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.

INTEGRATION AND MINORITY INFORMATION SERVICE

INTEGRATION AND MINORITY INFORMATION SERVICE

Yesterday the Government adopted in the second reading amendments to the Constitution proposed by the governing parties and aimed at securing the status of the state language. The final reading of the proposed amendments could take place in April. Prime Minister Andris Berzins stated that the coalition of governing parties will start the discussion on amendments to the election laws very soon. The amendments could be adopted in extraordinary procedure in two readings. People’s Party chairperson Andris Skele has also agreed to start the discussion on the amendments to the election laws, but FF/LNNK chairperson Maris Grinblats said that his party will not support the abolition of the language requirement. It is possible to amend the election laws without the support of FF/LNNK, if both of the social democratic factions in parliament support the amendments.

Yesterday the Government adopted in the second reading amendments to the Constitution proposed by the governing parties and aimed at securing the status of the state language. The final reading of the proposed amendments could take place in April. Prime Minister Andris Berzins stated that the coalition of governing parties will start the discussion on amendments to the election laws very soon. The amendments could be adopted in extraordinary procedure in two readings. Peoples Party chairperson Andris Skele has also agreed to start the discussion on the amendments to the election laws, but FF/LNNK chairperson Maris Grinblats said that his party will not support the abolition of the language requirement. It is possible to amend the election laws without the support of FF/LNNK, if both of the social democratic factions in parliament support the amendments. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Latvian officials and politicians gave various interpretations of the European Court of Human Rights recent ruling on the Podkolzina case. The Government will probably take a decision on how to implement the ruling on 16 April, when a Latvian translation of the document is available. Representative of the Latvian government in international human rights institutions Kristine Malinovska stated that “my interpretation of the ruling is that, first, the Court has ruled that Latvia has the right to determine a working language in its parliament. Second, restrictions imposed by the state of Latvia on Podkolzina were not proportional to the legitimate goal invoked by the Latvian government.” Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga echoed Malinovska, stating that the ruling reaffirmed Latvia’s right to enshrine Latvian as the sole state language and the working language of the Parliament. Latvia’s Way Saeima faction chairperson Kristiana Libane affirms her party is ready to amend the election laws, but wants to propose that information about a candidate’s Latvian language proficiency be included in the data file given about an election candidate. However, FF/LNNK deputy Guntars Krasts thinks that the only thing that should be done concerning the ECHR’s ruling is to align legislation so that a person whose language skills are doubted could appeal such a ruling. FF/LNNK Dzintars Rasnacs believes that the ruling does not concern the election laws at all. Social Democrat Risards Labanovskis says that he does not agree with those who believe that this is a victory of Latvia: “We have lost. The ECHR has made a repeated pressure to make Latvia abolish the language requirement for election candidates.” People’s party deputy Vaira Paegle states that she is satisfied with the ruling as it does not find fault with the language requirement for election candidates, but critcises the application of this norm.

Latvian officials and politicians gave various interpretations of the European Court of Human Rights recent ruling on the Podkolzina case. The Government will probably take a decision on how to implement the ruling on 16 April, when a Latvian translation of the document is available. Representative of the Latvian government in international human rights institutions Kristine Malinovska stated that my interpretation of the ruling is that, first, the Court has ruled that Latvia has the right to determine a working language in its parliament. Second, restrictions imposed by the state of Latvia on Podkolzina were not proportional to the legitimate goal invoked by the Latvian government. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga echoed Malinovska, stating that the ruling reaffirmed Latvias right to enshrine Latvian as the sole state language and the working language of the Parliament. Latvias Way Saeima faction chairperson Kristiana Libane affirms her party is ready to amend the election laws, but wants to propose that information about a candidates Latvian language proficiency be included in the data file given about an election candidate. However, FF/LNNK deputy Guntars Krasts thinks that the only thing that should be done concerning the ECHRs ruling is to align legislation so that a person whose language skills are doubted could appeal such a ruling. FF/LNNK Dzintars Rasnacs believes that the ruling does not concern the election laws at all. Social Democrat Risards Labanovskis says that he does not agree with those who believe that this is a victory of Latvia: We have lost. The ECHR has made a repeated pressure to make Latvia abolish the language requirement for election candidates. Peoples party deputy Vaira Paegle states that she is satisfied with the ruling as it does not find fault with the language requirement for election candidates, but critcises the application of this norm. Diena, Lauku avize

Neatkariga

writes that the ECHRs ruling will facilitate amendments to the election laws.

Vesti Segodnja

writes that Latvian politicians do not know and understand what Latvias response should be to the ECHRs ruling on Podkolzinas case. writes that Latvian politicians do not know and understand what Latvia’s response should be to the ECHR’s ruling on Podkolzina’s case.

