Press Review

Monday, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga has received a confidential letter from OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel mentioning (after Reuters) that the letter expressed concern about discrimination of the Russian-speaking minority by passing the new Language Law. An EC representative has said that announcing the law in the current version could definitely influence the regular progress report on Latvia. Latvia’s Foreign Ministry introduced the President to the foreign response on the Language Law, however, the ministry’s State Secretary Maris Riekstins was not authorized to disclose more information.

Monday, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga has received a confidential letter from OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel mentioning (after Reuters) that the letter expressed concern about discrimination of the Russian-speaking minority by passing the new Language Law. An EC representative has said that announcing the law in the current version could definitely influence the regular progress report on Latvia. Latvias Foreign Ministry introduced the President to the foreign response on the Language Law, however, the ministrys State Secretary Maris Riekstins was not authorized to disclose more information.

The President met the Parliament factions on Monday to hear their position on the law. The New Party offered detailed objections to the law, in their view the law is contradictory and declarative and 12 articles contradict other laws or have shortcomings. The law does not provide for punitive sanctions and appeal procedures for the charged people. For Human Rights in United Latvia believe that the law does not facilitate Latvia’s EU integration as well as integration of the population in Latvia. TB/LNNK and Social Democrats maintain that the law should be announced. Social Democrats suggested that the law after it enters into effect should be sent for EU and CE expertise and after hearing specific objections the law could be amended during the fall session.

The President met the Parliament factions on Monday to hear their position on the law. The New Party offered detailed objections to the law, in their view the law is contradictory and declarative and 12 articles contradict other laws or have shortcomings. The law does not provide for punitive sanctions and appeal procedures for the charged people. For Human Rights in United Latvia believe that the law does not facilitate Latvias EU integration as well as integration of the population in Latvia. TB/LNNK and Social Democrats maintain that the law should be announced. Social Democrats suggested that the law after it enters into effect should be sent for EU and CE expertise and after hearing specific objections the law could be amended during the fall session. Diena, Neatkariga, CM, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Monday, another rally of roughly 200 people against the Language Law gathered in downtown Riga. Speeches were about the law ignoring rights of the ethnic minorities and leading to assimilation, one speaker called for boycotting shops where the staff does not speak Russian as well as to struggle for an official status for the Russian language.

Monday, another rally of roughly 200 people against the Language Law gathered in downtown Riga. Speeches were about the law ignoring rights of the ethnic minorities and leading to assimilation, one speaker called for boycotting shops where the staff does not speak Russian as well as to struggle for an official status for the Russian language.

Starting Monday, till Thursday a group of people is staging a continuous day and night protest by the President’s Palace to wait for the President’s decision on the law.

Starting Monday, till Thursday a group of people is staging a continuous day and night protest by the Presidents Palace to wait for the Presidents decision on the law. Diena, Jauna Avize, CM, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Monday, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga invited the leader of the People’s Party Andris Skele to form the new government. The negotiations between the People’s Party, FF/LNNK and Latvia’s Way on the structure and members of the government are almost completed, coalition agreement will be prepared by Tuesday and there will be more clarity about the government declaration. It is possible that this week the Saeima will vote for the new Cabinet.

Monday, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga invited the leader of the Peoples Party Andris Skele to form the new government. The negotiations between the Peoples Party, FF/LNNK and Latvias Way on the structure and members of the government are almost completed, coalition agreement will be prepared by Tuesday and there will be more clarity about the government declaration. It is possible that this week the Saeima will vote for the new Cabinet.

Diena

publishes an interview with the OSCE observer from Latvia Georgs Kerlins after his return from Kosovo. publishes an interview with the OSCE observer from Latvia Georgs Kerlins after his return from Kosovo. Latvian Defense Minister received a letter from the NATO Secretary General asking Latvia to take part in the peace keeping forces mission in Kosovo. The Latvian soldiers could go to the region at the end of summer.

Latvian Defense Minister received a letter from the NATO Secretary General asking Latvia to take part in the peace keeping forces mission in Kosovo. The Latvian soldiers could go to the region at the end of summer. Neatkariga, Diena

Press Review

July 8, Latvian parliament by a certain majority (73 for, 16 against, 8 abstaining) passed the long-discussed State Language Law. In most cases the politicians supported versions of the law’s articles suggested by the responsible committee that correspond the OSCE recommendations but in two cases the recommendations were ignored and the commission’s opinion was rejected. MP s from the People’s Party, FF/LNNK, Social Democrats decided that the state language should be used in all public events. The above three factions and Latvia’s Way supported another provision requiring all signs, billboards, announcements in public places to be in the state language not allowing for usage of another language along with the state language. Head of the responsible commission Dzintars Abikis explained that the two above provisions have been working successfully for several years under the current law and have never been seriously objected.

