Press Report

Press Report

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga had an informal meeting in Madrid with former U.S. President Bill Clinton. During the meeting, Clinton recalled his 1994 visit to Latvia.

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga had an informal meeting in Madrid with former U.S. President Bill Clinton. During the meeting, Clinton recalled his 1994 visit to Latvia. LETA, Lauku Avize, Chas

On Thursday the Saeima deputies had to discuss whether to sent to the Saeima committees for consideration the draft laws, submitted by the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia, to amend the election law stipulating that deputies would not need to know the state language on the highest level. As according to the Roll of Procedures only two deputies are allowed to speak, against them spoke faction FF/LNNK MP J.Dobelis. He reminded that the Latvian language had been suffered attacks for many centuries, but the worst was that after 10 years of Latvia’s independence such attacks took place a the Saeima. In favour of the amendments spoke the leader of For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans. He reminded that it was not just their proposal but also a suggestion of the OSCE and other international institution. The vote showed that left wingers did not have much support – for submitting voted only 15 Jurkans’s party members, 55 were against and 17 abstained.

On Thursday the Saeima deputies had to discuss whether to sent to the Saeima committees for consideration the draft laws, submitted by the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia, to amend the election law stipulating that deputies would not need to know the state language on the highest level. As according to the Roll of Procedures only two deputies are allowed to speak, against them spoke faction FF/LNNK MP J.Dobelis. He reminded that the Latvian language had been suffered attacks for many centuries, but the worst was that after 10 years of Latvias independence such attacks took place a the Saeima. In favour of the amendments spoke the leader of For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans. He reminded that it was not just their proposal but also a suggestion of the OSCE and other international institution. The vote showed that left wingers did not have much support – for submitting voted only 15 Jurkanss party members, 55 were against and 17 abstained. Lauku Avize

LSDSP leader Juris Bojars was elected again during party’s 33rd congress on Saturday. Valdis Lauskis and Janis Adamsons were elected deputy chairmen of the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDSP). Diena believes that refusal of leaders of the LSDSP factions at Saeima and the Riga City Council to work with Bojars proves there is a serious crisis within the party. Diena also says that none of Bojars’ opponents has said he/she wishes to quit the party. Even though several proposals by opposition within the party were not approved by the congress, a convincing majority voted for a simpler procedure for ousting party members – two-thirds of LSDSP council members’ votes will be sufficient, not all council members’ approval as before.

LSDSP leader Juris Bojars was elected again during partys 33rd congress on Saturday. Valdis Lauskis and Janis Adamsons were elected deputy chairmen of the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDSP). Diena believes that refusal of leaders of the LSDSP factions at Saeima and the Riga City Council to work with Bojars proves there is a serious crisis within the party. Diena also says that none of Bojars opponents has said he/she wishes to quit the party. Even though several proposals by opposition within the party were not approved by the congress, a convincing majority voted for a simpler procedure for ousting party members – two-thirds of LSDSP council members votes will be sufficient, not all council members approval as before. LETA, BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Vechernyaya Riga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The ninth conference of the Baltic Sea States Subregional Co-operation (BSSSC), "The Baltic Sea Region Becoming a Model Region of Europe", concluded in Riga today, its participants emphasised the need for strengthening the Baltic Sea states' influence on a European scale. In conclusion of the conference, a resolution was passed in which the conference's participants emphasise the need for developing the Baltic Sea region's potential and co-operation among the region's countries.

The ninth conference of the Baltic Sea States Subregional Co-operation (BSSSC), "The Baltic Sea Region Becoming a Model Region of Europe", concluded in Riga today, its participants emphasised the need for strengthening the Baltic Sea states' influence on a European scale. In conclusion of the conference, a resolution was passed in which the conference's participants emphasise the need for developing the Baltic Sea region's potential and co-operation among the region's countries. LETA

On Friday at the Saeima building took place a picket organised by the youth movement Solidarnost to support education in the Russian language. Russian-speaking newspaper speak about 100 participants, Latvian – counted about 40 teenagers and pensioners.

On Friday at the Saeima building took place a picket organised by the youth movement Solidarnost to support education in the Russian language. Russian-speaking newspaper speak about 100 participants, Latvian – counted about 40 teenagers and pensioners. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Vechernyaya Riga

On Friday the Russian Community in Latvia tried to hold a picket to support the newspaper

Panorama Latvii at the building of the insurance company Balta that is the major shareholder of the newspaper, but the newspaper people were not very pleased about this initiative. Chas

Yesterday the Robert Schuman Institute organised a conference where DHoM of the OSCE Mission to Latvia N.Brennan gave a speech. He said that Latvia would have to follow the Estonian example anyway and abolish the norm stipulating the state language knowledge on the highest level for local government and Saeima deputy candidates. He agreed that it was not natural if a deputy did not know the language but the choice had to be left to the electorate. At the same time some Latvian politicians are getting more and more disappointed about the fact that the OSCE Mission to Latvia continued operating here. Also the Saeima Commission on Human Rights A.Seiksts joined them. He stated that according to the set procedure such missions operated in the areas where human rights were violated, but there were no missions in Bosnia, Near East or Southern Russia. And presence of a mission in Latvia could be a result of schemes of Europe and Russia.

Chas

Saeima deputies, representatives of the right wing parties Dz.Kudums and A.Kirsteins went to Moscow for a three-day conference on fighting organised crime and corruption. They tried to use this possibility to influence their Russian colleagues let they supported concluding the border agreement between Latvia and Russia. But Russian MPs answered that the Russian National Council would not ratify this agreement. Latvian deputies explained it with their wish to prevent Latvias joining NATO. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga gave three interviews to the Spanish mass media on Thursday in which she mainly explained Latvia's situation from historical and current points of view.

Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga gave three interviews to the Spanish mass media on Thursday in which she mainly explained Latvia's situation from historical and current points of view. BNS

Signing of Russian-Latvian border agreement before the next round of NATO enlargement late in 2002 is unlikely and the process will be delayed also by decision of Russian president to remove Russia's co-chairman of the Latvian-Russian intergovernmental committee, Latvian lawmakers said. The remark by MP Aleksandrs Kirsteins and parliament defence and interior affairs committee head

Signing of Russian-Latvian border agreement before the next round of NATO enlargement late in 2002 is unlikely and the process will be delayed also by decision of Russian president to remove Russia's co-chairman of the Latvian-Russian intergovernmental committee, Latvian lawmakers said. The remark by MP Aleksandrs Kirsteins and parliament defence and interior affairs committee head Dzintars Kudums to BNS came on Thursday after their return from a visit in Moscow. BNS, Vesti Segodnya

Parliament faction head of Latvia's Way, a ruling coalition party, admitted there indeed is tension between the coalition partners Latvia's Way and People's Party but said the difficulties can be solved if both parties have sufficient political will.

Parliament faction head of Latvia's Way, a ruling coalition party, admitted there indeed is tension between the coalition partners Latvia's Way and People's Party but said the difficulties can be solved if both parties have sufficient political will.

Kristiana Libane said Latvia's Way wants to keep the government but "not at any cost".

Kristiana Libane said Latvia's Way wants to keep the government but "not at any cost". BNS

The Centre for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO Centre) will hold its fifth annual NGO forum at the Riga Latvian Society House today NGO Centre PR co-ordinator.

The Centre for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO Centre) will hold its fifth annual NGO forum at the Riga Latvian Society House today NGO Centre PR co-ordinator. Diena, LETA

The UN Human Rights Committee has been informed about the Latvian government's decision to set up a task force to evaluate the committee's decision in favour of Antonina Ignatane, the Cabinet of Ministers' representative at international human rights organisations. As reported, Prime Minister Andris Berzins signed a decree on October 11 on setting up a task force to review the UN Human Rights Committee's decision on the Ignatane case and draw up proposals to implement the decision.

The UN Human Rights Committee has been informed about the Latvian government's decision to set up a task force to evaluate the committee's decision in favour of Antonina Ignatane, the Cabinet of Ministers' representative at international human rights organisations. As reported, Prime Minister Andris Berzins signed a decree on October 11 on setting up a task force to review the UN Human Rights Committee's decision on the Ignatane case and draw up proposals to implement the decision. LETA

Riga City Executive Director Maris Tralmaks has denied the radical Russian youth organisation a permit to hold a rally and concert at the Riflemen’s (Strelnieku) Monument in Old Town Riga. The leader of the organisation, I.Stalnoy, said however that the picket would take place (but not the concert) as approval had been granted by Tralmaks.

Riga City Executive Director Maris Tralmaks has denied the radical Russian youth organisation a permit to hold a rally and concert at the Riflemens (Strelnieku) Monument in Old Town Riga. The leader of the organisation, I.Stalnoy, said however that the picket would take place (but not the concert) as approval had been granted by Tralmaks. LETA, Diena, Rigas Balss

Stalnoy informed journalists that he would explain the people present that the concert had been forbidden and they would march to the Saeima and hold a picket there.

Stalnoy informed journalists that he would explain the people present that the concert had been forbidden and they would march to the Saeima and hold a picket there. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

He called the editor’s office of the newspaper

He called the editors office of the newspaper Vechernyaya Riga and invited journalists to an extraordinary press conference at the Saeima building and promised to present the victims of integration – 3 Russian students who were beaten by their classmates in a Latvian school. Journalists turned to the police and emergency service for some additional information but could not get any.

On Thursday the Saeima did not submit for consideration the proposal by For Human Rights in United Latvia to amend the election law. Only 14 deputies voted for these amendments. Government parties objected to it by referring to international norms stipulating that every country held the right to establish restrictions for running for elections. And they reminded that before this norm was adopted to the Saeima were elected persons who could not participate in the Saeima work do to the lack of knowledge of the language. FHRUL leader J.Jurkans reminded that the issue was about citizens’ right to be elected. Amending the election law is one of the proposals made by the OSCE Mission before closing this mission.

On Thursday the Saeima did not submit for consideration the proposal by For Human Rights in United Latvia to amend the election law. Only 14 deputies voted for these amendments. Government parties objected to it by referring to international norms stipulating that every country held the right to establish restrictions for running for elections. And they reminded that before this norm was adopted to the Saeima were elected persons who could not participate in the Saeima work do to the lack of knowledge of the language. FHRUL leader J.Jurkans reminded that the issue was about citizens right to be elected. Amending the election law is one of the proposals made by the OSCE Mission before closing this mission. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya

Speaking in the Saeima K.Libane argued that the government would not discuss the election law prior to a decision from the court in Strasbourg in order not to interfere in an ongoing process. She referred explicitly to the Prime Minister’s statement of 11.10.01 stressing that the case in Strasbourg concerned procedural questions.

Speaking in the Saeima K.Libane argued that the government would not discuss the election law prior to a decision from the court in Strasbourg in order not to interfere in an ongoing process. She referred explicitly to the Prime Ministers statement of 11.10.01 stressing that the case in Strasbourg concerned procedural questions. Latvian Radio

Former Minister of Culture R.Umblija was elected the Chairman of the Society Integration Foundation Council.

Former Minister of Culture R.Umblija was elected the Chairman of the Society Integration Foundation Council. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

MP from the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia Y.Pliner analyses the situation with ratification of Framework Convention on National Minorities. The opposition proposed already twice to ratify it, but the ruling coalition used different, even funny (e.g. bad translation) pretexts not to do it. Why are they afraid to do it? The answer is simple; they are afraid that after this ratification they would have to democratise language, education and other laws and legal norms. Y.Pliner cites articles 10 and 11 of the Convention where there are stipulated rights of national minorities to use their language in communicating with state authorities and the right to have their names and family names spelt in their ID in their mother tongue. One more thing that contradicts the Convention is the attempt to transfer education into the state language. And summing up his article Y.Pliner says that ratification will return signs of street names in the Russian language to the streets of Latvian towns and cities, where resides a large Russian minority, because this is stipulated by Article 13 of the Convention.

Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

Does not seem that the proposal accepted by the Estonian government to abolish the norm requesting deputy candidates to know the state language on the highest level will be an example for Latvian politicians to follow. Government forming coalition MPs are rather sceptical about a similar demand from the OSCE and the attempts of the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia. They think that the election law should not be changed in the nearest future. Today the Saeima has to consider the amendments to the election law proposed by FHRUL but it is very likely that they will be rejected. Saeima Human Rights Commission head A.Seiksts said that Estonians had cornered themselves and Latvians, and now the OSCE received an additional pretence not to close the OSCE Mission in Latvia. He considers that any positive vote could be interpreted as a pressure on the European Human Rights Court concerning I.Podkolzina’s case. A similar opinion had expressed also Prime Minister A.Berzins and President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. Nevertheless the OSCE Mission holds an opinion that any person, who does not know the state language on the highest level, may work as a deputy.

Does not seem that the proposal accepted by the Estonian government to abolish the norm requesting deputy candidates to know the state language on the highest level will be an example for Latvian politicians to follow. Government forming coalition MPs are rather sceptical about a similar demand from the OSCE and the attempts of the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia. They think that the election law should not be changed in the nearest future. Today the Saeima has to consider the amendments to the election law proposed by FHRUL but it is very likely that they will be rejected. Saeima Human Rights Commission head A.Seiksts said that Estonians had cornered themselves and Latvians, and now the OSCE received an additional pretence not to close the OSCE Mission in Latvia. He considers that any positive vote could be interpreted as a pressure on the European Human Rights Court concerning I.Podkolzinas case. A similar opinion had expressed also Prime Minister A.Berzins and President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. Nevertheless the OSCE Mission holds an opinion that any person, who does not know the state language on the highest level, may work as a deputy. Diena

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga told journalists that if the European Human Rights Court found that taking off the list of deputy candidates for the Saeima election the member of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia I.Podkolzina had been illegal, Latvia would have to amend the election law. The President added that Latvia was not the only state in Europe where deputies had to know the state language and where deputies had to be citizens.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga told journalists that if the European Human Rights Court found that taking off the list of deputy candidates for the Saeima election the member of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia I.Podkolzina had been illegal, Latvia would have to amend the election law. The President added that Latvia was not the only state in Europe where deputies had to know the state language and where deputies had to be citizens. LETA, Chas

The order of the Latvian economics minister to suspend the right of Latvian Privatisation Agency (LPA) chief to sign documents will not affect the government stability, the prime minister said. Andris Berzins expressed the opinion to reporters answering to a question about the possible government crisis that occurred on a previous occasion when the right of Janis Naglis to sign the documents on behalf of the LPA was suspended.

BNS, Neatkariga

Leader of the ruling coalition member People's Party A.Skele rejected accusations by an MP from the coalition partner Latvia's Way that People's Party by its actions wants to trigger the government collapse, saying the Cabinet, headed by member of Latvia's Way, still has support of the People's Party.

BNS

Chairman of Saeima faction of the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDSP) Egils Baldzens is not planning to vie for the LSDSP deputy chairman post if he is not elected as LSDSP chairman in the party's 33rd congress. LETA

The government adopted the list of Society Integration Foundation Council members where are included 16 representatives from different state, local government organisations and NGOs.

The government adopted the list of Society Integration Foundation Council members where are included 16 representatives from different state, local government organisations and NGOs. Diena

Dr.hist. I.Mezs comments the decision of FF/LNNK not to ratify the Framework convention on national minorities. Ratification is not set as any special prerequisite for Latvia for joining EU. But the ability of Latvia to solve the problems of peaceful coexistence of the society split during the Soviet era will be seen as such a prerequisite. And fulfilment of this prerequisite is not furthered by the flanks of Latvian political spectre – FF/LNNK and For Human Rights in United Latvia. Diena

Dr.hist. I.Mezs comments the decision of FF/LNNK not to ratify the Framework convention on national minorities. Ratification is not set as any special prerequisite for Latvia for joining EU. But the ability of Latvia to solve the problems of peaceful coexistence of the society split during the Soviet era will be seen as such a prerequisite. And fulfilment of this prerequisite is not furthered by the flanks of Latvian political spectre – FF/LNNK and For Human Rights in United Latvia. Diena

The leader of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans informed press representatives that the Union had submitted to the LSDP a draft co-operation agreement. The agreement would be made public when Social Democrats studied it.

The leader of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans informed press representatives that the Union had submitted to the LSDP a draft co-operation agreement. The agreement would be made public when Social Democrats studied it. Diena, Neatkariga

"According to unofficial information, the Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Brazauskas reached an agreement with his colleague Andris Berzins when visiting Latvia that Lithuania will sign an agreement to authorise Latvians to fish in a territory which will go to the Lithuanians after the sea border treaty takes effect," the Lithuanian newspaper "Respublika" reported Wednesday. It was planned that Lithuanian officials would visit Riga in order to meet with leaders of the Latvian Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Association in order to discuss the treaty's conditions.

"According to unofficial information, the Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Brazauskas reached an agreement with his colleague Andris Berzins when visiting Latvia that Lithuania will sign an agreement to authorise Latvians to fish in a territory which will go to the Lithuanians after the sea border treaty takes effect," the Lithuanian newspaper "Respublika" reported Wednesday. It was planned that Lithuanian officials would visit Riga in order to meet with leaders of the Latvian Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Association in order to discuss the treaty's conditions. LETA

The leader of Latvian Social Democratic Party J.Bojars published his comments on observation of international human rights standards in the new draft constitution he had presented to his party for consideration.

The leader of Latvian Social Democratic Party J.Bojars published his comments on observation of international human rights standards in the new draft constitution he had presented to his party for consideration. Neatkariga

Latvian newspaper

Latvian newspaper Lauku Avize interviewed its readers about the proposal of For Human Rights in United Latvia to amend the election law. One person sees this proposal as a provocation, other is worried that these pro-Russian do not get any opposition; the third thinks that it is not permissible.

Latvijas Vestnesis

published an unofficial translation of the UN Human Rights Committees opinion about the complain of Latvian citizen A.Ignatane concerning her human rights violation. published an unofficial translation of the UN Human Rights Committee’s opinion about the complain of Latvian citizen A.Ignatane concerning her human rights violation. Russian-speaking newspaper

Russian-speaking newspaper Vesti Segodnya comments the statement made by the NATO Secretary General G.Robertson that the process of joining NATO would assist Latvia to solve problems that face its Russian-speaking minority. The Secretary General acknowledged that Russian-speakers have problems here.

The leader of the youth organisation Solidarnost I.Stalnoy plans another action – a free of charge concert to support students of Russian-speaking schools. He had received information about 12 Russian students, who following the call of Latvian Minister of Education and Science K.Grieskalns to join Latvian schools, started to study there and got beaten up. The concert will take place on Friday.

The leader of the youth organisation Solidarnost I.Stalnoy plans another action – a free of charge concert to support students of Russian-speaking schools. He had received information about 12 Russian students, who following the call of Latvian Minister of Education and Science K.Grieskalns to join Latvian schools, started to study there and got beaten up. The concert will take place on Friday. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Press Report

Press Report

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga on Monday presented credentials to Latvian ambassador to the United Nations, Gints Jegermanis, wishing him success in the new office.

BNS

Scheduled political consultations between Latvia and Ukraine on Monday and Tuesday in Kiev are set to touch upon bilateral relations, possible co-operation towards European integration, as well as co-operation between the Baltic and Black Sea regions. The Latvian Foreign ministry reported that state secretary Maris Riekstins and his Ukrainian counterpart Yuriy Sergeyev will be meeting in the capital of Ukraine and plan to exchange opinions on world current affairs, as well as sign a joint statement in conclusion of the consultations. BNS, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will be on a state visit in Spain from October 24 to October 29, LETA learned at the President's Press Service. President's Press Service reports that the president will participate in an international conference on transformation and consolidation of democracy in Madrid on October 26 and October 27 at the invitation of Spanish King Juan Carlos I.

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will be on a state visit in Spain from October 24 to October 29, LETA learned at the President's Press Service. President's Press Service reports that the president will participate in an international conference on transformation and consolidation of democracy in Madrid on October 26 and October 27 at the invitation of Spanish King Juan Carlos I. LETA

The Centre for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO Centre) will hold its fifth annual NGO forum at the Riga Latvian Society House on October 26. Several hundred NGO representatives attend the forum every year. This year, forum participants will become acquainted with new draft projects, which would regulate the NGO sector in the future, and the further development of organisations. Prime Minister Andris Berzins is scheduled to address the forum, as well as Minister of Justice Ingrida Labucka, Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins, NGO Centre Director Kaija Gertnere, creators of the draft bill and businessmen.

The Centre for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO Centre) will hold its fifth annual NGO forum at the Riga Latvian Society House on October 26. Several hundred NGO representatives attend the forum every year. This year, forum participants will become acquainted with new draft projects, which would regulate the NGO sector in the future, and the further development of organisations. Prime Minister Andris Berzins is scheduled to address the forum, as well as Minister of Justice Ingrida Labucka, Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins, NGO Centre Director Kaija Gertnere, creators of the draft bill and businessmen. LETA

Einars Repse promises introduction of tuition fees at universities. Repse’s to-be political party Jaunais laiks (New Era) presented its program’s chapter on education. It says that university education is not directly financed by the state; the state guarantees loans for studies at universities and colleges founded by the state or legal entities, says NRA. Whereas B&B; says that non-citizens are not included into the project.

