• Mayor of Latgales town about integration
• Journalists from Russia visit Latvia
• FF/LNNK MP Inese Vaidere has asked general director of the National TV Uldis Grava to consider the possibility of showing movies in original languages
• St. Petersburg mayor presents gift to Latvias Orthodox church

Lauku Avize

talks to Balvi Town Council Mayor Janis Trupovnieks. Balvi is a small town in the eastern part of Latvia, close to the border with Russia. When asked whether the town is ready for the education reform in 2004, the mayor says that Balvi does not have serious language problems as 75% of residents in its district are Latvians and if the decision is taken to implement the reform in 2004 the reform will be implemented. talks to Balvi Town Council Mayor Janis Trupovnieks. Balvi is a small town in the eastern part of Latvia, close to the border with Russia. When asked whether the town is ready for the education reform in 2004, the mayor says that Balvi does not have serious language problems as 75% of residents in its district are Latvians and if the decision is taken to implement the reform in 2004 the reform will be implemented.

Lauku Avize

reports about journalists from Russia visiting Latvia. The visit was organised by the Latvian Institute and the American NGO Freedom House. One of the journalists admits that the problem of Russians residing in Latvia is that they do not have one unified organisation. Another journalist states that he does not see any difference between Russia and Latvia – cities look the same and the Russian language is heard and spoken everywhere. Another conclusion was that integration and naturalisation issues are exaggerated and politicised. A journalist from St.Petersburg comments on the education reform in 2004, stating that her impression is that people lack exact information what will happen in 2004, which causes concern and fears. The journalist also adds that their meeting with the Special Task Minister of the Societal Integration was very pleasant, however, she could not understand what the actual tasks of the minister will be. reports about journalists from Russia visiting Latvia. The visit was organised by the Latvian Institute and the American NGO “Freedom House.” One of the journalists admits that the problem of Russians residing in Latvia is that they do not have one unified organisation. Another journalist states that he does not see any difference between Russia and Latvia – cities look the same and the Russian language is heard and spoken everywhere. Another conclusion was that integration and naturalisation issues are exaggerated and politicised. A journalist from St.Petersburg comments on the education reform in 2004, stating that her impression is that people lack exact information what will happen in 2004, which causes concern and fears. The journalist also adds that their meeting with the Special Task Minister of the Societal Integration was very pleasant, however, she could not understand what the actual tasks of the minister will be. FF/LNNK MP Inese Vaidere has asked general director of the National TV Uldis Grava to consider the possibility to show movies in their original languages with subtitles in the Latvian language. Chairperson of the National Radio and TV Council Ojars Rubenis admits that the National TV could air more movies in their original languages, however, it should be very seriously considered from two perspectives – both technically and legally, as current legislation restricts the usage of foreign languages to a maximum of 20% in national TV programmes.

FF/LNNK MP Inese Vaidere has asked general director of the National TV Uldis Grava to consider the possibility to show movies in their original languages with subtitles in the Latvian language. Chairperson of the National Radio and TV Council Ojars Rubenis admits that the National TV could air more movies in their original languages, however, it should be very seriously considered from two perspectives – both technically and legally, as current legislation restricts the usage of foreign languages to a maximum of 20% in national TV programmes. BNS

St. Petersburg mayor presents gift to Latvia’s Orthodox church. Mayor Vladmir Yakovlev and a delegation from St. Petersburg presented a recently cast bell, which will be placed in a cathedral in Latgale. Russian Ambassador Igor Studennnikov participated at the presentation ceremony.

St. Petersburg mayor presents gift to Latvias Orthodox church. Mayor Vladmir Yakovlev and a delegation from St. Petersburg presented a recently cast bell, which will be placed in a cathedral in Latgale. Russian Ambassador Igor Studennnikov participated at the presentation ceremony. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

• Interviews with Education Minister Karlis Sadurskis and head of the Association of the Support for the Russian Language Schools in Latvia Igor Pimenov about the education reform in 2004
• Number of EU-sceptics has increased due to growing number of EU-sceptics among Latvian non-citizens
• Vice Prime Minister Ainars Slesers stressed that societal integration will be one of the top priorities of this government
• Russian culture days to be held from January 10-25