July 8, Latvian parliament by a certain majority (73 for, 16 against, 8 abstaining) passed the long-discussed State Language Law. In most cases the politicians supported versions of the laws articles suggested by the responsible committee that correspond the OSCE recommendations but in two cases the recommendations were ignored and the commissions opinion was rejected. MP s from the Peoples Party, FF/LNNK, Social Democrats decided that the state language should be used in all public events. The above three factions and Latvias Way supported another provision requiring all signs, billboards, announcements in public places to be in the state language not allowing for usage of another language along with the state language. Head of the responsible commission Dzintars Abikis explained that the two above provisions have been working successfully for several years under the current law and have never been seriously objected.

However, right after being passed the new law received criticism from foreign officials as well as the local human rights specialists.

However, right after being passed the new law received criticism from foreign officials as well as the local human rights specialists. Diena refers to the head of the OSCE mission to Latvia David Johnson saying that the newly passed law is worse than the version prepared by the responsible commission before the third reading. The OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel plans to get acquainted with the law and release his comments in a few days. The conclusions of the EC regarding the law will be included in the Commissions report on Latvia this fall. There is a possibility that Hans van den Brook will submit a separate report on the Language Law. The statement released by the Russian Embassy to Latvia says the newly passed law openly discriminates national minorities in Latvia and does not correspond to the European legal standards. The Russian party adds that the passed law will be taken into account regarding the bilateral relations between Latvia and Russia. In response to the Russian statement the Latvian Foreign Ministrys State Secretary Maris Riekstins noted that the Russian institutions should respect a decision made by a sovereign country and doubted whether the Russian Foreign Ministry has seen the final version of the law. Head of the Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center Nils Muiznieks thinks that the law does not correspond to Latvias international commitments and MP s or the Human Rights Office could initiate sending the law to the Constitutional Court to review the laws compliance to the freedom of speech principle provided for by the Constitution. Head of Latvias Foreign Policy Institute Atis Lejins noted that OSCE wants to intervene too much in the countrys domestic affairs and was sure that Latvia will be able to defend its position before the Helsinki summit.

The Russian language papers mostly stress the discriminating nature of the law and the fact that the new law was passed under the pressure of the situation were parties try to get their share of the power.

The Russian language papers mostly stress the discriminating nature of the law and the fact that the new law was passed under the pressure of the situation were parties try to get their share of the power. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, BB, CM, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Most papers report on the rally of 300 to 500 people held July 8 by the Parliament building to protest the Language Law. Co-chairman of the Latvian Human Rights Committee Genady Kotov told Jauna Avize his concern was the requirement under the new law to apply to state institutions in the state language while the state is not helping to learn the language. The main placard held by the ralliers read “Linguistic dictatorship leads to Kosovo”. An organizer Tatyana Zhdanoka commented that in case of passing the law people who are not proficient in the state language may come to an aggressive reaction.

Most papers report on the rally of 300 to 500 people held July 8 by the Parliament building to protest the Language Law. Co-chairman of the Latvian Human Rights Committee Genady Kotov told Jauna Avize his concern was the requirement under the new law to apply to state institutions in the state language while the state is not helping to learn the language. The main placard held by the ralliers read Linguistic dictatorship leads to Kosovo. An organizer Tatyana Zhdanoka commented that in case of passing the law people who are not proficient in the state language may come to an aggressive reaction.

July 8, Vaira Vike-Freiberga officially became the President of Latvia.

July 8, Vaira Vike-Freiberga officially became the President of Latvia.

During the July 8 meeting the Saeima supported the draft decision submitted by the Cabinet to send 15 soldiers from Latvia to participate in peace keeping operations in Kosovo.

During the July 8 meeting the Saeima supported the draft decision submitted by the Cabinet to send 15 soldiers from Latvia to participate in peace keeping operations in Kosovo. Neatkariga

Saeima’s commission for implementation of the Citizenship Law ruled July 8 that the centralized tests in state language taken by non-Latvian high-school graduates cannot replace the tests to be taken when applying for Latvian citizenship. Commission members say that currently there is no legal bases for the move, also, after participating in some tests there had been an impression that students in some cases don’t know the language well enough.

