• Peoples Harmony Party will ask the governments resignation
• Newspapers continue to write about the deportation of the activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs
• Latvijas Avize writes about the development of the draft Law on Minority Schools
• Special support programme for Roma in Latvia under discussions
• Informative brochure about the education reform has been developed
• Article about the forum ‘Integration and Minority Education Reform
• Commentary about attempts to define a common identity of the Russian community in Latvia
• Several participants of the protest action ‘Empty Schools in Ventspils have been detained

The People’s Harmony Party plans to initiate the resignation of the present government. While the People’s Party states that the resignation of the present government is not possible as potential partners – the New Era and the People’s Party – have not reached an agreement about the formation of a new government. The leader of the New Era Einars Repse has stated that his party will be a member of the government if only the next prime minister is a member of the New Era. However, the People’s Party disagrees with that.

The Peoples Harmony Party plans to initiate the resignation of the present government. While the Peoples Party states that the resignation of the present government is not possible as potential partners – the New Era and the Peoples Party – have not reached an agreement about the formation of a new government. The leader of the New Era Einars Repse has stated that his party will be a member of the government if only the next prime minister is a member of the New Era. However, the Peoples Party disagrees with that. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Rigas Balss, Chas, Telegraf

Newspapers continue to write about the deportation of the activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools activist Aleksandrs Kazakovs from Latvia. Russia has requested an official explanation about the deportation. Russia considers that Latvia has breached a number of legal norms concerning the deportation. Meanwhile, representatives of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia plan to demand the resignation of the Minister of Interior Eriks Jekabsons.

Newspapers continue to write about the deportation of the activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools activist Aleksandrs Kazakovs from Latvia. Russia has requested an official explanation about the deportation. Russia considers that Latvia has breached a number of legal norms concerning the deportation. Meanwhile, representatives of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia plan to demand the resignation of the Minister of Interior Eriks Jekabsons. Vesti Segodnya features an interview with Aleksandrs Kazakovs. In the interview, Kazakovs notes that he was not provided a possibility to inform his relatives that he was subjected to deportation. Russian language newspapers report that an unapproved picket in the support for Aleksandrs Kazakovs took place near the building of the Ministry of Interior. A number of representatives of the Headquarters participated in the rally. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vetsi Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Latvijas Avize continues to write about the development of the draft Law on Minority Schools. The newspaper points out that the working group drafting the Law has not taken into account that the term ‘minority is not defined in Latvian legislation yet. The Special Tasks Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks, however, is convinced that the law may be developed even if a precise definition of a basic term is lacking. The Head of Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee Ina Druviete doubts that the definition of ‘minority acceptable for all could be developed in a short period of time, therefore the Law on Minority Schools should be developed first. While the Head of the Peoples Party parliamentary group Aigars Kalvitis and the Head of the For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM Maris Grinblats stated that their parties would not support the law. According to Maris Grinblats, the law would ‘soften the education reform and it would be a gift to opponents of the reform.

‘The Latvian government should support the development of the specific support programme for the Roma minority in Latvia,’ concluded participants of the seminar discussing issues of the Roma in Latvia. The main goal of the programme should be implementation of activities aimed at improvement of educational level of Roma, which, according to the representative of the Roma NGO Ame Roma Vanda Zamicka-Bergendale, is one of the key reasons why Roma are the less integrated minority in Latvia.

‘The Latvian government should support the development of the specific support programme for the Roma minority in Latvia, concluded participants of the seminar discussing issues of the Roma in Latvia. The main goal of the programme should be implementation of activities aimed at improvement of educational level of Roma, which, according to the representative of the Roma NGO Ame Roma Vanda Zamicka-Bergendale, is one of the key reasons why Roma are the less integrated minority in Latvia. Latvijas Avize

The Special Tasks Minister’s for Societal Integration Secretariat has prepared a brochure for minority students and their parents about the education reform.

The Special Tasks Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat has prepared a brochure for minority students and their parents about the education reform. Latvijas Avize

Newspapers reports on the forum ‘Integration and Minority Education Reform’, organised by the public policy centre PROVIDUS. NGOs, officials and experts took part in the forum. MP Boriss Cilevics stated that the protest actions against the education reform show the integration policy in Latvia has failed. Meanwhile the researcher of the PROVIDUS Marija Golubeva offered a solution and was convinced that the involvement of minorities in the state administration would reduce alienation between the state and minorities.

