Press Report

Press Report

 The OSCE mission to Estonia is likely to close its activities in Estonia already this year after the Riigikogu abolished language requirements to MPs and municipal councils. The OSCE mission to Estonia said on Friday that the Head of the mission, ambassador Doris Hertrampf will present her report to the Permanent Council in Vienna on December 13 and will propose the delegations to consider the mission as fulfilled.

The OSCE mission to Estonia is likely to close its activities in Estonia already this year after the Riigikogu abolished language requirements to MPs and municipal councils. The OSCE mission to Estonia said on Friday that the Head of the mission, ambassador Doris Hertrampf will present her report to the Permanent Council in Vienna on December 13 and will propose the delegations to consider the mission as fulfilled. Diena

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for beginning co-operation between Moscow and Riga, and hopes that Latvia's president will voice similar support. Latvia's presidential spokesperson told that Latvia's President Vaira

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for beginning co-operation between Moscow and Riga, and hopes that Latvia's president will voice similar support. Latvia's presidential spokesperson told that Latvia's President Vaira

Vike-Freiberga has always been open to Latvian-Russian dialogue and supportive of contacts on various levels - parliamentarian, municipal, business circles and others - as this promotes co-operation between the two countries. A number of Moscow city representatives are currently in Riga for the meeting. Protocols of intent are signed for joint projects in the spheres of culture, economy and education, as well as others.

Vike-Freiberga has always been open to Latvian-Russian dialogue and supportive of contacts on various levels - parliamentarian, municipal, business circles and others - as this promotes co-operation between the two countries. A number of Moscow city representatives are currently in Riga for the meeting. Protocols of intent are signed for joint projects in the spheres of culture, economy and education, as well as others.

Before signing the intention protocol, D.Ivans expressed sharp criticism in regard to the Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry for “its bad performance in co-ordinating relations between the two countries”.

Before signing the intention protocol, D.Ivans expressed sharp criticism in regard to the Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry for its bad performance in co-ordinating relations between the two countries. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Chas.

Telegraf talks with Riga City Council Mayor G.Bojars about the visit. The Mayor partly agrees with the statement of the journalist that the City Council performs the functions of Latvia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Telegraf talks with Riga City Council Mayor G.Bojars about the visit. The Mayor partly agrees with the statement of the journalist that the City Council performs the functions of Latvias Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Romanian President Ion Iliescu had a two-day state visit to Latvia on Nov. 27 and 28, the first during the decade-long history of Latvian-Romanian relations. Iliescu met with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, prime minister Andris Berzins, Riga mayor Gundars Bojars, and foreign minister Indulis Berzins, said the Latvian president's press office.

Romanian President Ion Iliescu had a two-day state visit to Latvia on Nov. 27 and 28, the first during the decade-long history of Latvian-Romanian relations. Iliescu met with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, prime minister Andris Berzins, Riga mayor Gundars Bojars, and foreign minister Indulis Berzins, said the Latvian president's press office. Diena

A first group of East European countries, which want to join the European Union, could become members before elections to the European Parliament in June 2004, EU Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen said.

A first group of East European countries, which want to join the European Union, could become members before elections to the European Parliament in June 2004, EU Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen said. Diena, Neatkariga

Latvia's Constitutional Protection Office has begun investigation on the claimed collaboration of Latvia's Socialist Party headed by former communist leader A.Rubiks with the radical Russian Communist Party Union - Soviet Union Communist Party (CPU-SUCP). The CPU-SUCP promotes the renewal of the communist party, currently banned in Latvia, and renewal of the crumbled Soviet Union.

Latvia's Constitutional Protection Office has begun investigation on the claimed collaboration of Latvia's Socialist Party headed by former communist leader A.Rubiks with the radical Russian Communist Party Union - Soviet Union Communist Party (CPU-SUCP). The CPU-SUCP promotes the renewal of the communist party, currently banned in Latvia, and renewal of the crumbled Soviet Union. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Neatkariga

interviews Peoples Harmony Party chairperson J.Jurkans. His opinion is that Latvias foreign policy is produced in Washington D.C., Brussels and maybe Stockholm and Copenhagen and definitely not in Riga – we are policy takers. In regard to language policy he voices most likely an MP understands that Latvia needs to abolish the language requirement as did Estonia, but s/he is also aware of the upcoming Saeimas election next year. That is typical for Latvia – to consider only the interests of a party and not the country. About the relations between the two countries Russia and Latvia he says, in order to improve relations with Russia, the first thing is to want to improve them. Up till now, we actually did not want that. J.Jurkans also provides his vision about the body of the next Saeima – he expects that FHRUL will have at least 20 seats and also admits that Repses party should be considered as the most serious political power. interviews People’s Harmony Party chairperson J.Jurkans. His opinion is that Latvia’s foreign policy is produced in Washington D.C., Brussels and maybe Stockholm and Copenhagen and definitely not in Riga – “we are policy takers”. In regard to language policy he voices “most likely an MP understands that Latvia needs to abolish the language requirement as did Estonia, but s/he is also aware of the upcoming Saeima’s election next year. That is typical for Latvia – to consider only the interests of a party and not the country”. About the relations between the two countries Russia and Latvia he says, “in order to improve relations with Russia, the first thing is to want to improve them. Up till now, we actually did not want that”. J.Jurkans also provides his vision about the body of the next Saeima – he expects that FHRUL will have at least 20 seats and also admits that Repse’s party should be considered as the most serious political power.

Lauku Avize

informs about the first activities – information booth in Imanta (suburb district of Riga City) – in the framework of Public awareness campaign. Although the weather was bad, the interest of people was high – about 150 people visited the booth within 8 hours and asked different questions about the possibilities to acquire Latvian citizenship. informs about the first activities – information booth in Imanta (suburb district of Riga City) – in the framework of Public awareness campaign. Although the weather was bad, the interest of people was high – about 150 people visited the booth within 8 hours and asked different questions about the possibilities to acquire Latvian citizenship. TelegrafTelegraf

Chas

informs that Prime Minister A.Berzins took part in Chas on-line internet forum. The Prime Minister received more than 70 questions. The newspaper will publish the summary of the forum in the upcoming issues. informs that Prime Minister A.Berzins took part in Chas on-line internet forum. The Prime Minister received more than 70 questions. The newspaper will publish the summary of the forum in the upcoming issues.

