Press Report

Press Report

Tuesday the Cabinet of Ministers will review amendments to the Regulations No 296 envisaging that till 1 September 2003 the examination in the Latvian language for national minority students of 9th grade are to be comparable to the state language examinations for naturalisation.

Tuesday the Cabinet of Ministers will review amendments to the Regulations No 296 envisaging that till 1 September 2003 the examination in the Latvian language for national minority students of 9th grade are to be comparable to the state language examinations for naturalisation. Diena

American newspaper

American newspaper The New York Times publishes an article about society integration in Latvia. The article provides some insight into Latvian history and in regard to todays problems says that the majority of Russian speakers in Latvia is constituted of former Soviet military persons and people brought into the country on the directive of Stalin. It is admitted that Russians protests against violation of their rights seem a little bit ironic, besides Latvian Citizenship and State Language Laws meet all the requirements of the EU and OSCE for several years. The newspaper concludes that for successful integration in Latvia only justice is not enough. Diena

Latvian Government has started the long way to the ratification of the Convention on Nationalities – tomorrow the Government should take decision about the ratification of the Convention on Nationalities of 6 November of 1997. In order to have the Latvian Law on Citizenship in agreement with the Convention Latvia has entered some pretexts to the articles of the Convention.

Latvian Government has started the long way to the ratification of the Convention on Nationalities – tomorrow the Government should take decision about the ratification of the Convention on Nationalities of 6 November of 1997. In order to have the Latvian Law on Citizenship in agreement with the Convention Latvia has entered some pretexts to the articles of the Convention. Diena

A plaintiff, who turned to the European Court of Human Rights with a claim over violations of the election law, wants to exact from Latvia 50,000 lats (USD 79,000) in moral damages and also 1,500 in lost salary. The claim for moral damages is contradictory to the initial statement by the left-wing alliance For Human Rights to which Podkolzina belongs. The leftist block said earlier Podkolzina's case was a matter of principle and they sought legislative amendments, not money. The court notified the Latvian government about the amount of damages claimed. By June 7 the government has to submit its comments. The European Court of Human Rights has accepted for review in substance Podkolzina's claim about restricting elections rights on the grounds of discrimination by language. Podkolzina of eastern Latvian city of Daugavpils with predominantly Russian-speaking population was the only person deleted from the list of candidates in parliamentary elections in Latvia in 1998 due to inadequate language proficiency. Earlier the Latvian government was given the chance to try to reach a settlement with Podkolzina but the left-wing bloc in which she is a member insisted on amendments to the election law, eliminating discrimination against ethnic minority representatives whose rights to run for elections are restricted on the grounds of language proficiency.

A plaintiff, who turned to the European Court of Human Rights with a claim over violations of the election law, wants to exact from Latvia 50,000 lats (USD 79,000) in moral damages and also 1,500 in lost salary. The claim for moral damages is contradictory to the initial statement by the left-wing alliance For Human Rights to which Podkolzina belongs. The leftist block said earlier Podkolzina's case was a matter of principle and they sought legislative amendments, not money. The court notified the Latvian government about the amount of damages claimed. By June 7 the government has to submit its comments. The European Court of Human Rights has accepted for review in substance Podkolzina's claim about restricting elections rights on the grounds of discrimination by language. Podkolzina of eastern Latvian city of Daugavpils with predominantly Russian-speaking population was the only person deleted from the list of candidates in parliamentary elections in Latvia in 1998 due to inadequate language proficiency. Earlier the Latvian government was given the chance to try to reach a settlement with Podkolzina but the left-wing bloc in which she is a member insisted on amendments to the election law, eliminating discrimination against ethnic minority representatives whose rights to run for elections are restricted on the grounds of language proficiency. Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Panorama Latvii, BNS, Delfi

The campaign of

Vesti Segodnja providing advertising possibilities in the newspaper free of charge to the companies which sign boards are also in Russian has raised rather serious opposition from the Latvian language specialists and political scientists. Although the campaign is in accordance with the Law, political scientist A.Pabriks comments that the campaign should be viewed as civic irresponsibility and an invitation to confrontation. Diena Naturalisation Board has developed new proposals regarding the Regulations of Cabinet of Ministers on the State Fee for Naturalisation. The new regulations envisage more categories of people who should pay reduced state fee.

