Press Report

Several Saeima fractions took a temporizing attitude towards the signing of the agreements between Russia and Latvia expecting the revocation of the decree by Boris Yeltsin mentioning the creation of a military base in Latvia. Still, the representatives of the Nationalist Block are collecting deputies' signatures they need to summon an Extraordinary Plenary Meeting of the Saeima on April 20 to discuss the nomination of a new delegation to the talks and the turning down of the initialled agreements. The total of 33 signatures is required. Ilga Grava , the deputy of the Democratic Party fraction expressed the opinion that the Extraordinary Plenary Meeting could be held to facilitate the final negotiation and the signing of the agreements. Aivars Berkis, the spokesman for the Latvian Farmers' Union fraction said that the agreements are unacceptable both to Russia and Latvia and that Russia had taken a decisive step to prevent the signing. The final decision on the attitude of the fraction to the issue will be taken after an official statement is made by the President or the Prime-Minister of Latvia. The Deputy-Chairman of the "Latvijas Cels" fraction Andris Piebalgs abstained from comments on a possible Extraordinary Meeting. He pointed out that his fraction had certain objections against the agreement on social guarantees for retired officers.

Several Saeima fractions took a temporizing attitude towards the signing of the agreements between Russia and Latvia expecting the revocation of the decree by Boris Yeltsin mentioning the creation of a military base in Latvia. Still, the representatives of the Nationalist Block are collecting deputies' signatures they need to summon an Extraordinary Plenary Meeting of the Saeima on April 20 to discuss the nomination of a new delegation to the talks and the turning down of the initialled agreements. The total of 33 signatures is required. Ilga Grava , the deputy of the Democratic Party fraction expressed the opinion that the Extraordinary Plenary Meeting could be held to facilitate the final negotiation and the signing of the agreements. Aivars Berkis, the spokesman for the Latvian Farmers' Union fraction said that the agreements are unacceptable both to Russia and Latvia and that Russia had taken a decisive step to prevent the signing. The final decision on the attitude of the fraction to the issue will be taken after an official statement is made by the President or the Prime-Minister of Latvia. The Deputy-Chairman of the "Latvijas Cels" fraction Andris Piebalgs abstained from comments on a possible Extraordinary Meeting. He pointed out that his fraction had certain objections against the agreement on social guarantees for retired officers. Diena

During his press conference in Riga Mr.Ulmanis stressed that Western leaders supported Latvia in its efforts to achieve a complete withdrawal of Russian troops and to come to terms with Russia. He also pointed out that the West was also ready to render financial support to facilitate the repatriation of Russian pensioned servicemen and the dismantling of the Skrunda radar. Prime-Minister Birkavs said that the Russian Ambassador Rannikh had informed the Government of Latvia of a certain official message from Moscow that was expected to be received by the Latvian Government on Friday. 

During his press conference in Riga Mr.Ulmanis stressed that Western leaders supported Latvia in its efforts to achieve a complete withdrawal of Russian troops and to come to terms with Russia. He also pointed out that the West was also ready to render financial support to facilitate the repatriation of Russian pensioned servicemen and the dismantling of the Skrunda radar. Prime-Minister Birkavs said that the Russian Ambassador Rannikh had informed the Government of Latvia of a certain official message from Moscow that was expected to be received by the Latvian Government on Friday.Diena

Minister of Foreign Affairs Georgs Andreyevs informed the press that an official revocation of the decree by President Yeltsin to be handed over by Russian Ambassador Rannikh to the President of Latvia. "We know that Koziryev and Gratchev advised the Russian President to prepare such document", said Mr.Andreyev.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Georgs Andreyevs informed the press that an official revocation of the decree by President Yeltsin to be handed over by Russian Ambassador Rannikh to the President of Latvia. "We know that Koziryev and Gratchev advised the Russian President to prepare such document", said Mr.Andreyev. Labrit

In his interview for "LABRIT" the Head of Press and Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia Mr. Karasins said that Russia would not object to the participation of a third party in the negotiations between Russia and Latvia. Still he added that such participation would not be a noticeable contribution to the talks since the agreement had been already achieved.