Vechernaya Riga

features interviews with Education Minister Karlis Sadurskis and head of the Association of the Support for the Russian Language Schools in Latvia Igor Pimenov about the education reform in 2004. The Minister strictly opposes the view that the education reform of 2004 represents elimination of Russian schools and states that it is a gradual transition to bilingual education. In his view the optimal division between two languages would be 60% of classes in Latvian and 40% in a minority language. Sadurskis agrees that the Ministry of Education has done very little to explain the reform to students and their parents and promises to correct this mistake. He reports that the National Programme for Latvian Language Training is planning to provide Latvian language courses for parents, which could help parents to overcome psychological objections. The Minister is very critical regarding the studies conducted by Latvian researchers about bilingual education in the country, especially one conducted by the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences, and says that these studies are not representative. Head of the Association of the Support for the Russian Language Schools in Latvia Igor Pimenov argues against the statements of the Minister and says that the Education Law in effect does not say anything about bilingual education and should be amended. He disagrees that Latvian language proficiency is the only and most important factor in the job market. Igor Pimenov stresses that Russian parents and students want to study mainly in their native language – at least 70% of classes should be held in Russian. features interviews with Education Minister Karlis Sadurskis and head of the Association of the Support for the Russian Language Schools in Latvia Igor Pimenov about the education reform in 2004. The Minister strictly opposes the view that the education reform of 2004 represents elimination of Russian schools and states that it is a gradual transition to bilingual education. In his view the optimal division between two languages would be 60% of classes in Latvian and 40% in a minority language. Sadurskis agrees that the Ministry of Education has done very little to explain the reform to students and their parents and promises to correct this mistake. He reports that the National Programme for Latvian Language Training is planning to provide Latvian language courses for parents, which could help parents to overcome psychological objections. The Minister is very critical regarding the studies conducted by Latvian researchers about bilingual education in the country, especially one conducted by the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences, and says that these studies are not representative. Head of the Association of the Support for the Russian Language Schools in Latvia Igor Pimenov argues against the statements of the Minister and says that the Education Law in effect does not say anything about bilingual education and should be amended. He disagrees that Latvian language proficiency is the only and most important factor in the job market. Igor Pimenov stresses that Russian parents and students want to study mainly in their native language – at least 70% of classes should be held in Russian. The European Integration Office reports that the number of EU-sceptics has increased due to the growing number of EU-sceptics among Latvian non-citizens. The number of people who have not taken a stance has slightly increased as well.

The European Integration Office reports that the number of EU-sceptics has increased due to the growing number of EU-sceptics among Latvian non-citizens. The number of people who have not taken a stance has slightly increased as well. Diena

During yesterday’s meeting with Latvian ambassadors abroad Vice Prime Minister Ainars Slesers stressed that societal integration will be one of the top priorities of the government.

During yesterdays meeting with Latvian ambassadors abroad Vice Prime Minister Ainars Slesers stressed that societal integration will be one of the top priorities of the government. Vesti Segodnya

The Association of the Support for the Russian Language Schools in Latvia will hold Russian Culture Days from January 10-25.

The Association of the Support for the Russian Language Schools in Latvia will hold Russian Culture Days from January 10-25. Vesti Segodnya

• On-line discussion forum with Special Task Minister of the Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks
• Education Minister plans to meet with all directors of national minority schools
• Advisory Council approved the curriculum for minority schools
• 57,483 persons have acquired Latvian citizenship through naturalisation
• Latvian ambassador to the USA Aivis Ronis about Latvias path towards NATO membership
• Monitoring of the Roma situation will be launched in Latvia

Chas publishes excerpts from the on-line discussion forum with Special Task Minister of the Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks, which took place last Thursday. One of the first questions was why he agreed to accept the post of the minister. Muiznieks replied that he would never agree to accept the post if he were convinced that the post is just a decoration and no real activities could be implemented. He states that he has the support of the Latvian First Party, but is not clear about the whole government. According to Muiznieks, integration implies two aspects: co-operation and participation. He notes that one of the tasks of his ministry is to fight against forcible assimilation. Muiznieks provides three myths which Russians and Latvians have about each other and integration. Latvians believe that: 1) Latvia cannot go on with the current demographic situation in the country (so many Russians) 2) Russians do not want to integrate and learn Latvian; 3) Muiznieks will introduce two state languages, zero option citizenship and open the border to the East. In their turn Russians have myths that: 1) everything what was promised during the Awakening actually is the continuation of two language situation in the Soviet style and it will be implemented in the future; 2) Latvian is a VERY difficult language; 3) Muiznieks will introduce two state languages, zero option citizenship and open the border to the East.

