Press Review

Certain success has been achieved during the meeting of Russian and Latvian experts on the issues of troops' withdrawal. Several points of the draft agreement on social security for retired officers has been agreed upon. The next meeting of the experts is scheduled for next week in Moscow. The Head of the Russian delegation to the talks Mr.Zotov has also approved of the results achieved and pointed out the issue of the Skrunda radar station rent to be one of the most complicated. He said that in case Russia agrees to increase the rent it would have to slow down the building of apartments for the withdrawn officers thus extending the term of the troops' withdrawal.

Certain success has been achieved during the meeting of Russian and Latvian experts on the issues of troops' withdrawal. Several points of the draft agreement on social security for retired officers has been agreed upon. The next meeting of the experts is scheduled for next week in Moscow. The Head of the Russian delegation to the talks Mr.Zotov has also approved of the results achieved and pointed out the issue of the Skrunda radar station rent to be one of the most complicated. He said that in case Russia agrees to increase the rent it would have to slow down the building of apartments for the withdrawn officers thus extending the term of the troops' withdrawal. Diena, Labrit

Aivars Ozolins, "DIENA" columnist points at the increasing demands of Russia towards Latvia and the refusal of the Russian party to officially acknowledge the fact of occupation. He stresses that the concern of the Russian politicians about Russians abroad is only a pretext for exercising additional pressure on the neighboring countries and attempting to expand its sphere of influence. He also points out the political instability in Russia and its attempts to penetrate into international political processes. He believes that Russian military facilities like Skrunda along with the Russian-speaking minority issue could be used to provoke an armed intervention.

Aivars Ozolins, "DIENA" columnist points at the increasing demands of Russia towards Latvia and the refusal of the Russian party to officially acknowledge the fact of occupation. He stresses that the concern of the Russian politicians about Russians abroad is only a pretext for exercising additional pressure on the neighboring countries and attempting to expand its sphere of influence. He also points out the political instability in Russia and its attempts to penetrate into international political processes. He believes that Russian military facilities like Skrunda along with the Russian-speaking minority issue could be used to provoke an armed intervention. Diena

"NEATKARIGA CINA" columnist Viktors Daugmalis gives his comments on the recent Skrunde incident. He believes that the explosion could be organized by Russian secret service and connects it to the news of Russian soldiers having been beaten up by nationalists that was broadcasted by "MAYAK" radio-station. All these provocations could be arranged by right-wing political forces in Russia. He also suggests that Latvia should not rely too much on Western politicians and focus more on international public opinion.

"NEATKARIGA CINA" columnist Viktors Daugmalis gives his comments on the recent Skrunde incident. He believes that the explosion could be organized by Russian secret service and connects it to the news of Russian soldiers having been beaten up by nationalists that was broadcasted by "MAYAK" radio-station. All these provocations could be arranged by right-wing political forces in Russia. He also suggests that Latvia should not rely too much on Western politicians and focus more on international public opinion. Neatkariga, Cina

The Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Mr.Churkin stated that Russia did not make any connection between the rights of Russian-speaking population of Baltic states and the withdrawal of troops. At the same time he noted that the norms of international practice did not exclude certain economical pressure in case of violation of those rights. He also said that the respectful attitude towards Russian-speaking minorities in the Baltic states would "meet a proper response" of the Russian party. He also said that the maintenance of human rights irrespective of citizenship was the basic concept behind the policies of Russia towards the issue of Russian minorities. 

The Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Mr.Churkin stated that Russia did not make any connection between the rights of Russian-speaking population of Baltic states and the withdrawal of troops. At the same time he noted that the norms of international practice did not exclude certain economical pressure in case of violation of those rights. He also said that the respectful attitude towards Russian-speaking minorities in the Baltic states would "meet a proper response" of the Russian party. He also said that the maintenance of human rights irrespective of citizenship was the basic concept behind the policies of Russia towards the issue of Russian minorities.Diena

Press Report

Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr.Andreyevs had a meeting with the US Ambassador to Latvia Mr. Ints Silinsh in order to discuss the recent statements by Mr. Warren Christopher. During a meeting of the US Senate Subcommittee Mr.Christopher noted that Russia had the right "to stimulate Latvians" to broaden the category of the inhabitants of the country who were to receive citizenship. Mr.Silinsh explained that the Secretary of State had been talking about legal methods that could be used by Russian-speaking inhabitants of Latvia to persuade Latvians to take into consideration their interests.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr.Andreyevs had a meeting with the US Ambassador to Latvia Mr. Ints Silinsh in order to discuss the recent statements by Mr. Warren Christopher. During a meeting of the US Senate Subcommittee Mr.Christopher noted that Russia had the right "to stimulate Latvians" to broaden the category of the inhabitants of the country who were to receive citizenship. Mr.Silinsh explained that the Secretary of State had been talking about legal methods that could be used by Russian-speaking inhabitants of Latvia to persuade Latvians to take into consideration their interests. Diena

The Presidium of the Union of Europe has welcomed the progress achieved at the talks between Russia and Latvia on the issue of the Skrunde radar station. The statement by the Union says that a temporary agreement on the Skrunde radar station would not jeopardize the sovereignty of Latvia. Meanwhile the experts representing both parties at the talks continued discussing the draft agreement on social security for retired army officers.

The Presidium of the Union of Europe has welcomed the progress achieved at the talks between Russia and Latvia on the issue of the Skrunde radar station. The statement by the Union says that a temporary agreement on the Skrunde radar station would not jeopardize the sovereignty of Latvia. Meanwhile the experts representing both parties at the talks continued discussing the draft agreement on social security for retired army officers. Diena

President Guntis Ulmanis handed his letter to Mr.Boris Yeltsin over to the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Mr. Rannikh. Mr.Ulmanis points out in his letter that the talks between the two countries have entered the final stage. He believes that there is a chance for agreements on social security for army officers and retired servicemen, and on the Skrunde could be prepared for signing during the next round of talks scheduled for March 14. He also agrees that the withdrawal of Russian troops from Latvia could create a new environment for the future development of the relations between the two countries. Mr.Ulmanis discussed the most complicated issues mentioned in Mr.Yeltsin's letter with the Russian Ambassador. Those issues are mainly connected with social security for retired officers and the rent for the Skrunde radar. Mr.Ulmanis expressed his readiness to meet with Mr.Yeltsin in Moscow.

President Guntis Ulmanis handed his letter to Mr.Boris Yeltsin over to the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Mr. Rannikh. Mr.Ulmanis points out in his letter that the talks between the two countries have entered the final stage. He believes that there is a chance for agreements on social security for army officers and retired servicemen, and on the Skrunde could be prepared for signing during the next round of talks scheduled for March 14. He also agrees that the withdrawal of Russian troops from Latvia could create a new environment for the future development of the relations between the two countries. Mr.Ulmanis discussed the most complicated issues mentioned in Mr.Yeltsin's letter with the Russian Ambassador. Those issues are mainly connected with social security for retired officers and the rent for the Skrunde radar. Mr.Ulmanis expressed his readiness to meet with Mr.Yeltsin in Moscow. Diena, Labrit, Neatkariga, Cina

Mr.Zotov, the Head of the Russian delegation to the troops' withdrawal talks in his interview to "DIENA" stressed that the Russian party expects firm documented guarantees from the Latvian government on social security for retired Russian servicemen. He stressed that the subject of the agreement of social security will be not political but economical rights for the retired army officers. All pensions will be paid by Russia.

Mr.Zotov, the Head of the Russian delegation to the troops' withdrawal talks in his interview to "DIENA" stressed that the Russian party expects firm documented guarantees from the Latvian government on social security for retired Russian servicemen. He stressed that the subject of the agreement of social security will be not political but economical rights for the retired army officers. All pensions will be paid by Russia. Labrit

The Organizational Committee of the Conference on the Impact of the Radio Frequency Magnetic Irradiation had its meeting at the Faculty of Biology of the Latvian State University. The Skrunda Foundation was founded at the meeting. Among the participants of the event was President Ulmanis and several prominent politicians and MPs. The aim of the conference will be to investigate possible impact of the Skrunde radar on living organisms and humans. The aim of the foundation is to promote the scientific research in the area and to provide rehabilitation of the population of the Skrunda area.

