Press Report

On 26 July the mandate to the OSCE Mission in Riga was extended and the continuing struggle of our delegation for the changes in the status of the Mission was left in the shadow. One of the reasons for the formation of the OSCE Mission to Latvia was Russia’s reproach concerning the human rights violations against the Russian speaking population. For almost four years there is an OSCE Mission to Latvia, like to Albania and Bosnia, in places where the blood was shed. Latvian diplomats think that this situation undermines Latvia’s international prestige. Our state delegation to OSCE is headed by Ivars Pundurs. Upon return from the Hofburg Palace, where the OSCE Permanent Council is located, he gave an interview.

On 26 July the mandate to the OSCE Mission in Riga was extended and the continuing struggle of our delegation for the changes in the status of the Mission was left in the shadow. One of the reasons for the formation of the OSCE Mission to Latvia was Russias reproach concerning the human rights violations against the Russian speaking population. For almost four years there is an OSCE Mission to Latvia, like to Albania and Bosnia, in places where the blood was shed. Latvian diplomats think that this situation undermines Latvias international prestige. Our state delegation to OSCE is headed by Ivars Pundurs. Upon return from the Hofburg Palace, where the OSCE Permanent Council is located, he gave an interview.

- On June 18 in the OSCE Permanent Council Latvia distributed the resolution draft that was discussed next day. What were Latvia’s proposals?

- On June 18 in the OSCE Permanent Council Latvia distributed the resolution draft that was discussed next day. What were Latvias proposals?

We proposed the OSCE Mission to Latvia to prepare a report about accomplishments during its time in service. There also would be mentioned Latvia’s accomplishments. Charles Magee, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia supported us. Besides, and it was the most important thing, we proposed to start the discussion about the changes in the status of the Mission. However, on June 19 our proposal was rejected.

We proposed the OSCE Mission to Latvia to prepare a report about accomplishments during its time in service. There also would be mentioned Latvias accomplishments. Charles Magee, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia supported us. Besides, and it was the most important thing, we proposed to start the discussion about the changes in the status of the Mission. However, on June 19 our proposal was rejected.

-What does it mean to change the status? Is it only about the name ...

-What does it mean to change the status? Is it only about the name ...

When there is discussion, we will have to talk about the fact that, although the OSCE Missions operate in Latvia and, for example, in Tajikistan, the situation in both places differs. In Baltics the OSCE operation has a different content than in conflict regions, therefore the form should be different. We would like to have the OSCE Mission in Latvia with a different - not Mission - status. While OSCE diplomats know in what Latvia differs from Bosnia, people from the street, even here, in Vienna, may not know that. Everybody has heard about happenings in Bosnia and how the OSCE Mission works there. To those who know about Latvia nothing more than the fact that there is an OSCE Mission, it might give an impression that genocide takes place in Latvia. Besides not only non-professionals have such associations.

When there is discussion, we will have to talk about the fact that, although the OSCE Missions operate in Latvia and, for example, in Tajikistan, the situation in both places differs. In Baltics the OSCE operation has a different content than in conflict regions, therefore the form should be different. We would like to have the OSCE Mission in Latvia with a different - not Mission - status. While OSCE diplomats know in what Latvia differs from Bosnia, people from the street, even here, in Vienna, may not know that. Everybody has heard about happenings in Bosnia and how the OSCE Mission works there. To those who know about Latvia nothing more than the fact that there is an OSCE Mission, it might give an impression that genocide takes place in Latvia. Besides not only non-professionals have such associations.

- In Chechnya upon the request of Russia there is an OSCE Assistance Group.

- In Chechnya upon the request of Russia there is an OSCE Assistance Group.

At that time this issue was not widely discussed. Russia was ready to agree on the OSCE Assistance Group involvement, not a Mission. When bloodshed started, the most important was to provide its presence, but not to discuss its name. At the same time we do not want to impose our point of view through blackmail. We want to have this issue discussed, because our arguments are sufficient. 

At that time this issue was not widely discussed. Russia was ready to agree on the OSCE Assistance Group involvement, not a Mission. When bloodshed started, the most important was to provide its presence, but not to discuss its name. At the same time we do not want to impose our point of view through blackmail. We want to have this issue discussed, because our arguments are sufficient.

-Why did the Permanent Council respond to Latvia’s initiative during the first discussion round in negative way?

-Why did the Permanent Council respond to Latvias initiative during the first discussion round in negative way?

If there is an option to do something or to do nothing, human nature calls for the last. Some delegations were worried that it would create a precedent and it would be followed by other countries, where there were OSCE missions that would try to dictate rules to the organization. Although on June 19 our proposal was supported only by the Lithuanian delegation, this small scandal helped us. After the meeting representatives of other delegations whose opinion before that was negative, offered us their support. The fact that some delegations try to avoid a discussion of an issue is not a credit to them. In a week - on June 26 - we were supported by 15 European Union countries and the next presiding OSCE country - Poland.

If there is an option to do something or to do nothing, human nature calls for the last. Some delegations were worried that it would create a precedent and it would be followed by other countries, where there were OSCE missions that would try to dictate rules to the organization. Although on June 19 our proposal was supported only by the Lithuanian delegation, this small scandal helped us. After the meeting representatives of other delegations whose opinion before that was negative, offered us their support. The fact that some delegations try to avoid a discussion of an issue is not a credit to them. In a week - on June 26 - we were supported by 15 European Union countries and the next presiding OSCE country - Poland.

- The Russian delegation stressed that Russian speaking population cannot get citizenship because of complicated naturalization exams. What was the opinion of other foreign diplomats on low naturalization numbers?

- The Russian delegation stressed that Russian speaking population cannot get citizenship because of complicated naturalization exams. What was the opinion of other foreign diplomats on low naturalization numbers?

The problem are not exams, and our foreign colleagues understand that. In 1996 only a small percentage of noncitizens who had the right to naturalization used that right. 90 % of those who had exams passed them. Unwillingness to get the citizenship is a bigger problem than the requirements for potential citizens. Luckily, foreign diplomats have started to understand that. The latest initiatives of the President Ulmanis toward naturalization have been considered positively and will help to convince OSCE diplomats of the necessity to reorganize the Mission.

The problem are not exams, and our foreign colleagues understand that. In 1996 only a small percentage of noncitizens who had the right to naturalization used that right. 90 % of those who had exams passed them. Unwillingness to get the citizenship is a bigger problem than the requirements for potential citizens. Luckily, foreign diplomats have started to understand that. The latest initiatives of the President Ulmanis toward naturalization have been considered positively and will help to convince OSCE diplomats of the necessity to reorganize the Mission.

- Is it possible that Latvia’s proposal will not be discussed at all?

- Is it possible that Latvias proposal will not be discussed at all?

We are not a superpower to whom everybody listens irrespective of what it has to say, and who has its own opinion on any issue. Small countries should be pragmatic and have clear priorities, and fight for them in order to influence things that touch their interests. At the end of August, beginning of September we will remind of our initiative, and by the end of the year we hope to get the resolution despite the possible Russian reaction. Latvia has to respond to Russian statements without emotions. In 1994 here, in Hofburg, at discussions about OSCE inspections in Skrunda the Russian representative Sergej Zotov threatened to use military power if the station [ Skrunda] were not going to work as Moscow wanted it.

We are not a superpower to whom everybody listens irrespective of what it has to say, and who has its own opinion on any issue. Small countries should be pragmatic and have clear priorities, and fight for them in order to influence things that touch their interests. At the end of August, beginning of September we will remind of our initiative, and by the end of the year we hope to get the resolution despite the possible Russian reaction. Latvia has to respond to Russian statements without emotions. In 1994 here, in Hofburg, at discussions about OSCE inspections in Skrunda the Russian representative Sergej Zotov threatened to use military power if the station [ Skrunda] were not going to work as Moscow wanted it.

Some years ago, the then Foreign Minister of Russia, Andrej Kozyrev, accused us in ethnic cleansing, thus, comparing the situation in Latvia with one in Bosnia where civilians were killed. This year at the meeting the Russian delegation recognized that Latvia had achieved progress on citizenship issues. Although we do not have the same opinion, during these three years while I am working in Vienna, the relationship with Russian representatives has become more constructive.

Some years ago, the then Foreign Minister of Russia, Andrej Kozyrev, accused us in ethnic cleansing, thus, comparing the situation in Latvia with one in Bosnia where civilians were killed. This year at the meeting the Russian delegation recognized that Latvia had achieved progress on citizenship issues. Although we do not have the same opinion, during these three years while I am working in Vienna, the relationship with Russian representatives has become more constructive.

-In your opinion, when would the OSCE Mission not be needed in Latvia any more?

-In your opinion, when would the OSCE Mission not be needed in Latvia any more?

Switzerland- former presiding country in OSCE - had made it a task to close at least one OSCE Mission. It was presumed to be in Latvia. This idea encountered objections from many countries, including Russia, and it was not put into practice. However, we do not think that along with the closing of the Mission our co-operation with OSCE would end. There are lot of ways how this organization in some cases can help us. Latvia is interested to receive objective reports on the situation that many times have helped refute Russia’s ungrounded critics.

Switzerland- former presiding country in OSCE - had made it a task to close at least one OSCE Mission. It was presumed to be in Latvia. This idea encountered objections from many countries, including Russia, and it was not put into practice. However, we do not think that along with the closing of the Mission our co-operation with OSCE would end. There are lot of ways how this organization in some cases can help us. Latvia is interested to receive objective reports on the situation that many times have helped refute Russias ungrounded critics.

The naturalization process and work in human rights sphere in Latvia has not being undertaken just because of OSCE and other international organizations. We ourselves understand the necessity to integrate non-Latvians and to unite entire society. Things done so far prove it. Our society tries to come closer not because someone forces us to do it. If the Saeima, the President and the Government were not interested in it, even the OSCE Mission could not help.

The naturalization process and work in human rights sphere in Latvia has not being undertaken just because of OSCE and other international organizations. We ourselves understand the necessity to integrate non-Latvians and to unite entire society. Things done so far prove it. Our society tries to come closer not because someone forces us to do it. If the Saeima, the President and the Government were not interested in it, even the OSCE Mission could not help.

The OSCE Mission to Latvia costs five times more than Latvia pays into OSCE budget, therefore we have to use its presence more efficiently. At its very beginning the mission monitored the talks about and later the very withdrawal of the Russian army. Later it helped to solve the repatriation issue of illegal Russian military persons. This is very important, but the presence of OSCE should not undermine states interests and its international prestige.

The OSCE Mission to Latvia costs five times more than Latvia pays into OSCE budget, therefore we have to use its presence more efficiently. At its very beginning the mission monitored the talks about and later the very withdrawal of the Russian army. Later it helped to solve the repatriation issue of illegal Russian military persons. This is very important, but the presence of OSCE should not undermine states interests and its international prestige.

Press Report

The report by the European Commission recognizes Latvia's progress in the forming of market economy and developing democratic institutions. Still, according to the report, Latvia would find it difficult to withstand competition within the EU. The report points at the necessity to accelerate the naturalization process. The document also recommends to reduce the number of differences between the rights enjoyed by citizens and non-citizens. Among the restrictions of non-citizens' rights the European Commission mentions employment restrictions and recommends granting non-citizens the right to vote in municipal elections. The report also points at the low efficiency of the Latvian legislation and at insufficient privatization. State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins at a press-conference noted that some of the information used for the report (inflation rate, the state budget, etc.) was outdated.

The report by the European Commission recognizes Latvia's progress in the forming of market economy and developing democratic institutions. Still, according to the report, Latvia would find it difficult to withstand competition within the EU. The report points at the necessity to accelerate the naturalization process. The document also recommends to reduce the number of differences between the rights enjoyed by citizens and non-citizens. Among the restrictions of non-citizens' rights the European Commission mentions employment restrictions and recommends granting non-citizens the right to vote in municipal elections. The report also points at the low efficiency of the Latvian legislation and at insufficient privatization. State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins at a press-conference noted that some of the information used for the report (inflation rate, the state budget, etc.) was outdated. Diena, Neatkariga

Prime-Minister Skele returned yesterday from his summer vacations. Mr. Skele told

Prime-Minister Skele returned yesterday from his summer vacations. Mr. Skele told "DIENA" that he would not exclude the possibility of resignation of the Cabinet. "Tevzemei un Brivibai"/LNNK, "Saimnieks" and "Latvijas Cels" representatives also believe that the Cabinet could resign. The Government crisis could be caused by Minister of Communications Kristopans' dismissal. "LC" has already threatened to take political steps that would "affect the Cabinet" if the Minister was dismissed. The Prime-Minister has not made any statements on Mr. Kristopans' dismissal yet. Still, the parties whose members have already been dismissed are likely to protest against the Minister of Communications retaining his post after the Prosecutor General's Office confirmed that the Minister had violated the Anti-Corruption Law. "TB"/LNNK, "Saimnieks" and "LC" already held consultations on joint steps to be taken in case of a Government crisis. The most probable candidate for the Prime-Minister's office, according to Mr. Grinblats ("TB"), is current Riga Mayor Andris Berzins ("LC"). "TB" would nominate Mr. Guntars Krasts, currently Minister of Economics, in case "LC" chooses to retain the post of Riga Mayor. Diena, Neatkariga

Press Report

Press Report

According to Press-Secretary of the European Commission van der Pass, the Commission will recommend the European Union to consider six potential new members. The countries are Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Estonia and Cyprus. The recommendation was adopted yesterday and is to be made public today. Still, Nordic countries would prefer to start talks with all potential members without giving any preferences. Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs Nils Hedvig Petrsen in an interview said that the EU Summit might reconsider the recommendation by the European Commission. The Summit will be held in Luxembourg in December this year.

According to Press-Secretary of the European Commission van der Pass, the Commission will recommend the European Union to consider six potential new members. The countries are Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Estonia and Cyprus. The recommendation was adopted yesterday and is to be made public today. Still, Nordic countries would prefer to start talks with all potential members without giving any preferences. Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs Nils Hedvig Petrsen in an interview said that the EU Summit might reconsider the recommendation by the European Commission. The Summit will be held in Luxembourg in December this year. Diena, B&B

President Ulmanis visited Daugavpils yesterday. While addressing members of the City Council, the President pointed at the low pace of naturalization process in the city. Only 600 non-citizens out of 40,000 have applied for naturalization. Mr. Ulmanis also highly assessed harmonious relations between ethnic groups in Daugavpils and pointed at aprogress achieved by its inhabitants in studying the Latvian language.

President Ulmanis visited Daugavpils yesterday. While addressing members of the City Council, the President pointed at the low pace of naturalization process in the city. Only 600 non-citizens out of 40,000 have applied for naturalization. Mr. Ulmanis also highly assessed harmonious relations between ethnic groups in Daugavpils and pointed at aprogress achieved by its inhabitants in studying the Latvian language. Diena

President Ulmanis in an interview for

President Ulmanis in an interview for "DIENA" stressed once again that Latvia would not agree to accept security guarantees from Russia as a compensation for not becoming a NATO member. He expressed hope that Russia's negative attitude toward the possibility of Latvia joining the bloc could be overcome by negotiating and developing "a flexible dialogue". "The Washington Post" in an article published yesterday evaluated the chances of the three Baltic states to join NATO in 1999 as "thin". The article is a comment on Secretary of State M.Albright's visits to Lithuania and St. Petersburg. During her meeting with Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Primakov Mrs. Albright noted that none of the NATO members had made an apparent decision supporting the admission of the three countries. Diena

Sergey Zhuravlev, a Member of the Writers' Union of Latvia, warns against implementing the new Education Law that provides for using Latvian as the only language of instruction in all state-financed schools after 2005. The reform, according to Mr. Zhuravlev, is "language genocide" that would destroy the entire Russian language education system.

Sergey Zhuravlev, a Member of the Writers' Union of Latvia, warns against implementing the new Education Law that provides for using Latvian as the only language of instruction in all state-financed schools after 2005. The reform, according to Mr. Zhuravlev, is "language genocide" that would destroy the entire Russian language education system. SM

Press Report

Press Report

On July 8 the Cabinet adopted amendments to the Law on the UN Convention on Refugees and on the Protocols. The amendments cancel the provision of the Law that allowed to apply it only to refugees entering Latvia from European countries. The

On July 8 the Cabinet adopted amendments to the Law on the UN Convention on Refugees and on the Protocols. The amendments cancel the provision of the Law that allowed to apply it only to refugees entering Latvia from European countries. The Saeima will consider the amendments this autumn after the summer vacations. Neatkariga

The Presidents of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia during their meetings with the press stressed that the results of the Madrid Summit were unexpectedly favorable to the three Baltic states and increased their chances to enter NATO. President Ulmanis told the press that he was planning to discuss increasing the defense budget with the Minister of Defense.