Chas

interviews Peoples Harmony vice-chairperson J.Urbanovics. He admits that he fears that the party may not meet the expectationsof their voters and loose at the next Saeimas election. J.Urbanovics is very sceptical about Latvias chances to join the EU in the closest future and in regard to NATO in his opinion the membership of the Baltic States to NATO depends on the agreement between the USA and Russia. interviews People’s Harmony vice-chairperson J.Urbanovics. He admits that he fears that the party may not meet the expectationsof their voters and loose at the next Saeima’s election. J.Urbanovics is very sceptical about Latvia’s chances to join the EU in the closest future and in regard to NATO in his opinion the membership of the Baltic States to NATO depends on the agreement between the USA and Russia.

Chas

draws the parallels between minority education policies of the first independent Latvias state (1918-1940) and todays Latvia. draws the parallels between minority education policies of the first independent Latvia’s state (1918-1940) and today’s Latvia.

Chas

publishes the article by FHRUL deputy J.Pliners and V.Buhvalovs, Dr.Ed.sc. The contributors asks the parents of Russian students to take the problem concerning transfer to education in the state language more seriously and consider the ways of protest against the education reform in 2004. publishes the article by FHRUL deputy J.Pliners and V.Buhvalovs, Dr.Ed.sc. The contributors asks the parents of Russian students to take the problem concerning transfer to education in the state language more seriously and consider the ways of protest against the education reform in 2004. Friday the Media Seminar “The Media in Latvia – Integrated or Divided” took place in Riga. Two studies about the role and performance of Russian and Latvian press were discussed. The conclusion of the majority of speakers were that information about society integration in Latvia spread by the local media in both languages is not promoting the process because both Latvian and Russian journalists are encouraging development of stereotypes about Russians and Latvians. The authors of the study said that although the Russian and Latvian media are reflecting the same information in a different light several public opinion polls have proved the attitude of the population towards integration is a lot more positive and the society itself is much more integrated than could be judged by the media. The authors underscored that Latvian and Russian press reflect two monologues rather than a dialogue, namely, the monologue of the Latvian press does not discuss the problems of Russian speakers whereas the Russian press is "consolidating for the fight against nationalist radicals" and thus creating the atmosphere of fight within society. Naturalisation Board Head Eizenija Aldermane said the media in Latvia have a trend to build a divided society. She voiced regret over the fact that Latvia's community has divided by the language principle with Russian speakers reading only the Russian language press and Latvians only the Latvian press, which results in both these groups getting different information about the same issues. The seminar is held by Latvia's Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center, Friedrich Naumann foundation in co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Latvia.

Friday the Media Seminar The Media in Latvia – Integrated or Divided took place in Riga. Two studies about the role and performance of Russian and Latvian press were discussed. The conclusion of the majority of speakers were that information about society integration in Latvia spread by the local media in both languages is not promoting the process because both Latvian and Russian journalists are encouraging development of stereotypes about Russians and Latvians. The authors of the study said that although the Russian and Latvian media are reflecting the same information in a different light several public opinion polls have proved the attitude of the population towards integration is a lot more positive and the society itself is much more integrated than could be judged by the media. The authors underscored that Latvian and Russian press reflect two monologues rather than a dialogue, namely, the monologue of the Latvian press does not discuss the problems of Russian speakers whereas the Russian press is "consolidating for the fight against nationalist radicals" and thus creating the atmosphere of fight within society. Naturalisation Board Head Eizenija Aldermane said the media in Latvia have a trend to build a divided society. She voiced regret over the fact that Latvia's community has divided by the language principle with Russian speakers reading only the Russian language press and Latvians only the Latvian press, which results in both these groups getting different information about the same issues. The seminar is held by Latvia's Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center, Friedrich Naumann foundation in co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Latvia. Diena, Vesti Segodnja

Vesti Segodnja

interviews MoEducation, General Education Integration Department deputy head E.Papule about the education reform in 2004. The opinion of the Ministry is that the problems concerning bilingual education are transitional. interviews MoEducation, General Education Integration Department deputy head E.Papule about the education reform in 2004. The opinion of the Ministry is that the problems concerning bilingual education are transitional.

Press Report

Press Report

Russian State Duma, the Lower House of parliament, international affairs committee head Dmitry Rogozin is expected arriving in Latvia Friday to join the National Harmony Party congress on Saturday. Duma international affairs committee reported that Rogozin has been invited to the congress as an honorary guest. Rogozin also is set to meet members of Latvian parliament faction of the opposition leftist alliance For Human Rights in United Latvia, attend Russian embassy in Latvia and hold a press conference.

Russian State Duma, the Lower House of parliament, international affairs committee head Dmitry Rogozin is expected arriving in Latvia Friday to join the National Harmony Party congress on Saturday. Duma international affairs committee reported that Rogozin has been invited to the congress as an honorary guest. Rogozin also is set to meet members of Latvian parliament faction of the opposition leftist alliance For Human Rights in United Latvia, attend Russian embassy in Latvia and hold a press conference. BNS, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

Latvian daily newspaper

Latvian daily newspaper Neatkariga Rita Avize reported on Thursday that the former Latvian communist leader Alfreds Rubiks has signed an associative agreement with the Russian radical Communist Party Union - Soviet Union Communist Party (CPU-SUCP) without informing the fellow members of his Latvian Socialist Party. In a conversation with BNS, Rubiks completely denied the claim.

