Press Review

Press Review

The Leader of the Latvian Way A. Pantelejevs told journalists that the stability of the Kristopans’ government mainly depends on the pace of the privatisation of big enterprises, and on whether the Union of Social Democrats will become full-pledged member of the coalition. The political analysts state that internal political struggle and economic decline have revealed the breaches within the ruling minority coalition. Some analysts even predict that the new coalition government might appear already by June.

The Leader of the Latvian Way A. Pantelejevs told journalists that the stability of the Kristopans government mainly depends on the pace of the privatisation of big enterprises, and on whether the Union of Social Democrats will become full-pledged member of the coalition. The political analysts state that internal political struggle and economic decline have revealed the breaches within the ruling minority coalition. Some analysts even predict that the new coalition government might appear already by June. Neatkariga, Diena

Due to the lack of time, last Friday the Russian Duma did not consider the draft laws concerning the economic sanctions against Latvia and the protection of the Russian speaking population in case of such sanctions. Now the consideration of these documents is scheduled for the first week of May.

Due to the lack of time, last Friday the Russian Duma did not consider the draft laws concerning the economic sanctions against Latvia and the protection of the Russian speaking population in case of such sanctions. Now the consideration of these documents is scheduled for the first week of May. Neatkariga

The conference about the necessity to establish the Ombudsman institution in Latvia took place last week in Riga. The participants did not reject the need of such an institution. Still, the discussion was about whether the instituion should be similar to the Scandinavian ombudsman, or the mandate of the already existing National Human Rights Office should be broadened.

The conference about the necessity to establish the Ombudsman institution in Latvia took place last week in Riga. The participants did not reject the need of such an institution. Still, the discussion was about whether the instituion should be similar to the Scandinavian ombudsman, or the mandate of the already existing National Human Rights Office should be broadened. Neatkariga

7176 residents of the Daugavpils have signed the petition to the State President and the Saeima calling to grant the status of the state language to the Russian language. The initiator of the petition is the Daugavpils Division of the Russian Society in Latvia. As the chair of the division Y. Krjukovs told

7176 residents of the Daugavpils have signed the petition to the State President and the Saeima calling to grant the status of the state language to the Russian language. The initiator of the petition is the Daugavpils Division of the Russian Society in Latvia. As the chair of the division Y. Krjukovs told Diena, not only Russians, but also Poles, Ukrainians, Belorussians, and even Latvians have signed the petition. The Daugavpils division of the Russian Society suggests to draft the law on the language and cultures of the national minorities in accordance with the framework convention on the protection of national minorities. This week Mr. Krjukov will submit the petition signed by the Daugavpils residents to the Saeima. The Daugavpils Latvian Society, the Association of the Politically Repressed Persons and the Daugavpils branch of the party For Fatherland and Freedom, on contrary, believe that the status of the state language should be strengthened in Daugavpils and that the model of the two -community state is unacceptable for Latvia. The head of the Daugavpils branch of For Fatherland and Freedom J. Zviedris thinks that the draft language law could be even more strict. According to him, the calling for the granting of the official status to the Russian language shows the tendency of formation the autonomous regions in Latvia and the division of the Latvian state. Diena, Panorama Latvii, Neatkariga

Dienajournalist Nellija Locmele argues that the previous voting on the draft language law shows that the majority of the deputies support the strict language law that strengthens the position of the Latvian language as the only state language and does not provide an opportunity for the Russian language to receive the official status. The major discussion is expected to be on the issues of the language use in the private sphere.Diena

On Saturday six MPs

On Saturday six MPs (The Latvian Way and For Human Rights) visited Daugavpils to get acquainted with the situation there due to the activities of the Daugavpils division of the Russian Society in Latvia. The MP Janis Lacplesis (The Latvian Way) believes that the politicians are the ones staring up emotions concerning the language law. The ordinary people already know how much knowledge of the state language they will need. According to MPs, the lack of the Latvian language teachers in Daugavpils is more important problem. The MPs acknowledged that the requirements of the Russian Society have to be respected. However, when voting on the draft language law, they will take into consideration the proposals of the Prime Minister, the recommendations of the OSCE High Commissioner and the international standards. Diena

On Friday the Head of the OSCE Mission D. Johnson informed the Minister of Education J. Gaigals that the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel plans to visit Latvia at the beginning of May to get acquainted with the draft language law prepared for the third reading.

