Press Report

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga is scheduled to present credentials today to the new Latvian Ambassador to UN, former Latvian Ambassador to Estonia, Gints Jegermanis, LETA was informed by the president's press service.

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga is scheduled to present credentials today to the new Latvian Ambassador to UN, former Latvian Ambassador to Estonia, Gints Jegermanis, LETA was informed by the president's press service. LETA

Political commentator of the newspaper Diena A.Ozolins writes that merging of two political forces - Latvian Social Democratic Party and the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia is proceeding much faster than anybody expected. Only two months ago MP J.Adamsons suggested such a possibility, but now the leader of For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans is pushing Social Democrats to decide on the co-operation agreement between both parties at Social Democrats Party congress this week, but the leader of Social Democrats J.Bojars wants the new party council to decide about it after the congress

Political commentator of the newspaper Diena A.Ozolins writes that merging of two political forces - Latvian Social Democratic Party and the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia is proceeding much faster than anybody expected. Only two months ago MP J.Adamsons suggested such a possibility, but now the leader of For Human Rights in United Latvia J.Jurkans is pushing Social Democrats to decide on the co-operation agreement between both parties at Social Democrats Party congress this week, but the leader of Social Democrats J.Bojars wants the new party council to decide about it after the congress. Diena, Vesti Segodnya

Russian parliament has in principle adopted the version of the new citizenship law stipulating that Russians residing in the Baltic States and CIS countries shall be equated to citizens of foreign countries, and they have to receive Russian citizenship through the general procedure.

Russian parliament has in principle adopted the version of the new citizenship law stipulating that Russians residing in the Baltic States and CIS countries shall be equated to citizens of foreign countries, and they have to receive Russian citizenship through the general procedure. Diena

More than 30 residents of Lejasstrazdi Village in Dobele Parish expressed a wish to become Latvian citizens. As the language environment in the village in Russian, these people could not pass the language test. But now thanks to the international donors, who sponsored Latvian language training program for non-citizens, they have a possibility to improve their state language knowledge.

More than 30 residents of Lejasstrazdi Village in Dobele Parish expressed a wish to become Latvian citizens. As the language environment in the village in Russian, these people could not pass the language test. But now thanks to the international donors, who sponsored Latvian language training program for non-citizens, they have a possibility to improve their state language knowledge. Neatkariga

On October 27 will take place the 33rd congress of Latvian Social Democratic Party. The newspaper

On October 27 will take place the 33rd congress of Latvian Social Democratic Party. The newspaper Chas interviewed the Secretary General of the party V.Lauskis. Mr. Lauskis told the journalist about the new draft constitution of Latvia, co-operation of Social Democrats with the position and opposition parties. When asked about their activities, he said that in the Riga City Council and other local governments they would concentrate on two main things – social programs and furthering of the process of integration – national, social, and regional. Chas

Press Report

Upon invitation of King Juan Carlos I of Spain, Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will be attending the meeting of heads of states in the capital of Spain on October 26 and 27, as part of the international Conference on Democratic Transition and Consolidation.

Upon invitation of King Juan Carlos I of Spain, Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will be attending the meeting of heads of states in the capital of Spain on October 26 and 27, as part of the international Conference on Democratic Transition and Consolidation. BNS

Consultative Council on National Minorities Education Issues did not support the draft amendments to the education law proposed by the Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia envisaging to abolish the norm that from January 1, 2004 all tuition at secondary schools had to be in the Latvian language. The ASRSS leader I.Pimenov is sure that Russian-speaking schools will not be prepared for it by 2004.

Consultative Council on National Minorities Education Issues did not support the draft amendments to the education law proposed by the Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia envisaging to abolish the norm that from January 1, 2004 all tuition at secondary schools had to be in the Latvian language. The ASRSS leader I.Pimenov is sure that Russian-speaking schools will not be prepared for it by 2004. Diena

Chairman of Latvian Romany National Cultural Society MP N.Rudevics is going to Helsinki to attend a seminar on Romany problems in the world. He will speak about the decision of Estonian government not to let in Estonia 47 Romany people from Latvia. They are accused for selling fake produce.

