Press Report

Press Report

Representatives of Latvia's southeastern city of Daugavpils and western Russian city of Pskov signed a protocol of intention for cooperation of the city municipal institutions and businesses on Thursday. The Daugavpils City Council executive director and Pskov deputy mayor signed the protocol with the aim of promoting the economic environment of both cities. The two cities agreed upon co-operation between municipal institutions and businesses, as well as the possibility of establishing a co-operative Support Fund.

Representatives of Latvia's southeastern city of Daugavpils and western Russian city of Pskov signed a protocol of intention for cooperation of the city municipal institutions and businesses on Thursday. The Daugavpils City Council executive director and Pskov deputy mayor signed the protocol with the aim of promoting the economic environment of both cities. The two cities agreed upon co-operation between municipal institutions and businesses, as well as the possibility of establishing a co-operative Support Fund. Vesti Segodnja

United States Air Force General Joseph Ralston said Thursday in Riga following a meeting with Latvia's President that "no one is concerned over the capability of [Latvia's] armed forces to co-operate on the same level as the alliance forces," mentioning as an example the participation of Latvian soldiers in peace-keeping operations in the Balkans. "Latvian military forces are already operating as part of NATO procedures and using NATO tactics," and Latvian soldiers will bring this experience home, he said. Ralston said he as a military cannot make specific promises concerning the admission of Latvia to NATO, saying that the decision will be made by politicians. But military and expert assessment on the readiness of countries for alliance membership will go side by side with political considerations. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga also agreed that this "political issue" was a dialogue between political and military aspects. The Latvian president said Ralston had examined the situation in the Latvian armed forces and praised the progress achieved in raising the country's defence capacity, saying he would like to continue supporting Latvia on its way to NATO.

United States Air Force General Joseph Ralston said Thursday in Riga following a meeting with Latvia's President that "no one is concerned over the capability of [Latvia's] armed forces to co-operate on the same level as the alliance forces," mentioning as an example the participation of Latvian soldiers in peace-keeping operations in the Balkans. "Latvian military forces are already operating as part of NATO procedures and using NATO tactics," and Latvian soldiers will bring this experience home, he said. Ralston said he as a military cannot make specific promises concerning the admission of Latvia to NATO, saying that the decision will be made by politicians. But military and expert assessment on the readiness of countries for alliance membership will go side by side with political considerations. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga also agreed that this "political issue" was a dialogue between political and military aspects. The Latvian president said Ralston had examined the situation in the Latvian armed forces and praised the progress achieved in raising the country's defence capacity, saying he would like to continue supporting Latvia on its way to NATO. Diena, Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Chas

After the break of eight years, the first railway carriage to run on a direct route between Russian city Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea cost and the Latvian capital Riga departed from Kaliningrad Thursday. At the same time Russian Government approved draft amendments to the Federal Law on the Procedure of Entrance to Russia. Now Russian Government has a possibility to establish visa free entrance for those foreigners who reside in the countries, which have no visa requirements for Russians.

After the break of eight years, the first railway carriage to run on a direct route between Russian city Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea cost and the Latvian capital Riga departed from Kaliningrad Thursday. At the same time Russian Government approved draft amendments to the Federal Law on the Procedure of Entrance to Russia. Now Russian Government has a possibility to establish visa free entrance for those foreigners who reside in the countries, which have no visa requirements for Russians. Vesti Segodnja, Chas

Rigas Balss

interviews Daugavpils City Council mayor R.Eigims. He talks about his plans regarding development of the city. When asked about language situation in the city, the mayor informs that in Daugavpils people have a possibility to attend Latvian language courses free of charge and although the number of non-citizens in Daugavpils among other Latvian cities is the highest, he hopes that after some time there will not be such problems. R.Eigims and his party Latgales Gaisma are planning to run for Saeima elections. interviews Daugavpils City Council mayor R.Eigims. He talks about his plans regarding development of the city. When asked about language situation in the city, the mayor informs that in Daugavpils people have a possibility to attend Latvian language courses free of charge and although the number of non-citizens in Daugavpils among other Latvian cities is the highest, he hopes that after some time there will not be such problems. R.Eigims and his party “Latgales Gaisma” are planning to run for Saeima elections. Yesterday several national bolshevists were picketing at the City Council demanding to return to the streets of Riga the names of “noble Russians”, such as J.Gagarin, which they had during Soviet times.