Saeimas commission for implementation of the Citizenship Law ruled July 8 that the centralized tests in state language taken by non-Latvian high-school graduates cannot replace the tests to be taken when applying for Latvian citizenship. Commission members say that currently there is no legal bases for the move, also, after participating in some tests there had been an impression that students in some cases dont know the language well enough. Diena

The Foreign Ministry’s State Secretary Maris Riekstins told LETA that several statements made by Ole Espersen, CBSS Commissioner for National Minorities, for instance, the suggestion to grant non-citizens the right to vote in municipal elections, differ from recommendations released by other international organizations. However, the commissioner’s activities concerning Latvia should not be estimated negatively. Riekstins added that Latvia plans to turn attention to overlapping in recommendations released by Espersen and the OSCE High Commissioner. After

The Foreign Ministrys State Secretary Maris Riekstins told LETA that several statements made by Ole Espersen, CBSS Commissioner for National Minorities, for instance, the suggestion to grant non-citizens the right to vote in municipal elections, differ from recommendations released by other international organizations. However, the commissioners activities concerning Latvia should not be estimated negatively. Riekstins added that Latvia plans to turn attention to overlapping in recommendations released by Espersen and the OSCE High Commissioner. After Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Estonia is the only CBSS country that objects prolonging of Espersens mandate. The article is critical about contradictory recommendations coming simultaneously from OSCE, Council of Europe and CBSS. Neatkariga

Press Review

People’s Party, FF/LNNK and Social Democrats who have a 55 vote majority in the parliament signed an agreement July 7 on joint position in the vote on the Language Law. The parties have agreed to support two articles of the law that do not correspond the OSCE recommendations: one of them requires the state language to be used in all public events, the other provides for all signs, billboards, publicly displayed information to be only in the state language instead of the version suggested by the responsible committee where usage of another language along with the state language was admissible. Latvia’s Way has agreed to support the above position with an exception of the article about the public events. The New Party came up with an announcement suggesting to pass the law over for public discussion and delay the reading at the parliament till autumn. For Human Rights in United Latvia decided not to vote and in the event of passing the law to ask the president to not announce the law. (

Peoples Party, FF/LNNK and Social Democrats who have a 55 vote majority in the parliament signed an agreement July 7 on joint position in the vote on the Language Law. The parties have agreed to support two articles of the law that do not correspond the OSCE recommendations: one of them requires the state language to be used in all public events, the other provides for all signs, billboards, publicly displayed information to be only in the state language instead of the version suggested by the responsible committee where usage of another language along with the state language was admissible. Latvias Way has agreed to support the above position with an exception of the article about the public events. The New Party came up with an announcement suggesting to pass the law over for public discussion and delay the reading at the parliament till autumn. For Human Rights in United Latvia decided not to vote and in the event of passing the law to ask the president to not announce the law. (Diena, Neatkariga)

The comment in

The comment in Chas calls passing the Language Law in the current draft version a serious blow to the just started society integration process.

In an interview to Lauku Avize Vaira Vike-Freiberga stresses the importance of passing the Language Law in the version where nobody could “stick” to legal inconsistencies in it which is why she repeats her approach that the draft law should be sent to Saeima’s Legal Office for reviewing.

In an interview to Lauku Avize Vaira Vike-Freiberga stresses the importance of passing the Language Law in the version where nobody could stick to legal inconsistencies in it which is why she repeats her approach that the draft law should be sent to Saeimas Legal Office for reviewing. Lauku Avize, July 8.

The model of the new government as well as the candidate for prime minister’s position to come either from FF/LNNK or People’s Party is expected to be known by this Friday. Party leaders predict that at the end of the next week the Saeima could vote to confirm the new government.

The model of the new government as well as the candidate for prime ministers position to come either from FF/LNNK or Peoples Party is expected to be known by this Friday. Party leaders predict that at the end of the next week the Saeima could vote to confirm the new government. Chas reports that during the July 7 negotiations it had been almost decided that Gundars Berzins from Peoples Party should become the next prime minister while other papers mention that there are other forces behind the government formation who would like to see Ingrida Udre from the New Party as the head of the government keeping the structure and ministers of the current cabinet. A working group with politicians from Peoples Party, FF/LNNK, New Party, Social Democrats have set to developing the new government declaration. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Jauna Avize, July 7 Rigas Balss

July 7 was the last day for Guntis Ulmanis in the President’s office. He spent the day meeting Saeima’s faction leaders, presenting and signing copies of a photo album depicting moments from his presidency, opening his portrait displayed at the President’s Palace.

