Press Report

Press Report

Finnish President Tarja Halonen, whose reserved comments about admission of the Baltic states to NATO have recently caused much publicity in Latvia, today starts her state visit to Latvia. On Wednesday Halonen is expected to meet with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, who told Finnish media before Halonen's visit that she would like to hear the Finnish president to explain Finland's position concerning Baltic membership in NATO. Halonen is also scheduled to talk to Latvian premier Andris Berzins and deliver lecture in Latvia University.

Finnish President Tarja Halonen, whose reserved comments about admission of the Baltic states to NATO have recently caused much publicity in Latvia, today starts her state visit to Latvia. On Wednesday Halonen is expected to meet with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, who told Finnish media before Halonen's visit that she would like to hear the Finnish president to explain Finland's position concerning Baltic membership in NATO. Halonen is also scheduled to talk to Latvian premier Andris Berzins and deliver lecture in Latvia University. Diena, Jauna

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga has refused to meet left-wing alliance For Human Rights in a United Latvia (FHRUL) representatives on Tuesday, as the alliance's parliament members were to be accompanied to the meeting by former communism activists Tatyana Zhdanok and Alfreds Rubiks. The President's office, however, put the issue another way - claiming that the president wanted to meet lawmakers and not any other representatives. FHRUL faction leader Janis Jurkans said that the president had told him that she would not be meeting the leftists in their suggested composition, suggesting that parliament members see her on Friday.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga has refused to meet left-wing alliance For Human Rights in a United Latvia (FHRUL) representatives on Tuesday, as the alliance's parliament members were to be accompanied to the meeting by former communism activists Tatyana Zhdanok and Alfreds Rubiks. The President's office, however, put the issue another way - claiming that the president wanted to meet lawmakers and not any other representatives. FHRUL faction leader Janis Jurkans said that the president had told him that she would not be meeting the leftists in their suggested composition, suggesting that parliament members see her on Friday.

"I will not go on Friday either, because if the president can't meet the leaders of parties represented at parliament and the Riga City Council, then there is something wrong with democracy in our country," said Jurkans.

"I will not go on Friday either, because if the president can't meet the leaders of parties represented at parliament and the Riga City Council, then there is something wrong with democracy in our country," said Jurkans.

As the left-wing has a different attitude towards Latvian NATO accession and defence spending, the president wants to meet with them separately, in order to discuss the issues in more detail.

As the left-wing has a different attitude towards Latvian NATO accession and defence spending, the president wants to meet with them separately, in order to discuss the issues in more detail. Diena, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

Vesti Segodnja comments that “it proves once again that Society Integration Programme is only for the West”.

Vesti Segodnja comments that it proves once again that Society Integration Programme is only for the West.

The President, Saeima and Prime Minister have decided not to ask for the resignation of the Defence Minister G.V.Kristovskis.

The President, Saeima and Prime Minister have decided not to ask for the resignation of the Defence Minister G.V.Kristovskis. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Panorama Latvii

The faculty of the Riga Aviation University would not file a claim about closing the University with the European Human Rights Court, if the state pays out the debt, which is constituted of salary and social tax payments till the end of May.

Neatkariga.

On the occasion of Victory Day Russian President V.Putin met with Soviet soldiers of II World War and stated that Russia will do everything to keep its promises given to Russian-speakers residing in the Baltic countries. Not only does Russia remember about its citizens but also it hopes to have their support as they can rely on ours, said V.Putin. Jauna, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

According to unofficial sources of information the next Latvian ambassador to Russia will be current Minister of Transport A.Gorbunovs.

According to unofficial sources of information the next Latvian ambassador to Russia will be current Minister of Transport A.Gorbunovs. Chas

Newspapers in Russian –

Newspapers in Russian – Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Panorama Latvii - devote their first pages to articles and photos about Victory Day.

Chas

interviews Foreign Affair Minister I.Berzins. Mostly the minister answered the questions about the EU and Latvias role in it. In his opinion Latvias movement towards the West will make relations with Russia only closer. When asked about the possibility to review the Law on Citizenship if there is a pressure of the Western countries, the minister made very certain answer No, as also EU and OSCE do not require to enter any changes in the Law. interviews Foreign Affair Minister I.Berzins. Mostly the minister answered the questions about the EU and Latvia’s role in it. In his opinion Latvia’s movement towards the West will make relations with Russia only closer. When asked about the possibility to review the Law on Citizenship if there is a pressure of the Western countries, the minister made very certain answer “No”, as also EU and OSCE do not require to enter any changes in the Law.

