Press Review

Press Review

All newspapers inform about the letter of the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel to the Chair of the Saeima Standing Committee on Education Dz. Abikis concerning the draft language law. The High Commissioner notes that by regulating the use of the state language in the private enterprises the existing version of the draft law violates the individual’s right to privacy. That, in turn, affects the attracting of investments to Latvia and Latvia’s joining of the EU. The High Commissioner also notes that the draft law prepared for the third reading by the previous Saeima was the one which corresponded with the OSCE recommendations most.

All newspapers inform about the letter of the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel to the Chair of the Saeima Standing Committee on Education Dz. Abikis concerning the draft language law. The High Commissioner notes that by regulating the use of the state language in the private enterprises the existing version of the draft law violates the individuals right to privacy. That, in turn, affects the attracting of investments to Latvia and Latvias joining of the EU. The High Commissioner also notes that the draft law prepared for the third reading by the previous Saeima was the one which corresponded with the OSCE recommendations most. Diena, Jauna, Neatkariga, B&B

Chascommentator Leonid Fedoseev states that despite the oppositions arguments, the draft language law will be adopted in the version proposed by the nationalists.

In the interview for

In the interview for Panorama Latvii, the Prime Minister Vilis Kristopans said that he would do everything to improve the Latvian-Russian relations. Speaking about the draft language law, he stated that he would insist on having the draft law in compliance with the international norms. The question about the long waiting lists for the naturalisation was answered by reminding that the government allocated additional financing for the Naturalisation Board. After the NB Head Ms. Aldermane reports on the one month work, it will be seen whether more funding is needed. Panorama Latvii

During the interview for the Latvian TV the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs said that “a positive dialogue” between Latvia and Russia is anticipated. The Minister of Communications and Minister of Culture have planned to visit Moscow.

During the interview for the Latvian TV the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs said that a positive dialogue between Latvia and Russia is anticipated. The Minister of Communications and Minister of Culture have planned to visit Moscow. Chas

In the interview for

In the interview for SM, the Foreign Affairs Minister V. Birkavs refused to draw parallels between the situation in Kosovo and the one in Latvia, since in Latvia there is no ethnic hatred and religious conflicts. Besides, Latvia is constantly looking for the solutions of the internal issues. As the examples, he mentioned the assessment of the draft language law given by the MFA and the public discussion of state integration policy. SM

On 19 April the Latvian Minister of Transport A. Gorbunovs went to Moscow to try to lessen the economic pressure on Latvia by negotiating the facilitated circumstances for the Latvian transit.

On 19 April the Latvian Minister of Transport A. Gorbunovs went to Moscow to try to lessen the economic pressure on Latvia by negotiating the facilitated circumstances for the Latvian transit. B&B

The Russian State Duma adopted the law on the state policy concerning the compatriots residing abroad.

The Russian State Duma adopted the law on the state policy concerning the compatriots residing abroad. Panorama Latvii

On Saturday in Daugavpils the local division of the Russian Society called all Russian movements in Latvia to consolidate, since “the Russians in Latvia are the discriminated minority.” The Russian Society continued to collect the signatures in support of the Russian language. The Society also plans to meet with the city administration to talk about the education system.

On Saturday in Daugavpils the local division of the Russian Society called all Russian movements in Latvia to consolidate, since the Russians in Latvia are the discriminated minority. The Russian Society continued to collect the signatures in support of the Russian language. The Society also plans to meet with the city administration to talk about the education system. Panorama Latvii

The Latvian Association of the Russian Societies, the Latvian Association for Co-operation, the Military Pensioners Association and the Association of the Veterans of the Anti-Nazi Coalition signed an agreement providing the establishment of the Latvian-Russian Committee of the Compatriots which would delegate the authorised representatives to the Council of the Compatriots at the Russian Federal Council.

