Press Report

Russian Prime-Minister Victor Chernomirdin said that Russia was not planning to use any economical sanctions against Latvia or leave its troops there. He also stressed that Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania should adhere to their obligations regarding human rights. "We shall not allow it that the Russians that have been born and raised in the Baltic states are treated the way they are treated now", said the Prime-Minister. The statements were made during his press-conference in Finland.

Russian Prime-Minister Victor Chernomirdin said that Russia was not planning to use any economical sanctions against Latvia or leave its troops there. He also stressed that Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania should adhere to their obligations regarding human rights. "We shall not allow it that the Russians that have been born and raised in the Baltic states are treated the way they are treated now", said the Prime-Minister. The statements were made during his press-conference in Finland. Diena

The Saema adopted the Law on the Bureau for Protection of Satversme and the Law on the National Security Departments on March 10. Ainars Dimanis, the "DIENA" columnist gives a critical analysis of the Laws. He points out that the Laws do not provide sufficient guarantees of the control of the security departments by all fractions at the parliament. According to the Law the Head of the Bureau will be a member of the National Security Council. Since the absolute majority of the Council is composed by the governing coalition members it will exclude the possibility of a broader control of the Bureau's activities.

The Saema adopted the Law on the Bureau for Protection of Satversme and the Law on the National Security Departments on March 10. Ainars Dimanis, the "DIENA" columnist gives a critical analysis of the Laws. He points out that the Laws do not provide sufficient guarantees of the control of the security departments by all fractions at the parliament. According to the Law the Head of the Bureau will be a member of the National Security Council. Since the absolute majority of the Council is composed by the governing coalition members it will exclude the possibility of a broader control of the Bureau's activities. Diena

The expert groups continued their work on the draft agreement on social guarantees for retired Russian servicemen in Moscow. Certain technical issues have not been agreed upon yet. The next round of talks is scheduled for March 14 and will involve the attempt to achieve the agreement on all remaining issues including troops withdrawal, Skrunda radar station, social guarantees for retired officers and for the servicemen at active service for the period of the withdrawal.

The expert groups continued their work on the draft agreement on social guarantees for retired Russian servicemen in Moscow. Certain technical issues have not been agreed upon yet. The next round of talks is scheduled for March 14 and will involve the attempt to achieve the agreement on all remaining issues including troops withdrawal, Skrunda radar station, social guarantees for retired officers and for the servicemen at active service for the period of the withdrawal. Labrit

"VAKARA ZINAS" published a discussion on citizenship-related issue between Olafs Bruveris, a Christian Democrat and the Minister for Human Rights, and Sergey Dimanis, the leader of "The Equal Rights" fraction. Mr.Dimanis expressed his special concern about the "round stamp" problem. He also mentioned the statements made by nationalist leaders who stressed that non-citizens should not expect that they would be allowed to stay in Latvia forever. He said that "bombs" that were exploding occasionally had been built into the legislation. Mr.Bruvers agreed that there were certain violations of the law made by the Department of Citizenship and Immigration, still he stressed that the violation of human rights is not the policy of the Government. Mr.Dimanis pointed out that there was a lack of interest on the part of the Government towards the human rights-associated issues. He also warned about the possibility of right-wing nationalists first taking power in local self-governing bodies and then also taking the majority in the Saema backed up by Latvian voters in rural areas. Mr.Bruveris also stressed that it was important to explain the non-citizens the rights they will have and see to it that statelessness does not mean the deprivation of one's human rights.

"VAKARA ZINAS" published a discussion on citizenship-related issue between Olafs Bruveris, a Christian Democrat and the Minister for Human Rights, and Sergey Dimanis, the leader of "The Equal Rights" fraction. Mr.Dimanis expressed his special concern about the "round stamp" problem. He also mentioned the statements made by nationalist leaders who stressed that non-citizens should not expect that they would be allowed to stay in Latvia forever. He said that "bombs" that were exploding occasionally had been built into the legislation. Mr.Bruvers agreed that there were certain violations of the law made by the Department of Citizenship and Immigration, still he stressed that the violation of human rights is not the policy of the Government. Mr.Dimanis pointed out that there was a lack of interest on the part of the Government towards the human rights-associated issues. He also warned about the possibility of right-wing nationalists first taking power in local self-governing bodies and then also taking the majority in the Saema backed up by Latvian voters in rural areas. Mr.Bruveris also stressed that it was important to explain the non-citizens the rights they will have and see to it that statelessness does not mean the deprivation of one's human rights. Labrit

"VAKARA ZINAS" and "SM SEVODNYA" give comments on the recent appeal by the LNNK fraction to ban the broadcasting of programs by Russian TV that contain criticism towards the policies of the Latvian Government. Both newspapers evaluated the appeal as a relapse of Bolshevist thinking.

