Press Review

An annual report by the US Department of State on the observance of human rights world-wide contains a positive assessment of the human rights situation in Latvia. The report says that the Latvian Government has been observing basic human rights of the country's inhabitants. The document recommends to the police and other forces of the Ministry of the Interior to exclude "the excessive use of force toward detained individuals and convicts. The report recognizes tangible progress achieved by the CID still pointing at separate unlawful decisions adopted by the Department. The Department of State also criticizes Latvian authorities for having kept refugees in the Olaine camp without an appropriate court verdict. Among positive developments the report names the establishment of the Constitutional Court and the adoption of the law on the State Human Rights Office giving the Office an independent status. The upcoming exchange of old USSR passports for non-citizens' passports has also received a positive evaluation by the Department of State. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes the report to be an unbiased survey of the situation in Latvia.

An annual report by the US Department of State on the observance of human rights world-wide contains a positive assessment of the human rights situation in Latvia. The report says that the Latvian Government has been observing basic human rights of the country's inhabitants. The document recommends to the police and other forces of the Ministry of the Interior to exclude "the excessive use of force toward detained individuals and convicts. The report recognizes tangible progress achieved by the CID still pointing at separate unlawful decisions adopted by the Department. The Department of State also criticizes Latvian authorities for having kept refugees in the Olaine camp without an appropriate court verdict. Among positive developments the report names the establishment of the Constitutional Court and the adoption of the law on the State Human Rights Office giving the Office an independent status. The upcoming exchange of old USSR passports for non-citizens' passports has also received a positive evaluation by the Department of State. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes the report to be an unbiased survey of the situation in Latvia. Diena

Press Report

Andris Skele plans to familiarize potential governing factions with the draft Government Declaration and the basic cooperation principles on February 4. Official consultations with the factions will start next week. Skele insists on canceling "the succession principle" (Ministers being replaced by members of their party).

Andris Skele plans to familiarize potential governing factions with the draft Government Declaration and the basic cooperation principles on February 4. Official consultations with the factions will start next week. Skele insists on canceling "the succession principle" (Ministers being replaced by members of their party). "Latvijas Cels" ("LC") agreed to the scheme suggested by Skele. Still, "LC" will oppose all attempts to monopolize any particular sphere of the Cabinet's authority. This condition is also included into the agreement between"LC" and "Tevzemei un Brivibai" ("TB") on the principles of the forming of the Cabinet. Some points of the agreement contradict conditions suggested by Skele. The two parties believe that "the succession principle" should be observed in case of a Minister's resignation. The document also points at the necessity of maintaining, "political balance" by not allowing the domination of one party in any of the spheres. "LC" and "TB" have also agreed that the Satversme, the Citizenship Law and the status of the Citizenship and Immigration Service should not be subject to any amendments and changes. "Saimnieks" does not agree to the principles suggested by "LC" and "TB". According to sources in the Saeima, "Saimnieks" may claim the posts currently held by "TB" members (Minister of Justice and Minister of Economics) and by an LNNK member (Minister of Defense). The Saeima is not likely to vote on the new Cabinet next week since the Prime-Minister will leave for Estonia to meet the country's Premier. Diena, Neatkariga

The Procurator's Office will investigate Aleksey Vidavsky's role in the activities aimed against Latvia's independence. Mayor of Daugavpils Vidavsky is running for the second term in office in the upcoming local elections. He is known to be a member of the Communist Party after January 13, 1991. According to the Law on Local Elections, individuals who were active members of the Communist party after the date are banned from running for posts in local elections. Vidavsky participated in a meeting of the Latvian Communist Party Central Committee on January 14, 1991. The meeting insisted on the resignation of the Latvian Government and called upon USSR President Gorbachev to introduce provisional presidential rule in Latvia. The Daugavpils Local Electoral Committee has not discovered any facts proving Vidavsky's participation in any activities aimed against Latvia's independence.

