Press Report

Press Report

“OSCE Secretary General Jan Kubis requested from the Latvian top national security agency a statement about controversial youth essay contest held by Vieda publishing company and the book of selected essays published thereafter, whose international assessment has been requested by Russia. Constitution Protection Office (CPO) deputy chief Uldis Dzenitis told BNS he provided on the phone information to prosecutor general about the probe done by the office in Vieda essay contest and book. He said as far as he knows this information has been forwarded to OSCE President Mircea Geoana. Dzenitis said the OSCE official's attitude was favourable towards Latvia and no reproaches were expressed. He also said that in the wake of Russia's appeal to do international assessment of Vieda's contest the CPO has provided statement to Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins, Prosecutor General Janis Maizitis and criminal justice department head prosecutor Eriks Zvejnieks. The Russian Foreign Ministry earlier in the week called on international organisation to assess the contest and the book published thereafter saying the contest themes were "openly chauvinistic" and "russophobic" while the book was full of racist and fascist statements laying grounds for ethnic cleansing. Russia also voiced concerns over authorities making no obstacles to propagation of racism and national intolerance. The Latvian Foreign Ministry meanwhile regards the contest as "a wish of small groups to attract attention at the time when Latvia's integration into the European Union and trans-Atlantic structures is becoming ever closer and, such efforts don't win support in Latvia's society. Therefore it is non-understandable why other countries should make any comments in this connection".

OSCE Secretary General Jan Kubis requested from the Latvian top national security agency a statement about controversial youth essay contest held by Vieda publishing company and the book of selected essays published thereafter, whose international assessment has been requested by Russia. Constitution Protection Office (CPO) deputy chief Uldis Dzenitis told BNS he provided on the phone information to prosecutor general about the probe done by the office in Vieda essay contest and book. He said as far as he knows this information has been forwarded to OSCE President Mircea Geoana. Dzenitis said the OSCE official's attitude was favourable towards Latvia and no reproaches were expressed. He also said that in the wake of Russia's appeal to do international assessment of Vieda's contest the CPO has provided statement to Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins, Prosecutor General Janis Maizitis and criminal justice department head prosecutor Eriks Zvejnieks. The Russian Foreign Ministry earlier in the week called on international organisation to assess the contest and the book published thereafter saying the contest themes were "openly chauvinistic" and "russophobic" while the book was full of racist and fascist statements laying grounds for ethnic cleansing. Russia also voiced concerns over authorities making no obstacles to propagation of racism and national intolerance. The Latvian Foreign Ministry meanwhile regards the contest as "a wish of small groups to attract attention at the time when Latvia's integration into the European Union and trans-Atlantic structures is becoming ever closer and, such efforts don't win support in Latvia's society. Therefore it is non-understandable why other countries should make any comments in this connection". BNS, Delfi, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Early this week, Latvian police found a bottle of fuel mixture on the stairs of the Cabinet of Ministers, reported the State Police. The bottle was found at 4 am Monday morning. The police are carrying out an investigation. It is not yet known as to who or why the bottle was placed by the government building.

Early this week, Latvian police found a bottle of fuel mixture on the stairs of the Cabinet of Ministers, reported the State Police. The bottle was found at 4 am Monday morning. The police are carrying out an investigation. It is not yet known as to who or why the bottle was placed by the government building. Neatkariga, Jauna, Respublika

The number of naturalisation applications has dropped in June almost for a half in comparison to June last year. The Naturalisation Board explains that besides the fact that naturalisation slows down in summer time, another factor is that new regulations on the reduced state fee came into effect 23 June this year.

The number of naturalisation applications has dropped in June almost for a half in comparison to June last year. The Naturalisation Board explains that besides the fact that naturalisation slows down in summer time, another factor is that new regulations on the reduced state fee came into effect 23 June this year. Diena

Yesterday Russian ambassador to Latvia hold reception for the winners of Russian language Olympics – three Latvian high school students. The Olympics takes place already for 10 years in Moscow, however, Latvia took part in the competition for the second time.

