Press Report

Chief Expert of the CID Juridical Division Laima Lace told NRA that the OSCE was pressing upon the CID. According to L.Lace, the pressure has increased lately. She told the newspaper that during one of her meetings with the OSCE representatives they said the following: "If you wish to be part of Europe you should take back all those demobilized servicemen, who have already left for Russia according the agreement and have received apartments there." The OSCE representatives, according to Lace, explained that it would be a "humane" step since "demobilized Russian servicemen are elderly people." Lace also says that the OSCE Mission informs its superiors about their recommendations being ignored and provide data completely different from information received from the CID. Ministry of Justice Press-Secretary Vitenburg told the newspaper that the Ministry had not addressed the CID with a letter accusing the CID officers in "deliberate cheating". A spokesman for the Ministry of Interior agrees that the word "cheating" was not used by the Ministry of Justice. Still, he refers to a letter by the Ministry of Justice of February 12, that says that despite the fact of implementation of a decree could be verbally confirmed by a CID officer, the actually might not be implemented. The letter also mentions the CID ignoring court decrees that have already come into force. Mr. Vitenburg of the Ministry of Justice explained that letters sent by the Ministry to the CID were purely informative, and that the Ministry did not require an investigation of the CID activities. CID Deputy-Director Dombrovskis among factors delaying court decree implementation named discrepancies in legislation and different interpretation of laws by legal bodies. The CID officers are working under a great strain and are underpaid, which also contributes to slow review of immigration-related cases, says Dombrovskis. When asked about the expected results of the inspection Dombrovskis replied that he was not sure about political forces that had initiated the inspection and about whether its aim was to improve the work of the CID or to eliminate the Department. Yesterday Minister of Interior Turlais issued an order on relieving CID Director's Advisor Ugis Sulcs and CID Deputy-Director Peteris Zviedris of their duties. CID Director Zitars received an official reprimand. The Ministry sent personal records of Head of the Supervision Division Janis Straume and Immigration Division Head Janis Eihmanis to Board for Civil Service. It is for the Board to decide whether to discharge them, since the two CID officers are candidates for state officials and the Minister is not in the position to replace them. Head of Passport Division Andris Janis Leins and officer of the Division Liga Jurjeva received an official reprimand for a low quality of materials prepared in response to the Saeima inquiries. CID Director Zitars yesterday submitted an application asking to be relieved of his duties. CID Deputy-Director Dombrovskis doubts whether the decision is properly justified. he characterizes Ugis Sulcs as a fanatic who has performed an immense amount of work but is lacking flexibility. Ugis sulcs told NRA that he had been hinted by a Russian Embassy officer about possible sanctions against the CID already few weeks before. It was only yesterday that Sulcs received materials containing claims put toward him by the Minister. Those include incorrect application of laws, ignoring terms set for review of cases, and non-implementation of court decrees. he explained that the CID was re-examining all former USSR passports exchanged for noncitizens' IDs. Those measures help to disclose illegal immigrants holding counterfeit or illegally issued passports. That could be the reason for his dismissal.