Telegraf

provides comments by director of Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks. He suggested that the vague and broad wording of the ruling provides room for different interpretations. He believes that in our political situation the Court should have passed a very clear ruling - that Latvia should amend the election law. provides comments by director of Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks. He suggested that the vague and broad wording of the ruling provides room for different interpretations. He believes that in our political situation the Court should have passed a very clear ruling - that Latvia should amend the election law. General Prosecutor Janis Maizitis has decided to pass two national bolsheviks from Russia who were convicted for seizing St.Peter’s Church tower in November 2000 to the Russian Federation to serve their remaining sentences there.

General Prosecutor Janis Maizitis has decided to pass two national bolsheviks from Russia who were convicted for seizing St.Peters Church tower in November 2000 to the Russian Federation to serve their remaining sentences there. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Newspapers report that yesterday, unidentified persons attempted to murder Beslans Krumins, a prominent representative of the Chechen diaspora in Latvia, by placing explosives under his automobile.

Newspapers report that yesterday, unidentified persons attempted to murder Beslans Krumins, a prominent representative of the Chechen diaspora in Latvia, by placing explosives under his automobile. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Diena

interviews new British ambassador to Latvia Andrew Tesoriere. The newspaper introduces its audience to the background of the Ambassador and his plans regarding his work in Latvia. The Ambassador has set four priorities in his work: welfare, security, social cohesion and transparency. interviews new British ambassador to Latvia Andrew Tesoriere. The newspaper introduces its audience to the background of the Ambassador and his plans regarding his work in Latvia. The Ambassador has set four priorities in his work: welfare, security, social cohesion and transparency. Diena Diena highlights that the Ambassador has started to learn the Latvian language. highlights that the Ambassador has started to learn the Latvian language.

Lauku Avize

asks several residents of Daugavpils about the language situation in the city. People admit that no changes have taken place and it is still very difficult to survive only with Latvian in Daugavpils. Some respondents believe that Latvians themselves should be blamed for this situation as they do not speak Latvian with non-Latvians. asks several residents of Daugavpils about the language situation in the city. People admit that no changes have taken place and it is still very difficult to survive only with Latvian in Daugavpils. Some respondents believe that Latvians themselves should be blamed for this situation as they do not speak Latvian with non-Latvians. At yesterday’s sitting Saeima’s Citizenship Implementation Commission criticized the review of the Naturalization Board carried out by the Investigation Commission of the Ministry of Justice and assessed it as being formalistic. Commission members decided to meet with Naturalization Board head Eizenija Aldermane and also to review her suitability for the position.

At yesterdays sitting Saeimas Citizenship Implementation Commission criticized the review of the Naturalization Board carried out by the Investigation Commission of the Ministry of Justice and assessed it as being formalistic. Commission members decided to meet with Naturalization Board head Eizenija Aldermane and also to review her suitability for the position. Lauku Avize, Vecernaya Riga

Lauku Avize

interviews Liepaja City Council Mayor Uldis Sesks about the role of local municipalities in securing the Latvian language. Uldis Sesks states that the most difficult situation regarding the Latvian language in Liepaja is in Karaosta, a former Soviet army base. This year the Council allotted 1000 lats for organizing Latvian language courses. Uldis Sesks believes that lack of funding is not the only problem and that non-Latvians themselves have to take responsibility for learning the language. Other Liepaja officials argue that the Latvian language environment in Liepaja is much better than in Daugavpils, Ventspils and Riga, although there are 35 400 non-citizens in the region of Liepaja. Vice Mayor Talivaldis Deklaus notes that young people are very active in acquiring citizenship through naturalization, but also admits that the number of people who cannot pass the language test is increasing. Chairperson of the Liepaja City Councils harmony commission tells interviews Liepaja City Council Mayor Uldis Sesks about the role of local municipalities in securing the Latvian language. Uldis Sesks states that the most difficult situation regarding the Latvian language in Liepaja is in Karaosta, a former Soviet army base. This year the Council allotted 1000 lats for organizing Latvian language courses. Uldis Sesks believes that lack of funding is not the only problem and that non-Latvians themselves have to take responsibility for learning the language. Other Liepaja officials argue that the Latvian language environment in Liepaja is much better than in Daugavpils, Ventspils and Riga, although there are 35 400 non-citizens in the region of Liepaja. Vice Mayor Talivaldis Deklaus notes that young people are very active in acquiring citizenship through naturalization, but also admits that the number of people who cannot pass the language test is increasing. Chairperson of the Liepaja City Council’s harmony commission tells Lauku Avize Lauku Avize that her commission did not support a recent proposal that the municipality hire a translator. [As that her commission did not support a recent proposal that the municipality hire a translator. [As Vesti Segodnja Vesti Segodnja had recently reported that there was a translator, the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies phoned Liepaja to obtain clarification and was told that if there is a need an employee of the Language department provides Russian-Latvian translation.] had recently reported that there was a translator, the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies phoned Liepaja to obtain clarification and was told that if there is a need an employee of the Language department provides Russian-Latvian translation.] State language inspectors examine about 20 institutions a month.

State language inspectors examine about 20 institutions a month. Vecernaya Rigas journalist accompanies one state language inspector in his inspections. The journalist describes the process of inspection at two shops. He notes that the instructions and manuals of goods were the main object of language inspectors attention and that he paid almost none attention to the Latvian language skills of the shops employees. Vecernaya Riga

Vecernaya Riga

publishes the comments of Saeima deputy Jurij Sokolov on the recent amendments to the Statutes of the State Language Centre. Sokolov emphasizes that the amendments have expanded the authority of language inspectors who now have no rights to examine a persons language proficiency in general, but have the rights to fine a person if it is established by an inspector that persons state language proficiency level is not sufficient to perform his/her professional duties. publishes the comments of Saeima deputy Jurij Sokolov on the recent amendments to the Statutes of the State Language Centre. Sokolov emphasizes that the amendments have expanded the authority of language inspectors who now have no rights to examine a person’s language proficiency in general, but have the rights to fine a person if it is established by an inspector that person’s state language proficiency level is not sufficient to perform his/her professional duties.

Chas

publishes an unofficial translation of American Ambassador Brian Carlsons statement supporting the abolition of the language requirement for election candidates released yesterday. The newspaper also gives its interpretation of the statement: the American Ambassador actually said that we consider language restrictions in the election laws a violation of human rights. We demand and will continue demanding the lifting of these requirements. Of course, you can leave this norm in the law – you have the rights to do so and afterwards you will also have the rights to blame only yourself. publishes an unofficial translation of American Ambassador Brian Carlson’s statement supporting the abolition of the language requirement for election candidates released yesterday. The newspaper also gives its interpretation of the statement: the American Ambassador actually said that “we consider language restrictions in the election laws a violation of human rights. We demand and will continue demanding the lifting of these requirements. Of course, you can leave this norm in the law – you have the rights to do so and afterwards you will also have the rights to blame only yourself.” Newspapers report that yesterday the Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs organized and official event to celebrate the issuance of the 600,-000th non-citizen passport in Latvia. The Russian language press in Russian comments ironically, questioning whether this is an occasion for celebration. Meanwhile, the national bolshevik organization “Pobeda” organized a ritual: burial of purple (non-citizens) passports, arguing that they are burning “apartheid” in Latvia.

Newspapers report that yesterday the Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs organized and official event to celebrate the issuance of the 600,-000th non-citizen passport in Latvia. The Russian language press in Russian comments ironically, questioning whether this is an occasion for celebration. Meanwhile, the national bolshevik organization Pobeda organized a ritual: burial of purple (non-citizens) passports, arguing that they are burning apartheid in Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga, Vecernaya Riga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Chas

opens a new column free microphone where people can express their opinion about political forces fighting for seats in the 8th Saeima. Russian Society Daugavpils branch chairperson Oleg Tolmacov voices his views about Daugavpils City Council Mayor and his party Latgales Gaisma. Tolmacov believes that Latvias right-wing parties are ready to support any financial projects of Eigims if only it helps decrease the number of FHRUL supporters. opens a new column “free microphone” where people can express their opinion about political forces fighting for seats in the 8th Saeima. Russian Society Daugavpils’ branch chairperson Oleg Tolmacov voices his views about Daugavpils City Council Mayor and his party Latgales Gaisma. Tolmacov believes that Latvia’s right-wing parties are ready to support any financial projects of Eigims if only it helps decrease the number of FHRUL supporters.

Panorama Latvii

interviews FHRUL youth organization leader Ivan Stalnoj. He states that his group will organize several large scale activities covering all of Latvia. The first campaign will be the collection of signatures of Russian school students in support of the Russian language. Stalnoy believes that this will be a very successful campaign and about 80% of the inquired Russian students will support education in the Russian language. interviews FHRUL youth organization leader Ivan Stalnoj. He states that his group will organize several large scale activities covering all of Latvia. The first campaign will be the collection of signatures of Russian school students in support of the Russian language. Stalnoy believes that this will be a very successful campaign and about 80% of the inquired Russian students will support education in the Russian language.