Press Report

Press Report

On Thursday about 100 non-citizens of Latvia gathered at the Russian Embassy in Riga to express their indignation about the last moment of the decision of the Russian government on the procedure how visa regime should be implemented. This delay caused Latvian non-citizens considerable problems. Russian Federation Consul to Latvia V.Polakov told

On Thursday about 100 non-citizens of Latvia gathered at the Russian Embassy in Riga to express their indignation about the last moment of the decision of the Russian government on the procedure how visa regime should be implemented. This delay caused Latvian non-citizens considerable problems. Russian Federation Consul to Latvia V.Polakov told Diena that the introduction of this visa regime was expected at the end of 1999 when the Latvian – Russian agreement lost its validity, but due to a public pressure Russian President V.Putin prolonged it until December 31, 2000. Diena

Yesterday the Saeima adopted in the second reading amendments to the Administrative Code in order to harmonise the Code with the State language law, establishing fines for ignoring the law and Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers as well as showing open contempt. For such a violation the person guilty may be fined with up to 250 Ls. For violating the State language law, e.g. for signing an employment contract with an employee who doe not know the state language, the employer may be fined with 100 – 250 Ls. The institution responsible for considering and fining will be the State Language Centre.

Yesterday the Saeima adopted in the second reading amendments to the Administrative Code in order to harmonise the Code with the State language law, establishing fines for ignoring the law and Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers as well as showing open contempt. For such a violation the person guilty may be fined with up to 250 Ls. For violating the State language law, e.g. for signing an employment contract with an employee who doe not know the state language, the employer may be fined with 100 – 250 Ls. The institution responsible for considering and fining will be the State Language Centre. Jauna Avize

Russian speaking newspapers comment this with the Soviet saying “My tongue - my enemy”. Luckily the capital punishment is not included in the list of penalties.

Russian speaking newspapers comment this with the Soviet saying My tongue - my enemy. Luckily the capital punishment is not included in the list of penalties. Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Newspaper

Newspaper Respublika tells its readers about Gita Umanovska, a Latvian language instructor and her experiences while teaching the language to Russian speakers. Gita spoke about her two last students, who after living in Riga just for a few months passed the language test on the highest level. These people realised that this was Latvia and they would need the language. They did not even think that they could live without the Latvian language and manage everything only in Russian.

Although the procedure of receiving visas for Latvian non-citizens to go to Russia after December 31 is not adopted yet, it was announced yesterday that already by the end of this year non-citizens might receive at the consular departments of Russian Embassy one term visas with the validity term for three months. Fee for drawing up a visa within 6 days is 6 USD, within 3 days – 11 USD but in a day – 16 USD. Vesti

Although the procedure of receiving visas for Latvian non-citizens to go to Russia after December 31 is not adopted yet, it was announced yesterday that already by the end of this year non-citizens might receive at the consular departments of Russian Embassy one term visas with the validity term for three months. Fee for drawing up a visa within 6 days is 6 USD, within 3 days – 11 USD but in a day – 16 USD. Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Yesterday the Deputy Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russian Federation S.Ordzhenikidze was informed about the last statements of the head of the Latvian Saeima Delegation to Moscow R.Piks about him. In his statement R.Piks accused the Deputy Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs of bad behaviour during their discussion. According to R.Piks, Mr. Ordzhenikidze showed lack of professionalism, even more “his tone and formulations made Latvians to wonder if he was still dwelling in the diplomacy of the time of Molotov – Ribbentrop Pact. According to unofficial information the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs will not react officially to the announcement of the Latvian MP.

Yesterday the Deputy Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russian Federation S.Ordzhenikidze was informed about the last statements of the head of the Latvian Saeima Delegation to Moscow R.Piks about him. In his statement R.Piks accused the Deputy Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs of bad behaviour during their discussion. According to R.Piks, Mr. Ordzhenikidze showed lack of professionalism, even more his tone and formulations made Latvians to wonder if he was still dwelling in the diplomacy of the time of Molotov – Ribbentrop Pact. According to unofficial information the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs will not react officially to the announcement of the Latvian MP. Panorama Latvii

Latvijas Vestnesis published a long interview with the Head of the Saeima delegation to Moscow about their experiences there.

