Press Review

On March 30 the Cabinet of Ministers and the President discussed the agreements with Russia. During a TV press-conference the President noted that there were certain complicated issues that needed additional consideration. He also pointed out that before a summit with President Yeltsin he would like to meet with European politicians to find out their opinion on the agreements and to acquire certain guarantees. The Cabinet of Ministers is also expected to issue a political statement in support of the ratification of the agreements stressing the importance of the naming of a definite deadline for troop withdrawal. According to the BNS Agency Estonian Parliament speaker Ulo Nugis said that the initialled agreement on pensioned servicemen could complicate negotiations between Estonia and Russia.

On March 30 the Cabinet of Ministers and the President discussed the agreements with Russia. During a TV press-conference the President noted that there were certain complicated issues that needed additional consideration. He also pointed out that before a summit with President Yeltsin he would like to meet with European politicians to find out their opinion on the agreements and to acquire certain guarantees. The Cabinet of Ministers is also expected to issue a political statement in support of the ratification of the agreements stressing the importance of the naming of a definite deadline for troop withdrawal. According to the BNS Agency Estonian Parliament speaker Ulo Nugis said that the initialled agreement on pensioned servicemen could complicate negotiations between Estonia and Russia. Diena, Neatkariga Cina

The Cabinet of Ministers was picketed on March 29 by the followers of the "Tevzemei un Brivibai" movement protesting against the agreements on Skrunda and pensioned Russian army officers. It was also demanded that the President of Ministers Birkavs and the Minister for Special Missions Inkens should report on the agreements.

The Cabinet of Ministers was picketed on March 29 by the followers of the "Tevzemei un Brivibai" movement protesting against the agreements on Skrunda and pensioned Russian army officers. It was also demanded that the President of Ministers Birkavs and the Minister for Special Missions Inkens should report on the agreements. Neatkariga Cina

During his press-conference in Moscow the leader of the Liberal-Democratic Party of Russia Mr.Vladimir Zhirinovski referring to the agreement between Russia and the Baltic states promised to "dump all the agreements concluded by the current Russian Government." He also said that after he wins the election Latvia would be incorporated into the Russian Empire, while Estonia will be left Tallinn and a small island around it, and Lithuania will have Kaunas, Sauliai, and Panevezis. He added that no military action would be needed and that it would be sufficient just to cut off energy and raw material supply.

During his press-conference in Moscow the leader of the Liberal-Democratic Party of Russia Mr.Vladimir Zhirinovski referring to the agreement between Russia and the Baltic states promised to "dump all the agreements concluded by the current Russian Government." He also said that after he wins the election Latvia would be incorporated into the Russian Empire, while Estonia will be left Tallinn and a small island around it, and Lithuania will have Kaunas, Sauliai, and Panevezis. He added that no military action would be needed and that it would be sufficient just to cut off energy and raw material supply. Diena

Recommendations issued by the Commission for Citizenship Issues of the Russian President's Office support the availability of double citizenship to Russian-speaking population of Latvia and Estonia. The Commission suggests that the double-citizenship principle should be supported by mutual agreements and believes that such approach cannot be evaluated as an interference into internal affairs of a country. The recommendation says that "thousands of people in Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania are deprived of citizenship which limits their political and property rights and casts doubt on their right to reside in these countries". This is the main reason for the introduction of the double-citizenship principle. The Commission also recommended the Government to insist upon the use of Russian as an international language in the information domain over the territory of the former USSR.

