Press Report

Press Report

On Wednesday Latvian Supreme Court will begin hearing the appellate claim filed by three Russian extremists against lengthy prison sentences passed on them by the court of first instance on charges of terrorism and illegal border crossing. The Supreme Court expects to complete the hearing of the case in two days, the court reported.

BNS

D.Araja writes that Latvia could probably be soon accused of violating national minority rights on international level. This Thursday will be published the research on national minority rights protection in EU candidate states that was ordered by Open Society Institute in Budapest. As OSI trusted to carry out this research in every candidate state some NGO, the accusations or recommendations given will not be binding for these states. So far there is no information what Latvia will be accused of, but taking into consideration the fact that the research in Latvia was done by the active fighters for the rights of non-Latvians – Latvian Human Rights Committee and NGO Baltic Insight, one may guess what they will be – the slow speed of naturalisation, small numbers of non-Latvian representatives in state administration, prohibition for non-citizens to participate in local government elections and that Latvia has not ratifies the Framework Convention on National minorities. Diena

Yesterday their letters of accreditation submitted the President the new ambassadors of Romania – Lucian Fatu, Chile – Pepe Auth and Bangladesh – Sharjil Hassan. Latvijas Vestnesis

Riga Mayor G.Bojars publicly announced that in the process of improving relations with Russia had been a too long break. Signing of Riga – Moscow co-operation agreement was planned for October, but the exact date is not fixed yet.

Riga Mayor G.Bojars publicly announced that in the process of improving relations with Russia had been a too long break. Signing of Riga – Moscow co-operation agreement was planned for October, but the exact date is not fixed yet. Vechernyaya Riga

Yesterday 40 people delegates to the Congress of Compatriots went to Moscow. The leader of this delegation is T.Zhadok.

Yesterday 40 people delegates to the Congress of Compatriots went to Moscow. The leader of this delegation is T.Zhadok. Chas

Yesterday the bookstore “Valters & Rapa” was crowded. The reason for this unusual interest was the days of Vieda Publishing House led by A.Garda, the person who sent a letter to EU High Commissioner asking to de-colonise Latvia.

Yesterday the bookstore Valters & Rapa was crowded. The reason for this unusual interest was the days of Vieda Publishing House led by A.Garda, the person who sent a letter to EU High Commissioner asking to de-colonise Latvia. Chas, Panorama Latvii

On Thursday the Saeima will take a decision whether to recall the opposition representative MP B.Cilevich from Latvian delegation to PACE for his expressions contradicting to Latvia’s interests. B.Cilevich himself was sure that PACE would not allow it to happen.

On Thursday the Saeima will take a decision whether to recall the opposition representative MP B.Cilevich from Latvian delegation to PACE for his expressions contradicting to Latvias interests. B.Cilevich himself was sure that PACE would not allow it to happen. Chas, Panorama Latvii

Vesti Segodnya writes that a new era has come to Latvia when all human rights activists here combined their efforts when Russian-speakers organisations and war veterans signed a co-operation agreement. Now all their activities will be directed towards their common goal – to defend interests of national minorities and veterans of anti-Nazi coalition after they.

 Press Report

Press Report

The Latvian parliament Thursday will consider a proposal to recall a leftist MP from Latvian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), parliament presidium reported. The draft decision to recall Boriss Cilevics, an MP of the leftist For Human Rights in United Latvia block, was filed by rightist People's Party, Social Democrats and Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK. The lawmakers proposed to recall Cilevics believing his public statements were in contradiction with the interests of the Latvian State. FF/LNNK leader Maris Grinblats, one of the MPs signing under the draft decision, told BNS the address by Cilevics to the PACE session was in contradiction with interests of the Latvian state and his actions are not showing he is defending the state's interests either.