Panorama Latvii

interviews Riga City Council vice mayor S.Dolgopolov who presents FHRUL at the Council. S.Dolgopolov talks about the every-day work at the Council, as well as accounts for two scandals at the Council. In regard to language issue he says that all deputies of FHRUL speaks Latvian quite well and if the State Language Centre wants to examine something, it should examine the commissions who issued state language certificates to these deputies. interviews Riga City Council vice mayor S.Dolgopolov who presents FHRUL at the Council. S.Dolgopolov talks about the every-day work at the Council, as well as accounts for two scandals at the Council. In regard to language issue he says that all deputies of FHRUL speaks Latvian quite well and if “the State Language Centre wants to examine something, it should examine the commissions who issued state language certificates to these deputies”.

Press Report

Press Report

Prime Minister Andris Berzins Monday demanded explanations from Defence Minister Girts Valdis Kristovskis over his statements describing Belarus as an opponent of Latvia and, after the explanation is received, it will be possible to theoretically discuss Kristovskis resignation.

Prime Minister Andris Berzins Monday demanded explanations from Defence Minister Girts Valdis Kristovskis over his statements describing Belarus as an opponent of Latvia and, after the explanation is received, it will be possible to theoretically discuss Kristovskis resignation. Neatkariga

Interior Minister Mareks Seglins Monday ordered security police chief to examine remarks by leader Lindermans and other members of Victory, the local branch of Russia's radical National Bolshevik organisation, about the possible reaction on Riga Regional Court's judgement in Russia's National Bolsheviks case. Linderman told reporters after the court judgement was pronounced that he would fight for liberation of the convicted National Bolsheviks with all legal methods. He said that "as a specialist" he does not rule out that all Latvian nationals who are abroad may occur in hostage situation. Linderman also pledged to achieve purposeful actions from "Russia's bureaucracy" so it at last begins protecting its citizens. He swore to achieve a result that would not "seem insufficient".

Diena, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii Six left-wing deputies at Riga City Council continue to refuse to meet with the specialists of the State Language Centre to have examined their Latvian language skills. The Mayor G.Bojars has asked Council’s Legal Committee to explore the ways to ensure that deputies’ language proficiency is examined.

Six left-wing deputies at Riga City Council continue to refuse to meet with the specialists of the State Language Centre to have examined their Latvian language skills. The Mayor G.Bojars has asked Councils Legal Committee to explore the ways to ensure that deputies language proficiency is examined. Rigas Balss

The campaign called "Lets give back signs in Russian for the streets of Riga!" launched by

The campaign called "Lets give back signs in Russian for the streets of Riga!" launched by Vesti Segodnja has stirred up alarm in many Latvian officials, reports the newspaper. The campaign offers free advertising for companies with street signs also in Russian. The offer gives free advertisement for any retail or service company with signs not only in Latvian, but also in Russian, reminding that the State language law does not ban the use of the Russian language. Saeima Education and Culture Committee chairman Dz.Abikis and State Language Centre director Dz.Hirsha expressed their dissatisfaction with such campaign, however, the State Language Centre cannot do anything as the campaign is legal.

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers accepted draft directive on singing “European Council Convention on Citizenship of 6 November, 1997”. The Latvian law is in general consistent with the convention but upon the ratification some reservations should be made in respect of provisions differing from the current citizenship law.

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers accepted draft directive on singing European Council Convention on Citizenship of 6 November, 1997. The Latvian law is in general consistent with the convention but upon the ratification some reservations should be made in respect of provisions differing from the current citizenship law. Latvijas Vestnesis

Chas gives its comments on what happens if the Convention is ratified – first of all Latvian non-citizens acquire the status of stateless persons as in Europe there is no such status as “a non-citizen” and the concern is that Latvia is going to add to the Convention a specific norm stating that the state is not going to make naturalisation for this category easier. Second, Latvia says that the norm providing for the certain obligations of a new country towards the citizens of the former country does not apply to Latvia and the citizens of the former USSR.

Chas gives its comments on what happens if the Convention is ratified – first of all Latvian non-citizens acquire the status of stateless persons as in Europe there is no such status as a non-citizen and the concern is that Latvia is going to add to the Convention a specific norm stating that the state is not going to make naturalisation for this category easier. Second, Latvia says that the norm providing for the certain obligations of a new country towards the citizens of the former country does not apply to Latvia and the citizens of the former USSR.

Respublika

informs that European Human Rights Court has not decided yet either to accept the case of A.Lavents Banka Baltija versus the Republic of Latvia for the revision. informs that European Human Rights Court has not decided yet either to accept the case of A.Lavents “Banka Baltija” versus the Republic of Latvia for the revision.