In his interview for "LABRIT" the Head of Press and Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia Mr. Karasins said that Russia would not object to the participation of a third party in the negotiations between Russia and Latvia. Still he added that such participation would not be a noticeable contribution to the talks since the agreement had been already achieved. Labrit

On April 14 the President of Ministers Valdis Birkavs delivered a lecture on Latvia's security concept in the Latvian University. He stressed that the opposition both in Latvia and in Russia argued against the signing of the agreements. Such confrontation in Latvia can lead to the internal political crisis, said he. He also said that Yeltsin's official explanations were expected on Friday.

On April 14 the President of Ministers Valdis Birkavs delivered a lecture on Latvia's security concept in the Latvian University. He stressed that the opposition both in Latvia and in Russia argued against the signing of the agreements. Such confrontation in Latvia can lead to the internal political crisis, said he. He also said that Yeltsin's official explanations were expected on Friday. Labrit

Amendments to the Law "On Foreigners' and Stateless Persons' Entrance to and Stay in the Republic of Latvia" and to the Law "On the Police" were adopted by the extraordinary meeting of the Government on April 14. According to the Chairman of the Saeima Human rights Commission Inese Birzniece the amendments apply to persons who entered the country illegally and specify the expulsion procedure. She also said that the amendments had been approved of by the CSCE Mission to Latvia and had not been adopted finally. It also was stressed that "mass deportations were not implied" and that the amendments "do not apply to persons whose legal status in Latvia has not been defined yet. According to the Minister for Special Missions Mr.Edvins Inkens around 400 persons were evicted from Latvia last year.

Amendments to the Law "On Foreigners' and Stateless Persons' Entrance to and Stay in the Republic of Latvia" and to the Law "On the Police" were adopted by the extraordinary meeting of the Government on April 14. According to the Chairman of the Saeima Human rights Commission Inese Birzniece the amendments apply to persons who entered the country illegally and specify the expulsion procedure. She also said that the amendments had been approved of by the CSCE Mission to Latvia and had not been adopted finally. It also was stressed that "mass deportations were not implied" and that the amendments "do not apply to persons whose legal status in Latvia has not been defined yet. According to the Minister for Special Missions Mr.Edvins Inkens around 400 persons were evicted from Latvia last year. Diena

Press Report

The Presidium of the Saeima canceled the Extraordinary Plenary Meeting of the Saeima scheduled for April 15. The agenda of the meeting was the security policy of Latvia and the responsibility for the signing of the initialled agreements with Russia. The Nationalist Block of the Saeima demanded for an Extraordinary Plenary Meeting to be held on April 20 and a new broadened delegation to the talks with Russia including the representatives of all fractions to be appointed. The existing delegation must resign, says the statement by the Block.The Block refused to support the initialled agreements stating that they contain points that can be interpreted as legalizing the occupation consequences. The statement by the Block also stresses that none of the Western states has provided any definite guarantees of the security of Latvia. The meeting of the "Latvijas Cels" fraction has decided to propose to consider and adopt the law on foreigners and stateless persons at the next Plenary Meeting of the Saeima thus defining the status and the rights of non-citizens before the signing of the agreements with Russia. The fraction does not object against introducing certain changes into the composition of the delegation. Still, it has been pointed out that such step could be an untimely one since both "Latvijas Cels" and the Government will not support the signing of the agreement unless President Yeltsin revokes his decree on the creation of a military base in Latvia. The fraction does not agree to the concept of social guarantees being provided to pensioned officers and insists on a prompt adoption of the law on foreigners and stateless persons in order to facilitate the negotiations with Russia. Indulis Berzins, the spokesman for the "Latvijas Cels" fraction, says that the Government could adopt the law on Wednesday between the sessions of the Saeima.

