Integration and Minority Information Service

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

According to provisional election results, Einars Repse’s New Era party will get 26 seats in the parliament, the leftist For Human Rights In A United Latvia – 24 seats, the People’s Party – 21 seats, the Union of Greens and Farmers – 12 seats, Latvia’s First Party – 10 seats, For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK – 7 seats. Latvia’s Way which has been in the Parliament during all 10 independence years did not overcome the 5% barrier. None of the parties considers a coalition with the New Era impossible. Leader of the New Era Einars Repse stated that his party will invite all parties except FHRUL to open discussions where he will announce his conditions of forming a government.

According to provisional election results, Einars Repses New Era party will get 26 seats in the parliament, the leftist For Human Rights In A United Latvia – 24 seats, the Peoples Party – 21 seats, the Union of Greens and Farmers – 12 seats, Latvias First Party – 10 seats, For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK – 7seats. Latvias Way which has been in the Parliament during all 10 independence years did not overcome the 5% barrier. None of the parties considers a coalition with the New Era impossible. Leader of the New Era Einars Repse stated that his party will invite all parties except FHRUL to open discussions where he will announce his conditions of forming a government. Diena, Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Vechernaya Riga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

The Russian language press stresses that the true winner of these elections is FHRUL, as the party received 8 more seats than in the 7th Saeima elections.

The Russian language press stresses that the true winner of these elections is FHRUL, as the party received 8 more seats than in the 7th Saeima elections. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

The OSCE/ODIHR mission of election observers announced that the overall impression about the elections is very positive. The delegation suggests that Latvia abolish the restriction to run for public office for former KGB officers and supporters of communism after January 13, 1991, as well as grant non-citizens the right to participate in municipal elections.

The OSCE/ODIHR mission of election observers announced that the overall impression about the elections is very positive. The delegation suggests that Latvia abolish the restriction to run for public office for former KGB officers and supporters of communism after January 13, 1991, as well as grant non-citizens the right to participate in municipal elections. Diena, Chas

Telegraf

reports that on election night for more than 4 hours Latvian TV channel II discussed in the Russian language what the new government will do regarding issues important for Russian-speakers. The newspaper notes that the discussions attracted more than 200,000 viewers. reports that on election night for more than 4 hours Latvian TV channel II discussed in the Russian language what the new government will do regarding issues important for Russian-speakers. The newspaper notes that the discussions attracted more than 200,000 viewers.

Telegraf

interviews Russian businessmen, chairperson of the Foundation of Civil Liberties Boris Berezovsky. His foundation aims to help Russians to preserve their identity through culture outside Russia. interviews Russian businessmen, chairperson of the Foundation of Civil Liberties Boris Berezovsky. His foundation aims to help Russians to preserve their identity through culture outside Russia. Marija Golubeva, chairman of the political science department at Riga Stradina University, expresses concern that, without Latvia’s Way in the parliament, the Social Integration programme will not be actively implemented and developed in the future, as LW had been the principal catalyst for the programme. At the same time, Golubeva expressed satisfaction that Eizenija Aldermane will remain at the helm of the Naturalization Board. While Grigorijs Krupnikovs of New Era has considerabel experience as head of the Jewish Community, he is more interested in Foreign Affairs and the party programme says little about integration issues. Diena

Marija Golubeva, chairman of the political science department at Riga Stradina University, expresses concern that, without Latvias Way in the parliament, the Social Integration programme will not be actively implemented and developed in the future, as LW had been the principal catalyst for the programme. At the same time, Golubeva expressed satisfaction that Eizenija Aldermane will remain at the helm of the Naturalization Board. While Grigorijs Krupnikovs of New Era has considerabel experience as head of the Jewish Community, he is more interested in Foreign Affairs and the party programme says little about integration issues. Diena

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Diena

sums up the key tasks to be implemented by the 8th Saeima. According to director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks in the field of integration and national minority issues they are the following: the implementation of the switch of minority schools to instruction in Latvian in 2004, the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and ensuring Latvian language courses for non-Latvians. sums up the key tasks to be implemented by the 8th Saeima. According to director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks in the field of integration and national minority issues they are the following: the implementation of the switch of minority schools to instruction in Latvian in 2004, the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and ensuring Latvian language courses for non-Latvians. The mass media of the Russian Federation have interpreted statements of Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga about naturalisation issues in Latvia

