Press Report

Segodnja, Telegraf: Russias TV channel aired Russian President V.Putin discussion with the people of Russia. The people could send their questions via e-mail. The majority of the questions were about social guarantees and economic situation in Russia, however, there was also a question whether Russia is going to protect the rights of its compatriots in the Baltic Countries, Middle Asia not only in words but also in reality. The Russian President replied that lately the Government has taken more active stance regarding the protection of the rights of Russians residing abroad. Afterwards he voiced that there is an example in Europe [Macedonia] which should be followed.

Press Report

Neatkariga, Diena: The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry yesterday expressed regret over the OSCE's "technically" not extending the mandate for the OSCE mission in Latvia and Estonia. The ministry's statement says that an efficient mechanism has been dissembled which provided international monitoring on how Estonian and Latvian authorities had been fulfilling their commitments in the sector of human rights of minorities and approximation of legislation according to European standards. The OSCE mission's standards were not exhausted yet since serious tasks for guaranteeing the rights of Russian-speaking population in the education sector of both countries were not solved, as well as issues pertaining to language policy and social integration. The number of non-citizens is still high there, the pace of naturalization process has dropped, election and social rights have been violated as well as rights to culture and education for almost one-third of Latvian and Estonian residents, the statement says. The closure of the mission has been conducted despite the objections of Russian-speaking residents and their associations. The announcement warns that those who actually promoted the closure of OSCE missions in Latvia and Estonia have resumed responsibility for the future of minorities here.

LETA

: The OSCE Permanent Councils recent decision to close its mission in Latvia was carefully weighed, told by Prime Minister Andris Berzins' press secretary, quoting the premier. "Without a doubt, the OSCE nations knew what they were doing ... we know just as well that the evaluation of the situation was adequate", said Lapins. Lapins added that the prime minister has no comment on the "marginal opinion" of Russia and Belarus on this issue, released Friday. : The OSCE Permanent Council’s recent decision to close its mission in Latvia was carefully weighed, told by Prime Minister Andris Berzins' press secretary, quoting the premier. "Without a doubt, the OSCE nations knew what they were doing ... we know just as well that the evaluation of the situation was adequate", said Lapins. Lapins added that the prime minister has no comment on the "marginal opinion" of Russia and Belarus on this issue, released Friday.

Panorama Latvii:

Y.Pliner and V.Buhvalov about the education reform in 2004. The authors argue against the transfer to secondary education with the Latvian language as the only instruction language. They write that already now the level of knowledge of students from Latvia is much lower than students from Russia and that after the transfer it would decrease even more. The contributors ask for the choice of freedom for the students of national minorities. Y.Pliner and V.Buhvalov about the education reform in 2004. The authors argue against the transfer to secondary education with the Latvian language as the only instruction language. They write that already now the level of knowledge of students from Latvia is much lower than students from Russia and that after the transfer it would decrease even more. The contributors ask for the choice of freedom for the students of national minorities.

SUMMARY OF LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

SUMMARY OF LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

Lauku Avize views Presidents initiative to abolish language requirement for election candidates as a publicly given permission to all political parties to work with non-Latvian electorate. The contributor also refers to other statements made by the President previously regarding the rights and life of other national minorities in Latvia and he concludes that the initiative was nothing sudden as these tendencies were left unnoticed in other statements made by the President. In the opinion of the columnist, it will lead to appearance of new faces from non-Latvian circles.

Diena, Neatkariga

: Juta Mencena's petition to the European Court of Human Rights complaining about violating her rights in the Latvianization of her surname which she had obtained after marriage, has been accepted by the Court. The Latvian Constitutional Court admits that the norms in the State Language Law pertaining to Latvianization of foreigners' surnames are in approximation with the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia and the surname of Juta Mencena (of the German Mentzen) in her passport has been written lawfully. The spelling of the surname of Mencena will remain the same for the time being. However, changes could be introduced in writing surnames with new passports when original writing of the surnames will be shown on the 3rd page of new passports. : Juta Mencena's petition to the European Court of Human Rights complaining about violating her rights in the Latvianization of her surname which she had obtained after marriage, has been accepted by the Court. The Latvian Constitutional Court admits that the norms in the State Language Law pertaining to Latvianization of foreigners' surnames are in approximation with the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia and the surname of Juta Mencena (of the German Mentzen) in her passport has been written lawfully. The spelling of the surname of Mencena will remain the same for the time being. However, changes could be introduced in writing surnames with new passports when original writing of the surnames will be shown on the 3rd page of new passports.

