Press Report

The change in Latvia’s Way leadership took place in its party congress on Saturday. The new chairman is the Prime Minister A.Berzins. The former chairman A.Pantelejevs was appointed to the post of chairman deputy.

The change in Latvias Way leadership took place in its party congress on Saturday. The new chairman is the Prime Minister A.Berzins. The former chairman A.Pantelejevs was appointed to the post of chairman deputy. Diena, Jauna, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Respublika, Neatkariga

People who are dealing with society integration issues in Latvia are concerned with the choice of the head of a new Public Integration Department at the Ministry of Justice V.Antoniskis. They doubt not only his competence, but also the way he was appointed to the post.

Diena In its 2 day session in Riga European People’s Party and European Democrats’ faction from the European Parliament concluded that there is a huge difference between the will of Russian and Latvian communities to work at elimination of consequences caused by occupation. Faction saw the effort of Latvia’s Government, however, they “did not see a serious positive initiative coming from the Russian community”.

In its 2 day session in Riga European Peoples Party and European Democrats faction from the European Parliament concluded that there is a huge difference between the will of Russian and Latvian communities to work at elimination of consequences caused by occupation. Faction saw the effort of Latvias Government, however, they did not see a serious positive initiative coming from the Russian community. Diena

The Baltic Assembly taking place in Vilnius on Saturday was concluded by the adoption of the statement regarding integration of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia into the NATO. The planned resolution about requiring compensation from Russia for the losses brought by Soviet occupation was postponed to the next session.

The Baltic Assembly taking place in Vilnius on Saturday was concluded by the adoption of the statement regarding integration of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia into the NATO. The planned resolution about requiring compensation from Russia for the losses brought by Soviet occupation was postponed to the next session. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Respublika, Neatkariga

Rigas Balss

interviews the President of Latvia V.Vike-Freiberga. The President was asked about partys system in Latvia, possibility to have the President elected by the people of Latvia and corruption issues in the country. interviews the President of Latvia V.Vike-Freiberga. The President was asked about party’s system in Latvia, possibility to have the President elected by the people of Latvia and corruption issues in the country.

Chas

gives the experience in society integration in one of the biggest cities of Latvia – Ventspils. In spring this year they developed their own society integration programme and as of summer the Consultative Board in non-citizen matters was established at the City Council. Follows more detailed description of this successful experience. gives the experience in society integration in one of the biggest cities of Latvia – Ventspils. In spring this year they developed their own society integration programme and as of summer the Consultative Board in non-citizen matters was established at the City Council. Follows more detailed description of this successful experience. Yesterday Independent television channel LNT announced that there is an organisation called “Secret Membership” in Latvia which members are well-known and influential people of Latvia – A.Skele, J.Naglis (Privatisation Agency President), ministers E.Krastins and G.Berzins – and who are actually ruling all processes in Latvia.

Yesterday Independent television channel LNT announced that there is an organisation called Secret Membership in Latvia which members are well-known and influential people of Latvia – A.Skele, J.Naglis (Privatisation Agency President), ministers E.Krastins and G.Berzins – and who are actually ruling all processes in Latvia. Vesti Segodnja

Today for the first time there will be the interview with the Prime Minister A.Berzins in the Russian language on the radio MIX FM.

Today for the first time there will be the interview with the Prime Minister A.Berzins in the Russian language on the radio MIX FM. Vesti Segodnja

Tomorrow at the building of Parliament will be a picket organised by the party “For Equality” to remind the Government of Latvia about the problems of national minorities.

Tomorrow at the building of Parliament will be a picket organised by the party For Equality to remind the Government of Latvia about the problems of national minorities. Vesti Segodnja

The Latvian members of Liberal Democratic Party of Russia are going to the Party’s congress to Moscow on 12-13 December. They are planning to discuss introduction of more radical measures toward Latvia with the President of Russia V.Putin.

