Weekly Summary of News in Latvia
CURRENT LATVIA
28 September - 5 October 1998
Wk. 40 / 2000 (267)
PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS
PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS AND REFERENDUM ON AMENDMENTS TO THE CITIZENSHIP LAW TOOK PLACE
1. Parliamentary elections
According to the constitution a 100 member parliament was elected for 4 years term. Candidates from 21 political parties and movements submitted applications for elections.
According to the Latvian Central Election Commission's provisory information October 4, following parties surmounted five-percent barrier for getting into the Saeima:
Party Support (%)
1. Peoples Party 20.93
2. Latvia's Way 18.22
3. National Harmony Party 14.23
4. Fatherland & Freedom / LNNK 14.15
5. Latvian Social Democrats Alliance 12.87
6. New Party 7.40
2. The referendum on Amendments to the Citizenship Law
According to the Latvian Central Election Commission's information October 4, 53.01% voted "against" cancellation of the amendments and 45 % "for" repealing them.
- On June 22 , 1998 the Parliament of Latvia adopted the following amendments to the Citizenship Law:
- Abolition of the "windows system" restricting the number of citizenship applications every year by age.
- Automatic granting of citizenship for stateless children born after the restoration of independence on
August 21, 1991.
- Simplification of naturalisation tests for individuals over 65 years.
- According to the constitution and following the democratic procedure, 36 MP's, who disagreed the Parliamentary decision, demanded from the President of Latvia to stop the amendments passed and introduce a procedure to collect signatures from the electorate in favour of a referendum regarding the above mentioned amendments.
- The collection of signatures took place from July 20 to August 18,1998. According to the constitution, at least 10% of the electorate who took part at the previous Parliamentary elections in 1995 (131 145) had to sign up. The count showed that 226 548 people had signed up which was 95 401 more than necessary.
MFA 04.10.98.
STATEMENT ON RESULTS OF REFERENDUM BY MAX VAN DER STOEL, OSCE HIGH COMMISSIONER ON NATIONAL MINORITIES
I warmly welcome the outcome of the referendum in Latvia. By deciding to approve the amendments to the Law on Citizenship, the people of Latvia have taken a very important step towards solving inter-ethnic problems and promoting the process of integration.
Now that the people and the Parliament of Latvia have agreed to bring legislation regarding children of stateless parents born since the restoration of independence into line with European practice in the field, I express hope that the Parliament of Estonia will take a similar step by approving legislation to this effect as proposed by the government.
OSCE Mission in Latvia 04.10.98.
ULMANIS COMMENTS REFERENDUM, ELECTION RESULTS
President of Latvia H.E. Guntis Ulmanis has reacted favourably to the results of the referendum and Saeima elections. The President feels that the outcome of the referendum on the citizenship law amendments proves that Latvians can be "pragmatic and able to understand the importance of social integration".
The President stressed that the outcome of the referendum will heighten Latvia's international prestige and will send a positive signal to the European Union (EU). The referendum may now serve as an invitation for non-citizens to undergo the naturalisation process. Citizenship rights for children born after independence in 1991 could also serve as incentive for their parents to learn the Latvian language and become citizen as well willing to integrate into Latvian society.
Ulmanis also accented the results of the referendum will be a firm foundation in order to activate a dialogue with Russia. He expressed hope that Moscow would value the choice made by Latvian residents accordingly.
The President gave a positive assessment of the Saeima election results because each of the six top political parties have a solid electorate. Guntis Ulmanis hopes to be able to nominate the new prime minister on the first work day of the new Saeima (parliament). By then the President will hold consultations with each of the six parties that surmounted the five-percent poll barrier at general elections.
Under the Latvian Constitution the candidate for the prime minister is chosen by the President. Afterwards the prime minister nominee forms the government, thereafter approved by the Parliament.
LETA, BNS 05.10.98.
ESSENTIAL FOREIGN POLICY EVENTS
LATVIAN WTO ACCESSION TALKS COMPLETED
September 29, The talks on accession of Latvia to the World Trade Organisation ended in Geneva. The Chairman of Latvian delegation State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Maris Riekstins in his speech accented that accession of Latvia to the WTO confirms the success and the quality of our economic reforms.
Latvia is the first Baltic state having completed the accession talks. The achievements and experience gained will help other Baltic states settle issues referring the accession. The new markets will open for the producers and exporters of Latvia.