"VAKARA ZINAS" and "SM SEVODNYA" give comments on the recent appeal by the LNNK fraction to ban the broadcasting of programs by Russian TV that contain criticism towards the policies of the Latvian Government. Both newspapers evaluated the appeal as a relapse of Bolshevist thinking.

Press Report

The US Embassy to Estonia distributed the official statement by the US Administration saying that the United States rejects the connection of troops' withdrawal to any other issues. The statement mentions that the issue of troops' withdrawal and relations between Russia and Baltic states will be discussed on March 14 in Vladivostok during the meeting between Andrey Koziryev and Warren Christopher. The US administration evaluates the progress achieved at troops' withdrawal negotiations between Latvia and Russia as "reassuring". The US administration is aware of the concern expressed by Russia regarding the rights of russian-speaking population of Estonia and Latvia but reminds that several commissions sent by the Council of Europe, CSCE, and UN have not discovered any systematic violations of human rights in those countries. The statement stresses the efforts made by the Latvian Government to work out a citizenship law that would comply with the existing international norms. Diena

During his meeting with the Speaker of the Lithuanian Saem the Minister of Defence of Denmark stressed that Denmark would support the integration of the Baltic states into NATO and the Union of Europe. Diena

Maris Lejnieks, an expert on international law expresses his view on the aspects and possible consequences of the international acknowledgement of the occupation of Latvia by the USSR in his interview for "LABRIT". He points out that the occupation may not be acknowledge by the UN or a group of countries due to the fact that there was no military rule established in Latvia. On the other hand the Russian invasion may be classified as annexion which is condemned by the international community as a violation of a nation's right for self-determination. The international acknowledgement of the occupation could give Latvia a pretext for withdrawing a vast part of Russian-speaking population and would burden Russia with responsibility for the consequences of its presence in Latvia. Still, Mr.Lejnieks believes that the idea of international recognition of occupation as well as human rights issue on the part of Russia are used for achieving certain political goals. He doubts that international organizations will officially recognize the occupation since it may lead, at least theoretically, to mass expulsion of Russian-speaking inhabitants. Diena

The Popular Front organizes a manifestation for the immediate withdrawal of the Skrunda radar station that will take place on March 12 on the Dome Square. Neatkariga, Cina

A joint rally by the League of the Stateless and the Association of Independent Trade Unions is scheduled to be held in Grizinkalns at 1 p.m. on March 13. The Executive director of the Association Mr.Modris Lujans stressed in his appeal that the people of Latvia must unite in spite of attempts to split it into Latvians and non-Latvians in order to oppose the bureaucracy. Hare Krishna community will also participate in the rally and distribute free meals for the poor. SM Segodnya

Press Report

During his meeting with the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Baltic states the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany confirmed that his country would support the conclusion of the agreement on the associated membership of those countries in the Union of Europe. According to "Reuter" news agency the Minister also pointed out that "the notions of "neighboring foreign countries" and "the area of vital interests" are unacceptable to Germany and its partners. In his interview for "DIENA" the Ambassador of Latvia to Germany Mr.Andris Kesteris said that the Minister of Foreign affairs of Germany supported the demands of the three Baltic states on the withdrawal of Russian troops before August 31 and welcomed the agreement on the temporary operation of the Skrunda radar station after the withdrawal of the Russian Army. According to "LETA-DPA" agency he called upon Latvia and Estonia to integrate their Russian-speaking communities. "THE FINANCIAL TIMES" quoted the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany who said that Russia must not connect the withdrawal of its troops from the Baltic states with the rights of Russians in those countries. Similar statements were also made by Great Britain and USA. This issue will be also among the subjects discussed by Warren Christopher during his meeting with Andrey Koziryev in Vladivostok next Monday. The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany also said that during his recent talks with Mr.Koziryev in Athens he stressed that Germany expects the fulfillment of the obligations regarding the withdrawal of troops from the Baltic states taken by Russia.