The Latvian members of Liberal Democratic Party of Russia are going to the Partys congress to Moscow on 12-13 December. They are planning to discuss introduction of more radical measures toward Latvia with the President of Russia V.Putin. Vesti Segodnja

Vesti Segodnja

publishes the letter of Byelorussia woman L.Sokolova who suffered from the soldiers of Waffen SS who were of Baltic origin. publishes the letter of Byelorussia woman L.Sokolova who suffered from the soldiers of Waffen SS who were of Baltic origin.

Panorama Latvii

gives an opinion about the recently published informative bulletin Most (Bridge) published by the Soros Foundation in Latvia. The bulletin views the problems of bilingual education. In newspapers opinion this bulletin is a good example of hidden PR – it promotes only the good aspects of bilingual education (the stress on positive experience of other countries in this field), however, there is almost no points on how to preserve the mother tongue of minorities. gives an opinion about the recently published informative bulletin “Most” (Bridge) published by the Soros Foundation in Latvia. The bulletin views the problems of bilingual education. In newspaper’s opinion this bulletin is a good example of hidden PR – it promotes only the good aspects of bilingual education (the stress on positive experience of other countries in this field), however, there is almost no points on how to preserve the mother tongue of minorities. The establisher of FF/LNNK A.Pauls-Pâvulis has distributed the letter where he accuses the chairman of FF/LNNK M.Griblats being hypocrite and unjust and that there is no place for M.Grinblats in this party.

The establisher of FF/LNNK A.Pauls-Pâvulis has distributed the letter where he accuses the chairman of FF/LNNK M.Griblats being hypocrite and unjust and that there is no place for M.Grinblats in this party. Neatkariga

Press Report

Press Report

Influential USA foreign policy research organisation – Carnegie Fund - has published its proposals for the new President of the USA. According to them the States should not support NATO expansion in the former Soviet Republics till the year 2005, instead the USA has to pay more attention to strengthen its relations with Russia

Influential USA foreign policy research organisation – Carnegie Fund - has published its proposals for the new President of the USA. According to them the States should not support NATO expansion in the former Soviet Republics till the year 2005, instead the USA has to pay more attention to strengthen its relations with Russia. Diena

The education ministers of Baltic States signed an agreement on one joint higher education space in the Baltic. It determines that students of a country are admitted to the university of other 2 countries on the same terms as students of the respective country. It could serve as a motivation for students to learn languages of neighbour countries

The education ministers of Baltic States signed an agreement on one joint higher education space in the Baltic. It determines that students of a country are admitted to the university of other 2 countries on the same terms as students of the respective country. It could serve as a motivation for students to learn languages of neighbour countries. Diena, Chas

In the framework of European Council campaign “Europe – our common heritage” the official closing part took place in Riga. High officials of the EC and Latvia took part in the event. “If all residents of a country are aware of culture heritage of the country it benefits to its society integration” expressed the Minister of Culture K.Petersone.

In the framework of European Council campaign Europe – our common heritage the official closing part took place in Riga. High officials of the EC and Latvia took part in the event. If all residents of a country are aware of culture heritage of the country it benefits to its society integration expressed the Minister of Culture K.Petersone. Diena, Neatkariga

The President V.Vike-Freiberga took part in the conference “The Development of Municipalities in 10 years and in the future”. In her opinion, better solution should be found in the division of competence between the state and municipalities.

The President V.Vike-Freiberga took part in the conference The Development of Municipalities in 10 years and in the future. In her opinion, better solution should be found in the division of competence between the state and municipalities. Diena

National Television and Radio Council could decide to enter amendments to the regulations on the State Language Law regarding proportion of programmes aired in Latvian and other languages. The new amendments would determine the proportions of programmes in different languages not for one single broadcasting station but for all stations in Latvia together, therefore, national minorities could have their broadcasting stations, which could air in their languages.

