• Saeima in the second reading supported inclusion of Orthodox Christmas into the list of public holidays
• The case of a former Red Partisan Vasilijs Kononovs was admitted for reconsideration by the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights

Yesterday, the Saeima in the second reading supported inclusion of Orthodox Christmas (6

Yesterday, the Saeima in the second reading supported inclusion of Orthodox Christmas (6th and 7th January) into the list of public holidays. However, the Saeima refused a proposal of the faction for Human Rights in United Latvia to include Orthodox Easter and Pentecost into the list of holidays. Telegraf, Diena, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

The case of a former “Red Partisan” Vasilijs Kononovs was admitted for reconsideration by the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). As reported, in July 2008, the ECHR adopted a ruling in favour of Vasilijs Kononovs in his case against Latvia and obliged Latvia to pay to Mr. Kononovs EUR 30,000 as moral compensation. However, Latvia appealed the ruling.

The case of a former Red Partisan Vasilijs Kononovs was admitted for reconsideration by the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). As reported, in July 2008, the ECHR adopted a ruling in favour of Vasilijs Kononovs in his case against Latvia and obliged Latvia to pay to Mr. Kononovs EUR 30,000 as moral compensation. However, Latvia appealed the ruling. Telegraf, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

• European Parliament held debates on voting rights for non-citizens of Latvia in municipal elections

The European Parliament (EP) held debates on voting rights for non-citizens of Latvia in municipal elections during its session on 3 February. Several MEPs criticized Latvia for fact that a part of its residents has no rights to participate civil processes of society. The Vice President of the European Commission in charge of Justice, Freedom and Security Jacques Barrot stated that situation in Latvia is very peculiar, however, there should be a political will of Latvian officials to solve the problem of voting rights infringement of particular group of residents.

The European Parliament (EP) held debates on voting rights for non-citizens of Latvia in municipal elections during its session on 3 February. Several MEPs criticized Latvia for fact that a part of its residents has no rights to participate civil processes of society. The Vice President of the European Commission in charge of Justice, Freedom and Security Jacques Barrot stated that situation in Latvia is very peculiar, however, there should be a political will of Latvian officials to solve the problem of voting rights infringement of particular group of residents. Telegraf reports that the MEP from Latvia Tatjana Zdanoka (one of the initiators of the debates) says that it is a first time when problem of voting rights for non-citizens is discussed on such high level and because of that, Latvian officials will have to do something about it soon. Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights Ilze Brands Kehris in an interview with the newspaper states that it is false to compare Latvian non-citizens with foreigners residing in European countries because non-citizens have closer ties with Latvian state. Mrs. Brands Kehris also believes that the debates in the EP are important signal for Latvia which will be heard. Telegraf, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Latvijas Avize

• Telegraf prints an article about the draft Asylum Law

Telegraf prints an article about the draft Asylum Law recently adopted by the Saeima in the second reading. According to a representative of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA), the elaborated draft Law implements two European directives in Latvia which determine obligatory standards for assessment of persons who need asylum and minimum standards of procedures on granting or depriving refugee status. Lawyer Aleksejs Dimitrovs considers that Latvia will apply common EU criteria when taking decisions on asylum claims. The draft Asylum Law also stipulates that decision on granting a person or a group of persons temporary asylum in Latvia is made by the Cabinet of Ministers taking into consideration decision of the Council of the EU.

• State Language Centre forbade distribution of invitations written in Russian language for free screening of cervical cancer and breast cancer
• Head of the Presidents Advisory Council on Ethnic Minorities Romualdas Razukas: only those who speak Latvian language may express opinion about integration of non-Latvians

Telegraf reports that the State Language Centre forbade distribution of Russian-language invitations for free screening of cervical cancer and breast cancer within the framework of the EU-wide campaign initiated by the European Commission. Thus, such invitations may only be send in Latvian language. The newspaper notes that such invitations, for instance, in London (UK), are distributed in 16 different languages.

Latvijas Avize prints an interview with the head of the Presidents Advisory Council on Ethnic Minorities Romualdas Razukas. According to Mr. Razukas, the Council will try to evaluate the existing integration instruments to search for the reason why those were not effective for integration of society. Romualdas Razukas also stated that only those who speak Latvian language may express opinion about integration of non-Latvians and problems in this field.

• Two Africans detained attempting to enter Latvia illegally
• Latvijas Avize reports about a discussion on the impact of Latvias membership in the Schengen Agreement

Vesti Segodnya reports that the State Border Guard Service has detained a citizen of Togo who attempted to enter Latvia illegally. In the meantime, the Belarussian Border Guards have detained a citizen of Congo who tried to enter Latvia through Belarus with false documents.

Latvijas Avize reports about a discussion on the impact of Latvias membership in the Schengen Agreement. The discussion took place last week in Riga with participation of the MEP from Latvia Inese Vaidere, head of the Office of the International Organisation for Migration in Riga Ilmars Mezs and representatives of the Prime Minister and the State Police. According to the newspaper, the negative consequences of Latvias membership in the Schengen Agreement are increased illegal migration and criminal activities such as drug trafficking and trade in human beings.