Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

Neatkariga

reports on an exhibition about Roma in Aizkraukle, a district of Latvia. The exhibition was created within the framework of the project Roma Integration in Aizkraukle funded by the Integration Foundation. reports on an exhibition about Roma in Aizkraukle, a district of Latvia. The exhibition was created within the framework of the project “Roma Integration in Aizkraukle” funded by the Integration Foundation.

Chas

comments on FHRUL and the situation after the 8th Saeima elections. Although all parties of the 8th Saeima declared that they would never co-operate with FHRUL, according to the newspaper, all of them, including leader of the New Era Einars Repse, held meetings with FHRUL to discuss Russian problems, but none of the parties could do it openly. comments on FHRUL and the situation after the 8th Saeima elections. Although all parties of the 8th Saeima declared that they would never co-operate with FHRUL, according to the newspaper, all of them, including leader of the New Era Einars Repse, held meetings with FHRUL to discuss “Russian problems,” but none of the parties could do it openly. Newspapers examine problems in setting up the new government. The Union of Greens and Farmers wants to join the bloc of the New Era and the Latvian First Party. The New Era admitted that the party is not excited about such cohabitation, but this could be an option. Representatives of the Union of Greens and Farmers have said that the political bloc set up by the New Era and the Latvian First Party makes others feel unequal. During a board meeting of the Union of Greens and Farmers yesterday, held after a meeting with the New Era, a decision was made that the Union of Greens and Farmers would propose assuming a "less preferable" ministry, for instance, the Ministry of Culture. The board of the party, however, will not relinquish its wish to assume economy and transport minister offices, even though it is ready to talk more extensively about chairing Saeima commissions.

Newspapers examine problems in setting up the new government. The Union of Greens and Farmers wants to join the bloc of the New Era and the Latvian First Party. The New Era admitted that the party is not excited about such cohabitation, but this could be an option. Representatives of the Union of Greens and Farmers have said that the political bloc set up by the New Era and the Latvian First Party makes others feel unequal. During a board meeting of the Union of Greens and Farmers yesterday, held after a meeting with the New Era, a decision was made that the Union of Greens and Farmers would propose assuming a "less preferable" ministry, for instance, the Ministry of Culture. The board of the party, however, will not relinquish its wish to assume economy and transport minister offices, even though it is ready to talk more extensively about chairing Saeima commissions. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

The proposed amendments to language regulations which stipulated the expansion of the list of professions in the private sphere subject to state language requirements have been recalled. Various ministries were not able to reach an agreement about the amendments within the required 6 month period.

The proposed amendments to language regulations which stipulated the expansion of the list of professions in the private sphere subject to state language requirements have been recalled. Various ministries were not able to reach an agreement about the amendments within the required 6 month period. Diena

Lauku Avize

comments on the recent suggestion of the National Radio and TV Council to abolish the norm stipulating that only up to 25% of broadcasting time may be aired in a foreign language. comments on the recent suggestion of the National Radio and TV Council to abolish the norm stipulating that only up to 25% of broadcasting time may be aired in a foreign language. Lauku Avize’sLauku Avizes columnist Egils Licitis calls the possible abolition of the norm russification and wants to know who is responsible for the proposal. columnist Egils Licitis calls the possible abolition of the norm russification and wants to know who is responsible for the proposal.

Lauku Avize

interviews general director of National Television Uldis Grava. When discussing information dissemination problems, Uldis Grava recalls a case when he met with officials of the British Embassy to Moscow who were sent to Latvia to examine the situation regarding Russian-speakers in the country, as they had information that Russians are oppressed in Latvia and that their rights are violated. Uldis Grava states that very often foreign journalists, when producing articles about Latvia, visit the country in a hurry and taxi drivers are their only source of information. interviews general director of National Television Uldis Grava. When discussing information dissemination problems, Uldis Grava recalls a case when he met with officials of the British Embassy to Moscow who were sent to Latvia to examine the situation regarding Russian-speakers in the country, as they had information that Russians are oppressed in Latvia and that their rights are violated. Uldis Grava states that very often foreign journalists, when producing articles about Latvia, visit the country in a hurry and taxi drivers are their only source of information.

Lauku Avize

interviews Swiss ambassador Willy Hold. Regarding social integration, ambassador Hold believes that both involved parties – the state and non-citizens – could be more active. However, he admits that Latvian non-citizens are ensured very good possibilities to naturalise, but if someone does not have this wish, his/her choice should be respected. Ambassador Hold is convinced that the new generations of Russians will identify themselves with Latvia. He adds that more trustful relations should be built between Latvians and non-Latvians and a more positive psychological climate should be fostered in the country. interviews Swiss ambassador Willy Hold. Regarding social integration, ambassador Hold believes that both involved parties – the state and non-citizens – could be more active. However, he admits that Latvian non-citizens are ensured very good possibilities to naturalise, but if someone does not have this wish, his/her choice should be respected. Ambassador Hold is convinced that the new generations of Russians will identify themselves with Latvia. He adds that more trustful relations should be built between Latvians and non-Latvians and a more positive psychological climate should be fostered in the country.

