Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Diena publishes an article about the possible choices of new citizens in the upcoming Saeima elections. While recently naturalised citizens are ready to take part in the 8th Saeima elections, they have only a vague idea about political parties in Latvia. Diena took part in one of the official ceremonies for awarding Latvian citizenship and asked about 40 new citizens about their choice in the next Saeima elections. The new citizens named the New Era party, Jurkans party and the social democrats as their possible choices. Politicians of the governing parties state that they are not going to address the new citizens as a specific group. Parties want to stress that they are equally interested in and concerned about all groups of Latvian residents. Latvias Way admits that the party is planning to attract this part of voters by accepting head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane as its member. Political scientist Artis Pabriks believes that the best policy towards the new citizens would be their inclusion in party lists and involvement in activities of parties.

Head of the International Migration Organisation in Riga Ilmars Mezs writes about the roles and interaction of the Latvian and Russian languages in Latvia. Within ten years the number of national minority representatives who know Latvian has grown from 23% in 1991 to 53% in 2000. The number of residents who do not know the language has decreased from a million to half a million. According to the latest census the number of non-Latvians who can speak Latvian is gradually increasing, while the number of Latvians who can speak Russian is decreasing. However, a survey by the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences shows that although the majority of Russians know Latvian they use the language very little. He concludes that current language policy is more oriented to achieving goals by applying repressive methods, fines and certificates. However, this brings along a certain portion of negativism. Ilmars Mezs suggests the implementation of a language policy, which motivates and attracts. For example, giving bonuses to teachers in those national minority schools, which make a successful switch to education in the Latvian language already in 2003.

Head of the International Migration Organisation in Riga Ilmars Mezs writes about the roles and interaction of the Latvian and Russian languages in Latvia. Within ten years the number of national minority representatives who know Latvian has grown from 23% in 1991 to 53% in 2000. The number of residents who do not know the language has decreased from a million to half a million. According to the latest census the number of non-Latvians who can speak Latvian is gradually increasing, while the number of Latvians who can speak Russian is decreasing. However, a survey by the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences shows that although the majority of Russians know Latvian they use the language very little. He concludes that current language policy is more oriented to achieving goals by applying repressive methods, fines and certificates. However, this brings along a certain portion of negativism. Ilmars Mezs suggests the implementation of a language policy, which motivates and attracts. For example, giving bonuses to teachers in those national minority schools, which make a successful switch to education in the Latvian language already in 2003. Diena

Neatkariga

writes about the practice of organising an information day in the Examination and Methodology Centre of the Naturalisation Board once a month. The newspaper took part in one such information day. People who attended the event were well informed about the naturalisation procedure and were more interested in taking trial naturalisation tests in language and history. The staff of the Centre admit that the written part of the language test is usually the hardest part for the majority of applicants. They also note that the number of people who want to naturalise has not decreased because of the scandal concerning the alleged sale of Latvian citizenship. writes about the practice of organising an information day in the Examination and Methodology Centre of the Naturalisation Board once a month. The newspaper took part in one such information day. People who attended the event were well informed about the naturalisation procedure and were more interested in taking trial naturalisation tests in language and history. The staff of the Centre admit that the written part of the language test is usually the hardest part for the majority of applicants. They also note that the number of people who want to naturalise has not decreased because of the scandal concerning the alleged sale of Latvian citizenship.

Vechernaya Riga

attended the official ceremony of awarding Latvian citizenship as well. The newspaper notes that 1/3 of the new citizens are students and pupils. attended the official ceremony of awarding Latvian citizenship as well. The newspaper notes that 1/3 of the new citizens are students and pupils. According to the data of the company SKDS the key motivation for naturalisation (42.6%) is the desire to find a job in one’s area of interest. 38.1% of respondents decided to naturalise because Latvian citizenship provides easier travel arrangements, and 28.1% stated that the key reason for naturalisation was the possibility to participate in elections.

According to the data of the company SKDS the key motivation for naturalisation (42.6%) is the desire to find a job in ones area of interest. 38.1% of respondents decided to naturalise because Latvian citizenship provides easier travel arrangements, and 28.1% stated that the key reason for naturalisation was the possibility to participate in elections. Panorama Latvii

Chas

reports that culture expert and psychotherapist Artur Dombrovsky will conduct a study about the identity of Russians in Latvia and why it is so hard for Russians to learn Latvian. He states that in the terms of cultural affiliation there are no Russians in Latvia and gradually also the term Russian-speakers will lose its topicality. reports that culture expert and psychotherapist Artur Dombrovsky will conduct a study about the identity of Russians in Latvia and why it is so hard for Russians to learn Latvian. He states that in the terms of cultural affiliation there are no Russians in Latvia and gradually also the term “Russian-speakers” will lose its topicality.

Chas

provides more in-depth information about the results of the Public Awareness and Citizenship Promotion Campaign run by the Naturalisation Board. provides more in-depth information about the results of the Public Awareness and Citizenship Promotion Campaign run by the Naturalisation Board.

Vesti Segodnja

writes that after some years of delimitation Russian organisations in Latvia are coming together. Head of the Russian Society in Latvia Tatyana Favorskaya was elected to the post of the vice president of the NGO Russian Community in Latvia. The leaders of the organisations state that they felt a necessity to strengthen the position of the Russian community in Latvia. writes that after some years of delimitation Russian organisations in Latvia are coming together. Head of the Russian Society in Latvia Tatyana Favorskaya was elected to the post of the vice president of the NGO Russian Community in Latvia. The leaders of the organisations state that they felt a necessity to strengthen the position of the Russian community in Latvia.

Vesti Segodnja

interviews Latvian language professor Ina Druviete. She is also responsible for ethnic policy in the programme of the New Era party. She states that integration in Latvia should be based on the Latvian language and disagrees that language policy of Latvia uses only administrative repressive measures. Regarding the recent debate about tightening language requirements in the private sphere, Ina Druviete states that the state should not regulate language usage in the family and when people communicate unofficially at work. However, she is convinced that the state could and in some cases should regulate some spheres of private business. interviews Latvian language professor Ina Druviete. She is also responsible for ethnic policy in the programme of the New Era party. She states that integration in Latvia should be based on the Latvian language and disagrees that language policy of Latvia uses only administrative repressive measures. Regarding the recent debate about tightening language requirements in the private sphere, Ina Druviete states that the state should not regulate language usage in the family and when people communicate unofficially at work. However, she is convinced that the state could and in some cases should regulate some spheres of private business.

Panorama Latvii

publishes in-depth information and answers to questions concerning immigration from Latvia to Russia. publishes in-depth information and answers to questions concerning immigration from Latvia to Russia. The English-language interface of the Soros internet public policy portal publishes an article by Nils Muiznieks called

The English-language interface of the Soros internet public policy portal publishes an article by Nils Muiznieks called Extremism in Latvia. The piece is a draft chapter of a forthcoming book called Racist Extremism in Central and Eastern Europe.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Yesterday the Naturalisation Board gave a press conference about the results of the Public Awareness and Citizenship Promotion Campaign. According to head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane within 5 months the number of applications for naturalisation has increased by 915 applications. Head of the UNDP Jan Sand Sorensen believes that the number will continue to grow as the campaign “has inspired” about 8% or 40,000 non-citizens.

Yesterday the Naturalisation Board gave a press conference about the results of the Public Awareness and Citizenship Promotion Campaign. According to head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane within 5 months the number of applications for naturalisation has increased by 915 applications. Head of the UNDP Jan Sand Sorensen believes that the number will continue to grow as the campaign has inspired about 8% or 40,000 non-citizens. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Telegraf comments on the attitude of the mass media to the campaign.

Telegraf comments on the attitude of the mass media to the campaign. Lauku Avize and Vesti Segodnja were the greatest critics of the campaign. The biggest daily Diena took a neutral stance while articles in Telegraf and Chas reflected the campaign in a positive light.

Diena

writes that Public Awareness and Citizenship Promotion Campaign has increased the number of applications for naturalisation by 20-30%. In some places, such as Centre district of Riga, Rezekne and Ventspils the campaign was not effective. The greatest success is that for the first time the state addressed its non-citizens and provided information on issues concerning naturalisation. writes that Public Awareness and Citizenship Promotion Campaign has increased the number of applications for naturalisation by 20-30%. In some places, such as Centre district of Riga, Rezekne and Ventspils the campaign was not effective. The greatest success is that for the first time the state addressed its non-citizens and provided information on issues concerning naturalisation.

Lauku Avize

publishes opinions of Latvian politicians about the recent statement of the Russian State Duma regarding Discriminatory Policy of the Latvian Authorities towards Russians in Latvia. The politicians agree that the statement is proof that Russia continues to use the old methods. They believe that such statements will only benefit Latvias integration into NATO and the EU. publishes opinions of Latvian politicians about the recent statement of the Russian State Duma regarding “Discriminatory Policy of the Latvian Authorities towards Russians in Latvia.” The politicians agree that the statement is proof that Russia continues to use “the old methods.” They believe that such statements will only benefit Latvia’s integration into NATO and the EU. According to new regulations as of this year graduates of secondary minority schools who have passed a centralised examination in the Latvian language do not need to re-take Latvian language test for naturalisation purposes.

According to new regulations as of this year graduates of secondary minority schools who have passed a centralised examination in the Latvian language do not need to re-take Latvian language test for naturalisation purposes. Vechernaya Riga journalist Jelena Slusareva participated in Latvian language examinations at one of the Russian schools as an observer. She writes that the school exam is definitely more difficult than the Latvian language test for naturalisation purposes. However, students were confident about their language skills.

The Latvian Social Democrat Party has asked for the resignation of Prime Minister Andris Berzins. Social democrats believe that the Prime Minister has lost control over some issues. The Coalition Council did not discuss the call of Social Democrats.

The Latvian Social Democrat Party has asked for the resignation of Prime Minister Andris Berzins. Social democrats believe that the Prime Minister has lost control over some issues. The Coalition Council did not discuss the call of Social Democrats. Chas

In Daugavpils the Latvian Association of the Support for Russian Students has collected 3,500 signatures in support for the Russian language as the language of instruction at minority secondary schools after 2004 as well.

In Daugavpils the Latvian Association of the Support for Russian Students has collected 3,500 signatures in support for the Russian language as the language of instruction at minority secondary schools after 2004 as well. Vesti Segodnja

Vesti Segodnja

publishes comments of chairperson of the Latvian Association of the Support for Russian Students Igor Pimenov on the interview of Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga published in publishes comments of chairperson of the Latvian Association of the Support for Russian Students Igor Pimenov on the interview of Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga published in TelegrafTelegraf. In that interview the President mainly discussed education issues and the planned switch of secondary minority education to the Latvian language in 2004. Igor Pimenov stresses that according to the governing parties and the President integration in Latvia is only a one-way process – integration of non-Latvians into a Latvian community. Igor Pimenov believes that mandatory studies in Latvian is not the only possibility to learn the Latvian language. He suggests that first, the quality of Latvian classes at minority schools should be very high, and second, students and pupils should communicate with their Latvian peers on a regular basis, and that could be ensured by having Latvian and Russian schools in one building. Pimenov concludes that LASRS stands for the expansion of choices in education. . In that interview the President mainly discussed education issues and the planned switch of secondary minority education to the Latvian language in 2004. Igor Pimenov stresses that according to the governing parties and the President integration in Latvia is only a one-way process – integration of non-Latvians into a Latvian community. Igor Pimenov believes that mandatory studies in Latvian is not the only possibility to learn the Latvian language. He suggests that first, the quality of Latvian classes at minority schools should be very high, and second, students and pupils should communicate with their Latvian peers on a regular basis, and that could be ensured by having Latvian and Russian schools in one building. Pimenov concludes that LASRS stands for the expansion of choices in education. Russian minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Ivanov is planning to have a thorough discussion regarding the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia with HCNM on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus when the High Commissioner visits Moscow on 17-18 June.

