Press Report

Press Report

Juris Bojars, leader of Latvia's Social Democratic Workers Party, claims that the Prime Minister's critique over unfruitful work at the Riga City Council by the social democrats, is proof of hostility and arrogance. Bojars told BNS that the Prime Minister, Andris Berzins, has always been "very hostile and arrogant, with no intellectual basis." "Confucius has said that, if you want to lead then don't hope for fast results," said Bojars. He said that the new Riga City council has been working for only three months and that he doubts if Berzins, former Riga mayor, had achieved as much in the same time. "Establishing a Riga City Council coalition took one and a half months alone, because For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK tried to manipulate in all sorts of ways," said Bojars. The social democrat leader considers the democratization of the city council's work the biggest achievement carried out by the council faction, including Russian speakers in the work of the council. "This has taken away the arguments from a number of hostile forces in neighboring countries. An internationally huge step has been taken in the democratization of the council's decision making," said Bojars.

Juris Bojars, leader of Latvia's Social Democratic Workers Party, claims that the Prime Minister's critique over unfruitful work at the Riga City Council by the social democrats, is proof of hostility and arrogance. Bojars told BNS that the Prime Minister, Andris Berzins, has always been "very hostile and arrogant, with no intellectual basis." "Confucius has said that, if you want to lead then don't hope for fast results," said Bojars. He said that the new Riga City council has been working for only three months and that he doubts if Berzins, former Riga mayor, had achieved as much in the same time. "Establishing a Riga City Council coalition took one and a half months alone, because For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK tried to manipulate in all sorts of ways," said Bojars. The social democrat leader considers the democratization of the city council's work the biggest achievement carried out by the council faction, including Russian speakers in the work of the council. "This has taken away the arguments from a number of hostile forces in neighboring countries. An internationally huge step has been taken in the democratization of the council's decision making," said Bojars. BNS

The Riga City Council factions could assess an offer for multi-level cooperation between Riga and Moscow within a week's time, while the Foreign Ministry is yet to give its assessment of the agreement, which may also, change in a few sections. Deputy mayor of Riga, Sergejs Dolgapolovs, said that the agreement would be assessed by the council factions within a week and that it should not be prolonged, as it is expected to be signed in mid-August when the city will be visited by Moscow officials during Riga's 800th anniversary celebrations. The cooperation agreement offer received by the Moscow city council is expected to be in force for three years, while an answer with suggestions from Riga is being prepared. Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars previously said that the agreement would be signed in fall, when Riga will be visited by Moscow Mayor Yuriy Luzhkov, while a protocol could be signed with the city council even earlier. The Foreign Ministry claims that it is unable to say how long the assessment of such an offer may take, adding that some points may be changed during the assessment process.

The Riga City Council factions could assess an offer for multi-level cooperation between Riga and Moscow within a week's time, while the Foreign Ministry is yet to give its assessment of the agreement, which may also, change in a few sections. Deputy mayor of Riga, Sergejs Dolgapolovs, said that the agreement would be assessed by the council factions within a week and that it should not be prolonged, as it is expected to be signed in mid-August when the city will be visited by Moscow officials during Riga's 800th anniversary celebrations. The cooperation agreement offer received by the Moscow city council is expected to be in force for three years, while an answer with suggestions from Riga is being prepared. Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars previously said that the agreement would be signed in fall, when Riga will be visited by Moscow Mayor Yuriy Luzhkov, while a protocol could be signed with the city council even earlier. The Foreign Ministry claims that it is unable to say how long the assessment of such an offer may take, adding that some points may be changed during the assessment process. BNS, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Although the union For Human Rights in United Latvia is not in the Riga City Council coalition but only holds several important positions in the Council, after a discussion on Monday between Social Democrats and For Human Rights in United Latvia they strengthened co-operation of both parties after the disagreement when control over development of Riga City was given to a representative of FF/LNNK I.Vaidere but not the Deputy mayor S.Dolgopolov. During the discussion no decision was taken on re-division fields to be controlled but both political forces agreed on closer co-operation and improving of exchange of information.