Chairman of Latvian Romany National Cultural Society MP N.Rudevics is going to Helsinki to attend a seminar on Romany problems in the world. He will speak about the decision of Estonian government not to let in Estonia 47 Romany people from Latvia. They are accused for selling fake produce. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya (22.10.01)

Yesterday took place an official meeting of working groups of Riga and Moscow city councils. After this meeting the leaders of groups informed that the basic agreement would be signed this year.

Yesterday took place an official meeting of working groups of Riga and Moscow city councils. After this meeting the leaders of groups informed that the basic agreement would be signed this year. Neatkariga, Chas

Press Report

Press Report

The new US ambassador to Latvia Brian E.Carlson praised the Baltic state’s progress in developing democracy and market economy before the US Senate committee. “Today Latvia has emerged as the region's commercial, financial and transportation centre. Latvians re-established functioning democratic and market-oriented institutions after decades of Soviet mismanagement”, said Carlson. “Demonstrating a principled commitment to human rights, Latvia's leaders have liberalised naturalisation procedures and put in place the rule of law”, he added.

The new US ambassador to Latvia Brian E.Carlson praised the Baltic states progress in developing democracy and market economy before the US Senate committee. Today Latvia has emerged as the region's commercial, financial and transportation centre. Latvians re-established functioning democratic and market-oriented institutions after decades of Soviet mismanagement, said Carlson. Demonstrating a principled commitment to human rights, Latvia's leaders have liberalised naturalisation procedures and put in place the rule of law, he added. Diena, Neatkariga

A settlement has been reached in the first Latvian case heard in the European Court of Human Rights with the state agreeing to pay compensation to the claimant. The Human Rights Court Thursday confirmed a settlement over the claim by Ms. Nina Kulakova, who will get from the Latvian state a compensation of 5,000 lats (USD 8,000) for delay in investigation of a criminal case where she was a victim and also a civil claimant. The court ruled to recognise the settlement between the parties, saying that it was in line with the human right requirements.

A settlement has been reached in the first Latvian case heard in the European Court of Human Rights with the state agreeing to pay compensation to the claimant. The Human Rights Court Thursday confirmed a settlement over the claim by Ms. Nina Kulakova, who will get from the Latvian state a compensation of 5,000 lats (USD 8,000) for delay in investigation of a criminal case where she was a victim and also a civil claimant. The court ruled to recognise the settlement between the parties, saying that it was in line with the human right requirements. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

The Union for Human Rights in a United Latvia has prepared amendments to the Law on Parliamentarian Election, as well as to the Law on Municipal Election. The amendments stipulates exclusion of the requirement for deputy candidates who have not graduated from the schools with the Latvian language as an instruction language, submit a certificate proving their proficiency of the state language on the highest level. The amendments are submitted to protect the rights of all individuals to vote and run for elections, informed the faction leader J.Jurkans, indicating that restrictions provided for by election laws are discriminating on the basis of the language.

The Union for Human Rights in a United Latvia has prepared amendments to the Law on Parliamentarian Election, as well as to the Law on Municipal Election. The amendments stipulates exclusion of the requirement for deputy candidates who have not graduated from the schools with the Latvian language as an instruction language, submit a certificate proving their proficiency of the state language on the highest level. The amendments are submitted to protect the rights of all individuals to vote and run for elections, informed the faction leader J.Jurkans, indicating that restrictions provided for by election laws are discriminating on the basis of the language. Diena, Chas

5 applicants have been approved to the announced 5 vacancies for NGOs representatives at the Society Integration Foundation Board. They are the following: head of NGO “Russians of West” D.Nikolayevs, Latvian Orthodox Church Archbishop Aleksandrs, NGO centre director K.Gertnere, Latvian Deaf Association Head A.Pavlins and Latvian Romanian National Association President N.Rudevics.

5 applicants have been approved to the announced 5 vacancies for NGOs representatives at the Society Integration Foundation Board. They are the following: head of NGO Russians of West D.Nikolayevs, Latvian Orthodox Church Archbishop Aleksandrs, NGO centre director K.Gertnere, Latvian Deaf Association Head A.Pavlins and Latvian Romanian National Association President N.Rudevics. Diena.

