Press Report

Press Report

On Monday among other discussion subjects Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Dutch Premier Wim Kok also discussed the work of the OSCE mission in Latvia. Vike-Freiberga voiced conviction the work of the OSCE mission in Latvia has been the "success story" -- Latvia's legislation has been aligned to international standards as a result of active dialogue between the state and the OSCE, the OSCE has helped a lot to Latvia in the legislation improvement and at this point the closing stage of its work has become but Latvia will always be open for exchange of opinions. Speaking about her vision of integrated society in Latvia and its future goals Vike-Freiberga underscored Latvia does not want a society formed of two communities but wants a functioning society whose mutual understanding is based on the state language, mutual respect between various nationalities and values that are at base of a democratic state.

On Monday among other discussion subjects Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Dutch Premier Wim Kok also discussed the work of the OSCE mission in Latvia. Vike-Freiberga voiced conviction the work of the OSCE mission in Latvia has been the "success story" -- Latvia's legislation has been aligned to international standards as a result of active dialogue between the state and the OSCE, the OSCE has helped a lot to Latvia in the legislation improvement and at this point the closing stage of its work has become but Latvia will always be open for exchange of opinions. Speaking about her vision of integrated society in Latvia and its future goals Vike-Freiberga underscored Latvia does not want a society formed of two communities but wants a functioning society whose mutual understanding is based on the state language, mutual respect between various nationalities and values that are at base of a democratic state. BNS, Latvijas Vestnesis

Latvian president and Austrian parliament speaker in a meeting Tuesday discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, the European Union and NATO enlargement and latest developments in the world after Sept. 11 terror acts in the United States. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Austrian Parliament Speaker Heinz Fischer voiced satisfaction over co-operation between the two countries growing ever closer and diverse.

Latvian president and Austrian parliament speaker in a meeting Tuesday discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, the European Union and NATO enlargement and latest developments in the world after Sept. 11 terror acts in the United States. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Austrian Parliament Speaker Heinz Fischer voiced satisfaction over co-operation between the two countries growing ever closer and diverse. Neatkariga

According to the latest social poll the most trusted institutions among the citizens of Latvia are the radio, television and church. Three most unpopular institutions are the Privatisation Agency, Customs and Saeima.

According to the latest social poll the most trusted institutions among the citizens of Latvia are the radio, television and church. Three most unpopular institutions are the Privatisation Agency, Customs and Saeima. Neatkariga.

Chas

talks with the principle of the Russian Gymnasium. Her opinion about the education reform of 2004 is that it is too rushed, as well as she names problems that are experienced by both students and teachers when studying the subjects in the Latvian language. talks with the principle of the Russian Gymnasium. Her opinion about the education reform of 2004 is that it is too rushed, as well as she names problems that are experienced by both students and teachers when studying the subjects in the Latvian language.

Vesti Segodnja

interviews T.Fasta, editor-in-chief of the new Russian newspaper newspaper interviews T.Fasta, editor-in-chief of the new Russian newspaper newspaper TelegrafTelegraf. T.Fasta informs that the new newspaper will be a daily newspaper on 24 pages. The mission of the newspaper is to unite all Russians – the one residing in Riga, in Russia, as well as all others residing in the world. T.Fasta also claims that the newspaper is not going to present any political power. . T.Fasta informs that the new newspaper will be a daily newspaper on 24 pages. The mission of the newspaper is to unite all Russians – the one residing in Riga, in Russia, as well as all others residing in the world. T.Fasta also claims that the newspaper is not going to present any political power.