Education Minister Karlis Sadurskis plans to meet with all directors of national minority schools to discuss the education reform in 2004.

Education Minister Karlis Sadurskis plans to meet with all directors of national minority schools to discuss the education reform in 2004. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

Telegraf reports that yesterday the Advisory Council approved the project elaborated by the working group formed at the Ministry of Education to develop a curriculum for minority schools. The project divides all subjects into three blocks: two groups of mandatory subjects and one group of optional subjects. The first group should be taught in Latvian, up to one third of classes belonging to the second group may be taught in a minority language and optional subjects may be taught in a minority language. Head of the Association of the Support for the Russian Language Schools in Latvia Igor Pimenov, who is also a member of the Advisory Council, voted against the project, reasoning that he does not see how according to the offered curriculum up to 40% of classes can be taught in a minority language.

Lauku Avize reports that through this year 57,483 persons have acquired Latvian citizenship through naturalisation.

Telegraf interviews Latvian ambassador to the USA Aivis Ronis about Latvias path towards NATO membership. When asked whether the key subject of ratification of Latvia NATO agreement will be corruption, Ambassador Ronis replies that in his view more disputable issues could be Latvias economical progress and societal integration.

Lauku Avize reports that Ilze Brands-Kehre has been appointed to the post of the director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies after its former director Nils Muiznieks was appointed to the post of the Special Task Minister of the Societal Integration. Ilze Brands-Kehre states that the top priorities of the centre will be societal integration issues. According to Brands-Kehre preparation for the education reform in 2004 will be very important task – such education models should be developed which decrease tension in society.

Panorama Latvii reports that leader of the recently established Roma NGO Ave Roma Vanda Zamicka has set two priority tasks in her work: changing the image of Roma prevailing in society and changing the attitude of Roma towards society as well. The NGO Ave Roma in co-operation with the European Roma Rights Centre will launch monitoring of the Roma situation in Latvia and, in co-operation with the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies, will conduct a study about the situation of Roma in Latvia.

• Diena features an article about tasks of social integration
• Einars Repse issues assurances - children and societal integration are top priorities of this government
• State Language Centre imposed fines on more than 400 people this year
• Number of students at Latvian schools has increased by 5% and in Russian schools decreased by 5%
• Vechernaya Riga re-publishes the results of the survey about the education reform of 2004
• Boston Globe criticises Latvian legislation, which polarises Latvias population
• Vesti Segodnya about the protection of the state language
• Latvian theatre will stage a play in the Russian language

Diena features an article about the tasks and visions concerning the societal integration in Latvia. The dialogue with national minorities and update of the National Programme for Social Integration are the key tasks of the Special Task Minister for the Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks. The Integration Programme will not allocate money for projects aimed at regional integration anymore. Regarding Latvian language training for non-Latvians, Muiznieks says that there are a number of institutions dealing with this issue and their activities are overlapping and it is necessary to develop one overall system.

After the meeting with the Latvian First Party last weekend, Prime Minister Einars Repse issued assurances that children and societal integration are top priorities of this government.

After the meeting with the Latvian First Party last weekend, Prime Minister Einars Repse issued assurances that children and societal integration are top priorities of this government. Diena

This year the State Language Centre imposed fines on more than 400 people. The most frequently fined are people working in the sphere of service, including doctors and ticket sellers in public transport, followed by owners of shops who forget to translate instructions.

