Integration monitor is a daily Latvian press digest on ethnic minority and society integration issues. The Monitor reviews the biggest Latvian dailies: Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga (in Latvian language), Vesti Segodnya (in Russian language). In specific cases other information sources are used. Latvian Centre for Human Rights is not responsible for information published by the media.

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

Swedish diplomat Peter Semneby who previously headed OSCE mission in Latvia, onMonday officially took up his post as the new head of OSCE mission in Croatia, the OSCE said in a statement, AFP agency reported. Semneby is replacing French diplomat Bernard Poncet.

Swedish diplomat Peter Semneby who previously headed OSCE mission in Latvia, onMonday officially took up his post as the new head of OSCE mission in Croatia, the OSCE said in a statement, AFP agency reported. Semneby is replacing French diplomat Bernard Poncet. BNS

Latvia's ruling coalition council Monday agreed to form a working group for the assessment of proposal of the country's president to delete from election law the norm stating the candidates running for elections should have top state language proficiency. Vladimirs Makarovs, deputy chairman of nationalist Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK party, a ruling coalition member, said the working group will comprise heads of the ruling coalition parties, heads of their parliament factions or their deputies. The working group could invite experts as well, if needed. The first meeting of the working group is scheduled for Feb. 1.

Latvia's ruling coalition council Monday agreed to form a working group for the assessment of proposal of the country's president to delete from election law the norm stating the candidates running for elections should have top state language proficiency. Vladimirs Makarovs, deputy chairman of nationalist Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK party, a ruling coalition member, said the working group will comprise heads of the ruling coalition parties, heads of their parliament factions or their deputies. The working group could invite experts as well, if needed. The first meeting of the working group is scheduled for Feb. 1. BNS

Leaders of the ruling coalition parties and Saeima factions will hold a meeting on Friday, February 1, in order to discuss proposed amendments to the Election Law - lifting the requirement that candidates for Saeima and municipal seats must have a top-level command of the Latvian language, Vents Balodis, chairman of For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK faction, told LETA after the ruling coalition council's meeting yesterday.

Leaders of the ruling coalition parties and Saeima factions will hold a meeting on Friday, February 1, in order to discuss proposed amendments to the Election Law - lifting the requirement that candidates for Saeima and municipal seats must have a top-level command of the Latvian language, Vents Balodis, chairman of For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK faction, told LETA after the ruling coalition council's meeting yesterday. LETA

Latvian foreign minister Indulis Berzins will Jan. 30 leave for two-day official visit to Switzerland to discuss bilateral co-operation, European Union (EU) enlargement and latest developments in global security, reported the ministry. Berzins is also expected to meet with Swiss businessmen and media representatives.

Latvian foreign minister Indulis Berzins will Jan. 30 leave for two-day official visit to Switzerland to discuss bilateral co-operation, European Union (EU) enlargement and latest developments in global security, reported the ministry. Berzins is also expected to meet with Swiss businessmen and media representatives. BNS, Neatkariga

The family of Mikhail Farbtukh, convicted in Latvia for genocide, has turned to the European Court of Human Rights complaining over violations of the rights of Farbtukh as an inmate and inhuman treatment bordering with torturing, the convict's son, Vladimir, reported. The complaint was filed with the European Court of Human Rights Jan. 18.

The family of Mikhail Farbtukh, convicted in Latvia for genocide, has turned to the European Court of Human Rights complaining over violations of the rights of Farbtukh as an inmate and inhuman treatment bordering with torturing, the convict's son, Vladimir, reported. The complaint was filed with the European Court of Human Rights Jan. 18. BNS

It is possible that next week the government will get acquainted with the case of Tatjana Slivenko that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has accepted for reviewing. As LETA was told by Latvia's representative at international human rights institutions Kristine Malinovska, ECHR may send additional information on the court proceedings, and after that the government will be able to decide on further action. ECHR last week rejected a petition filed by Nikolai Slivenko, the husband of Tatyana Slivenko, on refusing him a residency permit, since the convention does not refer to Russian military officers. Their exiting Latvia was set by the Latvian-Russian treaty signed in 1994.

It is possible that next week the government will get acquainted with the case of Tatjana Slivenko that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has accepted for reviewing. As LETA was told by Latvia's representative at international human rights institutions Kristine Malinovska, ECHR may send additional information on the court proceedings, and after that the government will be able to decide on further action. ECHR last week rejected a petition filed by Nikolai Slivenko, the husband of Tatyana Slivenko, on refusing him a residency permit, since the convention does not refer to Russian military officers. Their exiting Latvia was set by the Latvian-Russian treaty signed in 1994. LETA, Vechernyaya Riga

S.Maisky in newspaper

S.Maisky in newspaper Chas gives his interpretation of Strasbourg Court order in SlivenkoТs case.

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga begins a two-week visit in the United States today. LV tells of schedule and goals of the presidentТs visit in the U.S. Russian-language press says this will be a tough visit for the president because of the long way to the U.S. and hard questions that the president might have to answer there

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga begins a two-week visit in the United States today. LV tells of schedule and goals of the presidentТs visit in the U.S. Russian-language press says this will be a tough visit for the president because of the long way to the U.S. and hard questions that the president might have to answer there. Latvijas Vestnesis, Lauku Avize, Panorama Latvii, Telegraf

When informing about the visit of the President Vaira Vike-Freiberga to the USA newspaper

When informing about the visit of the President Vaira Vike-Freiberga to the USA newspaper Chas states that MPs have spoiled this visit by not supporting her proposal.

MPs S.Dreimane and I.Udre from the New Faction state that the Satversme of the Republic of Latvia stipulates that to the Saeima may be elected any citizen, who is more than 21 years of age but at the same time in the Satversme is said that the state language in Latvia is the Latvian language. Therefore the New Faction is positive about the PresidentТs proposal to abolish the language proficiency norm for deputy candidates but considers Ц while there are not developed effective control mechanism of state language usage and the government has not found financing for this in the sate budget, it is not possible to implement PresidentТs initiative. This is an extremely essential question for society and needs calm evaluation of the situation and weighted out actions to observe the Satversme and not to weaken the positions of the Latvian language as the state language. It is evident that the position of the ruling factions against this proposal is nothing more than a pre-election posture.

MPs S.Dreimane and I.Udre from the New Faction state that the Satversme of the Republic of Latvia stipulates that to the Saeima may be elected any citizen, who is more than 21 years of age but at the same time in the Satversme is said that the state language in Latvia is the Latvian language. Therefore the New Faction is positive about the PresidentТs proposal to abolish the language proficiency norm for deputy candidates but considers Ц while there are not developed effective control mechanism of state language usage and the government has not found financing for this in the sate budget, it is not possible to implement PresidentТs initiative. This is an extremely essential question for society and needs calm evaluation of the situation and weighted out actions to observe the Satversme and not to weaken the positions of the Latvian language as the state language. It is evident that the position of the ruling factions against this proposal is nothing more than a pre-election posture. Diena

Social Anthropologist A.Putnina analyses the Latvian language situation in the context of PresidentТs proposal to amend the election laws. The discussion on this proposal shows a serious problem I the Latvian society. First of all it witnesses a split society, secondly, about a possibly unstable political situation. These are conclusions when examining the argumentation of the PresidentТs opponents. A.Putnina is worried about the possible outcome of the situation. The first way out could be that in the result of EU oriented forces we might pretend that we are not afraid, that the situation is stable and adopt the amendments. Other option could be Ц not to bother about EU and concentrate on the next election. The third way out could be to wade in to the core of the problem and investigate the reasons for this fear and find the means of prevention.

Social Anthropologist A.Putnina analyses the Latvian language situation in the context of PresidentТs proposal to amend the election laws. The discussion on this proposal shows a serious problem I the Latvian society. First of all it witnesses a split society, secondly, about a possibly unstable political situation. These are conclusions when examining the argumentation of the PresidentТs opponents. A.Putnina is worried about the possible outcome of the situation. The first way out could be that in the result of EU oriented forces we might pretend that we are not afraid, that the situation is stable and adopt the amendments. Other option could be Ц not to bother about EU and concentrate on the next election. The third way out could be to wade in to the core of the problem and investigate the reasons for this fear and find the means of prevention. Neatkariga

V.Krustins writes about the letter of US Deputy State Secretary R.Armitage to Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins. Krustins states that it is clear how to call this letter. The idea of it is clear, УPay to President Vaira Vike-Freiberga for her brave political bill, i.e. abolish the language proficiency norm. And this bill will be paid for because the only party opposing amending the election laws was FF/LNNK. And it remains for the Saeima to agree with the President Ц although she is brave, but brave while coordinating her activities with the legislators, who elect her. Krustins foresees that there will be unsatisfied people, who will say that it was pliancy to pressure. And Mr.Krustins suggests saving energy for bigger trouble. Of course, it is bad that as deputies could be elected persons, who do not know the state language or has no intention to know it. May it would be better for electors to pay more attention to the behavior of political parties, even concerning this issue. Because it is a problem of Уbig policyФ that we can influence. In reality it means to choose that power we want in Latvia.

