Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday at the closed session the Saeima Standing Committee and the OSCE experts discussed the draft language law adopted in the 2nd reading and the amendments proposed by the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel. According to

Yesterday at the closed session the Saeima Standing Committee and the OSCE experts discussed the draft language law adopted in the 2nd reading and the amendments proposed by the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel. According to Diena, it is difficult to tell whether the Committee will support the OSCE attempts to achieve the compliance of the draft language law with the Latvias international obligations in the human rights sphere. As the Chair of the Committee Dz. Abikis told Diena, during the meeting the OSCE experts emphasised the need for bringing the draft law into the agreement with the Latvias international obligations. Therefore, the regulation of the language in the private sphere should be justified only for protection of consumer rights and the rights of employees, as well as for the safety purposes. The Saeima deputies explained to the experts the situation of the endangered Latvian language as the legacy of the occupation. Therefore, in order to improve the situation, it is necessary to adopt the law that would strengthen the position of the state language. Mr. Abikis pointed out that after the restoration of the independence the language policy has ensured the stability and has been right. Therefore, the state should not give up the requirements and norms, which have been included in the existing language law, for example, concerning the use of the Latvian language at open events and announcements.

Mr. Abikis said that the provisions of the language law are “loose concept”, therefore it is difficult to predict how the meetings of the Saeima deputies and experts end. The experts refrained from commenting the meeting.

Mr. Abikis said that the provisions of the language law are loose concept, therefore it is difficult to predict how the meetings of the Saeima deputies and experts end. The experts refrained from commenting the meeting. Diena

According to the information provided by

According to the information provided by Neatkariga, the experts and the committee members agreed that the consumer rights and the rights of employees should be protected. And Mr. Abikis has noted that an agreement about the flexible approach has been reached, since the interests of employees are a loose concept

The main requirement by the OSCE representatives was that the law should comply with the international documents. The Latvian experts, on contrary, believe that the existing draft law does comply with the Latvia’s international obligations. Mr. Abikis acknowledged that one can talk about some nuances, but no big amendments of the draft law conceptually will be done.

The main requirement by the OSCE representatives was that the law should comply with the international documents. The Latvian experts, on contrary, believe that the existing draft law does comply with the Latvias international obligations. Mr. Abikis acknowledged that one can talk about some nuances, but no big amendments of the draft law conceptually will be done.

At the meeting with the OSCE representatives the Latvian language experts Dz. Hirsa and I. Druviete were present. I. Druviete had stressed that no provisions that might undermine the national interests of the Latvian state should be adopted.

At the meeting with the OSCE representatives the Latvian language experts Dz. Hirsa and I. Druviete were present. I. Druviete had stressed that no provisions that might undermine the national interests of the Latvian state should be adopted.

Druviete told NEATKARIGA that a separate meeting of the OSCE experts with the Latvian specialists took place, and that it was the most constructive one so far. She expressed the hope that an agreement concerning the problematic issues, for instance the use of the language in the record keeping of the private enterprises, will be reached during the following meetings.

Druviete told NEATKARIGA that a separate meeting of the OSCE experts with the Latvian specialists took place, and that it was the most constructive one so far. She expressed the hope that an agreement concerning the problematic issues, for instance the use of the language in the record keeping of the private enterprises, will be reached during the following meetings. Neatkariga

B&B; states that all attempts by the OSCE experts to mitigate some provisions of the draft language law encountered the opposition of the Saeima Committee on Education.

B&B states that all attempts by the OSCE experts to mitigate some provisions of the draft language law encountered the opposition of the Saeima Committee on Education.

One of the experts John Packer stressed that the in recent years in the international practice the interests of private business prevail over the language, race and other issues. Mr. Packer expressed the hope that the Latvian legislators will take into account that the interference into the private sphere should be justified by the public interests.

One of the experts John Packer stressed that the in recent years in the international practice the interests of private business prevail over the language, race and other issues. Mr. Packer expressed the hope that the Latvian legislators will take into account that the interference into the private sphere should be justified by the public interests.

The MP A. Bartashevich told B&B; that if the law on state language will differ a lot from the draft law recommended by the OSCE, it is possible that the law’s compliance with the international law and various conventions on the rights of national minorities, will be considered by the European court.

The MP A. Bartashevich told B&B that if the law on state language will differ a lot from the draft law recommended by the OSCE, it is possible that the laws compliance with the international law and various conventions on the rights of national minorities, will be considered by the European court. B&B

Sergey Zaletaev,

Sergey Zaletaev, Panorama Latvii journalists, expresses dissatisfaction with the fact that the meeting of the Saeima Standing Committee on Education with the OSCE experts took place behind the closed doors for journalists.