Yesterday several national bolshevists were picketing at the City Council demanding to return to the streets of Riga the names of noble Russians, such as J.Gagarin, which they had during Soviet times. Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Panorama Latvii

In regard to the ruling of the Constitutional Court on the provisions of the Law on State Pensions providing for that the years till 1991 which foreign citizens and stateless persons worked outside Latvia are not taken into account when pensions of the above mentioned persons are calculated, as a solution to the problem the Court suggested to sign international agreements with Russia and other countries. The newspaper

In regard to the ruling of the Constitutional Court on the provisions of the Law on State Pensions providing for that the years till 1991 which foreign citizens and stateless persons worked outside Latvia are not taken into account when pensions of the above mentioned persons are calculated, as a solution to the problem the Court suggested to sign international agreements with Russia and other countries. The newspaper Vesti Segodnja suggests another solution – as of 1 July all individuals are eligible to apply to the Constitutional Court then if the number of claims is high the attention of Europe and the world would be attracted. Vesti Segodnja

Weekly newspaper

Weekly newspaper The Baltic Times of June 28 - July publishes an article about the possible closure of the OSCE Mission to Latvia.The Permanent Council of the OSCE has voted to extend the term of its missions to Latvia and Estonia for another 6 months. As Estonia and Latvia prepare for the accession to the EU, both governments are eager to see the removal of the missions – commonly associated with doubts about countrys ability to function as a democracy. But the Head of the Mission to Latvia P.Semneby said the OSCE would not compromise its standards. A.Pildegovich, foreign policy adviser to Latvian President, said that the decision to extend Missions mandate is the last of its kind as the Government has technically implemented all necessary steps for its closure. But, cautioned Semneby, closure of the Mission is not a foregone conclusion. The OSCE must see a commitment to a sustained effort to integrate Latvian society, he said. We are not striving for a static goal. This is a dynamic process, which will last forever. It is necessary to get the direction right.

In order to encourage further integration, the OSCE will undertake various projects with the Naturalisation Board and UNDP. These will include free language training and a campaign to encourage people to become citizens. The budget of the campaign amounts to USD 200,000. “It is necessary to give all 550,000 non-citizens all the information they need to make an informed choice on obtaining citizenship”, said Semneby. “There is currently a lot of uncertainty about what the choice means, due to lack of trust in state institutions – something which is seen both among citizens and non-citizens. According to the Naturalisation Board 20% of non-citizens have said they want to apply for citizenship and a further 20% would like to do so in the future. This represents 200,000 in total. The remaining 60% are probably beyond the reach of campaign like this, but maybe some will apply”. He added that Latvia’s language law – which regulates language use in various areas – fulfils “International minimal requirements”, but changes are still necessary to regulations stipulating the language skills required of election candidates. “Our position is that these requirements are not justified. It is a sovereign right of a voter to elect a representative, who-ever he wants, who may be handicapped in any way”. L.Raihman, chairman of Latvian Human Rights Committee, said the OSCE Mission to Latvia should remain in Latvia until 2004, when, under a new education law, Russian language schools will begin to be phased out.

In order to encourage further integration, the OSCE will undertake various projects with the Naturalisation Board and UNDP. These will include free language training and a campaign to encourage people to become citizens. The budget of the campaign amounts to USD 200,000. It is necessary to give all 550,000 non-citizens all the information they need to make an informed choice on obtaining citizenship, said Semneby. There is currently a lot of uncertainty about what the choice means, due to lack of trust in state institutions – something which is seen both among citizens and non-citizens. According to the Naturalisation Board 20% of non-citizens have said they want to apply for citizenship and a further 20% would like to do so in the future. This represents 200,000 in total. The remaining 60% are probably beyond the reach of campaign like this, but maybe some will apply. He added that Latvias language law – which regulates language use in various areas – fulfils International minimal requirements, but changes are still necessary to regulations stipulating the language skills required of election candidates. Our position is that these requirements are not justified. It is a sovereign right of a voter to elect a representative, who-ever he wants, who may be handicapped in any way. L.Raihman, chairman of Latvian Human Rights Committee, said the OSCE Mission to Latvia should remain in Latvia until 2004, when, under a new education law, Russian language schools will begin to be phased out.

Press Report

Press Report

Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh, whose country is holding the European Union's rotating presidency, said it is possible that the missions of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Estonia and Latvia will be closed already this year. In her remarks to the OSCE Permanent Council on Wednesday, Lindh called the work of the OSCE missions in Estonia and Latvia a success story.

Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh, whose country is holding the European Union's rotating presidency, said it is possible that the missions of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Estonia and Latvia will be closed already this year. In her remarks to the OSCE Permanent Council on Wednesday, Lindh called the work of the OSCE missions in Estonia and Latvia a success story.

She said that as a result of close and fruitful co-operation by the two countries' governments with the missions and the OSCE high commissioner on national minorities, a closure of the missions by the end of this year now seems feasible.

She said that as a result of close and fruitful co-operation by the two countries' governments with the missions and the OSCE high commissioner on national minorities, a closure of the missions by the end of this year now seems feasible.

The U.S. envoy to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has voiced recognition of the achievements of Estonia and Latvia in integrating their ethnic minorities while calling on the two countries to continue their efforts.