Vesti Segodnja

gives a brief insight in the discussion Integration – Ideals and Illusions organised by the EU Information Centre. The first conclusion of the newspaper is that this issue is turning into the domain for the narrow circle of experts. Professor of the University of Latvia A.Kďeckins considers that it is rather possible to talk about social and economic disintegration in Latvia than national conflicts. In regard to the education reform A.Kďeckins voices that it had to be the subject of discussions among the parents and teachers. gives a brief insight in the discussion “Integration – Ideals and Illusions” organised by the EU Information Centre. The first conclusion of the newspaper is that this issue is turning into the domain for the narrow circle of experts. Professor of the University of Latvia A.Kďeckins considers that it is rather possible to talk about social and economic disintegration in Latvia than national conflicts. In regard to the education reform A.Kďeckins voices that it had to be the subject of discussions among the parents and teachers.

Latvijas Vestnesis

gives a printed version of the interview with Latvian Parliament Speaker J.Straume for the National Radio. One of the main questions is concerning the OSCE requirement to abolish state language proficiency requirement for persons running for parliamentarian and municipal elections in the Law on Elections. gives a printed version of the interview with Latvian Parliament Speaker J.Straume for the National Radio. One of the main questions is concerning the OSCE requirement to abolish state language proficiency requirement for persons running for parliamentarian and municipal elections in the Law on Elections.

Press Report

Press Report

Dutch prime minister on Monday in Riga in a meeting with Latvian president affirmed full support of the Netherlands to active involvement of Latvia in the European Union membership talks and believes the EU internal reform can not be an obstacle for the enlargement process, a spokeswoman said.

Dutch prime minister on Monday in Riga in a meeting with Latvian president affirmed full support of the Netherlands to active involvement of Latvia in the European Union membership talks and believes the EU internal reform can not be an obstacle for the enlargement process, a spokeswoman said. BNS, Diena, Latvijas Vestnesis

The Baltic states parliaments European affairs committee heads Monday in a meeting in Riga discussed holding referendums in the Baltic states on accession to the European Union, proposing them be held either separately in each country or simultaneously in all the three states.

The Baltic states parliaments European affairs committee heads Monday in a meeting in Riga discussed holding referendums in the Baltic states on accession to the European Union, proposing them be held either separately in each country or simultaneously in all the three states. BNS

Missionaries wanting to arrive in Latvia have problems with receiving visas and they can only arrive upon invitation of local religious organisations, stated a report on the freedom of religion in Latvia made by the US department of state. The report states that Visa regulations effective since July 1999 require religious workers to present either an ordination certificate or evidence of religious education that corresponds to a Latvian bachelor's degree in theology. The visa application process still is cumbersome. Nonetheless, the Government co-operated to resolve several difficult visa cases in favour of missionary workers. Difficulties in this area diminished and Citizenship and Migration Department officials have worked to ease the situation.

Missionaries wanting to arrive in Latvia have problems with receiving visas and they can only arrive upon invitation of local religious organisations, stated a report on the freedom of religion in Latvia made by the US department of state. The report states that Visa regulations effective since July 1999 require religious workers to present either an ordination certificate or evidence of religious education that corresponds to a Latvian bachelor's degree in theology. The visa application process still is cumbersome. Nonetheless, the Government co-operated to resolve several difficult visa cases in favour of missionary workers. Difficulties in this area diminished and Citizenship and Migration Department officials have worked to ease the situation. BNS

Diena writes that this report contained no essential reproaches and a statements that the Constitution of Latvia ensured religious freedom. There are still some bureaucratic problems concerning minority religions.

Diena writes that this report contained no essential reproaches and a statements that the Constitution of Latvia ensured religious freedom. There are still some bureaucratic problems concerning minority religions.

Austrian Parliament President Heinz Fischer is heading a delegation that continues its official visit to Latvia today. Today Fischer is set to meet with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga.

LETA, Diena, Latvijas Vestnesis, Chas

Newspaper Lauku Avize investigates who stands behind the activities of I.Stalnoy and the youth organisation Solidarnost. These yougsters are lavishly supported by the union Equality, some Saeima MPs, e.g. J.Sokolskis. And oil company Lukoil transferred for Solidarnosts last summer event 150 LVL. The journalist asked Latvian Security police why they did not prevent this anti-Latvian buffooning. The answer was that Police had not found anything illegal in their activities.

The leader of Solidarnost, who was a Latvian by nationality and his former namewas E.Zalitis, turned into a Russian I.Stalnoy. Lauku Avize interviewed Cesis Regional Register Office head about the process how a person may change his ethnicity record and name.

Vechernyaya Riga informs that the Municipal Police drew up an administrative record on the organisers of the Solidarnost picket at the Saeima building for exceeding the time limit given for the picket.

Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins said, answering to the statement of Social Democrats leader J.Bojars directed against the things achieved by the Latvian State, government, and President in the field of ensuring basic human rights, that it not only misled Latvian society but also created a wrong impression about our country in the world. J.Bojars should know that since 1995 in Latvia has been operating a human rights ombudsman – National Human Rights Office – and that the quality of its activities was evaluated by a group of independent international experts April this year. NHRO was one of the first in the Eastern Europe that received such evaluation. And activities of J.Bojars may cause concern that a signal is being sent aiming to burden Latvias co-operation with its partners and prevent explaining for Russia Latvias achievements in the human rights field. Latvijas Vestnesis

Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins gave a speech on Latvia’s foreign policy at the NGOs forum. He pointed out that activities on many NGOs were one of evidences that in Latvia existed both so called middle class, civic society and people able to express their opinion and to defend their interests. Speaking about Latvian – Russian relation the Minister said Latvia’s return to Europe meant that Latvia was establishing new relations with Russia. And the phantoms of the past need to be given up. And the fact that Russia due to its internal problems did not sign and ratify bilateral border agreement yet, did not prevent both from mutually advantageous co-operation.

Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins gave a speech on Latvias foreign policy at the NGOs forum. He pointed out that activities on many NGOs were one of evidences that in Latvia existed both so called middle class, civic society and people able to express their opinion and to defend their interests. Speaking about Latvian – Russian relation the Minister said Latvias return to Europe meant that Latvia was establishing new relations with Russia. And the phantoms of the past need to be given up. And the fact that Russia due to its internal problems did not sign and ratify bilateral border agreement yet, did not prevent both from mutually advantageous co-operation. Latvijas Vestnesis

Diena analyses LSDSP members’ possible exit from the party. The newspaper says that after the party’s chairman was re-elected as the leader of LSDSP, his opponents, headed by the LSDSP Saeima faction’s head Egils Baldzens, do not make haste in quitting the party but will continue work until there is no new dispute between leaders of the party and the faction. Such a dispute can be caused by the LSDSP new board’s attempts to force the faction to sign an undesirable agreement with For Human Rights In A United Latvia (PCTVL). Bojars told Diena however that this proposal will not be reviewed that soon, as a new board for the party must be elected first, which will then thoroughly evaluate PCTVL’s proposal and only back co-operation over those issues that are not counter to the party’s program. Ousting Bojars’ major opponent, Imants Burvis, from the party no longer bothers Bojars, for, since Burvis was not elected to the party’s council, he can now be removed by his regional organisation.

Diena analyses LSDSP members possible exit from the party. The newspaper says that after the partys chairman was re-elected as the leader of LSDSP, his opponents, headed by the LSDSP Saeima factions head Egils Baldzens, do not make haste in quitting the party but will continue work until there is no new dispute between leaders of the party and the faction. Such a dispute can be caused by the LSDSP new boards attempts to force the faction to sign an undesirable agreement with For Human Rights In A United Latvia (PCTVL). Bojars told Diena however that this proposal will not be reviewed that soon, as a new board for the party must be elected first, which will then thoroughly evaluate PCTVLs proposal and only back co-operation over those issues that are not counter to the partys program. Ousting Bojars major opponent, Imants Burvis, from the party no longer bothers Bojars, for, since Burvis was not elected to the partys council, he can now be removed by his regional organisation. LETA

A.Gilyman, Riga City Council deputy writes about the situation of Latvian Social Democrats. For long time they tried to get power but every time when they came near it the ruling coalition through them out. And they had only one possibility remaining -to start co-operating with For Human Rights in United Latvia. At his moment a new situation occurred on the Latvian political stage – in the capital all power went into the hands of people who did not depend on the ruling oligarchy.

