• Riga Vice-Mayor Sergey Dolgopolov excluded from the Peoples Harmony Party
• Meeting of President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga and the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks
• Russian Upper House representative Mihail Margelov on Latvian-Russian relations
• New Era calls on Deputy Prime Minister Ainars Slesers to account for his statements
• Call for the establishment of regional committees for minority education
• Interview with a head of National Program for Latvian Language Training Aija Priedite

Yesterday People’s Harmony Party council decided to exclude Sergey Dolgopolov from the party for breech of party charter and discipline. According to the head of People’s Harmony Party Janis Jurkans, the removal of Sergey Dolgopolov from the post of Riga Vice-Mayor is not currently under consideration.

Yesterday Peoples Harmony Party council decided to exclude Sergey Dolgopolov from the party for breech of party charter and discipline. According to the head of Peoples Harmony Party Janis Jurkans, the removal of Sergey Dolgopolov from the post of Riga Vice-Mayor is not currently under consideration. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Rigas Balss, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf, Vechernaya Riga

The Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks met with the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga yesterday to discuss the work of the Special Task Minister’s Secretariat, the naturalization process and the minority education reform. The President of Latvia has voiced a readiness to promote the naturalization process by calling on non-citizens to naturalize.

The Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks met with the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga yesterday to discuss the work of the Special Task Ministers Secretariat, the naturalization process and the minority education reform. The President of Latvia has voiced a readiness to promote the naturalization process by calling on non-citizens to naturalize. Latvijas Avize, Chas

During the visit of a Russian Parliament Upper House delegation to Latvia, the head of the Council of Federation Committee on Foreign Affairs Mihail Margelov stated that relations between Russia and Latvia will likely improve after Latvia’s accession to the EU. The head of delegation has not yet expressed his attitude towards the observation of minority rights, motivating his position with the desire to get better acquainted with the real situation.

During the visit of a Russian Parliament Upper House delegation to Latvia, the head of the Council of Federation Committee on Foreign Affairs Mihail Margelov stated that relations between Russia and Latvia will likely improve after Latvias accession to the EU. The head of delegation has not yet expressed his attitude towards the observation of minority rights, motivating his position with the desire to get better acquainted with the real situation. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

The party New Era calls on Deputy Prime Minister Ainars Slesers to explain his statement about the desirability of taking the leader of Russia Liberal Democratic Party Vladimir Zhirinovsky off the list of persons not allowed entry into Latvia.

The party New Era calls on Deputy Prime Minister Ainars Slesers to explain his statement about the desirability of taking the leader of Russia Liberal Democratic Party Vladimir Zhirinovsky off the list of persons not allowed entry into Latvia. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Chas features an article of Jakov Pliner, the head of the For Human Rights in United Latvia parliamentary group and Valery Buhvalov, about the 2004 education reform, in which they call on the parents of minority schools students to establish regional committees for the protection of minority schools, whose aim would be to discuss the education reform with representatives of local governments. In the future these committees should unite in order to negotiate with the Saeima and MPs of European Parliament, in the view of the authors.

Latvijas Avize features an interview with a head of National Program for Latvian Language Training Aija Priedite about the societal integration process in Latvia. Ms Priedite stresses that only formal naturalization and integration could be dangerous and that it is necessary to develop an environment in which newly naturalized people feel as part of the whole society.

• Visit of Russian Parliament Upper House delegation
• On Sergey DolgopolovТs possible exclusion from the PeopleТs Harmony Party
• Statistics on ethnicity of newborns in Latvia
• About the statements of document УThe Actual Tasks of Russia FederationТs Armed Forces developmentФ

Newspapers feature articles about the visit of Russia Parliament Upper House delegation under the guidance of the head of the CouncilТs of Federation Committee on Foreign Affairs (Russia) Mihail Margelov to Latvia. Chas prints an interview with Mihail Margelov.

Newspapers feature articles about the visit of Russia Parliament Upper House delegation under the guidance of the head of the CouncilТs of Federation Committee on Foreign Affairs (Russia) Mihail Margelov to Latvia. Chas prints an interview with Mihail Margelov. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

At the meeting of PeopleТs Harmony Party council today the issue of the possible exclusion from the party of the Riga Vice-Mayor Sergey Dolgopolov will be discussed. The exclusion of Riga Vice-Mayor from the party could eventually lead  to the liquidation of Riga City Council PHPТs parliamentary group, because three other members of party could possibly leave the parliamentary group at the same time as Dolgopolov.

At the meeting of PeopleТs Harmony Party council today the issue of the possible exclusion from the party of the Riga Vice-Mayor Sergey Dolgopolov will be discussed. The exclusion of Riga Vice-Mayor from the party could eventually lead to the liquidation of Riga City Council PHPТs parliamentary group, because three other members of party could possibly leave the parliamentary group at the same time as Dolgopolov. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

According to Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia data 13,000 newborns in the year 2002 were both to ethnically Latvian mothers,  5,221 to Russian mothers,  525 Ц to Byelorussian, 442 Ц to Polish, 291 Ц to Lithuanian, 180 - to Roma, 33 Ц to German and 32 - to Jewish mothers.

According to Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia data 13,000 newborns in the year 2002 were both to ethnically Latvian mothers, 5,221 to Russian mothers, 525 Ц to Byelorussian, 442 Ц to Polish, 291 Ц to Lithuanian, 180 - to Roma, 33 Ц to German and 32 - to Jewish mothers. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Latvijas Avize features an article of Modris Ziemiтр, analyzing a document УCurrent Development Tasks of Russia FederationТs Armed Forces.Ф The document reportedly states that Russia fully supports the democratic processes in states respecting and protecting the rights of ethnic Russians and Russian citizens. According to the document, in the case of political and ethnical instability in these states, it is possible that there Уcould arise a necessity for Russia to implement corrections in the principles of military planning.Ф According to these statements, the journalist of Latvijas Avize concludes, the observation of minority rights in Latvia will be employed as an instrument of political pressure from a side of Russia in next few years.

• Minister of Interior continues denying entry into Latvia for Vladimir Zhirinovky
• Upcoming official visit of the head of Russias Councils of Federation Committee on Foreign Affairs (Russia) Mihail Margelov
• Interview with the head of Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Inese Vaidere
• Comments on the potential visit of Dmitry Rogozin to Latvia
• Article about the Latvian Nation and national minorities

Minister of Interior Maris Gulbis has decided against the suggestion by Deputy Prime Minister Ainars Slesers to take leader of Russia Liberal Democratic Party Vladimir Zhirinovky off the list of persons not allowed entry into Latvia.

Minister of Interior Maris Gulbis has decided against the suggestion by Deputy Prime Minister Ainars Slesers to take leader of Russia Liberal Democratic Party Vladimir Zhirinovky off the list of persons not allowed entry into Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

A Russian Parliament Upper House delegation under Mihail Margelov, the head of the Council’s of Federation Committee on Foreign Affairs, will be visiting Latvia. Mihail Margelov will meet with the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Saeima, the Deputy Prime Minister and other officials.

A Russian Parliament Upper House delegation under Mihail Margelov, the head of the Councils of Federation Committee on Foreign Affairs, will be visiting Latvia. Mihail Margelov will meet with the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Saeima, the Deputy Prime Minister and other officials. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the head of Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Inese Vaidere (For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM) on the future discussions about relations between Latvia and Russia, the observation of minority rights in Latvia and the naturalization process. Inese Vaidere believes that FF/LNIM and all the governing coalition, with the possible exception of First Party Ainars Slesers, is not ready to agree with Russia on the issues of naturalization, language and education in Latvia. The head of the Saeima Committee also criticizes the head of Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane for her activities asking non-citizens to naturalize. According to Inese Vaidere, only politicians can issues such calls, not state officials such as Aldermane. Latvijas Avize

