Press Report

Press Report

The OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on Tuesday resolved to close the organisation’s mission in Latvia reported a spokesman for the Latvian Foreign Ministry. Thus, the OSCE mission will cease its operations in Latvia as of Jan. 1, 2002. OSCE mission to Latvia head, Peter Semneby, reported to the organisation’s Permanent Council on Latvia's achievements in building a democratic and integrated community -- smooth naturalisation process, successful implementation of the national program for Latvian language teaching, opening of the Public Integration Fund, improved performance by the National Human Rights Office. Semneby praised very much Latvian president's initiative to abolish the state language proficiency requirements to candidates, amending the election law. He concludes that Latvia has formed a stable civic society taking active part in political processes. The OSCE mission to Latvia head recommended the organisation’s leaders and member states to declare the mission's work as complete. Most of the member states agreed with Semneby's opinion on the situation in Latvia. Latvian Foreign Ministry believes that the OSCE decision on closing the mission is a very high evaluation of Latvia's progress in human right protection since opening of the mission in 1993. Over these years the OSCE mission according to its mandate had helped Latvia to create democratic legislation on citizenship and to facilitate naturalisation process as well as followed development of integration, education and language policies in the Baltic state. Successful end of the OSCE mission is yet another confirmation of Latvia's laws and their implementation meeting international standards. It also shows Latvia is ready to become a full-fledged member in unions of democratic nations -- NATO and the European Union, said the Latvian Foreign Ministry. After the OSCE mission closes down, Latvia will continue to take active part in OSCE work, co-operate closely with high commissioner for ethnic minorities, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and other units of the Organization towards further improvement of its human right protection and promotion mechanisms. Latvian top officials -- President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Prime Minister Andris Berzins and foreign minister Indulis Berzins -- previously expressed conviction that the OSCE mission in Latvia has fulfilled guidelines under its mandate. Russia was opposing the mission's closure. Russian foreign minister Igor Ivanov in his statement to OSCE members on Dec. 2 tried to object to the plans to close the organisation’s mission in Latvia and Estonia, saying the two Baltic states have so far failed to deliver on their promise to protect local ethnic Russians against discrimination.

The OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on Tuesday resolved to close the organisations mission in Latvia reported a spokesman for the Latvian Foreign Ministry. Thus, the OSCE mission will cease its operations in Latvia as of Jan. 1, 2002. OSCE mission to Latvia head, Peter Semneby, reported to the organisations Permanent Council on Latvia's achievements in building a democratic and integrated community -- smooth naturalisation process, successful implementation of the national program for Latvian language teaching, opening of the Public Integration Fund, improved performance by the National Human Rights Office. Semneby praised very much Latvian president's initiative to abolish the state language proficiency requirements to candidates, amending the election law. He concludes that Latvia has formed a stable civic society taking active part in political processes. The OSCE mission to Latvia head recommended the organisations leaders and member states to declare the mission's work as complete. Most of the member states agreed with Semneby's opinion on the situation in Latvia. Latvian Foreign Ministry believes that the OSCE decision on closing the mission is a very high evaluation of Latvia's progress in human right protection since opening of the mission in 1993. Over these years the OSCE mission according to its mandate had helped Latvia to create democratic legislation on citizenship and to facilitate naturalisation process as well as followed development of integration, education and language policies in the Baltic state. Successful end of the OSCE mission is yet another confirmation of Latvia's laws and their implementation meeting international standards. It also shows Latvia is ready to become a full-fledged member in unions of democratic nations -- NATO and the European Union, said the Latvian Foreign Ministry. After the OSCE mission closes down, Latvia will continue to take active part in OSCE work, co-operate closely with high commissioner for ethnic minorities, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and other units of the Organization towards further improvement of its human right protection and promotion mechanisms. Latvian top officials -- President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Prime Minister Andris Berzins and foreign minister Indulis Berzins -- previously expressed conviction that the OSCE mission in Latvia has fulfilled guidelines under its mandate. Russia was opposing the mission's closure. Russian foreign minister Igor Ivanov in his statement to OSCE members on Dec. 2 tried to object to the plans to close the organisations mission in Latvia and Estonia, saying the two Baltic states have so far failed to deliver on their promise to protect local ethnic Russians against discrimination. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Latvijas Vestnesis, Chas,

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga welcomes the OSCE decision not to extend the mandate of its mission to Latvia and sees it as a proof to Latvia's consistent movement towards strengthening democratic processes in the country. Latvian president said the OSCE decision to close mission to Latvia was a proof of Latvia as a democratic state as well as of good co-operation between the Baltic state and OSCE "crowned with success" - the mission's closure, reported the presidential spokeswoman. Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins sees the OSCE decision as "a certain confirmation of maturity as in future Latvia will deal with its problems by itself," said the premier's spokesman. Berzins said "without doubt, it was not a surprise decision -- it was a predictable outcome," and Latvia did everything to make it happen, according to the premier's spokesman. Both the Latvian president and Prime Minister said the mission's closure did not mean an end to co-operation between Latvia and the OSCE.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga welcomes the OSCE decision not to extend the mandate of its mission to Latvia and sees it as a proof to Latvia's consistent movement towards strengthening democratic processes in the country. Latvian president said the OSCE decision to close mission to Latvia was a proof of Latvia as a democratic state as well as of good co-operation between the Baltic state and OSCE "crowned with success" - the mission's closure, reported the presidential spokeswoman. Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins sees the OSCE decision as "a certain confirmation of maturity as in future Latvia will deal with its problems by itself," said the premier's spokesman. Berzins said "without doubt, it was not a surprise decision -- it was a predictable outcome," and Latvia did everything to make it happen, according to the premier's spokesman. Both the Latvian president and Prime Minister said the mission's closure did not mean an end to co-operation between Latvia and the OSCE. BNS

Although Russia is not in ruptures about Latvia's possible membership in NATO, Latvia cannot give up this foreign policy goal for raid improvement of relations with Russia, said Latvian foreign minister. Foreign minister Indulis Berzins on Tuesday made this statement to reporters, suggesting that current Latvian-Russian relations should nevertheless be seen as successful for the situation could have been worse.

