Press Report

Press Report

Parties supporting A.Berzins as the Prime Minister started on Wednesday to prepare governmental declaration and coalition agreement. The President promised to name the candidate next week, but she had already acknowledged that no surprises were to be expected.

Parties supporting A.Berzins as the Prime Minister started on Wednesday to prepare governmental declaration and coalition agreement. The President promised to name the candidate next week, but she had already acknowledged that no surprises were to be expected. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Rigas Balss, Lauku Avize, Respublika

LC Chairman A.Pantelejevs considers that there are only two options in this situation – either the President respects the opinion of the majority or goes for extraordinary election.

LC Chairman A.Pantelejevs considers that there are only two options in this situation – either the President respects the opinion of the majority or goes for extraordinary election. Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize , Respublika, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Experts explained the behaviour of the President by responsibility in evaluation of the principles of the Government and as a wish to show the parties her power. None of the experts were surprised by the decision of V.V.Freiberga to continue consultations with the potential candidates.

Experts explained the behaviour of the President by responsibility in evaluation of the principles of the Government and as a wish to show the parties her power. None of the experts were surprised by the decision of V.V.Freiberga to continue consultations with the potential candidates. Diena

Russian Ambassador to Latvia confirmed publicly that V.Kononov had requested Russian citizenship therefore according to law he should be deprived of Latvian citizenship.

Russian Ambassador to Latvia confirmed publicly that V.Kononov had requested Russian citizenship therefore according to law he should be deprived of Latvian citizenship. Diena

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins received a letter from Belgium Minister of Foreign Affairs L.Michel where he expressed his positive evaluation Latvian progress in improvement of the situation with national minorities. It is stated in the letter that progress was made in close co-operation with OSCE. According to previous information, I.Berzins sent letters to ministers of Foreign Affairs of the OSCE states pointing out that Russia had started a campaign of deceptive information.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins received a letter from Belgium Minister of Foreign Affairs L.Michel where he expressed his positive evaluation Latvian progress in improvement of the situation with national minorities. It is stated in the letter that progress was made in close co-operation with OSCE. According to previous information, I.Berzins sent letters to ministers of Foreign Affairs of the OSCE states pointing out that Russia had started a campaign of deceptive information. Diena

President V.V.Freiberga will visit Estonia on May 1 – 3. There are planned a meeting with Estonian President Meri and a meeting of parliamentarian delegations.

President V.V.Freiberga will visit Estonia on May 1 – 3. There are planned a meeting with Estonian President Meri and a meeting of parliamentarian delegations. Lauku Avize , Respublika

Faction For Human Rights in United Latvia members J.Jurkans and M.Berkasov told

Panorama Latvii about their meeting with the President of Latvia. Explaining their understanding of the situation in the state both men as the most serious problem in this country pointed out the attempt to revise history. It caused establishing of two- community society in Latvia. They also spoke about the necessity to abolish a number of completely foolish, contradictory to common sense and international standards laws e.g. restriction of election rights for non-citizens, stateless persons and foreigners who during USSR times served for security services. Speaking about the possible reaction of the President both men agreed that there is little hope for some radical changes in the current situation.

Press Report

Press Report

On Tuesday the President received a written confirmation from 4 potential coalition partners stating that 69 deputies support the Latvijas Cels candidate A.Berzins. But it was not enough fort the President to make up her mind which candidate should be call to form the Government. She promised to name this person next week. Coalition parties had planned to form the Government already next week but this stopped their plans. Nevertheless on Wednesday they will work on development government’s declaration. The President met with her named possible candidates on Tuesday. Latvian Bank President E.Repse said that he would not candidate for this post, I.Udre avoided answering the questions of journalists. V.V.Freiberga wants to meets with A.Poca who is on a business trip right now, but as Latvijas Cels Chairman A.Pantelejevs said, that this meeting would not change anything because A.Poca had already refused to candidate.

