Press Report

July 17, twelve young people in Riga established a public organisation called Kolovrat. The statutes of the organisation provide for promotion of Russian culture and ties of the Russian population living in Latvia with Russia. Most of the organisation’s members are associated with the organisation Russian National Unity known as Barkashov’s group which is illegal in Russia.

July 17, twelve young people in Riga established a public organisation called Kolovrat. The statutes of the organisation provide for promotion of Russian culture and ties of the Russian population living in Latvia with Russia. Most of the organisations members are associated with the organisation Russian National Unity known as Barkashovs group which is illegal in Russia. Diena, Jauna Avize, CM

After Leta, there were no applicants for lease or operation of the buildings at the former military town of Skrunda radar station as the term for official applications expired a couple of days ago.

After Leta, there were no applicants for lease or operation of the buildings at the former military town of Skrunda radar station as the term for official applications expired a couple of days ago. Diena

Press Review

July 16, the Latvian parliament with 60 votes “for” and 37 votes “against” supported the government formed by the People’s Party, Latvia’s Way and FF/LNNK and headed by Andris Skele. President Vaira Vike-Freiberga hopes that in the ideal case this government should last till the next Saeima elections.

July 16, the Latvian parliament with 60 votes for and 37 votes against supported the government formed by the Peoples Party, Latvias Way and FF/LNNK and headed by Andris Skele. President Vaira Vike-Freiberga hopes that in the ideal case this government should last till the next Saeima elections.

In an interview to

In an interview to Diena the new prime minister Andris Skele expresses support to the Presidents move of returning the State Language Law to the parliament for the second review, however, his view is that the approach should not be too cosmopolitan and only well-motivated objections should be taken into account. He expresses a pity that there is a double standard in international practice: one for big nations and a different one for small nations (mentioning the language law in France). Commenting on the part in the new government declaration on co-operation with Russia Skele admits that Russia will always have interests in Latvia due the geographical location, with the new government Latvia could possibly focus more on co-operation with Russias regions, like St. Petersburg and Novgorod.

US Department of State supports the decision of the Latvian president to return the Language Law to the parliament for the second review. The Latvian government is invited to introduce the few amendments that would make the law comply with the OSCE recommendations in close co-operation with the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel.

US Department of State supports the decision of the Latvian president to return the Language Law to the parliament for the second review. The Latvian government is invited to introduce the few amendments that would make the law comply with the OSCE recommendations in close co-operation with the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel. Neatkariga, Chas

Friday, on the last day of the work of the Commission for US and Baltic Partnership the US Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbot called the admission of the Baltic countries to NATO “inevitable” due to the unusually big progress these countries had made. In the end document of the meeting NATO stresses that no country would be rejected due to geographical considerations.

Friday, on the last day of the work of the Commission for US and Baltic Partnership the US Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbot called the admission of the Baltic countries to NATO inevitable due to the unusually big progress these countries had made. In the end document of the meeting NATO stresses that no country would be rejected due to geographical considerations. Neatkariga

Although the number of Latvians in Daugavpils is small there is not enough places in schools with Latvian language of instruction as many non-Latvian parents want their children to attend Latvian schools. On the bases of the already existing schools at least three Latvian primary schools will be established in near future.

Although the number of Latvians in Daugavpils is small there is not enough places in schools with Latvian language of instruction as many non-Latvian parents want their children to attend Latvian schools. On the bases of the already existing schools at least three Latvian primary schools will be established in near future. Neatkariga

Press Review

The Saeima presidium ruled on Thursday, July 15 that the state president’s motivated objections to the language law should be passed on to the Saeima commissions during the first autumn session meeting, which is after August 23. The president’s move was welcomed by Latvia’s Way, the New Party and For Human Rights in United Latvia while the People’s Party, TB/LNNK and Social Democrats are more reserved. Currently only the New Party is ready to support the amendments suggested by the president.

The Saeima presidium ruled on Thursday, July 15 that the state presidents motivated objections to the language law should be passed on to the Saeima commissions during the first autumn session meeting, which is after August 23. The presidents move was welcomed by Latvias Way, the New Party and For Human Rights in United Latvia while the Peoples Party, TB/LNNK and Social Democrats are more reserved. Currently only the New Party is ready to support the amendments suggested by the president.

The government forming political forces People’s Party, Latvia’s Way and FF/LNNK Thursday signed the government declaration and coalition agreement providing for the principles and objectives of the new government. The Saeima is to vote on the new government this Friday.

The government forming political forces Peoples Party, Latvias Way and FF/LNNK Thursday signed the government declaration and coalition agreement providing for the principles and objectives of the new government. The Saeima is to vote on the new government this Friday.

Press Review

Monday, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga has received a confidential letter from OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel mentioning (after Reuters) that the letter expressed concern about discrimination of the Russian-speaking minority by passing the new Language Law. An EC representative has said that announcing the law in the current version could definitely influence the regular progress report on Latvia. Latvia’s Foreign Ministry introduced the President to the foreign response on the Language Law, however, the ministry’s State Secretary Maris Riekstins was not authorized to disclose more information.

Monday, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga has received a confidential letter from OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel mentioning (after Reuters) that the letter expressed concern about discrimination of the Russian-speaking minority by passing the new Language Law. An EC representative has said that announcing the law in the current version could definitely influence the regular progress report on Latvia. Latvias Foreign Ministry introduced the President to the foreign response on the Language Law, however, the ministrys State Secretary Maris Riekstins was not authorized to disclose more information.

The President met the Parliament factions on Monday to hear their position on the law. The New Party offered detailed objections to the law, in their view the law is contradictory and declarative and 12 articles contradict other laws or have shortcomings. The law does not provide for punitive sanctions and appeal procedures for the charged people. For Human Rights in United Latvia believe that the law does not facilitate Latvia’s EU integration as well as integration of the population in Latvia. TB/LNNK and Social Democrats maintain that the law should be announced. Social Democrats suggested that the law after it enters into effect should be sent for EU and CE expertise and after hearing specific objections the law could be amended during the fall session.

The President met the Parliament factions on Monday to hear their position on the law. The New Party offered detailed objections to the law, in their view the law is contradictory and declarative and 12 articles contradict other laws or have shortcomings. The law does not provide for punitive sanctions and appeal procedures for the charged people. For Human Rights in United Latvia believe that the law does not facilitate Latvias EU integration as well as integration of the population in Latvia. TB/LNNK and Social Democrats maintain that the law should be announced. Social Democrats suggested that the law after it enters into effect should be sent for EU and CE expertise and after hearing specific objections the law could be amended during the fall session. Diena, Neatkariga, CM, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Monday, another rally of roughly 200 people against the Language Law gathered in downtown Riga. Speeches were about the law ignoring rights of the ethnic minorities and leading to assimilation, one speaker called for boycotting shops where the staff does not speak Russian as well as to struggle for an official status for the Russian language.

Monday, another rally of roughly 200 people against the Language Law gathered in downtown Riga. Speeches were about the law ignoring rights of the ethnic minorities and leading to assimilation, one speaker called for boycotting shops where the staff does not speak Russian as well as to struggle for an official status for the Russian language.

Starting Monday, till Thursday a group of people is staging a continuous day and night protest by the President’s Palace to wait for the President’s decision on the law.

Starting Monday, till Thursday a group of people is staging a continuous day and night protest by the Presidents Palace to wait for the Presidents decision on the law. Diena, Jauna Avize, CM, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Monday, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga invited the leader of the People’s Party Andris Skele to form the new government. The negotiations between the People’s Party, FF/LNNK and Latvia’s Way on the structure and members of the government are almost completed, coalition agreement will be prepared by Tuesday and there will be more clarity about the government declaration. It is possible that this week the Saeima will vote for the new Cabinet.

Monday, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga invited the leader of the Peoples Party Andris Skele to form the new government. The negotiations between the Peoples Party, FF/LNNK and Latvias Way on the structure and members of the government are almost completed, coalition agreement will be prepared by Tuesday and there will be more clarity about the government declaration. It is possible that this week the Saeima will vote for the new Cabinet.

Diena

publishes an interview with the OSCE observer from Latvia Georgs Kerlins after his return from Kosovo. publishes an interview with the OSCE observer from Latvia Georgs Kerlins after his return from Kosovo. Latvian Defense Minister received a letter from the NATO Secretary General asking Latvia to take part in the peace keeping forces mission in Kosovo. The Latvian soldiers could go to the region at the end of summer.

Latvian Defense Minister received a letter from the NATO Secretary General asking Latvia to take part in the peace keeping forces mission in Kosovo. The Latvian soldiers could go to the region at the end of summer. Neatkariga, Diena

Press Review

July 8, Latvian parliament by a certain majority (73 for, 16 against, 8 abstaining) passed the long-discussed State Language Law. In most cases the politicians supported versions of the law’s articles suggested by the responsible committee that correspond the OSCE recommendations but in two cases the recommendations were ignored and the commission’s opinion was rejected. MP s from the People’s Party, FF/LNNK, Social Democrats decided that the state language should be used in all public events. The above three factions and Latvia’s Way supported another provision requiring all signs, billboards, announcements in public places to be in the state language not allowing for usage of another language along with the state language. Head of the responsible commission Dzintars Abikis explained that the two above provisions have been working successfully for several years under the current law and have never been seriously objected.

July 8, Latvian parliament by a certain majority (73 for, 16 against, 8 abstaining) passed the long-discussed State Language Law. In most cases the politicians supported versions of the laws articles suggested by the responsible committee that correspond the OSCE recommendations but in two cases the recommendations were ignored and the commissions opinion was rejected. MP s from the Peoples Party, FF/LNNK, Social Democrats decided that the state language should be used in all public events. The above three factions and Latvias Way supported another provision requiring all signs, billboards, announcements in public places to be in the state language not allowing for usage of another language along with the state language. Head of the responsible commission Dzintars Abikis explained that the two above provisions have been working successfully for several years under the current law and have never been seriously objected.