A.Gilyman, Riga City Council deputy writes about the situation of Latvian Social Democrats. For long time they tried to get power but every time when they came near it the ruling coalition through them out. And they had only one possibility remaining -to start co-operating with For Human Rights in United Latvia. At his moment a new situation occurred on the Latvian political stage – in the capital all power went into the hands of people who did not depend on the ruling oligarchy. Vesti Segodnya

Commenting the draft amendments proposed by J.Bojars, L.Fedoseyev states that these amendments change the Constitution so that nothing much remains from the previous one. If Latvia became a presidential republic, it would mean that the majority could ignore the minority; and in Latvia with its existing ethnic problems it would mean that non-Latvians would be ousted from political processes.

Commenting the draft amendments proposed by J.Bojars, L.Fedoseyev states that these amendments change the Constitution so that nothing much remains from the previous one. If Latvia became a presidential republic, it would mean that the majority could ignore the minority; and in Latvia with its existing ethnic problems it would mean that non-Latvians would be ousted from political processes. Chas

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga repaced her former representative in the Society Integration Foundation Council O.Tipainis with the entrepreneur S.Bukingholc.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga repaced her former representative in the Society Integration Foundation Council O.Tipainis with the entrepreneur S.Bukingholc. Chas

A.Gurin starts his article with the statement made by the DHoM of the OSCE Mission to Latvia N.Brennan that Latvia would have to abolish the norms requesting local government and Saeima deputy candidates to know the state language on the highest level. But then he turns to the aspects of Economics, comparing the situation in Latvia and Russia. In Russia authorities have understood that tourism brings money. In Sankt-Petersburg they plan to introduce signboards in the English language on the central streets, but in Latvia authorities do not want any Russian language thus preventing tourists from Russia coming here.

A.Gurin starts his article with the statement made by the DHoM of the OSCE Mission to Latvia N.Brennan that Latvia would have to abolish the norms requesting local government and Saeima deputy candidates to know the state language on the highest level. But then he turns to the aspects of Economics, comparing the situation in Latvia and Russia. In Russia authorities have understood that tourism brings money. In Sankt-Petersburg they plan to introduce signboards in the English language on the central streets, but in Latvia authorities do not want any Russian language thus preventing tourists from Russia coming here. Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Press Report

Press Report

Today, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga's state visit to Spain concludes, LETA learned from the President's Press Service. During the visit, the president attended the Madrid Conference on Democratic Transition and Consolidation at the invitation of the King of Spain Juan Carlos I.

Today, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga's state visit to Spain concludes, LETA learned from the President's Press Service. During the visit, the president attended the Madrid Conference on Democratic Transition and Consolidation at the invitation of the King of Spain Juan Carlos I. LETA

Newspaper

Chas interviewed the Representative of the Ministry of Federation and Migration Affairs to Latvia T.Shlichkova about the migration situation between Russia and Latvia. She told the journalist that all migration took place within the framework of the agreement On regulating the process of migration and protection of migrants rights. The agreement was signed in 1993, took effect in 1995 but implemented in 1997. Since then every year about 1500 – 2000 people migrate between these countries, and it is, according to the opinion of Ms. Shlichkova, a normal amount of international migration.

Latvia is the first Baltic country that will be visited by Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok already Monday. Kok says in an interview in Diena that he advocates EU enlargement that also includes the Baltic countries. LETA

Press Report

Press Report

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga had an informal meeting in Madrid with former U.S. President Bill Clinton. During the meeting, Clinton recalled his 1994 visit to Latvia.