Mr. P.Lakis, the head of the Latvian Academy of Culture, argues that there is a relative peace in the interethnic relations in Latvia, and any attempts to change the attitude of the particular groups towards the state’s course create the negative emotions. The Latvians and people of other nationalities, in most cases, are content with the existing interethnic situation, and are not ready for the real integration.

Mr. P.Lakis, the head of the Latvian Academy of Culture, argues that there is a relative peace in the interethnic relations in Latvia, and any attempts to change the attitude of the particular groups towards the states course create the negative emotions. The Latvians and people of other nationalities, in most cases, are content with the existing interethnic situation, and are not ready for the real integration. Jauna Avize

Press Review

Press Review

At the beginning of April the Cabinet of Ministers allocated additional 25, 000 Lats for the Naturalisation Board. The money was mainly used for hiring additional staff to process more applications. The NB informs that in May it will start reregistration of the persons who have been put on the waiting list for the submitting the naturalisation applications in Riga offices. The reregistration will provide them with the possibility to submit the applications earlier.

At the beginning of April the Cabinet of Ministers allocated additional 25, 000 Lats for the Naturalisation Board. The money was mainly used for hiring additional staff to process more applications. The NB informs that in May it will start reregistration of the persons who have been put on the waiting list for the submitting the naturalisation applications in Riga offices. The reregistration will provide them with the possibility to submit the applications earlier. Diena

Yesterday the Saeima did not support the draft decree on dismissal of Olafs Bruvers, the Director of the National Human Rights Office. Thus, Mr. Bruvers will keep this office further on.

Yesterday the Saeima did not support the draft decree on dismissal of Olafs Bruvers, the Director of the National Human Rights Office. Thus, Mr. Bruvers will keep this office further on. Diena

In the interview for

In the interview for Diena the commentator of the Free Europe Paul Gouble expresses the hope that the Latvian government understands that it is more favourable for Latvia to have the integrated society in which only few would not speak Latvian than a society with a big number of non-citizens or Russian citizens. Diena

Due to the fact that the Riga City Council did not allow the movement “Equality” to organise the picket at the Rainis Monument tomorrow, it plans to have the meeting of its deputies with the population, instead, which does not require any authorisation from the City Council.

Due to the fact that the Riga City Council did not allow the movement Equality to organise the picket at the Rainis Monument tomorrow, it plans to have the meeting of its deputies with the population, instead, which does not require any authorisation from the City Council. Chas

In the interview for the SM, the Chair of the Russian Duma Committee of Defence R. Popkov states that “the Baltic States with their defiant behaviour, their attempts to get into the NATO, will not scare Russia.” Answering to the question about the Baltic support to the NATO activities in Yugoslavia, he argues that the Baltic States for long time have had an aggressive, hostile policy against Russia, and he regrets that the they do not want to live in peace with their neighbours.

In the interview for the SM, the Chair of the Russian Duma Committee of Defence R. Popkov states that the Baltic States with their defiant behaviour, their attempts to get into the NATO, will not scare Russia. Answering to the question about the Baltic support to the NATO activities in Yugoslavia, he argues that the Baltic States for long time have had an aggressive, hostile policy against Russia, and he regrets that the they do not want to live in peace with their neighbours. SM

Press Review

Press Review

In a letter addressed to all government-forming parties, the Prime Minster called for drafting the proposals for amending of the coalition agreement. Yesterday the representatives of the Union of Social Democrats and the For Fatherland and Freedom agreed on drafting a co-operation agreement.

In a letter addressed to all government-forming parties, the Prime Minster called for drafting the proposals for amending of the coalition agreement. Yesterday the representatives of the Union of Social Democrats and the For Fatherland and Freedom agreed on drafting a co-operation agreement. Diena

The Director of the Centre of Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks believes that for the formation of the integrated society in Latvia it is important that the Latvian history is not taught from the ethnocentric point of view. It is important to pay more attention to the teaching of the history of national minorities in Latvia, and the Latvian history should be studied in the context of the European history. According to the Director of the Soros Fund -Latvia program ”Changes in Education” Guntis Catlaks, the main problem is the qualification of the history teachers who are poorly acquainted with the methodology of the history teaching. The history teacher of Zolitude gymnasium J. Shcherbina thinks that the schools, especially schools of national minorities, lack the methodological materials in order to form the unified understanding about the Latvian history.

