Integration and Minority Information Service

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

While on a two-day visit in Riga, businessman and philanthropist George Soros stated that bilingual education should be promoted in Latvia, because Latvians no longer have any reason for concern about the viability of the Latvian language, and the future of the country is secured. George Soros suggested that if Latvia ignores the interests of national minorities in the realm of education, international pressure can be exerted on the country. In regard to granting the status of the state language to Russian, George Soros noted that there are different areas of language usage which should be distinct – the language spoken in Parliament and the possibility to write an application to the authorities in one’s mother tongue. He concluded that it is up to Latvia itself to take decisions in these matters.

While on a two-day visit in Riga, businessman and philanthropist George Soros stated that bilingual education should be promoted in Latvia, because Latvians no longer have any reason for concern about the viability of the Latvian language, and the future of the country is secured. George Soros suggested that if Latvia ignores the interests of national minorities in the realm of education, international pressure can be exerted on the country. In regard to granting the status of the state language to Russian, George Soros noted that there are different areas of language usage which should be distinct – the language spoken in Parliament and the possibility to write an application to the authorities in ones mother tongue. He concluded that it is up to Latvia itself to take decisions in these matters. Diena

The Russian language press and BNS report that George Soros has said that Latvian society should be a two-language society and that Latvians should stop humiliating Russians.

The Russian language press and BNS report that George Soros has said that Latvian society should be a two-language society and that Latvians should stop humiliating Russians. Vechernaya Riga, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii, BNS

Neatkariga

publishes its monthly supplement Integration. The newspaper features an article about Hermanis Chernovs whose ethnic background is Russian. Hermanis Chernovs is in a leading position in the Latvian National Armed Forces. He states that he is Russian and will not give up his identity, however, he states that he has pledged loyalty to Latvia. He believes that society in Latvia is split we are too impatient. We want Russians to immediately start speaking Latvian and Latvians to understand Russians. In life it does not happen so quickly. On the whole, Hermanis Chernovs is an optimist regarding integration – when Latvia is in the EU, the ethnic roots will remain, but other differences between nationalities will disappear. publishes its monthly supplement “Integration.” The newspaper features an article about Hermanis Chernovs whose ethnic background is Russian. Hermanis Chernovs is in a leading position in the Latvian National Armed Forces. He states that he is Russian and will not give up his identity, however, he states that he has pledged loyalty to Latvia. He believes that society in Latvia is split “we are too impatient. We want Russians to immediately start speaking Latvian and Latvians to understand Russians. In life it does not happen so quickly.” On the whole, Hermanis Chernovs is an optimist regarding integration – when Latvia is in the EU, the ethnic roots will remain, but other differences between nationalities will disappear.

Neatkariga

features an article about Poles, their culture and life style in Latvia. According to the latest census, 2.5% of Latvian residents are Poles. features an article about Poles, their culture and life style in Latvia. According to the latest census, 2.5% of Latvian residents are Poles.

Neatkariga

interviews advisor to the President on national minority issues Olgerts Tipans. Olgerts Tipans partly agrees that funding allotted for the promotion of the cultures of national minorities was not sufficient due to a shortage of funds in the state budget. Olgerts Tipans states that Latvian authorities are not very successful in building an effective dialogue with national minorities. Regarding the education reform in 2004, Tipans states that a relatively small portion of people is concerned about this issue. He says that with the change of generations more and more people study and know Latvian. Olgerts Tipans believes that Latvias membership to the EU and NATO will put an end to the last doubts about Latvias future. interviews advisor to the President on national minority issues Olgerts Tipans. Olgerts Tipans partly agrees that funding allotted for the promotion of the cultures of national minorities was not sufficient due to a shortage of funds in the state budget. Olgerts Tipans states that Latvian authorities are not very successful in building an effective dialogue with national minorities. Regarding the education reform in 2004, Tipans states that a relatively small portion of people is concerned about this issue. He says that with the change of generations more and more people study and know Latvian. Olgerts Tipans believes that Latvia’s membership to the EU and NATO will put an end to the last doubts about Latvia’s future. According to the data presented by political scientist Artis Pabriks, the Prison Administration is the only state institution where the number of national minorities working is much higher than the number of Latvians. Head of the foundation SORECS (support foundation for former inmates) Davids Klavins comments that the majority of inmates are non-Latvians therefore Russian is actually most commonly used language in prisons. Former inmate Ainars Meness states that actually not only inmates speak Russian among themselves, but also staff talks to inmates in Russian

According to the data presented by political scientist Artis Pabriks, the Prison Administration is the only state institution where the number of national minorities working is much higher than the number of Latvians. Head of the foundation SORECS (support foundation for former inmates) Davids Klavins comments that the majority of inmates are non-Latvians therefore Russian is actually most commonly used language in prisons. Former inmate Ainars Meness states that actually not only inmates speak Russian among themselves, but also staff talks to inmates in Russian. Neatkariga

Chas

comments on the candidacy of the New Era politician Ina Druviete to the post of the Integration Minister. The newspaper notes that up till now no further information about the authority, tasks and responsibilities of the proposed Ministry has been provided. comments on the candidacy of the New Era politician Ina Druviete to the post of the Integration Minister. The newspaper notes that up till now no further information about the authority, tasks and responsibilities of the proposed Ministry has been provided. Chas’Chas columnist Leonid Fedoseyev assumes that the key responsibility of this Minister will be societal integration and in this case the candidacy of Ina Druviete is the most inappropriate. The columnist stresses that whenever Ina Druviete talks about integration issues she supports forcible methods towards non-Latvians and that if Ina Druviete is approved for this post it should be called the Minister of Latvianisation. columnist Leonid Fedoseyev assumes that the key responsibility of this Minister will be societal integration and in this case the candidacy of Ina Druviete is the most inappropriate. The columnist stresses that whenever Ina Druviete talks about integration issues “she supports forcible methods towards non-Latvians” and that if Ina Druviete is approved for this post it should be called the Minister of Latvianisation. Chas Chas publishes the summary of statements of Ina Druviete concerning integration issues. publishes the summary of statements of Ina Druviete concerning integration issues.

Chas

talks to Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Commission to Latvia Andrew Rasbash and Ambassador of Denmark Ole Lisborg about problems Latvia experiences in the field of national minorities and what consequences they could have on Latvias EU accession bid. The newspapers states that on several issues the stances of two ambassadors were quite contradictory. Regarding the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, ambassador Lisborg states that Latvia should ratify the Convention before Latvia actually accedes to the EU, but ambassador Rasbash states that ratification is not a mandatory requirement for EU membership. Both ambassadors agree that Latvia will not be forced to amend its Citizenship Law to foster the speed of naturalisation. Andrew Rasbash believes that the status of non-citizens is not Latvias problem, but the problem of these people, as they will not have a number of rights which EU citizens have. Regarding the switch of national minority schools to instruction in Latvian ambassadors state that the European Commission expects some flexibility from Latvian authorities towards the issue and that the law is adopted, but the government could come back to the discussion of some details as to what, when and where. talks to Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Commission to Latvia Andrew Rasbash and Ambassador of Denmark Ole Lisborg about problems Latvia experiences in the field of national minorities and what consequences they could have on Latvia’s EU accession bid. The newspapers states that on several issues the stances of two ambassadors were quite contradictory. Regarding the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, ambassador Lisborg states that Latvia should ratify the Convention before Latvia actually accedes to the EU, but ambassador Rasbash states that ratification is not a mandatory requirement for EU membership. Both ambassadors agree that Latvia will not be forced to amend its Citizenship Law to foster the speed of naturalisation. Andrew Rasbash believes that the status of non-citizens is not Latvia’s problem, but the problem of these people, as they will not have a number of rights which EU citizens have. Regarding the switch of national minority schools to instruction in Latvian ambassadors state that the European Commission expects some flexibility from Latvian authorities towards the issue and that the law is adopted, but the government could come back to the discussion of some details as to “what, when and where.”

Chas

reports about the information day held by the Naturalisation Board yesterday. A journalist of the newspaper as well as another 40 interested people took part in the event. Almost all people who took a trial naturalisation test successfully passed it. reports about the information day held by the Naturalisation Board yesterday. A journalist of the newspaper as well as another 40 interested people took part in the event. Almost all people who took a trial naturalisation test successfully passed it.

Vesti Segodnya

reports that in 2007 Latvian non-citizens will not have any problems with travelling in Europe without visas, as border guard forces will gradually stop controlling the borders after the expansion of the EU. reports that in 2007 Latvian non-citizens will not have any problems with travelling in Europe without visas, as border guard forces will gradually stop controlling the borders after the expansion of the EU.

Panorama Latvii

reports on a case of a woman who recently acquired Latvian citizenship. Due to flaws in Latvian legislation her child is not entitled to receive Latvian citizenship – at the moment of birth the mother was a non-citizen and thus, so was her daughter. Now when the mother is a citizen, the daughter loses her right to receive Latvian citizenship as a child of a Latvian non-citizen. However, when the child was born the mother was not a Latvian citizen yet. The officials say that the only way the child can receive Latvian citizenship is through naturalisation. reports on a case of a woman who recently acquired Latvian citizenship. Due to flaws in Latvian legislation her child is not entitled to receive Latvian citizenship – at the moment of birth the mother was a non-citizen and thus, so was her daughter. Now when the mother is a citizen, the daughter loses her right to receive Latvian citizenship as a child of a Latvian non-citizen. However, when the child was born the mother was not a Latvian citizen yet. The officials say that the only way the child can receive Latvian citizenship is through naturalisation.

Vesti Segodnya

reports about a visit of Russian ambassador Igor Studennikov to Jelgava. Ambassador Studennikov visited a bilingual school and a Latvian school. After the visit he expressed deep satisfaction with the way bilingual education is implemented and the quality of classes of Russian for Latvians. reports about a visit of Russian ambassador Igor Studennikov to Jelgava. Ambassador Studennikov visited a bilingual school and a Latvian school. After the visit he expressed deep satisfaction with the way bilingual education is implemented and the quality of classes of Russian for Latvians. Panorama LatviiPanorama Latvii

Vesti Segodnya

introduces its readers with the new programme of the NGO Russian Community of Latvia. The recently elected head of the RSL Vladimir Ribakov states that the key goal of the Society should be aimed at increasing the socio-economic welfare of Russians residing in Latvia. Support for FHRUL and co-operation with other organisations of national minorities, Vladimir Ribakov named as the next priorities of the RSL. introduces its readers with the new programme of the NGO Russian Community of Latvia. The recently elected head of the RSL Vladimir Ribakov states that the key goal of the Society should be aimed at increasing the socio-economic welfare of Russians residing in Latvia. Support for FHRUL and co-operation with other organisations of national minorities, Vladimir Ribakov named as the next priorities of the RSL.

Vesti Segodnya

features an article about Russians in the parliaments of interwar Latvia. features an article about Russians in the parliaments of interwar Latvia.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Although usually the number of people who want to acquire Latvian citizenship grows in the first months of autumn, the naturalisation rate in this September has not increased. The Naturalisation Board explains that with the 8th Saeima elections and that a number of non-citizens hoped that forces which support zero option citizenship would win in the elections. The Naturalisation Board forecasts that the number of persons who will acquire Latvian citizenship this year will be the same as last year.

Although usually the number of people who want to acquire Latvian citizenship grows in the first months of autumn, the naturalisation rate in this September has not increased. The Naturalisation Board explains that with the 8th Saeima elections and that a number of non-citizens hoped that forces which support zero option citizenship would win in the elections. The Naturalisation Board forecasts that the number of persons who will acquire Latvian citizenship this year will be the same as last year. Diena

The government-to-be is nominating its minister candidacies. The New Era has nominated linguist Ina Druviete for the post of the Minister of Societal Integration. In the brief interview for

The government-to-be is nominating its minister candidacies. The New Era has nominated linguist Ina Druviete for the post of the Minister of Societal Integration. In the brief interview for Vesti Segodnya she states that the New Era will support the development of minority cultures and is going to develop the programme for Latvian language training. She states that the main task will be the consolidation of a single community and one of the key consolidation elements is the state language. However, FHRUL MP Boriss Tsilevich doubts the adequacy of her candidacy for the post, as she has been famous for her strict stance regarding the state language. The Latvian First Party states that this post is important for their party as well, but that before nominating its candidacy, the party wants to know the tasks and authorities of this institution. Chas

Chas comments on the statement of the outgoing Netherlands government that Latvia is not ready to be accepted in the EU. According to unofficial information, the Netherlands believes that Latvia is not ready for the membership in the EU because of widespread corruption in the country, weak state administration and unwillingness of the Latvian majority to deal with ethnic minority problems.

Chas comments on the statement of the outgoing Netherlands government that Latvia is not ready to be accepted in the EU. According to unofficial information, the Netherlands believes that Latvia is not ready for the membership in the EU because of widespread corruption in the country, weak state administration and unwillingness of the Latvian majority to deal with ethnic minority problems.

