Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Dienas editorial is on a study Analysis of the Implementation of Bilingual Education. Columnist Askolds Rodins draws attention to a contradiction in two laws – the Education Law and the General Education Law. In contrast to the Education Law, which says that the switch to Latvian as the language of instruction in all secondary schools should be launched in 2004, the General Education Law does not provide clear timing for the implementation of the switch. Askolds Rodins also stresses other results of the study which show that both teachers and students lack Latvian language skills, which suggests that many schools will have difficulties in implementing the education reform in 2004. Askolds Rodins concludes that the Law on Education should be amended and a specific system should be developed, which would support and motivate weak and unprepared schools to implement the reform, while strong schools would receive real benefits for the implementation of the reform in time. Rodins doubts the capability of the Ministry of Education and Science to of elaborating such a system.

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A Chas editorial provides columnist Leonids Fedoseyevs considerations regarding the school system in Latvia. He writes that Latvian teachers are actually not ready to teach Russian students, that is, they do not understand their mentality and do not how to cope with them. Leonids Fedoseyevs believes that there is hidden apartheid in Latvia: it is not officially recognised, however, there are constant discussions about who is a master in this country.

Panorama Latvii

publishes a discussion of two election candidates: Igors Pimenovs from FHRUL and Karlis Sadurskis from the New Era Party. The key discussion object was education. publishes a discussion of two election candidates: Igors Pimenovs from FHRUL and Karlis Sadurskis from the New Era Party. The key discussion object was education. The Russian party is the only party which supports granting the Russian language the status of a state language. FHRUL believes that the Latvian language should be the only language, which has state language status in Latvia, while Russian should be used as an official language in municipalities where the number of Russian-speakers exceeds 20% of residents. Leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans stated that Russian newspaper

The Russian party is the only party which supports granting the Russian language the status of a state language. FHRUL believes that the Latvian language should be the only language, which has state language status in Latvia, while Russian should be used as an official language in municipalities where the number of Russian-speakers exceeds 20% of residents. Leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans stated that Russian newspaper Chas, which wrote that FHRUL MP Boriss Cilevics talked about the Russian language and calling for granting it the status of an official language in Latvia at the discussion show The Russian Issue, misreported the opinion. Diena

Latvijas Vestnesis

publishes an interview with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins. One of the questions was in regard to the signing of an agreement with Russia on social security issues. Prime Minister Andris Berzins states that it is Russia which hinders the signing of the agreement. publishes an interview with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins. One of the questions was in regard to the signing of an agreement with Russia on social security issues. Prime Minister Andris Berzins states that it is Russia which hinders the signing of the agreement.

Vesti Segodnya

reports on positive impressions of participants at a summer camp for Russian children from Latvia in the Russian city Pskov, which was organised within the framework of the Russian Federation assistance programme to its compatriots. reports on positive impressions of participants at a summer camp for Russian children from Latvia in the Russian city Pskov, which was organised within the framework of the Russian Federation assistance programme to its compatriots. Panorama Latvii, Vechernaya RigaPanorama Latvii, Vechernaya Riga

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Newspapers report on a study conducted by the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences, “Analysis of the Implementation of Bilingual Education,” presented yesterday. Almost half of the minority school teachers and principles surveyed believe that their schools will not be ready to implement the switch of instruction at all secondary schools to Latvian in 2004. The key reason teachers and principles indicate is a not thought through beginning of the reform in 1999. The Ministry of Education offered schools to choose one bilingual education model out of four, but schools did not have time to discuss this choice thoroughly among themselves nor with students’ parents. Authors of the study suggest amending the Law on Education and introducing the following norm: “only those schools that are ready shall switch to studies basically in Latvian in 2004.” The study indicates that Latvian language proficiency of students has improved since bilingual education models were introduced at schools. However, according to the survey, more extensive usage of Latvian does not make students feel more affiliated with Latvia.

