• Results of study ‘Changing Identities: Mobilisation of Ethnic Groups and the Impact of Changes in the Ethnic Structure of Society on Societal Integration
• Article on discrimination problems in Latvia
• Saeima is planning to review the draft law, stipulating restrictions for persons with double citizenship to hold definite offices in the state administration

The public policy portal

The public policy portal www.politika.lv and the Russian-language newspaper Vesti Segodnya report on the results of the study ‘Changing Identities: Mobilisation of Ethnic Groups and the Impact of Changes in the Ethnic Structure of Society on Societal Integration, conducted by the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the University of Latvia. According to the study, ‘ethnic mobilisation takes place in Latvia, i.e., ethnic groups are more conscious of their ethnicity and become more determined to mainten their identities. Meanwhile the interest to maintain and develop ones ethnic identity is not always balanced with the development of civil identity. The authors of the study claim that many Poles and Lithuanians identify themselves with the Latvian state, are loyal towards it and support the implementation of the education reform. While negative attitude towards societal integration and the overall national policies are more observable among members of the Russian minority. To see the full text of study in Latvian click here.

Diena features an article by the ambassador of the European campaign For Diversity. Against Discrimination Maris Sants about discrimination problems in Latvia. The author of the article believes that mentally disabled persons and persons with physical disabilities, gays, Roma and middle-aged persons are those social groups which have the biggest problems to integrate into Latvian society. Maris Sants stresses that there is a necessity to adopt anti-discrimination legislation in Latvia and that would contribute to the recognition of diversity in Latvian society.

Today Saeima might adopt conceptually the draft law, submitted by the People’s Party, about restrictions concerning persons with double citizenship to hold certain offices in the state administration. While another governing party – the Union of Farmers and Greens – does not support the proposal of People’s Party and believes that these restrictions should not concern all MPs and state officials, but only high level officials.

Today Saeima might adopt conceptually the draft law, submitted by the Peoples Party, about restrictions concerning persons with double citizenship to hold certain offices in the state administration. While another governing party – the Union of Farmers and Greens – does not support the proposal of Peoples Party and believes that these restrictions should not concern all MPs and state officials, but only high level officials. Diena, Chas

• Russia focuses on the situation of Russian-speakers in the Baltic States when discussing a possibility to ratify a partnership agreement between Russia and the EU
• Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry condemns the amendments to the Constitution which grant to Latvian non-citizens the right to participate in municipal elections
• Discussions on the adoption of the EU Race Equality Directive held in the Saeima
• Interview with the head of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Aleksandrs Kirsteins
• Register of Enterprises postpones the registration of the United Congress of the Russian Community as a non-governmental organisation
• Senate of the Supreme Court does not change the verdict in the case of Vasilijs Kononovs issued byt the Chamber of Criminal Cases of the Supreme Court
• Latvijas Avize features an article about the detention of students who participated in the protest action ‘Empty Schools in Ventspils
• Latest ratings of political parties
• Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Stoudennikov pays a farewell visit to the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga

Yesterday discussions about a possibility to ratify the co-operation and partnership agreement between Russia and the EU took place in the Russian State Duma. Representatives of Russia, as well as EU states took part in the discussions. Speakers from Russia focused on the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia and Estonia and transit between Russia and Kaliningrad.  The Special representative of Russia to the EU Sergey Yastrzhembsky stated that Russia has the right to ratify the agreement and include in it a special statement regarding the above-mentioned issues. While the representatives of the EU countries noted the positive developments concerning the observation of minority rights in the Baltic States and invited Russia to ratify border agreements with these countries.

Yesterday discussions about a possibility to ratify the co-operation and partnership agreement between Russia and the EU took place in the Russian State Duma. Representatives of Russia, as well as EU states took part in the discussions. Speakers from Russia focused on the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia and Estonia and transit between Russia and Kaliningrad. The Special representative of Russia to the EU Sergey Yastrzhembsky stated that Russia has the right to ratify the agreement and include in it a special statement regarding the above-mentioned issues. While the representatives of the EU countries noted the positive developments concerning the observation of minority rights in the Baltic States and invited Russia to ratify border agreements with these countries. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry has issued a statement declaring that recently adopted amendments to the Constitution of Latvia, which grant EU citizens the right to vote in municipal elections, are a clear demonstration of the increasing inequality and injustice towards a big part of Latvian society – its non-citizens. In the Russia’s opinion, these amendments would be welcomed if also non-citizens were granted the right to participate in municipal elections, now, however, these amendments will only deepen division of Latvian society along ethnic lines.

The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry has issued a statement declaring that recently adopted amendments to the Constitution of Latvia, which grant EU citizens the right to vote in municipal elections, are a clear demonstration of the increasing inequality and injustice towards a big part of Latvian society – its non-citizens. In the Russias opinion, these amendments would be welcomed if also non-citizens were granted the right to participate in municipal elections, now, however, these amendments will only deepen division of Latvian society along ethnic lines. Chas

Yesterday the Saeima Human Rights Committee discussed the elaboration of the EU Race Equality Directive into Latvian legislation. The MP Boriss Tsilevitch was the only member of the Committee who supported the adoption of required amendments developed by the Secretariat of Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Affairs to Latvian legislation. Boriss Tsilevitch foresees that most probably Latvia will not introduce the Directive and resultantly Latvia will have to account to the Court of Justice of the European Communities.

Yesterday the Saeima Human Rights Committee discussed the elaboration of the EU Race Equality Directive into Latvian legislation. The MP Boriss Tsilevitch was the only member of the Committee who supported the adoption of required amendments developed by the Secretariat of Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Affairs to Latvian legislation. Boriss Tsilevitch foresees that most probably Latvia will not introduce the Directive and resultantly Latvia will have to account to the Court of Justice of the European Communities. Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the head of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Aleksandrs Kirsteins about societal integration issues and a forthcoming visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Latvia. Aleksandrs Kirsteins states that with the High Commissioner he would like to discuss the term ‘minority. Aleksandrs Kirsteins believes that Latvia should follow the experience of Sweden, that is, do not grant the status of minority to economic immigrants and persons who arrived to Latvia in 1960-ties or 1970-ties.

The Register of Enterprises has postponed the registration of the United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia as a non-governmental organisation due to inaccuracies in the documents submitted by the representatives of the Congress.

The Register of Enterprises has postponed the registration of the United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia as a non-governmental organisation due to inaccuracies in the documents submitted by the representatives of the Congress. Latvijas Avize

The Senate of the Supreme Court did not change the ruling in the case of Vasilijs Kononovs issued by the Chamber of Criminal Cases of the Supreme Court. In the ruling Vasilijs Kononovs was found guilty in committing war crimes in 1944. The court sentenced him to 1 year and 8 months imprisonment, which was equivalent to the time he has already spent in prison during the pre-trial investigation. The verdict of the Senate of the Supreme Court Senate may not be appealed.

The Senate of the Supreme Court did not change the ruling in the case of Vasilijs Kononovs issued by the Chamber of Criminal Cases of the Supreme Court. In the ruling Vasilijs Kononovs was found guilty in committing war crimes in 1944. The court sentenced him to 1 year and 8 months imprisonment, which was equivalent to the time he has already spent in prison during the pre-trial investigation. The verdict of the Senate of the Supreme Court Senate may not be appealed. Latvijas Avize

Latvijas Avize features article about a case of students who participated in the protest action ‘Empty Schools in Ventspils, were detained and afterwards the Administrative Committee of the Ventspils City Council held responsible their parents and imposed a fine on them. The Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools (LASHOR) has issued a statement where they say that detention of the students and their interrogation without the presence of their parents or teachers were illegitimate. The press secretary of the Ventspils police Dzidra Skute responded that students have not been interrogated, but only submitted their explanatory notes to the police. The lawyer of the Administrative Committee Ivo Princis, referring to the Latvian legislation, confirms that parents or guardians of a child who does not attend school may be fined.

The latest opinion poll conducted by the company

The latest opinion poll conducted by the company Latvijas Fakti shows that in September the most popular party remains the New Era. A remarkable increase in the rating of another party – the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia (FHRUL) can be observed in September. It is the second most popular party. According to the director of the Latvijas Fakti the raise of the FHRULs rating is related to the implementation of the education reform and the protest actions of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools against it. Other ratings are: For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM – 9,1%, Peoples Party – 8,5%, Union of Farmers and Greens – 6,3%, Peoples Harmony Party – 5,4%, Latvias First Party – 3,1%. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Rigas Balss, Chas, Telegraf

Yesterday the Ambassador of Russia to Latvia Igor Stoudennikov paid a farewell visit to the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga. During the meeting Vaira Vike-Freiberga called Russia to ratify the boarder agreement between Latvia and Russia as soon as possible. Igor Stoudennikov after the meeting recognised that Russia and Latvia have not succeeded in building closer relationship due to the unwillingness of Latvia to fulfil the Russia’s requirements in the area of minority rights. The Ambassador of Russia also criticised the recently adopted amendments to the Constitution of Latvia, which stipulate that also citizens of other EU countries may vote in municipal elections, while do not grant such rights to Latvian non-citizens.