Recommendations issued by the Commission for Citizenship Issues of the Russian President's Office support the availability of double citizenship to Russian-speaking population of Latvia and Estonia. The Commission suggests that the double-citizenship principle should be supported by mutual agreements and believes that such approach cannot be evaluated as an interference into internal affairs of a country. The recommendation says that "thousands of people in Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania are deprived of citizenship which limits their political and property rights and casts doubt on their right to reside in these countries". This is the main reason for the introduction of the double-citizenship principle. The Commission also recommended the Government to insist upon the use of Russian as an international language in the information domain over the territory of the former USSR. Diena

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia said on March 29 that though the Baltic states did not join the USSR on their free will the incorporation of those states still cannot be considered as annexion. He added that though Russia denounced the Ribbentropp-Molotov pact that "certainly included certain pressure" on the independent states the notion of "occupation" in its full meaning cannot be applied. Mr.Koziryev had a meeting with Mr.Van der Stoel on ethnic minority rights in Latvia and Estonia. Mr.Van der Stoel believes that currently there are several obstacles that should be overcome in order to resolve ethnic problems completely. On the one hand it is necessary to maintain the national identity of these sates and on the other hand to provide equal rights for the Russian population in the future. Referring to the human rights issue the Supreme Commissioner said that it would not be right to say that people were "arrested, tortured, or deported" in Estonia and Latvia. Still there are certain problems related to the legal status of the Russian-speaking population, he said. Mr.Koziryev said that all the troop withdrawal-related problems including the rights of pensioned servicemen had been resolved with Latvia and Lithuania "in a civilized manner". He also stressed that Russia would pay much attention to the rights of the Russian-speaking population after the accomplishment of the troop withdrawal.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia said on March 29 that though the Baltic states did not join the USSR on their free will the incorporation of those states still cannot be considered as annexion. He added that though Russia denounced the Ribbentropp-Molotov pact that "certainly included certain pressure" on the independent states the notion of "occupation" in its full meaning cannot be applied. Mr.Koziryev had a meeting with Mr.Van der Stoel on ethnic minority rights in Latvia and Estonia. Mr.Van der Stoel believes that currently there are several obstacles that should be overcome in order to resolve ethnic problems completely. On the one hand it is necessary to maintain the national identity of these sates and on the other hand to provide equal rights for the Russian population in the future. Referring to the human rights issue the Supreme Commissioner said that it would not be right to say that people were "arrested, tortured, or deported" in Estonia and Latvia. Still there are certain problems related to the legal status of the Russian-speaking population, he said. Mr.Koziryev said that all the troop withdrawal-related problems including the rights of pensioned servicemen had been resolved with Latvia and Lithuania "in a civilized manner". He also stressed that Russia would pay much attention to the rights of the Russian-speaking population after the accomplishment of the troop withdrawal. Diena, Labrit

Press Review

Swedish Prime-Minister will visit Riga on March 30. The aim of the visit will be the discussion of the agreements between Latvia and Russia with President Ulmanis and Prime-Minister Birkavs. Swedish Prime-Minister will deliver a speech at the Commission for Foreign Affairs of the Saema and have a joint press-conference with the Latvian Prime-Minister.

Swedish Prime-Minister will visit Riga on March 30. The aim of the visit will be the discussion of the agreements between Latvia and Russia with President Ulmanis and Prime-Minister Birkavs. Swedish Prime-Minister will deliver a speech at the Commission for Foreign Affairs of the Saema and have a joint press-conference with the Latvian Prime-Minister. Diena

Rihards Kulis in his article for "LABRIT" examines the pros and cons of the agreement with Russia. Among other reasons in favor of the ratification of the agreement he names the fact that Skrunda is more of a political than of a military importance to Russia since the liberal forces in the Russian Government are leaving the radar station in Latvia mainly to pacify the imperialists.

Rihards Kulis in his article for "LABRIT" examines the pros and cons of the agreement with Russia. Among other reasons in favor of the ratification of the agreement he names the fact that Skrunda is more of a political than of a military importance to Russia since the liberal forces in the Russian Government are leaving the radar station in Latvia mainly to pacify the imperialists. Labrit

Radio engineer Olgerts Gulans gives a survey of the history of the Skrunda radar station in his article in "NEATKARIGA CINA". He stresses that the station is a nuclear attack co-ordination center thus having little importance for Russian defence strategies. He also points out that the new building of the station was equipped with cranes in the eighties to make possible quick dismantling and hiding of electronic equipment in case of international inspections.

Radio engineer Olgerts Gulans gives a survey of the history of the Skrunda radar station in his article in "NEATKARIGA CINA". He stresses that the station is a nuclear attack co-ordination center thus having little importance for Russian defence strategies. He also points out that the new building of the station was equipped with cranes in the eighties to make possible quick dismantling and hiding of electronic equipment in case of international inspections. Neatkariga Cina

The meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Mr.Koziryev and the Supreme Commissioner of the CSCE Mr. Van der Stoel is scheduled for March 29 and will be dedicated primarily to the rights of the Russian-speaking population in Latvia and Estonia.

The meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Mr.Koziryev and the Supreme Commissioner of the CSCE Mr. Van der Stoel is scheduled for March 29 and will be dedicated primarily to the rights of the Russian-speaking population in Latvia and Estonia. Diena, Neatkariga Cina

The State Minister for Baltic and Nordic Affairs Mr.Gunars Mejerovitc had a meeting with the Head of the Mission of the Organization for International Migration Mr.Opdal. The Organization will attempt to find the countries that will agree to receive emigrants from Latvia. Australia and Argentina could be among such countries. The Head of the Mission also met the Head of the CID Mr.Zitars to discuss possible co-operation program for the improvement of immigration and border control, etc.

The State Minister for Baltic and Nordic Affairs Mr.Gunars Mejerovitc had a meeting with the Head of the Mission of the Organization for International Migration Mr.Opdal. The Organization will attempt to find the countries that will agree to receive emigrants from Latvia. Australia and Argentina could be among such countries. The Head of the Mission also met the Head of the CID Mr.Zitars to discuss possible co-operation program for the improvement of immigration and border control, etc. Diena

The Saema Commission for Human Rights has submitted the draft law on politically repressed to the Presidium of the Saema. The law defines as "politically repressed" Latvian citizens and permanent residents who suffered during the Communist regime after June 17, 1940 and during the Nazi occupation. The law defines the status of such persons while their possible privileges or the procedure for the restoration of their property rights will de decided upon by the Cabinet of Ministers. According to Inese Birzniece, the Head of the Human Rights Commission, the major difference of the draft from the corresponding law currently in force is that it recognizes both occupation regimes and refers also to individuals oppressed by the Nazi regime on the Latvian soil.

The Saema Commission for Human Rights has submitted the draft law on politically repressed to the Presidium of the Saema. The law defines as "politically repressed" Latvian citizens and permanent residents who suffered during the Communist regime after June 17, 1940 and during the Nazi occupation. The law defines the status of such persons while their possible privileges or the procedure for the restoration of their property rights will de decided upon by the Cabinet of Ministers. According to Inese Birzniece, the Head of the Human Rights Commission, the major difference of the draft from the corresponding law currently in force is that it recognizes both occupation regimes and refers also to individuals oppressed by the Nazi regime on the Latvian soil. Labrit

Starting from March 28 OSTANKINO TV broadcasts were cut-off in Estonia. It was the only Russian-language TV channel in the country. OSTANKINO TV has not paid the debt of over $ 180,000 for the re-broadcasting of its programs. The Estonian side sent a text of a new contract to be signed with OSTANKINO TV after the debt is paid. The Russian TV company has not received any aid from the Ministry of Finance and is currently on the verge of bankruptcy.