National Television and Radio Council could decide to enter amendments to the regulations on the State Language Law regarding proportion of programmes aired in Latvian and other languages. The new amendments would determine the proportions of programmes in different languages not for one single broadcasting station but for all stations in Latvia together, therefore, national minorities could have their broadcasting stations, which could air in their languages. Diena

General Consul of Russia in Daugavpils issued a birth certificate to a baby whose mother is a Russian citizen and who gave up her rights to the baby. The authorities are trying to find foster parents for the girl in Latvia, however, if they are not successful, the girl will be taken to an orphanage in Russia.

General Consul of Russia in Daugavpils issued a birth certificate to a baby whose mother is a Russian citizen and who gave up her rights to the baby. The authorities are trying to find foster parents for the girl in Latvia, however, if they are not successful, the girl will be taken to an orphanage in Russia. Diena, Panorama Latvii

Soros Foundation Latvia has announced the award of Society Harmony. The candidate can be any resident of Latvia who matches with the following criteria – has contributed to the improvement of the relations among nationalities and has fostered integration process.

Soros Foundation Latvia has announced the award of Society Harmony. The candidate can be any resident of Latvia who matches with the following criteria – has contributed to the improvement of the relations among nationalities and has fostered integration process. Diena, Chas

Russia’s newspaper

Russias newspaper Izvestija says, according to the surveys in the Baltic States, local residents want Russians to go back to Russia. Neatkariga

Before upcoming “Latvia’s Way” party congress

Before upcoming Latvias Way party congress Chas interviews the Prime Minister and the candidate for the partys chairman post. A.Berzins. The questions are mostly about the upcoming partys congress and municipal elections.

11 December a picket against war activities in Chechnya at the Russia’s embassy in Riga organised by “Club 415”.

11 December a picket against war activities in Chechnya at the Russias embassy in Riga organised by Club 415. Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Russia’s Federation allowed non-citizens of Latvia who enter Russia till 31 December to stay in Russia for unlimited time and then they would have a possibility to obtain a return visa to Latvia in an official way at the authorities of Russia.

Russias Federation allowed non-citizens of Latvia who enter Russia till 31 December to stay in Russia for unlimited time and then they would have a possibility to obtain a return visa to Latvia in an official way at the authorities of Russia. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

In relation to the anniversary of the adoption of the Framework Declaration on Human Rights,

In relation to the anniversary of the adoption of the Framework Declaration on Human Rights, Panorama Latvii organised a small survey asking people if human rights are observed in Latvia. The newspaper writes, we decided to organise a survey to ask people if human rights are observed in Latvia. And you – readers - would say Nonsense, of course, they are violated! However, you would not be right. The people inquired by our journalist turned out to be happy with the situation.

Vesti Segodnja

publishes interview with the ex-president G.Ulmanis. When asked about the relations between the two countries Russia and Latvia – G.Ulmanis says that he does not see any aggression from the party of Russia, however, the relations will stay frozen as they are at least for a year or two. publishes interview with the ex-president G.Ulmanis. When asked about the relations between the two countries Russia and Latvia – G.Ulmanis says that he does not see any aggression from the party of Russia, however, the relations will stay “frozen” as they are at least for a year or two”. Vesti SegodnjaVesti Segodnja People’s Party chairman A.Skele invited members of European People’s Party and European Democrats from the European Parliament for Party’s conference. The main discussion subjects were Russia and Latvia and Russians in Latvia.

Peoples Party chairman A.Skele invited members of European Peoples Party and European Democrats from the European Parliament for Partys conference. The main discussion subjects were Russia and Latvia and Russians in Latvia. Vesti Segodnja

Press Report

Joining agreements between EU and candidate states have to be signed by the end of August 2002 let all national parliaments mange to ratify them before the next election of the Council of Europe in July 2004, otherwise it will not be possible to represent fully the interests of Eastern European states in EU structure. This announcement was made by the Chairman of the largest fraction in the European Parliament – Union of European People’s Party and Union of European Democrats H.G.Potering at the opening of the faction’s field sitting in Riga.

