Press Review

Yesterday, the Saeima supported the amendments to the Law on Citizenship in the second reading but postponed the adoption for the third reading. These amendments, fully corresponding to the OSCE recommendations, were not adopted because

Yesterday, the Saeima supported the amendments to the Law on Citizenship in the second reading but postponed the adoption for the third reading. These amendments, fully corresponding to the OSCE recommendations, were not adopted because Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK and a part of two more factions were against the status of urgency. The final adoption is still possible till June 24. The deputies of Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK tried to prevent the consideration of the amendments speaking about them during debates as forced and endangering the Latvian nation. The Chairman of this faction M.Grinblats told Diena that Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK planned to propose for the third reading a proposal that would not allow to grant citizenship to the children of non-citizens without the Latvian language knowledge test. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Rita Zinas, Rigas Balss, Bizness & Baltiya, SM, Panorama Latvii

The State President expressed his doubt about capability of the government to co-operate during the remaining months till the next elections because

The State President expressed his doubt about capability of the government to co-operate during the remaining months till the next elections because Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK was opposing the government concerning the citizenship issue. The Chairman of this faction M.Grinblats acknowledged that it would be difficult for the coalition to co-operate, but it had no sense to form a new government . Diena, Neatkariga, Rita Zinas, Chas, SM, Panorama Latvii

International society will have a negative opinion of the decision of Latvian Saeima to postpone the final adoption of the Law on Citizenship, Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs informed

Diena. He pointed out that both EU, USA and EC had clearly voiced their support to a quick solution of the problem with children of non-citizens. The Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its disappointment for this postponement. Diena has information that there will be no meeting of the Latvian Prime Minister G.Krasts with the US State Secretary M.Albright. Although some sources connect this fact with unwillingness to adopt the amendments, the Latvian Ambassador to the USA O.Kalnins assured Diena that this meeting had just been postponed for Monday. US Ambassador to Latvia L.Napper and the Acting Head of the EC Delegation to Latvia G.Barrett have refused the expression of the Prime Minister G.Krasts that US and EC representatives agreed to the fact that consideration of the problem of children with no citizenship would be postponed till autumn. Both the USA and EC call for doing it in the nearest future. Diena, Bizness & Baltiya, Chas

During a direct line organised by Russian newspaper

Chas on the problem of teaching some subject in the Latvian language at Russian schools. None of the respondents rejected the idea that they should know this language but all of them wanted Math, Chemistry, Geography and Physics be taught in their mother tongue.

Press Review

Today the Saeima is goimg to consider the amendments to the Law on Citizenship. The State President G.Ulmanis appealed to the Saeima on Tuesday to adopt these amendments till June 19. This possibility is endangered by the negative attitude of the Prime Minister and

Today the Saeima is goimg to consider the amendments to the Law on Citizenship. The State President G.Ulmanis appealed to the Saeima on Tuesday to adopt these amendments till June 19. This possibility is endangered by the negative attitude of the Prime Minister and Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK. But the amendments could still be adopted with the help of opposition deputies. The Juridical Commission of the Saeima combined all these amendments in one draft that would be possible to adopt through urgent procedure today, but the Commission on Implementation of the Law on Citizenship proposed to take away the status of urgency from this draft and consider it in the third reading. The faction Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK will not support the amendments proposed by the government, thus giving up its promise to support the adoption of these amendments. Diena, Bizness & Baltiya, SM, Panorama Latvii

The State President G.Ulmanis published an announcement where he addressed the Saeima to adopt the amendments to the Law on Citizenship. He warned of the danger letting the matters of integration of non-citizens to themselves and asks the Saeima to think of the future of Latvia.

The State President G.Ulmanis published an announcement where he addressed the Saeima to adopt the amendments to the Law on Citizenship. He warned of the danger letting the matters of integration of non-citizens to themselves and asks the Saeima to think of the future of Latvia. Diena

GB Prime Minister T.Blair sent a letter to his Latvian counterpart G.Krasts expressing EU concern about the slow speed of the Latvian legislation concerning the issue of children with no citizenship. EU greeted the position of the Latvian government to annul the “window” mechanism and grant citizenship to children born in Latvia after August 21, 1991. Bearing in the mind Latvian future participation in EU, this organisation finds it very essential that Latvian legislation would correspond to the recommendations of OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel. EU offers practical help for Latvian attempts to further integration of Russian speakers. EU would have a negative opinion if consideration of these legal acts would be postponed or these legal norms would be changed for another ones, not corresponding to Max van der Stoel’s recommendations. EU also addresses the Russia government, asking it to establish better relations with Latvia, especially to create an atmosphere furthering implementation of legislation concerning “window” mechanism and children with no citizenship. EU has expressed its negative attitude towards any economic sanctions of Russia against Latvia. British Prime Minister expresses his hope that G.Krasts will do his utmost to harmonise Latvian legislation with international standards.