The Organizational Committee of the Conference on the Impact of the Radio Frequency Magnetic Irradiation had its meeting at the Faculty of Biology of the Latvian State University. The Skrunda Foundation was founded at the meeting. Among the participants of the event was President Ulmanis and several prominent politicians and MPs. The aim of the conference will be to investigate possible impact of the Skrunde radar on living organisms and humans. The aim of the foundation is to promote the scientific research in the area and to provide rehabilitation of the population of the Skrunda area. Diena, Latvijas Vestnesis

The Democratic Party of Latvia made a statement regarding its attitude to the Draft Citizenship law suggested by the governing coalition. The party had previously supported the DNNL Draft which was later rejected by the DNNL. The Democtratic Party announced that it would suggest its amendments to the governing coalition draft.

The Democratic Party of Latvia made a statement regarding its attitude to the Draft Citizenship law suggested by the governing coalition. The party had previously supported the DNNL Draft which was later rejected by the DNNL. The Democtratic Party announced that it would suggest its amendments to the governing coalition draft. Diena

Maris Grinbalts, the head of "Tevzemei un Brivibas" fraction explained his approach to the Draft Citizenship Law in his interview for "PANORAMA LATVII". He paid particular attention to naturalization principles and immigration policies suggested by his fraction which are as follows:

Maris Grinbalts, the head of "Tevzemei un Brivibas" fraction explained his approach to the Draft Citizenship Law in his interview for "PANORAMA LATVII". He paid particular attention to naturalization principles and immigration policies suggested by his fraction which are as follows:
- one-year residence permits for retired officers and their relatives;
- five-year residence permits for the main part of Russian-speaking civil population;
- both permits can be prolonged;
- Latvians and Livs not having Latvian citizenship, and foreigners and their descendants who had arrived to Latvia before 1940 receive permanent residence permits;
- former citizens of Estonia and Lithuania, and spouses of citizens having spent certain period in latvia also receive permanent residence permits. Panorama Latvii

In his interview for "RUSSKI PUT" Russian Ambassador Mr.Rannih spoke in favor of integration of Russian-speaking population of Latvia into the Latvian environment. He also expressed his concern about the growth of "ultra-nationalist" tendencies in the political life of Latvia. He expressed hope that the problems of Russian-speaking minority and relations between Russia and Latvia would be solved within two or three years. He also spoke in favor of the creation of an organization to unite Russian-speaking stateless inhabitants of Latvia which would make possible a more successful dialogue between the minority and the Government.

In his interview for "RUSSKI PUT" Russian Ambassador Mr.Rannih spoke in favor of integration of Russian-speaking population of Latvia into the Latvian environment. He also expressed his concern about the growth of "ultra-nationalist" tendencies in the political life of Latvia. He expressed hope that the problems of Russian-speaking minority and relations between Russia and Latvia would be solved within two or three years. He also spoke in favor of the creation of an organization to unite Russian-speaking stateless inhabitants of Latvia which would make possible a more successful dialogue between the minority and the Government. Russki Putj

Press Review

The leader of the Russian delegation to the troops' withdrawal talks Mr.Zotov expressed his concern about "the attempted act of sabotage performed by extremists in Latvia". He suggested that the aim of the act had been to prevent the signing of the set of withdrawal-associated agreements prepared by both parties. To cancel further negotiation would mean the encouraging of local ultra-nationalists, said Mr.Zotov. He also informed the journalists that taking into consideration the mutual aspiration of both parties for a prompt agreement on the troops' withdrawal documents he had decided to participate in the meeting of experts scheduled to take place on March 3 and 4 in Riga.

