Press Report

Heads of OSCE member countries, including the Latvian Prime Minister Andris Skele, during the Istanbul summit signed the Charter for Europe’s Security. Also, the modified treaty on limiting conventional arms in Europe.

Heads of OSCE member countries, including the Latvian Prime Minister Andris Skele, during the Istanbul summit signed the Charter for Europes Security. Also, the modified treaty on limiting conventional arms in Europe. Neatkariga, Diena

Russian State Duma last Friday passed a statement criticising the State Language Law to be considered by the Latvian parliament. The statement calls the law a policy of racial discrimination. Latvian parliamentarians consider the insults coming from Russia ungrounded.

Russian State Duma last Friday passed a statement criticising the State Language Law to be considered by the Latvian parliament. The statement calls the law a policy of racial discrimination. Latvian parliamentarians consider the insults coming from Russia ungrounded. Neatkariga, Diena, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Vesti

After

After Panorama Latvii Latvian Foreign Ministry has called the situation strange as the statement has been passed at the time when the law is still being worked on.

The government ministers have agreed on compromise proposals to the concept of Society Integration Program. Its final approval is planned for the November 30 government meeting. Saeima’s Commission for Implementation of the Citizenship Law suggested that a new integration office should be set up under direct supervision of the Cabinet of Ministers to ensure a higher level of political responsibility.

The government ministers have agreed on compromise proposals to the concept of Society Integration Program. Its final approval is planned for the November 30 government meeting. Saeimas Commission for Implementation of the Citizenship Law suggested that a new integration office should be set up under direct supervision of the Cabinet of Ministers to ensure a higher level of political responsibility. Diena, Neatkariga

A research company The Economist Intelligence Unit believes that discussion of the 2000 state budget could cause resigning of the Prime Minister Andris Skele since he insists on reducing budget deficit down to 2% of GDP while other two coalition partners tend to give in to lobbying different interest groups and will object to budget reductions in several areas.

A research company The Economist Intelligence Unit believes that discussion of the 2000 state budget could cause resigning of the Prime Minister Andris Skele since he insists on reducing budget deficit down to 2% of GDP while other two coalition partners tend to give in to lobbying different interest groups and will object to budget reductions in several areas. Diena, BB

Chairman of the Saeima’s Commission on Foreign Affairs Guntars Krasts said that OSCE Istanbul conference could be a good occasion for Latvia to express its negative attitude towards the often unequal attitude of OSCE leaders towards different OSCE member countries, like the requirements towards the Baltic countries and Russia.

Chairman of the Saeimas Commission on Foreign Affairs Guntars Krasts said that OSCE Istanbul conference could be a good occasion for Latvia to express its negative attitude towards the often unequal attitude of OSCE leaders towards different OSCE member countries, like the requirements towards the Baltic countries and Russia. Novy Den (Russian Diena)

Inspector General of the Latvian Foreign Ministry Andris Vilcans has returned from Moscow after completing the inspection at the Hotel Talava in the territory of the Latvian Embassy following the recent information released by Russia’s institutions that Talava houses money laundering activities. Neatkariga, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Inspector General of the Latvian Foreign Ministry Andris Vilcans has returned from Moscow after completing the inspection at the Hotel Talava in the territory of the Latvian Embassy following the recent information released by Russias institutions that Talava houses money laundering activities. Neatkariga, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Press Report

The Ministers of the OSCE member states agreed yesterday on the final version of the Charter of European Security.

The Ministers of the OSCE member states agreed yesterday on the final version of the Charter of European Security. Neatkariga, Diena

The Saeima Commission on Education and Science and OSCE experts did not manage to reach an agreement on all issues during their two days discussions on the draft language law. It is possible that the use of the state language in public information, the most discussed topic, could be regulated both by the Language law and the Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers, announced the Chairman of the Commission Dz.Abikis. He pointed out that the experts were in “a rather strong position” concerning the language use in public information. The experts thought that language use in this sphere should be stipulated by the law. In his turn Dz.Abiíis acknowledged that the current procedure could be preserved when the law stipulated in what cases the state language should be used mandatory in public information, but the use of other languages could be stipulated by regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers.

