Press Report

Committee of the Cabinet of Ministers supported amendments to the naturalization regulations allowing for the school graduates who have passed the Latvian language exam not to take this exam when undergoing the naturalization procedure. Also, amendments provide for the list of documents to be attached to the naturalization application.

Committee of the Cabinet of Ministers supported amendments to the naturalization regulations allowing for the school graduates who have passed the Latvian language exam not to take this exam when undergoing the naturalization procedure. Also, amendments provide for the list of documents to be attached to the naturalization application. Chas, Panorama Latvii, Latvijas Vestnesis

Danish Foreign Ministry's State Secretary is paying an official visit to Latvia. He announced that Denmark was interested to see Latvia to pass the Language Law in compliance with international norms and OSCE recommendations. The Danish official informed about the financial support of US$100,000 the Danish government plans to grant Latvia to continue the state language training.

Danish Foreign Ministry's State Secretary is paying an official visit to Latvia. He announced that Denmark was interested to see Latvia to pass the Language Law in compliance with international norms and OSCE recommendations. The Danish official informed about the financial support of US$100,000 the Danish government plans to grant Latvia to continue the state language training.

The official informed the journalists that Denmark will actively support Latvia to be included in the first EU negotiation group and to have no second group at all.

The official informed the journalists that Denmark will actively support Latvia to be included in the first EU negotiation group and to have no second group at all. Chas, Diena

US State Secretary during the meeting with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga expressed her appreciation for Freiberga's active work as the state president as well as her position concerning the State Language Law.

US State Secretary during the meeting with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga expressed her appreciation for Freiberga's active work as the state president as well as her position concerning the State Language Law. Diena

Press Report

The State President’s Office and the Latvian Ambassador to the UN make contradictory statements and blame each other for the choice of the expensive Waldorf Tower hotel for the President’s Stay in New York.

The State Presidents Office and the Latvian Ambassador to the UN make contradictory statements and blame each other for the choice of the expensive Waldorf Tower hotel for the Presidents Stay in New York. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti, Chas, BB

State Language Inspection has found no forged state language proficiency certificates since the new type of the document with holograms is introduced. State language testing takes place since 1992, as of this June 475,000 people have passed the tests. However, the inspection still finds forged certificates of the old type.

Diena First cases from Latvia will be considered at the European Court of Human Rights this year. The Latvian government has not yet appointed a person to represent Latvia in the Court.

First cases from Latvia will be considered at the European Court of Human Rights this year. The Latvian government has not yet appointed a person to represent Latvia in the Court. Diena

September 19, a national-Bolshevik public organization Limonka was founded in Riga. The declared goal of the organization was “to become a broom to sweep away the current rulers of the country”. The room of the meeting was decorated with red cloth and sickle-and-hammer images.

September 19, a national-Bolshevik public organization Limonka was founded in Riga. The declared goal of the organization was to become a broom to sweep away the current rulers of the country. The room of the meeting was decorated with red cloth and sickle-and-hammer images. BB, Chas, Vesti, Diena

Boris Tsilevich offers ways, including appealing to the Court of Human Rights in Strasbourgh, how to fight with the State Language Law as it gets passed.

Boris Tsilevich offers ways, including appealing to the Court of Human Rights in Strasbourgh, how to fight with the State Language Law as it gets passed. Chas

Press Report

Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK and People’s Party agreed to establish a working group for reaching agreement on the position of the ruling factions before the vote on Language Law. Latvia’s Way is sceptical about this move. The responsible Saeima’s Commission will start discussion of the law the following week. FF/LNNK faction head said that opinions should be co-ordinated and compromise should be sought after the proposals come in at the end of October.

Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK and Peoples Party agreed to establish a working group for reaching agreement on the position of the ruling factions before the vote on Language Law. Latvias Way is sceptical about this move. The responsible Saeimas Commission will start discussion of the law the following week. FF/LNNK faction head said that opinions should be co-ordinated and compromise should be sought after the proposals come in at the end of October.

Latvian President stressed that the law should be passed taking into account the objections she presented after the law was passed by the Parliament.

Latvian President stressed that the law should be passed taking into account the objections she presented after the law was passed by the Parliament. Diena

The Saeima last Thursday passed the draft law On the September 28, 1954 Convention on the Status of the Stateless that guarantees human rights and basic freedoms for the persons who don’t have citizenship of any country.

The Saeima last Thursday passed the draft law On the September 28, 1954 Convention on the Status of the Stateless that guarantees human rights and basic freedoms for the persons who dont have citizenship of any country. Diena

Saeima’s commission for human rights and public affairs has agreed to the proposal made by the Justice Minister Valdis Birkavs to reorganize the Naturalization Board into the Board of Citizenship and Ethnic Affairs that would include the Justice Ministry’s department of ethnic affairs and some functions currently performed by the Board of Citizenship and Migration. The minister stressed that the new institution should be set up immediately. Head of the above commission Antons Seiksts suggested that a law on ethnic minorities is developed in near future.

Saeimas commission for human rights and public affairs has agreed to the proposal made by the Justice Minister Valdis Birkavs to reorganize the Naturalization Board into the Board of Citizenship and Ethnic Affairs that would include the Justice Ministrys department of ethnic affairs and some functions currently performed by the Board of Citizenship and Migration. The minister stressed that the new institution should be set up immediately. Head of the above commission Antons Seiksts suggested that a law on ethnic minorities is developed in near future. Neatkariga

President of the Bank of Latvia Einars Repse during his meeting with the President Vaira Vike-Freiberga stated that there was no room for concern about the stability of the Latvian lat as the central bank’s monetary policy as well as the currency reserve is a sufficient safeguard.

President of the Bank of Latvia Einars Repse during his meeting with the President Vaira Vike-Freiberga stated that there was no room for concern about the stability of the Latvian lat as the central banks monetary policy as well as the currency reserve is a sufficient safeguard. Neatkariga

In early October the Russian State Duma is planning to have the second reading of the draft law on sanctions against Latvia although the President Yeltsin has expressed a negative opinion about the draft law.

In early October the Russian State Duma is planning to have the second reading of the draft law on sanctions against Latvia although the President Yeltsin has expressed a negative opinion about the draft law. Neatkariga

During the last meeting the Saeima passed over to commissions draft amendments to the law On Status of the Citizens of the Former USSR Who Do Not Have Latvian or Other Citizenship. After the draft amendments, the former military or militia officers who were in the service of a foreign country after July 1, 1992 or who were registered residents in any of CIS countries may lose the non-citizen status.

During the last meeting the Saeima passed over to commissions draft amendments to the law On Status of the Citizens of the Former USSR Who Do Not Have Latvian or Other Citizenship. After the draft amendments, the former military or militia officers who were in the service of a foreign country after July 1, 1992 or who were registered residents in any of CIS countries may lose the non-citizen status. Chas

September 16 the Swedish government decided to grant additional US$200,000 for the work of the State Language Training Program after the request made by the Latvian Education Ministry and UNDP due to the growing demand for the state language training. US$1.4 million were granted earlier by Sweden in support to the program.

September 16 the Swedish government decided to grant additional US$200,000 for the work of the State Language Training Program after the request made by the Latvian Education Ministry and UNDP due to the growing demand for the state language training. US$1.4 million were granted earlier by Sweden in support to the program. Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK politicians believe that the government should return to the experience of the previous governments and restore the coalition council meetings. The meetings should pass decisions binding for the ruling factions on the work of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Saeima.

Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK politicians believe that the government should return to the experience of the previous governments and restore the coalition council meetings. The meetings should pass decisions binding for the ruling factions on the work of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Saeima. Neatkariga

The ruling factions have decided to set up a work group for developing new amendments to the pension law. In case if not enough signatures are collected to initiate the referendum the Parliament could vote for amending the law in October. The parties are going to give up the rise in pension age. Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK MPs have prepared proposals for amendments to the pension law that are planned to be submitted for the review of the coalition partners. Proposals concern the rise in pension age and the protection of interests of working pensioners.

The ruling factions have decided to set up a work group for developing new amendments to the pension law. In case if not enough signatures are collected to initiate the referendum the Parliament could vote for amending the law in October. The parties are going to give up the rise in pension age. Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK MPs have prepared proposals for amendments to the pension law that are planned to be submitted for the review of the coalition partners. Proposals concern the rise in pension age and the protection of interests of working pensioners. Neatkariga, Diena

As of October 1, the Board of Citizenship and Migration will start issuing stateless person’s passports. The Board has prepared 8000 passports while currently only 50 applications have been submitted.

As of October 1, the Board of Citizenship and Migration will start issuing stateless persons passports. The Board has prepared 8000 passports while currently only 50 applications have been submitted. Neatkariga

Foreign Ministry’s Deputy State Secretary Andris Kesteris after meeting the European Commission representatives said that Latvia expects a favourable progress report from the European Commission. Most of the questions addressed to Latvia demonstrate the remaining EC interest about the situation of Latvia’s non-citizens.

Foreign Ministrys Deputy State Secretary Andris Kesteris after meeting the European Commission representatives said that Latvia expects a favourable progress report from the European Commission. Most of the questions addressed to Latvia demonstrate the remaining EC interest about the situation of Latvias non-citizens. Diena

A former LNT news service editor has become the PR advisor to the Latvian president. The president now has 7 staff advisors, the position of advisor for security and military issues is still vacant. Diena

A former LNT news service editor has become the PR advisor to the Latvian president. The president now has 7 staff advisors, the position of advisor for security and military issues is still vacant. Diena

Latvian Foreign Ministry’s State Secretary Maris Riekstins when commenting on the latest events in Russia said that the situation will have no direct impact on the security of Latvia and other Baltic countries, however, it causes concern as Russia is a neighboring country.

Latvian Foreign Ministrys State Secretary Maris Riekstins when commenting on the latest events in Russia said that the situation will have no direct impact on the security of Latvia and other Baltic countries, however, it causes concern as Russia is a neighboring country. Diena

Latvian Justice Minister Valdis Birkavs after meeting the Swedish counterpart Laila Freivalde told the press that Latvia needs foreign assistance due to its limited experience and resources. The priorities include upgrading of the judicial system, computerisation, training of the prison employees.

Latvian Justice Minister Valdis Birkavs after meeting the Swedish counterpart Laila Freivalde told the press that Latvia needs foreign assistance due to its limited experience and resources. The priorities include upgrading of the judicial system, computerisation, training of the prison employees. Rigas Balss

The attempt of the Saeima to ratify the International Convention on the Status of Stateless Persons roused astonishment of the Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK MP Juris Dobelis concerning the supplement to the law on ratification where the government commits to making the process of naturalisation faster.

The attempt of the Saeima to ratify the International Convention on the Status of Stateless Persons roused astonishment of the Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK MP Juris Dobelis concerning the supplement to the law on ratification where the government commits to making the process of naturalisation faster. Vesti

Next week the Saeima’s Commission for Education and Culture will start discussing the “arguable” articles of the Language Law.

Next week the Saeimas Commission for Education and Culture will start discussing the arguable articles of the Language Law. Vesti Segodna express concern about the expected delayed looking at the law in connection with the Helsinki summit.

Press Report

Press Report

Union

Union Latvijas Cels will finish its work on proposals for amending the pension law to submit them to the coalition partners who are ready to reconsider the adopted law. Neatkariga

Peoples Party Chairman G.Berzins acknowledged that the party was ready to soften its position concerning the pensions law if there would be no referendum on this law. So far

Peoples Party Chairman G.Berzins acknowledged that the party was ready to soften its position concerning the pensions law if there would be no referendum on this law. So far PP was the only party which did not show any willingness for a compromise. Diena

Ex-Prime Minister V.Kristopans announced to the press yesterday the A.Skele had proposed the leader of the left wing party block

Ex-Prime Minister V.Kristopans announced to the press yesterday the A.Skele had proposed the leader of the left wing party block For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans to replace LC in the ruling coalition if LC would not act as the PM wished. Both J.Jurkans and Councillor to A.Skele U.Salna refused this statement. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya

Yesterday there was a meeting of the President, Speaker and Minister of Foreign Affairs to discuss the priorities of Latvian Foreign policy. They agreed that such meeting should be regular

Yesterday there was a meeting of the President, Speaker and Minister of Foreign Affairs to discuss the priorities of Latvian Foreign policy. They agreed that such meeting should be regular. Neatkariga, Chas

After this meeting A.Skele, answering to a questions, acknowledged that Latvia was completing its home tasks and was ready for the summit meeting in Helsinki.

After this meeting A.Skele, answering to a questions, acknowledged that Latvia was completing its home tasks and was ready for the summit meeting in Helsinki. Diena

Neatkariga

interwieved MPs asking them to answer the question, While considering the State Language Law, do you think about the meeting of the EU member states scheduled for December in Helsinki? R.Pauls ( interwieved MPs asking them to answer the question, “While considering the State Language Law, do you think about the meeting of the EU member states scheduled for December in Helsinki?” R.Pauls (New PartyNew Party) thinks that these two issues must be linked. M.Lujans () thinks that these two issues must be linked. M.Lujans (For Human Rights in United LatviaFor Human Rights in United Latvia) is of the same opinion. A.Pozarnovs () is of the same opinion. A.Pozarnovs (TB/LNNKTB/LNNK) thinks that these two should not be linked in principle. If the law did not correspond to the obligations of Latvia, it should be changed. I.Burvis () thinks that these two should not be linked in principle. If the law did not correspond to the obligations of Latvia, it should be changed. I.Burvis (Social DemocratsSocial Democrats) has an opinion that the law should be connected only with the things vital for Latvia. ) has an opinion that the law should be connected only with the things vital for Latvia. NeatkarigaNeatkariga Many non-Latvians have complained to the Saeima Education Commission about the problems with spelling of their family names. The current spelling laws cause problems for people to solve different legal issues as well as to draw up a travel documents.

Many non-Latvians have complained to the Saeima Education Commission about the problems with spelling of their family names. The current spelling laws cause problems for people to solve different legal issues as well as to draw up a travel documents. Diena

During the first eight days about 12 600 people have signed for the proposal to hold a referendum on the amendments of the pensions law. This is 1/10 of the necessary amount of signatures.

During the first eight days about 12 600 people have signed for the proposal to hold a referendum on the amendments of the pensions law. This is 1/10 of the necessary amount of signatures. Diena

Press agency Reuters published a critical comment on the government of A.Skele stating that first cracks had appeared in the coalition due to the authoritarian style of work of the PM. It reminds that all previous governings of A.Skele ended with the same result – coalition partners deserted.

Press agency Reuters published a critical comment on the government of A.Skele stating that first cracks had appeared in the coalition due to the authoritarian style of work of the PM. It reminds that all previous governings of A.Skele ended with the same result – coalition partners deserted. Bizness & Baltiya