Press Review

On March 22 President Ulmanis received a letter by President Clinton congratulating the President and the people of Latvia on the occasion of the initialization of the agreement on troop withdrawal between Russia and Latvia. The US President promises to support the efforts of both parties in the implementation of the agreement by providing financial aid for the dismantling of the new building of the Skrunda radar station. According to the President's Office the US Embassy to Latvia requested not to publish the letter. Similar letter by the Secretary of State Mr. Warren Christopher was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr.Andreyevs. It is mentioned in the letter that the US Government is trying to find possibilities to finance the dismantling of the Skrunda radar station in addition to 160 mln USD that have already been allotted to the housing program for Russian officers withdrawn from Latvia. Mr.Christofer also expresses his belief that the agreement will form a reliable basis for the improvement of the relations between Latvia and Russia. He also stresses that the US will monitor the proper implementation of the agreement. Prime-Minister Birkavs received a letter by his Swedish colleague Carl Bildt who points out that the temporary presence of the Skrunda radar on the Latvian soil will not prevent Latvia from being independent in determining its foreign policy.

On March 22 President Ulmanis received a letter by President Clinton congratulating the President and the people of Latvia on the occasion of the initialization of the agreement on troop withdrawal between Russia and Latvia. The US President promises to support the efforts of both parties in the implementation of the agreement by providing financial aid for the dismantling of the new building of the Skrunda radar station. According to the President's Office the US Embassy to Latvia requested not to publish the letter. Similar letter by the Secretary of State Mr. Warren Christopher was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr.Andreyevs. It is mentioned in the letter that the US Government is trying to find possibilities to finance the dismantling of the Skrunda radar station in addition to 160 mln USD that have already been allotted to the housing program for Russian officers withdrawn from Latvia. Mr.Christofer also expresses his belief that the agreement will form a reliable basis for the improvement of the relations between Latvia and Russia. He also stresses that the US will monitor the proper implementation of the agreement. Prime-Minister Birkavs received a letter by his Swedish colleague Carl Bildt who points out that the temporary presence of the Skrunda radar on the Latvian soil will not prevent Latvia from being independent in determining its foreign policy. Diena, Labrit

The Democratic Party adopted a statement expressing general support of the agreement on troop withdrawal. Still, the party objects against several paragraphs of the agreement. According to Mr.Juris Celmins, a member of the party leadership, the party has strong objections against the initialization of the agreement on social guarantees for pensioned officers. He also said that the agreement should state the definite amount of the compensation for the Skrunda radar site. The party believes that it could be 40 mln USD per year to be paid by the shipments of rough materials to Latvia. Covering of the dismantling expenses by Latvia is also unacceptable to the party. The leader of the Democratic Party Mr.Aivars Kreituss said that the party fraction would not vote for the ratification of the agreement if certain amendments are not introduced. At the same time the party supports the idea of Russian-Latvian summit.

The Democratic Party adopted a statement expressing general support of the agreement on troop withdrawal. Still, the party objects against several paragraphs of the agreement. According to Mr.Juris Celmins, a member of the party leadership, the party has strong objections against the initialization of the agreement on social guarantees for pensioned officers. He also said that the agreement should state the definite amount of the compensation for the Skrunda radar site. The party believes that it could be 40 mln USD per year to be paid by the shipments of rough materials to Latvia. Covering of the dismantling expenses by Latvia is also unacceptable to the party. The leader of the Democratic Party Mr.Aivars Kreituss said that the party fraction would not vote for the ratification of the agreement if certain amendments are not introduced. At the same time the party supports the idea of Russian-Latvian summit. Diena

Estonian Parliament Vice-Chairmen Mr.Tunne Kelam and the Chairman of the Commission for Foreign Affairs Mr.Vello Saatpalu said that Estonia would not follow the example of Latvia regarding social guarantees for pensioned officers. At the same time both politicians stressed that there is a considerable difference between political situations in the two countries. They also do not exclude the increase of political pressure on Estonia in case Latvia signs the agreement.

Estonian Parliament Vice-Chairmen Mr.Tunne Kelam and the Chairman of the Commission for Foreign Affairs Mr.Vello Saatpalu said that Estonia would not follow the example of Latvia regarding social guarantees for pensioned officers. At the same time both politicians stressed that there is a considerable difference between political situations in the two countries. They also do not exclude the increase of political pressure on Estonia in case Latvia signs the agreement. Rigas Balss

The Ostankino TV Company broadcasts in Latvia may be suspended in the nearest future. The company has not paid the Latvian State Radio and TV for the re-broadcasting of its programs. The were also demands made by the spokesmen for nationalist parties to stop the re-broadcasting of programs that contain misinformation on the political situation in Latvia. The interruption of the TV broadcasts from Moscow may cause serious protests on the part of the Russian-speaking population and part of the ethnic Latvians. 