Starting from March 28 OSTANKINO TV broadcasts were cut-off in Estonia. It was the only Russian-language TV channel in the country. OSTANKINO TV has not paid the debt of over $ 180,000 for the re-broadcasting of its programs. The Estonian side sent a text of a new contract to be signed with OSTANKINO TV after the debt is paid. The Russian TV company has not received any aid from the Ministry of Finance and is currently on the verge of bankruptcy. Labrit

Press Review

On March 26 the Council of LNNK adopted a joint statement by LNNK and the LNNK Saema fraction "On the Talks with Russia". The statement says that the agreement initialled in Moscow contradicts the UN resolution and the CSCE declaration on complete and unconditional troop withdrawal from Latvia. LNNK believes that the ratification of the agreements will lead to the involvement of Latvia into the sphere of Russian influence and threaten the survival of Latvian people. The LNNK Council called upon the President to refuse to ratify the agreement. It is also suggested that the Saema should urgently adopt the Law on the Aliens and the Stateless and to form a new delegation to the talks with Russia to discuss the issues of repatriation, the Abrene area, and compensation for the damages caused by the USSR to the independent state of Latvia. The statement also demands that the Saema should adopt the decree on the referendum on Skrunda and on pensioned Russian officers. In case the Saema does not follow these recommendations LNNK will demand a referendum on the extraordinary election to the Saema to be held.

On March 26 the Council of LNNK adopted a joint statement by LNNK and the LNNK Saema fraction "On the Talks with Russia". The statement says that the agreement initialled in Moscow contradicts the UN resolution and the CSCE declaration on complete and unconditional troop withdrawal from Latvia. LNNK believes that the ratification of the agreements will lead to the involvement of Latvia into the sphere of Russian influence and threaten the survival of Latvian people. The LNNK Council called upon the President to refuse to ratify the agreement. It is also suggested that the Saema should urgently adopt the Law on the Aliens and the Stateless and to form a new delegation to the talks with Russia to discuss the issues of repatriation, the Abrene area, and compensation for the damages caused by the USSR to the independent state of Latvia. The statement also demands that the Saema should adopt the decree on the referendum on Skrunda and on pensioned Russian officers. In case the Saema does not follow these recommendations LNNK will demand a referendum on the extraordinary election to the Saema to be held. Diena

The Council of the Popular Front referred to the agreements with Russia as "humiliating" during its meeting on March 26. The Council adopted a statement "On the Draft Agreements with Russia" calling upon the President not to ratify the agreements. The agreement legalizes the presence of occupation troops on the Latvian soil and provides a care-free life in comfortable apartments for former Soviet army officers, says the statement. The popular Front also believes that Latvia will act in contradiction to the UN and CSCE resolutions on troop withdrawal since there will be the Skrunda radar still operating on the Latvian soil. The statement also suggests that the Saema should adopt a memorandum on the occupation of Latvia by USSR and press for the international recognition of this fact. The Popular Front supports the idea of a nation-wide referendum on Skrunda and pensioned officers. It is also declared that the Front reserves the right of demanding the dissolution of the Saema with the following extraordinary elections. The Popular Front proposed that nationalist parties should work out an alternative economical and political program and form a shadow cabinet of ministers ready to implement such program.

The Council of the Popular Front referred to the agreements with Russia as "humiliating" during its meeting on March 26. The Council adopted a statement "On the Draft Agreements with Russia" calling upon the President not to ratify the agreements. The agreement legalizes the presence of occupation troops on the Latvian soil and provides a care-free life in comfortable apartments for former Soviet army officers, says the statement. The popular Front also believes that Latvia will act in contradiction to the UN and CSCE resolutions on troop withdrawal since there will be the Skrunda radar still operating on the Latvian soil. The statement also suggests that the Saema should adopt a memorandum on the occupation of Latvia by USSR and press for the international recognition of this fact. The Popular Front supports the idea of a nation-wide referendum on Skrunda and pensioned officers. It is also declared that the Front reserves the right of demanding the dissolution of the Saema with the following extraordinary elections. The Popular Front proposed that nationalist parties should work out an alternative economical and political program and form a shadow cabinet of ministers ready to implement such program. Diena

The Latvian National Union "Tevzeme" put forward the similar demands and suggested that the State center for non-military resistance should be created with the purpose of instructing the citizens about resistance tactics to be used in case of possible intervention and occupation.