July 7 was the last day for Guntis Ulmanis in the Presidents office. He spent the day meeting Saeimas faction leaders, presenting and signing copies of a photo album depicting moments from his presidency, opening his portrait displayed at the Presidents Palace.

Prosecutor General Janis Skrastins admitted that the attempt of bribing during the presidential elections and reported to the Prosecutors’ Office by Juris Bojars is a serious case and it is possible to prove the fact.

Prosecutor General Janis Skrastins admitted that the attempt of bribing during the presidential elections and reported to the Prosecutors Office by Juris Bojars is a serious case and it is possible to prove the fact. Diena after LETA.

Press Review

The four Latvian parliament factions: FF/LNNK, People’s Party, New Party, Social Democrats will sign an agreement protocol Wednesday, July 7 to formulate their attitude toward the suggested amendments to the Language law. After the July 6 meeting of the above parties and the president-elect Vaira Vike-Freiberga the party representatives said they could support the suggestion of the Saeima’s Legal Office to impose the state language to be used at the meetings only in companies where the state or a local government is the largest shareholder. However, the politicians decided to return to the formulation passed in the draft law’s second reading providing that the state language should be used in all public events since this provision had been successfully implemented and practised under the current law. The factions did not support Freiberga’s proposal to delay reading of the draft law till autumn. Freiberga mentioned that there is always a possibility to send the passed law for a repeated reviewing if there are grounded objections from the EU, however, she added, if the law is passed by a sure parliament majority and there are no serious drawbacks in the law she tended to respect the will of the majority and announce the law.

The four Latvian parliament factions: FF/LNNK, Peoples Party, New Party, Social Democrats will sign an agreement protocol Wednesday, July 7 to formulate their attitude toward the suggested amendments to the Language law. After the July 6 meeting of the above parties and the president-elect Vaira Vike-Freiberga the party representatives said they could support the suggestion of the Saeimas Legal Office to impose the state language to be used at the meetings only in companies where the state or a local government is the largest shareholder. However, the politicians decided to return to the formulation passed in the draft laws second reading providing that the state language should be used in all public events since this provision had been successfully implemented and practised under the current law. The factions did not support Freibergas proposal to delay reading of the draft law till autumn. Freiberga mentioned that there is always a possibility to send the passed law for a repeated reviewing if there are grounded objections from the EU, however, she added, if the law is passed by a sure parliament majority and there are no serious drawbacks in the law she tended to respect the will of the majority and announce the law. Diena columnist fears that the attempts of FF/LNNK to make parts of the draft law tougher may cause problems for the country and confront the president-elect with the parliament. (Diena, Neatkariga)

BB, CM, Panorama Latvii

write about the press conference given by a politician from the left opposition faction For Human Rights in United Latvia Alexander Bartashevich who spoke critically of the current version of the draft law offering to either accept all OSCE recommendations or the suggestions coming from his faction that are more oriented toward the local situation as well as to improve the environment for learning the state language. Other articles in CM and PL express the concern about the decreasing role of the Russian language in the society. write about the press conference given by a politician from the left opposition faction For Human Rights in United Latvia Alexander Bartashevich who spoke critically of the current version of the draft law offering to either accept all OSCE recommendations or the suggestions coming from his faction “that are more oriented toward the local situation” as well as to improve the environment for learning the state language. Other articles in CM and PL express the concern about the decreasing role of the Russian language in the society. People’s Party and FF/LNNK have started official negotiations with Social Democrats and New Party about forming the new government while the relations with Latvia’s Way are still unclear although Latvia’s Way announced July 6 that the best government model would include the three biggest parties. The model will be more clear by this Friday. The new prime minister most likely will be nominated by the newly elected president as July 7 is the last day for Guntis Ulmanis in the office. His personal opinion expressed on Tuesday was that the prime minister should come from a political party and shouldn’t be picked among the former prime ministers. After People’s Party and FF/LNNK, the new government will be small - without the state ministers, also, it has been mentioned that the foreign minister’s office will not be given to Latvia’s Way even if the party will be in the government.