V.Krustins writes about the letter of US Deputy State Secretary R.Armitage to Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins. Krustins states that it is clear how to call this letter. The idea of it is clear, УPay to President Vaira Vike-Freiberga for her brave political bill, i.e. abolish the language proficiency norm. And this bill will be paid for because the only party opposing amending the election laws was FF/LNNK. And it remains for the Saeima to agree with the President Ц although she is brave, but brave while coordinating her activities with the legislators, who elect her. Krustins foresees that there will be unsatisfied people, who will say that it was pliancy to pressure. And Mr.Krustins suggests saving energy for bigger trouble. Of course, it is bad that as deputies could be elected persons, who do not know the state language or has no intention to know it. May it would be better for electors to pay more attention to the behavior of political parties, even concerning this issue. Because it is a problem of Уbig policyФ that we can influence. In reality it means to choose that power we want in Latvia. Lauku Avize

Party FF/LNNK published in

Party FF/LNNK published in Lauku Avize a questionnaire asking readers to answer the following questions - whether they support the norm that the Saeima deputy candidates must know the state language and whether they support the norm that local government deputy candidates must know the state language.

Lauku Avize

published an open letter of the US Ambassador B.Carlson to the Chairman of published an open letter of the US Ambassador B.Carlson to the Chairman of Lauku AvizeLauku Avize Ltd. Board V.Serdans. Mr.Carlson writes that he noticed the unofficial questionnaire of FF/LNNK, published in this newspaper asking for readersТ opinion whether deputy candidates had to know the state language. The Ambassador does not doubt the answer Ц they have to. Nobody argues that the Latvian language has to be the official working language in the government of Latvia. In essence the leaders of FF/LNNK already decide among themselves who may and who may not run for elections, not even touching upon the election law. Mr.Carlson proposes that the wording of this question should be as follows, УDo you consider that it is right to divide citizens into two categories Ц one, who may vote (all citizens) and the other, less in number, more exclusive group who may take posts?Ф Such formulation of the question precisely characterizes the heart of the matter. Majority of Western democratic states gave up aristocracy as a class of society with special rights for many years. The current election law creates a new УaristocracyФ in Latvia that is composed by those citizens, who want to take an elected position. Due to this reason Western democratic states consider that state language proficiency norm contradicts universal international human rights and juridical standards. There are better and more democratic means how to preserve and ensure for the Latvian language the status of the state language. And reestablishing superiority Ц a group of citizens, who have more rights than others, is not one of them. Ltd. Board V.Serdans. Mr.Carlson writes that he noticed the unofficial questionnaire of FF/LNNK, published in this newspaper asking for readersТ opinion whether deputy candidates had to know the state language. The Ambassador does not doubt the answer Ц they have to. Nobody argues that the Latvian language has to be the official working language in the government of Latvia. In essence the leaders of FF/LNNK already decide among themselves who may and who may not run for elections, not even touching upon the election law. Mr.Carlson proposes that the wording of this question should be as follows, УDo you consider that it is right to divide citizens into two categories Ц one, who may vote (all citizens) and the other, less in number, more exclusive group who may take posts?Ф Such formulation of the question precisely characterizes the heart of the matter. Majority of Western democratic states gave up aristocracy as a class of society with special rights for many years. The current election law creates a new УaristocracyФ in Latvia that is composed by those citizens, who want to take an elected position. Due to this reason Western democratic states consider that state language proficiency norm contradicts universal international human rights and juridical standards. There are better and more democratic means how to preserve and ensure for the Latvian language the status of the state language. And reestablishing superiority Ц a group of citizens, who have more rights than others, is not one of them.