The Ostankino TV Company broadcasts in Latvia may be suspended in the nearest future. The company has not paid the Latvian State Radio and TV for the re-broadcasting of its programs. The were also demands made by the spokesmen for nationalist parties to stop the re-broadcasting of programs that contain misinformation on the political situation in Latvia. The interruption of the TV broadcasts from Moscow may cause serious protests on the part of the Russian-speaking population and part of the ethnic Latvians.Rigas Balss, SM

Press Review

The Cabinet of Ministers considered the agreements on troops withdrawal and pensioned officers. At the TV press-conference that followed the meeting of the Cabinet Mr.Birkavs emphasized that everyone should seriously think about possible results of the ratification or non-ratification of the agreements. He also gave his own reasons in favor of the ratification. He stressed that the Russian army will be withdrawn before August 31 and the dismantling of the new facilities at Skrunda would start immediately after that. He also stressed that the agreements would be registered by the UN and international control would be exercised over the facility. He said that the agreement did not provide for the granting of Latvian citizenship to pensioned Russian officers. In case the agreements were not signed the withdrawal would not be accomplished until the end of the year, Russia would continue controlling Skrunda, and Latvia would not receive any compensation.In his interview for "LABRIT" Mr.Birkavs also said that one of the possible ways to increase the compensation indirectly could be the introduction of favorable import duties on agricultural goods imported to Russia. Diena

President Ulmanis and the members of the latvian delegation to the troops withdrawal talks agreed that the people should know more about the agreement and that the government should start a propaganda campaign on the subject. The results of recent sociological polls were also discussed. According to the results 52% of the Latvian citizens demand the suspension of the Skrunda radar operation before August 31. In this connection it was stressed that society should be provided with a more concise information on the agreements. Diena

The Ambassador of the Council of Europe Jaime Cabanihlas i Unquera stressed that though the agreement is not an ideal one it would be an important step towards the consolidation of Europe. Diena

The "RIGAS BALSS" journalist Arnis Lapins comments on the reaction to the initialization of the agreements between Latvia and Russia. He stresses that nationalists had started protesting against the agreements even before they were published. He also insists that the approach to the issue should be realistic. He points out that the Russian Parliament might not ratify the agreement. As a main reason for the opposition's objections against the ratification the journalist names their willingness to carry on with endless discussions instead of solving economical and social problems.Rigas Balss

The "ROSAMLAT" association headed by the Ambassador of Latvia to Russia Mr.Janis Peters is building cottages for 6,700 families of Russian Army officers in Russia. The association is operating within the framework of "Russian Military Officer Resettlement Program" by the US Government. 160 mln USD are expected to be spent on the program. "ROSAMLAT" is planning to provide 150,000 officers and their family members with houses and apartments. Rigas Balss

The Saema Working Group for Human Rights has worked up the draft law on the status of politically oppressed inhabitants of Latvia. Defined as "politically oppressed" are citizens of the Latvian Republic and its inhabitants who entered the country after May 9, 1994 or legally resided in the country before June 17, 1940 and were politically oppressed during Nazi occupation and Communist regime. The draft also includes a new category of "indirectly oppressed" i.e. Latvian citizens who were not prosecuted or exiled to Siberia but lost their property or were oppressed in other manner. Diena

Mr.Vladimir Bogdanov in his interview for "PANORAMA LATVII" accuses the Supreme Court in supporting decisions of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration formerly declined by local courts. He stresses that Mr.Martins Dudelis, the First Deputy-Chairman of the Supreme Court uses formal pretexts to support the decisions by the Department. Panorama Latvii

On March 23 a picketing of the Cabinet of Ministers by "round stamps" took place. Around one hundred persons carrying enlarged round stamps and quotations from the Declaration of Human Rights took part in the event. SM

Press Report

According to the Chairman of the State Assembly Commission for Foreign Affairs of Estonia the Government of the country has supported Latvia's agreement with Russia on troops withdrawal. Latvian organizations in Sweden have addressed the President of Latvia with a statement of protest against the agreement initialled in Moscow. The organization consider agreements on Skrunda and pensioned officers to be equal to a recognition of the legitimacy of the Russian occupation. According to the President's Office Mr.Ulmanis had a meeting with the Chairman of the Saema Anatoly Gorbunov, Prime-Minister Valdis Birkavs, Minister of Interior Girts Kristovskis, Minister for Special Missions Edvins Inkens, Parliament Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Martins Virsis, and the Head of the "Latvijas Cels" fraction Andreis Pantelejevs. The subject of the meeting was the preparation for the summit to be held in Moscow in the second half of April. Today the President will have a meeting with the Latvian delegation members. It has been also explained to the participants of the meeting that the draft agreements (Latvian version) are not official translation from Russian.

