Press Report

Press Report

Yesterday the Saeima Human Rights Committee voted against abolishing the "window mechanism". The abolishment of the naturalization "window mechanism" was supported only by two Committee members (independent MP Viktors Kalnberzs and Vladlen Dozortsev of "People's Harmony"). President Ulmanis has not made any suggestions on amending the Citizenship Law although he is known to support the canceling of "the window mechanism". The President's non-involvement in the discussion is explained by his concern about a possible government crisis that may be caused by amending the Citizenship Law. "Saimnieks" Deputy-Chairman Viesturs Boka told "DIENA" that the party could not accept the situation when one faction (ATB@/LNNK) did allow the governing coalition to discuss the issue. Still, "Saimnieks" would not like the discussion to impede the adoption of the state budget. "Latvijas Cels" admits the necessity of amending the "Citizenship Law" but does not believe it to be possible at the present moment due to a possible government crisis.

Yesterday the Saeima Human Rights Committee voted against abolishing the "window mechanism". The abolishment of the naturalization "window mechanism" was supported only by two Committee members (independent MP Viktors Kalnberzs and Vladlen Dozortsev of "People's Harmony"). President Ulmanis has not made any suggestions on amending the Citizenship Law although he is known to support the canceling of "the window mechanism". The President's non-involvement in the discussion is explained by his concern about a possible government crisis that may be caused by amending the Citizenship Law. "Saimnieks" Deputy-Chairman Viesturs Boka told "DIENA" that the party could not accept the situation when one faction (ATB@/LNNK) did allow the governing coalition to discuss the issue. Still, "Saimnieks" would not like the discussion to impede the adoption of the state budget. "Latvijas Cels" admits the necessity of amending the "Citizenship Law" but does not believe it to be possible at the present moment due to a possible government crisis. Diena

Yesterday the Consultative Council on Nationalities discussed the alternative draft Law on the State Language. The Saeima has adopted the first reading of the draft. According to Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Education and Science Dzintars Abikis, the draft Law is more liberal that the similar draft by the Cabinet of Ministers. The basic difference between the two documents lies in their approach to the application of the Latvian language in school education. The draft by the Cabinet of Ministers provides for a full transition to education in the Latvian language by 2005. The draft Law by the Committee requires that only half of the courses in the Russian language schools are read in Latvian by that date. Apart from education, the most disputed points of the Law are the use of the state language at public gatherings and the mandatory notarized translation of all documents submitted to state institutions.

Yesterday the Consultative Council on Nationalities discussed the alternative draft Law on the State Language. The Saeima has adopted the first reading of the draft. According to Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Education and Science Dzintars Abikis, the draft Law is more liberal that the similar draft by the Cabinet of Ministers. The basic difference between the two documents lies in their approach to the application of the Latvian language in school education. The draft by the Cabinet of Ministers provides for a full transition to education in the Latvian language by 2005. The draft Law by the Committee requires that only half of the courses in the Russian language schools are read in Latvian by that date. Apart from education, the most disputed points of the Law are the use of the state language at public gatherings and the mandatory notarized translation of all documents submitted to state institutions. Diena

Deputy-Director of the Human Rights Institute under the Latvian State University Martins Mits criticizes the Law on the Constitutional ("Satversme") Court for restricting the authority of the Court. The Satversme Court can resolve conflicts arising between higher State institutions. Even the Human Rights Bureau cannot appeal to the Satversme Court and can only request the Court to analyze the compliance of legal acts with the Satversme. Mr. Mits believes that all individuals should be given the right to apply to the Satversme Court, observance of human rights being a priority in a democratic state.

Deputy-Director of the Human Rights Institute under the Latvian State University Martins Mits criticizes the Law on the Constitutional ("Satversme") Court for restricting the authority of the Court. The Satversme Court can resolve conflicts arising between higher State institutions. Even the Human Rights Bureau cannot appeal to the Satversme Court and can only request the Court to analyze the compliance of legal acts with the Satversme. Mr. Mits believes that all individuals should be given the right to apply to the Satversme Court, observance of human rights being a priority in a democratic state. Diena

The Latvian Human Rights Committee circulated a statement on recent provocations against the Committee. Unknown burglars have broken into the Committee office, members of the Committee are harassed over the phone and one of its members was attacked in the street by two unidentified individuals. The Committee will inform international human rights organizations about the provocations.

The Latvian Human Rights Committee circulated a statement on recent provocations against the Committee. Unknown burglars have broken into the Committee office, members of the Committee are harassed over the phone and one of its members was attacked in the street by two unidentified individuals. The Committee will inform international human rights organizations about the provocations. SM

Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday the "People's Harmony" faction submitted its proposals on removing the "window mechanism" provisions from the Citizenship Law to the Saeima Presidium. The amendments also provide for granting Latvian citizenship to all persons born in the country after May 4, 1990, if the "Law on Former USSR Citizens who are not Citizens of Latvia or another State" cannot be applied to such persons. "PH" also suggested to simplify naturalization tests for pensioners.