Panorama Latvii

: Russian Embassy to Latvia organised unofficial meeting with the representatives of Latvias means of mass media. : Russian Embassy to Latvia organised unofficial meeting with the representatives of Latvia’s means of mass media.

Press Report

Press Report

FF/LNNK will make use of its Constitutional rights and will either announce a referendum on amendments to the Election Law or turn to the Constitutional Court, Saeima Legal Commission Chairman Dzintars Rasnacs from FF/LNNK said yesterday in a political discussion on "Radio Briva Eiropa". Rasnacs stressed that "no uncles or other (com)missioners can tell a state official what to do," commenting on the question how his party would react if Minister of Defence Girts Valdis Kristovskis faced an option - whether to lift language norms for deputies or risk remaining outside NATO. Rasnacs pledged that TB/LNNK would call on Latvian citizens to decide on the amendments to the Election Law by a general vote. TB/LNNK Saeima faction deputy, TB/LNNK board member Juris Dobelis confirmed to LETA that the possibility of announcing of the referendum was considered within the party and admitted that the referendum should be carried out along with Saeima elections. Whereas TB/LNNK faction head, Vents Balodis, stressed that deputies have not yet officially discussed the possibility of a referendum. During the 5th congress of TB/LNNK, a statement was passed saying that the existing limitations are substantiated. The referendum could be backed also by Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDSP), as the faction head, Egils Baldzens told LETA that Social Democrats would support the proposal for a referendum if TB/LNNK officially comes out with a proposal. As reported, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga recently suggested amending the Election Law in order to lift the requirement set for deputy nominees that they must have Latvian language knowledge at the highest level. This provided that the use of the state language is guaranteed by other laws. Atis Lejins, the director of the Latvian Foreign Policy Institute, admitted that it would be better for the language norms in the Election Law to be amended in a "more peaceful atmosphere" - after next year's 8th Saeima elections, when Latvia is a European Union (EU) and NATO member state and would feel safer.

FF/LNNK will make use of its Constitutional rights and will either announce a referendum on amendments to the Election Law or turn to the Constitutional Court, Saeima Legal Commission Chairman Dzintars Rasnacs from FF/LNNK said yesterday in a political discussion on "Radio Briva Eiropa". Rasnacs stressed that "no uncles or other (com)missioners can tell a state official what to do," commenting on the question how his party would react if Minister of Defence Girts Valdis Kristovskis faced an option - whether to lift language norms for deputies or risk remaining outside NATO. Rasnacs pledged that TB/LNNK would call on Latvian citizens to decide on the amendments to the Election Law by a general vote. TB/LNNK Saeima faction deputy, TB/LNNK board member Juris Dobelis confirmed to LETA that the possibility of announcing of the referendum was considered within the party and admitted that the referendum should be carried out along with Saeima elections. Whereas TB/LNNK faction head, Vents Balodis, stressed that deputies have not yet officially discussed the possibility of a referendum. During the 5th congress of TB/LNNK, a statement was passed saying that the existing limitations are substantiated. The referendum could be backed also by Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDSP), as the faction head, Egils Baldzens told LETA that Social Democrats would support the proposal for a referendum if TB/LNNK officially comes out with a proposal. As reported, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga recently suggested amending the Election Law in order to lift the requirement set for deputy nominees that they must have Latvian language knowledge at the highest level. This provided that the use of the state language is guaranteed by other laws. Atis Lejins, the director of the Latvian Foreign Policy Institute, admitted that it would be better for the language norms in the Election Law to be amended in a "more peaceful atmosphere" - after next year's 8th Saeima elections, when Latvia is a European Union (EU) and NATO member state and would feel safer. Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Chas

Jauna

gives its interpretation about the situation around language requirements to election candidates. In its view, Europe and the OSCE ask to remove language requirements due to pragmatic considerations: it would not be profitable for the EU to have one more working official language when Latvia becomes the member of the EU. gives its interpretation about the situation around language requirements to election candidates. In its view, Europe and the OSCE ask to remove language requirements due to pragmatic considerations: it would not be profitable for the EU to have one more working official language when Latvia becomes the member of the EU.