The Latvian National Union "Tevzeme" put forward the similar demands and suggested that the State center for non-military resistance should be created with the purpose of instructing the citizens about resistance tactics to be used in case of possible intervention and occupation. Labrit

The "DIENA" journalist Aivars Ozolins analyzes the attitude towards the agreements with Russia on the part of the Government and the people of Latvia. According to sociological research around 52% of the population are against the ratification of the agreements on skrunda and pensioned officers. In this connection he stresses that the easiest way for a politician to avoid any responsibility is to join the majority of his compatriots. He also points out that the initialled agreements are the best compromise possible. He connects the importance of the ratification of the agreement with the political instability in Russia. He also emphasizes the fact that the West has approved of the agreements and will further support Latvia if the agreements are ratified. Latvia is facing the choice between unreliable security and no security at all, says the author of the article.

The "DIENA" journalist Aivars Ozolins analyzes the attitude towards the agreements with Russia on the part of the Government and the people of Latvia. According to sociological research around 52% of the population are against the ratification of the agreements on skrunda and pensioned officers. In this connection he stresses that the easiest way for a politician to avoid any responsibility is to join the majority of his compatriots. He also points out that the initialled agreements are the best compromise possible. He connects the importance of the ratification of the agreement with the political instability in Russia. He also emphasizes the fact that the West has approved of the agreements and will further support Latvia if the agreements are ratified. Latvia is facing the choice between unreliable security and no security at all, says the author of the article. Diena

Press Review

"OSTANKINO" TV & Radio Company cannot finance the re-broadcasting of its programs in the Baltic states, said the Vice-Chairman of the company Mr.Grigory Shevelev. He added that the Ministry of Finance of Russia could possibly help to solve the problem. "OSTANKINO" TV has not paid for the re-broadcasting since January and has not signed a contract with the latvian TV for this year. The stopping the re-broadcasting will be considered by the Latvian Council for TV and Radio Broadcasting on April 4.

"OSTANKINO" TV & Radio Company cannot finance the re-broadcasting of its programs in the Baltic states, said the Vice-Chairman of the company Mr.Grigory Shevelev. He added that the Ministry of Finance of Russia could possibly help to solve the problem. "OSTANKINO" TV has not paid for the re-broadcasting since January and has not signed a contract with the latvian TV for this year. The stopping the re-broadcasting will be considered by the Latvian Council for TV and Radio Broadcasting on April 4. Diena

The "DIENA" journalist Aivars Ozolins gives his arguments against the idea of cutting off the "OSTANKINO" TV broadcasts. He stresses that the lack of information is more dangerous than slanderous broadcasts.

The "DIENA" journalist Aivars Ozolins gives his arguments against the idea of cutting off the "OSTANKINO" TV broadcasts. He stresses that the lack of information is more dangerous than slanderous broadcasts.

A meeting of the Foundation for Russian Press and Television with businessmen and journalists was held on March 25. The subject of the meeting was a possible cut-off of the "OSTANKINO" TV channel. The establishment of an enterprise to solve the problem was also discussed. The meeting called upon the Latvian businesses to cover the current debt (around Ls 150,000) of the Russian TV company.

A meeting of the Foundation for Russian Press and Television with businessmen and journalists was held on March 25. The subject of the meeting was a possible cut-off of the "OSTANKINO" TV channel. The establishment of an enterprise to solve the problem was also discussed. The meeting called upon the Latvian businesses to cover the current debt (around Ls 150,000) of the Russian TV company. SM Segodnya

A new block will be formed soon in the Saema. It will be constituted by more than ten members of several fractions. Mr.Ernest Jurkans, "Saskana Latvijai" member, briefly characterized the political group in his interview for "LABRIT". The block puts a stronger emphasis on definite economical measures to prevent current recession. Mr.E.Jurkans stresses that real factors influencing the development of the country have not been considered. He believes that economics should dominate and determine politics. Labrit