Naturalisation Board has developed new proposals regarding the Regulations of Cabinet of Ministers on the State Fee for Naturalisation. The new regulations envisage more categories of people who should pay reduced state fee. Diena

Chas

interviews the current Latvian ambassador to Russia I.Daudish whose term in the office comes to an end. The ambassador talks about the difficulties in his work and future perspectives. He says that we expected more from the meeting of our presidents, however, it was necessary as after that our President could start discussions with Latvian politicians on what could be improved in these relations. I.Daudishs next assignment is the post of Latvian ambassador to the United Kingdom. interviews the current Latvian ambassador to Russia I.Daudish whose term in the office comes to an end. The ambassador talks about the difficulties in his work and future perspectives. He says that “we expected more from the meeting of our presidents, however, it was necessary as after that our President could start discussions with Latvian politicians on what could be improved in these relations”. I.Daudishs next assignment is the post of Latvian ambassador to the United Kingdom.

Respublika

re-publishes excerpts from re-publishes excerpts from DienaDiena article whether or not non-citizens should have rights to participate at municipal elections. article whether or not non-citizens should have rights to participate at municipal elections.  

Press Report

Press Report

According to social poll data residents of Riga do not have very much information about Riga City Council officials and their work at the Council. However, the popularity ratings show that vice Mayor S.Dolgopolov (FHRUL) is a little bit ahead (15.9%) of Riga Mayor G.Bojars (social democrat) (15.6%)

According to social poll data residents of Riga do not have very much information about Riga City Council officials and their work at the Council. However, the popularity ratings show that vice Mayor S.Dolgopolov (FHRUL) is a little bit ahead (15.9%) of Riga Mayor G.Bojars (social democrat) (15.6%) Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja, Chas.

Latvian Youth Club is going to file a claim on the sentence of the Court of Riga Central District with the European Human Rights Court. LYC was fined in the amount of LVL 100 for distribution of posters in the Latvian language containing style and grammar mistakes.

Latvian Youth Club is going to file a claim on the sentence of the Court of Riga Central District with the European Human Rights Court. LYC was fined in the amount of LVL 100 for distribution of posters in the Latvian language containing style and grammar mistakes. Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Chas

talks to one of national bolshevists S.Solovej sentenced for terrorism in Latvia. S.Solovey does not regret what he did and says that it was done to support Russian people who reside in Latvia.talks to one of national bolshevists S.Solovej sentenced for terrorism in Latvia. S.Solovey does not regret what he did and says that it was done to support Russian people who reside in Latvia.   

Press Report

Press Report

The Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party and FF/LNNK party have completed work on their coalition agreement project and handed it in for discussions at the party factions and boards. Social democrat board member Janis Dinevics said that the two-page agreement project, including principles on joint work at the city council and the necessity to establish a co-ordination council, has been handed to the party factions for assessment. Dinevics did not wish to give any more details on the agreement until it is discussed and announced acceptable by both party factions.

The Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party and FF/LNNK party have completed work on their coalition agreement project and handed it in for discussions at the party factions and boards. Social democrat board member Janis Dinevics said that the two-page agreement project, including principles on joint work at the city council and the necessity to establish a co-ordination council, has been handed to the party factions for assessment. Dinevics did not wish to give any more details on the agreement until it is discussed and announced acceptable by both party factions. Diena, Panorama Latvii

Neatkariga gives a short article about the presentation of the booklet “Ten Questions About Society Integration in Latvia” and mentions the sponsors of the booklet.

Neatkariga gives a short article about the presentation of the booklet Ten Questions About Society Integration in Latvia and mentions the sponsors of the booklet.

To foster integration, the examination in the Latvian language at national minority schools should be comparable to language examinations for naturalisation. Such opinion was voiced during the meeting of foreign minister I.Berzins and OSCE Mission to Latvia head P.Semenby.

