Press Report

A representative of the Russian Embassy made a statement in the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the presence of Russia's war ships in Latvia's economic zone. Latvia's protests are baseless, said the Russian diplomat stressing that all countries have a right of free navigation in national economic zones according to international legal norms. Mr. Aivars Vovers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs admitted that international legal norms do not allow Latvia to put any weighty reprimands toward Russia. Still, Latvia is concerned about Russia not informing it of the presence of its war ships close to Latvian territorial waters, says Mr. Vovers.

A representative of the Russian Embassy made a statement in the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the presence of Russia's war ships in Latvia's economic zone. Latvia's protests are baseless, said the Russian diplomat stressing that all countries have a right of free navigation in national economic zones according to international legal norms. Mr. Aivars Vovers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs admitted that international legal norms do not allow Latvia to put any weighty reprimands toward Russia. Still, Latvia is concerned about Russia not informing it of the presence of its war ships close to Latvian territorial waters, says Mr. Vovers. Diena

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima adopted the Law on the State Secret. The law classifies as secret all economic, political, military, technological, scientific and other information included in a list adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers. According to the Law, information on natural and other disasters and their consequences, information on environmental situation, on the state of medical care, science, education, demographic data and crime statistics, information on human rights violations, on corruption, on living standards and economic situation, including the implementation of the State budget, cannot be a State secret. Information on the salaries of Government officials and on privileges enjoyed by them cannot be given the State secret status as well. Mr. Janis Adamsons criticized the provision of the Law restricting the access to the State secrets of persons whose "personal and professional qualities" allow to doubt their capability to follow confidentiality regulations. The Law does not define the notion of "personal and professional qualities," says Mr. Adamsons. Diena

Yesterday the

Yesterday the Saeima managed to elect only three Constitutional Court Judges (Aivars Endzins, Ilma Cepane, and Romans Apsitis). The three candidates were nominated by the Cabinet of Ministers. Mr. Endzins said he was disappointed by the Saeima not having supported the candidates nominated by the Supreme Court. He was also upset about factions voting with the only goal of obtaining seats in the Court. The Constitutional court cannot perform its duties unless the Saeima elects at least two more judges. Diena

State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins says Latvia has never suggested Lithuania to conclude a trilateral agreement with

State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins says Latvia has never suggested Lithuania to conclude a trilateral agreement with AMOCO/OPAB. The proposal was to "share" oil resources. Lithuania insists on establishing a special zone in the area. Next week Saeima will vote on the final reading of the law on the ratification of Latvia's agreement with the oil companies. Diena

The Soros Foundation is distributing cards containing information on the rights of an individual detained by the police. A spokesman for the National Human Rights Office told

The Soros Foundation is distributing cards containing information on the rights of an individual detained by the police. A spokesman for the National Human Rights Office told "DIENA" the Office had received several complaints from individuals detained by the police.

Former Latvian diplomat Aivars Markots in an interview for

Former Latvian diplomat Aivars Markots in an interview for "SM SEVODNYA" explains his criticism of Latvia's foreign policies. According to Mr. Markots, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not developed a proper concept for the operation of Latvian embassies. Former KGB collaborators have been appointed ambassadors to NATO countries. Markots recalls that the Estonian President refused to accept credentials from a diplomat later appointed Ambassador of Latvia to Spain. Mr. Markots criticizes Mr. Birkavs and his ministry for ignoring Latvias policy in the East. He believes Birkavs should have participated in a discussion over the Declaration on Occupation before the document was adopted. A pragmatic approach instead of political rhetoric should dominate relations between Latvia and Russia. Mr. Markots believes Mr. Birkavs has changed his approach toward the concept of the country's foreign policy, the change resulting in Latvia facing problems in its relations with Lithuania, Estonia, and Russia. SM Segodnya

Press Report

Last week leaders of the largest

Last week leaders of the largest Saeima factions ("Latvijas Cels", "Tevzemei un Brivibai", and "Saimnieks") held an unofficial meeting to discuss the Prime-Minister's policy and possible steps to be taken by the parties in case a new cabinet is formed. According to sources referred to by "DIENA", "LC" faction Chairman Pantelejevs and "TB" faction Chairman Straume were among the participants of the meetings. Faction representatives believe talks with Prime-Minister Skele could help compelling the Prime-Minister to consider the opinion of the factions. They criticize the Prime-Minister for an unsystematic approach to reforms. An anonymous source says deputies are concerned about many issues being resolved not by the factions but solely by the Prime-Minister's advisors. A "DIENA" analyst says the factions could join their forces not only for discussions with the Prime-Minister but also for the forming of a new cabinet. Today the Saeima declined a draft decree on a vote of no-confidence against the Cabinet of Ministers submitted by the Socialists, three "Latvijai" deputies, one "Unity" and one "People's Harmony" deputies. Cevers, Pantelejevs and Straume say they are not considering a possible model of a new Cabinet but will recommend the Prime-Minister to abstain from terminating the posts in the Cabinet. Some politicians told "DIENA" rumors of changes in the Government are not unfounded. They allow the possibility of Skele's resignation. Mr. Skele when asked to comment on the suggested moratorium on any changes in the Cabinet said "the parties should better care about the quality of the Government". "Saimnieks" leader Cevers confirms the party could leave the Government should its proposals be ignored when adopting the budget. Mr. Cevers does not believe it to be an extraordinary step in a democratic state. Diena

Yesterday Russian nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

Yesterday Russian nuclear-powered aircraft carrier "Pyotr Veliky" ("Peter the Great") and two other navy vessels entered Latvia's economic zone not far from Liepaja without notifying the Latvian authorities. Latvia's coast guard boats were warned not to approach the Russian war ships. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded explanations from Russian Ambassador Rannih who said the incident could be a result of a technical problem. The Ambassador promised to contact corresponding Russian authorities for an explanation. Later the "Associated Press" agency informed of a Swedish aircraft having crashed only several hundred meters away from the Russian aircraft carrier. According to the Swedish Armed Forces, the aircraft was on a surveillance flight over the Russian ship. The accident, according to the press, could lead to a nuclear disaster if the aircraft hit the Russian aircraft carrier. Witnesses say the Swedish aircraft crashed into the sea due to a mistake made by its pilot. The pilot's body has not been discovered. President Ulmanis said yesterday that the presence of Russia's war ship showed its policy "was not as friendly and peace-loving, as often stated". The incident, according to Mr. Ulmanis, compels Latvia to be more decisive in seeking to become "a subject of a collective security." Diena

Latvia's Second World War veterans addressed former anti-Nazi coalition Governments with an open letter saying Latvian authorities ignore the Second World War veterans. Unlike former Nazi army soldiers they are not granted social benefits, says the letter.

Latvia's Second World War veterans addressed former anti-Nazi coalition Governments with an open letter saying Latvian authorities ignore the Second World War veterans. Unlike former Nazi army soldiers they are not granted social benefits, says the letter. SM

Mrs. Junkevica (the Union of Christian Democrats) criticizes the nominees for the posts of the Constitutional Court judges for the lack of professional experience. She is concerned about their active participation in the work of old Soviet legal and ideological institutions and does not believe the Court to be fully independent of political parties.

Mrs. Junkevica (the Union of Christian Democrats) criticizes the nominees for the posts of the Constitutional Court judges for the lack of professional experience. She is concerned about their active participation in the work of old Soviet legal and ideological institutions and does not believe the Court to be fully independent of political parties. Diena

"SM"

correspondent in Berlin points at the recent developments in Germany's policy toward Latvia's admission to NATO. Leading German politicians, although stressing the importance of security for Baltic states, do not mention these states among the nations to enter NATO during the first phase of its enlargement. State Minister Helmut Schefer said the role of the OSCE and the European Union in maintaining stability and security in the region should be increased. correspondent in Berlin points at the recent developments in Germany's policy toward Latvia's admission to NATO. Leading German politicians, although stressing the importance of security for Baltic states, do not mention these states among the nations to enter NATO during the first phase of its enlargement. State Minister Helmut Schefer said the role of the OSCE and the European Union in maintaining stability and security in the region should be increased. SMSM

Press Report

Yesterday President Ulmanis had a meeting with a working group formed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense. The working group will represent Latvia at the third round of talks with NATO in Brussels on October 17. Head of the group Maris Riekstins, while commenting on the topics to be touched upon during the forthcoming talks, says they are not of a decisive importance. He sees "convincing NATO that Latvia is ready to become its members" as the main task of the delegation. During the first meeting with NATO representatives the Latvian delegation reported on the country's economic and financial situation and on the legal issues connected with the joining of NATO.

Yesterday President Ulmanis had a meeting with a working group formed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense. The working group will represent Latvia at the third round of talks with NATO in Brussels on October 17. Head of the group Maris Riekstins, while commenting on the topics to be touched upon during the forthcoming talks, says they are not of a decisive importance. He sees "convincing NATO that Latvia is ready to become its members" as the main task of the delegation. During the first meeting with NATO representatives the Latvian delegation reported on the country's economic and financial situation and on the legal issues connected with the joining of NATO. Diena

Last night a rally marking the fifth anniversary of the adoption of the decree on the restoration of citizens' rights and the main principles of naturalization was held by the Latvian Human Rights Committee in the Grizinkalns Park in Riga. Member of the LHRC Konstatntin Matveyev stressed the decree laid the basis for depriving "a large part of the population of their rights". All other legal acts, including the Citizenship Law, had been based upon the decree "forming a pyramid that will collapse one fine day", said Mr. Matveyev.

Last night a rally marking the fifth anniversary of the adoption of the decree on the restoration of citizens' rights and the main principles of naturalization was held by the Latvian Human Rights Committee in the Grizinkalns Park in Riga. Member of the LHRC Konstatntin Matveyev stressed the decree laid the basis for depriving "a large part of the population of their rights". All other legal acts, including the Citizenship Law, had been based upon the decree "forming a pyramid that will collapse one fine day", said Mr. Matveyev. SM

Press Report

During his visit to Estonia last week Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs and Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kallas discussed relations with Russia. The exchange of opinions focused on border delimitation. The two countries concluded similar border agreements with Soviet Russia in 1920. Mr. Birkavs believes an "international community" may be involved into resolving the border argument. He says Latvia and Estonia "is gradually approaching the final stage of negotiations with Russia." According to Mr. Birkavs, neither Latvia nor Estonia have territorial claims toward Russia. Still, both countries insist on referring to the 1920 agreements in their border delimitation agreements with Russia. Latvia has not renounced claims for its former territory officially. Russia insists on the 1920 agreements being invalid and refers to the 1975 Helsinki Act as the only applicable document. Still, several countries, while having signed the Act, have not recognized the occupation of the Baltic states. When asked about a possible official renouncing of claims for Abrene, Mr. Birkavs said "the Government was considering the step". He admits it will be a difficult decision resulting from consultations between the governing factions and the Cabinet. Chairman of the Latvian delegation to the border delimitation talks Aivars Vovers says Latvia has not officially accepted the incorporation of Abrene into the Russian Federation.

During his visit to Estonia last week Minister of Foreign Affairs Birkavs and Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kallas discussed relations with Russia. The exchange of opinions focused on border delimitation. The two countries concluded similar border agreements with Soviet Russia in 1920. Mr. Birkavs believes an "international community" may be involved into resolving the border argument. He says Latvia and Estonia "is gradually approaching the final stage of negotiations with Russia." According to Mr. Birkavs, neither Latvia nor Estonia have territorial claims toward Russia. Still, both countries insist on referring to the 1920 agreements in their border delimitation agreements with Russia. Latvia has not renounced claims for its former territory officially. Russia insists on the 1920 agreements being invalid and refers to the 1975 Helsinki Act as the only applicable document. Still, several countries, while having signed the Act, have not recognized the occupation of the Baltic states. When asked about a possible official renouncing of claims for Abrene, Mr. Birkavs said "the Government was considering the step". He admits it will be a difficult decision resulting from consultations between the governing factions and the Cabinet. Chairman of the Latvian delegation to the border delimitation talks Aivars Vovers says Latvia has not officially accepted the incorporation of Abrene into the Russian Federation. LNNK and "Tevzemei un Brivibai" object against discussing the issue while some other deputies believe discussing the issue would be premature. Meanwhile, President Ulmanis has recommended to negotiate with Russia on border delimitation without raising the issue of compensation for the property located in Abrene. Diena

Last Friday President Ulmanis supported the proposal made by the

Last Friday President Ulmanis supported the proposal made by the Saeima Human Rights Committee. The Committee addressed the President with a letter suggesting amending the Citizenship Law to allow ethnic Livs and Latvians having entered the country before 31 March 1996 to obtain citizenship even if they have not managed to prove their ethnic origin before the date. The deadline for providing documented proofs of ethnic origin puts "Eastern" repatriates into a less advantageous position compared to that of repatriates from the West. According to the agreement between the governing factions, the Citizenship Law may not be amended. Diena

Historian Leo Dribin in an article for

Historian Leo Dribin in an article for "DIENA" suggests that Latvia should evolve from an "ethnic nation" into a "political nation". According to Dribin, a "political nation" can be formed on the bases of common interests of all ethnic groups. Legislation and government policies implemented by state institutions are to maintain a political nation. Leo Dribin warns against preserving the existing situation that may end up in the forming of a society consisting of two isolated communities with almost no common interests. Diena

Five years ago the Supreme Council adopted the "Decree on the Restoration of the Rights of the Citizens of the Republic of Latvia and on the Basic Conditions of Naturalization". Latvian Human Rights Committee activists Leonid Raihman (in

Five years ago the Supreme Council adopted the "Decree on the Restoration of the Rights of the Citizens of the Republic of Latvia and on the Basic Conditions of Naturalization". Latvian Human Rights Committee activists Leonid Raihman (in "SM") and V.Buzayev (in "PANORAMA LATVII") analyze the effect of the decree on the rights of non-Latvians. Both articles point at the fact that the Supreme Council was elected by all inhabitants of Latvia, the country becoming a UN member soon afterwards. Latvia, already being a UN member, has deprived one third of its population of citizenship. Mr. Raihman considers it to be a violation of the Declaration of Human Rights stating that no one can be arbitrarily deprived of citizenship. Around 160,000 inhabitants of Latvia did not manage to apply for registration before the deadline and were left with "round stamps" in their passports. The situation has improved after the adoption of the "Law on the Status of Former USSR Citizens..." in May 1995. Still, "round-stampers" deprived of their fundamental human rights (employment, free travel, registration of marriage, welfare) due to their status constitute approximately five percent of those applying to the Latvian Human Rights Committee for legal assistance. He points at an extremely low pace of the naturalization process (2,459 residents in eighteen months). In this connection Mr. Raihman quotes an OSCE Mission representative who suggested that the Government should say a loud and clear "welcome" to all noncitizens willing to integrate into Latvia's society. SM, Panorama Latvii

Head of the President's Chancellery Millers told

Head of the President's Chancellery Millers told "DIENA" President Ulmanis was not aware of the immense expenses associated with repair and redecoration of the apartment to be provided to the President after the expiration of his term in the office. The total cost of the luxury apartment on Brivibas St. including Ls. 70,000 compensation paid to its former tenant reaches half a million US$. Diena

Press Report

Prime-Minister Skele says the ratification of Latvia's agreement with

Prime-Minister Skele says the ratification of Latvia's agreement with AMOCO and OPAB will not impair the country's relations with Lithuania. According to "DIENA", Lithuania suggested discussing the possibility of a trilateral agreement with the companies. The proposal was made during the meeting of the Prime-Ministers of the two countries in Palanga, Lithuania, showing that Lithuania has chosen a more flexible policy. Previously, Lithuania refused to connect border delimitation to the oil field issue. Diena

President Ulmanis in an interview for

President Ulmanis in an interview for "DIENA" says he sees the moratorium on capital punishment as an impetus for a nation-wide discussion of the problem. The moratorium should not be interpreted as an attempt to restrict the authority of courts, stresses Mr. Ulmanis. Diena

Last Thursday

Last Thursday "Tevzemei un Brivibai" suggested postponing the voting on the candidates for judges of the Constitutional Court. The faction insists on all judges (nominated by the Cabinet, by the Supreme Court, and by the Saeima) to be elected on the same day. A "TB" candidate has almost no chance to be elected having the lowest rating among other candidates. According to sources in the Saeima, Mr. Aivars Endzins will be nominated the Chairman of the Constitutional Court. Diena

Heads of Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian immigration services signed a memorandum upon the Baltic assembly to form a committee on immigration issues.

Heads of Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian immigration services signed a memorandum upon the Baltic assembly to form a committee on immigration issues. Neatkariga

Leader of the Liberal Democratic Party Zhirinovsky addressed Minister of Foreign affairs Primakov with a letter asking for a "diplomatic pressure upon Latvian authorities" to force them to issue permanent residence permits to Russian citizens residing in Latvia.

Leader of the Liberal Democratic Party Zhirinovsky addressed Minister of Foreign affairs Primakov with a letter asking for a "diplomatic pressure upon Latvian authorities" to force them to issue permanent residence permits to Russian citizens residing in Latvia. Neatkariga