Respublika

writes about the launching of society integration project. The project was k developed by the Naturalisation Board as well as UNDP, OSCE Mission to Latvia, Public Integration Department at the Ministry of Justice. The main aim of the project is to provide to all people of Latvia detailed information concerning citizenship and naturalisation issues. The funding for the project amounts to USD 200 000 and it could be considered the first donation of foreign sponsors for Society Integration Programme. writes about the launching of society integration project. The project was k developed by the Naturalisation Board as well as UNDP, OSCE Mission to Latvia, Public Integration Department at the Ministry of Justice. The main aim of the project is to provide to all people of Latvia detailed information concerning citizenship and naturalisation issues. The funding for the project amounts to USD 200 000 and it could be considered the first donation of foreign sponsors for Society Integration Programme.

Press Report

Belarus Foreign Ministry wants to get official explanations from Latvia over remarks by Defence Minister Girts Valdis Kristovskis that Belarus is a possibly unfriendly country to Latvia. Kristovskis allegedly had said in an interview published by Riga's weekly newspaper

Belarus Foreign Ministry wants to get official explanations from Latvia over remarks by Defence Minister Girts Valdis Kristovskis that Belarus is a possibly unfriendly country to Latvia. Kristovskis allegedly had said in an interview published by Riga's weekly newspaper Subbota Friday edition: "Our possible opponent objectively is located in the East. We have 80 kilometres long border with Belarus. Europe objectively believes that there is the last totalitarian regime in Europe". Moreover, Kristovskis had added that this is an official position. The defence minister also said "Russia regards the Baltics as potential arena of warfare". Commenting on these statements by Kristovskis the Belarus Foreign Ministry spokesman Pavel Lotushko told the Interfax agency that "Belarus has never regarded and is not going to regard the Republic of Latvia as a potential military opponent". Belarus Foreign Ministry believes the remarks by Latvian defence minister are in contradiction with the existing political and economic relations between the two countries. Belarus attracts attention of the Latvian government at the fact that such statements are inadmissible and stresses that it hopes to receive official explanations. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja, Chas

On Sunday night unknown vandals had thrown bottles with black paint at Latvian embassy building in Moscow. This is already the second accident during the previous week.

On Sunday night unknown vandals had thrown bottles with black paint at Latvian embassy building in Moscow. This is already the second accident during the previous week. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Press Report

As Prime Minister A.Berzin’s government has been working already for a year, Prime Minister looks back to the work done. Among the biggest successes he names progress made in discussions with the EU and NATO, improved relations with Russia, economic development, more stabilised social budget and, in their turn, the flaws are too optimistic income forecast, privatisation process of Latvian Shipping Company, hindering with Society Integration Programme implementation and drawing up the Law on Corruption Prevention, inability to set education as a real priority.

As Prime Minister A.Berzins government has been working already for a year, Prime Minister looks back to the work done. Among the biggest successes he names progress made in discussions with the EU and NATO, improved relations with Russia, economic development, more stabilised social budget and, in their turn, the flaws are too optimistic income forecast, privatisation process of Latvian Shipping Company, hindering with Society Integration Programme implementation and drawing up the Law on Corruption Prevention, inability to set education as a real priority. Diena

Russia’s minister of culture M.Svidkoy were on a two-day visit to Riga. The minister expressed his interest not only about the possibilities to improve co-operation in the sphere of culture, but also about naturalisation and situation concerning national minorities.

Russias minister of culture M.Svidkoy were on a two-day visit to Riga. The minister expressed his interest not only about the possibilities to improve co-operation in the sphere of culture, but also about naturalisation and situation concerning national minorities. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Jauna

provides opinions of two politicians of the opposite wings – P.Lace (FF/LNNK) and T.Zhdanok (For Equality). P.Lace has a strict position in regard to Russians in Latvia – they have to leave for their motherland. In her view Latvians have the soul of servants – before Latvians pleased Russians, now the High Commissioner Max van der Stoel. T.Zhdanok thinks that Russians are discriminated in a number spheres in Latvia and analyses what could be the results of these discriminations. International seminar “European Convention on Nationality – Common Problems and Solutions in the Field of Nationality” run by the EU, NB and Human Right Institute of the University of Latvia will take place in Riga on Monday and Tuesday. Human rights experts from Switzerland, Sweden, Russia, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia will share their experiences regarding citizenship issues and ratification process of the European Convention on Nationality.

International seminar European Convention on Nationality – Common Problems and Solutions in the Field of Nationality run by the EU, NB and Human Right Institute of the University of Latvia will take place in Riga on Monday and Tuesday. Human rights experts from Switzerland, Sweden, Russia, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia will share their experiences regarding citizenship issues and ratification process of the European Convention on Nationality. Neatkariga.