The Latvian parliament Thursday will consider a proposal to recall a leftist MP from Latvian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), parliament presidium reported. The draft decision to recall Boriss Cilevics, an MP of the leftist For Human Rights in United Latvia block, was filed by rightist People's Party, Social Democrats and Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK. The lawmakers proposed to recall Cilevics believing his public statements were in contradiction with the interests of the Latvian State. FF/LNNK leader Maris Grinblats, one of the MPs signing under the draft decision, told BNS the address by Cilevics to the PACE session was in contradiction with interests of the Latvian state and his actions are not showing he is defending the state's interests either. BNS, Diena, Lauku Avize

Representatives from EU candidate states will gather in the Latvian capital Riga in mid-October for a conference to discuss social problems resulting from the EU enlargement process. The conference "Social Dimension of the EU Enlargement" in Riga will be organised by the Latvian government and the EU, reported a foreign advisor to the Latvian premier Andris Berzins.

Representatives from EU candidate states will gather in the Latvian capital Riga in mid-October for a conference to discuss social problems resulting from the EU enlargement process. The conference "Social Dimension of the EU Enlargement" in Riga will be organised by the Latvian government and the EU, reported a foreign advisor to the Latvian premier Andris Berzins. BNS

It is time to end the debate and the 2002 national draft budget and package of related bills must be approved by the government already today and submitted to Saeima immediately, Prime Minister Andris Berzins believes. Endless co-ordination of issues and the delay in passing the budget by the Cabinet is inadmissible, states the premier's announcement released by the Berzins' press secretary yesterday. The premier calls on ruling parties to be ready for a mutually acceptable compromise and authorise their ministers to approve the compromise.

It is time to end the debate and the 2002 national draft budget and package of related bills must be approved by the government already today and submitted to Saeima immediately, Prime Minister Andris Berzins believes. Endless co-ordination of issues and the delay in passing the budget by the Cabinet is inadmissible, states the premier's announcement released by the Berzins' press secretary yesterday. The premier calls on ruling parties to be ready for a mutually acceptable compromise and authorise their ministers to approve the compromise. LETA

Prime Minister Andris Berzins will depart for Denmark at the end of October where a meeting of Baltic and Nordic premiers is set. The leaders of the three Baltic states and five Nordic countries are scheduled to meet in Copenhagen on October 28. Issues concerning the European Union (EU) and NATO will be on the agenda.

Prime Minister Andris Berzins will depart for Denmark at the end of October where a meeting of Baltic and Nordic premiers is set. The leaders of the three Baltic states and five Nordic countries are scheduled to meet in Copenhagen on October 28. Issues concerning the European Union (EU) and NATO will be on the agenda. LETA

MP J.Vidins, who represents Freedom and Fatherland/LNNK in the Saeima, writes about the fate of the new Repatriation law and assistance to those people who want to return to their ethnic fatherland. When the Saeima adopted the law On Society Integration Fund on July 5, it also accepted the proposal of FF/LNNK to establish Repatriation and Migration Commission within this Fund. The DCMA in person of its Head M.Bicevskis was charged to prepare a new repatriation law but there was nothing about repatriation.

MP J.Vidins, who represents Freedom and Fatherland/LNNK in the Saeima, writes about the fate of the new Repatriation law and assistance to those people who want to return to their ethnic fatherland. When the Saeima adopted the law On Society Integration Fund on July 5, it also accepted the proposal of FF/LNNK to establish Repatriation and Migration Commission within this Fund. The DCMA in person of its Head M.Bicevskis was charged to prepare a new repatriation law but there was nothing about repatriation. Diena

Yesterday the Co-ordination Council of Public Organisations met with the delegates to the Congress of Compatriots that would take place in Moscow on October 11. The present discussed and signed Public Agreement (or Agreement on Co-operation).

Yesterday the Co-ordination Council of Public Organisations met with the delegates to the Congress of Compatriots that would take place in Moscow on October 11. The present discussed and signed Public Agreement (or Agreement on Co-operation). Panorama Latvii

Today in the bookstore “Valters un Rapa” will start the days of Vieda publishing house. Vieda days start by meeting the authors of the notorious book “We’ll give Latvia to nobody”.

Today in the bookstore Valters un Rapa will start the days of Vieda publishing house. Vieda days start by meeting the authors of the notorious book Well give Latvia to nobody. Vesti Segodnya

On October 11 - 13 in Riga will be held an international conference “Integration of Russia into regional structures”. Participants of this conference will discuss and analyse historic, political and economic aspects of co-operation of EU and Baltic States countries with Russia.