A new block will be formed soon in the Saema. It will be constituted by more than ten members of several fractions. Mr.Ernest Jurkans, "Saskana Latvijai" member, briefly characterized the political group in his interview for "LABRIT". The block puts a stronger emphasis on definite economical measures to prevent current recession. Mr.E.Jurkans stresses that real factors influencing the development of the country have not been considered. He believes that economics should dominate and determine politics. Labrit

Press Review

According to Martins Virsis the ratification of the Agreement on Terms, Conditions, and the Procedure of troop withdrawal will automatically imply the ratification of the remaining three agreements. He also believes that Russia could be willing to ratify the agreement before June 30. The BNS agency says that The Saema Commission of Foreign Affairs has decided that the Law on the Status of Foreigners and Stateless Individuals and the appeal to the UN member countries for the recognition of Latvia's occupation should be adopted before the ratification of the agreement. Mr.Virsis still believes that the adoption of these documents should not be connected to the ratification of the agreement. The "Tevzemei un Brivibai" fraction decided to address Prime-Minister Birkavs with an inquiry . The inquiry contains a demand to provide the agreements to the Saema for making a final decision on the issue. The Draft Law on Referendum has been submitted to the Legal Commission of the Saema in order to make the referendum on Skrunda possible.

According to Martins Virsis the ratification of the Agreement on Terms, Conditions, and the Procedure of troop withdrawal will automatically imply the ratification of the remaining three agreements. He also believes that Russia could be willing to ratify the agreement before June 30. The BNS agency says that The Saema Commission of Foreign Affairs has decided that the Law on the Status of Foreigners and Stateless Individuals and the appeal to the UN member countries for the recognition of Latvia's occupation should be adopted before the ratification of the agreement. Mr.Virsis still believes that the adoption of these documents should not be connected to the ratification of the agreement. The "Tevzemei un Brivibai" fraction decided to address Prime-Minister Birkavs with an inquiry . The inquiry contains a demand to provide the agreements to the Saema for making a final decision on the issue. The Draft Law on Referendum has been submitted to the Legal Commission of the Saema in order to make the referendum on Skrunda possible. Diena

The US President called off the embargo on arm sales to the three Baltic states, Bulgaria, Romania, and Albania. he memorandum addressed my the US President to the Secretary of State says that the provision of military services and armaments to those states will help to maintain peace in the world and strengthen the security of the United States.

The US President called off the embargo on arm sales to the three Baltic states, Bulgaria, Romania, and Albania. he memorandum addressed my the US President to the Secretary of State says that the provision of military services and armaments to those states will help to maintain peace in the world and strengthen the security of the United States. Diena

According to the Bureau for the Troop Withdrawal Control there are around 7,000 servicemen and 190 Russian army units distributed in Latvia. The Head of the Bureau Mr.Upmalis expressed his concern about the fact that the Russian side had not provided Latvia with the schedule of troop withdrawal. Russian Ambassador to Latvia Mr.Rannih said that the schedule had been already prepared and would be handed over to the Latvian side after the agreements are signed. The Bureau also evaluated the overall debts of the Russian army (unpaid taxes and services) to be Ls 9,865,031.

According to the Bureau for the Troop Withdrawal Control there are around 7,000 servicemen and 190 Russian army units distributed in Latvia. The Head of the Bureau Mr.Upmalis expressed his concern about the fact that the Russian side had not provided Latvia with the schedule of troop withdrawal. Russian Ambassador to Latvia Mr.Rannih said that the schedule had been already prepared and would be handed over to the Latvian side after the agreements are signed. The Bureau also evaluated the overall debts of the Russian army (unpaid taxes and services) to be Ls 9,865,031. Diena

The meeting of the presidents of the three Baltic states will be held in Palanga (Lithuania) on March 25. Among the issues of discussion will be relations with Russia, European Community, attitude towards the "Partnership for Peace" programme and the Stability Pact.