Lauku Avize

gives a political sketch of former leader of For Human Rights in United Latvia faction in Riga City Council Leonid Kurdjumov. He is now elected the Head of Welfare Affairs Committee of Riga City Council. His state language proficiency is not on the highest level, and answering to the question about it, he sighted and said that they Ц deputies, needed this language more than the President herself did, because they meet Latvians more often. He can read understand texts but have problems with speaking. He considers that granting the Russian language the status of the state language would be good. But unfortunately too many people in Latvia know just the Russian language and he understands the worry of Latvian intellectuals. Nevertheless if 280 years after the Neustadt Peace Treaty, including 50 years of Soviet occupation have not destroyed the Latvian language then, in the present times when the absolute power in Latvia belongs to the tittle nation, there is no grounds for worries. gives a political sketch of former leader of For Human Rights in United Latvia faction in Riga City Council Leonid Kurdjumov. He is now elected the Head of Welfare Affairs Committee of Riga City Council. His state language proficiency is not on the highest level, and answering to the question about it, he sighted and said that they Ц deputies, needed this language more than the President herself did, because they meet Latvians more often. He can read understand texts but have problems with speaking. He considers that granting the Russian language the status of the state language would be good. But unfortunately too many people in Latvia know just the Russian language and he understands the worry of Latvian intellectuals. Nevertheless if 280 years after the Neustadt Peace Treaty, including 50 years of Soviet occupation have not destroyed the Latvian language then, in the present times when the absolute power in Latvia belongs to the tittle nation, there is no grounds for worries. The anti-graft organization "Transparency International-Latvia" and "Soros Foundation-Latvia" (SFL) have launched a new project, "Atklвti par 8.Saeimas vзlзрanвm" (Publicly about 8th Saeima Elections), LETA learned from "Transparency International-Latvia". The project's council will include people who in 2001 implemented the project on transparency in political party financing, as well as other experts. The experts will hold special discussions about various specific issues, for instance, hidden advertising.

The anti-graft organization "Transparency International-Latvia" and "Soros Foundation-Latvia" (SFL) have launched a new project, "Atklвti par 8.Saeimas vзlзрanвm" (Publicly about 8th Saeima Elections), LETA learned from "Transparency International-Latvia". The project's council will include people who in 2001 implemented the project on transparency in political party financing, as well as other experts. The experts will hold special discussions about various specific issues, for instance, hidden advertising. LETA

Latvia's notorious nationalist Vieda publishing house has sent a copy of its latest book to the former far-right Prime Minister of Austria, Joerg Haider. The book titled People's Rights writes of the Latvian people's history, their freedom battles and the behavior of Latvia's Russian conquerors. The director of the Vieda publishing house, Aivars Garda reported that the book was sent in Latvian with an annotation in German. A letter attached urged Austria and other European countries to "think about the EU, as it is an organization that entices other nations in order to fool them," said Garda.

Latvia's notorious nationalist Vieda publishing house has sent a copy of its latest book to the former far-right Prime Minister of Austria, Joerg Haider. The book titled People's Rights writes of the Latvian people's history, their freedom battles and the behavior of Latvia's Russian conquerors. The director of the Vieda publishing house, Aivars Garda reported that the book was sent in Latvian with an annotation in German. A letter attached urged Austria and other European countries to "think about the EU, as it is an organization that entices other nations in order to fool them," said Garda. BNS

No

No Vesti Segodnya interviewed several Latvian MPs concerning the decision of Lithuanian parliament to amend the Constitution and grant non-citizens election right in local government election. J.Dobelis (FF/LNNK) stated that it was internal meter of Lithuania. Latvia should study international practice but when taking decisions they have to take into consideration the situation here. J.Lagzdins (PeopleТs Party) has the same opinion. Latvia has fulfilled all recommendations of international organisations concerning human rights. УAnd we do not need to amend our laws any more, including the election laws,Ф said Mr.Lagzdins. B.Cilevich (For Human Rights in United Latvia) spoke about the situation of Russian-speaking population in Lithuania and Estonia saying that one had just to envy those people for their wisdom to elect wise deputies. But many of Latvian politicians lack this property. And for the basis of current pre-election campaign for ruling parties serves nationalism. Therefore before this election politicians will not take such a step. But sooner or later the new Saeima will have to take this step.

According to official data 4.85% of all children in Latvian schools are Russians but directors of Russian schools say that 10.65% of their students are Latvians.

According to official data 4.85% of all children in Latvian schools are Russians but directors of Russian schools say that 10.65% of their students are Latvians. Vesti Segodnya

MP A.Bartashevich describing the situation during the next 10 months before the Saeima election says that deputies will try to show them from the positive side; they will bypass all draft laws with a Уminus signФ and adopt only positive ones Ц e.g. law on pensions. When speaking about the pre-election promises and their fulfillment, Mr.Bartashevich reminded that LatviaТs Way stood for integration at the same time nothing prevented them from transition of Russian schools to the language of tuition.

MP A.Bartashevich describing the situation during the next 10 months before the Saeima election says that deputies will try to show them from the positive side; they will bypass all draft laws with a Уminus signФ and adopt only positive ones Ц e.g. law on pensions. When speaking about the pre-election promises and their fulfillment, Mr.Bartashevich reminded that LatviaТs Way stood for integration at the same time nothing prevented them from transition of Russian schools to the language of tuition.