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga had an informal meeting in Madrid with former U.S. President Bill Clinton. During the meeting, Clinton recalled his 1994 visit to Latvia. LETA, Lauku Avize, Chas

On Thursday the Saeima deputies had to discuss whether to sent to the Saeima committees for consideration the draft laws, submitted by the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia, to amend the election law stipulating that deputies would not need to know the state language on the highest level. As according to the Roll of Procedures only two deputies are allowed to speak, against them spoke faction FF/LNNK MP J.Dobelis. He reminded that the Latvian language had been suffered attacks for many centuries, but the worst was that after 10 years of Latvia’s independence such attacks took place a the Saeima. In favour of the amendments spoke the leader of For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans. He reminded that it was not just their proposal but also a suggestion of the OSCE and other international institution. The vote showed that left wingers did not have much support – for submitting voted only 15 Jurkans’s party members, 55 were against and 17 abstained.

On Thursday the Saeima deputies had to discuss whether to sent to the Saeima committees for consideration the draft laws, submitted by the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia, to amend the election law stipulating that deputies would not need to know the state language on the highest level. As according to the Roll of Procedures only two deputies are allowed to speak, against them spoke faction FF/LNNK MP J.Dobelis. He reminded that the Latvian language had been suffered attacks for many centuries, but the worst was that after 10 years of Latvias independence such attacks took place a the Saeima. In favour of the amendments spoke the leader of For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans. He reminded that it was not just their proposal but also a suggestion of the OSCE and other international institution. The vote showed that left wingers did not have much support – for submitting voted only 15 Jurkanss party members, 55 were against and 17 abstained. Lauku Avize

LSDSP leader Juris Bojars was elected again during party’s 33rd congress on Saturday. Valdis Lauskis and Janis Adamsons were elected deputy chairmen of the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDSP). Diena believes that refusal of leaders of the LSDSP factions at Saeima and the Riga City Council to work with Bojars proves there is a serious crisis within the party. Diena also says that none of Bojars’ opponents has said he/she wishes to quit the party. Even though several proposals by opposition within the party were not approved by the congress, a convincing majority voted for a simpler procedure for ousting party members – two-thirds of LSDSP council members’ votes will be sufficient, not all council members’ approval as before.

LSDSP leader Juris Bojars was elected again during partys 33rd congress on Saturday. Valdis Lauskis and Janis Adamsons were elected deputy chairmen of the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDSP). Diena believes that refusal of leaders of the LSDSP factions at Saeima and the Riga City Council to work with Bojars proves there is a serious crisis within the party. Diena also says that none of Bojars opponents has said he/she wishes to quit the party. Even though several proposals by opposition within the party were not approved by the congress, a convincing majority voted for a simpler procedure for ousting party members – two-thirds of LSDSP council members votes will be sufficient, not all council members approval as before. LETA, BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Vechernyaya Riga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The ninth conference of the Baltic Sea States Subregional Co-operation (BSSSC), "The Baltic Sea Region Becoming a Model Region of Europe", concluded in Riga today, its participants emphasised the need for strengthening the Baltic Sea states' influence on a European scale. In conclusion of the conference, a resolution was passed in which the conference's participants emphasise the need for developing the Baltic Sea region's potential and co-operation among the region's countries.

The ninth conference of the Baltic Sea States Subregional Co-operation (BSSSC), "The Baltic Sea Region Becoming a Model Region of Europe", concluded in Riga today, its participants emphasised the need for strengthening the Baltic Sea states' influence on a European scale. In conclusion of the conference, a resolution was passed in which the conference's participants emphasise the need for developing the Baltic Sea region's potential and co-operation among the region's countries. LETA

On Friday at the Saeima building took place a picket organised by the youth movement Solidarnost to support education in the Russian language. Russian-speaking newspaper speak about 100 participants, Latvian – counted about 40 teenagers and pensioners.

On Friday at the Saeima building took place a picket organised by the youth movement Solidarnost to support education in the Russian language. Russian-speaking newspaper speak about 100 participants, Latvian – counted about 40 teenagers and pensioners. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Vechernyaya Riga

On Friday the Russian Community in Latvia tried to hold a picket to support the newspaper

Panorama Latvii at the building of the insurance company Balta that is the major shareholder of the newspaper, but the newspaper people were not very pleased about this initiative. Chas

Yesterday the Robert Schuman Institute organised a conference where DHoM of the OSCE Mission to Latvia N.Brennan gave a speech. He said that Latvia would have to follow the Estonian example anyway and abolish the norm stipulating the state language knowledge on the highest level for local government and Saeima deputy candidates. He agreed that it was not natural if a deputy did not know the language but the choice had to be left to the electorate. At the same time some Latvian politicians are getting more and more disappointed about the fact that the OSCE Mission to Latvia continued operating here. Also the Saeima Commission on Human Rights A.Seiksts joined them. He stated that according to the set procedure such missions operated in the areas where human rights were violated, but there were no missions in Bosnia, Near East or Southern Russia. And presence of a mission in Latvia could be a result of schemes of Europe and Russia.

Chas

Saeima deputies, representatives of the right wing parties Dz.Kudums and A.Kirsteins went to Moscow for a three-day conference on fighting organised crime and corruption. They tried to use this possibility to influence their Russian colleagues let they supported concluding the border agreement between Latvia and Russia. But Russian MPs answered that the Russian National Council would not ratify this agreement. Latvian deputies explained it with their wish to prevent Latvias joining NATO. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga gave three interviews to the Spanish mass media on Thursday in which she mainly explained Latvia's situation from historical and current points of view.

Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga gave three interviews to the Spanish mass media on Thursday in which she mainly explained Latvia's situation from historical and current points of view. BNS

Signing of Russian-Latvian border agreement before the next round of NATO enlargement late in 2002 is unlikely and the process will be delayed also by decision of Russian president to remove Russia's co-chairman of the Latvian-Russian intergovernmental committee, Latvian lawmakers said. The remark by MP Aleksandrs Kirsteins and parliament defence and interior affairs committee head

Signing of Russian-Latvian border agreement before the next round of NATO enlargement late in 2002 is unlikely and the process will be delayed also by decision of Russian president to remove Russia's co-chairman of the Latvian-Russian intergovernmental committee, Latvian lawmakers said. The remark by MP Aleksandrs Kirsteins and parliament defence and interior affairs committee head Dzintars Kudums to BNS came on Thursday after their return from a visit in Moscow. BNS, Vesti Segodnya

Parliament faction head of Latvia's Way, a ruling coalition party, admitted there indeed is tension between the coalition partners Latvia's Way and People's Party but said the difficulties can be solved if both parties have sufficient political will.

Parliament faction head of Latvia's Way, a ruling coalition party, admitted there indeed is tension between the coalition partners Latvia's Way and People's Party but said the difficulties can be solved if both parties have sufficient political will.

Kristiana Libane said Latvia's Way wants to keep the government but "not at any cost".

Kristiana Libane said Latvia's Way wants to keep the government but "not at any cost". BNS

The Centre for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO Centre) will hold its fifth annual NGO forum at the Riga Latvian Society House today NGO Centre PR co-ordinator.

The Centre for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO Centre) will hold its fifth annual NGO forum at the Riga Latvian Society House today NGO Centre PR co-ordinator. Diena, LETA

The UN Human Rights Committee has been informed about the Latvian government's decision to set up a task force to evaluate the committee's decision in favour of Antonina Ignatane, the Cabinet of Ministers' representative at international human rights organisations. As reported, Prime Minister Andris Berzins signed a decree on October 11 on setting up a task force to review the UN Human Rights Committee's decision on the Ignatane case and draw up proposals to implement the decision.

