Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday the Saeima Presidium and representatives of the fractions agreed to have the elections of the State President on 17 June.

Yesterday the Saeima Presidium and representatives of the fractions agreed to have the elections of the State President on 17 June. Diena

Yesterday Latvia and Lithuania initialled the agreement on sea border.

Yesterday Latvia and Lithuania initialled the agreement on sea border. Diena

Today the Joint Committee on the Skrunda Radar holds the press conference on the occasion of the 4th anniversary of the Joint Committee. The OSCE representative Jurgen Huebschen, representative of the Russian Party Alexander Nikitin and the Latvian representative Edgars Skuja will take part.

Today the Joint Committee on the Skrunda Radar holds the press conference on the occasion of the 4th anniversary of the Joint Committee. The OSCE representative Jurgen Huebschen, representative of the Russian Party Alexander Nikitin and the Latvian representative Edgars Skuja will take part. Jauna Avize

High School graduates who will successfully pass the centralised Latvian language examination, will not need to take the state language examination when naturalising. That became possible after the co-ordination of the requirements of the Ministry of Education and the Naturalisation Board. Approximately 2400 graduates of national minority schools will take the centralised Latvian language examination on 1 June. To ensure the objectivity of the examination, officials of the Naturalisation Board and members of the Saeima Standing Committee on Implementation of the Citizenship Law will participate at the exam as observers. The Naturalisation Board prepared necessary amendments to the Cabinet of Ministers Regulations on the examination of the Latvian language proficiency. The Saeima Standing Committee on Implementation of the Citizenship Law, however, has decided to assess the compliance of the agreement between the Ministry of Education and the Naturalisation Board with the Latvian legislation.

High School graduates who will successfully pass the centralised Latvian language examination, will not need to take the state language examination when naturalising. That became possible after the co-ordination of the requirements of the Ministry of Education and the Naturalisation Board. Approximately 2400 graduates of national minority schools will take the centralised Latvian language examination on 1 June. To ensure the objectivity of the examination, officials of the Naturalisation Board and members of the Saeima Standing Committee on Implementation of the Citizenship Law will participate at the exam as observers. The Naturalisation Board prepared necessary amendments to the Cabinet of Ministers Regulations on the examination of the Latvian language proficiency. The Saeima Standing Committee on Implementation of the Citizenship Law, however, has decided to assess the compliance of the agreement between the Ministry of Education and the Naturalisation Board with the Latvian legislation. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, B&B

In order to facilitate the implementation of the national minority education programs, the Ministry of Education has prepared one sample program which offers four models of bilingual education. According to the Education Law, on 1 September 1999 national minority schools should begin implementation of these programs. Igor Pimenov, Director of the Association for Support of Schools with the Russian language of instruction, expressed doubts whether teachers of national minority schools will be methodologically prepared to teach according to bilingual education models. Director of the Academic division of the 17th Secondary School N. Gasulis told Diena that teachers have already started to prepare the methodology of bilingual education and are ready to teach a part of subjects in Latvian although at the beginning it will be difficult.

In order to facilitate the implementation of the national minority education programs, the Ministry of Education has prepared one sample program which offers four models of bilingual education. According to the Education Law, on 1 September 1999 national minority schools should begin implementation of these programs. Igor Pimenov, Director of the Association for Support of Schools with the Russian language of instruction, expressed doubts whether teachers of national minority schools will be methodologically prepared to teach according to bilingual education models. Director of the Academic division of the 17th Secondary School N. Gasulis told Diena that teachers have already started to prepare the methodology of bilingual education and are ready to teach a part of subjects in Latvian although at the beginning it will be difficult. Diena

After long discussions on Wednesday the People’s Part decided to support the version of the Language law provision concerning the language proficiency of persons working in the private sphere, prepared by the Legal Office of the Saeima. This version corresponds with the OSCE recommendation concerning this provision. Still, the People’s Party does not agree with other OSCE recommendation about the use of language at meetings of enterprises. The People’s Party believes that the State Language law should be adopted before the summer recession.

After long discussions on Wednesday the Peoples Part decided to support the version of the Language law provision concerning the language proficiency of persons working in the private sphere, prepared by the Legal Office of the Saeima. This version corresponds with the OSCE recommendation concerning this provision. Still, the Peoples Party does not agree with other OSCE recommendation about the use of language at meetings of enterprises. The Peoples Party believes that the State Language law should be adopted before the summer recession. Diena

Dr.iur. Juris Bolis believes that the opinion of foreign investors in Latvia about the State language law should be taken into account, since they could withdraw from Latvia if they see that implementation of the State language law provisions, as they look now, could hinder the effective work of their firms. He thinks that the government should create an effective Ombudsman institution to mediate between the private firms and governmental institutions.

Dr.iur. Juris Bolis believes that the opinion of foreign investors in Latvia about the State language law should be taken into account, since they could withdraw from Latvia if they see that implementation of the State language law provisions, as they look now, could hinder the effective work of their firms. He thinks that the government should create an effective Ombudsman institution to mediate between the private firms and governmental institutions. Diena in Russian

Panorama Latvii journalist S. Zaletayev analyses the Alternative Conception of the State Integration Program proposed by Russian public organisations. He suggests to take out of the alternative conception the chapter on Social Aspect of Integration because it is a separate subject to be dealt in more detailed way, and the chapter on Historical Aspect because it is more reasonable to have present as the basis and discuss the future, and to leave history for historians. In conclusion of the article Mr.Zaletayev quotes the head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia David Johnson saying that the conception in its present version deserves critical comments. But in order to benefit from critics, they should be constructive. It is not enough to say We do not like it. If a part of the society believes that the document is unsatisfactory or one-sided, now is the time to propose new formulations and concrete ideas. When the final version appears, it will be too late to state: We do not need such an integration program. Panorama Latvii

Press Review

Press Review

Latvia is the only European country (except for Yugoslavia) which despite the EU recommendations has not declined to have high level contacts with Byelorussia, the Byelorussian Ambassador in Latvia M. Marinich has told in the interview for the Byelorussian newspaper Respublika on Wednesday. Commenting the mentioned information, the State Secretary of the Latvian MFA M. Riekstins told journalists that according to the Latvian foreign affairs conception, relations with Byelorussia are important for Latvia, therefore the dialogue is conducted on various levels. At the same time, Latvia has informed the Byelorussian party about its position concerning the lack of democratic institutes there.

Latvia is the only European country (except for Yugoslavia) which despite the EU recommendations has not declined to have high level contacts with Byelorussia, the Byelorussian Ambassador in Latvia M. Marinich has told in the interview for the Byelorussian newspaper Respublika on Wednesday. Commenting the mentioned information, the State Secretary of the Latvian MFA M. Riekstins told journalists that according to the Latvian foreign affairs conception, relations with Byelorussia are important for Latvia, therefore the dialogue is conducted on various levels. At the same time, Latvia has informed the Byelorussian party about its position concerning the lack of democratic institutes there. Diena

Chas journalist L. Fedoseev comments differences in revealing the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner M. van der Stoel to Latvia by two TV companies: the private LNT company and the public LTV-1. While the LNT stressed that the High Commissioner had insisted on at least three amendments to the State Language law , otherwise Latvia would have serious problems with joining the EU, the public LTV-1 informed that the High Commissioner was satisfied with the law, presenting no special requirements. The journalist concludes that the public television, instead of informing, brain-washes the public. Chas

Polish Primary school is not satisfied with a school reorganisation plan proposed by the Riga City Council, according to pupils of the 1-4 grades will remain in the primary school building while students of 5-9 grade will be transferred to the Polish Secondary School. Due to inappropriate classrooms and unqualitative teaching, this year the accreditation commission refused to issue the accreditation to the Polish Primary School. It, however, does not mean that the school will be closed. It is under the competence of the school’s founder - the Riga City Council to decide the future of the school.

Polish Primary school is not satisfied with a school reorganisation plan proposed by the Riga City Council, according to pupils of the 1-4 grades will remain in the primary school building while students of 5-9 grade will be transferred to the Polish Secondary School. Due to inappropriate classrooms and unqualitative teaching, this year the accreditation commission refused to issue the accreditation to the Polish Primary School. It, however, does not mean that the school will be closed. It is under the competence of the schools founder - the Riga City Council to decide the future of the school. Jauna Avize

Commenting the report on the implementation of the activity plan for the public discussion of the state integration program,

Commenting the report on the implementation of the activity plan for the public discussion of the state integration program, Lauku Avize journalist V. Krustins questions the objective of the concluding conference that will take place on 28-29 May, to summarise the results of the public discussion, if the informative leaflets asking people to give their opinions were distributed so late.
Besides he is against the establishing of one more bureau with furniture, stationary and limousine- the Integration Bureau. Mr. Krustins doubts whether different parties of integration process are aware of what integration should mean for each of them. Lauku Avize

Lauku Avize

publishes opinions of people from different regions concerning the social integration. All of them think that the integration campaign is exaggerated and that other issues (like unemployment) are more important for the countryside. publishes opinions of people from different regions concerning the social integration. All of them think that the integration campaign is exaggerated and that other issues (like unemployment) are more important for the countryside. D. Baltaiskalna, Latvian University Ph.D. student, analyses a role of interpersonal communication and mass media communication in the social integration process. She quotes results of various Baltic Data House surveys. General conclusions are that since 1998 the role of the Latvian language in all sociolinguistic functions has increased and the situation of the language can be promoted by reasonable activities of the mass media.

D. Baltaiskalna, Latvian University Ph.D. student, analyses a role of interpersonal communication and mass media communication in the social integration process. She quotes results of various Baltic Data House surveys. General conclusions are that since 1998 the role of the Latvian language in all sociolinguistic functions has increased and the situation of the language can be promoted by reasonable activities of the mass media. Rigas Balss

Press Review

Press Review

On Tuesday at meeting with the OSCE High Commissioner M. van der Stoel the Head of the Naturalisation Board E. Aldermane said that the naturalisation process might be completed within 5-7 years if the applicants’ activity does not diminish and the Latvian government continues supporting the naturalisation.

On Tuesday at meeting with the OSCE High Commissioner M. van der Stoel the Head of the Naturalisation Board E. Aldermane said that the naturalisation process might be completed within 5-7 years if the applicants activity does not diminish and the Latvian government continues supporting the naturalisation. B&B

Completing the visit to Latvia, the OSCE High Commissioner M. Van der Stoel said that the Language Law should not be adopted in hurry and all its provisions should be formulated more precisely.

Completing the visit to Latvia, the OSCE High Commissioner M. Van der Stoel said that the Language Law should not be adopted in hurry and all its provisions should be formulated more precisely.
The High Commissioner acknowledged that the dialogue with deputies was constructive. However, further discussions are necessary to achieve the unified and precise understanding about the terminology of the law.
The most important task for years to come will be the implementation of the Social Integration Program. Although the draft program is not perfect, the High Commissioner was pleased with the public discussion of the program.
Furthermore, the High Commissioner considers it important to continue the Latvian language training program and promised to help with finding additional financing for the program. Diena, Neatkariga

After the meeting with the High Commissioner M. van der Stoel Mr. Dzintars Abikis, chair of the Saeima Standing Committee on Education told journalists that nothing bad would happen if the Language law was adopted after the summer recession of the Saeima. According to unofficial information at the disposal of

After the meeting with the High Commissioner M. van der Stoel Mr. Dzintars Abikis, chair of the Saeima Standing Committee on Education told journalists that nothing bad would happen if the Language law was adopted after the summer recession of the Saeima. According to unofficial information at the disposal of SM, many fractions support the postponing of the consideration of the language law till the fall. SM