The Latvian Socialist Party (LSP), a part of the political union For Human Rights In A United Latvia (PCTVL), has not singed an association agreement with the radical Russia's Union of Communist Parties - the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (UCP-CPSU),

The Latvian Socialist Party (LSP), a part of the political union For Human Rights In A United Latvia (PCTVL), has not singed an association agreement with the radical Russia's Union of Communist Parties - the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (UCP-CPSU), LETA was told by National Harmony Party (TSP) Chairman Janis Jurkans. " In Jurkans' view, this is again an attempt to make PTCVL appear "completely red". He forecasts that discrediting of PCTVL will continue until the Saeima elections. LETA

Newspaper

Newspaper Diena journalists inquired about the existence of such a co-operation agreement in the office of the Union of Communist Parties in Moscow, and they were told that such an agreement existed.

Newspaper

Newspaper Latvijas Vestnesis published the text of the interview the Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane gave to the Latvian TV. E.Aldermane told journalists about her trip to Daugavpils for a seminar on integration issues. When speaking about the planned transition to the tuition in the Latvian language in 2004, she said that the situation was not so tragic as it was described in the Russian-speaking mass media. E.Aldermane also spoke about the information campaign two Latvian institutions had started together with OSCE and UNDP.

Also the newspaper

Also the newspaper Telegraf writes about this information campaign saying that yesterday in Imanta suburb at the supermarket Mego was opened the first information tent where the interested were offered leaflets with information on naturalisation.

Panorama Latvii

and and Vesti SegodnyaVesti Segodnya write about the Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia and the conference of parents of Russian-speaking school students the association is going to hold this Saturday. write about the Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia and the conference of parents of Russian-speaking school students the association is going to hold this Saturday. Newspaper

Newspaper Chas published an interview with the Russian Ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov. Explaining Russias position on the problem of non-citizens in Latvia, the Ambassador said that Russias position was that those people were former USSR citizens and most of them – Russian compatriots. This large number of non-citizenship worries Russia, and it finds this situation as non-complying with international standards. Answering the question what citizenship the Russian government would suggest people here to choose – Russian or Latvian, I.Studennikov said that he himself had suggested people, who decided to stay here, to become naturalised. Speaking about the influence of international society on Latvia the Ambassador said that they felt this influence on Latvia to solve the problem with national minorities here. In general Russia finds this influence to be a positive one. Also the influence made by the OSCE Mission to Latvia.

Chas

asked several Latvian politicians a question whether Latvia should be on friendly terms with Russia and how. J.Jurkans (FHRUL) said that Russia should not be compared with the USSR and accused of the violations of Stalin. R.Pauls (New Party) – if the situation is that all countries are seeking for contacts with Russia, Latvia must not neglect this. J.Dobelis (FF/LNNK) – we do not need any friendship with Russia. You may be friends with somebody who understands you. Unfortunately Russia is our geographical neighbour and you have to take this into consideration. asked several Latvian politicians a question whether Latvia should be on friendly terms with Russia and how. J.Jurkans (FHRUL) said that Russia should not be compared with the USSR and accused of the violations of Stalin. R.Pauls (New Party) – if the situation is that all countries are seeking for contacts with Russia, Latvia must not neglect this. J.Dobelis (FF/LNNK) – we do not need any friendship with Russia. You may be friends with somebody who understands you. Unfortunately Russia is our geographical neighbour and you have to take this into consideration. MP from the FF/LNNK faction J.Vidins announced from the Saeima platform about starting a campaign of collecting money to assist voluntary repatriates, i.e. those Russians and non-Latvians who want to leave Latvia but were not able due to shortage of money. The action will start on Monday.

MP from the FF/LNNK faction J.Vidins announced from the Saeima platform about starting a campaign of collecting money to assist voluntary repatriates, i.e. those Russians and non-Latvians who want to leave Latvia but were not able due to shortage of money. The action will start on Monday. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

The Latvian Social Democratic Workers' Party (LSDSP) will not sign an agreement on co-operation with the political union For Human Rights In A United Latvia (PCTVL) at Saeima for the time being, LSDSD Chairman Juris Bojars told reporters after the LSDSP faction meeting. However, LSDSP backs co-operation with PCTVL in Saeima if necessary, for instance, in reviewing legislative bills.

The Latvian Social Democratic Workers' Party (LSDSP) will not sign an agreement on co-operation with the political union For Human Rights In A United Latvia (PCTVL) at Saeima for the time being, LSDSD Chairman Juris Bojars told reporters after the LSDSP faction meeting. However, LSDSP backs co-operation with PCTVL in Saeima if necessary, for instance, in reviewing legislative bills. LETA, Lauku Avize, Panorama Latvii

Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins held a meeting with the Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister Ismail Cem, both officials discussed the need of opening diplomatic missions, which is an important precondition for prompting all kinds of co-operation between both countries, especially in the business and tourism sectors.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins held a meeting with the Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister Ismail Cem, both officials discussed the need of opening diplomatic missions, which is an important precondition for prompting all kinds of co-operation between both countries, especially in the business and tourism sectors. LETA

Without informing the union For Human Rights In A United Latvia or his own Latvian Socialistic Party, Alfreds Rubiks has signed an association agreement with Russia’s radical union of communist parties – the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

Without informing the union For Human Rights In A United Latvia or his own Latvian Socialistic Party, Alfreds Rubiks has signed an association agreement with Russias radical union of communist parties – the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. Neatkariga

Estonian Parliament Riigikogu passed on Wednesday the amendment to the election act, which abolishes language requirements for candidates to the parliament and local councils. The controversial amendment was passed with 55 votes in favour, mainly the ruling coalition. With this Estonians have fulfilled the task to abolish the language proficiency for deputy candidates, written in the OSCE Mission guidelines, and may hope for closing the Mission at the end of this year. Also the OSCE Mission to Latvia has proposed to amend the election law abolishing the norm stipulating the need for deputy candidates to have the highest language proficiency level. Nevertheless Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins thinks that disregarding the Estonian example and as if a created precedent, OSCE has not included such an exact norm in the Mission’s guidelines, and therefore the Mission in Riga might be closed.

Estonian Parliament Riigikogu passed on Wednesday the amendment to the election act, which abolishes language requirements for candidates to the parliament and local councils. The controversial amendment was passed with 55 votes in favour, mainly the ruling coalition. With this Estonians have fulfilled the task to abolish the language proficiency for deputy candidates, written in the OSCE Mission guidelines, and may hope for closing the Mission at the end of this year. Also the OSCE Mission to Latvia has proposed to amend the election law abolishing the norm stipulating the need for deputy candidates to have the highest language proficiency level. Nevertheless Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins thinks that disregarding the Estonian example and as if a created precedent, OSCE has not included such an exact norm in the Missions guidelines, and therefore the Mission in Riga might be closed. Diena

Diena commentator A.Ozolins states that this step of Estonia would mean that Estonia corresponds to the European national minority and human rights standards, and it will be an important criteria when deciding about accepting Estonia to EU and NATO. Latvians might wail like some our politicians do that Estonians by linking the abolishing of the language proficiency norm and the closure of the OSCE Mission to Estonia’s accession to EU and NATO have made Latvia the only state in the region that administratively limits one part of its citizens the fundamental right typical for Western democracy to decide themselves which would be their representatives in the parliament and local governments. We may hope that the OSCE Mission to Latvia will be closed because in its mandate this condition is not formulated so precisely as in Estonia. For all that, even if it happens, the problem will remain and it will receive more and more international attention. It means that Latvia will have a serious crisis next year for sure when, taking the final decision on inviting Latvia, legislators of the NATO states will want to make sure whether Latvia is a Western type democracy.

Diena commentator A.Ozolins states that this step of Estonia would mean that Estonia corresponds to the European national minority and human rights standards, and it will be an important criteria when deciding about accepting Estonia to EU and NATO. Latvians might wail like some our politicians do that Estonians by linking the abolishing of the language proficiency norm and the closure of the OSCE Mission to Estonias accession to EU and NATO have made Latvia the only state in the region that administratively limits one part of its citizens the fundamental right typical for Western democracy to decide themselves which would be their representatives in the parliament and local governments. We may hope that the OSCE Mission to Latvia will be closed because in its mandate this condition is not formulated so precisely as in Estonia. For all that, even if it happens, the problem will remain and it will receive more and more international attention. It means that Latvia will have a serious crisis next year for sure when, taking the final decision on inviting Latvia, legislators of the NATO states will want to make sure whether Latvia is a Western type democracy. Diena

A.Zunda in

A.Zunda in Neatkariga states that the last visit of Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs T.H.Ilvess to Latvia proved the active mutual dialog between those countries and co-operation in achieving foreign policy priorities. After this visit Latvian top officials were positive about the future of these relations. Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins is sure that co-operation will further both economical development of Latvia and Estonia and sooner accession to NATO. One of the most successful fields of co-operation is defence; problematic still is border crossing and controlling in the centre of Valka city and railway station.

German Chancellor G.Schroeder said at the Social Democrats Party congress that EU candidate states should abolish all hopes that they could get better accession terms for EU membership than it was promised before. “No political rebates may be given because everything has been already decided.

German Chancellor G.Schroeder said at the Social Democrats Party congress that EU candidate states should abolish all hopes that they could get better accession terms for EU membership than it was promised before. No political rebates may be given because everything has been already decided. Neatkariga

Russian Prime Minister M.Kasyanov signed a decree on signing an air communications agreement between Russia and Latvia, authorising the Ministry of Communications to sign this document.

Russian Prime Minister M.Kasyanov signed a decree on signing an air communications agreement between Russia and Latvia, authorising the Ministry of Communications to sign this document. Neatkariga

Lauku Avize

analyses the statement made by NGO Prata speks (Power of Reason) that according its organised opinion poll only 1/5 of population supports Latvias accession to NATO. The NGO boasted inquiring about 50 000 people, the next figure was 3200 persons but only 1919 respondents might be considered to be a trustworthy source. And it turned out that when inquiring the activists have looked for people with a similar opinion not for the real opinion of Latvian population. analyses the statement made by NGO “Prata speks” (Power of Reason) that according its organised opinion poll only 1/5 of population supports Latvia’s accession to NATO. The NGO boasted inquiring about 50 000 people, the next figure was 3200 persons but only 1919 respondents might be considered to be a trustworthy source. And it turned out that when inquiring the activists have looked for people with a similar opinion not for the real opinion of Latvian population. M.Antonevics writes that Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs have many times criticised Latvian state language law as “discriminatory and assimilating for national minorities” but now Russian Parliament plans to adopt even stricter language law to strengthen the role of the Russian language in Russia. As Russian magazine “Komersant Vlasty” describes, this document is composed according the best traditions of 19th century Slavofils”. The law envisages a strict language control in state institutions and mass media - the same as the Latvian law does, but Russians go even further – they decided to control the literary style of the used language.

M.Antonevics writes that Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs have many times criticised Latvian state language law as discriminatory and assimilating for national minorities but now Russian Parliament plans to adopt even stricter language law to strengthen the role of the Russian language in Russia. As Russian magazine Komersant Vlasty describes, this document is composed according the best traditions of 19th century Slavofils. The law envisages a strict language control in state institutions and mass media - the same as the Latvian law does, but Russians go even further – they decided to control the literary style of the used language. Lauku Avize

The new U.S. Ambassador to Latvia Brian Carlson will arrive in Riga in one or two weeks, as LETA learned from the U.S. Embassy in Riga. On Tuesday, Carlson took the oath in an official ceremony led by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell. LETA

The new U.S. Ambassador to Latvia Brian Carlson will arrive in Riga in one or two weeks, as LETA learned from the U.S. Embassy in Riga. On Tuesday, Carlson took the oath in an official ceremony led by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell. LETA

Latvijas Vestnesis

informs about the conference Forming a civic culture in Central and Eastern European countries and published the speech of Latvian Minister of Culture K.Petersone at this conference. informs about the conference “Forming a civic culture in Central and Eastern European countries” and published the speech of Latvian Minister of Culture K.Petersone at this conference. The system of registered domicile (propiska) in Latvia has grown obsolete and will be replaced by a voluntary declaration of one’s place of residence. The Saeima Commission prepares for the second reading a draft law on declared one’s place of residence. If it is adopted, from January 1, 2003 there will be neither “propiska” nor the bureaucratic procedures linked with it.

The system of registered domicile (propiska) in Latvia has grown obsolete and will be replaced by a voluntary declaration of ones place of residence. The Saeima Commission prepares for the second reading a draft law on declared ones place of residence. If it is adopted, from January 1, 2003 there will be neither propiska nor the bureaucratic procedures linked with it. Vechernyaya Riga

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga gave an interview to the Russian newspaper

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga gave an interview to the Russian newspaper Vremya MN. In this interview she called Latvian extremists such as A.Garda home made idiots and praised Russia for some stabilisation in its relations with Latvia. The journalist states that the generally objective interview was spoiled by Presidents statement that Latvian authorities did not restrict the usage of other languages … in school. Vesti Segodnya

Latvian President thinks that Latvia’s accession to NATO will improve the situation of Russian-speaking population here. She pointed out that accession to NATO and EU was a step towards “civic society” for all residents of Latvia, including Russian-speakers.

Latvian President thinks that Latvias accession to NATO will improve the situation of Russian-speaking population here. She pointed out that accession to NATO and EU was a step towards civic society for all residents of Latvia, including Russian-speakers. Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

A journalist from

A journalist from Vesti Segodnya interviewed T.Favorskaya, Chairman of the Council of Russian Community in Latvia. Ms.Favorskaya was one of the people who went to the Compatriots Congress in Moscow. Speaking about the situation in Russian-speaking schools she said that now students were suffering, teachers struggling with the Latvian language and most likely they would be replaced by the native speakers of Latvian. When asked about her life after the Congress, Ms.Favorskaya said that she was fired from the Career centre where she used to work as if due to a reduction of staff, but new people were hired afterwards.

Ms.Favorskaya published an open letter in the newspaper

Ms.Favorskaya published an open letter in the newspaper Vesti Segodnya explaining the position of the Russian Community in Latvia. The state must ensure education in schools in ones mother tongue under the condition of providing high quality teaching of the Latvian language as well. What is taking place now – this is not a reform but a purposeful policy of forced assimilation, and due to this reform students in Russian-speaking schools are more and more lagging behind in the quality of education the students in Russia.

Representative of the Association for Support of Russian-Speaking Schools in Latvia Ye.Matyakubova, answering to the question why there were no national Russian schools in Latvia when there existed schools of other national minorities, said the Ministry of Education and Science was pushing schools to take the status of a national minority school. The Association thinks that this is not correct. It is an attempt to corner these schools the same as it is with the bilingual education. And there is no such definition as a “national minority school” in Latvian legislation. And when you look in the curriculum of the already existing national minority schools, students there master the major subjects either in the state language or bilingually.

Representative of the Association for Support of Russian-Speaking Schools in Latvia Ye.Matyakubova, answering to the question why there were no national Russian schools in Latvia when there existed schools of other national minorities, said the Ministry of Education and Science was pushing schools to take the status of a national minority school. The Association thinks that this is not correct. It is an attempt to corner these schools the same as it is with the bilingual education. And there is no such definition as a national minority school in Latvian legislation. And when you look in the curriculum of the already existing national minority schools, students there master the major subjects either in the state language or bilingually. Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnya writes about the conference of Jewish people of the world that takes place in Riga. At the opening of this conference were present also the President, Prime Minister and several ministers. They pointed out the fact that organising of such a conference in Riga would help creating a positive image about Latvia and show that they love national minorities here.

Vesti Segodnya writes about the conference of Jewish people of the world that takes place in Riga. At the opening of this conference were present also the President, Prime Minister and several ministers. They pointed out the fact that organising of such a conference in Riga would help creating a positive image about Latvia and show that they love national minorities here.

Yesterday the parents of students of Jelgava Secondary School No 6 and Elementary School No 1 addressed with an open letter the OSCE Mission to Latvia, Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia, newspapers and news agencies expressing their concern about the future of their children due to low quality education that reflected also on their physical and psychological condition. The parents support the position of Valmiera school and propose the deputies to reconsider the education law.

Yesterday the parents of students of Jelgava Secondary School No 6 and Elementary School No 1 addressed with an open letter the OSCE Mission to Latvia, Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia, newspapers and news agencies expressing their concern about the future of their children due to low quality education that reflected also on their physical and psychological condition. The parents support the position of Valmiera school and propose the deputies to reconsider the education law. Chas

Press Report

Press Report

Yesterday Estonian Prime Minister M.Laar confirmed that the OSCE Mission would leave Estonia for sure but only after the Parliament adopted the amendments to the election law. It will be done in the nearest future. In Latvia the government is still waiting for the decision of the European Human Rights Court. But state authorities continue repeating that the Mission would leave even if the law were not amended.

Yesterday Estonian Prime Minister M.Laar confirmed that the OSCE Mission would leave Estonia for sure but only after the Parliament adopted the amendments to the election law. It will be done in the nearest future. In Latvia the government is still waiting for the decision of the European Human Rights Court. But state authorities continue repeating that the Mission would leave even if the law were not amended. Telegraf

Latvia supports Russia's admission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), as it would promote both bilateral economic relations and co-operation in entire North Europe, said the Latvian ambassador to Russia. "We believe it would be great if Russia could join the WTO as soon as possible," Normans Penke, the Latvian ambassador to Russia, told

Latvia supports Russia's admission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), as it would promote both bilateral economic relations and co-operation in entire North Europe, said the Latvian ambassador to Russia. "We believe it would be great if Russia could join the WTO as soon as possible," Normans Penke, the Latvian ambassador to Russia, told BNS.

The admission of Baltic States to the European Union (EU) and NATO will strengthen security in the region and improve Baltic-Russian relations, said a Latvian diplomat. "Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian membership in the EU and NATO will not only stabilise the situation in these states but also bolster our co-operation with Russia and other countries in the region," said Normans Penke, the Latvian ambassador to Russia. He told BNS that Russia was also interested in strengthening security in the Baltic region and greater certainty in the Baltic States' situation will be to the benefit of Balts themselves and their eastern neighbour as well.

The admission of Baltic States to the European Union (EU) and NATO will strengthen security in the region and improve Baltic-Russian relations, said a Latvian diplomat. "Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian membership in the EU and NATO will not only stabilise the situation in these states but also bolster our co-operation with Russia and other countries in the region," said Normans Penke, the Latvian ambassador to Russia. He told BNS that Russia was also interested in strengthening security in the Baltic region and greater certainty in the Baltic States' situation will be to the benefit of Balts themselves and their eastern neighbour as well. BNS

Today the Constitutional Court begins review of the first case opened following an individual petition reports Diena. The petition has been filed by Juta Mencena, married to a German citizen; she categorically disagrees to Latvianization of her husband’s name in the passport. Mencena has also turned to the Human Rights Court in Strasbourg, which accepted her petition and has already demanded explanations form the Latvian government.

Today the Constitutional Court begins review of the first case opened following an individual petition reports Diena. The petition has been filed by Juta Mencena, married to a German citizen; she categorically disagrees to Latvianization of her husbands name in the passport. Mencena has also turned to the Human Rights Court in Strasbourg, which accepted her petition and has already demanded explanations form the Latvian government. Diena, Telegraf

Only 243 out of polled 1,919 Latvia’s residents back Latvia’s accession to NATO, according to a poll that Latvia’s non-governmental organization “Prata speks” (Power of Reason) conducted in August. The organisation’s chairman Aleksandrs Sakovskis tells VS that the poll’s data clearly indicates a need to hold a referendum on Latvia’s accession to NATO. The organisation also plans on staging a picket at the Cabinet of Ministers on November 22.

Only 243 out of polled 1,919 Latvias residents back Latvias accession to NATO, according to a poll that Latvias non-governmental organization Prata speks (Power of Reason) conducted in August. The organisations chairman Aleksandrs Sakovskis tells VS that the polls data clearly indicates a need to hold a referendum on Latvias accession to NATO. The organisation also plans on staging a picket at the Cabinet of Ministers on November 22. Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

On Tuesday the deputies of Estonian Parliament adopted amendments to the law stipulating that the Estonian language was the language of office work in the Parliament. It means that the work in plenary sessions and commissions has to be in the Estonian language. All speeches must be in this language and there is no right to use an interpreter.

On Tuesday the deputies of Estonian Parliament adopted amendments to the law stipulating that the Estonian language was the language of office work in the Parliament. It means that the work in plenary sessions and commissions has to be in the Estonian language. All speeches must be in this language and there is no right to use an interpreter. Diena, Neatkariga

Riga City Council Property and Privatisation Commission supported a draft resolution in the regulations of the State and Municipal Residential Buildings Privatisation Commission that in reality open a possibility for the scandalous leader of the movement Equality T.Zhdanok to receive a good post in this institution.

Riga City Council Property and Privatisation Commission supported a draft resolution in the regulations of the State and Municipal Residential Buildings Privatisation Commission that in reality open a possibility for the scandalous leader of the movement Equality T.Zhdanok to receive a good post in this institution. Neatkariga

Newspaper

Newspaper Chas interviewed the Saeima Vice-Speaker R.Piks. He acknowledged that they still did not manage to establish good relations with their Russian colleagues and complained that deputies in Moscow welcomed only one faction thus receiving only one-sided information. R.Piks would like raise the level of mutual co-operation at least for one step, and there are many people in Russia that would like the same, but the position of Russian MFA does not allow it. When asked about the demand of Russia to ratify the Framework Convention on National Minorities, Vice-Speaker answered that Latvian legislation complied with international standards; when Russia demanded Latvia to solve the border problem and it did, amend the language law – Latvia did, amend the citizenship law – Latvia did. And now it is turn for Russia to understand that it has to deal with its own problems, not about the policy of Latvia, and then everything would normalise.

Yesterday Russian Ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov visited the Publishing House Petit and the editor’s office of the newspaper

Yesterday Russian Ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov visited the Publishing House Petit and the editors office of the newspaper Chas. He said that he received objective and true information from this newspaper and was of high opinion about the support the newspaper provided to the Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia. Chas

Newspaper

Newspaper Chas organised a meeting of parents of Russian students with the Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane and the Head of the Saeima Education Commission Dz.Abikis. Mr.Abikis said that according to the education law from 2004 all tuition in national minority schools starting from grade 10 would be in the Latvian language but there would still be a discussion on deadlines because this one had been fixed for the Ministry of Education officials to pay more attention to the bilingual education. E.Aldermane thinks that it is not reasonable to postpone the transition but only those schools may transfer to the Latvian language where 100% of teachers are able to teach their subjects in the Latvian language.

Recently in the Latvian press was published information that the leaders of For Human Rights in United Latvia, influenced by Russia, on purpose include in their lists candidates with poor knowledge of the Latvian language. Those, of course, are crossed out from these lists, and Latvia is accused for mass human rights violations. MP from For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Urbanovics calls this a slander in order in order to provoke the faction and make wrong steps before the next Saeima election.

Recently in the Latvian press was published information that the leaders of For Human Rights in United Latvia, influenced by Russia, on purpose include in their lists candidates with poor knowledge of the Latvian language. Those, of course, are crossed out from these lists, and Latvia is accused for mass human rights violations. MP from For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Urbanovics calls this a slander in order in order to provoke the faction and make wrong steps before the next Saeima election. Vesti Segodnya

Newspaper

Newspaper Vesti Segodnya published an open letter written by the teaching staff of the Magnitogorsk University to the Latvian intellectuals with a request not to keep silent when Russian children were deprived of a possibility to study their language, literature and history in their mother tongue.