According to the Chairman of the State Assembly Commission for Foreign Affairs of Estonia the Government of the country has supported Latvia's agreement with Russia on troops withdrawal. Latvian organizations in Sweden have addressed the President of Latvia with a statement of protest against the agreement initialled in Moscow. The organization consider agreements on Skrunda and pensioned officers to be equal to a recognition of the legitimacy of the Russian occupation. According to the President's Office Mr.Ulmanis had a meeting with the Chairman of the Saema Anatoly Gorbunov, Prime-Minister Valdis Birkavs, Minister of Interior Girts Kristovskis, Minister for Special Missions Edvins Inkens, Parliament Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Martins Virsis, and the Head of the "Latvijas Cels" fraction Andreis Pantelejevs. The subject of the meeting was the preparation for the summit to be held in Moscow in the second half of April. Today the President will have a meeting with the Latvian delegation members. It has been also explained to the participants of the meeting that the draft agreements (Latvian version) are not official translation from Russian. Diena, Labrit

"Tevzemei in Brivibai" fraction submitted the draft law on the referendum on the Skrunda radar station to the Saema. "T un B" suggests that it should be the people who will make the final decision on the issue and that the ratification of the agreement should be postponed until the results of the referendum are known. According to the draft law the referendum is to be held during the elections for the self-governing bodies on May 29. The Saema will make a decision on the ratification of the agreement on the Skrunda radar station with regard of the results of the referendum. The Presidium of the Saema has decreed to hand the draft over to the Legal Commission. The Commission will prepare the draft for consideration during a plenary meeting of the Saeima. The referendum can be held only if a special law is adopted since Satversme (the Constitution) does not provide for referendums on international agreements.

"Tevzemei in Brivibai" fraction submitted the draft law on the referendum on the Skrunda radar station to the Saema. "T un B" suggests that it should be the people who will make the final decision on the issue and that the ratification of the agreement should be postponed until the results of the referendum are known. According to the draft law the referendum is to be held during the elections for the self-governing bodies on May 29. The Saema will make a decision on the ratification of the agreement on the Skrunda radar station with regard of the results of the referendum. The Presidium of the Saema has decreed to hand the draft over to the Legal Commission. The Commission will prepare the draft for consideration during a plenary meeting of the Saeima. The referendum can be held only if a special law is adopted since Satversme (the Constitution) does not provide for referendums on international agreements. Diena

The Latvian Union of Physicians has addressed Russian Ambassador Mr.Rannikh with an open letter. The subject of the letter is the status of Russian military hospitals. According to the agreement between Latvia and Russia the hospital are to be jointly used and managed by Latvia and Russia in order to render medical care to pensioned army officers and Latvian defence forces' servicemen. The Union does not agree to such approach but still approves of the idea that Russia should provide medical care to its retired army officers. The letter also contains a protest against information spread by the Ostankino TV Co. on the discrimination of non-Latvians by the Latvian system of health-care. Such misinformation can provoke ethnic confrontation in the country, the letter says

The Latvian Union of Physicians has addressed Russian Ambassador Mr.Rannikh with an open letter. The subject of the letter is the status of Russian military hospitals. According to the agreement between Latvia and Russia the hospital are to be jointly used and managed by Latvia and Russia in order to render medical care to pensioned army officers and Latvian defence forces' servicemen. The Union does not agree to such approach but still approves of the idea that Russia should provide medical care to its retired army officers. The letter also contains a protest against information spread by the Ostankino TV Co. on the discrimination of non-Latvians by the Latvian system of health-care. Such misinformation can provoke ethnic confrontation in the country, the letter says. Labrit

The Monument to the Liberators of Riga was defiled yesterday. Swastikas and "occupants, get out" slogan were painted on the front part of the Monument. The police has started the investigation of this act of vandalism.

The Monument to the Liberators of Riga was defiled yesterday. Swastikas and "occupants, get out" slogan were painted on the front part of the Monument. The police has started the investigation of this act of vandalism. SM

A conference of the Union for Protection of the Veterans' Rights was held on March 19. Among the subjects discussed were the rights of war veterans in Latvia had the registration of the Union. General-Colonel Mayorov criticized the union for its pro-Soviet activities in the past. Vladimir Buzayev, a chairman of one of the commissions of the "League of the Stateless" stressed that in spite of certain nationalistic trends that are present in the current domestic policies democratic tendencies still prevail in the social life of the country.

A conference of the Union for Protection of the Veterans' Rights was held on March 19. Among the subjects discussed were the rights of war veterans in Latvia had the registration of the Union. General-Colonel Mayorov criticized the union for its pro-Soviet activities in the past. Vladimir Buzayev, a chairman of one of the commissions of the "League of the Stateless" stressed that in spite of certain nationalistic trends that are present in the current domestic policies democratic tendencies still prevail in the social life of the country. SM Segodnya

The splitting of the "Saskana Latvijai" party according to "Rigas Balss" could be a manoeuvre helping the party to win more votes at the upcoming local elections. The newly created "Tautsaimnieku politiskaja apvieniba" (TA) (Industrial Union) focusses more on economical issues. The approach of the party to the citizenship issue is quite liberal; it suggests that the citizenship should be granted to all persons having lived in Latvia for more than 10 years and having proved their knowledge of the state language.

The splitting of the "Saskana Latvijai" party according to "Rigas Balss" could be a manoeuvre helping the party to win more votes at the upcoming local elections. The newly created "Tautsaimnieku politiskaja apvieniba" (TA) (Industrial Union) focusses more on economical issues. The approach of the party to the citizenship issue is quite liberal; it suggests that the citizenship should be granted to all persons having lived in Latvia for more than 10 years and having proved their knowledge of the state language. Rigas Balss

Press Review

A special unit for preventing acts of terrorism in Skrunda has been formed. According to Procurator General of the Latvian Republic Mr.Janis Skrastins a unit of combat engineers will be temporarily deployed in Kuldiga to remove explosives in case of terrorist acts.

A special unit for preventing acts of terrorism in Skrunda has been formed. According to Procurator General of the Latvian Republic Mr.Janis Skrastins a unit of combat engineers will be temporarily deployed in Kuldiga to remove explosives in case of terrorist acts. Labrit

"LABRIT" journalist Kaspars Kalnciems surveys the attitude towards the agreement on troops withdrawal. He agrees that there are certain reasons for general concern about the prolongation of the radar operation and about a large number of pensioned servicemen staying in Latvia as residents. Among the reasons are the resemblance of the current agreement to the one signed by Latvia and USSR before the World War 2, the unstable and unpredictable political situation in Russia, the privileges that had been granted to pensioned officers during the Soviets. He points out Mr.Virsis' approach who said that the agreement was a mutual compromise as the most reasonable one. At the same time he agrees that the majority of retired army officers to stay in Latvia as residents cannot be expected to be loyal to the Latvian state and so can be potentially dangerous. He also points out the importance of the CSCE involvement into monitoring the Skrunda dismantling process.

"LABRIT" journalist Kaspars Kalnciems surveys the attitude towards the agreement on troops withdrawal. He agrees that there are certain reasons for general concern about the prolongation of the radar operation and about a large number of pensioned servicemen staying in Latvia as residents. Among the reasons are the resemblance of the current agreement to the one signed by Latvia and USSR before the World War 2, the unstable and unpredictable political situation in Russia, the privileges that had been granted to pensioned officers during the Soviets. He points out Mr.Virsis' approach who said that the agreement was a mutual compromise as the most reasonable one. At the same time he agrees that the majority of retired army officers to stay in Latvia as residents cannot be expected to be loyal to the Latvian state and so can be potentially dangerous. He also points out the importance of the CSCE involvement into monitoring the Skrunda dismantling process. Labrit

Rasma Darvina expresses extremely critical attitude to the agreement in her article in "NEATKARIGA CINA". She blames "Latvijas Cels" for compromizing the interests of the Latvian people in order to "implement global human rights concept on account of Latvians."

Rasma Darvina expresses extremely critical attitude to the agreement in her article in "NEATKARIGA CINA". She blames "Latvijas Cels" for compromizing the interests of the Latvian people in order to "implement global human rights concept on account of Latvians."

Press Report

22 Saema deputies have signed an open letter to Mr.Guntis Ulmanis calling upon him not to sign the agreement with Russia that would allow temporary operation of the Skrunda radar station on the Latvian soil. The letter points out that the agreement contradicts the Law of the Republic of Latvia on International Agreements. The deputies believe that it should be the citizens to decide the issue of Skrunda during a referendum. According to the deputies the agreement is in contradiction with Articles 3 and 7 of the Law on International Agreements that state that the agreements on the presence of foreign troops on the territory of Latvia and on their status can be concluded only upon the decision of the Saema. It is also mentioned in the letter that the agreement was initialled while the Saema had not considered the issue of restricting the responsibilities of the Latvian delegation to the talks. The Chairman of the Legal Commission of the Saema Mr.Aivars Endzins called the criticism "absurd" since the agreement was only initialled and would come into force only upon the ratification by the parliaments of both countries. Currently the agreement has a status of a protocol of intentions. The deputies also stress that the ratification of the agreement will mean the rejection of demands for prompt and complete troops withdrawal supported by the UN and CSCE resolutions. Such approach, says the letter, also weakens the position of Estonia in its negotiations with Russia. The letter was signed by several LNNK, "Tevzemei un Brivibai", and "Christian-Democratic Union" deputies, by independent deputies, and by Oskar Grigs of "The Farmers' Union" and Alfreds Cepanis and Karlis Leiskalns of the Democratic Party.

22 Saema deputies have signed an open letter to Mr.Guntis Ulmanis calling upon him not to sign the agreement with Russia that would allow temporary operation of the Skrunda radar station on the Latvian soil. The letter points out that the agreement contradicts the Law of the Republic of Latvia on International Agreements. The deputies believe that it should be the citizens to decide the issue of Skrunda during a referendum. According to the deputies the agreement is in contradiction with Articles 3 and 7 of the Law on International Agreements that state that the agreements on the presence of foreign troops on the territory of Latvia and on their status can be concluded only upon the decision of the Saema. It is also mentioned in the letter that the agreement was initialled while the Saema had not considered the issue of restricting the responsibilities of the Latvian delegation to the talks. The Chairman of the Legal Commission of the Saema Mr.Aivars Endzins called the criticism "absurd" since the agreement was only initialled and would come into force only upon the ratification by the parliaments of both countries. Currently the agreement has a status of a protocol of intentions. The deputies also stress that the ratification of the agreement will mean the rejection of demands for prompt and complete troops withdrawal supported by the UN and CSCE resolutions. Such approach, says the letter, also weakens the position of Estonia in its negotiations with Russia. The letter was signed by several LNNK, "Tevzemei un Brivibai", and "Christian-Democratic Union" deputies, by independent deputies, and by Oskar Grigs of "The Farmers' Union" and Alfreds Cepanis and Karlis Leiskalns of the Democratic Party. Diena, Labrit

The Plenary Meeting of CSCE Permanent Committee that was held on March 14 approved of the initialization of the agreement on troops withdrawal.

The Plenary Meeting of CSCE Permanent Committee that was held on March 14 approved of the initialization of the agreement on troops withdrawal. Diena, Labrit

During his meeting with the Pope Mr.Ulmanis stressed that the agreement achieved between Latvia and Russia was "not a reason for festivities" for Latvians. The Pope his interest towards the problem in connection with his meeting with Mr.Yeltsin that had been scheduled for July. "VAKARA ZINAS" journalist Zalman Katz analyzes new tendencies in the working-out of the Draft Citizenship Law. As the most important one he points out the absence of the quota principle in the "Latvijas Cels" Draft. He stresses that the latest version of the draft proposed by "Latvijas Cels" complies to the greatest extend to international recommendations. He also points out that current discussions on the citizenship issue are mainly aimed at obtaining political leadership at the Saema and not at creating the best law possible.

During his meeting with the Pope Mr.Ulmanis stressed that the agreement achieved between Latvia and Russia was "not a reason for festivities" for Latvians. The Pope his interest towards the problem in connection with his meeting with Mr.Yeltsin that had been scheduled for July. "VAKARA ZINAS" journalist Zalman Katz analyzes new tendencies in the working-out of the Draft Citizenship Law. As the most important one he points out the absence of the quota principle in the "Latvijas Cels" Draft. He stresses that the latest version of the draft proposed by "Latvijas Cels" complies to the greatest extend to international recommendations. He also points out that current discussions on the citizenship issue are mainly aimed at obtaining political leadership at the Saema and not at creating the best law possible. Vakara Zinas

The "Saskana" fraction will split in two according to the decision made by the leadership of the party on March 18. The new fractions will start working under the name of "Tautas Saskana" (TS) and "Tautsaimnieku apvieniba" (TA). One of the main reasons of the split-up is the support of the ruling coalition's Draft Citizenship Law by E.Kide, who will probably lead the TA fraction. There is a certain possibility that the two newly-created fractions will form a coalition.

The "Saskana" fraction will split in two according to the decision made by the leadership of the party on March 18. The new fractions will start working under the name of "Tautas Saskana" (TS) and "Tautsaimnieku apvieniba" (TA). One of the main reasons of the split-up is the support of the ruling coalition's Draft Citizenship Law by E.Kide, who will probably lead the TA fraction. There is a certain possibility that the two newly-created fractions will form a coalition. Diena