Newspapers reports on the forum ‘Integration and Minority Education Reform, organised by the public policy centre PROVIDUS. NGOs, officials and experts took part in the forum. MP Boriss Cilevics stated that the protest actions against the education reform show the integration policy in Latvia has failed. Meanwhile the researcher of the PROVIDUS Marija Golubeva offered a solution and was convinced that the involvement of minorities in the state administration would reduce alienation between the state and minorities. Diena, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Neatkariga Rita Avize features a commentary by Viktors Avotins about attempts to define a common identity of the Russian community in Latvia. According to the columnist, the state should consider it stance towards organisations present in this community rather opponents of the education reform. Viktors Avotins notes that the idea ‘European Latvia is closer to Russian youth than ‘Russian Latvia is.

Several participants of the protest action ‘Empty Schools’ in Ventspils have been detained by representatives of the Ventspils Municipal Police. In the police department students had to explain why they were absent from school.

Several participants of the protest action ‘Empty Schools in Ventspils have been detained by representatives of the Ventspils Municipal Police. In the police department students had to explain why they were absent from school. Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

• Newspapers continue to report on the deportation of the activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs
• Director of the Baltic Communication Bureau Marcis Krastins talks about causes and consequences of ethnic voting
• Newspapers continue to discuss the alternatives to minority school curricula

The activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs has been deported from Latvia to Russia on Saturday night. According to the Press Secretary of the Minister of Interior Krists Leiskalns, Aleksandrs Kazakovs will not be able issued an entrance visa to Latvia, because he is included in the list of persons denied entrance in Latvia. The Union’s For Human Rights in the United Latvia parliamentary group has asked to cancel the decision to include the Kazakov’s name in the list and stated that the expulsion of Aleksandrs Kazakovs is a violation of the human rights. Aleksandrs Kazakovs plans to exhaust Latvian remedies and then go to the European Court of Human Rights.

The activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs has been deported from Latvia to Russia on Saturday night. According to the Press Secretary of the Minister of Interior Krists Leiskalns, Aleksandrs Kazakovs will not be able issued an entrance visa to Latvia, because he is included in the list of persons denied entrance in Latvia. The Unions For Human Rights in the United Latvia parliamentary group has asked to cancel the decision to include the Kazakovs name in the list and stated that the expulsion of Aleksandrs Kazakovs is a violation of the human rights. Aleksandrs Kazakovs plans to exhaust Latvian remedies and then go to the European Court of Human Rights. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Chas features an interview with the director of the Baltic Communication Bureau Marcis Krastins about causes and consequences of ethnic voting. Marcis Krastins states that one of the causes of ethnic voting is an attempt of a party to consolidate its voters by using a fear factor. Radical calls of one party lead to radicalisation of other parties, consequently, all political system is polarised. Marcis Krastins also believes that the present polarisation of the political party system does not mean that there is a two-community society in Latvia because there is no clear cleavage in the social life of countrys residents, while the level of social tolerance is comparatively high in the society.

54 out of 59 minority schools in Riga have chosen to teach sport in Latvian. History, the basics of business and economics and geography are among other most frequently chosen subjects.

54 out of 59 minority schools in Riga have chosen to teach sport in Latvian. History, the basics of business and economics and geography are among other most frequently chosen subjects. Diena, Telegraf

• Activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs, who is also the assistant of the member of the Russia State Council Dmitry Rogozin, expelled from Latvia
• Draft Law on Minority Schools is not ready for public discussions yet
• Prime Minister Indulis Emsis talks about the implementation of the education reform
• Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools calls minority students to change methods of protest
• Diena writes about possibilities to apply for Latvian language courses free of charge

‘The activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs, who is also the assistant of the member of the Russia State Council Dmitry Rogozin, will be expelled from Latvia because he does not have a legitimate reason to stay in Latvia,’ has stated the Minister of Interior Eriks Jekabsons. According to the Minister, there are two reasons for his deportation: first, Kazahov’s marriage with a Latvian citizen was the only reason why Kazahov’s residence permit was prolonged. However, his wife died in the beginning of August. Second, activities of Aleksandrs Kazakovs are directly related to security issues in Latvia.

‘The activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs, who is also the assistant of the member of the Russia State Council Dmitry Rogozin, will be expelled from Latvia because he does not have a legitimate reason to stay in Latvia, has stated the Minister of Interior Eriks Jekabsons. According to the Minister, there are two reasons for his deportation: first, Kazahovs marriage with a Latvian citizen was the only reason why Kazahovs residence permit was prolonged. However, his wife died in the beginning of August. Second, activities of Aleksandrs Kazakovs are directly related to security issues in Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Contrary to a statement of the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis, the working group under the Minister of Education and Science which develops a draft Law on Minority Schools has announced that the draft law is not ready for public discussions yet.