The Procurator's Office will investigate Aleksey Vidavsky's role in the activities aimed against Latvia's independence. Mayor of Daugavpils Vidavsky is running for the second term in office in the upcoming local elections. He is known to be a member of the Communist Party after January 13, 1991. According to the Law on Local Elections, individuals who were active members of the Communist party after the date are banned from running for posts in local elections. Vidavsky participated in a meeting of the Latvian Communist Party Central Committee on January 14, 1991. The meeting insisted on the resignation of the Latvian Government and called upon USSR President Gorbachev to introduce provisional presidential rule in Latvia. The Daugavpils Local Electoral Committee has not discovered any facts proving Vidavsky's participation in any activities aimed against Latvia's independence. Diena

Press Report

Press Report

Prime-Minister Skele told the press yesterday that his concept of a new Cabinet provided for the participation of the three major factions

Prime-Minister Skele told the press yesterday that his concept of a new Cabinet provided for the participation of the three major factions ("Tevzemei un Brivibai", "Saimnieks" and "Latvijas Cels") and a group representing smaller factions. Each of the three factions and a "mixed" group will have three posts in the Cabinet. Still, the Prime-Minister will most probably reserve the right to select candidates for Minister of Finance and State Ministers. The candidates could be professionals not belonging to any political party. Chairman of "LC" faction Pantelejevs says that the faction expects to retain its posts in the Government (Minister of Foreign Birkavs, Minister of Transport Vilis Kristopans and the Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development Anatolijs Gorbunovs). According to "TB" deputy Roberts Zile, his faction, in case Skele's concept is accepted, would have its members for Minister of Economics (Guntars Krasts), Minister of Justice (Dzintars Rasnacs) and a post of a State Minister and several senior officials in the domain of welfare and education. "Saimnieks'" attitude to Skele's concept is unclear yet. Its leader Cevers, while commenting on Skele's suggestion at a press-conference, said that his party objected to "political deals". Still, some politicians forecast "Saimnieks" to suggest several candidates for Minister of the Interior. The faction may also lose the post of Minister of Finance. Smaller factions have not worked out a uniform approach to the issue yet. A possible option could be the signing of an agreement by the LNNK, the Latvian Farmers' Party, the Latvian Farmers' Union, the Union of Christian Democrats, and "Tautai un Taisnibai". It is not clear whether the Unity party will participate in the forming of the Cabinet. Prime-Minister's Advisor Liepnieks says that Skele's concept could provide or canceling the right of a faction to replace its members relieved of their Minister's duties by the Premier. Diena, Neatkariga President Ulmanis told "DIENA" that he would agree to two of the three major factions forming the Cabinet. That could happen if one of the three factions disagreed to a candidate for Prime-Minister. "Saimnieks" will not agree to a candidate other than Skele, "Tevzemei un Brivibai" proposes Krasts as its candidate but is open to other proposals, while "Latvijas Cels" seems to agree to any candidature suggested by the President. Diena, Neatkariga

Newly appointed Ambassador of Russia Aleksandr Udaltsov handed over his credentials yesterday. In his speech Mr. Udaltsov pointed at the integration of Russian-speakers into Latvian society as one of the most important problems impeding the relations between the two countries. He highly praised the forming of the State Human Rights Office. The Ambassador said that he looked forward to resolving the border delimitation issue. Mr. Udaltsov also had a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs.

Newly appointed Ambassador of Russia Aleksandr Udaltsov handed over his credentials yesterday. In his speech Mr. Udaltsov pointed at the integration of Russian-speakers into Latvian society as one of the most important problems impeding the relations between the two countries. He highly praised the forming of the State Human Rights Office. The Ambassador said that he looked forward to resolving the border delimitation issue. Mr. Udaltsov also had a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs. Diena