The Presidium of the Saeima canceled the Extraordinary Plenary Meeting of the Saeima scheduled for April 15. The agenda of the meeting was the security policy of Latvia and the responsibility for the signing of the initialled agreements with Russia. The Nationalist Block of the Saeima demanded for an Extraordinary Plenary Meeting to be held on April 20 and a new broadened delegation to the talks with Russia including the representatives of all fractions to be appointed. The existing delegation must resign, says the statement by the Block.The Block refused to support the initialled agreements stating that they contain points that can be interpreted as legalizing the occupation consequences. The statement by the Block also stresses that none of the Western states has provided any definite guarantees of the security of Latvia. The meeting of the "Latvijas Cels" fraction has decided to propose to consider and adopt the law on foreigners and stateless persons at the next Plenary Meeting of the Saeima thus defining the status and the rights of non-citizens before the signing of the agreements with Russia. The fraction does not object against introducing certain changes into the composition of the delegation. Still, it has been pointed out that such step could be an untimely one since both "Latvijas Cels" and the Government will not support the signing of the agreement unless President Yeltsin revokes his decree on the creation of a military base in Latvia. The fraction does not agree to the concept of social guarantees being provided to pensioned officers and insists on a prompt adoption of the law on foreigners and stateless persons in order to facilitate the negotiations with Russia. Indulis Berzins, the spokesman for the "Latvijas Cels" fraction, says that the Government could adopt the law on Wednesday between the sessions of the Saeima. Diena, Labrit

On April 12 the Delegation of the Saeima to the Parliament Assembly of the Union of Europe has handed over a letter by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia on the recent decree by Boris Yeltsin. The letter evaluates the decree as a threat to Latvia's sovereignty. Latvia has also addressed the CSCE with a request to consider recent changes in the relations between Latvia and Russia. Prime-Minister Birkavs called upon the CSCE to support the repatriation of pensioned officers and monitor the operation of the Skrunda radar. The Prime-Minister also suggested that CSCE observers should participate in the signing of the agreements. Saeima deputy A.Kirsteins said that he would mention a hypocritical attitude of the West to the issue of human rights in the Baltic states during the CSCE debates on Thursday.

On April 12 the Delegation of the Saeima to the Parliament Assembly of the Union of Europe has handed over a letter by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia on the recent decree by Boris Yeltsin. The letter evaluates the decree as a threat to Latvia's sovereignty. Latvia has also addressed the CSCE with a request to consider recent changes in the relations between Latvia and Russia. Prime-Minister Birkavs called upon the CSCE to support the repatriation of pensioned officers and monitor the operation of the Skrunda radar. The Prime-Minister also suggested that CSCE observers should participate in the signing of the agreements. Saeima deputy A.Kirsteins said that he would mention a hypocritical attitude of the West to the issue of human rights in the Baltic states during the CSCE debates on Thursday. Diena

Swedish Prime-Minister Bildt stressed the unacceptability of concepts like "near abroad" and "the sphere of influence" currently used by Russia. He also said that Russia had no right to interfere into the internal affairs of Latvia on the pretext of the violation of the rights of local Russian-speaking population. He also approved of the "new citizenship laws."

Swedish Prime-Minister Bildt stressed the unacceptability of concepts like "near abroad" and "the sphere of influence" currently used by Russia. He also said that Russia had no right to interfere into the internal affairs of Latvia on the pretext of the violation of the rights of local Russian-speaking population. He also approved of the "new citizenship laws." Diena

Boris Cilevic, the observer of "SM SEVODNYA", analyses the relations between Latvia and Russia during last six months. He points out the "emotional and symbolic importance" of the issue of the Russian Army and pensioned officers. He expresses the thought that by connecting troop withdrawal to the citizenship and human rights problems both Latvia and Russia tried to achieve their political goals. The presence of Russian troops in Latvia is used as a pretext for not adopting the Citizenship Law in order to continue the policies of "the pressing-out of the Russian-speaking population", says the author.

