Окт. 16, 2000
Press Report
In her interview to a German broadcasting station Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga expressed her negative attitude towards the draft law, prepared by FF/LNNK, on claiming Russia to compensate damages made to Latvia during the 50 years of Soviet occupation. President thought that the best thing what Moscow could do was to apologise.In her interview to a German broadcasting station Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga expressed her negative attitude towards the draft law, prepared by FF/LNNK, on claiming Russia to compensate damages made to Latvia during the 50 years of Soviet occupation. President thought that the best thing what Moscow could do was to apologise. Diena
The newspaper
The newspaper Jauna Avize interviewed one of the organisers of Baltic Forum N.Neilands about this event and Latvian Russian relations in general. N.Neilands said that Russia executed pressure on Latvia and there were two main issues for this - non-citizens and NATO. The issue of Russian non-citizens in Latvia is very sensitive and Russian politicians use it in their own internal interests. And there is a lack of a dialogue. Former Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs spoke much about such a dialogue but did nothing to establish it.
Yesterday in the cultural centre Imanta met the representatives of the party Equality with residents of Riga. On the agenda were the most urgent issues – education in the languages of national minorities, high utility payments, the language law, etc. A lot of people came for this meting. Most of them actively discussed rent payments, asked whether Equality deputies would be able to defend their mother tongue.Yesterday in the cultural centre Imanta met the representatives of the party Equality with residents of Riga. On the agenda were the most urgent issues education in the languages of national minorities, high utility payments, the language law, etc. A lot of people came for this meting. Most of them actively discussed rent payments, asked whether Equality deputies would be able to defend their mother tongue. Vesti Segodnya
Окт. 14, 2000
Press Report
On Friday Riga Regional Court cancelled the decision of the Riga City Central District Court that refused the request of the Prosecutor’s office to issue an order to arrest war time criminal K.Kalejs. And now the Prosecutor’s Office may request to arrest K.Kalejs once more.On Friday Riga Regional Court cancelled the decision of the Riga City Central District Court that refused the request of the Prosecutors office to issue an order to arrest war time criminal K.Kalejs. And now the Prosecutors Office may request to arrest K.Kalejs once more. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas
The Wall Street Journal writes that nine years have passed since the Baltic States restored their independence, but they have not managed to conclude an agreement with Russia on retrieving their former embassy buildings in Rome and Paris. And not only Russia shows unwillingness to solve this problem but also the governments of France and Italy.The Wall Street Journal writes that nine years have passed since the Baltic States restored their independence, but they have not managed to conclude an agreement with Russia on retrieving their former embassy buildings in Rome and Paris. And not only Russia shows unwillingness to solve this problem but also the governments of France and Italy. Diena, Neatkariga
Venspils Mayor A.Lembergs announced to the press that entrepreneurs of venspils financially supported Social Democrats. Social Democrats acknowledged such financing and explained that they had used this money during the campaign for collecting signatures for the amendments to the Power Law and saved something for the next municipal election. A.Lembergs refused the statement that Venspils entrepreneurs supported FF/LNNK and said that they saw Latvian Social Democrats as a perspective political party that became successful in Europe and also in Lithuania.Venspils Mayor A.Lembergs announced to the press that entrepreneurs of venspils financially supported Social Democrats. Social Democrats acknowledged such financing and explained that they had used this money during the campaign for collecting signatures for the amendments to the Power Law and saved something for the next municipal election. A.Lembergs refused the statement that Venspils entrepreneurs supported FF/LNNK and said that they saw Latvian Social Democrats as a perspective political party that became successful in Europe and also in Lithuania. Diena
Latvian MFA asked the Russian Embassy for explanation why the Saeima MP J.Vidins was refused a Russian visa for the third time. The Ministry acted upon a request of the Saeima Speaker J.Straume. J.Vidins was invited to participate in a human rights conference organised by the Russian National Council in St.Petersburg.
Latvian MFA asked the Russian Embassy for explanation why the Saeima MP J.Vidins was refused a Russian visa for the third time. The Ministry acted upon a request of the Saeima Speaker J.Straume. J.Vidins was invited to participate in a human rights conference organised by the Russian National Council in St.Petersburg. Diena, Vesti Segodnya (16.10.00)
Latvian MFA circulated a memorandum where it showed its negative position towards the Russian MFA interpretation of the draft law concerning the interests and rights of anti-Nazi coalition veterans. Russian MFA in its memorandum stated that in the draft law, prepared by the representatives of the People’s Party, the initiators of this law doubted the right of those people who had fought against Fascists. In its answer Latvian MFA pointed out that the Saeima had not accepted this draft law even in the first version – i.e. had not sent it to commissions for consideration and this characterised the position of Latvian Parliament on such proposals.Latvian MFA circulated a memorandum where it showed its negative position towards the Russian MFA interpretation of the draft law concerning the interests and rights of anti-Nazi coalition veterans. Russian MFA in its memorandum stated that in the draft law, prepared by the representatives of the Peoples Party, the initiators of this law doubted the right of those people who had fought against Fascists. In its answer Latvian MFA pointed out that the Saeima had not accepted this draft law even in the first version i.e. had not sent it to commissions for consideration and this characterised the position of Latvian Parliament on such proposals. Neatkariga
Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga met with the Saeima Speaker J.Straume to discuss urgent issues of internal and foreign policy, paying special attention to the legislation implementation process. After the meeting J.Straume pointed out that there would be necessary to make changes in the legislation concerning its implementation, especially from the time of adoption to announcing a law.
Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga met with the Saeima Speaker J.Straume to discuss urgent issues of internal and foreign policy, paying special attention to the legislation implementation process. After the meeting J.Straume pointed out that there would be necessary to make changes in the legislation concerning its implementation, especially from the time of adoption to announcing a law. Neatkariga
Yesterday Prime Minister A.Berzins met with Swedish Vice-Prime Minister L.H.Vallen. During the meeting both officials stated that Latvian – Swedish relations had reached a new quality – close partnership solving regional development, stability and security as well as EU expansion and economic co-operation issues.Yesterday Prime Minister A.Berzins met with Swedish Vice-Prime Minister L.H.Vallen. During the meeting both officials stated that Latvian Swedish relations had reached a new quality close partnership solving regional development, stability and security as well as EU expansion and economic co-operation issues. Neatkariga
Prime Minister A.Berzins also met with UNDP Representative to Latvia J.S.Sorensen. During this meeting UN official paid special attention to public integration issues. A.Berzins informed J.S.Sorensen about the adopted short version of the public integration program and said that elaboration of the expanded version was coming to its end and it would be submitted to the government for consideration. The Prime Minister pointed out that the elaboration of this public integration program was the most important long-term event to establish a united civic society in Latvia. J.S.Sorensen, acknowledging that Latvia would have good success during implementation of this program, said that it was important to involve in the implementation of this program all responsible ministries and other state institutions in order to get a versatile impression on the processes and necessary assistance. The high official expressed an opinion that the most attention should be paid to social, security, education and regional co-operation issues, and UNDP would be ready to help.
Prime Minister A.Berzins also met with UNDP Representative to Latvia J.S.Sorensen. During this meeting UN official paid special attention to public integration issues. A.Berzins informed J.S.Sorensen about the adopted short version of the public integration program and said that elaboration of the expanded version was coming to its end and it would be submitted to the government for consideration. The Prime Minister pointed out that the elaboration of this public integration program was the most important long-term event to establish a united civic society in Latvia. J.S.Sorensen, acknowledging that Latvia would have good success during implementation of this program, said that it was important to involve in the implementation of this program all responsible ministries and other state institutions in order to get a versatile impression on the processes and necessary assistance. The high official expressed an opinion that the most attention should be paid to social, security, education and regional co-operation issues, and UNDP would be ready to help. Neatkariga
The Council of Latvian Way adopted yesterday establishing three coalition lists for the next municipal election. In Liepaja the Party will have a common list with People’s Party and Union of Christian Democrats, in Rezekne – with Latvian Democratic Party (former Saimnieks). The Council also discussed the coalition agreement text with the Daugavpils City Party.