During the press conference of the High Commissioner SM journalist N. Lebedeva handed over more than 300 cards filled by

During the press conference of the High Commissioner SM journalist N. Lebedeva handed over more than 300 cards filled by SM readers supporting the OSCE recommendations in the sphere of language. SM

PANORAMA LATVII publishes an alternative draft concept document of the Social Integration Program elaborated by the Co-ordination Council of the Public Organisations, including the Russian Community in Latvia, the Union of the Ukrainians in Latvia, the Latvian Committee of Human Rights.

PANORAMA LATVII publishes an alternative draft concept document of the Social Integration Program elaborated by the Co-ordination Council of the Public Organisations, including the Russian Community in Latvia, the Union of the Ukrainians in Latvia, the Latvian Committee of Human Rights. Panorama Latvii

To support the cultural integration of the Latvian society the Swedish Institute will allocate 14000 Lats for the translation of the modern Latvian literature into the Russian language. It is possible that the Soros Fund Latvia will also support this initiative.

To support the cultural integration of the Latvian society the Swedish Institute will allocate 14000 Lats for the translation of the modern Latvian literature into the Russian language. It is possible that the Soros Fund Latvia will also support this initiative. Diena

Yesterday at the interview for the Latvian Radio the Minister of the Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs informed about the visit of the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs to Riga on 14 and 15 June.

Yesterday at the interview for the Latvian Radio the Minister of the Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs informed about the visit of the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs to Riga on 14 and 15 June. Neatkariga

Press Review

Press Review

Poet M.Caklais interviews three Saeima deputies about the current situation of the state language in Latvia. P.Tabuns thinks that the situation has got worse because the Russian speakers have realised that they can live without any Latvian language knowledge. A.Predele speaks about two groups of people - the ones who want to learn and others who just try to get a language knowledge certificate by any means. Dz.Abikis thinks that the language position has strengthened in some fields. The policy on the level of legislation and adopted decrees is correct; the number of children studying in Latvian speaking schools increase, but the practical activities of the government do not stand any critics. The deputies consider that they should protect Latvian position and not to yield to any further recommendation.

Poet M.Caklais interviews three Saeima deputies about the current situation of the state language in Latvia. P.Tabuns thinks that the situation has got worse because the Russian speakers have realised that they can live without any Latvian language knowledge. A.Predele speaks about two groups of people - the ones who want to learn and others who just try to get a language knowledge certificate by any means. Dz.Abikis thinks that the language position has strengthened in some fields. The policy on the level of legislation and adopted decrees is correct; the number of children studying in Latvian speaking schools increase, but the practical activities of the government do not stand any critics. The deputies consider that they should protect Latvian position and not to yield to any further recommendation. Neatkariga

The OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel suggests not to rush with adoption of the new language law, and there is still a need to justify the adoption of this law. The new law should correspond to the international norms, at the same time protect the Latvian language.

The OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel suggests not to rush with adoption of the new language law, and there is still a need to justify the adoption of this law. The new law should correspond to the international norms, at the same time protect the Latvian language. Neatkariga

Panorama Latvii interviewed the Chairman of the Saeima Commission on Education, Culture and Science Dz.Abikis about the results of their meeting with the High Commissioner. He stated that for politicians it was important to meet politicians from Europe and persuade them about the necessity of one or another legal norm, and it had given some result. For example, the last High Commissioners recommendations were not so comprehensive and categorical.

EU Minister of Foreign Affairs van den Broek has expressed his concern about the conformity of some norms of the draft language law to the European Treaty in a letter to Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs. Also the High Commissioner Max van der Stoel stated that the final wording of the law should satisfy the Latvian nation and correspond to the international standards. At the same time an idea is being discussed at the Saeima that there is no need for this new draft law at all, it would be enough to amend the existing law, if necessary.

EU Minister of Foreign Affairs van den Broek has expressed his concern about the conformity of some norms of the draft language law to the European Treaty in a letter to Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs. Also the High Commissioner Max van der Stoel stated that the final wording of the law should satisfy the Latvian nation and correspond to the international standards. At the same time an idea is being discussed at the Saeima that there is no need for this new draft law at all, it would be enough to amend the existing law, if necessary. Diena

Lauku Avize

published an interview with the Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia D.Johnson where he speaks about the draft language law and OSCE recommendations.

SM

has organised an action to support the High Commissioners recommendations. They published cards with a text expressing support to the OSCE recommendations and asked readers to full them out and mail to the editors office. The cards will be forwarded to the High Commissioner. has organised an action to support the High Commissioner’s recommendations. They published cards with a text expressing support to the OSCE recommendations and asked readers to full them out and mail to the editor’s office. The cards will be forwarded to the High Commissioner.

SM

published also the text of the draft national integration program. Along with the text they published an announcement of a number of public organisations where they stated that they could not support this program because it leads to assimilation of national minorities. They propose the authorities to consider an alternative version of the program and to postpone adoption of the draft language law and stop the implementation of Articles 9, 41, 56.2, 59.2 and Article 9 of Transitional Provisions of the Law on education. published also the text of the draft national integration program. Along with the text they published an announcement of a number of public organisations where they stated that they could not support this program because it leads to assimilation of national minorities. They propose the authorities to consider an alternative version of the program and to postpone adoption of the draft language law and stop the implementation of Articles 9, 41, 56.2, 59.2 and Article 9 of Transitional Provisions of the Law on education.

Press Report

Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs said yesterday that MFA was not surprised about the plans of the Russian National Council to impose economic sanctions on Latvia. It already had information about preparing such a document. The Minister expressed a hope that the document would be adopted.

Minister of Foreign Affairs V.Birkavs said yesterday that MFA was not surprised about the plans of the Russian National Council to impose economic sanctions on Latvia. It already had information about preparing such a document. The Minister expressed a hope that the document would be adopted. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Diena, Chas

At the

At the New Party congress the party leader R.Pauls was nominated to run for the Presidency. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Diena, Chas,

It is foreseen that at the congress of

It is foreseen that at the congress of Social Democrat parties on May 29 a part of the Farmers Union will join them. Neatkariga

Neatkariga

interviews the National Language Training Centre Head Dz.Hirsa about the language situation in Latvia. She explained that the use of the state language has been ensured in record keeping, and there are almost no complains. Also the level of teaching the Latvian language in schools is improving, although very slowly. But the impression is that the state is keeping an eye on simple people it can make to observe the law but is not able to arrange the situation in public spheres. Also the new draft language law is not precise enough concerning the language of record keeping. interviews the National Language Training Centre Head Dz.Hirsa about the language situation in Latvia. She explained that the use of the state language has been ensured in record keeping, and there are almost no complains. Also the level of teaching the Latvian language in schools is improving, although very slowly. But the impression is that the state is keeping an eye on simple people it can make to observe the law but is not able to arrange the situation in public spheres. Also the new draft language law is not precise enough concerning the language of record keeping. NeatkarigaNeatkariga OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel is coming to Latvia to discuss the procedure of preparing the new draft language law and implementation of the education law.

OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel is coming to Latvia to discuss the procedure of preparing the new draft language law and implementation of the education law. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize

SM informs about one more seminar, organised by the OSCE Mission to Latvia on integration and the two most crucial aspects of it - language and education.

SM informs about one more seminar, organised by the OSCE Mission to Latvia on integration and the two most crucial aspects of it - language and education.

Vl.Chepurov gives some advice to people who are being naturalised, trying to encourage them not to be afraid of the tests.

Vl.Chepurov gives some advice to people who are being naturalised, trying to encourage them not to be afraid of the tests. SM