Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

On Friday the New Era and the People's Party did not come to an agreement with the People’s party on their participation in the ruling coalition of the new government which will include the First Party, the Union of Greens and Farmers, and FF/LNNK. Therefore, the People’s Party with 21 deputies will remain in the opposition, as will FHRUL with 24 deputies.

On Friday the New Era and the People's Party did not come to an agreement with the Peoples party on their participation in the ruling coalition of the new government which will include the First Party, the Union of Greens and Farmers, and FF/LNNK. Therefore, the Peoples Party with 21 deputies will remain in the opposition, as will FHRUL with 24 deputies. Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize

The Russian language press –

The Russian language press – Chas, Vesti Segodnya – stresses that the New Era and the Peoples Party could not agree because of anti-Semitic views of leader of the Peoples Party Andris Skele. Leader of the New Era Einars Repse called Andris Skele an anti-Semite when Skele stated that Grigorijs Krupnikovs was not suited for the position of Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs. Panorama Latvii

Chairperson of FF/LNNK Maris Grinblats announced that while working at the government declaration particular attention will be paid to stances of the coalition regarding ethno-political issues, as the views and stances of the First Party are rather liberal in this field.

Chairperson of FF/LNNK Maris Grinblats announced that while working at the government declaration particular attention will be paid to stances of the coalition regarding ethno-political issues, as the views and stances of the First Party are rather liberal in this field. Lauku Avize

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

According to human right experts a petitioner who filed a claim with the European Court of Human Rights against the switch of minority secondary education to instruction in Latvian [as reported previously by

According to human right experts a petitioner who filed a claim with the European Court of Human Rights against the switch of minority secondary education to instruction in Latvian [as reported previously by Chas] has very small chances to win the case, because the Court rejected a similar case from Belgium. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no information that such claim has been filed with the Court. Diena

Telegraf

interviews leader of the First Party Eriks Jakobsons. Regarding the education reform in 2004, he says that it is clear that the reform lacks common sense and that the switch in 2004 is impossible because of a lack of resources. Eriks Jakobsons states that his party is ready to postpone the set time frame and says that everything must be resolved through dialogue. interviews leader of the First Party Eriks Jakobsons. Regarding the education reform in 2004, he says that it is clear that the reform lacks common sense and that the switch in 2004 is impossible because of a lack of resources. Eriks Jakobsons states that his party is ready to postpone the set time frame and says that everything must be resolved through dialogue. Yesterday Russian Ambassador Igor Studennikov presented a gift of the government of the Russian Federation - Russian language study books and teaching aids - to schools directors in Latvia.

Yesterday Russian Ambassador Igor Studennikov presented a gift of the government of the Russian Federation - Russian language study books and teaching aids - to schools directors in Latvia. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Vesti Segodnya

reports about the discussions of the 7th Saeima about the draft law On Immigration, in particular, about persons who want to repatriate. FF/LNNK MP Peteris Tabuns believes that these people should come to Latvian authorities so Latvia has information about who and how many want to repatriate. Peoples Party MP Aleksandrs Kirsteins stated that the integration programme should be oriented to provision of support for people who want to return to their countries. According to Kirsteins 50% of Latvian non-citizens want to emigrate to EU countries. reports about the discussions of the 7th Saeima about the draft law “On Immigration,” in particular, about persons who want to repatriate. FF/LNNK MP Peteris Tabuns believes that these people should come to Latvian authorities so Latvia has information about who and how many want to repatriate. People’s Party MP Aleksandrs Kirsteins stated that the integration programme should be oriented to provision of support for people who want to return to their countries. According to Kirsteins 50% of Latvian non-citizens want to emigrate to EU countries.

Vesti Segodnya

reports about the TV discussion Whats Going on in Latvia? among the leaders of most popular parties of the 8th Saeima moderated by journalist Janis Domburs. One of questions was whether newly elected politicians will listen to national minorities and take into account recommendations of European institutions regarding the rights of national minorities. Leader of the New Era Einars Repse did not provide any comments about the education reform in 2004, but stressed that many Russian-speakers voted for his party. FHRUL MP Janis Urbanovics concludes that the newly elected politicians will ignore the interests of non-Latvians as did the out-going parliament. reports about the TV discussion “What’s Going on in Latvia?” among the leaders of most popular parties of the 8th Saeima moderated by journalist Janis Domburs. One of questions was whether newly elected politicians will listen to national minorities and take into account recommendations of European institutions regarding the rights of national minorities. Leader of the New Era Einars Repse did not provide any comments about the education reform in 2004, but stressed that many Russian-speakers voted for his party. FHRUL MP Janis Urbanovics concludes that the newly elected politicians will ignore the interests of non-Latvians as did the out-going parliament.