On Friday the Head of the OSCE Mission D. Johnson informed the Minister of Education J. Gaigals that the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel plans to visit Latvia at the beginning of May to get acquainted with the draft language law prepared for the third reading. Panorama Latvii

At the conference “The Baltic States on the Road to the EU” organized by the K. Adenauer Fund in Berlin last week, the representative of the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry A. Trofimov reproached Latvia for its Education and Language laws, as well as for the long queues for the naturalisation applicants. At the same time, Mr. Trofimov said that Russia would like to deepen the political dialogue with Latvia in order to avoid the Kosovo situation.

At the conference The Baltic States on the Road to the EU organized by the K. Adenauer Fund in Berlin last week, the representative of the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry A. Trofimov reproached Latvia for its Education and Language laws, as well as for the long queues for the naturalisation applicants. At the same time, Mr. Trofimov said that Russia would like to deepen the political dialogue with Latvia in order to avoid the Kosovo situation. Diena

Members of the Saeima Standing Committee on the Implementation of the Citizenship Law who got acquainted with the pace of the naturalisation examination in Liepaja and Jelgava, are satisfied with the knowledge level of the applicants for the naturalisation. The worst situation is in Daugavpils where only 70% of applicants pass the language and history exams from the first try.

Members of the Saeima Standing Committee on the Implementation of the Citizenship Law who got acquainted with the pace of the naturalisation examination in Liepaja and Jelgava, are satisfied with the knowledge level of the applicants for the naturalisation. The worst situation is in Daugavpils where only 70% of applicants pass the language and history exams from the first try. Diena

In order to decrease the number of the applicants waiting for the submitting of the necessary documents, the Naturalisation Board have hired 5 more staff members for the Riga offices and formed the additional examination commission consisting of three examinators. Besides, the NB offices in Aluksne, Balvi and Preili will work full time from now on. According to the NB Press Secretary A. Smiltnieks, the most critical situation is in Riga where in Vidzemes and Latgales District offices the persons are put on the waiting list for the submitting necessary documents at the end of October, in Pardaugava offices - at the end of July, and in Centre office- end of June. The persons who have submitted the applications, have to wait two more months for the naturalisation examinations.

In order to decrease the number of the applicants waiting for the submitting of the necessary documents, the Naturalisation Board have hired 5 more staff members for the Riga offices and formed the additional examination commission consisting of three examinators. Besides, the NB offices in Aluksne, Balvi and Preili will work full time from now on. According to the NB Press Secretary A. Smiltnieks, the most critical situation is in Riga where in Vidzemes and Latgales District offices the persons are put on the waiting list for the submitting necessary documents at the end of October, in Pardaugava offices - at the end of July, and in Centre office- end of June. The persons who have submitted the applications, have to wait two more months for the naturalisation examinations. Diena

During the discussion of the chapter on education of the National Program on the Social integration in Latvia it was argued that in the formation of the integrated society little attention so far has been paid to the creation of the common value system and preparation of teachers, so, that they would be able to teach their subject in both Latvian and the native language. The Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Education A. Tomasuns concluded that after the adoption of the Education Law the Latvian education system has changed, therefore, the chapter on education of the National Program should be re-written. Baiba Petersone, the author of the chapter, agreed with the critics expressed during the discussion. According to her, the teaching of the disciplines of the social studies might promote the formation of the unified values system. The Director of the National Program For Latvian Language Training A. Priedite believes that there are not enough teachers in the national minority schools who would be able to teach their subjects in two languages. She disagreed with the proposal of the Chair of the Saeima Standing Committee on Education Dz. Abikis, to invite the teachers of the Latvian origin for teaching the bilingual subjects in the national minority schools.

During the discussion of the chapter on education of the National Program on the Social integration in Latvia it was argued that in the formation of the integrated society little attention so far has been paid to the creation of the common value system and preparation of teachers, so, that they would be able to teach their subject in both Latvian and the native language. The Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Education A. Tomasuns concluded that after the adoption of the Education Law the Latvian education system has changed, therefore, the chapter on education of the National Program should be re-written. Baiba Petersone, the author of the chapter, agreed with the critics expressed during the discussion. According to her, the teaching of the disciplines of the social studies might promote the formation of the unified values system. The Director of the National Program For Latvian Language Training A. Priedite believes that there are not enough teachers in the national minority schools who would be able to teach their subjects in two languages. She disagreed with the proposal of the Chair of the Saeima Standing Committee on Education Dz. Abikis, to invite the teachers of the Latvian origin for teaching the bilingual subjects in the national minority schools. Diena

Panorama Latvii (24 April) and SM (26 April) publish the articles commenting the discussion of integration issues organised by the National Program for the Latvian Language Training last week. Mr. Sergey Zaletayev (PANORAMA LATVII) and Alexander Gilman (SM) question the efficiency of such discussions, since parties holding different positions on the integration and assimilation do not change their opinion about these issues.

Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday the Saeima adopted the amendments to the Law on Entry and Residence of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons in the Republic of Latvia according to which foreign citizens may stay in the Republic of Latvia for more than 90 days during the calendar half a year without a residence permit only upon receiving the required visa according to the procedure set by the Cabinet of Ministers, and when their stay is connected with the research work, commercial activities, assistance to the state and municipal institutions, and the implementation of the international agreements. The Saeima did not support the proposal by the Chair of the Saeima Human Rights Committee A. Seiksts to provide that single and dependent parents of the Latvian citizens or permanent residents would receive the permanent residence permits, if the relatives take the full responsibility for them.

Yesterday the Saeima adopted the amendments to the Law on Entry and Residence of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons in the Republic of Latvia according to which foreign citizens may stay in the Republic of Latvia for more than 90 days during the calendar half a year without a residence permit only upon receiving the required visa according to the procedure set by the Cabinet of Ministers, and when their stay is connected with the research work, commercial activities, assistance to the state and municipal institutions, and the implementation of the international agreements. The Saeima did not support the proposal by the Chair of the Saeima Human Rights Committee A. Seiksts to provide that single and dependent parents of the Latvian citizens or permanent residents would receive the permanent residence permits, if the relatives take the full responsibility for them. Neatkariga, B&B

Yesterday the Saeima repeatedly elected Arnis Cimdars to the post of the Chair of the Central Electoral Commission.

Yesterday the Saeima repeatedly elected Arnis Cimdars to the post of the Chair of the Central Electoral Commission. Jauna Avize

The Latvian politicians hope that during the NATO summit in Washington, Latvia along with other Eastern European countries will be named as the candidate to the NATO. Still, they acknowledge that no exact dates of the enlargement will be set.

The Latvian politicians hope that during the NATO summit in Washington, Latvia along with other Eastern European countries will be named as the candidate to the NATO. Still, they acknowledge that no exact dates of the enlargement will be set. Diena

Yesterday at the meeting with the Latvian Prime Minister the EU Commissioner of Foreign Affairs H.van den Broek said that the Latvian state language law should correspond with the international norms and it should not restrict the free movement of the services between Latvia and the EU as set by the European associative agreement.

