Press Report

Press Report

Chairman of the Latvian parliament's European Affairs Commission, Edvins Inkens, the OSCE mission head in Latvia, Peter Semneby and his deputy Neil Brennan believe that the successful public integration process in Latvia could act as a stimulus for Latvia's speedier accession to the EU. Speaking of the integration process and its perspectives, Inkens emphasised that it is very significant for the process to occur naturally. "People need time to adapt to a new situation. Furthermore, non-citizens must choose to irrevocably bind their life with our country and become Latvian citizens; in this sense it must be based on the voluntary principles, and no pressure is admissible," said Inkens. He also said that the most important thing is not how many non-citizens gain citizenship each year, but to what extent they have integrated into Latvia's society. In conclusion, the meeting also touched upon the possible closing of the OSCE mission in Latvia. Latvia hopes the mission to be closed by the end of this year.

Chairman of the Latvian parliament's European Affairs Commission, Edvins Inkens, the OSCE mission head in Latvia, Peter Semneby and his deputy Neil Brennan believe that the successful public integration process in Latvia could act as a stimulus for Latvia's speedier accession to the EU. Speaking of the integration process and its perspectives, Inkens emphasised that it is very significant for the process to occur naturally. "People need time to adapt to a new situation. Furthermore, non-citizens must choose to irrevocably bind their life with our country and become Latvian citizens; in this sense it must be based on the voluntary principles, and no pressure is admissible," said Inkens. He also said that the most important thing is not how many non-citizens gain citizenship each year, but to what extent they have integrated into Latvia's society. In conclusion, the meeting also touched upon the possible closing of the OSCE mission in Latvia. Latvia hopes the mission to be closed by the end of this year. BNS

Yesterday Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga gave an interview for the national radio. She stated, "I completely believe that the need for the mission has currently no more grounds. Mr.Ekeus, by the way, during his visit emphasised that the functions, which he has as a Minority Commissioner, are not to be a protector of minorities, but to follow in general the relations among nations, including majorities and minorities. He interprets his mandate and reminds that he is not an advocate of minorities, but that his official duties require to assess situations in any country. As he has just recently took the position, he makes visits to all countries to learn the situations there, and I do hope that this introduction process will not take too long. The mission has given us much through its activities, it has given a serious contribution also in defending us in front of various ungrounded accusations. But I think now, when we are going towards EU membership, the time has come to close this mission, and I hope that the respective measures will be taken," said Latvia's President in a radio interview.

Yesterday Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga gave an interview for the national radio. She stated, "I completely believe that the need for the mission has currently no more grounds. Mr.Ekeus, by the way, during his visit emphasised that the functions, which he has as a Minority Commissioner, are not to be a protector of minorities, but to follow in general the relations among nations, including majorities and minorities. He interprets his mandate and reminds that he is not an advocate of minorities, but that his official duties require to assess situations in any country. As he has just recently took the position, he makes visits to all countries to learn the situations there, and I do hope that this introduction process will not take too long. The mission has given us much through its activities, it has given a serious contribution also in defending us in front of various ungrounded accusations. But I think now, when we are going towards EU membership, the time has come to close this mission, and I hope that the respective measures will be taken," said Latvia's President in a radio interview. BNS, Latvijas Vestnesis, LETA.

The President was also asked about the letter of the USA State Secretary - how she sees the ways to strengthen relations with Russia. The President replies that it is simply reminder of the geopolitical location of Latvia. Also V.Vike-Freiberga did not see any grounds to be concerned that relations with Estonia would change because of the new Estonian President.

The President was also asked about the letter of the USA State Secretary - how she sees the ways to strengthen relations with Russia. The President replies that it is simply reminder of the geopolitical location of Latvia. Also V.Vike-Freiberga did not see any grounds to be concerned that relations with Estonia would change because of the new Estonian President. Latvijas Vestnesis

In response to appeal by United States Secretary of State Colin Powell to the three Baltic states to join their forces in combating terrorism the Latvian prime minister could propose a government working group be set up to develop a complex of measures to fight against terrorism.

In response to appeal by United States Secretary of State Colin Powell to the three Baltic states to join their forces in combating terrorism the Latvian prime minister could propose a government working group be set up to develop a complex of measures to fight against terrorism. Diena, Neatkariga

Press in Russian –

Press in Russian – Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii - when providing this information draw readersattention to the part of the letter where Baltic Countries are asked to improve their relations with Russia.