The U.S. envoy to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has voiced recognition of the achievements of Estonia and Latvia in integrating their ethnic minorities while calling on the two countries to continue their efforts.

"We congratulate Estonia and Latvia on recent progress and call for continued work on social integration, since there is still work to be done," U.S. Ambassador David T. Johnson said in a statement on minority rights delivered on June 22 in Vienna to the OSCE Permanent Council. "The letter and the spirit of language laws must be respected, and we encourage continued progress on the processes of naturalisation,"

"We congratulate Estonia and Latvia on recent progress and call for continued work on social integration, since there is still work to be done," U.S. Ambassador David T. Johnson said in a statement on minority rights delivered on June 22 in Vienna to the OSCE Permanent Council. "The letter and the spirit of language laws must be respected, and we encourage continued progress on the processes of naturalisation,"

Johnson said in his statement following a report by High Commissioner for National Minorities Max van der Stoel. He added that the progress to date in both countries on improved legal frameworks and in fostering greater social harmony was in no small part due to the tireless efforts by OSCE. The OSCE mission's mandate in Latvia has been extended by the end of the year because the mission believes it has not fulfilled its mandate completely yet. The OSCE is focusing on naturalisation and citizenship issues and currently it has taken involvement in ombudsman institution formation process and strengthening of other human rights institutions, mission head Peter Semneby told BNS previously. The mission head underscored the OSCE mission's goal currently also is monitoring implementation of the state language law in the country. According to a widespread opinion, OSCE missions are sent to countries of potential for a conflict. The Latvian government had been accepting the mission's presence since 1993. Its mandate envisages dealing with citizenship and related issues as well as providing advice to the government. Previously the mission took active involvement in the process of Russian army withdrawal and monitoring of implementation of Latvian-Russian agreement on the Skrunda radar which was located in western Latvia

Johnson said in his statement following a report by High Commissioner for National Minorities Max van der Stoel. He added that the progress to date in both countries on improved legal frameworks and in fostering greater social harmony was in no small part due to the tireless efforts by OSCE. The OSCE mission's mandate in Latvia has been extended by the end of the year because the mission believes it has not fulfilled its mandate completely yet. The OSCE is focusing on naturalisation and citizenship issues and currently it has taken involvement in ombudsman institution formation process and strengthening of other human rights institutions, mission head Peter Semneby told BNS previously. The mission head underscored the OSCE mission's goal currently also is monitoring implementation of the state language law in the country. According to a widespread opinion, OSCE missions are sent to countries of potential for a conflict. The Latvian government had been accepting the mission's presence since 1993. Its mandate envisages dealing with citizenship and related issues as well as providing advice to the government. Previously the mission took active involvement in the process of Russian army withdrawal and monitoring of implementation of Latvian-Russian agreement on the Skrunda radar which was located in western Latvia. BNS

Latvia this year has fallen to 59th place in Transparency International corruption perception index which is the worst result for Latvia during the last three years and also considerably worse than for other Baltic states. This year the index includes 91 country, from them Latvia this year ranks 59th against 57th place last year and 58th a year before. Estonia this year has slipped one place lower to 28th from 27th last year but is nevertheless still regarded as least corrupt state in Central and Eastern Europe. Lithuania meanwhile has made progress moving to 38th place this year from 43rd-47th in the previous years. Russia ranks (2,3 points out of 10) 75th and Ukraine - 77th (2,1 points).

Latvia this year has fallen to 59th place in Transparency International corruption perception index which is the worst result for Latvia during the last three years and also considerably worse than for other Baltic states. This year the index includes 91 country, from them Latvia this year ranks 59th against 57th place last year and 58th a year before. Estonia this year has slipped one place lower to 28th from 27th last year but is nevertheless still regarded as least corrupt state in Central and Eastern Europe. Lithuania meanwhile has made progress moving to 38th place this year from 43rd-47th in the previous years. Russia ranks (2,3 points out of 10) 75th and Ukraine - 77th (2,1 points). Diena, Jauna, Neatkariga, Respublika

United States President George W. Bush has decided to nominate career diplomat Brian Carlson as the U.S. ambassador to Latvia, the White House said in a statement Tuesday. Carlson's previous assignments include London, Madrid, Belgrade and Oslo, reported Reuters. His nomination as the US ambassador to Latvia is subject to the approval of the US Senate.

Diena, Chas The Constitutional Court ruled out that the provisions of the Law on State Pensions providing for that the years till 1991 which foreign citizens and stateless persons worked outside Latvia are not taken into account when pensions of the above mentioned persons are calculated are in accordance with the Constitution of Latvia and European Convention. The deputies of FHRUL and Social Democrats applied to the Constitutional Court with the claim to rule the provisions discriminating for non-citizens. FHRUL deputy M.Mitrafanovs says that “there are no real grounded legal basis for such ruling and it just proves that the differences for citizens and non-citizens exist not only in the field of political rights but also in social economical sphere”. There are three solutions – first, Russian- Latvian agreement on social issues is effective, but for many non-citizens working place till 1991 was not Russia but other former USSR republics; second – deputies have to try to enter the amendments to the Law itself; third – make the problem important on the European scale.

