Press Report

Press Report

On Monday Belgian Foreign Ministry State Secretary Annemie Neyts in a meeting with Latvian MPs said that Latvia has made the largest progress among the European Union candidate countries and is going ahead of schedule in the membership talks, the parliament press office reported.

On Monday Belgian Foreign Ministry State Secretary Annemie Neyts in a meeting with Latvian MPs said that Latvia has made the largest progress among the European Union candidate countries and is going ahead of schedule in the membership talks, the parliament press office reported. Diena

Diena

special correspondent from Brussels K.Plamse talks to the OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby about how feasible is the closure of the OSCE Missions in Latvia and Estonia. special correspondent from Brussels K.Plamse talks to the OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby about how feasible is the closure of the OSCE Missions in Latvia and Estonia. FHRUL wants to strengthen co-operation with Social Democrats not only at Riga City Council, but also to make an agreement between parties’ fractions at Saeima. Social Democrats fraction chairperson E.Baldzens states that fractions could agree on the issues that are on the pre-election program of Social Democratsthat and which would be acceptable for the partners and would not contradict to their mandate, however, Social Democrat V.Lazo said that she is strictly against the agreement between both fractions at Saeima.

FHRUL wants to strengthen co-operation with Social Democrats not only at Riga City Council, but also to make an agreement between parties fractions at Saeima. Social Democrats fraction chairperson E.Baldzens states that fractions could agree on the issues that are on the pre-election program of Social Democratsthat and which would be acceptable for the partners and would not contradict to their mandate, however, Social Democrat V.Lazo said that she is strictly against the agreement between both fractions at Saeima. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas

Riga City Mayor Social Democrat G.Bojars comments on the situation that FHRUL considers bring in changes in the forms of co-operation “I hope that FHRUL will not rush with decisions as I stay with my opinion – Riga Council is a business instrument and it should be approached and viewed as a business unit dealing with business issues”.

Riga City Mayor Social Democrat G.Bojars comments on the situation that FHRUL considers bring in changes in the forms of co-operation I hope that FHRUL will not rush with decisions as I stay with my opinion – Riga Council is a business instrument and it should be approached and viewed as a business unit dealing with business issues. Latvijas Vestnesis

33 applicants have applied to the vacancies for NGO members at the Society Integration Foundation. Diena

33 applicants have applied to the vacancies for NGO members at the Society Integration Foundation. Diena

Lauku Avize

asks few politicians to provide their definition of the term national minority. Peoples Party chairperson A.Skele states that in Latvia we have very difficult situation in this respect and he heavily doubts whether people masses that came here 20, 30, 40 years ago should be considered a minority. Prime Minister A.Berzins thinks that this issue requires careful considerations and no rush. FF/LNNK chairperson V.Balodis says that minorities in Latvia should be considered Romanians, Lives, Byelorussians, Ukrainians and not Russians. Social Democrat chairperson J.Bojars suggests to apply the term only to citizens. FHRUL leader J.Jurkans states that national minorities should be considered all nations which are not Latvians. asks few politicians to provide their definition of the term “national minority”. People’s Party chairperson A.Skele states that in Latvia we have very difficult situation in this respect and he heavily doubts whether “people masses” that came here 20, 30, 40 years ago should be considered a minority. Prime Minister A.Berzins thinks that this issue requires careful considerations and no rush. FF/LNNK chairperson V.Balodis says that minorities in Latvia should be considered Romanians, Lives, Byelorussians, Ukrainians and not Russians. Social Democrat chairperson J.Bojars suggests to apply the term only to citizens. FHRUL leader J.Jurkans states that national minorities should be considered all nations which are not Latvians.

Lauku Avize

reports about the Conference of National Minority Schools. The newspaper asked opinions of several principles of minority schools and the majority of them say that they are not ready for the transfer. reports about the Conference of National Minority Schools. The newspaper asked opinions of several principles of minority schools and the majority of them say that they are not ready for the transfer.

