LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

Latvijas Vestnesis publishes the National Framework Program on Latvian Language Development.

Latvijas Vestnesis

interviews Saeima Speaker Janis Straume. He is very cautious with forecasting whether the amendments to the Election Law will be introduced, however, he says that this issue should be solved in the upcoming months. interviews Saeima Speaker Janis Straume. He is very cautious with forecasting whether the amendments to the Election Law will be introduced, however, he says that this issue should be solved in the upcoming months.

Dienas

columnist Aivars Ozolins gives a brief commentary on OSCE HCNM Rolf Ekeus visit to Latvia. He writes probably very many were disappointed with the visit and the stance of Ekeus - the ones who use human rights to cover their desire for the empire, as well as those Latvians, who can feel politically comfortable only if they experience a pressure which they must not yield in. columnist Aivars Ozolins gives a brief commentary on OSCE HCNM Rolf Ekeus’ visit to Latvia. He writes “probably very many were disappointed with the visit and the stance of Ekeus - the ones who use human rights to cover their desire for the empire, as well as those Latvians, who can feel politically comfortable only if they experience a pressure which they must not yield in”.

Neatkariga

publishes FHRUL leader Jurkans open letter to State Language Commission Chairperson Mara Zalite. Janis Jurkans accuses her of acting not for the sake of democracy but on the basis of mercantile political considerations, that is, Mara Zalite wants to remove language requirement from the Election Law but only because its presence there could prevent Latvias membership to NATO. publishes FHRUL leader Jurkans’ open letter to State Language Commission Chairperson Mara Zalite. Janis Jurkans accuses her of acting not for the sake of democracy but on the basis of mercantile political considerations, that is, Mara Zalite wants to remove language requirement from the Election Law but only because its presence there could prevent Latvia’s membership to NATO.

Lauku Avize

talks to the principles of Russian schools in Latvia who recently attended international seminar on education in Moscow. The principles informed that Moscow wants and is ready to support Russian teachers teaching outside Russia. Moscow offered training courses for teachers, study books, student exchange programs, as well as its scientific base and potential. talks to the principles of Russian schools in Latvia who recently attended international seminar on education in Moscow. The principles informed that Moscow wants and is ready to support Russian teachers teaching outside Russia. Moscow offered training courses for teachers, study books, student exchange programs, as well as its scientific base and potential.

Rigas Balss

analysis situation within FF/LNNK as lately few its publicly well known members have left the party. Former Riga Mayor and FF/LNNK member Andris Argalis claims that the party experiences heavy crisis and he believes that the party will not get into the 8th Saeima. Political scientist Runcis opposes Argalis and believes that these are just some disagreements among the members. analysis situation within FF/LNNK as lately few its publicly well known members have left the party. Former Riga Mayor and FF/LNNK member Andris Argalis claims that the party experiences heavy crisis and he believes that the party will not get into the 8th Saeima. Political scientist Runcis opposes Argalis and believes that these are just some disagreements among the members. The Minister of Justice Ingrida Labucka is planning to conduct examination of the State Language Center in the closest future. Labucka is seriously concerned whether the Center is performing its functions according to the regulations on the Centre. According to the minister, the performance of the Center could not be assessed as satisfactory. The Center is working in the responding regime, but is not enough.

The Minister of Justice Ingrida Labucka is planning to conduct examination of the State Language Center in the closest future. Labucka is seriously concerned whether the Center is performing its functions according to the regulations on the Centre. According to the minister, the performance of the Center could not be assessed as satisfactory. The Center is working in the responding regime, but is not enough. Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf

Telegraf interviews TV Channel 5 program director Gunta Lidaka. She is indignant about the provisions in the TV Law concerning the determined limitations on programs in languages other than Latvian. She thinks that the Government has taken a hypocrite position regarding integration and language issues, as in Lidaka’s opinion it spends enormous amounts of money for integration but does nothing to teach people the language. She believes that the TV Law will be amended.

Telegraf interviews TV Channel 5 program director Gunta Lidaka. She is indignant about the provisions in the TV Law concerning the determined limitations on programs in languages other than Latvian. She thinks that the Government has taken a hypocrite position regarding integration and language issues, as in Lidakas opinion it spends enormous amounts of money for integration but does nothing to teach people the language. She believes that the TV Law will be amended.

Panorama Latvii

publishes FHRUL member Pliners article concerning problems of bilingual education. He believes that Russian students should study in Russian as the quality of education is under threat when they would study in the Latvian language. He believes that it should be up to the students and their parents to choose a language of the studies. publishes FHRUL member Pliner’s article concerning problems of bilingual education. He believes that Russian students should study in Russian as the quality of education is under threat when they would study in the Latvian language. He believes that it should be up to the students and their parents to choose a language of the studies. Technical closure of the OSCE mission in Latvia could be completed by mid-May, as

Technical closure of the OSCE mission in Latvia could be completed by mid-May, as LETA learned at the OSCE offices. Even though the OSCE mission has ended its operations in Latvia, there are still some employees in the office who are sorting files to be turned over. LETA

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

During his meeting with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga yesterday, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus discussed developments in the social integration processes in Latvia. The officials discussed issues pertaining to education reform. As the OSCE Commissioner said after his meeting with the President, the necessity to change laws pertaining to Saeima and local government elections were discussed as well as the course of integration processes in the state. Ekeus admitted that the situation with integration of minorities in Latvia has improved, singling out the campaign of informing potential citizens on the possibilities of receiving citizenship.

During his meeting with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga yesterday, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus discussed developments in the social integration processes in Latvia. The officials discussed issues pertaining to education reform. As the OSCE Commissioner said after his meeting with the President, the necessity to change laws pertaining to Saeima and local government elections were discussed as well as the course of integration processes in the state. Ekeus admitted that the situation with integration of minorities in Latvia has improved, singling out the campaign of informing potential citizens on the possibilities of receiving citizenship. Diena emphasizes that regarding granting of voting rights to non-citizens at local government elections, Ekeus pointed out that the OSCE would not interfere in this matter since it is domestic policy matter. The Commissioner admitted that democracy is continuously developing worldwide therefore new requirements come into existence, however, he did not specify what new requirements would be set for Latvia. Rolf Ekeus also met with the State Language Commission chairperson Mara Zalite and agreed on possible co-operation in the future. The Commissioner voiced his support to Commissions work and its individual projects, which could receive support from the OSCE. Latvijas Vestnesis, Diena, Neatkariga, Vecernaya Riga, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Chas

Latvijas Vestnesis

publishes a brief interview with the President regarding her meeting with the HCNM and the discussed topics. publishes a brief interview with the President regarding her meeting with the HCNM and the discussed topics. During his meeting with visiting OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus yesterday, Minister of Education and Science Karlis Greiskalns informed the guest about reforms in the education sector in Latvia since restoration of independence and measures for transition to the Latvian language as the language of instruction in the school system as of 2004. Greiskalns pointed out that serious work has been done to guarantee the transition to the state language as the instruction language. Four alternative programs have been drawn up for minority schools that would provide an opportunity for schools to work out their own programs. The Consultative Council for minority’s educational issues has been set up to debate problems with bilingual education. The minister stressed that teachers are being prepared also for work after the transition period. In Greiskalns’ view, successful transition to the Latvian language as the instruction language is possible through implementation of the state language program. The minister expressed gratitude for foreign support for operation of the program by allotting financial assistance for it.

During his meeting with visiting OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus yesterday, Minister of Education and Science Karlis Greiskalns informed the guest about reforms in the education sector in Latvia since restoration of independence and measures for transition to the Latvian language as the language of instruction in the school system as of 2004. Greiskalns pointed out that serious work has been done to guarantee the transition to the state language as the instruction language. Four alternative programs have been drawn up for minority schools that would provide an opportunity for schools to work out their own programs. The Consultative Council for minoritys educational issues has been set up to debate problems with bilingual education. The minister stressed that teachers are being prepared also for work after the transition period. In Greiskalns view, successful transition to the Latvian language as the instruction language is possible through implementation of the state language program. The minister expressed gratitude for foreign support for operation of the program by allotting financial assistance for it. LETA

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, who was on a one-day visit to Riga yesterday, told a press conference last evening following his meeting with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins, that Spain, as the European Union presiding nation, will do everything to facilitate the EU enlargement process and the final decision-making on new members. Aznar commended Latvia's achievements in its move to the EU, and encouraged Latvian government to carry on the good work. According to Aznar, the negotiations will be successful if both sides have the political will to continue the accession process. In commenting on the EU enlargement and Latvia’s progress, Aznar spoke about the agricultural quota issue at length, and about Latvia's progress in protecting the rights of ethnic minorities. Whereas Berzins said that the matter of amendments to the election laws had not been discussed with Aznar.

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, who was on a one-day visit to Riga yesterday, told a press conference last evening following his meeting with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins, that Spain, as the European Union presiding nation, will do everything to facilitate the EU enlargement process and the final decision-making on new members. Aznar commended Latvia's achievements in its move to the EU, and encouraged Latvian government to carry on the good work. According to Aznar, the negotiations will be successful if both sides have the political will to continue the accession process. In commenting on the EU enlargement and Latvias progress, Aznar spoke about the agricultural quota issue at length, and about Latvia's progress in protecting the rights of ethnic minorities. Whereas Berzins said that the matter of amendments to the election laws had not been discussed with Aznar. Latvijas Vestnesis

In an annual report on observation of human rights, that the U.S. Department of State released Monday, Latvia’s courts have received harsh criticism – judges were called poorly educated, inefficient and corruptible. Child prostitution and trafficking in human beings are also mentioned as problems, as well as violence against women and discrimination in the work place.

In an annual report on observation of human rights, that the U.S. Department of State released Monday, Latvias courts have received harsh criticism – judges were called poorly educated, inefficient and corruptible. Child prostitution and trafficking in human beings are also mentioned as problems, as well as violence against women and discrimination in the work place. Diena says that the United States has also pointed to these problems in the past years. Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center director Nils MuiÅ£nieks is surprised that the report does not mention the language policy issue which is so important for Latvia, as well as there is no reference to the rights of social risk groups, including mentally disabled persons. The authors of the report suggested that Latvia should keep up efforts of social integration and naturalization. Dine, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

The Government accepted the regulations on the spelling of foreign names in the Latvian language. The regulations provide for the adoption of personal names in foreign languages to the Latvian language in accordance with Latvian grammar and spelling rules.

The Government accepted the regulations on the spelling of foreign names in the Latvian language. The regulations provide for the adoption of personal names in foreign languages to the Latvian language in accordance with Latvian grammar and spelling rules. Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Telegraf

The Latvian Government will continue discussions with the Russian Government concerning social security agreement between the two countries. Latvia is going to agree with Russia’s proposal to consider the years, which non-citizens have worked outside the territory of Latvia up to 1991, when calculating the amount of their pensions.

The Latvian Government will continue discussions with the Russian Government concerning social security agreement between the two countries. Latvia is going to agree with Russias proposal to consider the years, which non-citizens have worked outside the territory of Latvia up to 1991, when calculating the amount of their pensions. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

Russian politicians have voiced criticism regarding situation of national minorities in Latvia at the session of Baltic Sea states. Russia stated that this year “international observers and Russian politicians are expecting more energetic impulses [from Latvia] to improve the situation of national minorities in the region”. Russian politicians also voiced concern about the statements of Latvian foreign affairs minister about Russia as a possible provocateur.

Russian politicians have voiced criticism regarding situation of national minorities in Latvia at the session of Baltic Sea states. Russia stated that this year international observers and Russian politicians are expecting more energetic impulses [from Latvia] to improve the situation of national minorities in the region. Russian politicians also voiced concern about the statements of Latvian foreign affairs minister about Russia as a possible provocateur. Panorama Latvii, Telegraf

Chas argues against the conclusions of international experts that Latvia does not have any problems in the field of national minorities and citizenship issues. The newspaper publishes the list of “anti-integration measures” taken by the Government and politicians.

Chas argues against the conclusions of international experts that Latvia does not have any problems in the field of national minorities and citizenship issues. The newspaper publishes the list of anti-integration measures taken by the Government and politicians.

The Union of Russian NGOs is against the agreement of “the five” concerning the amendments to the Constitution in order to secure the status of the state language. The Union will develop and submit the call against the amendments to the Latvian President, the OSCE, EC and even NATO.

The Union of Russian NGOs is against the agreement of the five concerning the amendments to the Constitution in order to secure the status of the state language. The Union will develop and submit the call against the amendments to the Latvian President, the OSCE, EC and even NATO. Chas

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

Diena interviews Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Indulis Berzins. The main discussion subject is the Election Law and the responsibility of Latvian politicians concerning this issue.

Dienas

commentary by Askolds Rodins looks into signature drives for political party election campaigns, predicts that referendums will "rain down". The upcoming "rain of referendums" makes Rodins ponder if the threshold of 10,000 voters signatures is not too low. Rodins fears it could entice politicians into using referendums not for the purposes intended but for advertising political parties free of charge. commentary by Askolds Rodins looks into signature drives for political party election campaigns, predicts that referendums will "rain down". The upcoming "rain of referendums" makes Rodins ponder if the threshold of 10,000 voters’ signatures is not too low. Rodins fears it could entice politicians into using referendums not for the purposes intended but for advertising political parties free of charge.

Neatkariga

informs about the meetings of OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus with Latvian officials. informs about the meetings of OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus with Latvian officials.

Lauku Avize

interviews Ventspils City Mayor Aivars Lembergs. He provides his views about political forces and situation in the country. Regarding integration policy in Ventspils the mayor believes that integration processes should be on free will basis. My approach is that any administration of ethnic policy issues is forceful, but any force creates conflict. interviews Ventspils City Mayor Aivars Lembergs. He provides his views about political forces and situation in the country. Regarding integration policy in Ventspils the mayor believes that “integration processes should be on free will basis. My approach is that any administration of ethnic policy issues is forceful, but any force creates conflict.” The President's Chancery today received draft amendments to the Constitution drawn up by the ruling coalition and representatives from Saeima's opposition - Social Democrat Union's faction. Press Secretary Rozenberga informed that the President has not yet become acquainted with the draft project. The representatives from the ruling coalition and the Social Democrat Union's faction signed amendments today to the Constitution in order to strengthen the status of the state language.

The President's Chancery today received draft amendments to the Constitution drawn up by the ruling coalition and representatives from Saeima's opposition - Social Democrat Union's faction. Press Secretary Rozenberga informed that the President has not yet become acquainted with the draft project. The representatives from the ruling coalition and the Social Democrat Union's faction signed amendments today to the Constitution in order to strengthen the status of the state language. Diena, Neatkariga, Latvijas Vestnesis, Vesti Segodnja

Vesti Segodnja informs that the members of National Radio and TV Council examined some programs and shows of TV channel 5 as the Council received complaints that this channel airs shows and programs without dubbing them in Latvian. The producers of one of the shows promised to provide translations into Latvian. Concerning other shows TV people explained that it is impossible to fulfil one of the provisions of the TV Law, in particular, that a live program should be aired in one language, as very often many Russian people call to live Latvian programs and ask their questions in Russian. The members of the Council suggested that TV people collect the required number of MPs’ signatures and amend the TV Law.

Vesti Segodnja informs that the members of National Radio and TV Council examined some programs and shows of TV channel 5 as the Council received complaints that this channel airs shows and programs without dubbing them in Latvian. The producers of one of the shows promised to provide translations into Latvian. Concerning other shows TV people explained that it is impossible to fulfil one of the provisions of the TV Law, in particular, that a live program should be aired in one language, as very often many Russian people call to live Latvian programs and ask their questions in Russian. The members of the Council suggested that TV people collect the required number of MPs signatures and amend the TV Law.

Latvia’s Way Saeima faction chairperson Kristiana Libane explains to the audience of

Latvias Way Saeima faction chairperson Kristiana Libane explains to the audience of Vesti Segodnja why Latvia has to enter the amendments to the Constitution. She says that the amendments are not aimed against the rights of national minorities, but they are targeted at MPs and deputies of local governments to increase their responsibility towards the observance of law and the state language. She denies that the amendments to the Constitution will be followed by the introduction of stricter amendments to the State Language Law.

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers' committee postponed revision of amendments to the State Language Law's transitional provisions, that should set that the State Police, Security Police and Border Guard Forces may submit not-translated documents to courts. The author of the amendments, Ministry of Internal Affairs, explains that the Criminal Code allows investigative authorities to receive and prepare documents in foreign languages in some cases, however, according to the State Language Law's Article 10, all documents must be either in the state language or supplemented with a translation when submitted to courts. Since the State Police, Security Police, Border Guard Forces and institutions of the prosecutor's office have not been allotted the required funding from the national budget, the State Language Law's Article 10 cannot be fully observed. LVL 1.62 million are required to provide translations.

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers' committee postponed revision of amendments to the State Language Law's transitional provisions, that should set that the State Police, Security Police and Border Guard Forces may submit not-translated documents to courts. The author of the amendments, Ministry of Internal Affairs, explains that the Criminal Code allows investigative authorities to receive and prepare documents in foreign languages in some cases, however, according to the State Language Law's Article 10, all documents must be either in the state language or supplemented with a translation when submitted to courts. Since the State Police, Security Police, Border Guard Forces and institutions of the prosecutor's office have not been allotted the required funding from the national budget, the State Language Law's Article 10 cannot be fully observed. LVL 1.62 million are required to provide translations. LETA

Chas informs that notorious publisher and the leader of Latvian National Front Aivars Garda has sent a letter to Russian President, UN Secretary General, American President and number of foreign diplomats in Riga where he calls on the Russian President to deal with injustice committed by the former leaders of the USSR and help to de-colonize Latvia. In its turn, in the letter to the Chairman of the European Commission, A.Garda blames Prodi for his readiness to accept Latvia to the EU with all “occupants” residing in Latvia.

Chas informs that notorious publisher and the leader of Latvian National Front Aivars Garda has sent a letter to Russian President, UN Secretary General, American President and number of foreign diplomats in Riga where he calls on the Russian President to deal with injustice committed by the former leaders of the USSR and help to de-colonize Latvia. In its turn, in the letter to the Chairman of the European Commission, A.Garda blames Prodi for his readiness to accept Latvia to the EU with all occupants residing in Latvia. Panorama Latvii, Telegraf

In Daugavpils Russian students parents and other activists organized a campaign of collecting signatures against education reform in 2004. According to the organizers of the campaign more than 1.5 thousand signatures have been collected.

In Daugavpils Russian students parents and other activists organized a campaign of collecting signatures against education reform in 2004. According to the organizers of the campaign more than 1.5 thousand signatures have been collected. Panorama Latvii

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

On Monday the Governmental Committee will consider the amendments to the State Language Law submitted by the Minister of Interior Affairs. The draft amendments provide for the rights to the Prosecutor Office and police hand in the papers to Prosecutor Office and courts without the translation into the state language. Minister of Interior Affairs Mareks Seglins voiced that he would ask the Committee postpone the revision of the amendments.