Yesterday the "People's Harmony" faction submitted its proposals on removing the "window mechanism" provisions from the Citizenship Law to the Saeima Presidium. The amendments also provide for granting Latvian citizenship to all persons born in the country after May 4, 1990, if the "Law on Former USSR Citizens who are not Citizens of Latvia or another State" cannot be applied to such persons. "PH" also suggested to simplify naturalization tests for pensioners. "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK and "Latvijas Cels" object to the suggested amendments while "Saimnieks" is expected to express its official opinion today. member of "TB"/LNNK faction Aigars Jirgens told "DIENA that the party would never accept the amendments even if its firm standpoint caused a government crisis. "LC" Secretary General Lorencs agreed that it was necessary to amend the Citizenship Law. Still, amending the Law was impossible since it would lead to a government crisis, said Mr. Lorencs. Today the Saeima Human Rights Committee is starting a discussion of "window mechanism" and on differences between the rights enjoyed by citizens and non-citizens. Most of the Parliament members interviewed by "BIZNES & BALTIYA" on the issue believe that "naturalization windows" should be abolished. Still, they do not believe that a discussion of the issue could lead to a government crisis. "TB"/LNNK Deputy-Chairman Dobelis told "B&B" that the party would never agree to any amendments to the Citizenship Law. Diena, B&B

"People's Harmony" member Janis Urbanovics in an article for "DIENA" stresses that the initial purpose of choosing the "window mechanism" as a basic naturalization scheme was to avoid lines at the Naturalization Board Offices. Now, when there is no signs of non-citizens rushing to obtain citizenship, the "widows" are considered not as a purely technical norm but as means of "preserving the domination of ethnic Latvians in the country's political life." Mr. Urbanovics stresses that the term "domination" is a thin disguise for the fear to lose seats in the Saeima during the next elections. He also believes that employment restrictions were introduced to avoid competition with non-citizens in such profitable domains as legal advice and pharmacology. The author of the article argues with those who oppose granting non-citizens the right to participate in local elections by referring to generally accepted European practice. He stresses that foreigners residing in Western countries have entered the countries being aware of their immigrant status. Non-citizens in Latvia have been living in the country for years and had the rights equal to those enjoyed by current citizens. They lost several of their rights after Latvia regained its independence. Therefore, Western practice cannot be applied to them, believes Mr. Urbanovics. Mr. Urbanovics fully agrees with the European Commission that criticized the 1994 Amnesty. The amnesty was applied only to citizens, and the author calls the Law on the Amnesty "an outrageous injustice." He also criticizes the regulations on the status of the unemployed that require the knowledge of the Latvian language by all applicants for unemployment benefits. Mr. Urbanovics opinion on the draft Education Law and the draft Language Law is negative as well. He refers to the assessment of the Education Law by the Saeima Human Rights Committee. The Committee characterized the draft Law as "discriminating and not complying with Latvia's international obligations." Mr. Urbanovics believes that the Council of Europe could clearly see the difference between integration and assimilation, the latter being encouraged by the draft Education Law. He stresses that Latvia has no other choice but to follow recommendations given by the European Commission. The article outlines several points mentioned in the report by the Commission. Those points are as follows:

"People's Harmony" member Janis Urbanovics in an article for "DIENA" stresses that the initial purpose of choosing the "window mechanism" as a basic naturalization scheme was to avoid lines at the Naturalization Board Offices. Now, when there is no signs of non-citizens rushing to obtain citizenship, the "widows" are considered not as a purely technical norm but as means of "preserving the domination of ethnic Latvians in the country's political life." Mr. Urbanovics stresses that the term "domination" is a thin disguise for the fear to lose seats in the Saeima during the next elections. He also believes that employment restrictions were introduced to avoid competition with non-citizens in such profitable domains as legal advice and pharmacology. The author of the article argues with those who oppose granting non-citizens the right to participate in local elections by referring to generally accepted European practice. He stresses that foreigners residing in Western countries have entered the countries being aware of their immigrant status. Non-citizens in Latvia have been living in the country for years and had the rights equal to those enjoyed by current citizens. They lost several of their rights after Latvia regained its independence. Therefore, Western practice cannot be applied to them, believes Mr. Urbanovics. Mr. Urbanovics fully agrees with the European Commission that criticized the 1994 Amnesty. The amnesty was applied only to citizens, and the author calls the Law on the Amnesty "an outrageous injustice." He also criticizes the regulations on the status of the unemployed that require the knowledge of the Latvian language by all applicants for unemployment benefits. Mr. Urbanovics opinion on the draft Education Law and the draft Language Law is negative as well. He refers to the assessment of the Education Law by the Saeima Human Rights Committee. The Committee characterized the draft Law as "discriminating and not complying with Latvia's international obligations." Mr. Urbanovics believes that the Council of Europe could clearly see the difference between integration and assimilation, the latter being encouraged by the draft Education Law. He stresses that Latvia has no other choice but to follow recommendations given by the European Commission. The article outlines several points mentioned in the report by the Commission. Those points are as follows:

- Non-citizens in Latvia do not have a guaranteed right to own land;

- Non-citizens in Latvia do not have a guaranteed right to own land;

- The Citizenship Law does has little effect due to the "window mechanism", minors born in Latvia are not granted citizenship;

- The Citizenship Law does has little effect due to the "window mechanism", minors born in Latvia are not granted citizenship;

- Non-citizens' employment rights are restricted;

- Non-citizens' employment rights are restricted;

- Last amnesty was applied only to citizens.

- Last amnesty was applied only to citizens.

- Latvia has not adopted the Law on Education for National Minorities.

- Latvia has not adopted the Law on Education for National Minorities. Diena

Excerpts from President Ulmanis address to the Council of Europe Summit on October 10, 1997.

Excerpts from President Ulmanis address to the Council of Europe Summit on October 10, 1997.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Another issue I would like to address is the rights and the identity of national minorities. I am happy that Latvia has ratified the European Human Rights Convention this year. We shall proceed with acceding other conventions and charters adopted by the Council of Europe. Human and minority rights are of special importance to us, these rights having been regained after the years of Soviet lawlessness. The modernization of Latvia is a conjunction of two policies. National identity of Latvians and our national state are important to us. At the same time, protection of the rights of national minorities are of similar importance and priority. We see the two processes that add to each other. The forming of a harmonious and consolidated society in Latvia, as in any other European country, requires both policies. The Latvian society develops peacefully without any ethnicity-related conflicts. Preserving a balance between these two policies and forming a future society that would involve all the country's inhabitants is a task to be accomplished by a joint effort of our politicians. The rights of national minorities as well as other democratic values will be guaranteed in a balance with the values that strengthen the national identity of our state. Excerpts from President Ulmanis' press-conference upon his return to Riga. Human rights were thoroughly discussed. I would stress that the issue should be regarded in a broad context. The Baltic countries were not mentioned specially in that connection. I had another confirmation of the appropriateness of our policy. No-one can criticize Latvia for violating human rights to leave alone separate violations by bureaucratic machinery.

Another issue I would like to address is the rights and the identity of national minorities.I am happy that Latvia has ratified the European Human Rights Convention this year. We shall proceed with acceding other conventions and charters adopted by the Council of Europe. Human and minority rights are of special importance to us, these rights having been regained after the years of Soviet lawlessness. The modernization of Latvia is a conjunction of two policies. National identity of Latvians and our national state are important to us. At the same time, protection of the rights of national minorities are of similar importance and priority. We see the two processes that add to each other. The forming of a harmonious and consolidated society in Latvia, as in any other European country, requires both policies. The Latvian society develops peacefully without any ethnicity-related conflicts. Preserving a balance between these two policies and forming a future society that would involve all the country's inhabitants is a task to be accomplished by a joint effort of our politicians. The rights of national minorities as well as other democratic values will be guaranteed in a balance with the values that strengthen the national identity of our state. Excerpts from President Ulmanis' press-conference upon his return to Riga. Human rights were thoroughly discussed. I would stress that the issue should be regarded in a broad context. The Baltic countries were not mentioned specially in that connection. I had another confirmation of the appropriateness of our policy. No-one can criticize Latvia for violating human rights to leave alone separate violations by bureaucratic machinery. Latvijas Vestnesis

Press Report

Head of the Naturalization Board Ms. Eizenija Aldermane in an interview for

Head of the Naturalization Board Ms. Eizenija Aldermane in an interview for "DIENA" named a feeling of alienation and passivity main reasons for the low pace of the naturalization process. She does not believe that the Saeima will accept amendments to the Citizenship Law suggested by Head of the Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts. The amendments provide for canceling the so-called "window mechanism." Ms. Aldermane said that the recent research showed the existence of two separate communities in Latvia. Still, both citizens and non-citizens display distrust toward the Government. The research is performed by the "Baltijas datu nams" company with the participation of the State Human Rights Office, the Ministry of education and Science, the CID, the Soros Foundation and the OSCE. Ms. Aldermane hopes that the research will give the most objective information that would be of essential importance for the program of integration of non-Latvians. Ms. Aldermane stressed that the Naturalization Board cannot be blamed for a low naturalization rate. The Board is doing its best to encourage non-citizens to undergo naturalization. Diena

