• Vesti Segodnya: EU will ask Latvia to reduce the number of non-citizens
• Newspapers continue discussions about asking compensations from Russia for damages brought by the Soviet regime in Latvia
• Interview with the chairman of the Association of Russian Organisations in Latvia Mihails Gavrilovs about Russians in Latvia
• Latvijas Avize reports on the brochure ‘Ethnocentrism: Latvian version
• European Human Rights Network will provide training for young people in human rights
• Telegraf features an interview with the Estonian Minister of Education and Research Toivo Maimets

Newspapers report on the visit of José Manuel Barroso, President designate of the European Commission, to Latvia.

Newspapers report on the visit of José Manuel Barroso, President designate of the European Commission, to Latvia. Vesti Segodnya writes that José Manuel Barroso will meet with the Latvian Prime Minister Indulis Emsis and will discuss a number of issues concerning Latvias forthcoming accession to the Schengen zone. As reported by Vesti Segodnya, the big number of non-citizens will be one of the main topics of their discussions. The newspaper reports that officials of the European Commission are developing requirements for 10 new member states. Latvia will be asked to reduce the number of people with ‘unclear status before its joining to the Schengen zone. The member of the European Parliament Tatjana Zdanoka confirms the information and believes that the ‘zero citizenship option or serious promotion of naturalisation procedure are the only possible solutions to the situation.

Newspapers continue discussion about a possibility to ask Russia to compensate damages brought by the Soviet regime in Latvia.

Newspapers continue discussion about a possibility to ask Russia to compensate damages brought by the Soviet regime in Latvia. Diena prints an article by the Professor of International Law Ineta Ziemele about international legal mechanisms which Latvia could use in the process. Ineta Ziemele notes that in Europe there is a lack of detailed information and juridical analyses about repressions against residents of the Baltic States in the political circulation. Hence any discussions or activities regarding demands towards Russia should be started with defining illegitimacy of occupation and presenting such evidences, which are recognised by international law. Rigas Balss prints a statements of historians. Majority of them support the opinion of the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga that people should apply to international courts to ask compensation from Russia for their forced labour in the Soviet regime. Historian Henriks Strods stresses that it is very difficult to collect all necessary documents, because a part of them are in Moscow and their content is confidential. Diena, Rigas Balss

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the Chairman of the Association of Russian Organisations in Latvia Mihails Gavrilovs. The organisation is an umbrella organisation for 23 Russian cultural organisations. Mihails Gavrilovs states that his organisation is boycotted from the part of the Russian-language press, Headquarters and so-called Russian community because his organisations views differ from their views. The main difference is that Gavrilovs organisation is for Russians and not Russian-speakers. He believes that Russians have completely different mentality in comparison to Russian –speakers, who are Soviet people and not interested either in their ethnic roots or Russian culture. Mihails Gavrilovs also believes that material interests prevail in the Russian-speaker community.

Latvijas Avize reports on the brochure, written by the historian and the board member of the United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia Viktors Guscins ‘Ethnocentrism: Latvian version. The author does not recognise Latvias occupation and says that speculations with this term are ‘massive propaganda thesis, which brings problems in the area of social integration. According to Viktors Guscins, the regime of Latvia has developed legislation, which goal is not only the prohibition for non-Latvians to participate in state administration on equal grounds, but also their forcible assimilations. The author stresses that the previous ethnic policy ‘has led the state to the crisis in the ethnic relationships (…), to the edge behind which bloody ethnic conflict becomes real. The policy creates objective conditions for transformation of the existing two-community society into a two-community (…) state (…). Viktors Guscins states that the formation of a democratic regime in Latvia is possible if only institute of non-citizens is discontinued.

The European Human Rights Network is planning to implement a project

The European Human Rights Network is planning to implement a project Report on Human Rights, the goal of which is to provide training to 20 young people in human rights and develop their skills in journalism, public relations and organisation of public events. Neatkariga Rita Avize

Telegraf features an interview with the Estonian Minister of Education and Research Toivo Maimets about the forthcoming implementation of the education reform in Estonia. According to Toivo Maimets, the education reform of Estonia differs from the Latvian education reform because Estonian legislation does not stipulate the exact date when the reform should be completed. Besides, Estonian legislation also stipulates a possibility for parents, students, teachers or municipality to apply to the government and ask a permit to study in non-Estonian.