Latvijas Vestnesis published a long interview with the Head of the Saeima delegation to Moscow about their experiences there.

Press Report

Press Report

Although the majority of Latvian citizens who have received this citizenship recently are politically active and could be a serious support to the leading political parties in the next local government election, majority of those parties are not able or do not consider it necessary to have more elastic approach to the change of the body of electorate and attract these new citizens as their supporters. Diena

Although the majority of Latvian citizens who have received this citizenship recently are politically active and could be a serious support to the leading political parties in the next local government election, majority of those parties are not able or do not consider it necessary to have more elastic approach to the change of the body of electorate and attract these new citizens as their supporters. Diena

The Chairman of Latvian Social Democrats J.Bojars said that they would not reveal their candidate for the post of the Riga City Mayor until the very election. Diena

The Chairman of Latvian Social Democrats J.Bojars said that they would not reveal their candidate for the post of the Riga City Mayor until the very election. Diena

Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov explained to Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga during their meeting on Wednesday that Latvian non-citizens would need visa to enter Russia starting from January 1, 2001 because the Russian – Latvian agreement on no visa regime for former USSR citizens who had not become citizens of some other country was not extended.  

Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov explained to Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga during their meeting on Wednesday that Latvian non-citizens would need visa to enter Russia starting from January 1, 2001 because the Russian – Latvian agreement on no visa regime for former USSR citizens who had not become citizens of some other country was not extended.

Press Report

Press Report

World Bank Regional Director, leaving his post after 8 years, sees the presence of Russian speakers in Latvia as a potential for development of Latvia in the future, turning it from an ethnic burden into an economic priority. It would allow to adjust Western services, based on modern technologies, for consumer needs in Russia and other CIS states.

World Bank Regional Director, leaving his post after 8 years, sees the presence of Russian speakers in Latvia as a potential for development of Latvia in the future, turning it from an ethnic burden into an economic priority. It would allow to adjust Western services, based on modern technologies, for consumer needs in Russia and other CIS states. Diena

PACE Supervision Committee has decided to propose to stop the supervisions, proposed by Russia, whether Latvia was adequately implementing all EU member states’ duties and obligations concerning human rights. In the report the Supervision Committee stated that they had gathered enough confirmation about the progress made by Latvian authorities and intention to ratify the Framework Convention on National minorities and Social Chart of Europe but still proposed to increase the tempo of naturalisation.

PACE Supervision Committee has decided to propose to stop the supervisions, proposed by Russia, whether Latvia was adequately implementing all EU member states duties and obligations concerning human rights. In the report the Supervision Committee stated that they had gathered enough confirmation about the progress made by Latvian authorities and intention to ratify the Framework Convention on National minorities and Social Chart of Europe but still proposed to increase the tempo of naturalisation. Diena, Neatkariga

The left wing union For Human Rights in United Latvia faces problems in drafting their list of candidates for the Riga City Council although the three united parties have nominated their candidates but they have to agree on their sequence in this list.

The left wing union For Human Rights in United Latvia faces problems in drafting their list of candidates for the Riga City Council although the three united parties have nominated their candidates but they have to agree on their sequence in this list. Diena

According to the data of the Central Board of Statistics in the third quarter of 2000, comparing to the same quarter in 1999, the GDP of Latvia has increased for 5.9%. This was the biggest increase after the Russian crisis.

According to the data of the Central Board of Statistics in the third quarter of 2000, comparing to the same quarter in 1999, the GDP of Latvia has increased for 5.9%. This was the biggest increase after the Russian crisis. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Respublika

The newspaper

The newspaper Rigas Balss tells its readers that Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga and her husband are busy studying the Russian language. The President pays a lot of effort to master it.