This year the State Language Centre imposed fines on more than 400 people. The most frequently fined are people working in the sphere of service, including doctors and ticket sellers in public transport, followed by owners of shops who forget to translate instructions. Vechernaya Riga

Diena

reports that since 1998 the number of students at Latvian schools has increased by 5% and in Russian schools decreased exactly by 5%. Director of the Integration Department at the Ministry of Justice Reinis Aboltins believes that these changes are related to the planned education reform in 2004 reports that since 1998 the number of students at Latvian schools has increased by 5% and in Russian schools decreased exactly by 5%. Director of the Integration Department at the Ministry of Justice Reinis Aboltins believes that these changes are related to the planned education reform in 2004

Vechernaya Riga

publishes the results of the survey about the education reform conducted by the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences several months ago. The results show that state language skills of minority school students are improving and that their interest in the Latvian language is increasing. However, 44% of schools are not ready for the implementation of the reform. The newspaper suggests re-establishing university-level education in the Russian language. conducted by the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences several months ago. The results show that state language skills of minority school students are improving and that their interest in the Latvian language is increasing. However, 44% of schools are not ready for the implementation of the reform. The newspaper suggests re-establishing university-level education in the Russian language.

Boston Globe

in one of its latest issues reportedly criticised Latvia and stated that Latvian legislation, namely the Law on Education, the Citizenship Law and the Language Law, polarises Latvias population. in one of its latest issues reportedly criticised Latvia and stated that Latvian legislation, namely the Law on Education, the Citizenship Law and the Language Law, polarises Latvia’s population. Vesti SegodnyaVesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnya

features a long article about the activities relating to the protection of the state language over the last 10 years. The newspaper stresses that the approach of the state towards the protection of the state language could be called soldier-style: all languages except for Latvian were prohibited and a strict administrative system controlling the language usage was formed. The newspaper stresses that the government has not provided any support to publishing books in Latvian, which actually is one of activities that promote the development of language. . The newspaper stresses that the approach of the state towards the protection of the state language could be called soldier-style: all languages except for Latvian were prohibited and a strict administrative system controlling the language usage was formed. The newspaper stresses that the government has not provided any support to publishing books in Latvian, which actually is one of activities that promote the development of language. Vesti SegodnyaVesti Segodnya also points out that there is almost no serious literature and publications in Latvian. The newspaper states that the total amount of money spent during these years is substantial, however, there are still many people who do not speak the state language. also points out that there is almost no serious literature and publications in Latvian. The newspaper states that the total amount of money spent during these years is substantial, however, there are still many people who do not speak the state language. The most popular Latvian theatre “Jaunais Rigas teatris” will stage a play "He, she and Francis" by Nabokov in the Russian language . All actors are Latvians.

The most popular Latvian theatre Jaunais Rigas teatris will stage a play "He, she and Francis" by Nabokov in the Russian language . All actors are Latvians.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

• Open Society Institute presents its report on the National Programme for Social Integration in Latvia

• Lauku Avize
comments on the achievements of the Presidents Official Language Commission
• FHRUL MP expresses his support to the teacher dismissed because of insufficient state language skills

  Lauku Avize

  reports about a seminar devoted to discussions about the report on the National Programme for Social Integration developed in the framework of the Monitoring the EU Accession Process by the Open Society Institution. Special Task Minister for the Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks took part at the conference and said that Cabinets sittings are a performance and only the Prime Minister and some ministers know the script. Nils Muiznieks stated that he is ready to wait a little, while the budget situation gets better, however, if money for the basic needs of his Secretariat is not allotted, I am out of this game. Muiznieks restated that he will try to promote parliamentary ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and gave his positive assessment to the claim of FHRUL to abolish the norm in the Law on Radio and TV, which restricts the usage of foreign languages to 25% of broadcasting time.

  Chas

  features a discussion on the seminar. Vesti Segodnya reports that the conclusion of the report on Latvia is that the National Programme for Social Integration is not aimed at the protection of national minorities. Panorama Latvii

  Lauku Avizes

  columnist Maris Caklais looks into activities of the Presidents Official Language Commission. It has been a year since the commission was formed. Although the Commission has implemented a number of activities, in comparison to Lithuania, Latvia provides 6 times less funding aimed at the development of language issues than Lithuania.

  FHRUL MP Yakov Pliner met with a teacher of biology who was dismissed because of her insufficient state language skills. Yakov Pliner said that now state language inspectors are entitled to examine only the state language proficiency certificate and not the actual knowledge. He promised to provide support if the teacher experiences any further problems at school. Vesti Segodnya