Vesti Segodnya

talks to Romualds Pipars whose ethnic background is Roma. Romualds Pipars has launched filming a documentary about Roma. The first episodes are about people who saved Roma during the Nazi regime. talks to Romualds Pipars whose ethnic background is Roma. Romualds Pipars has launched filming a documentary about Roma. The first episodes are about people who saved Roma during the Nazi regime.

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

Dr.iur. Ineta Ziemele features an article about the 8th Saeima elections. She states that TV discussions about ethno-political issues among representatives of parties were particularly interesting. Ineta Ziemele notes that when talking about the importance of ensuring Latvian language training for non-citizens none of the discussion participants mentioned specific proposals, such as how to expand the circle of persons involved in the National Programme for Latvian Language Training and what amount of funding from the state budget should be allotted to expand this circle. Ineta Ziemele expresses a pleasant surprise regarding discussions about the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. She stresses that parties have finally realised that it is possible to introduce reservations to the Convention and then ratify it, but notes that none of the parties were specific. Ineta Ziemele concludes that Latvia’s membership to the EU will change the legal and political context in the country, including ethnic relations and that the dominant tendency of today – “we (the majority) and they (the minority)” – has never been profitable for Latvia and will be less so in a situation of increasing competition.

Dr.iur. Ineta Ziemele features an article about the 8th Saeima elections. She states that TV discussions about ethno-political issues among representatives of parties were particularly interesting. Ineta Ziemele notes that when talking about the importance of ensuring Latvian language training for non-citizens none of the discussion participants mentioned specific proposals, such as how to expand the circle of persons involved in the National Programme for Latvian Language Training and what amount of funding from the state budget should be allotted to expand this circle. Ineta Ziemele expresses a pleasant surprise regarding discussions about the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. She stresses that parties have finally realised that it is possible to introduce reservations to the Convention and then ratify it, but notes that none of the parties were specific. Ineta Ziemele concludes that Latvias membership to the EU will change the legal and political context in the country, including ethnic relations and that the dominant tendency of today – we (the majority) and they (the minority) – has never been profitable for Latvia and will be less so in a situation of increasing competition. Diena

FF/LNNK agreed to form a coalition with the New Era, the First Party and the Union of Greens and Farmers as the New Era agreed to two principal issues essential for FF/LNNK – the switch of minority secondary school to instruction in Latvian must be implemented in 2004 and non-citizens should not be given the right to participate in municipal elections.

FF/LNNK agreed to form a coalition with the New Era, the First Party and the Union of Greens and Farmers as the New Era agreed to two principal issues essential for FF/LNNK – the switch of minority secondary school to instruction in Latvian must be implemented in 2004 and non-citizens should not be given the right to participate in municipal elections. Diena, Rigas Balss, Vechernaya Riga, Chas, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnya

does not agree with the opinion that only Russian nationalists voted for FHRUL in the 8th Saeima elections. The newspaper states that in Vidzeme, Kurzeme and Zemgale - regions of Latvia which are considered Latvian - the number of FHRULs supporters increased to 27,000 in comparison to the 7th Saeima elections and these people are not only new citizens but ethnic Latvians as well. does not agree with the opinion that only Russian nationalists voted for FHRUL in the 8th Saeima elections. The newspaper states that in Vidzeme, Kurzeme and Zemgale - regions of Latvia which are considered Latvian - the number of FHRUL’s supporters increased to 27,000 in comparison to the 7th Saeima elections and these people are not only new citizens but ethnic Latvians as well.

Vesti Segodnya

looks into the report of the OSCE/ODIHR delegation of election observers. The newspaper points out two suggestions made by the delegation, first, Latvia should abolish the restriction to run for public office for former KGB officers and supporters of communism after January 13, 1991, and second, Latvia should grant non-citizens the right to participate in municipal elections. In conclusion looks into the report of the OSCE/ODIHR delegation of election observers. The newspaper points out two suggestions made by the delegation, first, Latvia should abolish the restriction to run for public office for former KGB officers and supporters of communism after January 13, 1991, and second, Latvia should grant non-citizens the right to participate in municipal elections. In conclusion Vesti SegodnyaVesti Segodnya provides the comments of the delegation regarding the role of the mass media in pre-election time that the restricted possibilities for the mass media to broadcast in minority languages could be an obstacle for one fourth of Latvian citizens to receive information about the elections and follow campaigns. provides the comments of the delegation regarding the role of the mass media in pre-election time that “the restricted possibilities for the mass media to broadcast in minority languages could be an obstacle for one fourth of Latvian citizens to receive information about the elections and follow campaigns.” Latvia is among the ten countries that the European Commission has officially recommended for inclusion in the European Union in 2004 in its annual progress report on EU candidate countries. The report notes that improvements in state administration, court reform and integration remain key priorities for Latvia.

