Press Report

Press Report

Saturday FF/LNNK Board has made several statements. The Board considers the ratification of the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities is undesirable. Board member A.Kimenis noted that ratification would require to give up the transfer to education in the state language, as well as some legal norms of the State Language Law. As well as FF/LNNK Board proposed to introduce amendments to the Law on Municipal Election that would stipulate 5% or lower voters’ barrier to be elected in the biggest Latvia municipalities.

Saturday FF/LNNK Board has made several statements. The Board considers the ratification of the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities is undesirable. Board member A.Kimenis noted that ratification would require to give up the transfer to education in the state language, as well as some legal norms of the State Language Law. As well as FF/LNNK Board proposed to introduce amendments to the Law on Municipal Election that would stipulate 5% or lower voters barrier to be elected in the biggest Latvia municipalities. Diena, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii

Chas

interviews Social Democrats Saeima faction chairperson E.Baldzens. He agrees that Social Democrats have not achieved serious results in their work at Riga City Council and admits that the party has serious internal problems. In regard about the possibility to merge with FHRUL, Baldzens says that is the matter of generations and that in some issues, such as privatisation, FHRUL are even more liberal than Social Democrats but what regards national issues E.Baldzens says that if we want to solve the problems of non-Latvians, we cannot just consider their wishes and the way how they understand it, and the same approach works for Latvians. interviews Social Democrats Saeima faction chairperson E.Baldzens. He agrees that Social Democrats have not achieved serious results in their work at Riga City Council and admits that the party has serious internal problems. In regard about the possibility to merge with FHRUL, Baldzens says that is the matter of generations and that in some issues, such as privatisation, FHRUL are even more liberal than Social Democrats but what regards national issues E.Baldzens says that “ if we want to solve the problems of non-Latvians, we cannot just consider their wishes and the way how they understand it, and the same approach works for Latvians”. The Prime Minister A.Berzins has asked Latvian judicial institutions to assess the statements of FHRUL Saeima deputies Y.Sokolovsky and M.Mitrafanov on the comparison between Macedonia and Latvia whether it is the call to violence. Y.Sokolovsky voiced that he has not violated any law and is satisfied that the note caused a reaction of politicians. The newspaper also links the harshness of the response of ruling politicians with their wishes to close the office of the OSCE Mission in Latvia.

The Prime Minister A.Berzins has asked Latvian judicial institutions to assess the statements of FHRUL Saeima deputies Y.Sokolovsky and M.Mitrafanov on the comparison between Macedonia and Latvia whether it is the call to violence. Y.Sokolovsky voiced that he has not violated any law and is satisfied that the note caused a reaction of politicians. The newspaper also links the harshness of the response of ruling politicians with their wishes to close the office of the OSCE Mission in Latvia. Vesti Segodnja

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga will leave for Hungary on 28-29 September to take part in the conference about NATO Enlargement.

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga will leave for Hungary on 28-29 September to take part in the conference about NATO Enlargement. Chas

24-29 September high military officials and diplomats from different countries will visit Latvia in order to learn more about Latvia.

24-29 September high military officials and diplomats from different countries will visit Latvia in order to learn more about Latvia. Chas

It is planned that at the end of November NATO General Secretary G.Robertson will visit Latvia.

It is planned that at the end of November NATO General Secretary G.Robertson will visit Latvia. Chas

Press Report

Press Report

Friday new OSCE HCNM Rolf Ekeus met during informal lunch with members of parliament factions and later held talks with Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia chairperson Pimenovs and Russian Language and Literature Teachers Association President Tatyana Liguta to find out their opinion about minorities issues in Latvia. Both representatives of the Russian community, Pimenovs and Liguta, voiced satisfaction over contribution of OSCE mission in lessening tension in Latvia between Latvians and Russian speakers. Pimenovs told BNS he proposed to extend OSCE's mandate because education of minorities needs attention of international observers to solve the problems sooner. During the talks with the representatives of Latvia's political forces, some said the mission should be closed while some proposed not just to extend the mission's work but also change its mandate. OSCE mission head Peter Semneby said the mission has an informal list of working issues that should be done before the mission closure.