Chas

interviews professor of the Social Science Department of the University of Latvia Yuris Rozenvalds about the political situation in Latvia. According to Yuris Rozenvalds, FHRUL strengthened its position in the 8th Saeima due to the ethnic policy implemented by previous governments – all ruling parties of the previous parliaments have openly declared that they do not care about the problems of Russian-speakers. Regarding the switch of minority secondary schools to instruction in Latvian, Rozenvalds believes that the switch will not take place in 2004 and draws parallels with amending the Citizenship Law and the Language Law, when Latvian officials first stated that they would never change these laws, but after the pressure of Europe they yielded. About the National Programme for the Integration of Society, he says that it is nicely written, however, it is dogmatically based on the language. interviews professor of the Social Science Department of the University of Latvia Yuris Rozenvalds about the political situation in Latvia. According to Yuris Rozenvalds, FHRUL strengthened its position in the 8th Saeima due to the ethnic policy implemented by previous governments – all ruling parties of the previous parliaments have openly declared that they do not care about the problems of Russian-speakers. Regarding the switch of minority secondary schools to instruction in Latvian, Rozenvalds believes that the switch will not take place in 2004 and draws parallels with amending the Citizenship Law and the Language Law, when Latvian officials first stated that they would never change these laws, but after the pressure of Europe they yielded. About the National Programme for the Integration of Society, he says that it is nicely written, however, it is dogmatically based on the language.

Panorama Latvii

publishes its supplement Our Latvia. One of the articles is devoted to the discussion of the rights of a nation to self-determination. publishes its supplement “Our Latvia.” One of the articles is devoted to the discussion of the rights of a nation to self-determination. Another article reports about a seminar for leaders and activists of national minority NGOs. The seminar was the follow-up of a seminar which was held in the summer and trained minority NGOs in applying for funding with different organisations. As a result of the previous seminar several minority NGOs received grants from the Integration Foundation. This seminar provided information on how to apply for funding from the state budget.

Another article reports about a seminar for leaders and activists of national minority NGOs. The seminar was the follow-up of a seminar which was held in the summer and trained minority NGOs in applying for funding with different organisations. As a result of the previous seminar several minority NGOs received grants from the Integration Foundation. This seminar provided information on how to apply for funding from the state budget.

The New Era, together with its partners from the Latvian First Party, that gained a total of 36 seats in the parliament, could end up in the opposition, if no agreement on the government’s set-up is reached in negotiations with the Union of Greens and Farmers. An alternative (although not considered the best one) is that the New Era could also launch negotiations with the People’s Party. The main problem at this time is the inability of the coalition partners to agree on a proper division of Cabinet posts.

The New Era, together with its partners from the Latvian First Party, that gained a total of 36 seats in the parliament, could end up in the opposition, if no agreement on the governments set-up is reached in negotiations with the Union of Greens and Farmers. An alternative (although not considered the best one) is that the New Era could also launch negotiations with the Peoples Party. The main problem at this time is the inability of the coalition partners to agree on a proper division of Cabinet posts. Diena

Newspapers look into political parties’ ratings after the elections and conclude that there have been minimal changes. Just a few weeks after the Saeima elections, the New Era still has the biggest number of supporters, followed by FHRUL and the People’s Party. Prime Minister Andris Berzins’ (Latvia’s Way) rating has plunged considerably, while the rating of the next candidate for the post – leader of the New Era Einars Repse – has increased.

Newspapers look into political parties ratings after the elections and conclude that there have been minimal changes. Just a few weeks after the Saeima elections, the New Era still has the biggest number of supporters, followed by FHRUL and the Peoples Party. Prime Minister Andris Berzins (Latvias Way) rating has plunged considerably, while the rating of the next candidate for the post – leader of the New Era Einars Repse – has increased. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

On October 31 the Integration Foundation will announce the winners of the Social Harmony Awards – one for promoting a harmonised society and the other for bringing together diverse groups of society.

On October 31 the Integration Foundation will announce the winners of the Social Harmony Awards – one for promoting a harmonised society and the other for bringing together diverse groups of society. Diena lists the 9 nominees for the award, among whom is Nils Muiznieks, director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies.

Political scientist Nikolay Neiland comments on the candidacy of the New Era for the post of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sandra Kalniete. Nikolays Neilands believes that Sandra Kalniete will have difficulties with building relations with Russia. He notes that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should change their policy towards Russian-speakers in general, as previously the Ministry paid too much attention to the nationalistic views of the majority of the parliament. He concludes that the new government does not show any serious signs of readiness to have a dialogue with Moscow.

Political scientist Nikolay Neiland comments on the candidacy of the New Era for the post of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sandra Kalniete. Nikolays Neilands believes that Sandra Kalniete will have difficulties with building relations with Russia. He notes that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should change their policy towards Russian-speakers in general, as previously the Ministry paid too much attention to the nationalistic views of the majority of the parliament. He concludes that the new government does not show any serious signs of readiness to have a dialogue with Moscow. Vesti Segodnya

On Sunday priest Aleksandr sanctified a new Orthodox Church in Salaspils, a town about 30 km from Riga where a half of the population – about 10,000 people - are Russians.

On Sunday priest Aleksandr sanctified a new Orthodox Church in Salaspils, a town about 30 km from Riga where a half of the population – about 10,000 people - are Russians. Vesti Segodnya notes that during the last decade the activities of the Orthodox church in Latvia have increased.

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

The New Era nominated Latvian Ambassador to France Sandra Kalniete for the post of the Latvian Foreign Minister. New Era’s allies say Sandra Kalniete is a serious candidacy, taking into account her experience in foreign affairs.

The New Era nominated Latvian Ambassador to France Sandra Kalniete for the post of the Latvian Foreign Minister. New Eras allies say Sandra Kalniete is a serious candidacy, taking into account her experience in foreign affairs. Diena

Lauku Avize

features an article about the round table discussion on societal integration issues which took place in the framework of the conference of Latvian Intelligentsia last week. All parties of the 8th Saeima were invited to the discussion. However, only the representatives of the Latvian First Party (Eriks Jekabsons), FF/LNNK (Inese Vaidere) and the New Era (Karlis Sadurskis) were present. One of the hottest discussion subjects was the suggestion of Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga to call all people residing in the country Latvians. Inese Vaidere believes that naturalisation has not been a successful process and it has not fostered the integration of society. She stresses that any non-Latvian could be called Latvian if s/he knows the Latvian language and loves Latvia. Eriks Jekabsons states that a non-Latvian who knows the language and respects Latvia could be called a Latvian, however, it is a rather futuristic vision. Karlis Sadurskis says that it is too early to talk about a possibility to call all members of Latvian society Latvians. Russian journalist Irina Vinnika comments that a majority of politicians do not understand what integration means. She stresses that the key reason why non-citizens do not naturalise is the lack of the Latvian language. features an article about the round table discussion on societal integration issues which took place in the framework of the conference of Latvian Intelligentsia last week. All parties of the 8th Saeima were invited to the discussion. However, only the representatives of the Latvian First Party (Eriks Jekabsons), FF/LNNK (Inese Vaidere) and the New Era (Karlis Sadurskis) were present. One of the hottest discussion subjects was the suggestion of Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga to call all people residing in the country Latvians. Inese Vaidere believes that naturalisation has not been a successful process and it has not fostered the integration of society. She stresses that any non-Latvian could be called Latvian if s/he knows the Latvian language and loves Latvia. Eriks Jekabsons states that a non-Latvian who knows the language and respects Latvia could be called a Latvian, however, it is a rather futuristic vision. Karlis Sadurskis says that it is too early to talk about a possibility to call all members of Latvian society Latvians. Russian journalist Irina Vinnika comments that a majority of politicians do not understand what integration means. She stresses that the key reason why non-citizens do not naturalise is the lack of the Latvian language.

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

The National Radio and Television Council sent out to broadcasting organisations for their discussion the framework development programme of broadcasting organisations for the years of 2003-2005. The draft document suggests abolition of the provision which stipulates that only up to 25% of broadcasting time can be aired in a foreign language. Chairman of the NRTC Ojars Rubenis states that this provision hampers development of local radios and TV channels. Programme director of TV5 Gunta Lidaka says that only radio stations will benefit from abolition of the norm and not TV channels.

The National Radio and Television Council sent out to broadcasting organisations for their discussion the framework development programme of broadcasting organisations for the years of 2003-2005. The draft document suggests abolition of the provision which stipulates that only up to 25% of broadcasting time can be aired in a foreign language. Chairman of the NRTC Ojars Rubenis states that this provision hampers development of local radios and TV channels. Programme director of TV5 Gunta Lidaka says that only radio stations will benefit from abolition of the norm and not TV channels. Vechernaya Riga, BNS, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

The National Radio and Television Council issued a licence to a new satellite TV channel “The First Baltic Channel.” The majority of programmes will be the programmes produced in Russia and in Russian, however, some of the programmes will be produced by independent producers and will be aired in Latvian.

The National Radio and Television Council issued a licence to a new satellite TV channel The First Baltic Channel. The majority of programmes will be the programmes produced in Russia and in Russian, however, some of the programmes will be produced by independent producers and will be aired in Latvian. Vesti Segodnya