Latvia is among the ten countries that the European Commission has officially recommended for inclusion in the European Union in 2004 in its annual progress report on EU candidate countries. The report notes that improvements in state administration, court reform and integration remain key priorities for Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

Telegraf

reports that yesterday German Ambassador Eckart Herold and Russian ambassador Igor Studennikov as well as a number of political scientists from Latvia and Russia took part in a Latvian Russian conference which discussed the development of civil societies in both countries. The conference was funded by the German Parliament, the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, the Embassy of Norway, the National Programme for Latvian Language Training and the Academy of Culture reports that yesterday German Ambassador Eckart Herold and Russian ambassador Igor Studennikov as well as a number of political scientists from Latvia and Russia took part in a Latvian Russian conference which discussed the development of civil societies in both countries. The conference was funded by the German Parliament, the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, the Embassy of Norway, the National Programme for Latvian Language Training and the Academy of Culture

Telegraf

features an article about two schools – Latvian and Russian – which are situated in one building. The director of the Russian school believes that it is better if a school is mono-ethnic. According to the director, the only positive aspect in this situation is that Russian students can communicate with their Latvian peers in Latvian during sport competitions. features an article about two schools – Latvian and Russian – which are situated in one building. The director of the Russian school believes that it is better if a school is mono-ethnic. According to the director, the only positive aspect in this situation is that Russian students can communicate with their Latvian peers in Latvian during sport competitions.

Vesti Segodnya

talks to creative director of the Centre of Russian Culture in Daugavpils Yuriy Yermakov. He states that Russians should be proud of their culture and language and should not feel ashamed to speak Russian. He agrees that interest of Russians about their history and folk traditions grows in Latvia. talks to creative director of the Centre of Russian Culture in Daugavpils Yuriy Yermakov. He states that Russians should be proud of their culture and language and should not feel ashamed to speak Russian. He agrees that interest of Russians about their history and folk traditions grows in Latvia.

Telegraf

talks to famous Latvian rock star Ainars Mielavs who will release his album in the Russian language this week. talks to famous Latvian rock star Ainars Mielavs who will release his album in the Russian language this week.

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

Yesterday Einars Repse’s New Era and the First Party decided on setting up a joint bloc. The parties discussed and agreed on the implementation of several pre-election promises, including formation of a Societal Integration Ministry. According to member of the First Party Oskars Kastens, the key tasks of the ministry will be promotion of naturalisation and provision of Latvian language courses. Oskars Kastens believes that it is time to discuss the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. The Union of Greens and Farmers is also ready to join the bloc. If FF/LNNK joins the coalition, Repse can leave the People’s Party in the opposition as he has stated before.

Yesterday Einars Repses New Era and the First Party decided on setting up a joint bloc. The parties discussed and agreed on the implementation of several pre-election promises, including formation of a Societal Integration Ministry. According to member of the First Party Oskars Kastens, the key tasks of the ministry will be promotion of naturalisation and provision of Latvian language courses. Oskars Kastens believes that it is time to discuss the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. The Union of Greens and Farmers is also ready to join the bloc. If FF/LNNK joins the coalition, Repse can leave the Peoples Party in the opposition as he has stated before. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Riga City Council announced that it is not sure whether all city schools will be ready for the switch of national minority schools to instruction in Latvian. The City Council established a position of senior expert in national minority education. The expert will help schools to develop individual curricula to preserve their language while implementing the switch.

Riga City Council announced that it is not sure whether all city schools will be ready for the switch of national minority schools to instruction in Latvian. The City Council established a position of senior expert in national minority education. The expert will help schools to develop individual curricula to preserve their language while implementing the switch. Vesti Segodnya, Vechernaya Riga

Today and tomorrow a Latvian Russian conference discussing the development of civil societies in both countries will be held in Riga. Sufficiency of political culture to develop balanced civil societies, work of NGOs, citizen and non-citizen issues in the context of the EU, the key tasks in the field of integration and other issues will be the main discussion subjects. Experts, political scientists and journalists from Latvia and Russia will take part in the conference. Sponsors of the conference are the German Parliament, the Foundation of Friedrich Ebert, the Embassy of Norway, the National Programme for Latvian Language Training and Academy of Culture.

Today and tomorrow a Latvian Russian conference discussing the development of civil societies in both countries will be held in Riga. Sufficiency of political culture to develop balanced civil societies, work of NGOs, citizen and non-citizen issues in the context of the EU, the key tasks in the field of integration and other issues will be the main discussion subjects. Experts, political scientists and journalists from Latvia and Russia will take part in the conference. Sponsors of the conference are the German Parliament, the Foundation of Friedrich Ebert, the Embassy of Norway, the National Programme for Latvian Language Training and Academy of Culture. Chas

Vesti Segodnya concludes that the latest progress report of the European Commission on Latvia suggests Latvia ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities.