Lauku Avize

interviews United Kingdom Ambassador S.Nash. The Ambassador talks about the situation in the world, the projects UK implements in Latvia. interviews United Kingdom Ambassador S.Nash. The Ambassador talks about the situation in the world, the projects UK implements in Latvia. When Lauku AvizeWhen Lauku Avize journalists asked whether the Ambassador has faced the problems concerning integration of non-citizens and his vision of the solution to this problem, the Ambassador replies that the OSCE and the former HCNM Max van der Stoel have acknowledged that Latvia has done a lot in society integration. He says naturalisation has to concern the vast number of non-citizens and I am very happy that the Latvian Government with the support of UK will launch public awareness campaign this fall. It is hard to forecast the way that these problems would develop, however, I think that the differences between Latvias Latvians and other nationalities will diminish. Commenting on the integration of non-citizens, the Ambassador predicted that upon Latvia's inclusion in the EU and NATO, there will be less non-citizen opposition to the naturalisation. Nash admitted that this is not a question of a couple years, the process could last for several generations. Nash forecast that the number of non-citizens will be brought down considerably by 2004. journalists asked whether the Ambassador has faced the problems concerning integration of non-citizens and his vision of the solution to this problem, the Ambassador replies that the OSCE and the former HCNM Max van der Stoel have acknowledged that Latvia has done a lot in society integration. He says “naturalisation has to concern the vast number of non-citizens and I am very happy that the Latvian Government with the support of UK will launch public awareness campaign this fall. It is hard to forecast the way that these problems would develop, however, I think that the differences between Latvia’s Latvians and other nationalities will diminish”. Commenting on the integration of non-citizens, the Ambassador predicted that upon Latvia's inclusion in the EU and NATO, there will be less non-citizen opposition to the naturalisation. Nash admitted that this is not a question of a couple years, the process could last for several generations. Nash forecast that the number of non-citizens will be brought down considerably by 2004.

Lauku Avize

also asks whether the comparison between Latvia and Macedonia is correct and the Ambassador responses that situations are completely different. Recently the new OSCE HCNM R.Ekeus visited Latvia and said that the ideal solution would be universal standards for all national minorities. I do not think that it is so simple, as all countries have different historical backgrounds, however, we do not pay too much attention to such comparisons – we have things to do. also asks whether the comparison between Latvia and Macedonia is correct and the Ambassador responses that “situations are completely different. Recently the new OSCE HCNM R.Ekeus visited Latvia and said that the ideal solution would be universal standards for all national minorities. I do not think that it is so simple, as all countries have different historical backgrounds, however, we do not pay too much attention to such comparisons – we have things to do”. Publishing House Vieda has closed the second contest on the best draft law on decolonisation. The organisers report that about 20 people have submitted their draft.

Publishing House Vieda has closed the second contest on the best draft law on decolonisation. The organisers report that about 20 people have submitted their draft. Chas

Vesti Segodnja

informs about the new booklet Bilingual Children funded by the Soros Foundation. The booklets target audience is parents and is about how the kids, belonging to national minorities, should study the state language. The newspaper numerates several flaws in the booklet – it discusses the situation when one of the parents speaks the state language well, however, the newspaper considers that in Latvia more often there is the situation when both parents state language skills are rather poor. Also the newspaper is not satisfied with the treatment of the question regarding bilingual study books – the booklet says that books imposes frames and do not foster creative approach. The authors of the article do not like the answer to the question how important for national minorities is to preserve their identity, as the booklet says it is difficult to determine nowadays what is a national identity. informs about the new booklet “Bilingual Children” funded by the Soros Foundation. The booklet’s target audience is parents and is about how the kids, belonging to national minorities, should study the state language. The newspaper numerates several flaws in the booklet – it discusses the situation when one of the parents speaks the state language well, however, the newspaper considers that in Latvia more often there is the situation when both parents’ state language skills are rather poor. Also the newspaper is not satisfied with the treatment of the question regarding bilingual study books – the booklet says that “books imposes frames and do not foster creative approach”. The authors of the article do not like the answer to the question “how important for national minorities is to preserve their identity”, as the booklet says “it is difficult to determine nowadays what is a national identity”.