The leader of the Russian delegation to the troops' withdrawal talks Mr.Zotov expressed his concern about "the attempted act of sabotage performed by extremists in Latvia". He suggested that the aim of the act had been to prevent the signing of the set of withdrawal-associated agreements prepared by both parties. To cancel further negotiation would mean the encouraging of local ultra-nationalists, said Mr.Zotov. He also informed the journalists that taking into consideration the mutual aspiration of both parties for a prompt agreement on the troops' withdrawal documents he had decided to participate in the meeting of experts scheduled to take place on March 3 and 4 in Riga. Diena

The leader of the Latvian delegation to the troops' withdrawal talks Mr.Martins Virsis gave his evaluation of the Skrunde incident at the meeting of the Saema Commission for Foreign Affairs. He called it "an incident of a political nature" and put emphasis on the political profits that Russia may gain from such incidents for proving to the international community the vitality of its military interests in Latvia.

The leader of the Latvian delegation to the troops' withdrawal talks Mr.Martins Virsis gave his evaluation of the Skrunde incident at the meeting of the Saema Commission for Foreign Affairs. He called it "an incident of a political nature" and put emphasis on the political profits that Russia may gain from such incidents for proving to the international community the vitality of its military interests in Latvia. Labrit

The DNNL fraction decided to present its propositions on the second reading of the Draft Citizenship Law by the governing coalition. Still, in case the amendments suggested by the DNNL fraction are not included in the Draft DNNL will not take part in the voting on the ruling coalition's Draft but will put forward its own Draft worked out in collaboration with "Tevzemei un Brivibai Fraction". The DNNL suggestions are mainly connected with the principles and conditions of naturalization. The governing coalition expressed its readiness to discuss naturalization-associated issues with all Saema fractions. The Popular Front of Latvia that has no representatives in the Saema supports the quota principle (annual naturalization rate should constitute 10% of the number of births among Latvian community during the previous year which means that the number of annually naturalized individuals will not exceed 100).

The DNNL fraction decided to present its propositions on the second reading of the Draft Citizenship Law by the governing coalition. Still, in case the amendments suggested by the DNNL fraction are not included in the Draft DNNL will not take part in the voting on the ruling coalition's Draft but will put forward its own Draft worked out in collaboration with "Tevzemei un Brivibai Fraction". The DNNL suggestions are mainly connected with the principles and conditions of naturalization. The governing coalition expressed its readiness to discuss naturalization-associated issues with all Saema fractions. The Popular Front of Latvia that has no representatives in the Saema supports the quota principle (annual naturalization rate should constitute 10% of the number of births among Latvian community during the previous year which means that the number of annually naturalized individuals will not exceed 100). Diena

The Latvian League of the Stateless made a public statement regarding the third reading of the Draft Law on the Local Government Body Deputy Status. The Law includes the clause that has been introduced by the nationalists according to which the Deputies are to receive voters and consider their complaints and applications. Since non-citizens have no right to vote the clause excludes the possibility for such persons to address local authorities with their problems. The League evaluates the introduction of the Clause as a provocation instigating a large group of Latvian residents to create their own alternative municipal bodies. The statement also points out a further limitation of non-citizens' property rights by a draft law on the use of land containing certain restrictions affecting non-citizens. In accordance with the legislation in force non-citizens are not entitled to own land.

The Latvian League of the Stateless made a public statement regarding the third reading of the Draft Law on the Local Government Body Deputy Status. The Law includes the clause that has been introduced by the nationalists according to which the Deputies are to receive voters and consider their complaints and applications. Since non-citizens have no right to vote the clause excludes the possibility for such persons to address local authorities with their problems. The League evaluates the introduction of the Clause as a provocation instigating a large group of Latvian residents to create their own alternative municipal bodies. The statement also points out a further limitation of non-citizens' property rights by a draft law on the use of land containing certain restrictions affecting non-citizens. In accordance with the legislation in force non-citizens are not entitled to own land. SM Segodnya

AM radio broadcasting in Russian was stopped by the State Radio. Russian broadcasts can be received only over an FM band which is not available to the majority of radio-listeners. The reason is the lack of means to finance the programs. SM SEVODNYA reminds that the State Radio is funded from the taxes paid both by Latvian and by Russian-speaking communities.

AM radio broadcasting in Russian was stopped by the State Radio. Russian broadcasts can be received only over an FM band which is not available to the majority of radio-listeners. The reason is the lack of means to finance the programs. SM SEVODNYA reminds that the State Radio is funded from the taxes paid both by Latvian and by Russian-speaking communities.

N.Vezinieks analyzes the demands for the acknowledgement of occupation of Latvia by the USSR, current domestic politics of Latvia and its contradictions to the documents adopted by the Popular Front and the Supreme Soviet during the struggle for independence. He believes that the term "occupation" and "partial occupation" are not applicable to Latvia from a legal point of view. It would be proper to use the word "annexion" instead. The documents adopted by the Popular Front and the Supreme Soviet such as its Declaration "On Joining the International Acts on Human Rights" of May 4, 1990. The documents adopted by the Supreme Soviet are still in force, which means that the laws adopted later contradict those documents. 

N.Vezinieks analyzes the demands for the acknowledgement of occupation of Latvia by the USSR, current domestic politics of Latvia and its contradictions to the documents adopted by the Popular Front and the Supreme Soviet during the struggle for independence. He believes that the term "occupation" and "partial occupation" are not applicable to Latvia from a legal point of view. It would be proper to use the word "annexion" instead. The documents adopted by the Popular Front and the Supreme Soviet such as its Declaration "On Joining the International Acts on Human Rights" of May 4, 1990. The documents adopted by the Supreme Soviet are still in force, which means that the laws adopted later contradict those documents. SM Segodnya

The Government has adopted a decree on maternal benefits which will be paid to citizens and foreigners having a residence permit or a personal code.

The Government has adopted a decree on maternal benefits which will be paid to citizens and foreigners having a residence permit or a personal code. Rigas Balss

Press Report

A 110 KV power supply mast was blown up between midnight and 1 a.m. on Monday 3 km away from the Skrunde radar station. The power supply line was used by the station. That did not cause any failures in the operation of the radar since it had another back-up supply line running from Tukums. According to local police authorities Russian officers in charge of the station have not noticed any breaks in power supply and learned about the accident from the police. The accident is evaluated by the Government officials as an act of terrorism. The Ambassador of Russia to Latvia has addressed the Government of Latvia with a note of protest. The ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia issued a statement saying that the Government would undertake all possible measures to investigate the incident and to prosecute the terrorists. Both journalists and politicians suggest that the act of terrorism could be performed by nationalists to attract international attention to Russian military presence in Latvia. On the other hand it could be certain political groups in Russia that are interested in postponing the troops' withdrawal that organized the act. The incident was connected by the press to the attack on the air-force base in Estonia and rumors of Russian soldiers being beaten up in Latvia that had been spread by Russian radio-station MAYAK. It is also linked to the upcoming round of talks between Russia and Latvia on the troops' withdrawal. The press also reminds the readers about the series of similar "mysterious" explosions in 1990. According to the Russian Army Press-Center spokesmen the incident was discussed by Mr.Ulmanis and Mr.Mayorov, still the President's Office denies that there have been any contacts between the President and the Commander of the Russian troops.