The Latvian Association of the Russian Societies, the Latvian Association for Co-operation, the Military Pensioners Association and the Association of the Veterans of the Anti-Nazi Coalition signed an agreement providing the establishment of the Latvian-Russian Committee of the Compatriots which would delegate the authorised representatives to the Council of the Compatriots at the Russian Federal Council. Diena

Dmitry Nikolaev, President of the Latvian National Commission “Western Russians,” believe that with the appropriate authorisation from the government, his organisation and other similar organisations would be able to assist in lobbying the Latvia’s interests on the interparliamentary and intergovernmental level with Russia. Besides, the Russian organisations would highly appreciate such credit given to them by the government. That, in turn, may become the basis for implementation of the national integration program.

Dmitry Nikolaev, President of the Latvian National Commission Western Russians, believe that with the appropriate authorisation from the government, his organisation and other similar organisations would be able to assist in lobbying the Latvias interests on the interparliamentary and intergovernmental level with Russia. Besides, the Russian organisations would highly appreciate such credit given to them by the government. That, in turn, may become the basis for implementation of the national integration program. Diena

The expert from the Brussels Multilinguism Research Centre Mr. Peter Hans Nelde (spelling ?) who participated in the seminar On Language Issues in the Concept of the Society Integration in Latvia suggests to rise the state language prestige in the sphere of public administration and education. in order to strengthen the Latvian language as the state language.

The expert from the Brussels Multilinguism Research Centre Mr. Peter Hans Nelde (spelling ?) who participated in the seminar On Language Issues in the Concept of the Society Integration in Latvia suggests to rise the state language prestige in the sphere of public administration and education. in order to strengthen the Latvian language as the state language. Neatkariga

Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday the Saeima ratified the 6th Protocol of the European Convention of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms which eliminates the death penalty.

Yesterday the Saeima ratified the 6th Protocol of the European Convention of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms which eliminates the death penalty. Diena

Yesterday the Saeima rejected the amendments to the Chapter on Human Rights of the Constitution proposed by the social democrats, stating that everybody has the right to sufficient food, clothing and housing.

Yesterday the Saeima rejected the amendments to the Chapter on Human Rights of the Constitution proposed by the social democrats, stating that everybody has the right to sufficient food, clothing and housing. Neatkariga

During the meeting of the Latvian Ambassador in Moscow I. Daudiss and the Russian Minister of Culture V. Egorov it was agreed on the co-operation of both countries in the sphere of culture.

During the meeting of the Latvian Ambassador in Moscow I. Daudiss and the Russian Minister of Culture V. Egorov it was agreed on the co-operation of both countries in the sphere of culture. Diena

In the statement signed by twelve non-governmental organisations of the national minorities it is said that the national minority education reform in reality means the assimilation of the national minorities. Therefore, these organisations ask to re-write the social integration program, inviting the representatives of the national minorities to participate in the drafting of the new program.

In the statement signed by twelve non-governmental organisations of the national minorities it is said that the national minority education reform in reality means the assimilation of the national minorities. Therefore, these organisations ask to re-write the social integration program, inviting the representatives of the national minorities to participate in the drafting of the new program. Diena, Panorama Latvii

Despite the fact that the Estonian and Latvian governments initialled the new border agreement providing that the non-citizens residing in two border towns Valka and Valga may stay in the neighbouring country up to 180 days instead of 90 days as provided by the previous agreement, the new border agreement has not come into force, yet, and the residents of both towns continue to encounter the border crossing problems.