On Tuesday the President received a written confirmation from 4 potential coalition partners stating that 69 deputies support the Latvijas Cels candidate A.Berzins. But it was not enough fort the President to make up her mind which candidate should be call to form the Government. She promised to name this person next week. Coalition parties had planned to form the Government already next week but this stopped their plans. Nevertheless on Wednesday they will work on development governments declaration. The President met with her named possible candidates on Tuesday. Latvian Bank President E.Repse said that he would not candidate for this post, I.Udre avoided answering the questions of journalists. V.V.Freiberga wants to meets with A.Poca who is on a business trip right now, but as Latvijas Cels Chairman A.Pantelejevs said, that this meeting would not change anything because A.Poca had already refused to candidate. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Rigas Balss, Respublika, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Saeima Juridical Office Head G.Kusins acknowledged Diena that the President, when naming the candidate for the Prime Minister’s post should take into consideration the need to get the Saeima support for this candidate, and she should substantiate her lingering. Diena

Saeima Juridical Office Head G.Kusins acknowledged Diena that the President, when naming the candidate for the Prime Ministers post should take into consideration the need to get the Saeima support for this candidate, and she should substantiate her lingering. Diena

Although the President had not asked A.Berzins to form the Government yet, in the Saeima lobby there are discussions about the shape of the new Government under A.Berzins’s leadership. Among other things the possible Prime Minister has said that he did not want in his Cabinet ministers with low rating. Neatkariga

Although the President had not asked A.Berzins to form the Government yet, in the Saeima lobby there are discussions about the shape of the new Government under A.Berzinss leadership. Among other things the possible Prime Minister has said that he did not want in his Cabinet ministers with low rating. Neatkariga

The newspaper Diena learned at the Naturalisation Board that Latvia would have grounds to deprive V.Kononov of Latvian citizenship if the fact that he had became a Russian citizen upon his own wish was confirmed. The Board is officially asking Russian Embassy to inform them whether V.Kononov has became a Russian citizen and if it had happened upon his own wish.

The newspaper Diena learned at the Naturalisation Board that Latvia would have grounds to deprive V.Kononov of Latvian citizenship if the fact that he had became a Russian citizen upon his own wish was confirmed. The Board is officially asking Russian Embassy to inform them whether V.Kononov has became a Russian citizen and if it had happened upon his own wish. Diena, Chas

Ten national minority societies circulated a call to change the Education Law and return to education for them in their mother tongue. They consider that the idea on bilingual education in national minority schools has failed.

Ten national minority societies circulated a call to change the Education Law and return to education for them in their mother tongue. They consider that the idea on bilingual education in national minority schools has failed. Diena

On Tuesday Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov visited Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins and handed him a letter from Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov where the Russian official expressed Moscow’s opinion on PACE decision concerning the situation in Czechnya. During this discussion I.Berzins pointed out the importance of establishing a good dialogue between Russia and the West that would favour establishing of constructive relations also between Russia and Latvia.

On Tuesday Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov visited Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins and handed him a letter from Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov where the Russian official expressed Moscows opinion on PACE decision concerning the situation in Czechnya. During this discussion I.Berzins pointed out the importance of establishing a good dialogue between Russia and the West that would favour establishing of constructive relations also between Russia and Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga, Latvijas Vestnesis,

Vesti Segodnya writes that both officials discussed also the problem of V.Kononov. After the meeting A.Udaltsov told the journalist that he had requested a meeting with Kononov as the former guerrilla man had become a Russian citizen. He also refused the information that Russian citizen had been granted to Kononov without his request.

Vesti Segodnya writes that both officials discussed also the problem of V.Kononov. After the meeting A.Udaltsov told the journalist that he had requested a meeting with Kononov as the former guerrilla man had become a Russian citizen. He also refused the information that Russian citizen had been granted to Kononov without his request.

During the regular meeting of the Consultative Council of the National Human Rights Office was discussed the problem of persons who had received a decree of departure but there was no possibility to deport them.

During the regular meeting of the Consultative Council of the National Human Rights Office was discussed the problem of persons who had received a decree of departure but there was no possibility to deport them. Neatkariga

A.Priedite, Director of National State language Training Program answered to the questions of

A.Priedite, Director of National State language Training Program answered to the questions of Respublika journalist about this language training program and explained that they used a completely new approach of teaching the Latvian language to non-Latvians – teaching not topics but the real spoken language. They also have a special language program for policemen. Respublika

The Chairman of Saeima faction of Social Democrats E.Baldzens told the newspaper

The Chairman of Saeima faction of Social Democrats E.Baldzens told the newspaper Chas that the new Government would be just a temporary one. A conflict among the coalition partners would be inevitable due to different economic interests.

The Council of Daugavpils City Party is getting ready for municipal election. They decided to start collecting signatures for granting the right of vote at municipal elections to permanent residents of Latvia.

The Council of Daugavpils City Party is getting ready for municipal election. They decided to start collecting signatures for granting the right of vote at municipal elections to permanent residents of Latvia. Chas

Press Report

Press Report

On Monday the candidate for the post of the Prime Minister A.Berzins received support from all potential coalition partners – LC, TB/LNNK, People’s Party and the New Party. Only the President is not rushing with her decision. As possible candidates she also sees the President of Latvian Bank E.Repse, the New Party representative I.Udre and A.Poca from Latvijas Cels. Before naming the candidate the President wants to clarify the Government formation principles and be sure that, preserving the existing coalition, previous contradictions and influence of economic groups would be eliminated.

On Monday the candidate for the post of the Prime Minister A.Berzins received support from all potential coalition partners – LC, TB/LNNK, Peoples Party and the New Party. Only the President is not rushing with her decision. As possible candidates she also sees the President of Latvian Bank E.Repse, the New Party representative I.Udre and A.Poca from Latvijas Cels. Before naming the candidate the President wants to clarify the Government formation principles and be sure that, preserving the existing coalition, previous contradictions and influence of economic groups would be eliminated. Diena, Jauna Avize, Lauku Avize

Latvijas Cels is ready to be responsible for Riga and delegate their representative for the post of Riga Mayor. They could propose J.Visiockis, I.Rudzitis, J.Lorencs or I.Samite. But, if the present Mayor A.Berzins would become the Prime Minister, LC could hand over this post to the representative of TB/LNNK, the Deputy Chairman of Riga City Council A.Argalis.

Latvijas Cels is ready to be responsible for Riga and delegate their representative for the post of Riga Mayor. They could propose J.Visiockis, I.Rudzitis, J.Lorencs or I.Samite. But, if the present Mayor A.Berzins would become the Prime Minister, LC could hand over this post to the representative of TB/LNNK, the Deputy Chairman of Riga City Council A.Argalis. Diena, Jauna Avize, Lauku Avize , Panorama Latvii

The Deputy Chancellor of the US State Secretary on European Affairs V.Andrusizhin during his meeting with Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins gave a positive evaluation of the progress Latvia had made during its ten years of independence and praised the achievements in the public integration process.

The Deputy Chancellor of the US State Secretary on European Affairs V.Andrusizhin during his meeting with Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins gave a positive evaluation of the progress Latvia had made during its ten years of independence and praised the achievements in the public integration process. Diena

Latvian MFA has received a letter from the Honorary Consul in Chicago N.Klaucens where he resigned from his duties. MFA did not state the reasons for this decision but the newspaper

Latvian MFA has received a letter from the Honorary Consul in Chicago N.Klaucens where he resigned from his duties. MFA did not state the reasons for this decision but the newspaper Jauna Avize cited the Council who explaining his decision said that his political and economic opinions correspond to the ones of the Latvian people but not those of the Government and politicians. Diena, Respublika

As the facilitated border crossing agreement with Russia expires this autumn, people living close to the border will need visas for entering Russia or Byelorussia. So long these people entered the neighbouring country just with an entry permit that they could receive upon an invitation from a person residing in there. The Director of Latvian MFA Consular Department S.Mellupe thinks that changes in the border crossing procedures by introducing visa regime will not cause any problems.

As the facilitated border crossing agreement with Russia expires this autumn, people living close to the border will need visas for entering Russia or Byelorussia. So long these people entered the neighbouring country just with an entry permit that they could receive upon an invitation from a person residing in there. The Director of Latvian MFA Consular Department S.Mellupe thinks that changes in the border crossing procedures by introducing visa regime will not cause any problems. Jauna Avize

According to unofficial information Prime Minister A.Skele had planned his resignation already some time ago. The first time this idea arose in autumn 1999 to avoid the paedophilia scandal, but the situation did not seem so dangerous at that time. The next evidence for this information is the logical course of his actions. First - firing of the “most innocent” minister V.Makarovs, then legalisation of his earning of 29 million USD, that caused indignation of the Mayor of Venspils A.Lembergs and his lobby in Latvijas Cels. After that A.Skele pushed back J.Naglis to the post of the Privatisation Agency. And just before the publicising the results of the Saeima Investigation Commission on paedophilia scandal, where his name would be mentioned publicly, he resigned from his post. So everybody was busy thinking about the next government and did not pay much attention to this report.

According to unofficial information Prime Minister A.Skele had planned his resignation already some time ago. The first time this idea arose in autumn 1999 to avoid the paedophilia scandal, but the situation did not seem so dangerous at that time. The next evidence for this information is the logical course of his actions. First - firing of the most innocent minister V.Makarovs, then legalisation of his earning of 29 million USD, that caused indignation of the Mayor of Venspils A.Lembergs and his lobby in Latvijas Cels. After that A.Skele pushed back J.Naglis to the post of the Privatisation Agency. And just before the publicising the results of the Saeima Investigation Commission on paedophilia scandal, where his name would be mentioned publicly, he resigned from his post. So everybody was busy thinking about the next government and did not pay much attention to this report. Respublika

Press Report

On Sunday, late evening the Board of Latvia’s Way party unanimously decided to nominate the current Riga Mayor Andris Berzins for the Prime Minister’s position. The coalition partners will still pronounce their opinion but earlier both - the People’s Party and Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK have characterised Berzins as a strong candidate.

On Sunday, late evening the Board of Latvias Way party unanimously decided to nominate the current Riga Mayor Andris Berzins for the Prime Ministers position. The coalition partners will still pronounce their opinion but earlier both - the Peoples Party and Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK have characterised Berzins as a strong candidate. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Chas, Vesti

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced last Friday that Moscow hopes the sentenced red partisanVasily Kononov will be released. The announcement of the Russian Foreign Ministry says they hope that “the common sense” will win and the Supreme Court of Latvia makes an objective and legally grounded decision allowing to release Kononovs. In case the court ruling becomes effective Russia allows the possibility to start the procedure of Kononovs’ extradition to Russia.

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced last Friday that Moscow hopes the sentenced red partisanVasily Kononov will be released. The announcement of the Russian Foreign Ministry says they hope that the common sense will win and the Supreme Court of Latvia makes an objective and legally grounded decision allowing to release Kononovs. In case the court ruling becomes effective Russia allows the possibility to start the procedure of Kononovs extradition to Russia. Diena, Panorama Latvii

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins rejects the sharp criticism toward Latvia expressed by the former President of the USSR Michail Gorbachev and believes that Gorbachev’s expressions do not correspond the reality.

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins rejects the sharp criticism toward Latvia expressed by the former President of the USSR Michail Gorbachev and believes that Gorbachevs expressions do not correspond the reality. Diena

The Saeima supported in the second reading the proposal that September 22 should be celebrated as the day of unity of the Baltic nations in the honor to Saules battle that took place in 1236. In the battle, the Latvian tribe Zemgali together with Lithuanians beat the crussadors.

The Saeima supported in the second reading the proposal that September 22 should be celebrated as the day of unity of the Baltic nations in the honor to Saules battle that took place in 1236. In the battle, the Latvian tribe Zemgali together with Lithuanians beat the crussadors. Diena

In a recent public opinion survey called The Face of Corruption in Latvia it was stated that people have most trust in mass media (69%) and parties are trusted the least (25.2%). A news article and an opinion article look at the reasons for this situation. One is the alienation of the politicians from the people.

In a recent public opinion survey called The Face of Corruption in Latvia it was stated that people have most trust in mass media (69%) and parties are trusted the least (25.2%). A news article and an opinion article look at the reasons for this situation. One is the alienation of the politicians from the people. Neatkariga, Respublika

Vesti

write about the ultra-radical youth organization write about the “ultra-radical” youth organization Club 415Club 415 which opposes Latvias joining the EU as they think the EU will be equal to the USSR. The organization members were rallying outside the building of the Academy of Science last Saturday as the conference of Latvian intellectuals took place there. which opposes Latvia’s joining the EU as they think the EU will be equal to the USSR. The organization members were rallying outside the building of the Academy of Science last Saturday as the conference of Latvian intellectuals took place there. The Latvian Association in Support of the Schools with Russian Language of Instruction reveal their opinion on the current situation with the small number of applicants for the first grade in Russian schools and suggests that the number of students in next years should be considered, the minimum number in classes should be reviewed, etc. before passing a decision on closing down some of the schools.

The Latvian Association in Support of the Schools with Russian Language of Instruction reveal their opinion on the current situation with the small number of applicants for the first grade in Russian schools and suggests that the number of students in next years should be considered, the minimum number in classes should be reviewed, etc. before passing a decision on closing down some of the schools. Vesti

A delegation from Riga will visit Moscow for a two-day event called “Latvia – Russia: the dialogue of cultures” organized by the Soros Foundation Latvia and the Russian Institute of Open Society.

A delegation from Riga will visit Moscow for a two-day event called Latvia – Russia: the dialogue of cultures organized by the Soros Foundation Latvia and the Russian Institute of Open Society. Vesti

President of Latvia spoke to the conference of Latvian intellectuals that took place on Saturday. She criticised the business environment in Latvia and the methods practised by the economic groups. She quoted investors who complain that the rules of the game are very often not clear in Latvia and they are not the same for all players.

President of Latvia spoke to the conference of Latvian intellectuals that took place on Saturday. She criticised the business environment in Latvia and the methods practised by the economic groups. She quoted investors who complain that the rules of the game are very often not clear in Latvia and they are not the same for all players. Respublika

Press Report

Press Report

Friday brought two surprises in the political life of Latvia: - President V.V.Freiberga announced that she could entrust forming of the new Government to a candidate no party had proposed, but Latvijas Cels expanded their list of candidates by Riga City mayor A.Berzins. So far the most likely candidate was A.Poca, who did not see any possibility to work together with the former Prime Minister A.Skele. LC will name their final candidate on Sunday evening, but their suggestion to name A.Berzins other coalition partners did not face with much enthusiasm.

Friday brought two surprises in the political life of Latvia: - President V.V.Freiberga announced that she could entrust forming of the new Government to a candidate no party had proposed, but Latvijas Cels expanded their list of candidates by Riga City mayor A.Berzins. So far the most likely candidate was A.Poca, who did not see any possibility to work together with the former Prime Minister A.Skele. LC will name their final candidate on Sunday evening, but their suggestion to name A.Berzins other coalition partners did not face with much enthusiasm. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya

TB/LNNK voiced an opinion that they would not like to allow the former Prime Minister A.Skele to have a ministerial post in the new Government.

TB/LNNK voiced an opinion that they would not like to allow the former Prime Minister A.Skele to have a ministerial post in the new Government. Lauku Avize

President V.V.Freiberga promised to name the new candidate for the post of the Prime Minister by May 4 according to the wish of two coalition partners – Latvijas Cels and People’s Party.