October 14, the formal voting on Latvia's accession will take place in the General Council of WTO.
MFA 29.09.98.
COMMENTS OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF LATVIA ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF RUSSIA REGARDING THE SPEECH OF THE PRESIDENT OF LATVIA GUNTIS ULMANIS IN THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia is surprised that the elaborated speech of the President of Latvia aimed at co-operation, was followed by the negative announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. As well known, in his speech Mr. Ulmanis stressed the principles Latvia has consequently defended since restoration of independence. These principles are aimed to secure democratic values and promote mutual confidence and co-operation in the world. This point of view reveals a matter of principle and negative attitude towards different types of totalitarian and anti-democratic regimes the world nations faced during this century. The Latvian nation has any right to condemn the Soviet regime and the crimes committed on behalf of the regime, which has been one of the most cruel acts directly affecting Latvian, as well as other nations' fates.
A very similar attitude against the Soviet regime has expressed, and not once, the Russian nation itself, which makes us to conclude, that the authors of the announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia have not been acquainted in detail with the speech of the President of the Republic of Latvia Ulmanis or are deliberately trying to mislead the Russian community. Latvia does not identify the new Russian state with the Soviet regime. Latvia supports moral and legal estimation of the particular crimes committed during the Soviet period, according to the moral criteria and principles of international law recognised in the world today.
MFA 30.09.98.
MEETING OF THE FOREIGN MINISTERS OF LATVIA AND ESTONIA TOOK PLACE IN VALMIERA
September 28, the regular meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Latvia and Estonia took place in Valmiera. The ministers discussed the following questions:
- bilateral economic relations,
- issues of the society integration,
- EU enlargement process and relationship with Russia.
Latvia proposed to start mutual work for setting up a mechanism protecting the common Baltic market. The mechanism includes anti-damping measures, measures against subsidised import, etc. The aim to create the common mechanism protecting the market corresponds to the idea of the Baltic Customs Union, providing for common external trade policy against the third countries.
The Estonian Foreign Minister highly evaluated the progress of Latvia preparing for accession negotiations with the EU. Minister Ilves supported Latvia's aspirations to be invited to start negotiations with the EU, and admitted that the invitation of Latvia comply with Estonian interests.
The ministers concluded that the issue of the society integration and corresponding changes in the legislation is not only important domestic policy question in both countries, but also in the EU integration process.
The ministers expressed satisfaction on the successful functioning of the mutual border chekpoint and promised to continue the work commenced.
The ministers also discussed the solutions of Valka-Valga issues. They concluded that the work done by the joint working group provided improvement for particular groups of people, like the pupils of Estonia attending the schools of Valka and the pupils of Latvia attending the schools of Valga may cross the border showing pupils' certificates. The ministers stressed that progress has been reached and the job started has to proceed.
MFA 29.09.98.
GENERAL
LATVIA'S ULMANIS CONGRATULATES GERMAN CHANCELLOR ELECT
The President of Latvia H.E. Guntis Ulmanis has sent a letter of congratulations to the German Chancellor elect, Mr. Gerhard Schroeder, whose Social Democratic Party has won general elections.
In his letter, the President of Latvia praised the German contribution to the process of uniting of Europe and expressed a conviction that the new government will continue European integration policies.
Mr. Ulmanis also expressed hope that excellent relations between Germany and Latvia will promote processes important for the whole Europe.
President's Press Service 28.09.98.
DIRECTORS OF EUROPEAN COMMERCIAL REGISTERS DISCUSS CO-OPERATION
DURING RIGA CONFERENCE
September 28, Directors of the European Commercial Registers participated in a conference in Riga to discuss an exchange of information and possible co-operation.
The conference was scheduled to focus on the legal status for registration of enterprises in particular countries, legal aspects of international co-operation among enterprise registers, an exchange of information and experience, as well as possibilities for training officials.
The conference was very significant for Latvia as it promoted integration of Latvia's register into the realm of European Commercial Registers and stimulates an exchange of information. Thus, Latvian residents will have an access to information about European companies and vice versa.
Participating were enterprise register directors from Belarus, the Ukraine, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Britain, the U.S., Denmark, Switzerland, Poland, Germany and France.
LETA 28.09.98.
U.S. AMBASSADOR RECEIVES LATVIAN HIGHEST STATE AWARD
September 29, The U.S. Ambassador to Latvia Mr. Larry Napper received the highest state award, the Three Stars Order, from the President of Latvia.
The Latvian Foreign Ministry also highly appreciated Napper's contribution to the promotion of bilateral relations between Latvia and the U. S.
BNS 29.09.98.
BALTIC STATES' CONSULAR SERVICE OFFICIALS MEET IN VILNIUS
September 28-29, Consular service officials of the Baltic states convened for their regular meeting in Vilnius to discuss joint visas policy.
The consular issues subcommittee joined by consular service officials from the three countries are working to unify the procedures of travelling to and from and staying in the three countries in order to soften travel regulations for foreigners in the Baltics, as well as to bring the legislation in line with the EU requirements.
The ministry said the officials are also expected to touch upon the Baltic and Nordic states' agreement on consular co-operation and assistance and softening of travel regulations for diplomats accredited in the Baltic states.
During the two day meeting Latvia presented a unified visa registration system being a basic precondition to join the Schengen agreement's consular information system and to improve the border control.
BNS 29.09.98.
OPENED TEREHOVA CUSTOMS CHECKPOINT
The President of Latvia H.E. Guntis Ulmanis and a host of other dignitaries opened the Russian-Latvian Customs checkpoint (MKP) at Terehova.
"Thanks to the financial support of the EU, we now have one of the most up-to-dated Customs checkpoints for vehicular traffic on Latvia's main eastern highway ", Mr. Ulmanis said at the opening ceremony.
Russian Ambassador to Latvia Alexander Udalcov for his part expressed confidence that Terehova Customs checkpoint will become a unifying bridge between Russia, Latvia and Europe. Mr. Udalcovs also stated that Russia advocates a visa free system for professional truck drivers and invited Latvia to sign an agreement accordingly.
Turning to current affairs, Ambassador Udalcov mentioned that Russia understands Latvia's desire to become an EU member-nation and expressed hope that Latvia's membership will bolster the EU standards in Latvia in all aspects of everyday life.
LETA 01.10.98.
LATVIAN WW II LEGION VETERANS RECEIVE GERMAN COMPENSATION
About 300 persons receive and 200 more have shown interest in receiving compensation for injuries suffered while fighting in the military forces of Germany during WW II.
The compensation is paid under an agreement between the Latvian Welfare Ministry and a related German authority.
Germany has paid the compensation to soldiers who fought in its army since the end of the war. Former servicemen of the Latvian Legion are entitled to the compensation as well.
BNS 02.10.98.
SHEDULED VISITS AND ACCREDITATIONS
Foreign visits:
October 5 - 7
Working visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia H.E. Valdis Birkavs to Luxembourg (participating in the Europe Conference).
October 8 - 9
Working visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia H.E. Valdis Birkavs to St. Petersburg, the International Conference "The Baltic Sea - Place of Meeting Europe, America. Vision and Action for the 21st Century".
October 14
Visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia H.E. Valdis Birkavs to the WTO General Council (Geneva, Switzerland).
October 15
Visit of the President of Latvia H.E. Guntis Ulmanis and the State Secretary of the Foreign Ministry of Latvia Mr. Maris Riekstins to the NATO (NATO individual dialogue).
October 19 - 20
Working visit of the President of Latvia H.E. Guntis Ulmanis and the State Secretary of the Foreign Ministry of Latvia Mr. Maris Riekstins to Belgium (EU + Bilateral relations).
Foreign officials:
October 16 - 17
Visit of Deputy General Secretary of OECD Mr. Kumiharu Shigehara to the Republic of Latvia.
Foreign diplomats:
October 4 - 7
Visit of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Malta H.E. Dr. Peter Baron von Furstenberg to the Republic of Latvia.
October 9
Farewell visit of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegowina to the Republic of Latvia H.E. Izet Serdarevic.
October 12 - 14
Accreditation visit of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mexico to the Republic of Latvia H.E. Javier Barros Valero.
For information:
October 5 - 6
Working visit of Deputy General Secretary of the Foreign Ministry of Estonia Mr. Alar Streimann to the Republic of Latvia.
October 7
Visit of the State Secretary of the Foreign Ministry of Finland Mr. Juka Valtasari to Riga.
October 13 -14
Visit of the Parliamentary delegation of Canada to the Republic of Latvia.
SAEIMA NEWS AND FACTION FILE
LACK OF QUORUM WRECKS DEBATE ON STATE LANGUAGE BILL
The Latvian Parliament lacked the quorum September 28 to pass a bill on the state language bill in the final reading.
In four hours lawmakers managed to review only 27 out of the totally submitted 119 proposals. The debate is to be continued on October 8.
BNS 28.09.98.
FROM THE CABINET OF MINISTERS
September 28, Session of the Cabinet of Ministers
The Government has adopted the decree:
- "On Agreement on Abolition of Visa Regime Between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus".
- "On Non-profit Association State Ltd. "Institute of Latvia". The main task of the institute is to co-ordinate the formation of the international image of Latvia".
The Government has adopted the draft decree:
- "On Agreement on Co-operation and Mutual Assistance in Custom Issues Between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Republic of Hungary".
September 29, Session of the Cabinet of Ministers
The Government has adopted the decree:
- "On Agreement on Economic, Trade and Technical Co-operation Between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and The Government of Qatar.
ZILE TO LEAD SENIOR OFFICIALS TO WB-IMF MEETING IN WASHINGTON
The Cabinet of Ministers has confirmed Latvia's delegation to World Bank and International Monetary Fund representative meeting in Washington in October. The delegation will be headed by the Minister of Finance Roberts Zile. He will be joined by the President of the Bank of Latvia Einars Repse, Minister of the Economy Laimonis Strujevics, the Latvian Privatisation Agency General Director Janis Naglis, State Treasurer Aivars Veiss and other leading state officials.
LETA 29.09.98.
ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS
LATVIAN FOOD PRODUCERS OFFER ASSISTANCE TO RUSSIA
Several Latvian food processors have offered assistance to troubled Russian cities on the first day of a campaign for the collection of humanitarian assistance.
Donations of food, garments, medical and hygiene products is to be collected through October 7. The action is organised at a request of the Union of the Baltic Sea Cities.
BNS 30.09.98.
FINNISH TRADE UNION CONFEDERATION PRESIDENT VISITS RIGA
October 1, Finnish Trade Union Confederation (STTK) President Ms. Esa Svanljung and International Labour Secretary Mr. Pirkka Nikula were visiting Riga for the first time.
Svanljung was scheduled to participate in the "Information Day" activities organised by the regional and municipal centres of the Latvian Free Trade Union Association (LBAS), as well as to meet LBAS administrators and representatives from various professional unions.
LETA 01.10.98.
LARGEST RUSSIAN INSURANCE COMPANY IN SEARCH OF PARTNERS IN THE BALTICS
A major Russian insurance company is conducting talks with about ten insurance companies in the Baltic states in order to establish partnerships in traveller's, cargo and shipping insurance classes. Negotiations will continue one more month and then contracts will be drawn up with one or two insurance companies from each Baltic country.
LETA 01.10.98.
EXCHANGE RATES SET BY THE BANK OF LATVIA FOR OCTOBER 5, 1998
1 ATS
1 AUD
1 BEF
1 CAD
1 CHF
1 CZK
1 DEM
1 DKK
1 EEK | -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- | 0.0500 Ls
0.3450 Ls
0.0170 Ls
0.3750 Ls
0.4260 Ls
0.0191 Ls
0.3520 Ls
0.0925 Ls
0.0439 Ls | 1 FIM
1 FRF
1 GBP
1 KGS
1 LTL
1NOK
1 SEK
1 SKK
1 USD | -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- | 0.1160 Ls
0.1048 Ls
0.9860 Ls
0.0262 Ls
0.1450 Ls
0.0785 Ls
0.0737 Ls
0.0167 Ls
0.5800 Ls |
INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL EXHIBITIONS
October 7 - 9 BANK AND BUREAU '98
Exhibition of Bureau and Bank Technique and Equipment
October 7 - 9 COMMUNICATION '98
Exhibition of Telecommunication and Communication Aids
October 19 - 21 STOCKHOLM '98
International Conference on Trade, Investment and Development
SOCIETY, EDUCATION, CULTURE AND SPORTS
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER UNVEILED AT RIGA AIRPORT
September 28, The Riga City Information Centre begins service at the Riga International Airport, established by the Riga City Council and the Riga Anniversary Committee "Riga 800 Ltd."
The centre will offer information on cultural and social activities in the city as well as survey tourists about the most interesting sights in Latvia's capital and gather data on the turnover of visitors.
LETA 28.09.98.
EMSIS PARTICIPATES IN EUROPEAN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITEE MEETING IN GENEVA
September 30, Latvian Minister of Environment Mr. Indulis Emsis was in Geneva to participate in the fifth session of the Environmental Policy Committee meeting at the UN European Economic Commission (EEC).
Emsis reported that the session reviewed the "Report on Environmental Protection in Latvia" prepared by UN EEC Environmental Policy committee experts.
LETA 30.09.98.
FIRST BOOK OF POETRY IN ROMANY LANGUAGE PUBLISHED IN LATVIA
Gypsies have been living on Latvian soil for 500 years and are the only ethnic minority who has refused to "wash their dirty laundry" in front of the EU emissaries, said Karlis Rudevics at the presentation of his new book of poetry "The Heart of the Gypsy", issued in both Latvian and Romany languages for the very first time.
The Latvian Society of Gypsies has commissioned two sociological research studies to determine the main problems the community faces and to define the attitudes of the other people.
LETA 30.09.98.
LATVIA TO DISPLAY OCCUPATION MUSEUM'S EXIBITION IN BRUSSELS
Latvia will display the exhibition of its Occupation Museum in Brussels in the building of the European Parliament from Nov. 10-20, Latvian Prime Minister Guntars Krasts and initiator of the move EP deputy Ernesto Caccavale said.
It will give the international community an opportunity to get familiar with the extremely hard fate of the Latvian people in the 20th century. Krasts hopes the exhibition might help to "break the flow of negative and biased" information about Latvia.
The exhibition will be placed in the building of the European Parliament which, Krasts noted, is attended by thousands of influential European and world's politicians who make decisions about the EU enlargement, extending assistance to Latvia and who are valuing Latvia.
It is also important that the exhibition will proceed as part of celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Latvian state.
BNS 01.10.98.
SOROS FOUNDATION ASSISTS IN DEVELOPMENT OF LATVIA'S EDUCATION SYSTEM
Latvian Minister of Education and Science Janis Gaigals and Executive Director of Soros Foundation-Latvia (SFL) Vita Terauda signed an agreement October 1 on Co-operation in General Education.
The agreement seeks to promote integration of Latvia as an equal partner in the European educational system. "Graduates of our schools must be able to be competitive in the European job market," stressed Terauda.
Terauda mentioned the first joint projects will focus on social integration at the scholastic level and the development of teaching social sciences.
LETA 01.10.98.
RENEWED SWEDISH SUPPORT FOR THE UNDP BALTIC TRUST FUND 1998-1999
The Swedish Government has decided to allocate a new contribution of SEK 4 million (approximately 300,000 lats) to the UNDP Baltic Trust Fund. The aims of the Baltic Trust Fund are to finance efforts linked to the issues of equality between women and men, integration, civil society, information technology and the legal system.
The fund is to be used in order to alleviate the social situation in the three Baltic countries including support to disabled persons, homeless persons, pensioners and street children.
The work of the Trust Fund has so far been successful and the future operations correspond well with the objectives of Swedish co-operation on development with Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.
Embassy of Sweden, Riga 02.10.98.
CALENDAR OF ARTS EVENTS
September 19, 1998 - September 19, 1999
Music Festival Swedish Times in Music
October 8,
19:00 "Stockholms Saxofonkvartett" (Sweden), (Vagner Hall)
October 7
18:30 Indian classical dance classical dance style of Northern India. (Ave Sol concert hall)
19:00 Festival of New Music. Arild Andresen Trio (Norway), (Vagner Hall)
October 10
19.00 Guest performances by the Moscow Operetta Theatre (Latvian National Opera)
October 11
18:00 A concert of Ukrainian music (Ave Sol concert hall).
(For more information please contact the corresponding Embassy of Latvia)
Information Bulletin "Current Latvia" is a compilation of news reports and press releases drawn from mass media and official resources. The material is primarily informative rather than representing the official policies of Latvia. Not all of the views published reflect the official position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