To foster integration, the examination in the Latvian language at national minority schools should be comparable to language examinations for naturalisation. Such opinion was voiced during the meeting of foreign minister I.Berzins and OSCE Mission to Latvia head P.Semenby. Rigas Balss

Lawmakers from FF/LNNK party have gathered the required number of signatures to set up a parliamentary commission for investigation in the agreement signed in 1991 between Latvia's then legislative body Supreme Council and Soviet Union's KGB. He said the proposal was signed by MPs from FF/LNNK parliament faction, several MPs from the other two coalition partners Latvia's Way and People's Party as well as by Social Democrat MPs. The protocol of agreement signed in 1991 by Supreme Council and KGB provides for ensuring rights of the former KGB employees and, if needed, appointing them on a job.

Lawmakers from FF/LNNK party have gathered the required number of signatures to set up a parliamentary commission for investigation in the agreement signed in 1991 between Latvia's then legislative body Supreme Council and Soviet Union's KGB. He said the proposal was signed by MPs from FF/LNNK parliament faction, several MPs from the other two coalition partners Latvia's Way and People's Party as well as by Social Democrat MPs. The protocol of agreement signed in 1991 by Supreme Council and KGB provides for ensuring rights of the former KGB employees and, if needed, appointing them on a job. Jauna, Respublika, Chas

Yesterday a new project targeted to society integration in Latvia was presented. In the framework of the project the series of TV discussions “2+2” will be aired on LTV channel II during 20 Sundays and it will reflect actual issues concerning national minorities in Latvia. The programme is organised in the form of discussions between 2 Russian and 2 Latvian journalists. Among the producers of the programme are the members of Latvian Committee on Human Rights T.Zhdanok and G.Kotov.

Yesterday a new project targeted to society integration in Latvia was presented. In the framework of the project the series of TV discussions 2+2 will be aired on LTV channel II during 20 Sundays and it will reflect actual issues concerning national minorities in Latvia. The programme is organised in the form of discussions between 2 Russian and 2 Latvian journalists. Among the producers of the programme are the members of Latvian Committee on Human Rights T.Zhdanok and G.Kotov. Respublika, Vesti Segodnja

Chas

writes about the amendments to the Law regarding imposing administrative fines for violating the State Language Law. FHRUL deputy M.Mitrafanovs comments that the new edition provides for that not only legal entities but also self-employed persons can be fined and that the State Language Centre wants to return the fines for omitting grammar mistakes, although the OSCE was against that. writes about the amendments to the Law regarding imposing administrative fines for violating the State Language Law. FHRUL deputy M.Mitrafanovs comments that the new edition provides for that not only legal entities but also self-employed persons can be fined and that the State Language Centre wants to return the fines for omitting grammar mistakes, although the OSCE was against that. Yesterday Russian EU summit was launched in Moscow. Russian President V.Putin met with EU President V.Prodi. Russian President draw attention of V.Prodi to the situation of national minorities in Latvia. “What regards Latvia’s integration to the EU we will pay special attention to the situation of national minorities and big number of non-citizens”, said V.Prodi.

Yesterday Russian EU summit was launched in Moscow. Russian President V.Putin met with EU President V.Prodi. Russian President draw attention of V.Prodi to the situation of national minorities in Latvia. What regards Latvias integration to the EU we will pay special attention to the situation of national minorities and big number of non-citizens, said V.Prodi. Vesti Segodnja

Prime Minister A.Berzins gave an interview for the National Radio. When asked if non-citizens will take part at municipal election, Prime Minister says that it will not happen until we reach an integrated society, however, he could not define what is an integrated society in his opinion. Prime Minister said that those who want to be involved in state affairs have to naturalise. The main argument of Prime Minister why non-citizens should not have rights to take part at municipal elections is that therefore they could lose motivation to integrate. In regard to relations with Russia, A.Berzins says that “recently these relations have got a new impulse and have developed far ahead. Russia has realised that we are not going to attack anybody and our membership to NATO is not directed against anybody”.