Newspaper

Newspaper Telegraf interviewed the leader of the Association for Support of Russian language Schools in Latvia I.Pimenov about the plans on the Ministry of Education and Science to transfer national minority schools to the tuition in the Latvian language.

Telegraf

published information about the situation with Russian-speaking schools in CIS countries, stating that only three of them managed to abstain from mass closure of those schools. published information about the situation with Russian-speaking schools in CIS countries, stating that only three of them managed to abstain from mass closure of those schools.

Press Report

Press Report

In his interview to the Russian-speaking newspaper

In his interview to the Russian-speaking newspaper Telegraf Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins, when asked about the future of the OSCE Mission to Latvia, said, I think the OSCE Mission will be closed this year. We have fulfilled all our obligations that were under discussion. And it is not right to change the rules during the game. (19.11.01)

On Tuesday Latvian Foreign Ministry state secretary Maris Riekstins will join the meeting of European foreign and defence ministers in Brussels expected to discuss the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) reported the Foreign Ministry.

On Tuesday Latvian Foreign Ministry state secretary Maris Riekstins will join the meeting of European foreign and defence ministers in Brussels expected to discuss the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) reported the Foreign Ministry. BNS

Latvian foreign and defence ministries positively view the efforts of NATO and Russia to find more pragmatic and practical ways for mutual co-operation, officials at the two ministries said. Foreign Ministry state secretary Maris Riekstins and Defence Ministry state secretary Edgars Rinkevics were commenting to BNS on proposal of British Prime Minister Tony Blair to set up Russian and North-Atlantic council for developing of closer co-operation. Regardless of the negative attitude by Russia towards admission of the Baltic states to NATO Riekstins ruled out a possibility that, as a result of closer co-operation, NATO and Russia could jointly make decision on admission of new members to NATO. "Such an option is impossible," he said.

Latvian foreign and defence ministries positively view the efforts of NATO and Russia to find more pragmatic and practical ways for mutual co-operation, officials at the two ministries said. Foreign Ministry state secretary Maris Riekstins and Defence Ministry state secretary Edgars Rinkevics were commenting to BNS on proposal of British Prime Minister Tony Blair to set up Russian and North-Atlantic council for developing of closer co-operation. Regardless of the negative attitude by Russia towards admission of the Baltic states to NATO Riekstins ruled out a possibility that, as a result of closer co-operation, NATO and Russia could jointly make decision on admission of new members to NATO. "Such an option is impossible," he said. BNS

Today, three foreign ambassadors will present their credentials to President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, LETA learned at the President's Press Service. The president will receive credentials from the Thai Ambassador to Latvia Thakur Phanit, Irish Ambassador to Latvia Thelma M. Doran and Tunisian Ambassador to Latvia. LETA

Today, three foreign ambassadors will present their credentials to President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, LETA learned at the President's Press Service. The president will receive credentials from the Thai Ambassador to Latvia Thakur Phanit, Irish Ambassador to Latvia Thelma M. Doran and Tunisian Ambassador to Latvia. LETA

Andris Zorgevics, director general at the state-owned railroad company Latvijas Dzelzcels, quit the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDSP) on Monday, calling it "simply the party of [LSDSP chairman Juris] Bojars, a Bolshevik organisation, not a parliamentary party" in an interview to DB. VZ says that the new party will unite the current LSDSP members who believe Bojars’ authoritarian leadership unacceptable, and disapprove of LSDSP’s close relations with the socialists. Egils Baldzens is being mentioned as the likely leader of the new party.

Andris Zorgevics, director general at the state-owned railroad company Latvijas Dzelzcels, quit the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDSP) on Monday, calling it "simply the party of [LSDSP chairman Juris] Bojars, a Bolshevik organisation, not a parliamentary party" in an interview to DB. VZ says that the new party will unite the current LSDSP members who believe Bojars authoritarian leadership unacceptable, and disapprove of LSDSPs close relations with the socialists. Egils Baldzens is being mentioned as the likely leader of the new party. Diena, Neatkariga, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Diena

interviews Markus Meckel, Vice-President at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, member of Bundestags Foreign Affairs Committee, who says that "the development of the Baltic countries and societies makes it clear that these countries are ready for accession, and we have to do it as soon as possible" interviews Markus Meckel, Vice-President at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, member of Bundestag’s Foreign Affairs Committee, who says that "the development of the Baltic countries and societies makes it clear that these countries are ready for accession, and we have to do it as soon as possible" The Citizenship and Migration Administration is unable to curb activities of persons who receive questionable visas and Latvia’s residency permits with the help of middleman firms and banks. The administration itself, as well as the Ministry of Interior and the Immigration Police is not interested in putting an end to such a situation, says a representative of the administration.

The Citizenship and Migration Administration is unable to curb activities of persons who receive questionable visas and Latvias residency permits with the help of middleman firms and banks. The administration itself, as well as the Ministry of Interior and the Immigration Police is not interested in putting an end to such a situation, says a representative of the administration. Neatkariga

Yesterday the Naturalisation Board in co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Latvia, UNDP and Society integration Department of the Ministry of Justice started a wide information project “Public awareness campaign” in order to motivate non-citizens to apply for Latvian citizenship and further public understanding on citizenship and naturalisation issues in general.