On Monday the Governmental Committee will consider the amendments to the State Language Law submitted by the Minister of Interior Affairs. The draft amendments provide for the rights to the Prosecutor Office and police hand in the papers to Prosecutor Office and courts without the translation into the state language. Minister of Interior Affairs Mareks Seglins voiced that he would ask the Committee postpone the revision of the amendments. Diena

At a meeting with constituents in Riga's Ilguciems neighborhood, Riga City councilman Olegs Scipcovs from For Human Rights In A United Latvia (PCTVL) said that one of the party's main goals is defending the right to an education in the Russian language in Latvia. "We must strongly support our stance ... and say "no" to the liquidation of education in Russian", he commented. Scipcovs added that "we must be as strong on this as our grandfathers were in defending Moscow in 1941". About 200 - primarily elderly members of the Russian minority - attended the meeting with FHRUL deputies today.

At a meeting with constituents in Riga's Ilguciems neighborhood, Riga City councilman Olegs Scipcovs from For Human Rights In A United Latvia (PCTVL) said that one of the party's main goals is defending the right to an education in the Russian language in Latvia. "We must strongly support our stance ... and say "no" to the liquidation of education in Russian", he commented. Scipcovs added that "we must be as strong on this as our grandfathers were in defending Moscow in 1941". About 200 - primarily elderly members of the Russian minority - attended the meeting with FHRUL deputies today. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

The Baltic countries and Slovenia are almost certain to receive invitations to join NATO during the alliance's summit in Prague in November, an article in "The Washington Post" says.. Nevertheless, diplomats at NATO headquarters in Brussels cautioned that no final decisions have been reached, and are not likely for several weeks or even months, reports "The Washington Post". Also, the United States, NATO's most important member, has not yet made known its decision. Secretary of State Colin Powell recently told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that he was "absolutely sure" some new countries would be admitted and that there would be "a pretty good-sized addition” but said nothing about which candidates the U.S. would prefer for membership. According to "The Washington Post", many other countries are likely to hold back until they hear the U.S. view. Western officials say that Russia is to be given a more formal voice in the alliance on selective issues, in compensation for its cooperation with the West and not putting up objections to including the Baltics in NATO. "It's pretty clear that although the Russians will not exactly rejoice at the admission of the Baltics into NATO, they're not going to have conniptions over it either. The Russians are more interested in having debt forgiveness and serious negotiations with the World Trade Organization than in tilting at windmills," said Francois Heisbourg, a French defense expert. Taking in the Baltic states would add little to the alliance strategically. While analysts said the Baltics could prove useful in areas such as peacekeeping, they would be invited to join in large part to reward progress they have made in establishing democratic governments and free-market economies.

The Baltic countries and Slovenia are almost certain to receive invitations to join NATO during the alliance's summit in Prague in November, an article in "The Washington Post" says.. Nevertheless, diplomats at NATO headquarters in Brussels cautioned that no final decisions have been reached, and are not likely for several weeks or even months, reports "The Washington Post". Also, the United States, NATO's most important member, has not yet made known its decision. Secretary of State Colin Powell recently told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that he was "absolutely sure" some new countries would be admitted and that there would be "a pretty good-sized addition but said nothing about which candidates the U.S. would prefer for membership. According to "The Washington Post", many other countries are likely to hold back until they hear the U.S. view. Western officials say that Russia is to be given a more formal voice in the alliance on selective issues, in compensation for its cooperation with the West and not putting up objections to including the Baltics in NATO. "It's pretty clear that although the Russians will not exactly rejoice at the admission of the Baltics into NATO, they're not going to have conniptions over it either. The Russians are more interested in having debt forgiveness and serious negotiations with the World Trade Organization than in tilting at windmills," said Francois Heisbourg, a French defense expert. Taking in the Baltic states would add little to the alliance strategically. While analysts said the Baltics could prove useful in areas such as peacekeeping, they would be invited to join in large part to reward progress they have made in establishing democratic governments and free-market economies. Diena

Panorama Latvii interviews FHRUL leader Janis Jurkans. Concerning political situation in the country he says that Latvian politicians believe that they are the major players in the world’s politics and that the whole world should pay attention to Latvia’s “difficult childhood”. The discussion around the Election Law Jurkans calls “showing off of the ruling political parties. They just want to show that they are concerned about the people”. He also reminds that FHRUL were the first initiators of the amendments to the Election Law. Jurkans does not reveal the pre-election program of his party as it is still under development.

Panorama Latvii interviews FHRUL leader Janis Jurkans. Concerning political situation in the country he says that Latvian politicians believe that they are the major players in the worlds politics and that the whole world should pay attention to Latvias difficult childhood. The discussion around the Election Law Jurkans calls showing off of the ruling political parties. They just want to show that they are concerned about the people. He also reminds that FHRUL were the first initiators of the amendments to the Election Law. Jurkans does not reveal the pre-election program of his party as it is still under development.

Neatkariga interviews Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga.

 

LATVIAN PRESS REVIEW

LATVIAN PRESS REVIEW

Central Electorate Committee announced that it has called on Saeima factions not to delay with the revision of the proposals pertaining the Law on Saeima’s Election. The amendments should be adopted till the end of April, then the Central Electorate Commission would manage to prepare norms and standards required for the upcoming 8th Saeima elections.

Central Electorate Committee announced that it has called on Saeima factions not to delay with the revision of the proposals pertaining the Law on Saeimas Election. The amendments should be adopted till the end of April, then the Central Electorate Commission would manage to prepare norms and standards required for the upcoming 8th Saeima elections. Diena

Saeima’s Coalition parties agreed with the Union of Social Democrats headed by Egils Baldzens on the amendments to the Satversme pertaining the Election Law and will submit the amendments to the Saeima on Monday. The amendments to the Constitution can be introduced only with the majority of the qualified votes (67), therefore the Coalition had to search the support of the opposition parties and which was granted by the Union of Social Democrats.

Saeimas Coalition parties agreed with the Union of Social Democrats headed by Egils Baldzens on the amendments to the Satversme pertaining the Election Law and will submit the amendments to the Saeima on Monday. The amendments to the Constitution can be introduced only with the majority of the qualified votes (67), therefore the Coalition had to search the support of the opposition parties and which was granted by the Union of Social Democrats. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Lauku Avîze

interviews French Ambassador to Latvia Louise Avon. When asked whether the French Ambassador sees any tasks, which Latvia has not done yet to become the member of the EU, the Ambassador replies that when the legislation of the candidate countries will be evaluated not only will the wording of the legislation will be examined but also the way these laws are introduced and applied on a daily level. interviews French Ambassador to Latvia Louise Avon. When asked whether the French Ambassador sees any tasks, which Latvia has not done yet to become the member of the EU, the Ambassador replies that “when the legislation of the candidate countries will be evaluated not only will the wording of the legislation will be examined but also the way these laws are introduced and applied on a daily level.”

Chas

publishes parts from the TV interview with Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Indulis Berzins. The main discussion subject was why Latvia should become the member of NATO. publishes parts from the TV interview with Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Indulis Berzins. The main discussion subject was why Latvia should become the member of NATO.

Chas

publishes the summary of the on-line forum of its readers with Russian language linguist Tatjana Liguta. She believes that the adoption of the spelling of foreign personal names to the rules of Latvian grammar is violation of the rights of national minorities. She agrees that the Latvian language should be the only state language in Latvia, however, she does not approve the methods of the implementation of language policy. In her opinion, the Russian language should receive the status of the language of the major national minority in the country and could be used in different public spheres. She admits that the number of people who speak Latvian has increased for the last 10 years. publishes the summary of the on-line forum of its readers with Russian language linguist Tatjana Liguta. She believes that the adoption of the spelling of foreign personal names to the rules of Latvian grammar is violation of the rights of national minorities. She agrees that the Latvian language should be the only state language in Latvia, however, she does not approve the methods of the implementation of language policy. In her opinion, the Russian language should receive the status of the language of the major national minority in the country and could be used in different public spheres. She admits that the number of people who speak Latvian has increased for the last 10 years.

Chas

and and Panorama LatviiPanorama Latvii informs that OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus is coming to Latvia. informs that OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus is coming to Latvia.