• New Russian organisation ‘The Russian Community in Latvia established
• Research conducted by Russian researchers about the situation of Russian compatriots in the former republics of the USSR

Newspapers report on the formation of a new Russian organisation – The Russian Community in Latvia (RCL). The Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools in Latvia was an initiator of the formation of the new organisation and claimed that it will unite all Russians residing in Latvia. However,

Newspapers report on the formation of a new Russian organisation – The Russian Community in Latvia (RCL). The Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools in Latvia was an initiator of the formation of the new organisation and claimed that it will unite all Russians residing in Latvia. However, all newspapers stress that voting for the organisations council and board were accompanied with rather loud fuss and disagreements. Nevertheless, about 300 members of the congress managed to agree on the programmes and goals of the organisation. The key goals are that Russian should be the second state language, zero citizenship option should be adopted and Russian children should have the right to study in their native tongue. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

The Director of the Centre of Analysis ‘Fond Rossii’ Tatyana Poloskova introduces the audience of

The Director of the Centre of Analysis ‘Fond Rossii Tatyana Poloskova introduces the audience of Telegraf with the study on the situation of Russian compatriots in the CIS and Baltic countries. She notes that although the living conditions of Russian-speakers in the Baltic countries are better than in other former republics of the USSR, Russian-speakers in the Baltic states experience heavy psychological discomfort and difficulties concerning self-realisation.

• Future of the Law on Minority Schools unclear
• FF/LNIM asks the government to follow the implementation of the education reform more strictly
• Local and Russias response to the hunger strike against the education reform in Latvia
• Court closes the case of the Vesti Segodnyas photographer accused in causing public disorder during the protest actions against the education reform
• Former Russian school director claims that the Ministry of Education and Science ‘forced minority school directors to state that their schools are ready to implement the education reform
• Language courses for about 200 minority school teachers
• Newspapers continue to introduce with goals of the new Russian organisation
• Russian ambassador held the reception for children who spent their summer holidays in Russia
• Russian Drama Theatre in Latvia has staged a play in two languages for the first time
• Parties ratings

During the Friday's meeting members of the working group charged with drafting the Law on Minority Schools were not able to come to an agreement whether the Law is needed at all. The final decision about the necessity of the Law has been postponed to next Thursday as the working group decided to look at experiences of other European countries. Two main groups of opponents are the People’s Party that announced that there is no need for such law in Latvia, and the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis who has repeatedly announced that “I will insist on this law till I have the power.”

During the Friday's meeting members of the working group charged with drafting the Law on Minority Schools were not able to come to an agreement whether the Law is needed at all. The final decision about the necessity of the Law has been postponed to next Thursday as the working group decided to look at experiences of other European countries. Two main groups of opponents are the Peoples Party that announced that there is no need for such law in Latvia,and the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis who has repeatedly announced that I will insist on this law till I have the power. Diena, NRA, Chas

For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM has sent a letter to the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis asking to explain why the Ministry of Education and Science accepts violations concerning the Law on Education at minority schools. FF/LNIM notes that after September 1 many schools ignore the provision, which stipulates that 60% of subjects should be taught in Latvian, and teach these subjects in Latvian and in Russian.

For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM has sent a letter to the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis asking to explain why the Ministry of Education and Science accepts violations concerning the Law on Education at minority schools. FF/LNIM notes that after September 1 many schools ignore the provision, which stipulates that 60% of subjects should be taught in Latvian, and teach these subjects in Latvian and in Russian. Diena, Chas

The member of the Latvian Parliament Vladimirs Buzajevs has called participants of the hunger strike to stop the strike. The MP stated that although he totally agrees with the demands set by the participants, however, he is concerned about health conditions of the opponents of the education reform. One of the hunger strike’s participants, nevertheless, announced that they would continue the strike. While the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement regarding the hunger strike in Latvia. Moscow is concerned that the OSCE and the Council of Europe do not pay attention to the situation and calls on international organisations to “get involved in solving the issue concerning minority education in Latvia.”

