• Saeima supports the draft law on the status of permanent EU residents
• MPs discussed the activities of the State Language Centre
• New amendments to the law allow non-citizens to work as airplane pilots in Latvia

Yesterday, the government of Latvia supported the draft law on the status of the permanent EU resident. The draft law broadens the rights of third country nationals who have resided in an EU country permanently. The status of the EU permanent resident will not be granted automatically – the person will have to apply to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs to receive the status.  According to the draft law, the person will have to prove that s/he has resided in Latvia for five continuous years, has regular and stable income, and speaks the Latvian language.

Yesterday, the government of Latvia supported the draft law on the status of the permanent EU resident. The draft law broadens the rights of third country nationals who have resided in an EU country permanently. The status of the EU permanent resident will not be granted automatically – the person will have to apply to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs to receive the status. According to the draft law, the person will have to prove that s/he has resided in Latvia for five continuous years, has regular and stable income, and speaks the Latvian language. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Yesterday, members of the Saeima’s Education Committee discussed activities of the State Language Centre, in particular inspections of the State Language inspectors at various organisations with the aim to examine  actual state language skills of employees. A member of For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM stated that examinations of employees’ state language skills should be conducted on more regular basis. He suggested to increase the fine for not using the state language while providing services. While members of left-wing parties argued that examinations of actual language skills result in provocations and unjustified administrative penalties. As reported, the Commission of the State Language Centre has registered 247 violations of the State Language Law in the time period from 22 March to 10 October 2005.

Yesterday, members of the Saeimas Education Committee discussed activities of the State Language Centre, in particular inspections of the State Language inspectors at various organisations with the aim to examine actual state language skills of employees. A member of For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM stated that examinations of employees state language skills should be conducted on more regular basis. He suggested to increase the fine for not using the state language while providing services. While members of left-wing parties argued that examinations of actual language skills result in provocations and unjustified administrative penalties. As reported, the Commission of the State Language Centre has registered 247 violations of the State Language Law in the time period from 22 March to 10 October 2005. Chas, Latvijas Avize

The Saeima has accepted the draft amendments to the Aviation Law. According to the new amendments, non-citizens of Latvia as well as citizens of the ‘third countries’ are allowed to work as pilots and commanders of the airplane.

The Saeima has accepted the draft amendments to the Aviation Law. According to the new amendments, non-citizens of Latvia as well as citizens of the ‘third countries are allowed to work as pilots and commanders of the airplane. Vesti Segodnya

The next integration monitor edition will be published and sent out after holidays – 2 January, 2005 and will cover the whole holiday week.

The next integration monitor edition will be published and sent out after holidays – 2 January, 2005 and will cover the whole holiday week.

• Dialogi.lv published the research on inter-ethnic relations in Latvia
• Supreme Court did not accept a complaint from the activist of the Headquarters Aleksandr Kazakov
• Latvia will grant allowances to persons who want to repatriate

The NGO, public portal “Dialogi.lv” in cooperation with the Market and Public Opinion Research Centre SKDS and NGO “Baltic Forum” conducted a research “Stances towards interethnic relations in Latvia” to study stances of Latvia’s residents towards relations between ethnic groups, in particular, Latvians and Russians, in various fields. According to the research, 42% Latvians consider that the high number of Russian-speaking residents in Latvia poses threat to the existence of the Latvian language and culture; 55% Latvians consider that Latvians more than Russians respect democratic principles; 47% Latvians consider that the interests of Russians are taken into account more than it should be (while 68% Russian-speaking residents believe that their interests are not taken into account). Only 30% Latvians think that Russians are loyal to the country, while 70%  Russian-speakers affirm their loyalty. However, the research also revealed that daily contacts between Russians and Latvians are mostly positive.

The NGO, public portal Dialogi.lv in cooperation with the Market and Public Opinion Research Centre SKDS and NGO Baltic Forum conducted a research Stances towards interethnic relations in Latvia to study stances of Latvias residents towards relations between ethnic groups, in particular, Latvians and Russians, in various fields. According to the research, 42% Latvians consider that the high number of Russian-speaking residents in Latvia poses threat to the existence of the Latvian language and culture; 55% Latvians consider that Latvians more than Russians respect democratic principles; 47% Latvians consider that the interests of Russians are taken into account more than it should be (while 68% Russian-speaking residents believe that their interests are not taken into account). Only 30% Latvians think that Russians are loyal to the country, while 70% Russian-speakers affirm their loyalty. However, the research also revealed that daily contacts between Russians and Latvians are mostly positive. Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Yesterday, the Supreme Court did not accept a complaint from the activist of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian Language Schools in Latvia Aleksandr Kazakov. The Court based its decision on an argument that the appeal was not drafted in accordance with the required standards. As reported, Kazakov challenges the decision of the Latvian government to include him in the list of persons who are denied entrance in Latvia. The Supreme Court gave one month to draft the appeal according to the required standards.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court did not accept a complaint from the activist of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian Language Schools in Latvia Aleksandr Kazakov. The Court based its decision on an argument that the appeal was not drafted in accordance with the required standards. As reported, Kazakov challenges the decision of the Latvian government to include him in the list of persons who are denied entrance in Latvia. The Supreme Court gave one month to draft the appeal according to the required standards. Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