Boris Cilevic, the observer of "SM SEVODNYA", analyses the relations between Latvia and Russia during last six months. He points out the "emotional and symbolic importance" of the issue of the Russian Army and pensioned officers. He expresses the thought that by connecting troop withdrawal to the citizenship and human rights problems both Latvia and Russia tried to achieve their political goals. The presence of Russian troops in Latvia is used as a pretext for not adopting the Citizenship Law in order to continue the policies of "the pressing-out of the Russian-speaking population", says the author. SM SEgodnya

Press Report

On April 12 President Ulmanis sent a letter from Paris requesting to cancel the Extraordinary Plenary Meeting of the Saeima. The letter says that since Russia has not officially canceled Decree #174 the Latvian President will not meet with Mr.Yeltsin. The letter also states that under the current circumstances the signing of the agreements in their present wording is impossible. President of Ministers Birkavs has also canceled his request for the extraordinary meeting. The spokesmen for the nationalist parliament block informed the press that an act of protest would take place at the time previously scheduled for the meeting on April 15 at 8.30 a.m. The sirens and automobile horns will be on across the nation, and on April 22 a rally "From Night till Morning" will be held near the Skrunda radar with the participation of rock bands.

On April 12 President Ulmanis sent a letter from Paris requesting to cancel the Extraordinary Plenary Meeting of the Saeima. The letter says that since Russia has not officially canceled Decree #174 the Latvian President will not meet with Mr.Yeltsin. The letter also states that under the current circumstances the signing of the agreements in their present wording is impossible. President of Ministers Birkavs has also canceled his request for the extraordinary meeting. The spokesmen for the nationalist parliament block informed the press that an act of protest would take place at the time previously scheduled for the meeting on April 15 at 8.30 a.m. The sirens and automobile horns will be on across the nation, and on April 22 a rally "From Night till Morning" will be held near the Skrunda radar with the participation of rock bands. Diena

According to Mr.Grigory Karasin, the Director of the Information Department of the Russian Foreign Office Mr.Ulmanis' visit is still expected in Moscow. He said that Russia had produced sufficient explanations regarding the decree by President Yeltsin. Still, Latvia has not received any official confirmation of the cancellation of the decree. In accordance with the Russian legislation the decree can formally come into force this Wednesday.

According to Mr.Grigory Karasin, the Director of the Information Department of the Russian Foreign Office Mr.Ulmanis' visit is still expected in Moscow. He said that Russia had produced sufficient explanations regarding the decree by President Yeltsin. Still, Latvia has not received any official confirmation of the cancellation of the decree. In accordance with the Russian legislation the decree can formally come into force this Wednesday. Diena

During President Ulmanis' visit to France the French side suggested to solve the troop withdrawal-associated problems in the framework of the Balladur Plan. The adoption of the Balladur Plan is scheduled for May 25-27. The Latvian party approved of the suggestion though the issues to be resolved within the Balladur Plan process are still to be defined. The French side approved of the agreements noting that though the latter contained certain compromises they would bind Russia with the obligation to withdraw its troops until August 31. The proposition for creating an international foundation for Skrunda dismantling and housing programs for pensioned officers willing to move to Russia were also supported by France. Martnis Virsis pointed out in response to the interest expressed by the French side that the citizenship law would be adopted after the issue of troops withdrawal is resolved. On April 13 the Latvian delegation will meet with Mr.John Major and Mr.Douglas Herd in London.