The member of the Latvian Parliament Vladimirs Buzajevs has called participants of the hunger strike to stop the strike. The MP stated that although he totally agrees with the demands set by the participants, however, he is concerned about health conditions of the opponents of the education reform. One of the hunger strikes participants, nevertheless, announced that they would continue the strike. While the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement regarding the hunger strike in Latvia. Moscow is concerned that the OSCE and the Council of Europe do not pay attention to the situation and calls on international organisations to get involved in solving the issue concerning minority education in Latvia. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnya reports about the court proceeding reviewing the case of the Vesti Segodnyas photograph who was accused in causing public disorder and incrimination of a policeman during the protest actions against the education reform. The newspaper believes that the court was minded against the photograph and names as evidence the facts that the judge announced the court session closed and that she did not allow a pupil to give his testimony stating that he is a minor although he has reached the age of 16. According to the newspaper the court closed the case because of the lack of evidence.

Chas talks to a former director of the Malta secondary school located in the Eastern part of Latvia. The school provides all levels of education, including secondary, in Russian. The former director Igors Sorokins reveals how last year the Ministry of Education and Science surveyed school directors about the readiness of their schools to implement the education reform. The director claims that the Ministry of Education has a number of methods, for instance, determine shorter school accreditation period, to influence those school directors who said that there schools were not ready to implement the education reform.

About 200 minority teachers have an opportunity to improve their Latvian language skills after summer holidays. The opportunity is offered by the National Programme on Latvian Language Training with the financial support of the Parex bank.

About 200 minority teachers have an opportunity to improve their Latvian language skills after summer holidays. The opportunity is offered by the National Programme on Latvian Language Training with the financial support of the Parex bank. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Newspapers report about the forthcoming congress of Russians residing in Latvia organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools in Latvia. The congress will take place on Sunday. The goal of the Congress is to “unite all Russians residing in Latvia and fight for their rights to education in the native tongue, grant Russian the status of the second state language and adopt the zero citizenship.” To achieve these goals the Headquarters has developed the economic programme which foresees providing support for Russian entrepreneurs who in their turn would help to accomplish political goals of the Congress.  Political scientists, however, do not believe that the Congress will manage to implement their claims to unite all Russians of Latvia and form a closed, isolated community of Russians in Latvia.

Newspapers report about the forthcoming congress of Russians residing in Latvia organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools in Latvia. The congresswill take place on Sunday. The goal of the Congress is to unite all Russians residing in Latvia and fight for their rights to education in the native tongue, grant Russian the status of the second state language and adopt the zero citizenship. To achieve these goals the Headquarters has developed the economic programme which foresees providing support for Russian entrepreneurs who in their turn would help to accomplish political goals of the Congress. Political scientists, however, do not believe that the Congress will manage to implement their claims to unite all Russians of Latvia and form a closed, isolated community of Russians in Latvia. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

On Friday the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov held a reception for Latvian children who with the support of the Russian government spent summer holidays in Russia.

On Friday the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov held a reception for Latvian children who with the support of the Russian government spent summer holidays in Russia. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

For the first time the Russian Drama Theatre will open the season with the play in two languages ‘Who Is Afraid of Virginia Wolfe.’ One night the play will be performed in Latvian, but next – in Russian.

For the first time the Russian Drama Theatre will open the season with the play in two languages ‘Who Is Afraid of Virginia Wolfe. One night the play will be performed in Latvian, but next – in Russian. Latvijas Avize

According to the opinion poll conducted by the company SKDS the New Era remains the most popular party among Latvian citizens in August. For Fartherland and Freedom/LNIM is the second most popular party, followed the People’s Party, union For Human Rights in United Latvia, the Union of Farmers and Greens.