Yesterday the Naturalisation Board in co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Latvia, UNDP and Society integration Department of the Ministry of Justice started a wide information project Public awareness campaign in order to motivate non-citizens to apply for Latvian citizenship and further public understanding on citizenship and naturalisation issues in general. Latvijas Vestnesis, Diena,

Lauku Avize

published an open letter of the former FF/LNNK activist Eduards Berklavs under the tittle Shameful campaign. A new well thought over campaign to deprive Latvians of saying in their Fatherland – only thus I can evaluate this made up three months advertisement campaign to lure non-Latvians into Latvian citizenship thus endangering the existence of Latvia as an independent state. It is unlikely that Eizenija Aldermane alone managed to get 260 000USD from institutions in Germany, USA, Great Britain, Sweden, Canada and Norway to finance this shameful campaign. I remind E.Aldermane and everybody, who works against Latvia, the lines from a poem written by an unknown soldier in the Gulag concentration camp, Nobody will forgive us, either the deceased or alive ones .. that we ourselves help to cut our roots. published an open letter of the former FF/LNNK activist Eduards Berklavs under the tittle “Shameful campaign”. “A new well thought over campaign to deprive Latvians of saying in their Fatherland – only thus I can evaluate this made up three months advertisement campaign to lure non-Latvians into Latvian citizenship thus endangering the existence of Latvia as an independent state. It is unlikely that Eizenija Aldermane alone managed to get 260 000USD from institutions in Germany, USA, Great Britain, Sweden, Canada and Norway to finance this shameful campaign. I remind E.Aldermane and everybody, who works against Latvia, the lines from a poem written by an unknown soldier in the Gulag concentration camp, “Nobody will forgive us, either the deceased or alive ones .. that we ourselves help to cut our roots.” Publicist V.Avotins writes that the Cabinet of Ministers proved (by amending Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No 239) that the official language policy (as the government sees it) limits itself only to the campaign of receiving language proficiency certificates. By this the Cabinet turned knowing the language into a formal thing in the field where it had to be mastered without any excuse, without any political or ethnic speculation. The government is not interested in the quality of real language usage. If anything – just show the certificate, and nobody will bother you. And the role of the State Language Centre is also degraded; now it is to be seen as a police department because SLC will deal more with the cases of forged documents than with the language itself.

Publicist V.Avotins writes that the Cabinet of Ministers proved (by amending Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No 239) that the official language policy (as the government sees it) limits itself only to the campaign of receiving language proficiency certificates. By this the Cabinet turned knowing the language into a formal thing in the field where it had to be mastered without any excuse, without any political or ethnic speculation. The government is not interested in the quality of real language usage. If anything – just show the certificate, and nobody will bother you. And the role of the State Language Centre is also degraded; now it is to be seen as a police department because SLC will deal more with the cases of forged documents than with the language itself. Neatkariga

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga in her greeting speech to the participants of the international conference “Forming a civic culture in Central and Eastern Europe” said that Latvia did not have the centuries long integration experience which many European nations had. Latvia is just forming in strengthening its democratic system and we may be proud with the things achieved and honest when speaking about the things still to be done. And this road has to be followed by the whole society – politicians, scientists, teachers, public organisations and others.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga in her greeting speech to the participants of the international conference Forming a civic culture in Central and Eastern Europe said that Latvia did not have the centuries long integration experience which many European nations had. Latvia is just forming in strengthening its democratic system and we may be proud with the things achieved and honest when speaking about the things still to be done. And this road has to be followed by the whole society – politicians, scientists, teachers, public organisations and others. Latvijas Vestnesis

Editors of the newspaper

Editors of the newspaper Panorama Latvii received a letter from Latvian national radicals with a swastika and information that within the framework of de-colonisation all journalist of this newspaper had to leave Latvia.

In an interview given to Russian newspaper

In an interview given to Russian newspaper Izvestiya I.Berzins stated that Latvia was not a self-murderer when joining NATO, and it was not a step against Russia. He even assured that according to opinion polls Russians in Latvia supported Latvias joining EU more that Latvians did. And when speaking about youngsters, then for joining NATO stand more Russians than Latvians. Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnya

Panorama Latvii

in its editorial analyses the statements made by Latvian politicians concerning the worming-up of American – Russian relations. It seems that politicians are satisfied with it. Thus Latvian Ambassador to Moscow N.Penke greeted the positive moves in Russias relations with NATO. He thinks that integration of Latvia into Europe would improve Latvias relations with Russia. But the words of Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins even sound surprising, Improving of the relations between Russia and NATO is profitable for us. We do not want to join NATO just for starting a new cold war. The Minister also assures that the cold war started by Russia in 1998 led to the fact that Russia lost its former economic influence in Latvia. in its editorial analyses the statements made by Latvian politicians concerning the worming-up of American – Russian relations. It seems that politicians are satisfied with it. Thus Latvian Ambassador to Moscow N.Penke greeted the positive moves in Russia’s relations with NATO. He thinks that integration of Latvia into Europe would improve Latvia’s relations with Russia. But the words of Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins even sound surprising, “Improving of the relations between Russia and NATO is profitable for us. We do not want to join NATO just for starting a new “cold war”. The Minister also assures that the “cold war” started by Russia in 1998 led to the fact that Russia lost its former economic influence in Latvia. The Union of Searchers’ Units addressed the Latvian society with a call to collect money for restoration the Victory Monument.

The Union of Searchers Units addressed the Latvian society with a call to collect money for restoration the Victory Monument. Vesti Segodnya

A.Vasiljeva writes that the union of the left wing parties For Human Rights in United Latvia has passed the test of time now it will have to pass the test of power. Being in the opposition consolidated these different parties, and after the last local government election left wing parties came to power in many Latvian towns and in Riga. Now a very important task for them is to be very flexible in choosing their coalition partners and careful in their tactics and strategy. One of the fist tests was the question whether to support the nomination of T.Zhdanok to the post of Managing Director of Vidzeme Suburb District of Riga; another is whether to develop co-operation with Social Democrats.

A.Vasiljeva writes that the union of the left wing parties For Human Rights in United Latvia has passed the test of time now it will have to pass the test of power. Being in the opposition consolidated these different parties, and after the last local government election left wing parties came to power in many Latvian towns and in Riga. Now a very important task for them is to be very flexible in choosing their coalition partners and careful in their tactics and strategy. One of the fist tests was the question whether to support the nomination of T.Zhdanok to the post of Managing Director of Vidzeme Suburb District of Riga; another is whether to develop co-operation with Social Democrats. Chas