During President Ulmanis' visit to France the French side suggested to solve the troop withdrawal-associated problems in the framework of the Balladur Plan. The adoption of the Balladur Plan is scheduled for May 25-27. The Latvian party approved of the suggestion though the issues to be resolved within the Balladur Plan process are still to be defined. The French side approved of the agreements noting that though the latter contained certain compromises they would bind Russia with the obligation to withdraw its troops until August 31. The proposition for creating an international foundation for Skrunda dismantling and housing programs for pensioned officers willing to move to Russia were also supported by France. Martnis Virsis pointed out in response to the interest expressed by the French side that the citizenship law would be adopted after the issue of troops withdrawal is resolved. On April 13 the Latvian delegation will meet with Mr.John Major and Mr.Douglas Herd in London. Diena

Mr.Paul Gauble, the Senior Executive of the Carnegie Peace Foundation gave a brief analysis of the current political situation in Russia and its relations with Latvia in his interview for the DIENA newspaper. He evaluated the recent decree by President Yeltsin as an attempt to test the tolerance of the international community. He pointed out that Yeltsin and his government are not controlling the situation in their country any more. It was also stressed that the agreement was still important for Latvia since the withdrawal of Russian troops is the most vital issue for Latvia. At the same time he approved of the decision of the Latvian Government to refuse to sign the agreement unless the decree was officially canceled by President Yeltsin. He also stressed that Russia needed the agreement as well; the signing of the agreement will facilitate its joining of European international institutions.

Mr.Paul Gauble, the Senior Executive of the Carnegie Peace Foundation gave a brief analysis of the current political situation in Russia and its relations with Latvia in his interview for the DIENA newspaper. He evaluated the recent decree by President Yeltsin as an attempt to test the tolerance of the international community. He pointed out that Yeltsin and his government are not controlling the situation in their country any more. It was also stressed that the agreement was still important for Latvia since the withdrawal of Russian troops is the most vital issue for Latvia. At the same time he approved of the decision of the Latvian Government to refuse to sign the agreement unless the decree was officially canceled by President Yeltsin. He also stressed that Russia needed the agreement as well; the signing of the agreement will facilitate its joining of European international institutions. Diena

Egils Baldzens, the Deputy-Chairman of the Social-Democratic Party of Latvia, suggests that amendments should be introduced into the agreements with Russia. He stresses the necessity of the acknowledgement of the occupation of Latvia by Russia, cancellation of the decree by President Yeltsin, and restriction of privileges for pensioned officers.

Egils Baldzens, the Deputy-Chairman of the Social-Democratic Party of Latvia, suggests that amendments should be introduced into the agreements with Russia. He stresses the necessity of the acknowledgement of the occupation of Latvia by Russia, cancellation of the decree by President Yeltsin, and restriction of privileges for pensioned officers. Diena

Press Report

During his meeting with the Prime-Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark president Ulmanis expressed the opinion that the decree by President Yeltsin was not a mistake. It reflects the opinion of a certain part of Russian society, said Mr.Ulmanis at his press-conference on April 11. He also mentioned the fact that construction activities in Skrunda had been intensified a week before the issuance of the decree. There were signs of Skrunda being turned into a military base, said the President. The Danish side confirmed its commitment to the concept of the complete withdrawal of Russian troops before August 31. Denmark will take part together with Britain in an expert mission on the Skrunda issue. Denmark will also discuss the possibility of providing financial aid to Latvia in order to facilitate the implementation of the agreement on social guarantees for Russian servicemen and pensioned officers. A Skrunda foundation may be created in the framework of the Union of Europe.

During his meeting with the Prime-Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark president Ulmanis expressed the opinion that the decree by President Yeltsin was not a mistake. It reflects the opinion of a certain part of Russian society, said Mr.Ulmanis at his press-conference on April 11. He also mentioned the fact that construction activities in Skrunda had been intensified a week before the issuance of the decree. There were signs of Skrunda being turned into a military base, said the President. The Danish side confirmed its commitment to the concept of the complete withdrawal of Russian troops before August 31. Denmark will take part together with Britain in an expert mission on the Skrunda issue. Denmark will also discuss the possibility of providing financial aid to Latvia in order to facilitate the implementation of the agreement on social guarantees for Russian servicemen and pensioned officers. A Skrunda foundation may be created in the framework of the Union of Europe. Diena

