Press Review

Press Review

The

The New Party decided to stay in the government and proposed I.Udre to the post of the Minister of Economics. The former Minister A.Slesers stated that the party had given a chance to form this government and supported it for the second time but there could be no third time. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Diena, Bizness & Baltiya

Yesterday the eight meeting of the Latvian - Byelorussian inter-governmental commission took place in Minsk. The only topic of the agenda - demarcation of the border.

Yesterday the eight meeting of the Latvian - Byelorussian inter-governmental commission took place in Minsk. The only topic of the agenda - demarcation of the border. Neatkariga

A Russian speaking journalist A.Gilman published his reflections about the integration program in Latvia. He feels sorry about his lost Soviet citizenship and thinks that the legislators when adopting new laws are more concerned about their correspondence to international standards not whether this law would make the life of the persons concerned easier. And the subjects of this law have to obey it, not to acknowledge. But if the state aims at forming an integrated society, it should reconsider its policy radically.

A Russian speaking journalist A.Gilman published his reflections about the integration program in Latvia. He feels sorry about his lost Soviet citizenship and thinks that the legislators when adopting new laws are more concerned about their correspondence to international standards not whether this law would make the life of the persons concerned easier. And the subjects of this law have to obey it, not to acknowledge. But if the state aims at forming an integrated society, it should reconsider its policy radically. Neatkariga

Diena

interviewed the Chairman of LC A.Pantelejevs about the current political situation in Latvia. He thinks that the government will remain and at the beginning of June the new wording of the coalition agreement could be adopted. The presidential election will not cause much trouble for the government. The trouble makers could be economic issues such as amending the state budged in the direction of decreasing the expenditure part, preparing the next year budget and also protection of the domestic market. A.Pantelejevs also explained the position of LC about nominating A.Gorbunovs for the post of the President. interviewed the Chairman of LC A.Pantelejevs about the current political situation in Latvia. He thinks that the government will remain and at the beginning of June the new wording of the coalition agreement could be adopted. The presidential election will not cause much trouble for the government. The trouble makers could be economic issues such as amending the state budged in the direction of decreasing the expenditure part, preparing the next year budget and also protection of the domestic market. A.Pantelejevs also explained the position of LC about nominating A.Gorbunovs for the post of the President. DienaDiena

Diena

interviewed also Peoples Party Chairman A.Skele. He had no doubt that the government would survive despite the evidences that the real leader of the state was A.Lembergs. Answering to the question about the new policy of PP, A.Skele explained that now the time had come for the party to be in real opposition. i.e. not to support any steps of the government, even sensible ones, thus making it to resign. He foresaw that the next crisis cold come in autumn when the next budget would be discussed. A.Skele also spoke about the possible candidates to the presidency. Diena

State President G.Ulmanis had a four hour discussion with the

State President G.Ulmanis had a four hour discussion with the New Party Chairman R.Pauls about Paulss possible running for presidency. Mr.Pauls has not made up his mind yet and will announce the final decision on Saturday. Diena, Chas

Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs A.Lind expressed her satisfaction that the meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Nordic and Baltic states and Russia had opened a possibility to improve relations between Russia and the Baltic states. Also Latvian MFA Deputy State Secretary A.Ronis, describing this meeting, stated that some positive signs could be traced in the attitude of the Russian MFA towards those three states.

Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs A.Lind expressed her satisfaction that the meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Nordic and Baltic states and Russia had opened a possibility to improve relations between Russia and the Baltic states. Also Latvian MFA Deputy State Secretary A.Ronis, describing this meeting, stated that some positive signs could be traced in the attitude of the Russian MFA towards those three states. Diena

MP J.Vidins made a proposal that only Latvians should be allowed to run for presidency and it should be prohibited to the former Communist Party Central Committee members. The Saeima Juridical Commission refused this proposal, and it is up to Saeima to make the final decision.

MP J.Vidins made a proposal that only Latvians should be allowed to run for presidency and it should be prohibited to the former Communist Party Central Committee members. The Saeima Juridical Commission refused this proposal, and it is up to Saeima to make the final decision. Diena, Bizness & Baltiya, Panorama Latvii

It is possible that a no visa and readmitting of illegal immigrants agreements will be signed with Belgium next week.

It is possible that a no visa and readmitting of illegal immigrants agreements will be signed with Belgium next week. Jauna Avize

Panorama Latvii, when writing about the 12 000 Ls allocated to the Naturalisation Board for ensuring the process of naturalisation, is rather sarcastic and states that the planned time for complete integration of the Latvian society could be shorter than expected. And this does not need any additional financial resources - many of the old age apatrids will be no more around by that time.

