Integration monitor is a daily Latvian press digest on ethnic minority and society integration issues. The Monitor reviews the biggest Latvian dailies: Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga (in Latvian language), Vesti Segodnya (in Russian language). In specific cases other information sources are used. Latvian Centre for Human Rights is not responsible for information published by the media.

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

 

Diena publishes analyses and conclusions of two experts – Latvian Center for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies director Nils Muiznieks and Riga Graduate School of Law lecturer Martins Mits - concerning the drafted amendments to the Constitution to secure the status of the state language, their compliance with the aims voiced, the Constitution and international bindings.

Riga executive director’s deputy has issued approval for march on Latvian Legion Day. State Reform Minister Janis Krumins had expressed his dismay over the authorization received by two groups ("Latvietis" and "Klubs 415") for a procession through Riga to the Freedom Monument on March 16 in honor of the World War II Latvian legionnaires. Krumins demanded that Riga Deputy Director Vita Zablocka’s decision is overturned and, as Diena points out, "one didn’t have to wait too long". Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars yesterday evening announced that it was a mistake, which will be corrected. Observation of the controversial (but unofficial) March 16 anniversary has irked Moscow annually and Latvian army veterans groups had already decided not to hold their procession this year.

Riga executive directors deputy has issued approval for march on Latvian Legion Day. State Reform Minister Janis Krumins had expressed his dismay over the authorization received by two groups ("Latvietis" and "Klubs 415") for a procession through Riga to the Freedom Monument on March 16 in honor of the World War II Latvian legionnaires. Krumins demanded that Riga Deputy Director Vita Zablockas decision is overturned and, as Diena points out, "one didnt have to wait too long". Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars yesterday evening announced that it was a mistake, which will be corrected. Observation of the controversial (but unofficial) March 16 anniversary has irked Moscow annually and Latvian army veterans groups had already decided not to hold their procession this year. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Yesterday Saeima Judicial Commission in principal approved the amendments on bolstering the status of Latvian language to the Constitution. Before the decision was adopted the Commission listened to the views of lawyers and language experts. The majority of the participants did not object to the amendment which provides for that a MP takes an official pledge, however, they doubted whether the Constitution could provide for the way it should be taken. Also State Language Commission chairperson Mara Zalite believes that the text of the pledge should be shorter and should not be included in the Constitution. The biggest objections were voiced again the definition “[takes an official pledge] in an inappropriate manner”. The article which provides for that residents are entitled to receive replies to their applications from municipalities in the Latvian language was also under discussion. Supreme Court Chairman Andris Gulans has already called the amendments a political move.

Yesterday Saeima Judicial Commission in principal approved the amendments on bolstering the status of Latvian language to the Constitution. Before the decision was adopted the Commission listened to the views of lawyers and language experts. The majority of the participants did not object to the amendment which provides for that a MP takes an official pledge, however, they doubted whether the Constitution could provide for the way it should be taken. Also State Language Commission chairperson Mara Zalite believes that the text of the pledge should be shorter and should not be included in the Constitution. The biggest objections were voiced again the definition [takes an official pledge] in an inappropriate manner. The article which provides for that residents are entitled to receive replies to their applications from municipalities in the Latvian language was also under discussion. Supreme Court Chairman Andris Gulans has already called the amendments a political move. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Neatkariga

interviews Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov. The ambassador agrees that the current relations between Latvia and Russia are good, in particular, in the fields of economy and trade. He does not think that the comparison between Latvia and Macedonia made repeatedly by Russian officials is unacceptable, as this time the issue is about having one common standards regarding national minorities in Europe. Regarding the possibility to have Russian foreign affairs minister Ivanov in Latvia Studennikov says that it requires appropriate circumstances,... atmosphere, which should be built by both parties. interviews Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov. The ambassador agrees that the current relations between Latvia and Russia are good, in particular, in the fields of economy and trade. He does not think that the comparison between Latvia and Macedonia made repeatedly by Russian officials is unacceptable, as “this time the issue is about having one common standards regarding national minorities in Europe”. Regarding the possibility to have Russian foreign affairs minister Ivanov in Latvia Studennikov says that “it requires appropriate circumstances,... atmosphere, which should be built by both parties”.