• Increasethe administrative fine of not using Latvian language at work

Yesterday, the Saeima adopted in the 3rd and final reading the amendments to the Administrative Violations Code stipulating increase the administrative fine of not using Latvian language at work. Fine would be between LVL 25 (EUR 36) and LVL 50 (EUR 71). 

Yesterday, the Saeima adopted in the 3rd and final reading theamendments to the Administrative Violations Code stipulating increasethe administrative fine of not using Latvian language at work. Fine would be between LVL 25 (EUR 36) and LVL 50 (EUR 71). Vesti Segodnya, LETA

• Political scientist Ilze Ostrovska: it is a tragedy for Latvia that its society is split in two parts
• Vesti Segodnya reports on problems in ethnic minority schools inLatvia

In an interview with

In an interview with Chas, political scientist Ilze Ostrovska states that it is a tragedy for Latvia that its society is split in two parts – Latvian and Russian speakers and while one (ethnic Latvian) has strong influence on politics, the other part (Russian) has strong economical ties. Mrs. Ostrovska believes that such situation makes Latvia the weakest among Baltic and EU countries.

Vesti Segodnya reports on problems in ethnic minority schools inLatvia. The Consultative Council for Ethnic Minorities Education Affairsis criticizing the Ministry of Education and Science. Teachers are complaining on need of new Latvian language text books for minority schools. Also there is a concern on closure of small schools inrural areas, including also ethnic minority schools due to financial crisis. TheMinistry of Education and Science is responding that closure ofschools is the competence of local municipalities.

• Riga Regional Court started a trial on skinheads on attack on two Roma girls and Armenian couple
• Government liquidated the Secretariat of the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration
• President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers: Russian schools will not be closed

Yesterday, the Riga Regional Court started a trial on skinheads on attack on two Roma girls and Armenian couple in October 2007. The accused skinheads argue that they confess the attack on Roma girls, however, they did it because representatives of Roma minority selling drugs. Mothers of the victim girls claim LVL 10,000 (EUR 14,200) as compensation of physical and moral damage from each accused. The Court decided to take a break on case so the accused persons could study the case more accurate and possibly to agree on lower compensations. Next trial session will be in 9 February 2009.

Yesterday, the Riga Regional Court started atrial on skinheads on attack on two Roma girls and Armenian couple in October 2007. The accused skinheads argue that they confess the attack on Roma girls, however, they did it because representatives of Roma minority selling drugs. Mothers of the victim girls claim LVL 10,000 (EUR 14,200) as compensation of physical and moral damage from each accused. The Court decided to take a break on case so the accused persons could study the case more accurate and possibly to agree on lower compensations. Next trial session will be in 9 February 2009. Chas, Latvijas Avize

Yesterday, the Cabinet of Ministers approved amendments to the Regulations of the Ministry of Children and Family Affairs to overtake duties of the Secretariat of the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration. 

Yesterday, the Cabinet of Ministers approved amendments to the Regulations of the Ministry of Children and Family Affairs to overtake duties of the Secretariat of the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration.Telegraf

The President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers while visiting Riga’s Secondary school Nr. 40 said that Russian schools will not be closed. Purpose of the visit was to meet school students and teachers.

The President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers while visiting Rigas Secondary school Nr. 40 said that Russian schools will not be closed. Purpose of the visit was to meet school students and teachers. Vesti Segodnya

 

• Chas features an interview with the President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers
• Chas reports about a visit of the MEP from Latvia Tatjana Zdanoka to Saldus
• Riga Regional Court starts a trial on skinheads on attack on two Roma girls and Armenian couple

"Most important is to be united" headlined the interview with the President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers. In the interview they tackle national minority issues – the Advisory Council of Ethnic Minorities that will probably start its work in January 2009. Also Russian Orthodox Christmas - President promised to greet all Russian Orthodox Christians on television the night before.

"Most important is to be united" headlined the interview with the President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers. In the interview they tackle national minority issues – the Advisory Council of Ethnic Minorities that will probably start its work in January 2009. Also Russian Orthodox Christmas - President promised to greet allRussian Orthodox Christians on television the night before. Chas

Chas reports about a visit of the MEP from Latvia Tatjana Zdanoka to Saldus (town in the Western part of Latvia). Mrs. Zdanoka talks about problems of Russian minority in Saldus and such as luck of public funding for the Russian Community and Russian language education establishments.

Chas reports that today, in the Riga Regional Court starts a trial on skinheads on attack on two Roma girls and then on Armenian couple in October 2007. Criminal procedure was started on incitement to ethnic and racial hatred. All four attackers confess and regret the crime.

• Presidents Advisory Council of Ethnic Minorities will start its work in January 2009

According to a representative of the President of Latvia, President’s Advisory Council of Ethnic Minorities probably will start its work in January 2008. As reported, the President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers stated that it would be useful to restore the Advisory Council because such council would provide opportunity for representatives of ethnic minorities to share their views and ideas with the President.

According to a representative of the President of Latvia, Presidents Advisory Council of Ethnic Minorities probably will start its work in January 2008. As reported, the President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers stated that it would be useful to restore the Advisory Council because such council would provide opportunity for representatives of ethnic minorities to share their views and ideas with the President. Latvijas Avize