Prime Minister A.Berzins gave an interview for the National Radio. When asked if non-citizens will take part at municipal election, Prime Minister says that it will not happen until we reach an integrated society, however, he could not define what is an integrated society in his opinion. Prime Minister said that those who want to be involved in state affairs have to naturalise. The main argument of Prime Minister why non-citizens should not have rights to take part at municipal elections is that therefore they could lose motivation to integrate. In regard to relations with Russia, A.Berzins says that recently these relations have got a new impulse and have developed far ahead. Russia has realised that we are not going to attack anybody and our membership to NATO is not directed against anybody. Latvijas Vestnesis, Vesti Segodnja

Press Report

Press Report

Diena

provides discussion whether non-citizens should be given the rights to vote at municipal elections. Latvian politicians and political scientists do not share a common opinion on the issue – a part thinks that if non-citizens are given the rights the tempo of naturalisation would decrease significantly, the other part considers that it would foster civic involvement and it would make big Latvian parties to start to communicate with till now the alienated part of society – non-citizens. Political scientist N.Muiznieks, who is for the idea, provides his opinion on the matter – this is experience of many European countries, as well as our neighbouring country Estonia. Their practice shows that thus the interest of citizens toward non-citizens grows, as well as it fosters understanding among different national minorities. The study Towards a Civic Society confirms that non-citizens want to have rights to vote at municipal election, as well as 44% citizens agree with that. Political scientist A.Pabriks is of opposite opinion. His main argument is that by giving non-citizens these rights, their motivation to get naturalised becomes very weak. Naturalisation Board head E.Aldermane is also against giving the rights to non-citizens at this moment, as according to the study 59% non-citizens are not planning to naturalise because of poor Latvian language skills and if they are not able to understand the candidate, then by voting they express probably not their own will but somebodys else, says Aldermane. In regard about the possible choice of non-citizens at elections N.Muiznieks sharply criticises Latvian parties about their ignorance towards non-citizens and national minorities in general. However, all inquired persons agreed upon the necessity to build one unified society in Latvia. provides discussion whether non-citizens should be given the rights to vote at municipal elections. Latvian politicians and political scientists do not share a common opinion on the issue – a part thinks that if non-citizens are given the rights the tempo of naturalisation would decrease significantly, the other part considers that it would foster civic involvement and it would make big Latvian parties to start to communicate with till now the alienated part of society – non-citizens. Political scientist N.Muiznieks, who is for the idea, provides his opinion on the matter – “this is experience of many European countries, as well as our neighbouring country Estonia. Their practice shows that thus the interest of citizens toward non-citizens grows, as well as it fosters understanding among different national minorities”. The study “Towards a Civic Society” confirms that non-citizens want to have rights to vote at municipal election, as well as 44% citizens agree with that. Political scientist A.Pabriks is of opposite opinion. His main argument is that by giving non-citizens these rights, their motivation to get naturalised becomes very weak. Naturalisation Board head E.Aldermane is also against giving the rights to non-citizens at this moment, as according to the study 59% non-citizens are not planning to naturalise because of poor Latvian language skills and if they are not able to understand the candidate, then by voting they express probably not their own will but somebody’s else, says Aldermane. In regard about the possible choice of non-citizens at elections N.Muiznieks sharply criticises Latvian parties about their ignorance towards non-citizens and national minorities in general. However, all inquired persons agreed upon the necessity to build one unified society in Latvia.

Diena

writes about the National Human Rights Office work as the term in office of the current director of Latvian National Human Rights Office O.Bruvers comes to an end. The assessment of O.Bruvers work is rather contradicting. Prime Minister A.Berzins has asked coalition parties to name their candidates for the post of NHRO within this week, up till now the only name announced in public is O.Bruvers and he himself has confirmed that he would be ready to continue his work. However, it has given the ground for the supporters of the idea to establish ombudsman institution in Latvia promote their idea more actively. One of the most active supporters is J.Dreifeld, the head of presidential working group that developed conceptual paper on ombudsman institution in Latvia. According to unofficial sources, he could be the candidate named by President V.Vike-Freiberga. Diena also gives a look back to the scandals within NHRO and biography of O.Bruvers. writes about the National Human Rights Office work as the term in office of the current director of Latvian National Human Rights Office O.Bruvers comes to an end. The assessment of O.Bruvers work is rather contradicting. Prime Minister A.Berzins has asked coalition parties to name their candidates for the post of NHRO within this week, up till now the only name announced in public is O.Bruvers and he himself has confirmed that he would be ready to continue his work. However, it has given the ground for the supporters of the idea to establish ombudsman institution in Latvia promote their idea more actively. One of the most active supporters is J.Dreifeld, the head of presidential working group that developed conceptual paper on ombudsman institution in Latvia. According to unofficial sources, he could be the candidate named by President V.Vike-Freiberga. Diena also gives a look back to the scandals within NHRO and biography of O.Bruvers. The OSCE Mission to Latvia head P.Semneby and Latvian foreign minister I.Berzins discussed the successful course of fulfilling Mission’s tasks during their yesterday’s meeting. P.Semneby informed foreign minister about experts’ work at developing proposals on strengthening the role of NHRO, on OSCE co-operation with the State language Centre, as well as the projects implemented by the OSCE Mission to Latvia regarding providing information to public on integration and naturalisation issues.