Yesterday Russian ambassador to Latvia hold reception for the winners of Russian language Olympics – three Latvian high school students. The Olympics takes place already for 10 years in Moscow, however, Latvia took part in the competition for the second time. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Respublika

writes about ethnopolicy in Latvia. The newspaper states there are two possibilities – either the state has continuous, carefully considered ethnopolicy or it does not have it at all as it is in case with Latvia. writes about ethnopolicy in Latvia. The newspaper states “there are two possibilities – either the state has continuous, carefully considered ethnopolicy or it does not have it at all as it is in case with Latvia”. Nils Muizhnieks comments on the situation of Russians in Latvia. First, he talks about situation regarding education. “That is true that Russian students succeed in learning Latvian at schools, however, I would like to look into the issue more deeper. Sometimes I receive information that there are two types of curriculum and study books effective. At some schools, the situation is good for real, however, for some schools it is only façade. Integration is very slow in Latvia and is implemented rather unwillingly. In my opinion Latvian radio and TV are not utilised to their full capacity. About press in Russian – these newspapers remind me weak exile newspapers where journalism is mixed with politics. Our politicians should reserve stupid promises, which provides ground for reproaches from Russia. For example, Vieda contest”.

Nils Muizhnieks comments on the situation of Russians in Latvia. First, he talks about situation regarding education. That is true that Russian students succeed in learning Latvian at schools, however, I would like to look into the issue more deeper. Sometimes I receive information that there are two types of curriculum and study books effective. At some schools, the situation is good for real, however, for some schools it is only fa̤ade. Integration is very slow in Latvia and is implemented rather unwillingly. In my opinion Latvian radio and TV are not utilised to their full capacity. About press in Russian Рthese newspapers remind me weak exile newspapers where journalism is mixed with politics. Our politicians should reserve stupid promises, which provides ground for reproaches from Russia. For example, Vieda contest.

Chas

columnist L.Fedoseyev gives his comments on the review Ethnopolicy in Latvia. He writes, the review is an indicator that something is wrong, but it is not the cure. It does not give the information how Latvian society should look like to be considered healthy. Whats the sense to criticise the government for lackadaisical attitude towards ethnopolicy if actually it is not defined what exactly the government has not done and what it has to do. Till the moment when it is not clearly defined what is integration and integrated society, we are not going to have a positive attitude toward that. columnist L.Fedoseyev gives his comments on the review “Ethnopolicy in Latvia”. He writes, “the review is “an indicator” that something is wrong, but it is not the cure. It does not give the information how Latvian society should look like to be considered healthy. What’s the sense to criticise the government for lackadaisical attitude towards ethnopolicy if actually it is not defined what exactly the government has not done and what it has to do. Till the moment when it is not clearly defined what is integration and integrated society, we are not going to have a positive attitude toward that”.

Press Report

Press Report

European Parliament member and its potential chairman Pat Cox sees no reasons for not admitting Latvia to the European Union in the first round of enlargement because the country has progressed fast during the last year. President of European Parliament Liberal Democratic party group of deputies Cox said following the meeting with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins he supports differentiated attitude to each of the candidate countries during the admission process.

European Parliament member and its potential chairman Pat Cox sees no reasons for not admitting Latvia to the European Union in the first round of enlargement because the country has progressed fast during the last year. President of European Parliament Liberal Democratic party group of deputies Cox said following the meeting with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins he supports differentiated attitude to each of the candidate countries during the admission process. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna

Yesterday Latvia and Russia Border Guard Services exchanged with 2 illegal trespassers.

