Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Diena

reports that a number of Latvians voiced their concern that during the international sand sculpture festival, which took place last Saturday in the beach resort of Jurmala, the working language of the festival was Russian. The organiser of the festival - the publishing house Petit - states that interpretation in the state language would have been ensured if anybody had requested it. According to the law, interpretation in the state language at public events must be ensured if an organiser is a state or municipal institution. The opinion of senior inspector of the State Language Centre Andris Capins is that the lack of interpretation is a violation of the State Language Law as it concerns legitimate public interests. However, deputy director of the State Language Centre Agris Timuska says, it was not right [not provide interpretation], unfortunately, the law allows this. reports that a number of Latvians voiced their concern that during the international sand sculpture festival, which took place last Saturday in the beach resort of Jurmala, the working language of the festival was Russian. The organiser of the festival - the publishing house “Petit” - states that interpretation in the state language would have been ensured if anybody had requested it. According to the law, interpretation in the state language at public events must be ensured if an organiser is a state or municipal institution. The opinion of senior inspector of the State Language Centre Andris Capins is that the lack of interpretation is a violation of the State Language Law as it concerns legitimate public interests. However, deputy director of the State Language Centre Agris Timuska says, “it was not right [not provide interpretation], unfortunately, the law allows this.”

Chas

columnist Leonid Fedoseyev argues against the statement that the Russian language press should be blamed for fomenting national hatred and preventing integration. The columnist states that none of the ruling parties in Latvia represents the interests of citizens who are not Latvians or all citizens in general. He writes that the Russian language press is in a very unclear position – from the one side the Latvian authorities show no interest in the Russian language press, from the other side, Russia is constantly offering the Russian language press to become a mediator between Russia and Russians residing in Latvia. columnist Leonid Fedoseyev argues against the statement that the Russian language press should be blamed for fomenting national hatred and preventing integration. The columnist states that none of the ruling parties in Latvia represents the interests of citizens who are not Latvians or all citizens in general. He writes that the Russian language press is in a very unclear position – “from the one side the Latvian authorities show no interest in the Russian language press, from the other side, Russia is constantly offering the Russian language press to become a mediator between Russia and Russians residing in Latvia.”

Vesti Segodnja

publishes a statement of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning the recent report of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance on Latvia. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs voices its concern about the situation of Russians in Latvia and calls on the Latvian government to ratify the European Convention on the Rights of National Minorities and align Latvian legislation according to international standards. publishes a statement of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning the recent report of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance on Latvia. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs voices its concern about the situation of Russians in Latvia and calls on the Latvian government to ratify the European Convention on the Rights of National Minorities and align Latvian legislation according to international standards.

Vesti Segodnya

comments on the competition for the post of the director of the State Language Centre. Abik Elkin praises the new appointment procedure, that is, a director is not assigned by a party, but sought through a competition. Columnist Abik Elkin believes that Agris Timuska, the only applicant who was rejected, would follow and implement the same rules and policy as former director of the Centre Dzintra Hirsa. Abik Elkin believes that new candidates will not follow the language policy supported by FF/LNNK. comments on the competition for the post of the director of the State Language Centre. Abik Elkin praises the new appointment procedure, that is, a director is not assigned by a party, but sought through a competition. Columnist Abik Elkin believes that Agris Timuska, the only applicant who was rejected, would follow and implement the same rules and policy as former director of the Centre Dzintra Hirsa. Abik Elkin believes that new candidates will not follow the language policy supported by FF/LNNK.

Telegraf

interviews Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freibergas Russian language teacher Galina Vesele. She talks about the positive attitude of the President towards learning the Russian language and Russians. interviews Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga’s Russian language teacher Galina Vesele. She talks about the positive attitude of the President towards learning the Russian language and Russians. Yesterday Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins held an unofficial meeting with Russian Vice Prime Minister Valentina Matveyenko. The key discussion subjects were possible ratification of not-yet-ratified bilateral agreements. Right now Russian Prime Minister Valentina Matveyenko is on vacation in Jurmala.