A 110 KV power supply mast was blown up between midnight and 1 a.m. on Monday 3 km away from the Skrunde radar station. The power supply line was used by the station. That did not cause any failures in the operation of the radar since it had another back-up supply line running from Tukums. According to local police authorities Russian officers in charge of the station have not noticed any breaks in power supply and learned about the accident from the police. The accident is evaluated by the Government officials as an act of terrorism. The Ambassador of Russia to Latvia has addressed the Government of Latvia with a note of protest. The ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia issued a statement saying that the Government would undertake all possible measures to investigate the incident and to prosecute the terrorists. Both journalists and politicians suggest that the act of terrorism could be performed by nationalists to attract international attention to Russian military presence in Latvia. On the other hand it could be certain political groups in Russia that are interested in postponing the troops' withdrawal that organized the act. The incident was connected by the press to the attack on the air-force base in Estonia and rumors of Russian soldiers being beaten up in Latvia that had been spread by Russian radio-station MAYAK. It is also linked to the upcoming round of talks between Russia and Latvia on the troops' withdrawal. The press also reminds the readers about the series of similar "mysterious" explosions in 1990. According to the Russian Army Press-Center spokesmen the incident was discussed by Mr.Ulmanis and Mr.Mayorov, still the President's Office denies that there have been any contacts between the President and the Commander of the Russian troops. Labrit, Diena, Neatkariga

The deputy-head of the Latvian delegation to the troops' withdrawal talks Mr.Vovers informed the press that the next round of the talks was scheduled to start on March 14 in Riga. According to Mr.Vovers the main problem to be solved is the definition of the criteria to determine the category of retired officers entitled to social security. Another problem is connected with their status. According to Mr.Vovers the retired army officers will not receive the permanent resident's status, still Latvia should guarantee that such persons will have no problems associated with their residence in Latvia. "Tevzemei un Brivibai" fraction has issued the statement suggesting that the Saema should consider the draft decree on the talks between Latvia and Russia worked out by the fraction. The objective of the decree is to specify the commission of the Latvian delegation to the talks. "Tevzemei un Brivibai" fraction also considers it necessary to accelerate the adoption of an official request to the UN to ensure that Russia acknowledges its occupation of Latvia in 1940. During a press-conference it was stressed by the party spokesmen that the issues of the Russian military presence and of the Skrunde radar are too important to be decided upon only by the Cabinet of Ministers. "Latvian Cels" fraction leader Mr.Berzins allowed the possibility of these issues being discussed at a plenary meeting, still he stressed that his fraction would insist on the prompt ratification of the agreement with Russia. The reason for such approach is the extremely unstable political situation in Russia. According to Mr.Berzins the document on Russian occupation to be submitted to the UN is being currently prepared by the Commission for Foreign Affairs.

The deputy-head of the Latvian delegation to the troops' withdrawal talks Mr.Vovers informed the press that the next round of the talks was scheduled to start on March 14 in Riga. According to Mr.Vovers the main problem to be solved is the definition of the criteria to determine the category of retired officers entitled to social security. Another problem is connected with their status. According to Mr.Vovers the retired army officers will not receive the permanent resident's status, still Latvia should guarantee that such persons will have no problems associated with their residence in Latvia. "Tevzemei un Brivibai" fraction has issued the statement suggesting that the Saema should consider the draft decree on the talks between Latvia and Russia worked out by the fraction. The objective of the decree is to specify the commission of the Latvian delegation to the talks. "Tevzemei un Brivibai" fraction also considers it necessary to accelerate the adoption of an official request to the UN to ensure that Russia acknowledges its occupation of Latvia in 1940. During a press-conference it was stressed by the party spokesmen that the issues of the Russian military presence and of the Skrunde radar are too important to be decided upon only by the Cabinet of Ministers. "Latvian Cels" fraction leader Mr.Berzins allowed the possibility of these issues being discussed at a plenary meeting, still he stressed that his fraction would insist on the prompt ratification of the agreement with Russia. The reason for such approach is the extremely unstable political situation in Russia. According to Mr.Berzins the document on Russian occupation to be submitted to the UN is being currently prepared by the Commission for Foreign Affairs. Diena, Rigas Balss, SM Segodnya

The Latvian Association of Physicians has addressed the President, the Saema, and the Cabinet of Ministers to stop negotiations on the possible operation of the Skrunde radar station. The Association points out the irreparable damages caused by the station to the health of the local population.

The Latvian Association of Physicians has addressed the President, the Saema, and the Cabinet of Ministers to stop negotiations on the possible operation of the Skrunde radar station. The Association points out the irreparable damages caused by the station to the health of the local population. Neatkariga

According to the LNNK spokeman Mr.Krasins LNNK may come up with its suggestions on the second reading of the Draft Citizenship Law by the governing coalition despite the fact the joint decision by LNNK and "Tevzemei un Brivibai" to work out their own draft. This decision was influenced by the results of the Latvian MP delegation's visit to the US and by the recommendation given by American experts. "Latvijas Cels" spokesman Mr.Berzins stresses that his fraction welcomes this decision and underlines the fact that a prompt adoption of the Citizenship Law is vital due to political instability in Russia. He believes that both fractions could agree on naturalization principles and other basic issues.

According to the LNNK spokeman Mr.Krasins LNNK may come up with its suggestions on the second reading of the Draft Citizenship Law by the governing coalition despite the fact the joint decision by LNNK and "Tevzemei un Brivibai" to work out their own draft. This decision was influenced by the results of the Latvian MP delegation's visit to the US and by the recommendation given by American experts. "Latvijas Cels" spokesman Mr.Berzins stresses that his fraction welcomes this decision and underlines the fact that a prompt adoption of the Citizenship Law is vital due to political instability in Russia. He believes that both fractions could agree on naturalization principles and other basic issues. Diena

The nomination of the State Minister for Human Rights by the Saema is scheduled for Thursday. The post will be taken by Mr.Olafs Bruveris, a Christian Democrat. For the last 17 years Mr.Bruveris has been living in the West after he had been exiled from the USSR for his human rights-associated activities. In his interview for DIENA stresses that his primary task will be the protection of human rights of all residents of the country regardless of their nationality. He also complains about the insufficiency of existing laws regarding citizenship and residence. He also expresses the hope that agreement will be achieved by all fractions on the Draft Citizenship Law emphasizing that the nationalists have already agreed to seriously modify their draft.

The nomination of the State Minister for Human Rights by the Saema is scheduled for Thursday. The post will be taken by Mr.Olafs Bruveris, a Christian Democrat. For the last 17 years Mr.Bruveris has been living in the West after he had been exiled from the USSR for his human rights-associated activities. In his interview for DIENA stresses that his primary task will be the protection of human rights of all residents of the country regardless of their nationality. He also complains about the insufficiency of existing laws regarding citizenship and residence. He also expresses the hope that agreement will be achieved by all fractions on the Draft Citizenship Law emphasizing that the nationalists have already agreed to seriously modify their draft. Diena

Mr.Olyeg Yeremenko-Samogorodsky,t he Procurator of the Ziemele District of Riga informed the SM SEVODNYA journalist that criminal proceedings had been started against Zemele and Vidzeme Citizenship and Immigration Department offices. He also pointed out that the Department officials did not react not only to district court decrees but also to official notices by the district Procurators and to decrees by the Supreme Court. He also mentioned the Civil Code article on the limitation of personal rights providing for reimbursement for losses and expenses caused by infringement of such rights. He stressed that improper registration (like offering a round stamp instead of a square one) results in the limitation of personal rights and thus resulting losses are subject to reimbursement by a guilty party. He also mentions that some of the complaints submitted to his office had been also submitted to the CSCE.

Mr.Olyeg Yeremenko-Samogorodsky,t he Procurator of the Ziemele District of Riga informed the SM SEVODNYA journalist that criminal proceedings had been started against Zemele and Vidzeme Citizenship and Immigration Department offices. He also pointed out that the Department officials did not react not only to district court decrees but also to official notices by the district Procurators and to decrees by the Supreme Court. He also mentioned the Civil Code article on the limitation of personal rights providing for reimbursement for losses and expenses caused by infringement of such rights. He stressed that improper registration (like offering a round stamp instead of a square one) results in the limitation of personal rights and thus resulting losses are subject to reimbursement by a guilty party. He also mentions that some of the complaints submitted to his office had been also submitted to the CSCE. SM Segodnya