The Presidents of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia during their meetings with the press stressed that the results of the Madrid Summit were unexpectedly favorable to the three Baltic states and increased their chances to enter NATO. President Ulmanis told the press that he was planning to discuss increasing the defense budget with the Minister of Defense. Diena

The Prosecutor General's Office decided to make the secret files of Prime-Minister Skele's case available to the press. All journalists willing to obtain the confidential information will have to take a written obligation not to disseminate the facts of the case. The Prosecutor General's Office was forced to take the decision after a leakage of information on the case was discovered. The most well known one was the quoting of case documents in the

The Prosecutor General's Office decided to make the secret files of Prime-Minister Skele's case available to the press. All journalists willing to obtain the confidential information will have to take a written obligation not to disseminate the facts of the case. The Prosecutor General's Office was forced to take the decision after a leakage of information on the case was discovered. The most well known one was the quoting of case documents in the Saeima by former Minister of the Interior Adamsons. The Prime-Minister believes that the documents do not contain any evidence against him and does not object to making his case public. Diena

According to

According to "DIENA", former Minister of the Interior Turlais considers leaving "Saimnieks" for "Latvijas Cels". Mr. Turlais refused to give any comments on the rumor.

Press Report

Press Report

Yesterday the NATO Summit decreed to admit Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic to the bloc in 1999. The Summit confirmed that Romania, Slovenia and the three Baltic states could be considered for NATO membership in the future. Russian representatives warned NATO members against admitting Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania to the bloc stressing that their NATO membership would be considered by Russia to be a threat to its security.

Yesterday the NATO Summit decreed to admit Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic to the bloc in 1999. The Summit confirmed that Romania, Slovenia and the three Baltic states could be considered for NATO membership in the future. Russian representatives warned NATO members against admitting Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania to the bloc stressing that their NATO membership would be considered by Russia to be a threat to its security. Diena

The Riga City Council voted for restoring the Monument to the Liberators of Riga yesterday. Still, the Council declined Mrs. Zhdanok's (the "Equal Rights") suggestion to allot additional funds to the project.

The Riga City Council voted for restoring the Monument to the Liberators of Riga yesterday. Still, the Council declined Mrs. Zhdanok's (the "Equal Rights") suggestion to allot additional funds to the project. Diena

President Ulmanis was interviewed by

President Ulmanis was interviewed by "DIENA" on naturalization and citizenship issues. The President noted that ethnic Russians living in Latvia were not to be blamed for injustices made to the Latvian people during the Soviet rule. He warned against hasty political steps that could induce an explosion of hard feelings and animosity. President Ulmanis does not believe the Citizenship Law to discriminate non-citizens. Still, he suggested that the Law should be changed in the course of time. Mr. Ulmanis believes that children born in Latvia should be given Latvian citizenship. When touching upon the activities of the Council of Nationalities, the President said that he expected a more constructive approach of its members to the problems under discussion. Among such issues Mr. Ulmanis mentioned restrictions on employment of non-citizens. He has already discussed the issue with Head of the Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers. The Office will analyze the situation while the Naturalization Bureau will study the reasons for the slowness of naturalization. The President criticized the "window mechanism" for being outdated and agreed that naturalization fee was too high for many potential applicants for citizenship. On the other hand, Mr. Ulmanis pointed at the agreement between the governing factions not allowing to amend the Citizenship Law and warned against emphasizing the issue during current period of instability in the Cabinet. In his interview the President pointed at the lack of a clear strategy for integrating non-citizens in the Latvian society. Latvia should form a society that would give any of its members deserving to obtain citizenship the right to do so, said President Ulmanis. He believes the new alien passports to be a stabilizing factor "helping a non-citizen to pass the border-line separating him or her from obtaining citizenship." Diena