Peoples Party and FF/LNNK have started official negotiations with Social Democrats and New Party about forming the new government while the relations with Latvias Way are still unclear although Latvias Way announced July 6 that the best government model would include the three biggest parties. The model will be more clear by this Friday. The new prime minister most likely will be nominated by the newly elected president as July 7 is the last day for Guntis Ulmanis in the office. His personal opinion expressed on Tuesday was that the prime minister should come from a political party and shouldnt be picked among the former prime ministers. After Peoples Party and FF/LNNK, the new government will be small - without the state ministers, also, it has been mentioned that the foreign ministers office will not be given to Latvias Way even if the party will be in the government.

Press Review

July 5, the Latvian Prime Minister Vilis Kristopans announced on an early morning address on the state radio his decision to submit his resignation paper to the President on July 7 explaining that he was forced to resign after a ruling coalition member FF/LNNK signed an agreement with the opposition People’s Party July 3. Politicians from FF/LNNK respond that their move was a reaction to Kristopans’ attempts to throw

July 5, the Latvian Prime Minister Vilis Kristopans announced on an early morning address on the state radio his decision to submit his resignation paper to the President on July 7 explaining that he was forced to resign after a ruling coalition member FF/LNNK signed an agreement with the opposition Peoples Party July 3. Politicians from FF/LNNK respond that their move was a reaction to Kristopans attempts to throw Fatherland out of the coalition. The parties have started negotiations about the possible models of the new government with Peoples Party and Fatherland as the key players to be joined either by Social Democrats and the New Party or Latvias Way. The prime minister is said to come from one of the two main parties. CM reports that the new coalition will be right-wing and the Social Democrats may turn not invited. (Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, CM, BB, Chas, Panorama Latvii).

In response to the requests and advice from different European officials to postpone the vote on the final version of the Language law the parliament faction FF/LNNK has decided to support the vote to stay on agenda as they do not consider the inconcrete objections of the foreign institutions as a sufficient reason to delay the vote. Head of the faction said the law could be amended later if the EU presents objections concerning specific articles of the law. Social Democrats and People’s Party expressed a similar position although they are still going to look at the issue July 6 and 7. Latvia’s Way politicians say the law should stay on July 8 agenda but before the vote it should be sent to the Parliament’s Legal Office to get rid of legal contradictions. For Human Rights in United Latvia is in general critical about the law. The New Party will release their stand on Wednesday, July 7. President Guntis Ulmanis in an interview to the national radio July 5 mentioned that the law should be considered after the new government is in place. The president-elect Ms. Freiberga will possibly initiate reviewing of separate articles of the law, she said that Latvia has only two choices - to observe the OSCE recommendations as that is a requirement of the EU legislation or to risk not to be asked to join the EU. Head of the Commission for Education Dzintars Abikis believes that as far as the articles concerning the language in business where OSCE recommendations have not been observed Saeima should support the suggestions coming from the Legal Office and not the version accepted by the commission. (

In response to the requests and advice from different European officials to postpone the vote on the final version of the Language law the parliament faction FF/LNNK has decided to support the vote to stay on agenda as they do not consider the inconcrete objections of the foreign institutions as a sufficient reason to delay the vote. Head of the faction said the law could be amended later if the EU presents objections concerning specific articles of the law. Social Democrats and Peoples Party expressed a similar position although they are still going to look at the issue July 6 and 7. Latvias Way politicians say the law should stay on July 8 agenda but before the vote it should be sent to the Parliaments Legal Office to get rid of legal contradictions. For Human Rights in United Latvia is in general critical about the law. The New Party will release their stand on Wednesday, July 7. President Guntis Ulmanis in an interview to the national radio July 5 mentioned that the law should be considered after the new government is in place. The president-elect Ms. Freiberga will possibly initiate reviewing of separate articles of the law, she said that Latvia has only two choices - to observe the OSCE recommendations as that is a requirement of the EU legislation or to risk not to be asked to join the EU. Head of the Commission for Education Dzintars Abikis believes that as far as the articles concerning the language in business where OSCE recommendations have not been observed Saeima should support the suggestions coming from the Legal Office and not the version accepted by the commission. (Diena)

Russian-language papers

Russian-language papers Chas, BB, CM express their surprise about the Latvian parliamentarians not going to listen to advice offered by the European officials as three parliament parties, ethno-radicals(BB), that makes a majority have decided to support the current version of the law. CM and Chas inform about a rally organized by the Equality movement to take place by the parliament building on the day of the vote to protest to the current version of the law as the draft law does not correspond to the European regulations and can considerably aggravate the situation of non-Latvian population.