The OSCE Mission to Latvia head P.Semneby and Latvian foreign minister I.Berzins discussed the successful course of fulfilling Missions tasks during their yesterdays meeting. P.Semneby informed foreign minister about experts work at developing proposals on strengthening the role of NHRO, on OSCE co-operation with the State language Centre, as well as the projects implemented by the OSCE Mission to Latvia regarding providing information to public on integration and naturalisation issues. Neatkariga

Latvijas Vestnesis

interviews DCMA head M.Bichevskis about the implementation of ID cards in Latvia. M.Bichevskis explains why it is necessary to introduce ID cards, about the experience of Estonia, the application of electronic ID cards and the gains for the country after the cards are introduced. As one of the main problems concerning ID card introduction DCMA head mentions Latvian practice to make a stamp in the passport confirming persons participation at elections, therefore, the implementation of ID cards could be launched in 2002 just after 8th Saeima election. interviews DCMA head M.Bichevskis about the implementation of ID cards in Latvia. M.Bichevskis explains why it is necessary to introduce ID cards, about the experience of Estonia, the application of electronic ID cards and the gains for the country after the cards are introduced. As one of the main problems concerning ID card introduction DCMA head mentions Latvian practice to make a stamp in the passport confirming person’s participation at elections, therefore, the implementation of ID cards could be launched in 2002 just after 8th Saeima election. The State Language Centre has sent a letter to FHRUL faction chairman at Riga City Council with the request “to appoint specific time and place to examine language proficiency skills of 6 faction deputies”. The decision of the State Language Centre was taken after it received the letter of Riga City Council Mayor where he stated that officials of the Centre are entitled to meet with the deputies.

The State Language Centre has sent a letter to FHRUL faction chairman at Riga City Council with the request to appoint specific time and place to examine language proficiency skills of 6 faction deputies. The decision of the State Language Centre was taken after it received the letter of Riga City Council Mayor where he stated that officials of the Centre are entitled to meet with the deputies. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Yesterday Russia’s Parliament prolonged Russian Latvian agreement on Repatriation and Protection of the Rights of Repatriates.

Yesterday Russias Parliament prolonged Russian Latvian agreement on Repatriation and Protection of the Rights of Repatriates. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

Saeima Education, Science and Culture Committee supported the amendments to the Law envisaging administrative fines for violating the State Language Law, for example, the lack of the names of public organisations and institutions on the sign boards in Latvian can be fined with LVL 25-100.

Saeima Education, Science and Culture Committee supported the amendments to the Law envisaging administrative fines for violating the State Language Law, for example, the lack of the names of public organisations and institutions on the sign boards in Latvian can be fined with LVL 25-100. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

Seminar on the co-operation between border zone regions will take place in Pskov on 18 May. The discussion subjects are long-term perspectives of Latvian Russian relations, improvements in trade and investment environment and providing stability in border zone region co-operation.

Chas.

Respublika

interviews Latvian environmental protection and regional development minister V.Makarov, who couple years ago was the member of Parliamentarian Committee on Integration. When asked about the aspects that could promote integration the minister says it is first of all the language and not only Latvian, but also Russian. V.Makarovs sadly concludes that there are two communities of new generation in the country.

Lauku Avize

provides opinions of different politicians on the establishment of task force group to assist people to return to their ethnic countries. G.Krasts, FF/LNNK, says that in his opinion the work of the group will be successful. K.Libane, Latvias Way, says that first the group has to learn how many people want to return to their countries and then ask money to foreign countries. M.Mitrafanovs, FHRUL, does not like the idea very much and thinks that there are not so many people who wants to return to their ethnic countries, as there they experience even bigger problems and are not able to integrate either. J.Jurkans, FHRUL, also doubts whether there are such people who want to return.