 

Press Report

About 250 mostly elderly people gathered today on the Esplanade in central Riga to for a meeting with "For Human Rights In A United Latvia" (PCTVL) Saeima deputies, marking the 10th anniversary of the Latvian Supreme Council's adopted law on renewal of Latvian citizenship and basic procedures for naturalisation. Upon arrival, meeting participants were handed out identical banners that stated that October 15, 1991 divided Latvia into citizens and non-citizens. The banners urged everyone to support the idea of a united Latvia. Saeima deputies have released a statement demanding the Latvian government clearly set its social integration priorities that show specific measures for facilitating unity among the people. PCTVL also demands a halt to discriminatory policies in the education sector, the right to vote for non-citizens in local elections, ratification of the European regional or minority language charter and ratification of the General Convention on Protection of National Minorities.

About 250 mostly elderly people gathered today on the Esplanade in central Riga to for a meeting with "For Human Rights In A United Latvia" (PCTVL) Saeima deputies, marking the 10th anniversary of the Latvian Supreme Council's adopted law on renewal of Latvian citizenship and basic procedures for naturalisation. Upon arrival, meeting participants were handed out identical banners that stated that October 15, 1991 divided Latvia into citizens and non-citizens. The banners urged everyone to support the idea of a united Latvia. Saeima deputies have released a statement demanding the Latvian government clearly set its social integration priorities that show specific measures for facilitating unity among the people. PCTVL also demands a halt to discriminatory policies in the education sector, the right to vote for non-citizens in local elections, ratification of the European regional or minority language charter and ratification of the General Convention on Protection of National Minorities. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Latvian State Language Centre (SLC) inspectors are set to attend the open meetings of the Riga city council to check on state language proficiency of the city council members, the centre reported. The inspectors decided to exert to such method after Riga city council members whose state language proficiency is under doubts failed to prove to the centre their language proficiency. Although the inspectors will not be able to draw administrative protocols, their presence in the city council meetings may push the issue ahead. A fruitless correspondence between the Centre and Riga City Council members from the leftist block For Human Rights in United Latvia has been under way for several months whereby the Centre is seeking an opportunity to meet the city council members to check out their state language proficiency while the deputies are making excuses with the state language proficiency certificates saying they don't have to prove their language proficiency repeatedly. Initially Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars pledged to promote arrival of the city council members to the Centre for tests but later he sent a letter to the Centre saying he can not influence meeting of the deputies with inspectors. But Russian speaking city council deputies have been avoiding meeting the state language Centre inspectors citing documents they are holding which affirm their state language proficiency at the top level. The only Riga city council member who met with inspectors and proved his state language proficiency meets the top level requirements was Sergejs Zaletajevs from Human Rights faction while the other still continue avoiding the inspectors.

Latvian State Language Centre (SLC) inspectors are set to attend the open meetings of the Riga city council to check on state language proficiency of the city council members, the centre reported. The inspectors decided to exert to such method after Riga city council members whose state language proficiency is under doubts failed to prove to the centre their language proficiency. Although the inspectors will not be able to draw administrative protocols, their presence in the city council meetings may push the issue ahead. A fruitless correspondence between the Centre and Riga City Council members from the leftist block For Human Rights in United Latvia has been under way for several months whereby the Centre is seeking an opportunity to meet the city council members to check out their state language proficiency while the deputies are making excuses with the state language proficiency certificates saying they don't have to prove their language proficiency repeatedly. Initially Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars pledged to promote arrival of the city council members to the Centre for tests but later he sent a letter to the Centre saying he can not influence meeting of the deputies with inspectors. But Russian speaking city council deputies have been avoiding meeting the state language Centre inspectors citing documents they are holding which affirm their state language proficiency at the top level. The only Riga city council member who met with inspectors and proved his state language proficiency meets the top level requirements was Sergejs Zaletajevs from Human Rights faction while the other still continue avoiding the inspectors. Chas, Vesti Segodnja

On Sunday the new party – Latvian United Republican Party – was established by not very public and popular people in Latvian community, although one of the three co-chairmen posts is “reserved” for a popular person claimed the founders and they cannot disclose his name as he is still a member of another party. The party is funded from its members and sponsors in Latvia and the USA. The party is for the popularly elected president, majority election system, as well as offer to liberalise naturalisation requirements and provide an opportunity for people who have resided in Latvia for at least 3 years to take part at municipal election.

On Sunday the new party – Latvian United Republican Party – was established by not very public and popular people in Latvian community, although one of the three co-chairmen posts is reserved for a popular person claimed the founders and they cannot disclose his name as he is still a member of another party. The party is funded from its members and sponsors in Latvia and the USA. The party is for the popularly elected president, majority election system, as well as offer to liberalise naturalisation requirements and provide an opportunity for people who have resided in Latvia for at least 3 years to take part at municipal election. Diena, Neatkariga

The Latvian Government has established the working group, which will examine the UN Human Rights Committee ruling in the case of A.Ignatane and will come up with the proposals for its implementation.

The Latvian Government has established the working group, which will examine the UN Human Rights Committee ruling in the case of A.Ignatane and will come up with the proposals for its implementation. Diena

Today is the last day to apply to the vacant posts of the Board of Society Integration Foundation.

Today is the last day to apply to the vacant posts of the Board of Society Integration Foundation. Chas

Chas

interviews the founder of the new centric party E.Repse. He says that his party is oriented to all residents of Latvia, as its main goal is not a political but rather of economic nature - to establish order in the country. E.Repse voices that people can communicate with his party in any language, however, he also states that the language is one of the key factors proving ones loyalty towards the state. Also he gives his vision in regard to solution of many social and economical problems in Latvia. interviews the founder of the new centric party E.Repse. He says that his party is oriented to all residents of Latvia, as its main goal is not a political but rather of economic nature - to establish order in the country. E.Repse voices that people can communicate with his party in any language, however, he also states that the language is one of the key factors proving one’s loyalty towards the state. Also he gives his vision in regard to solution of many social and economical problems in Latvia.

Vesti Segodnja

asks the opinion of some Russian politicians about the Compatriot Congress. Russian Ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov and T.Zdanok is satisfied with the statements of V.Putin which clearly showed that Russia does not take its compatriots as a burden, but will provide a real assistance to these people. asks the opinion of some Russian politicians about the Compatriot Congress. Russian Ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov and T.Zdanok is satisfied with the statements of V.Putin which clearly showed that Russia does not take its compatriots as “a burden”, but will provide a real assistance to these people.

Press Report

Press Report

The European Union member and candidate countries should be mutually more co-operative and flexible in the EU enlargement talks to reduce social tension and solve social issues in the candidate countries, Latvian prime minister said at the conference devoted to social dimension of the EU enlargement. European Commission Enlargement Commissioner Guenter Verheugen noted that conclusions drawn during the conference will be useful in forming the EU position on chapters of the membership talks, especially those which are "sensitive" both for the candidate and member countries, like competition policy, environment, transport, energy and others. Verheugen said the conference marks a trend that social issues have acceded on agenda and agreed that "flexibility is the best way for solution of problems".

The European Union member and candidate countries should be mutually more co-operative and flexible in the EU enlargement talks to reduce social tension and solve social issues in the candidate countries, Latvian prime minister said at the conference devoted to social dimension of the EU enlargement. European Commission Enlargement Commissioner Guenter Verheugen noted that conclusions drawn during the conference will be useful in forming the EU position on chapters of the membership talks, especially those which are "sensitive" both for the candidate and member countries, like competition policy, environment, transport, energy and others. Verheugen said the conference marks a trend that social issues have acceded on agenda and agreed that "flexibility is the best way for solution of problems". Diena

“If any of Russian language schools thinks that it is not ready to teach subjects for 10 graders exclusively in the state language in 2004, it should immediately turn for assistance to the Ministry of Science and Education”, assured education minister K.Greiskalns at the conference for the principles of national schools. In his opinion it is possible to catch up in the upcoming two years. However, a part of principles were sure that teaching of such subjects as math, chemistry, biology should be continued in bilingual way.

If any of Russian language schools thinks that it is not ready to teach subjects for 10 graders exclusively in the state language in 2004, it should immediately turn for assistance to the Ministry of Science and Education, assured education minister K.Greiskalns at the conference for the principles of national schools. In his opinion it is possible to catch up in the upcoming two years. However, a part of principles were sure that teaching of such subjects as math, chemistry, biology should be continued in bilingual way. Diena

Lauku Avize

provides full text of Russian President V.Putins speech given at the Compatriot Congress. provides full text of Russian President V.Putin’s speech given at the Compatriot Congress. Russian President V.Putin has called the Russians residing abroad to return to their ethnic homeland. International Migration Organisation representative office in Riga Head I .Mezs says that maybe some would leave but in accordance with statistics no big increase will be experienced. However, people are interested in the issues concerning immigration – about 30 000 people have made inquiries at the Russian embassy.

Russian President V.Putin has called the Russians residing abroad to return to their ethnic homeland. International Migration Organisation representative office in Riga Head I .Mezs says that maybe some would leave but in accordance with statistics no big increase will be experienced. However, people are interested in the issues concerning immigration – about 30 000 people have made inquiries at the Russian embassy. Neatkariga

Jauna

publishes an interview with Latvian PM A.Berzins. He was asked rather traditional questions – about the perspectives of LW at the next Saeima election, its new competitor Repses party, next year budget and the management of the work at the CoM. When asked about his future plans (after the new Saeima election) A.Berzins says that probably he would stay with the party and in politics and, after all, why not in the Government. publishes an interview with Latvian PM A.Berzins. He was asked rather traditional questions – about the perspectives of LW at the next Saeima election, its new competitor Repse’s party, next year budget and the management of the work at the CoM. When asked about his future plans (after the new Saeima election) A.Berzins says that probably he would stay with the party and in politics and, after all, why not in the Government. Discrimination of Russian citizens could be one reason behind reviewing Russian policy regarding the countries where the discrimination takes place - particularly in Latvia and Estonia, Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov today declared at the Moscow congress of Russian compatriots residing abroad. Luzhkov called the attitude towards Russian-speaking people in Latvia and Estonia as "blatant apartheid", adding that discrimination exists also in the Ukraine where it refers to language and culture of Russian-speaking population. Luzhkov stressed that Russia's duty is to make every effort in order to protect Russian-speaking rights and interests abroad. He

Discrimination of Russian citizens could be one reason behind reviewing Russian policy regarding the countries where the discrimination takes place - particularly in Latvia and Estonia, Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov today declared at the Moscow congress of Russian compatriots residing abroad. Luzhkov called the attitude towards Russian-speaking people in Latvia and Estonia as "blatant apartheid", adding that discrimination exists also in the Ukraine where it refers to language and culture of Russian-speaking population. Luzhkov stressed that Russia's duty is to make every effort in order to protect Russian-speaking rights and interests abroad. He

declared that the Russian language is accepted as the second state language in neighbouring countries. Russian State Duma Speaker Gennady Seleznev declared that the State Duma will review the citizenship draft in the fall session as well as set principles for the attitude to compatriots as one of priorities.

declared that the Russian language is accepted as the second state language in neighbouring countries. Russian State Duma Speaker Gennady Seleznev declared that the State Duma will review the citizenship draft in the fall session as well as set principles for the attitude to compatriots as one of priorities. Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii

Chas

publishes parts of the Latvian TV show From the Position of Power with the Russian State Duma deputy V.Igrunov as a guest. The main discussion subject was Russians residing abroad and Putins call to return to Russia. In V.Igrunovs opinion Russias assistance to its compatriots should not be in the form of money but as ensuring possibilities – scholarships, education – it is necessary that in their countries of residence their children could study in a mother tongue, it is necessary that Russian radio is listened in Riga and Kiev. If the stress is placed only to providing money then all your nationalists will become the Russians. In regard to Putins invitation Irgunov says that Putin is a new politician, easy to train and not making too many mistakes. But to call Russian compatriots to Russia was a mistake. Nobody is waiting for them in Russia. publishes parts of the Latvian TV show “From the Position of Power” with the Russian State Duma deputy V.Igrunov as a guest. The main discussion subject was Russians residing abroad and Putin’s call to return to Russia. In V.Igrunov’s opinion Russia’s assistance to its compatriots should not be in the form of money but as ensuring possibilities – scholarships, education – “it is necessary that in their countries of residence their children could study in a mother tongue, it is necessary that Russian radio is listened in Riga and Kiev. If the stress is placed only to providing money then all your nationalists will become the Russians”. In regard to Putin’s invitation Irgunov says that “Putin is a new politician, easy to train and not making too many mistakes. But to call Russian compatriots to Russia was a mistake. Nobody is waiting for them in Russia”. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Chas Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Chas

Chas

also gives the information about what type and in which amount Russia has provided its assistance to its compatriots in Latvia. The projects supported by Russia are the following: for the cultural educational Russian children centre Roots – about USD 2 million; Riga Children Music school was provided with the music instruments; Russian schools were provided with study books; 48 students from Latvia have scholarship of Moscow Mayor. also gives the information about what type and in which amount Russia has provided its assistance to its compatriots in Latvia. The projects supported by Russia are the following: for the cultural educational Russian children centre “Roots” – about USD 2 million; Riga Children Music school was provided with the music instruments; Russian schools were provided with study books; 48 students from Latvia have scholarship of Moscow Mayor.

Chas

introduces its readers with the alternative education model developed by ASRLSL headed by I.Pimenovs. introduces its readers with the alternative education model developed by ASRLSL headed by I.Pimenovs. Friday interested people had a possibility to meet with the director of publishing house “Vieda” A.Garda.

Friday interested people had a possibility to meet with the director of publishing house Vieda A.Garda. Vesti Segodnja gives some quotes of his speech.

Vesti Segodnja

columnist A.Yelkin gives his conclusion concerning the Compatriot Congress in Moscow. First, Assistance Program to Compatriots was made; second, the Russian Government will use all diplomatic and politic measures to protect Russian rights in their countries of residence. Third, Russia will do its best to unify Russian NGOs and political organisation. And finally, Russia will leave the choice whether to stay as the member of the diaspora or return to historical homeland. columnist A.Yelkin gives his conclusion concerning the Compatriot Congress in Moscow. First, Assistance Program to Compatriots was made; second, the Russian Government will use all diplomatic and politic measures to protect Russian rights in their countries of residence. Third, Russia will do its best to unify Russian NGOs and political organisation. And finally, Russia will leave the choice whether to stay as the member of the diaspora or return to historical homeland.

Press Report

Press Report

The Open Society Institute (OSI) announced on Thursday in Brussels a report on the independence of court power in EU candidate countries, concluding that the political environment in Latvia does not promote the development of an independent court system. The institute's Pre-accession Process EU Monitoring: Minority Protection report also concluded that an independent court system has no support amongst politicians or society, and the authorities, especially the Justice Ministry, have retained wide influence in respect to administering court powers, funding and judge career development. The ministry also has wide decisive rights with many opportunities to unacceptably influence judge decisions - subordinating courts and specific judges.

BNS, Neatkariga

Latvian Supreme Court Thursday changed terrorism charges against three National Bolsheviks from Russia, who last November broke into St. Peter's church tower in Riga, against hooliganism and significantly reduced their jail terms. Sergey Solovey and Maksim Zhurkin, who according to a lower instance court verdict were sentenced to 15 years in jail, will have to serve six and five years jail terms respectively while Dmitry Gafarov who was under age at the time when the offence was committed was sentenced to one year jail term, so he could be set free in a month. BNS

Prime Minister Andris Berzins signed a decree today on setting up a task force to review the UN Human Rights Committee's decision on the case of Antonina Ignatane and drawing up proposals for implementing the decision. LETA learned at the State Chancellery's Press Department that the taskforce will be headed by Kristine Malinovska, the government's representative at international human rights organisations, the taskforce will include representatives of the premier's office, National Human Rights Office, Justice Ministry, Education and Science Ministry and Foreign Affairs Ministry. He also stated that the OSCE Mission to Latvia had fulfilled all tasks envisaged in the OSCE guidelines and the Mission should be closed by January 1, 2002. LETA, Latvijas Vestnesis

Finland believes that Latvia should focus on completing as much chapters in EU talks as possible during Belgian and Spanish presidency terms to ensure the Baltic state's successful integration in the organisation, said the Latvian foreign minister. Latvian foreign minister Indulis Berzins, currently in Helsinki, conveyed this opinion by Finland in a telephone interview to BNS. He said Finland had suggested that Latvia should move as fast as possible in pre-accession talks till the middle of the next year so that the most complicated chapters would be left last. BNS

Russian President Vladimir Putin participates in congress of Russian compatriots, calls on Russians residing abroad to return home. Putin said that currently, establishing good relations among public administration institutions, businessmen, cultural officials and Russian compatriots residing abroad is extremely important, aid in preserving national culture, defending Russian peoples rights and protecting them from discrimination also needs to be made more active. Also, special attention must be provided so that Russian schools and newspapers are not closed, so that Russians are able to learn from textbooks in Russian. Putin did not specify though what methods would be employed to achieve this, reports Diena. The newspaper says it is likely that a special governmental organisation will now deal in working out a policy for Russians residing abroad, since the president advised to set up one. LETA, BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Vechernyaya Riga, Panorama Latvii, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The joined position of Social Democrats and FF/LNNK for recalling of MP B.Cilevich from PACE has caused problems for Social Democrats and For Human Rights in United Latvia. Diena

The joined position of Social Democrats and FF/LNNK for recalling of MP B.Cilevich from PACE has caused problems for Social Democrats and For Human Rights in United Latvia. Diena

Russian-speaking newspaper

Russian-speaking newspaper Chas interviewed Russian Ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov about his impressions at the Congress of Compatriots in Moscow. He told the journalist that Russian President V.Putin had clearly confirmed the intention of Russian government to follow the situation with Russian compatriots abroad and observation of their rights. He liked the speech of T.Zhdanok, Co-chairman of Latvian Human Rights Committee who spoke about the tasks for the Russian-speaking Diaspora in Latvia, their problems and gave a vivid description of the situation in Latvia.

Newspaper

Newspaper Vesti Segodnya writes that T.Zhdanok spoke about soft ethnic cleanings and forced naturalisation in Latvia.

Press Report

Press Report

The wish of the Latvian parliament factions to recall a leftist MP from Latvian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is a gross violation of parliamentary traditions, the parliament leftist faction said in a statement. "Recalling of [Boriss] Cilevics is a shame to Latvia's parliamentarism," the statement reads. The leftist faction, For Human Rights in United Latvia, said that PACE, like the parliament, is built in line with election results and all parties elected to the parliament have a proportionate representation on PACE.

BNS

The Latvian parliament Thursday decided not to consider at all the proposal to recall a leftist MP from Latvia's delegation to Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The parliament board, at a proposal of leftist For Human Rights in United Latvia faction head Janis Jurkans, called on the lawmakers to vote on postponing consideration of the matter to the next parliament meeting but the proposal was rejected with 28 votes against 15 and 46 abstentions and the plenary meeting on Thursday did not continue consideration of the issue. It means the question of recalling Boriss Cilevics from PACE delegation will not be considered at all unless it is repeatedly proposed. BNS

The European Human Rights Court in Strasbourg in one week will review claim against the state of Latvia for illegal delay of a criminal case, the newspaper "Diena" reports today. A petition is filed by a woman who believes that a lengthy review of a criminal case against her violated her right to just proceedings. The woman was a plaintiff in the case. More detailed information is not released currently, but the woman is convinced that the state has ignored her rights.

The European Human Rights Court in Strasbourg in one week will review claim against the state of Latvia for illegal delay of a criminal case, the newspaper "Diena" reports today. A petition is filed by a woman who believes that a lengthy review of a criminal case against her violated her right to just proceedings. The woman was a plaintiff in the case. More detailed information is not released currently, but the woman is convinced that the state has ignored her rights. LETA

The international conference on integration of Russia in regional structures beginning today will be held through October 13 at the University of Latvia (LU). The conference will focus on co-operation aspects between the European Union (EU), Baltic Sea region and Russia.

The international conference on integration of Russia in regional structures beginning today will be held through October 13 at the University of Latvia (LU). The conference will focus on co-operation aspects between the European Union (EU), Baltic Sea region and Russia. LETA

Budget’s deficit at 2.4 percent of GDP close to critical limit. Diena says that the planned deficit is the budget’s most critical point, and talks over the matter with the International Monetary Fund will be the toughest. It is already known that the fiscal deficit will be no less than 2.4 percent of gross domestic product, which is not only more than the 1 percent promised to the IMF, but also more than 1.73 percent that the government approved earlier and the 2.14 percent of GDP planned later. Bank of Latvia has already said that it is negative about the expected budget’s deficit, while Minister of Finance Gundars Berzins called the approved deficit a critical limit, if it is exceeded, the budget will have to be worked out anew.

Budgets deficit at 2.4 percent of GDP close to critical limit. Diena says that the planned deficit is the budgets most critical point, and talks over the matter with the International Monetary Fund will be the toughest. It is already known that the fiscal deficit will be no less than 2.4 percent of gross domestic product, which is not only more than the 1 percent promised to the IMF, but also more than 1.73 percent that the government approved earlier and the 2.14 percent of GDP planned later. Bank of Latvia has already said that it is negative about the expected budgets deficit, while Minister of Finance Gundars Berzins called the approved deficit a critical limit, if it is exceeded, the budget will have to be worked out anew. LETA, Diena, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii, Chas

Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia decided to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Latvian Citizenship law this Sunday by organising a rally along Riga streets, but as they did not get a permission to do it they will held a meeting with their electorate in one of Riga’s central parks – Esplanade.

Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia decided to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Latvian Citizenship law this Sunday by organising a rally along Riga streets, but as they did not get a permission to do it they will held a meeting with their electorate in one of Rigas central parks – Esplanade. Chas

A.Vasilyev in

A.Vasilyev in Chas analyses the position of one of the most stabile parties of Latvia – Latvias Way. This party is loosing its influence, many their former leaders have left LW or support other parties, and there is no new blood coming to it. But the main reason for crisis is that their long-term policy of liberal reforms has not brought the expected increase of living standard to the majority of Latvian population.

Psychologist E.Mardyan from St.Petersburg, analysing her observations during many years, states that differences between Latvians and Russians in Latvia become even more explicit. And she sees the solution in the business that could make those two nations to learn how to adjust to each other.

Psychologist E.Mardyan from St.Petersburg, analysing her observations during many years, states that differences between Latvians and Russians in Latvia become even more explicit. And she sees the solution in the business that could make those two nations to learn how to adjust to each other. Vechernyaya Riga