Joining agreements between EU and candidate states have to be signed by the end of August 2002 let all national parliaments mange to ratify them before the next election of the Council of Europe in July 2004, otherwise it will not be possible to represent fully the interests of Eastern European states in EU structure. This announcement was made by the Chairman of the largest fraction in the European Parliament – Union of European Peoples Party and Union of European Democrats H.G.Potering at the opening of the factions field sitting in Riga. Diena

At the working meeting of the Ministry of Justice I.Labucka it was decided to decline the draft Criminal Procedures Code that had been developed during several years. A decision was taken not to forward it because in the draft were not taken into consideration the modern principles of quick considering criminal cases that also guarantee observation of human rights.

At the working meeting of the Ministry of Justice I.Labucka it was decided to decline the draft Criminal Procedures Code that had been developed during several years. A decision was taken not to forward it because in the draft were not taken into consideration the modern principles of quick considering criminal cases that also guarantee observation of human rights. Diena

On Thursday the Saeima ratified CoE Criminal Rights Anti-corruption Convention that was aimed at improving international co-operation in fighting corruption and harmonising legal norms of different countries.

On Thursday the Saeima ratified CoE Criminal Rights Anti-corruption Convention that was aimed at improving international co-operation in fighting corruption and harmonising legal norms of different countries. Diena, Vesti Segodnya

The Central Election Commission announces on Friday the third local government election since restoration of independence of Latvia. It will take place on March 11, 2001. Opposite to the previous elections, for the first time party lists will be necessary not only in the major cities but also in all towns and regions with more than 5000 residents. For the first time there is a demand at least for two lists in every local government.

The Central Election Commission announces on Friday the third local government election since restoration of independence of Latvia. It will take place on March 11, 2001. Opposite to the previous elections, for the first time party lists will be necessary not only in the major cities but also in all towns and regions with more than 5000 residents. For the first time there is a demand at least for two lists in every local government. Diena, Neatkariga, Respublika

Officials of Russian Federation Consulate General have taken the effort to issue a birth certificate to new-born baby whom his mother, a Russian citizen residing temporarily in Latvia, left in the hospital. The baby will stay in an orphanage. Russian Consul General in Daugavpils A.Bondarenko informed journalists that they had reached an agreement with the representatives of the Ministry of Well-fare that all expenses for this baby would be covered by the Ministry.

Officials of Russian Federation Consulate General have taken the effort to issue a birth certificate to new-born baby whom his mother, a Russian citizen residing temporarily in Latvia, left in the hospital. The baby will stay in an orphanage. Russian Consul General in Daugavpils A.Bondarenko informed journalists that they had reached an agreement with the representatives of the Ministry of Well-fare that all expenses for this baby would be covered by the Ministry. Neatkariga

At the 10th congress of Latvian Way there will tense discussion on who will be the next Chairman – A.Pantelejevs or A.Berzins. Both candidates have announced that they would not recall their candidacy.

At the 10th congress of Latvian Way there will tense discussion on who will be the next Chairman – A.Pantelejevs or A.Berzins. Both candidates have announced that they would not recall their candidacy. Jauna Avize, Rigas Balss

The newspaper

The newspaper Rigas Balss published an interview with the Chairman of Latvian Way A.Pantelejevs. He thinks that he would be a better chairman because Prime Minister A.Berzins is too occupied to pay much attention to the party matters.

The National Council on Radio and TV started playing democracy – the officials invited their supervised organisations to express their opinion on the Law on Broadcasting. According to this law ž of all broadcasting should be in the state language. Chas wonders, what ill be the outcome of this opinions poll – abolishment of this norm or just the opposite – making it more severe.