Yesterday the Russian embassy to Latvia organised a celebration to award the best Russian language teachers with the nomination “Russian Language Teacher of the Year”.

Yesterday the Russian embassy to Latvia organised a celebration to award the best Russian language teachers with the nomination Russian Language Teacher of the Year. Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Latvian Human Rights Committee chairperson L.Raihman tells

Latvian Human Rights Committee chairperson L.Raihman tells Chas about Pre-Monitoring Report funded by the Open Society Institution. L.Raihman reproaches the Latvian authorities for being arrogant and thinking that Latvia could become a member of the EU without solving Latvias biggest problem – the situation concerning Russian speakers.

Vesti Segodnja

publishes some parts of the interview with Russias politician, Union of Right Wing Parties leader B.Nemcov aired on the Latvian National TV channel. In the first part of the interview B.Nemcov talked about Russias domestic policy. At the end of the interview he recalled how he gave Latvia a lesson in 1998 when I was working for the Government your Nazis dared to march in the centre of Riga. I issued the order to stop fuel supply. And that was it – it worked immediately. publishes some parts of the interview with Russia’s politician, Union of Right Wing Parties leader B.Nemcov aired on the Latvian National TV channel. In the first part of the interview B.Nemcov talked about Russia’s domestic policy. At the end of the interview he recalled how he gave Latvia a lesson “in 1998 when I was working for the Government your Nazis dared to march in the centre of Riga. I issued the order to stop fuel supply. And that was it – it worked immediately”.

Vesti Segodnja

publishes an article The Russian Language in the Independent Latvia where gives retrospection of the problems of Russian for the last ten years. The newspaper writes the existing language policy and practice have changed the linguistic situation, however, assimilation has not occurred. What are the reasons that prevented Russians from turning into Latvians. The newspaper names the things that are lost for the Russians in regard to the Russian language, such as libraries, Russian in the streets (signs, street names, etc.), however, there are fields where it is almost impossible to influence the usage of one or another language very much, like the radio, internet. publishes an article “The Russian Language in the Independent Latvia” where gives retrospection of the problems of Russian for the last ten years. The newspaper writes “the existing language policy and practice have changed the linguistic situation, however, assimilation has not occurred. What are the reasons that prevented Russians from turning into Latvians”. The newspaper names the things that are lost for the Russians in regard to the Russian language, such as libraries, Russian in the streets (signs, street names, etc.), however, there are fields where it is almost impossible to influence the usage of one or another language very much, like the radio, internet.

Press Report

Press Report

Minorities problems in each country, including Latvia, should be looked upon individually with due regard to historic circumstances of a specific country, Latvian president said. Her remark came as she was answering to a question by Hungarian media about the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia. The president said that regardless of criticism by some countries about Latvia's minorities policy Latvia has "the most liberal citizenship law which is even more liberal than in Germany" which stipulates that on reaching 16 years of age non-citizens can automatically acquire Latvia's citizenship. "People have choice -- repatriate, integrate or retain the status of non-citizen," said Vike-Freiberga.. She reported to the journalists about support of the Latvian government to society integration, reduced naturalisation fee, Latvian language teaching programs as well as resources allocated for society integration.

Minorities problems in each country, including Latvia, should be looked upon individually with due regard to historic circumstances of a specific country, Latvian president said. Her remark came as she was answering to a question by Hungarian media about the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia. The president said that regardless of criticism by some countries about Latvia's minorities policy Latvia has "the most liberal citizenship law which is even more liberal than in Germany" which stipulates that on reaching 16 years of age non-citizens can automatically acquire Latvia's citizenship. "People have choice -- repatriate, integrate or retain the status of non-citizen," said Vike-Freiberga.. She reported to the journalists about support of the Latvian government to society integration, reduced naturalisation fee, Latvian language teaching programs as well as resources allocated for society integration. BNS, Diena, Vyecernaya Riga

Some 20 non-governmental and political organisations seeking to protect various rights of Latvia's Russian-speaking population have signed an agreement and will draft a co-operation plan, said an activist for the cause of Russian-speakers in Latvia.

Some 20 non-governmental and political organisations seeking to protect various rights of Latvia's Russian-speaking population have signed an agreement and will draft a co-operation plan, said an activist for the cause of Russian-speakers in Latvia.

Tatyana Zhdanok, the leader of the Latvian Human Rights Committee and co-chairwoman of the Equal Rights party. The co-operation will take a form of discussion, reviewing the initiatives by Russian-speaker organisations and deciding on supporting the proposals and joining in their implementation. The most recent outcome of this co-operation was the gathering of Russian-speaking residents in the Riga centre on Oct. 14, said Zhdanok. She said one of the objectives was to get ready for next parliamentary elections in Latvia to be held in fall 2002.

Tatyana Zhdanok, the leader of the Latvian Human Rights Committee and co-chairwoman of the Equal Rights party. The co-operation will take a form of discussion, reviewing the initiatives by Russian-speaker organisations and deciding on supporting the proposals and joining in their implementation. The most recent outcome of this co-operation was the gathering of Russian-speaking residents in the Riga centre on Oct. 14, said Zhdanok. She said one of the objectives was to get ready for next parliamentary elections in Latvia to be held in fall 2002. Lauku Avize, BNS

Vesti Segodnja

publishes an interview with T.Zhdanok. She is very sure that for the 8th Saeima election the parties that constitutes the Union For Human Rights in a United Latvia will not be competing with each other thus having real consolidated power. In regard about her chances to run for the next Parliamentarian election she is not so certain as her case will be reviewed in Strasbourg but most probably it will take more than a year. T.Zhdanok also voices that her party is not working for the electorate of one nationality, and believes that the Latvians will be voting for her party, too. publishes an interview with T.Zhdanok. She is very sure that for the 8th Saeima election the parties that constitutes the Union For Human Rights in a United Latvia will not be competing with each other thus having real consolidated power. In regard about her chances to run for the next Parliamentarian election she is not so certain as her case will be reviewed in Strasbourg but most probably it will take more than a year. T.Zhdanok also voices that her party is not working for the electorate of one nationality, and believes that the Latvians will be voting for her party, too.

Vesti Segodnja

discusses the possible closure of the OSCE Mission in Latvia at the end of the year. The newspaper links the issue with the discussions at the EU held in Brussels just few days ago and writes that according to the first part of the discussions the most probable assumption is that the Mission would be closed at the end of the year. As an argument the newspaper states that since Latvia is a candidate for the EU membership, the presence of the OSCE spoils not only the image of Latvia but also the goodwill of the EU, however, the EU understands that Latvia still has problems in regard to national minority issues, therefore, the EU will offer the colleagues from the OSCE to introduce the post of an advisor on the matters of Latvia and Estonia. The adviser will be the part of the OSCE HCNM office. But lets not rush with burying Peter Semnebys Mission – the final decision will be taken by the summit of the OSCE in November. Russia is going to say its word then. In regard to Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins statement on the fulfilment of the OSCE guidelines, the newspaper writes the Latvian authorities are so impatient with trying to get rid of the unnecessary witness, that they are ready to give any fantastic promises. The columnist concludes the OSCE better stay in Latvia for some time. The mission of this European organisation is not fulfilled. discusses the possible closure of the OSCE Mission in Latvia at the end of the year. The newspaper links the issue with the discussions at the EU held in Brussels just few days ago and writes that according to the first part of the discussions the most probable assumption is that the Mission would be closed at the end of the year. As an argument the newspaper states that “since Latvia is a candidate for the EU membership, the presence of the OSCE spoils not only the image of Latvia but also the goodwill of the EU”, however, the EU understands that Latvia still has problems in regard to national minority issues, therefore, “the EU will offer the colleagues from the OSCE to introduce the post of an advisor on the matters of Latvia and Estonia. The adviser will be the part of the OSCE HCNM office. But let’s not rush with burying Peter Semneby’s Mission – the final decision will be taken by the summit of the OSCE in November. Russia is going to say its word then.” In regard to Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins’ statement on the fulfilment of the OSCE guidelines, the newspaper writes “the Latvian authorities are so impatient with trying to get rid of the “unnecessary witness”, that they are ready to give any fantastic promises”. The columnist concludes “the OSCE better stay in Latvia for some time. The mission of this European organisation is not fulfilled”. The Saeima faction of Social Democrats believes that there is no need to sign co-operation agreement with FHRUL. LSDSP Saeima faction's chairman Egils Baldzens told that proposing such an agreement was "rather strange" of FHRUL. Baldzens stressed that LSDSP co-operates with all political forces at Saeima in tackling matters that concern LSDSP's program.