Friday new OSCE HCNM Rolf Ekeus met during informal lunch with members of parliament factions and later held talks with Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia chairperson Pimenovs and Russian Language and Literature Teachers Association President Tatyana Liguta to find out their opinion about minorities issues in Latvia. Both representatives of the Russian community, Pimenovs and Liguta, voiced satisfaction over contribution of OSCE mission in lessening tension in Latvia between Latvians and Russian speakers. Pimenovs told BNS he proposed to extend OSCE's mandate because education of minorities needs attention of international observers to solve the problems sooner. During the talks with the representatives of Latvia's political forces, some said the mission should be closed while some proposed not just to extend the mission's work but also change its mandate. OSCE mission head Peter Semneby said the mission has an informal list of working issues that should be done before the mission closure. BNS, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Lauku Avize

publishes a biography of OSCE HCNM R.Ekeus and gives a brief information about his visit in Latvia. The article is concluded with the responses of EC Delegation Head G.Weiss and OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby to the question concerning the closure of the OSCE Mission in Latvia at the end of this year. publishes a biography of OSCE HCNM R.Ekeus and gives a brief information about his visit in Latvia. The article is concluded with the responses of EC Delegation Head G.Weiss and OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby to the question concerning the closure of the OSCE Mission in Latvia at the end of this year. “The closure of the Mission to Latvia is feasible, however, it is not determined yet. Latvia has fulfilled many tasks, but some tasks remain to be fulfilled, for instance, more dynamic naturalisation process, some problems concerning the implementation of the Language Law. We provide our support to the Naturalisation Board and State Language Centre to implement several projects in order to foster naturalisation, strengthen National Human Rights Office, co-operate with the ministries of foreign affairs and justice. Good progress has been made, but we have to be sure that it will be sustainable”.

The closure of the Mission to Latvia is feasible, however, it is not determined yet. Latvia has fulfilled many tasks, but some tasks remain to be fulfilled, for instance, more dynamic naturalisation process, some problems concerning the implementation of the Language Law. We provide our support to the Naturalisation Board and State Language Centre to implement several projects in order to foster naturalisation, strengthen National Human Rights Office, co-operate with the ministries of foreign affairs and justice. Good progress has been made, but we have to be sure that it will be sustainable.

The Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry considers the statement of Russia’s General Prosecutor Office on Latvia’s connections to Chechen warriors false and aimed to view Latvia as a supporter of terrorism. The Latvian Government has asked Russia’s General Prosecutor Office to provide specific information about that.

The Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry considers the statement of Russias General Prosecutor Office on Latvias connections to Chechen warriors false and aimed to view Latvia as a supporter of terrorism. The Latvian Government has asked Russias General Prosecutor Office to provide specific information about that. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Sunday the Prime Minister A.Berzins, Riga City Mayor G.Bojars and other state officials left for St.Petersburg to take part in the Baltic Development Forum. The Prime Minister has scheduled meetings with the representative of the Russian President in the region V.Cherkasov and City Mayor V.Yakovlyev.

Sunday the Prime Minister A.Berzins, Riga City Mayor G.Bojars and other state officials left for St.Petersburg to take part in the Baltic Development Forum. The Prime Minister has scheduled meetings with the representative of the Russian President in the region V.Cherkasov and City Mayor V.Yakovlyev. Diena

Lauku Avize columnist V.Lacis provides arguments against the note of FHRUL issued last week where Macedonian policy regarding national matters where compared with Latvian. The columnist points out that FHRUL has silenced historical aspects of the situation in Macedonia, as well as the fact that 15 EU member states have not come to the agreement about the term “national minority”. In regard to the FHRUL claims against the Latvian language as the only state language, V.Lacis quotes Danish professor T.Skutnaba – Kangasa “Russian-speakers in the Baltic States have to understand that they are not able to impose their will on the majority, but they will still have a possibility to organise education of their children in mother tongue”. In conclusion, V.Lacis blames the two Latvian Presidents and ruling political parties whose activities or lack of activities have made such notes possible.