GB Prime Minister T.Blair sent a letter to his Latvian counterpart G.Krasts expressing EU concern about the slow speed of the Latvian legislation concerning the issue of children with no citizenship. EU greeted the position of the Latvian government to annul the window mechanism and grant citizenship to children born in Latvia after August 21, 1991. Bearing in the mind Latvian future participation in EU, this organisation finds it very essential that Latvian legislation would correspond to the recommendations of OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel. EU offers practical help for Latvian attempts to further integration of Russian speakers. EU would have a negative opinion if consideration of these legal acts would be postponed or these legal norms would be changed for another ones, not corresponding to Max van der Stoels recommendations. EU also addresses the Russia government, asking it to establish better relations with Latvia, especially to create an atmosphere furthering implementation of legislation concerning window mechanism and children with no citizenship. EU has expressed its negative attitude towards any economic sanctions of Russia against Latvia. British Prime Minister expresses his hope that G.Krasts will do his utmost to harmonise Latvian legislation with international standards. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, SM

Describing G.Krasts’s position,

Describing G.Krastss position, Chas says that he is between two fires - Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK could recall him from his post he does not obey their opinion, Latvijas Cels will just announce their distrust to the whole Cabinet of Ministers if he does the opposite.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs publishes an article where he explains his opinion on the current situation. Latvians must not be hostages of the past, they have to look in the future. It is time to understand that integration of non-Latvians is the only favourable solution. When speaking about the slow speed of integration process, he says that nobody wants to force Latvia to make it faster. EU just puts it straight, “Solve your problems before you come to us.”

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs publishes an article where he explains his opinion on the current situation. Latvians must not be hostages of the past, they have to look in the future. It is time to understand that integration of non-Latvians is the only favourable solution. When speaking about the slow speed of integration process, he says that nobody wants to force Latvia to make it faster. EU just puts it straight, Solve your problems before you come to us. Diena

The editor of

The editor of Jauna Avize A.Dimants considers that by postponing adoption of the amendments to the Law on Citizenship Latvia is leaving Europe. It is still possible to achieve a positive decision to include Latvia in the first round of talks on joining EU. It Latvia fails, the EU east border will be that of Latvia and Estonia for quite a time because the new EU countries such as Poland will be a hard problem and their integration will take a long time. Now it is up to G.Krastss government to manage that he majority of the Saeima to adopt the governments amendments to the Law on Citizenship immediately.

EU parliamentarians appeal to Latvia to adopt OSCE recommendations during the final session of EU and Latvia joined parliamentary commission. The Head of Parliament of Europe delegation A.Gomolka pointed out that a compromise should be found. The sooner OSCE recommendations would be fulfilled, the clearer would be the perspective for Latvia to start talks on joining EU.

EU parliamentarians appeal to Latvia to adopt OSCE recommendations during the final session of EU and Latvia joined parliamentary commission. The Head of Parliament of Europe delegation A.Gomolka pointed out that a compromise should be found. The sooner OSCE recommendations would be fulfilled, the clearer would be the perspective for Latvia to start talks on joining EU. Jauna Avize, SM, Panorama Latvii

The Saeima Commission on Implementation of the Law on Citizenship voted against granting citizenship for special merits to Director General of firm “Skonto” B.Medvedev and football player of team “Skonto” M.Miholap. The reason for both was lack of knowledge of the Latvian language and the later still was a Russian citizen.

The Saeima Commission on Implementation of the Law on Citizenship voted against granting citizenship for special merits to Director General of firm Skonto B.Medvedev and football player of team Skonto M.Miholap. The reason for both was lack of knowledge of the Latvian language and the later still was a Russian citizen.

The Valka - Valga border problem will be considered, at last. Latvia has made a concession and issued 35 Estonian citizens residing on the territory of Latvia (Savienibas street special certificates allowing them to cross the border with no restrictions. When an agreement on border-crossing for people residing near the border will be signed, these people will be given a special status.