During his meeting with the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Baltic states the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany confirmed that his country would support the conclusion of the agreement on the associated membership of those countries in the Union of Europe. According to "Reuter" news agency the Minister also pointed out that "the notions of "neighboring foreign countries" and "the area of vital interests" are unacceptable to Germany and its partners. In his interview for "DIENA" the Ambassador of Latvia to Germany Mr.Andris Kesteris said that the Minister of Foreign affairs of Germany supported the demands of the three Baltic states on the withdrawal of Russian troops before August 31 and welcomed the agreement on the temporary operation of the Skrunda radar station after the withdrawal of the Russian Army. According to "LETA-DPA" agency he called upon Latvia and Estonia to integrate their Russian-speaking communities. "THE FINANCIAL TIMES" quoted the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany who said that Russia must not connect the withdrawal of its troops from the Baltic states with the rights of Russians in those countries. Similar statements were also made by Great Britain and USA. This issue will be also among the subjects discussed by Warren Christopher during his meeting with Andrey Koziryev in Vladivostok next Monday. The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany also said that during his recent talks with Mr.Koziryev in Athens he stressed that Germany expects the fulfillment of the obligations regarding the withdrawal of troops from the Baltic states taken by Russia. Neatkariga, Diena, Cina, Labrit

The Prime-Minister of Estonia Mr.Mart Laar stated that the three Baltic states had decided on common tactics at their talks with Russia. The Prime-Minister refused to characterize the essence of the tactics. He pointed out that the situation the three countries are in is similar since Lithuania has problems connected with the neighboring Kaliningrad region and the transit of Russian troops through its territory.

The Prime-Minister of Estonia Mr.Mart Laar stated that the three Baltic states had decided on common tactics at their talks with Russia. The Prime-Minister refused to characterize the essence of the tactics. He pointed out that the situation the three countries are in is similar since Lithuania has problems connected with the neighboring Kaliningrad region and the transit of Russian troops through its territory. Diena

According to the Chairman of the Daugavpils Region Council the elections to the local self-government bodies are jeopardized by the lack of candidates answering the demands for the command of the Latvian language that are put by the Law on Elections. The vast majority of the population of the area is Russian-speaking. In some rural parts of the area the Latvian language has not been used at all and there are several Latvian families who had returned from Latvia after Siberian exile whose children do not know any Latvian.

According to the Chairman of the Daugavpils Region Council the elections to the local self-government bodies are jeopardized by the lack of candidates answering the demands for the command of the Latvian language that are put by the Law on Elections. The vast majority of the population of the area is Russian-speaking. In some rural parts of the area the Latvian language has not been used at all and there are several Latvian families who had returned from Latvia after Siberian exile whose children do not know any Latvian. Labrit

Press Review

On March 8 representatives of the Saema fractions received the draft agreement worked out by the Latvian delegation to the talks on troops' withdrawal. The Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr.Andreyevs delivered a detailed report on the talks. The fractions will discuss the draft during their meetings and submit their recommendation to the Government delegation. The documents were distributed only among the deputies that were present at the meeting. The "Ravnopraviye" ("Equal Rights") fraction was did not take part in the meeting. "DIENA" journalists interviewed the representatives of different fractions in order to find out their attitude to the draft. According to "Tevzemei un Brivibai" spokesman Mr.Roberts Milbergs the attitude of TB and DNNL fractions towards the agreement on Skrunda did not change after the report by Mr.Andreyevs. They still insist on the closure of the station before August 31.