The Council of Latvian Way adopted yesterday establishing three coalition lists for the next municipal election. In Liepaja the Party will have a common list with Peoples Party and Union of Christian Democrats, in Rezekne with Latvian Democratic Party (former Saimnieks). The Council also discussed the coalition agreement text with the Daugavpils City Party. Neatkariga, Diena (16.10.00) Jauna Avize (16.10.00)
Окт. 13, 2000
Press Report
Yesterday the Saeima turned down lately the most discussed drafts of the law – the Law on the Orders and Signs of Honour submitted by the People’s Party and the Law on the Request of Compensation for the Losses Resulting from the Occupation of the USSR submitted to the Saeima by FF/LNNK.Yesterday the Saeima turned down lately the most discussed drafts of the law the Law on the Orders and Signs of Honour submitted by the Peoples Party and the Law on the Request of Compensation for the Losses Resulting from the Occupation of the USSR submitted to the Saeima by FF/LNNK. Diena, Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Jauna, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika
The decision of Latvia to abolish easier conditions to pass Latvia – Russia border for people living in the border zone will not benefit in better relations between two countries, says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. However, Latvia says that it was a necessary step, as the previous procedure did not comply with the requirements of the EU. According to the information provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia no complaints have been received from the people living in the border zone.The decision of Latvia to abolish easier conditions to pass Latvia Russia border for people living in the border zone will not benefit in better relations between two countries, says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. However, Latvia says that it was a necessary step, as the previous procedure did not comply with the requirements of the EU. According to the information provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia no complaints have been received from the people living in the border zone. Neatkariga, Respublika
Latvia will be a governing country in the Committee of Ministers of the EC as from November.
Latvia will be a governing country in the Committee of Ministers of the EC as from November. Diena
The vice Prime Minister of Sweden Lena Hjelma-Vallena is on one-day visit to Latvia. She will meet the Prime Minister A.Berzins and participate in the opening of the Days of Sweden in Cesis.The vice Prime Minister of Sweden Lena Hjelma-Vallena is on one-day visit to Latvia. She will meet the Prime Minister A.Berzins and participate in the opening of the Days of Sweden in Cesis. Neatkariga, Chas.
Yesterday the Russia’s Parliament Committee on the Affairs of Russians Living not in Russia discussed and approved the draft on aid for Russians living in the former Soviet Republics. That was also in regard to the Baltic States. Till the end of the year 50,2 million roubles (about 1 million Lats) are allocated for this purpose. First of all the aid is directed to the needs of Russian teachers and pupils, veterans of the war and work, artists.
Yesterday the Russias Parliament Committee on the Affairs of Russians Living not in Russia discussed and approved the draft on aid for Russians living in the former Soviet Republics. That was also in regard to the Baltic States. Till the end of the year 50,2 million roubles (about 1 million Lats) are allocated for this purpose. First of all the aid is directed to the needs of Russian teachers and pupils, veterans of the war and work, artists. Chas, Panorama Latvii
“Today the celebration of the anniversary of the liberation Riga from German occupation will be very simple and reserved, as in the country this is an ordinary working day. In the morning the veterans of II World War, diplomats of Russia and Byelorussia and people who value our history will gather at the Monument of Liberation. Afterwards there is a gathering in Mezaparks”, informsToday the celebration of the anniversary of the liberation Riga from German occupation will be very simple and reserved, as in the country this is an ordinary working day. In the morning the veterans of II World War, diplomats of Russia and Byelorussia and people who value our history will gather at the Monument of Liberation. Afterwards there is a gathering in Mezaparks, informs Chas.
Окт. 12, 2000
Press Report
The amendments in the draft of the state budget accepted by the Government foresee the increase in the budget deficit up to 3,1% of GDP and the increase is based on the explanation that the forecasted income from taxes was not fulfilled, as well as on the necessity to fulfil some political decisions taken by the present Government – increase teachers’ salaries, allocate extra subsidies for the farmers, etc. The International Monetary Fund has not commented the increase in the deficit yet.The amendments in the draft of the state budget accepted by the Government foresee the increase in the budget deficit up to 3,1% of GDP and the increase is based on the explanation that the forecasted income from taxes was not fulfilled, as well as on the necessity to fulfil some political decisions taken by the present Government increase teachers salaries, allocate extra subsidies for the farmers, etc. The International Monetary Fund has not commented the increase in the deficit yet. Diena, Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Panorama Latvii
The ex-member of the People’s Party M.Purgailis expressed his willingness to become a member of the Latvia’s Way. The People’s Party does not have any representative in the Council of Riga, “so before the municipal elections they will not have to justify themselves for the work done by the Council”.The ex-member of the Peoples Party M.Purgailis expressed his willingness to become a member of the Latvias Way. The Peoples Party does not have any representative in the Council of Riga, so before the municipal elections they will not have to justify themselves for the work done by the Council. Diena, Neatkariga, Rigas Balss
8 prisoners of Matisa prison go on with hunger strike. According to the data, 8700 persons are kept in the prisons in Latvia. 41% of these persons’ cases are not reviewed in the court or the verdicts in their cases are not announced to be effective. Besides, 111 persons of all prisoners are waiting for the review of their cases at a court for more than 2 years.8 prisoners of Matisa prison go on with hunger strike. According to the data, 8700 persons are kept in the prisons in Latvia. 41% of these persons cases are not reviewed in the court or the verdicts in their cases are not announced to be effective. Besides, 111 persons of all prisoners are waiting for the review of their cases at a court for more than 2 years. Diena.
The People’s Party has decided not to support the draft on the Request of Compensation for the Losses Resulting from the Occupation of the USSR submitted to the Saeima by FF/LNNK. Latvia’s Way will vote against it and the Social Democrats will refrain from voting. The Prime Minister named this step as “crawling back” in the relations with Russia.The Peoples Party has decided not to support the draft on the Request of Compensation for the Losses Resulting from the Occupation of the USSR submitted to the Saeima by FF/LNNK. Latvias Way will vote against it and the Social Democrats will refrain from voting. The Prime Minister named this step as crawling back in the relations with Russia. Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Respublika, Panorama Latvii.
After learning the alternative report on children’s situation in Latvia and observance of the Convention on Children Rights prepared by the non-governmental organisation “Glabiet bernus!”, the Commission on Human Rights and Children Rights of the UN is very concerned that the protection of sexually abused children is not ensured in Latvia. The questions regarding which institution is responsible for the implementation of the UN Convention on Children Rights, the division of functions between the state and municipalities in the matter, were not very clear for the Commission.After learning the alternative report on childrens situation in Latvia and observance of the Convention on Children Rights prepared by the non-governmental organisation Glabiet bernus!, the Commission on Human Rights and Children Rights of the UN is very concerned that the protection of sexually abused children is not ensured in Latvia. The questions regarding which institution is responsible for the implementation of the UN Convention on Children Rights, the division of functions between the state and municipalities in the matter, were not very clear for the Commission. Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Respublika
Yesterday Saeima Committee on Social and Work Matters turned down the amendments in the Law on Social Support, which determined the increase in children allowances not as from this year but only in 2003.Yesterday Saeima Committee on Social and Work Matters turned down the amendments in the Law on Social Support, which determined the increase in children allowances not as from this year but only in 2003. Neatkariga
The Minister of International Affairs I.Berzins will be on the official visit to the Czech Republic October 13-15.The Minister of International Affairs I.Berzins will be on the official visit to the Czech Republic October 13-15. Neatkariga.
In St.Petersburg the meeting which main topics covered the activities of human rights institutions in the CIS, their co-operation with state authorities and mass media took place. The Chairman of Saeima Standing Committee on Human Rights A.Seiksts presented Latvia.
In St.Petersburg the meeting which main topics covered the activities of human rights institutions in the CIS, their co-operation with state authorities and mass media took place. The Chairman of Saeima Standing Committee on Human Rights A.Seiksts presented Latvia. Jauna.
There was not a single visitor for the meeting with the representatives of the OSCE Mission to Latvia in Daugavpils. The representatives of the OSCE say that it shows that the problems regarding the observance of human rights in the city have decreased.There was not a single visitor for the meeting with the representatives of the OSCE Mission to Latvia in Daugavpils. The representatives of the OSCE say that it shows that the problems regarding the observance of human rights in the city have decreased. Chas, Vesti Segodnja.
The Cabinet of Ministers again postponed revision of the amendments in the Administrative Code, which would determine penalty system for the violence of the Language Law.The Cabinet of Ministers again postponed revision of the amendments in the Administrative Code, which would determine penalty system for the violence of the Language Law. Chas.