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs denies any knowledge of the plans reported in media of the deputy chairman of the Russian party Rodina Dmitry Rogozin to visit Latvia next month, allegedly to discuss the observation of minority rights in Latvia with the Prime Minister of Latvia and representatives of Saeima Committees. The commentator of

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs denies any knowledge of the plans reported in media of the deputy chairman of the Russian party Rodina Dmitry Rogozin to visit Latvia next month, allegedly to discuss the observation of minority rights in Latvia with the Prime Minister of Latvia and representatives of Saeima Committees. The commentator of Chas Anatoly Kamenev points to the inconsistency of Dmitry Rogozin, pointing out that he has not promoted the signing and ratification of economic, political agreements -- especially the agreement on social security -- between Latvia and Russia, which could improve the life condition of many non-citizens of Latvia. Diena, Chas

Diena publishes an article by Deniss Hanovs, who describes himself as a Russian Latvian and works at the Secretariat of the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Affairs. The article discusses the definition of the Latvian Nation and the place of national minorities in it.

• Deputy Prime Minister proposal to allow Vladimir Zhirinovky to visit Latvia meets with criticism
• Latvia and the proposal for including minority rights in draft constitution of European Union
• Dmitry Rogozin on pre-conditions for dialogue with Latvia
• Soros Foundation Latvia is closing the project Atvçrtâ skola

Deputy Prime Minister of Latvia Ainars Slesers has proposed to take the leader of Russia Liberal Democratic Party Vladimir Zhirinovky off the list of persons not allowed entry into Latvia. Ainars Slesers states that Latvia cannot ignore the leader of a party, which has become the third most numerous party at the Russia State Duma. Newspapers also feature criticism and the statements of Saeima MPs about this proposal.

Deputy Prime Minister of Latvia Ainars Slesers has proposed to take the leader of Russia Liberal Democratic Party Vladimir Zhirinovky off the list of persons not allowed entry into Latvia. Ainars Slesers states that Latvia cannot ignore the leader of a party, which has become the third most numerous party at the Russia State Duma. Newspapers also feature criticism and the statements of Saeima MPs about this proposal. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Rigas Balss, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Chas reports on an article in the Hungarian newspaper The Budapest Sun about the proposal of Hungary to include a section about minority rights in the draft constitution of the European Union. The Budapest Sun stated that only the diplomats of Latvia and Estonia have protested against the inclusion of this regulation. Deputy Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Andris Piebalgs denies this. The MP of Saeima and observer from Latvia to the European Parliament Boris Tsilevich stresses that the inclusion of this regulation in the draft constitution of the European Union does not mean that Latvia is not obligated to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities.

Russian-language newspapers feature interviews with the deputy chairman of the Russian party Rodina Dmitry Rogozin. He states that dialogue with Latvia could soon start, but is tied to some pre-conditions.  He is first and foremost interested in the defense of Russian-language schools in Latvia and in the implementation of the “zero” (i.e. automatic for all) alternative of citizenship. Russia will insist upon the recognition of Russian language as the second state language in the all post-Soviet republics, including Latvia, states Rogozin.

Russian-language newspapers feature interviews with the deputy chairman of the Russian party Rodina Dmitry Rogozin. He states that dialogue with Latvia could soon start, but is tied to some pre-conditions. He is first and foremost interested in the defense of Russian-language schools in Latvia and in the implementation of the zero (i.e. automatic for all) alternative of citizenship. Russia will insist upon the recognition of Russian language as the second state language in the all post-Soviet republics, including Latvia, states Rogozin. Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

The Soros Foundation Latvia is closing the project

The Soros Foundation Latvia is closing the project Atvçrtâ skola (The Open School). The main purpose of this project was a promotion of social and ethnic integration in the area of education, establishing the notion of bilingual education in the system of education and bringing together students, teachers and parents of various languages of instruction. Since 1999 the Soros Foundation Latvia has invested approximately 630 thousand lats in this project. Experts from this project will continue their work in the newly established Center for Educational Evolution. Diena

