Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

Leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans comments on his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He believes that criticism of the majority of ruling parties is simple “political jealousy,” and states “we are close to power and it drives them crazy.” According to Janis Jurkans, Vladimir Putin is positive about Latvia, however, without any improvements in the situation of non-citizens there will be no positive developments in relations between the two countries.

Leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans comments on his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He believes that criticism of the majority of ruling parties is simple political jealousy, and states we are close to power and it drives them crazy. According to Janis Jurkans, Vladimir Putin is positive about Latvia, however, without any improvements in the situation of non-citizens there will be no positive developments in relations between the two countries. Diena, Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Lauku Avize, Vechernaya Riga, Chas, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins will hold a meeting with Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov who will be on a visit to Riga this weekend. The spokesperson of the Latvian President did not disclose whether Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will have a meeting with the Moscow Mayor as well.

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins will hold a meeting with Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov who will be on a visit to Riga this weekend. The spokesperson of the Latvian President did not disclose whether Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will have a meeting with the Moscow Mayor as well. Diena, Chas

Telegraf

reports on a three-day visit of Moscow journalists to Latvia. Moscow journalists met with representatives of the mass media of Latvia and leading business people. Prime Minister Andris Berzins was the only politician in the list. reports on a three-day visit of Moscow journalists to Latvia. Moscow journalists met with representatives of the mass media of Latvia and leading business people. Prime Minister Andris Berzins was the only politician in the list. Telegraf Telegraf publishes a number of the Prime Ministers answers to journalists questions. When asked about the situation of non-citizens in Latvia, the Prime Minister states that anybody who wants to become a Latvian citizen can do it - our requirements are in compliance with international standards. Andris Berzins believes that many people do not naturalise because of practical considerations, such as, it is easier to have business with Russia with a non-citizen passport, young men do not have to go to the Latvian army if they are not Latvian citizens, etc. publishes a number of the Prime Minister’s answers to journalists’ questions. When asked about the situation of non-citizens in Latvia, the Prime Minister states that anybody who wants to become a Latvian citizen can do it - “our requirements are in compliance with international standards.” Andris Berzins believes that many people do not naturalise because of practical considerations, such as, it is easier to have business with Russia with a non-citizen passport, young men do not have to go to the Latvian army if they are not Latvian citizens, etc. The 8th Saeima elections are the first ones after the state language requirement for persons running for public office was abolished.

The 8th Saeima elections are the first ones after the state language requirement for persons running for public office was abolished. Diena analyses the situation concerning language skills of election candidates and the objectivity of the required self-assessment of a persons state language skills. Dienas reporter Dita Araja concludes that the self-assessment of language skills is very often subjective and higher than the actual language proficiency level.

Yesterday Minister of Education Karlis Greiskalns reported to the Saeima’s FF/LNNK faction about the planned switch of minority secondary schools to instruction in Latvian in 2004. The Minister stressed that he did not see any reasons why minority schools could not start the reform in 2004.

Yesterday Minister of Education Karlis Greiskalns reported to the Saeimas FF/LNNK faction about the planned switch of minority secondary schools to instruction in Latvian in 2004. The Minister stressed that he did not see any reasons why minority schools could not start the reform in 2004. Lauku Avize, Chas, Telegraf

FHRUL submitted to the Saeima a draft law on the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minority Rights.

FHRUL submitted to the Saeima a draft law on the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minority Rights. Diena, Panorama Latvii

The Soros Foundations in Latvia and Moldova organised a visit of a delegation of Moldova to Latvia. The delegation studied Latvias experience in the field of integration.

Panorama Latvii

Yesterday more than 1,000 people came to the first free of charge Latvian language class organised by the anti-NATO NGO Prata Speks. Public interest exceeded expectations, however, neither Latvian language teachers nor school directors nor the Latvian authorities responded to a prior call of Prata Speks to help with Latvian language teachers and space. Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

Without any prior notice to the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Saeima, Janis Jurkans, the leader of the leftist union PCTVL, held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin on Saturday. Officials discussed business relations between Latvia and Russia and the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia. The Russian President stressed that Russians residing in Latvia should know the state language, however, people should not be forced to learn the language by administrative methods. In his turn, Janis Jurkans introduced Vladimir Putin to the key points in his party’s programme regarding the protection of national minorities. After the meeting Janis Jurkans said that “the Russian President knows the situation in Latvia very well and knows what to do to improve relations between the two countries.”

Without any prior notice to the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Saeima, Janis Jurkans, the leader of the leftist union PCTVL, held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin on Saturday. Officials discussed business relations between Latvia and Russia and the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia. The Russian President stressed that Russians residing in Latvia should know the state language, however, people should not be forced to learn the language by administrative methods. In his turn, Janis Jurkans introduced Vladimir Putin to the key points in his partys programme regarding the protection of national minorities. After the meeting Janis Jurkans said that the Russian President knows the situation in Latvia very well and knows what to do to improve relations between the two countries.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga calls on voters to evaluate the meeting and seriously consider what foreign policy they want to be followed “because it will be a very serious decision – whether we continue successfully the implementation of the policy already launched or threaten this way and risk to go back in our development.”

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga calls on voters to evaluate the meeting and seriously consider what foreign policy they want to be followed because it will be a very serious decision – whether we continue successfully the implementation of the policy already launched or threaten this way and risk to go back in our development.

Foreign Affairs Minister Indulis Berzins believes that “opening the Kremlin’s door for Jurkans” is a signal for voters in Latvia as to which party Moscow prefers in the upcoming elections.

Foreign Affairs Minister Indulis Berzins believes that opening the Kremlins door for Jurkans is a signal for voters in Latvia as to which party Moscow prefers in the upcoming elections. Dienas commentary by Askolds Rodins says that this meeting will do no good for Latvia. The Russian-language press says the meeting was successful and that the popularity rating of FHRUL will surge. Diena, Vechernaya Riga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

FF/LNNK will hold a meeting with Education Minister Karlis Greiskalns to discuss the switch of secondary minority schools to instruction in Latvian in 2004. A representative of FF/LNNK said that “we want to know what the ministry has done to ensure the qualitative switch in 2004.”

FF/LNNK will hold a meeting with Education Minister Karlis Greiskalns to discuss the switch of secondary minority schools to instruction in Latvian in 2004. A representative of FF/LNNK said that we want to know what the ministry has done to ensure the qualitative switch in 2004. BNS

Distributor of the programme of Russian Public TV in Latvia, the company “Tem TV,” decided to provide Latvian subtitles for one of the soap operas aired by Russia’s Public TV.

Distributor of the programme of Russian Public TV in Latvia, the company Tem TV, decided to provide Latvian subtitles for one of the soap operas aired by Russias Public TV. BNS

Panorama Latvii

reports that the campaign Non-elections is completed. About 5,000 people took part in the campaign and the most popular party is FHRUL. The newspaper will provide more detailed results of the campaign in future editions. reports that the campaign “Non-elections” is completed. About 5,000 people took part in the campaign and the most popular party is FHRUL. The newspaper will provide more detailed results of the campaign in future editions.

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

Chas reports that election observers from the OSCE have arrived to Latvia to observe the 8th Saeima elections. The newspaper stresses that one of the key tasks of the OSCE observers is to follow how national and linguistic minorities take part in the elections. Chas notes that none of the local staff members employed for this mission is a representative of a national minority.

The Security Police will conduct an investigation regarding a letter sent in by Russian extremists. Russian extremists state that they would kill politicians who try to assimilate Russians in Latvia and seize power in the country. The Security Police announced that these threats should not be taken seriously.

The Security Police will conduct an investigation regarding a letter sent in by Russian extremists. Russian extremists state that they would kill politicians who try to assimilate Russians in Latvia and seize power in the country. The Security Police announced that these threats should not be taken seriously. Diena

Chas

interviews a member of the First Party Aleksandrs Rumyancevs whose ethnic background is Russian. Rumyancev states that he felt cheated when after the Awakening Latvian citizenship was not granted to all residents who supported independent Latvia, however, he was sensible enough to naturalise. Aleksandrs Rumancevs believes that Russians could solve their problems if they realise and accept that they are one of Latvias national minorities and then deal with their problems with the help of mechanisms for the protection of the rights of national minorities. . interviews a member of the First Party Aleksandrs Rumyancevs whose ethnic background is Russian. Rumyancev states that he felt cheated when after the Awakening Latvian citizenship was not granted to all residents who supported independent Latvia, however, he was sensible enough to naturalise. Aleksandrs Rumancevs believes that Russians could solve their problems if they realise and accept that they are one of Latvia’s national minorities and then deal with their problems with the help of mechanisms for the protection of the rights of national minorities. .

Lauku Avize

interviews New Era election candidate Grigorijs Krupnikovs. He states that activities of political elite are the key obstacles in building a unified society in Latvia. Krupnikovs states that it is a myth that all naturalised persons would vote exclusively for FHRUL. Krupnikovs says that his party does not have any policy concerning Russian-speakers, because we do not categorise people by ethnicity. Krupnikov admits that some laws are still not in compliance with international standards, such as some professional restriction on non-citizens. Concerning relations with Russia, Krupnikovs says that they are very important, however, essential things, such as the state language, should not be given up to improve them. interviews New Era election candidate Grigorijs Krupnikovs. He states that activities of political elite are the key obstacles in building a unified society in Latvia. Krupnikovs states that it is a myth that all naturalised persons would vote exclusively for FHRUL. Krupnikovs says that his party does not have any policy concerning Russian-speakers, because “we do not categorise people by ethnicity.” Krupnikov admits that some laws are still not in compliance with international standards, such as some professional restriction on non-citizens. Concerning relations with Russia, Krupnikovs says that they are very important, however, essential things, such as the state language, should not be given up to improve them.

Lauku Avize

talks to political scientist Artis Pabriks about his study Occupational Representation and Ethnic Discrimination in Latvia. Pabriks states that the results obtained in the study do not suggest the existence of ethnic discrimination in Latvia. talks to political scientist Artis Pabriks about his study “Occupational Representation and Ethnic Discrimination in Latvia.” Pabriks states that the results obtained in the study do not suggest the existence of ethnic discrimination in Latvia.

Lauku Avize

features an article about the three-months long selection procedure for the most suitable applicant for the post of director of the State Language Centre. The newspaper concludes that the fight over the post is not over yet as politicians have their interests in this post. features an article about the three-months long selection procedure for the most suitable applicant for the post of director of the State Language Centre. The newspaper concludes that the fight over the post is not over yet as politicians have their interests in this post. Last weekend Pasiena, a parish in the eastern part of Latvia, turned into a capital of Poles residing in Latvia – the sixth Polish culture festival took place there. The Integration Foundation provided financial support to the festival.

Last weekend Pasiena, a parish in the eastern part of Latvia, turned into a capital of Poles residing in Latvia – the sixth Polish culture festival took place there. The Integration Foundation provided financial support to the festival. Diena

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

Neatkariga publishes its monthly supplement devoted to social integration issues in Latvia.

One of the articles features the situation of “club culture” in Latvia. Latvian youth inquired by

One of the articles features the situation of club culture in Latvia. Latvian youth inquired by Neatkariga state that Latvians and Russians usually go to different clubs. In contrast, Russians state that they attend all clubs and do not think that there are Latvian and Russian clubs. Neatkariga questioned owners of clubs as well. Latvian club owners believe that very few Russians come to their clubs, while owners of so-called Russian clubs note that all nationalities come to their places. Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks is convinced that no special social cohesion policy for club culture should be developed, but believes that a study about access to and usage of culture by different ethnic groups in Latvia would be necessary. A study conducted several years ago shows that representatives of national minorities go to theatres, museums, etc. less frequently than Latvians. Nils Muiznieks is concerned that cultural goods are not available to some groups of people.

Neatkarigas

columnist Voldemars Hermanis summarises articles published in the Russian-language press about the switch of secondary minority schools to instruction in Latvian in 2004. columnist Voldemars Hermanis summarises articles published in the Russian-language press about the switch of secondary minority schools to instruction in Latvian in 2004. According to the opinion poll conducted by the company “SKDS” with financial support of the UNDP in late 2001 and early 2002, almost 74% of Latvian residents believe that Latvian society is not unified and integrated. One fourth of the respondents were non-citizens. 30.1% of respondents believe that higher welfare level and better living conditions would foster social integration.

According to the opinion poll conducted by the company SKDS with financial support of the UNDP in late 2001 and early 2002, almost 74% of Latvian residents believe that Latvian society is not unified and integrated. One fourth of the respondents were non-citizens. 30.1% of respondents believe that higher welfare level and better living conditions would foster social integration.

Neatkariga

reports on the continuation of two campaigns aimed at fostering of social integration – a toll-free phone line where people can receive information about naturalisation (the campaign is funded by Unites States embassy) and information booths, which provide interested people with information about naturalisation as well (the campaign is funded by Great Britains embassy). reports on the continuation of two campaigns aimed at fostering of social integration – a toll-free phone line where people can receive information about naturalisation (the campaign is funded by Unites States’ embassy) and information booths, which provide interested people with information about naturalisation as well (the campaign is funded by Great Britain’s embassy).

Neatkariga

features an article about Lithuanians in Latvia. Director of Lithuanian school in Latvia Aldona Treija says that Lithuanians are satisfied with life in Latvia and she has not met any Lithuanian who feel any hostility towards Latvia. features an article about Lithuanians in Latvia. Director of Lithuanian school in Latvia Aldona Treija says that Lithuanians are satisfied with life in Latvia and she has not met any Lithuanian who feel any hostility towards Latvia.

Vechernaya Riga

writes about the situation concerning the street name signs. The newspaper states that according to Riga City regulations on street signs and plates, street names and any other information on them should be in the state language, but the regulations do not ban the spelling of street names in additional languages. Chief Designer of Riga Atis Lusis states that plates and signs in more than one language would spoil the appearance of Riga – they are too motley. writes about the situation concerning the street name signs. The newspaper states that according to Riga City regulations on street signs and plates, street names and any other information on them should be in the state language, but the regulations do not ban the spelling of street names in additional languages. Chief Designer of Riga Atis Lusis states that plates and signs in more than one language would spoil the appearance of Riga – they are too motley.

Chas

comments on the Saeimas Rules of Procedure amended yesterday. One of the articles provides that the Parliament may annul a mandate of an MP if s/he does not speak the state language on a level necessary to perform his/her professional duties. The newspaper states that the norm actually replaces the abolished election law language requirements for persons running for public office. comments on the Saeima’s Rules of Procedure amended yesterday. One of the articles provides that the Parliament may annul a mandate of an MP if “s/he does not speak the state language on a level necessary to perform his/her professional duties.” The newspaper states that the norm actually replaces the abolished election law language requirements for persons running for public office.

Vesti Segodnya

re-publishes excerpts from an article published in re-publishes excerpts from an article published in Le MondeLe Monde by Aivars Stranga about the situation in Latvia. The author states that Latvia has achieved great progress and that relations between Latvians and Russians are strikingly non-dramatic. Aivars Stranga also refers to Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks who said that Latvian and Russian communities have lived together for decades and they both have suffered under the Soviet regime. by Aivars Stranga about the situation in Latvia. The author states that Latvia has achieved great progress and that relations between Latvians and Russians are “strikingly non-dramatic.” Aivars Stranga also refers to Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks who said that “Latvian and Russian communities have lived together for decades and they both have suffered under the Soviet regime.”

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

Yesterday the Saeima turned down a proposal by the FHRUL to amend the Education Law, namely to abolish the norm stipulating the switch of a language of instruction of minority secondary school to Latvian in 2004.

Yesterday the Saeima turned down a proposal by the FHRUL to amend the Education Law, namely to abolish the norm stipulating the switch of a language of instruction of minority secondary school to Latvian in 2004.

More than 1,000 people applied for the Latvian language courses organised free of charge by the anti-NATO NGO “Prata Speks”. The NGO “Prata Speks” did not foresee that the number of interested people would be so high, and therefore the organisation calls on Latvian language teachers to volunteer to teach Latvian.

More than 1,000 people applied for the Latvian language courses organised free of charge by the anti-NATO NGO Prata Speks. The NGO Prata Speks did not foresee that the number of interested people would be so high, and therefore the organisation calls on Latvian language teachers to volunteer to teach Latvian. Vesti Segodnya

Telegraf

publishes several opinions of Russian students about the switch of minority secondary school to instruction in Latvian in 2004. The majority of students acknowledge the necessity and importance of Latvian language skills, however, they want to study in their native language. publishes several opinions of Russian students about the switch of minority secondary school to instruction in Latvian in 2004. The majority of students acknowledge the necessity and importance of Latvian language skills, however, they want to study in their native language.

Vechernaya Riga

writes about the reality show Fabrica aired by TV 5. The newspaper stresses that none of the participants of the show is Russian, because according to the Law on Radio and Television all programmes in Russian should have sub-titles in the state language. The show is aired live, and therefore it is impossible to ensure the caption. The administration of TV 5 believes that the Law on Radio and Television fosters disintegration of society. writes about the reality show “Fabrica” aired by TV 5. The newspaper stresses that none of the participants of the show is Russian, because according to the Law on Radio and Television all programmes in Russian should have sub-titles in the state language. The show is aired live, and therefore it is impossible to ensure the caption. The administration of TV 5 believes that the Law on Radio and Television fosters disintegration of society.

Lauku Avize

features an article about activities of parties in the field of social integration. Columnist of features an article about activities of parties in the field of social integration. Columnist of Lauku AvizeLauku Avize Maris Antonevics states that parties devote very little or even no attention to national minority and integration issues in their pre-election programmes, but they are, however, asked to state their stances towards various minority and integration issues in a number of TV shows, such as The Russian Issue, Struggle of Giants and a discussion organised by the NGO The Union of Citizens and Non-citizens and Civil Initiative XXI. Maris Antonevics summarises the key statements of the discussions. He stresses that representatives of left-wing parties as usual demanded amendments to the Citizenship Law, abolition of the education reform, etc, while representatives of Latvian parties, such as, Eizenija Aldermane, Elmars Vebers and Anita Rugate focused on their personal positive investment in the field of integration. Maris Antonevics states that parties devote very little or even no attention to national minority and integration issues in their pre-election programmes, but they are, however, asked to state their stances towards various minority and integration issues in a number of TV shows, such as “The Russian Issue,” “Struggle of Giants” and a discussion organised by the NGO “The Union of Citizens and Non-citizens” and “Civil Initiative XXI.” Maris Antonevics summarises the key statements of the discussions. He stresses that representatives of left-wing parties as usual demanded amendments to the Citizenship Law, abolition of the education reform, etc, while representatives of “Latvian” parties, such as, Eizenija Aldermane, Elmars Vebers and Anita Rugate focused on their personal positive investment in the field of integration.

Lauku Avize

interviews Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins. Regarding citizenship and naturalisation Andris Berzins says that Russia does not foster and support acquisition of Latvian citizenship by Russians residing in Latvia. Andris Berzins notes that travel to Russia for Latvian non-citizens is easier than for Russian citizens. He believes that naturalisation is a persons free choice and nobody is being or will be forced to naturalise. interviews Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins. Regarding citizenship and naturalisation Andris Berzins says that Russia does not foster and support acquisition of Latvian citizenship by Russians residing in Latvia. Andris Berzins notes that travel to Russia for Latvian non-citizens is easier than for Russian citizens. He believes that naturalisation is a person’s free choice and nobody is being or will be forced to naturalise.

Vesti Segodnya

provides excerpts from an article by Henry R. Nau in the British weekly The Observer about the role of NATO in the world, in particular, what consequences the membership of the Baltic States in NATO will have. Henry R.Nau writes, …the threat to these states [Baltic States] is not a direct Russian invasion. The threat is potential Moscow support for disgruntled Russian minorities in Estonia or Latvia, covert aid to destabilise these countries, and subtle commercial pressure to weaken their ties with the West. Moscow might disclaim direct responsibility for all of these activities and argue that it was only defending itself against instabilities on its borders that might spill over into the Russian Federation - much as it does today in the case of Chechnya. The newspaper adds …and the West will keep silent, as Russia participated in anti-terrorism operations in Asia. provides excerpts from an article by Henry R. Nau in the British weekly “The Observer” about the role of NATO in the world, in particular, what consequences the membership of the Baltic States in NATO will have. Henry R.Nau writes, “…the threat to these states [Baltic States] is not a direct Russian invasion. The threat is potential Moscow support for disgruntled Russian minorities in Estonia or Latvia, covert aid to destabilise these countries, and subtle commercial pressure to weaken their ties with the West. Moscow might disclaim direct responsibility for all of these activities and argue that it was only defending itself against instabilities on its borders that might spill over into the Russian Federation - much as it does today in the case of Chechnya.” The newspaper adds “…and the West will keep silent, as Russia participated in anti-terrorism operations in Asia.”

Vesti Segodnya

comments on the visit of journalists from Russia who came to Rezekne, the town in the eastern part of Latvia, to study integration issues there. The newspaper states that Latvian officials deny the Russian language press in Latvia the possibility to contact journalists from Russia. comments on the visit of journalists from Russia who came to Rezekne, the town in the eastern part of Latvia, to study integration issues there. The newspaper states that Latvian officials deny the Russian language press in Latvia the possibility to contact journalists from Russia.