Окт. 11, 2000
Press Report
In the annual report on the people’s development carried out by the UNDP Latvia takes 63rd place among 174 countries. Latvia is behind not only Estonia and Lithuania, but also Russia, Byelorussia, Croatia. The research was based on such data as income per an inhabitant; the years of life, educational level, availability of health protection.In the annual report on the peoples development carried out by the UNDP Latvia takes 63rd place among 174 countries. Latvia is behind not only Estonia and Lithuania, but also Russia, Byelorussia, Croatia. The research was based on such data as income per an inhabitant; the years of life, educational level, availability of health protection. Neatkariga, Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika
The victory of the left wing in the Seima elections in Lithuania makes Latvia’s politicians reconsider their chances for the 8th Saeima elections. According to the pools carried out in Latvia, Latvia’s Social Democrat Workers’ Party has been the most popular party for the last months. The members of Latvia’s Way and People’s Party say that social democrats are not ready to become a ruling party and the country itself is not ready for that.The victory of the left wing in the Seima elections in Lithuania makes Latvias politicians reconsider their chances for the 8th Saeima elections. According to the pools carried out in Latvia, Latvias Social Democrat Workers Party has been the most popular party for the last months. The members of Latvias Way and Peoples Party say that social democrats are not ready to become a ruling party and the country itself is not ready for that. Neatkariga.
Yesterday the President Vaira Vike-Freiberga opened the biggest international military training Baltic Eagle – 2000.
Yesterday the President Vaira Vike-Freiberga opened the biggest international military training Baltic Eagle 2000. Neatkariga, Jauna, Vesti Segodnja
Saeima Committee on Defence and Interior Affairs and the National Security Commission ask the Ministry of Justice to examine the compliance of the support organisations of Russia’s National Bolshevistic organisationSaeima Committee on Defence and Interior Affairs and the National Security Commission ask the Ministry of Justice to examine the compliance of the support organisations of Russias National Bolshevistic organisation Limonovci with the Law on Non-governmental institutions. Their proposal is to prohibit these organisations in the territory of Latvia. Neatkariga
Latvia has to establish diplomatic relations with Yugoslavia after the regime of the President of Yugoslavia has fallen.Latvia has to establish diplomatic relations with Yugoslavia after the regime of the President of Yugoslavia has fallen. Neatkariga, Respublika.
Riga Council deputy ex-mayor M.Purgailis has left the People’s Party, thus in the Council of Riga City is no representative of the People’s Party. M.Purgailis does not keep in secret that he would join another political party, however, the secret is – which one.Riga Council deputy ex-mayor M.Purgailis has left the Peoples Party, thus in the Council of Riga City is no representative of the Peoples Party. M.Purgailis does not keep in secret that he would join another political party, however, the secret is which one. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna
The Ministers of Co-operation of the Baltic States and Nordic countries met in Riga yesterday to discuss co-operation programme. The priorities are placed on the following fields – education, culture, fostering society integration and IT.
The Ministers of Co-operation of the Baltic States and Nordic countries met in Riga yesterday to discuss co-operation programme. The priorities are placed on the following fields education, culture, fostering society integration and IT. Neatkariga
The recent pool on popularity of the parties shows that Latvia’s Social Democrat Party is the most popular party (14%), then follows Latvia’s Way (13,95),the Union For Human Rights in the United Latvia (8,9%), FF/LNNK (7,5%) and People’s Party. The number of the inquired people who do not know which party they would vote for – 25,3% and people who will not go to vote – 15,6%.The recent pool on popularity of the parties shows that Latvias Social Democrat Party is the most popular party (14%), then follows Latvias Way (13,95),the Union For Human Rights in the United Latvia (8,9%), FF/LNNK (7,5%) and Peoples Party. The number of the inquired people who do not know which party they would vote for 25,3% and people who will not go to vote 15,6%. Diena, Jauna, Respublika, Panorama Latvii.
“The unwillingness of the Government to ratify the Framework Convention on the Protection of Minorities shows state’s attitude towards the national minorities”, writes the chairman deputy of the faction FHRUL O.Shipcov in the newspaperThe unwillingness of the Government to ratify the Framework Convention on the Protection of Minorities shows states attitude towards the national minorities, writes the chairman deputy of the faction FHRUL O.Shipcov in the newspaper Vesti Segodnja. He says: The separation of people in minorities has been started already in the years of the Awakening, when the nationalities were made to establish their own separate national cultural communities. Today could be the time to start to improve the situation. O.Shipcov invites people to organise the congress of the National Minorities in Latvia.
The Director of the Department for Citizenship and Migration Affairs M.Bichevskis informed the Saeima Committee on the Implementation of the Law on Citizenship, that in the territory of Latvia on the legal basis reside 315 citizens of the USSR. Although, Latvia does not recognise the passport of the USSR, as there is no such country any more, there are people who are the citizens of the USSR. The Committee asked to M.Bichevski to clarify such “nonsense”.The Director of the Department for Citizenship and Migration Affairs M.Bichevskis informed the Saeima Committee on the Implementation of the Law on Citizenship, that in the territory of Latvia on the legal basis reside 315 citizens of the USSR. Although, Latvia does not recognise the passport of the USSR, as there is no such country any more, there are people who are the citizens of the USSR. The Committee asked to M.Bichevski to clarify such nonsense. Vesti Segodnja.
“Tuesday night the members of the OSCE Mission to Latvia came to Daugavpils. Today they are planning to see the Naturalisation Board, the General Consulate of Russia and DCMA (Department for Citizenship and Migration Affairs). By the way, the civil servants made the execution of their activities a little bit harder.Tuesday night the members of the OSCE Mission to Latvia came to Daugavpils. Today they are planning to see the Naturalisation Board, the General Consulate of Russia and DCMA (Department for Citizenship and Migration Affairs). By the way, the civil servants made the execution of their activities a little bit harder.
The Head of DCMA I.Valpetere mentioned that ““missioners” did not even care to make an accurate meeting time, although their main aim was to find out more about the issuance of non-citizen passports. We do not have any particular problems in Daugavpils. Only 5,6% permanent residents did not exchange the passports. The announcement about the possibility to meet with the representatives of the OSCE Mission to Latvia was published only in one city’s newspaper out of five, that was why there were not so many visitors. However, some years ago inhabitants of Daugavpils tried very hard to get to this meeting, making the queue hours before the meeting. Either the problems are gone or the OSCE are not trying very hard to find out about them”.The Head of DCMA I.Valpetere mentioned that missioners did not even care to make an accurate meeting time, although their main aim was to find out more about the issuance of non-citizen passports. We do not have any particular problems in Daugavpils. Only 5,6% permanent residents did not exchange the passports. The announcement about the possibility to meet with the representatives of the OSCE Mission to Latvia was published only in one citys newspaper out of five, that was why there were not so many visitors. However, some years ago inhabitants of Daugavpils tried very hard to get to this meeting, making the queue hours before the meeting. Either the problems are gone or the OSCE are not trying very hard to find out about them. Chas.
Vesti Segodnja
gives an article about the problems caused by the abolishment of easier conditions to pass the border for people who live in the border zone. gives an article about the problems caused by the abolishment of easier conditions to pass the border for people who live in the border zone. On Thursday the President V.Vike-Freiberga will meet with the President of ATA (Atlantic Treaties Association) – the organisation which promotes the idea of NATO.On Thursday the President V.Vike-Freiberga will meet with the President of ATA (Atlantic Treaties Association) the organisation which promotes the idea of NATO. Respublika.
Already for a month the regulations on the State Language Law are effective, however, the Government is not able to finish the work at the amendments in the Code of Administrative Violations in regard to violations of the Language Law norms. The newspaperAlready for a month the regulations on the State Language Law are effective, however, the Government is not able to finish the work at the amendments in the Code of Administrative Violations in regard to violations of the Language Law norms. The newspaper Panorama Latvii gives its explanation why the penalties for violation of the Language Law were not adopted at the same time when the regulations were adopted most likely it happened because ministers tried to fool the old OSCE Commissioner they did not provide him any information regarding the changes in the Administrative Code. They try to postpone the adoption of the draft as the High Commissioner Max van der Stoel retires in December. Panorama Latvii