According to the opinion poll conducted by the company SKDS the New Era remains the most popular party among Latvian citizens in August. For Fartherland and Freedom/LNIM is the second most popular party, followed the Peoples Party, union For Human Rights in United Latvia, the Union of Farmers and Greens. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

 

 

• Number of naturalisation applications increases
• Peoples Party doubts a need in the Law on Minority Schools
• Prime Minister Indulis Emsis has intended to allocate additional funding to schools implementing bilingual education
• Special Tasks Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks concerned about attempts of the Congress of Russian Community to divide society in Latvia
• Approximately 100 persons participated in the protest picket in the support for the Headquarters activist Aleksandrs Kazakovs
• Neatkariga Rita Avize writes about Latvian language proficiency of minority teachers
• Party ‘Cita Politika will be established
• Reval Hotel Latvia refuses to rent out its premises to organisers of the Congress of the Russian Community

The number of naturalisation applications has increased significantly this year. According to the information provided by the Naturalisation Board, in August 1,749 persons applied for naturalisation. In total till August this year the Naturalisation Board has already received 12,677 applications from people who want to acquire Latvian citizenship, while last year 10,049 non-citizens were naturalised. The Naturalisation Board believes that the key contributors to the increase of applications are Latvia’s accession in the EU as well as a possibility to learn Latvian language free of charge for naturalisation applicants.

The number of naturalisation applications has increased significantly this year. According to the information provided by the Naturalisation Board, in August 1,749 persons applied for naturalisation. In total till August this year the Naturalisation Board has already received 12,677 applications from people who want to acquire Latvian citizenship, while last year 10,049 non-citizens were naturalised. The Naturalisation Board believes that the key contributors to the increase of applications are Latvias accession in the EU as well as a possibility to learn Latvian language free of charge for naturalisation applicants. Diena, Latvijas Avize

The People’s Party doubts that there is a need in the Law on Minority Schools. According to the Party the adoption of the Law is a short-sighted political activity and would only increase tension and bring new protests in society. Hence the People’s Party will not support the law.

The Peoples Party doubts that there is a need in the Law on Minority Schools. According to the Party the adoption of the Law is a short-sighted political activity and would only increase tension and bring new protests in society. Hence the Peoples Party will not support the law. Diena

The Prime Minister Indulis Emsis plans to allocate an additional funding for those schools in Daugavpils, Rezekne, Liepaja and Jelgava, which implement bilingual education. The money should be spent for the purchase of textbooks. The amount which will be allotted to schools is not clear yet. The money will be allocated from the emergency funds of the Privatisation Foundation.

The Prime Minister Indulis Emsis plans to allocate an additional funding for those schools in Daugavpils, Rezekne, Liepaja and Jelgava, which implement bilingual education. The money should be spent for the purchase of textbooks. The amount which will be allotted to schools is not clear yet.The money will be allocated from the emergency funds of the Privatisation Foundation. Latvijas Avize

The Special Tasks Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks has issued a statement, where he expresses his concerns about attempts of the Congress of Russian Community to ‘split Latvia’s society accordingly to ethno-linguistic lines.’ The Minister stresses that there are more than 40 Russian NGOs in Latvia and that Russians of Latvia are very different therefore the Congress cannot claim the right to speak on the behalf of all Russians in Latvia. Nils Muiznieks is also convinced  that the requirements of the Congress to introduce the ‘zero’ citizenship and two state languages foster disagreements in society.