The Constitutional Court ruled out that the provisions of the Law on State Pensions providing for that the years till 1991 which foreign citizens and stateless persons worked outside Latvia are not taken into account when pensions of the above mentioned persons are calculated are in accordance with the Constitution of Latvia and European Convention. The deputies of FHRUL and Social Democrats applied to the Constitutional Court with the claim to rule the provisions discriminating for non-citizens. FHRUL deputy M.Mitrafanovs says that there are no real grounded legal basis for such ruling and it just proves that the differences for citizens and non-citizens exist not only in the field of political rights but also in social economical sphere. There are three solutions – first, Russian- Latvian agreement on social issues is effective, but for many non-citizens working place till 1991 was not Russia but other former USSR republics; second – deputies have to try to enter the amendments to the Law itself; third – make the problem important on the European scale. Chas, Neatkariga

Vesti Segodnja

gives an article where A.Rubiks, ex-leader of Communist Party, presents his book I Demand to Find Me Innocent. gives an article where A.Rubiks, ex-leader of Communist Party, presents his book “I Demand to Find Me Innocent”. After several scandals within Russian party its leader M.Gavrilovs provides his point of view on the situation. He says that the decision to join FHRUL coalition at Riga City Council was wrong as Russian Party supports centric ideas and is not left-wing party.

After several scandals within Russian party its leader M.Gavrilovs provides his point of view on the situation. He says that the decision to join FHRUL coalition at Riga City Council was wrong as Russian Party supports centric ideas and is not left-wing party. Vesti Segodnja reproaches M.Gavrilovs that in Partys pre-election campaign the main emphasis was put on the perseverance of Russian schools, however, now he is involved in the commissions dealing with privatisation and financial issues and not education. Vesti Segodnja

Press Report

Press Report

A blast occurred last night outside the office of a publishing company recently having organised a scandalous youth essay contest in Latvia, causing damage to the publisher's door, reported the publishing company's director. The blast occurred at around 1:30 a.m. with a force equal to around 100 grams of TNT. The police have filed a criminal case for hooliganism with damage or destruction of property. An essay contest organised by Vieda aroused controversy in Latvia and was criticised by Russia and Russian means of mass media in Latvia. On June 13 a book was published containing 75 selected essays in which youths urged to protect their Latvian rights and Latvian language. Chas newspaper, top Russian language newspaper in Latvia, asked law enforcement authorities to check out if the contest should not be regarded as inciting national hatred, while Latvia's top national security agency believed there are no grounds to open a criminal case because Latvia pursues freedom of speech. The book, printed in 3,000 copies, is expected to be presented to top Latvian officials and also expected to be available on sale.

A blast occurred last night outside the office of a publishing company recently having organised a scandalous youth essay contest in Latvia, causing damage to the publisher's door, reported the publishing company's director. The blast occurred at around 1:30 a.m. with a force equal to around 100 grams of TNT. The police have filed a criminal case for hooliganism with damage or destruction of property. An essay contest organised by Vieda aroused controversy in Latvia and was criticised by Russia and Russian means of mass media in Latvia. On June 13 a book was published containing 75 selected essays in which youths urged to protect their Latvian rights and Latvian language. Chas newspaper, top Russian language newspaper in Latvia, asked law enforcement authorities to check out if the contest should not be regarded as inciting national hatred, while Latvia's top national security agency believed there are no grounds to open a criminal case because Latvia pursues freedom of speech. The book, printed in 3,000 copies, is expected to be presented to top Latvian officials and also expected to be available on sale. Diena, Jauna, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

Diena quotes Tuesday’s British newspaper

Diena quotes Tuesdays British newspaper Financial Times, saying integration of the Baltic States into NATO is Russias main problem. The newspaper writes, it would be a national humiliation for Russia. NATO enlargement policy in general is not very well developed.

Daugavpils mayor’s party Latvia’s Light ceased the coalition agreement with FHRUL and Social Democrats. The decision was taken because FHRUL faction in Daugavpils without any agreement with coalition partners distributed to the local means of mass media a note stating that the residents of Daugavpils are not satisfied with the work of the present Council. However, Daugavpils’ mayor Eigims still has a majority at the Council.

Daugavpils mayors party Latvias Light ceased the coalition agreement with FHRUL and Social Democrats. The decision was taken because FHRUL faction in Daugavpils without any agreement with coalition partners distributed to the local means of mass media a note stating that the residents of Daugavpils are not satisfied with the work of the present Council. However, Daugavpils mayor Eigims still has a majority at the Council. Diena, Chas

Jekabpils City Council deputies have decided to merge two Russian schools and establish one primary school. Teaching staff of both Russian schools disagrees with the deputies and is ready to organise protest activities.