On October 11 - 13 in Riga will be held an international conference Integration of Russia into regional structures. Participants of this conference will discuss and analyse historic, political and economic aspects of co-operation of EU and Baltic States countries with Russia. Vesti Segodnya

In November this year Association for Support of Russian Language Schools in Latvia will organise the second conference “To study in the mother tongue”. The aim of this conference is to prove once more the demand for education in the Russian language in Latvia and bring this demand of parents and secondary school students to the education reform.

In November this year Association for Support of Russian Language Schools in Latvia will organise the second conference To study in the mother tongue. The aim of this conference is to prove once more the demand for education in the Russian language in Latvia and bring this demand of parents and secondary school students to the education reform. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Diena

gives the article by Latvian Foreign Policy Institution director A.Lejins on the analysis of the relations between Russia and NATO. A.Lejins concludes that the chances of the Baltic States to join NATO have not worsened because of the recent political events. gives the article by Latvian Foreign Policy Institution director A.Lejins on the analysis of the relations between Russia and NATO. A.Lejins concludes that the chances of the Baltic States to join NATO have not worsened because of the recent political events.

Diena

devotes the whole its supplement to discussions and views of different public persons about NGOs and their role in the political scene. devotes the whole its supplement to discussions and views of different public persons about NGOs and their role in the political scene. 11 and 12 October the first Congress of Russian compatriots residing abroad will take place in Moscow. It is expected to have about 1000 participants form CIS and other countries. Latvia will be presented by the delegation of 5 members.

11 and 12 October the first Congress of Russian compatriots residing abroad will take place in Moscow. It is expected to have about 1000 participants form CIS and other countries. Latvia will be presented by the delegation of 5 members. Diena, Chas

Diena

talks to Peoples Party member V.Paegle who recently was elected to the post of the Vice-president of the PACE. V.Pagle is strictly against the ratification of the EC Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities as it contradicts to the integration programme developed by the Latvian Government. V.Paegle is also rather critical about the international organisations stating that all international system – the UN, EC, OSCE – experiences middle life crisis. These organisations have turned into the ends in themselves. talks to People’s Party member V.Paegle who recently was elected to the post of the Vice-president of the PACE. V.Pagle is strictly against the ratification of the EC Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities as it contradicts to the integration programme developed by the Latvian Government. V.Paegle is also rather critical about the international organisations stating that “all international system – the UN, EC, OSCE – experiences middle life crisis. These organisations have turned into the ends in themselves”.

Chas

interviews FHRUL leader J.Jurkans. He is critical about performance of his partys faction at Riga City Council and blames in it the restrictions in legislation and indecisiveness of Social Democrats when choosing coalition partners. About the possible merging with other political powers J.Jurkans is sceptic and says that for the moment FHRUL could accept only individual members. FHRUL leader states that Latvia does not have its own domestic policy; the state follows different directives from different sources and that the ruling parties are not concerned with humanitarian problems at all – the situation will be like that till the moment when privatisation is over. interviews FHRUL leader J.Jurkans. He is critical about performance of his party’s faction at Riga City Council and blames in it the restrictions in legislation and indecisiveness of Social Democrats when choosing coalition partners. About the possible merging with other political powers J.Jurkans is sceptic and says that for the moment FHRUL could accept only individual members. FHRUL leader states that Latvia does not have its own domestic policy; the state follows different directives from different sources and that the ruling parties are not concerned with humanitarian problems at all – the situation will be like that till the moment when privatisation is over. Central Electorate Commission is developing amendments to the Parliament Election Law. The amendments are in regard to voting procedure abroad.

Central Electorate Commission is developing amendments to the Parliament Election Law. The amendments are in regard to voting procedure abroad. Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Vesti Segodnja

reports that a group of nationalistic PM have attempted to annul B.Cilevics Latvian delegation at PACE member mandate. The matter will be reviewed by the Saeima on 11 Ocotber. reports that a group of nationalistic PM have attempted to annul B.Cilevic’s Latvian delegation at PACE member mandate. The matter will be reviewed by the Saeima on 11 Ocotber.

Vesti Segodnja

publishes parts of TV show From the Position of Power with Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins. Prime Minister admits that the pace of naturalisation has dropped recently, however, our goal stays the same – the integrated society. He also thinks that the Latvian Government has done its best and now it is the turn of non-citizens to take actions. In regard to the ratification of the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities, A.Berzins voiced that of course, we will ratify it – the question is: when. publishes parts of TV show “From the Position of Power” with Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins. Prime Minister admits that the pace of naturalisation has dropped recently, however, “our goal stays the same – the integrated society”. He also thinks that the Latvian Government has done its best and now it is the turn of non-citizens to take actions. In regard to the ratification of the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities, A.Berzins voiced that “of course, we will ratify it – the question is: when”. Panorama LatviiPanorama Latvii

Press Report

Press Report

The key achievement at the Sofia summit of NATO candidate states from the so-called Vilnius Group was the top-level confirmation of the US position on NATO enlargement remaining unchanged after the brutal terrorist attacks, said Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. At a news conference Saturday upon her return from Sofia, the Latvian president said next six months "will categorically be important for all candidates" as the decision about admitting new members to the alliance is expected next year.

The key achievement at the Sofia summit of NATO candidate states from the so-called Vilnius Group was the top-level confirmation of the US position on NATO enlargement remaining unchanged after the brutal terrorist attacks, said Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. At a news conference Saturday upon her return from Sofia, the Latvian president said next six months "will categorically be important for all candidates" as the decision about admitting new members to the alliance is expected next year. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas

Original full text: “Russia is concerned about the situation with human rights in Latvia and Estonia, which, regardless of some positive changes, still remains unsatisfactory, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Ivanov told the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus yesterday. According to Ivanov, the Baltic countries are still restricting the rights of Russian-speaking residents, ethnic minorities are being assimilated, hundreds of thousands have no citizenship or political, social and economic rights. Ivanov also told Ekeus of negative tendencies in some CIS countries, where governments attempt to push the Russian language out of key spheres, creating artificial barriers for Russian-speaking residents' participation in the community's life. The Russian minister proposed increasing OSCE's role in tackling the complicated relations among various nationalities in some European countries, primarily in the CIS and Baltics. Both sides agreed that the OSCE could play a greater role in combating international terrorism, especially in Central Asia”.

Original full text: Russia is concerned about the situation with human rights in Latvia and Estonia, which, regardless of some positive changes, still remains unsatisfactory, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Ivanov told the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus yesterday. According to Ivanov, the Baltic countries are still restricting the rights of Russian-speaking residents, ethnic minorities are being assimilated, hundreds of thousands have no citizenship or political, social and economic rights. Ivanov also told Ekeus of negative tendencies in some CIS countries, where governments attempt to push the Russian language out of key spheres, creating artificial barriers for Russian-speaking residents' participation in the community's life. The Russian minister proposed increasing OSCE's role in tackling the complicated relations among various nationalities in some European countries, primarily in the CIS and Baltics. Both sides agreed that the OSCE could play a greater role in combating international terrorism, especially in Central Asia. Diena, LETA

Diena

comments on the call of FHRUL deputy Y.Pliners to protest against the transfer to the studies exclusively in the state language. The newspaper also provides the views of the experts in the field, among which also the stance of the OSCE Mission to Latvia head P.Semneby - studies in the Latvian language are necessary, however, the preparation period for the transfer is too short. comments on the call of FHRUL deputy Y.Pliners to protest against the transfer to the studies exclusively in the state language. The newspaper also provides the views of the experts in the field, among which also the stance of the OSCE Mission to Latvia head P.Semneby - “studies in the Latvian language are necessary, however, the preparation period for the transfer is too short”.

Diena

provides the data about the main political parties ratings as of 199 to this year and considerations of political scientists about the possible election results for 8th Saeima. The majority of political scientists agreed that the right wing parties together with the new party to be established by Repse would have the majority of votes, although also for the left parties the election should be successful. Attitude towards NATO could become the key issue in parties campaigns. provides the data about the main political parties ratings as of 199 to this year and considerations of political scientists about the possible election results for 8th Saeima. The majority of political scientists agreed that the right wing parties together with the new party to be established by Repse would have the majority of votes, although also for the left parties the election should be successful. Attitude towards NATO could become the key issue in parties’ campaigns.

Jauna

columnist, Riga Mayor spokesperson Dz.Zaluksnis considers that with the appearance of Repse in the Latvian politician scene Latvias Way is having its last months. He writes that LW was established with the goal to implement the reforms dictated by the World Bank and IMF and to keep this regime till the successful end, that is, Latvias membership to the EU. In columnists opinion the further LW development is impossible – partys intellectual potential is drained. Also he does not believe that Repse would keep his popularity rating as high as it is now till the elections, however, he writes it would be naďve to think that Repse who is sponsored from abroad needs the support of the current politicians. columnist, Riga Mayor spokesperson Dz.Zaluksnis considers that with the appearance of Repse in the Latvian politician scene Latvia’s Way is having its last months. He writes that LW was established with the goal to implement the reforms dictated by the World Bank and IMF and to keep this regime till the successful end, that is, Latvia’s membership to the EU. In columnist’s opinion the further LW development is impossible – party’s intellectual potential is drained. Also he does not believe that Repse would keep his popularity rating as high as it is now till the elections, however, he writes “it would be naďve to think that Repse who is sponsored from abroad needs the support of the current politicians”. The main theme of weekly newspaper

The main theme of weekly newspaper Jauna is about what to be done with the vast number of non-citizens living in Latvia. The newspaper provides data of the survey regarding the feelings of non-citizens towards Latvia and its citizenship and talks with Latvian and Russias officials. Russian Federation National Immigration Political Affairs Ministry representative in Latvia T.Slickova gives some official information and data regarding procedures, people and tendencies concerning this matter. For the last year and a half the number of people who leave Latvia for Russia has increased, T.Slickova explains that with the desire of these people to provide to their children education in a mother tongue. She forecasts that in 5 years about 10 000-15 000 people would leave for Russia. Jauna columnist L.Muzikante reproaches the Latvian Government for ignoring earlier made Putins calls to Russian compatriots to return to Russia and asks opinions of some public persons about that. Social Democrat D.Ivans considers that it is only Putins and Russias own business; Vieda director A.Garda says that it is betrayal of the Latvian people. PM O.Grigs voices that non-fostering of de-colonisation is not a legal crime, however, even till now the Latvian people have to experience genocide.

Naturalisation Board deputy head J.Kahanovic informs about the course of the project of providing Latvian language course free of charge for the applicants for naturalisation. He reports that vacancies for the Latvian language courses free of charge were fulfilled immediately.

Naturalisation Board deputy head J.Kahanovic informs about the course of the project of providing Latvian language course free of charge for the applicants for naturalisation. He reports that vacancies for the Latvian language courses free of charge were fulfilled immediately. Chas

The Association to the Support of Education in the Russian Language publishes a call to Russian speaking parents, senior students and teachers to take part at II Parental Conference “Study in a Mother Tongue” on 24 November, where all interested parties should require to enter amendments in the Education Law.

The Association to the Support of Education in the Russian Language publishes a call to Russian speaking parents, senior students and teachers to take part at II Parental Conference Study in a Mother Tongue on 24 November, where all interested parties should require to enter amendments in the Education Law. Chas

Chas

talks to the teacher of the Russian language about the problems in teaching the language, students and the role of the Russian language for the new generation. talks to the teacher of the Russian language about the problems in teaching the language, students and the role of the Russian language for the new generation.

 Press Report

Press Report

Yesterday Latvia's Justice Minister Ingrida Labucka and justice ministers from around 40 other countries met Russia's President Vladimir Putin at the Council of Europe conference in Moscow. It was initially intended that Putin would be sending the conference a written greeting, but he unexpectedly invited the European justice ministers for a visit to the Kremlin on Thursday afternoon. Putin said in his speech that currently the main issue is to develop joint standards in legislation so that it would be easier to fight international terrorism.