The UN Human Rights Committee has been informed about the Latvian government's decision to set up a task force to evaluate the committee's decision in favour of Antonina Ignatane, the Cabinet of Ministers' representative at international human rights organisations. As reported, Prime Minister Andris Berzins signed a decree on October 11 on setting up a task force to review the UN Human Rights Committee's decision on the Ignatane case and draw up proposals to implement the decision. LETA

Riga City Executive Director Maris Tralmaks has denied the radical Russian youth organisation a permit to hold a rally and concert at the Riflemen’s (Strelnieku) Monument in Old Town Riga. The leader of the organisation, I.Stalnoy, said however that the picket would take place (but not the concert) as approval had been granted by Tralmaks.

Riga City Executive Director Maris Tralmaks has denied the radical Russian youth organisation a permit to hold a rally and concert at the Riflemens (Strelnieku) Monument in Old Town Riga. The leader of the organisation, I.Stalnoy, said however that the picket would take place (but not the concert) as approval had been granted by Tralmaks. LETA, Diena, Rigas Balss

Stalnoy informed journalists that he would explain the people present that the concert had been forbidden and they would march to the Saeima and hold a picket there.

Stalnoy informed journalists that he would explain the people present that the concert had been forbidden and they would march to the Saeima and hold a picket there. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

He called the editor’s office of the newspaper

He called the editors office of the newspaper Vechernyaya Riga and invited journalists to an extraordinary press conference at the Saeima building and promised to present the victims of integration – 3 Russian students who were beaten by their classmates in a Latvian school. Journalists turned to the police and emergency service for some additional information but could not get any.

On Thursday the Saeima did not submit for consideration the proposal by For Human Rights in United Latvia to amend the election law. Only 14 deputies voted for these amendments. Government parties objected to it by referring to international norms stipulating that every country held the right to establish restrictions for running for elections. And they reminded that before this norm was adopted to the Saeima were elected persons who could not participate in the Saeima work do to the lack of knowledge of the language. FHRUL leader J.Jurkans reminded that the issue was about citizens’ right to be elected. Amending the election law is one of the proposals made by the OSCE Mission before closing this mission.

On Thursday the Saeima did not submit for consideration the proposal by For Human Rights in United Latvia to amend the election law. Only 14 deputies voted for these amendments. Government parties objected to it by referring to international norms stipulating that every country held the right to establish restrictions for running for elections. And they reminded that before this norm was adopted to the Saeima were elected persons who could not participate in the Saeima work do to the lack of knowledge of the language. FHRUL leader J.Jurkans reminded that the issue was about citizens right to be elected. Amending the election law is one of the proposals made by the OSCE Mission before closing this mission. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya

Speaking in the Saeima K.Libane argued that the government would not discuss the election law prior to a decision from the court in Strasbourg in order not to interfere in an ongoing process. She referred explicitly to the Prime Minister’s statement of 11.10.01 stressing that the case in Strasbourg concerned procedural questions.

Speaking in the Saeima K.Libane argued that the government would not discuss the election law prior to a decision from the court in Strasbourg in order not to interfere in an ongoing process. She referred explicitly to the Prime Ministers statement of 11.10.01 stressing that the case in Strasbourg concerned procedural questions. Latvian Radio

Former Minister of Culture R.Umblija was elected the Chairman of the Society Integration Foundation Council.

Former Minister of Culture R.Umblija was elected the Chairman of the Society Integration Foundation Council. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

MP from the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia Y.Pliner analyses the situation with ratification of Framework Convention on National Minorities. The opposition proposed already twice to ratify it, but the ruling coalition used different, even funny (e.g. bad translation) pretexts not to do it. Why are they afraid to do it? The answer is simple; they are afraid that after this ratification they would have to democratise language, education and other laws and legal norms. Y.Pliner cites articles 10 and 11 of the Convention where there are stipulated rights of national minorities to use their language in communicating with state authorities and the right to have their names and family names spelt in their ID in their mother tongue. One more thing that contradicts the Convention is the attempt to transfer education into the state language. And summing up his article Y.Pliner says that ratification will return signs of street names in the Russian language to the streets of Latvian towns and cities, where resides a large Russian minority, because this is stipulated by Article 13 of the Convention.

Vesti Segodnya