The National Council on Radio and TV started playing democracy – the officials invited their supervised organisations to express their opinion on the Law on Broadcasting. According to this law ž of all broadcasting should be in the state language. Chas wonders, what ill be the outcome of this opinions poll – abolishment of this norm or just the opposite – making it more severe. Chas

Press Report

Press Report

With a symbolic opening of door and introducing non-citizens with the process of naturalisation the Naturalisation Board started on Wednesday a new tradition – Information Days that in the future woul take place twice a year and not only in the central but also in regional offices. Many interested people arrived; especially popular was the possibility to check one’s state language skills and knowledge of history and Satversme. Among the officials was present President V.Vike-Freiberga who participated in the ceremony of giving the solemn loyalty oath of the 21 new citizens.

With a symbolic opening of door and introducing non-citizens with the process of naturalisation the Naturalisation Board started on Wednesday a new tradition – Information Days that in the future woul take place twice a year and not only in the central but also in regional offices. Many interested people arrived; especially popular was the possibility to check ones state language skills and knowledge of history and Satversme. Among the officials was present President V.Vike-Freiberga who participated in the ceremony of giving the solemn loyalty oath of the 21 new citizens. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Vesti Segodnya adds that during this event the Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane described the status of non-citizen as the most disadvantageous. She was sure that Russia would soon introduce a visa regime also for non-citizens residing in Latvia and then those people would have to choose between Latvian or Russian citizenship.

Vesti Segodnya adds that during this event the Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane described the status of non-citizen as the most disadvantageous. She was sure that Russia would soon introduce a visa regime also for non-citizens residing in Latvia and then those people would have to choose between Latvian or Russian citizenship.

On Wednesday the Latvian Way faction unanimously supported the proposal to amend the Party statutes at the next Party congress on Saturday, the members could elect also the First Deputy Chairman. It would allow both the present Chairman A.Pantelejevs and Prime Minister A.Berzins remain in the party leadership and lessen tension within Latvian Way.

On Wednesday the Latvian Way faction unanimously supported the proposal to amend the Party statutes at the next Party congress on Saturday, the members could elect also the First Deputy Chairman. It would allow both the present Chairman A.Pantelejevs and Prime Minister A.Berzins remain in the party leadership and lessen tension within Latvian Way. Diena

The newspaper

The newspaper Lauku Avize interviewed the leader of Peoples Party J.Jurkans. He told journalists that it was a wise decision to establish Union For Human Rights in United Latvia and their Saeima faction was the most European faction. They supported all votes that brought Latvia closer to EU. The faction will run also for the local government election and hope for success in Riga and Latgale.

Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov proposed in 2001 under the leadership of the CBSS Commissioner to organise a conference to evaluate the situation of national minorities in the Baltic States. According to the information, disseminated by the Russian MFA, I.Ivanov came out with this idea on Tuesday in Moscow at the meeting with the new CBSS Commissioner on Democratic Development Affairs H.Deen. The Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia and Estonia should be one of the Commissioner’s priorities because from the solution of these issues depended stability in the Baltic Region.

Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Ivanov proposed in 2001 under the leadership of the CBSS Commissioner to organise a conference to evaluate the situation of national minorities in the Baltic States. According to the information, disseminated by the Russian MFA, I.Ivanov came out with this idea on Tuesday in Moscow at the meeting with the new CBSS Commissioner on Democratic Development Affairs H.Deen. The Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia and Estonia should be one of the Commissioners priorities because from the solution of these issues depended stability in the Baltic Region. Lauku Avize

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga admitted that after some years would rise a necessity to reconsider the political conditions of the Citizenship Law that now prohibited former KGB officers to receive the blue passport of Latvian citizen. At the same time the President pointed out that in all countries existed a ban to receive citizenship for those persons who openly were against the state.