Rîgas Balss

editorial is about the closure of the Mission editorial is about the closure of the Mission. Rigas Balss. Rigas Balss editor-in-chief Anita Daukste thinks that commitment to remove language requirement for election candidates is too high price for the closure of the Mission and hopes that Europe will be able to see the real picture of human rights issues in Latvia. editor-in-chief Anita Daukste thinks that commitment to remove language requirement for election candidates is too high price for the closure of the Mission and hopes that Europe will be able to see the real picture of human rights issues in Latvia.

Vesti Segodnja

informs that yesterday at Russian Embassy Russian diplomats met with Latvian journalists. informs that yesterday at Russian Embassy Russian diplomats met with Latvian journalists.

Chas

editorial is about recent trends in language policy. L.Fedoseyev refers to Article 18 of Saeima Rules of Order which provides for that MP can be excluded from the Parliament if it is established that s/he lacks language skills on the required level. The author concludes that the Article should be removed. editorial is about recent trends in language policy. L.Fedoseyev refers to Article 18 of Saeima Rules of Order which provides for that MP can be excluded from the Parliament if it is established that s/he lacks language skills on the required level. The author concludes that the Article should be removed.

Latvijas Vestnesis

publishes the printed version of Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins interview for the National Television channel. When asked about the OSCE, he says, language requirement and the OSCE are not interlinked issues. The OSCE Mission is out of Latvia and that is a good sign. If we talk about the language, of course, it should be protected through legislation. But if you have objections towards a person, then do not vote for him/her. publishes the printed version of Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins’ interview for the National Television channel. When asked about the OSCE, he says, “language requirement and the OSCE are not interlinked issues. The OSCE Mission is out of Latvia and that is a good sign. If we talk about the language, of course, it should be protected through legislation. But if you have objections towards a person, then do not vote for him/her”.

Press Report

Press Report

The United States administration and the European Commission hail the announcement about closure of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) mission in Latvia at the end of this year as it believes the mission guidelines have been fulfilled. The US administration nevertheless will continue following developments in the human rights sphere in Latvia after the mission is closed, the information office said. While noting that international community will not cease to be interested in development in Latvia the statement says amending of electoral legislation to remove language requirements for candidates for the parliament would be particularly beneficial for Latvia.

The United States administration and the European Commission hail the announcement about closure of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) mission in Latvia at the end of this year as it believes the mission guidelines have been fulfilled. The US administration nevertheless will continue following developments in the human rights sphere in Latvia after the mission is closed, the information office said. While noting that international community will not cease to be interested in development in Latvia the statement says amending of electoral legislation to remove language requirements for candidates for the parliament would be particularly beneficial for Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii, Latvijas Vestnesis

Dienas

correspondent from Brussels writes about the regulations on the language usage in the elected bodies of other countries. She writes that only the countries of Central Europe that have similar historical background with Latvia have this issue as a problem. She names Slovakia as the only country that regulates the language usage in the Parliament through the Election Law. K.Plamse also mentions the situation regarding language usage in the elected bodies in Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, France and Canada. correspondent from Brussels writes about the regulations on the language usage in the elected bodies of other countries. She writes that only the countries of Central Europe that have similar historical background with Latvia have this issue as a problem. She names Slovakia as the only country that regulates the language usage in the Parliament through the Election Law. K.Plamse also mentions the situation regarding language usage in the elected bodies in Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, France and Canada.