Yesterday Latvia and Russia Border Guard Services exchanged with 2 illegal trespassers. Neatkariga

Latvia's Prime Minister Andris Berzins met with officials from a number of institutions on Wednesday, discussing the recent scandalous Vieda publishing house essay contest, deemed as chauvinistic and russophobic by Russia. Participants of the meeting - the Constitution Protection Office, Security Police and Prosecutor General - claim the contest as "odious" unacceptable and said that it was "not far from promoting national disharmony," reported the Prime Minister's spokesperson. Even though the meeting concluded that extreme right-wing or left-wing ideas do not gain much support in Latvia, "specific manifestations are deemed as attempts at attracting additional interest by groups of small importance at a time when the country is speedily integrating into Euro-Atlantic structures," stated a press announcement. The officials discussed not only the Vieda essay contest but also other publications in Russian and Latvian languages, considered manifestations of right or left wing extremism. The Prime Minister was informed of the general security situation in Latvia with special attention drawn to "possible barriers in context of Latvia's EU and NATO integration." Berzins said that there is still much to be done in order to evade extreme politicised accounts of historical events, as well as other negative aspects which may contribute towards portraying the country in an untrue image, causing disharmony in the Latvian society. Information on various Russian-language newspapers of inadequate descriptions on inter-ethnic relations and development forecasts was also presented. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also states that the controversial essay contest is "the efforts of a small group to attract attention in a time when Latvia's European and transatlantic integration is strengthening, with no support for such efforts in the Latvian society. It is therefore not understandable as to why other countries may have to express any comments on this case," reported the Foreign Ministry. The Latvian Foreign Ministry believes that Latvian officials have acted appropriately and that security institutions have assessed the Vieda contest according to the law. "Latvia's government is firmly following the course for social integration, based on democracy, human rights and justice. The correct direction of this course has on numerous times been admitted by our international partners," reported the Foreign Ministry

Latvia's Prime Minister Andris Berzins met with officials from a number of institutions on Wednesday, discussing the recent scandalous Vieda publishing house essay contest, deemed as chauvinistic and russophobic by Russia. Participants of the meeting - the Constitution Protection Office, Security Police and Prosecutor General - claim the contest as "odious" unacceptable and said that it was "not far from promoting national disharmony," reported the Prime Minister's spokesperson. Even though the meeting concluded that extreme right-wing or left-wing ideas do not gain much support in Latvia, "specific manifestations are deemed as attempts at attracting additional interest by groups of small importance at a time when the country is speedily integrating into Euro-Atlantic structures," stated a press announcement. The officials discussed not only the Vieda essay contest but also other publications in Russian and Latvian languages, considered manifestations of right or left wing extremism. The Prime Minister was informed of the general security situation in Latvia with special attention drawn to "possible barriers in context of Latvia's EU and NATO integration." Berzins said that there is still much to be done in order to evade extreme politicised accounts of historical events, as well as other negative aspects which may contribute towards portraying the country in an untrue image, causing disharmony in the Latvian society. Information on various Russian-language newspapers of inadequate descriptions on inter-ethnic relations and development forecasts was also presented. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also states that the controversial essay contest is "the efforts of a small group to attract attention in a time when Latvia's European and transatlantic integration is strengthening, with no support for such efforts in the Latvian society. It is therefore not understandable as to why other countries may have to express any comments on this case," reported the Foreign Ministry. The Latvian Foreign Ministry believes that Latvian officials have acted appropriately and that security institutions have assessed the Vieda contest according to the law. "Latvia's government is firmly following the course for social integration, based on democracy, human rights and justice. The correct direction of this course has on numerous times been admitted by our international partners," reported the Foreign Ministry. Vesti Segodnja, Chas, BNS

Next week Latvia is expecting visits of high European officials - EU Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen will be in Latvia from July 18 to 21, and is set to visit also rural Latvia for the first time and the European Union's Regional Policy Commissioner Michel Barnier will be visiting Latvia from July 16 to 18, meeting with high officials to discuss Latvian EU integration and the union's regional policies. Both officials have scheduled meetings with state President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Prime Minister Andris Berzins, Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins and other high officials.