Press Report

Press Report

The only just established Latvian parliament member group for supporting the repatriation of ethnic minorities will be urging other countries to financially support the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Latvia. In the opinion of political scientist N.Muiznieks deputies’ efforts are useless they would rather invest their efforts in the implementation of society integration programme. For three and a half years the IOM has been implementing an assistance programme for Russian citizens wanting to return to reside in Russia. As of June 1999 the office has helped 1,040 people return to Russia, half of which were people over 50, 200 children and 300 of working age. The cost of one person repatriating amounts to around 180 lats (USD 285), said Mezs. Deputy chairman of the parliament's task force, Vaira Paegle, said at the meeting that the aim of the group is to support the repatriation of ethnic minorities to their homeland amongst those who wish to and not to intentionally promote foreigners to leave the country. The MPs also expressed support to the suggestion of Mezs, who said that foreigners leaving Latvia should continue to get the pensions they earned in Latvia.

The only just established Latvian parliament member group for supporting the repatriation of ethnic minorities will be urging other countries to financially support the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Latvia. In the opinion of political scientist N.Muiznieks deputies efforts are useless they would rather invest their efforts in the implementation of society integration programme. For three and a half years the IOM has been implementing an assistance programme for Russian citizens wanting to return to reside in Russia. As of June 1999 the office has helped 1,040 people return to Russia, half of which were people over 50, 200 children and 300 of working age. The cost of one person repatriating amounts to around 180 lats (USD 285), said Mezs. Deputy chairman of the parliament's task force, Vaira Paegle, said at the meeting that the aim of the group is to support the repatriation of ethnic minorities to their homeland amongst those who wish to and not to intentionally promote foreigners to leave the country. The MPs also expressed support to the suggestion of Mezs, who said that foreigners leaving Latvia should continue to get the pensions they earned in Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Chas, Panorama Latvii.

Diena gives its analyses on the situation in Riga City Council. The coalition agreement is to be signed no sooner as in the next week and the content of it is kept in secret. The formation of the coalition can be fostered also by the observation of some politicians that in some cases the role of vice Mayor S.Dolgopolov, presenting FHRUL at the City Council, increases in comparison to the role of Mayor G.Bojars has.

Diena gives its analyses on the situation in Riga City Council. The coalition agreement is to be signed no sooner as in the next week and the content of it is kept in secret. The formation of the coalition can be fostered also by the observation of some politicians that in some cases the role of vice Mayor S.Dolgopolov, presenting FHRUL at the City Council, increases in comparison to the role of Mayor G.Bojars has.

Yesterday the Government adopted the new edition of the Regulations on Registration and Entry of Foreign Citizens to Latvia. The Regulations do not imply any new radical changes, however, they provide for some advantages for business people.

Yesterday the Government adopted the new edition of the Regulations on Registration and Entry of Foreign Citizens to Latvia. The Regulations do not imply any new radical changes, however, they provide for some advantages for business people. Chas

Yesterday the Naturalisation Board distributed the data on the number of applications submitted to acquire citizenship. In comparison to April 1999 the number is dropping - 1176 applications in April of 1999 and only 609 in April this year.

Yesterday the Naturalisation Board distributed the data on the number of applications submitted to acquire citizenship. In comparison to April 1999 the number is dropping - 1176 applications in April of 1999 and only 609 in April this year. Vesti Segodnja explains the changes with political activities in Russia – when V.Putin had been chosen for the post of President the number of naturalisation applications dropped almost twice in Latvia.

International Congress of Russian Mass Media takes place in Kiev. The delegation from Latvia is the third biggest delegation after Russian and Ukrainian delegations.

International Congress of Russian Mass Media takes place in Kiev. The delegation from Latvia is the third biggest delegation after Russian and Ukrainian delegations. Chas

Panorama Latvii

interviews the chairman of Socialist Party A.Rubiks. A.Rubiks shares with his opinions about the conference on the issues of globalisation and NATO organised for left-wing workers parties in Brussels, as well as life of common people in Latvia. interviews the chairman of Socialist Party A.Rubiks. A.Rubiks shares with his opinions about the conference on the issues of globalisation and NATO organised for left-wing workers parties in Brussels, as well as life of common people in Latvia.