Russian minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Ivanov is planning to have a thorough discussion regarding the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia with HCNM on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus when the High Commissioner visits Moscow on 17-18 June. Panorama Latvii

Panorama Latvii

publishes its supplement Our Latvia devoted to ethnic minorities residing in Latvia. The supplement publishes articles in the Ukrainian language and about Ukraine. publishes its supplement “Our Latvia” devoted to ethnic minorities residing in Latvia. The supplement publishes articles in the Ukrainian language and about Ukraine.

Panorama Latvii

discusses what the term Russian-speakers means in Latvia and why Latvian politicians do not like this term. The newspaper concludes that it is in the interests of Latvian politicians to focus on ethnic and not on language groups because then the results of Latvianisation or so-called integration are not so obvious. discusses what the term “Russian-speakers” means in Latvia and why Latvian politicians do not like this term. The newspaper concludes that it is in the interests of Latvian politicians to focus on ethnic and not on language groups because then the results of “Latvianisation” or so-called integration are not so obvious.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Telegraf interviews Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins. He stresses that good relations with Russia have always been one of the top priorities of the Latvian foreign policy. He believes that the West will not set Latvia any more requirements to amend legislation in place concerning the rights of national minorities. Regarding the switch of secondary education in the Latvian language in 2004 Indulis Berzins believes that the course of the reform will not be changed, at least till the 8th Saeima elections. He agrees that Einars Repses party The New Era could win the majority of votes, then followed by FHRUL. He states that for the time being Latvias Way could not co-operate with FHRUL, but after the 8th Saeima elections everything is possible as FHRUL is composed of rather different political forces.

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented that the recent statement On Discriminatory Policy of the Latvian Authorities towards Russians in Latvia made by the State Duma of the Russian Federation ignores Latvia’s achievements in the field of the protection of the rights of national minorities.

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented that the recent statement On Discriminatory Policy of the Latvian Authorities towards Russians in Latvia made by the State Duma of the Russian Federation ignores Latvias achievements in the field of the protection of the rights of national minorities. BNS, Vesti Segodnja

Panorama Latvii

writes about the planned switch of secondary education of national minority schools to the Latvian language in 2004. The newspaper predicts that many Russian teachers will be fired after the implementation of the reform.

Chas, Telegraf

and and Panorama LatviiPanorama Latvii comment on the recent merge of Russian nationalistic organisation Russian National Unity with Latvian nationalistic movement. The newspaper talks to the leader of the organisation Armands Malins. He stresses that his organisation is not the organisation representing only Latvians but it is a national democratic organisation. comment on the recent merge of Russian nationalistic organisation “Russian National Unity” with Latvian nationalistic movement. The newspaper talks to the leader of the organisation Armands Malins. He stresses that his organisation is not the organisation representing only Latvians but it is a national democratic organisation. According to the data provided by the State Revenue Service the number of unemployed Russian-speakers in Latvia has decreased while the number of unemployed Latvians has increased. Russians are more active in such spheres as marketing while state sector and international companies employ more Latvians than Russians.

According to the data provided by the State Revenue Service the number of unemployed Russian-speakers in Latvia has decreased while the number of unemployed Latvians has increased. Russians are more active in such spheres as marketing while state sector and international companies employ more Latvians than Russians. Telegraf

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Diena devotes a page to articles about extremism in the Eastern Europe and Latvia. Compared to other countries, extremism is rather weak in Latvia, as noextremist parties are represented in Parliament or local governments and Latvia is the only country in the Central and Eastern Europe where no case of racially motivated violence has been registered. Russian National Unity (the followers of Barkashov) should be considered one of the most dangerous groups of extremists in Latvia. According to political scientist Nils Muiznieks in total there are about 100 extremists in Latvia. He stresses that the attitude of political parties towards groups of extremists should be evaluated very thoroughly. Nils Muiznieks notes that some FF/LNNK members have demonstrated open support to Latvian nationalist extremist publisher Aivars Garda, but the party itself has not evaluated such activities by its members. The Union of Social Democrats has also not evaluated the co-operation of one of its members with Gardas group as well. Diena provides information about extremism in other East European countries as well.