Contrary to a statement of the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis, the working group under the Minister of Education and Science which develops a draft Law on Minority Schools has announced that the draft law is not ready for public discussions yet. Diena, Latvijas Avize

Chas features an interview with the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis about the implementation of the education reform. When commenting results of the research, recently conducted by the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences and which reveals that only 15% Russian-speaking students support the education reform, the Prime Minister stressed that the education reform should not be perceived as a command issued by the state with the goal to make a negative influence on Russian-speaking students. The education reform, first of all, is necessary for students. ‘They do not understand the key aims of the reform if they could give such answers, notes the Prime Minister. Indulis Emsis believes that besides few technical issues, such as the lack of teaching aids, there are no serious problems concerning the implementation of the reform.

The Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools has issued a statement which calls minority students to return back to schools. The call invites students to express their disagreement with the education reform in other ways, namely, to answer only in a mother tongue to questions asked in lessons which take place in the Latvian language or bilingually. Meanwhile newspapers report that minority students have not supported the protest action ‘Empty Schools’ on action’s second day.

The Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools has issued a statement which calls minority students to return back to schools. The call invites students to express their disagreement with the education reform in other ways, namely, to answer only in a mother tongue to questions asked in lessons which take place in the Latvian language or bilingually. Meanwhile newspapers report that minority students have not supported the protest action ‘Empty Schools on actions second day. Diena

Diena features an article about possibilities to apply for Latvian language courses free of charge. The courses will be organised in Ventspils and are financed by the Societal Integration Foundation. The requirement to have a good Latvian language proficiency at work, desire to find a job or naturalise and then find a job in another EU member state are key motivations for applicants to learn the language. While Diena looks into the overall situation concerning Latvian language training free of charge. The newspaper notes that there is a possibility that courses free of charge may not be provided next year due to the lack of funding. The key source of funding was the EU Phare programme which ends this year. Although the Latvian state provided the required co-funding, it has not given any promises to continue the funding. The Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks believes that there is a possibility to find the necessary amount of money in the next years state budget, however, he also suggests to look for other possibilities to find money.

• Protest actions against the education reform go on
• Saeima did not support amendments to the Law on Education, submitted by the FHRUL
• Prime Minister Indulis Emsis talks about possible mass disorders planned by opponents of the education reform
• Neatkariga Rita Avize discussed alternatives to minority school curricula
• Deputy of Russia Foreign Affairs Minister Victor Kaluznij appointed to the post of the Russia Ambassador to Latvia
• Interview with the head of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Aleksandrs Kirsteins
• Detectaphone found in the premises of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools
• Riga Central Court dismiss charges against eight opponents of the education reform, who chained themselves to the doors of the Cabinet of Ministers
• Saeima refuses to give the MP Vladimirs Buzajevs a day-off to organise a protest action against the education reform

According to the information of the Education, Youth and Sports Department of the Riga City Council, approximately 95% of minority students in Riga have not responded to the call of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-Language Schools to participate in the protest action ‘empty schools.’ The widest support for the protest action has been received from minority students in Ventspils (the six largest city in Latvia): 200 or one eight of minority students were absent from school. In Daugavpils (the second largest city in Latvia) only 20 students instead of planned 1,000 participated in the protest walk and 120 were absent on 2 September. The representatives of the Headquarters assure that protest actions are continued. Meanwhile the Security and Order Committee of the Riga City Council will request information about students, who do not go to school because of protest actions. The Committee has charged the Municipal Police to impose fines on parents of absent students. According to the members of the Council, the decision is in line with the provision of the Code of Administrative Offences of Latvia, which provides imposing fine in the amount of up to LVL 50, if parents do not fulfil their duty to nurture and educate their minors. Another development regarding the education reform is that the Head of the Education, Youth and Sports Department Elmars Vebers in collaboration with teachers of 50 minority schools appealed the Executive Director of the Riga City Council asking not to issue authorisation for those protest actions which are planned during school time.