• Latvian politicians ready to heed the call of Dmitry Rogozin, the deputy chairmans of the party Rodina
• Saeima Legal Affairs Committee accepts restrictions on the right to stand as candidate for the elections to the European Parliament
• Comments on the newly formed Russian-language school teachers society
• Meeting of Ventspils Russian language schools students parents with the Head of the Department of Integration of theMinistry of Education and Science Evija Papule
• Latvia becomes a member of the International Holocaust working group
• Activist of European Youth Human Rights Network Kaspars Zalitis comments on relations between Latvian and Russian youth

The head of Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Inese Vaidere (For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM) and the head of European Affairs Committee Guntars Krasts (FF/LNIM) have declared their readiness to respond to the call of Dmitry Rogozin, the deputy chairman of the party Rodina, to discuss relations between Russia and Latvia with politicians “legitimate to the Latvian people”. The Foreign Affairs Minister Sandra Kalniete comments that the next six months will show whether Russia is ready for constructive dialogue with Latvia.

The head of Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Inese Vaidere (For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM) and the head of European Affairs Committee Guntars Krasts (FF/LNIM) have declared their readiness to respond to the call of Dmitry Rogozin, the deputy chairman of the party Rodina, to discuss relations between Russia and Latvia with politicians legitimate to the Latvian people. The Foreign Affairs Minister Sandra Kalniete comments that the next six months will show whether Russia is ready for constructive dialogue with Latvia. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The Saeima Legal Affairs Committee has supported the proposal of parties New Era, People’s Party and For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM to extend the prohibition to stand for election to candidate for ex-officials of the State Security Committee of the Soviet Republic of Latvia and the members of Communist Party and related organizations after January 13 1991 also to elections to the European Parliament. The representative of parliamentary group For Human Rights in the United Latvia (FHRUL) Juris Sokolovs claims that the restrictions are a political campaign directed against four politicians – Tatjana Zdanoka, Alfred Rubiks, Janis Adamsons and Juris Bojars.

The Saeima Legal Affairs Committee has supported the proposal of parties New Era, Peoples Party and For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM to extend the prohibition to stand for election to candidate for ex-officials of the State Security Committee of the Soviet Republic of Latvia and the members of Communist Party and related organizations after January 13 1991 also to elections to the European Parliament. The representative of parliamentary group For Human Rights in the United Latvia (FHRUL) Juris Sokolovs claims that the restrictions are a political campaign directed against four politicians – Tatjana Zdanoka, Alfred Rubiks, Janis Adamsons and Juris Bojars. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Telegraf publishes an article about establishment of the Russia school teachers society. One of the founders of the organization, head master of private secondary school Maxima Olga Isakova, believes that it should be officially acknowledged that there are Russian-language schools in Latvia with long-standing traditions of Russian culture. The organization should be against wild bilingualism and any attempt to Latvianize the schools, says Ms Isakova, and expresses concern over the possible quality deterioration of education in minority schools. She regrets that many teachers try to adapt to the situation instead of trying to influence it. A teacher from another school comments that a professional Russian-language school teacher organization would have been able to influence the situation if it were established five years ago, but not when half a year is left before the implementation of the reform.

Russian-language newspapers feature articles about the meeting of Ventspils Russian language school students’ parents with the Head of the Department of Integration of the Ministry of Education and Science Evija Papule. There was also a protest action against the education reform 2004, organized by the Venspils Committee for the Defence of Russian language schools, during this meeting.

Russian-language newspapers feature articles about the meeting of Ventspils Russian language school students parents with the Head of the Department of Integration of the Ministry of Education and Science Evija Papule. There was also a protest action against the education reform 2004, organized by the Venspils Committee for the Defence of Russian language schools, during this meeting. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Latvia has become a member of the International Holocaust working group. Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Andris Teikmanis will represent Latvia in this group.

Latvia has become a member of the International Holocaust working group. Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Andris Teikmanis will represent Latvia in this group. Latvijas Avize

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the European Youth Human Rights Network activist Kaspars Zalitis, who believes that mistakes by Latvian politicians in the 1990s have led to the division of society and has resulted in intolerance between Russian and Latvian youth.