Yesterday Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins held an unofficial meeting with Russian Vice Prime Minister Valentina Matveyenko. The key discussion subjects were possible ratification of not-yet-ratified bilateral agreements. Right now Russian Prime Minister Valentina Matveyenko is on vacation in Jurmala. Chas, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Lauku Avize

publishes an article by Juris Cibuls about the interpretation of the term ethnic minority in Latvia. He quotes the explanation of the term from several thesauruses and disagrees that Russians who are the plurality or majority in the 7 biggest cities of Latvia should be called a minority. publishes an article by Juris Cibuls about the interpretation of the term ethnic minority in Latvia. He quotes the explanation of the term from several thesauruses and disagrees that Russians who are the plurality or majority in the 7 biggest cities of Latvia should be called a minority.

Vesti Segodnja

columnist Abik Elkin comments on the recent article by head of BNS George Shabad about Russias policy towards its compatriots residing abroad. Abik Elkin argues that Russia is not calling on its people to return to Russia. The columnist believes that the presence of Russians is advantageous for Latvia in two ways: first, it fosters economic ties with Russia and, second, it fosters human ties between the two countries. columnist Abik Elkin comments on the recent article by head of BNS George Shabad about Russia’s policy towards its “compatriots” residing abroad. Abik Elkin argues that Russia is not calling on its people to return to Russia. The columnist believes that the presence of Russians is advantageous for Latvia in two ways: first, it fosters economic ties with Russia and, second, it fosters human ties between the two countries.

Chas

reports that the first political immigrant in Latvia Haisam Abu Abda is going to become a Latvian citizen. Haisam Abu Abda is the first refugee who received asylum in Latvia. Now he is the head of the Latvian Association of Foreigners and Refugees. Haisam Abu Abda states that, except for when he did not speak Latvian in the beginning, he has not experienced any expressions of xenophobia in Latvia. . Haisam Abu Abda indicates the key problems refugees experience in Latvia: housing, travelling, identification documents. reports that the first “political immigrant” in Latvia Haisam Abu Abda is going to become a Latvian citizen. Haisam Abu Abda is the first refugee who received asylum in Latvia. Now he is the head of the Latvian Association of Foreigners and Refugees. Haisam Abu Abda states that, except for when he did not speak Latvian in the beginning, he has not experienced any expressions of xenophobia in Latvia. . Haisam Abu Abda indicates the key problems refugees experience in Latvia: housing, travelling, identification documents.

Lauku Avize

interviews Daugavpils City Mayor Rihards Eigims. Rihards Eigims agrees that FHRUL and his party Latgales Light have the same electorate. However, the key difference lies in parties language policies. Latgales Light is going to introduce Latvian language classes already in kindergarten to prepare children to study in the Latvian language at school. Rihards Eigims states that Jurkans party has done nothing to help the Russian population to learn Latvian. interviews Daugavpils City Mayor Rihards Eigims. Rihards Eigims agrees that FHRUL and his party “Latgale’s Light” have the same electorate. However, the key difference lies in parties’ language policies. Latgale’s Light is going to introduce Latvian language classes already in kindergarten to prepare children to study in the Latvian language at school. Rihards Eigims states that Jurkans’ party has done nothing to help the Russian population to learn Latvian. FHRUL has not agreed on their candidate for the post of the Prime Minister in the next Saeima. About the recent statement of a member of FHRUL that former leader of the Communist Party Alfreds Rubiks could be FHRUL’s candidate for the post of the Prime Minister, Janis Jurkans says, “I respect him as a professional and responsible man. However, I doubt whether he is ready for this post or whether the statement was made with his agreement.”

FHRUL has not agreed on their candidate for the post of the Prime Minister in the next Saeima. About the recent statement of a member of FHRUL that former leader of the Communist Party Alfreds Rubiks could be FHRULs candidate for the post of the Prime Minister, Janis Jurkans says, I respect him as a professional and responsible man. However, I doubt whether he is ready for this post or whether the statement was made with his agreement. Diena

Newspapers publish the results of an opinion poll conducted by the company “Latvijas Fakti” on the popularity ratings of political parties in July. New Era is still on the top, followed by FHRUL. Although FRHUL remains in second place, its popularity rating has increased by 2.4% in July. No other major changes have occurred in the sequence of parties - third place is taken by Latvia’s Way (slight decline – about 1%), followed by the People’s Party (slight increase - about 1%) and FF/LNNK (slight increase of 1% as well). 10.2% of respondents said that they will not participate at the 8th Saeima elections, while 19% were not sure about their choice yet.