On March 8 representatives of the Saema fractions received the draft agreement worked out by the Latvian delegation to the talks on troops' withdrawal. The Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr.Andreyevs delivered a detailed report on the talks. The fractions will discuss the draft during their meetings and submit their recommendation to the Government delegation. The documents were distributed only among the deputies that were present at the meeting. The "Ravnopraviye" ("Equal Rights") fraction was did not take part in the meeting. "DIENA" journalists interviewed the representatives of different fractions in order to find out their attitude to the draft. According to "Tevzemei un Brivibai" spokesman Mr.Roberts Milbergs the attitude of TB and DNNL fractions towards the agreement on Skrunda did not change after the report by Mr.Andreyevs. They still insist on the closure of the station before August 31. Diena

Prime-Minister Birkavs evaluated the session of the Nordic Council as an important event. He stressed that the Prime-Ministers of Nordic states declared the Baltic to be the area of vital interests of their countries. Several agreements were concluded with the leaders of Baltic states. Mr.Birkavs informed the press that Estonia along with the European Union and the Nordic Council supports the steps taken by Latvia. He also mentioned that a new element within the European political structure was being formed, namely a 5+3 formula composed by Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland on the one hand and Latvia, Estonia , and Lithuania on the other.

Prime-Minister Birkavs evaluated the session of the Nordic Council as an important event. He stressed that the Prime-Ministers of Nordic states declared the Baltic to be the area of vital interests of their countries. Several agreements were concluded with the leaders of Baltic states. Mr.Birkavs informed the press that Estonia along with the European Union and the Nordic Council supports the steps taken by Latvia. He also mentioned that a new element within the European political structure was being formed, namely a 5+3 formula composed by Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland on the one hand and Latvia, Estonia , and Lithuania on the other. Diena, Neatkariga, Cina

On March 9 the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany Mr.Kinkiel and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania will discuss the relationship between the Baltic states and Russia.

On March 9 the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany Mr.Kinkiel and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania will discuss the relationship between the Baltic states and Russia. Diena

"NEATKARIGA CINA" journalist gives her evaluation of the recent appeal of the DNNL fraction to cancel certain programs by the OSTANKINO TV Company since they misinterpret the political situation in Latvia. She believes that though the introduction of censorship was not the best solution certain measures should be taken to protect "the sovereignty of Latvia's information space."

"NEATKARIGA CINA" journalist gives her evaluation of the recent appeal of the DNNL fraction to cancel certain programs by the OSTANKINO TV Company since they misinterpret the political situation in Latvia. She believes that though the introduction of censorship was not the best solution certain measures should be taken to protect "the sovereignty of Latvia's information space." Neatkariga, Cina

The first meeting of the Commission on the Impact of Skrunda Radar Station was held on March 8. The Commission was created upon the initiative of the Cabinet of Ministers and is headed by the Minister for Environmental Problems and Regional Development Mr.Girts Lukins. The objective of the Commission is to obtain and process the information related to Skrunda, determine the steps to be taken in order to eliminate the impact, and to implement those steps. The Commission will also determine the damage caused by the operation of the radar station.

The first meeting of the Commission on the Impact of Skrunda Radar Station was held on March 8. The Commission was created upon the initiative of the Cabinet of Ministers and is headed by the Minister for Environmental Problems and Regional Development Mr.Girts Lukins. The objective of the Commission is to obtain and process the information related to Skrunda, determine the steps to be taken in order to eliminate the impact, and to implement those steps. The Commission will also determine the damage caused by the operation of the radar station. Labrit

The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia appointed Mr.Ints Zitars as the Director of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration. Mr.Zitars was the Head of the Information Center of the Department. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia is expected to deliver a report on a possibility of the joining of the European Union and the Balladure Plan by the Baltic states. 

The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia appointed Mr.Ints Zitars as the Director of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration. Mr.Zitars was the Head of the Information Center of the Department. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia is expected to deliver a report on a possibility of the joining of the European Union and the Balladure Plan by the Baltic states.Diena

The Ambassador of Latvia to the USA Mr.Ojars Kalnins handed over a note by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Latvia to the Department of State of the USA regarding recent statements by the Secretary of State Mr.Warren Christopher. The note expresses concern about the statement by Mr.Christopher saying that "almost one million of Russian-speaking residents of Latvia are deprived of their right to vote". The note points at the fact that 278,087 of the total of 722,468 Russians residing in Latvia are citizens. The note also stresses that the Secretary of State noted the necessity of the presence of the Skrunda radar on Latvian soil. The statement about the right of Russia "to stimulate the Latvians to expand the category of residents entitled to receive citizenship and to provide the right to vote to those Russians who want to stay in Latvia" was also mentioned. The note stresses that such statements may be misinterpreted both in Latvia and in Russia. 

The Ambassador of Latvia to the USA Mr.Ojars Kalnins handed over a note by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Latvia to the Department of State of the USA regarding recent statements by the Secretary of State Mr.Warren Christopher. The note expresses concern about the statement by Mr.Christopher saying that "almost one million of Russian-speaking residents of Latvia are deprived of their right to vote". The note points at the fact that 278,087 of the total of 722,468 Russians residing in Latvia are citizens. The note also stresses that the Secretary of State noted the necessity of the presence of the Skrunda radar on Latvian soil. The statement about the right of Russia "to stimulate the Latvians to expand the category of residents entitled to receive citizenship and to provide the right to vote to those Russians who want to stay in Latvia" was also mentioned. The note stresses that such statements may be misinterpreted both in Latvia and in Russia.Diena

"VAKARA ZINAS" columnist Zalman Katz comments on the letter of protest by the Department of Citizenship and Immigration officials. He stresses that often politicians try to justify the lack of responsibility and firm political principles by demagogic appeals to "the will of the people" and to "the interests of the nation". In this connection he also mention the proposal by TB and LNNK to make the Skrunda problem and the Citizenship Law the subjects of a nation-wide referendum.

"VAKARA ZINAS" columnist Zalman Katz comments on the letter of protest by the Department of Citizenship and Immigration officials. He stresses that often politicians try to justify the lack of responsibility and firm political principles by demagogic appeals to "the will of the people" and to "the interests of the nation". In this connection he also mention the proposal by TB and LNNK to make the Skrunda problem and the Citizenship Law the subjects of a nation-wide referendum. Vakara Zinas

Press Review

The Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Mr.Churkin has a press-conference after the meeting of the Social Committee (Obschestvennaya Palata). During the press-conference he stated that Russia had no obligations towards Latvia and Estonia on the accomplishment of troops' withdrawal before August 31. He stressed that the term had been suggested as a part of a set of agreements. He said that the two Baltic countries did not agree to adopt the complete set of agreements. The speakers at the meeting of the Social Committee emphasized the necessity of putting more pressure on Latvia and Estonia in order to protect the rights of Russian-speaking ethnic minority. The Major of St.Petersburg Mr.Sobchak mentioned territorial claims made by the Baltic states and stressed that the agreements concluded in 1920 lost their validity after 1940. He suggested that formally allows Russia to put forward its own claims to those countries referring to the state borders of the Russian Empire. In that connection he pointed out the necessity of coming to official agreement with the Baltic states on their borders with Russia. The Committee members were unanimous about the violations of rights of Russian-speaking minority in Latvia and Estonia. Among the violations mentioned were the non-availability of citizenship to a large number of Russian-speaking inhabitants, and the deprivation of such persons of the right to own land or real estate and even to exchange their apartments. The Committee adopted the statement addressed to Mr.Yeltsin requesting him to report on the state politics of Russia towards ethnic Russian and Russian-speaking population of Latvia and Estonia.

The Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Mr.Churkin has a press-conference after the meeting of the Social Committee (Obschestvennaya Palata). During the press-conference he stated that Russia had no obligations towards Latvia and Estonia on the accomplishment of troops' withdrawal before August 31. He stressed that the term had been suggested as a part of a set of agreements. He said that the two Baltic countries did not agree to adopt the complete set of agreements. The speakers at the meeting of the Social Committee emphasized the necessity of putting more pressure on Latvia and Estonia in order to protect the rights of Russian-speaking ethnic minority. The Major of St.Petersburg Mr.Sobchak mentioned territorial claims made by the Baltic states and stressed that the agreements concluded in 1920 lost their validity after 1940. He suggested that formally allows Russia to put forward its own claims to those countries referring to the state borders of the Russian Empire. In that connection he pointed out the necessity of coming to official agreement with the Baltic states on their borders with Russia. The Committee members were unanimous about the violations of rights of Russian-speaking minority in Latvia and Estonia. Among the violations mentioned were the non-availability of citizenship to a large number of Russian-speaking inhabitants, and the deprivation of such persons of the right to own land or real estate and even to exchange their apartments. The Committee adopted the statement addressed to Mr.Yeltsin requesting him to report on the state politics of Russia towards ethnic Russian and Russian-speaking population of Latvia and Estonia. Diena

The Prime-Ministers of Nordic States adopted a statement emphasizing the necessity of a prompt, well-organized, and complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Estonia and Latvia. The Prime-Ministers approved of the progress achieved during the negotiations on Skrunda radar. The Prime-Minister of Latvia Mr.Birkavs stressed that Latvia tried to be flexible during the talks. He also said that it would be easy to solve the citizenship problem after the issue of retired officers had been finally decided upon.

The Prime-Ministers of Nordic States adopted a statement emphasizing the necessity of a prompt, well-organized, and complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Estonia and Latvia. The Prime-Ministers approved of the progress achieved during the negotiations on Skrunda radar. The Prime-Minister of Latvia Mr.Birkavs stressed that Latvia tried to be flexible during the talks. He also said that it would be easy to solve the citizenship problem after the issue of retired officers had been finally decided upon. Diena

The deputies of the Saema will receive the draft agreements on troops' withdrawal on Tuesday after the closed meeting of the Commission on Foreign Affairs. The documents will not be available to the press. The discussion is scheduled for Wednesday plenary meeting of the Saema. This will be the beginning of the working out of the foreign policies by the Saema. The Tuesday meeting of the Commission of Foreign Affairs will be also dedicated to the concept for the foreign policies of Latvia which will be based upon the report by Mr.Birkavs at the conference on security issues. The report suggests that Latvia should be integrated into international security structures, namely European Union, NATO, and CSCE.

The deputies of the Saema will receive the draft agreements on troops' withdrawal on Tuesday after the closed meeting of the Commission on Foreign Affairs. The documents will not be available to the press. The discussion is scheduled for Wednesday plenary meeting of the Saema. This will be the beginning of the working out of the foreign policies by the Saema. The Tuesday meeting of the Commission of Foreign Affairs will be also dedicated to the concept for the foreign policies of Latvia which will be based upon the report by Mr.Birkavs at the conference on security issues. The report suggests that Latvia should be integrated into international security structures, namely European Union, NATO, and CSCE. Diena, Labrit

"LABRIT" journalists have contacted several Government officials to find out their reaction towards the statements by Vitaly Churkin. The head of the President's Press-Service Mr. Karlis Grinbergs stated that "there had been no official reaction yet". The Head of the President's Office said that the President had not made an official evaluation of the statement. The President's Advisor for Foreign Politics Mr.Baumanis said that a more specific information on the contents of Churkin's statement should be obtained. The State Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Riekstins gave a positive evaluation of the statement. Still, he characterized certain points of the statement on ethnic minorities and possible economic sanctions as "not satisfactory." The Vice-Chairman of the "Latvijas Cels" fraction Mr.Peteris Elferts gave his comments on possible reasons for Mr.Churkin saying that Russia was under no obligatioins to withdraw its troops before August 31. He suggested that an attempt to undermine the process of negotiations or just a case of mismanagement in Russian Foreign Office. He also added that it was clear that Russia is not willing to withdraw its troops completely from Latvia and Estonia. As for Lithuania a prompt withdrawal was possible only due to the proximity of Kaliningrad Region of Russia that still provided its military presence in the area.

"LABRIT" journalists have contacted several Government officials to find out their reaction towards the statements by Vitaly Churkin. The head of the President's Press-Service Mr. Karlis Grinbergs stated that "there had been no official reaction yet". The Head of the President's Office said that the President had not made an official evaluation of the statement. The President's Advisor for Foreign Politics Mr.Baumanis said that a more specific information on the contents of Churkin's statement should be obtained. The State Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Riekstins gave a positive evaluation of the statement. Still, he characterized certain points of the statement on ethnic minorities and possible economic sanctions as "not satisfactory." The Vice-Chairman of the "Latvijas Cels" fraction Mr.Peteris Elferts gave his comments on possible reasons for Mr.Churkin saying that Russia was under no obligatioins to withdraw its troops before August 31. He suggested that an attempt to undermine the process of negotiations or just a case of mismanagement in Russian Foreign Office. He also added that it was clear that Russia is not willing to withdraw its troops completely from Latvia and Estonia. As for Lithuania a prompt withdrawal was possible only due to the proximity of Kaliningrad Region of Russia that still provided its military presence in the area. Labrit