Next week Latvia is expecting visits of high European officials - EU Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen will be in Latvia from July 18 to 21, and is set to visit also rural Latvia for the first time and the European Union's Regional Policy Commissioner Michel Barnier will be visiting Latvia from July 16 to 18, meeting with high officials to discuss Latvian EU integration and the union's regional policies. Both officials have scheduled meetings with state President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Prime Minister Andris Berzins, Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins and other high officials. Diena

Chas

talks with ITAR-TASS journalist M.Gusmanov after he had interviewed state President V.Vike-Freiberga. The journalist is producing series of TV shows inviting for them the presidents of different countries. M.Gusmanov praises Presidents ability to stand for her views and sense to feel communication partner. talks with ITAR-TASS journalist M.Gusmanov after he had interviewed state President V.Vike-Freiberga. The journalist is producing series of TV shows inviting for them the presidents of different countries. M.Gusmanov praises President’s ability to stand for her views and sense to feel communication partner.

Press Report

Press Report

Latvia this year has climbed by 13 ranks in the United Nations human development index from the previous year and is 50th among 162 countries, the United Nations Development Program in Latvia reported. Last year Latvia was 63rd among 174 countries immediately after Russia, Malaysia and Bulgaria. Still a year earlier Latvia was 74th and three years ago 92nd.

Latvia this year has climbed by 13 ranks in the United Nations human development index from the previous year and is 50th among 162 countries, the United Nations Development Program in Latvia reported. Last year Latvia was 63rd among 174 countries immediately after Russia, Malaysia and Bulgaria. Still a year earlier Latvia was 74th and three years ago 92nd. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas

Latvian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers Tuesday in Baku signed agreement on co-operation between foreign ministries of the two countries and truck transportation as well as discussed opening of Azerbaijani embassy in Riga. Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins said following the document signing ceremony that apart of the already signed documents currently work is under way on three others, namely, agreement on co-operation in the area of air space, avoiding of double taxation and co-operation between customs services.

Latvian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers Tuesday in Baku signed agreement on co-operation between foreign ministries of the two countries and truck transportation as well as discussed opening of Azerbaijani embassy in Riga. Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins said following the document signing ceremony that apart of the already signed documents currently work is under way on three others, namely, agreement on co-operation in the area of air space, avoiding of double taxation and co-operation between customs services. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

Russia's Foreign Ministry believes that a recent controversial Latvian publishing house essay contest resulting in a book of selected essays should be assessed by international organisations. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that the essay contest is in need of a "clearly stated assessment from aside, first of all from European scale organisations." The Russian Foreign Ministry deems the essay topics as "openly chauvinistic" and "russophobic." "The compilation is overfilled with openly racist and fascist expressions, putting the basis for the next ethnic cleansing into young souls," announced the Russian Foreign Ministry. Authors of the essays published in the book "forbid the Russian speaking population the right to integrate into the Latvian society with equality, according to standards and regulations accepted in modern-day Europe," emphasises the Russian Foreign Ministry. The announcement also states that "we're talking about an open human hatred, russophobic campaign, spread in a country which already has enough problems in the field of human rights and ethnic minority [rights]." "The fact that official institutions did nothing to create barriers for yet another preaching of racism and national hatred is reason for concern. The Latvian Constitutional protection office did not see anything criminal in the campaign," stated the Ministry. The Russian Foreign Ministry believes that the fact that youths were involved in the contest was "cause for special concern." "Russia has on numerous accounts drawn the attention of international organisations towards the dangerous trends in the social life of Latvia. Nevertheless, on every account, an answer followed in stating that everything is fine. The result of such a stance is that at the beginning of the third millennium, a campaign rather smelling of Goebbels could be organised in the very centre of Europe," the Ministry announced. "Latvia's extreme chauvinistic attacks must not remain without reaction form the international society," emphasized Russia. Latvian politicians Latvia’s Way member K.Libane and People’s Party A.Skele think that in Vieda’s case the clear line should be drawn between freedom of speech and kindling of national hatred and that “right protection authorities should have Vieda under direct monitoring”. Meanwhile teenager newspaper “Mana” has announced “The Contest for the Patriots of Latvia” where invites teenagers to hand in essays on the theme “What does It Mean for Me to be Latvian”. The winners will be awarded with Vieda books.

Russia's Foreign Ministry believes that a recent controversial Latvian publishing house essay contest resulting in a book of selected essays should be assessed by international organisations. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that the essay contest is in need of a "clearly stated assessment from aside, first of all from European scale organisations." The Russian Foreign Ministry deems the essay topics as "openly chauvinistic" and "russophobic." "The compilation is overfilled with openly racist and fascist expressions, putting the basis for the next ethnic cleansing into young souls," announced the Russian Foreign Ministry. Authors of the essays published in the book "forbid the Russian speaking population the right to integrate into the Latvian society with equality, according to standards and regulations accepted in modern-day Europe," emphasises the Russian Foreign Ministry. The announcement also states that "we're talking about an open human hatred, russophobic campaign, spread in a country which already has enough problems in the field of human rights and ethnic minority [rights]." "The fact that official institutions did nothing to create barriers for yet another preaching of racism and national hatred is reason for concern. The Latvian Constitutional protection office did not see anything criminal in the campaign," stated the Ministry. The Russian Foreign Ministry believes that the fact that youths were involved in the contest was "cause for special concern." "Russia has on numerous accounts drawn the attention of international organisations towards the dangerous trends in the social life of Latvia. Nevertheless, on every account, an answer followed in stating that everything is fine. The result of such a stance is that at the beginning of the third millennium, a campaign rather smelling of Goebbels could be organised in the very centre of Europe," the Ministry announced. "Latvia's extreme chauvinistic attacks must not remain without reaction form the international society," emphasized Russia. Latvian politicians Latvias Way member K.Libane and Peoples Party A.Skele think that in Viedas case the clear line should be drawn between freedom of speech and kindling of national hatred and that right protection authorities should have Vieda under direct monitoring. Meanwhile teenager newspaper Mana has announced The Contest for the Patriots of Latvia where invites teenagers to hand in essays on the theme What does It Mean for Me to be Latvian. The winners will be awarded with Vieda books. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Vesti Segodnja.

Vesti Segodnja publishes full version of the press release of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Vieda book.

Vesti Segodnja publishes full version of the press release of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Vieda book.

Chas

gives the stance of the welfare minister A.Pozharnovs in the issue regarding recalculation of non-citizens pensions. The minister has come up with the following proposal – before signing the bilateral agreement with Russia on social security, the general agreement on financial issues, covering economical re-evaluation of the historical period, should be signed first. Actually, the minister calls Russia to admit its guilt and pay for the past. In the view of the minister, Russia should pay the residents of Latvia subjected to repression of Soviet regime. gives the stance of the welfare minister A.Pozharnovs in the issue regarding recalculation of non-citizens’ pensions. The minister has come up with the following proposal – before signing the bilateral agreement with Russia on social security, the general agreement on financial issues, covering economical re-evaluation of the historical period, should be signed first. “Actually, the minister calls Russia to admit its guilt and pay for the past. In the view of the minister, Russia should pay the residents of Latvia subjected to repression of Soviet regime”.

Press Report

Press Report

The European Parliament in its most recent report on Latvia states that society integration issues and economic development gradually lose their topicality and the main problems for Latvia are court system shortcomings, corruption problems and lack of administrative capacity in several EU legislation spheres.

The European Parliament in its most recent report on Latvia states that society integration issues and economic development gradually lose their topicality and the main problems for Latvia are court system shortcomings, corruption problems and lack of administrative capacity in several EU legislation spheres. Diena

Diena

publishes analyses of Presidents term in the office. The political scientists say that both the strength and weakness of the President lies in one factor – she is not from Latvia, thus she is able to adopt independent decisions, but the shortcoming of that is that she does not have people to rely on. Latvian Foreign Policy director A.Lejinshs voices Freibergas visit to the USA as her main success. The meeting with Russian president was also of big importance, considers A.Lejinsh. In regard to domestic policy, the president has shown her own position toward some laws – during 2 years she returned 8 laws to the Saeima. BNS news editor S.Jemberga reproaches the President for the lack of initiative to change legislation. S.Jemberga voices that the only Presidents initiative to enter amendments to the legislation was in regard to pre-trial detention and nothing else – neither the Law on Legal Presumption, nor amendments to Children Right as she promised. Political scientist N.Muizhnieks thinks that Latvian President is rather independent, however, political scientist A.Pabriks points out that her connection with Social Democrats is obvious. N.Muizhnieks agrees that V.Vike-Freiberga had taken some inconsiderate decisions, especially, in regard to the choice of personnel. Also, as it is indicated in the article in the internet portal publishes analyses of President’s term in the office. The political scientists say that both the strength and weakness of the President lies in one factor – she is not from Latvia, thus she is able to adopt independent decisions, but the shortcoming of that is that she does not have people to rely on. Latvian Foreign Policy director A.Lejinshs voices Freiberga’s visit to the USA as her main success. The meeting with Russian president was also of big importance, considers A.Lejinsh. In regard to domestic policy, the president has shown her own position toward some laws – during 2 years she returned 8 laws to the Saeima. BNS news editor S.Jemberga reproaches the President for the lack of initiative to change legislation. S.Jemberga voices that the only President’s initiative to enter amendments to the legislation was in regard to pre-trial detention “and nothing else – neither the Law on Legal Presumption, nor amendments to Children Right as she promised”. Political scientist N.Muizhnieks thinks that Latvian President is “rather independent”, however, political scientist A.Pabriks points out that her connection with Social Democrats is obvious. N.Muizhnieks agrees that V.Vike-Freiberga had taken some inconsiderate decisions, especially, in regard to the choice of personnel. Also, as it is indicated in the article in the internet portal Delfi Delfi Give Evaluation to Vaira!, the President still owes Latvian society explanation about her decisions in regard to personnel, as well as about the decision to stay at very expensive hotel in New York and wish to have too expensive armoured car. “Give Evaluation to Vaira!”, the President still owes Latvian society explanation about her decisions in regard to personnel, as well as about the decision to stay at very expensive hotel in New York and wish to have too expensive armoured car. Although the Central Electorate chairman A.Cimdars stated that no violations were established at Preili municipal election, many voters, as well as deputy candidates have admitted that the sale and purchase of votes took place. General Prosecutor Office will react to that, the form of response the Office is going to announce today. However, Latvia’s Way again received the majority of votes, and the second came Social Democrats.

Although the Central Electorate chairman A.Cimdars stated that no violations were established at Preili municipal election, many voters, as well as deputy candidates have admitted that the sale and purchase of votes took place. General Prosecutor Office will react to that, the form of response the Office is going to announce today. However, Latvias Way again received the majority of votes, and the second came Social Democrats. Diena, Neatkariga, Respublika

Latvian top national security agency will check out on who and with what purpose has sent a letter of threats to a local Russian language newspaper in which an unknown organisation threatens to take Russian people from Latvia to Siberia by train in cattle cars. Constitution Protection Office (CPO) deputy director Uldis Dzenitis told BNS it could be guessed by the publication in the newspaper the typewritten "masterpiece" contains "phrases that can be perceived as threats". Dzenitis said the CPO will compare the samples the office possesses with the letter received by the newspaper and also will question persons that, possibly, are involved. He declined to predict when any decisions could be made in this case. Saturday

Latvian top national security agency will check out on who and with what purpose has sent a letter of threats to a local Russian language newspaper in which an unknown organisation threatens to take Russian people from Latvia to Siberia by train in cattle cars. Constitution Protection Office (CPO) deputy director Uldis Dzenitis told BNS it could be guessed by the publication in the newspaper the typewritten "masterpiece" contains "phrases that can be perceived as threats". Dzenitis said the CPO will compare the samples the office possesses with the letter received by the newspaper and also will question persons that, possibly, are involved. He declined to predict when any decisions could be made in this case. Saturday Chas published a letter in which one organisation calling itself Committee for Latvia Free of Russian Invaders says "it is the last time to provide cattle cars and carry You out of Latvia". "The deportations schedule is being drawn. At first those will be 25,000 of military personnel-demolition men hostile to Latvia. Then all de classed elements, war, [communist] party veterans and the rest 700,000", the letter reads. The letter also recommends Russia to at last "come to its senses" and begin paying compensations as Germany is already doing, as well as criticises Russian ambassador to Latvia, Igor Studennikov, reproaching him of the lack of knowledge in history of Latvia. The letter also said the ambassador "should better think about how to pay sooner the compensations to deported persons". The newspaper in its publication meanwhile puts a rhetoric question about the letter: "What is it -- an evil joke or is it that the insanity sown by well known Roerich's publisher Mr. Garda [head of Vieda publishing company Aivars Garda] nevertheless has found grounds in the hot heads?" Neatkariga, Chas, Respublika