Neatkarigas

editorial is about the closure of the OSCE Mission to Latvia. The contributor writes that, in fact Missions closure will not put the end to speculations around language requirements for election candidates provided for by the Election Law and Latvia will experience even more pressure in this field because to the desired NATO membership. The author concludes that yielding of Latvian politicians to the international pressure to remove language requirements is frightening. editorial is about the closure of the OSCE Mission to Latvia. The contributor writes that, in fact Mission’s closure will not put the end to speculations around language requirements for election candidates provided for by the Election Law and Latvia will experience even more pressure in this field because to the desired NATO membership. The author concludes that yielding of Latvian politicians to the international pressure to remove language requirements is frightening. Prime Minister Andris Berzins backs lifting requirements for Latvian language skills in the Election Law. During the annual meeting of Latvian ambassadors abroad in Riga today, the premier pointed out that currently no specific document or proposals have been handed in pertaining to this issue. The premier stressed that the Latvian language must be protected at the same time the Election Law is to be amended but methods re to be found for protecting the language. Berzins expressed hope that the issue could be tackled by making joint efforts but declined to comment on possible co-operation of the ruling coalition. 2001 undoubtedly was a year of success in foreign policy for Latvia and now the state is close to the European Union (EU) and NATO in completing the task for attaining priorities in foreign policy, Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins believes. In addressing Latvian ambassadors abroad during the annual meeting today, the foreign minister stressed that "good work is not only to be produced but also sold" and this year the ambassadors have succeeded in doing this. Regarding Latvia's move to NATO, the minister pointed out that Latvia's position has changed radically over the year. A year ago, the possibility of joining the alliance was discussed but now - the size of the NATO expansion wave. I. Berzins pointed to technical work for next year to become NATO member state. The foreign minister set four key tasks for Latvia’s move to NATO - firstly, participation in combating of terrorism, both in domestic and in foreign policy. Secondly, Latvia must be a democratic country, pointing to the necessity of amendments to the Election Law excluding the language norm for deputies and looking for other measures of language protection. Thirdly, the "issue of history" is very important for Latvia because there are countries where 5,000 neo-Nazis can exist and receive no international protests while Latvia "will be reprimanded if about ten old men place flowers at the monument." Fourthly, the people should back Latvia’s move to NATO and the minister called on the ambassadors to meet with the people and the mass media in order to explain their stance pertaining to foreign policy priorities. Among the achievements, Berzins noted Latvia’s presidency on the Council of Europe (CE), closing of CE monitoring and decision to close the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) mission in Latvia. The minister stressed that bilateral relations with neighbouring countries are as significant as foreign policy priorities. Berzins referred to Latvian-Russian relations as good "because they could have been worse". The minister admitted that there is still much to do in improving relations with Russia.

Prime Minister Andris Berzins backs lifting requirements for Latvian language skills in the Election Law. During the annual meeting of Latvian ambassadors abroad in Riga today, the premier pointed out that currently no specific document or proposals have been handed in pertaining to this issue. The premier stressed that the Latvian language must be protected at the same time the Election Law is to be amended but methods re to be found for protecting the language. Berzins expressed hope that the issue could be tackled by making joint efforts but declined to comment on possible co-operation of the ruling coalition. 2001 undoubtedly was a year of success in foreign policy for Latvia and now the state is close to the European Union (EU) and NATO in completing the task for attaining priorities in foreign policy, Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins believes. In addressing Latvian ambassadors abroad during the annual meeting today, the foreign minister stressed that "good work is not only to be produced but also sold" and this year the ambassadors have succeeded in doing this. Regarding Latvia's move to NATO, the minister pointed out that Latvia's position has changed radically over the year. A year ago, the possibility of joining the alliance was discussed but now - the size of the NATO expansion wave. I. Berzins pointed to technical work for next year to become NATO member state. The foreign minister set four key tasks for Latvias move to NATO - firstly, participation in combating of terrorism, both in domestic and in foreign policy. Secondly, Latvia must be a democratic country, pointing to the necessity of amendments to the Election Law excluding the language norm for deputies and looking for other measures of language protection. Thirdly, the "issue of history" is very important for Latvia because there are countries where 5,000 neo-Nazis can exist and receive no international protests while Latvia "will be reprimanded if about ten old men place flowers at the monument." Fourthly, the people should back Latvias move to NATO and the minister called on the ambassadors to meet with the people and the mass media in order to explain their stance pertaining to foreign policy priorities. Among the achievements, Berzins noted Latvias presidency on the Council of Europe (CE), closing of CE monitoring and decision to close the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) mission in Latvia. The minister stressed that bilateral relations with neighbouring countries are as significant as foreign policy priorities. Berzins referred to Latvian-Russian relations as good "because they could have been worse". The minister admitted that there is still much to do in improving relations with Russia. Lauku Avize, Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Telegraf, Latvijas Vestnesis

Lauku Avize writes that if the State President submits the Parliament the draft to remove the language requirements for election candidates now it would not receive the support of the Parliament. The newspaper gives the stance and views on the issue of all Saeima parties.

Lauku Avize writes that if the State President submits the Parliament the draft to remove the language requirements for election candidates now it would not receive the support of the Parliament. The newspaper gives the stance and views on the issue of all Saeima parties.

Full coverage of the article in English will be attached.