Jekabpils City Council deputies have decided to merge two Russian schools and establish one primary school. Teaching staff of both Russian schools disagrees with the deputies and is ready to organise protest activities. Diena

Tuesday Latvian MP from Social Democrat party who is member of the parliament group for support of repatriation of people of other nationalities to their ethnic homeland handed 1000 US dollars to an ethnic Russian family willing to move to live in St. Petersburg. Janis Leja called on families willing to return to their ethnic homeland to apply. Leja said in a news conference numerous people are willing to return to their ethnic homeland and, longing for homeland is "sublime longing". "Allocation of money is my internal protest against turning repatriation of people to their ethnic homeland into a source of slops because there is nothing bad in it that people want to leave," said Leja. Head of the group of deputies, Juris Vidins, voiced a hope there would be more wealthy people in Latvia ready to extend financial assistance to people of other nationalities.

Tuesday Latvian MP from Social Democrat party who is member of the parliament group for support of repatriation of people of other nationalities to their ethnic homeland handed 1000 US dollars to an ethnic Russian family willing to move to live in St. Petersburg. Janis Leja called on families willing to return to their ethnic homeland to apply. Leja said in a news conference numerous people are willing to return to their ethnic homeland and, longing for homeland is "sublime longing". "Allocation of money is my internal protest against turning repatriation of people to their ethnic homeland into a source of slops because there is nothing bad in it that people want to leave," said Leja. Head of the group of deputies, Juris Vidins, voiced a hope there would be more wealthy people in Latvia ready to extend financial assistance to people of other nationalities. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Press Report

Latvian Social Democrats party in the future could co-operate with Russian, Ukrainian and Belarus social democrat parties, Social Democrat Riga mayor said. Gundars Bojars said in an interview to the state radio that he discussed with Russian State Duma Speaker Genady Seleznov during the visit in Moscow last week the possible co-operation between Latvian Social Democrats and Russia's union of leftist forces Russia. Bojars said there are several forces in Russia having "social democrat moods" with which Latvian Social Democrats could co-operate. Bojars noted the good co-operation with Europe's Social Democrats and said it is "logical to look for partners in Russia, Ukraine and, possibly, also Belarus". Bojars did not specify though what forms that co-operation could take.

Latvian Social Democrats party in the future could co-operate with Russian, Ukrainian and Belarus social democrat parties, Social Democrat Riga mayor said. Gundars Bojars said in an interview to the state radio that he discussed with Russian State Duma Speaker Genady Seleznov during the visit in Moscow last week the possible co-operation between Latvian Social Democrats and Russia's union of leftist forces Russia. Bojars said there are several forces in Russia having "social democrat moods" with which Latvian Social Democrats could co-operate. Bojars noted the good co-operation with Europe's Social Democrats and said it is "logical to look for partners in Russia, Ukraine and, possibly, also Belarus". Bojars did not specify though what forms that co-operation could take. Diena, Respublika

None of Latvia's parties have experienced big changes in popularity ratings in June with only the leading three shifting places as Social Democrats retained the leading position while nationalist Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK pushed right-centrist People's Party to the third place. The fourth was centrist Latvia's Way and fifth was leftist For Human Rights in United Latvia, according to opinion poll conducted by SKDS polling centre. The sixth was Green Party which fell short of the 5 percent barrier though, needed to be elected to the parliament. Social Democrats saw their rating slightly improving in June jumping to 15.5 percent over a month from 14.3 percent in May. People's Party's rating was 11 percent in June, down 0.5 percent, FF/LNNK 10.7 percent, down 0.6 percent, Latvia's Way 10 percent, up 0.6 percent, For Human Rights in United Latvia 8.4 percent, up 0.2 percent, Green Party 4.1 percent, down 0.2 percent. For the rest of the parties the ratings were well below the 5 percent barrier -- Latvian Farmers Union 3.4 percent, Labour Party 2.7 percent, New Christian Party 2.2 percent. For others the ratings were still lower.

None of Latvia's parties have experienced big changes in popularity ratings in June with only the leading three shifting places as Social Democrats retained the leading position while nationalist Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK pushed right-centrist People's Party to the third place. The fourth was centrist Latvia's Way and fifth was leftist For Human Rights in United Latvia, according to opinion poll conducted by SKDS polling centre. The sixth was Green Party which fell short of the 5 percent barrier though, needed to be elected to the parliament. Social Democrats saw their rating slightly improving in June jumping to 15.5 percent over a month from 14.3 percent in May. People's Party's rating was 11 percent in June, down 0.5 percent, FF/LNNK 10.7 percent, down 0.6 percent, Latvia's Way 10 percent, up 0.6 percent, For Human Rights in United Latvia 8.4 percent, up 0.2 percent, Green Party 4.1 percent, down 0.2 percent. For the rest of the parties the ratings were well below the 5 percent barrier -- Latvian Farmers Union 3.4 percent, Labour Party 2.7 percent, New Christian Party 2.2 percent. For others the ratings were still lower.