In response to school optimisation plan Russian schools are getting ready for protests. In accordance with the plan the changes will concern 5 Russian schools in Riga, 1 in Jelgava and 2 in Jekabpils. The schools will be reorganised or closed because of the insufficient number of students per class. Officials relate this situation to lower birth rate and the decision of parents to send their children to Latvian schools.

In response to school optimisation plan Russian schools are getting ready for protests. In accordance with the plan the changes will concern 5 Russian schools in Riga, 1 in Jelgava and 2 in Jekabpils. The schools will be reorganised or closed because of the insufficient number of students per class. Officials relate this situation to lower birth rate and the decision of parents to send their children to Latvian schools. Neatkariga

Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has come up with the statement in regard to the verdict to national bolshevists. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Friday that the jail

Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs has come up with the statement in regard to the verdict to national bolshevists. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Friday that the jail

terms passed in Latvia on three Russians extremists from National Bolshevik Party, who were convicted on terrorism charges, amounted to "demonstrative cruelty."

terms passed in Latvia on three Russians extremists from National Bolshevik Party, who were convicted on terrorism charges, amounted to "demonstrative cruelty."

Russia pointed out that Latvian extremists, who were tried for the attempt to blow up the Victory Monument built in Riga during the Soviet rule to commemorate the victory of the Soviet Army over Nazis in World War Two, got far more lenient sentences. According to this statement, "the Latvian judicial system had decided to show demonstrative cruelty against the young Russian citizens”.

Russia pointed out that Latvian extremists, who were tried for the attempt to blow up the Victory Monument built in Riga during the Soviet rule to commemorate the victory of the Soviet Army over Nazis in World War Two, got far more lenient sentences. According to this statement, "the Latvian judicial system had decided to show demonstrative cruelty against the young Russian citizens. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Chas gives the main points of Saeima vice-speaker J.Straume’s speech on the occasion of the Anniversary of Independence Declaration Day. J.Straume based his speech on 4 main points – NATO, state language, education and Constitution. In regard to the state language he said that “although there were many protests from the East and West, Latvia managed to prevent two-language situation, however, consolidation of the powers which were very happy about the conclusions of some foreign experts who supported easier norms of the State language should not be neglected”.

Chas gives the main points of Saeima vice-speaker J.Straumes speech on the occasion of the Anniversary of Independence Declaration Day. J.Straume based his speech on 4 main points – NATO, state language, education and Constitution. In regard to the state language he said that although there were many protests from the East and West, Latvia managed to prevent two-language situation, however, consolidation of the powers which were very happy about the conclusions of some foreign experts who supported easier norms of the State language should not be neglected. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

In the framework of the program “European Block”

In the framework of the program European Block Chas contributor A.Stroy visited European organisations in Brussels. A.Stroy met with Latvian ambassador to the EU A.Piebalgs and the officials of the EU. A.Stroy says that in all discussions Latvia first of all is perceived as a bridge between Europe and Russia and the main advantage of Latvia is the wide spread Russian language skills.

Press Report

Press Report

The Latvian parliament on Thursday turned down no-confidence vote against Economics Minister Aigars Kalvitis, initiated by opposition Social Democrats accusing him over illegalities in Latvian Shipping Company (LASCO) privatisation. Kalvitis survived the vote with 50 votes against 32 and six abstentions. The minister himself did not arrive at the parliament for the vote as he is in Cologne to support Latvian national ice-hockey team in the world championships there.

The Latvian parliament on Thursday turned down no-confidence vote against Economics Minister Aigars Kalvitis, initiated by opposition Social Democrats accusing him over illegalities in Latvian Shipping Company (LASCO) privatisation. Kalvitis survived the vote with 50 votes against 32 and six abstentions. The minister himself did not arrive at the parliament for the vote as he is in Cologne to support Latvian national ice-hockey team in the world championships there. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Respublika, Jauna Avize

Council of Europe Secretary General Walter Schwimmer Thursday in Riga urged Latvia to grant non-citizens the voting right in the local elections so they can take part in the local authorities democracy process. Schwimmer said speaking in a conference called Local Democracy at the Beginning of the 21st Century that such is CE recommendation to Latvia as a European Union candidate country. He called on non-citizens to naturalise adding that CE would only support it.

Council of Europe Secretary General Walter Schwimmer Thursday in Riga urged Latvia to grant non-citizens the voting right in the local elections so they can take part in the local authorities democracy process. Schwimmer said speaking in a conference called Local Democracy at the Beginning of the 21st Century that such is CE recommendation to Latvia as a European Union candidate country. He called on non-citizens to naturalise adding that CE would only support it. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga,

During the meeting of Secretary General with Latvian Prime Minister both officials discussed Latvian presidency in CoE. During her presidency Latvia paid much attention to language policy, protection of cultural heritage. The Secretary General acknowledged that the language of every nation as a proof of its identity would be very important when joining EU.

During the meeting of Secretary General with Latvian Prime Minister both officials discussed Latvian presidency in CoE. During her presidency Latvia paid much attention to language policy, protection of cultural heritage. The Secretary General acknowledged that the language of every nation as a proof of its identity would be very important when joining EU. Latvijas Vestnesis

The Latvian government headed by Prime Minister Andris Berzins during its first year in the office has been able to achieve major progress in foreign policy priorities and to contribute to economic growth in the country, the premier said Thursday. At the meeting with chief editors from Latvian regional newspapers Berzins said that his government's foreign policy priorities were membership in the European Union (EU) and NATO as well as improved relations with all neighbouring countries. A major "breakthrough" has also been made in relations with Latvia's largest neighbour, Russia, the Latvian premier said, mentioning as achievements in this area the visit by Latvian foreign minister Indulis Berzins to Moscow where he met with his Russian counterpart, the meeting between Latvia and Russian presidents in Austria as well as progress in the work of the Latvian-Russian intergovernmental commission.

The Latvian government headed by Prime Minister Andris Berzins during its first year in the office has been able to achieve major progress in foreign policy priorities and to contribute to economic growth in the country, the premier said Thursday. At the meeting with chief editors from Latvian regional newspapers Berzins said that his government's foreign policy priorities were membership in the European Union (EU) and NATO as well as improved relations with all neighbouring countries. A major "breakthrough" has also been made in relations with Latvia's largest neighbour, Russia, the Latvian premier said, mentioning as achievements in this area the visit by Latvian foreign minister Indulis Berzins to Moscow where he met with his Russian counterpart, the meeting between Latvia and Russian presidents in Austria as well as progress in the work of the Latvian-Russian intergovernmental commission. BNS

Latvian journalists interviewed Finnish President T.Hallonen about Finnish position on the plans of the Baltic States to join NATO, Finnish experiences when joining EU and future plans for co-operation with the Baltic States.

Latvian journalists interviewed Finnish President T.Hallonen about Finnish position on the plans of the Baltic States to join NATO, Finnish experiences when joining EU and future plans for co-operation with the Baltic States. Diena

This weekend Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins will participate in unofficial meeting of ministers of Foreign Affairs of EU member and candidate states that will take place in Sweden. They will exchange their opinions about the future of Europe.

This weekend Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins will participate in unofficial meeting of ministers of Foreign Affairs of EU member and candidate states that will take place in Sweden. They will exchange their opinions about the future of Europe. Neatkariga

Riga major J.Bojars charged Juridical Department of the Council to prepare an answer to the State Language Centre about the procedure how officials of the Centre could test the language proficiency level of 6 Council members. These six deputies: S.Zaletajev, G.Kotov, V.Buzajev, O.Shipcov, I.Ivanov and M.Gavrilov refused to meet Centre’s officials because they already had those documents.

Riga major J.Bojars charged Juridical Department of the Council to prepare an answer to the State Language Centre about the procedure how officials of the Centre could test the language proficiency level of 6 Council members. These six deputies: S.Zaletajev, G.Kotov, V.Buzajev, O.Shipcov, I.Ivanov and M.Gavrilov refused to meet Centres officials because they already had those documents. Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii, Chas

A.Yelkin in

Vesti Segodnya cites an article in a German newspaper Stuttgarte Nachrichten where it was written that although Russia was not a member of EU, Russian language might become a working language of this organisation. And it could be Latvia that would make it happen because 1/5 of its population does not know the state language but everybody knows Russian. The German newspaper foresees that this delicate issue about the Russian language as a working language would be discusses during the next visit of Commissioner G.Verheugen to Riga. Meanwhile Latvian politicians demand to make stricter penalties for violating norms of the language law. Yesterday MP Abikis sent a letter to the Saeima Juridical Commission expressing his incomprehension about the slow process of preparing amendments to the Administrative Code. It weakens the positions of the Latvian language. And as a consequence of it language inspection may not test the language proficiency level of Riga City Council deputies from For Human Rights in United Latvia faction.

Yesterday Russian Minister of Culture arrived to Riga. It was planned that he would bring an official program of Latvian – Russian co-operation for two years, signed by Russian Prime Minister M.Kasyanov, but Russian heag of the government was too busy to sign it. Nevertheless, Latvian and Russian Ministers will discuss the last details of this program. Chas