The Special Tasks Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks has issued a statement, where he expresses his concerns about attempts of the Congress of Russian Community to ‘split Latvias society accordingly to ethno-linguistic lines. The Minister stresses that there are more than 40 Russian NGOs in Latvia and that Russians of Latvia are very different therefore the Congress cannot claim the right to speak on the behalf of all Russians in Latvia. Nils Muiznieks is also convinced that the requirements of the Congress to introduce the ‘zero citizenship and two state languages foster disagreements in society. Rigas Balss, Chas, Telegraf

Yesterday approximately 100 persons including schoolchildren participated in the protest picket in the support for the Headquarters’ for the Defence of Russian-language Schools activist Aleksandrs Kazakovs, who was recently expelled from Latvia because he ‘presents threats to state’s security.’ The union For Human Rights in the United Latvia (FHRUL) has asked the Minister of Interior to explain what threats to state’s security Kazakovs presents and why he did not have a possibility to leave the state voluntarily within seven days. The FHRUL plans to demand the resignation of the Minister of Interior after the Minister gives its answer.

Yesterday approximately 100 persons including schoolchildren participated in the protest picket in the support for the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools activist Aleksandrs Kazakovs, who was recently expelled from Latvia because he ‘presents threats to states security. The union For Human Rights in the United Latvia (FHRUL) has asked the Minister of Interior to explain what threats to states security Kazakovs presents and why he did not have a possibility to leave the state voluntarily within seven days. The FHRUL plans to demand the resignation of the Minister of Interior after the Minister gives its answer. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Neatkariga Rita Avize writes about Latvian language proficiency of minority teachers. The Head of FHRUL parliamentary group Yakov Pliner doubted the information provided by the Ministry of Science and Education that only 11 teachers are not able to teach their subjects in Latvian. The newspaper refers to the data provided by a director of a minority school who did not want to reveal her name and school. The director stated that only one out of schools 24 teachers, who have to teach students in Latvian, is able to do it perfectly. The newspaper also reports that at least 70% (approximately LVL 86,000) of funding allocated this yearfore the implementation ofLatvian language courses from the state budged are allotted for Latvian language course for teachers.

The NGO ‘Cita Politika’ plans to transform the NGO into the party under the same name next week. 

The NGO ‘Cita Politika plans to transform the NGO into the party under the same name next week. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Telegraf

The Reval Hotel Latvia refused to rent out its premises to organisers of the Congress of the Russian Community to hold its meeting.  Representatives of the hotel explain that the hotel’s premises have been booked for an international NATO conference for the same date, therefore these two meetings should not take place at the same place.

The Reval Hotel Latvia refused to rent out its premises to organisers of the Congress of the Russian Community to hold its meeting. Representatives of the hotel explain that the hotels premises have been booked for an international NATO conference for the same date, therefore these two meetings should not take place at the same place. Vesti Segodnya

• Nils Muiznieks: constructive dialogue between the government and the hunger strikes participants is impossible
• Interview with the Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks
• Professor of international law Ineta Ziemele about status of Latvian non-citizens in the European Union
• Activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs is hoping for the status of ‘forced migrant in Russia
• Riga Jewish Community asks Riga City Council to take over the maintenance of the memorial devoted to the victims of Nazism
• Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs committee refuses to discuss expulsion of Aleksandrs Kazakovs and planting of listening devices at the Headquarters premises
• Russian-speaking math teacher Svetlana Francmane about impact of the Latvian language usage on quality of minority education

‘Constructive dialogue between the government and participants of the hunger strike against the education reform is impossible due to the aggressive disposition of representatives of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools,’ stated Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks. He points to the necessity of intensifying the dialogue with the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools and other professionals, because ‘it is absurd to talk about interruption of the education reform when its implementation has already started’. Ambassador of Russia to Latvia Igor Stoudennikov has visited the hunger strike’s participants and called on them to stop the strike, write Russian-language newspapers.

‘Constructive dialogue between the government and participants of the hunger strike against the education reform is impossible due to the aggressive disposition of representatives of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools, stated Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks. He points to the necessity of intensifying the dialogue with the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools and other professionals, because ‘it is absurd to talk about interruption of the education reform when its implementation has already started. Ambassador of Russia to Latvia Igor Stoudennikov has visited the hunger strikes participants and called on them to stop the strike, write Russian-language newspapers. Chas reports on the open letter from the strikes participants to the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights, explaining their motives and demands. Diena, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

The Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks, in his interview to

The Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks, in his interview to Latvijas Vetnesis, names the growing prestige of Latvian citizenship among non-citizens and the increasing naturalisation speed as the main successes, and lack of defined priorities at the Saeima level in the area - as one of the main problems in the area of society integration.

Vesti Segodnya prints an interview with the professor of international law Ineta Ziemele about status of Latvian non-citizens in the European Union. According to the professor, non-citizen status has not been legally defined by the EU yet, and hence the Latvian non-citizens are equalised with the citizens of the third countries. Ineta Ziemele also believes that there should be a minimal difference between rights of citizens and non-citizens in Latvia, and says that ‘It would be enough to retain for Latvian citizens only such specific rights as a possibility to elect the Saeima and to work at the state security institutions.

Activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs, recently expelled from Latvia, is planning to demand a status of ‘forced migrant’ in Russia. According to the Russian legislation, ‘forced migrant’ is a citizen of Russia who left his place of residence due to violence or persecution of any kind against him or his family, or due to a real danger of persecution on the grounds of race, ethnicity, religious belief, language, as well as due to affiliation with the certain social group, or to political views. In the meantime, Riga City Council has authorised a picket in support of Aleksandrs Kazakovs, which will take place this afternoon.

Activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs, recently expelled from Latvia, is planning to demand a status of ‘forced migrant in Russia. According to the Russian legislation, ‘forced migrant is a citizen of Russia who left his place of residence due to violence or persecution of any kind against him or his family, or due to a real danger of persecution on the grounds of race, ethnicity, religious belief, language, as well as due to affiliation with the certain social group, or to political views. In the meantime, Riga City Council has authorised a picket in support of Aleksandrs Kazakovs, which will take place this afternoon. Chas, Telegraf

Riga Jewish Community, due to the lack of means, has asked Riga City Council to take over the maintenance of the memorial devoted to the victims of Nazism.

Riga Jewish Community, due to the lack of means, has asked Riga City Council to take over the maintenance of the memorial devoted to the victims of Nazism. Latvijas Avize

Russian-language newspapers feature critical articles about unwillingness of the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs committee to discuss the issues of expulsion of the Headquarters’ for the Defence of Russian-language schools activist Aleksandrs Kazakovs, and of listening devices found at the premises of the Headquarters.

Russian-language newspapers feature critical articles about unwillingness of the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs committee to discuss the issues of expulsion of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language schools activist Aleksandrs Kazakovs, and of listening devices found at the premises of the Headquarters. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Rigas Balss prints an interview with the Russian-speaking math teacher Svetlana Francmane, who believes that approximately 15% of information at the math lessons can be lost due to the usage of Latvian language during these lessons in minority schools. The teacher also points to the lack of good methodology for Latvian language learning.

• Negotiations between the New Era and the Peoples Party do not result in the formation of a new government
• Special Tasks Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks and the parliamentary secretary of the Special Tasks Ministers Secretariat Aleksandrs Brandavs meet participants of the hunger strike
• Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry issues a statement regarding the mass protest actions in Latvia
• Latvijas Avize reports on the results of the research ‘Integration of Non-Latvian Youth in Latvian Society in the Context of the Education Reform
• Newspapers write about the usage of the Latvian language in classes at minority schools

Negotiations between the New Era and the People’s Party did not result in the formation of a new government. The key object of disagreement is the desire of both parties to nominate prime minister from their party. However, For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM has expressed readiness to start a dialogue with the People’s Party about the formation of a new right-wing government.

Negotiations between the New Era and the Peoples Party did not result in the formation of a new government. The key object of disagreement is the desire of both parties to nominate prime minister from their party. However, For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM has expressed readiness to start a dialogue with the Peoples Party about the formation of a new right-wing government. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Rigas Balss, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Newspapers report that the Special Tasks Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks and the parliamentary secretary of the Special Tasks Minister’s Secretariat Aleksandrs Brandavs held a meeting with participants of the hunger strike who opposes the education reform. The Minister called the participants of the hunger strike to stop the strike. Participants of the strike responded that they would stop the strike when the moratorium on the education reform is established or the state is open to negotiations with a working group, appointed by the Congress of the Defenders of Russian-language schools. The participants of the hunger strike reproached the Minister for government’s disinterest in having a dialogue with them and called it discrimination on national grounds. ‘The meeting was doomed from the very beginning because the Minister declared that there will be no discussions about the establishment of a moratorium on the education reform or about abolishment of the education reform,’ stated a participant of the hunger strike.

Newspapers report that the Special Tasks Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks and the parliamentary secretary of the Special Tasks Ministers Secretariat Aleksandrs Brandavs held a meeting with participants of the hunger strike who opposes the education reform. The Minister called the participants of the hunger strike to stop the strike. Participants of the strike responded that they would stop the strike when the moratorium on the education reform is established or the state is open to negotiations with a working group, appointed by the Congress of the Defenders of Russian-language schools. The participants of the hunger strike reproached the Minister for governments disinterest in having a dialogue with them and called it discrimination on national grounds. ‘The meeting was doomed from the very beginning because the Minister declared that there will be no discussions about the establishment of a moratorium on the education reform or about abolishment of the education reform, stated a participant of the hunger strike. Vesti Segodnya. Rigas Balss, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry has issued a statement regarding the mass protest actions of defenders of Russian-language schools in Latvia. In the statement, the Ministry says ‘no positive dynamics have been noted by Russia or its compatriots in Latvia in solving the well-known problems concerning the rights of the Russian-speaking population after Latvia’s accession in the European Union.’ The Ministry also reproaches Latvia for ignoring respective recommendations of the UN, the Council of Europe and the OSCE. It also mentions that repressions against supporters of the education reform, namely Aleksandrs Kazakovs, have been conducted.

The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry has issued a statement regarding the mass protest actions of defenders of Russian-language schools in Latvia. In the statement, the Ministry says ‘no positive dynamics have been noted by Russia or its compatriots in Latvia in solving the well-known problems concerning the rights of the Russian-speaking population after Latvias accession in the European Union. The Ministry also reproaches Latvia for ignoring respective recommendations of the UN, the Council of Europe and the OSCE. It also mentions that repressions against supporters of the education reform, namely Aleksandrs Kazakovs, have been conducted. Vesti Segodnya

Latvijas Avize reports on the results of the research ‘Integration of Non-Latvian Youth in Latvian Society in the Context of the Education Reform conducted by the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences. The research reveals that 56% teachers, 48% minority students and 24% their parents self-evaluated their Latvian language knowledge as ‘very good or ‘quite good, while 1% teachers, 10% parents and 1% students evaluated their Latvian language proficiency as ‘very bad. 74% students, 66% parents and 62% teachers believe that it is necessary to know Latvian language, if they want to find a job, but 73% students, 55% teachers and 41% parents believe that it is necessary to know Latvian to get education. 82% students use Latvian in communication with persons who do not know Russian, while 65% parents and 85% teachers use Latvian if they are addressed in Latvian.

Newspapers write about the usage of the Latvian language in classes at minority schools.

Newspapers write about the usage of the Latvian language in classes at minority schools. Rigas Balss, referring to its visit to several minority schools, states that the provision of the Law on Education, that 60% of lessons should be taught in Latvian, is not observed. ‘Because of the pressure made by politicians, the Education State Inspection has established an unofficial moratorium on the education reform, concludes the newspaper. The Head of the Inspection believes that minority schools need time to get used to the new requirements. The inspection will visit schools in November to learn about developments in the reforms implementation, but will conduct more serious inspections in March and April. Vesti Segodnya, Rigas Balss, Vesti Segodnya