The most popular politician is the President V.Vike-Freiberga (62,8) and the second is Latvian Bank president E.Repse (44.9). The most popular ministers come from Latvia’s Way – the minister of culture K.Petersone, Prime Minister A.Berzins and minister of transport A.Gorbunovs. Education minister K.Greiskalns, economy minister A.Kalvitis and welfare minister A.Pozharnovs have earned the status of the most unpopular ministers.

The most popular politician is the President V.Vike-Freiberga (62,8) and the second is Latvian Bank president E.Repse (44.9). The most popular ministers come from Latvias Way – the minister of culture K.Petersone, Prime Minister A.Berzins and minister of transport A.Gorbunovs. Education minister K.Greiskalns, economy minister A.Kalvitis and welfare minister A.Pozharnovs have earned the status of the most unpopular ministers. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

Diena

interviews M.Marinich, Byelorussian ambassador to Latvia and a president candidate. M.Marinich talks about the reasons which made him to run for election, his chances and the possible outcomes. His main goal is to re-establish democracy in the country, guarantee human rights and join the EU. interviews M.Marinich, Byelorussian ambassador to Latvia and a president candidate. M.Marinich talks about the reasons which made him to run for election, his chances and the possible outcomes. His main goal is to re-establish democracy in the country, guarantee human rights and join the EU. Russian authorities have denied an entrance visa to FF/LNNK deputy Vidinsh for the third time. J.Vidinsh planned to go to business trip to Moscow on the invitation of Russian Cinematography Federation. As a possible ground for the refusal, J.Vidinsh names his involvement in Saeima deputies working group established to help non-Latvians to return to their ethnic countries

Russian authorities have denied an entrance visa to FF/LNNK deputy Vidinsh for the third time. J.Vidinsh planned to go to business trip to Moscow on the invitation of Russian Cinematography Federation. As a possible ground for the refusal, J.Vidinsh names his involvement in Saeima deputies working group established to help non-Latvians to return to their ethnic countries. Diena, Jauna, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Chas

interviews Carnegie Centre in Moscow deputy director D.Trenin. He talks about Russias integration in western organisations, in particular, in NATO, gives a very positive evaluation to the meeting of American and Russian presidents in Lublana, he also provides his explanation to Putins note about the Baltic States. interviews Carnegie Centre in Moscow deputy director D.Trenin. He talks about Russia’s integration in western organisations, in particular, in NATO, gives a very positive evaluation to the meeting of American and Russian presidents in Lublana, he also provides his explanation to Putin’s note about the Baltic States. Saeima deputy FHRUL faction member B.Cilevich takes part in the 6th session of PACE in Strasbourg. This time PACE the issue concerning Russian and Latvian relations is not on the agenda, however, B.Cilevich is going to collect the signatures against restrictions concerning language rights of national minorities in the field of radio and TV broadcasting.

Saeima deputy FHRUL faction member B.Cilevich takes part in the 6th session of PACE in Strasbourg. This time PACE the issue concerning Russian and Latvian relations is not on the agenda, however, B.Cilevich is going to collect the signatures against restrictions concerning language rights of national minorities in the field of radio and TV broadcasting. Vesti Segodnja

Press Report

Press Report

The relationship of Latvian political enemies number 1 A.Skele, People’s Party chairman, and A.Lembergs, Ventspils City Mayor, has suddenly improved and they even have common views on some issues, such as, Commercial Law. The change in the relation has forced Latvian Way to mobilise its work, as People’s Party, which is the biggest political power represented at the Saeima, if receives support of Social Democrats and FHRUL, which sympathise A.Lembergs, is able to achieve adoption of such laws which are against the principles of Latvia’s Way, but for which LW would have to take responsibility as it is the party of Prime Minister.

The relationship of Latvian political enemies number 1 A.Skele, Peoples Party chairman, and A.Lembergs, Ventspils City Mayor, has suddenly improved and they even have common views on some issues, such as, Commercial Law. The change in the relation has forced Latvian Way to mobilise its work, as Peoples Party, which is the biggest political power represented at the Saeima, if receives support of Social Democrats and FHRUL, which sympathise A.Lembergs, is able to achieve adoption of such laws which are against the principles of Latvias Way, but for which LW would have to take responsibility as it is the party of Prime Minister. Diena