Newspapers publish the results of an opinion poll conducted by the company Latvijas Fakti on the popularity ratings of political parties in July. New Era is still on the top, followed by FHRUL. Although FRHUL remains in second place, its popularity rating has increased by 2.4% in July. No other major changes have occurred in the sequence of parties - third place is taken by Latvias Way (slight decline – about 1%), followed by the Peoples Party (slight increase - about 1%) and FF/LNNK (slight increase of 1% as well). 10.2% of respondents said that they will not participate at the 8th Saeima elections, while 19% were not sure about their choice yet.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga is the most popular person in Latvia. Ventspils City Mayor Aivars Lembergs is the second most popular person, followed by Saeima speaker Janis Straume and Latvia’s Way Saeima faction chairperson Kristiana Libane.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga is the most popular person in Latvia. Ventspils City Mayor Aivars Lembergs is the second most popular person, followed by Saeima speaker Janis Straume and Latvias Way Saeima faction chairperson Kristiana Libane. Diena, Lauku Avize, Neatkariga, Vechernaya Riga, Vesti Segodnja

Telegraf

talks to leader of parliamentary faction of the Latvian Social Democratic Partys Valdis Lauskis about the decline of partys popularity after the municipal elections last year. He believes that one of the major reasons is the negative attitude of the Latvian media and Russian media towards the party. Valdis Lauskis says that they have included a representative of the Roma community in the partys ticket in order to attract the votes of Roma in the 8th Saeima elections. talks to leader of parliamentary faction of the Latvian Social Democratic Party’s Valdis Lauskis about the decline of party’s popularity after the municipal elections last year. He believes that one of the major reasons is the negative attitude of the Latvian media and Russian media towards the party. Valdis Lauskis says that they have included a representative of the Roma community in the party’s ticket in order to attract the votes of Roma in the 8th Saeima elections.

Panorama Latvii

introduces its readers to the activities of the Council of the Baltic Sea States and the procedure of submitting complaints to the organisation. introduces its readers to the activities of the Council of the Baltic Sea States and the procedure of submitting complaints to the organisation.

Panorama Latvii

talks with honorary consul of Ukraine to Latvia Oleg Gorbenko about the visa procedures for Latvian citizens and non-citizens and possible repatriation from Latvia to Ukraine. talks with honorary consul of Ukraine to Latvia Oleg Gorbenko about the visa procedures for Latvian citizens and non-citizens and possible repatriation from Latvia to Ukraine.

Panorama Latvii

talks to Swiss ambassador Willy Hold. Ambassador Willy Hold shares the Swiss experience regarding the language and citizenship issues in Switzerland. Ambassador Willy Hold talks about his experience in taking the Latvian language test. The ambassador is convinced that everybody who really wants can learn the language. talks to Swiss ambassador Willy Hold. Ambassador Willy Hold shares the Swiss experience regarding the language and citizenship issues in Switzerland. Ambassador Willy Hold talks about his experience in taking the Latvian language test. The ambassador is convinced that everybody who really wants can learn the language.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

A number of Latvian politicians believe Russia has re-directed its policy towards the Baltic countries by using Russian speakers as an instrument in order to have greater influence on public opinion in these countries. According to the Russia’s news agency Interfax, anonymous sources have noted that Russian-speakers residing in the Baltic countries should be more integrated in Latvian political and social affairs in order to be able to defend their interests better.

A number of Latvian politicians believe Russia has re-directed its policy towards the Baltic countries by using Russian speakers as an instrument in order to have greater influence on public opinion in these countries. According to the Russias news agency Interfax, anonymous sources have noted that Russian-speakers residing in the Baltic countries should be more integrated in Latvian political and social affairs in order to be able to defend their interests better. Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The State Civil Service Department will re-announce the job opening of director of the State Language Centre this week. The first time the selection commission rejected the only applicant – Aigars Timuska, executive director of the State Language Centre – because he “lacked a strategic vision for the development of the further work of the State Language Centre.” No new requirements are set for applicants for the position.

The State Civil Service Department will re-announce the job opening of director of the State Language Centre this week. The first time the selection commission rejected the only applicant – Aigars Timuska, executive director of the State Language Centre – because he lacked a strategic vision for the development of the further work of the State Language Centre. No new requirements are set for applicants for the position. Neatkariga

According to the Law on Education more than 300 children in Latvia have to pay for their education at schools funded from the state budget. They are children who are not Latvian citizens and live in Latvia with residence permits.