The Director of the Centre of Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks believes that for the formation of the integrated society in Latvia it is important that the Latvian history is not taught from the ethnocentric point of view. It is important to pay more attention to the teaching of the history of national minorities in Latvia, and the Latvian history should be studied in the context of the European history. According to the Director of the Soros Fund -Latvia program Changes in Education Guntis Catlaks, the main problem is the qualification of the history teachers who are poorly acquainted with the methodology of the history teaching. The history teacher of Zolitude gymnasium J. Shcherbina thinks that the schools, especially schools of national minorities, lack the methodological materials in order to form the unified understanding about the Latvian history. Chas

Yesterday the Advisor of the Moscow Mayor Mr. Pereligin arrived in Latvia to grant “the scholarships of the Mayor of Moscow for the countryman in Latvia.” According to the information provided by

Yesterday the Advisor of the Moscow Mayor Mr. Pereligin arrived in Latvia to grant the scholarships of the Mayor of Moscow for the countryman in Latvia. According to the information provided by Chas, in Latvia 45 people received these scholarships.

SM publishes the official statement by the representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs A. Rachmanin on the NATO summit in Washington, in which he, inter alia, states that no country received the the invitation inscribed with the its name to join the NATO. Still, Moscow expresses the worries about the open door policy without geographic limitations. The Russian opinion about the enlargement of the NATO is well known and it has not changed, Mr. Rahmanin states. SM

Today the Saeima will vote on the dismissal of the Director of National Human Rights Office O. Bruvers.

Today the Saeima will vote on the dismissal of the Director of National Human Rights Office O. Bruvers. TheNeatkariga calls this voting the political auction of the post of the NHRO Director.

Joining the discussion about the social integration in Latvia, a journalist S.Benfelde argues that the Latvian population is divided not only according to the cleavege of the Russian speaking vs. Latvian speaking people, but also according to the different historical memory of different people. She thinks that the conviction that the one’s own welfare is related with the future and security of the state, might become the link uniting all groups of people.

Joining the discussion about the social integration in Latvia, a journalist S.Benfelde argues that the Latvian population is divided not only according to the cleavege of the Russian speaking vs. Latvian speaking people, but also according to the different historical memory of different people. She thinks that the conviction that the ones own welfare is related with the future and security of the state, might become the link uniting all groups of people. Jauna Avize

In the context of the social integration and the language situation in Latvia the Ph.D. student of the Latvian University D. Baltaiskalna defines the various myths existing in the society, including“ the myth exaggerating the quality of the Russian language,” “myth about the Russian nation as the one strengthening the friendship and brotherhood,” “myth about the Russian poeple’s inability to learn another language,” “myth about the Latvians as the nationalists.”

In the context of the social integration and the language situation in Latvia the Ph.D. student of the Latvian University D. Baltaiskalna defines the various myths existing in the society, including the myth exaggerating the quality of the Russian language, myth about the Russian nation as the one strengthening the friendship and brotherhood, myth about the Russian poeples inability to learn another language, myth about the Latvians as the nationalists. Rigas Balss

Mr. D Nikolayev, Chairman of the National Committee of the Russian self-government of Latvia- national cultural autonomy, hopes that the implementation of the State Integration Program will not lead to even bigger estrangement of Russians from the Latvian state, and the conformism will not become the forced behaviour of Russians. Mr. Nikolayev believes that the new law on cultural autonomy providing the formation of the authoritative structures of the ethnic minorities would create the understanding about the hierarchy of the national representation in Latvia which in turn, would strenghten the ability of Russians to compete.”

Mr. D Nikolayev, Chairman of the National Committee of the Russian self-government of Latvia- national cultural autonomy, hopes that the implementation of the State Integration Program will not lead to even bigger estrangement of Russians from the Latvian state, and the conformism will not become the forced behaviour of Russians. Mr. Nikolayev believes that the new law on cultural autonomy providing the formation of the authoritative structures of the ethnic minorities would create the understanding about the hierarchy of the national representation in Latvia which in turn, would strenghten the ability of Russians to compete. Diena

Press Review

Press Review

The Foreign Affairs Minister Valdis Birkavs objects the idea of the Latvian Institute to express the opinion about the draft state language law which might differ from the official stand taken by the Saeima. Some weeks ago the Director of the Latvian Institute V. Vike-Freiberga informed the Saeima Standing Committee on European Affairs about the Institute’s intention to publish the expert opinions about the draft language law which might not coincide with the official opinion of Latvia.

The Foreign Affairs Minister Valdis Birkavs objects the idea of the Latvian Institute to express the opinion about the draft state language law which might differ from the official stand taken by the Saeima. Some weeks ago the Director of the Latvian Institute V. Vike-Freiberga informed the Saeima Standing Committee on European Affairs about the Institutes intention to publish the expert opinions about the draft language law which might not coincide with the official opinion of Latvia. Neatkariga

The Union of the Social Democrats sent a letter to the Prime Minster and three government forming fractions calling them to make a new coalition agreement or to conclude bilateral agreements with social democrats. The coalition plans to discuss this proposal on Wednesday. According to the information provided by

The Union of the Social Democrats sent a letter to the Prime Minster and three government forming fractions calling them to make a new coalition agreement or to conclude bilateral agreements with social democrats. The coalition plans to discuss this proposal on Wednesday. According to the information provided by Diena, the Latvian Way supports this idea, while the Fatherland and Freedom express the negative opinion.

The Cabinet of Ministers decided to announce the competition for production of new passports corresponding with the European standards. According to the Minister of the Interior R. Jurdzs, this project will cost 10 millions Lats.

The Cabinet of Ministers decided to announce the competition for production of new passports corresponding with the European standards. According to the Minister of the Interior R. Jurdzs, this project will cost 10 millions Lats. Diena, Jauna Avize

The Saeima Standing Committee on the Implementation of the Citizenship Law has formed the working group which will draft the amendments to the Law on the Status of the Former USSR Citizens who are not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other Country, providing the procedure for the loss and the renewal of the status of non-citizen. It is planned to draft these amendments till St. John’s Day (24 June).

The Saeima Standing Committee on the Implementation of the Citizenship Law has formed the working group which will draft the amendments to the Law on the Status of the Former USSR Citizens who are not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other Country, providing the procedure for the loss and the renewal of the status of non-citizen. It is planned to draft these amendments till St. Johns Day (24 June). Diena

Interpreting the Russia’s silence after the naming of the Baltic States among the candidates to the NATO, the Latvia politicians interviewed by 

Interpreting the Russias silence after the naming of the Baltic States among the candidates to the NATO, the Latvia politicians interviewed byDiena indicate different reasons - the Russian pragmatism, its internal problems, the engagement in the Kosovo crisis, and others. According to unofficial information at the disposal of Diena, it is more likely that the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will object the joining of the NATO by former USSR republics.

According to the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane, the public activity concerning the discussion of the concept document on the Social Integration has been surprisingly big. Since 10 March when the document was presented for the public discussion, there have been 64 events during which the population has expressed the opinion about the conception. The most discussed issues are related with the education and the role of the language in the integration process. The people of other nationalities mostly protest against the Chapter on Education providing the transition to the bilingual education system. Leaders of 12 ethnic non-governmental organisations have signed the joint statement “For real integration, against the assimilation” protesting against the planned assimilation of minorities. Commenting this statement, Ms. Aldermane said that the famous people should not usurp the right to express such a strict opinion in the name of whole organisation. “Every resident of Latvia has the right to express his/her opinion, and it is possible that not all of the members of these organisations share the opinion expressed by their leaders.” Ms. Aldermane rejected the critics expressed by some mass media, that the text of the concept document is not available widely. She also acknowledged that the people’s activity in regions is bigger than in Riga.

According to the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane, the public activity concerning the discussion of the concept document on the Social Integration has been surprisingly big. Since 10 March when the document was presented for the public discussion, there have been 64 events during which the population has expressed the opinion about the conception. The most discussed issues are related with the education and the role of the language in the integration process. The people of other nationalities mostly protest against the Chapter on Education providing the transition to the bilingual education system. Leaders of 12 ethnic non-governmental organisations have signed the joint statement For real integration, against the assimilation protesting against the planned assimilation of minorities. Commenting this statement, Ms. Aldermane said that the famous people should not usurp the right to express such a strict opinion in the name of whole organisation. Every resident of Latvia has the right to express his/her opinion, and it is possible that not all of the members of these organisations share the opinion expressed by their leaders. Ms. Aldermane rejected the critics expressed by some mass media, that the text of the concept document is not available widely. She also acknowledged that the peoples activity in regions is bigger than in Riga. Diena

Dienainforms about the letter of OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel sent to the Estonian Foreign Affairs Minster in which he point out that the requirement of the command of the Estonian language for the deputies, as well as for the persons providing the goods and services, are against the European norms and practice. Diena

The official representative of the Russian State President in the State Duma A. Kotenko told

The official representative of the Russian State President in the State Duma A. Kotenko told SM that the draft law on the economic sanctions against Latvia and the protection of the Russian countrymen in abroad has been drafted unprofessionally and the President would not sign such a law.

(SM, 28 April)

(SM, 28 April)

According to MP B. Tsylevich (For Human Rights) the Latvian politicians are openly distorting the information about the results of the visits of the international experts. When talking with the experts, the politicians thank them for the remarks and promise to consider them. Later, when interviewed by the mass media, they state that the experts have no objections whatsoever. Mr. Tsylevich argues that if the Latvian legislation had been such flawless as the Latvian authorities claim, Latvia would not have been afraid to ratify the European Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities.

According to MP B. Tsylevich (For Human Rights) the Latvian politicians are openly distorting the information about the results of the visits of the international experts. When talking with the experts, the politicians thank them for the remarks and promise to consider them. Later, when interviewed by the mass media, they state that the experts have no objections whatsoever. Mr. Tsylevich argues that if the Latvian legislation had been such flawless as the Latvian authorities claim, Latvia would not have been afraid to ratify the European Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities. Panorama Latvii

Dienain Russian publishes the article by the chair of the Russian Society Duma T. Favorskaya about the national Russian school in Latvia. She disagrees with the model presented in the Chapter on Education of the concept document of the State Integration Program. The Russian Society suggests to establish the national Russian school of Latvia on the basis of some schools with Russia as the language of instruction. According to her, the national Russian school should constitute the system of general education providing the education on the international level, the formation and preservation of the national consciousness of the young generation. The national Russian school should be based on three fundamental elements -acquiring of the Russian, Latvian and European culture, the mastering of Russian, Latvian and a foreign language, learning of disciplines related with the Latvian culture and history in the Latvian language. Other subjects should be taught in the Russian language. Furthermore, these schools should be financed from the state budget. An important aspect in the formation of the national Russian school, is the close co-operation between the school and the family. Ms. Favorskaya suggests to establish the association of the national schools of Latvia, including the representatives of the national cultural societies, national schools, and educators from the schools with Russian as the language of instruction who support the idea of the national Russian school. Ms. Favorskaya invites persons interested in these matters to visit the methodological library of the Russian Society. Diena

Dienaof 27 April published an article about the discussion of the concept document of the State Integration Program organised by the Centre of Non-governmental organisations and the Soros Fund Latvia in Cesis. At the conference participated the authors of the concept document, the representatives of the Vidzeme municipalities, schools, and public organisations. According to one of the co-authors of the document E. Vebers, in such a Latvian environment as Vidzeme region the discussion revealed stereotypes from the Soviet times. He concluded that the vision that only Latvians reside in Latvia, is very viable, but not realistic. The participants of the discussion in Cesis agreed that the State Integration Program is necessary. The discussions organised by the Soros Fund -Latvia (SFL) will continue till 7 May. The SFL reminds that people can express their opinion not only at the conferences but also via Internet. Diena

Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday at the press conference the Prime Minster V. Kristopans assured journalists that he would suppress all attempts to thoughtlessly overthrow the government. Besides, the Prime Minster will not rush with inviting the social democrats to join the coalition.

Yesterday at the press conference the Prime Minster V. Kristopans assured journalists that he would suppress all attempts to thoughtlessly overthrow the government. Besides, the Prime Minster will not rush with inviting the social democrats to join the coalition. Diena

Referring to the draft language law the Prime Minister regretted that the hopes to have the constructive action by the People’s Party concerning the draft language law did not prove right. The deputies of the People’s Party act in destructive way and by doing it they might turn Latvia into “a small isolated country on the border with Russia.” The Prime Minster reminded the journalists that he had submitted to the Saeima the proposals which correspond with the recommendations of the OSCE High Commissioner. “My proposals are logic and do not discriminate the Latvian language by any means.”