The Saeima Commission on Education and Science and OSCE experts did not manage to reach an agreement on all issues during their two days discussions on the draft language law. It is possible that the use of the state language in public information, the most discussed topic, could be regulated both by the Language law and the Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers, announced the Chairman of the Commission Dz.Abikis. He pointed out that the experts were in a rather strong position concerning the language use in public information. The experts thought that language use in this sphere should be stipulated by the law. In his turn Dz.Abiíis acknowledged that the current procedure could be preserved when the law stipulated in what cases the state language should be used mandatory in public information, but the use of other languages could be stipulated by regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers. Neatkariga, Diena

Prime Minister A.Skele did not accept the resignation note of the Minister of Education S.Golde and gave her time for consideration until he returned from Istanbul.

Prime Minister A.Skele did not accept the resignation note of the Minister of Education S.Golde and gave her time for consideration until he returned from Istanbul. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize

The Chairman of the Saeima Citizenship Law Implementation Commission J.Lagzdins told that on of the pilot plans in the public integration program is to establish a special office that would be fully responsible for the implementation of the program. It would be an independent institution under direct supervision of the Cabinet of Ministers. It would ensure the Office enough political neutrality. The Commission calls the Government to adopt the program ass soon as possible.

Neatkariga

The experts have finished their work on the public integration program and the Council on Public Integration, consisting of the Ministers of Justice, Education and Welfare, came to a compromise on several proposals, but in some issues the TB/LNNK representative A.Jurdzs did not give in. They are to be discussed at a Government sitting. Among them – the proposal of TB/LNNK to emphasize in the concept the problems of Latvian society as consequences of Soviet colonization and cross out from the concept words stating that the Integration Fund will receive state financing. Minister of Justice V.Birkavs anticipated that the Government would adopt the program on November 30. Noviy Den

The Naturalisation Board will have to decrease its number of employees if the Government would not find the necessary additional financing. It would also cause extension of the time necessary for naturalisation. The Board needs about 75 000Ls, reported the head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane to the Minister of Justice. This sum is necessary for running the Board in November, December and the next year. “Should the money be not allocated, the Board does not see a possibility to continue its activities.” This statement was made by the Press Secretary of the Board A.Smilitinieks.

The Naturalisation Board will have to decrease its number of employees if the Government would not find the necessary additional financing. It would also cause extension of the time necessary for naturalisation. The Board needs about 75 000Ls, reported the head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane to the Minister of Justice. This sum is necessary for running the Board in November, December and the next year. Should the money be not allocated, the Board does not see a possibility to continue its activities. This statement was made by the Press Secretary of the Board A.Smilitinieks. Jauna Avize

The representative of Russian Migration Service visited Latvia. They met with their Latvian colleagues and were quiet satisfied with these meetings. This year ends the intergovernmental agreement regulating the procedure of moving from Latvia to Russia and vice versa for permanent residence, working or studies. RFMS representative V.Voloh told the journalists that co-operation between both countries in this sphere was quiet successful and said that during a year and a half 5000 people had moved from Latvia to Russia and 300 from Russia to Latvia.

The representative of Russian Migration Service visited Latvia. They met with their Latvian colleagues and were quiet satisfied with these meetings. This year ends the intergovernmental agreement regulating the procedure of moving from Latvia to Russia and vice versa for permanent residence, working or studies. RFMS representative V.Voloh told the journalists that co-operation between both countries in this sphere was quiet successful and said that during a year and a half 5000 people had moved from Latvia to Russia and 300 from Russia to Latvia. Chas

Latvia President in her address speech on November 18 said that Latvia was special for it large number of non-citizens and asked everybody, residing here for long time to make a choice – “whether I belong to this country or I am only a visitor here”. She asked everybody who wished success for Latvia – to become a Latvian citizen. “ Let us live together, respect each other in our diversity.”