According to the Law on Education more than 300 children in Latvia have to pay for their education at schools funded from the state budget. They are children who are not Latvian citizens and live in Latvia with residence permits. Vesti Segodnya writes that the Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs does not implement the law, therefore only some individuals have to pay for primary and secondary education funded from the state budget. The newspaper provides a real case story.

Vesti Segodnya

reports on the conference of Latvian old believers. One of the key discussion subjects was integration of old believers into Latvian society. The newspaper notes that formally all old believers are Latvian citizens as they have been living in Latvia for centuries. However, the old believers are concerned about the preservation of their religion and culture in the future. reports on the conference of Latvian old believers. One of the key discussion subjects was integration of old believers into Latvian society. The newspaper notes that formally all old believers are Latvian citizens as they have been living in Latvia for centuries. However, the old believers are concerned about the preservation of their religion and culture in the future.

Telegraf

interviews leader of the Freedom Party Ziedonis Cevers. About his party policy towards Russian-speaking electorate, Ziedonis Cevers says that there will not be any differences towards Latvians or Russians in his party programme. He suggests that the governments of Latvia have cheated those non-citizens who voted for independent Latvia, but have not been granted Latvian citizenship. He notes that the government should stimulate residents to acquire Latvian citizenship. interviews leader of the Freedom Party Ziedonis Cevers. About his party policy towards Russian-speaking electorate, Ziedonis Cevers says that there will not be any differences towards Latvians or Russians in his party programme. He suggests that the governments of Latvia have cheated those non-citizens who voted for independent Latvia, but have not been granted Latvian citizenship. He notes that the government should stimulate residents to acquire Latvian citizenship.

Neatkariga

interviews ambassador of the Czech Republic to Latvia Jana Bulenova. Ambassador Jana Bulenova shares the experience of her country concerning NATO. She believes that todays world situation and Latvias NATO membership will foster better relations between Latvia and Russia and gradually all bilateral agreements will be signed. interviews ambassador of the Czech Republic to Latvia Jana Bulenova. Ambassador Jana Bulenova shares the experience of her country concerning NATO. She believes that today’s world situation and Latvia’s NATO membership will foster better relations between Latvia and Russia and gradually all bilateral agreements will be signed.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

The judge of the Riga Centre District Court refused to initiate a criminal case against the leaders of the Freedom Party about defamation of character of two dark skinned musicians who were filmed in the party’s pre-election clip warning about an influx of immigrants from Africa and Asia after Latvia joins the EU. However, the Security police are continuing to investigate whether there are grounds to initiate a criminal case about incitement of national and racial hatred.

The judge of the Riga Centre District Court refused to initiate a criminal case against the leaders of the Freedom Party about defamation of character of two dark skinned musicians who were filmed in the partys pre-election clip warning about an influx of immigrants from Africa and Asia after Latvia joins the EU. However, the Security police are continuing to investigate whether there are grounds to initiate a criminal case about incitement of national and racial hatred. Diena, Neatkariga

Lauku Avize

interviews actress of the Russian Drama theatre in Latvia Nina Neznamova. When asked about integration problems in Latvia, Nina Neznamova replies that she does not know what this problem means as both Latvians and Russians go to theatres. Regarding education in the state language she says that it is just a great opportunity to broaden ones intellect. interviews actress of the Russian Drama theatre in Latvia Nina Neznamova. When asked about integration problems in Latvia, Nina Neznamova replies that she does not know what this problem means as both Latvians and Russians go to theatres. Regarding education in the state language she says that it is just a great opportunity to broaden one’s intellect.

Chas

publishes several statements made by leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans in the TV show From a Position of Power. Janis Jurkans states that all media in Latvian are very hostile towards his party. He also believes that the ruling parties now want to co-operate with individual small parties hoping to steal votes from FHRUL. He admits that some wealthy Russians do not care about the political situation in this country. Jurkans also suggested that the ruling parties should apologise to Russian-speakers, in particular for lying to those who fought for an independent Latvia but were not granted Latvian citizenship. publishes several statements made by leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans in the TV show “From a Position of Power.” Janis Jurkans states that all media in Latvian are very hostile towards his party. He also believes that the ruling parties now want to co-operate with individual small parties hoping to steal votes from FHRUL. He admits that some wealthy Russians do not care about the political situation in this country. Jurkans also suggested that the ruling parties should apologise to Russian-speakers, in particular for lying to those who fought for an independent Latvia but were not granted Latvian citizenship.