Neatkariga

looks into the activities of Russian businessman Boris Berezovsky in Latvia. The International Foundation for Civil Liberties, headed by Mr. Berezovsky, has funded a number of projects aimed at integration and promotion of Russian culture in Latvia. looks into the activities of Russian businessman Boris Berezovsky in Latvia. The International Foundation for Civil Liberties, headed by Mr. Berezovsky, has funded a number of projects aimed at integration and promotion of Russian culture in Latvia. Neatkariga’s Neatkarigas columnist Dainis Lemesonoks warns that his influence will increase and that Berezovsky is trying to involve Latvia in his fight against the Kremlin behind the cover of democracy, human rights and pluralism. columnist Dainis Lemesonoks warns that his influence will increase and that Berezovsky is trying to involve Latvia in his fight against the Kremlin behind the cover of democracy, human rights and pluralism.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Chairperson of the Labour Party Aivars Kreituss analyses whether leftist parties have a chance to be ruling parties in Latvia. He states that in Latvia there is a myth that leftist parties are oriented only to Russia and the interests of Russian-speakers. He states that some rightist parties who won in the 8th Saeima elections used ideological elements and ideas of leftists, which means that policy of leftist parties is topical and necessary for society.

Chairperson of the Labour Party Aivars Kreituss analyses whether leftist parties have a chance to be ruling parties in Latvia. He states that in Latvia there is a myth that leftist parties are oriented only to Russia and the interests of Russian-speakers. He states that some rightist parties who won in the 8th Saeima elections used ideological elements and ideas of leftists, which means that policy of leftist parties is topical and necessary for society. Diena

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga yesterday called on parties involved with the forming of a new government to assume joint responsibility to the voters for the government’s future efforts, and to continue the main foreign policy goals from the previous government. The President requested opposition parties to observe the interests of the state in their work. However, the next Prime Minister will be announced no sooner than November 5.

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga yesterday called on parties involved with the forming of a new government to assume joint responsibility to the voters for the governments future efforts, and to continue the main foreign policy goals from the previous government. The President requested opposition parties to observe the interests of the state in their work. However, the next Prime Minister will be announced no sooner than November 5. Diena, Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Vechernaya Riga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf, Panorma Latvii

Yesterday Riga City Council abolished two provisions which discriminated against the rights of non-citizens. The first provision was adopted in 1993 and banned non-citizens from receiving credits by Riga City Council to buy apartments in newly built houses, which in any case is no longer practiced. The second abolished provision stipulated that if a non-citizen wanted to buy an apartment in a house owned by a cooperative society, a non-citizen had to have an officially registered place of residency in Riga for at least 16 years.

Yesterday Riga City Council abolished two provisions which discriminated against the rights of non-citizens. The first provision was adopted in 1993 and banned non-citizens from receiving credits by Riga City Council to buy apartments in newly built houses, which in any case is no longer practiced. The second abolished provision stipulated that if a non-citizen wanted to buy an apartment in a house owned by a cooperative society, a non-citizen had to have an officially registered place of residency in Riga for at least 16 years. Vechernaya Riga, Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnya

reports more in-depth about the complaint filed with the European Court of Human Rights against the switch of minority secondary schools to instruction in Latvian in 2004. The newspaper concludes that Russian-speakers in Latvia should not rely on Strasbourg. reports more in-depth about the complaint filed with the European Court of Human Rights against the switch of minority secondary schools to instruction in Latvian in 2004. The newspaper concludes that Russian-speakers in Latvia should not rely on Strasbourg.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

The Board of the New Era decided to nominate their candidate linguist Ina Druviete for the post of the Special Purpose Minister of Societal Integration Affairs. The New Era wanted to have their candidate in this office because, according to Ina Druviete, “our party [the New Era] has a scientifically based programme in this realm, therefore we can guarantee that we will not go astray and end up at either extreme. ".

The Board of the New Era decided to nominate their candidate linguist Ina Druviete for the post of the Special Purpose Minister of Societal Integration Affairs. The New Era wanted to have their candidate in this office because, according to Ina Druviete, our party [the New Era] has a scientifically based programme in this realm, therefore we can guarantee that we will not go astray and end up at either extreme. ". Diena, BNS

Chas

argues against the arguments provided by Latvian political scientists and experts about the reasons why FHRUL received so many seats in the 8th Saeima. The newspaper states that the victory of FHRUL is not thanks to the support of new citizens, as only 48,000 of Latvian residents acquired Latvian citizenship through naturalisation since 1995 and even if all these people had voted for FHRUL it would give FHRUL 3.5 seats in the Saeima. argues against the arguments provided by Latvian political scientists and experts about the reasons why FHRUL received so many seats in the 8th Saeima. The newspaper states that the victory of FHRUL is not thanks to the support of new citizens, as only 48,000 of Latvian residents acquired Latvian citizenship through naturalisation since 1995 and even if all these people had voted for FHRUL it would give FHRUL 3.5 seats in the Saeima. ChasChas Columnist Leonid Fedoseyev disagrees with the reproaches towards the Russian language press that it perverted people who then voted for FHRUL. He states that the Russian language press is simply telling the truth. Leonid Fedoseyev concludes that not only Russian-speakers, but also many Latvians voted for FHRUL. Columnist Leonid Fedoseyev disagrees with the reproaches towards the Russian language press that it “perverted” people who then voted for FHRUL. He states that the Russian language press is simply telling the truth. Leonid Fedoseyev concludes that not only Russian-speakers, but also many Latvians voted for FHRUL.

Vechernaya Riga

features an article about allegedly unequal possibilities for unemployed Russians. The newspaper reports that the State Employment Service provides professional training and courses and that those unemployed whose native language is Latvian have a better chance of gaining admission to the most popular courses. Most courses are taught only in Latvian and course partcipants with good Latvian language skills are preferred. The administration of the State Employment Service denies that they select people for courses according to their state language skills. However, according to the data of the newspaper, the number of Russians in some popular courses, such as design skills, is very small. features an article about allegedly unequal possibilities for unemployed Russians. The newspaper reports that the State Employment Service provides professional training and courses and that those unemployed whose native language is Latvian have a better chance of gaining admission to the most popular courses. Most courses are taught only in Latvian and course partcipants with good Latvian language skills are preferred. The administration of the State Employment Service denies that they select people for courses according to their state language skills. However, according to the data of the newspaper, the number of Russians in some popular courses, such as design skills, is very small. The Russian language press reports about the regular information days held by the Naturalisation Board. During this day interested people can receive in-depth information about possibilities to obtain Latvian citizenship and take trial naturalisation tests.

The Russian language press reports about the regular information days held by the Naturalisation Board. During this day interested people can receive in-depth information about possibilities to obtain Latvian citizenship and take trial naturalisation tests. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Panorama Latvii

features an article about non-citizens and citizenship issues in Latvia. The newspaper reports that within a year the number of non-citizens decreases in Latvia by about 31,000 people, however, only 9,000 out of these 31,000 become Latvian citizens, while the remainder either emigrate or die.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Diena features an article by Russian journalist Aleksandr Shabanov about Latvian Russians. He states that the purpose of the article is to reveal an alternative viewpoint on the self-identity of Latvian Russians. The key thesis of the article is that in our society (at least among Russian speakers in Latvia) a Soviet and totalitarian way of thinking prevails … although it does not want to admit it.

Ahead of Latvia’s move to the European Union, teachers in the Baltic countries must prepare for teaching various ethnic groups in public schools. They also must improve foreign language training, enhance children’s social protection and the prestige of the teaching profession. These were the key points discussed at the meeting of leaders of school trade unions from the Baltic countries, Finland and France.

Ahead of Latvias move to the European Union, teachers in the Baltic countries must prepare for teaching various ethnic groups in public schools. They also must improve foreign language training, enhance childrens social protection and the prestige of the teaching profession. These were the key points discussed at the meeting of leaders of school trade unions from the Baltic countries, Finland and France. Neatkariga stresses that public schools could soon include more nationalities.

Telegraf

interviews Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins (Latvias Way). He states that those people who previously voted for Latvias Way got tired of the party as a ruling party and wanted to experiment, and therefore gave their votes to other parties. Indulis Berzins believes that 24% people who voted for FHRUL associate this party with Russia and vote for this party not because they like the ideas of FHRUL, but because they believe that FHRUL has the power to protect them. He states that a new liberal force should be formed which could give local Russians assurance in their future. Berzins admits that Latvias Way could be this new force and become more leftist. interviews Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins (Latvia’s Way). He states that those people who previously voted for Latvia’s Way got tired of the party as a ruling party and wanted to experiment, and therefore gave their votes to other parties. Indulis Berzins believes that 24% people who voted for FHRUL associate this party with Russia and vote for this party not because they like the ideas of FHRUL, but because they believe that FHRUL has the power to protect them. He states that a new liberal force should be formed which could give local Russians assurance in their future. Berzins admits that Latvia’s Way could be this new force and become more leftist.