Although Russia is not in ruptures about Latvia's possible membership in NATO, Latvia cannot give up this foreign policy goal for raid improvement of relations with Russia, said Latvian foreign minister. Foreign minister Indulis Berzins on Tuesday made this statement to reporters, suggesting that current Latvian-Russian relations should nevertheless be seen as successful for the situation could have been worse. BNS

The decision to close the mission in Latvia was timely and correct and confirms Latvia's success, the President of U.S. Committee on NATO, Bruce Jackson, stressed in commenting the OSCE decision made yesterday in Vienna.

The decision to close the mission in Latvia was timely and correct and confirms Latvia's success, the President of U.S. Committee on NATO, Bruce Jackson, stressed in commenting the OSCE decision made yesterday in Vienna. LETA

Aivars Ozolins points out in his commentary in

Aivars Ozolins points out in his commentary in Diena that the decision to close the OSCE Mission to Latvia means that Latvia in principle is a democratic country where human and national minority rights are observed, but compliance with the guidelines does not mean that Latvia is an ideal state. And the decision on closing the mission became possible thanks to the initiative of the President Vaira Vike-Freiberga to amend the election laws. Now the situation becomes paradoxical because this demand by closing the Mission is not abolished but becomes even more important. The decision to invite Latvia to join NATO could be directly related to the Election Law amendments, which should be adopted by May, when the NATO summit on expansion will take place. Diena

Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins thinks that Latvia this year is as close to EU and NATO as never before and therefore one may conclude that it was a successful year for Latvian foreign policy. Although there is not planned a referendum on Latvia’s joining NATO, the Saeima election scheduled for autumn could turn into an indirect referendum where citizens of Latvia will decide whether the state continues its foreign policy and moves towards NATO or gives up this idea. The Minister expressed a hope that the political parties, which will come to power, will not change the established goals of Latvian foreign policy.

Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins thinks that Latvia this year is as close to EU and NATO as never before and therefore one may conclude that it was a successful year for Latvian foreign policy. Although there is not planned a referendum on Latvias joining NATO, the Saeima election scheduled for autumn could turn into an indirect referendum where citizens of Latvia will decide whether the state continues its foreign policy and moves towards NATO or gives up this idea. The Minister expressed a hope that the political parties, which will come to power, will not change the established goals of Latvian foreign policy. Diena

One of demands of international organisations for Latvia to join EU and NATO is to reduce the high number of non-citizens. International experts suggested that it could be achieved by active informing of this part of population about naturalisation and the priorities of being a citizen. Therefore the Naturalisation Board has started a wide information campaign to inform non-citizens. Ilona Stalidzane is the Acting Head of NB Information Centre and co-ordinates this campaign. She told

One of demands of international organisations for Latvia to join EU and NATO is to reduce the high number of non-citizens. International experts suggested that it could be achieved by active informing of this part of population about naturalisation and the priorities of being a citizen. Therefore the Naturalisation Board has started a wide information campaign to inform non-citizens. Ilona Stalidzane is the Acting Head of NB Information Centre and co-ordinates this campaign. She told Diena journalist about the campaign, saying that this day was the last day when they put up an information tent is some Latvian town. During one month of this campaign about 1000 people came to those tents for information. Ms.Stalidzane hopes that there will still be a possibility to return to the tents next spring or autumn when weather is better for providers and recipients of this information. The next planned step is to send 100000 information booklets to non-citizens. Some people in the press accused the Naturalisation Board of a national treason because NB had been driving to citizenship people disloyal to the state. Ms.Stalidzane explains that they are not forcing anybody, just informing about the existing possibilities. Diena

In an interview to the Latvian Radio the Saeima Foreign Affairs leader G.Krasts when asked which was the institution that demanded Latvia to amend its election laws answered that although there was a remark in the OSCE Mission’s mandate stating that a demand for a state language proficiency in the election laws should not be there according to the practice of democratic countries, but in the case of Latvia this demand was not strictly formulated. And this demand is in no way linked with the OSCE but with NATO. The link is that those OSCE member states, which are also NATO member states, when considering some OSCE objections against Latvia as an undemocratic country, could object also to accepting Latvia to NATO. His colleague R.Labanovskis objected to this saying that not always NATO had so strict saying. Most likely Latvia will have to do it in the future, but the situation here is different from the one in GB, Denmark or France, and these standards may not be automatically transferred to Latvian situation. G.Krasts pointed out that in the Mission’s mandate not deadline was given for this task, just a statement that it should be solved, because OSCE representatives understood that situation in Latvia was different from the one in Estonia. Only after the events of September 11 the situation changed, and they started to request Latvia to do the same as Estonia – to act now.

In an interview to the Latvian Radio the Saeima Foreign Affairs leader G.Krasts when asked which was the institution that demanded Latvia to amend its election laws answered that although there was a remark in the OSCE Missions mandate stating that a demand for a state language proficiency in the election laws should not be there according to the practice of democratic countries, but in the case of Latvia this demand was not strictly formulated. And this demand is in no way linked with the OSCE but with NATO. The link is that those OSCE member states, which are also NATO member states, when considering some OSCE objections against Latvia as an undemocratic country, could object also to accepting Latvia to NATO. His colleague R.Labanovskis objected to this saying that not always NATO had so strict saying. Most likely Latvia will have to do it in the future, but the situation here is different from the one in GB, Denmark or France, and these standards may not be automatically transferred to Latvian situation. G.Krasts pointed out that in the Missions mandate not deadline was given for this task, just a statement that it should be solved, because OSCE representatives understood that situation in Latvia was different from the one in Estonia. Only after the events of September 11 the situation changed, and they started to request Latvia to do the same as Estonia – to act now. Latvijas Vestnesis

Last Wednesday took place the first press conference of the Society Integration Foundation Council and its Secretariat about the council sitting of November 1 when they considered the issue of establishing priorities and criteria according which projects included in the Society Integration Program would be financially supported. Council Chairman R.Umblija pointed out that they had established the following criteria: project’s goal and tasks should correspond to the basic guidelines of the Program, project’s target group should be as large as possible, project should be included in the chapter A (started projects) or B (planned projects) of the national program “Society Integration in Latvia”; results of project implementation should reach the goals and tasks established in several chapters of the Program. The Chairman said that the currently supported projects could be divided into 2 large groups – social integration projects (about 54%) and ethnic integration projects that in their turn were decided into 3 subgroups: language projects (74%), culture – 22% and other projects – about 4%.

Last Wednesday took place the first press conference of the Society Integration Foundation Council and its Secretariat about the council sitting of November 1 when they considered the issue of establishing priorities and criteria according which projects included in the Society Integration Program would be financially supported. Council Chairman R.Umblija pointed out that they had established the following criteria: projects goal and tasks should correspond to the basic guidelines of the Program, projects target group should be as large as possible, project should be included in the chapter A (started projects) or B (planned projects) of the national program Society Integration in Latvia; results of project implementation should reach the goals and tasks established in several chapters of the Program. The Chairman said that the currently supported projects could be divided into 2 large groups – social integration projects (about 54%) and ethnic integration projects that in their turn were decided into 3 subgroups: language projects (74%), culture – 22% and other projects – about 4%. Latvijas Vestnesis

N.Lebedeva in

N.Lebedeva in Chas noticed the enthusiastic reaction of Latvian top authorities on the decision to close the OSCE Mission to Latvia. Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins including. When the Minister was asked what would happen in the deputies did not amend the election laws, he answered that in the guidelines the task had been stated in a different way - To carry on a dialog with the OSCE High Commissioner on National Affairs on amending the election law. And we have always been maintaining a dialog with him and will continue in the future. When Chas still insisted on this question, Mr.Berzins assured that deputies would support amending because it did not make any sense; Latvia had another means to protect the Latvian language. As if opposing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, MP R.Labanovskis considers that the Mission had fulfilled its guidelines (all experts agreed on that). Mr.Leja said that when HCNM Max van der Stoel came here, this issue had not been raised, and the deputies would not agree to these amendments just like that. Latvian Prime Minister has stated that amending of the election law depends on the decision on Podkolzinas case in the European Court, but he has forgotten that laws are adopted by the parliament, not the government. It seems that Minister of Foreign Affairs will have to write an explanation note for the High Commissioner, concludes Ms.Lebedeva

Press Report

Press Report

Latvia risks NATO by ignoring OSCE recommendations. The controversial state language proficiency requirement for Saeima deputy candidates should be lifted because the President’s special expert group has delved into the Constitution, the Saeima Rules of Order and the Administrative Violations Code and come to the conclusion that status of the Latvian language as the official language in Latvia can be retained without any restrictions in the Election Law. There are problems, however, in putting the law into practice. Therefore, the experts are preparing recommendations by January 7. They also asked the State Language Center to prepare information about the real problems with using the state language and what could be changed in the legislation concerning the activities of the Centre. By January 11 all these recommendation have to be formulated so that they might be presented to the President. January 9 the President is scheduled to meet with the Minister of Education and Science K.Greiskalns to find out how the state language law is observed and how it is implemented in the education - by the means of test books and programs. HoM of the OSCE mission Latvia Peter Semneby is set to report on the situation in Latvia today during the OSCE summit in Vienna.

Latvia risks NATO by ignoring OSCE recommendations. The controversial state language proficiency requirement for Saeima deputy candidates should be lifted because the Presidents special expert group has delved into the Constitution, the Saeima Rules of Order and the Administrative Violations Code and come to the conclusion that status of the Latvian language as the official language in Latvia can be retained without any restrictions in the Election Law. There are problems, however, in putting the law into practice. Therefore, the experts are preparing recommendations by January 7. They also asked the State Language Center to prepare information about the real problems with using the state language and what could be changed in the legislation concerning the activities of the Centre. By January 11 all these recommendation have to be formulated so that they might be presented to the President. January 9 the President is scheduled to meet with the Minister of Education and Science K.Greiskalns to find out how the state language law is observed and how it is implemented in the education - by the means of test books and programs. HoM of the OSCE mission Latvia Peter Semneby is set to report on the situation in Latvia today during the OSCE summit in Vienna. Diena, (full text will follow in the nearest future)

This day might be recorded in history as not the brightest one for national minorities of Latvia. Today in Vienna most likely will be closed the OSCE Mission to Latvia. There are several indirect messages – information that the technical staff of the Mission was recommended to look for a new job and the HoM P.Semneby in his report recommended not to extend the mandate of the Mission because all the tasks in general had been fulfilled. Of course, the decision will not be unanimous, Russia is categorically against closing the Mission; she is supported by several EU countries. Also some CIS countries could vote for extending the mandate. But the majority of OSCE counties will vote for closing. Presence of the Mission here had an important psychological meaning - people knew that nearby was an important international institution that might give a suggestion concerning human rights and sent information about concrete violations to Vienna. From the other side – Latvian politicians knew that their activities have been monitored by international observers with diplomatic passports, and this cooled many hotheads. But every cloud has a silver lining – now national minorities will see how effective is EU in protecting national minority rights. It will be a good test on efficiency of this organisation in a referendum during which also citizens – non-Latvians will have to decide whether Latvia should join EU.

Vesti Segodnya

D.Araja in

Diena writes about the eight years the OSCE Mission operated in Latvia. The tasks, this international organisation charged Latvia, have improved, reaching the level of demands that at the beginning of 90ties even the most liberal minds in Latvia would not dear to think about. Starting with the issues of citizenship, Latvia in co-operation with the OSCE has come to the language, education and society integration issues. In November 2000 under the leadership of OSCE Austrian Presidency were prepared guidelines for closing the Mission but the closing itself, promised in June 2001 was postponed until the end of the year. Now Latvian authorities consider that the guidelines have been fulfilled. (Full text will follow in the nearest future)

Almost a month has passed since Estonian parliament abolished the norm of Estonian language proficiency requirements for parliament and municipality election deputy candidates. The mandatory working language of the parliament and municipalities remains the Estonian language. The first feedback has been received. The majority of the Parliament considers it to be a compliance with the demands of Western democracy, because a deputy, who does not know the state language, does not understand legislative acts and it not able to communicate with his colleagues, cannot participate in the sittings of the Parliament. The Union of Fatherland, one of the ruling parties, which proposed these amendments, considers that abolishing of language proficiency norm is not to high price if the Estonian language priority remains valid. Diena