Lauku Avize columnist V.Lacis provides arguments against the note of FHRUL issued last week where Macedonian policy regarding national matters where compared with Latvian. The columnist points out that FHRUL has silenced historical aspects of the situation in Macedonia, as well as the fact that 15 EU member states have not come to the agreement about the term national minority. In regard to the FHRUL claims against the Latvian language as the only state language, V.Lacis quotes Danish professor T.Skutnaba – Kangasa Russian-speakers in the Baltic States have to understand that they are not able to impose their will on the majority, but they will still have a possibility to organise education of their children in mother tongue. In conclusion, V.Lacis blames the two Latvian Presidents and ruling political parties whose activities or lack of activities have made such notes possible.

Friday the conference “NATO Expansion: From Washington to Prague” took place in Riga. According to the official of the Ministry of Defence “the main discussion subjects were the aspects of the enlargement process and not particularly Latvia’s membership to NATO”. However, Latvian defence minister G.Kristovskis in his speech voiced that “pro-Moscow powers with the help of Russian press try to deny the possibility that Latvia could join NATO. Their goal is to keep Latvia under the direct influence of Russia”. A big delegation was expected from Russia, however, only one participant came.

Friday the conference NATO Expansion: From Washington to Prague took place in Riga. According to the official of the Ministry of Defence the main discussion subjects were the aspects of the enlargement process and not particularly Latvias membership to NATO. However, Latvian defence minister G.Kristovskis in his speech voiced that pro-Moscow powers with the help of Russian press try to deny the possibility that Latvia could join NATO. Their goal is to keep Latvia under the direct influence of Russia. A big delegation was expected from Russia, however, only one participant came. Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Monday the Ministry of Justice will make public announcement to 5 vacancies for NGO representatives in Society Integration Foundation Council. Latvian Human Rights Committee co-chairperson L.Raihman assures their participation and thinks that the Committee has a good chance to win. Also Association in Support to Schools with Russian Instruction Language chairperson I.Pimenov and NGO “Dialogue” from Ventspils will nominate their members, only Russian Community in Latvia representative T.Favorovskaya has sceptical stance as in her view “society integration foundation should provide assistance to immigrants who have just come to the country as it is in Denmark and not like in Latvia where the Foundation is going to integrate people who have lived here all their lives”.

Monday the Ministry of Justice will make public announcement to 5 vacancies for NGO representatives in Society Integration Foundation Council. Latvian Human Rights Committee co-chairperson L.Raihman assures their participation and thinks that the Committee has a good chance to win. Also Association in Support to Schools with Russian Instruction Language chairperson I.Pimenov and NGO Dialogue from Ventspils will nominate their members, only Russian Community in Latvia representative T.Favorovskaya has sceptical stance as in her view society integration foundation should provide assistance to immigrants who have just come to the country as it is in Denmark and not like in Latvia where the Foundation is going to integrate people who have lived here all their lives. Chas

Thanks to the OSCE and UN provided funds of the amount of USD 216 000, non-citizens of Rezekne and Ludza who want to naturalise will have a possibility to learn Latvian free of charge.

Thanks to the OSCE and UN provided funds of the amount of USD 216 000, non-citizens of Rezekne and Ludza who want to naturalise will have a possibility to learn Latvian free of charge. Chas.

 Press Report

Press Report

The new OSCE Commissioner for National Minorities, Rolf Ekeus, Thursday launched his acquaintance visit in Latvia meeting Latvian president in her sea side residence in Jurmala, some 20 kilometers away from Riga, a spokeswoman said. Vaira Vike-Freiberga briefed Ekeus in 20 minutes talks about Latvia's development directions in the last ten years and the state's policy on minorities issues. Ekeus was reserved in his comment on minorities’ situation in Latvia saying he has not studied the issue appropriately yet. He also refrained from assessing the work of his predecessor Max van der Stoel in solution of national minority problems in Latvia saying, "the evaluation will be given by history". He said the aim of his current visit in Latvia is "get familiar with his obligations" but it is clear already at this point there will be a broad range of issues on his agenda. Ekeus noted diplomatically he still has to carefully observe the national minority situation in Latvia before he presents his vision about the existing problems.