Yesterday Latvia's Justice Minister Ingrida Labucka and justice ministers from around 40 other countries met Russia's President Vladimir Putin at the Council of Europe conference in Moscow. It was initially intended that Putin would be sending the conference a written greeting, but he unexpectedly invited the European justice ministers for a visit to the Kremlin on Thursday afternoon. Putin said in his speech that currently the main issue is to develop joint standards in legislation so that it would be easier to fight international terrorism. Diena, Latvijas Vestnesis, Chas

Neatkariga publishes the social poll data about the voters choice at the 8th Saeima election, in particular, how many voters would vote for the new party of E.Repse. According to the survey company SKDS almost half of Latvian population could consider to vote for Repse’s party although these results are in contradiction with the results of the survey on party popularity ratings conducted a week earlier. The latest survey also shows that the voters who would vote for Repse’s party mainly would come from the groups which previously supported the ruling parties, but FHRUL would not lose their supporters almost at all. However, the leaders of ruling parties consider their perspectives as stable when the election comes.

Neatkariga publishes the social poll data about the voters choice at the 8th Saeima election, in particular, how many voters would vote for the new party of E.Repse. According to the survey company SKDS almost half of Latvian population could consider to vote for Repses party although these results are in contradiction with the results of the survey on party popularity ratings conducted a week earlier. The latest survey also shows that the voters who would vote for Repses party mainly would come from the groups which previously supported the ruling parties, but FHRUL would not lose their supporters almost at all. However, the leaders of ruling parties consider their perspectives as stable when the election comes.

Neatkariga

reports about the situation in bilingual education and talks to the Ministry of Education and Science, General Education Department Integration Unit Head E.Papule and Saeima Education Committee chairperson Dz.Abikis. In their opinion the issue has been politicised because of the upcoming Saeima election. Dz.Abikis denies that the transfer to studies in the state language at secondary school in 2004 would cause serious problems, especially in the rural regions, but in regard to the big cities it would just require closer monitoring from the party of politicians, municipality officials and teachers. The newspaper also reports the data of the attitudes of citizens and non-citizens toward studies exclusively in the state language. reports about the situation in bilingual education and talks to the Ministry of Education and Science, General Education Department Integration Unit Head E.Papule and Saeima Education Committee chairperson Dz.Abikis. In their opinion the issue has been politicised because of the upcoming Saeima election. Dz.Abikis denies that the transfer to studies in the state language at secondary school in 2004 would cause serious problems, especially in the rural regions, but in regard to the big cities it would just require closer monitoring from the party of politicians, municipality officials and teachers. The newspaper also reports the data of the attitudes of citizens and non-citizens toward studies exclusively in the state language.

Neatkariga

provides statistics about the number of Latvian residents who still have not exchanged their old USSR passports for the passports of Latvian citizens or non-citizens. Up till September 8396 citizens and 17 142 non-citizens hold old USSR passports. provides statistics about the number of Latvian residents who still have not exchanged their old USSR passports for the passports of Latvian citizens or non-citizens. Up till September 8396 citizens and 17 142 non-citizens hold old USSR passports.

Diena

is the only newspaper in Latvian, which also provides information about drawing up the act for movie theatre Kino 52 for violating the State Language Law showing the movie in Russian without Latvian subtitles or dubbing. is the only newspaper in Latvian, which also provides information about drawing up the act for movie theatre “Kino 52” for violating the State Language Law showing the movie in Russian without Latvian subtitles or dubbing.

Vesti Segodnya

interviews OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby. interviews OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby.

Full translation of the article will be attached to an upcoming press review

Latvian Ambassador to Russia N.Penke has made his first meeting with Russian officials. The Ambassador met with the deputy of Russian foreign affairs minister A.Avdeev and discussed bilateral relations between the countries.

Latvian Ambassador to Russia N.Penke has made his first meeting with Russian officials. The Ambassador met with the deputy of Russian foreign affairs minister A.Avdeev and discussed bilateral relations between the countries. Vesti Segodnja, Neatkariga, Chas

Latvian Russian intergovernmental committee chairperson, communication minister A.Gorbunovs considers the committee an unnecessary institution, as real activities and agreements between the two countries are made on the level of specific industries and fields.

Latvian Russian intergovernmental committee chairperson, communication minister A.Gorbunovs considers the committee an unnecessary institution, as real activities and agreements between the two countries are made on the level of specific industries and fields. Vesti Segodnja, Chas

Latvia's political scientists do not have unequivocal opinion about statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin about possible change in Russia's position over NATO enlargement and later claims that alliance expansion would not increase security in Europe and the world. Political scientist M.Asmanis told that too much attention has been devoted to Putin's remarks. He believes Latvia's concerns over Russia's threats "also are fuelled by forces, which are exerting all efforts to pull us into NATO". Political scientists K.Dauksts believes Putin's remarks "generally fit into Russia's foreign policy channel". He believes these statements have rather positive nature because they point at fight of two opposite opinions inside Russia -- "the US has suffered a relative defeat in the international politics therefore Russia should go along its own path" or "Russia should co-operate with the West in fight against terrorism. Currently a period of doubts and discussions has set in the West," said Dauksts. Political scientist Artis Pabriks meanwhile believes "contradictions in Putin's remarks should be perceived rather seriously". Russia's diplomacy has often came out with contradictory statements and also this time it will "not hesitate to swap the enlargement against co-operation of Russia with the West in fight against terrorism in case the West begins doubting over NATO enlargement. It would be negative for us if Europe's position on NATO enlargement gains more weight". Therefore the Baltic states should warn and inform the Western community that they are ready to co-operate, assume responsibility, reminding about the negative domestic policy and regional consequences in case admission of the Baltic states to NATO is delayed.

Latvia's political scientists do not have unequivocal opinion about statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin about possible change in Russia's position over NATO enlargement and later claims that alliance expansion would not increase security in Europe and the world. Political scientist M.Asmanis told that too much attention has been devoted to Putin's remarks. He believes Latvia's concerns over Russia's threats "also are fuelled by forces, which are exerting all efforts to pull us into NATO". Political scientists K.Dauksts believes Putin's remarks "generally fit into Russia's foreign policy channel". He believes these statements have rather positive nature because they point at fight of two opposite opinions inside Russia -- "the US has suffered a relative defeat in the international politics therefore Russia should go along its own path" or "Russia should co-operate with the West in fight against terrorism. Currently a period of doubts and discussions has set in the West," said Dauksts. Political scientist Artis Pabriks meanwhile believes "contradictions in Putin's remarks should be perceived rather seriously". Russia's diplomacy has often came out with contradictory statements and also this time it will "not hesitate to swap the enlargement against co-operation of Russia with the West in fight against terrorism in case the West begins doubting over NATO enlargement. It would be negative for us if Europe's position on NATO enlargement gains more weight". Therefore the Baltic states should warn and inform the Western community that they are ready to co-operate, assume responsibility, reminding about the negative domestic policy and regional consequences in case admission of the Baltic states to NATO is delayed. BNS

According to

According to Vesti Segodnya columnist A.Elkin Latvian politicians have misinterpreted Russia and have not listened to the end of Presidents statement, as they had already practised before with the statement of OSCE HCNM Max van der Stoel, where the Latvian politicians heard only the part where the Commissioner said that the progress has been made, but pretended that did not hear anything about the necessity to improve the State Language Law.

Yesterday FHRUL deputy Y.Pliner released the call of Public Council of Education, Science and Culture for the mass media. The idea of the call is that parent committees and councils of national minority schools should now establish unions at city and regional councils of national minorities and launch the dialogues with deputies and municipality officials as “this is the only way how to keep our schools, protect our kids from the forcible studies in a foreign language”.

Yesterday FHRUL deputy Y.Pliner released the call of Public Council of Education, Science and Culture for the mass media. The idea of the call is that parent committees and councils of national minority schools should now establish unions at city and regional councils of national minorities and launch the dialogues with deputies and municipality officials as this is the only way how to keep our schools, protect our kids from the forcible studies in a foreign language. Chas

Latvijas Vestnesis

provides an extensive interview with Latvian education minister K.Greiskalns about different problems in regard to education, however, there is no regard to problems concerning bilingual education. provides an extensive interview with Latvian education minister K.Greiskalns about different problems in regard to education, however, there is no regard to problems concerning bilingual education.