Panorama Latvii

interviews temporary consul of Belarus to Latvia Viktor Ivanov. Viktor Ivanov provides in-depth information about the visa procedures and possible repatriation from Latvia to Belarus. interviews temporary consul of Belarus to Latvia Viktor Ivanov. Viktor Ivanov provides in-depth information about the visa procedures and possible repatriation from Latvia to Belarus.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Georg Shabad, BNS, writes about Russia’s intentions concerning Russians residing abroad -- in particular, in the Baltic states. He states that Russia still uses the issue of Russian speakers in the Baltic states as a universal card against the Baltic countries and is not going to give it up. This unnatural situation gives Russians residing in Latvia a hope that they can rely on a “big brother,” and on the other hand, it also gives a reason for some people to suspect Russians for allegiance to a different country. However, Russia’s domestic policy is becoming more pragmatic and western, the author concludes.

Georg Shabad, BNS, writes about Russias intentions concerning Russians residing abroad -- in particular, in the Baltic states. He states that Russia still uses the issue of Russian speakers in the Baltic states as a universal card against the Baltic countries and is not going to give it up. This unnatural situation gives Russians residing in Latvia a hope that they can rely on a big brother, and on the other hand, it also gives a reason for some people to suspect Russians for allegiance to a different country. However, Russias domestic policy is becoming more pragmatic and western, the author concludes. Diena

Jauna publishes comments of several politicians regarding the recent announcements of the Russian government concerning its “compatriots” abroad. FF/LNNK chairman Maris Grinblats believes that Latvia should take the opportunity and launch negotiations with Russia about repatriation of non-Latvians who want to leave Latvia. He believes that a national mechanism should be introduced to deal with this issue. People’s Party member Dzintars Abikis says that the announcements of the Russian government are just empty words.

Jauna publishes comments of several politicians regarding the recent announcements of the Russian government concerning its compatriots abroad. FF/LNNK chairman Maris Grinblats believes that Latvia should take the opportunity and launch negotiations with Russia about repatriation of non-Latvians who want to leave Latvia. He believes that a national mechanism should be introduced to deal with this issue. Peoples Party member Dzintars Abikis says that the announcements of the Russian government are just empty words.

Chas

criticises the decision of the national TV administration to ban airing the new clips of the Freedom Party election campaign where the party uses the previous clips, which threatened with the influx to Latvia of dark-skinned people after the country becomes an EU member. The new clips are based on the previous ones, only now the faces of dark skin persons are covered and there is a question Why it is not allowed to talk about this? The newspaper believes that the refusal of the administration of national TV to air the clip is a violation of freedom of expression. criticises the decision of the national TV administration to ban airing the new clips of the Freedom Party election campaign where the party uses the previous clips, which threatened with the influx to Latvia of dark-skinned people after the country becomes an EU member. The new clips are based on the previous ones, only now the faces of dark skin persons are covered and there is a question “Why it is not allowed to talk about this?” The newspaper believes that the refusal of the administration of national TV to air the clip is a violation of freedom of expression. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama LatviiVesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Vesti Segodnja,

when commenting on the ticket of FHRUL for the 8th Saeima elections, says that it is the only party whose election candidates represent 7 different ethnic groups. The newspaper notes that Ingrida Podkolzina and Antonina Ignatane – two persons who have been fighting for their rights in the European Court of Human Rights – are also included on FHRULs ticket. FHRUL is ready to form its own government in the 8th Saeima and names the former leader of the Latvian Communist Party Alfreds Rubiks as a possible candidate for the post of prime minister. when commenting on the ticket of FHRUL for the 8th Saeima elections, says that it is the only party whose election candidates represent 7 different ethnic groups. The newspaper notes that Ingrida Podkolzina and Antonina Ignatane – two persons who have been fighting for their rights in the European Court of Human Rights – are also included on FHRUL’s ticket. FHRUL is ready to form its own government in the 8th Saeima and names the former leader of the Latvian Communist Party Alfreds Rubiks as a possible candidate for the post of prime minister. Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii, TelegrafVesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii, Telegraf