Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Head of the Russian delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Dmitry Rogozin has submitted a proposal to resume human rights monitoring of Latvia which was halted in 2001. The proposal will be reviewed on September 10 when Latvia will present 2 reports on the current situation: one by MP Juris Dobelis and another by FHRUL MP Boriss Cilevics. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that demands and reproaches of Russia are unjustified.

Head of the Russian delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Dmitry Rogozin has submitted a proposal to resume human rights monitoring of Latvia which was halted in 2001. The proposal will be reviewed on September 10 when Latvia will present 2 reports on the current situation: one by MP Juris Dobelis and another by FHRUL MP Boriss Cilevics. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that demands and reproaches of Russia are unjustified. Diena, Neatkariga, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Vesti Segodnya

interviews former Russian ambassador to Latvia Aleksandr Udaltsov, who now is the director of the Second Political Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Aleksandr Udaltsov believes that there have been no improvements in Latvian Russian relations since the meeting of the presidents of both countries. He states that during this meeting Latvian president Vaira Vike-Freiberga voiced understanding about the necessity to improve the situation of Russian speakers in the humanitarian sphere, however, Latvia has not made any further steps afterwards. He is convinced that the closure of the OSCE Mission was a premature decision and says that human rights monitoring should be resumed in Latvia. interviews former Russian ambassador to Latvia Aleksandr Udaltsov, who now is the director of the Second Political Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Aleksandr Udaltsov believes that there have been no improvements in Latvian Russian relations since the meeting of the presidents of both countries. He states that during this meeting Latvian president Vaira Vike-Freiberga voiced understanding about the necessity to improve the situation of Russian speakers in the humanitarian sphere, however, Latvia has not made any further steps afterwards. He is convinced that the closure of the OSCE Mission was a premature decision and says that human rights monitoring should be resumed in Latvia.

Chas

publishes an article about the resent presentation of publishes an article about the resent presentation of the semi-annual report on human rightsthe semi-annual report on human rights developed by the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and a study developed by the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and a study “Occupational Representation and Ethnic Discrimination in Latvia.” Occupational Representation and Ethnic Discrimination in Latvia. The newspaper talks to the author of the study Artis Pabriks. He states that there is disproportion but not discrimination in the job market in Latvia. The newspaper interviews director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks. He says that 6 months are not enough to make serious judgements about positive or negative tendencies in the sphere of human rights. When talking about violation of human rights of Russian-speakers, Nils Muiznieks mentions the attempts of the State Language Centre to extend its authority. The newspaper talks to the author of the study Artis Pabriks. He states that there is disproportion but not discrimination in the job market in Latvia. The newspaper interviews director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks. He says that 6 months are not enough to make serious judgements about positive or negative tendencies in the sphere of human rights. When talking about violation of human rights of Russian-speakers, Nils Muiznieks mentions the attempts of the State Language Centre to extend its authority.

Telegraf

publishes an in-depth article about the study conducted by political scientist Artis Pabriks. publishes an in-depth article about the study conducted by political scientist Artis Pabriks.

Chas

writes about young Roma man Kaspars Arhipovs who is studying pedagogy at a university. He is the only Roma who graduated a high school in his native town where the population of Roma is quite big. Kaspars Arhipovs talks about the unique culture of Roma and his strivings to acquire a good education. writes about young Roma man Kaspars Arhipovs who is studying pedagogy at a university. He is the only Roma who graduated a high school in his native town where the population of Roma is quite big. Kaspars Arhipovs talks about the unique culture of Roma and his strivings to acquire a good education. Latvian ambassador to Finland Valdis Krastins published a response to criticism about Latvia’s attitude to its non-citizens in the newspaper International Herald Tribune. The ambassador states that the current situation is created by historical circumstances and stresses that citizenship means not only privileges but also obligations.

Latvian ambassador to Finland Valdis Krastins published a response to criticism about Latvias attitude to its non-citizens in the newspaper International Herald Tribune. The ambassador states that the current situation is created by historical circumstances and stresses that citizenship means not only privileges but also obligations. Diena

Chas, Telegraf

and and Vesti SegodnyaVesti Segodnya report on a reception held by the Russian ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov. The Russian ambassador invited to the embassy Russian language teachers who attended summer courses in the Russian Federation. During the meeting ambassador Igor Studennikov stressed that preservation of education in the Russian language in Latvia is a top priority issue in relations between Latvia and Russia. report on a reception held by the Russian ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov. The Russian ambassador invited to the embassy Russian language teachers who attended summer courses in the Russian Federation. During the meeting ambassador Igor Studennikov stressed that preservation of education in the Russian language in Latvia is a top priority issue in relations between Latvia and Russia.