According to the information of the Education, Youth and Sports Department of the Riga City Council, approximately 95% of minority students in Riga have not responded to the call of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-Language Schools to participate in the protest action ‘empty schools. The widest support for the protest action has been received from minority students in Ventspils (the six largest city in Latvia): 200 or one eight of minority students were absent from school. In Daugavpils (the second largest city in Latvia) only 20 students instead of planned 1,000 participated in the protest walk and 120 were absent on 2 September. The representatives of the Headquarters assure that protest actions are continued. Meanwhile the Security and Order Committee of the Riga City Council will request information about students, who do not go to school because of protest actions. The Committee has charged the Municipal Police to impose fines on parents of absent students. According to the members of the Council, the decision is in line with the provision of the Code of Administrative Offences of Latvia, which provides imposing fine in the amount of up to LVL 50, if parents do not fulfil their duty to nurture and educate their minors. Another development regarding the education reform is that the Head of the Education, Youth and Sports Department Elmars Vebers in collaboration with teachers of 50 minority schools appealed the Executive Director of the Riga City Council asking not to issue authorisation for those protest actions which are planned during school time. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Yesterday the Saeima did not support amendments to the Law on Education, submitted by the parliamentary group For Human Rights in the United Latvia. The amendments stipulated the establishment of a moratorium on the education reform and charged the Cabinet of Ministers with the task to develop the Law on Minority Schools until 1 October. The amendments were supported by 17 members of FHRUL and Latvia’s Socialist Party parliamentary groups, while 76 deputies from right-wing factions voted against them.

Yesterday the Saeima did not support amendments to the Law on Education, submitted by the parliamentary group For Human Rights in the United Latvia. The amendments stipulated the establishment of a moratorium on the education reform and charged the Cabinet of Ministers with the task to develop the Law on Minority Schools until 1 October. The amendments were supported by 17 members of FHRUL and Latvias Socialist Party parliamentary groups, while 76 deputies from right-wing factions voted against them. Latvijas Avize

‘At the disposal of law enforcement institutions there is information about possible mass disorders during the Days of Rezekne City next Saturday. Dissorders are planned by opponents of the education reform,’ announced the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis.

‘At the disposal of law enforcement institutions there is information about possible mass disorders during the Days of Rezekne City next Saturday. Dissorders are planned by opponents of the education reform, announced the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis. Diena

Although the Ministry of Education and Science has not compiled information about subjects, which minority schools have chosen to teach in Latvian, according to unofficial information sports and history are the more frequently chosen subjects, while the instruction language of physics and chemistry remain Russian. Nevertheless, physics and chemistry are taught in Latvian at those schools, which major in exact sciences to prepare their students for enrolment in universities.

Although the Ministry of Education and Science has not compiled information about subjects, which minority schools have chosen to teach in Latvian, according to unofficial information sports and history are the more frequently chosen subjects, while the instruction language of physics and chemistry remain Russian. Nevertheless, physics and chemistry are taught in Latvian at those schools, which major in exact sciences to prepare their students for enrolment in universities. Neatkariga Rita Avize

The President of Russia Vladimir Putin has officially appointed the former Russia Energetic Minister and current deputy of the Russia Foreign Affairs Minister Victor Kaluznij to the post of the Russian ambassador to Latvia.

The President of Russia Vladimir Putin has officially appointed the former Russia Energetic Minister and current deputy of the Russia Foreign Affairs Minister Victor Kaluznij to the post of the Russian ambassador to Latvia. Diena, Neatkarīgā Rīta Avīze, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the Head of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Aleksandrs Kirsteins about societal integration issues. Aleksandrs Kirsteins believes that those Russians, who came to Latvia during Soviet occupation looking for a job, as well as their descendants, should not be granted the status of national minority. The MP also believes that the state should promote development of Russian schools, where students could study Russian traditions of Orthodoxy. Aleksandrs Kirsteins basis his suggestion on the fact that in Latvia there are schools which teach in Russian, but there are very few Russian minority schools.

The Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools claim that they have found detectaphones in their office and accuse state authorities in installing this equipment there.

The Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools claim that they have found detectaphones in their office and accuse state authorities in installing this equipment there. Chas

The Riga Central Court dismissed the charges against nine opponents of the education reform, who chained themselves to the doors of the Cabinet of Ministers on 1 September and, according to the testimonies of the police, caused public disorder. The National News Agency LETA, referring to the judge Raimonds Buls, reports that the case was closed because the judge found no evidence that these persons committed administrative offences included in testimonies of policemen. Besides, the judge noted, that there are no other witnesses but policemen. 

The Riga Central Court dismissed the charges against nine opponents of the education reform, who chained themselves to the doors of the Cabinet of Ministers on 1 September and, according to the testimonies of the police, caused public disorder. The National News Agency LETA, referring to the judge Raimonds Buls, reports that the case was closed because the judge found no evidence that these persons committed administrative offences included in testimonies of policemen. Besides, the judge noted, that there are no other witnesses but policemen. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Yesterday the Saeima denied a request of the MP Vladimirs Buzajevs to give him a day-off to organise a protest action against the education reform.

