Press Report

The government on Tuesday assigned Interior Minister Mareks Seglins to check whether the current head of DCMA Ints Zitars is appropriate for his position. The government did not approve the results of the tender for making the ID documents as the concept of these documents was not adopted during the previous government meeting. The concept should be ready by next January 15.

The government on Tuesday assigned Interior Minister Mareks Seglins to check whether the current head of DCMA Ints Zitars is appropriate for his position. The government did not approve the results of the tender for making the ID documents as the concept of these documents was not adopted during the previous government meeting. The concept should be ready by next January 15. Diena, Neatkariga, BB

Russia granted citizenship only to two pilots from Latvia who are in prison in India. The issue of citizenship for other two pilots is still being considered. Deputy State Secretary of Latvian Foreign Ministry Janis Karklins forecasted that the court most likely will sentence the pilots to the term they have already served but after getting released they may have problems with entering Latvia due to Russia's move of granting citizenship.

Russia granted citizenship only to two pilots from Latvia who are in prison in India. The issue of citizenship for other two pilots is still being considered. Deputy State Secretary of Latvian Foreign Ministry Janis Karklins forecasted that the court most likely will sentence the pilots to the term they have already served but after getting released they may have problems with entering Latvia due to Russia's move of granting citizenship. Diena, Vesti, Rigas Balss

Diena

runs another comment by Aigars Jirgens from Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK about society integration in response to the letter from Elmars Vebers. runs another comment by Aigars Jirgens from Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK about society integration in response to the letter from Elmars Vebers. In the back page interview to

In the back page interview to Diena Eizenija Aldermane, head of Naturalization Board tells about how the situation has changed regarding possibilities of integration in Latvia since the time her institution was established to now.

The parliamentary investigation commission in pedophilia case has submitted an inquiry to Chairman of the Supreme Court signed by 52 MPs asking to check the work of the Prosecutor General Janis Skrastins.

The parliamentary investigation commission in pedophilia case has submitted an inquiry to Chairman of the Supreme Court signed by 52 MPs asking to check the work of the Prosecutor General Janis Skrastins. Diena

Press Report

More than a half (54.7%) of the Russian citizens who live in Latvia voted for the Communist Party at the Russian Duma elections. 7794 citizens or 13.4% took part in the elections.

More than a half (54.7%) of the Russian citizens who live in Latvia voted for the Communist Party at the Russian Duma elections. 7794 citizens or 13.4% took part in the elections. BB, Chas

63.1% of the residents in Latvia (72.5% of non-citizens and 60.6% of Latvian citizens) care about the result of elections in Russia.

63.1% of the residents in Latvia (72.5% of non-citizens and 60.6% of Latvian citizens) care about the result of elections in Russia. Neatkariga, Diena, Panorama Latvii

President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga yesterday signed the State Language Law passed by the Saeima on December 9. The law is proclaimed today. In an interview to Latvijas Radio the president noted that the law is a big gain for Latvia as Latvia has declared to the whole world that it will keep just one state language.

President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga yesterday signed the State Language Law passed by the Saeima on December 9. The law is proclaimed today. In an interview to Latvijas Radio the president noted that the law is a big gain for Latvia as Latvia has declared to the whole world that it will keep just one state language. Neatkariga

In an interview to Latvijas radio yesterday Vaira Vike-Freiberga admitted that there is an obvious progress in the naturalization procedure as well as in the attitude of non-citizens. She said it is important for the stability of Latvia that a possibly bigger number of non-citizens strengthen their ties with the state.

In an interview to Latvijas radio yesterday Vaira Vike-Freiberga admitted that there is an obvious progress in the naturalization procedure as well as in the attitude of non-citizens. She said it is important for the stability of Latvia that a possibly bigger number of non-citizens strengthen their ties with the state. Diena, Panorama Latvii, Jauna Avize

Shortly before announcing the verdict for the pilots from Latvia in India Russia has granted its citizenship to them. Latvian Foreign Ministry considers this move as counterproductive as according to Latvian laws foreign citizens who have been tried for criminal offences are forbidden to enter Latvia. The Foreign Ministry warned that Russia may try to use this fact in the campaign of violations of minority rights in Latvia.

Shortly before announcing the verdict for the pilots from Latvia in India Russia has granted its citizenship to them. Latvian Foreign Ministry considers this move as counterproductive as according to Latvian laws foreign citizens who have been tried for criminal offences are forbidden to enter Latvia. The Foreign Ministry warned that Russia may try to use this fact in the campaign of violations of minority rights in Latvia. Diena

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga believes that a mechanism is needed to check the quality of the work of Prosecutor General's Office. She thinks that the attempt of the MPs to consider the work of the Office is a very serious step and cannot be taken as a political provocation of the chairman of the parliamentary investigation commission.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga believes that a mechanism is needed to check the quality of the work of Prosecutor General's Office. She thinks that the attempt of the MPs to consider the work of the Office is a very serious step and cannot be taken as a political provocation of the chairman of the parliamentary investigation commission. Neatkariga

Panorama Latvii

runs a comment concerning the Language Law entering into force saying that it is not possible to forbid more by the new law than it is forbidden now. runs a comment concerning the Language Law entering into force saying that it is not possible to forbid more by the new law than it is forbidden now.