Neatkariga

gives an article on the discussion regarding the establishment of ombudsman institution in Latvia. The necessity for such institution has been recognised by the State President and other high officials, local and foreign experts, the World Bank, UN, and OSCE. National Human Rights Office director O.Bruvers agrees with experts that ombudsman institution could be developed on the basis of NHRO but with the condition that NHRO is given a broader mandate, as well as additional funding and human resources. The current mandate allows to review only one third of the complaints received from residents. The member of Social Democrats party V.Lazo says Officials want to keep their standings and are not interested in having an additional control mechanism. Some politicians consider that several problems are going to be solved as the Administrative Violations Code has come into effect. A.Dravnieks, head of the working group, which developed the draft on Administrative Violation Code, says the main function of ombudsman institution is to review the complaints of small people, however, in most cases it is impossible to help them and these people are aware of that, but they want at least to have somebody who listens to them. J.Lagzdinsh, Peoples Party deputy, says that any deputy of the Saeima or municipality is an ombudsman, we deputies have very broad authorisation to help people. Dz.Rasnach, FF/LNNK deputy, says that NHRO has to be given broader mandate and easier access to information. gives an article on the discussion regarding the establishment of ombudsman institution in Latvia. The necessity for such institution has been recognised by the State President and other high officials, local and foreign experts, the World Bank, UN, and OSCE. National Human Rights Office director O.Bruvers agrees with experts that ombudsman institution could be developed on the basis of NHRO but with the condition that NHRO is given a broader mandate, as well as additional funding and human resources. The current mandate allows to review only one third of the complaints received from residents. The member of Social Democrats party V.Lazo says “Officials want to keep their standings and are not interested in having an additional control mechanism”. Some politicians consider that several problems are going to be solved as the Administrative Violations Code has come into effect. A.Dravnieks, head of the working group, which developed the draft on Administrative Violation Code, says “the main function of ombudsman institution is to review the complaints of “small people”, however, in most cases it is impossible to help them and these people are aware of that, but they want at least to have somebody who listens to them”. J.Lagzdinsh, People’s Party deputy, says that “any deputy of the Saeima or municipality is an ombudsman, we deputies have very broad authorisation to help people”. Dz.Rasnach, FF/LNNK deputy, says that NHRO has to be given broader mandate and easier access to information. NeatkarigaNeatkariga Today Latvian ambassador to Russia I.Daudish returns to Riga. The new ambassador will arrive in Moscow in September.

Today Latvian ambassador to Russia I.Daudish returns to Riga. The new ambassador will arrive in Moscow in September. Chas

The Russian State Duma Friday adopted an appeal to the Latvian parliament urging to promote release of former Soviet securities structures employee convicted in Latvia over involvement in Stalinist repressions against Latvian people. The Russian lawmakers said in the statement that Mikhail Farbtukh, age 84, had been fighting against Fascism for four years, currently has first category disability and is still in jail although his health condition is deteriorating daily. The State Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, called on the Latvian lawmakers to support the request of Latvian prison administration to release Farbtukh from jail for health reasons. Latvian Supreme Court May 2001 sentenced Farbtukh to eight years in jail and, the first instance court later rejected a request to release him for health reasons.

The Russian State Duma Friday adopted an appeal to the Latvian parliament urging to promote release of former Soviet securities structures employee convicted in Latvia over involvement in Stalinist repressions against Latvian people. The Russian lawmakers said in the statement that Mikhail Farbtukh, age 84, had been fighting against Fascism for four years, currently has first category disability and is still in jail although his health condition is deteriorating daily. The State Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, called on the Latvian lawmakers to support the request of Latvian prison administration to release Farbtukh from jail for health reasons. Latvian Supreme Court May 2001 sentenced Farbtukh to eight years in jail and, the first instance court later rejected a request to release him for health reasons. Chas

The Europarliament committee delegation on visit to Latvia was pleasantly surprised over Latvia's progress and said the Baltic state has a good chance to be admitted to the European Union in the first enlargement wave, said the committee chairman.

The Europarliament committee delegation on visit to Latvia was pleasantly surprised over Latvia's progress and said the Baltic state has a good chance to be admitted to the European Union in the first enlargement wave, said the committee chairman.

Elmar Brok, who chairs the Europarliament committee for foreign affairs, human rights, common security and defence, made this statement at a news conference in Riga on Friday. "This is my first visit to Latvia and the first visit by the committee to any candidate state, and I am positively surprised about Latvia's progress. Your country has great chances to make it to the first EU enlargement wave," said Brok. The work by the government and parliament indicated understanding of issues and problems to be handled, he noted. As regards economic development, Latvia could be at the top of the list among candidate countries as it has sufficiently high GDP growth and low inflation. This September Europarliament has to submit full report about Latvia's progress on its way to the EU. He noted that the Latvian lawmakers had not been afraid to discuss sensitive issues such as integration of non-Latvians, the area were Latvia had achieved progress in recent years.