Panorama Latvii, when writing about the 12 000 Ls allocated to the Naturalisation Board for ensuring the process of naturalisation, is rather sarcastic and states that the planned time for complete integration of the Latvian society could be shorter than expected. And this does not need any additional financial resources - many of the old age apatrids will be no more around by that time.

Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers decided to allocate the Naturalisation Board 12 000 Ls let it could operate till the end of this year and improve the process of naturalisation. The intensity of this process has increased more than 4 times since the new amendments to the Law on Citizenship took effect. Now the Board receives 1300 -1400 applications per month.

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers decided to allocate the Naturalisation Board 12 000 Ls let it could operate till the end of this year and improve the process of naturalisation. The intensity of this process has increased more than 4 times since the new amendments to the Law on Citizenship took effect. Now the Board receives 1300 -1400 applications per month. Neatkariga

Prime Minister V.Kristopans and the

Prime Minister V.Kristopans and the New Party have agreed that the new Minister of Economics should manage the Ministry of Economics professionally and keep aloft from any possible influence of economic groups. NP representatives consider that there should be stricter supervision, co-ordination and exchange of information between the Cabinet of Ministers and Privatisation Agency. The most real candidate to the post of the Minister of Economics is I.Å°dre, but some Board members did not exclude a possibility to nominate to this post the former minister A.Slesers once again. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize

Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs said in an interview to the Latvian Radio that the calm reaction of Russia on the results of NATO summits meeting was an evidence that its aggressive tendencies were not increasing due to the unstable domestic economic situation. There will be no threat for Latvia in the nearest decade.

Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs said in an interview to the Latvian Radio that the calm reaction of Russia on the results of NATO summits meeting was an evidence that its aggressive tendencies were not increasing due to the unstable domestic economic situation. There will be no threat for Latvia in the nearest decade. Neatkariga

V.Birkavs has published an article in Herald Tribune where he tries to reconcile the past with the multiethnic future. He states “if Russia acknowledge the Soviet time crimes, it could serve as grounds for Latvia and Russia to start using business possibilities together as well as solve such common problems as international terrorism, organised crime , etc.

V.Birkavs has published an article in Herald Tribune where he tries to reconcile the past with the multiethnic future. He states if Russia acknowledge the Soviet time crimes, it could serve as grounds for Latvia and Russia to start using business possibilities together as well as solve such common problems as international terrorism, organised crime , etc. Neatkariga

Russian newspaper Izvestiya voiced an opinion that Russia did not want to sign the border agreement with Latvia due its legislation. There are to strict laws on citizenship, language and education. The author of the article agrees that Russias demands to Latvia are stricter that for the other Baltic states.

Neatkariga The OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel is coming to Latvia on May 24-25 to discuss the draft language law once again. The Commissioner has already pointed out some discrepancy of the Latvian legislation to the international standards.

The OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel is coming to Latvia on May 24-25 to discuss the draft language law once again. The Commissioner has already pointed out some discrepancy of the Latvian legislation to the international standards. Diena

TB/LNNK will address the Hague International Court to inform about the occupation of Latvia and the consequences of this occupation.

TB/LNNK will address the Hague International Court to inform about the occupation of Latvia and the consequences of this occupation. Diena

Panorama Latvii

published on more article in integration . Dr-s. paed. MP J.Pliner and V.Buhvalov think that integration should solve the following issues: 1) to further mastering of the Latvian language by non-Latvians, 2) preserve the Russian language in the system of education, 3) provide possibilities for studying in the framework of education for national minorities, 4) mastering during the process of studies the cultural values of the nations living on the territory of Latvia for longer period of time, 5) cultivating in students patriotism and civic position.

Press Review

Press Review

The Board of

The Board of LC in a secret ballot passed a vote of confidence to two its members - Prime Minister V.Kristopans and Director General of the Privatisation Agency J.Naglis. The Chairman of LC A.Pantelejevs said that if the both persons respect the decision of the Board they should try to co-operate. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas, SM, Bizness & Baltiya

The Cabinet of Ministers has postponed for three months the population census, and the new date will be March 31, 2000.

Neatkariga LC member A.Gorbunovs agreed to run for presidency and explained this decision with not being able to avoid responsibility endlessly and ignore the decisions of the party Board and congress, as well as the promises given to the electors. At the same time he stated that he did not have much hope for being elected.

LC member A.Gorbunovs agreed to run for presidency and explained this decision with not being able to avoid responsibility endlessly and ignore the decisions of the party Board and congress, as well as the promises given to the electors. At the same time he stated that he did not have much hope for being elected. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, Chas

President G.Ulmanis considers that, disregarding the dismissal of the Minister of Economics A.Slesers, V.Kristopans’s government should continue working. He acknowledged that the government should act more decisively in such a situation.

President G.Ulmanis considers that, disregarding the dismissal of the Minister of Economics A.Slesers, V.Kristopanss government should continue working. He acknowledged that the government should act more decisively in such a situation. Neatkariga

The Director of Human Rights Institute, LU I.Ziemele writes in

The Director of Human Rights Institute, LU I.Ziemele writes in Diena that people have realised the success of public integration, stability and future development of the state to depend on the solution of the language problem. And it is evident that there are no ready remedies because the state language policy in Western counties has been formed in different time and environment. Diena

The Saeima European Affairs Commission stated that there were many vague juridical points and inaccuracies in the draft language law, therefore it might be necessary to exchange it structure. The Commission plans to discuss exact proposals that would not be political. The draft law is being prepared for the final reading, and the Commission head E.Inkens stressed that there was no special need for rush.

The Saeima European Affairs Commission stated that there were many vague juridical points and inaccuracies in the draft language law, therefore it might be necessary to exchange it structure. The Commission plans to discuss exact proposals that would not be political. The draft law is being prepared for the final reading, and the Commission head E.Inkens stressed that there was no special need for rush. Diena

Evaluating the possible duration of the public integration process in Estonia, two thirds of Estonians and half of non-Estonians admit that even in 2025 non-Estonians will live in their territories and study in their own schools separately from Estonians. A public opinion poll showed that more than 25 years would be needed to carry out the integration process.

Evaluating the possible duration of the public integration process in Estonia, two thirds of Estonians and half of non-Estonians admit that even in 2025 non-Estonians will live in their territories and study in their own schools separately from Estonians. A public opinion poll showed that more than 25 years would be needed to carry out the integration process. Diena

Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs, during his meeting with his Russian counterpart I.Ivanov, proposed to sign the already prepared agreements. But the Minister is not very optimistic about such a possibility because it was just a proposal.

Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs, during his meeting with his Russian counterpart I.Ivanov, proposed to sign the already prepared agreements. But the Minister is not very optimistic about such a possibility because it was just a proposal. Jauna Avize

After his visit to Russia, Birkavs hold a press briefings about the results and the future of bilateral relations. He did not think that these relations could be influenced by Latvia’s position on Kosovo, rather by the draft language law. Latvia should take care to make this law corresponding to international standards. And the most time during the negotiations with I.Ivanov was spent on this issue. The next visit of the Minister will be to the USA.

After his visit to Russia, Birkavs hold a press briefings about the results and the future of bilateral relations. He did not think that these relations could be influenced by Latvias position on Kosovo, rather by the draft language law. Latvia should take care to make this law corresponding to international standards. And the most time during the negotiations with I.Ivanov was spent on this issue. The next visit of the Minister will be to the USA. Diena (Russian version)

The newspaper

The newspaper SM verified the information on the possible visit of I.Ivanov to Latvia in Moscow and got a confirmation that this official would come to Riga after one month.

A DCMA working group has completed its work on the draft law on domicile registration. The law establishes a new procedure how the residents’ domiciles should be declared and registered, at the same time abolishing the current domicile registration system. Thus the human right of free motion within the state would be insured according to European standards.

A DCMA working group has completed its work on the draft law on domicile registration. The law establishes a new procedure how the residents domiciles should be declared and registered, at the same time abolishing the current domicile registration system. Thus the human right of free motion within the state would be insured according to European standards. Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii, Bizness & Baltiya

Jauna Avize interviewed the leader of the union of left wing parties A.Rubiks. Among other things said, he predicted that V.Kristopans’s government would last no longer than 8 - 12 months.

Jauna Avize interviewed the leader of the union of left wing parties A.Rubiks. Among other things said, he predicted that V.Kristopanss government would last no longer than 8 - 12 months.

