Press Report

Press Report

The Latvian Foreign Ministry Sept. 17 asked Russia to increase the number of military inspection visits that would allow Latvia's representatives to attend and see Russia's military and defense objects in accordance with OSCE Vienna document of 1999 to which Russia and Latvia are members, a spokesman said. Foreign Ministry spokesman Vilmars Henins said Latvia has an obligation to receive four inspection visits from other OSCE member countries a year while Russia has to receive six visits and, the quota of visits for this year has already been exhausted. BNS

The Latvian Foreign Ministry Sept. 17 asked Russia to increase the number of military inspection visits that would allow Latvia's representatives to attend and see Russia's military and defense objects in accordance with OSCE Vienna document of 1999 to which Russia and Latvia are members, a spokesman said. Foreign Ministry spokesman Vilmars Henins said Latvia has an obligation to receive four inspection visits from other OSCE member countries a year while Russia has to receive six visits and, the quota of visits for this year has already been exhausted. BNS

A foreign-funded project seeking to facilitate the naturalization process in Latvia and offering free Latvian language teaching to 2,000 non-citizens was presented in Riga on Wednesday with the Latvian prime minister, justice minister and foreign ambassadors in attendance. The project, titled Fast track Latvian language learning Program For Promotion of Naturalization in Latvia, will teach the state language to non-Latvians to make it easier for them to obtain Latvian citizenship. Two thousand non-citizens will study Latvian language under the project, completing the course after a period of three months up to one year, depending on their skills and knowledge. The presented program differs from other teaching programs mainly in that it is one of the first to be based on the principles outlines in the national integration program. A pilot project of the new program was run last year with 85 percent of trainees passing the naturalization test. OSCE mission to Latvia head, Peter Semneby, speaking at the presentation, said "there are no special problems with obtaining a citizenship in Latvia ... the program seeks to solve the key problem preventing people from getting the citizenship -- it will teach them the language." The project costs are estimated at 216,000 US dollars. The US, Swedish and Norwegian governments contributed financially to the project conceived by the Naturalization Board in cooperation with UNDP and the OSCE mission in Latvia.

A foreign-funded project seeking to facilitate the naturalization process in Latvia and offering free Latvian language teaching to 2,000 non-citizens was presented in Riga on Wednesday with the Latvian prime minister, justice minister and foreign ambassadors in attendance. The project, titled Fast track Latvian language learning Program For Promotion of Naturalization in Latvia, will teach the state language to non-Latvians to make it easier for them to obtain Latvian citizenship. Two thousand non-citizens will study Latvian language under the project, completing the course after a period of three months up to one year, depending on their skills and knowledge. The presented program differs from other teaching programs mainly in that it is one of the first to be based on the principles outlines in the national integration program. A pilot project of the new program was run last year with 85 percent of trainees passing the naturalization test. OSCE mission to Latvia head, Peter Semneby, speaking at the presentation, said "there are no special problems with obtaining a citizenship in Latvia ... the program seeks to solve the key problem preventing people from getting the citizenship -- it will teach them the language." The project costs are estimated at 216,000 US dollars. The US, Swedish and Norwegian governments contributed financially to the project conceived by the Naturalization Board in cooperation with UNDP and the OSCE mission in Latvia. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Latvijas Vestnesis, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

From Sept 20 to 21 the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's (OSCE) High Commissioner on national minority issues, Rolf Ekeus, will be visiting in Latvia in order to discuss social integration issues, reported the Foreign Ministry. The guest will have meetings with Latvian President, Saeima Speaker, Prime Minister, and heads of the Naturalization Board and State Language Center.

From Sept 20 to 21 the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's (OSCE) High Commissioner on national minority issues, Rolf Ekeus, will be visiting in Latvia in order to discuss social integration issues, reported the Foreign Ministry. The guest will have meetings with Latvian President, Saeima Speaker, Prime Minister, and heads of the Naturalization Board and State Language Center. Neatkariga

Latvia's Vieda publishers, notorious for organizing two expressly nationalistic contests, has sent the second letter to the European Union's enlargement commissioner, Guenter Verheugen, describing at length the need for decolonization and alleged ethnic conflict in Latvia. In this letter Vieda also informed the EU commissioner about "the colonists' deep hatred and contempt for the Latvian people," reported the publishing company.

Latvia's Vieda publishers, notorious for organizing two expressly nationalistic contests, has sent the second letter to the European Union's enlargement commissioner, Guenter Verheugen, describing at length the need for decolonization and alleged ethnic conflict in Latvia. In this letter Vieda also informed the EU commissioner about "the colonists' deep hatred and contempt for the Latvian people," reported the publishing company. BNS, Planorama Latvii,

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins will attend the 3rd annual Baltic Development Forum to be held from Sept. 23 to 25 in St.Petersburg, Russia. Berzins will join representatives from other Baltic Sea states for a discussion of ways to promote economic development in the region after the admission of Baltic states and Poland to the European Union (EU), reported a foreign advisor to the Latvian premier.

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins will attend the 3rd annual Baltic Development Forum to be held from Sept. 23 to 25 in St.Petersburg, Russia. Berzins will join representatives from other Baltic Sea states for a discussion of ways to promote economic development in the region after the admission of Baltic states and Poland to the European Union (EU), reported a foreign advisor to the Latvian premier. BNS

Russian Federation has moved one of its landmarks 150 m into Latvian territory at the place where Latvian, Estonian and Russian borders join. Russia has admitted its mistake asking Latvia “not to pay any attention to it”. Chief of Latvian borderguards General Dabolins said that Latvia had no right to move because it was not a property of Latvia. This issue will be discussed at the end of October when is planned a meeting of heads of Latvian and Russian borderguards.

Russian Federation has moved one of its landmarks 150 m into Latvian territory at the place where Latvian, Estonian and Russian borders join. Russia has admitted its mistake asking Latvia not to pay any attention to it. Chief of Latvian borderguards General Dabolins said that Latvia had no right to move because it was not a property of Latvia. This issue will be discussed at the end of October when is planned a meeting of heads of Latvian and Russian borderguards. Neatkariga, Respublika,

Yesterday the new Moldovian Minister of Foreign Affairs N.Dudeu arrived to Latvia on a working visit. At the meeting with Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga, both officials discussed Latvian and Moldovian political and economic current events, possibilities of increasing mutual cooperation. The Minister expressed interest of Moldova to learn Latvian experience of integration in European and other international institutions as well as establishing a harmonized society. N.Dudeu met also with the Saeima Speaker J.Straume.

Neatkariga M.Antonevics in

M.Antonevics in Lauku Avize writes that the leader of left wing radical movement Equality T.Zhdanok and persons who share her opinions in broadcasting company LTV 2 have managed to receive 20 700 LVL for a TV show 2+2 that concentrates on integration issues. When asked about this financing the Head of CoE Information Center in Riga U.Krastins did not know about it. It turned out that Ms.Zhdanok received this money directly from CoE program Building up faithfulness in society. CoE people had asked for an opinion of U.Krastins about this show but it did not have any specific impact on the decision. Mr. Krastins had not seen this particular show but another show prepared by Ms. Zhdanok he found boring and without any political interest in the content. Lauku Avize

M.Antonevics also writes about the conference on Framework Convention on national minorities and states that for a long time it has become a political instrument which some political forces and mass media are not ashamed to use in their interests. Unfortunately people who are considered to be great national minorities specialists in Latvia do not understand it or pretend not to see it

M.Antonevics also writes about the conference on Framework Convention on national minorities and states that for a long time it has become a political instrument which some political forces and mass media are not ashamed to use in their interests. Unfortunately people who are considered to be great national minorities specialists in Latvia do not understand it or pretend not to see it. Lauku Avize

Over 100 participants from 20 countries of Europe will gather in Riga Sep. 24-29 to join XI conference of Europe's education leaders' forum and get familiar with Latvia's education system.

Over 100 participants from 20 countries of Europe will gather in Riga Sep. 24-29 to join XI conference of Europe's education leaders' forum and get familiar with Latvia's education system. BNS

Press Report

Press Report

Ratification of the Council of Europe convention about protection of ethnic minorities will bring foreign policy benefits to Latvia, said a Latvian human rights expert. Speaking at the debate about problems with the ratification of the convention, Nils Muiznieks, the director of the Center for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies, said that the adoption of the ethnic minorities convention will be important in Latvia's talks about joining the European Union (EU) and NATO. He said the Latvian parliament should ratify the convention that so far had been attributed an exaggerated meaning. The discussion Tuesday proposed several options for defining an ethnic minority but there was no consensus about it. Muiznieks suggested that Latvia also should abstain from any definition of an ethnic minority upon ratification of the convention. Muiznieks' views were opposed by Latvian parliament human rights and public affairs committee chairman, Antons Seiksts, who said that the definition was needed to prevent some people from manipulating with the notion of "Russian-speakers" that cannot be regarded as an ethnic group..

Ratification of the Council of Europe convention about protection of ethnic minorities will bring foreign policy benefits to Latvia, said a Latvian human rights expert. Speaking at the debate about problems with the ratification of the convention, Nils Muiznieks, the director of the Center for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies, said that the adoption of the ethnic minorities convention will be important in Latvia's talks about joining the European Union (EU) and NATO. He said the Latvian parliament should ratify the convention that so far had been attributed an exaggerated meaning. The discussion Tuesday proposed several options for defining an ethnic minority but there was no consensus about it. Muiznieks suggested that Latvia also should abstain from any definition of an ethnic minority upon ratification of the convention. Muiznieks' views were opposed by Latvian parliament human rights and public affairs committee chairman, Antons Seiksts, who said that the definition was needed to prevent some people from manipulating with the notion of "Russian-speakers" that cannot be regarded as an ethnic group.. BNS, Panorama Latvii

Vesti Segodnya, writing about this debate, states that Latvian authorities long time ago proved that they are unable to take any serious even profitable decisions without a foreign pressure. And Framework Convention is a vivid example of this. The Saeima does not want to ratify it being afraid that it would increase rights of non-Latvians up to introducing the second state language in regions densely populated by some national minority. Union For Freedom and Fatherland thinks that this convention endangers national unity of Latvia and it is not mandatory to ratify it when joining EU. Peoples Party is more tolerant but stands for a cunning pretext – ratification must not change the language status in Latvia. Latvias Way stands for ratification being sure that under this convention by national minorities are understood only citizens of Latvia. And this conference proved that most of Latvian experts held the same opinion.

A new television company, TV5 Riga, about to start broadcasting in the Latvian capital, plans to take the audience of 1.2 million viewers in the initial period of its operations, the company's leaders said at a news conference on Tuesday. The broadcasting company hopes its audience will grow in number after it puts into operation a new transmitter in November.

A new television company, TV5 Riga, about to start broadcasting in the Latvian capital, plans to take the audience of 1.2 million viewers in the initial period of its operations, the company's leaders said at a news conference on Tuesday. The broadcasting company hopes its audience will grow in number after it puts into operation a new transmitter in November. BNS

Vesti Segodnya adds that part of broadcasts will be for the Russian audience.

The presidents of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland and Poland, who met in Tallinn on Tuesday, issued a joint statement condemning international terrorism and expressing solidarity with Americans whose country was hit by terrorist attacks.

The presidents of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland and Poland, who met in Tallinn on Tuesday, issued a joint statement condemning international terrorism and expressing solidarity with Americans whose country was hit by terrorist attacks. BNS, Diena, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Respublika

On Tuesday the right wing parties that are in opposition in Riga City Council signed a coalition agreement but did not name the possible candidate for Mayor’s post.

On Tuesday the right wing parties that are in opposition in Riga City Council signed a coalition agreement but did not name the possible candidate for Mayors post. Diena, Neatkariga

Dz.Kudums, Head of Saeima National Security Commission, answering to journalists question about the situation with non-citizens in Latvia, said that every person residing in Latvia had a possibility to become a citizen, but there were still people who did not realise what was going on here; they did not accept local laws and steps of Latvian government and want to return to their ethnic fatherland. And for that is necessary money but it is not enough. Funds should be established to support such people. And Russia has to adopt a law on repatriation.

Chas

Press Report

Press Report

A meeting of the three Baltic countries, Polish and Finnish presidents will be held today in Tallinn.

A meeting of the three Baltic countries, Polish and Finnish presidents will be held today in Tallinn. LETA

Latvian Naturalization Board Sept. 19, jointly with United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and OSCE mission in Latvia, will present a new project envisaging introduction of intense Latvian language teaching program in order to promote naturalization process in the country. It is expected to provide training to 2000 people as part of the project, the Naturalization Board reported. The project presentation ceremony will be joined by Latvian government officials as well as representatives from the UNDP, foreign diplomats, teachers and others. The ceremony will be addressed by Prime Minister Andris Berzins and others. The project is financially supported by the United States, Swedish and Norwegian governments.

Latvian Naturalization Board Sept. 19, jointly with United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and OSCE mission in Latvia, will present a new project envisaging introduction of intense Latvian language teaching program in order to promote naturalization process in the country. It is expected to provide training to 2000 people as part of the project, the Naturalization Board reported. The project presentation ceremony will be joined by Latvian government officials as well as representatives from the UNDP, foreign diplomats, teachers and others. The ceremony will be addressed by Prime Minister Andris Berzins and others. The project is financially supported by the United States, Swedish and Norwegian governments. BNS

From Sept 20 to 21 the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's (OSCE) High Commissioner on national minority issues, Rolf Ekeus, will be visiting in Latvia in order to discuss social integration issues, reported the Foreign Ministry. Ekeus will be meeting Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Parliament Speaker Janis Straume, Prime Minister Andris Berzins, parliament members, as well as leaders of the naturalization board and state language center.

From Sept 20 to 21 the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's (OSCE) High Commissioner on national minority issues, Rolf Ekeus, will be visiting in Latvia in order to discuss social integration issues, reported the Foreign Ministry. Ekeus will be meeting Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Parliament Speaker Janis Straume, Prime Minister Andris Berzins, parliament members, as well as leaders of the naturalization board and state language center. BNS, Lauku Avize

Improving of Latvia's court system is the third priority of the country after defense and interior spheres, Latvian president told reporters. Remark by Vaira Vike-Freiberga came on Monday following the meeting with Justice Minister Ingrida Labucka. "Latvia should regard improving of the court system as one of its top priorities. I would place it in the third position after improvement of our security, defense and interior ministry structures, and also, of course, customs and border issues," said Vike-Freiberga.

Improving of Latvia's court system is the third priority of the country after defense and interior spheres, Latvian president told reporters. Remark by Vaira Vike-Freiberga came on Monday following the meeting with Justice Minister Ingrida Labucka. "Latvia should regard improving of the court system as one of its top priorities. I would place it in the third position after improvement of our security, defense and interior ministry structures, and also, of course, customs and border issues," said Vike-Freiberga. BNS

During the Joint EU and Latvian Parliamentary Committee meeting the Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia circulated a comparison where the situation of national minorities in Latvia was compared to the one in Macedonia. Although For Human Rights in United Latvia points out to the different approach for solving national minority problems in those two countries, especial attention should be paid to the last phrase where is was stated that Albanians in Macedonia fought for their rights using violent methods, but in Latvia national minorities so far had struggled for equal rights with Latvians using peaceful methods but had not succeeded to improve the situation essentially. FHRUL representative M.Mitrofanov told newspaper

During the Joint EU and Latvian Parliamentary Committee meeting the Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia circulated a comparison where the situation of national minorities in Latvia was compared to the one in Macedonia. Although For Human Rights in United Latvia points out to the different approach for solving national minority problems in those two countries, especial attention should be paid to the last phrase where is was stated that Albanians in Macedonia fought for their rights using violent methods, but in Latvia national minorities so far had struggled for equal rights with Latvians using peaceful methods but had not succeeded to improve the situation essentially. FHRUL representative M.Mitrofanov told newspaper Diena that they did not expect any concrete political solution from EU and the comparison was circulated to make European Parliament members to start thinking about double standards in the sphere of national minority rights. Diena, Vesti Segonya

I.Pimenov, Chairman of Association for Support of Russian Language Schools in Latvia, opposing to V.Avotins states that the school reform taking place in Latvia was originally planned as assimilation of Russian-speaking population because the reform was started and only then authorities started to speak about integration as a specific state policy. Starting from 1995 a pressure was increased on Russian-speaking schools, and in 1998 it was transformed into National Program on transferring tuition language to the state language. Last year a conference “To study in one’s mother tongue” was organised for parents of students attending Russian-speaking schools where there were representatives from 89 schools. In 2001 parents from Valmiera, Aizkraukle and Jelgava schools spoke against such a reform. Now ASRLS prepares the second conference.

I.Pimenov, Chairman of Association for Support of Russian Language Schools in Latvia, opposing to V.Avotins states that the school reform taking place in Latvia was originally planned as assimilation of Russian-speaking population because the reform was started and only then authorities started to speak about integration as a specific state policy. Starting from 1995 a pressure was increased on Russian-speaking schools, and in 1998 it was transformed into National Program on transferring tuition language to the state language. Last year a conference To study in ones mother tongue was organised for parents of students attending Russian-speaking schools where there were representatives from 89 schools. In 2001 parents from Valmiera, Aizkraukle and Jelgava schools spoke against such a reform. Now ASRLS prepares the second conference. Respublika

N.Kabanov from

N.Kabanov from Vesti Segonya interviewed European Parliament deputy M.Galer who specialised in the Baltic States. Mr. Galer assured that Latvian legislation complied with EU standards, and therefore OSCE representation in Latvia would be closed. But it did not mean that European Parliament considered interethnic relations in Latvia to be solved. The position of Brussels is included in the term integration.

The ambassador of Belgium and the head of the Delegation of the European Commission in Latvia have both praised Latvia's progress towards the European Union, but have a critical view of Latvia's administrative and political options. Head of the European Commission's delegation in Latvia, Gunter Weiss, said at the Joint Latvian and European Union Parliamentary Committee meeting on Monday that the professionalism of Latvia's parliament and legislation has grown speedily. "The parliament has enormous experience and it has grown to an effective and working parliament," said Weiss.

The ambassador of Belgium and the head of the Delegation of the European Commission in Latvia have both praised Latvia's progress towards the European Union, but have a critical view of Latvia's administrative and political options. Head of the European Commission's delegation in Latvia, Gunter Weiss, said at the Joint Latvian and European Union Parliamentary Committee meeting on Monday that the professionalism of Latvia's parliament and legislation has grown speedily. "The parliament has enormous experience and it has grown to an effective and working parliament," said Weiss. BNS

As Mr. Weiss reported, European Commission was concerned also about the integration and naturalization processes in Latvian society. He pointed out that so far had not been established Public Integration Fund. In the light of recent events EU will pay more attention to the situation of national minorities in the candidate states. It is possible that EU would develop united standards concerning national minorities. Eurodeputies “pushed” on Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs trying to learn more about how the state performed the dialog with non-Latvian population. I.Berzins told visitors that older non-Latvians had a completely different thinking, and it was difficult to change it. Nevertheless, more and more non-Latvians started to support integration in EU.

As Mr. Weiss reported, European Commission was concerned also about the integration and naturalization processes in Latvian society. He pointed out that so far had not been established Public Integration Fund. In the light of recent events EU will pay more attention to the situation of national minorities in the candidate states. It is possible that EU would develop united standards concerning national minorities. Eurodeputies pushed on Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs trying to learn more about how the state performed the dialog with non-Latvian population. I.Berzins told visitors that older non-Latvians had a completely different thinking, and it was difficult to change it. Nevertheless, more and more non-Latvians started to support integration in EU. Vesti Segonya, Respublika

Today in Riga will take place round table discussion on Framework Convention on national minorities. The event is organised by Information Center of Council of Europe. Five years have passed but Latvia has not ratified this document. MP B.Cilevich, commenting this situation, said that Framework Convention contained the following norms - in regions, densely populated by national minority representatives, their language might be used in communicating with state authorities, names of cities, towns, regions and streets might be used in two language if national minority representatives ask for that. And in the convention is stipulated the right of using person’s name and family name in his mother tongue in official documents. But Latvian language law prohibits these norms.

Today in Riga will take place round table discussion on Framework Convention on national minorities. The event is organised by Information Center of Council of Europe. Five years have passed but Latvia has not ratified this document. MP B.Cilevich, commenting this situation, said that Framework Convention contained the following norms - in regions, densely populated by national minority representatives, their language might be used in communicating with state authorities, names of cities, towns, regions and streets might be used in two language if national minority representatives ask for that. And in the convention is stipulated the right of using persons name and family name in his mother tongue in official documents. But Latvian language law prohibits these norms. Chas

Press Report

Answering to the started criminal proceedings of Latvian Prosecutor General Office against Russian citizen, WWII veteran N.Tess, Russian MFA made an announcement about inadmissible persecutions against the veteran basing them on political and ideological motives. Russian MFA see this as a regular attempt to revise history.

Answering to the started criminal proceedings of Latvian Prosecutor General Office against Russian citizen, WWII veteran N.Tess, Russian MFA made an announcement about inadmissible persecutions against the veteran basing them on political and ideological motives. Russian MFA see this as a regular attempt to revise history. Respublika, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii

At the regular meting Social Democrats Pasty Council meeting the Chairman of the party J.Bojars proposed to discuss the draft Latvian Constitution but as the majority of council members had received it just before the meeting they postponed this discussion.

At the regular meting Social Democrats Pasty Council meeting the Chairman of the party J.Bojars proposed to discuss the draft Latvian Constitution but as the majority of council members had received it just before the meeting they postponed this discussion. Respublika

On Saturday at Riga Dome Church took place the presentation of the book “Thank you exiled legionnaires!” written by G.Kalme. A.Shabanov from the newspaper

On Saturday at Riga Dome Church took place the presentation of the book Thank you exiled legionnaires! written by G.Kalme. A.Shabanov from the newspaper Chas sees this book as an interpretation of history, because in the book nothing has been said about persecution of Jewish people by Nazis or Latvian General J.Kurelis and his attempt to rebel against Nazis at the end of WW II. A.Shabanov titles his article Church blessed legionnaires. Chas

Press Report

Press Report

 Newspaper

Newspaper Lauku Avize interviewed Riga City Council deputy, Head of Riga – Moscow cooperation commission, Social Democrat D.Ivans. Mr. Ivans told journalists about the latest developments in this cooperation. When asked about the positive attitude of Moscow City Mayor Luzhkov contrary to the official Russian position and the attitude of Latvian MFA , D.Ivans said that MFA greeted and supported these initiatives of Social Democrats. The deputy explained that Social Democrats were not Moscow orientated but they needed this orientation for economic reasons. And now Social Democrats are competitors to J.Jurkans Peoples Harmony Party thus attracting part of Russian-speaking electorate – especially local Russian businessman who were more right oriented that than Peoples Harmony Party.

Russia has informed representatives of the Council of Europe, currently visiting in Moscow, of countries that offer support in various forms, also financial, to armed Chechens and other military groupings from the northern Caucasus. Latvia was mentioned amongst these countries. The Council of Europe representatives reported to Interfax on Friday that according to data given by Russia's Prosecutor General, the list of countries supporting theses extremists includes a number of Arab countries, Turkey, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Latvia and Great Britain. The information was given to the representatives on Thursday by Russia's Prosecutor General, Vladimir Ustinov.

Russia has informed representatives of the Council of Europe, currently visiting in Moscow, of countries that offer support in various forms, also financial, to armed Chechens and other military groupings from the northern Caucasus. Latvia was mentioned amongst these countries. The Council of Europe representatives reported to Interfax on Friday that according to data given by Russia's Prosecutor General, the list of countries supporting theses extremists includes a number of Arab countries, Turkey, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Latvia and Great Britain. The information was given to the representatives on Thursday by Russia's Prosecutor General, Vladimir Ustinov. BNS, Vesti Segodnya