The Valka - Valga border problem will be considered, at last. Latvia has made a concession and issued 35 Estonian citizens residing on the territory of Latvia (Savienibas street special certificates allowing them to cross the border with no restrictions. When an agreement on border-crossing for people residing near the border will be signed, these people will be given a special status. Neatkariga, Bizness & Baltiya

Chas correspondent describes a Latvian language naturalisation test and is very positive about the procedure and content of it.

Chas correspondent describes a Latvian language naturalisation test and is very positive about the procedure and content of it.

The Russia language - the state language? This was a questionnaire circulated among the population by the Naturalisation Board and Baltic Data House. And the results were surprising - 19% of Latvians - citizens did not see anything terrible in such a possibility but 81% rejected the very idea of this questionnaire. Concerning non-citizens - 10% were against such a proposal, 13% of Russian citizens and 38% of citizens of other nationalities have the same opinion.

The Russia language - the state language? This was a questionnaire circulated among the population by the Naturalisation Board and Baltic Data House. And the results were surprising - 19% of Latvians - citizens did not see anything terrible in such a possibility but 81% rejected the very idea of this questionnaire. Concerning non-citizens - 10% were against such a proposal, 13% of Russian citizens and 38% of citizens of other nationalities have the same opinion. Chas

Panorama Latvii

publishes an open letter of Yakov Pliner, a Riga City Council deputy where he describes the situation at schools after the decree of the former Minister of Education and Science M.Grinblats that starting from September 1, 1998 all teachers in Latvian schools must know the Latvian language on the highest level. Many school directors, being afraid of possible repression against themselves, have warned their teaching staff, lacking this certificate of knowledge, of the possible dismissal. He addresses the directors not to dismiss teachers - professionals just for this reason and asks the present Minister of Education and Science J.Gaigals to annul or stop this decree.

Press Review

Latvia has to adopt amendments to the Law on Citizenship in accordance with international standards - then EU would be satisfied and put no additional demands for Latvia to join this organisation. It was announced at the joint parliamentary meeting of Latvia and EU by EC representative K.Day(?). Nevertheless, EU has not declared that the Law on Citizenship would be the key for talks on Latvia joining EU because EC pointed out the slow process of Naturalisation already last year therefore it may not be considered as a special precondition.

Latvia has to adopt amendments to the Law on Citizenship in accordance with international standards - then EU would be satisfied and put no additional demands for Latvia to join this organisation. It was announced at the joint parliamentary meeting of Latvia and EU by EC representative K.Day(?). Nevertheless, EU has not declared that the Law on Citizenship would be the key for talks on Latvia joining EU because EC pointed out the slow process of Naturalisation already last year therefore it may not be considered as a special precondition. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, SM

On June 4, the Saeima has to adopt in urgent procedure the amendments to the Law on Citizenship granting citizenship to children born in the families of non-citizens after restoration of Latvian independence. This urgent adoption is not supported by

On June 4, the Saeima has to adopt in urgent procedure the amendments to the Law on Citizenship granting citizenship to children born in the families of non-citizens after restoration of Latvian independence. This urgent adoption is not supported by Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK therefore it is possible that the amendments will not be adopted. The Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs considers that reluctance to fulfill government promises will give a chance for ill-wishers to blame Latvia and make more difficult to find arguments for its defenders. The greatest discussion is expected to be about the government proposal to grant citizenship to children of non-citizens. It would effect 21 000 children. The leaders of Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK have found this proposal unacceptable already some time ago, also the faction of Latvian Farmers Union/Union of Christian Democrats is not unanimous on supporting it, but the Prime Minister G.Krasts told Diena on Tuesday that his opinion was to postpone this vote for some later time and make it in three readings. Diena

Commenting this G.Krasts’s announcement,

Commenting this G.Krastss announcement, Diena journalist says that it endangers chances for Latvia to join EU, as well as undermine international prestige of the country and trust of its European allies. Diena

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs stands for all for these amendments, and he realizes the consequences if they were not adopted.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs stands for all for these amendments, and he realizes the consequences if they were not adopted. Diena

The Saeima Juridical Commission has supported the draft law of the government, thus rejecting the draft elaborated by the Saeima deputies. The Commission decided to submit to the Saeima all three draft laws as a unique draft law and to preserve the legal norm allowing the Saeima to grant Latvian citizenship for special merits.