Bizness & Baltiya

tried to calculate the possible future leaders of the state. According to this newspaper, if A.Gorbunovs becomes the President, R.Zîle or J.Naglis could take the post of the Prime Minister and the post of the Speaker would be given to a tried to calculate the possible future leaders of the state. According to this newspaper, if A.Gorbunovs becomes the President, R.Zîle or J.Naglis could take the post of the Prime Minister and the post of the Speaker would be given to a People’s PartyPeoples Party member. But there is a doubt that A.Gorbunovs could receive a majority vote. In such a case the three leading parties: member. But there is a doubt that A.Gorbunovs could receive a majority vote. In such a case the three leading parties: People’s PartyPeoples Party, , Latvijas CelsLatvijas Cels and TB/LNNK would have to trade and three new leaders could appear - V.Birkavs as the President, A.Gorbunovs as the Speaker and R.Zile as the Prime Minister. and TB/LNNK would have to trade and three new leaders could appear - V.Birkavs as the President, A.Gorbunovs as the Speaker and R.Zile as the Prime Minister. T.Judina came to the editor’s office of

T.Judina came to the editors office of Panorama Latvii and told he following story. She had been working as a janitor for 15 years, but one day a neighbour sent a complain about her state language knowledge to the State Language Inspection. The officials reacted immediately and called Ms.Judina on phone, informing that they would come to inspect her language skills. The poor woman was afraid to fail this test, and remembering the time when she had to pay for the test from her miniature wage - 50 Ls before taxes, did not feel very happy. But the very idea that a janitor should be requested the state language knowledge seemed strange to her. Panorama Latvii

Press Report

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Nordic, Baltic states and Russia after their meeting in Saint Petersburg paid special attention to the co-operation between EU and Russian. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs used this occasion to meet Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs A.Lind to discuss the expansion of EU and to learn about the Swedish position on this issue.

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Nordic, Baltic states and Russia after their meeting in Saint Petersburg paid special attention to the co-operation between EU and Russian. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs used this occasion to meet Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs A.Lind to discuss the expansion of EU and to learn about the Swedish position on this issue. Neatkariga

During this meeting V.Birkavs stated that the first thing for Russia to do to improve its economic co-operation with the neighbouring countries should be abolishing the artificially imposed sanctions.

During this meeting V.Birkavs stated that the first thing for Russia to do to improve its economic co-operation with the neighbouring countries should be abolishing the artificially imposed sanctions. Diena

I.Ivanov stated that Russian position on the Baltic states joining NATO had not changed, and Europe had to look for a new security model for the next century.

I.Ivanov stated that Russian position on the Baltic states joining NATO had not changed, and Europe had to look for a new security model for the next century. Diena

V.Birkavs informed the press about the final agreement for the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov to come to Riga this June.

V.Birkavs informed the press about the final agreement for the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov to come to Riga this June. Diena, Bizness & Baltiya

I.Ivanov proposed to organise a joined meeting of the leaders Barenc See and Baltic See regions the discuss strategic co-operation issues.

I.Ivanov proposed to organise a joined meeting of the leaders Barenc See and Baltic See regions the discuss strategic co-operation issues. Jauna Avize

The Chairman of the

The Chairman of the New Party R.Pauls, who so far had refused categorically a possibility to run for the Presidency seems to have changed his position because. Answering to a question about himself as a possible president during a TV broadcast, he did not give a straight forward answer but promised to do it within the next week. Neatkariga

Deputy Chairman of the Saeima TB/LNNK faction J.Dobelis announced at a press conference that during the time when there were so many urgent matters to solve, it would be unwise to overthrow the government. He told about some people coming to the TB/LNNK offices and trying to persuade them about a need to form a new government.

Deputy Chairman of the Saeima TB/LNNK faction J.Dobelis announced at a press conference that during the time when there were so many urgent matters to solve, it would be unwise to overthrow the government. He told about some people coming to the TB/LNNK offices and trying to persuade them about a need to form a new government. Neatkariga

Dr. pol.scien. A.Pabriks in his article in

Dr. pol.scien. A.Pabriks in his article in Diena asks how long we can stand a government which exists just for itself and some rich entrepreneurs. He states that from the very restoration of Latvian independence the political elite had a wish to make all decisions in a very small circle. In 1991 there was a chance to find a solution satisfying both Latvians and Russians, but it did not satisfy the ruling elite therefore we had to wait for three years for the Law on Citizenship. Now its is up to the people to make the government to remember them. Diena

Before the election to the Saeima

Before the election to the Saeima Latvijas Cels concluded co-operation agreements with regional parties in Daugavpils and Venspils. The leaders of Venspils party is A.Lembergs. And Diena journalist I.Egle investigates what were the reasons for Latvijas Cels to conclude such agreements and what is their influence of Latvijas Cels. Diena

Only two parties -

Only two parties - Latvijas Cels and Farmers Union have a rise in their popularity rating in April. This opinion poll was conducted by Latvijas Fakti. Jauna Avize

Russian version of

Diena published a large material on the Russian speaking newspapers in Latvia. If the Latvian newspapers try to persuade their readers to start thinking about the state related issues, then their Russian speaking colleagues tell their readers that they are just second class people. Diena

Bizness & Baltiya

writes about the issuing of the new Latvian citizen passports, and the two options - to print new ones or to improve the old ones by using a laser printer.

Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs had a meeting with his Russian counterpart I.Ivanov The Ministers agreed that the experts of the intergovernmental commission should continue their work so that a meeting of state officials could take place in autumn during which the prepared agreements could be signed, including the border agreement. After the half an hour long meeting V.Birkavs invited I.Ivanov to visit Riga. The visit could take place after the meeting of the CBSS ministers in Vilnius on 14. and 15 of May.

Yesterday Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs had a meeting with his Russian counterpart I.Ivanov The Ministers agreed that the experts of the intergovernmental commission should continue their work so that a meeting of state officials could take place in autumn during which the prepared agreements could be signed, including the border agreement. After the half an hour long meeting V.Birkavs invited I.Ivanov to visit Riga. The visit could take place after the meeting of the CBSS ministers in Vilnius on 14. and 15 of May. Neatkariga, Diena, SM

The Chairman of

The Chairman of Latvijas Cels A.Pantelejevs stated that the government would not be able to exist if the Prime Minister V.Kristopans and the Director General of the Privatisation Agency J.Naglis did not harmonise their opinions on the last stage of privatisation. A.Pantelejevs stressed that he would try to do the best to harmonise those two different opinions. Neatkariga, SM

The Chairman of the TB/LNNK Saeima faction M.Grinblats thinks that an attempt to dismiss the Director General of the Privatisation Agency J.Naglis might shorten the life span of V.Kristopans’s government.

The Chairman of the TB/LNNK Saeima faction M.Grinblats thinks that an attempt to dismiss the Director General of the Privatisation Agency J.Naglis might shorten the life span of V.Kristopanss government. Diena, SM (17.05.99)

Dr. paed. J.Birzkops from Liepaja Pedagogical Academy considers that the most important thing for the integration of Latvians and non-Latvians is not to rush the events. People are infuriated already by talks, not speaking about actions. And nobody neither in Latvia nor in the whole world knows what could be the outcome of such a risky experiment.

Dr. paed. J.Birzkops from Liepaja Pedagogical Academy considers that the most important thing for the integration of Latvians and non-Latvians is not to rush the events. People are infuriated already by talks, not speaking about actions. And nobody neither in Latvia nor in the whole world knows what could be the outcome of such a risky experiment. Neatkariga

Next week German President R.Herzog is coming to Latvia. This will be the second visit of a German President to Latvia. The timing was chosen deliberately - this will be the last foreign visit of R.Herzog in this post and the last time for receiving so important guests for G.Ulmanis.

Next week German President R.Herzog is coming to Latvia. This will be the second visit of a German President to Latvia. The timing was chosen deliberately - this will be the last foreign visit of R.Herzog in this post and the last time for receiving so important guests for G.Ulmanis. Neatkariga

Last week Estonian mass media started a mass social advertisement campaign “Many nice people” with an aim to encourage discussion on integration of non-Estonians into Estonian society. The campaign will last for three weeks.

Last week Estonian mass media started a mass social advertisement campaign Many nice people with an aim to encourage discussion on integration of non-Estonians into Estonian society. The campaign will last for three weeks. Diena

Prime Minister V.Kristopans announced to the Latvian Radio on Friday that he had come to a opinion that the Free Trade Agreement of the Baltic states, signed in 1996, had been concluded in a rush without much thinking about the protection of the domestic market. The reason for such a conclusion was the analysis of the government’s activities during the last half the year to improve the situation in agriculture. He put the blame for this on the former Prime Minister A.Skele.

Prime Minister V.Kristopans announced to the Latvian Radio on Friday that he had come to a opinion that the Free Trade Agreement of the Baltic states, signed in 1996, had been concluded in a rush without much thinking about the protection of the domestic market. The reason for such a conclusion was the analysis of the governments activities during the last half the year to improve the situation in agriculture. He put the blame for this on the former Prime Minister A.Skele. Diena