Press Report

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima ratified the first reading of Latvias agreement with AMOCO and OPAP on oil exploration in coastal waters. Chairman of the Saeima Committee on Foreign Affairs Berzins stresses the agreement does not allow any exploration of the area before Latvia and Lithuania officially delimit their marine border. Seventy-one deputies supported the ratification with six voting against it. Despite the ratification of the agreement with the oil companies by Latvia, the Lithuanian Government agreed on a meeting of the prime-ministers of the two countries. The talks are held today in Palanga, Lithuania. The final reading of the agreement with AMOCO/OPAB will be held October 24.

"Saimnieks"

will demand considerable changes to the 1996 national budget currently discussed by the will demand considerable changes to the 1996 national budget currently discussed by the SaeimaSaeima. The party does not agree to the introduction of income taxes on pensions and canceling lighter income taxes for dependents, disabled, and politically repressed. . The party does not agree to the introduction of income taxes on pensions and canceling lighter income taxes for dependents, disabled, and politically repressed. "Saimnieks""Saimnieks" might leave the Government if the might leave the Government if the SaeimaSaeima does not take into consideration the changes to the draft budget suggested by the party. does not take into consideration the changes to the draft budget suggested by the party. Diena, NeatkarigaDiena, Neatkariga The Saeima adopted the second reading of the draft amendments to the Law on the Election of Self-Government Bodies yesterday. A group of deputies (“People’s Harmony”, “The Socialists”, “Unity”) suggested adoptintg a provision that would give noncitizens the right to vote in local elections. The provision was declined with nationalist deputies opposing it quite aggressively. Mr. Juris Sinka of

The Saeima adopted the second reading of the draft amendments to the Law on the Election of Self-Government Bodies yesterday. A group of deputies (Peoples Harmony, The Socialists, Unity) suggested adoptintg a provision that would give noncitizens the right to vote in local elections. The provision was declined with nationalist deputies opposing it quite aggressively. Mr. Juris Sinka of LNNK said foreigners were already predominating in some self-governments adding that Russians are "blood-thirsty by nature". Fifty-two deputies objected against the granting noncitizens the right to vote, nine abstained, and thirteen supported the initiative. Mr. Adamsons (former "LC" member) was among the supporters while Mr. Bruveris ("Saimnieks") voted against the proposal. He told the "SM" granting the right to vote in self-government elections to noncitizens would lead to unpredictable results in the areas with predominantly noncitizen population.SM

The Latvian Human Rights Committee addressed the UN General Assembly and the UN Economic and Social Council with a letter pointing at restriction of noncitizens’ rights in Latvia. Among those the letter names the stateless status of one third of Latvia's population, discrimination of the Russian language, and a strict naturalization law. The "window mechanism" is unfair since all former USSR citizens residing in Latvia were "deprived of their civil rights" on one day (i.e., the day the decree on the restoration of the rights of Latvian citizens was adopted (October 15, 1991). The Latvian Human Rights Committee calls upon the UN and the international community to consider the problem of noncitizens' civil rights in Latvia.

The Latvian Human Rights Committee addressed the UN General Assembly and the UN Economic and Social Council with a letter pointing at restriction of noncitizens rights in Latvia. Among those the letter names the stateless status of one third of Latvia's population, discrimination of the Russian language, and a strict naturalization law. The "window mechanism" is unfair since all former USSR citizens residing in Latvia were "deprived of their civil rights" on one day (i.e., the day the decree on the restoration of the rights of Latvian citizens was adopted (October 15, 1991). The Latvian Human Rights Committee calls upon the UN and the international community to consider the problem of noncitizens' civil rights in Latvia. SM

Spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Gennady Tarasov says Russia is planning to submit a draft resolution on violations of civil and political rights of Russians in Estonia and Latvia to the UN General Assembly.

Spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Gennady Tarasov says Russia is planning to submit a draft resolution on violations of civil and political rights of Russians in Estonia and Latvia to the UN General Assembly. Neatkariga

The

The Saeima Committee on Foreign Affairs and Security adopted draft regulations on the registration of twenty-eight Russian servicemen demobilized after 28 January 1992. The CID is to register the servicemen and their family members before October 30 and will issue them with temporary residence permits valid until December 15, 1997. Diena

The Washington Post published an interview with the grand-son of a pre-war Latvian press tycoon Benjamins. Mr. Benjamins Jr. failed to restore his property rights over his grand-father's real estate in Jurmala. The house is currently a residence of the Russian Ambassador. Although the Jurmala City Council has recognized Mr. Benjamin's ownership of the property, Ambassador Rannikh refuses to pay rent to the owner claiming Russia has spent over one million dollars on restoring the house. The Ambassador says he cannot understand why Latvia’s legislation is using 1940 (and not 1910, for instance) as a deadline to resolve property arguments. Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs says he would not like to turn the issue into a political problem while the US Embassy calls upon the Latvian authorities to resolve the problem.

The Washington Post published an interview with the grand-son of a pre-war Latvian press tycoon Benjamins. Mr. Benjamins Jr. failed to restore his property rights over his grand-father's real estate in Jurmala. The house is currently a residence of the Russian Ambassador. Although the Jurmala City Council has recognized Mr. Benjamin's ownership of the property, Ambassador Rannikh refuses to pay rent to the owner claiming Russia has spent over one million dollars on restoring the house. The Ambassador says he cannot understand why Latvias legislation is using 1940 (and not 1910, for instance) as a deadline to resolve property arguments. Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs says he would not like to turn the issue into a political problem while the US Embassy calls upon the Latvian authorities to resolve the problem. Diena

Press Report

Minister of Education Grinblats says the stability of the Government will depend on the distribution of funds in the national budget currently discussed by the

Minister of Education Grinblats says the stability of the Government will depend on the distribution of funds in the national budget currently discussed by the Saeima. Mr. Grinblats demands additional funds for developing Latvia's education system. "Saimnieks" Chairman Cevers told the press his party would suggest amendments to the budget as well. It will not support the budget in case the amendments are not accepted. "Saimnieks" might even leave the government, said Cevers. Recently "Latvijas Cels" has suggested introducing a moratorium on any changes in the Cabinet. Diena

Today's

Today's Saeima agenda includes voting on four candidates to the Satversme Court. Mrs. Ilma Cepane and Mr. Aivars Endzins have been nominated by the Cabinet of Ministers, while Chairman of the Bauska Regional Court Ilza Skultane and Chairman of the Supreme Court Chamber for Criminal Cases Andreis Lepsis have been nominated by the Supreme Court. "Tevzemei un Brivibai" faction Chairman Straume suggests voting on all candidates, including those nominated by the Saeima, on the same day. According to "NEATKARIGA", other factions may agree to the proposal. This means the voting will not take place tomorrow since not all the candidatures have been nominated yet. Neatkariga

Mrs. Inta Junkevica (the Christian Democratic Party) criticizes the Law on the Constitutional Court claiming it to be an undemocratic instrument in the hands of the Government. Mrs. Junkevica is concerned about the political engagement of the judges nominated by the

Mrs. Inta Junkevica (the Christian Democratic Party) criticizes the Law on the Constitutional Court claiming it to be an undemocratic instrument in the hands of the Government. Mrs. Junkevica is concerned about the political engagement of the judges nominated by the Saeima. Judges nominated by the Cabinet of Ministers, according to Mrs. Junkevica, will represent economic interests of the ruling parties. The Supreme Court has nominated "former defenders and propagators of Communist ideas for the posts of the Constitutional court Judges, writes Junkevica. Individuals, companies, and organizations cannot apply to the Constitutional Court according to the Law making it impossible to discover discrepancies in the country's legislation. Mrs. Junkevica believes Latvia should follow the example of the similar institutions already existing in the West (e.g., the US). Neatkariga

Judge of the European Human Rights Court in an interview for

Judge of the European Human Rights Court in an interview for "DIENA" explains why no country can work out a legislation that would contain no discrepancies. He stresses the importance of observing the hierarchy of legal acts with Satversme superseding all other national legal acts. Mr. Levits believes Latvia has gained a considerable success on its way toward bringing the legislation in compliance with European standards. Among the drawbacks of Latvia's legislation Mr. Levits points out a poor definition of a mechanism for human rights implementation. He also believes lawyers are still using an old primitive Soviet approach to a new legal system which sometimes leads to unexpected and absurd results. Mr. Levits insists on giving human rights a formal constitutional status. Diena

"SM" and "PANORAMA LATVII" published reports on OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel's press-conference. Both papers complain about the press-conference being too short leaving many of the questions unanswered. "PANORAMA LATVII" refers to unofficial sources that say persuading the High Commissioner to hold a press-conference was "not an easy task." Mr. van der Stoel says the establishment of the National Human Rights Office, the establishment of the Consultative Council, and the launching of the Latvian language program are the most important steps taken by Latvia toward integrating ethnic groups into Latvia's society. "PANORAMA LATVII" is skeptical about Mr. van der Stoel focusing on "bureaucratic activities" and not on tangible positive changes. While responding to the question on the future of the OSCE Mission, the High Commissioner said he was not in the position to discuss the issue with Latvian authorities. He added that the OSCE members would still prefer the Mission to extend its mandate. Mr. van der Stoel stressed that the presence of the Mission should not be looked at as an evidence of serious problems still existing in a country while and its purpose is to act as an independent and friendly advisor. The High Commissioner also mentioned the slow pace of the naturalization process. He believes complicated tests might be among the reasons. Elderly people may find it too difficult to master the language to the extent required to pass the test. Mr. van der Stoel admitted he would not be able to learn Latvian in his age. He said he believed the "window mechanism" could be reviewed and added that the CID Director shared that opinion. SM, Panorama Latvii

"SM"

interviewed CID Deputy-Director Andris Leins on the upcoming introduction of new noncitizens' passports. Mr. Leins says the new passports will be issued in exchange for old USSR internal passports, USSR travel passports, and provisional noncitizens' identification documents starting January 1997. Applicants for the new passports will have to produce old internal USSR passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates or certificates of divorce. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it will take all steps required for a timely recognition of the new document by foreign countries. interviewed CID Deputy-Director Andris Leins on the upcoming introduction of new noncitizens' passports. Mr. Leins says the new passports will be issued in exchange for old USSR internal passports, USSR travel passports, and provisional noncitizens' identification documents starting January 1997. Applicants for the new passports will have to produce old internal USSR passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates or certificates of divorce. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it will take all steps required for a timely recognition of the new document by foreign countries. SMSM

Press Report

OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel during his meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs said Latvia would become a EU member in the nearest future. Mr. Birkavs agreed "the involvement of non-Latvians into the country's society" to be among the most important prerequisites of Latvia's integration into the EU. He mentioned the Consultative Board of Nationalities formed by the President as an important step toward establishing a dialogue between ethic groups. Mr. Birkavs noted that the integration (Latvia's integration into the EU, or the integration of non-Latvians into Latvia's society? -- L.G.) is complicated by Russia groundlessly accusing Latvia in violating human rights. While speaking about naturalization, Mr. Birkavs said potential applicants for naturalization should be better informed of the process. Mr. Birkavs says the OSCE High Commissioner singled out Latvia for surpassing other countries with regard to the state of relations between ethnic groups. Mr. van der Stoel also pointed at an improvement in the attitude of non-Latvians to the independent state of Latvia. Still, a large percentage (28%) of noncitizens requires a serious study of possible ways of making it increase. The Naturalization Board provided the High Commissioner with its statistics showing that less than one thousand Latvia's inhabitants have applied for naturalization this year with thirty-three thousand having the right to apply. President Ulmanis during his meeting with the OSCE High Commissioner said naturalization did not require any assistance on the part of the Government, the process still going through its initial stage. The President believes the clear picture will become evident later when 100,000 non-citizens will have the right to apply for naturalization. A large part of Mr. van der Stoel's meeting with President Ulmanis was focused on the activities of the Consultative Board. The High Commissioner displayed interest toward the role of the National Human Rights Office in establishing the Board. He was satisfied with the second reading of the draft Law on the national human Rights Office by the

OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel during his meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs said Latvia would become a EU member in the nearest future. Mr. Birkavs agreed "the involvement of non-Latvians into the country's society" to be among the most important prerequisites of Latvia's integration into the EU. He mentioned the Consultative Board of Nationalities formed by the President as an important step toward establishing a dialogue between ethic groups. Mr. Birkavs noted that the integration (Latvia's integration into the EU, or the integration of non-Latvians into Latvia's society? -- L.G.) is complicated by Russia groundlessly accusing Latvia in violating human rights. While speaking about naturalization, Mr. Birkavs said potential applicants for naturalization should be better informed of the process. Mr. Birkavs says the OSCE High Commissioner singled out Latvia for surpassing other countries with regard to the state of relations between ethnic groups. Mr. van der Stoel also pointed at an improvement in the attitude of non-Latvians to the independent state of Latvia. Still, a large percentage (28%) of noncitizens requires a serious study of possible ways of making it increase. The Naturalization Board provided the High Commissioner with its statistics showing that less than one thousand Latvia's inhabitants have applied for naturalization this year with thirty-three thousand having the right to apply. President Ulmanis during his meeting with the OSCE High Commissioner said naturalization did not require any assistance on the part of the Government, the process still going through its initial stage. The President believes the clear picture will become evident later when 100,000 non-citizens will have the right to apply for naturalization. A large part of Mr. van der Stoel's meeting with President Ulmanis was focused on the activities of the Consultative Board. The High Commissioner displayed interest toward the role of the National Human Rights Office in establishing the Board. He was satisfied with the second reading of the draft Law on the national human Rights Office by the Saeima. Diena, B&B

N.Lebedeva (

N.Lebedeva ("SM") writes that the OSCE High Commissioner does not conceal his dissatisfaction with the "window principle" and "insists on giving all inhabitants of Latvia irrespective of their age and social status the right to apply for citizenship." While reporting on the subjects touched upon the High Commissioner's dinner with members of the Consultative Board on Minority issues, Lebedeva mentions the OSCE possibly acting as a "curator" for the Consultative Board. SM

Lithuanian Prime-minister Stankjavicus and Latvian Prime-Minister Skele will meet this week to resume the border delimitation talks. The meeting will be held in Lithuania. Although Latvia suggested sharing oil reserves with Lithuania, the Lithuania side believes the talks would be a deadlock should Latvia ratify its agreements with AMOCO/OPAP. Vilnius insists on determining the border before discussing economic issues.

Lithuanian Prime-minister Stankjavicus and Latvian Prime-Minister Skele will meet this week to resume the border delimitation talks. The meeting will be held in Lithuania. Although Latvia suggested sharing oil reserves with Lithuania, the Lithuania side believes the talks would be a deadlock should Latvia ratify its agreements with AMOCO/OPAP. Vilnius insists on determining the border before discussing economic issues. Diena

Several

Several "Saimnieks" members including its faction leader Mr. Kaksitis confirm that Mr. Kreituss has offered money to the Saeima deputies. Mr. Kaksitis, currently the Saeima Speaker, said Kreituss was offering US$ 200 bribes in exchange for votes in favor of Mrs. Kreituse during last presidential elections. "Saimnieks" members recall Mr. Kreituss suggesting paying bonuses to the party faction members. Diena

Press Report

The extraordinary plenary session of the Saeima adopted the first reading of the 1997 budget with 65 deputies voting for the draft budget, 16 voting against the budget, while one deputy abstained. "SM" forecasts a more heated argument during the discussion of the second reading.

The extraordinary plenary session of the Saeima adopted the first reading of the 1997 budget with 65 deputies voting for the draft budget, 16 voting against the budget, while one deputy abstained. "SM" forecasts a more heated argument during the discussion of the second reading. Diena, SM

"Latvijas Cels" believes the "arms scandal" to be a provocation directed against Mr. Maris Gailis. Mr. Pantelejevs connects the scandal to Mr. Gailis' possible appointment as the administrator of the Riga Port. Last year the Ministry of Defence purchased a 3.9 million dollar shipment of arms from a Slovak company. Part of the arms purchased turned out to be in an "unsatisfactory condition". Mr. Gailis was an acting Minister of Defence at the time the shipment was contracted. "LC" demands that the investigation is brought under control of the Saeima Defence Committee. Currently the affair is investigated by the Security Police.

"Latvijas Cels" believes the "arms scandal" to be a provocation directed against Mr. Maris Gailis. Mr. Pantelejevs connects the scandal to Mr. Gailis' possible appointment as the administrator of the Riga Port. Last year the Ministry of Defence purchased a 3.9 million dollar shipment of arms from a Slovak company. Part of the arms purchased turned out to be in an "unsatisfactory condition". Mr. Gailis was an acting Minister of Defence at the time the shipment was contracted. "LC" demands that the investigation is brought under control of the Saeima Defence Committee. Currently the affair is investigated by the Security Police. Diena

Deputy-Director of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Second European Department Aleksandr Udaltsov is the most probable candidate for the post of an Ambassador to Latvia. Mr. Udaltsov has participated in Russia's talks with Estonia and Latvia as an expert. He is known as a follower of a tough policy toward the Baltic states. Udaltsov's candidature has been approved by the State Duma Committee on International Affairs. His official appointment may be announced in mid-November.

Deputy-Director of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Second European Department Aleksandr Udaltsov is the most probable candidate for the post of an Ambassador to Latvia. Mr. Udaltsov has participated in Russia's talks with Estonia and Latvia as an expert. He is known as a follower of a tough policy toward the Baltic states. Udaltsov's candidature has been approved by the State Duma Committee on International Affairs. His official appointment may be announced in mid-November. Diena, SM

Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov's canceled his meeting with ambassadors of the baltic states scheduled for October 6. Russia warned the ambassadors of several countries including Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia against recognizing the independence of Chechnia. Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Pildegovics says Latvia is not considering recognizing the independence of Chechnia and is not planning any talks with the leaders of Chechen separatists. During last two months members of the Saeima took several steps demonstrating their support of Chechnia. Those included a letter addressed to President Yeltsin demanding immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Chechnia.

Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov's canceled his meeting with ambassadors of the baltic states scheduled for October 6. Russia warned the ambassadors of several countries including Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia against recognizing the independence of Chechnia. Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Pildegovics says Latvia is not considering recognizing the independence of Chechnia and is not planning any talks with the leaders of Chechen separatists. During last two months members of the Saeima took several steps demonstrating their support of Chechnia. Those included a letter addressed to President Yeltsin demanding immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Chechnia. Diena

Press Report

The Ninth Session of the Baltic Assembly called upon the governments of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania to work out joint policy aimed at entering NATO. The Session also adopted a resolution requiring to start negotiations between the three countries and Russia on the return of the KGB archives. The Session of the Baltic Assembly has not adopted a resolution recommending the abolishment of death penalty by the Baltic states. Estonian representative A.Reutel submitted a draft document on defense issues. The document contains a concept of a military alliance between the three countries. It was considered by the Session as a working document.

The Ninth Session of the Baltic Assembly called upon the governments of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania to work out joint policy aimed at entering NATO. The Session also adopted a resolution requiring to start negotiations between the three countries and Russia on the return of the KGB archives. The Session of the Baltic Assembly has not adopted a resolution recommending the abolishment of death penalty by the Baltic states. Estonian representative A.Reutel submitted a draft document on defense issues. The document contains a concept of a military alliance between the three countries. It was considered by the Session as a working document. Diena, Neatkariga

Last Friday the Council established by the President opened a discussion of the possible abolishment of death penalty in Latvia. President Ulmanis believes the issue should be discussed publicly. He says he would cancel the moratorium on the execution of death penalties if the public opinion proves to be in favor of capital punishment. Prosecutor General Skrastins suggests the law should allow applying capital punishment to individuals having committed murders under aggravating circumstances. Chairman of the Supreme Court Grizins says a high crime rate does not allow abolishing capital punishment. The draft criminal law currently under discussion provides for death penalty in exceptional cases.

Last Friday the Council established by the President opened a discussion of the possible abolishment of death penalty in Latvia. President Ulmanis believes the issue should be discussed publicly. He says he would cancel the moratorium on the execution of death penalties if the public opinion proves to be in favor of capital punishment. Prosecutor General Skrastins suggests the law should allow applying capital punishment to individuals having committed murders under aggravating circumstances. Chairman of the Supreme Court Grizins says a high crime rate does not allow abolishing capital punishment. The draft criminal law currently under discussion provides for death penalty in exceptional cases. Diena

Ilga and Ivars Kreituss are planing to form a faction before the end of this year. Observers expect its potential members to join the Latvian Social-Democratic Workers' Party which will allow them to form a faction. (According to the Saeima Regulations, a faction can be formed by at least five members of one party or by at least five deputies elected from the same list of candidates). The LSDWP leaders have already had meetings with the Kreituses, former

Ilga and Ivars Kreituss are planing to form a faction before the end of this year. Observers expect its potential members to join the Latvian Social-Democratic Workers' Party which will allow them to form a faction. (According to the Saeima Regulations, a faction can be formed by at least five members of one party or by at least five deputies elected from the same list of candidates). The LSDWP leaders have already had meetings with the Kreituses, former "Latvijas Cels" member Adamsons, and former members of Zigerist's party. Diena

Alfreds Cepanis recently referred to by Kreituss as an unsuitable candidate for a

Alfreds Cepanis recently referred to by Kreituss as an unsuitable candidate for a Saeima speaker said he was "not ashamed of his nationality." Kreituss in an interview for the "NEATKARIGA" said Cepanis being an ethnic Byelorussian and having inadequate education should not have been elected a Saeima Chairman. Mr. Cepanis was said to be "a buffer" between the Kreituses and the "Saimnieks" party helping to resolve frequent conflicts. Neatkariga

The State

The State Duma called upon the Government and President Yeltsin to apply sanctions against Latvia. Duma deputies accused Latvia in restricting the rights of ethnic Russians and expressed concern about the recently adopted Declaration on Occupation. The Declaration, according to the Russian Parliament members, allows to give ethnic Russians "status of civil occupants." The sanctions were supported by 230 deputies with 11 voting against the proposal. Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press-Secretary Andreis Pildegovics called the decision "groundless." He expressed hope that "common sense would prevail" and the step taken by the Duma would not influence future relations between the two countries. Diena