Chief Expert of the CID Juridical Division Laima Lace told NRA that the OSCE was pressing upon the CID. According to L.Lace, the pressure has increased lately. She told the newspaper that during one of her meetings with the OSCE representatives they said the following: "If you wish to be part of Europe you should take back all those demobilized servicemen, who have already left for Russia according the agreement and have received apartments there." The OSCE representatives, according to Lace, explained that it would be a "humane" step since "demobilized Russian servicemen are elderly people." Lace also says that the OSCE Mission informs its superiors about their recommendations being ignored and provide data completely different from information received from the CID. Ministry of Justice Press-Secretary Vitenburg told the newspaper that the Ministry had not addressed the CID with a letter accusing the CID officers in "deliberate cheating". A spokesman for the Ministry of Interior agrees that the word "cheating" was not used by the Ministry of Justice. Still, he refers to a letter by the Ministry of Justice of February 12, that says that despite the fact of implementation of a decree could be verbally confirmed by a CID officer, the actually might not be implemented. The letter also mentions the CID ignoring court decrees that have already come into force. Mr. Vitenburg of the Ministry of Justice explained that letters sent by the Ministry to the CID were purely informative, and that the Ministry did not require an investigation of the CID activities. CID Deputy-Director Dombrovskis among factors delaying court decree implementation named discrepancies in legislation and different interpretation of laws by legal bodies. The CID officers are working under a great strain and are underpaid, which also contributes to slow review of immigration-related cases, says Dombrovskis. When asked about the expected results of the inspection Dombrovskis replied that he was not sure about political forces that had initiated the inspection and about whether its aim was to improve the work of the CID or to eliminate the Department. Yesterday Minister of Interior Turlais issued an order on relieving CID Director's Advisor Ugis Sulcs and CID Deputy-Director Peteris Zviedris of their duties. CID Director Zitars received an official reprimand. The Ministry sent personal records of Head of the Supervision Division Janis Straume and Immigration Division Head Janis Eihmanis to Board for Civil Service. It is for the Board to decide whether to discharge them, since the two CID officers are candidates for state officials and the Minister is not in the position to replace them. Head of Passport Division Andris Janis Leins and officer of the Division Liga Jurjeva received an official reprimand for a low quality of materials prepared in response to the Saeima inquiries. CID Director Zitars yesterday submitted an application asking to be relieved of his duties. CID Deputy-Director Dombrovskis doubts whether the decision is properly justified. he characterizes Ugis Sulcs as a fanatic who has performed an immense amount of work but is lacking flexibility. Ugis sulcs told NRA that he had been hinted by a Russian Embassy officer about possible sanctions against the CID already few weeks before. It was only yesterday that Sulcs received materials containing claims put toward him by the Minister. Those include incorrect application of laws, ignoring terms set for review of cases, and non-implementation of court decrees. he explained that the CID was re-examining all former USSR passports exchanged for noncitizens' IDs. Those measures help to disclose illegal immigrants holding counterfeit or illegally issued passports. That could be the reason for his dismissal. Neatkariga

"Tevzemei un Brivibai" will address Prime-Minister Skele with a request to hold an extraordinary meeting of the Council for Interfaction Cooperation for listening to the opinion of the CID officers. Minister of Interior Parliamentary Secretary Janis Straume (TB) said that Sulcs' dismissal would paralyze all activities connected with retired Russian servicemen. He also noted that the dismissal of the CID executives was a violation of agreement between the governing coalition factions. The order issued by the Ministry of Interior among reasons for the dismissals names Zviedris' poor organizational skills along with delays in review of applications. The document also mentions complaints received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice. Still, according to Mr. Straume, the Ministry of Justice mentioned improvement of the CID work. Minister of Interior Turlais at a meeting held at the Ministry yesterday stressed that "superficial and impolite treatment of inhabitants, non-implementation of court decrees, and justice of laws caused criticism also on the part of international organizations.

"Tevzemei un Brivibai" will address Prime-Minister Skele with a request to hold an extraordinary meeting of the Council for Interfaction Cooperation for listening to the opinion of the CID officers. Minister of Interior Parliamentary Secretary Janis Straume (TB) said that Sulcs' dismissal would paralyze all activities connected with retired Russian servicemen. He also noted that the dismissal of the CID executives was a violation of agreement between the governing coalition factions. The order issued by the Ministry of Interior among reasons for the dismissals names Zviedris' poor organizational skills along with delays in review of applications. The document also mentions complaints received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice. Still, according to Mr. Straume, the Ministry of Justice mentioned improvement of the CID work. Minister of Interior Turlais at a meeting held at the Ministry yesterday stressed that "superficial and impolite treatment of inhabitants, non-implementation of court decrees, and justice of laws caused criticism also on the part of international organizations. Diena

head of the OSCE mission Charles Magee approved of the measures taken by Minister of Interior Turlais to improve the work of the CID. In an interview for "SM" he said that basic changes should be made within the CID. When asked about violation of human rights the Head of the Mission explained that though human rights were not directly included into the Mission's mandate, the Mission carefully monitors the human right situation in the country. The mission has collected numerous documents showing that the CID misinterprets laws on noncitizens. Talking about the CID Director Mr. Magee called the Mission's relations with Mr. Zitars "constructive". The number of violations has decreased under Zitars, says the Head of the Mission.

head of the OSCE mission Charles Magee approved of the measures taken by Minister of Interior Turlais to improve the work of the CID. In an interview for "SM" he said that basic changes should be made within the CID. When asked about violation of human rights the Head of the Mission explained that though human rights were not directly included into the Mission's mandate, the Mission carefully monitors the human right situation in the country. The mission has collected numerous documents showing that the CID misinterprets laws on noncitizens. Talking about the CID Director Mr. Magee called the Mission's relations with Mr. Zitars "constructive". The number of violations has decreased under Zitars, says the Head of the Mission. SM