Diena

columnist A.Ozolins writes about the ambiguous situation in the Peoples Party. While some of its leaders stand solid for preserving restriction in the election law, their representative Minister of Interior M.Seglins proposes to abolish the language law norm stipulating that all documents to be submitted to the court have to be in the Latvian language or with a translation in this language. The Ministry is short of 1.62 Million LVL to translate all the documents that have been submitted in the Russian language. The result is – while some of Peoples Party members struggle in the Saeima against the hypothetical threat that some day there will be elected deputies without the state language knowledge, a ministry lead by their party member struggles for introduction of a real billingualism at least at this ministry because many there do not know the state language but everybody knows the Russian language. columnist A.Ozolins writes about the ambiguous situation in the People’s Party. While some of its leaders stand solid for preserving restriction in the election law, their representative Minister of Interior M.Seglins proposes to abolish the language law norm stipulating that all documents to be submitted to the court have to be in the Latvian language or with a translation in this language. The Ministry is short of 1.62 Million LVL to translate all the documents that have been submitted in the Russian language. The result is – while some of People’s Party members struggle in the Saeima against the hypothetical threat that some day there will be elected deputies without the state language knowledge, a ministry lead by their party member struggles for introduction of a real billingualism at least at this ministry because many there do not know the state language but everybody knows the Russian language. DienaDiena

The Coalition Council unanimously rejected the proposal of the Minister of Interior M.Seglins to ignore the institutions of the Ministry of Interior and prosecutors offices the norm of the state language law envisaging that to translate all materials into the state language before sending them to court. The norm is valid from September last year. MI Department Director R.Eize explained Diena that the proposal was prepared due to lack of financing. To translate all these documents the police and borderguards annually would need about 1.9 million LVL because an official translation of one page costs about 2 LVL. Minister of Justice was categorically against this proposal stating that the state language law had not to be amended just because the Criminal Code allowed usage of not translated documents. The same position had the State Language Center.

The Coalition Council unanimously rejected the proposal of the Minister of Interior M.Seglins to ignore the institutions of the Ministry of Interior and prosecutors offices the norm of the state language law envisaging that to translate all materials into the state language before sending them to court. The norm is valid from September last year. MI Department Director R.Eize explained Diena that the proposal was prepared due to lack of financing. To translate all these documents the police and borderguards annually would need about 1.9 million LVL because an official translation of one page costs about 2 LVL. Minister of Justice was categorically against this proposal stating that the state language law had not to be amended just because the Criminal Code allowed usage of not translated documents. The same position had the State Language Center. Diena

Rigas Balss writes that the new computer readable passports might be introduced in Latvia in the middle of the next. Meanwhile specialists will continue to fight with forged passports, mostly citizen passports. In 90% of forged citizen passports just photo is replaced, more seldom are replaced pages with domicile registration, record on children, etc. Almost nobody forges non-citizen passports. One of the reasons for lingering to introduce new citizen passports is that the Saeima has nor adopted amendments to several laws stipulating what records have to be made in the new passports. It is planned that there will be no information on marriages, divorcing, domicile registration, blood group, etc. This information will be co-ordinated by a few certain state institutions in the Residents Register, Enterprises Register and municipalities. There will be also office passports in black colour issued to civil servants.

Rigas Balss writes that the new computer readable passports might be introduced in Latvia in the middle of the next. Meanwhile specialists will continue to fight with forged passports, mostly citizen passports. In 90% of forged citizen passports just photo is replaced, more seldom are replaced pages with domicile registration, record on children, etc. Almost nobody forges non-citizen passports. One of the reasons for lingering to introduce new citizen passports is that the Saeima has nor adopted amendments to several laws stipulating what records have to be made in the new passports. It is planned that there will be no information on marriages, divorcing, domicile registration, blood group, etc. This information will be co-ordinated by a few certain state institutions in the Residents Register, Enterprises Register and municipalities. There will be also office passports in black colour issued to civil servants.

Last week Riga City Mayor G.Bojars and his Moscow colleague J.Luzhkov signed an agreement on co-operation. S.Tocs in Neatkariga writes about Riga foreign policy, stating that this is a result of this policy, and it makes some politicians jealous. Moscow has similar agreements with Vilnius and Tallinn, and there is no wonder that Moscow residents may buy goods from these countries. And Latvian food-stuffs are well known there and of high demand. On obstacle for Latvian goods to come to the capital of Russia is a lack of normal relations between those two countries. And this agreement between the Mayors is just a pragmatic attempt to establish such normal relations disregarding discord on the foreign policy level. Inexperienced in foreign policy matters Social Democrats and the union For Human Rights in United Latvia have managed things what Latvia’s Way has not managed or did not want to do within eight years. Now this agreement could bring concrete results, but unfortunately the so-called right wingers could use this to accuse Social Democrats o pro-Russian policy.

Last week Riga City Mayor G.Bojars and his Moscow colleague J.Luzhkov signed an agreement on co-operation. S.Tocs in Neatkariga writes about Riga foreign policy, stating that this is a result of this policy, and it makes some politicians jealous. Moscow has similar agreements with Vilnius and Tallinn, and there is no wonder that Moscow residents may buy goods from these countries. And Latvian food-stuffs are well known there and of high demand. On obstacle for Latvian goods to come to the capital of Russia is a lack of normal relations between those two countries. And this agreement between the Mayors is just a pragmatic attempt to establish such normal relations disregarding discord on the foreign policy level. Inexperienced in foreign policy matters Social Democrats and the union For Human Rights in United Latvia have managed things what Latvias Way has not managed or did not want to do within eight years. Now this agreement could bring concrete results, but unfortunately the so-called right wingers could use this to accuse Social Democrats o pro-Russian policy. Neatkariga

A.Vasilyev in

A.Vasilyev in Chas comments the situation when some amendments have been done to the language law but to succeed in implementing these amendments, changes have to be done in many sub-legal acts and should be co-ordinated activities of state institutions. It would be nice if officials could receive help from employees and NGOs financed from national budget and foreign aid. For example – Society Integration Foundation. But it was already criticised in local mass media for its composition. In the Foundation there are no representatives of large NGOs representing non-Latvian part of population but there are four ministers and leaders of the five largest city municipalities. Almost all of them – Latvians.