The Minister of Defence of Latvia Mr.Valdis Pavlovskis and the Head of the Bureau for the Monitoring of the Russian Army Withdrawal Mr.Ilgonis Upmalis had a meeting with the Commander of the North-West Russian Army Group General Leonid Mayorov. Mr.Mayorov said that the withdrawal was continued in accordance with the schedule and pointed out that the Headquarters is taking all necessary measures to accomplish the withdrawal before August 31 in case the agreements between Latvia and Russia were signed.

The Minister of Defence of Latvia Mr.Valdis Pavlovskis and the Head of the Bureau for the Monitoring of the Russian Army Withdrawal Mr.Ilgonis Upmalis had a meeting with the Commander of the North-West Russian Army Group General Leonid Mayorov. Mr.Mayorov said that the withdrawal was continued in accordance with the schedule and pointed out that the Headquarters is taking all necessary measures to accomplish the withdrawal before August 31 in case the agreements between Latvia and Russia were signed. Diena

The member of the Committee for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Parliament Mr.Aivars Lezdins gives his suggestions of the possible motivations behind the decree by President Yeltsin. He focuses on the economic consequences of the signing of the agreement and points out that Russian borders would be better controlled should such agreement be signed. He stresses that there are powerful economical and political forces in Russia profiting from smuggling of "transit" cargos into the country through the Latvian territory. He also emphasized the necessity of a careful and a well-balanced approach to the issues of pensioned officers and troop withdrawal stressing that the Russian miliary withdrawn from the former Eastern block and USSR republics and left without any suitable dwelling are potentially dangerous both for Russian and Latvian democracies.

The member of the Committee for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Parliament Mr.Aivars Lezdins gives his suggestions of the possible motivations behind the decree by President Yeltsin. He focuses on the economic consequences of the signing of the agreement and points out that Russian borders would be better controlled should such agreement be signed. He stresses that there are powerful economical and political forces in Russia profiting from smuggling of "transit" cargos into the country through the Latvian territory. He also emphasized the necessity of a careful and a well-balanced approach to the issues of pensioned officers and troop withdrawal stressing that the Russian miliary withdrawn from the former Eastern block and USSR republics and left without any suitable dwelling are potentially dangerous both for Russian and Latvian democracies. Diena

Aigars Jirgens, the advisor for the "Tevzemei un Brivibai" fraction suggests that there are four possible sources behind the recent decree by President Yeltsin. They are as follows:

Aigars Jirgens, the advisor for the "Tevzemei un Brivibai" fraction suggests that there are four possible sources behind the recent decree by President Yeltsin. They are as follows:

1) A provocation by Russian reactionaries with the aim of undermining the negotiations between Latvia and Russia. Still, the author believes that the conditions of the agreement are too profitable for Russia, and thus such actions on the part of nationalist political forces lack any sense.

1) A provocation by Russian reactionaries with the aim of undermining the negotiations between Latvia and Russia. Still, the author believes that the conditions of the agreement are too profitable for Russia, and thus such actions on the part of nationalist political forces lack any sense.

2) A demonstration of force in order to press Latvia to sign the agreement.

2) A demonstration of force in order to press Latvia to sign the agreement.

3) An economical background described in the interview by Aivars Lezdins (see above). The author of the article considers this version to lack sound arguments in its favor.

3) An economical background described in the interview by Aivars Lezdins (see above). The author of the article considers this version to lack sound arguments in its favor.

4) The decree reflects the existing military and political strategies of Russia while the agreement is used as a legal basis for further pressure on Latvia

4) The decree reflects the existing military and political strategies of Russia while the agreement is used as a legal basis for further pressure on Latvia. Labrit

Latvian and American ambassadors to Russia met in Moscow on April 11. On top of the agenda were the relations between Latvia and Russia. The US Ambassador informed his Latvian colleague that the United States would provide 2 mln. US $ to cover the Skrunda dismantling expenses. The possibility of the issuance of housing certificates for pensioned officers who would choose to settle down in Russia was discussed. The US Ambassador also called upon the Latvian Government to ignore the recent decree by President Yeltsin and to consider it to be invalid.

Latvian and American ambassadors to Russia met in Moscow on April 11. On top of the agenda were the relations between Latvia and Russia. The US Ambassador informed his Latvian colleague that the United States would provide 2 mln. US $ to cover the Skrunda dismantling expenses. The possibility of the issuance of housing certificates for pensioned officers who would choose to settle down in Russia was discussed. The US Ambassador also called upon the Latvian Government to ignore the recent decree by President Yeltsin and to consider it to be invalid. Labrit

A group of 120 Latvian artists, writers, and scientists has signed an open letter to President Ulmanis. The letter contains criticism of the initialled agreements with Russia and refers to the agreements as "legalizing the consequences of the occupation". As the major drawbacks of the agreement the letter points out the following:

A group of 120 Latvian artists, writers, and scientists has signed an open letter to President Ulmanis. The letter contains criticism of the initialled agreements with Russia and refers to the agreements as "legalizing the consequences of the occupation". As the major drawbacks of the agreement the letter points out the following:

1) The presence of the Skrunda radar gives a basis for further provocations;

1) The presence of the Skrunda radar gives a basis for further provocations;

2) The movement of troops on the Latvian territory has not been restricted;

2) The movement of troops on the Latvian territory has not been restricted;

3) Latvia will have to cover the dismantling expenses of Skrunda;

3) Latvia will have to cover the dismantling expenses of Skrunda;

4) The withdrawal schedule has not been received, and pensioned officers have been given privileges which is unfair to the rest of the population of Latvia.

4) The withdrawal schedule has not been received, and pensioned officers have been given privileges which is unfair to the rest of the population of Latvia. Neatkariga Cina

Press Report

On April 10 President Ulmanis left for his visit to Denmark, France, and Britain. Parliament Secretary for Foreign Affairs Mr.Virsis who is accompanying the President in his trip stressed that the visits would be of a particular importance under the current situation. Mr.Ulmanis stressed that on top of the agenda would be security guarantees for Latvia. He did not name any particular conditions for his visit to Moscow. He noted that the results of his talks with West-European leaders would help to define such conditions. Prime-Minister Birkavs discussed political and economical situation in Latvia during his meeting with the Secretary General of the United Nations in Geneva. The Secretary General received the official invitation to visit Latvia this year.

On April 10 President Ulmanis left for his visit to Denmark, France, and Britain. Parliament Secretary for Foreign Affairs Mr.Virsis who is accompanying the President in his trip stressed that the visits would be of a particular importance under the current situation. Mr.Ulmanis stressed that on top of the agenda would be security guarantees for Latvia. He did not name any particular conditions for his visit to Moscow. He noted that the results of his talks with West-European leaders would help to define such conditions. Prime-Minister Birkavs discussed political and economical situation in Latvia during his meeting with the Secretary General of the United Nations in Geneva. The Secretary General received the official invitation to visit Latvia this year. Diena, Labrit

The Deputy-Head of Yeltsin's Administration Mr.Sergey Krasavchenko in his interview for the ITAR-TASS agency explained that two terms were confused in the statement by the Russian President, i.e. "military base" was used instead of "military facility". He also allowed the possibility of certain political forces using the error for their own purposes.

The Deputy-Head of Yeltsin's Administration Mr.Sergey Krasavchenko in his interview for the ITAR-TASS agency explained that two terms were confused in the statement by the Russian President, i.e. "military base" was used instead of "military facility". He also allowed the possibility of certain political forces using the error for their own purposes. Diena