As of 1 January 2006, the government of Latvia will grant allowances to Russian-speaking pensioners of World War II  to foster their emigration to their motherland. According to the regulations, a person will receive 1,200 LVL (1,707 EUR); two – 1,800 LVL (2,560 EUR); three – 2,400 LVL (3,414 EUR); four and more  Â– 2,700 LVL (3,841 EUR). The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs predicts that within a year there will be around 30 persons willing to repatriate to Russia.

As of 1 January 2006, the government of Latvia will grant allowances to Russian-speaking pensioners of World War II to foster their emigration to their motherland. According to the regulations, a person will receive 1,200 LVL (1,707 EUR); two – 1,800 LVL (2,560 EUR); three – 2,400 LVL (3,414 EUR); four and more – 2,700 LVL (3,841 EUR). The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs predicts that within a year there will be around 30 persons willing to repatriate to Russia. Vesti Segodnya

• Baltic Forum held a discussion on aspects of integration

The public organization “Baltic Forum” held a discussion on the aspects of integration. Different integration experts, deputies of the Saeima, representatives of the United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia (OKROL in its Russian acronym) and the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian Language Schools took part in the discussion to develop new ideas and find compromises. A representative of the OKROL stated that a dialogue between Latvians and Russian might take place if only the existence of the two communities – Russians and Latvians – are formally established and recognized. However, independent deputy of the Saeima Aleksandrs Kirsteins (known for his nationalistic viewpoints) stated that there will never be a two-community state in Latvia. Another member of the OKROL stated that the government should not ignore wishes of non-Latvians, and Latvians must think about public conciliation and compromise with Russians. A member of the radical nationalistic organization “All for Latvia” replied that Latvia will remain a national state and there can not be any compromises with Russians while there are two contradicting understandings of the national history.

The public organization Baltic Forum held a discussion on the aspects of integration. Different integration experts, deputies of the Saeima, representatives of the United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia (OKROL in its Russian acronym) and the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian Language Schools took part in the discussion to develop new ideas and find compromises. A representative of the OKROL stated that a dialogue between Latvians and Russian might take place if only the existence of the two communities – Russians and Latvians – are formally established and recognized. However, independent deputy of the Saeima Aleksandrs Kirsteins (known for his nationalistic viewpoints) stated that there will never be a two-community state in Latvia. Another member of the OKROL stated that the government should not ignore wishes of non-Latvians, and Latvians must think about public conciliation and compromise with Russians. A member of the radical nationalistic organization All for Latvia replied that Latvia will remain a national state and there can not be any compromises with Russians while there are two contradicting understandings of the national history. Latvijas Avize

• Riga Regional Court closed the proceeding on the complaint of Yuriy Petropavlovsky
• Latvian language courses provided by an NGO Prata Speks celebrates its five year anniversary

On 16 December, the Riga Regional Court closed the proceeding on the complaint submitted by Yuriy Petropavlovskiy on the refusal of the Cabinet of Minister to grant him Latvian citizenship although he had passed naturalization exams. The Court ruled that the case is not in the competence of the court as it was not an administrative but political decision.  As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers refused citizenship arguing that Petropavlovskiy is not a loyal citizen because of his activities (as a member of the Headquarters) in organizing protest actions against the implementation of the minority education reform. Yuriy Petropavlivskiy is planning to appeal the decision.

On 16 December, the Riga Regional Court closed the proceeding on the complaint submitted by Yuriy Petropavlovskiy on the refusal of the Cabinet of Minister to grant him Latvian citizenship although he had passed naturalization exams. The Court ruled that the case is not in the competence of the court as it was not an administrative but political decision. As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers refused citizenship arguing that Petropavlovskiy is not a loyal citizen because of his activities (as a member of the Headquarters) in organizing protest actions against the implementation of the minority education reform. Yuriy Petropavlivskiy is planning to appeal the decision. Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Latvijas Avize

1,200 persons have completed  Latvian language courses, organized by an NGO ‘Prata Speks” free of charge within five years.  The Head of “Prata Speks” Igor Kuzmik in an interview with

1,200 persons have completed Latvian language courses, organized by an NGO ‘Prata Speks free of charge within five years. The Head of Prata Speks Igor Kuzmik in an interview with Chas stated that a number of politicians in Latvia manipulate with statements that that Russian residents in Latvia do not want to study the statelanguage. For five years our courses have been the only Latvian language courses in Latvia provided free of charge…. and many people are standing in a row to sign in, said Kuzmik. He also said that the organization is ready to help with learning the Latvian language until naturalization is completed in Latvia.