Yesterday the Riga City Council FF/LNNK faction after examining the agreement on co-operation with Moscow came to a conclusion that articles concerning education policy contradict to the major task of Latvian education – transfer of education to tuition in the Latvian language.

Yesterday the Riga City Council FF/LNNK faction after examining the agreement on co-operation with Moscow came to a conclusion that articles concerning education policy contradict to the major task of Latvian education – transfer of education to tuition in the Latvian language. Chas

D.Gorba, lawyer of the Latvian Human Rights Committee thinks that the large number non-citizens are an obstacle for Latvia to join EU. Therefore Latvian authorities advertise naturalisation as a sells item by a large information campaign. And for the same reason was reduced the state fee for naturalisation. And he gives a proof for this formal approach to this problem. Last week he received a visitor whom DCMA deprived of his status of a resident of Latvia an annulled his residents Register record. Now the person has to face long court procedures. At the same time this candidate for deportation received a colourful booklet advertising the benefits of Latvian citizenship.

Panorama Latvii

Regarding the extension of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) mandate, the head of the OSCE mission to Latvia Peter Semneby says in an interview in the newspaper "

Regarding the extension of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) mandate, the head of the OSCE mission to Latvia Peter Semneby says in an interview in the newspaper "Telegraf" that the mission's task is not to wait for the full implementation of its recommendations in Latvian legislation "including all commas." This week, Semneby is scheduled to report on Latvia's achievements at the OSCE headquarters in Vienna and after that a decision will be made on whether to extend the mandate for one more year. Semneby stresses in the interview that the purpose of the mission is to spotlight problems and the need to tackle them. However, he admitted that these issues can never be solved completely and the mission therefore would have to stay in Latvia "eternally." According to Semneby, if the decision on closure of the mission in Latvia were adopted, it would mean that the mission has concluded its operations there and Latvian politicians would tackle their problems on their own in the future. At the same time, it does not mean that monitoring of the process would be discontinued, because the OSCE high commissioner would continue observation of the situation.

Visiting the TV show “Official point of view” OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby said that the fate of the Mission would be decided after his report on the situation in Latvia to the Permanent Council in Vienna. Speaking about the proposal of the President Vaira Vike-Freiberga to amend the election law Mr.Semneby said that it was a very important problem – it was linked to the basic principles of democracy and human rights. Moreover, if the amendments were not adopted, then the composition of the Saeima and municipalities would not change radically. When asked about presence of any monitoring in Latvia if the Mission were closed and whether radicals would not use this absence, the HoM answered that the mandate of the OSCE High Commissioner allowed him to deal with any problem that could arise. In addition now quite serious NGOs existed in Latvia, and the Ambassador did not see any risk to leave the country.

Visiting the TV show Official point of view OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby said that the fate of the Mission would be decided after his report on the situation in Latvia to the Permanent Council in Vienna. Speaking about the proposal of the President Vaira Vike-Freiberga to amend the election law Mr.Semneby said that it was a very important problem – it was linked to the basic principles of democracy and human rights. Moreover, if the amendments were not adopted, then the composition of the Saeima and municipalities would not change radically. When asked about presence of any monitoring in Latvia if the Mission were closed and whether radicals would not use this absence, the HoM answered that the mandate of the OSCE High Commissioner allowed him to deal with any problem that could arise. In addition now quite serious NGOs existed in Latvia, and the Ambassador did not see any risk to leave the country. Panorama Latvii

Newspaper

Newspaper Telegraf asked human rights activist, MP B.Cilevich about the situation with human rights in Latvia after the OSCE Mission to Latvia was closed. Mr.Cilevich answered that EU was dealing with human rights solely on the level of political bargaining. Thiis topic now is not reflected in any juridically binding document. Even in the EU Charter on Fundamental Rights there is nothing on national minorities. And the OSCE Mission was the only quality resource of information for many years. And the reason why EU officials did not stand up for the Mission is that they do not need an additional source of headache.

The 5th congress of the union For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK (TB/LNNK), held at the Riga Congress Center yesterday, passed several resolutions. TB/LNNK believes that the limitations on the language proficiency should be retained for those citizens of Latvia that want to run for Saeima or municipal elections. The statement notes that the existing limitations have given positive results - there is nobody in the Saeima that does not know the Latvian language, however Russian is still the working language in some of the local governments even ten years after the restoration of independence. This is unacceptable from the point of view of observing the rights of the Latvian language. TB/LNNK calls for consistent observance of transition to instruction in the state language by the year 2004, as defined by the legislation.

The 5th congress of the union For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK (TB/LNNK), held at the Riga Congress Center yesterday, passed several resolutions. TB/LNNK believes that the limitations on the language proficiency should be retained for those citizens of Latvia that want to run for Saeima or municipal elections. The statement notes that the existing limitations have given positive results - there is nobody in the Saeima that does not know the Latvian language, however Russian is still the working language in some of the local governments even ten years after the restoration of independence. This is unacceptable from the point of view of observing the rights of the Latvian language. TB/LNNK calls for consistent observance of transition to instruction in the state language by the year 2004, as defined by the legislation. LETA

No self-criticism at "Fatherlanders'" congress. For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK politicians spoke of the party’s hopeful future by reminding of the party’s good work so far and by encouraging statements during the TB/LNNK congress on Saturday, says Diena. Maris Grinblats was again convincingly elected the party’s chairman, Vladimirs Makarovs and Janis Straume became his deputies. During the congress, TB/LNNK board was also elected, where party’s regional offices are now represented on a greater scale, which means that TB/LNNK’s work is becoming more active in regions. Diena adds that there was no heated political debates at the congress. NRA and

No self-criticism at "Fatherlanders'" congress. For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK politicians spoke of the partys hopeful future by reminding of the partys good work so far and by encouraging statements during the TB/LNNK congress on Saturday, says Diena. Maris Grinblats was again convincingly elected the partys chairman, Vladimirs Makarovs and Janis Straume became his deputies. During the congress, TB/LNNK board was also elected, where partys regional offices are now represented on a greater scale, which means that TB/LNNKs work is becoming more active in regions. Diena adds that there was no heated political debates at the congress. NRA and Chas say that the congresss main theme was protection of the state language and national interests, which means that the "Fatherlanders" have therefore privatised the niche of national policy. Whereas VZ says that there was a rather depressing atmosphere the congress, which is most likely due to the partys low rating and concerns about its chances at the eighth Saeima elections. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins is optimistic that Tuesday’s decision on the future of the OSCE Mission to Latvia will be favourable for Latvia even without amending the election law. One may hope for it because Latvia has fulfilled all the guidelines; it will be also stated in the report the Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia P.Semneby. Prime Minister expressed his conviction on Saturday after the meeting of the heads of EU states and governments.

Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins is optimistic that Tuesdays decision on the future of the OSCE Mission to Latvia will be favourable for Latvia even without amending the election law. One may hope for it because Latvia has fulfilled all the guidelines; it will be also stated in the report the Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia P.Semneby. Prime Minister expressed his conviction on Saturday after the meeting of the heads of EU states and governments. Diena

There have not been any concrete results of the Riga City Council delegation to Moscow – this was the conclusion of the Riga City mayor G.Bojars.

There have not been any concrete results of the Riga City Council delegation to Moscow – this was the conclusion of the Riga City mayor G.Bojars. Diena, Neatkariga

Press Report

Press Report

Latvia's hopes for the closure of the OSCE mission operating here since 1994 could come true on Monday as the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna Dec. 20 will look into the matter, Foreign Ministry and OSCE mission in Latvia reported. Latvia's top officials, including President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Prime Minister Andris Berzins and Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins, have voiced conviction the OSCE mission has fulfilled guidelines under its mandate therefore it should be closed before the end of the year, like the mission in Estonia. The OSCE mission head in Latvia, Peter Semneby, had been evasive during past six month concerning the possibility to close the mission before the end of the year.

Latvia's hopes for the closure of the OSCE mission operating here since 1994 could come true on Monday as the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna Dec. 20 will look into the matter, Foreign Ministry and OSCE mission in Latvia reported. Latvia's top officials, including President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Prime Minister Andris Berzins and Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins, have voiced conviction the OSCE mission has fulfilled guidelines under its mandate therefore it should be closed before the end of the year, like the mission in Estonia. The OSCE mission head in Latvia, Peter Semneby, had been evasive during past six month concerning the possibility to close the mission before the end of the year. BNS

K.Plamse,

Diena commentator in Brussels writes that the OSCE decision on closing the OSCE Mission to Latvia will be one of the most difficult the organisation has taken during the last years. Latvias stubborn unwillingness to amend the election law and the critical position on this attitude from one part of the OSCE member states and the Permanent Council, that has to decide what to do, makes a difficult dilemma for the Council.

US Government greeted the decision of the OSCE to close its representation in Estonia. US Government also praised the steps of the Estonian authorities to increase democracy and form an integrated society. Diena

Latvia's new ambassador to Estonia will be Edgars Skuja, the current ambassador to Latvia at the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

Latvia's new ambassador to Estonia will be Edgars Skuja, the current ambassador to Latvia at the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). BNS, Diena

The Interior ministry has submitted to the government amendments to the state language law envisaging that prosecutor's office and police will be allowed to submit to courts materials of criminal cases without translating them into the state language. The ministry explained the amendments are needed due to the shortage of funds as in 2002 as many as 1.5 million lats (USD 2.38 Million) are needed for the purpose. The State Language Center meanwhile regards these amendments as a regular restriction of rights of the Latvian language.

The Interior ministry has submitted to the government amendments to the state language law envisaging that prosecutor's office and police will be allowed to submit to courts materials of criminal cases without translating them into the state language. The ministry explained the amendments are needed due to the shortage of funds as in 2002 as many as 1.5 million lats (USD 2.38 Million) are needed for the purpose. The State Language Center meanwhile regards these amendments as a regular restriction of rights of the Latvian language. Diena, Panorama Latvii, Chas (17.12.)

The head of the State Language Center Dz.Hirsa after nine years spent struggling for preserving the state language in Latvia is facing now a difficult dilemma – whether it is worthwhile to continue this struggle because everything they managed to achieve now is gradually destroyed. People need stimuli not only to learn the language but also to use it, and these are exactly those issues Latvian legislation had to yield to the OSCE demands. Now employees in private businesses do not need to know the language, even the candidates for municipal and parliamentary elections will not need it. If they do not need it, why it should be necessary for a simple man? Of course, Dz.Hirsa is just an official and she may not decide what and how decide those, who adopt the law: “I am here to implement things stipulated there. I am doing it and will do, and if my opinion will differ too much from the opinion of politicians, I will have to resign. They tell me that I have a wrong opinion, but I still want to ask politicians if they realise where the boundary lies, behind which compromises turn into treachery.

The head of the State Language Center Dz.Hirsa after nine years spent struggling for preserving the state language in Latvia is facing now a difficult dilemma – whether it is worthwhile to continue this struggle because everything they managed to achieve now is gradually destroyed. People need stimuli not only to learn the language but also to use it, and these are exactly those issues Latvian legislation had to yield to the OSCE demands. Now employees in private businesses do not need to know the language, even the candidates for municipal and parliamentary elections will not need it. If they do not need it, why it should be necessary for a simple man? Of course, Dz.Hirsa is just an official and she may not decide what and how decide those, who adopt the law: I am here to implement things stipulated there. I am doing it and will do, and if my opinion will differ too much from the opinion of politicians, I will have to resign. They tell me that I have a wrong opinion, but I still want to ask politicians if they realise where the boundary lies, behind which compromises turn into treachery. Rigas Balss

Latvian President speaking at the Swiss Press Club assured that it was not worthwhile for Latvian Russian-speaking population to hope that Russian language could become the second state language in Latvia. In Latvia non-Latvians constitute 40% of all population, and it is much more that e.g. in Switzerland. Explaining the refusal to ensure proportional representation of national minorities in state authorities, Vaira Vike-Freiberga mentioned the different history and peculiarities of Latvia and Switzerland. According to the President, Russians in Latvia can not hope for the same rights as national minorities enjoy in Switzerland.

Latvian President speaking at the Swiss Press Club assured that it was not worthwhile for Latvian Russian-speaking population to hope that Russian language could become the second state language in Latvia. In Latvia non-Latvians constitute 40% of all population, and it is much more that e.g. in Switzerland. Explaining the refusal to ensure proportional representation of national minorities in state authorities, Vaira Vike-Freiberga mentioned the different history and peculiarities of Latvia and Switzerland. According to the President, Russians in Latvia can not hope for the same rights as national minorities enjoy in Switzerland. Lauku Avize

It seems that the planned transition to the tuition in the Latvian language in secondary schools from 2004 could become on of the major topics before the next Saeima election. Only a few days after the President Vaira Vike-Freiberga spoke out the necessity to amend the election laws, Latvia’s pro-Russian politicians expressed a hope that the President could also speak against the norm in the State education law stipulated transition to the tuition in the state language. MP from the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia Ya.Pliner, President of Russian Community in Latvia V.Altuhov and Co-Chairman of the Union of Citizens and Non-citizens of Latvia V.Sokolov signed an open letter to the President asking to take up an initiative to amend the education law. The Saeima Education, Culture and Science Commission listened to the report of the Head of the Integration Section of the General Education Department E.Papule on how Russian-speaking schools succeed with this transition. E.Papule said that according to the submitted program licenses about 55 – 60% of all non-Latvians were ready to transit to the tuition in the Latvian language, 10% of schools already work in the state language and 30 – 35 % show in their programs the intention to teach only three subjects in the Latvian language.

It seems that the planned transition to the tuition in the Latvian language in secondary schools from 2004 could become on of the major topics before the next Saeima election. Only a few days after the President Vaira Vike-Freiberga spoke out the necessity to amend the election laws, Latvias pro-Russian politicians expressed a hope that the President could also speak against the norm in the State education law stipulated transition to the tuition in the state language. MP from the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia Ya.Pliner, President of Russian Community in Latvia V.Altuhov and Co-Chairman of the Union of Citizens and Non-citizens of Latvia V.Sokolov signed an open letter to the President asking to take up an initiative to amend the education law. The Saeima Education, Culture and Science Commission listened to the report of the Head of the Integration Section of the General Education Department E.Papule on how Russian-speaking schools succeed with this transition. E.Papule said that according to the submitted program licenses about 55 – 60% of all non-Latvians were ready to transit to the tuition in the Latvian language, 10% of schools already work in the state language and 30 – 35 % show in their programs the intention to teach only three subjects in the Latvian language. Lauku Avize

Russian-speaking newspaper

Russian-speaking newspaper Chas interviewed the leader of Social Democrats Saeima faction E.Baldzens. Most of the interview was about Social Democrats relations with the union For Human Rights in United Latvia. Mr.Baldzens thinks that FHRUL like FF/LNNK is a strictly nationally orientated union, and it does not depend so much on declarations but on the offered policy. Contrary to FHRUL, Social Democrats support the status of the Latvian language as the only state language in Latvia. Speaking about socially economical differences between citizens and non-citizens, Mr.Baldzens explained that Social Democrats stood for equal right in this sphere, there should be no discrimination of non-citizens concerning their term of service spent outside Latvia.

The Saeima Commission on Social Affairs started to prepare for the third (final) reading the draft law on pensions. The most active discussion was between the left- wingers For Human Rights in United Latvia, who offered to count in the service term of non-citizens also the years worked outside the territory of Latvia. FF/LNNK was against it. The leader of People’s Party A.Skele offered a solution – as now all non-citizens might naturalise, let they received Latvian citizenship and then they would receive full pension. If this position of the ruling coalition was nothing new, then the left wingers got surprised when they asked the Federation of Pensioners of Latvia to support them and got refused.

The Saeima Commission on Social Affairs started to prepare for the third (final) reading the draft law on pensions. The most active discussion was between the left- wingers For Human Rights in United Latvia, who offered to count in the service term of non-citizens also the years worked outside the territory of Latvia. FF/LNNK was against it. The leader of Peoples Party A.Skele offered a solution – as now all non-citizens might naturalise, let they received Latvian citizenship and then they would receive full pension. If this position of the ruling coalition was nothing new, then the left wingers got surprised when they asked the Federation of Pensioners of Latvia to support them and got refused. Vesti Segodnya

Mayors of Riga and Moscow signed an agreement on co-operation in the fields of trade, economy, science and technics, humanitarian and culture.

Mayors of Riga and Moscow signed an agreement on co-operation in the fields of trade, economy, science and technics, humanitarian and culture. Vesti Segodnya

Newspaper

Newspaper Vechernyaya Riga informs that on Saturday from 11 to 4 p.m. non-citizens of Riga District Purvciems will be able to learn why the blue passport of a citizen is better that the violet one of a non-citizen. Purvciems if the fourth city district where this information campaign takes place. In the previous actions participated 200, 150 and 118 people.

Press Report

Press Report

The Mayors of the Latvian and Russian capitals signed a co-operational agreement in Moscow on Thursday. An agreement on co-operation in educational issues was also signed by respective educational co-operation representatives from both cities. The co-operational agreement foresees long-term co-operation with both cities contributing towards expanding trade and economic ties, securing mutually beneficial regulations for joint production and economic activities, commercial activities and so on.

The Mayors of the Latvian and Russian capitals signed a co-operational agreement in Moscow on Thursday. An agreement on co-operation in educational issues was also signed by respective educational co-operation representatives from both cities. The co-operational agreement foresees long-term co-operation with both cities contributing towards expanding trade and economic ties, securing mutually beneficial regulations for joint production and economic activities, commercial activities and so on. Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

The minister of education says that “the agreement on education issues is premature and cannot be viewed as a considered step as there is no co-operation agreement on the government level.”.

The minister of education says that the agreement on education issues is premature and cannot be viewed as a considered step as there is no co-operation agreement on the government level.. Diena

Belgium EU Presidency adopted the statement where it welcomes the initiative of the Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga to abolish language requirement for election candidates suggested by the Latvian President.

Belgium EU Presidency adopted the statement where it welcomes the initiative of the Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga to abolish language requirement for election candidates suggested by the Latvian President. Diena

Latvian Foreign Ministry state secretary Friday will meet OSCE Mission to Latvia head in Latvia Peter Semneby to discuss implementation of guidelines under the mission's mandate and Latvia's opinion on the matter. Foreign Ministry state secretary Maris Riekstins told that the meeting is planned with due regard to expected decision Dec. 20 by the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on the mission's further fate.

Latvian Foreign Ministry state secretary Friday will meet OSCE Mission to Latvia head in Latvia Peter Semneby to discuss implementation of guidelines under the mission's mandate and Latvia's opinion on the matter. Foreign Ministry state secretary Maris Riekstins told that the meeting is planned with due regard to expected decision Dec. 20 by the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on the mission's further fate. Vesti Segodnja

Yesterday the standing council at the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) made a decision in Vienna that the authority of the OSCE Mission to Estonia should not be prolonged and backed closing the OSCE mission in Estonia as of December 31. Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Toomas Hendrik Ilves praised the decision pointing out that Estonia had made strides over many years in order to fully harmonise its legislation to meet international norms. During the OSCE meeting in Vienna, the head of the mission, Ambassador Doris Hertrampf informed about positive changes in Estonia over the past year. Hertrampf stressed that she believes that the OSCE Mission fulfilled its tasks and her stance was backed by numerous delegates from various countries, including the U.S. and European Union. The EU statement declares that EU completely backs a proposal of the OSCE mission head on closing the mission in Estonia.

Yesterday the standing council at the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) made a decision in Vienna that the authority of the OSCE Mission to Estonia should not be prolonged and backed closing the OSCE mission in Estonia as of December 31. Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Toomas Hendrik Ilves praised the decision pointing out that Estonia had made strides over many years in order to fully harmonise its legislation to meet international norms. During the OSCE meeting in Vienna, the head of the mission, Ambassador Doris Hertrampf informed about positive changes in Estonia over the past year. Hertrampf stressed that she believes that the OSCE Mission fulfilled its tasks and her stance was backed by numerous delegates from various countries, including the U.S. and European Union. The EU statement declares that EU completely backs a proposal of the OSCE mission head on closing the mission in Estonia. Diena, Neatkariga

Chas provides the comments of Latvian foreign affairs minister Indulis Berzins who congratulates the Estonians with the well done job.

Chas provides the comments of Latvian foreign affairs minister Indulis Berzins who congratulates the Estonians with the well done job.

FF/LNNK member Dzintars Rasnacs comments on the article “The Closure of the OSCE Mission and Domestic Tasks” by Nils Muiznieks and Ilze Brands-Kehris in

FF/LNNK member Dzintars Rasnacs comments on the article The Closure of the OSCE Mission and Domestic Tasks by Nils Muiznieks and Ilze Brands-Kehris in Neatkariga 11.12.2001. Rasnacs concludes that the authors lack any knowledge of the Latvian legislation and hierarchy of legal norms. Neatkariga

Latvia’s Russian-speaking population should not hope that the Russian language will ever become the state language in Latvia and become equal to Latvian, or that they will be represented in governing bodies in proportion to the number of residents. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga made this statement at the Swiss Press Club in Geneva yesterday. In answering a question by an ITAR-TASS correspondent if Latvia plans on adopting Switzerland’s model where the languages of ethnic minorities - French, Italian and Romanisch - have been recognised as national languages along with German, and where various ethnic minorities are extensively represented in government, the president said "No, we will not do so". In Latvia, Russian-speakers make about 40 percent of the entire population. It is much more than the proportion of ethnic minorities in Switzerland that each has its national language - 18 percent speak French, 12 percent - Italian, 1 percent - Romanisch. In commenting on the reasons why Russian cannot be designated a national language and why Russian-speakers cannot be proportionally represented in government, Vike-Freiberga mentioned Latvia and Switzerland's varying histories and unique characteristics. According to the president, Russians in Latvia cannot expect the same rights as minorities in Switzerland, as the current language situation only developed after World War II, when Latvia experienced an influx of people from other regions of the USSR while many Latvians were deported.

Latvias Russian-speaking population should not hope that the Russian language will ever become the state language in Latvia and become equal to Latvian, or that they will be represented in governing bodies in proportion to the number of residents. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga made this statement at the Swiss Press Club in Geneva yesterday. In answering a question by an ITAR-TASS correspondent if Latvia plans on adopting Switzerlands model where the languages of ethnic minorities - French, Italian and Romanisch - have been recognised as national languages along with German, and where various ethnic minorities are extensively represented in government, the president said "No, we will not do so". In Latvia, Russian-speakers make about 40 percent of the entire population. It is much more than the proportion of ethnic minorities in Switzerland that each has its national language - 18 percent speak French, 12 percent - Italian, 1 percent - Romanisch. In commenting on the reasons why Russian cannot be designated a national language and why Russian-speakers cannot be proportionally represented in government, Vike-Freiberga mentioned Latvia and Switzerland's varying histories and unique characteristics. According to the president, Russians in Latvia cannot expect the same rights as minorities in Switzerland, as the current language situation only developed after World War II, when Latvia experienced an influx of people from other regions of the USSR while many Latvians were deported. Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf

Vesti Segodnja

writes about TV discussion What Is Going On in Latvia?, which main discussion subject was language requirement for election candidates. Parliament members of FF/LNNK, Peoples Party, FHRUL, State Language Centre director Dz.Hirsa, Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Research Centre director Nils Muiznieks. FF/LNNK and Peoples Party members assured that they are not going to change their stance and will not support the initiative of the President. The TV show was aired by the National TV channel Tuesday night. writes about TV discussion “What Is Going On in Latvia?”, which main discussion subject was language requirement for election candidates. Parliament members of FF/LNNK, People’s Party, FHRUL, State Language Centre director Dz.Hirsa, Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Research Centre director Nils Muiznieks. FF/LNNK and People’s Party members assured that they are not going to change their stance and will not support the initiative of the President. The TV show was aired by the National TV channel Tuesday night.

Latvijas Vestnesis

interviews Society Integration Foundation Board Chairperson Ramona Umblija. She is asked about the sources of funds, tasks, projects and future of Society Integration Foundation. interviews Society Integration Foundation Board Chairperson Ramona Umblija. She is asked about the sources of funds, tasks, projects and future of Society Integration Foundation.