In his speech at the Baltic Development Forum the Prime Minister A.Berzins emphasised that the priorities of national policy of Latvia are not only Latvia’s admission to the EU and NATO but also good relations with Russia. And this time there Latvia did not receive reproaches from Russia about the situation of Russian-speakers in the Baltic countries.

In his speech at the Baltic Development Forum the Prime Minister A.Berzins emphasised that the priorities of national policy of Latvia are not only Latvias admission to the EU and NATO but also good relations with Russia. And this time there Latvia did not receive reproaches from Russia about the situation of Russian-speakers in the Baltic countries. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Yesterday DCMA Head M.Bicevskis informed the Parliament that the planned introduction of ID cards at the beginning of the next year will require to enter amendments to 6 laws.

Yesterday DCMA Head M.Bicevskis informed the Parliament that the planned introduction of ID cards at the beginning of the next year will require to enter amendments to 6 laws. Chas

Chas

interviews Latvias Way leader at partys faction in Riga City Council A.Pocha about the internal situation in the party. A.Pocha admits that LW is worn out in some way, however, it should just have to go through the current phase and get ready for the 8th Saeima election. interviews Latvia’s Way leader at party’s faction in Riga City Council A.Pocha about the internal situation in the party. A.Pocha admits that LW is worn out in some way, however, it should just have to go through the current phase and get ready for the 8th Saeima election.

Press Report

Press Report

According to opinion polls conducted by SKDS sociological research centre this August over a half or 53.6 % of Latvian population agree that it is in Latvia's interests to gain admission to the alliance as soon as possible. The number of people opposing Latvia's membership in NATO has reduced a little over two years, from 35.4 % in 1999 to 31.1 % in August 2001. Undecided respondents made up 14.6 %.

According to opinion polls conducted by SKDS sociological research centre this August over a half or 53.6 % of Latvian population agree that it is in Latvia's interests to gain admission to the alliance as soon as possible. The number of people opposing Latvia's membership in NATO has reduced a little over two years, from 35.4 % in 1999 to 31.1 % in August 2001. Undecided respondents made up 14.6 %.

59.4 % of Latvian citizens would support NATO membership while almost twice as little or 33.1 % would vote for the membership. There are also more NATO sceptics among non-citizens with 49.1 % opposing Latvia's admission to the alliance while 26.9 % of citizens agree with the country's aspirations.

59.4 % of Latvian citizens would support NATO membership while almost twice as little or 33.1 % would vote for the membership. There are also more NATO sceptics among non-citizens with 49.1 % opposing Latvia's admission to the alliance while 26.9 % of citizens agree with the country's aspirations.

The most popular person in Riga City Council is still Social Democrat D.Ivans, followed by Mayor G.Bojars, although mayor’s rating has dropped for 4,8 points in comparison with the previous month.

The most popular person in Riga City Council is still Social Democrat D.Ivans, followed by Mayor G.Bojars, although mayors rating has dropped for 4,8 points in comparison with the previous month. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Panorama Latvii

New daily Russian newspaper

New daily Russian newspaper Telegraf will appear in the Latvian press market taking the place of the newspaper Respublika. The owner of the new newspaper is the President of Baltic International Bank V. Belokon. He was on the focus of societys attention at the beginning of September when wanted to donate LVL 50 000 to Repses party. Respublika was published by the company Our Investment Foundation where V.Belokon was the chairperson of the Board. The new newspaper Telegraf will be quite different from Respublika which main flaw was inability to take and present its own position. The publishers claim that the newspaper does not have any relation with Repses party. Diena

The annual international conference on NATO enlargement organised by the New Atlantic Initiative (NAI) was postponed this year and the Latvian President, expected to join the conference in Budapest in late September, will stay home.

The annual international conference on NATO enlargement organised by the New Atlantic Initiative (NAI) was postponed this year and the Latvian President, expected to join the conference in Budapest in late September, will stay home. Diena

This week the European Education Leaders’ Forum is taking place in Riga. The main discussion subjects are issues concerning humanisation of education. 23 countries are represented at the forum

This week the European Education Leaders Forum is taking place in Riga. The main discussion subjects are issues concerning humanisation of education. 23 countries are represented at the forum. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

Evening newspaper

Evening newspaper Rigas Balss reports about the possibility that Saeima Speaker, FF/LNNK member J.Straume could join Repses party. However, in todays Diena J.Straume denies such possibility.

The new Russia’s Citizenship Law, which is supported by the Russian President, is much stricter than the existing one.

The new Russias Citizenship Law, which is supported by the Russian President, is much stricter than the existing one. Chas discusses the new aspects with Russian State Duma deputy B.Nadezdin. The newspaper says Russia is not going to be a kind mother for her children in the whole world. However, some reservations are made for Russian residents in the Baltic Countries.

Latvian City Ventspils NGO “Dialogue” and Advisory Council on Non-citizen Matters at Ventspils City Council invite people to establish Public Council of Russian-Latvian Co-operation. The members of such Council could be famous public persons, scientists, academic people, artists and sportsmen. The work of the Council could cover the following spheres: establish NGOs coalition, search of sponsors and financial sources, organisation of training sessions, provision of legal advice, search of co-operation partners in Latvia and Russia, cultural exchange, meetings of youth organisations.

Latvian City Ventspils NGO Dialogue and Advisory Council on Non-citizen Matters at Ventspils City Council invite people to establish Public Council of Russian-Latvian Co-operation. The members of such Council could be famous public persons, scientists, academic people, artists and sportsmen. The work of the Council could cover the following spheres: establish NGOs coalition, search of sponsors and financial sources, organisation of training sessions, provision of legal advice, search of co-operation partners in Latvia and Russia, cultural exchange, meetings of youth organisations. Chas

Panorama Latvii provides full original text of the invitation.

Panorama Latvii provides full original text of the invitation.

Yesterday Riga City Mayor G.Bojars met the Mayor of St.Petersburg V.Yakovlev and today they are scheduled to have a working lunch.

Yesterday Riga City Mayor G.Bojars met the Mayor of St.Petersburg V.Yakovlev and today they are scheduled to have a working lunch. Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Press Report

Press Report

Saturday FF/LNNK Board has made several statements. The Board considers the ratification of the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities is undesirable. Board member A.Kimenis noted that ratification would require to give up the transfer to education in the state language, as well as some legal norms of the State Language Law. As well as FF/LNNK Board proposed to introduce amendments to the Law on Municipal Election that would stipulate 5% or lower voters’ barrier to be elected in the biggest Latvia municipalities.

Saturday FF/LNNK Board has made several statements. The Board considers the ratification of the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities is undesirable. Board member A.Kimenis noted that ratification would require to give up the transfer to education in the state language, as well as some legal norms of the State Language Law. As well as FF/LNNK Board proposed to introduce amendments to the Law on Municipal Election that would stipulate 5% or lower voters barrier to be elected in the biggest Latvia municipalities. Diena, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii

Chas

interviews Social Democrats Saeima faction chairperson E.Baldzens. He agrees that Social Democrats have not achieved serious results in their work at Riga City Council and admits that the party has serious internal problems. In regard about the possibility to merge with FHRUL, Baldzens says that is the matter of generations and that in some issues, such as privatisation, FHRUL are even more liberal than Social Democrats but what regards national issues E.Baldzens says that if we want to solve the problems of non-Latvians, we cannot just consider their wishes and the way how they understand it, and the same approach works for Latvians. interviews Social Democrats Saeima faction chairperson E.Baldzens. He agrees that Social Democrats have not achieved serious results in their work at Riga City Council and admits that the party has serious internal problems. In regard about the possibility to merge with FHRUL, Baldzens says that is the matter of generations and that in some issues, such as privatisation, FHRUL are even more liberal than Social Democrats but what regards national issues E.Baldzens says that “ if we want to solve the problems of non-Latvians, we cannot just consider their wishes and the way how they understand it, and the same approach works for Latvians”. The Prime Minister A.Berzins has asked Latvian judicial institutions to assess the statements of FHRUL Saeima deputies Y.Sokolovsky and M.Mitrafanov on the comparison between Macedonia and Latvia whether it is the call to violence. Y.Sokolovsky voiced that he has not violated any law and is satisfied that the note caused a reaction of politicians. The newspaper also links the harshness of the response of ruling politicians with their wishes to close the office of the OSCE Mission in Latvia.

The Prime Minister A.Berzins has asked Latvian judicial institutions to assess the statements of FHRUL Saeima deputies Y.Sokolovsky and M.Mitrafanov on the comparison between Macedonia and Latvia whether it is the call to violence. Y.Sokolovsky voiced that he has not violated any law and is satisfied that the note caused a reaction of politicians. The newspaper also links the harshness of the response of ruling politicians with their wishes to close the office of the OSCE Mission in Latvia. Vesti Segodnja

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga will leave for Hungary on 28-29 September to take part in the conference about NATO Enlargement.

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga will leave for Hungary on 28-29 September to take part in the conference about NATO Enlargement. Chas

24-29 September high military officials and diplomats from different countries will visit Latvia in order to learn more about Latvia.

24-29 September high military officials and diplomats from different countries will visit Latvia in order to learn more about Latvia. Chas

It is planned that at the end of November NATO General Secretary G.Robertson will visit Latvia.

It is planned that at the end of November NATO General Secretary G.Robertson will visit Latvia. Chas

Press Report

Press Report

Friday new OSCE HCNM Rolf Ekeus met during informal lunch with members of parliament factions and later held talks with Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia chairperson Pimenovs and Russian Language and Literature Teachers Association President Tatyana Liguta to find out their opinion about minorities issues in Latvia. Both representatives of the Russian community, Pimenovs and Liguta, voiced satisfaction over contribution of OSCE mission in lessening tension in Latvia between Latvians and Russian speakers. Pimenovs told BNS he proposed to extend OSCE's mandate because education of minorities needs attention of international observers to solve the problems sooner. During the talks with the representatives of Latvia's political forces, some said the mission should be closed while some proposed not just to extend the mission's work but also change its mandate. OSCE mission head Peter Semneby said the mission has an informal list of working issues that should be done before the mission closure.

Friday new OSCE HCNM Rolf Ekeus met during informal lunch with members of parliament factions and later held talks with Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia chairperson Pimenovs and Russian Language and Literature Teachers Association President Tatyana Liguta to find out their opinion about minorities issues in Latvia. Both representatives of the Russian community, Pimenovs and Liguta, voiced satisfaction over contribution of OSCE mission in lessening tension in Latvia between Latvians and Russian speakers. Pimenovs told BNS he proposed to extend OSCE's mandate because education of minorities needs attention of international observers to solve the problems sooner. During the talks with the representatives of Latvia's political forces, some said the mission should be closed while some proposed not just to extend the mission's work but also change its mandate. OSCE mission head Peter Semneby said the mission has an informal list of working issues that should be done before the mission closure. BNS, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Lauku Avize

publishes a biography of OSCE HCNM R.Ekeus and gives a brief information about his visit in Latvia. The article is concluded with the responses of EC Delegation Head G.Weiss and OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby to the question concerning the closure of the OSCE Mission in Latvia at the end of this year. publishes a biography of OSCE HCNM R.Ekeus and gives a brief information about his visit in Latvia. The article is concluded with the responses of EC Delegation Head G.Weiss and OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby to the question concerning the closure of the OSCE Mission in Latvia at the end of this year. “The closure of the Mission to Latvia is feasible, however, it is not determined yet. Latvia has fulfilled many tasks, but some tasks remain to be fulfilled, for instance, more dynamic naturalisation process, some problems concerning the implementation of the Language Law. We provide our support to the Naturalisation Board and State Language Centre to implement several projects in order to foster naturalisation, strengthen National Human Rights Office, co-operate with the ministries of foreign affairs and justice. Good progress has been made, but we have to be sure that it will be sustainable”.

The closure of the Mission to Latvia is feasible, however, it is not determined yet. Latvia has fulfilled many tasks, but some tasks remain to be fulfilled, for instance, more dynamic naturalisation process, some problems concerning the implementation of the Language Law. We provide our support to the Naturalisation Board and State Language Centre to implement several projects in order to foster naturalisation, strengthen National Human Rights Office, co-operate with the ministries of foreign affairs and justice. Good progress has been made, but we have to be sure that it will be sustainable.

The Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry considers the statement of Russia’s General Prosecutor Office on Latvia’s connections to Chechen warriors false and aimed to view Latvia as a supporter of terrorism. The Latvian Government has asked Russia’s General Prosecutor Office to provide specific information about that.

The Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry considers the statement of Russias General Prosecutor Office on Latvias connections to Chechen warriors false and aimed to view Latvia as a supporter of terrorism. The Latvian Government has asked Russias General Prosecutor Office to provide specific information about that. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Sunday the Prime Minister A.Berzins, Riga City Mayor G.Bojars and other state officials left for St.Petersburg to take part in the Baltic Development Forum. The Prime Minister has scheduled meetings with the representative of the Russian President in the region V.Cherkasov and City Mayor V.Yakovlyev.

Sunday the Prime Minister A.Berzins, Riga City Mayor G.Bojars and other state officials left for St.Petersburg to take part in the Baltic Development Forum. The Prime Minister has scheduled meetings with the representative of the Russian President in the region V.Cherkasov and City Mayor V.Yakovlyev. Diena

Lauku Avize columnist V.Lacis provides arguments against the note of FHRUL issued last week where Macedonian policy regarding national matters where compared with Latvian. The columnist points out that FHRUL has silenced historical aspects of the situation in Macedonia, as well as the fact that 15 EU member states have not come to the agreement about the term “national minority”. In regard to the FHRUL claims against the Latvian language as the only state language, V.Lacis quotes Danish professor T.Skutnaba – Kangasa “Russian-speakers in the Baltic States have to understand that they are not able to impose their will on the majority, but they will still have a possibility to organise education of their children in mother tongue”. In conclusion, V.Lacis blames the two Latvian Presidents and ruling political parties whose activities or lack of activities have made such notes possible.

Lauku Avize columnist V.Lacis provides arguments against the note of FHRUL issued last week where Macedonian policy regarding national matters where compared with Latvian. The columnist points out that FHRUL has silenced historical aspects of the situation in Macedonia, as well as the fact that 15 EU member states have not come to the agreement about the term national minority. In regard to the FHRUL claims against the Latvian language as the only state language, V.Lacis quotes Danish professor T.Skutnaba – Kangasa Russian-speakers in the Baltic States have to understand that they are not able to impose their will on the majority, but they will still have a possibility to organise education of their children in mother tongue. In conclusion, V.Lacis blames the two Latvian Presidents and ruling political parties whose activities or lack of activities have made such notes possible.

Friday the conference “NATO Expansion: From Washington to Prague” took place in Riga. According to the official of the Ministry of Defence “the main discussion subjects were the aspects of the enlargement process and not particularly Latvia’s membership to NATO”. However, Latvian defence minister G.Kristovskis in his speech voiced that “pro-Moscow powers with the help of Russian press try to deny the possibility that Latvia could join NATO. Their goal is to keep Latvia under the direct influence of Russia”. A big delegation was expected from Russia, however, only one participant came.

Friday the conference NATO Expansion: From Washington to Prague took place in Riga. According to the official of the Ministry of Defence the main discussion subjects were the aspects of the enlargement process and not particularly Latvias membership to NATO. However, Latvian defence minister G.Kristovskis in his speech voiced that pro-Moscow powers with the help of Russian press try to deny the possibility that Latvia could join NATO. Their goal is to keep Latvia under the direct influence of Russia. A big delegation was expected from Russia, however, only one participant came. Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Monday the Ministry of Justice will make public announcement to 5 vacancies for NGO representatives in Society Integration Foundation Council. Latvian Human Rights Committee co-chairperson L.Raihman assures their participation and thinks that the Committee has a good chance to win. Also Association in Support to Schools with Russian Instruction Language chairperson I.Pimenov and NGO “Dialogue” from Ventspils will nominate their members, only Russian Community in Latvia representative T.Favorovskaya has sceptical stance as in her view “society integration foundation should provide assistance to immigrants who have just come to the country as it is in Denmark and not like in Latvia where the Foundation is going to integrate people who have lived here all their lives”.

Monday the Ministry of Justice will make public announcement to 5 vacancies for NGO representatives in Society Integration Foundation Council. Latvian Human Rights Committee co-chairperson L.Raihman assures their participation and thinks that the Committee has a good chance to win. Also Association in Support to Schools with Russian Instruction Language chairperson I.Pimenov and NGO Dialogue from Ventspils will nominate their members, only Russian Community in Latvia representative T.Favorovskaya has sceptical stance as in her view society integration foundation should provide assistance to immigrants who have just come to the country as it is in Denmark and not like in Latvia where the Foundation is going to integrate people who have lived here all their lives. Chas

Thanks to the OSCE and UN provided funds of the amount of USD 216 000, non-citizens of Rezekne and Ludza who want to naturalise will have a possibility to learn Latvian free of charge.