• PACE repeatedly did not support the continuation of the post-monitoring dialog with Latvia
• Vaira Vike-Freiberga: members of the Russian community in Latvia must prove their loyalty towards the state
• National radicals held a congress
• MPs criticize a documentary Baltic Nazism
• Saeima accepted the prolongation of the protocol on migration between Latvia and Russia

Yesterday, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), despite the proposal of the Russian delegation and the Head of the Monitoring Committee, repeatedly did not find reasons for the continuation of the post-monitoring dialog with Latvia on the situation of minorities in the country.

Yesterday, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), despite the proposal of the Russian delegation and the Head of the Monitoring Committee, repeatedly did not find reasons for the continuation of the post-monitoring dialog with Latvia on the situation of minorities in the country. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Latvijas Avize

The President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga in an interview with a US newspaper “International Gerald Tribune” stated that members of the Russian community in Latvia must prove their loyalty towards the country. “We can not grant citizenship to disloyal residents who do not accept Latvia as an independent state,” said the President. 

The President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga in an interview with a US newspaper International Gerald Tribune stated that members of the Russian community in Latvia must prove their loyalty towards the country. We can not grant citizenship to disloyal residents who do not accept Latvia as an independent state, said the President. Chas

The national radical organization “All for Latvia” held a congress with a main slogan “Latvia is ours!” National radicals announced their plans to form a new national party and will run for the next Saeima’s elections. One of the speakers appealed to Russian residents of Latvia “Russians in Latvia! Be bold and whether get assimilated or leave the country!”

The national radical organization All for Latvia held a congress with a main slogan Latvia is ours! National radicals announced their plans to form a new national party and will run for the next Saeimas elections. One of the speakers appealed to Russian residents of Latvia Russians in Latvia! Be bold and whether get assimilated or leave the country! Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Latvijas Avize

A number of MPs express their criticism towards a documentary “Baltic Nazism” produced by a Russia’s TV Company. The documentary was released on Wednesday in the premises of the Saeima by members of the left-wing political party For Human Rights in the United Latvia (FHRUL). The Speaker of the Saeima Ingrida Udre stated that  FHRUL has committed an anti-governmental provocation. An MP  from the Union of the Greens and Farmers stated that he will apply to the Russian Embassy and will ask to prohibit airing of the documentary on Russia’s television. The Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Artis Pabriks stated that the documentary contains one-sided and tendentious interpretation of the events of the II World War. However, a representative of FHRUL believes that such statements of MPs limit the right to hold different point of views. As reported, the documentary is accused in falsification of history and attempts to show that Fascism is re-birthing in Latvia.

A number of MPs express their criticism towards a documentary Baltic Nazism produced by a Russias TV Company. The documentary was released on Wednesday in the premises of the Saeima by members of the left-wing political party For Human Rights in the United Latvia (FHRUL). The Speaker of the Saeima Ingrida Udre stated that FHRUL has committed an anti-governmental provocation. An MP from the Union of the Greens and Farmers stated that he will apply to the Russian Embassy and will ask to prohibit airing of the documentary on Russias television. The Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Artis Pabriks stated that the documentary contains one-sided and tendentious interpretation of the events of the II World War. However, a representative of FHRUL believes that such statements of MPs limit the right to hold different point of views. As reported, the documentary is accused in falsification of history and attempts to show that Fascism is re-birthing in Latvia. Chas, Latvijas Avize, Diena, NRA

Yesterday, the Saeima accepted the draft law that anticipates prolonging of the protocol between Latvia and Russia on migration of their residents. The protocol foresees that the two countries provide their help to persons who arrived to Latvia during the Soviet regime and want to return to their native countries. However, MP Aleksandrs Kirsteins  stated that this protocol does not provide a sufficient encouragement to those who want to return to Russia.

Yesterday, the Saeima accepted the draft law that anticipates prolonging of the protocol between Latvia and Russia on migration of their residents. The protocol foresees that the two countries provide their help to persons who arrived to Latvia during the Soviet regime and want to return to their native countries. However, MP Aleksandrs Kirsteins stated that this protocol does not provide a sufficient encouragement to those who want to return to Russia. Vesti Segodnya, Latvijas Avize