The mass media of the Russian Federation have interpreted statements of Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga about naturalisation issues in Latvia in Lauku Avize as a call to non-citizens either to learn the Latvian language or to leave Latvia. Panorama Latvii.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Diena

looks into developments during the 7th Saeimas term of office and what the 7th Saeima has managed to do between 1998 and 2002. Dienas journalist Dita Araja concludes that the most important decisions regarding societal integration were taken particularly by the 7th Saeima. The adoption of the State Language Law and abolition of language requirements for persons running for public office were the most controversial issues for the 7th Saeima. Another important decision regarding this sphere was the adoption of the National Programme for the Integration of Society. looks into developments during the 7th Saeima’s term of office and what the 7th Saeima has managed to do between 1998 and 2002. Diena’s journalist Dita Araja concludes that the most important decisions regarding societal integration were taken particularly by the 7th Saeima. The adoption of the State Language Law and abolition of language requirements for persons running for public office were the most controversial issues for the 7th Saeima. Another important decision regarding this sphere was the adoption of the National Programme for the Integration of Society.

Chas

asked political parties running for the 8th Saeima to provide answers to 5 Russian questions asked political parties running for the 8th Saeima to provide answers to 5 “Russian” questions
1. Do you believe that naturalisation should remain the only possibility for non-citizens to acquire Latvian citizenship?1. Do you believe that naturalisation should remain the only possibility for non-citizens to acquire Latvian citizenship?
2. What status should the Russian language have in Latvia?2. What status should the Russian language have in Latvia?
3. Do you believe that the switch of secondary minority schools to instruction in Latvian in 2004 is necessary? 3. Do you believe that the switch of secondary minority schools to instruction in Latvian in 2004 is necessary?
4. Are you for or against the EU and NATO?4. Are you for or against the EU and NATO?
5. What should be relations between Latvia and Russia in the future? 5. What should be relations between Latvia and Russia in the future?
13 out of 20 parties provided their responses. Here you can find the summary of answers of most popular parties. 13 out of 20 parties provided their responses. Here you can find the summary of answers of most popular parties. The New Era: 1) naturalisation is an individual process; 2) the Latvian language is the sole state language and the NE does not support the idea to grant Russian the status of the official language at some municipalities; 3) the reform is very necessary, but more active preparation measures should be taken; 4) supports Latvia’s membership to the EU and NATO; 5) Latvia is interested in independent and democratic Russia.

The New Era: 1) naturalisation is an individual process; 2) the Latvian language is the sole state language and the NE does not support the idea to grant Russian the status of the official language at some municipalities; 3) the reform is very necessary, but more active preparation measures should be taken; 4) supports Latvias membership to the EU and NATO; 5) Latvia is interested in independent and democratic Russia.

FHRUL: 1) citizenship should be granted to all persons who were born in Latvia or who are family members of a citizen; 2) grant Russian the status of the official language in municipalities where the number of non-Latvians exceeds 20%; 3) the reform must be postponed; 4) supports the EU, no clear answer about NATO; 5) relations should be friendly.

FHRUL: 1) citizenship should be granted to all persons who were born in Latvia or who are family members of a citizen; 2) grant Russian the status of the official language in municipalities where the number of non-Latvians exceeds 20%; 3) the reform must be postponed; 4) supports the EU, no clear answer about NATO; 5) relations should be friendly.

Latvia’s Way: 1) according to legislation in force, everybody has the right to naturalise, the Prime Minister calls on everybody who feels connected to the country to naturalise; 2) the Russian language will play its role in such spheres as culture, communication and literature; 3) the party believes that all secondary school graduates should speak fluent Latvian and Russian and English as well; 4) supports Latvia’s membership to the EU and NATO; 5) good relations with Russia – one of the top priorities of foreign policy.

Latvias Way: 1) according to legislation in force, everybody has the right to naturalise, the Prime Minister calls on everybody who feels connected to the country to naturalise; 2) the Russian language will play its role in such spheres as culture, communication and literature; 3) the party believes that all secondary school graduates should speak fluent Latvian and Russian and English as well; 4) supports Latvias membership to the EU and NATO; 5) good relations with Russia – one of the top priorities of foreign policy.

The First Party: 1) the naturalisation procedure should guarantee that a new citizen knows the state language and history; 2) Latvian is the state language, other languages are granted the status of minority languages; 3) the readiness of schools for the reform should be reviewed and then the reform should be continued; 4) the EU and NATO are priorities but not ends in themselves; 5) relations with Russia - as with any other country.

The First Party: 1) the naturalisation procedure should guarantee that a new citizen knows the state language and history; 2) Latvian is the state language, other languages are granted the status of minority languages; 3) the readiness of schools for the reform should be reviewed and then the reform should be continued; 4) the EU and NATO are priorities but not ends in themselves; 5) relations with Russia - as with any other country.

FF/LNNK: 1) yes; 2) Russian – one of several minority languages; 3) yes; 4) supports Latvia’s membership to the EU and NATO; 5) a treaty on the state border should be signed; mutually beneficial relations.

FF/LNNK: 1) yes; 2) Russian – one of several minority languages; 3) yes; 4) supports Latvias membership to the EU and NATO; 5) a treaty on the state border should be signed; mutually beneficial relations.

The Union of the Green Party and the Farmers’ Union: 1) Latvian legislation provides all possibilities to naturalise; 2) Russian has the status of a language of one of the ethnic groups residing in Latvia; 3) the reform is necessary for the integration of society, additional funding should be allotted; 4) should become a full-fledged EU member and receive 100% subsidies for agriculture; 5) a constructive dialogue.

The Union of the Green Party and the Farmers Union: 1) Latvian legislation provides all possibilities to naturalise; 2) Russian has the status of a language of one of the ethnic groups residing in Latvia; 3) the reform is necessary for the integration of society, additional funding should be allotted; 4) should become a full-fledged EU member and receive 100% subsidies for agriculture; 5) a constructive dialogue.

The People’s Party: 1) yes, the education system should motivate non-citizens to learn the Latvian language and culture; 2) the status of a language of a national minority residing in Latvia; 3) definitely yes; 4) Latvia’s membership to the EU and NATO – the only long-term guarantee of Latvia’s independence; 5) the first step should be made by Russia.

The Peoples Party: 1) yes, the education system should motivate non-citizens to learn the Latvian language and culture; 2) the status of a language of a national minority residing in Latvia; 3) definitely yes; 4) Latvias membership to the EU and NATO – the only long-term guarantee of Latvias independence; 5) the first step should be made by Russia.

Chas

reports the OSCE/ODIHR delegation of election observers does not provide any information about its current activities and observations, but promised to share their conclusions after the elections. reports the OSCE/ODIHR delegation of election observers does not provide any information about its current activities and observations, but promised to share their conclusions after the elections. Two orthodox Jewish religious organisations in Russia have issued a protest about holding the Latvian parliamentary elections on a Saturday, which deprives many Jews of the right to vote. Asked to comment the protest of his Russian colleagues, Habad Lubavicher Rabbi Mordechai Glazman noted that he himself was a non-citizen and far from politics. While it is impossible to do anything regarding these elections, he expressed the hope that provision would be made for Orthodox voters in the next elections. Until 1997 elections were held over a two-day Saturday-Sunday period, but since then they take place only on the first Saturday of October.

Two orthodox Jewish religious organisations in Russia have issued a protest about holding the Latvian parliamentary elections on a Saturday, which deprives many Jews of the right to vote. Asked to comment the protest of his Russian colleagues, Habad Lubavicher Rabbi Mordechai Glazman noted that he himself was a non-citizen and far from politics. While it is impossible to do anything regarding these elections, he expressed the hope that provision would be made for Orthodox voters in the next elections. Until 1997 elections were held over a two-day Saturday-Sunday period, but since then they take place only on the first Saturday of October. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Diena

publishes a discussion between leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans and Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins (Latvias Way). Janis Jurkans is convinced that the great number of non-citizens is the result of policy implemented by the ruling parties. Janis Jurkans states that Latvian legislation does not promote naturalisation. He suggests that in order to foster naturalisation non-citizens should be granted the right to vote at municipal elections and have a possibility to study in their languages at secondary school. The Prime Minister does not consider that the above mentioned measures would foster integration and states that his government has done a lot to provide programmes for Latvian language training. Regarding the switch of minority secondary schools to instruction in Latvian, Andris Berzins says that national minority schools could exist after 2004 but should not be funded from the state budget. He admits that the switch could be postponed for some schools, but in general all schools should follow the Law and implement the switch in 2004. publishes a discussion between leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans and Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins (Latvia’s Way). Janis Jurkans is convinced that the great number of non-citizens is the result of policy implemented by the ruling parties. Janis Jurkans states that Latvian legislation does not promote naturalisation. He suggests that in order to foster naturalisation non-citizens should be granted the right to vote at municipal elections and have a possibility to study in their languages at secondary school. The Prime Minister does not consider that the above mentioned measures would foster integration and states that his government has done a lot to provide programmes for Latvian language training. Regarding the switch of minority secondary schools to instruction in Latvian, Andris Berzins says that national minority schools could exist after 2004 but should not be funded from the state budget. He admits that the switch could be postponed for some schools, but in general all schools should follow the Law and implement the switch in 2004. Political scientist Janis Penikis states that in comparison to the previous elections, ethnopolitical issues are not so important any more, and even FF/LNNK is focusing on socio-economic questions in its campaign.

Political scientist Janis Penikis states that in comparison to the previous elections, ethnopolitical issues are not so important any more, and even FF/LNNK is focusing on socio-economic questions in its campaign. Lauku Avize

The Central Electoral Commission received a number of complaints about the state language skills of several persons who work at polling stations. Chairperson of the CEC Arnis Cimdars assigned two members of the CEC to inspect polling stations.

The Central Electoral Commission received a number of complaints about the state language skills of several persons who work at polling stations. Chairperson of the CEC Arnis Cimdars assigned two members of the CEC to inspect polling stations. Diena

Rigas Balss

interviews British ambassador Andrew Tesoriere. Ambassador Tesoriere stresses that he feels good in Latvia because he speaks Latvian and can integrate easily into Latvian society. interviews British ambassador Andrew Tesoriere. Ambassador Tesoriere stresses that he feels good in Latvia because he speaks Latvian and can integrate easily into Latvian society.

Telegraf

reports about two companies which provide Latvian language courses and prepare people for naturalisation. Both companies focus on teaching conversational language. reports about two companies which provide Latvian language courses and prepare people for naturalisation. Both companies focus on teaching conversational language.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

The opinion poll conducted by the company “Latvijas Fakti” confirms the results of the opinion poll conducted by the company “SKDS” – now the most popular party is the People’s Party, followed by the New Era, FHRUL, the Union of the Green Party and the Farmers’ Union, FF/LLNK, the First Party and Latvia’s Way. The company “Latvijas Fakti” will conduct a final opinion poll on Wednesday to see whether the scandal between Latvia’s Way and the People’s Party has influenced the popularity ratings of the two parties.

The opinion poll conducted by the company Latvijas Fakti confirms the results of the opinion poll conducted by the company SKDS – now the most popular party is the Peoples Party, followed by the New Era, FHRUL, the Union of the Green Party and the Farmers Union, FF/LLNK, the First Party and Latvias Way. The company Latvijas Fakti will conduct a final opinion poll on Wednesday to see whether the scandal between Latvias Way and the Peoples Party has influenced the popularity ratings of the two parties. Diena

Telegraf r

e-publishes statements of Russian Duma MP Viktor Alksnis about the results of the 8th Saeima elections in Latvia. Viktor Alksnis states that after the elections Jurkans party will leave FHRUL and form the government with the Peoples Party and Latvias Way. e-publishes statements of Russian Duma MP Viktor Alksnis about the results of the 8th Saeima elections in Latvia. Viktor Alksnis states that after the elections Jurkans’ party will leave FHRUL and form the government with the People’s Party and Latvia’s Way.

Chas

held an on-line discussion with leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans. Janis Jurkans believes that a top priority of the Latvian government should be provision of Latvian language courses for non-Latvians as language is the key integration tool. According to Jurkans the next Government has 3 key tasks: the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, second, all permanent residents should have the right to vote at municipal elections and, third, pensions should be calculated on an equal basis for all permanent residents. held an on-line discussion with leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans. Janis Jurkans believes that a top priority of the Latvian government should be provision of Latvian language courses for non-Latvians as language is the key integration tool. According to Jurkans the next Government has 3 key tasks: the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, second, all permanent residents should have the right to vote at municipal elections and, third, pensions should be calculated on an equal basis for all permanent residents.

Panorama Latvii

publishes an open letter of 19 minority NGOs to director of the OSCE Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Gerard Stoudmann. The authors of the letter believe that by depriving non-citizens the right to vote Latvia approves discrimination and that this norm is not in compliance with international norms. publishes an open letter of 19 minority NGOs to director of the OSCE Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Gerard Stoudmann. The authors of the letter believe that by depriving non-citizens the right to vote Latvia approves discrimination and that this norm is not in compliance with international norms. TV 5 celebrated its 1st anniversary by launching a daily news broadcast in the Russian language. TV5 is the only commercial TV channel, which airs news in Russian.

TV 5 celebrated its 1st anniversary by launching a daily news broadcast in the Russian language. TV5 is the only commercial TV channel, which airs news in Russian. Chas, Telegraf