Although the union For Human Rights in United Latvia is not in the Riga City Council coalition but only holds several important positions in the Council, after a discussion on Monday between Social Democrats and For Human Rights in United Latvia they strengthened co-operation of both parties after the disagreement when control over development of Riga City was given to a representative of FF/LNNK I.Vaidere but not the Deputy mayor S.Dolgopolov. During the discussion no decision was taken on re-division fields to be controlled but both political forces agreed on closer co-operation and improving of exchange of information. Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Current Latvian Ambassador to Sweden J.Dripe will be replaced by G.Jegermanis who will take this post from August 19.

Current Latvian Ambassador to Sweden J.Dripe will be replaced by G.Jegermanis who will take this post from August 19. Diena

According to the information of Russian newspaper “Nezavisimaya Gazeta” does not satisfy Russian government. As the newspaper wrote, “the situation with the national minorities in Latvia for Kremlin – the most important priority, but the process of naturalization - receiving of citizenship – proceeds extremely slow”.

According to the information of Russian newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta does not satisfy Russian government. As the newspaper wrote, the situation with the national minorities in Latvia for Kremlin – the most important priority, but the process of naturalization - receiving of citizenship – proceeds extremely slow. Vesti Segodnya

MP Helena Demakova writes about the reaction to the letter of A.Garda. She finds the reaction of EU Commissioner G.Verheugen to be adequate – The Commissioner stated that it was not essential in Latvia’s total movement towards EU. Also Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga’s reaction was humane – she called it for unacceptable for us prejudices. But hysteria and a wish to see conspiracy were typical for some Latvian Way deputies. H.Demakova also explains the reason for writing this article- she does not want to lose her and Latvia’s friends, especially many supporters of Latvian security policy in the USA.

MP Helena Demakova writes about the reaction to the letter of A.Garda. She finds the reaction of EU Commissioner G.Verheugen to be adequate – The Commissioner stated that it was not essential in Latvias total movement towards EU. Also Latvian President V.Vike-Freibergas reaction was humane – she called it for unacceptable for us prejudices. But hysteria and a wish to see conspiracy were typical for some Latvian Way deputies. H.Demakova also explains the reason for writing this article- she does not want to lose her and Latvias friends, especially many supporters of Latvian security policy in the USA. Diena

The leader of Social Democrats J.Bojars told press agency BNS that replacement of Latvian Social Democratic Workers’ Party Saeima faction leader E.Baldzens was vitally important to the interests of the party. E.Baldzens explained such a reaction of J.Bojars with the fact that he accepted a proposal of some party members to run for the post of Party Chairman in the next party congress planned in autumn. Diena

The leader of Social Democrats J.Bojars told press agency BNS that replacement of Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party Saeima faction leader E.Baldzens was vitally important to the interests of the party. E.Baldzens explained such a reaction of J.Bojars with the fact that he accepted a proposal of some party members to run for the post of Party Chairman in the next party congress planned in autumn. Diena

Lauku Avize

continues to write about A.Gardas letter. This time they asked the opinion of some influential people. Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center Director N.Muiznieks states that neither of the government forming parties nor the involved politicians have condemned the letter. J.Radzevics, Chairman of Latvian Free Trade Unions thinks it does no good for the country when youngsters are urged to write such things. V.Terauda, Managing Director of Soros Foundation thinks it unacceptable that parties, deputies of which participated in Gardas actions, have not voiced their attitude towards the action of their members. continues to write about A.Garda’s letter. This time they asked the opinion of some influential people. Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center Director N.Muiznieks states that neither of the government forming parties nor the involved politicians have condemned the letter. J.Radzevics, Chairman of Latvian Free Trade Unions thinks it does no good for the country when youngsters are urged to write such things. V.Terauda, Managing Director of Soros Foundation thinks it unacceptable that parties, deputies of which participated in Garda’s actions, have not voiced their attitude towards the action of their members.

Press Report

After the visit of Riga City Mayor G.Bojars’s visit to Moscow Riga City Council has received already the second proposal for co-operation from their Russian colleagues. The first proposal came at the beginning of July and it was just a draft on general co-operation. This time it is a more elaborated draft of co-operation agreement that would be concluded for three years. Some of the articles of this agreement attracted special attention of Latvian deputies; e.g. Article 7 stipulated that both parties “within the limits f their authority ensure a possibility for representatives of national minorities to receive secondary education in their mother tongue.

After the visit of Riga City Mayor G.Bojarss visit to Moscow Riga City Council has received already the second proposal for co-operation from their Russian colleagues. The first proposal came at the beginning of July and it was just a draft on general co-operation. This time it is a more elaborated draft of co-operation agreement that would be concluded for three years. Some of the articles of this agreement attracted special attention of Latvian deputies; e.g. Article 7 stipulated that both parties within the limits f their authority ensure a possibility for representatives of national minorities to receive secondary education in their mother tongue. Diena

The current Latvian ambassador to Estonia, Gints Jegermans, will be transferred to New York this fall to take place as Latvia's ambassador to the UN in New York, reported diplomatic sources. Latvia has not yet announced to Estonia that its ambassador will be changing, and no replacement is known to be named as yet. Jegermans is set to visit top Estonian officials to bid farewell in September, to later return to Latvia and head for New York in November. Latvia's representative to UN in New York is currently Janis Priedkalns, previously having run for president.

The current Latvian ambassador to Estonia, Gints Jegermans, will be transferred to New York this fall to take place as Latvia's ambassador to the UN in New York, reported diplomatic sources. Latvia has not yet announced to Estonia that its ambassador will be changing, and no replacement is known to be named as yet. Jegermans is set to visit top Estonian officials to bid farewell in September, to later return to Latvia and head for New York in November. Latvia's representative to UN in New York is currently Janis Priedkalns, previously having run for president. BNS

Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov has sent official letters to several international organization and officials where he asks to give their opinion on the tendencies of nationalism in Latvia and the reaction of Latvian officials and judicial institutions on the book published by the Publishing House Vieda.

Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov has sent official letters to several international organization and officials where he asks to give their opinion on the tendencies of nationalism in Latvia and the reaction of Latvian officials and judicial institutions on the book published by the Publishing House Vieda. Diena, Neatkariga

G.Krupnikov, Chairman of Latvian Jewish Community answers to the questions of a Chas journalist and among other things assures that there is no anti-Semitism on the national level in Latvia.

G.Krupnikov, Chairman of Latvian Jewish Community answers to the questions of a Chas journalist and among other things assures that there is no anti-Semitism on the national level in Latvia. Chas

Panorama Latvii

published full text of the notorious letter of A.Garda, Director of Publishing House Vieda. published full text of the notorious letter of A.Garda, Director of Publishing House Vieda.

Lauku Avize

interviewed MP from Peoples Party A.Rugate about national feelings, nationalism and loyalty in connection of the latest scandal with Vieda Publishing House. A.Rugate thinks that the youngsters who sent their compositions to Vieda competition are worried about the existence of Latvian nation, but due their young age and lack of life experience they are maximalists, Therefore their expressions were so strong and without any restriction. And therefor it is so easy to defy them both with positive motives and provocations. Answering to the question does everybody in the Saeima spoke Latvian A.Rugate answered that the situation had changed there. If before if anybody spoke a foreign language there it was done in a quiet voice but now the left wingers communicated in the Russian language openly. Nobody has forbid them to do so, but the question is what respect they have towards the state and its state language where they are as an ethnic constituent part. interviewed MP from People’s Party A.Rugate about national feelings, nationalism and loyalty in connection of the latest scandal with Vieda Publishing House. A.Rugate thinks that the youngsters who sent their compositions to Vieda competition are worried about the existence of Latvian nation, but due their young age and lack of life experience they are maximalists, Therefore their expressions were so strong and without any restriction. And therefor it is so easy to defy them both with positive motives and provocations. Answering to the question does everybody in the Saeima spoke Latvian A.Rugate answered that the situation had changed there. If before if anybody spoke a foreign language there it was done in a quiet voice but now the left wingers communicated in the Russian language openly. Nobody has forbid them to do so, but the question is what respect they have towards the state and its state language where they are as an ethnic constituent part. (26.07.01)(26.07.01)

Press Report

Press Report

Latvia and France at the close of French President Jacques Chirac's visit in Latvia reached agreement in principle on the compensation payment for the former Latvian embassy building in Paris which currently is used by Russian diplomats, Latvian president's spokeswoman said. Latvia and France also agreed that "agreement on the compensation payment will be closed during the coming weeks" but the essence of the agreement is not being disclosed.

Latvia and France at the close of French President Jacques Chirac's visit in Latvia reached agreement in principle on the compensation payment for the former Latvian embassy building in Paris which currently is used by Russian diplomats, Latvian president's spokeswoman said. Latvia and France also agreed that "agreement on the compensation payment will be closed during the coming weeks" but the essence of the agreement is not being disclosed. BNS, Diena, Panorama Latvii, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The opinion of the United States on admission of Baltic states to NATO, which is not known yet, will play the ruling role on the issue and, in the event the US supports it, France will be unable not to support the wish of the three Baltic states to become the alliance's member countries. The position was voiced Friday in Riga by French President Jacques Chirac who said "there is a norm in the international law envisaging to respect wish of countries to join alliances". Latvian Foreign Ministry state secretary Maris Riekstins told reporters after the press conference that French president's remarks about accession of Baltics to NATO "shows progress in rhetoric".

The opinion of the United States on admission of Baltic states to NATO, which is not known yet, will play the ruling role on the issue and, in the event the US supports it, France will be unable not to support the wish of the three Baltic states to become the alliance's member countries. The position was voiced Friday in Riga by French President Jacques Chirac who said "there is a norm in the international law envisaging to respect wish of countries to join alliances". Latvian Foreign Ministry state secretary Maris Riekstins told reporters after the press conference that French president's remarks about accession of Baltics to NATO "shows progress in rhetoric". BNS

Social Democrat party parliament faction Friday postponed the question on replacement of the faction head that had triggered rumors about splitting within the party, without providing much explanation to the press. Social Democrat leader Juris Bojars following the faction meeting declined to explain to reporters what reasons are

Social Democrat party parliament faction Friday postponed the question on replacement of the faction head that had triggered rumors about splitting within the party, without providing much explanation to the press. Social Democrat leader Juris Bojars following the faction meeting declined to explain to reporters what reasons are

being cited as grounds for replacing current faction head Egils Baldzens. He only reminded the party had already in its congress decided to do some clean up within it so to retain the party's face for elections. He denied the question on Baldzens replacement indicates of splitting within the party. "We will not collapse because we are too large a party," he said.

being cited as grounds for replacing current faction head Egils Baldzens. He only reminded the party had already in its congress decided to do some clean up within it so to retain the party's face for elections. He denied the question on Baldzens replacement indicates of splitting within the party. "We will not collapse because we are too large a party," he said. BNS, Diena

None of Latvia's political parties have experienced any considerable rise or fall in popularity polls for July, while the top three have shuffled - the social democrats still holding the lead, followed by the People's Party second and For Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK in third place. The fourth most popular party in Latvia is the Latvian Way only just after FF/LNNK, followed by left-wing alliance For Human Rights in a United Latvia (FHRUL), according to polls carried out by the SKDS office.

None of Latvia's political parties have experienced any considerable rise or fall in popularity polls for July, while the top three have shuffled - the social democrats still holding the lead, followed by the People's Party second and For Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK in third place. The fourth most popular party in Latvia is the Latvian Way only just after FF/LNNK, followed by left-wing alliance For Human Rights in a United Latvia (FHRUL), according to polls carried out by the SKDS office. BNS

Vesti Segodnya

writes that for the fist time some representatives of Latvian intellectuals condemned the regular act of Russophobia. Upon an initiative of Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center Director N.Muiznieks was published an open letter, signed by 30 people, to FF/LNNK and Social Democrats demanding these political parties to express their opinion in public towards the provocative activities of the director of Publishing House A.Garda. A Riga city court Friday postponed consideration of a claim by National Radio and Television Council (NRTVC) against Bizness & Baltija (B&B;) radio station over closure because the case has been transferred to another judge. Justice Leons Baumanis explained to BNS the court chairman decided to transfer the case because B&B; had sent to Justice Ministry a complaint over handling of the case. The complaint said the judge has failed to observe the interests and rights of B&B; and expressed other reproaches, which the judge regards as unfounded. He was rejected from consideration of the case last week and the case was transferred to Justice Marika Senkane. The hearing date is not known yet. According to the NRTVC opinion operations of radio B&B; fail to meet the submitted concept, the radio had exceeded the stipulated time for broadcasting in a foreign language within the total broadcasting time, as well as they played advertisements in the Russian language during broadcasts in the Latvian language. According to the Latvian radio and television law advertisement should be in the language of the program.

A Riga city court Friday postponed consideration of a claim by National Radio and Television Council (NRTVC) against Bizness & Baltija (B&B) radio station over closure because the case has been transferred to another judge. Justice Leons Baumanis explained to BNS the court chairman decided to transfer the case because B&B had sent to Justice Ministry a complaint over handling of the case. The complaint said the judge has failed to observe the interests and rights of B&B and expressed other reproaches, which the judge regards as unfounded. He was rejected from consideration of the case last week and the case was transferred to Justice Marika Senkane. The hearing date is not known yet. According to the NRTVC opinion operations of radio B&B fail to meet the submitted concept, the radio had exceeded the stipulated time for broadcasting in a foreign language within the total broadcasting time, as well as they played advertisements in the Russian language during broadcasts in the Latvian language. According to the Latvian radio and television law advertisement should be in the language of the program. BNS

Press Report

Press Report

France's President Jacques Chirac supports Latvia's rights to NATO integration, as he believes that each country has the right to choose its own allies in the field of security. Chirac spoke of his views in an interview published in daily Diena on Friday, given before his visit to the Baltic States began in Lithuania yesterday. "...I support Latvia's legitimate rights to integrate into the North Atlantic alliance, as each country has the right to freely choose its allies in the field of security," said Chirac. He also said that while visiting in Latvia he would like to emphasize a number of things. "Firstly that France completely supports Latvia's EU candidacy and I am glad that the Nice treaty has confirmed the country's belonging to the Europe of tomorrow," said Chirac in the interview.

France's President Jacques Chirac supports Latvia's rights to NATO integration, as he believes that each country has the right to choose its own allies in the field of security. Chirac spoke of his views in an interview published in daily Diena on Friday, given before his visit to the Baltic States began in Lithuania yesterday. "...I support Latvia's legitimate rights to integrate into the North Atlantic alliance, as each country has the right to freely choose its allies in the field of security," said Chirac. He also said that while visiting in Latvia he would like to emphasize a number of things. "Firstly that France completely supports Latvia's EU candidacy and I am glad that the Nice treaty has confirmed the country's belonging to the Europe of tomorrow," said Chirac in the interview. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnya, Latvijas Vestnesis

The intentions of the Mayor of Riga, social democrat, Gundars Bojars, in distributing jobs between his deputies has caused a conflict between the social democrats and the left-wing alliance, which helped the social democrats elect their man as mayor of Riga after the municipal elections in March. The Fore Human Rights in a United Latvia (FHRUL) left-wing alliance claims that it could break its cooperation agreement with the social democrats if their demands are not carried out. The conflict is rooted in the fact that the cooperation agreement expected that the left-wing alliance takes care of city development, while Mayor Bojars offered these responsibilities to his right-from-center deputy from For Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK, with whom the social democrats have a coalition agreement on the council.

The intentions of the Mayor of Riga, social democrat, Gundars Bojars, in distributing jobs between his deputies has caused a conflict between the social democrats and the left-wing alliance, which helped the social democrats elect their man as mayor of Riga after the municipal elections in March. The Fore Human Rights in a United Latvia (FHRUL) left-wing alliance claims that it could break its cooperation agreement with the social democrats if their demands are not carried out. The conflict is rooted in the fact that the cooperation agreement expected that the left-wing alliance takes care of city development, while Mayor Bojars offered these responsibilities to his right-from-center deputy from For Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK, with whom the social democrats have a coalition agreement on the council. BNS, Jauna Avize, Respublika, Diena

The intention of changing the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party parliament faction chairman, Egils Baldzens, has caused rumors of a split-up kindling within the party, currently at the top of the popularity polls. The social democrat parliament faction is preparing to discuss the faction's work in parliament and the need to change its chairman, Egils Baldzens. Behind the scenes some say that social democrat Janis Adamsons, currently refusing to give an assessment of Baldzens' work, but saying that everyone can work better, is one of those behind suggesting the change of chairman. The second person behind ousting Baldzens from leading the faction is supposedly party chairman Juris Bojars, refusing to give any comment until the faction meeting.