Head of the Naturalization Board Aldermane was also interviewed by

Head of the Naturalization Board Aldermane was also interviewed by "PANORAMA LATVII". Ms. Aldermane spoke in support of abolishing the "window mechanism". She explained the lack of interest toward naturalization among non-citizens by their practical approach to citizenship. She believes that advantages enjoyed by citizens should not be the main motivation for taking citizenship. PL

Press Report

Press Report

Council of Europe Commissioner Hans van den Broek in a brief interview for

Council of Europe Commissioner Hans van den Broek in a brief interview for "DIENA" journalist named the issue of non-citizens "one of the most important problems" to be resolved by Latvia. He made the statement during the Strasbourg Council of Europe Summit. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs said that the country "had already taken important steps toward abolishing employment restrictions for non-citizens." President Ulmanis told the press that "he had a feeling that a moment had come when no-one could criticize Latvia for human rights violations." At a press-conference in Riga Mr. Ulmanis said that the Baltic states were not mentioned in the context of human rights during the Summit. Among the issues widely discussed at the Summit was the abolishment of death penalty. President Yeltsin, while addressing the Summit, mentioned violations of the interests of Russian-speakers "in certain countries." Russia hoped that Latvia and Estonia would settle the problem, said the Russian President. The Latvian President had a meeting with Russian President Yeltsin. According to President Ulmanis, the meeting allowed him to be more optimistic about future relations between the two countries. Mr. Ulmanis believes that another meeting with the Russian President in Moscow will be possible. Diena

Press Report

"DIENA"

interviewed Deputy-Chairman of the Russian Parliament Committee for CIS Affairs and Contacts with Compatriots Abroad Vyacheslav Igrunov. While touching upon the situation in the Baltic states, Mr. Igrunov emphasized the importance of providing non-citizens with economic rights equal to those enjoyed by citizens. He stressed that naturalization of non-citizens along with granting them equal political and economic rights would be a powerful factor of strengthening Latvia's independence. Mr.Igrunov believes that non-citizens should not be used as a tool for political pressure on the Baltic states. Instead, the pressure may be used to improve the situation of non-citizens. Mr. Igrunov supports the concept of "sleeping" Russian citizenship for all compatriots. (The principle is practiced by Spain, the country granting its citizenship to all citizens of Latin countries.) The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee warned Latvia against joining NATO and explained that the step would force Russia to alter its transit roots to bypass Latvia. interviewed Deputy-Chairman of the Russian Parliament Committee for CIS Affairs and Contacts with Compatriots Abroad Vyacheslav Igrunov. While touching upon the situation in the Baltic states, Mr. Igrunov emphasized the importance of providing non-citizens with economic rights equal to those enjoyed by citizens. He stressed that naturalization of non-citizens along with granting them equal political and economic rights would be a powerful factor of strengthening Latvia's independence. Mr.Igrunov believes that non-citizens should not be used as a tool for political pressure on the Baltic states. Instead, the pressure may be used to improve the situation of non-citizens. Mr. Igrunov supports the concept of "sleeping" Russian citizenship for all compatriots. (The principle is practiced by Spain, the country granting its citizenship to all citizens of Latin countries.) The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee warned Latvia against joining NATO and explained that the step would force Russia to alter its transit roots to bypass Latvia. DienaDiena Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima adopted the second reading of amendments to the Law on Elections. The Saeima declined suggestions on allowing former KGB officers and members of the Communist party and the Interfront to run for seats in the Saeima. The next elections will be held on the first Saturday of October 1998. Diena, SM

Member of the Saeima Ilmars Bisers in an interview for

Member of the Saeima Ilmars Bisers in an interview for "SM" spoke in favor of canceling employment restrictions for non-citizens. Mr. Bisers is a member of the Saeima Committee working on a human rights chapter to be added to the Satversme (the Constitution). Its draft guarantees basic human rights and liberties to all residents of Latvia and names human rights a priority of the state of Latvia. Mr. Bisers agreed that the adoption of the new Satversme chapter would require amending of several laws and abolishing death penalty. SM

Mr. Vladlen Dozortsev ("People's Harmony") believes the recent support of canceling the "window mechanism" by Head of the Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts (

Mr. Vladlen Dozortsev ("People's Harmony") believes the recent support of canceling the "window mechanism" by Head of the Human Rights Committee Antons Seiksts ("Latvijas Cels") to be a populist maneuver. According to Mr. Dozortsev's forecasts, all initiatives aimed at amending the Citizenship Law will be blocked by the "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK faction. SM