Chas

continues to publish articles supporting the halting of education reform in 2004. FHRUL MP Yakovs Pliners provides the key points of the FHRUL pre-election programme concerning education. continues to publish articles supporting the halting of education reform in 2004. FHRUL MP Yakovs Pliners provides the key points of the FHRUL pre-election programme concerning education.

Chas

analyses changes in popularity ratings of parties, in particular the Latvian Social Democrats. The newspaper writes that according to many policy analysts in the Latvian language press the Latvian Social Democrats have lost an important share of its supporters because of being in coalition with FHRUL in the Riga City Council and paying attention to Russian-speakers residing in Riga. analyses changes in popularity ratings of parties, in particular the Latvian Social Democrats. The newspaper writes that according to many policy analysts in the Latvian language press the Latvian Social Democrats have lost an important share of its supporters because of being in coalition with FHRUL in the Riga City Council and paying attention to Russian-speakers residing in Riga.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

The Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies published a semi-annual report on the situation of human rights in Latvia in the first 6 months of 2002. The LCHRES states that the most important achievement in the sphere of human rights in Latvia in 2002 was abolition of the language requirement for public office. The LCHRES is concerned about freedom of speech and police brutality. The report states that the recently adopted amendments to the Constitution aimed at strengthening the status of the Latvian language may, depending on the implementation, impinge on the rights on minorities.

The Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies published a semi-annual report on the situation of human rights in Latvia in the first 6 months of 2002. The LCHRES states that the most important achievement in the sphere of human rights in Latvia in 2002 was abolition of the language requirement for public office. The LCHRES is concerned about freedom of speech and police brutality. The report states that the recently adopted amendments to the Constitution aimed at strengthening the status of the Latvian language may, depending on the implementation, impinge on the rights on minorities. Diena, BNS
The full text of the report is available at politika.lv (in Latvian) and policy.lv (in English).

Yesterday the Soros Foundation in Latvia presented a new study “Occupational Representation and Ethnic Discrimination in Latvia” conducted by political scientist Artis Pabriks.

Yesterday the Soros Foundation in Latvia presented a new study Occupational Representation and Ethnic Discrimination in Latvia conducted by political scientist Artis Pabriks. Lauku Avize, Vechernaya Riga, Telegraf
The full text of the study is available at politika.lv (in Latvian) and policy.lv (in English).
Articles by director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks "Social Integration Issuesand the 8th Saeima" and "Are Human Rights Becoming Consolidated" are published at the public policy portal policy.lv

Rigas Balss reports on the location of the next information booth in one of the districts of Riga where interested people can acquire information about naturalisation and take trial tests. The information campaign is run by the Naturalisation Board. The embassy of Great Britain provides financial support for the campaign. BNS reports that on the weekend information booths will be available in eastern Latvia -- Rezekne and Vilani.

Vechernaya Riga

talks to education experts of the Ministry of Education and Science Tatyana Fomina and Marina Zitarova about the future of the Russian language at schools and problems concerning teaching of the Russian language and literature in Latvia. Both experts agree that there are problems with Russian language teachers. Tatyana Fomina states that schools have a shortage of new teachers, but Marina Zitarova believes that many Russian language teachers are not sufficiently qualified and not interested in their job. Marina Zitarova states that the Russian language becomes more and more popular in Latvian schools – schools that excluded the Russian language from their curricula several years ago now have resumed offering Russian classes to their students. talks to education experts of the Ministry of Education and Science Tatyana Fomina and Marina Zitarova about the future of the Russian language at schools and problems concerning teaching of the Russian language and literature in Latvia. Both experts agree that there are problems with Russian language teachers. Tatyana Fomina states that schools have a shortage of new teachers, but Marina Zitarova believes that many Russian language teachers are not sufficiently qualified and not interested in their job. Marina Zitarova states that the Russian language becomes more and more popular in Latvian schools – schools that excluded the Russian language from their curricula several years ago now have resumed offering Russian classes to their students.

Vesti Segodnya

writes about the success story of Ivans Ribakovs. After Latvia regained its independence, Ribakovs acquired the status of non-citizen. However, he believed that being a citizen is the best way to influence state affairs and decided to naturalise. Now he is running for the 8th Saeima from the list of FHRUL. writes about the “success story” of Ivans Ribakovs. After Latvia regained its independence, Ribakovs acquired the status of non-citizen. However, he believed that being a citizen is the best way to influence state affairs and decided to naturalise. Now he is running for the 8th Saeima from the list of FHRUL.

Lauku Avize

interviews leader of the New Era Party Einars Repse about the situation in Latvia and his partys prospects in the 8th Saeima. Regarding relations between Russia and Latvia, Einars Repse says that Moscow still hopes to have a political influence on Latvia and this issue should be seriously discussed with Russia. However, Repse believes that the Latvian government has not done everything possible to improve relations with Russia. When asked whether a new ministry responsible for minority issues should be formed, Einars Repse does not provide a clear answer. interviews leader of the New Era Party Einars Repse about the situation in Latvia and his party’s prospects in the 8th Saeima. Regarding relations between Russia and Latvia, Einars Repse says that Moscow still hopes to have a political influence on Latvia and this issue should be seriously discussed with Russia. However, Repse believes that the Latvian government has not done everything possible to improve relations with Russia. When asked whether a new ministry responsible for minority issues should be formed, Einars Repse does not provide a clear answer.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Today experts from the EU, the UN, the Council of Europe and the OSCE will hold a conference on national minority issues in a town on the border of Denmark and Germany. The conference will discuss the situation of national minorities in Latvia as well. Director of the National Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers and FHRUL MP Boriss Cilevics will represent Latvia in the conference.

Today experts from the EU, the UN, the Council of Europe and the OSCE will hold a conference on national minority issues in a town on the border of Denmark and Germany. The conference will discuss the situation of national minorities in Latvia as well. Director of the National Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers and FHRUL MP Boriss Cilevics will represent Latvia in the conference. Vesti Segodnya

Vechernaya Riga

and and Chas Chas continue to call on parents of Russian students to support education in minority languages. continue to call on parents of Russian students to support education in minority languages.

Vesti Segodnya

provides more in-depth information about the political show The Russian Issue, which discussed relations between Latvia and Russia. Leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans reproached the Latvian government for leaving on their own all non-Latvians 10 years ago. The newspaper states that none of the representatives of the ruling parties could provide specific possible solutions for improving relations between Russia and Latvia. provides more in-depth information about the political show “The Russian Issue,” which discussed relations between Latvia and Russia. Leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans reproached the Latvian government for “leaving on their own” all non-Latvians 10 years ago. The newspaper states that none of the representatives of the ruling parties could provide specific possible solutions for improving relations between Russia and Latvia. According to the results of the opinion poll conducted by the company “SKDS,” the rating of Latvia’s Way has decreased dramatically -- in August only 5.2% of Latvian citizens would vote for the party. The New Era party still remains the most popular party in August, followed by the People’s Party (third in July), FHRUL (second in July), FF/LNNK and the Union of the Green Party and the Farmers’ Party. The Latvian Social Democrats did not overcome the 5% barrier in August. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga is the most popular person in Latvia, followed by Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs, People’s Party member Raimonds Pauls and leader of the New Era Einars Repse.

According to the results of the opinion poll conducted by the company SKDS, the rating of Latvias Way has decreased dramatically -- in August only 5.2% of Latvian citizens would vote for the party. The New Era party still remains the most popular party in August, followed by the Peoples Party (third in July), FHRUL (second in July), FF/LNNK and the Union of the Green Party and the Farmers Party. The Latvian Social Democrats did not overcome the 5% barrier in August. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga is the most popular person in Latvia, followed by Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs, Peoples Party member Raimonds Pauls and leader of the New Era Einars Repse. Diena, Neatkariga, Vechernaya Riga, Chas

In late 2001, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga proposed the creation of a new body to promote the Latvian language – an Official Language Commission under the auspices of the president. The initiative came at the height of the controversy over abolishing the language requirement for public office. Many analysts interpreted the presidents move as an attempt to provide political cover for the parliament when making the unpopular amendments. For a summary of the work done by the Official Language Commission, read at the article by Dace Lukumiete at www.policy.lv/monitor/ in Specials

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

 

Diena reports on the results of the study Occupational Presentation and Ethnic Discrimination conducted by Artis Pabriks. According to Artis Pabriks there is a rather clear misbalance between presentation of Latvians and Russians working in ministries. 92% of ministry employees are Latvians. Artis Pabriks states that majority of Russian-speakers do not apply for jobs in ministries for several reasons: salaries in ministries are lower than in the private sector; lack of Latvian citizenship; lack of confidence in state language skills; fear of discrimination and alienation from the state. Diena talks to a young man of Russian origin, Mihails Kozlovs, who has made a successful career in the Ministry of Finance. He believes that knowledge and education, and not nationality, are the key factors for being employed.