Vesti

publishes an article about integration through education stating that children in Russian schools after finishing a school with bi-lingual eduaction students will not be competitive in their further studies. publishes an article about integration through education stating that children in Russian schools after finishing a school with bi-lingual eduaction students will not be competitive in their further studies.

Press Report

For the third time Riga City Council organized an event on the occasion of granting citizenship to Latvian residents. The new citizens were greeted by the Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane and Deputy Chairman of the Riga City Council Andris Argalis

For the third time Riga City Council organized an event on the occasion of granting citizenship to Latvian residents. The new citizens were greeted by the Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane and Deputy Chairman of the Riga City Council Andris Argalis. Diena, Panorama Latvii

The Supreme Court of Latvia ruled yesterday that Tatjana Zdanoka, Riga City Council deputy from the Equality movement, has been active in Communist Party after Januray 13 of 1991 and for that reason she cannot be elected. Zdanoka is planning to appeal the decision in a month’s time as she states that the prosecution has based its charge on forged archives but if she does not succeed she is ready to take the case to the European Human Rights Court.

The Supreme Court of Latvia ruled yesterday that Tatjana Zdanoka, Riga City Council deputy from the Equality movement, has been active in Communist Party after Januray 13 of 1991 and for that reason she cannot be elected. Zdanoka is planning to appeal the decision in a months time as she states that the prosecution has based its charge on forged archives but if she does not succeed she is ready to take the case to the European Human Rights Court. Diena, BB, Panorama Latvii, Vesti

After the survey carried out by Latvijas Fakti, more than 2/3 of residents in Latvia recognize that they are not sufficiently informed about the EU and its influence on Latvia.

After the survey carried out by Latvijas Fakti, more than 2/3 of residents in Latvia recognize that they are not sufficiently informed about the EU and its influence on Latvia. Diena

In response to the warning issued by the American Embassy to Latvia about the possible shortage of electric power and water at the turn of the years because of Latvia’s dependence on the electric power from Russia. The Latvian elctric power utility Latvenergo yesterday announced that Latvia can ensure power for two days independently from the neighboring countries.

In response to the warning issued by the American Embassy to Latvia about the possible shortage of electric power and water at the turn of the years because of Latvias dependence on the electric power from Russia. The Latvian elctric power utility Latvenergo yesterday announced that Latvia can ensure power for two days independently from the neighboring countries. Diena

The Prime Minister’s nominee for the Education Minister’s position Maris Vitols at the Saeima vote will be supported by the ruling coalition factions but not the opposition.

The Prime Ministers nominee for the Education Ministers position Maris Vitols at the Saeima vote will be supported by the ruling coalition factions but not the opposition. Neatkariga

Currently 49 teachers want to leave their jobs at schools as of Januray 1 in connection with the new amendments to the Pension Law forbidding to get pensions bigger than 60 lats for the working pensioners.

Currently 49 teachers want to leave their jobs at schools as of Januray 1 in connection with the new amendments to the Pension Law forbidding to get pensions bigger than 60 lats for the working pensioners. Neatkariga

All Saeima’s factions yesterday rejected the new draft payment system proposed by the Saeima’s Office. The draft provided for the salary increase for the parliamentarians as well as differentiated salaries for ordinary MPs and those who hold certain positions in theParliament.

All Saeimas factions yesterday rejected the new draft payment system proposed by the Saeimas Office. The draft provided for the salary increase for the parliamentarians as well as differentiated salaries for ordinary MPs and those who hold certain positions in theParliament. Neatkariga

At receiving the prise of Public Harmony Eizenija Aldermane said that the work of society integration may bring fruits only after two generations. However, she believes that the integration program is on the right track although it is being critized by those who hold leftist and rightest opinions.

At receiving the prise of Public Harmony Eizenija Aldermane said that the work of society integration may bring fruits only after two generations. However, she believes that the integration program is on the right track although it is being critized by those who hold leftist and rightest opinions. Vesti

Panorama Latvii

comments a letter of a reader who has noticed some job announcements requiring the applicant to speak native Latvian which in his opinion means that actually the employers are looking for an ethnic Latvian to work for them. comments a letter of a reader who has noticed some job announcements requiring the applicant to speak native Latvian which in his opinion means that actually the employers are looking for an ethnic Latvian to work for them.

Press Report

Yesterday Soros Foundation - Latvia gave awards of Public Harmony for special merits in bringing closer Latvia's ethnic groups. Among the awardees were Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane, scientists of the University of Latvia Ethnic Studies Center Elmars Vebers, Ilga Apine, Leo Dribins, Vladislavs Volkovs for a series of books about different national groups in Latvia

Yesterday Soros Foundation - Latvia gave awards of Public Harmony for special merits in bringing closer Latvia's ethnic groups. Among the awardees were Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane, scientists of the University of Latvia Ethnic Studies Center Elmars Vebers, Ilga Apine, Leo Dribins, Vladislavs Volkovs for a series of books about different national groups in Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii, Chas, Vesti

US Department of State in an official letter expressed congratulations regarding the adoption of the Language Law.