President V.V.Freiberga promised to name the new candidate for the post of the Prime Minister by May 4 according to the wish of two coalition partners – Latvijas Cels and Peoples Party. Lauku Avize

To further exchange of information between Russian and Latvian culture people and develop co-operation projects, next week in Moscow will be realised a program Latvia – Russia: cultural dialogue. The project is organised by Soros Fund Latvia in co-operation with Russian Open Society Institute. Diena

To further exchange of information between Russian and Latvian culture people and develop co-operation projects, next week in Moscow will be realised a program Latvia – Russia: cultural dialogue. The project is organised by Soros Fund Latvia in co-operation with Russian Open Society Institute. Diena

Latvian Ambassador to the United States of America A.Ronis sent a letter to the journal Newsweek where he pointed out to distorted facts in the recently published material on investigation of war time crimes in Latvia. In his letter the Ambassador writes that the author when citing many Russian sources indirectly reflect the main tendentious opinions on Latvian history, ruling in Russia.

Latvian Ambassador to the United States of America A.Ronis sent a letter to the journal Newsweek where he pointed out to distorted facts in the recently published material on investigation of war time crimes in Latvia. In his letter the Ambassador writes that the author when citing many Russian sources indirectly reflect the main tendentious opinions on Latvian history, ruling in Russia. Diena,

Also the Director of Latvian Institute and former Latvian Ambassador to the USA O.Kalnins sent a similar letter to this journal.

Also the Director of Latvian Institute and former Latvian Ambassador to the USA O.Kalnins sent a similar letter to this journal. Chas

The representative of Peoples Harmony Party N.Neilands during his interview to the Russian Public TV channel found the trial of red guerrilla man V.Kononov to be just a political trial, thus he doubted justice of Latvian judicial system. This hearing makes the Peoples Harmony Party to offer once more the public reconciliation declaration.

The representative of Peoples Harmony Party N.Neilands during his interview to the Russian Public TV channel found the trial of red guerrilla man V.Kononov to be just a political trial, thus he doubted justice of Latvian judicial system. This hearing makes the Peoples Harmony Party to offer once more the public reconciliation declaration. Diena, Neatkariga

During the last days Russian mass media are paying a lot of attention to V.Kononov’s case. Some of them even say that Latvian authorities had a chance to improve Latvian – Russian relations by abolishing the sentence for Kononov.

During the last days Russian mass media are paying a lot of attention to V.Kononovs case. Some of them even say that Latvian authorities had a chance to improve Latvian – Russian relations by abolishing the sentence for Kononov. Chas

Latvian MFA Press Secretary L.Bergmane commenting the opinions of Russian mass media on this case pointed out that Latvian judicial system was independent and nobody had the right to intervene in the decision making process.

Latvian MFA Press Secretary L.Bergmane commenting the opinions of Russian mass media on this case pointed out that Latvian judicial system was independent and nobody had the right to intervene in the decision making process. Neatkariga

Yesterday Russian MFA circulated an official announcement on the “case of Kononov” and confirmed that “they continue to undertake strict steps in order to manage release of Kononov.

Yesterday Russian MFA circulated an official announcement on the case of Kononov and confirmed that they continue to undertake strict steps in order to manage release of Kononov. Chas

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins called Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party and other parties represented in the Saeima be more active in co-operation with their colleagues in Russia because the atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust was created through contacts. But members of the parties represented in the Saeima think that it would be rather difficult to find kindred parties in Russian Duma.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins called Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party and other parties represented in the Saeima be more active in co-operation with their colleagues in Russia because the atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust was created through contacts. But members of the parties represented in the Saeima think that it would be rather difficult to find kindred parties in Russian Duma. Neatkariga

Yesterday Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins rejected the criticism of former USSR President M.Gorbachov stating that his criticism did not correspond the current situation. M.Gorbachov criticised Latvia in the Portugeese newspaper Publico. Among other thing he spoke about 70 000 Russian non-citizens whom Russia should support.

Yesterday Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins rejected the criticism of former USSR President M.Gorbachov stating that his criticism did not correspond the current situation. M.Gorbachov criticised Latvia in the Portugeese newspaper Publico. Among other thing he spoke about 70 000 Russian non-citizens whom Russia should support. Chas

The Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane answered to the questions of the readers of the Russian speaking newspaper Chas and among other things she said that she would like to co-operate with Russia.

The Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane answered to the questions of the readers of the Russian speaking newspaper Chas and among other things she said that she would like to co-operate with Russia. Chas