Chas

reports on filming of the last show The Russian Issue, which discussed relations between Moscow and Riga. The newspaper writes that almost all participants – representatives of political parties – criticized Latvias Way, the party responsible for the foreign policy of Latvia, for the inability to realise all co-operation possibilities with Russia, and Russia for hindering the signing important bilateral agreements. reports on filming of the last show “The Russian Issue,” which discussed relations between Moscow and Riga. The newspaper writes that almost all participants – representatives of political parties – criticized Latvia’s Way, the party responsible for the foreign policy of Latvia, for the inability to realise all co-operation possibilities with Russia, and Russia for hindering the signing important bilateral agreements. Telegraf, Vesti SegodnyaTelegraf, Vesti Segodnya Newspapers report that the Riga City Council awarded “golden bonuses” to the best high school students.

Newspapers report that the Riga City Council awarded golden bonuses to the best high school students. Telegraf stresses that this year half of the students were from Russian schools.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs launches a new internet project – interested persons can send in their questions about the foreign policy of the Russian Federation and receive a response.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs launches a new internet project – interested persons can send in their questions about the foreign policy of the Russian Federation and receive a response. Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Lauku Avize

interviews Minister of Education and Science Karlis Greiskalns. Regarding the education reform in 2004, which foresees the switch to Latvian as the language of instruction at all secondary schools, Karlis Greiskalns states that there will be no changes in the stance of the government towards the reform, as there is no sound argument why the reform should be postponed or cancelled. He states that the results of the survey conducted by the Baltic Institute of Social Science are not representative as only selected schools were surveyed. Karlis Greiskalns reports that there has been no response to his call on school principals to report to him about problems hindering the implementation of the reform. interviews Minister of Education and Science Karlis Greiskalns. Regarding the education reform in 2004, which foresees the switch to Latvian as the language of instruction at all secondary schools, Karlis Greiskalns states that there will be no changes in the stance of the government towards the reform, as there is no sound argument why the reform should be postponed or cancelled. He states that the results of the survey conducted by the Baltic Institute of Social Science are not representative as only selected schools were surveyed. Karlis Greiskalns reports that there has been no response to his call on school principals to report to him about problems hindering the implementation of the reform.

Chas

editorial by Leonid Fedoseyev discussed bilingual education in Latvia. The author believes that bilingual education will ruin all national schools in Latvia, not only Russian schools but also Latvian, as Russian parents will send their children to good Latvian schools. editorial by Leonid Fedoseyev discussed bilingual education in Latvia. The author believes that bilingual education will ruin all national schools in Latvia, not only Russian schools but also Latvian, as Russian parents will send their children to good Latvian schools.

Chas

reports on filming of the third political show The Russian Issue. This time the show was devoted to education issues. reports on filming of the third political show “The Russian Issue.” This time the show was devoted to education issues. ChasChas provides the summary of the responses of representatives of political parties regarding the education reform in 2004. The newspaper stresses that only FHRUL is strictly against the implementation of the reform in 2004. Several parties, such as Social Democrats, the Union Centrs, agree that the reform should be done with the consent of the schools. The newspaper points out the strict and unyielding positions of the ruling parties concerning the reform. provides the summary of the responses of representatives of political parties regarding the education reform in 2004. The newspaper stresses that only FHRUL is strictly against the implementation of the reform in 2004. Several parties, such as Social Democrats, the Union “Centrs”, agree that the reform should be done with the consent of the schools. The newspaper points out the strict and unyielding positions of the ruling parties concerning the reform. Vesti SegodnyaVesti Segodnya

Chas

and and Vesti SegodnyaVesti Segodnya report that FHRUL has launched its website. One of the pages is devoted to issues concerning spelling of foreign names according to Latvian grammar rules in official documents. The site suggests possible solutions to the issue, one of them – filing a claim with the European Court of Human Rights report that FHRUL has launched its website. One of the pages is devoted to issues concerning spelling of foreign names according to Latvian grammar rules in official documents. The site suggests possible solutions to the issue, one of them – filing a claim with the European Court of Human Rights. Panorama Latvii. Panorama Latvii

On Friday, former ambassador of the Russian Federation to Latvia Aleksandr Udaltsov, who now is the director of the Second Political Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visited Latvia. He held discussions with officials of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the intensification of political dialogue between the countries.

Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii