• Former staff of the Naturalization Board regret grafting
• Vesti Segodnya interviews Minister of Justice
• Documentary about the Jewish community in Latvia will be shooted
• Muslim community asks to dismiss a lecturer of Latvian University
• Saeima Integration Subcommittee will listen to the report on minority education reform

As reported, several officials of the Naturalization Board were charged with the alleged bribery and taken to court . Now ex members regret grafting, but declare they have never asked for a bribe.

As reported, several officials of the Naturalization Board were charged with the alleged bribery and taken to court . Now ex members regret grafting, but declare they have never asked for a bribe. NRA

Vesti Segodnya interviews Minister of Justice Solvita Aboltina about her announcement to call off the draft amendments to the Citizenship Law, which provided the inclusion of loyalty criteria in naturalization procedure. The Minister states that the draft amendments would divide society and that, in fact, for some parties these draft amendments were used in their pre-election campaign.

With financial support of the EU PHARE, director Andris Gauja is shooting a documentary about the Jewish community in Latvia. The director wants to show  life of Jews and fight against  preconceptions and stereotypes. The main target audience will be  pupils and students.

With financial support of the EU PHARE, director Andris Gauja is shooting a documentary about the Jewish community in Latvia. The director wants to show life of Jews and fight against preconceptions and stereotypes. The main target audience will be pupils and students. Latvijas Avize

The Union of Muslim Communities in Latvia asks resignation of  lecturer  of Latvian University Gabriels Taivans. The Union states that Taivans’ statements about Islam in one of his interviews are insulting to Muslims. The representative of Latvian University assures that  that the statements made by Gabriels Taivans do not reflect the views of the University on Islam.

The Union of Muslim Communities in Latvia asks resignation of lecturer of Latvian University Gabriels Taivans. The Union states that Taivans statements about Islam in one of his interviews are insulting to Muslims. The representative of Latvian University assures that that the statements made by Gabriels Taivans do not reflect the views of the University on Islam. Chas

Yesterday the Integration Sub-commission of Saeima listened to the report on the situation regarding the implementation of minority education reformation. The Centre for Curriculum Development and Examinations (ISEC) reported that studies in the state language do not affect the acquisition of general knowledge.

Yesterday the Integration Sub-commission of Saeima listened to the report on the situation regarding the implementation of minority education reformation. The Centre for Curriculum Development and Examinations (ISEC) reported that studies in the state language do not affect the acquisition of general knowledge. Vesti Segodnya

 

 

 

• Minister of Justice calls off the draft amendments to the Citizenship Law
• Peoples Party wants the resignation of the head of the Naturalisation Board
• Naturalisation Board staff members admit to be guilty in bribery
• Political scientist Valts Kalnins about division of political parties into right – and left-wing
• Exhibition about minorities in Latvia

The Minister of Justice Solvita Aboltina has decided to call off the draft amendments to the Citizenship Law, which provided the inclusion of the loyalty criteria in naturalisation requirements. The Interior Minister took the decision arguing that it is not a good timing to change the Citizenship Law. The Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis agrees with the Aboltina’s position.

The Minister of Justice Solvita Aboltina has decided to call off the draft amendments to the Citizenship Law, which provided the inclusion of the loyalty criteria in naturalisation requirements. The Interior Minister took the decision arguing that it is not a good timing to change the Citizenship Law. The Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis agrees with the Aboltinas position. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

The People’s Party considers asking the resignation of Eizenija Aldermane, head of the Naturalisation Board. The representative of the party argued ‘the Naturalisation Board has been working without any control for several years and now we can see the results of this work – corruption and criminal cases.’ However, the Minister of Interior has stated that till now Eizenija Aldermane has been working in accordance with legislation and has fulfilled the tasks set by the government and law.

The Peoples Party considers asking the resignation of Eizenija Aldermane, head of the Naturalisation Board. The representative of the party argued ‘the Naturalisation Board has been working without any control for several years and now we can see the results of this work – corruption and criminal cases. However, the Minister of Interior has stated that till now Eizenija Aldermane has been working in accordance with legislation and has fulfilled the tasks set by the government and law. Vesti Segodnya prints a letter by the Union of Citizens and Non-Citizens in support for Eizenija Aldermane. Latvijas Avize, Chas

Latvijas Avize reports on the court proceeding regarding bribing the Naturalisation Board staff several years ago. All accused persons have admitted to be guilty.

Chas talks to political scientist Valts Kalnins about the upcoming Saeima elections. He argues that parties in Latvia are divided into left- and right-wing parties according to their stances in regard to ethnic issues. Political scientist speculates about possible choices of Russians in the upcoming elections.

Yesterday the Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks opened the exhibition “Present and Past of Ethnic Minorities in Latvia.’ In November the exhibition will travel to Belarus and then to other countries and EU institutions.

Yesterday the Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks opened the exhibition Present and Past of Ethnic Minorities in Latvia. In November the exhibition will travel to Belarus and then to other countries and EU institutions. Latvijas Vestnesis, Latvijas Avize, Telegraf

 

 

• Members of Muslim fundamental organisations visit Latvia
• Vesti Segodnya speculates about the future of the head of the Naturalisation Board
• 17 have applied for asylum in 2005
• Activities of the Russian community in Liepaja
• Situation of the Latvian language

According to the Centre for Anti-terrorism of the Security Police in couple last years members of radical Muslim organisations are visiting Latvia on more regular basis. However, the Centre assures that ‘there are no grounds for Latvian residents to be concerned and pay special attention to Muslims seen on the streets of Riga.’

According to the Centre for Anti-terrorism of the Security Police in couple last years members of radical Muslim organisations are visiting Latvia on more regular basis. However, the Centre assures that ‘there are no grounds for Latvian residents to be concerned and pay special attention to Muslims seen on the streets of Riga. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Vesti Segodnya analyses the situation in the Naturalisation Board in the context of the recent cases of bribery. The newspaper notes that some ruling politicians want Eizenija Aldermane, head of the Naturalisation Board, to take responsibility for the situation and resign from the post. Her future will be decided in two weeks.

In 2005, 17 persons asked for asylum in Latvia. Since 1998, in total 158 persons have asked for asylum in Latvia. Till now, the majority of these persons have arrived from the former CIS countries.

In 2005, 17 persons asked for asylum in Latvia. Since 1998, in total 158 persons have asked for asylum in Latvia. Till now, the majority of these persons have arrived from the former CIS countries. NRA

Chas prints an article about the activities of the Russian community in Liepaja.

Latvijas Avize prints a comprehensive article about researches conducted to examine the situation of the Latvian language in the country. The article concludes that the legal status of the language is in a much better situation than use of language in practice.

 

 

• Latvian President on the statements of the member of the PACE recently visiting Latvia
• NRA: what is racism in Latvia
• Osipovs party pickets against the situation of non-citizens in Latvia

Latvijas Avize prints a comprehensive interview with the Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. When asked to comment on the visit of the PACE Monitoring Committee Chair György Frunda and his statements, the President stresses that many statements made by him were ‘friendly recommendations and not demands.

The columnist of NRA writes about manifestation of racism in Latvia. The columnist argues that in Latvia racism in the understanding of U.S. Embassy is simply the interest of local people about the different and unusual as there are very few dark-skinned people in the country. 

The columnist of NRA writes about manifestation of racism in Latvia. The columnist argues that in Latvia racism in the understanding of U.S. Embassy is simply the interest of local people about the different and unusual as there are very few dark-skinned people in the country.

Friday night near the building of the Cabinet of Ministers the Latvian National Democratic Party led by Jevgenijs Osipovs held a picket. The party picketed against the attitude towards non-citizens in Latvia. One of the posters stated ‘a massive number of non-citizens in the country may lead to ethnic war. In this case, we will not stay apart.’ Although some MPs urged to look into these statements, the Security Police will not examine the case.