The Saeima faction of Social Democrats believes that there is no need to sign co-operation agreement with FHRUL. LSDSP Saeima faction's chairman Egils Baldzens told that proposing such an agreement was "rather strange" of FHRUL. Baldzens stressed that LSDSP co-operates with all political forces at Saeima in tackling matters that concern LSDSP's program. Lauku Avize

After couple months of unsuccessful attempts of trying to launch the work of Russian Latvian intergovernmental committee, it experiences one more crisis situation – committee’s co-chairperson from Russia’s party A.Blohin is recalled from the post of minister and his ministry is closed. Russia could not provide any information about the successor of A.Blohin.

After couple months of unsuccessful attempts of trying to launch the work of Russian Latvian intergovernmental committee, it experiences one more crisis situation – committees co-chairperson from Russias party A.Blohin is recalled from the post of minister and his ministry is closed. Russia could not provide any information about the successor of A.Blohin. Diena, Chas

In September the number of applications to naturalise has increased (884). Most probably the increase occurred due to the reduced state fee for naturalisation. By the reduction of the state fee the government has fulfilled one of the main requirements of the OSCE.

In September the number of applications to naturalise has increased (884). Most probably the increase occurred due to the reduced state fee for naturalisation. By the reduction of the state fee the government has fulfilled one of the main requirements of the OSCE. Diena

Society Integration Department Head V.Antoniskis provides information about the Society Integration Foundation, what phase it is now and principles of its work in the future.

Society Integration Department Head V.Antoniskis provides information about the Society Integration Foundation, what phase it is now and principles of its work in the future. Vyecernaya Riga

Today at the Ministry of Education and Science the session of Advisory Council on National Minority Education Matters takes place. It is scheduled to review the proposals submitted by the Latvian Association of Support to Russian Schools in Latvia.

Today at the Ministry of Education and Science the session of Advisory Council on National Minority Education Matters takes place. It is scheduled to review the proposals submitted by the Latvian Association of Support to Russian Schools in Latvia. Chas

Press Report

Press Report

The development of the eastern Latvian national border has stalled over reluctance by Russia to sign a border agreement as well lack of co-ordination and low administrative capacity within responsible Latvian agencies. It is very likely that the border agreement with Russia will be signed only after Latvia receives an invitation from NATO to join the alliance. FF/LNNK member G.Krasts said Russia was obviously reluctant to sign the border agreement with Latvia as long as the Baltic state will be seeking membership in the European Union (EU) and NATO. "Russia wants to maintain distrust in the region and strives to keep up uncertainty," said the foreign committee chairman, adding that absence of border agreements will not be an obstacle in admitting Latvia to either organisation, however.

The development of the eastern Latvian national border has stalled over reluctance by Russia to sign a border agreement as well lack of co-ordination and low administrative capacity within responsible Latvian agencies. It is very likely that the border agreement with Russia will be signed only after Latvia receives an invitation from NATO to join the alliance. FF/LNNK member G.Krasts said Russia was obviously reluctant to sign the border agreement with Latvia as long as the Baltic state will be seeking membership in the European Union (EU) and NATO. "Russia wants to maintain distrust in the region and strives to keep up uncertainty," said the foreign committee chairman, adding that absence of border agreements will not be an obstacle in admitting Latvia to either organisation, however. Neatkariga

Latvia may become the first country in the world to have the parliament with quality management certificate ISO 9001:2000. Responsible Latvian parliament officials are now making preparations for introducing the quality management system to improve the parliament's performance and become the first legislative body in the world to get ISO certificate. To make descriptions of jobs and procedures will take over 18,000 lats.

Latvia may become the first country in the world to have the parliament with quality management certificate ISO 9001:2000. Responsible Latvian parliament officials are now making preparations for introducing the quality management system to improve the parliament's performance and become the first legislative body in the world to get ISO certificate. To make descriptions of jobs and procedures will take over 18,000 lats. Diena, BNS, Chas

While on the official visit to Hungary, the Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga said for the interview in one of the major Hungarian newspapers

While on the official visit to Hungary, the Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga said for the interview in one of the major Hungarian newspapers Nepszabadsag Latvian-Russian relations to a large extent depend on relations with the Russian minority in Latvia. V.Vike-Freiberga stresses that in her view that relations with the Russian minority in Latvia are stabilising of late and therefore support from Russian-speaking residents for national policy and particularly for NATO membership increases. LETA

In September the number of people who have acquired citizenship through naturalisation is rather low (211, in August 756). Naturalisation Board officials explain that by problems of technical nature, that is, in September the Government was very busy was discussing state budget, so it could not spare time for approving the candidates.

In September the number of people who have acquired citizenship through naturalisation is rather low (211, in August 756). Naturalisation Board officials explain that by problems of technical nature, that is, in September the Government was very busy was discussing state budget, so it could not spare time for approving the candidates. Neatkariga

Vecernaya Riga

interviews MP FHRUL, Latvian PACE delegation member B.Cilevic. About the intention of some FF/LNNK parliament members to recall him from Latvian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), B.Cilevic says that it has been solved now, and it only shows that FF/LNNK has used to act like a ruling party. In regard to the support of the intention by also some Social Democrats, Cilevic says that it would make re-consider the possibility of co-operation between FHRUL and Social Democrats for the upcoming 8th Saeima election. interviews MP FHRUL, Latvian PACE delegation member B.Cilevic. About the intention of some FF/LNNK parliament members to recall him from Latvian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), B.Cilevic says that it has been solved now, and it only shows that FF/LNNK has used to act like a ruling party. In regard to the support of the intention by also some Social Democrats, Cilevic says that it would make re-consider the possibility of co-operation between FHRUL and Social Democrats for the upcoming 8th Saeima election.

Chas

invites people to call the newspaper if they have any concerns, problems or questions concerning the transfer to the studies exclusively in the Latvian language at national minority schools in 2004. invites people to call the newspaper if they have any concerns, problems or questions concerning the transfer to the studies exclusively in the Latvian language at national minority schools in 2004.

Chas

gives an article about the Seminar for the Principles of National Minority Schools. The newspaper is rather sceptical about optimism of the speakers who presented relevant Latvian authorities, whose speeches mainly were about that a human being can do a lot and that schools are just not aware of their capabilities. gives an article about the Seminar for the Principles of National Minority Schools. The newspaper is rather sceptical about optimism of the speakers who presented relevant Latvian authorities, whose speeches mainly were about that “a human being can do a lot and that schools are just not aware of their capabilities”. Chas Chas asks the opinions of the representatives of the Naturalisation Board and MoSE concerning the transfer and both officials do think that schools, teachers and students can and are ready for that. However, the opinion of political scientist A.Pabriks is rather sceptical. He considers that the year of 2008 would be more realistic to conduct the transfer, he also adds that when the government announced the transfer it did not ensure either physical or moral aspects for it. asks the opinions of the representatives of the Naturalisation Board and MoSE concerning the transfer and both officials do think that schools, teachers and students can and are ready for that. However, the opinion of political scientist A.Pabriks is rather sceptical. He considers that the year of 2008 would be more realistic to conduct the transfer, he also adds that when the government announced the transfer it did not ensure either physical or moral aspects for it. Latvia and Byelorussia have decided to review their border agreement in order to stipulate easier visa issuance procedure for people residing in border zones of both countries.

Latvia and Byelorussia have decided to review their border agreement in order to stipulate easier visa issuance procedure for people residing in border zones of both countries. Vesti Segodnja

Vesti Segodnja

gives some insight in the Report on the Situation of National Minorities in East Europe Countries funded by the Open Society Institution. The newspaper concludes that Soros institution most likely will become one more among those individuals and legal entities whose stance have been ignored for the last 10 years by Latvian authorities. gives some insight in the Report on the Situation of National Minorities in East Europe Countries funded by the Open Society Institution. The newspaper concludes that “Soros institution most likely will become one more among those individuals and legal entities whose stance have been ignored for the last 10 years by Latvian authorities.