skills without their own agreement to that. Rigas Balss

Press Report

Press Report

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a letter to Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, agreeing with her that Russian-Latvian relations need improvement and "their potential is far from exhausted." Putin wrote to Vike-Freiberga in a response to her message following the meeting between the two presidents in Austria in February.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a letter to Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, agreeing with her that Russian-Latvian relations need improvement and "their potential is far from exhausted." Putin wrote to Vike-Freiberga in a response to her message following the meeting between the two presidents in Austria in February.

Russia and Latvia should be very careful about each other's interests and concerns, considering the fact that the majority of the problems that Russia is constantly pointing out to the Latvian administration still need to be solved, the Russian president wrote. In this context, Putin pointed out the necessity of improving the situation that emerged after Riga made a decision to denounce the agreement on the transit of Russian citizens through Latvian territory by train. Latvia said the move was based on the European Union (EU) requirements. Moreover, it is not known yet when the agreement will be annulled. In closing, Putin expressed his confidence that "cardinal changes in the issues that concern Russia and our compatriots in Latvia will become a powerful starting signal for the development and deepening of the entire complex of Russian-Latvian relations."

Russia and Latvia should be very careful about each other's interests and concerns, considering the fact that the majority of the problems that Russia is constantly pointing out to the Latvian administration still need to be solved, the Russian president wrote. In this context, Putin pointed out the necessity of improving the situation that emerged after Riga made a decision to denounce the agreement on the transit of Russian citizens through Latvian territory by train. Latvia said the move was based on the European Union (EU) requirements. Moreover, it is not known yet when the agreement will be annulled. In closing, Putin expressed his confidence that "cardinal changes in the issues that concern Russia and our compatriots in Latvia will become a powerful starting signal for the development and deepening of the entire complex of Russian-Latvian relations." Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

In East part of Latvia – Latgale – Daugavpil’s City Naturalisation Board organised a conference “Experience of Towns and Rural Districts in Solving Integration Problems”. In Latgale 40% non-citizens have not exploited all possibilities to learn the language. Lack of integration roots in the lack of mutual trust and social resources.

In East part of Latvia – Latgale – Daugavpils City Naturalisation Board organised a conference Experience of Towns and Rural Districts in Solving Integration Problems. In Latgale 40% non-citizens have not exploited all possibilities to learn the language. Lack of integration roots in the lack of mutual trust and social resources. Neatkariga.

Friday the Government did not give its approval to the framework document of ID cards. Ministers considered that the issue concerning the changes in place of residency registration in regard to ID cards has not been developed accurately enough. The concept will be reviewed again in two weeks.

Friday the Government did not give its approval to the framework document of ID cards. Ministers considered that the issue concerning the changes in place of residency registration in regard to ID cards has not been developed accurately enough. The concept will be reviewed again in two weeks. Neatkariga, Jauna

Friday Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry issued the statement in regard to the essay contest for Latvian students announced by publishing house “Vieda”. MoFA states that “the fact that Latvian authorities did not react to such discriminating actions towards Russians is a prove to the lack of their political will to improve Latvian Russian relations in practice”.

Friday Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry issued the statement in regard to the essay contest for Latvian students announced by publishing house Vieda. MoFA states that the fact that Latvian authorities did not react to such discriminating actions towards Russians is a prove to the lack of their political will to improve Latvian Russian relations in practice. Chas

The conference “Small Language in XXI Century Europe” took place in Riga. Russian newspaper

The conference Small Language in XXI Century Europe took place in Riga. Russian newspaper Chas informs that the Russian language was not considered as a small language in Latvia and that was a surprise for international guests of the conference.

Chas

interviews Deputy Head of the Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs J.Lejins. The main discussion subjects were in regard to immigrants, what would happen when Latvia joins the EU, introduction of ID cards. interviews Deputy Head of the Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs J.Lejins. The main discussion subjects were in regard to immigrants, what would happen when Latvia joins the EU, introduction of ID cards. 

Press Report

Press Report

A survey conducted by the Naturalisation Administration about public integration in Latvia indicates alarmingly large public distrust in state institutions and justice under the law, the administration's head, Eizenija Aldermane, said during the presentation of the survey Thursday. The survey, titled Road to Civic Society 2000, showed that about 90 percent of population did not trust the government and its agencies. "If politicians and the government as well as mass media do not work with non-citizens, we may lose them. It is better not to make any mistakes so that we do not have to correct them later," said Aldermane.