Daugavpils ruling party “Latgales Gaisma” headed by Daugavpils City mayor R.Eigims has re-established the coalition agreement with FHRUL.

Daugavpils ruling party Latgales Gaisma headed by Daugavpils City mayor R.Eigims has re-established the coalition agreement with FHRUL. Jauna, Panorama Latvii

There are not so many books that have had such free of charge promotion campaigns as Vieda’s book had. For 2 weeks the book is on the top of the list of best-sellers in Latvia. The director of publishing house considers the possibility to issue more copies.

There are not so many books that have had such free of charge promotion campaigns as Viedas book had. For 2 weeks the book is on the top of the list of best-sellers in Latvia. The director of publishing house considers the possibility to issue more copies. Lauku Avize

Six Riga City Council deputies whose Latvian language proficiency is doubted “keep jeering at the State Language Centre”. The deputies keep ignoring the requests of the State Language Centre to schedule examination time.

Six Riga City Council deputies whose Latvian language proficiency is doubted keep jeering at the State Language Centre. The deputies keep ignoring the requests of the State Language Centre to schedule examination time. Rigas Balss

Vesti Segodnja

publishes an article about the bilingual education in Latvia, particularly, about teaching aids in history. The newspaper disagrees with the interpretation of history reflected on some teaching aids and considers its offending for Russian students. publishes an article about the bilingual education in Latvia, particularly, about teaching aids in history. The newspaper disagrees with the interpretation of history reflected on some teaching aids and considers its offending for Russian students.

Respublika

publishes the debate on bilingual education and the role of Russian or any other national minority school in Latvia between G.Vasilevsky, head of General Education Department at the Ministry of Education and Science, and I.Pimenovs, representative of Latvian Association for Supporting Schools with the Russian Language of Tuition (LASSRLT). publishes the debate on bilingual education and the role of Russian or any other national minority school in Latvia between G.Vasilevsky, head of General Education Department at the Ministry of Education and Science, and I.Pimenovs, representative of Latvian Association for Supporting Schools with the Russian Language of Tuition (LASSRLT). When commenting on the first 100 days of Riga City Council and its mayor, People’s Party member E.Krastinshs devotes the most harsh critics to “mayor’s unfounded business trips, especially, in the direction to East”.

When commenting on the first 100 days of Riga City Council and its mayor, Peoples Party member E.Krastinshs devotes the most harsh critics to mayors unfounded business trips, especially, in the direction to East. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

Latvian Interior Ministry and Russian Federation, Migration and National Policy Affairs Ministry in August will hold talks on co-operation between the two countries in the area of migration policy.

Latvian Interior Ministry and Russian Federation, Migration and National Policy Affairs Ministry in August will hold talks on co-operation between the two countries in the area of migration policy. Vesti Segodnja

Panorama Latvii provides the procedure of naturalisation examinations, as well as add, “according to all inquired people who have gone through naturalisation the members of examination commissions have very positive attitude towards people who are taking exams”.

Panorama Latvii provides the procedure of naturalisation examinations, as well as add, according to all inquired people who have gone through naturalisation the members of examination commissions have very positive attitude towards people who are taking exams.

Press Report

Two Latvian rural municipalities had repeated elections this Sunday, as the March results were annulled for violations of voting procedures, reported Latvia's Central Voting Commission. Repeated voting is expected for the Preili region with an electorate of 7,553 and the Viesturi district in the region of Bauska with an electorate of 618 people. The turnover of voters in Preili were even lower (for 20%) than for the election on 11 March. Central Electorate Commission chairperson A.Cimdars informed that no violations were stated.

Two Latvian rural municipalities had repeated elections this Sunday, as the March results were annulled for violations of voting procedures, reported Latvia's Central Voting Commission. Repeated voting is expected for the Preili region with an electorate of 7,553 and the Viesturi district in the region of Bauska with an electorate of 618 people. The turnover of voters in Preili were even lower (for 20%) than for the election on 11 March. Central Electorate Commission chairperson A.Cimdars informed that no violations were stated. Diena, Neatkariga, Respublika

The Prime Ministers of the Baltic States had an informal meeting Sunday night in Sigulda. The Prime Ministers discussed unified border-crossing procedures, cargo declaration system and formation of favourable environment for business activities and tourism.

The Prime Ministers of the Baltic States had an informal meeting Sunday night in Sigulda. The Prime Ministers discussed unified border-crossing procedures, cargo declaration system and formation of favourable environment for business activities and tourism. Diena, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii, Chas

Neatkariga

interviews Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga. The President did not agree to the opinion of some deputies that she had paid not enough attention to domestic policy and highly appreciates her high popularity rating and trust of the people of Latvia, however, asks not to forget that she is just a human being I am not Catherine the Great!. The President emphasises the big success made by Latvia towards the accession to the EU. When asked about the relations between Latvia and Russia in the context of the new Europe, the President says I have not heard anybody at the international forums that had rejected Russia in principle, although some of Russians complain that the attitude toward them is negative. I do not think so. Nobody says that Russians belong to lower class of people, however, the fact is that they have not advanced with reforms and changes as far as the Baltic States are. The will and ability to introduce the necessary reforms in Russia is not developed so far as it is in other countries, such as, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland. I have heard an opinion that in Russia there is only an imitation of democracy and reforms, that actually nothing has changed except that living standards have become worse. Of course, the opinions are very diverse. We in Latvia agree with the opinion of whole Europe – we want to see Russia as a developed, democratic country that is ready to have a rational co-operation with Europe. interviews Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga. The President did not agree to the opinion of some deputies that she had paid not enough attention to domestic policy and highly appreciates her high popularity rating and trust of the people of Latvia, however, asks not to forget that she is just a human being “I am not Catherine the Great!”. The President emphasises the big success made by Latvia towards the accession to the EU. When asked about the relations between Latvia and Russia in the context of the new Europe, the President says “I have not heard anybody at the international forums that had rejected Russia in principle, although some of Russians complain that the attitude toward them is negative. I do not think so. Nobody says that Russians belong to lower class of people, however, the fact is that they have not advanced with reforms and changes as far as the Baltic States are. The will and ability to introduce the necessary reforms in Russia is not developed so far as it is in other countries, such as, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland. I have heard an opinion that in Russia there is only an imitation of democracy and reforms, that actually nothing has changed except that living standards have become worse. Of course, the opinions are very diverse. We in Latvia agree with the opinion of whole Europe – we want to see Russia as a developed, democratic country that is ready to have a rational co-operation with Europe”.

Chas

interviews E.Vebers, one of the contributors of the review Ethnopolicy in Latvia. He admits that non-Latvians are growing into an organised power and if we do not pay any attention to them it would result in ethnic conflict. And as the main tool to prevent such situation he suggests to adopt the Law on National Minorities, as the effective one is not working. In regard to transition to education only in the state language, E.Vebers says that it was a hurried decision, in his opinion it should not be done before 2008. The professor also emphasises the necessity to establish Consultative Councils on non-citizen affairs in all biggest cities and towns of Latvia. interviews E.Vebers, one of the contributors of the review “Ethnopolicy in Latvia”. He admits that non-Latvians are growing into an organised power and if we do not pay any attention to them it would result in ethnic conflict. And as the main tool to prevent such situation he suggests to adopt the Law on National Minorities, as the effective one is not working. In regard to transition to education only in the state language, E.Vebers says that it was a hurried decision, in his opinion it should not be done before 2008. The professor also emphasises the necessity to establish Consultative Councils on non-citizen affairs in all biggest cities and towns of Latvia.