Latvia President in her address speech on November 18 said that Latvia was special for it large number of non-citizens and asked everybody, residing here for long time to make a choice – whether I belong to this country or I am only a visitor here. She asked everybody who wished success for Latvia – to become a Latvian citizen. Let us live together, respect each other in our diversity. Latvijas Vestnesis

The Saeima Speaker J.Straume in his speech said that it was not possible to establish mutual respect between the basic nation and national minorities ignoring the consequences of the long lasting occupation due to which Latvian are a minority in the capital and other cities of Latvia. This situation created political as well as social problems. A goal directed work is necessary to implement in reality the status of the Latvian language. The state language situation has improved in the country, but there are still many things to do let in every institution and enterprise on the whole territory of Latvia the legal right to communicate and receive information in the state language would be ensured. The new Latvian language should be oriented towards this goal. And the reform of the education system should be continued and realisation of such national minority education programs allowing all school graduates to have a command of the state language as the means of mutual communication.

The Saeima Speaker J.Straume in his speech said that it was not possible to establish mutual respect between the basic nation and national minorities ignoring the consequences of the long lasting occupation due to which Latvian are a minority in the capital and other cities of Latvia. This situation created political as well as social problems. A goal directed work is necessary to implement in reality the status of the Latvian language. The state language situation has improved in the country, but there are still many things to do let in every institution and enterprise on the whole territory of Latvia the legal right to communicate and receive information in the state language would be ensured. The new Latvian language should be oriented towards this goal. And the reform of the education system should be continued and realisation of such national minority education programs allowing all school graduates to have a command of the state language as the means of mutual communication. Latvijas Vestnesis

Press Report

Press Report

Today the Minister of Education and Science S.Golde is planning to submit the note of resignation to the Prime Minister. The reason for resignation is that she did not manage to prevent the teachers strike, as well as the fact that a considerable part of the society – educators, treat her with open distrust.

Today the Minister of Education and Science S.Golde is planning to submit the note of resignation to the Prime Minister. The reason for resignation is that she did not manage to prevent the teachers strike, as well as the fact that a considerable part of the society – educators, treat her with open distrust. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Bizness & Baltiya

The Russian National Council adopted in the second reading two draft laws dealing with Latvia – On actions to protect the citizens and compatriots of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Latvia and On actions to provide humanitarian help to Russian citizens and compatriots residing permanently in Latvia due to mass human rights and the rights of Russian nation in the Republic of Latvia.

The Russian National Council adopted in the second reading two draft laws dealing with Latvia – On actions to protect the citizens and compatriots of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Latvia and On actions to provide humanitarian help to Russian citizens and compatriots residing permanently in Latvia due to mass human rights and the rights of Russian nation in the Republic of Latvia. Noviy Den, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii, Bizness & Baltiya Latvia expresses her regret for the decision of the Russian National Council to adopt these draft laws on imposing sanctions against Latvia. Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins considers that the both draft laws actually determine stopping of all economic and financial co-operations with Latvian juridical and physical persons. Neatkariga, Diena

Sweden will grant the Baltic States one million crowns (69,8 million LVL) to assist them in preparation for joining EU.

Sweden will grant the Baltic States one million crowns (69,8 million LVL) to assist them in preparation for joining EU. Neatkariga

7000 men from Turkish Special Forces will take care of security measures during the OSCE summit meeting when the representatives of 54 countries will come to the Chiragan Place on November 18 and 19. The only guarantee these people can not ensure is against natural disasters.

7000 men from Turkish Special Forces will take care of security measures during the OSCE summit meeting when the representatives of 54 countries will come to the Chiragan Place on November 18 and 19. The only guarantee these people can not ensure is against natural disasters. Neatkariga

Estonian and Lithuanian officials, as well as public organisations criticise Russia for her activities in Chechnya. In his turn I.Berzins voiced an opinion, commenting on Estonian President L.Meri’s suggestion to boycott the OSCE conference, that it was better to maintain a dialog with Russia, meet and discuss but not ignore. L.Meri in his announcement states that the OSCE should pay more attention to the Caucasus crisis, growth of anti-Semitism and other forms of xenophobic extremism. “OSCE is organising a festivity, although it should act.”

Estonian and Lithuanian officials, as well as public organisations criticise Russia for her activities in Chechnya. In his turn I.Berzins voiced an opinion, commenting on Estonian President L.Meris suggestion to boycott the OSCE conference, that it was better to maintain a dialog with Russia, meet and discuss but not ignore. L.Meri in his announcement states that the OSCE should pay more attention to the Caucasus crisis, growth of anti-Semitism and other forms of xenophobic extremism. OSCE is organising a festivity, although it should act. Diena

The Cabinet of Ministers accepted the national report On the Implementation of International Pact of December 16, 1966 on Human and Political Rights in the Republic of Latvia.

The Cabinet of Ministers accepted the national report On the Implementation of International Pact of December 16, 1966 on Human and Political Rights in the Republic of Latvia. Latvijas Vestnesis

Peoples Party representative MP M.Vitols will monitor the election in Russia as one of the OSCE team members. On Monday the Saeima Presidium supported the participation of Mr.Vitols im the election of Russian National Council.

Peoples Party representative MP M.Vitols will monitor the election in Russia as one of the OSCE team members. On Monday the Saeima Presidium supported the participation of Mr.Vitols im the election of Russian National Council. Diena

The Shareholders Society Diena together with publishing house Petit have agreed that the Russian version of Diena - Noviy Den would be integrated in the newspaper

The Shareholders Society Diena together with publishing house Petit have agreed that the Russian version of Diena - Noviy Den would be integrated in the newspaper Chas. PH Petit will public the appendix of Noviy Den in full amount as a regular appendix to Chas, and Diena will give the Chas exclusive rights to publish some materials. Noviy Den, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Russian speaking newspaper Vesti Segodnya interviewed Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov about Russian – Latvian relations, and the main conclusion was – it was high time to elaborate the principles of relations between these two countries.

Russian speaking newspaper Vesti Segodnya interviewed Russian Ambassador to Latvia A.Udaltsov about Russian – Latvian relations, and the main conclusion was – it was high time to elaborate the principles of relations between these two countries. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

About 50 000 (43 000 by

About 50 000 (43 000 by Diena) teachers and kindergarten educators will take part in todays strike hoping to ensure the implementation of the education law. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

On November 15, President V.V.Freiberga gave a press interview where she also touched upon the teachers strike. Asked whether she would support this strike if it lasted for a week or even longer, V.V.Freiberga answered that in a democracy workers had the right to strike. It was their free choice. Speaking about the Language law, which was returned to the Saeima for reconsideration for the second time, the President said that Latvia should observe her international obligations and the legal norms stipulating that the state might interfere in private sphere activities and decisions only on special subterfuges.

Latvijas Vestnesis Russian speaking newspaper

Russian speaking newspaper Chas characterises the Presidents words about his strike as populistic and causing no obligations. It is much easier to say to the teachers, How I understand you, my poor ones! instead of conflicting with the Government, demanding money for increasing teachers salaries.

Neither Latvian nor Estonian presidents will attend the OSCE summit in Istanbul on November 18 and 19. Both countries will be represented at this meeting by Prime Ministers and Ministers of Foreign Affairs. Latvian Prime Minister A.Skele will have bilateral meetings with the Prime Ministers of Finland, Hungary and the Netherlands. Although there were no plans for such talks with the representatives of Russia, A.Skele’s Councillor A.Groza acknowledged that such a possibility existed. He also pointed out that it had been planned that Latvian President would participate in this summit but she had expressed a wish to remain in the state during the state holiday. In his turn Estonian President Meri has announced that he would not attend the meeting to protest against the OSCE inactivity during crisis.

Neither Latvian nor Estonian presidents will attend the OSCE summit in Istanbul on November 18 and 19. Both countries will be represented at this meeting by Prime Ministers and Ministers of Foreign Affairs. Latvian Prime Minister A.Skele will have bilateral meetings with the Prime Ministers of Finland, Hungary and the Netherlands. Although there were no plans for such talks with the representatives of Russia, A.Skeles Councillor A.Groza acknowledged that such a possibility existed. He also pointed out that it had been planned that Latvian President would participate in this summit but she had expressed a wish to remain in the state during the state holiday. In his turn Estonian President Meri has announced that he would not attend the meeting to protest against the OSCE inactivity during crisis. Neatkariga

Bizness & Baltiya writes about this decision of the Estonian President in more details.

President V.V.Freiberga hopes that the Saeima will manage to find a suitable wording for the Language law that would correspond to the interests of the state language and the Latvian international obligations. The President acknowledged that the questions how to formulate documents stipulating the “shape of the public space” in Latvia and the role of foreign languages are the most complicated. Also the TB/LNNK faction, meeting with the OSCE experts yesterday discussed the usage of the state language in public information. The experts do not doubt that the state and municipal information should be provided in the state language, but they think the restrictions on the language use in public information, concerning private sphere, should be reconsidered. The TB/LNNK faction Chairman A.Pozarnovs said that the faction was ready to discuss the editorial changes in the state language law, but would not allow any deviations from the draft law norms in the essence. Today the OSCE experts will talk to the Saeima Commission on Education and Science, but V.V.Freiberga will meet with the Commission next week. The OSCE will give its statements on the submitted proposals to the draft law, planned for adoption December 9.

President V.V.Freiberga hopes that the Saeima will manage to find a suitable wording for the Language law that would correspond to the interests of the state language and the Latvian international obligations. The President acknowledged that the questions how to formulate documents stipulating the shape of the public space in Latvia and the role of foreign languages are the most complicated. Also the TB/LNNK faction, meeting with the OSCE experts yesterday discussed the usage of the state language in public information. The experts do not doubt that the state and municipal information should be provided in the state language, but they think the restrictions on the language use in public information, concerning private sphere, should be reconsidered. The TB/LNNK faction Chairman A.Pozarnovs said that the faction was ready to discuss the editorial changes in the state language law, but would not allow any deviations from the draft law norms in the essence. Today the OSCE experts will talk to the Saeima Commission on Education and Science, but V.V.Freiberga will meet with the Commission next week. The OSCE will give its statements on the submitted proposals to the draft law, planned for adoption December 9. Neatkariga, Chas

The demands for using the state language in the public sphere should be put forward basing on the three main principles - who is the provider of information, for how long time and where it is publicised. This was the opinion of the OSCE experts according to A.Pozarnovs.

The demands for using the state language in the public sphere should be put forward basing on the three main principles - who is the provider of information, for how long time and where it is publicised. This was the opinion of the OSCE experts according to A.Pozarnovs. Diena

Yesterday the President acknowledged that the compromise amendments to the pension law, adopted by the Saeima on November 4 were not perfect, and they could be amended in the future. Of the same opinion are some of the Saeima factions. Commenting on the low activity of the population, the President said that in this case not going to the referendum had been as a vote against abolishment of the amendments.

Yesterday the President acknowledged that the compromise amendments to the pension law, adopted by the Saeima on November 4 were not perfect, and they could be amended in the future. Of the same opinion are some of the Saeima factions. Commenting on the low activity of the population, the President said that in this case not going to the referendum had been as a vote against abolishment of the amendments. Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii

The Russian newspaper Novii Den (Russian version of

The Russian newspaper Novii Den (Russian version of Diena) will cease to exist starting from January 1, 2000.The decision was made due to the inprofitability of this newspaper. Bizness & Baltiya

The Chairman of Russian Community in Latvia Vy.Altuhov writes about his seeing of the integration of Russian in Latvia. He thinks that the process of integration not so long ago was rather slow but a successful one. Local Russians sympathised the interests of the republic, even protected them against the socialist Centre, sometimes more persistently than the local population. The representatives of majority population had priority to make a career in state administration (including Soviet and party institutions), but the representatives of other nations had equal rights with Latvians to realise their potential in agriculture, industry, science. National division and disintegration were inspired and started by as seemed quite reasonable demands of so called creative intelligence.

The Chairman of Russian Community in Latvia Vy.Altuhov writes about his seeing of the integration of Russian in Latvia. He thinks that the process of integration not so long ago was rather slow but a successful one. Local Russians sympathised the interests of the republic, even protected them against the socialist Centre, sometimes more persistently than the local population. The representatives of majority population had priority to make a career in state administration (including Soviet and party institutions), but the representatives of other nations had equal rights with Latvians to realise their potential in agriculture, industry, science. National division and disintegration were inspired and started by as seemed quite reasonable demands of so called creative intelligence. Panorama Latvii

Lawyer B.Laizane writes about the ongoing discussions on the state language law. When discussing the law one should take into consideration that the Baltic States, already before the Soviet occupation was a state with a European culture and system of values basing on principles of democracy, rule of law and observation of human rights. Ant it was natural that after restoration of their independence these states wished to return to the international environment becoming members of international organisations. Participation in these organisations is not only the right to participate in their activities, voicing one’s opinion, but as well a duty to fulfil all the obligations. And the common thing for all these obligations is that Latvia volunteered to undertake them. Therefore while listening to the opinions of foreign experts, one should realise that it is not an instruction of Latvian politicians or interference in Latvian internal affairs. Discussing about these international obligations, B.Laizane writes about the OSCE, which Latvia joined in September 10, 1991 and its High Commissioner on National Minorities.

Lawyer B.Laizane writes about the ongoing discussions on the state language law. When discussing the law one should take into consideration that the Baltic States, already before the Soviet occupation was a state with a European culture and system of values basing on principles of democracy, rule of law and observation of human rights. Ant it was natural that after restoration of their independence these states wished to return to the international environment becoming members of international organisations. Participation in these organisations is not only the right to participate in their activities, voicing ones opinion, but as well a duty to fulfil all the obligations. And the common thing for all these obligations is that Latvia volunteered to undertake them. Therefore while listening to the opinions of foreign experts, one should realise that it is not an instruction of Latvian politicians or interference in Latvian internal affairs. Discussing about these international obligations, B.Laizane writes about the OSCE, which Latvia joined in September 10, 1991 and its High Commissioner on National Minorities. Diena

Press Report

Amendments to the Pension Law will enter into effect as only 70% of the necessary number of citizens took part in the referendum. 94.2% of those who participated voted for abolishing the amendments to the law.

Amendments to the Pension Law will enter into effect as only 70% of the necessary number of citizens took part in the referendum. 94.2% of those who participated voted for abolishing the amendments to the law. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti, Chas, BB, Panorama Latvii

Riga City Council member of the ruling coalition Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK signed a co-operation protocol with the Social Democrats from opposition. Both party representatives deny that the agreement could lead to an “overturn” in the capital’s leadership.

Riga City Council member of the ruling coalition Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK signed a co-operation protocol with the Social Democrats from opposition. Both party representatives deny that the agreement could lead to an overturn in the capitals leadership. Diena

Non-citizens and persons without citizenship are not very active in applying for Latvian citizenship for children born after Latvia restored independence - only 282 applications of the kind were submitted up until now.

Non-citizens and persons without citizenship are not very active in applying for Latvian citizenship for children born after Latvia restored independence - only 282 applications of the kind were submitted up until now. Panorama Latvii