Yesterday at the meeting with the Latvian Prime Minister the EU Commissioner of Foreign Affairs H.van den Broek said that the Latvian state language law should correspond with the international norms and it should not restrict the free movement of the services between Latvia and the EU as set by the European associative agreement. Diena

The Russian newspaper Obshchaja Gazeta published the information about the pace of the naturalisation in Latvia. After the elimination of the naturalisation windows some 16000 persons have applied for the naturalisation. The Naturalisation Board, however, is not able to review all applications quickly, therefore the applicants should wait a half of a year to take the naturalisation exams. The newspaper writes that 98% of applicants pass the exams with the first attempt.

The Russian newspaper Obshchaja Gazeta published the information about the pace of the naturalisation in Latvia. After the elimination of the naturalisation windows some 16000 persons have applied for the naturalisation. The Naturalisation Board, however, is not able to review all applications quickly, therefore the applicants should wait a half of a year to take the naturalisation exams. The newspaper writes that 98% of applicants pass the exams with the first attempt. Neatkariga

At the discussion about the social integration in the language sphere which was organised by the National Program of Latvian Language Training, the head of the department of the Slavic Languages of the Latvian University Tatjana Liguta said that the social integration process in Latvia might be implemented only after the Latvians and representatives of the national minorities create system of common values. The participants of the discussion also noted that it is necessary to ensure that the integration process does not reach the boundaries of assimilation, after crossing of which the representatives of the national minority lose the belonging to his/her native language. Such a process is partly being observed in the Kurzeme region where in many cities the people of other nationalities have been using the Latvian language as the only language of communication.

At the discussion about the social integration in the language sphere which was organised by the National Program of Latvian Language Training, the head of the department of the Slavic Languages of the Latvian University Tatjana Liguta said that the social integration process in Latvia might be implemented only after the Latvians and representatives of the national minorities create system of common values. The participants of the discussion also noted that it is necessary to ensure that the integration process does not reach the boundaries of assimilation, after crossing of which the representatives of the national minority lose the belonging to his/her native language. Such a process is partly being observed in the Kurzeme region where in many cities the people of other nationalities have been using the Latvian language as the only language of communication. Jauna Avize

Since Monday seventeen detainees at the Riga Centre for Illegal Immigrants have been on hunger strike to protest against the living conditions there. All attempts of the Ilga Ozisha and Tatjana Zdanok (

Since Monday seventeen detainees at the Riga Centre for Illegal Immigrants have been on hunger strike to protest against the living conditions there. All attempts of the Ilga Ozisha and Tatjana Zdanok (For Human Rights) to discuss the situation with the Head of the Police Department A. Grigulis were in vain.

(CHAS, 23 April)

(CHAS, 23 April)

MP Jakov Pliner reminds the readers of

MP Jakov Pliner reminds the readers of Panorama Latvii about all attempts of the fraction For Human Rights to liberalise the draft language law. He emphasises that 7 proposals of OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel and 6 proposals of the Prime Minister V. Kristopans for the third reading of the draft language law completely correspond with the proposals earlier suggested by the fraction For Human Rights. For the third reading of the draft law the fraction has submitted 25 amendments.

Press Review

Press Review

The Minister of Transportation A. Gorbunovs who yesterday returned from the official visit to Moscow, thinks that the turning point in the Latvian-Russian relations have been achieved, since he believes that the meeting with the Russian Co-chairman of the intergovernmental committee R. Abdulatipov was successful. This time the Russian side in the person of Mr. R. Abdulatipov had not presented any political requirements and problems. “It, of course, does not mean that during the work process the Russian side will not raise the political questions, but they will be solved during the normal discussion,” Mr. Gorbunovs told journalists.

The Minister of Transportation A. Gorbunovs who yesterday returned from the official visit to Moscow, thinks that the turning point in the Latvian-Russian relations have been achieved, since he believes that the meeting with the Russian Co-chairman of the intergovernmental committee R. Abdulatipov was successful. This time the Russian side in the person of Mr. R. Abdulatipov had not presented any political requirements and problems. It, of course, does not mean that during the work process the Russian side will not raise the political questions, but they will be solved during the normal discussion, Mr. Gorbunovs told journalists. Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii

The fraction

The fraction For Human Rights has prepared several amendments to the Law on Education which has recently been opened for amendments related with the financing of the pre-school education institutions. MP Jakov Pliner told SM, that the fraction proposes to include into the law a provision guaranteeing the right to obtain education in the languages of the national minorities at the state and municipal schools. Besides, the fraction suggests to establish an institution within the Ministry of Education which would deal with the issues of the minority education. The main proposal, however, is that the Ministry of Education might only recommend what disciplines it would be advisable to teach in the Latvian language. The fraction For Human Rights hopes to attract the attention of the experts of the Council of Europe and OSCE who will visit Riga on 4-5 May to discuss the draft language law, also to these issues. SM

Only 64 children born after the restoration of the independence have been granted the Latvian citizenship at the request of their parents, even though some 20 000 children have such a right. The organization of the referendum concerning this issue cost almost 400, 000 Lats. Still, the initiators of the referendum -

Only 64 children born after the restoration of the independence have been granted the Latvian citizenship at the request of their parents, even though some 20 000 children have such a right. The organization of the referendum concerning this issue cost almost 400, 000 Lats. Still, the initiators of the referendum - the For Fatherland and Freedom - think that they fought for the principle and it paid off. Diena

According to the information provided by the Head of the Naturalisation Board E. Aldermane, the percentage of the applicants who have failed the naturalisation exams in Daugavpils last month has reached 23%. The applicants mainly fail the language exam. Speaking about the transition to the education in Latvian as the language of instruction, Mr. Aldermane said that the subjects in schools should be taught only in the good Latvian language. If it is impossible, it is, then, better not to teach in Latvian at all.

According to the information provided by the Head of the Naturalisation Board E. Aldermane, the percentage of the applicants who have failed the naturalisation exams in Daugavpils last month has reached 23%. The applicants mainly fail the language exam. Speaking about the transition to the education in Latvian as the language of instruction, Mr. Aldermane said that the subjects in schools should be taught only in the good Latvian language. If it is impossible, it is, then, better not to teach in Latvian at all. SM

Lauku Avize publishes the full text of the proposals for the 3rd reading of the draft language law submitted to the Saeima Standing Committee on Education by the Prime Minister V. Kristopans.

Lauku Avize also interviews the Chair of the Standing Committee on Education Dzintars Abikis concerning the proposals to the draft language law. Mr. Abikis thinks that Mr. van der Stoel and other advisors should be heard out, because Latvia should go to Europe, but Latvia cannot simply yield as the Latvian government has done concerning the language issue.

Press Review

Press Review

All newspapers inform about the letter and the draft language law submitted to the Saeima Standing Committee on Education by the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel. Since the High Commissioner’s proposals cannot be submitted directly to the Saeima for voting, the consideration of their approval or rejection is under the competence of the Standing Committee. The Chair of the Committee Dzintars Abikis refrained from forecasting whether the Committee and the Saeima support the amendments proposed by Mr. van der Stoel. Dzintars Abikis informed that many amendments to the draft language law are submitted by deputies and the ministers, including the Prime Minster Vilis Kristopans whose proposals, to great extent, correspond with the OSCE opinion. The Committee will start the consideration of all proposals within next two weeks, at the beginning of May it will meet with the OSCE experts. Mr. Abikis hopes that the law will be adopted by St. John’s Day (24 June).

All newspapers inform about the letter and the draft language law submitted to the Saeima Standing Committee on Education by the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel. Since the High Commissioners proposals cannot be submitted directly to the Saeima for voting, the consideration of their approval or rejection is under the competence of the Standing Committee. The Chair of the Committee Dzintars Abikis refrained from forecasting whether the Committee and the Saeima support the amendments proposed by Mr. van der Stoel. Dzintars Abikis informed that many amendments to the draft language law are submitted by deputies and the ministers, including the Prime Minster Vilis Kristopans whose proposals, to great extent, correspond with the OSCE opinion. The Committee will start the consideration of all proposals within next two weeks, at the beginning of May it will meet with the OSCE experts. Mr. Abikis hopes that the law will be adopted by St. Johns Day (24 June). Diena

According to Mr. Abikis, the OSCE proposals for the final reading of the draft language law cannot be fully supported. The suggestions not to require the use of the state language in record-keeping of private enterprises, as well as in public events organised by other than the state institutions, are not acceptable. Besides, Mr. Abikis believes that the proposal to have the translation into the Latvian language alonside the information in a foreign language in all posters and other informative materials of that sort will lead to the dominance of the foreign languages, and more specifically the Russian language, in the posters.

According to Mr. Abikis, the OSCE proposals for the final reading of the draft language law cannot be fully supported. The suggestions not to require the use of the state language in record-keeping of private enterprises, as well as in public events organised by other than the state institutions, are not acceptable. Besides, Mr. Abikis believes that the proposal to have the translation into the Latvian language alonside the information in a foreign language in all posters and other informative materials of that sort will lead to the dominance of the foreign languages, and more specifically the Russian language, in the posters. Jauna Avize

A deputy from the Saeima fraction

A deputy from the Saeima fraction For Human Rights expresses the doubts whether the High Commissioners proposals will be taken into account, since the current impression is that majority of the deputies is about to reject the liberal amendments [...] which completely correspond with the OSCE recommendations. The only hope is that the representatives of the ruling coalition might support the proposals of the Prime Minister which are in the manner ofMax van der Stoel. SM

Commenting the fact that this time the OSCE High Commissioner sent not only the letter of recommendations but also the proposed version of the draft language law, MP A. Bartashevich (

Commenting the fact that this time the OSCE High Commissioner sent not only the letter of recommendations but also the proposed version of the draft language law, MP A. Bartashevich (For Human Rights) thinks that the High Commissioner has give up the belief that the national radicals are able to interpret the meaning of his recommendations. Panorama Latvii

Yesterday the Latvian government approved and submitted to the Saeima for consideration the draft law on adherence to the UN Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons.

Yesterday the Latvian government approved and submitted to the Saeima for consideration the draft law on adherence to the UN Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons. Jauna Avize

Yesterday the Saeima Standing Committee decided not to express the opinion about the dismissal of the Director of the National Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers, even if, according to the Saeima Roll of Procedure, the Committee should submit the draft decree on his dismissal prepared by the social democrats. It is planned that the Saeima will consider this issue some time in May

Yesterday the Saeima Standing Committee decided not to express the opinion about the dismissal of the Director of the National Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers, even if, according to the Saeima Roll of Procedure, the Committee should submit the draft decree on his dismissal prepared by the social democrats. It is planned that the Saeima will consider this issue some time in May. Jauna Avize

At the meeting of the Daugavpils Russian Society the participants adopted the resolution suggesting the Daugavpils City administration to work out the conception for the development of education in Daugavpils. The conception should aim at the education of harmonious personality, acquiring the knowledge that is able to compete, the mastering the native language and the state language equally well. The organisation continues to collect the signatures for the letter to the State President and the government, asking to adopt the Law on languages of national minorities, to grant the Russian language the status of the State language, and to preserve the state education in the Russian language.

At the meeting of the Daugavpils Russian Society the participants adopted the resolution suggesting the Daugavpils City administration to work out the conception for the development of education in Daugavpils. The conception should aim at the education of harmonious personality, acquiring the knowledge that is able to compete, the mastering the native language and the state language equally well. The organisation continues to collect the signatures for the letter to the State President and the government, asking to adopt the Law on languages of national minorities, to grant the Russian language the status of the State language, and to preserve the state education in the Russian language. SM

The Russian newspaper “Versiya” on Tuesday has published an article stating that the demolition of the new building of the Skrunda Radar Station was instigated by the USA. According to the information at the disposal of “Versiya”, the new building of the Radar Station should have become the most modern station which would be able to detect any American missiles. The newspaper notes that the closing of the Skrunda Radar Station led to having a considerably big unprotected sector in the Russian anti-missile defence system westwards

The Russian newspaper Versiya on Tuesday has published an article stating that the demolition of the new building of the Skrunda Radar Station was instigated by the USA. According to the information at the disposal of Versiya, the new building of the Radar Station should have become the most modern station which would be able to detect any American missiles. The newspaper notes that the closing of the Skrunda Radar Station led to having a considerably big unprotected sector in the Russian anti-missile defence system westwards. B&B

Press Review

Press Review

The Latvian co-chairman of the Latvian-Russian intergovernmental commission Anatolijs Gorbunovs agreed with his Russian counterpart Mr. Abdulatipov to resume the work of the intergovernmental commission in the near future. Mr. Abdulatipov told 

The Latvian co-chairman of the Latvian-Russian intergovernmental commission Anatolijs Gorbunovs agreed with his Russian counterpart Mr. Abdulatipov to resume the work of the intergovernmental commission in the near future. Mr. Abdulatipov toldDiena that there are no political obstacles to the resumption of the commissions work. He stressed that there are several issues, including humanitarian, economic and social, have been prepared in the form of intergovernmental agreements that need to be signed. The first two meetings of the working groups on humanitarian, social and transit issues, are scheduled for 6 and 13 May. According to Mr. Abdulatipov, both parties agreed that at the end of June or the beginning of July the chairmen of the commission will meet to assess the done work. Mr. Gorbunovs described the meeting with Mr. Abdulatipov as successful and constructive. Diena, Neatkariga

Secretary General of the Council of Europe and the President of the Parliamentary Assembly welcomed the Latvian Saeima decision to abolish the death penalty.

Secretary General of the Council of Europe and the President of the Parliamentary Assembly welcomed the Latvian Saeima decision to abolish the death penalty. Diena

The Latvian Institute, a limited liability company established by the decree of the Cabinet of Ministers to popularise the image of Latvia abroad, plans to take part in the discussion about the draft language law by publishing the opinions of the experts on the language issues. The Director of the Latvian Institute V. Vike-Freiberga believes that the opinion of the Institute on this issues will not necessarily correspond with the Saeima opinion. According to Ms. Vike-Freiberga, there are several solutions to the language issue and the politicians should not act precipitately. Besides, “Mr. Stoel holds one-sided opinions and that is not the only solution,” Ms. Vike -Freiberga said. The Latvian Institute wants to help get orientated “in the woods of opinions on this sensitive issue.” The State Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, thinks the Institute should not get involved into the discussion of the internal political issues. Mr. Riekstins told

The Latvian Institute, a limited liability company established by the decree of the Cabinet of Ministers to popularise the image of Latvia abroad, plans to take part in the discussion about the draft language law by publishing the opinions of the experts on the language issues. The Director of the Latvian Institute V. Vike-Freiberga believes that the opinion of the Institute on this issues will not necessarily correspond with the Saeima opinion. According to Ms. Vike-Freiberga, there are several solutions to the language issue and the politicians should not act precipitately. Besides, Mr. Stoel holds one-sided opinions and that is not the only solution, Ms. Vike -Freiberga said. The Latvian Institute wants to help get orientated in the woods of opinions on this sensitive issue. The State Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, thinks the Institute should not get involved into the discussion of the internal political issues. Mr. Riekstins told JaunaAvize that if the institute wants to become an solid institution, it should present in abroad the opinion adopted by the democratically elected Saeima as the best solution,

With the aim to promote the social integration and help pupils of other nationalities to master the Latvian language, the Director of Riga Secondary School No 40 Galina Yefremova has compiled the primer, the text book, and three exercise books of the Latvian language for elementary schools. As the teachers of this school told

With the aim to promote the social integration and help pupils of other nationalities to master the Latvian language, the Director of Riga Secondary School No 40 Galina Yefremova has compiled the primer, the text book, and three exercise books of the Latvian language for elementary schools. As the teachers of this school told Diena, they have been using these materials for four years, and after mastering the content, pupils can freely speak Latvian.

Yesterday at the press conference the Prime Minister V. Kristopans informed the journalists that he has submitted the amendments to the draft language law to the Saeima. According to him, neither Europeans nor Mr.van der Stoel, but Latvia needs this Law. “Therefore, we should be rational and look for the optimum solution to this issue.”

Yesterday at the press conference the Prime Minister V. Kristopans informed the journalists that he has submitted the amendments to the draft language law to the Saeima. According to him, neither Europeans nor Mr.van der Stoel, but Latvia needs this Law. Therefore, we should be rational and look for the optimum solution to this issue. B&B, SM

In the letter to the State President and the Saeima the Daugavpils Latvian Society, Latgalian Society, the Association of the Politically Repressed Persons and the regional division of the

In the letter to the State President and the Saeima the Daugavpils Latvian Society, Latgalian Society, the Association of the Politically Repressed Persons and the regional division of the For Fatherland and Freedom call the parliament to adopt the draft language law in the final reading without amendments. Neatkariga

Panorama Latviiinterviews the new Russian Consul General in Daugavpils Nikolay Bondarenko. Answering the question about the draft language law, Mr. Bondarenko expressed a hope that it will be amended and in the final version will not contain provisions restricting the use of the Russian language. Banishing the Russian language from all spheres of life, including the private sphere, contradicts the international norms, Mr. Bondarenko said.

In the interview of the professor of the Latvian University Ina Druviete states that the framework document of the national integration program contradicts the conception of the Latvian state language policy which has been implemented since 1988. In the presented integration program the major emphasis is put on the language training. All other undertaking are recognised either as harmful or less significant. If we consider the language training as the major task, we completely exclude two other important aspects of the language policy: the legal aspect, meaning, the state regulation of the language situation, and the linguistic aspect - the development and research of the language, Ms. Druviete said.

In the interview of the professor of the Latvian University Ina Druviete states that the framework document of the national integration program contradicts the conception of the Latvian state language policy which has been implemented since 1988. In the presented integration program the major emphasis is put on the language training. All other undertaking are recognised either as harmful or less significant. If we consider the language training as the major task, we completely exclude two other important aspects of the language policy: the legal aspect, meaning, the state regulation of the language situation, and the linguistic aspect - the development and research of the language, Ms. Druviete said. Rigas Balss

A pedagogue Valery Buchvalov believes that at this moment no pedagogue in Latvia is ready to offer bilingual education of full value aiming at teaching the child to freely think and present the ideas in two language orally and in written way. He thinks that the introduction of the bilingual education needs to be gradual - at first it should have the status of the experimental education and should be used for teaching of some disciplines in the schools where there are qualified teachers.

A pedagogue Valery Buchvalov believes that at this moment no pedagogue in Latvia is ready to offer bilingual education of full value aiming at teaching the child to freely think and present the ideas in two language orally and in written way. He thinks that the introduction of the bilingual education needs to be gradual - at first it should have the status of the experimental education and should be used for teaching of some disciplines in the schools where there are qualified teachers. Chas

In the

In the SM Mr.A. Gilman comments the public discussion of the framework conception of the national integration program, presented by the mass media. According to him, the newspapers are full of only critical articles. Mr. Gilman joins the ones criticising the program and compares it with the Communist Party Program. According to him, the authors of the framework document took the existing ideological dogmas concerning the education, language citizenship, mass media, added some nice phrases about the integration and named this collection the integration program. Mr. Gilman questions the usefulness of sponsoring the discussion by the Soros Fund. Instead of wasting the money for the financing of the discussion it could have been used for informing the West that majority of non-Latvians wants to have Russian as the second state language and to be granted citizenship without naturalisation. SM