Thanks to the OSCE and UN provided funds of the amount of USD 216 000, non-citizens of Rezekne and Ludza who want to naturalise will have a possibility to learn Latvian free of charge. Chas.

 Press Report

Press Report

The new OSCE Commissioner for National Minorities, Rolf Ekeus, Thursday launched his acquaintance visit in Latvia meeting Latvian president in her sea side residence in Jurmala, some 20 kilometers away from Riga, a spokeswoman said. Vaira Vike-Freiberga briefed Ekeus in 20 minutes talks about Latvia's development directions in the last ten years and the state's policy on minorities issues. Ekeus was reserved in his comment on minorities’ situation in Latvia saying he has not studied the issue appropriately yet. He also refrained from assessing the work of his predecessor Max van der Stoel in solution of national minority problems in Latvia saying, "the evaluation will be given by history". He said the aim of his current visit in Latvia is "get familiar with his obligations" but it is clear already at this point there will be a broad range of issues on his agenda. Ekeus noted diplomatically he still has to carefully observe the national minority situation in Latvia before he presents his vision about the existing problems.

The new OSCE Commissioner for National Minorities, Rolf Ekeus, Thursday launched his acquaintance visit in Latvia meeting Latvian president in her sea side residence in Jurmala, some 20 kilometers away from Riga, a spokeswoman said. Vaira Vike-Freiberga briefed Ekeus in 20 minutes talks about Latvia's development directions in the last ten years and the state's policy on minorities issues. Ekeus was reserved in his comment on minorities situation in Latvia saying he has not studied the issue appropriately yet. He also refrained from assessing the work of his predecessor Max van der Stoel in solution of national minority problems in Latvia saying, "the evaluation will be given by history". He said the aim of his current visit in Latvia is "get familiar with his obligations" but it is clear already at this point there will be a broad range of issues on his agenda. Ekeus noted diplomatically he still has to carefully observe the national minority situation in Latvia before he presents his vision about the existing problems. BNS

Ekeus informed the president that at the end of this year OSCE could decide on whether Latvia has succeeded in implementing all requirements set by OSCE and whether the OSCE mission in Latvia could be closed.

Ekeus informed the president that at the end of this year OSCE could decide on whether Latvia has succeeded in implementing all requirements set by OSCE and whether the OSCE mission in Latvia could be closed. LETA, Latvijas Vestnesis

OSCE Commissioner Rolf Ekeus, met with the Latvian education minister, who informed the guest about the Latvian language teaching national program. Latvian education and science minister Karlis Greiskalns said that the national program had four sections -- further education of teachers (for Latvian language teachers teaching Latvian as the second language), development and upgrading of teaching aids for study of the Latvian as the second language and for bilingual education, courses of the Latvian as the second language and the integration measures. Other ministry officials told the OSCE commissioner about development prospects for ethnic minority high schools after 2004 and accomplishments by the Ethnic Minorities Advisory Council.

OSCE Commissioner Rolf Ekeus, met with the Latvian education minister, who informed the guest about the Latvian language teaching national program. Latvian education and science minister Karlis Greiskalns said that the national program had four sections -- further education of teachers (for Latvian language teachers teaching Latvian as the second language), development and upgrading of teaching aids for study of the Latvian as the second language and for bilingual education, courses of the Latvian as the second language and the integration measures. Other ministry officials told the OSCE commissioner about development prospects for ethnic minority high schools after 2004 and accomplishments by the Ethnic Minorities Advisory Council. BNS, Respublika, Chas, Panorama Latvii

The Latvian parliament speaker and the UNESCO General Conference president met Thursday in Riga to discuss possible cooperation between Latvia and the UNESCO, reported the parliament press service.

The Latvian parliament speaker and the UNESCO General Conference president met Thursday in Riga to discuss possible cooperation between Latvia and the UNESCO, reported the parliament press service. BNS

During her visit in Denmark today, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga is scheduled to meet with Danish Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen. As

During her visit in Denmark today, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga is scheduled to meet with Danish Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen. As LETA was informed by the president's press service, the president will visit the new premises of the Latvian Embassy in Denmark as well as give an interview to the Danish business newspaper "Borsen". LETA

After the circulated document where the situation in Latvia concerning national minorities was compared to the one in Macedonia, authors – Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia deny that they once more tried to dramatize the ethnic issue. They justify themselves that their only goal was to point out to the lack of interest in national minority issues in EU and among other Saeima deputies. Faction leader J.Jurkans even dissociates him from this document and stresses that that is not the opinion of the faction. Nevertheless political scientists point out that this comparison is very similar to the statements made by Russian President V.Putin. In his turn Prime Minister A.Berzins in a radio interview said that it was up to prosecutor’s office and judicial institutions to decide if FHRUL activities could be regarded as kindling.

After the circulated document where the situation in Latvia concerning national minorities was compared to the one in Macedonia, authors – Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia deny that they once more tried to dramatize the ethnic issue. They justify themselves that their only goal was to point out to the lack of interest in national minority issues in EU and among other Saeima deputies. Faction leader J.Jurkans even dissociates him from this document and stresses that that is not the opinion of the faction. Nevertheless political scientists point out that this comparison is very similar to the statements made by Russian President V.Putin. In his turn Prime Minister A.Berzins in a radio interview said that it was up to prosecutors office and judicial institutions to decide if FHRUL activities could be regarded as kindling. Diena

Diena published an interview with the new German Ambassador to Latvia E.Herold where the Ambassador spoke about his personal links to Latvia, Latvian – German relations and Latvia’s attempts to join NATO and EU.

Diena published an interview with the new German Ambassador to Latvia E.Herold where the Ambassador spoke about his personal links to Latvia, Latvian – German relations and Latvias attempts to join NATO and EU.

More and more often European institutions and high officials call Latvia to ratify Framework convention on national minorities. The Saeima has already twice rejected opposition proposals to do it. It is possible that somebody with the approaching election will try to achieve let the convention take effect in Latvia. Although opinions of political parties on this differ, majority of experts and politicians who were discussing it at the meting organized by CoE Information and Documentation Center supported ratification.

More and more often European institutions and high officials call Latvia to ratify Framework convention on national minorities. The Saeima has already twice rejected opposition proposals to do it. It is possible that somebody with the approaching election will try to achieve let the convention take effect in Latvia. Although opinions of political parties on this differ, majority of experts and politicians who were discussing it at the meting organized by CoE Information and Documentation Center supported ratification. Neatkariga

Publicist V.Avotins, writing about his discussion, says that participants found it better to ratify the convention without a strict definition of a national minority. Thus everybody would be able interpret it according his own wish and Europe will give its goodies to Latvia. V.Avotins finds that neither authorities nor intellectuals are able to find an effective compromise to interethnic relations.

Neatkariga

A.Zhigure, Rigas Balss commentator ponders about the role of naturalization in public integration process. There are many Latvian citizens who received citizenship through inheritance but who do not knot the language. And by no juridical means they can be forced to study the Latvian. Ms.Zhigure suggests that different repressive methods could be replaced by changing peoples attitude towards it. When solving problems in Latvia one may hope for integration of the new generation, but the many non-Latvian families who want to send their children to Latvian schools receive refusal – teachers are not ready for such working load.

Newspaper Chas invited Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins to the editors office to answer the calls of readers. Answering to a question why public integration program had been prepared without participation of national minority representatives and all the changes in it had been made due to the pressure of international organizations, Minister disagreed to this saying that he himself had participated in preparing some of them. Q. Why Latvia and Russia have not signed repatriation agreement? M. Due to the demographic situation in Russia its political leadership is seriously thinking about attracting repatriates. In Latvia nobody is kept by force or made to leave it.

Diena

commentator A.Ozolins writes about the last activity of Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia – comparing situation in Latvia to the one in Macedonia. At the same day representatives of so called Latvian Human Rights Committee at the OSCE meeting in Warsaw presented their concern about the planned closure of OSCE Mission in Riga. Comparing discrimination practiced in Latvia to the favorable legislation and practice concerning national minorities in Macedonia the authors come to a conclusion whether just extreme situation may arose to adopt adopting legislation respecting rights of national minorities. Diena (19.09.01)