Referring to the draft language law the Prime Minister regretted that the hopes to have the constructive action by the Peoples Party concerning the draft language law did not prove right. The deputies of the Peoples Party act in destructive way and by doing it they might turn Latvia into a small isolated country on the border with Russia. The Prime Minster reminded the journalists that he had submitted to the Saeima the proposals which correspond with the recommendations of the OSCE High Commissioner. My proposals are logic and do not discriminate the Latvian language by any means. Lauku Avize

Answering the question whether the coalition partners will support his proposals, Mr. Kristopans said that there will be discussions on this issue within the coalition. Commenting the Prime Minster’s statements yesterday at the press conference, SM writes that the fraction

Answering the question whether the coalition partners will support his proposals, Mr. Kristopans said that there will be discussions on this issue within the coalition. Commenting the Prime Minsters statements yesterday at the press conference, SM writes that the fraction For Human Rights, all of a sudden, has obtained a powerful ally - the Prime Minister on the issue of the liberalisation of the language law. SM

Mr. V. Krustins (

Mr. V. Krustins (Lauku Avize) argues that the revision of the draft language law required by the Prime Minister, in essence, means the restriction of the use of the Latvian language, which in political sense is the precondition for the dissolution of the Latvian state.Journalist Sallija Beinfelde questions the purpose of the transitional provision suggested by the OSCE High Commissioner stating that no sanctions should be applied to the persons violating the Language law provisions till the year of 2001. It is obvious that some kind of investment flooding is expected. The only question is who are those foreign investors who want to invest huge amount of money in Latvia, in the case the Latvian language is not being used there. Jauna Avize

Rigas Balss interviews the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane about the concept document of the State Integration Program. According to Ms Aldermane , the main elements of the program are education, language and culture. She believes that the public discussion of the concept document will continue till the end of July. Ms. Aldermane invites people to express their opinion not only about this document, but also submit their proposals for the drafting of the very program. Jauna Avize

Rigas Balss journalist J. Rimsans argues that the Latvian public seems to be more engaged the solving of the daily bread problems than in discussion of the strange undertaking called integration. According to him, the Latvian society is not ready to fruitfully discuss the rather complicated integration program during the remaining couple of months of the public hearing. Rigas Balss

Commenting the discussion of the chapter on Education of the conception of the State Integration Program, PANORAMA LATVII journalist A. Novickaya questions the reason for having such a discussion since the chapter on Education is an exact copy of the Law on Education which has already been adopted. She argues that any amendments to the chapter on Education of the concept document will cause the contradictions with the adopted Education Law. She suggests the Soros Fond not to waste money on the organisation of such discussions, but use it for the Latvian language training and the re-training of teachers.

Commenting the discussion of the chapter on Education of the conception of the State Integration Program, PANORAMA LATVII journalist A. Novickaya questions the reason for having such a discussion since the chapter on Education is an exact copy of the Law on Education which has already been adopted. She argues that any amendments to the chapter on Education of the concept document will cause the contradictions with the adopted Education Law. She suggests the Soros Fond not to waste money on the organisation of such discussions, but use it for the Latvian language training and the re-training of teachers. Panorama Latvii

MP M. Mitrofanov (For Human Rights) tells about the consideration of the draft Emigration law at the Saeima Standing Committee on Human Rights. According to Mr. Mitrofanov, initially the draft law was full of bureaucratic restrictions. That caused the negative evaluation from the European institutions, and even from the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Thanks to the activities of the National Human Rights office and other organisations, the draft law has been improved.

MP M. Mitrofanov (For Human Rights) tells about the consideration of the draft Emigration law at the Saeima Standing Committee on Human Rights. According to Mr. Mitrofanov, initially the draft law was full of bureaucratic restrictions. That caused the negative evaluation from the European institutions, and even from the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Thanks to the activities of the National Human Rights office and other organisations, the draft law has been improved. Panorama Latvii

MP Boris Tsylevich argues that the ratification of the UN Convention relating to the Status of the Stateless Persons (1953) will not amend the discriminating restrictions for the non-citizens imposed by the Latvian legislation, particularly by the Law on the Status of the former USSR Citizens.

MP Boris Tsylevich argues that the ratification of the UN Convention relating to the Status of the Stateless Persons (1953) will not amend the discriminating restrictions for the non-citizens imposed by the Latvian legislation, particularly by the Law on the Status of the former USSR Citizens. Chas

SM publishes the story of a worker of the Laima factory Raisa Kostina who was fired twice. She had resumed her duties by the court decree. After being fired the third time, she did not want to appeal against the decision of the factory administration because we, Russians, will be fired anyway. We will obtain the citizenship, learn the Latvian language, but still, we will be fired and replaced by the Latvians. It is said - we do not need you to learn the Latvian language, we need you to know your place., Ms. Kostina told the SM journalist.