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga admitted that after some years would rise a necessity to reconsider the political conditions of the Citizenship Law that now prohibited former KGB officers to receive the blue passport of Latvian citizen. At the same time the President pointed out that in all countries existed a ban to receive citizenship for those persons who openly were against the state. Vesti Segodnya

Every month about 3000 permanent residents of Latvia become citizens of some foreign country, mostly Russia. The Naturalisation Board thinks that currently in Latvia live about 20 – 40 000 Russian citizens. At the same time in the year 2000 the Board received 196 applications on giving up Latvian citizenship.

Every month about 3000 permanent residents of Latvia become citizens of some foreign country, mostly Russia. The Naturalisation Board thinks that currently in Latvia live about 20 – 40 000 Russian citizens. At the same time in the year 2000 the Board received 196 applications on giving up Latvian citizenship. Vesti Segodnya

Yesterday the members of Saeima faction FF/LNNK once again were against the rush to ratify Latvian – Australian agreement on extraditing persons suspected in committing wartime crimes. And it was disregarding the fact that their party leader G.Krasts had agreed to the position of President V.Vike-Freiberga who did not see any obstacles to ratifying this agreement.

Yesterday the members of Saeima faction FF/LNNK once again were against the rush to ratify Latvian – Australian agreement on extraditing persons suspected in committing wartime crimes. And it was disregarding the fact that their party leader G.Krasts had agreed to the position of President V.Vike-Freiberga who did not see any obstacles to ratifying this agreement. Chas

Panorama Latvii

informs its readers that for the position for the Director of Department of Public Integration at the Ministry of Justice was chosen V.Antoniskis – the former Deputy Head of Bureau for Fighting Organised Crime and Corruption. The journalist S.Zaletayev calms down the readers assuring that the new Director will not use handcuffs, arms and rude physical power in his activities. The Department will act in co-operation with the Public Consultative Council on Public Integration Affairs. At the official introduction reception Minister of Justice I.Labucka announced that in the state budget of 2001were allotted 200 000 Lats for integration needs and in 2002 it was planned to spend one Million Ls. Still the journalist is sceptical about the success of these attempts because instead of real integration what means mutual approaching of both Latvians and Russians to form a united society, it is evident that the authorities position is to integrate Russian into the Latvian society. This is not acceptable for people with self-respect. And therefore the answer to all promises of Latvian authorities should be one – at first you ratify the Framework Convention on National Minorities, only then we will participate in the public integration program that should be developed in full conformity with the spirit of the Convention. informs its readers that for the position for the Director of Department of Public Integration at the Ministry of Justice was chosen V.Antoniskis – the former Deputy Head of Bureau for Fighting Organised Crime and Corruption. The journalist S.Zaletayev calms down the readers assuring that the new Director will not use handcuffs, arms and rude physical power in his activities. The Department will act in co-operation with the Public Consultative Council on Public Integration Affairs. At the official introduction reception Minister of Justice I.Labucka announced that in the state budget of 2001were allotted 200 000 Lats for integration needs and in 2002 it was planned to spend one Million Ls. Still the journalist is sceptical about the success of these attempts because instead of real integration what means mutual approaching of both Latvians and Russians to form a united society, it is evident that the authorities’ position is to integrate Russian into the Latvian society. This is not acceptable for people with self-respect. And therefore the answer to all promises of Latvian authorities should be one – at first you ratify the Framework Convention on National Minorities, only then we will participate in the public integration program that should be developed in full conformity with the spirit of the Convention.

Press Report

Press Report

All attempts to avoid confrontations before the planned for Saturday election of Latvian Way Chairman have failed because both candidates – the present leader A.Pantelejevs and Prime Minister A.Berzins did not intend to give up their fight for this position. The party Council also did not support the proposal to elect the First Deputy Chairman that could decrease tension in the Party.

All attempts to avoid confrontations before the planned for Saturday election of Latvian Way Chairman have failed because both candidates – the present leader A.Pantelejevs and Prime Minister A.Berzins did not intend to give up their fight for this position. The party Council also did not support the proposal to elect the First Deputy Chairman that could decrease tension in the Party. Diena

After the meeting of MPs with the State President V.Vike-Freiberga, the Chairman of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Commission G.Krasts promised that Latvian – Australian agreement on extraditing persons would be submitted to the Saeima for consideration in the nearest future. Also the President did not see any obstacle to the ratification of this agreement.