• Head of the Saeima Social Integration Subcommittee Andris Berzins talks about ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
• Russian language newspapers report on the meeting of the Board of the NGO United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia
• Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry issues a statement about the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Latvia
• Russian language newspapers continue discussions on a possibility to ask Russia to compensate damages brought by the soviet regime in Latvia
• Central Statistical Bureau information about ethnic proportions in Latvia in 2003

Vesti Segodnya prints an interview with the head of Saeima Social Integration Subcommittee Andris Berzins about ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. The MP does not want to forecast a possible date of ratification and stresses that there is a necessity to achieve a consensus among all society members regarding the need to ratify the document. According to Andris Berzins, one part of society regards the Convention as an instrument, which would be used for oppression of a titular nation, while others believe that it would provide additional rights and obligations.

Russian language newspapers report on the meeting of the Board of the NGO United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia (OKROL). The Board issued a statement addressing the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis and President of Latvia Vaira Vike Freiberga. The statement criticises suspension of the work on the Law on Minority Schools. The authors of the statement believe that the current situation shows that ‘all statements about the law as a compromise, possible solution to the conflict and beginning of the dialogue [with ethnic minorities] are lies, attempting to  diminish protest waves against the education reform on 1 September.’  The representatives of the OKROL have asked officials to start immediately a dialogue with organisations and parties, which are true representatives of the interests of the Russian community. Newspapers also report that three regional organisations of the OKROL have been formed in Liepaja, Jelgava and Rezekne last month.  

Russian language newspapers report on the meeting of the Board of the NGO United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia (OKROL). The Board issued a statement addressing the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis and President of Latvia Vaira Vike Freiberga. The statement criticises suspension of the work on the Law on Minority Schools. The authors of the statement believe that the current situation shows that ‘all statements about the law as a compromise, possible solution to the conflict and beginning of the dialogue [with ethnic minorities] are lies, attempting to diminish protest waves against the education reform on 1 September. The representatives of the OKROL have asked officials to start immediately a dialogue with organisations and parties, which are true representatives of the interests of the Russian community. Newspapers also report that three regional organisations of the OKROL have been formed in Liepaja, Jelgava and Rezekne last month. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Referring to the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Latvia, the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry has issued a statement, repeatedly calling representatives of international organisations to get involved in building dialogue between Latvian authorities and the Russian community.

Referring to the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Latvia, the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry has issued a statement, repeatedly calling representatives of international organisations to get involved in building dialogue between Latvian authorities and the Russian community. Latvijas Avize

Russian language newspapers continue discussions on possibility to ask Russia to compensate detriments caused by the Soviet regime in Latvia. Last week the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga called lawyers and historians to collect information on the damages brought by the Soviet regime during Latvia’s occupation so Latvia could apply with court and ask Russia for compensation. Newspapers feature opinions of Russian state officials and Russian and Latvian experts in international affairs. The Latvian political analyst Mihails Rodins believes that the recent statements of state officials are their public relation campaign and their goal is to unite a Latvian part of society. The Director of the Russia Institute for Strategic Studies Sergey Oznobishev states that if Russia takes decision to pay compensations to all  victims of the Stalin’s regime repressions, then, first of all, the decision would apply to Russian citizens. The Expert of International Affairs Martins Mits states that it is not possible to submit a collective claim to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and hence all persons, who have suffered from repressions, have to apply with the Court on individual basis. Martins Mits also points to the case of the Slivenko family, when the ECHR diplomatically avoided discussions on Latvia’s occupation.

Russian language newspapers continue discussions on possibility to ask Russia to compensate detriments caused by the Soviet regime in Latvia. Last week the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga called lawyers and historians to collect information on the damages brought by the Soviet regime during Latvias occupation so Latvia could apply with court and ask Russia for compensation. Newspapers feature opinions of Russian state officials and Russian and Latvian experts in international affairs. The Latvian political analyst Mihails Rodins believes that the recent statements of state officials are their public relation campaign and their goal is to unite a Latvian part of society. The Director of the Russia Institute for Strategic Studies Sergey Oznobishev states that if Russia takes decision to pay compensations to all victims of the Stalins regime repressions, then, first of all, the decision would apply to Russian citizens. The Expert of International Affairs Martins Mits states that it is not possible to submit a collective claim to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and hence all persons, who have suffered from repressions, have to apply with the Court on individual basis. Martins Mits also points to the case of the Slivenko family, when the ECHR diplomatically avoided discussions on Latvias occupation. Telegraf features an interview with the Head of the Russian State Councils International Affairs Committee Konstantin Kosatchev about the issue. Vesti Segodnya

According to the information of the Central Statistical Bureau, in 2003 58,6% of approximately 2,319,000 residents of Latvia were Latvians, while Russians constituted 28,8% of the population. Other largest ethnic minorities of Latvia were Belorussians – 4%, Ukrainians and Poles (each approximately 2,5%). There are also approximately 32,000 Lithuanians, 9,930 Jews, 3,704 Germans, 2,554 Estonians and more that 27,000 representatives of other ethnic minorities living in Latvia. 14% of all marriages, registered last year, were between Latvians and Russians.

According to the information of the Central Statistical Bureau, in 2003 58,6% of approximately 2,319,000 residents of Latvia were Latvians, while Russians constituted 28,8% of the population. Other largest ethnic minorities of Latvia were Belorussians – 4%, Ukrainians and Poles (each approximately 2,5%). There are also approximately 32,000 Lithuanians, 9,930 Jews, 3,704 Germans, 2,554 Estonians and more that 27,000 representatives of other ethnic minorities living in Latvia. 14% of all marriages, registered last year, were between Latvians and Russians. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

• Prime Minister of Latvia Indulis Emsis does not support the initiative to claim damages from Russia
• For Human Rights in the United Latvia submits the amendments to the Law on Citizenship
• Collection of articles ‘The Holocaust Research in Latvia has been published
• Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools reproaches the party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM for using Nazi symbols, adoption of the ‘shameful non-citizens law, repressions against the Russian language.

The Prime Minister of Latvia Indulis Emsis does not support the initiative to ask Russia to compensate damages caused by the soviet regime to Latvia. The Prime Minister believes that it is unreal to reach a positive result on this issue and that would only spoil relations with Russia.

The Prime Minister of Latvia Indulis Emsis does not support the initiative to ask Russia to compensate damages caused by the soviet regime to Latvia. The Prime Minister believes that it is unreal to reach a positive result on this issue and that would only spoil relations with Russia. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The parliamentary group For Human Rights in the United Latvia has submitted amendments to the Law on Citizenship, which stipulate granting of the Latvian citizenship to all children, who have learned at Latvian-language secondary schools, but have not completed a full educational course, and orphans, who live in boarding-schools. Besides, all children, born in Latvia after 21 August 1991, who live permanently in the territory of Latvia, but have the status of non-citizens, should be registered as citizens of Latvia without any additional procedures.

The parliamentary group For Human Rights in the United Latvia has submitted amendments to the Law on Citizenship, which stipulate granting of the Latvian citizenship to all children, who have learned at Latvian-language secondary schools, but have not completed a full educational course, and orphans, who live in boarding-schools. Besides, all children, born in Latvia after 21 August 1991, who live permanently in the territory of Latvia, but have the status of non-citizens, should be registered as citizens of Latvia without any additional procedures. Chas

The collection of articles compiled by the historian commission ‘The Holocaust Research in Latvia’ has been published. The publication includes materials on international conferences, which took place in Riga on 12 – 13 June 2003 and 24 October 2003, and the Holocaust Studies in Latvia in 2002 – 2003.

The collection of articles compiled by the historian commission ‘The Holocaust Research in Latvia has been published. The publication includes materials on international conferences, which took place in Riga on 12 – 13 June 2003 and 24 October 2003, and the Holocaust Studies in Latvia in 2002 – 2003. Latvijas Avize

For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM expressed their concerns about the statement, issued by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools. In the statement the Headquarters compared FF/LNIM to Nazi, because FF/LNIM uses the symbol of swastika. The Headquarters also reproached FF/LNIM for being inspirers of the education reform, adoption of the ‘shameful non-citizens’ law’, repressions against Russian language. MP Juris Dobelis believes that these statements are ‘tendentious and incite national hatred.’ The MP noted that the issue will be discussed with the director of the Constitutional Defence Bureau Janis Kazocins. FF/LNIM is also planning to clarify the attitude of the Constitutional Defence Bureau towards the registration of the NGO United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia.

For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM expressed their concerns about the statement, issued by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools. In the statement the Headquarters compared FF/LNIM to Nazi, because FF/LNIM uses the symbol of swastika. The Headquarters also reproached FF/LNIM for being inspirers of the education reform, adoption of the ‘shameful non-citizens law, repressions against Russian language. MP Juris Dobelis believes that these statements are ‘tendentious and incite national hatred. The MP noted that the issue will be discussed with the director of the Constitutional Defence Bureau Janis Kazocins. FF/LNIM is also planning to clarify the attitude of the Constitutional Defence Bureau towards the registration of the NGO United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia. Latvijas Avize

• President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga talks about the necessity to evaluate the crimes of the Soviet regime
• United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia officially registered
• Latvian members to the European Parliament from For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM will ask the prospective Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice Rocco Buttiglione to explain his statements
• Neatkariga Rita Avize comments on recommendations of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus
• Discussions on equalising incitement of national hatred with denial of Latvias occupation in Latvian legislation
• Saeima refuses the proposal to grant Latvian non-citizens the right to work at the Prison Administration
• Saeima National Security Committee: by publishing the envelopes with the image of the Latvian pilot Herberts Cukurs, Union of National Strength has not incited national hatred
• Interview with the Advisor of the President of Latvia on minority issues and the Chairman of the Society Integration Foundation Sols Bukingolts

The President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga has called lawyers and historians to collect information on the damages brought by the Soviet regime during Latvia’’s so Latvia could apply with court and ask Russia for compensation. The President has also pointed to the fact that Russia has accepted the former properties and permanent assets of the USSR, but has not taken a responsibility of crimes committed by the Soviet regime. Russian-language newspapers express their criticism towards the President’s statements.

The President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga has called lawyers and historians to collect information on the damages brought by the Soviet regime during Latvias so Latvia could apply with court and ask Russia for compensation. The President has also pointed to the fact that Russia has accepted the former properties and permanent assets of the USSR, but has not taken a responsibility of crimes committed by the Soviet regime. Russian-language newspapers express their criticism towards the Presidents statements. Diena, Rigas Balss, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Telegraf

The United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia has been officially registered by the Register of Enterprises yesterday.

The United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia has been officially registered by the Register of Enterprises yesterday. Latvijas Avize features the statements of several right-wing MPs. The majority of them believe that the organisation should not be registered. However, they admit that a registered organisation is possible to control more effectively. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Latvian members of the European Parliament from the For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM have asked to invite the prospective Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice Rocco Buttiglione to the meeting of the Union for Europe of the Nations. According to the Latvian MPs, Rocco Buttiglione should explain his statement about the situation of non-citizens in Latvia and the suggestion to apply with the European Court to solve the issue. MPs are convinced that the prospective commissioner should recall his statement.

Latvian members of the European Parliament from the For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM have asked to invite the prospective Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice Rocco Buttiglione to the meeting of the Union for Europe of the Nations. According to the Latvian MPs, Rocco Buttiglione should explain his statement about the situation of non-citizens in Latvia and the suggestion to apply with the European Court to solve the issue. MPs are convinced that the prospective commissioner should recall his statement. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize

Responding to the recommendations of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to grant non-citizens the right to participate in municipal elections, the columnist of

Responding to the recommendations of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to grant non-citizens the right to participate in municipal elections, the columnist of Neatkariga Rita Avize Anita Daukste states that naturalisation process in Latvia is liberal enough. According to the journalist, the language proficiency is almost the only criteria to pass naturalisation. Therefore, easements in naturalisation process would be a wrong step. Neatkariga Rita Avize