Press Review

Yesterday the Saeima plenary meeting ratified the third reading of the agreement with Russia on repatriation and social guarantees for repatriates and the agreements on troop withdrawal, the Skrunda radar, and on social guarantees for Russian military pensioners. The repatriation agreement was supported by 63 deputies while Eduards Berklavs and Aleksandrs Kirsteins of LNNK abstained. The troop withdrawal agreements were supported by 52 deputies. Berklavs, Budovskis, Kalnins, Kusnere, Lambergs, Seile, Stalts, Tabuns (LNNK), Grots, Laksevics, Rugate (Christian Democrats), and Joachim Zigerist voted against the ratification. Kirsteins, Zigurs (LNNK), Kokins, and Rozentals (the Farmers) abstained.

Yesterday the Saeima plenary meeting ratified the third reading of the agreement with Russia on repatriation and social guarantees for repatriates and the agreements on troop withdrawal, the Skrunda radar, and on social guarantees for Russian military pensioners. The repatriation agreement was supported by 63 deputies while Eduards Berklavs and Aleksandrs Kirsteins of LNNK abstained. The troop withdrawal agreements were supported by 52 deputies. Berklavs, Budovskis, Kalnins, Kusnere, Lambergs, Seile, Stalts, Tabuns (LNNK), Grots, Laksevics, Rugate (Christian Democrats), and Joachim Zigerist voted against the ratification. Kirsteins, Zigurs (LNNK), Kokins, and Rozentals (the Farmers) abstained. "Tebzemei un Brivibai" refused to participate in the voting. Minister for Foreign Affairs Birkavs believes that the ratification will allow the inspection of the Skrunda radar by the CSCE experts and provides legal basis for demanding the withdrawal of those former Russian servicemen who are currently residing in the country illegally. Diena, Neatkariga Yersterday the Saeima has adopted amendments to the law on land reforms. The amendments provide the right for the purchase of land in the cities to Latvian citizens, companies with more than half of their capital owned by Latvian citizens, and by companies registered in Latvia and owned by citizens of the countries that have concluded agreements on investment support and protection with Latvia. Diena

The Farmers' Union Deputy Mr.Ojars Grigs has collected 59 votes in favor of the holding of an extraordinary Saeima meeting dedicated to crime situation in Latvia. The number of votes collected is sufficient to hold such a meeting. Still, Mr.Grigs will try to obtain a broader support among his colleagues in the Saeima. He expects that the Presidium of the extraordinary meeting could take place on Wednesday next week. The Latvian Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press Secretary Mr.Roberts Mucins stated that there had been no forced repatriations from Latvia to Russia. The statement was made in connection with information by RIA agency of President Yeltsin's meeting with "repatriates who had been forced out of Latvia". Mr.Mucins also stressed that Latvia had no territorial claims toward Russia. Speaking about the Abrene issue he mentioned the necessity to work out a compensation scheme for persons who owned property and land in the Abrene region.

The Farmers' Union Deputy Mr.Ojars Grigs has collected 59 votes in favor of the holding of an extraordinary Saeima meeting dedicated to crime situation in Latvia. The number of votes collected is sufficient to hold such a meeting. Still, Mr.Grigs will try to obtain a broader support among his colleagues in the Saeima. He expects that the Presidium of the extraordinary meeting could take place on Wednesday next week. The Latvian Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press Secretary Mr.Roberts Mucins stated that there had been no forced repatriations from Latvia to Russia. The statement was made in connection with information by RIA agency of President Yeltsin's meeting with "repatriates who had been forced out of Latvia". Mr.Mucins also stressed that Latvia had no territorial claims toward Russia. Speaking about the Abrene issue he mentioned the necessity to work out a compensation scheme for persons who owned property and land in the Abrene region. Neatkariga

Press Review

Yesterday during his meeting with the Pskov region authorities President Yeltsin stated that Russia would not agree to any compromises regarding Estonia's and Latvia's territorial claims. Representative of the Kaliningrad region in the state

Yesterday during his meeting with the Pskov region authorities President Yeltsin stated that Russia would not agree to any compromises regarding Estonia's and Latvia's territorial claims. Representative of the Kaliningrad region in the state Duma Mr.Yury Voyevoda said that he would propose to the parliament to adopt a special decision on that region. That step is directly connected with the statement by the Baltic Assembly on the demilitarization of the region.Diena

Yesterday owner of the Skrunda radar land plot Mr.L.Kops arranged an outdoor press-conference outside the building of the Cabinet of Ministers. He insists on "taking the radar building apart piece by piece" and using the material for the construction of the National Library and the National Opera House. He also plans to use the remnants of the radar buildings as a tourist attraction and a memorial of Russia's military presence in Latvia. At the end of the meeting he called upon his followers to mail empty bottles, bricks, stones, and other garbage to Prime-Minister Gailis as a sign of protest. He suggested using those materials later for erecting a "the slaves to the dollar" monument in one of Riga parks.