After the meeting of MPs with the State President V.Vike-Freiberga, the Chairman of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Commission G.Krasts promised that Latvian – Australian agreement on extraditing persons would be submitted to the Saeima for consideration in the nearest future. Also the President did not see any obstacle to the ratification of this agreement. Diena

Vesti Segodnya

writes that it was the President who insisted that this agreement had to be ratified and the Deputies agreed to her. Only FF/LNNK representative A.Kirsteins kept his position saying that this law was written only for one person K.Kalejs and it should not be ratified in such a form. Adviser to Latvian Local Governments Union M.Pukis states that EU is not a charity organisation, and Latvia joining it will have to think how to represent its economic sectors and regions in the competition with sectors and regions of other countries. If the government would blindly follow any advise of the bureaucrats form Brussels, it could make much harm. And especially, when deciding about the territorial division of Latvia.

Adviser to Latvian Local Governments Union M.Pukis states that EU is not a charity organisation, and Latvia joining it will have to think how to represent its economic sectors and regions in the competition with sectors and regions of other countries. If the government would blindly follow any advise of the bureaucrats form Brussels, it could make much harm. And especially, when deciding about the territorial division of Latvia. Neatkariga

Today President V.Vike-Freiberga will take the solemn oath of loyalty to Latvia, the one that are taking persons when receiving Latvian citizenship. The ceremony will take place in the premises of the Naturalisation Board. After the ceremony will be a press conference where the officials of the Naturalisation Board will answer to all questions.

Today President V.Vike-Freiberga will take the solemn oath of loyalty to Latvia, the one that are taking persons when receiving Latvian citizenship. The ceremony will take place in the premises of the Naturalisation Board. After the ceremony will be a press conference where the officials of the Naturalisation Board will answer to all questions. Vesti Segodnya

Russian radio station Mix FM 102.7 kept silent yesterday. That was a decision of the National Council on Radio and TV “for catastrophic language norms violations”. The Council also sent to court a demand to close down “Russian Radio”. Deputy Chairman of the Council B.Apinis announced that this decision to stop broadcasting of Mix FM was just a warning. The Council had found out that all 100% of the broadcasts were in the Russian language, but the law stipulated that only 30% may be in a foreign language.

Russian radio station Mix FM 102.7 kept silent yesterday. That was a decision of the National Council on Radio and TV for catastrophic language norms violations. The Council also sent to court a demand to close down Russian Radio. Deputy Chairman of the Council B.Apinis announced that this decision to stop broadcasting of Mix FM was just a warning. The Council had found out that all 100% of the broadcasts were in the Russian language, but the law stipulated that only 30% may be in a foreign language. Vesti Segodnya

Daugavpils, almost Russian speaking city, reacted to the new language law by establishing a position of translator/interpreter in the City Council. About the plans of Riga, the newspaper

Daugavpils, almost Russian speaking city, reacted to the new language law by establishing a position of translator/interpreter in the City Council. About the plans of Riga, the newspaper Panorama Latvii interviewed the deputy from the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia A.Gilman. Mr. Gilman answered that they saw Daugavpils decision as an unsuccessful solution of this artificially created situation. All officials know the Russian language and could consider documents in the Russian language, at the same time the local government is forced to spend a lot of tax payers money to employ a translator. In Riga, there is an idea to establish a special structure – so called bureau to receive residents. The bureau could be established basing on the existing resources – by transferring to it people from the operating structures. Tasks of the Bureau would be more than just providing translations. It will assist any person to find the exact institution he needs, and only after the necessary institution is located; the visitor will be assisted in drawing up a correct document. Panorama Latvii