Despite the fact that the Estonian and Latvian governments initialled the new border agreement providing that the non-citizens residing in two border towns Valka and Valga may stay in the neighbouring country up to 180 days instead of 90 days as provided by the previous agreement, the new border agreement has not come into force, yet, and the residents of both towns continue to encounter the border crossing problems. Neatkariga

Today the Prime Minister is supposed to submit to the Saeima Standing Committee on Education the proposals for the draft language law. As Mr. V.Kristopans told

Today the Prime Minister is supposed to submit to the Saeima Standing Committee on Education the proposals for the draft language law. As Mr. V.Kristopans told SM, the proposals mainly deal with the use of language in the private sphere. SM

Co-chairman of the Latvian Human Rights Committee Gennady Kotov argues that since 1996 when the member of the

Co-chairman of the Latvian Human Rights Committee Gennady Kotov argues that since 1996 when the member of the Fatherland and Freedom Dz. Rasnacs became the Minister of Justice the court system has become more and more politicised. He grounds this statement on the fact that in 1995 some 90% of cases against the Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs were settled in favour of the plaintiff, while now almost all cases against the DCMA are lost. SM

Within the framework of the public discussion on the national program of social integration, on 14 April there was a seminar on the repatriation issues. During the seminar it was noted that there should be an organisation of repatriates established to help other repatriates in solving immigration issues. Besides, Latvia needs an integration bureau which would provide the support for the different projects related with the repatriation issues. Speaking about the Latvian language training for the Latvians repatriating from Russia, it was noted that the language training could take place at the Latvian schools in Russia.

Within the framework of the public discussion on the national program of social integration, on 14 April there was a seminar on the repatriation issues. During the seminar it was noted that there should be an organisation of repatriates established to help other repatriates in solving immigration issues. Besides, Latvia needs an integration bureau which would provide the support for the different projects related with the repatriation issues. Speaking about the Latvian language training for the Latvians repatriating from Russia, it was noted that the language training could take place at the Latvian schools in Russia. Neatkariga

Press Review

Press Review

In the letter to the Latvian Prime Minister the foreign investors, including the Presidents of the US, the UK and Swedish Cambers of Commerce and the President of the German -Latvian business association state that the requirement to use the Latvian language in the private enterprises will create the administrative obstacles to the foreign businesses in Latvia, undermining the government’s attempts to improve the business environment and to attract the foreign investors. They are not contempt with three particular requirements of the law, namely, the requirement for the employees to know and use the state language to the extent it is necessary for the performance of the professional and employment duties, the requirement for the enterprises to provide the information needed for the employee to carry out his/her employment duties in the state language, as well as the requirement to use the state language in the record-keeping and all internal documents. The business representatives ask the Prime Minister to postpone the final reading of the draft language law until the constructive proposals from the business community are received. Yesterday the Coalition Council agreed that the Prime Minster personally will submit to the Saeima Standing Committee on Education the proposals for the third reading of the language law prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Coalition Council did not support the suggestion to prolong the term of submitting the proposals for the third reading . All proposals should be submitted by 18 April. The OSCE assessment of the draft language law adopted in the second reading is expected to arrive at the end of this week.

In the letter to the Latvian Prime Minister the foreign investors, including the Presidents of the US, the UK and Swedish Cambers of Commerce and the President of the German -Latvian business association state that the requirement to use the Latvian language in the private enterprises will create the administrative obstacles to the foreign businesses in Latvia, undermining the governments attempts to improve the business environment and to attract the foreign investors. They are not contempt with three particular requirements of the law, namely, the requirement for the employees to know and use the state language to the extent it is necessary for the performance of the professional and employment duties, the requirement for the enterprises to provide the information needed for the employee to carry out his/her employment duties in the state language, as well as the requirement to use the state language in the record-keeping and all internal documents. The business representatives ask the Prime Minister to postpone the final reading of the draft language law until the constructive proposals from the business community are received. Yesterday the Coalition Council agreed that the Prime Minster personally will submit to the Saeima Standing Committee on Education the proposals for the third reading of the language law prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Coalition Council did not support the suggestion to prolong the term of submitting the proposals for the third reading . All proposals should be submitted by 18 April. The OSCE assessment of the draft language law adopted in the second reading is expected to arrive at the end of this week. Diena

Yesterday the Saeima Standing Committee on Human Rights rejected all proposals by the fraction

Yesterday the Saeima Standing Committee on Human Rights rejected all proposals by the fraction For Human Rights concerning the use of the language in the private sphere. The only proposal which was supported by the Committee provides the freedom to choose the language at the religious events. Commenting the yesterdays meeting of the Standing Committee on Human Rights, SM states that Latvia convincingly moves toward the language police state. B&B

In the interview for the

In the interview for the Panorama Latvii, the MP A. Bartashevich argue that the Latvian national-radicals refuse to understand that in order to join the EU, Latvia will have to sign the European Charter on regional and minority languages. Consequently, the Language Law and other laws will have to correspond with the European standards. At the moment the draft Language law completely contradicts this European document. Mr. Bartashevich assures the readers that the fraction For Human Rights will do the best to bring the draft language law in line with the European standards.

The disagreements between the coalition partners -

The disagreements between the coalition partners - New Party and For Fatherland and Freedom, concerning the necessity of two ministerial offices currently held by the Fatherland and Freedom (Special Minister on European Affairs, and Special Minister on Co-operations with the International Institutions) increase. Yesterday the Special Minister on European Affairs Mr. Guntars Krasts said that if the New Party continues to play this political game, it is free to leave the government, since its presence in the government is no decisive. The Prime Minster refrains from commenting the growing disagreements within the coalition. Meanwhile, the New Party suggests to supplement the Coalition agreement with a new chapter on the status of the social democrats in the coalition. Jauna Avize

Today the Saeima plans to consider the ratification of the 6th Protocol of the European Convention of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms concerning the elimination of the death penalty, in the final reading.

Today the Saeima plans to consider the ratification of the 6th Protocol of the European Convention of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms concerning the elimination of the death penalty, in the final reading. Neatkariga

Press Review

Press Review

Latvia should not submit to the pressure by international organisations on drafting of the language law, but should struggle for the position of the Latvian language similarly as the Flemish people did in Belgium. Such a suggestion was expressed by the President of Brussels Institute for European Affairs I. Peters at the seminar on language legislation and its implementation, organised by the aforementioned institute and the Latvian Language Institute. Dzintra Hirsa, the Director of the Latvian Language Institute, said that the amending of the draft law and official recognition of two state languages might lead to the dominance of the Russian language and extending of the Russian boundaries. At the same time, during the interview at Latvian Radio yesterday the Foreign Affairs Minster Valdis Birkavs said that the regulation of the language use in the private sphere might prevent form the investing into Latvia.

Latvia should not submit to the pressure by international organisations on drafting of the language law, but should struggle for the position of the Latvian language similarly as the Flemish people did in Belgium. Such a suggestion was expressed by the President of Brussels Institute for European Affairs I. Peters at the seminar on language legislation and its implementation, organised by the aforementioned institute and the Latvian Language Institute. Dzintra Hirsa, the Director of the Latvian Language Institute, said that the amending of the draft law and official recognition of two state languages might lead to the dominance of the Russian language and extending of the Russian boundaries. At the same time, during the interview at Latvian Radio yesterday the Foreign Affairs Minster Valdis Birkavs said that the regulation of the language use in the private sphere might prevent form the investing into Latvia. Diena

In an article published by  Ilmars Mezs compares the situation with the Latvian language in Latvia and the situation with the Irish language in Ireland and concludes that many European nations can envy the Latvian language for ability to endure the assimilation. He suggests the Latvian parliament not to be pretend to be greater catholic than the Pope is, meaning that any European parliament in a similar situation would have adopted more radical language law.

In an article published by Ilmars Mezs compares the situation with the Latvian language in Latvia and the situation with the Irish language in Ireland and concludes that many European nations can envy the Latvian language for ability to endure the assimilation. He suggests the Latvian parliament not to be pretend to be greater catholic than the Pope is, meaning that any European parliament in a similar situation would have adopted more radical language law. Diena

B&B informs about the unofficial meeting of the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs with the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel during Mr. Birkavs visit to Hague. They discussed the compliance of the draft language law with the OSCE directives. Mr. Van der Stoel was positive that the final version of the draft law will be done in the adequate manner. Mr. Birkavs holds the same position. Yesterday he announced that there will be no problems with harmonisation of the State Language Law with the international standards. The next visit of the High Commissioner to Latvia will take place in May. B&B

At the meeting with the Latvian journalists, the governor of Novgorod region and the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee at the Federation Council Mikhail Prusak said that the draft law on economic sanctions against Latvia discussed by the Russian Duma is a good example of “stupid and short-sighted policy” since Russia needs the transport corridor through Latvia, as well as Latvia needs Russian cargo going through.

At the meeting with the Latvian journalists, the governor of Novgorod region and the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee at the Federation Council Mikhail Prusak said that the draft law on economic sanctions against Latvia discussed by the Russian Duma is a good example of stupid and short-sighted policy since Russia needs the transport corridor through Latvia, as well as Latvia needs Russian cargo going through. Jauna Avize, B&B

The Saeima Standing Committee on Implementation of the Citizenship Law will attend the naturalisation exams at the Naturalisation Board Vidzeme and Centre districts of Riga City to evaluate the work of the examination commission.

The Saeima Standing Committee on Implementation of the Citizenship Law will attend the naturalisation exams at the Naturalisation Board Vidzeme and Centre districts of Riga City to evaluate the work of the examination commission. Jauna Avize, B&B

Panorama Latvii publishes a story of Igor Maisiuk, resident of the town Aluksne, whose passport was taken away by the DCMA and the identity number annulled. Despite the fact that he was born in Latvia, he was asked to leave Latvia. Mr. Maisiuk has brought the claim to the court. Panorama Latvii

Referring to the document which was prepared by the Co-ordination Council of 19 public organisations as a response to the draft integration program, Mr. V. Filatov is glad that finally the Russian and other organisations have joined to have unified position.

Referring to the document which was prepared by the Co-ordination Council of 19 public organisations as a response to the draft integration program, Mr. V. Filatov is glad that finally the Russian and other organisations have joined to have unified position. SM

Gennady Kotov, co-chairman of the Latvian Human Rights Committee, argues that the draft social integration program contains contradictory provisions. For example, while declaring the integration as the voluntary process, it declares the necessity to recognise the Latvian language as the only state language which should be used in the public life. Mr. Kotov reminds that 43% of the population are non-Latvians. Mr. Kotov questions issues of loyalty of national minorities towards the state. According to him, the state should also be loyal in relation with the individual. Mr. Kotov states that the titular nation will have to make a choice whether to have Latvian Latvia or an integrated society. He warns that the Latvian Latvia will be Latvia of two hostile communities, full of conflicts and ready to explode.

Gennady Kotov, co-chairman of the Latvian Human Rights Committee, argues that the draft social integration program contains contradictory provisions. For example, while declaring the integration as the voluntary process, it declares the necessity to recognise the Latvian language as the only state language which should be used in the public life. Mr. Kotov reminds that 43% of the population are non-Latvians. Mr. Kotov questions issues of loyalty of national minorities towards the state. According to him, the state should also be loyal in relation with the individual. Mr. Kotov states that the titular nation will have to make a choice whether to have Latvian Latvia or an integrated society. He warns that the Latvian Latvia will be Latvia of two hostile communities, full of conflicts and ready to explode. Diena

Press Review

Press Review

The social democrats submitted to the Saeima a draft law on the dismissal of the director of the National Human Rights Olafs Bruvers.

The social democrats submitted to the Saeima a draft law on the dismissal of the director of the National Human Rights Olafs Bruvers. Jauna Avize

Yesterday at the conference organised by the Soros Fund-Latvia the language experts discussed the State Integration Program’s Chapter on Language. Regarding the language issues, the framework document was severely criticised. Many presenters noted that for strengthening of the Latvian language position, there should be the strict language law, since the economic factors and the language environment in Latvia do not encourage non-Latvians voluntarily master the Latvian language. It was also noted that the Latvians should free themselves from the linguistic minority syndrome and regain the self-esteem.

Yesterday at the conference organised by the Soros Fund-Latvia the language experts discussed the State Integration Programs Chapter on Language. Regarding the language issues, the framework document was severely criticised. Many presenters noted that for strengthening of the Latvian language position, there should be the strict language law, since the economic factors and the language environment in Latvia do not encourage non-Latvians voluntarily master the Latvian language. It was also noted that the Latvians should free themselves from the linguistic minority syndrome and regain the self-esteem. Jauna Avize refers the MP Dzintars Abikis stating that the education system is the most effective tool for the realisation of the state language training program within the framework of the social integration process whileChas claims Mr. Abikis saying that since Russian teachers are never going to master the Latvian language to the perfection of the style, they will need to be replaced with the Latvian teachers.

According to

According to Diena, it is expected that this week the OSCE will give its assessment of the draft language law adopted in the second reading. On Wednesday the governmental coalition plans to discuss the assessment of the draft language law provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On Monday the Prime Minister Vilis Kristopans told journalists that the law should be strict, but at the same time it should correspond with the international standards, and all coalition parties should agree on this sensitive issue. He refrained from commenting the assessment of the Foreign Affairs Ministry before the coalition council has discussed it. Diena, Chas

Dienain Russian informs about another conference that took place yesterday in which representatives of 16 organisations, including the Russian Society in Latvia, Russian Community in Latvia, Latvian Committee on Human Rights, criticised the draft document on the social integration. According to Chairman of the Latvian Committee of Human Rights Gennady Kotov the basis of the draft document on the social integration is the values of the nationalistic part of the Latvian society. A working group consisting of representatives of all national minorities should be formed, since without it no integration is possible.

Yesterday at the interview for the Latvian Radio the State President Guntis Ulmanis said that at the moment the Latvian-Russian relations are in neutral position, but in the second half of the year there might be some improvements.

Yesterday at the interview for the Latvian Radio the State President Guntis Ulmanis said that at the moment the Latvian-Russian relations are in neutral position, but in the second half of the year there might be some improvements. Diena

Panorama Latvii interviews Chair of the Russian Society in Latvia V. Altuhov who recently passed the exams for the naturalisation. According to Mr. Altuhov, any literate person can pass the examinations. For him, the Latvian citizenship is necessary to fight with the existing discrimination which is incompatible with the real democracy.

MP Janis Urbanovich (For Human Rights) who recently visited Moscow to meet with the representatives of the Russian Duma and the MFA believe that such visits change Russia’s attitude towards Latvia as unified nationalistic environment. Russian politicians learn that among Latvians there are people who understand the necessity to have normal, non-discriminating relations with all nationalities residing in Latvia.

MP Janis Urbanovich (For Human Rights) who recently visited Moscow to meet with the representatives of the Russian Duma and the MFA believe that such visits change Russias attitude towards Latvia as unified nationalistic environment. Russian politicians learn that among Latvians there are people who understand the necessity to have normal, non-discriminating relations with all nationalities residing in Latvia. Panorama Latvii

In the interview for

In the interview for Lauku Avize, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs states that despite the significant steps that Latvia makes in the legislative alignment stage - the referendum, the Language un Education laws, doors to Russia remain closed. Moreover, Russia continues to impose economic sanctions against Latvia. According to Mr. Birkavs there are people do not like the outcome of the referendum and who are dissatisfied with the naturalisation program and the integration strategy. Nevertheless, Latvia has the best language training program in the Eastern Europe. Mr. Birkavs compares the social integration program with the draft of the Rambouillet peace treaty on which both parties have to agree. Mr. Birkavs is not satisfied with the pace of the public discussion of the social integration program. According to him, people are not informed about the program and therefore they cannot express their opinion.