The Saeima Juridical Commission has supported the draft law of the government, thus rejecting the draft elaborated by the Saeima deputies. The Commission decided to submit to the Saeima all three draft laws as a unique draft law and to preserve the legal norm allowing the Saeima to grant Latvian citizenship for special merits. Jauna Avize

The Russian version of

The Russian version of Diena publishes an interview with Dmitry Skachkov - a law student who received Latvian citizenship quite recently. He is a supporter of Communist ideas and opponent of the Law on Citizenship. He finds this law against the nation and antidemocratic. Dmitry is sure, if all supporters of 0 - version will take Latvian citizenship, they could amend the Law on Citizenship.

SM

continues its articles on the Naturalisation process in different countries. This time it writes about Russia and Estonia. continues its articles on the Naturalisation process in different countries. This time it writes about Russia and Estonia.

Panorama Latvii

publishes reflections of its correspondent S.Zaletayev on the problem to naturalise or not. He analyses different reasons making non-citizens in Latvia to become its citizens or not (mostly not). He discusses the problem of military service for youngsters, then examines the possibility to influence state authorities by boycotting Naturalisation but finds this way un-perspective. The only solution he sees in being politically active: taking part in political rallies, demonstrations, etc. The next target should be the Latvian language examination for future Latvian citizens. Many non-Latvians have already successfully passed their Latvian language efficiency test necessary for working. That could be considered as valid for the Naturalisation exam. publishes reflections of its correspondent S.Zaletayev on the problem “to naturalise or not.” He analyses different reasons making non-citizens in Latvia to become its citizens or not (mostly not). He discusses the problem of military service for youngsters, then examines the possibility to influence state authorities by boycotting Naturalisation but finds this way un-perspective. The only solution he sees in being politically active: taking part in political rallies, demonstrations, etc. The next target should be the Latvian language examination for future Latvian citizens. Many non-Latvians have already successfully passed their Latvian language efficiency test necessary for working. That could be considered as valid for the Naturalisation exam.  

Press Review

Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers that Latvian - Estonian agreement on eased border crossing for people living in regions next to the border should be concluded urgently. Estonian part also expressed its interest in concluding this agreement. The Valka - Valga problem was discussed by Latvian MFA State Secretary M.Riekstins and Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs T.H.Ilves in Luxembourg last Friday. The agreement has not been considered in details, but the MFA is working on it and follows the activities of experts.

Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers that Latvian - Estonian agreement on eased border crossing for people living in regions next to the border should be concluded urgently. Estonian part also expressed its interest in concluding this agreement. The Valka - Valga problem was discussed by Latvian MFA State Secretary M.Riekstins and Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs T.H.Ilves in Luxembourg last Friday. The agreement has not been considered in details, but the MFA is working on it and follows the activities of experts. Neatkariga

On the last day of his visit to Helsinki, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Y.Primakov urged Latvia to accept OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel’s recommendations on citizenship issues. Only after this Latvian step a new era could start in Latvian - Russian relationship. “Now the ball in on the side of Latvian government.”

On the last day of his visit to Helsinki, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Y.Primakov urged Latvia to accept OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoels recommendations on citizenship issues. Only after this Latvian step a new era could start in Latvian - Russian relationship. Now the ball in on the side of Latvian government.

Finnish Minister of Foreign Affairs T.Halonen also announced that Finland supported the recommendations of OSCE High Commissioner. But she added that Finland understood the position of a small nation and appealed to Russia not to put any additional demands for Latvia that could turn out to be “the last straw to break the camel’s back”.

Finnish Minister of Foreign Affairs T.Halonen also announced that Finland supported the recommendations of OSCE High Commissioner. But she added that Finland understood the position of a small nation and appealed to Russia not to put any additional demands for Latvia that could turn out to be the last straw to break the camels back. Diena, Rita Zinas, Jauna Avize, Bizness & Baltiya, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Ceg od n q publishes a large article of V.Altuxov on the Naturalisation process in Latvia and its financial part. The author states that Naturalisation fee of 30 lats is not the only expense, and the whole process would cost five times as much. When speaking about the process as such, he analyses the historical experience of Austro-Hungarian Empire, Czechoslovakia and re-union of Germany stating that all residents of those countries automatically received citizenship of the newly established state. Touching upon the problem of nationalities, Mr.Altuhov assures that there were no discrimination of the Latvian nation during Soviet times.

Ceg od n q publishes a large article of V.Altuxov on the Naturalisation process in Latvia and its financial part. The author states that Naturalisation fee of 30 lats is not the only expense, and the whole process would cost five times as much. When speaking about the process as such, he analyses the historical experience of Austro-Hungarian Empire, Czechoslovakia and re-union of Germany stating that all residents of those countries automatically received citizenship of the newly established state. Touching upon the problem of nationalities, Mr.Altuhov assures that there were no discrimination of the Latvian nation during Soviet times.