Latvijas Avize claims that Latvian residents believe that conscious denial of Latvia’s occupation should be interpreted as racial hatred in Latvian legislation. such conclusion was made after the National Radio and TV Council fined the First Baltic Channel for “one-sided and subjective reflection of Molotov-Ribentrop Pact.” The newspaper asks views of the Minister for Special Affairs on Social Integration Nils Muiznieks. He states that the denial of occupation should not be mixed with non-recognition of mass deportations and other repressions. Muiznieks does not think that new norms on incitement of racial hatred should be added to the existing legal norms. While the Head of the Human Rights Institute of the University of Latvia Arturs Kucs states that it is very difficult to apply the existing norms as they provide that it should be proved that a person has incited national hatred intentionally. 

Latvijas Avize claims that Latvian residents believe that conscious denial of Latvias occupation should be interpreted as racial hatred in Latvian legislation. such conclusion was made after the National Radio and TV Council fined the First Baltic Channel for one-sided and subjective reflection of Molotov-Ribentrop Pact. The newspaper asks views of the Minister for Special Affairs on Social Integration Nils Muiznieks. He states that the denial of occupation should not be mixed with non-recognition of mass deportations and other repressions. Muiznieks does not think that new norms on incitement of racial hatred should be added to the existing legal norms. While the Head of the Human Rights Institute of the University of Latvia Arturs Kucs states that it is very difficult to apply the existing norms as they provide that it should be proved that a person has incited national hatred intentionally.

Saeima did not support amendments, submitted by the MP of the For Human Rights in the United Latvia Vladimirs Buzajevs, to the Law on Prison Administration. Amendments stipulated granting non-citizens the right to work at the Prison Administration and the requirement for all employees of the Administration to have a good command of the Russian language. The MP claims that prison guards must know Russian because 70% of prisoners are Russian-speakers. According to Vladimirs Buzajevs, the restrictions for non-citizens to hold certain offices are ‘the heaviest and aggressive forms of apartheid and russophobia’.

Saeima did not support amendments, submitted by the MP of the For Human Rights in the United Latvia Vladimirs Buzajevs, to the Law on Prison Administration. Amendments stipulated granting non-citizens the right to work at the Prison Administration and the requirement for all employees of the Administration to have a good command of the Russian language. The MP claims that prison guards must know Russian because 70% of prisoners are Russian-speakers. According to Vladimirs Buzajevs, the restrictions for non-citizens to hold certain offices are ‘the heaviest and aggressive forms of apartheid and russophobia. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

‘By publishing the envelopes with the image of the Latvian pilot Herberts Cukurs, who in the World War Two participated in the Holocaust, the political organisation Union of National Strength has not incited national hatred,’ concluded the representatives of the Saeima National Security Committee after the meeting of the head of the State Security Police Janis Reiniks.

‘By publishing the envelopes with the image of the Latvian pilot Herberts Cukurs, who in the World War Two participated in the Holocaust, the political organisation Union of National Strength has not incited national hatred, concluded the representatives of the Saeima National Security Committee after the meeting of the head of the State Security Police Janis Reiniks. Latvijas Avize

Latvijas Avize prints an interview with the advisor of the President of Latvia on minority issues and the Chairman of the Society Integration Foundation Sols Bukingolts about the recent activities of the national-radicals and the formation of the United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia. Sols Bukingolts believes that publishing and distribution of the envelopes with the image of Herberts Cukurs, who participated in the Holocaust, is a provocation towards all members of society. The Advisor evaluates attempts of the United Congress of the Russian Community to form economic groupings on the basis of ethnic lines as a dangerous tendency.

• Newspapers continue to write about the recommendations of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus
• Newspapers launch a discussion about ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Latvia
• Interview with the Parliamentary Secretary of the Special Tasks Ministers for Social Integration Secretariat Aleksandrs Brandavs
• Vasilijs Kononovs plans to apply with the European Court of Human Rights
• Aleksandrs Kazakovs: ‘I hope the European Court of Human Rights will make Latvian authorities account for my expulsion

Newspapers continue reporting on the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Latvia. During discussions with state officials, Rolf Ekeus has recommended to speed up and facilitate naturalisation process and grant non-citizens the rights to participate in municipal elections. The Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks, however, has stated that granting voting rights to non-citizens would not promote either naturalisation or social integration process.