Vesti Segodnya concludes that the latest progress report of the European Commission on Latvia suggests Latvia ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities.

Vesti Segodnya reports that yesterday Russian ambassador Igor Studennikov presented awards from the Russian government to the best Russian language and literature teachers in Latvia.

Vesti Segodnya reports that yesterday Russian ambassador Igor Studennikov presented awards from the Russian government to the best Russian language and literature teachers in Latvia. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

The European Commission concludes that 10 EU candidate countries, including Latvia, have met the political criteria and their admission in the set time frame is very feasible. When evaluating Latvia’s progress in the field of integration, the progress report of the European Commission calls on Latvia to foster and ensure relevant financial resources for naturalisation, in particular, for Latvian language courses. Concerning the implementation of the State Language Law Latvia should observe the principles of legitimate public interests and proportionality.

The European Commission concludes that 10 EU candidate countries, including Latvia, have met the political criteria and their admission in the set time frame is very feasible. When evaluating Latvias progress in the field of integration, the progress report of the European Commission calls on Latvia to foster and ensure relevant financial resources for naturalisation, in particular, for Latvian language courses. Concerning the implementation of the State Language Law Latvia should observe the principles of legitimate public interests and proportionality. Diena

Dienas

columnist Askolds Rodins analyses the stances and views of FHRUL. Askolds Rodins states that unfortunately the views of FHRUL on language and citizenship issues actually are the same as those of Moscow, although FHRUL does not declare that openly. The columnist says that FHRUL was so successful in the elections, because the party received the votes of those who were considered supporters of the Latvian Social Democrats. The visit of FHRULs leader Janis Jurkans to the Kremlin just before the elections played a role as well. Rodins believes that the future prospects of FHRUL are not so bright any more, as Latvia will soon become a member of the EU and NATO and then it will be clear for all residents of Latvia that Latvia will never be a part of Russia again. columnist Askolds Rodins analyses the stances and views of FHRUL. Askolds Rodins states that unfortunately the views of FHRUL on language and citizenship issues actually are the same as those of Moscow, although FHRUL does not declare that openly. The columnist says that FHRUL was so successful in the elections, because the party received the votes of those who were considered supporters of the Latvian Social Democrats. The visit of FHRUL’s leader Janis Jurkans to the Kremlin just before the elections played a role as well. Rodins believes that the future prospects of FHRUL are not so bright any more, as Latvia will soon become a member of the EU and NATO and then it will be clear for all residents of Latvia that Latvia will never be a part of Russia again. Leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans criticises a decision of the centre-right parties to exclude FHRUL from the formation of a government, but believes that sometime over the course of the 8th Saeima FHRUL will be represented in the government.

Leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans criticises a decision of the centre-right parties to exclude FHRUL from the formation of a government, but believes that sometime over the course of the 8th Saeima FHRUL will be represented in the government. Vesti Segodnya

Einars Repse’s New Era named its candidates for the posts of ministers yesterday. The Board of the New Era nominated Grigorijs Krupnikovs as Foreign Minister, Maris Gulbis - Interior Affairs Minister, Valdis Dombrovskis - Finance Minister, Karlis Sadurskis - Education and Science Minister, Krisjanis Karins - Agriculture Minister, Aivars Aksenoks - Transport Minister. The New Era will hold negotiations on a possible government with the Union of Greens and Farmers and the First Party today. Einars Repse is very sceptical about the possibility of forming a government with the People’s Party.

Einars Repses New Era named its candidates for the posts of ministers yesterday. The Board of the New Era nominated Grigorijs Krupnikovs as Foreign Minister, Maris Gulbis - Interior Affairs Minister, Valdis Dombrovskis - Finance Minister, Karlis Sadurskis - Education and Science Minister, Krisjanis Karins - Agriculture Minister, Aivars Aksenoks - Transport Minister. The New Era will hold negotiations on a possible government with the Union of Greens and Farmers and the First Party today. Einars Repse is very sceptical about the possibility of forming a government with the Peoples Party. Diena, Neatkariga, Vechernaya Riga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

A parent of a Russian student filed a claim with the European Court of Human Rights against the switch of minority secondary school to instruction in Latvian in 2004.

A parent of a Russian student filed a claim with the European Court of Human Rights against the switch of minority secondary school to instruction in Latvian in 2004. Chas reports that several other parents of Russian students are going to file their claims with the Court in the near future as well.

Vesti Segodnya

reports that at the beginning of October a round table about possibilities to co-operate with Russians residing in western countries took place in Moscow. Representatives of the Russian Society in Latvia took part in the round table. reports that at the beginning of October a round table about possibilities to co-operate with Russians residing in western countries took place in Moscow. Representatives of the Russian Society in Latvia took part in the round table.