The same newspaper explains what Latvian passports are valid for going abroad and fot which countries.

The same newspaper explains what Latvian passports are valid for going abroad and fot which countries. Ceg od n q

UN Special Speaker on Human Rights A.Eide considers that non-citizens of Estonia and Latvia should receive citizenship as soon as possible. He voiced this opinion at a press briefing in Geneva. He stressed that if Latvian and Estonia authorities did not want to grant citizenship immediately then they should at least speed up the Naturalisation process and not create additional superfluous obstacles.

UN Special Speaker on Human Rights A.Eide considers that non-citizens of Estonia and Latvia should receive citizenship as soon as possible. He voiced this opinion at a press briefing in Geneva. He stressed that if Latvian and Estonia authorities did not want to grant citizenship immediately then they should at least speed up the Naturalisation process and not create additional superfluous obstacles. Bizness & Baltiya, Panorama Latvii

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs, addressing the Saeima, told the MPs that the fate of Latvia was in their hands Latvia should keep its face in front of the international community. He described the consequences that would face Latvia if they made the “wrong vote” - i.e. voted for their draft but not for the government’s one.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs, addressing the Saeima, told the MPs that the fate of Latvia was in their hands Latvia should keep its face in front of the international community. He described the consequences that would face Latvia if they made the wrong vote - i.e. voted for their draft but not for the governments one. Bizness & Baltiya, Chas,

The same newspaper characterises the situation with Valka - Valga problem looking at it from the point of view of people living on Savienibas (Union) street connecting these two towns and now blocked by the border.

The same newspaper characterises the situation with Valka - Valga problem looking at it from the point of view of people living on Savienibas (Union) street connecting these two towns and now blocked by the border. Bizness & Baltiya

“It is possible that Latvia could find itself in an international isolation,” these are the words of the Head of Saeima Human Rights Commission A.Seiksts said about the vote of June 4 on the amendments to the Law on Citizenship according to the OSCE recommendations.

It is possible that Latvia could find itself in an international isolation, these are the words of the Head of Saeima Human Rights Commission A.Seiksts said about the vote of June 4 on the amendments to the Law on Citizenship according to the OSCE recommendations. SM has doubts about a positive vote and gives its reasons for it by describing the activities of the faction Tevzemei un Brivibai/LNNK and the Prime Minister G.Krasts. SM

There are some institutions along with DCMA that have more job to do due to the issuing of non-citizen passports. One of them is the Consultative Service at the Institute Latvian language at the Academy of Sciences. It is the last instance to solve disputes between DCMA and non-citizens concerning spelling of their names in the Latvian language in their passports. The head of this Consultative Service M.Stengrevica explained that there should not be many complains about it because no changes in the rules of spelling foreign names in the Latvian language had taken place. The problem was that DCMA officials dealing with this were not enough competent.

There are some institutions along with DCMA that have more job to do due to the issuing of non-citizen passports. One of them is the Consultative Service at the Institute Latvian language at the Academy of Sciences. It is the last instance to solve disputes between DCMA and non-citizens concerning spelling of their names in the Latvian language in their passports. The head of this Consultative Service M.Stengrevica explained that there should not be many complains about it because no changes in the rules of spelling foreign names in the Latvian language had taken place. The problem was that DCMA officials dealing with this were not enough competent. Panorama Latvii

Press Report

A theatrical rally took place at the Latvian Embassy in Moscow. It was led by the famous animal trainer N.Durova. It had an aim to attract public attention to the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia, but the artists and animals looked a bit scared: therefore the rally was more of a tragifarce.

A theatrical rally took place at the Latvian Embassy in Moscow. It was led by the famous animal trainer N.Durova. It had an aim to attract public attention to the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia, but the artists and animals looked a bit scared: therefore the rally was more of a tragifarce. Neatkariga

A congress of

Latvijas Cels took place on Saturday. Participants nominated A.Gorbunovs, V.Kristopans and K.Libane for the posts of the next State President, Prime Minister and The Chairman of the Saeima. The Chairman of LC A.Pantelejevs stressed the necessity to strengthen centric identity of LC. Diena, Bizness & Baltiya, Chas

Chas

published the list of all DCMA offices with their phone numbers. published the list of all DCMA offices with their phone numbers.