US Department of State in an official letter expressed congratulations regarding the adoption of the Language Law. Diena, Neatkariga

A comment by Elmars Vebers in

A comment by Elmars Vebers in Diena continues the discussion about society integration in Latvia.

Diena

interviews Ilga Apine in connection with the Soros Foundation award. She has written books "Belorussians in Latvia" and "Slavs in Latvia". She suggests that the Russian language in Latvia should be called the local minority language and not the foreign language. interviews Ilga Apine in connection with the Soros Foundation award. She has written books "Belorussians in Latvia" and "Slavs in Latvia". She suggests that the Russian language in Latvia should be called the local minority language and not the foreign language. Prime Minister Andris Skele yesterday oficially informed heads of the ruling coalition about Maris Vitols as the nominee for the position of the Education Minister. Of all the ruling faction only Latvia's Way has not expressed its opion about the nominee. The faction memebrs want to hear Vitols' plans in the position.

Prime Minister Andris Skele yesterday oficially informed heads of the ruling coalition about Maris Vitols as the nominee for the position of the Education Minister. Of all the ruling faction only Latvia's Way has not expressed its opion about the nominee. The faction memebrs want to hear Vitols' plans in the position. Neatkariga

After Head of the European Commission Delegation in Latvia Gunter Weiss, Head of the EC Romano Prodi is planning to visit Latvia next February 9-10. Mr. Weiss added that the problem of non-citizens may become an obstacle in EU accession negotiations as after several years Latvia will still have some hundreds of thousands of non-citizens.

After Head of the European Commission Delegation in Latvia Gunter Weiss, Head of the EC Romano Prodi is planning to visit Latvia next February 9-10. Mr. Weiss added that the problem of non-citizens may become an obstacle in EU accession negotiations as after several years Latvia will still have some hundreds of thousands of non-citizens. Chas

The government yesterday did not confirm the concept of ID cards and travel documents. Interior Ministry was assigned to finalize the document.

The government yesterday did not confirm the concept of ID cards and travel documents. Interior Ministry was assigned to finalize the document. Chas

Russian citizens residing in Latvia will have the possibility to vote in the Russian Duma elections here on Dec. 19. According to Latvian DCMA, there are roughly 15,000 Russian citizens in Latvia. Polling stations are in Riga, Liepaja and Daugavpils.

Russian citizens residing in Latvia will have the possibility to vote in the Russian Duma elections here on Dec. 19. According to Latvian DCMA, there are roughly 15,000 Russian citizens in Latvia. Polling stations are in Riga, Liepaja and Daugavpils. Jauna Avize

Vesti

interviews the nominee for Education Minister's position Maris Vitols. Speaking about the reforms in Russian schools Vitols stresses that the main task for him will be attracting resources to ensure better Latvian language teaching in ethnic minority schools.

Press Report

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Skele yesterday announced that the main thing for Latvia on the way to joining the EU will be the state administration reform and the territorial reform. These fields were pointed out in the report of the European Commission on Latvia.

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Skele yesterday announced that the main thing for Latvia on the way to joining the EU will be the state administration reform and the territorial reform. These fields were pointed out in the report of the European Commission on Latvia. Vesti

Panorama Latvii

interviews several experts on another problem connected with the deadline for exchanging passports - people who have passed naturalization exams and are waiting for the decision to grant them citizenship and who have only the former USSR passport. Prime Minister Andris Skele has nominated an MP from his party Maris Vitols to take the post of the Education Minister. Saeima will have the vote on this issue on Thursady.

Prime Minister Andris Skele has nominated an MP from his party Maris Vitols to take the post of the Education Minister. Saeima will have the vote on this issue on Thursady. Diena

Aivars Endzins was elected once again the Acting Chairman of the Constitutional Court for the term of three years. He cannot be elected chairman as the Saeima has still not appointed the seventh judge of the court.

Aivars Endzins was elected once again the Acting Chairman of the Constitutional Court for the term of three years. He cannot be elected chairman as the Saeima has still not appointed the seventh judge of the court. Diena

The US Ambassador to Latvia James Holmes is the only foreign ambassador accredited to Latvia who has expressed a written recognition to the Prime Minister Andris Skele regarding the adopted Language Law.

The US Ambassador to Latvia James Holmes is the only foreign ambassador accredited to Latvia who has expressed a written recognition to the Prime Minister Andris Skele regarding the adopted Language Law. Diena

Top Latvian officials who are in charge of foreign politics do not agree to the concern publicly expressed by the Saeima Speaker Janis Straume about the possibility for Latvia to keep its national identity within the EU. Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK chairman Maris Grinblats commented that the party has not changed its principal support for joining the EU but it will focus on defining Latvia’s interests in connection with the EU integration.

Top Latvian officials who are in charge of foreign politics do not agree to the concern publicly expressed by the Saeima Speaker Janis Straume about the possibility for Latvia to keep its national identity within the EU. Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK chairman Maris Grinblats commented that the party has not changed its principal support for joining the EU but it will focus on defining Latvias interests in connection with the EU integration. Diena