Elmar Brok, who chairs the Europarliament committee for foreign affairs, human rights, common security and defence, made this statement at a news conference in Riga on Friday. "This is my first visit to Latvia and the first visit by the committee to any candidate state, and I am positively surprised about Latvia's progress. Your country has great chances to make it to the first EU enlargement wave," said Brok. The work by the government and parliament indicated understanding of issues and problems to be handled, he noted. As regards economic development, Latvia could be at the top of the list among candidate countries as it has sufficiently high GDP growth and low inflation. This September Europarliament has to submit full report about Latvia's progress on its way to the EU. He noted that the Latvian lawmakers had not been afraid to discuss sensitive issues such as integration of non-Latvians, the area were Latvia had achieved progress in recent years. BNS, Chas

Vesti Segodnja gives another view on the visit. The newspaper writes about the meeting of the delegation with FHRUL, where FHRUL deputy M.Mitrafanov stated that the party does not support Latvia’s integration into NATO and that the relations with Russia are still more in the form of intentions than real actions.

Vesti Segodnja gives another view on the visit. The newspaper writes about the meeting of the delegation with FHRUL, where FHRUL deputy M.Mitrafanov stated that the party does not support Latvias integration into NATO and that the relations with Russia are still more in the form of intentions than real actions. Vesti Segodnja

The State Language Centre has issued a reprimand to I.Grigule, the head of the Office, which organised Hansa Days Activities and violated the State Language Law (the names of the cities were in the original languages and the language on the uniforms of the customer serving personnel was a foreign language without translation). I.Grigule does not find herself guilty.

The State Language Centre has issued a reprimand to I.Grigule, the head of the Office, which organised Hansa Days Activities and violated the State Language Law (the names of the cities were in the original languages and the language on the uniforms of the customer serving personnel was a foreign language without translation). I.Grigule does not find herself guilty. Respublika

Chas provides the views of some participants of the conference “Influence of Baltic States’ Membership in the EU to Northern Europe”. A.Avetisyan, head of European Co-operation Department of Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says “the issue concerning rights of Russian speakers residing in the Baltic Countries turns into the problem concerning Russia and the EU and not anymore Latvia and Russia, and it has to be solved before EU enlargement”.

Chas provides the views of some participants of the conference Influence of Baltic States Membership in the EU to Northern Europe. A.Avetisyan, head of European Co-operation Department of Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the issue concerning rights of Russian speakers residing in the Baltic Countries turns into the problem concerning Russia and the EU and not anymore Latvia and Russia, and it has to be solved before EU enlargement.

Russian State Duma deputy V.Zhirinovsky gives an interview to Chas, where he forecasts future for Latvia. He says that if the Russian language does not receive an official status and the border with Russia is not open, Latvia is going to experience economic pressure from Russia. The observance of Russian-speaking people rights will be the main card at the election of Russian President in 2004.

Russian State Duma deputy V.Zhirinovsky gives an interview to Chas, where he forecasts future for Latvia. He says that if the Russian language does not receive an official status and the border with Russia is not open, Latvia is going to experience economic pressure from Russia. The observance of Russian-speaking people rights will be the main card at the election of Russian President in 2004. Chas

One sixth of draftees (141 people) do not speak Latvian. An intensive language course is organised for these soldiers in Aluksne where all draftees receive first training.

One sixth of draftees (141 people) do not speak Latvian. An intensive language course is organised for these soldiers in Aluksne where all draftees receive first training. Vesti Segodnja

The Latvian Company Register has declined to register local branch of Russian radical organisation Russian National Unity, called also Barkhashovtsi after the name of Russian organisation’s leader. The registration was declined because the local Barkhashovtsi wanted to register their organisation under the name Russian National Unity in Latvia but it coincides with the name of the radical extremist organisation in Russia whose activities are aimed against Latvia's sovereignty, the Company Register said in a statement. Under the law on public organisations and their unions, names of organisations coinciding with names, abbreviations or symbols of foreign organisations acting against Latvia's independence and security are banned.

The Latvian Company Register has declined to register local branch of Russian radical organisation Russian National Unity, called also Barkhashovtsi after the name of Russian organisations leader. The registration was declined because the local Barkhashovtsi wanted to register their organisation under the name Russian National Unity in Latvia but it coincides with the name of the radical extremist organisation in Russia whose activities are aimed against Latvia's sovereignty, the Company Register said in a statement. Under the law on public organisations and their unions, names of organisations coinciding with names, abbreviations or symbols of foreign organisations acting against Latvia's independence and security are banned. Respublika, Panorama Latvii

According to the data provided by DCMA about 8000 or less than 1% Latvian citizens have not exchanged their old USSR passports for Latvian ones and 20 000 non-citizens still hold USSR passports.

According to the data provided by DCMA about 8000 or less than 1% Latvian citizens have not exchanged their old USSR passports for Latvian ones and 20 000 non-citizens still hold USSR passports. Respublika