However, right after being passed the new law received criticism from foreign officials as well as the local human rights specialists.

However, right after being passed the new law received criticism from foreign officials as well as the local human rights specialists. Diena refers to the head of the OSCE mission to Latvia David Johnson saying that the newly passed law is worse than the version prepared by the responsible commission before the third reading. The OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel plans to get acquainted with the law and release his comments in a few days. The conclusions of the EC regarding the law will be included in the Commissions report on Latvia this fall. There is a possibility that Hans van den Brook will submit a separate report on the Language Law. The statement released by the Russian Embassy to Latvia says the newly passed law openly discriminates national minorities in Latvia and does not correspond to the European legal standards. The Russian party adds that the passed law will be taken into account regarding the bilateral relations between Latvia and Russia. In response to the Russian statement the Latvian Foreign Ministrys State Secretary Maris Riekstins noted that the Russian institutions should respect a decision made by a sovereign country and doubted whether the Russian Foreign Ministry has seen the final version of the law. Head of the Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center Nils Muiznieks thinks that the law does not correspond to Latvias international commitments and MP s or the Human Rights Office could initiate sending the law to the Constitutional Court to review the laws compliance to the freedom of speech principle provided for by the Constitution. Head of Latvias Foreign Policy Institute Atis Lejins noted that OSCE wants to intervene too much in the countrys domestic affairs and was sure that Latvia will be able to defend its position before the Helsinki summit.

The Russian language papers mostly stress the discriminating nature of the law and the fact that the new law was passed under the pressure of the situation were parties try to get their share of the power.

The Russian language papers mostly stress the discriminating nature of the law and the fact that the new law was passed under the pressure of the situation were parties try to get their share of the power. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, BB, CM, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Most papers report on the rally of 300 to 500 people held July 8 by the Parliament building to protest the Language Law. Co-chairman of the Latvian Human Rights Committee Genady Kotov told Jauna Avize his concern was the requirement under the new law to apply to state institutions in the state language while the state is not helping to learn the language. The main placard held by the ralliers read “Linguistic dictatorship leads to Kosovo”. An organizer Tatyana Zhdanoka commented that in case of passing the law people who are not proficient in the state language may come to an aggressive reaction.

Most papers report on the rally of 300 to 500 people held July 8 by the Parliament building to protest the Language Law. Co-chairman of the Latvian Human Rights Committee Genady Kotov told Jauna Avize his concern was the requirement under the new law to apply to state institutions in the state language while the state is not helping to learn the language. The main placard held by the ralliers read Linguistic dictatorship leads to Kosovo. An organizer Tatyana Zhdanoka commented that in case of passing the law people who are not proficient in the state language may come to an aggressive reaction.

July 8, Vaira Vike-Freiberga officially became the President of Latvia.

July 8, Vaira Vike-Freiberga officially became the President of Latvia.

During the July 8 meeting the Saeima supported the draft decision submitted by the Cabinet to send 15 soldiers from Latvia to participate in peace keeping operations in Kosovo.

During the July 8 meeting the Saeima supported the draft decision submitted by the Cabinet to send 15 soldiers from Latvia to participate in peace keeping operations in Kosovo. Neatkariga

Saeima’s commission for implementation of the Citizenship Law ruled July 8 that the centralized tests in state language taken by non-Latvian high-school graduates cannot replace the tests to be taken when applying for Latvian citizenship. Commission members say that currently there is no legal bases for the move, also, after participating in some tests there had been an impression that students in some cases don’t know the language well enough.

Saeimas commission for implementation of the Citizenship Law ruled July 8 that the centralized tests in state language taken by non-Latvian high-school graduates cannot replace the tests to be taken when applying for Latvian citizenship. Commission members say that currently there is no legal bases for the move, also, after participating in some tests there had been an impression that students in some cases dont know the language well enough. Diena

The Foreign Ministry’s State Secretary Maris Riekstins told LETA that several statements made by Ole Espersen, CBSS Commissioner for National Minorities, for instance, the suggestion to grant non-citizens the right to vote in municipal elections, differ from recommendations released by other international organizations. However, the commissioner’s activities concerning Latvia should not be estimated negatively. Riekstins added that Latvia plans to turn attention to overlapping in recommendations released by Espersen and the OSCE High Commissioner. After

The Foreign Ministrys State Secretary Maris Riekstins told LETA that several statements made by Ole Espersen, CBSS Commissioner for National Minorities, for instance, the suggestion to grant non-citizens the right to vote in municipal elections, differ from recommendations released by other international organizations. However, the commissioners activities concerning Latvia should not be estimated negatively. Riekstins added that Latvia plans to turn attention to overlapping in recommendations released by Espersen and the OSCE High Commissioner. After Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Estonia is the only CBSS country that objects prolonging of Espersens mandate. The article is critical about contradictory recommendations coming simultaneously from OSCE, Council of Europe and CBSS. Neatkariga