The intention of changing the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party parliament faction chairman, Egils Baldzens, has caused rumors of a split-up kindling within the party, currently at the top of the popularity polls. The social democrat parliament faction is preparing to discuss the faction's work in parliament and the need to change its chairman, Egils Baldzens. Behind the scenes some say that social democrat Janis Adamsons, currently refusing to give an assessment of Baldzens' work, but saying that everyone can work better, is one of those behind suggesting the change of chairman. The second person behind ousting Baldzens from leading the faction is supposedly party chairman Juris Bojars, refusing to give any comment until the faction meeting. BNS, Rigas Balss, Jauna Avize

This fall the Baltic states are to be visited by Prince Charles of Wales reported Estonia's British embassy. Prince Charles will be in the Baltic’s from November 5 to 9. Latvia's Foreign Ministry and British embassy in Riga could give no more details on the trip.

This fall the Baltic states are to be visited by Prince Charles of Wales reported Estonia's British embassy. Prince Charles will be in the Baltics from November 5 to 9. Latvia's Foreign Ministry and British embassy in Riga could give no more details on the trip. BNS

Yesterday during the second public political forum Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center Director N.Muiznieks collected signatures under an open letter titled “Garda – against Latvia” that was addressed to the Chairman of FF/LNNK M.Grinblats and Social Democrats – J.Bojars and the Saeima faction leaders of these parties. The letter condemns the latest activities of the publisher A.Garda and asks the leaders of FF/LNNK and Social Democrats to dissociate themselves from the deputies who supported those actions. N.Muiznieks collected 30 signatures under this letter.

Yesterday during the second public political forum Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center Director N.Muiznieks collected signatures under an open letter titled Garda – against Latvia that was addressed to the Chairman of FF/LNNK M.Grinblats and Social Democrats – J.Bojars and the Saeima faction leaders of these parties. The letter condemns the latest activities of the publisher A.Garda and asks the leaders of FF/LNNK and Social Democrats to dissociate themselves from the deputies who supported those actions. N.Muiznieks collected 30 signatures under this letter. Panorama Latvii, Diena,

Latvia's Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins believes that after EU and NATO accession, Latvia will be the "biggest advocate" for cooperation between the West and Russia. This view was published in an interview with Berzins in Friday's daily

Latvia's Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins believes that after EU and NATO accession, Latvia will be the "biggest advocate" for cooperation between the West and Russia. This view was published in an interview with Berzins in Friday's daily Dienas Bizness. BNS

The European Court of Human Rights has registered a complaint from Latvia's resident over changing a Russian surname, adapting it to Latvian language rules in a non-citizen's passport, a Riga city council member who also is on Latvian Human Rights Committee said. The complaint has been sent by Lidija Kuharec whose surname has been changed to Kuhareca in her Latvian non-citizen passport issued in 1999. She believes this has violated her right to inviolability of privacy. In her claim to the court she asks the violation of her right be eliminated as well as demands compensation for moral and material damage incurred as a result of distortion of her surname.

BNS, Diena, Neatkariga

Mikhail Marynich, a bidder in Belarus 2001 presidential race, told reporters in Minsk that he had submitted resignation as ambassador to Latvia, Estonia and Finland, BBC reported Thursday citing Belarus news agency Belapan. In his resignation letter to Belarus Foreign Minister Mikhail Khvastow, Marynich said that he would work against dictatorship toward democratic changes. BNS, Chas, Vesti Segodnya,

Advisor to the Mayor of Moscow A.Pereligin was included in the list of persons non grata of Latvia. He is an expert on economic relations between Russia and Latvia, and he was quite frequently visiting Latvia. But now it is almost a year since he is not allowed to come here. And it could turn into a political scandal because Mr.Pereligin was included in the official delegation of Moscow’ s delegation to the celebration of Riga 800 anniversary.

Advisor to the Mayor of Moscow A.Pereligin was included in the list of persons non grata of Latvia. He is an expert on economic relations between Russia and Latvia, and he was quite frequently visiting Latvia. But now it is almost a year since he is not allowed to come here. And it could turn into a political scandal because Mr.Pereligin was included in the official delegation of Moscow s delegation to the celebration of Riga 800 anniversary. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

Latvian Prime Minister criticized authors of United Nations Human Development Report over using narrow information sources and contradictions in report's content. The remark by Andris Berzins came Wednesday opening forum on open policy in Latvia. While saying such studies are needed the premier noted they also have their drawbacks. The premier reproached Latvian authors who developed the report at the order of UN Development Program using of too narrow sources of information which prevents from drawing sufficiently unbiased and broad conclusions. He said the researchers made such a study for the first time so they did not have experience to base on therefore thesis of the report, in his opinion, at times are declarative and contradictory.

Latvian Prime Minister criticized authors of United Nations Human Development Report over using narrow information sources and contradictions in report's content. The remark by Andris Berzins came Wednesday opening forum on open policy in Latvia. While saying such studies are needed the premier noted they also have their drawbacks. The premier reproached Latvian authors who developed the report at the order of UN Development Program using of too narrow sources of information which prevents from drawing sufficiently unbiased and broad conclusions. He said the researchers made such a study for the first time so they did not have experience to base on therefore thesis of the report, in his opinion, at times are declarative and contradictory. BNS, Diena, Respublika, Vesti Segodnya

Tomorrow the Saeima Social Democrats faction is planning to discuss exchange of the faction’s leader E.Baldzens. According to unofficial information the possible new Chairman could be MP J.Adamsons.

Tomorrow the Saeima Social Democrats faction is planning to discuss exchange of the factions leader E.Baldzens. According to unofficial information the possible new Chairman could be MP J.Adamsons. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center Director N.Muiznieks was asked to comment from the juridical point of view A.Garda’s book” We’ll give Latvia to nobody”. N.Muiznieks had read the book very carefully and found nothing criminally punishable. He thinks that there would not be so much ado about it if politicians dissociated timely from it

Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center Director N.Muiznieks was asked to comment from the juridical point of view A.Gardas book Well give Latvia to nobody. N.Muiznieks had read the book very carefully and found nothing criminally punishable. He thinks that there would not be so much ado about it if politicians dissociated timely from it. Lauku Avize, Chas

V.Lacis finds A.Garda to be a patriot of Latvia who is not afraid to speak out the truth that 700 000 Soviet time colonists should leave Latvia. Among other things V.Lacis also speaks about the role of international institutions in the case of Vieda Publishing House. “EU is undoubtedly a promoter of moral position towards A.Garda. Ethic dishonesty of CoE and OSCE is very vivid because that in quite recent past when for political top of EU it seemed convenient, their representatives openly acknowledged that the Soviet Union and Russians were the ones who occupied and colonized Latvia with so called Russian speakers.

V.Lacis finds A.Garda to be a patriot of Latvia who is not afraid to speak out the truth that 700 000 Soviet time colonists should leave Latvia. Among other things V.Lacis also speaks about the role of international institutions in the case of Vieda Publishing House. EU is undoubtedly a promoter of moral position towards A.Garda. Ethic dishonesty of CoE and OSCE is very vivid because that in quite recent past when for political top of EU it seemed convenient, their representatives openly acknowledged that the Soviet Union and Russians were the ones who occupied and colonized Latvia with so called Russian speakers. Lauku Avize

Yesterday the European Human Rights Court informed that they had registered a complain on activities of the Latvian state – permanent resident of Latvia Kuharec filed a case for misspelling her family name in official documents.

Yesterday the European Human Rights Court informed that they had registered a complain on activities of the Latvian state – permanent resident of Latvia Kuharec filed a case for misspelling her family name in official documents. Vesti Segodnya