A survey conducted by the Naturalisation Administration about public integration in Latvia indicates alarmingly large public distrust in state institutions and justice under the law, the administration's head, Eizenija Aldermane, said during the presentation of the survey Thursday. The survey, titled Road to Civic Society 2000, showed that about 90 percent of population did not trust the government and its agencies. "If politicians and the government as well as mass media do not work with non-citizens, we may lose them. It is better not to make any mistakes so that we do not have to correct them later," said Aldermane. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Latvijas Vestnesis, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

With barely two weeks passed since the decision to form a coalition with Social Democrats on the Riga city council, Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK party board late Thursday said it will hold off until Social Democrats fully dissociate themselves from the left-wing alliance For Human Rights. FF/LNNK is one of the ruling government parties while Social Democrats and For Human Rights represent the opposition. FF/LNNK chairman Maris Grinblats told reporters that for now the party board cannot support signing of a coalition agreement and the FF/LNNK faction on the city council, keen to enter into the agreement, will have to obey to the instructions by the party board.

With barely two weeks passed since the decision to form a coalition with Social Democrats on the Riga city council, Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK party board late Thursday said it will hold off until Social Democrats fully dissociate themselves from the left-wing alliance For Human Rights. FF/LNNK is one of the ruling government parties while Social Democrats and For Human Rights represent the opposition. FF/LNNK chairman Maris Grinblats told reporters that for now the party board cannot support signing of a coalition agreement and the FF/LNNK faction on the city council, keen to enter into the agreement, will have to obey to the instructions by the party board. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Rigas Balss

The support by the new United States administration to NATO enlargement and admission of Latvia to the alliance has not changed in comparison with the stance taken by Bill Clinton's administration but it will not be realistic to expect that the US will name a specific favourite in pre-accession talks, said the US ambassador to Latvia, James H. Holmes. Holmes made this statement to BNS Thursday after the talks with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, who will travel to Washington shortly.

The support by the new United States administration to NATO enlargement and admission of Latvia to the alliance has not changed in comparison with the stance taken by Bill Clinton's administration but it will not be realistic to expect that the US will name a specific favourite in pre-accession talks, said the US ambassador to Latvia, James H. Holmes. Holmes made this statement to BNS Thursday after the talks with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, who will travel to Washington shortly. BNS, Neatkariga

Latvian ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Arturs Puga, has presented his credentials to Kyrgyz President, Askar Akayev, the Latvian Foreign Ministry press centre reported to BNS on Thursday.

Latvian ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Arturs Puga, has presented his credentials to Kyrgyz President, Askar Akayev, the Latvian Foreign Ministry press centre reported to BNS on Thursday. BNS

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a letter to Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, agreeing with her that Russian-Latvian relations needed improvement and "their potential is far from exhausted." Putin wrote to Vike-Freiberga in a response to her message following the meeting between the two presidents in Austria in February, Interfax agency reported, quoting the Russian president's press service. The Latvian president's spokeswoman Aiva Rozenberga told BNS that Putin's letter has not been received yet.

BNS, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Respublika, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii Six individuals Friday gathered at the Russian Embassy in Riga to protest infringements on freedom of speech in Russia they saw in developments concerning the NTV television channel. The demonstrators carried posters. One of the posters said in English "Freedom to Media in Russia," another featured a caricature of Russian President Vladimir Putin, wearing shabby clothes and a hat. Other posters had on them logos of NTV and magazine Itogi in a black frame of mourning with notices in English and Russian "Closed in April 2001."

Six individuals Friday gathered at the Russian Embassy in Riga to protest infringements on freedom of speech in Russia they saw in developments concerning the NTV television channel. The demonstrators carried posters. One of the posters said in English "Freedom to Media in Russia," another featured a caricature of Russian President Vladimir Putin, wearing shabby clothes and a hat. Other posters had on them logos of NTV and magazine Itogi in a black frame of mourning with notices in English and Russian "Closed in April 2001." BNS

Latvian foreign minister Indulis Berzins will Apr. 26 report to the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly about Latvia's accomplishments as the Council of Europe presiding state over the period from the previous assembly session in January. At the assembly session Berzins will also answer questions, the Latvian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Liga Bergmane reported.

Latvian foreign minister Indulis Berzins will Apr. 26 report to the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly about Latvia's accomplishments as the Council of Europe presiding state over the period from the previous assembly session in January. At the assembly session Berzins will also answer questions, the Latvian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Liga Bergmane reported. BNS

In the nearest future there will be changes in the leading posts of FF/LNNK. Saeima Speaker J.Straume could become Deputy Chairman of the party after the resignation of the previous Deputy A.Argalis. D.Stalts will replace the late MP J.Sinka. And A.Gaigala will take the place of D.Stalts at the Riga City Council.

In the nearest future there will be changes in the leading posts of FF/LNNK. Saeima Speaker J.Straume could become Deputy Chairman of the party after the resignation of the previous Deputy A.Argalis. D.Stalts will replace the late MP J.Sinka. And A.Gaigala will take the place of D.Stalts at the Riga City Council. Neatkariga