Yesterday the Ambassador of Russia to Latvia Igor Stoudennikov paid a farewell visit to the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga. During the meeting Vaira Vike-Freiberga called Russia to ratify the boarder agreement between Latvia and Russia as soon as possible. Igor Stoudennikov after the meeting recognised that Russia and Latvia have not succeeded in building closer relationship due to the unwillingness of Latvia to fulfil the Russias requirements in the area of minority rights. The Ambassador of Russia also criticised the recently adopted amendments to the Constitution of Latvia, which stipulate that also citizens of other EU countries may vote in municipal elections, while do not grant such rights to Latvian non-citizens. Rigas Balss, Telegraf

• Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks has confirmed the information about the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Latvia
• Opinion of an official of the Ministry of Education and Science regarding a necessity to postpone the development of the Law on Minority Schools
• Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks states that the Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov should visit Latvia
• International rights lawyer Kristine Krumina evaluates the foreign policy of the Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister
• Representatives of national cultural organisations discuss societal integration issues
• Newspapers report on the performance staged by the Russian youth organisation ‘Rodina by the building of the EU delegation in Moscow

The Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks has confirmed that the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus will visit Latvia on 12 October.

The Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks has confirmed that the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus will visit Latvia on 12 October. Diena, referring to the Senior Adviser of the HCNM Falk Lange, reports that the Commissioner is planning to meet representatives of the government and discuss issues concerning the observation of minority rights. However, Falk Lange refused to comment the statement of the Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry that Russia has encouraged the OSCE Commissioner to visit Latvia. He stressed that Rolf Ekeus himself chooses countries, which he wants to visit. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Diena looks into reasons of the postponement of the development of the Law on Minority Schools. The newspaper features opinions of several officials of the Ministry of Education and Science. According to the head of the working group, charged to draft the law, Janis Karklins, the latest decision is that the necessity of the law should be discussed by broader public, in particular, by directors of minority schools. Besides, it is planned to study the situation in minority schools after the education reform has been launched.

In his statement the Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks has noted that the Russia Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov should visit Latvia and see for himself that minority rights are observed in Latvia.

In his statement the Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks has noted that the Russia Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov should visit Latvia and see for himself that minority rights are observed in Latvia. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Diena features an article by the international rights lawyer Kristine Krumina. In her article she evaluates the activities of the Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks. She states that Pabriks rhetoric – that minority issues of Latvia should be removed from the international agenda till 2007 - only helps the Peoples Party to refresh the necessary national image for domestic purposes. Further she refers to the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Kristine Krumina states that Latvia violates international law because she has signed the Convention but has postponed its ratification for almost ten years. Leading politicians have announced that Latvia will not ratify the Convention during this Saeima and, she continues, ‘it seems that both human rights activists Muiznieks and Pabriks after taking politically high level positions have changed their views and they are ready to give up ratification of the Convention which they advocated for some time ago. Kristine Krumina foresees that the Framework Convention will not be ratified during this Saeima. Therefore, minority right issues will not disappear from the international agenda. Kristine Krumina concludes that the foreign policy of the Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks has experienced first failures.

Latvijas Avize features a discussion among the chairman of the Latvian Association of National Cultural Societies Rafi Haradzanjan, chairperson of the Roma NGO ‘Nevo drom Anatolijs Berezovskis and the co-chairman of the Ukrainian organisation Viktors Stefanovics. The discussion focussed on the situation of minority cultural organisations in Latvia. The participants pointed out that views of these organisations have not always been taken into account when addressing issues concerning societal integration. Regarding the recently formed United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia, participants noted that it could attract only underdeveloped and unstable organisations and none of the well know Ukrainian, Belorussian or Roma organisations and organisations, which are members of the Latvian Association of National Cultural Societies, did not join the recently formed organisation.

Newspapers report on the performance staged by the Russian youth organisation ‘Rodina’ near the building of the EU delegation in Moscow. The performance was staged with the key aim to protest against discrimination of Russian-speakers in Latvia. Few participants of the performance were dressed in stylised uniforms of the German army and held a poster ‘Let’s change Latvia into a concentration camp complying with EU standards.’

Newspapers report on the performance staged by the Russian youth organisation ‘Rodina near the building of the EU delegation in Moscow. The performance was staged with the key aim to protest against discrimination of Russian-speakers in Latvia. Few participants of the performance were dressed in stylised uniforms of the German army and held a poster ‘Lets change Latvia into a concentration camp complying with EU standards. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

• Drafting of the Law on Minority Schools has been halted
• Latvia Foreign Affairs Ministry is not planning to respond to the Russias reproaches about repressions against opponents of the education reform
• Interview with the head of Peoples Harmony Party Janis Jurkans
• Director of the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences Brigita Zepa talks about the problems concerning the implementation of the education reform

The working group has halted the development of the Law on Minority Schools till a study about the situation in minority schools is conducted. The majority of the working group agreed that the information at their disposal is not sufficient to develop the Law.

The working group has halted the development of the Law on Minority Schools till a study about the situation in minority schools is conducted. The majority of the working group agreed that the information at their disposal is not sufficient to develop the Law. Telegraf

The Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry is not planning to respond to the Russia’s statement in which Russia criticised Latvia for the protest actions against the education reform and the expulsion of the adviser of the Russia State Council deputy speaker Dmitry Rogozin Aleksandrs Kazakovs from Latvia. In its statement the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry called the expulsion of Aleksandrs Kazakovs an example of state repressions against opponents of the education reform. According to the state secretary of the Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry Maris Riekstins, the expulsion of Aleksandrs Kazakovs was conducted in accordance with Latvian legislation and Latvia does not have to account for that.

The Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry is not planning to respond to the Russias statement in which Russia criticised Latvia for the protest actions against the education reform and the expulsion of the adviser of the Russia State Council deputy speaker Dmitry Rogozin Aleksandrs Kazakovs from Latvia. In its statement the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry called the expulsion of Aleksandrs Kazakovs an example of state repressions against opponents of the education reform. According to the state secretary of the Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry Maris Riekstins, the expulsion of Aleksandrs Kazakovs was conducted in accordance with Latvian legislation and Latvia does not have to account for that. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the head of Peoples Harmony Party Janis Jurkans about the societal integration issues and relationships between Latvia and Russia. Janis Jurkans is convinced that non-citizens will not be granted the right to participate in municipal elections because ‘first, right-wing politicians hate Russian-speakers and, second, they are afraid to loose political and economical power. According to the politician, granting the right to vote could have a strong impact on election results in some municipalities in Latvia, for instance, in Riga. The head of the party also believes that relationships between Russia and Latvia depend on the willingness of Latvia to revise its policy concerning Russian-speakers.

Chas features an interview with the director of the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences Brigita Zepa about the problems concerning the implementation of the education reform. The social scientist points to the necessity to implement an individual approach because a part of minority schools are ready to implement the education reform and have already launched the reform, while some schools are not ready for the implementation of the reform and hence should have an opportunity to implement the reform according to the individual scheme. Brigita Zepa stresses that the reform is politicised and unwillingness of the state to make any compromises are the key issues, which prevent a successful implementation of the education reform.

• Russia criticizes Latvia and Estonia about the situation of Russian-speakers in these states
• President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga receives the Cultural Pluralism Award
• Non-citizen children may travel to and through EU member states without visas
• Diena reports on the implementation of the education reform in Mezmalas Secondary School in Jurmala
• Russian youth union Za Rodinu is planning to protest against discrimination of Russian-speakers in Latvia

During the meeting with EU Foreign Affairs Ministers Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov has criticized Latvia and Estonia about the situation of Russian-speakers in these states. Sergey Lavrov tried to relate the situation of Russian-speakers with ratification of the partnership agreement between Russia and the EU. However, according to the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Artis Pabriks, EU ministers did not accept reproaches expressed by Russia.

During the meeting with EU Foreign Affairs Ministers Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov has criticized Latvia and Estonia about the situation of Russian-speakers in these states. Sergey Lavrov tried to relate the situation of Russian-speakers with ratification of the partnership agreement between Russia and the EU. However, according to the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Artis Pabriks, EU ministers did not accept reproaches expressed by Russia. Diena, Latvijas Avize

The Chairman of the US Cultural Heritage Protection Commission Warren Miller has presented the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga the Cultural Pluralism Award for her outstanding contribution to the remembrance of the Holocaust and promotion of its historical research and preservation of cultural heritage.

The Chairman of the US Cultural Heritage Protection Commission Warren Miller has presented the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga the Cultural Pluralism Award for her outstanding contribution to the remembrance of the Holocaust and promotion of its historical research and preservation of cultural heritage. Latvijas Avize

As from 25 September Latvian children non-citizens, who travel in a group with other children accompanied by a teacher, will not need a visa to travel to and through other EU member states.

As from 25 September Latvian children non-citizens, who travel in a group with other children accompanied by a teacher, will not need a visa to travel to and through other EU member states. Diena

Diena reports on the implementation of the education reform in the Mezmalas Secondary School in Jurmala. According to the newspaper, this school has chosen to teach in Latvian subjects, such as, chemistry, biology, history and geography, which are not the usual choice of other schools.

On Monday the Russian youth organisation Za Rodinu (For Motherland) is planning to stage a performance by the building of the EU delegation in Moscow. The key aim of the performance is to protest against discrimination of Russian-speakers in Latvia. According to the Russia news agency Rosbalt, activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs, who was recently expelled from Latvia, is also planning to participate in the protest action.

On Monday the Russian youth organisation Za Rodinu (For Motherland) is planning to stage a performance by the building of the EU delegation in Moscow. The key aim of the performance is to protest against discrimination of Russian-speakers in Latvia. According to the Russia news agency Rosbalt, activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs, who was recently expelled from Latvia, is also planning to participate in the protest action. Diena, Vesti Segodnya