The new OSCE Commissioner for National Minorities, Rolf Ekeus, Thursday launched his acquaintance visit in Latvia meeting Latvian president in her sea side residence in Jurmala, some 20 kilometers away from Riga, a spokeswoman said. Vaira Vike-Freiberga briefed Ekeus in 20 minutes talks about Latvia's development directions in the last ten years and the state's policy on minorities issues. Ekeus was reserved in his comment on minorities situation in Latvia saying he has not studied the issue appropriately yet. He also refrained from assessing the work of his predecessor Max van der Stoel in solution of national minority problems in Latvia saying, "the evaluation will be given by history". He said the aim of his current visit in Latvia is "get familiar with his obligations" but it is clear already at this point there will be a broad range of issues on his agenda. Ekeus noted diplomatically he still has to carefully observe the national minority situation in Latvia before he presents his vision about the existing problems. BNS

Ekeus informed the president that at the end of this year OSCE could decide on whether Latvia has succeeded in implementing all requirements set by OSCE and whether the OSCE mission in Latvia could be closed.

Ekeus informed the president that at the end of this year OSCE could decide on whether Latvia has succeeded in implementing all requirements set by OSCE and whether the OSCE mission in Latvia could be closed. LETA, Latvijas Vestnesis

OSCE Commissioner Rolf Ekeus, met with the Latvian education minister, who informed the guest about the Latvian language teaching national program. Latvian education and science minister Karlis Greiskalns said that the national program had four sections -- further education of teachers (for Latvian language teachers teaching Latvian as the second language), development and upgrading of teaching aids for study of the Latvian as the second language and for bilingual education, courses of the Latvian as the second language and the integration measures. Other ministry officials told the OSCE commissioner about development prospects for ethnic minority high schools after 2004 and accomplishments by the Ethnic Minorities Advisory Council.

OSCE Commissioner Rolf Ekeus, met with the Latvian education minister, who informed the guest about the Latvian language teaching national program. Latvian education and science minister Karlis Greiskalns said that the national program had four sections -- further education of teachers (for Latvian language teachers teaching Latvian as the second language), development and upgrading of teaching aids for study of the Latvian as the second language and for bilingual education, courses of the Latvian as the second language and the integration measures. Other ministry officials told the OSCE commissioner about development prospects for ethnic minority high schools after 2004 and accomplishments by the Ethnic Minorities Advisory Council. BNS, Respublika, Chas, Panorama Latvii

The Latvian parliament speaker and the UNESCO General Conference president met Thursday in Riga to discuss possible cooperation between Latvia and the UNESCO, reported the parliament press service.

The Latvian parliament speaker and the UNESCO General Conference president met Thursday in Riga to discuss possible cooperation between Latvia and the UNESCO, reported the parliament press service. BNS

During her visit in Denmark today, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga is scheduled to meet with Danish Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen. As

During her visit in Denmark today, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga is scheduled to meet with Danish Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen. As LETA was informed by the president's press service, the president will visit the new premises of the Latvian Embassy in Denmark as well as give an interview to the Danish business newspaper "Borsen". LETA

After the circulated document where the situation in Latvia concerning national minorities was compared to the one in Macedonia, authors – Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia deny that they once more tried to dramatize the ethnic issue. They justify themselves that their only goal was to point out to the lack of interest in national minority issues in EU and among other Saeima deputies. Faction leader J.Jurkans even dissociates him from this document and stresses that that is not the opinion of the faction. Nevertheless political scientists point out that this comparison is very similar to the statements made by Russian President V.Putin. In his turn Prime Minister A.Berzins in a radio interview said that it was up to prosecutor’s office and judicial institutions to decide if FHRUL activities could be regarded as kindling.

After the circulated document where the situation in Latvia concerning national minorities was compared to the one in Macedonia, authors – Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia deny that they once more tried to dramatize the ethnic issue. They justify themselves that their only goal was to point out to the lack of interest in national minority issues in EU and among other Saeima deputies. Faction leader J.Jurkans even dissociates him from this document and stresses that that is not the opinion of the faction. Nevertheless political scientists point out that this comparison is very similar to the statements made by Russian President V.Putin. In his turn Prime Minister A.Berzins in a radio interview said that it was up to prosecutors office and judicial institutions to decide if FHRUL activities could be regarded as kindling. Diena

Diena published an interview with the new German Ambassador to Latvia E.Herold where the Ambassador spoke about his personal links to Latvia, Latvian – German relations and Latvia’s attempts to join NATO and EU.

Diena published an interview with the new German Ambassador to Latvia E.Herold where the Ambassador spoke about his personal links to Latvia, Latvian – German relations and Latvias attempts to join NATO and EU.

More and more often European institutions and high officials call Latvia to ratify Framework convention on national minorities. The Saeima has already twice rejected opposition proposals to do it. It is possible that somebody with the approaching election will try to achieve let the convention take effect in Latvia. Although opinions of political parties on this differ, majority of experts and politicians who were discussing it at the meting organized by CoE Information and Documentation Center supported ratification.

More and more often European institutions and high officials call Latvia to ratify Framework convention on national minorities. The Saeima has already twice rejected opposition proposals to do it. It is possible that somebody with the approaching election will try to achieve let the convention take effect in Latvia. Although opinions of political parties on this differ, majority of experts and politicians who were discussing it at the meting organized by CoE Information and Documentation Center supported ratification. Neatkariga

Publicist V.Avotins, writing about his discussion, says that participants found it better to ratify the convention without a strict definition of a national minority. Thus everybody would be able interpret it according his own wish and Europe will give its goodies to Latvia. V.Avotins finds that neither authorities nor intellectuals are able to find an effective compromise to interethnic relations.

Neatkariga

A.Zhigure, Rigas Balss commentator ponders about the role of naturalization in public integration process. There are many Latvian citizens who received citizenship through inheritance but who do not knot the language. And by no juridical means they can be forced to study the Latvian. Ms.Zhigure suggests that different repressive methods could be replaced by changing peoples attitude towards it. When solving problems in Latvia one may hope for integration of the new generation, but the many non-Latvian families who want to send their children to Latvian schools receive refusal – teachers are not ready for such working load.

Newspaper Chas invited Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins to the editors office to answer the calls of readers. Answering to a question why public integration program had been prepared without participation of national minority representatives and all the changes in it had been made due to the pressure of international organizations, Minister disagreed to this saying that he himself had participated in preparing some of them. Q. Why Latvia and Russia have not signed repatriation agreement? M. Due to the demographic situation in Russia its political leadership is seriously thinking about attracting repatriates. In Latvia nobody is kept by force or made to leave it.

Diena

commentator A.Ozolins writes about the last activity of Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia – comparing situation in Latvia to the one in Macedonia. At the same day representatives of so called Latvian Human Rights Committee at the OSCE meeting in Warsaw presented their concern about the planned closure of OSCE Mission in Riga. Comparing discrimination practiced in Latvia to the favorable legislation and practice concerning national minorities in Macedonia the authors come to a conclusion whether just extreme situation may arose to adopt adopting legislation respecting rights of national minorities. Diena (19.09.01)

Press Report

Press Report

The Latvian Foreign Ministry Sept. 17 asked Russia to increase the number of military inspection visits that would allow Latvia's representatives to attend and see Russia's military and defense objects in accordance with OSCE Vienna document of 1999 to which Russia and Latvia are members, a spokesman said. Foreign Ministry spokesman Vilmars Henins said Latvia has an obligation to receive four inspection visits from other OSCE member countries a year while Russia has to receive six visits and, the quota of visits for this year has already been exhausted. BNS

The Latvian Foreign Ministry Sept. 17 asked Russia to increase the number of military inspection visits that would allow Latvia's representatives to attend and see Russia's military and defense objects in accordance with OSCE Vienna document of 1999 to which Russia and Latvia are members, a spokesman said. Foreign Ministry spokesman Vilmars Henins said Latvia has an obligation to receive four inspection visits from other OSCE member countries a year while Russia has to receive six visits and, the quota of visits for this year has already been exhausted. BNS

A foreign-funded project seeking to facilitate the naturalization process in Latvia and offering free Latvian language teaching to 2,000 non-citizens was presented in Riga on Wednesday with the Latvian prime minister, justice minister and foreign ambassadors in attendance. The project, titled Fast track Latvian language learning Program For Promotion of Naturalization in Latvia, will teach the state language to non-Latvians to make it easier for them to obtain Latvian citizenship. Two thousand non-citizens will study Latvian language under the project, completing the course after a period of three months up to one year, depending on their skills and knowledge. The presented program differs from other teaching programs mainly in that it is one of the first to be based on the principles outlines in the national integration program. A pilot project of the new program was run last year with 85 percent of trainees passing the naturalization test. OSCE mission to Latvia head, Peter Semneby, speaking at the presentation, said "there are no special problems with obtaining a citizenship in Latvia ... the program seeks to solve the key problem preventing people from getting the citizenship -- it will teach them the language." The project costs are estimated at 216,000 US dollars. The US, Swedish and Norwegian governments contributed financially to the project conceived by the Naturalization Board in cooperation with UNDP and the OSCE mission in Latvia.

A foreign-funded project seeking to facilitate the naturalization process in Latvia and offering free Latvian language teaching to 2,000 non-citizens was presented in Riga on Wednesday with the Latvian prime minister, justice minister and foreign ambassadors in attendance. The project, titled Fast track Latvian language learning Program For Promotion of Naturalization in Latvia, will teach the state language to non-Latvians to make it easier for them to obtain Latvian citizenship. Two thousand non-citizens will study Latvian language under the project, completing the course after a period of three months up to one year, depending on their skills and knowledge. The presented program differs from other teaching programs mainly in that it is one of the first to be based on the principles outlines in the national integration program. A pilot project of the new program was run last year with 85 percent of trainees passing the naturalization test. OSCE mission to Latvia head, Peter Semneby, speaking at the presentation, said "there are no special problems with obtaining a citizenship in Latvia ... the program seeks to solve the key problem preventing people from getting the citizenship -- it will teach them the language." The project costs are estimated at 216,000 US dollars. The US, Swedish and Norwegian governments contributed financially to the project conceived by the Naturalization Board in cooperation with UNDP and the OSCE mission in Latvia. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Latvijas Vestnesis, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

From Sept 20 to 21 the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's (OSCE) High Commissioner on national minority issues, Rolf Ekeus, will be visiting in Latvia in order to discuss social integration issues, reported the Foreign Ministry. The guest will have meetings with Latvian President, Saeima Speaker, Prime Minister, and heads of the Naturalization Board and State Language Center.

From Sept 20 to 21 the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's (OSCE) High Commissioner on national minority issues, Rolf Ekeus, will be visiting in Latvia in order to discuss social integration issues, reported the Foreign Ministry. The guest will have meetings with Latvian President, Saeima Speaker, Prime Minister, and heads of the Naturalization Board and State Language Center. Neatkariga

Latvia's Vieda publishers, notorious for organizing two expressly nationalistic contests, has sent the second letter to the European Union's enlargement commissioner, Guenter Verheugen, describing at length the need for decolonization and alleged ethnic conflict in Latvia. In this letter Vieda also informed the EU commissioner about "the colonists' deep hatred and contempt for the Latvian people," reported the publishing company.

Latvia's Vieda publishers, notorious for organizing two expressly nationalistic contests, has sent the second letter to the European Union's enlargement commissioner, Guenter Verheugen, describing at length the need for decolonization and alleged ethnic conflict in Latvia. In this letter Vieda also informed the EU commissioner about "the colonists' deep hatred and contempt for the Latvian people," reported the publishing company. BNS, Planorama Latvii,

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins will attend the 3rd annual Baltic Development Forum to be held from Sept. 23 to 25 in St.Petersburg, Russia. Berzins will join representatives from other Baltic Sea states for a discussion of ways to promote economic development in the region after the admission of Baltic states and Poland to the European Union (EU), reported a foreign advisor to the Latvian premier.

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins will attend the 3rd annual Baltic Development Forum to be held from Sept. 23 to 25 in St.Petersburg, Russia. Berzins will join representatives from other Baltic Sea states for a discussion of ways to promote economic development in the region after the admission of Baltic states and Poland to the European Union (EU), reported a foreign advisor to the Latvian premier. BNS

Russian Federation has moved one of its landmarks 150 m into Latvian territory at the place where Latvian, Estonian and Russian borders join. Russia has admitted its mistake asking Latvia “not to pay any attention to it”. Chief of Latvian borderguards General Dabolins said that Latvia had no right to move because it was not a property of Latvia. This issue will be discussed at the end of October when is planned a meeting of heads of Latvian and Russian borderguards.

Russian Federation has moved one of its landmarks 150 m into Latvian territory at the place where Latvian, Estonian and Russian borders join. Russia has admitted its mistake asking Latvia not to pay any attention to it. Chief of Latvian borderguards General Dabolins said that Latvia had no right to move because it was not a property of Latvia. This issue will be discussed at the end of October when is planned a meeting of heads of Latvian and Russian borderguards. Neatkariga, Respublika,

Yesterday the new Moldovian Minister of Foreign Affairs N.Dudeu arrived to Latvia on a working visit. At the meeting with Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga, both officials discussed Latvian and Moldovian political and economic current events, possibilities of increasing mutual cooperation. The Minister expressed interest of Moldova to learn Latvian experience of integration in European and other international institutions as well as establishing a harmonized society. N.Dudeu met also with the Saeima Speaker J.Straume.

Neatkariga M.Antonevics in

M.Antonevics in Lauku Avize writes that the leader of left wing radical movement Equality T.Zhdanok and persons who share her opinions in broadcasting company LTV 2 have managed to receive 20 700 LVL for a TV show 2+2 that concentrates on integration issues. When asked about this financing the Head of CoE Information Center in Riga U.Krastins did not know about it. It turned out that Ms.Zhdanok received this money directly from CoE program Building up faithfulness in society. CoE people had asked for an opinion of U.Krastins about this show but it did not have any specific impact on the decision. Mr. Krastins had not seen this particular show but another show prepared by Ms. Zhdanok he found boring and without any political interest in the content. Lauku Avize

M.Antonevics also writes about the conference on Framework Convention on national minorities and states that for a long time it has become a political instrument which some political forces and mass media are not ashamed to use in their interests. Unfortunately people who are considered to be great national minorities specialists in Latvia do not understand it or pretend not to see it

M.Antonevics also writes about the conference on Framework Convention on national minorities and states that for a long time it has become a political instrument which some political forces and mass media are not ashamed to use in their interests. Unfortunately people who are considered to be great national minorities specialists in Latvia do not understand it or pretend not to see it. Lauku Avize

Over 100 participants from 20 countries of Europe will gather in Riga Sep. 24-29 to join XI conference of Europe's education leaders' forum and get familiar with Latvia's education system.

Over 100 participants from 20 countries of Europe will gather in Riga Sep. 24-29 to join XI conference of Europe's education leaders' forum and get familiar with Latvia's education system. BNS

Press Report

Press Report

Ratification of the Council of Europe convention about protection of ethnic minorities will bring foreign policy benefits to Latvia, said a Latvian human rights expert. Speaking at the debate about problems with the ratification of the convention, Nils Muiznieks, the director of the Center for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies, said that the adoption of the ethnic minorities convention will be important in Latvia's talks about joining the European Union (EU) and NATO. He said the Latvian parliament should ratify the convention that so far had been attributed an exaggerated meaning. The discussion Tuesday proposed several options for defining an ethnic minority but there was no consensus about it. Muiznieks suggested that Latvia also should abstain from any definition of an ethnic minority upon ratification of the convention. Muiznieks' views were opposed by Latvian parliament human rights and public affairs committee chairman, Antons Seiksts, who said that the definition was needed to prevent some people from manipulating with the notion of "Russian-speakers" that cannot be regarded as an ethnic group..

Ratification of the Council of Europe convention about protection of ethnic minorities will bring foreign policy benefits to Latvia, said a Latvian human rights expert. Speaking at the debate about problems with the ratification of the convention, Nils Muiznieks, the director of the Center for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies, said that the adoption of the ethnic minorities convention will be important in Latvia's talks about joining the European Union (EU) and NATO. He said the Latvian parliament should ratify the convention that so far had been attributed an exaggerated meaning. The discussion Tuesday proposed several options for defining an ethnic minority but there was no consensus about it. Muiznieks suggested that Latvia also should abstain from any definition of an ethnic minority upon ratification of the convention. Muiznieks' views were opposed by Latvian parliament human rights and public affairs committee chairman, Antons Seiksts, who said that the definition was needed to prevent some people from manipulating with the notion of "Russian-speakers" that cannot be regarded as an ethnic group.. BNS, Panorama Latvii

Vesti Segodnya, writing about this debate, states that Latvian authorities long time ago proved that they are unable to take any serious even profitable decisions without a foreign pressure. And Framework Convention is a vivid example of this. The Saeima does not want to ratify it being afraid that it would increase rights of non-Latvians up to introducing the second state language in regions densely populated by some national minority. Union For Freedom and Fatherland thinks that this convention endangers national unity of Latvia and it is not mandatory to ratify it when joining EU. Peoples Party is more tolerant but stands for a cunning pretext – ratification must not change the language status in Latvia. Latvias Way stands for ratification being sure that under this convention by national minorities are understood only citizens of Latvia. And this conference proved that most of Latvian experts held the same opinion.

A new television company, TV5 Riga, about to start broadcasting in the Latvian capital, plans to take the audience of 1.2 million viewers in the initial period of its operations, the company's leaders said at a news conference on Tuesday. The broadcasting company hopes its audience will grow in number after it puts into operation a new transmitter in November.

A new television company, TV5 Riga, about to start broadcasting in the Latvian capital, plans to take the audience of 1.2 million viewers in the initial period of its operations, the company's leaders said at a news conference on Tuesday. The broadcasting company hopes its audience will grow in number after it puts into operation a new transmitter in November. BNS

Vesti Segodnya adds that part of broadcasts will be for the Russian audience.

The presidents of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland and Poland, who met in Tallinn on Tuesday, issued a joint statement condemning international terrorism and expressing solidarity with Americans whose country was hit by terrorist attacks.

The presidents of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland and Poland, who met in Tallinn on Tuesday, issued a joint statement condemning international terrorism and expressing solidarity with Americans whose country was hit by terrorist attacks. BNS, Diena, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Respublika

On Tuesday the right wing parties that are in opposition in Riga City Council signed a coalition agreement but did not name the possible candidate for Mayor’s post.

On Tuesday the right wing parties that are in opposition in Riga City Council signed a coalition agreement but did not name the possible candidate for Mayors post. Diena, Neatkariga

Dz.Kudums, Head of Saeima National Security Commission, answering to journalists question about the situation with non-citizens in Latvia, said that every person residing in Latvia had a possibility to become a citizen, but there were still people who did not realise what was going on here; they did not accept local laws and steps of Latvian government and want to return to their ethnic fatherland. And for that is necessary money but it is not enough. Funds should be established to support such people. And Russia has to adopt a law on repatriation.

Chas