The Russian speaking newspapers of Latvia write about the visit of the Saeima delegation to Moscow. During their meeting with the Head of the National Council’s Committee on CIS and Compatriots Affairs B.Pastuhov, they spent half an hour describing Latvian achievements in the integration process. It turned out that Russian speakers in Latvia gladly sent their children to Latvian schools. Some deputies even did not know any case when national minority representatives were dissatisfied with some decisions of Latvian authorities. But the Committee members did not take it for granted and asked many unpleasant questions about the education system, the state language, firing of Russian teachers for not knowing the Latvian language on the highest level.

The Russian speaking newspapers of Latvia write about the visit of the Saeima delegation to Moscow. During their meeting with the Head of the National Councils Committee on CIS and Compatriots Affairs B.Pastuhov, they spent half an hour describing Latvian achievements in the integration process. It turned out that Russian speakers in Latvia gladly sent their children to Latvian schools. Some deputies even did not know any case when national minority representatives were dissatisfied with some decisions of Latvian authorities. But the Committee members did not take it for granted and asked many unpleasant questions about the education system, the state language, firing of Russian teachers for not knowing the Latvian language on the highest level. Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Panorama Latvii

 

 Press Report

Press Report

On Monday CDSS Commissioner H.Degn visited Riga and had meetings with Saeima Speaker J.Straume and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Human Rights Office and OSCE. With the change in CDSS leadership, some essential changes are brought into the mandate of CBSS – in the future the emphasis will be on the basic principles provided for by documents of the OSCE, EC and UN Framework Convention on Human Rights.

On Monday CDSS Commissioner H.Degn visited Riga and had meetings with Saeima Speaker J.Straume and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Human Rights Office and OSCE. With the change in CDSS leadership, some essential changes are brought into the mandate of CBSS – in the future the emphasis will be on the basic principles provided for by documents of the OSCE, EC and UN Framework Convention on Human Rights. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas

Soros Foundation Latvia has finished donation programme for NGOs. The programme went on for 4 years and more than 170 NGOs have received funding which amounts to LVL 213 248. Donations were meant to cover fixed costs of NGOs, such as, rent, salaries and communications. The NGO Centre has applied for 2 new projects and the priority of these 2 projects could be society integration and development of already established NGOs.

Soros Foundation Latvia has finished donation programme for NGOs. The programme went on for 4 years and more than 170 NGOs have received funding which amounts to LVL 213 248. Donations were meant to cover fixed costs of NGOs, such as, rent, salaries and communications. The NGO Centre has applied for 2 new projects and the priority of these 2 projects could be society integration and development of already established NGOs. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna

For the first time during 7th Saeima Latvia’s delegation, constituted of the deputies of all Parliament factions, has arrived in Moscow. The delegation will meet with the officials of Russia’s State Duma and National Council, as well as with foreign affair minister deputy S.Ordzonikidze. The main discussion subjects are Language Law, bilingual education, and citizenship. Latvian parliamentarians do not aim to reach specific agreements, as the fact itself that these discussions take place should already be considered as an achievement.

For the first time during 7th Saeima Latvias delegation, constituted of the deputies of all Parliament factions, has arrived in Moscow. The delegation will meet with the officials of Russias State Duma and National Council, as well as with foreign affair minister deputy S.Ordzonikidze. The main discussion subjects are Language Law, bilingual education, and citizenship. Latvian parliamentarians do not aim to reach specific agreements, as the fact itself that these discussions take place should already be considered as an achievement. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Respublika, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii.

Federal Councillor of Switzerland J.Deiss is on an official visit in Latvia. “Although Switzerland is neither the member of the EU nor NATO, Latvia is interested to discuss safety issues in Europe with Switzerland”, said the foreign affair minister I.Berzins. J.Deiss had meetings with the President, Prime Minister and Saeima Speaker. V.Vike-Freiberga informed the guest about the course of society integration in Latvia and expressed her gratitude for the support provided by Switzerland.

Federal Councillor of Switzerland J.Deiss is on an official visit in Latvia. Although Switzerland is neither the member of the EU nor NATO, Latvia is interested to discuss safety issues in Europe with Switzerland, said the foreign affair minister I.Berzins. J.Deiss had meetings with the President, Prime Minister and Saeima Speaker. V.Vike-Freiberga informed the guest about the course of society integration in Latvia and expressed her gratitude for the support provided by Switzerland. Neatkariga, Jauna, Respublika, Vesti Segodnja

The New Party will discuss introduction of the essential changes in party’s programme at its congress on 13 January. The party refused to disclose what kind of changes will be discussed, however, mentioned that they concern the basic principles of the programme. Another important task for the party will be the election of party’s chairman.

The New Party will discuss introduction of the essential changes in partys programme at its congress on 13 January. The party refused to disclose what kind of changes will be discussed, however, mentioned that they concern the basic principles of the programme. Another important task for the party will be the election of partys chairman. Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Chas

Officials do not support the idea about the President elected by the people of Latvia. FF/LNNK voices that there are too many parties in Latvia to introduce such election system. People’s Party faction chairman deputy opposes that introduction of such institution would be just illusion – it would not solve anything. Social Democrats and People’s Harmony Party support the idea about a president elected by the people of the state

Officials do not support the idea about the President elected by the people of Latvia. FF/LNNK voices that there are too many parties in Latvia to introduce such election system. Peoples Party faction chairman deputy opposes that introduction of such institution would be just illusion – it would not solve anything. Social Democrats and Peoples Harmony Party support the idea about a president elected by the people of the state. Rigas Balss.

Non-citizens of Latvia will have easier conditions to receive a visa to go to Russia – this is a forecast of newspaper

Non-citizens of Latvia will have easier conditions to receive a visa to go to Russia – this is a forecast of newspaper Vesti Segodnja. It means that for non-citizens of Latvia to receive a visa to Russia the invitation is not required, which is a mandatory requirement for the citizens. Vesti Segodnja

As of 1 January 2001 the new procedure to receive citizenship of Russia comes into effect – according to the new procedure, the applicant for a citizenship first of all has to obtain a residence permit in Russia.

As of 1 January 2001 the new procedure to receive citizenship of Russia comes into effect – according to the new procedure, the applicant for a citizenship first of all has to obtain a residence permit in Russia. Chas, Panorama Latvii.

Press Report

On Monday a delegation form the Saeima arrives to Moscow. The will have meetings with high officials of the Russian National Council. The leader of the delegation is R.Piks (People’s Party

On Monday a delegation form the Saeima arrives to Moscow. The will have meetings with high officials of the Russian National Council. The leader of the delegation is R.Piks (Peoples Party). Diena, Chas

Latvia has signed an agreement with the notorious German company Giesecke &Devrient; on printing the new Latvian citizen passports. The same company printed previous Latvian citizen passports that turned out to be polygraphically defective. According to the information provided by the DCMA Press Secretary D.Urtane, the new printing company should ensure possibilities of crediting for about 1 million Ls for printing the first 500 000 passports and the equipment necessary for issuing these passports. The DCMA informed that by 2003 it was planned to supply 2 million passports for the total sum of 3.2 million Ls.

Latvia has signed an agreement with the notorious German company Giesecke &Devrient on printing the new Latvian citizen passports. The same company printed previous Latvian citizen passports that turned out to be polygraphically defective. According to the information provided by the DCMA Press Secretary D.Urtane, the new printing company should ensure possibilities of crediting for about 1 million Ls for printing the first 500 000 passports and the equipment necessary for issuing these passports. The DCMA informed that by 2003 it was planned to supply 2 million passports for the total sum of 3.2 million Ls. Neatkariga

On Monday the new CDSS Commissioner of Democratic Development H.Degn will come in an introductory visit to Riga. She will have discussions with representatives of the Saeima, Latvian MFA, Human Rights Office and the OSCE Mission to Latvia on furthering of development of democracy in Latvia, co-operation with the Parliament and NGOs.

On Monday the new CDSS Commissioner of Democratic Development H.Degn will come in an introductory visit to Riga. She will have discussions with representatives of the Saeima, Latvian MFA, Human Rights Office and the OSCE Mission to Latvia on furthering of development of democracy in Latvia, co-operation with the Parliament and NGOs. Neatkariga