Yesterday owner of the Skrunda radar land plot Mr.L.Kops arranged an outdoor press-conference outside the building of the Cabinet of Ministers. He insists on "taking the radar building apart piece by piece" and using the material for the construction of the National Library and the National Opera House. He also plans to use the remnants of the radar buildings as a tourist attraction and a memorial of Russia's military presence in Latvia. At the end of the meeting he called upon his followers to mail empty bottles, bricks, stones, and other garbage to Prime-Minister Gailis as a sign of protest. He suggested using those materials later for erecting a "the slaves to the dollar" monument in one of Riga parks. Neatkariga Cina

"LABRIT"

reports about the celebration of the one-year anniversary of the establishment of the CSCE mission to Latvia. The newspaper refers to mission member Mr.Helge Blakkisrud who said that the mission had managed to do a lot during that year providing information to the CSCE headquarters in Vienna and having regular consultations with the Latvian government members. The newspaper also says that the mission mandate will be most probably prolonged. reports about the celebration of the one-year anniversary of the establishment of the CSCE mission to Latvia. The newspaper refers to mission member Mr.Helge Blakkisrud who said that the mission had managed to do a lot during that year providing information to the CSCE headquarters in Vienna and having regular consultations with the Latvian government members. The newspaper also says that the mission mandate will be most probably prolonged. Head of the "People's Harmony" Mr.Janis Jurkans in his interview for

Head of the "People's Harmony" Mr.Janis Jurkans in his interview for "PANORAMA LATVII" tells about the Forum of Political Parties and the declaration of national accord. He said that the five member parties of the Forum ("Political Union of Economists", the Democrats, the Social Democrats, "People's Harmony", and "Latvijas Cels" as an observer) had supported the idea of the declaration. Mr.Jurkans believes that the declaration will be signed shortly before Christmas. According to Mr.Jurkans it will be followed by joint efforts of the five parties to introduce certain changes into several legal acts.

Mr.Sergey Zaletayev criticizes the law on the status of former USSR citizens in his article for

Mr.Sergey Zaletayev criticizes the law on the status of former USSR citizens in his article for "PANORAMA LATVII".

Press Review

Today Estonian, Lithuanian, and Latvian ministers for foreign affairs will meet in Riga. The agenda will include the current tasks of the Baltic councils of Ministers, resolutions adopted by the 5-th Session of the Baltic Assembly, and relations between the Baltic states and the European Union. Representatives of the three states will also discuss the coordination of their activities in international organizations. The three countries have not worked out a uniform attitude toward the UN resolution on the situation after the completion of the troop withdrawal and have not chosen the tactics for preventing the adoption of the resolution on human rights proposed by Russia.

Today Estonian, Lithuanian, and Latvian ministers for foreign affairs will meet in Riga. The agenda will include the current tasks of the Baltic councils of Ministers, resolutions adopted by the 5-th Session of the Baltic Assembly, and relations between the Baltic states and the European Union. Representatives of the three states will also discuss the coordination of their activities in international organizations. The three countries have not worked out a uniform attitude toward the UN resolution on the situation after the completion of the troop withdrawal and have not chosen the tactics for preventing the adoption of the resolution on human rights proposed by Russia. Diena

Several faction leaders have been interviewed by

Several faction leaders have been interviewed by "DIENA" and asked for their opinion of the newly created People's Movement for Latvia. Andrejs Pantelejevs of "Latvijas Cels" and Aristids Lambergs of LNNK noted that the movement could help Mr.Zigerist to get elected to the Saeima. Still, they do not believe that the movement itself will succeed as a political party. Edvins Kide of the Political Union of economists said that the movement was potentially dangerous and mentioned the situation in Germany in the 30-ies in that connection. Janis Jurkans (People's Harmony) pointed at certain contradictions in the slogans proclaimed by the movement. Olafs Bruveris (Christian Democrats) pointed out that a new popular political movement would stimulate other parties to work on their social programs. Diena

"SM SEVODNYA"

published an article on a KECH case. The author notes that the Head of the CSCE mission has been informed of KECH houses being inspected by armed national guards. The article also mentions mission member Ms.Denese Merritt. According to the article Ms.Merritt has seen a document allowing local authorities to move KECH dwellers out of their apartments. published an article on a KECH case. The author notes that the Head of the CSCE mission has been informed of KECH houses being inspected by armed national guards. The article also mentions mission member Ms.Denese Merritt. According to the article Ms.Merritt has seen a document allowing local authorities to move KECH dwellers out of their apartments. SM SegodnyaSM Segodnya Mr.Janis Tupesis officially became a candidate-member of the "Latvijas Cels."

Mr.Janis Tupesis officially became a candidate-member of the "Latvijas Cels." Neatkariga Cina

None of the three Saeima members charged with concealing their collaboration with the KGB has been found guilty. Still, the Office of the Procurator for Rehabilitation and Security Services appealed against the court decree on Mr.Aivars Kreituss' case.

None of the three Saeima members charged with concealing their collaboration with the KGB has been found guilty. Still, the Office of the Procurator for Rehabilitation and Security Services appealed against the court decree on Mr.Aivars Kreituss' case. Diena

Press Review

Yesterday UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mr.Laso reported about the human right situation in Latvia to the meeting of the Third Committee of the UN. Latvia's Ambassador Mr.Ajvars Baumanis expects the report to be positive though certain violations, such non-implementation of court decrees by the CID, have been mentioned. According to

Yesterday UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mr.Laso reported about the human right situation in Latvia to the meeting of the Third Committee of the UN. Latvia's Ambassador Mr.Ajvars Baumanis expects the report to be positive though certain violations, such non-implementation of court decrees by the CID, have been mentioned. According to "DIENA" Latvian Embassy to the UN circulated the translation of State Minister Tupesis' interview for "SM SEVODNYA". That was done because the ITAR-TASS news agency had distorted parts of the interview. Diena

A newly founded "People's Movement for Latvia" has 10,000 active supporters. The Movement has not been registered with the Ministry of Justice yet. The second large political party is the Farmers Union (3,000 members). The LNNK has doubled the number of its members this year. Now it has around 1,500 members. The "Tevzemei" Union (1,200) and the unions of November 18 (300) are planning to merge. "Latvijas Cels" has 225 members while the Political Union of Economists has slightly more than 100 members.

A newly founded "People's Movement for Latvia" has 10,000 active supporters. The Movement has not been registered with the Ministry of Justice yet. The second large political party is the Farmers Union (3,000 members). The LNNK has doubled the number of its members this year. Now it has around 1,500 members. The "Tevzemei" Union (1,200) and the unions of November 18 (300) are planning to merge. "Latvijas Cels" has 225 members while the Political Union of Economists has slightly more than 100 members. Diena

The third reading of the draft laws "On the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of The Russian Federation on the Process of Repatriation and the Protection of the Rights of repatriates" and "On the Agreements between Latvia and Russia Signed in Moscow on April 30, 1994" has been included into the agenda of the Thursday Saeima meeting

The third reading of the draft laws "On the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of The Russian Federation on the Process of Repatriation and the Protection of the Rights of repatriates" and "On the Agreements between Latvia and Russia Signed in Moscow on April 30, 1994" has been included into the agenda of the Thursday Saeima meeting. Labrit

The Farmers Union faction will start collecting signatures in support of extraordinary measures to be taken to decrease the crime rate in the country. The first step to be taken is an extraordinary Saeima meeting dedicated to the problem.

The Farmers Union faction will start collecting signatures in support of extraordinary measures to be taken to decrease the crime rate in the country. The first step to be taken is an extraordinary Saeima meeting dedicated to the problem. Neatkariga

"NEATKARIGA CINA"

reports that since 1992 around 1,200 Kurd refugees have fled to Sweden through Latvia. The article also stressed that Latvian authorities are not interested in dealing with the problem since Latvia has not signed any international agreements on refugees. In many cases the Kurd refugees are using fake passports purchased in Moscow or other major Russian cities for approximately $ 500.reports that since 1992 around 1,200 Kurd refugees have fled to Sweden through Latvia. The article also stressed that Latvian authorities are not interested in dealing with the problem since Latvia has not signed any international agreements on refugees. In many cases the Kurd refugees are using fake passports purchased in Moscow or other major Russian cities for approximately $ 500.