Newspapers report on a study conducted by the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences, Analysis of the Implementation of Bilingual Education, presented yesterday. Almost half of the minority school teachers and principles surveyed believe that their schools will not be ready to implement the switch of instruction at all secondary schools to Latvian in 2004. The key reason teachers and principles indicate is a not thought through beginning of the reform in 1999. The Ministry of Education offered schools to choose one bilingual education model out of four, but schools did not have time to discuss this choice thoroughly among themselves nor with students parents. Authors of the study suggest amending the Law on Education and introducing the following norm: only those schools that are ready shall switch to studies basically in Latvian in 2004. The study indicates that Latvian language proficiency of students has improved since bilingual education models were introduced at schools. However, according to the survey, more extensive usage of Latvian does not make students feel more affiliated with Latvia. Diena, Vechernaya Riga, Chas, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Telegraf

reports that three Russian schools will not have first grades due to lack of Russian students. The newspaper explains this fact with general demographic tendencies in the country and a decision of many Russian parents to send their children to Latvian schools. reports that three Russian schools will not have first grades due to lack of Russian students. The newspaper explains this fact with general demographic tendencies in the country and a decision of many Russian parents to send their children to Latvian schools.

Diena

reports that the Naturalisation Board continues the citizenship awareness and promotion project. This time the information booth will be located in one of Riga districts, Ziepniekkalns. At the information booth interested people can receive detailed information on the naturalisation procedure and tests. reports that the Naturalisation Board continues the citizenship awareness and promotion project. This time the information booth will be located in one of Riga districts, Ziepniekkalns. At the information booth interested people can receive detailed information on the naturalisation procedure and tests. ChasChas

Chas

reports on filming of the second political show The Russian Issue, which will be aired by two commercial TV channels: TV 5 and LNT. The key discussion subject of the show was Latvias membership in NATO. reports on filming of the second political show “The Russian Issue,” which will be aired by two commercial TV channels: TV 5 and LNT. The key discussion subject of the show was Latvia’s membership in NATO.

Chas

publishes an article about bilingual education. The author of the article looks at the four bilingual education models offered by the Ministry of Education and concludes that all four models have serious flaws. publishes an article about bilingual education. The author of the article looks at the four bilingual education models offered by the Ministry of Education and concludes that all four models have serious flaws.

Vesti Segodnya

reports on the visit of members of the International Roma Organisation. Higher Commissioner of the IRO in Latvia Normunds Rudevics is satisfied with the visit and stresses that the most important thing is that despite the efforts of some political forces to split the Roma community in Latvia, it remains unified. reports on the visit of members of the International Roma Organisation. Higher Commissioner of the IRO in Latvia Normunds Rudevics is satisfied with the visit and stresses that “the most important thing is that despite the efforts of some political forces to split the Roma community in Latvia, it remains unified.”

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Diena

publishes an article by editor of The Review on Education in Latvia, Dr.hist. Guntars Catlaks about the work done by the 7th Saeima in the field of education. He stresses that the 7th Saeima started and the next Saeima will have to continue several education reforms. In particular, the author emphasises the switch to Latvian as the language of instruction in minority secondary schools in 2004. He believes that a broad awareness programme for teachers and parents should be urgently developed before the reform in 2004. Guntars Catlaks is convinced that there are two aspects, which will ensure the quality and success of the reform – first, highly qualified teachers and second, support for the reform at least from one of the groups -- either from parents or from teachers. publishes an article by editor of “The Review on Education in Latvia,” Dr.hist. Guntars Catlaks about the work done by the 7th Saeima in the field of education. He stresses that the 7th Saeima started and the next Saeima will have to continue several education reforms. In particular, the author emphasises the switch to Latvian as the language of instruction in minority secondary schools in 2004. He believes that a broad awareness programme for teachers and parents should be urgently developed before the reform in 2004. Guntars Catlaks is convinced that there are two aspects, which will ensure the quality and success of the reform – first, highly qualified teachers and second, support for the reform at least from one of the groups -- either from parents or from teachers.

Vesti Segodnya

reports that the presentation of The Analysis of the Implementation of Bilingual Education conducted by the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences will take place. The study is funded by the Soros Foundation in Latvia, the OSCE and the Canadian International Development Agency. The newspaper draws attention to technical failures and other bottlenecks of the study, such as the fact that the analysis was made mostly by people just graduated from the university and holding only a bachelors degree. The study draws two contradictory conclusions: one, that the implementation of bilingual education is going well and the other, that many principles of minority schools admit that their schools are not ready for the switch of their secondary school to Latvian. Director of the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences Brigita Zepa explains that the majority of the working group disagreed with one of the authors of analysis, Elmars Vebers, therefore the study has two conclusions. reports that the presentation of “The Analysis of the Implementation of Bilingual Education” conducted by the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences will take place. The study is funded by the Soros Foundation in Latvia, the OSCE and the Canadian International Development Agency. The newspaper draws attention to technical failures and other bottlenecks of the study, such as the fact that the analysis was made mostly by people just graduated from the university and holding only a bachelor’s degree. The study draws two contradictory conclusions: one, that the implementation of bilingual education is going well and the other, that many principles of minority schools admit that their schools are not ready for the switch of their secondary school to Latvian. Director of the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences Brigita Zepa explains that the majority of the working group disagreed with one of the authors of analysis, Elmars Vebers, therefore the study has two conclusions. BNSBNS

Chas

reports on the first TV show The Russian Issue, which was devoted to language policy issues. The newspaper summarises that almost all parties representatives, including leader of Latgales Light Rihards Eigims, did not support granting Russian the status of the official language. Only FHRUL MP Boriss Tsilevich supports the idea. The newspaper also points out that although the show was run in Russian and targeted at a Russian audience, half of parties representatives, such as members of the New Era Ina Druviete, FF/LNNK Juris Vidins and the Peoples Party Dzintars Abikis, spoke only Latvian. reports on the first TV show “The Russian Issue,” which was devoted to language policy issues. The newspaper summarises that almost all parties’ representatives, including leader of Latgale’s Light Rihards Eigims, did not support granting Russian the status of the official language. Only FHRUL MP Boriss Tsilevich supports the idea. The newspaper also points out that although the show was run in Russian and targeted at a Russian audience, half of parties’ representatives, such as members of the New Era Ina Druviete, FF/LNNK Juris Vidins and the People’s Party Dzintars Abikis, spoke only Latvian. Vesti Segodnya, Panorama LatviiVesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii The attempt of FF/LNNK to amend this year’s state budget before the 8th Saeima elections did not receive the support of Prime Minister Andris Berzins. FF/LNNK suggested allocating more funding to education, including the programme aimed at strengthening the status of the Latvian language, which should be elaborated by the President’s Official Language Commission.

The attempt of FF/LNNK to amend this years state budget before the 8th Saeima elections did not receive the support of Prime Minister Andris Berzins. FF/LNNK suggested allocating more funding to education, including the programme aimed at strengthening the status of the Latvian language, which should be elaborated by the Presidents Official Language Commission. Diena, Vechernaya Riga, Chas

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers amended the Law on Radio and Television. The new amendments stipulate that the National Radio and Television Council is entitled to impose fines on radio stations for violating the Law on Radio and Television.

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers amended the Law on Radio and Television. The new amendments stipulate that the National Radio and Television Council is entitled to impose fines on radio stations for violating the Law on Radio and Television. Vesti Segodnya comments that the act is again oriented against Russian radio stations, as now the Council will be able to directly impose fines on any radio station without going through long court procedures as it had been until now.

Vesti Segodnya

talks to chairperson of the First Party Aleksandrs Brandavs, whose ethnic background is Russian. Alkesandrs Brandavs is also a conductor of the choir of old believers. He states that he is proud to be Russian, however, considers that the mentality and way of living of Russians in Latvia are very different from the mentality and way of life of Russians in Russia. Aleksandrs Brandavs stresses that all efforts should be made to make Russians and Russian children in Latvia aware of their identity. Regarding education issues, Brandavs believes that all issues should be solved gradually, taking into account the opinions of all involved parties. He also states that Latvia should have an institution at the national level, which would deal with ethnic minority issues. Brandavs is convinced that it is time to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. talks to chairperson of the First Party Aleksandrs Brandavs, whose ethnic background is Russian. Alkesandrs Brandavs is also a conductor of the choir of old believers. He states that he is proud to be Russian, however, considers that the mentality and way of living of Russians in Latvia are very different from the mentality and way of life of Russians in Russia. Aleksandrs Brandavs stresses that all efforts should be made to make Russians and Russian children in Latvia aware of their identity. Regarding education issues, Brandavs believes that all issues should be solved gradually, taking into account the opinions of all involved parties. He also states that Latvia should have an institution at the national level, which would deal with ethnic minority issues. Brandavs is convinced that it is time to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Chas

publishes an article by MP Boris Tsilevich about the planned switch of secondary minority education in 2004. He states that the switch is the most painful issue for Russians in Latvia. He agrees that all Russian-speakers have to know the state language, but opposes the idea that the instruction language at schools should be only Latvian. Boris Tsilevich is convinced that a reform should be implemented in the school system and provides his ideas in this respect. The key concept is that school should prepare a child, irrespective of language, for real life, and in Latvia that means that any child should speak many languages. He believes that the situation can be solved if officials at the Ministry of Education are professionals and do not politicise the issue. publishes an article by MP Boris Tsilevich about the planned switch of secondary minority education in 2004. He states that the switch is the most painful issue for Russians in Latvia. He agrees that all Russian-speakers have to know the state language, but opposes the idea that the instruction language at schools should be only Latvian. Boris Tsilevich is convinced that a reform should be implemented in the school system and provides his ideas in this respect. The key concept is that school should prepare a child, irrespective of language, for real life, and in Latvia that means that any child should speak many languages. He believes that the situation can be solved if officials at the Ministry of Education are professionals and do not politicise the issue.

Panorama Latvii

provides brief comments on two selected candidates for the post of the director of the State Language Centre. Agris Timuska believes that When language policy is developed, attention should be focused on the protection of the interests of the Latvian language. The centre should monitor whether elaborated language protection mechanisms are really effective. Maris Birzgalis, in his turn, states that the Presidents Official Language Commission should develop language policy and the Centre should be allotted more funding in order to increase the number of language inspectors. The Minister of Justice will appoint the new director of the Centre. provides brief comments on two selected candidates for the post of the director of the State Language Centre. Agris Timuska believes that “When language policy is developed, attention should be focused on the protection of the interests of the Latvian language. The centre should monitor whether elaborated language protection mechanisms are really effective.” Maris Birzgalis, in his turn, states that the President’s Official Language Commission should develop language policy and the Centre should be allotted more funding in order to increase the number of language inspectors. The Minister of Justice will appoint the new director of the Centre. On Friday, chairman of the Saeima Committee on European Affairs Edvins Inkens met leaders of the International Roma Organisation. Possibilities for Latvia to take part in a specific programme aimed at the improvement of the socio-economic situation of Roma in Latvia, formation of the Information Centre and the elections of the European Parliament were the key discussion topics.

On Friday, chairman of the Saeima Committee on European Affairs Edvins Inkens met leaders of the International Roma Organisation. Possibilities for Latvia to take part in a specific programme aimed at the improvement of the socio-economic situation of Roma in Latvia, formation of the Information Centre and the elections of the European Parliament were the key discussion topics. Latvijas Vestnesis

Latvijas Vestnesis

publishes a detailed quarterly report of the National Human Rights Office. During the first 6 months the National Human Rights Office received 307 written and 1147 verbal complaints. The NHRO received only 2 written and 10 verbal complaints about discrimination on ethnic or language grounds. The majority of complaints are about the rights to housing and social security. publishes a detailed quarterly report of the National Human Rights Office. During the first 6 months the National Human Rights Office received 307 written and 1147 verbal complaints. The NHRO received only 2 written and 10 verbal complaints about discrimination on ethnic or language grounds. The majority of complaints are about the rights to housing and social security.

Panorama Latvii

interviews social democrat Janis Dinevics. When asked whether Latvia should ratify the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities, Dinevics states that he is not authorised to speak for his party, but his personal opinion is that the Convention should be ratified. Regarding the education reform in 2004, he says that the reform should be implemented, however, without any strict time restrictions – when a school is ready it implements the reform. interviews social democrat Janis Dinevics. When asked whether Latvia should ratify the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities, Dinevics states that he is not authorised to speak for his party, but his personal opinion is that the Convention should be ratified. Regarding the education reform in 2004, he says that the reform should be implemented, however, without any strict time restrictions – when a school is ready it implements the reform.

Vesti Segodnya

reports that according to candidate of the Peoples Party, political scientist Artis Pabriks, some 20-25% of Peoples Partys supporters will be Russians. The newspaper doubts it, as the latest pre-election activities of the party are aimed at radically different target group –- legionnaires. reports that according to candidate of the People’s Party, political scientist Artis Pabriks, some 20-25% of People’s Party’s supporters will be Russians. The newspaper doubts it, as the latest pre-election activities of the party are aimed at radically different target group –- legionnaires.

Neatkariga

publishes the list of the most popular persons in Latvia in July. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga is holding the first place, followed by Saeima Speaker Janis Straume and MP Silvija Dreimane. Leader of the New Era Einars Repse is the fourth most popular person in the country, although his rating has decreased among non-citizens. The list of three most unpopular persons in Latvia remains the same for months – leader of Equality party Tatyana Zdanoka, leader of the Socialist Party Alfreds Rubiks and leader of the Peoples Party Andris Skele. publishes the list of the most popular persons in Latvia in July. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga is holding the first place, followed by Saeima Speaker Janis Straume and MP Silvija Dreimane. Leader of the New Era Einars Repse is the fourth most popular person in the country, although his rating has decreased among non-citizens. The list of three most unpopular persons in Latvia remains the same for months – leader of Equality party Tatyana Zdanoka, leader of the Socialist Party Alfreds Rubiks and leader of the People’s Party Andris Skele. ChasChas

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Director of TV channel TV 5 Gunta Lidaka provides in-depth information about the new political talk show “”The Russian Issue.” Representatives of all political parties are invited to take part in the show. At the beginning FF/LNNK refused to participate in the show, as they believe that FF/LNNK does not have any supporters among Russian TV viewers. However, finally one of the leaders of FF/LNNK, Juris Dobelis, agreed to participate in the show. The key goal of the show is to provide an overall picture of political forces in Latvia before the 8th Saeima elections. Gunta Lidaka believes that both the Latvian government and the Russian embassy to Latvia should in fact be interested in producing and financing of the show. The show is funded by Russian businessman Boriss Berezovskis’ foundation.

Director of TV channel TV 5 Gunta Lidaka provides in-depth information about the new political talk show The Russian Issue. Representatives of all political parties are invited to take part in the show. At the beginning FF/LNNK refused to participate in the show, as they believe that FF/LNNK does not have any supporters among Russian TV viewers. However, finally one of the leaders of FF/LNNK, Juris Dobelis, agreed to participate in the show. The key goal of the show is to provide an overall picture of political forces in Latvia before the 8th Saeima elections. Gunta Lidaka believes that both the Latvian government and the Russian embassy to Latvia should in fact be interested in producing and financing of the show. The show is funded by Russian businessman Boriss Berezovskis foundation. Chas

Vesti Segodnja

writes about a phone survey conducted by the television company TV5 during a TV discussion between two politicians –- FF/LNNK Juris Dobelis and FHRUL Boris Tsilevich – about whether the Russian language should be granted official status in Latvia. The newspaper stresses that the results were amazing [the show was in Latvian and the newspaper draws the conclusion that people who took part in the survey were Latvians]–- 44% of people said ‘yes to granting Russian the status of the state language. writes about a phone survey conducted by the television company TV5 during a TV discussion between two politicians –- FF/LNNK Juris Dobelis and FHRUL Boris Tsilevich – about whether the Russian language should be granted official status in Latvia. The newspaper stresses that “the results were amazing [the show was in Latvian and the newspaper draws the conclusion that people who took part in the survey were Latvians]–- 44% of people said ‘yes’ to granting Russian the status of the state language.”

Panorama Latvii

publishes a discussion of representatives of two political parties – Valdis Lauskis, Latvian Social Democrats, and Miroslav Mitrafanov, FHRUL. Miroslaf Mitrafanov criticises the social democrats for claiming to represent political stances and ideology of left wing parties, while their real stances differ substantially from this ideology, in particular, in the stance of social democrats regarding the implementation of the education reform in 2004: social democrats believe that integration is going well in the country and secondary minority education should not be funded from the state budget. Valdis Lauskis states that according to the information at his disposal, 90% of parents and teachers of Russian students surveyed believe that it is possible to implement the education reform in 2004. Miroslav Mitrafanov argues that according to his information only half of parents and teachers support the reform. publishes a discussion of representatives of two political parties – Valdis Lauskis, Latvian Social Democrats, and Miroslav Mitrafanov, FHRUL. Miroslaf Mitrafanov criticises the social democrats for claiming to represent political stances and ideology of left wing parties, while their real stances differ substantially from this ideology, in particular, in the stance of social democrats regarding the implementation of the education reform in 2004: social democrats believe that integration is going well in the country and secondary minority education should not be funded from the state budget. Valdis Lauskis states that according to the information at his disposal, 90% of parents and teachers of Russian students surveyed believe that it is possible to implement the education reform in 2004. Miroslav Mitrafanov argues that according to his information only half of parents and teachers support the reform.