Yesterday the Saeima denied a request of the MP Vladimirs Buzajevs to give him a day-off to organise a protest action against the education reform. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

• Newspapers report on yesterdays protest actions against the education reform
• Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry condemns Latvia for violating the rights of Russian-speakers
• Petition against the education reform, signed by 1,000 non-Latvians, is submitted to the European Commission Education and Culture Commissioners secretariat
• Peoples Harmony Party will not ask the resignation of the government
• Riga vice-mayor Sergejs Dolgopolovs talks about the education reform
• Administrative Court does not accept a claim submitted by the Russian schools defender Eduards Goncarovs

Yesterday’s protest meeting against the education reform as well as the rock concert, organised by the Ministry of Education and Science, ran without any serious incidents. Approximately 5,000 – 6,000 people participated in the protest meeting against the education reform, organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-Language Schools. The Russian-language newspaper

Yesterdays protest meeting against the education reform as well as the rock concert, organised by the Ministry of Education and Science, ran without any serious incidents. Approximately 5,000 – 6,000 people participated in the protest meeting against the education reform, organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-Language Schools. The Russian-language newspaper Vesti Segodnya, however, reports that the number of participants reached 25,000. The number of participants who came to the rock concert reached 3,000 – 4,000. Yesterday also other protest activities took place in Riga: at night four persons, among them also participants of the hunger strike against the education reform, chained themselves to the doors of the Cabinet of Ministers. The police detained the people taking part in this protest action. On 1 September the police also detained two students who distributed leaflets in minority schools. The leaflets on the behalf of the Headquarters called to participate in protest actions. The Headquarters continues to call parents of minority students to participate in protest actions and students stay absent from schools. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

In response to an interview with the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane with Russian mass media, the Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry has issued a statement, which stresses that Russian-speakers in Latvia are deprived of their rights, and first of all it regards their rights to acquire qualitative secondary education in their native language. The Ministry basis its claims on the results of a study conducted by the Latvian Human Rights Committee.  Regarding the statement made by Eizenija Aldermane that holders of non-citizen passports enjoy all social rights, the Russian Ministry says that such statements do not correspond to reality. ‘According to the data provided in the study of the Latvian Human Rights Committee, in Latvia there are 62 differences between the status of citizens and non-citizens in Latvia.

In response to an interview with the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane with Russian mass media, the Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry has issued a statement, which stresses that Russian-speakers in Latvia are deprived of their rights, and first of all it regards their rights to acquire qualitative secondary education in their native language. The Ministry basis its claims on the results of a study conducted by the Latvian Human Rights Committee. Regarding the statement made by Eizenija Aldermane that holders of non-citizen passports enjoy all social rights, the Russian Ministry says that such statements do not correspond to reality. ‘According to the data provided in the study of the Latvian Human Rights Committee, in Latvia there are 62 differences between the status of citizens and non-citizens in Latvia. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

The member of the European Parliament Tatjana Zdanoka has submitted a petition against the education reform in Latvia to the European Commission Education and Culture Commissioner’s secretariat. The petition is signed by 1,000 non-Latvians.

The member of the European Parliament Tatjana Zdanoka has submitted a petition against the education reform in Latvia to the European Commission Education and Culture Commissioners secretariat. The petition is signed by 1,000 non-Latvians. Vesti Segodnya

The leader of the People’s Harmony Party Janis Jurkans is convinced that the Party will support his initiative to discontinue party’s support for the present government. He, however, believes that his party will not initiate the resignation of the Cabinet of Ministers.

The leader of the Peoples Harmony Party Janis Jurkans is convinced that the Party will support his initiative to discontinue partys support for the present government. He, however, believes that his party will not initiate the resignation of the Cabinet of Ministers. Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Telegraf

Telegraf features an interview with the Riga Vice-mayor Sergejs Dolgopolovs. The Vice-mayor believes that the problem of the education reform could be solved, if the education reform is discussed with and explained to students, parents and teachers. He also believes that non-citizens should naturalise more actively so they would be able to influence a political situation in the country.

The Administrative Court has refused the claim of the Russian schools’ defender Eduards Goncarovs challenging the decision of the Riga City Council to refuse the authorisation of the procession against the education reform on 1 September.

The Administrative Court has refused the claim of the Russian schools defender Eduards Goncarovs challenging the decision of the Riga City Council to refuse the authorisation of the procession against the education reform on 1 September. Latvijas Avize