Einars Repse promises introduction of tuition fees at universities. Repses to-be political party Jaunais laiks (New Era) presented its programs chapter on education. It says that university education is not directly financed by the state; the state guarantees loans for studies at universities and colleges founded by the state or legal entities, says NRA. Whereas B&B says that non-citizens are not included into the project. LETA, Diena, Neatkariga

Estonian Prime Minister Mart Laar has announced that staying of the OSCE Mission is not necessary any longer, and it rather harms the country instead of bringing any good. Parliamentary ruling coalition deputies proposed last to abolish the norm that candidates for the parliament and local governments had to know the Estonian language. Laar pointed out that if the Parliament took this decision, the OSCE Mission would leave the country. “Dragging on of the discussion of this decision will mean that OSCE Mission will continue its activities in Estonia to joy for all our enemies,” stressed Laar. “It is clear that a state with developed democracy does not need such a mission,” he pointed out. The amendments proposed by a group of deputies envisage abolishing the norm that candidates must have the written and spoken Estonian language. Abolishing the language norm for parliament and local government candidates is one of the goals of the OSCE Mission to Estonia.

Estonian Prime Minister Mart Laar has announced that staying of the OSCE Mission is not necessary any longer, and it rather harms the country instead of bringing any good. Parliamentary ruling coalition deputies proposed last to abolish the norm that candidates for the parliament and local governments had to know the Estonian language. Laar pointed out that if the Parliament took this decision, the OSCE Mission would leave the country. Dragging on of the discussion of this decision will mean that OSCE Mission will continue its activities in Estonia to joy for all our enemies, stressed Laar. It is clear that a state with developed democracy does not need such a mission, he pointed out. The amendments proposed by a group of deputies envisage abolishing the norm that candidates must have the written and spoken Estonian language. Abolishing the language norm for parliament and local government candidates is one of the goals of the OSCE Mission to Estonia. Lauku Avize

Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia call to discuss the principles of the program prepared by this organisation at parents’ meetings at schools and support holding the second Latvian parents Conference. The text of the project is available at ASRLSL home page

Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia call to discuss the principles of the program prepared by this organisation at parents meetings at schools and support holding the second Latvian parents Conference. The text of the project is available at ASRLSL home page www.lashor.lv and at www.chas-daily.com/lashor. The first such meeting took place in Venspils. There were also present the representatives of ASRLSL, Consultative Council on Non-citizen Affairs and the Head of Education Department of Venspils City Council. Discussing the project nobody objected that they have to know the Latvian language but stated that currently offered programs did not ensure the language knowledge on the necessary level. Chas

Press Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Science informs about the regular meeting of the Consultative Council on National Minorities Education Issues. Three main issues of the agenda were: 1) experts’ decision on the draft amendments to the education law proposed by the Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia envisaging abolishing the norm that from January 1, 2004 all tuition at secondary schools had to be in the Latvian language; 2) consideration of the proposals submitted by I.Pimenov on amendments to the decree of the Ministry of Education and Science No 313 “On the minimal and maximal number of students in a class (group) at education institution founded by the state or local governments; 3) to learn about the education program project submitted by T.Favorska on establishing a Russian national school in Latvia.

Press Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Science informs about the regular meeting of the Consultative Council on National Minorities Education Issues. Three main issues of the agenda were: 1) experts decision on the draft amendments to the education law proposed by the Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia envisaging abolishing the norm that from January 1, 2004 all tuition at secondary schools had to be in the Latvian language; 2) consideration of the proposals submitted by I.Pimenov on amendments to the decree of the Ministry of Education and Science No 313 On the minimal and maximal number of students in a class (group) at education institution founded by the state or local governments; 3) to learn about the education program project submitted by T.Favorska on establishing a Russian national school in Latvia. Latvijas Vestnesis

Parliamentary faction For Human Rights in United Latvia sent to the President, Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs a letter with a request to support the idea for abolishing language limitations for deputy candidates. The faction expressed a hope that top Latvian authorities would help in getting support from the Saeima, and this would favour faster integration of Latvia into the community of democratic states of Europe. At the same time Saeima Social Democrats faction will not support this proposal.

Parliamentary faction For Human Rights in United Latvia sent to the President, Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs a letter with a request to support the idea for abolishing language limitations for deputy candidates. The faction expressed a hope that top Latvian authorities would help in getting support from the Saeima, and this would favour faster integration of Latvia into the community of democratic states of Europe. At the same time Saeima Social Democrats faction will not support this proposal. Delfi