The meeting of the presidents of the three Baltic states will be held in Palanga (Lithuania) on March 25. Among the issues of discussion will be relations with Russia, European Community, attitude towards the "Partnership for Peace" programme and the Stability Pact. Diena

Mr.Mavrik Vulfson, one of the leaders of the "Saskana" fraction gives supports the agreement with Russia in his article in "DIENA". He points out the "hysterical protests" of nationalists against the ratification of the agreement are part of their pre-election tactics. He believes that the accomplishment of the troop withdrawal will ease the tension currently existing in the country. He also stresses that irrespective of Latvia's political orientation Russia will remain its geographical neighbor and that it is impossible to ignore the fact that a large number of ethnic Russians is still residing in Latvia. The loyalty of a non-Latvian part of the population will largely depend on the laws adopted by the Saema. He also reminds the readers of the fact that political stability in the pre-war Latvia was based upon such loyalty on the part of ethnic minorities.

Mr.Mavrik Vulfson, one of the leaders of the "Saskana" fraction gives supports the agreement with Russia in his article in "DIENA". He points out the "hysterical protests" of nationalists against the ratification of the agreement are part of their pre-election tactics. He believes that the accomplishment of the troop withdrawal will ease the tension currently existing in the country. He also stresses that irrespective of Latvia's political orientation Russia will remain its geographical neighbor and that it is impossible to ignore the fact that a large number of ethnic Russians is still residing in Latvia. The loyalty of a non-Latvian part of the population will largely depend on the laws adopted by the Saema. He also reminds the readers of the fact that political stability in the pre-war Latvia was based upon such loyalty on the part of ethnic minorities. Diena

Mr.Peteris Tabuns, the LNNK deputy to the Saema, gives his arguments in favor of the stopping of re-broadcasting of the Ostankino TV Programs in Latvia. He suggests the programs should be "corrected" or cut off altogether. He stresses that this is not the matter of censorship and that it is quite logical if Latvia refuses to re-broadcast the programs that slander the state of Latvia. He also does not agree that such step could be classified as the violation of the right for the access to information since Russian TV is available through a satellite. The author also insists upon creating a less comfortable environment for the great part of the Russian-speaking inhabitants since "they should not be given any illusions about the possibility of their stay in Latvia." In addition he says that due to the flabbiness of the Government the people who once participated in the "putch" are now controlling Latvia's economics and finance, and determine the policy of the country.

Mr.Peteris Tabuns, the LNNK deputy to the Saema, gives his arguments in favor of the stopping of re-broadcasting of the Ostankino TV Programs in Latvia. He suggests the programs should be "corrected" or cut off altogether. He stresses that this is not the matter of censorship and that it is quite logical if Latvia refuses to re-broadcast the programs that slander the state of Latvia. He also does not agree that such step could be classified as the violation of the right for the access to information since Russian TV is available through a satellite. The author also insists upon creating a less comfortable environment for the great part of the Russian-speaking inhabitants since "they should not be given any illusions about the possibility of their stay in Latvia." In addition he says that due to the flabbiness of the Government the people who once participated in the "putch" are now controlling Latvia's economics and finance, and determine the policy of the country. Diena

The Draft Law on the Status of the Politically Oppressed does not provide any definite benefits to the people who were taken to Latvia by the Nazis by force and were used as agricultural workers or were put in a concentration camp. Instead the Draft Law suggests that compensation to such persons should be paid by the country whose Communist or Fascist regime was responsible for the imprisonment or exile. the author of the article also points out that some of the Latvian citizens responsible for the "evacuation" of the civilians to concentration camps will receive the status of politically oppressed.

The Draft Law on the Status of the Politically Oppressed does not provide any definite benefits to the people who were taken to Latvia by the Nazis by force and were used as agricultural workers or were put in a concentration camp. Instead the Draft Law suggests that compensation to such persons should be paid by the country whose Communist or Fascist regime was responsible for the imprisonment or exile. the author of the article also points out that some of the Latvian citizens responsible for the "evacuation" of the civilians to concentration camps will receive the status of politically oppressed. PL