On 7 June the State Duma of the Russian Federation adopted a statement On the Discriminatory Policy of the Latvian Authorities towards Russian-speakers in Latvia. The paper was developed in response to amendments to the Constitution adopted recently by the Saeima. The amendments are aimed at securing the status of the state language. The Russian State Duma calls president Vladimir Putin to adopt legislative measures against Latvia.

On 7 June the State Duma of the Russian Federation adopted a statement On the Discriminatory Policy of the Latvian Authorities towards Russian-speakers in Latvia. The paper was developed in response to amendments to the Constitution adopted recently by the Saeima. The amendments are aimed at securing the status of the state language. The Russian State Duma calls president Vladimir Putin to adopt legislative measures against Latvia. Chas, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnja

Neatkariga

looks at the ratings of political parties in May. According to the data provided by the company SKDS, the ratings of all political parties represented in the Saeima except for FF/LNNK have increased. The rating of FF/LLNK has decreased and is very close to the critical 5% barrier. looks at the ratings of political parties in May. According to the data provided by the company SKDS, the ratings of all political parties represented in the Saeima except for FF/LNNK have increased. The rating of FF/LLNK has decreased and is very close to the critical 5% barrier. On Monday the session of the Council of Baltic Sea States will be launched in St.Petersburg. Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Mihail Kasyanov will take part in the session.

On Monday the session of the Council of Baltic Sea States will be launched in St.Petersburg. Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Mihail Kasyanov will take part in the session. Chas

Recently People’s Party deputy Dzintars Abikis, who heads the Saeima Committee on Education and supports introduction of stricter language requirements and the switch of secondary school to the Latvian language, received a letter with white powder.

Recently Peoples Party deputy Dzintars Abikis, who heads the Saeima Committee on Education and supports introduction of stricter language requirements and the switch of secondary school to the Latvian language, received a letter with white powder. Chas columnist Leonid Fedoseyev believes that officially announced integration has failed and now people start considering and applying non-constitutional methods.

Chas

talks to Russian political scientist Tatyana Poloskova. Her main interest is about the Russian diaspora in the international context. Tatyana Poloskova agrees that the new Russian citizenship law is rather strict because none of the political forces in the Russian State Duma lobbies for the Russian diaspora. However, she believes that Russia is interested in using the potential of the Russian diaspora for Russias sake. talks to Russian political scientist Tatyana Poloskova. Her main interest is about the Russian diaspora in the international context. Tatyana Poloskova agrees that the new Russian citizenship law is rather strict because none of the political forces in the Russian State Duma lobbies for the Russian diaspora. However, she believes that Russia is interested in using the potential of the Russian diaspora for Russia’s sake.

Vesti Segodnja

reports that American organisation Freedom House has launched a new project in Latvia. The aim of the project is to bring journalists of the leading mass media of the Russian Federation to Latvia and convince them that Latvia is an example of tolerance in respecting and observing the rights of national minorities. reports that American organisation “Freedom House” has launched a new project in Latvia. The aim of the project is to bring journalists of the leading mass media of the Russian Federation to Latvia and “convince them that Latvia is an example of tolerance in respecting and observing the rights of national minorities.” According to the latest social opinion polls the popularity rating of FHRUL is constantly increasing.

According to the latest social opinion polls the popularity rating of FHRUL is constantly increasing. Panorama Latvii interviews FHRUL deputy Boriss Tsilevitch and asks questions what would happen if FHRUL wins in the 8th Saeima elections. Boriss Tsilevitch stresses that his party is not only the party of Russian-speakers in Latvia. The party believes that economic priorities come first and only then political issues should be considered.

The Committee of the Government will review the National Programme for EU Integration. Regarding human rights and minority issues the National Programme focuses on long pre-trial detention and the implementation of the State Language Law in accordance with the principle of proportionality, international standards and European agreements. The Programme foresees continuing activities which foster integration of non-citizens, in particular, language courses and public awareness campaigns. The programme states that funding for these activities should be provided from the state budget.

The Committee of the Government will review the National Programme for EU Integration. Regarding human rights and minority issues the National Programme focuses on long pre-trial detention and the implementation of the State Language Law in accordance with the principle of proportionality, international standards and European agreements. The Programme foresees continuing activities which foster integration of non-citizens, in particular, language courses and public awareness campaigns. The programme states that funding for these activities should be provided from the state budget. BNS

Lauku Avize

interviews professor of the International Relations Institute of the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry Sergey Shakray. The key topics of discussion are the observance of the rights of Russians residing outside Russia. interviews professor of the International Relations Institute of the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry Sergey Shakray. The key topics of discussion are the observance of the rights of Russians residing outside Russia.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Yesterday the Saeima adopted the amendments to the Law on Local Governments. The amendments stipulate that the Latvian language should be the working language of local governments and their institutions. The Saeima rejected the proposal of FF/LNNK to dismiss a council if it does not observe the provision on the working language of local governments.

Yesterday the Saeima adopted the amendments to the Law on Local Governments. The amendments stipulate that the Latvian language should be the working language of local governments and their institutions. The Saeima rejected the proposal of FF/LNNK to dismiss a council if it does not observe the provision on the working language of local governments. Diena, Vechernaya Riga

Yesterday the Saeima rejected the proposal of FHRUL to amend the Rules of Order of the Saeima. FHRUL proposed to lift the norm stipulating that the mandate of an MP should be annuled if his/her state language skills are not sufficient.

Yesterday the Saeima rejected the proposal of FHRUL to amend the Rules of Order of the Saeima. FHRUL proposed to lift the norm stipulating that the mandate of an MP should be annuled if his/her state language skills are not sufficient. Panorama Latvii

Diena

devotes a page to articles about Roma, their rights and situation in the world and Latvia. Head of the Roma Community in Latvia Normunds Rudevics believes that we should not focus only on the negative aspects of the situation of Roma residing in Latvia. When asked about unemployment and education problems in the Roma community, Rudevics did not provide any response as no serious studies about a true picture of Latvian Roma have been conducted. Rudevics reports about several projects developed to foster Roma integration in society. devotes a page to articles about Roma, their rights and situation in the world and Latvia. Head of the Roma Community in Latvia Normunds Rudevics believes that we should not focus only on the negative aspects of the situation of Roma residing in Latvia. When asked about unemployment and education problems in the Roma community, Rudevics did not provide any response as no serious studies about a true picture of Latvian Roma have been conducted. Rudevics reports about several projects developed to foster Roma integration in society.

Dienas

editorial comments on the recently adopted Russian Citizenship Law. The Law comes into effect on July 1 2002. According to the new law a Russian citizenship could not be acquired only on the basis that an applicant was a former USSR citizen. The columnist writes that de facto Russia is a totally new country which very substantially differs from the former USSR and the Russian Empire. editorial comments on the recently adopted Russian Citizenship Law. The Law comes into effect on July 1 2002. According to the new law a Russian citizenship could not be acquired only on the basis that an applicant was a former USSR citizen. The columnist writes that de facto Russia is a totally new country which very substantially differs from the former USSR and the Russian Empire.

Panorama Latvii

writes that the great number of non-citizens is Latvias biggest problem on its way towards the EU and NATO. FHRUL deputy Igor Solovyev states if the EU ignores this problem and accepts Latvia to the EU it will be the open discrimination of the rights of non-citizens. He states that there are two possible solutions: introducing either additional easements in naturalisation process or zero citizenship option. writes that the great number of non-citizens is Latvia’s biggest problem on its way towards the EU and NATO. FHRUL deputy Igor Solovyev states if the EU ignores this problem and accepts Latvia to the EU it will be the open discrimination of the rights of non-citizens. He states that there are two possible solutions: introducing either additional easements in naturalisation process or zero citizenship option. For the first time Russia’s Foundation of Culture will launch the biggest painting exhibition from the Russian Federation in Latvia. The exhibition will be opened as of June 10 in St. Peter’s Church.

For the first time Russias Foundation of Culture will launch the biggest painting exhibition from the Russian Federation in Latvia. The exhibition will be opened as of June 10 in St. Peters Church. Panorama Latvii