Press Report

Prime-Minister Skele told the press yesterday that his concept of a new Cabinet provided for the participation of the three major factions ("Tevzemei un Brivibai", "Saimnieks" and "Latvijas Cels") and a group representing smaller factions. Each of the three factions and a "mixed" group will have three posts in the Cabinet. Still, the Prime-Minister will most probably reserve the right to select candidates for Minister of Finance and State Ministers himself. The candidates could be professionals not belonging to any political party. Chairman of "LC" faction Pantelejevs says that the faction expects to retain its posts in the Government (Minister of Foreign Birkavs, Minister of Transport Vilis Kristopans and the State Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development Anatolijs Gorbunovs). According to "TB" deputy Roberts Zile, his faction, in case Skele's concept is accepted, would have its members for Minister of Economics (Guntars Krasts, Minister of Justice (Dzintars Rasnacs) and posts and a State Minister in the welfare and education domains. "Saimnieks'" attitude to Skele's concept is unclear yet. Its leader Cevers, while commenting on Skele's suggestion at a press-conference, said that his party objected to "political deals". Still, some politicians forecast "Saimnieks" to suggest several candidates for Minister of the Interior. The faction may also lose the post of Minister of finance. Smaller factions have not worked out a uniform approach to the issue yet. A possible option could be the signing of an agreement to be signed by the LNNK, the latvian Farmers' Party, the Latvian Farmers' Union, the Union of Christian Democrats, and "Tautai un Taisnibai". It is not clear whether the Unity party will participate in the forming of the Cabinet. The Prime-Minister's advisor Liepnieks says that Skele's concept could provide for canceling the right of a faction to replace its members relieved of their Minister's duties by the Premier.

Prime-Minister Skele told the press yesterday that his concept of a new Cabinet provided for the participation of the three major factions ("Tevzemei un Brivibai", "Saimnieks" and "Latvijas Cels") and a group representing smaller factions. Each of the three factions and a "mixed" group will have three posts in the Cabinet. Still, the Prime-Minister will most probably reserve the right to select candidates for Minister of Finance and State Ministers himself. The candidates could be professionals not belonging to any political party. Chairman of "LC" faction Pantelejevs says that the faction expects to retain its posts in the Government (Minister of Foreign Birkavs, Minister of Transport Vilis Kristopans and the State Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development Anatolijs Gorbunovs). According to "TB" deputy Roberts Zile, his faction, in case Skele's concept is accepted, would have its members for Minister of Economics (Guntars Krasts, Minister of Justice (Dzintars Rasnacs) and posts and a State Minister in the welfare and education domains. "Saimnieks'" attitude to Skele's concept is unclear yet. Its leader Cevers, while commenting on Skele's suggestion at a press-conference, said that his party objected to "political deals". Still, some politicians forecast "Saimnieks" to suggest several candidates for Minister of the Interior. The faction may also lose the post of Minister of finance. Smaller factions have not worked out a uniform approach to the issue yet. A possible option could be the signing of an agreement to be signed by the LNNK, the latvian Farmers' Party, the Latvian Farmers' Union, the Union of Christian Democrats, and "Tautai un Taisnibai". It is not clear whether the Unity party will participate in the forming of the Cabinet. The Prime-Minister's advisor Liepnieks says that Skele's concept could provide for canceling the right of a faction to replace its members relieved of their Minister's duties by the Premier. Diena, Neatkariga

President Ulmanis told "DIENA" that he would agree to two of the three major factions forming the Cabinet. That could happen if one of the three factions disagreed to a candidate for Prime-Minister. "Saimnieks" will not agree to a candidate other than Skele, "Tevzemei un Brivibai" insists on its candidate Krasts but is open to other proposals, while "Latvijas Cels" seems to agree to any candidature suggested by the President.

President Ulmanis told "DIENA" that he would agree to two of the three major factions forming the Cabinet. That could happen if one of the three factions disagreed to a candidate for Prime-Minister. "Saimnieks" will not agree to a candidate other than Skele, "Tevzemei un Brivibai" insists on its candidate Krasts but is open to other proposals, while "Latvijas Cels" seems to agree to any candidature suggested by the President. Diena, Neatkariga

Newly appointed Ambassador of Russia Aleksandr Udaltsov handed in his credentials yesterday. In his speech at the ceremony Mr. Udaltsov pointed out integration of Russian-speakers into Latvian society as one of the most complicated problems impeding the relations between the two countries and highly praised the forming of the State Human Rights Office. The Ambassador said that he looked forward to resolving the border delimitation issue. Mr. Udaltsov also had a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs.

Newly appointed Ambassador of Russia Aleksandr Udaltsov handed in his credentials yesterday. In his speech at the ceremony Mr. Udaltsov pointed out integration of Russian-speakers into Latvian society as one of the most complicated problems impeding the relations between the two countries and highly praised the forming of the State Human Rights Office. The Ambassador said that he looked forward to resolving the border delimitation issue. Mr. Udaltsov also had a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs. Diena

Press Report

President Ulmanis at his yesterday's press-conference said that he would nominate a candidate for Prime-Minister on Wednesday this week. He will name a candidate even if

President Ulmanis at his yesterday's press-conference said that he would nominate a candidate for Prime-Minister on Wednesday this week. He will name a candidate even if "Tevzemei un Brivibai" ("TB"), "Latvijas Cels" ("LC") and "Saimnieks" failed to agree on their candidate. The President believes that a Cabinet can be formed without the participation of one of the three major factions ("TB", according to rumors in the Saeima). He criticized the factions for holding behind-the-scene negotiations. "TB", "LC" and "Saimnieks" proceeded with their talks yesterday with no results. "TB" suggests its member Guntars Krasts as a candidate, "Saimnieks" insists on Skele's candidature, while "LC" has not chosen between the two candidates yet. "LC" representatives say that the faction cannot take a premature decision without a thorough study of cabinet concepts proposed by the two candidates. "TB" has already come up with its model of a future Cabinet. Still, "LC" representatives say that the faction should discuss the concept with other parties represented in the Saeima. Skele has not revealed his plans to "LC" yet. Tonight the President is having a meeting with "TB" candidate G.Krasts. Diena, Neatkariga, SM, B&B

According to the regulations by the Cabinet of Ministers, the CID is to start issuing new passports to non-citizens before April 10. The CID is panning to issue around 700,000 Latvia's inhabitants with new passports in three years. According to the regulations, former USSR passports will not be valid for leaving Latvia starting January 1, 1998, and will not be recognized as documents valid for entering the country after July 1, 1998. Former USSR passports held by non-citizens will lose their validity as internal identification documents on January 1, 2000. The CID is working on a draft decree to be approved by the Cabinet of Ministers requiring that all citizens should exchange old USSR passports before July 1.

According to the regulations by the Cabinet of Ministers, the CID is to start issuing new passports to non-citizens before April 10. The CID is panning to issue around 700,000 Latvia's inhabitants with new passports in three years. According to the regulations, former USSR passports will not be valid for leaving Latvia starting January 1, 1998, and will not be recognized as documents valid for entering the country after July 1, 1998. Former USSR passports held by non-citizens will lose their validity as internal identification documents on January 1, 2000. The CID is working on a draft decree to be approved by the Cabinet of Ministers requiring that all citizens should exchange old USSR passports before July 1. Diena

"People's Harmony" issued a statement calling upon its voters to participate in a referendum on canceling restrictions depriving non-citizens, former CPSU members and KGB officers and informers of the right to participate in local elections. The statement says that granting non-citizens the right would contribute to their integration into Latvian society.

"People's Harmony" issued a statement calling upon its voters to participate in a referendum on canceling restrictions depriving non-citizens, former CPSU members and KGB officers and informers of the right to participate in local elections. The statement says that granting non-citizens the right would contribute to their integration into Latvian society. SM

President Ulmanis and Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs held a press-conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday. The President stressed the importance of developing Latvia's relations with Russia. He criticized Russian foreign policy for the lack of "rationality and efficiency". The press-conference was held on occasion of recognition of Latvia's independence

President Ulmanis and Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs held a press-conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday. The President stressed the importance of developing Latvia's relations with Russia. He criticized Russian foreign policy for the lack of "rationality and efficiency". The press-conference was held on occasion of recognition of Latvia's independence de jure on 26 January 1921. Diena

Russian Prime-Minister Chernomyrdin at a press-conference that followed the meeting of the Council of "Russia Is My Home" movement laid a special emphasis on the issue of Russian-speakers in the Baltic states. He said that countries willing to integrate into European community should observe human rights. Chernomyrdin told the press that he was planning to meet Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian Prime-Ministers this year. He stressed the importance of "practical steps" aimed at protecting the rights of Russian-speakers abroad.

Russian Prime-Minister Chernomyrdin at a press-conference that followed the meeting of the Council of "Russia Is My Home" movement laid a special emphasis on the issue of Russian-speakers in the Baltic states. He said that countries willing to integrate into European community should observe human rights. Chernomyrdin told the press that he was planning to meet Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian Prime-Ministers this year. He stressed the importance of "practical steps" aimed at protecting the rights of Russian-speakers abroad. Diena