Newspapers continue reporting on the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Latvia. During discussions with state officials, Rolf Ekeus has recommended to speed up and facilitate naturalisation process and grant non-citizens the rights to participate in municipal elections. The Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks, however, has stated that granting voting rights to non-citizens would not promote either naturalisation or social integration process. Diena and Latvijas Avize report that the High Commissioner also visited Riga Secondary School No 40. Students of the school have complained that it is difficult to learn in Latvian and that the Latvian language used in textbooks is too complicated. Students also expressed their dissatisfaction with insufficient Latvian language skills of teachers. Chas and Telegraf write about the meeting of Rolf Ekeus with the member of Saeima Boris Tsilevitch and the representative of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools Igors Pimenovs. During the meeting Rolf Ekeus has admitted, that the Law on Minority Schools could decrease tension around the education reform and promote democratisation of the education reform. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Following the recommendations of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus, newspapers launch a discussion about ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Latvia. The High Commissioner has stated that in Latvia’s social environment favours ratification of the Convention. However, Rolf Ekeus admitted that Latvia could adopt the Convention with few reservations, if they comply with the basic principles of the Convention. 

Following the recommendations of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus, newspapers launch a discussion about ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Latvia. The High Commissioner has stated that in Latvias social environment favours ratification of the Convention. However, Rolf Ekeus admitted that Latvia could adopt the Convention with few reservations, if they comply with the basic principles of the Convention. Neatkariga Rita Avize features views of the Head of Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee Ina Druviete and the leader of Peoples Harmony Party Janis Jurkans. Ina Druviete believes that Latvia should not ratify the Convention till goals of the Convention are not clear for society members and minorities should not have objections against education in the state language. While Janis Jurkans believes that the ratification of the convention could reduce tension in society. He notes that it would be important to grant a possibility for older persons to communicate with municipalities in their native language and ‘teach the state language at schools not with a stick but through agreement among schools, parents and municipalities. Journalist of Russian-language newspaper Chas believes that Latvia will not ratify the Convention in the nearest future, because politicians are afraid of Paragraph 15, which stipulates that ‘the Parties shall create the conditions necessary for the effective participation of persons belonging to national minorities in cultural, social and economic life and in public affairs, in particular those affecting them. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Chas

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the Parliamentary Secretary of the Special Tasks Ministers for Social Integration Secretariat Aleksandrs Brandavs on social integration issues. Aleksandrs Brandavs believes that the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities should be ratified as soon as possible. The Parliamentary Secretary, referring to the analysis conducted by the Secretariat, states that ratification of the Convention would not require many amendments to Latvian legislation. Aleksandrs Brandavs also points to the necessity to develop the Law on Minority Schools so schools in co-operation with municipalities and school boards would be able to decide on a type of education they need.

Former ‘red partisan’ Vasilijs Kononovs is planning appeal with the European Court of Human Rights challenging the ruling of the Senate of the Supreme Court that found him guilty in committing war crimes in 1944.

Former ‘red partisan Vasilijs Kononovs is planning appeal with the European Court of Human Rights challenging the ruling of the Senate of the Supreme Court that found him guilty in committing war crimes in 1944. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

The activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs, recently expelled from Latvia, has expressed a hope that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) will make Latvian authorities account for his expulsion. Aleksandrs Kazakovs is obliged to exhaust local remedies before he may appeal with the ECHR. According to the Headquarters’ activist, he has received only the note from the Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry, which was issued in the response to the request of the Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry.

The activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs, recently expelled from Latvia, has expressed a hope that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) will make Latvian authorities account for his expulsion. Aleksandrs Kazakovs is obliged to exhaust local remedies before he may appeal with the ECHR. According to the Headquarters activist, he has received only the note from the Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry, which was issued in the response to the request of the Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry. Latvijas Avize