Friday night near the building of the Cabinet of Ministers the Latvian National Democratic Party led by Jevgenijs Osipovs held a picket. The party picketed against the attitude towards non-citizens in Latvia. One of the posters stated ‘a massive number of non-citizens in the country may lead to ethnic war. In this case, we will not stay apart. Although some MPs urged to look into these statements, the Security Police will not examine the case. Latvijas Avize, Chas

• Article on the planned state activities for implementation of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
• Discussion on the visit of PACE Monitoring Committee Chair György Frunda to Latvia
• MP Boris Tsilevitch: Latvia should ratify the Protocol No.12 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
• PACE member Boris Tsilevitch on the prospects of post-monitoring and naturalization in Latvia
• MFA Sergey Lavrov on the the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia
• Chas: Russian businessman Boris Berezovsky is going to appeal the decision of the National Security Council of Latvia
• Media comment the alleged bribery in the Naturalization Board
• Latvia is rated as the 17th state in the world regarding the observation of press freedom

Lauku Avize prints an article on the implementation of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM). According to the official of the Secretariat of the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration, the Secretariat of planning to organize seminars, to print information leaflets, and to translate of the Conventions text into Russian. The international conference in collaboration with the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ehnic Studies is planned. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be responsible for the preparation of the state report for the Advisory Committee on the FCNM with the involvement of minority representatives.

Newspapers continue to discuss the visit of PACE Monitoring Committee Chair György Frunda to Latvia.

Newspapers continue to discuss the visit of PACE Monitoring Committee Chair György Frunda to Latvia. Telegraf points to the passive responses of the Latvian officials to his statements and to the increased attention of the European officials to non-citizens problem and to the Latvian-Russian relations. Latvijas Vestnesis and Lauku Avize refer to György Frundas suggestion „not to make Russian minority suffer just because other people made this during the Soviet occupation.

After the visiting a seminar on the Protocol No.12 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms in Strasburg, the MP from the People’s Harmony Party Boris Tsilevitch has pointed to the need for Latvia to ratify this protocol stipulating the general prohibition of discrimination against by any public authority.

After the visiting a seminar on the Protocol No.12 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms in Strasburg, the MP from the Peoples Harmony Party Boris Tsilevitch has pointed to the need for Latvia to ratify this protocol stipulating the general prohibition of discrimination against by any public authority. Vesti Segodnya

Telegraf features an interview with the member of the Parliamentary Assambly of the Council of Europe from Latvia Boris Tsilevitch on the visit of PACE Monitoring Committee Chair György Frunda to Latvia, on the bribery in the Naturalization Board and on the prospects of naturalization. According to Boris Tsilevitch, PACE will not interrupt post-monitoring in Latvia since György Frundas statements show that Latvia does not fulfill its obligations before the Council of Europe. Boris Tsilevitch also assumes that possible suspention of naturalisation can be made in the interests of politicians and invites non-citizens to apply for Latvian citizenship as soon as possible.

Vesti Segodnya quotes the statements of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov expressing the concern on the the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia and Estonia. He has outlined the protection of the Russian diaspora`s rights as one of the priorities of Russia`s foreign policy.

Referring to the journal „Commersant”,

Referring to the journal „Commersant, Chas writes that the Russian businessman Boris Berezovsky is going to appeal the decision of the National Security Council of Latvia to include him in the persona non-grata list. According to Boris Berezovky, his lead Foundation
for Civic Freedoms will continue its work to promote integration of Russians in Latvia.

Lauku Avize continues to comment the cases of the alleged bribery in the Naturalization Board. Vesti Segodnyas columnist wonders on the increased attention paid to this cases by the state and believes that the devision the society into citizens and non-citizens has already made the conditions for curruption and for favourable position of Latvians. Chas also points to the allegedly deprived citizenship rights explaining the payment of Latvian citizenship by some non-citizens.

According to the NGO „Reporters Without Borders”, Latvia is rated as the 17th state in the world in the area of press freedom.

According to the NGO „Reporters Without Borders, Latvia is rated as the 17th state in the world in the area of press freedom. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya