Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Diena launches a new series of articles about the achievements of the 7th Saeima in different spheres. The first article is about human rights written by director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks. Among the major legislative developments over the last four years, Muiznieks mentions adoption of the State Language Law and regulations, amendments to the Law on the Constitutional Court permitting individuals to file complaints, adoption of a new Labour Law with strong anti-discrimination provisions, adoption of a new Administrative Procedure Code, strengthening of the right to abortion in the new Law on Sexual and Reproductive Health, provision for conscientious objection in a new Alternative Service Law, and abolition of the language requirement for public office. The next parliament will have to adopt a new Criminal Procedure Code, codify patients’ rights, as well as modify legislation so as to be able to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Human Rights Bioethics, as well as the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Muiznieks also points to judicial reform, long pre-trial detention terms and an inadequate state-funded system for providing legal aid to the public as major problems.

Diena launches a new series of articles about the achievements of the 7th Saeima in different spheres. The first article is about human rights written by director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks. Among the major legislative developments over the last four years, Muiznieks mentions adoption of the State Language Law and regulations, amendments to the Law on the Constitutional Court permitting individuals to file complaints, adoption of a new Labour Law with strong anti-discrimination provisions, adoption of a new Administrative Procedure Code, strengthening of the right to abortion in the new Law on Sexual and Reproductive Health, provision for conscientious objection in a new Alternative Service Law, and abolition of the language requirement for public office. The next parliament will have to adopt a new Criminal Procedure Code, codify patients rights, as well as modify legislation so as to be able to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Human Rights Bioethics, as well as the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Muiznieks also points to judicial reform, long pre-trial detention terms and an inadequate state-funded system for providing legal aid to the public as major problems.

Neatkariga

publishes the latest naturalisation statistics. This year, 6024 people have acquired Latvian citizenship. In total 55,419 people have acquired Latvian citizenship since the naturalisation process was launched in 1995. publishes the latest naturalisation statistics. This year, 6024 people have acquired Latvian citizenship. In total 55,419 people have acquired Latvian citizenship since the naturalisation process was launched in 1995.

Neatkariga

talks to political scientist Janis Ikstens about prospects of political parties in the 8th Saeima elections. When asked why FF/LNNKs popularity rating has decreased, Ikstens replies that the number of people believing in national ideas has not reduced, but many of them do not trust FF/LNNK any more. Janis Ikstens is convinced that left wing parties will not dominate in the next Saeima, but states that everything depends whether there will be any government coalitions with FHRUL. Ikstens says that although our NATO aspirations are successful, we will continue to be monitored. What influence FHRUL will have in the 8th Saeima could change the attitude towards Latvias membership in NATO. talks to political scientist Janis Ikstens about prospects of political parties in the 8th Saeima elections. When asked why FF/LNNK’s popularity rating has decreased, Ikstens replies that the number of people believing in national ideas has not reduced, but many of them do not trust FF/LNNK any more. Janis Ikstens is convinced that left wing parties will not dominate in the next Saeima, but states that everything depends whether there will be any government coalitions with FHRUL. Ikstens says that “although our NATO aspirations are successful, we will continue to be monitored. What influence FHRUL will have in the 8th Saeima could change the attitude towards Latvia’s membership in NATO.” Panorama Latvii provides information about job possibilities in Russia and what rules should be observed when looking for a job in Russia.

Panorama Latvii provides information about job possibilities in Russia and what rules should be observed when looking for a job in Russia.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

7 candidates have applied for the repeatedly announced contest for the post of a director of the State Language Centre. The selection commission invited two candidates for the second round of the contest – head of the Control Department of the State Language Centre Maris Birzgalis and deputy head of the State Language Centre Agris Timuska. The interviews will be held next week.

7 candidates have applied for the repeatedly announced contest for the post of a director of the State Language Centre. The selection commission invited two candidates for the second round of the contest – head of the Control Department of the State Language Centre Maris Birzgalis and deputy head of the State Language Centre Agris Timuska. The interviews will be held next week. Neatkariga

A new study “Occupational Representation and Ethnic Discrimination” developed by political scientist Artis Pabriks and funded by the Soros Foundation in Latvia will be released in the beginning of September. According to the data provided by the study, the highest rate of minorities among the state institutions is in the Police and Prison Administration. Only 8% of total ministries’ staff are representatives of national minorities. In the business sphere the proportion between Latvians and non-Latvians reflect the actual proportion of nationalities in the country.

A new study Occupational Representation and Ethnic Discrimination developed by political scientist Artis Pabriks and funded by the Soros Foundation in Latvia will be released in the beginning of September. According to the data provided by the study, the highest rate of minorities among the state institutions is in the Police and Prison Administration. Only 8% of total ministries staff are representatives of national minorities. In the business sphere the proportion between Latvians and non-Latvians reflect the actual proportion of nationalities in the country. Vesti Segodnya

Panorama Latvii

publishes an article by FHRUL MP Boriss Tsilevich about citizenship issues in Latvia. Boriss Tsilevich stresses that almost none of parties pre-election programmes says a word about citizenship issues in Latvia, but only gives promises to improve the socio-economic situation. Tsilevich believes that citizenship issues are closely related to socio-economic issues and attention should be paid to both. publishes an article by FHRUL MP Boriss Tsilevich about citizenship issues in Latvia. Boriss Tsilevich stresses that almost none of parties’ pre-election programmes says a word about citizenship issues in Latvia, but only gives promises to improve the socio-economic situation. Tsilevich believes that citizenship issues are closely related to socio-economic issues and attention should be paid to both.

Telegraf

provides in-depth information about the new TV show The Russian Issue which will be aired by two Latvian commercial TV channels – TV 5 and LNT. The show will be a discussion of politicians on the issues important for Russians living in Latvia. The Civil Freedom Foundation headed by Russian businessman Boriss Berezovsky is the sponsor of the show. provides in-depth information about the new TV show “The Russian Issue” which will be aired by two Latvian commercial TV channels – TV 5 and LNT. The show will be a discussion of politicians on the issues important for Russians living in Latvia. The Civil Freedom Foundation headed by Russian businessman Boriss Berezovsky is the sponsor of the show.

Telegraf

and and DienaDiena interview vice-president of the World Jewish Congress and chairman of the Holocaust Educational Trust, Lord Grenville Janner. Lord Grenville Janner came to Latvia to launch a project on locating and maintaining mass graves of Jews in Latvia. Lord Grenville Janner held a number of meetings with high Latvian officials. interview vice-president of the World Jewish Congress and chairman of the Holocaust Educational Trust, Lord Grenville Janner. Lord Grenville Janner came to Latvia to launch a project on locating and maintaining mass graves of Jews in Latvia. Lord Grenville Janner held a number of meetings with high Latvian officials. According to an opinion poll conducted by the company “Latvijas Fakti”, the most popular party in August is still the New Era Party, although it has experienced a slight decrease in its rating. FHRUL is second and experiences a slight decrease as well. The People’s Party is the third most popular party in August and its popularity rating has grown. Then comes Latvia’s Way and FF/LNNK.

According to an opinion poll conducted by the company Latvijas Fakti, the most popular party in August is still the New Era Party, although it has experienced a slight decrease in its rating. FHRUL is second and experiences a slight decrease as well. The Peoples Party is the third most popular party in August and its popularity rating has grown. Then comes Latvias Way and FF/LNNK. Diena, Jauna Avize, Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Vesti Segodnya

asks several questions of one of the leaders of the Union of the Green Party and the Farmer Party Ingrida Udre. Regarding giving the rights to non-citizens to participate at municipal elections, Udre says, One of the EU requirements is to provide the right to non-citizens to participate at municipal elections and we will have to do it… On the switch of minority secondary schools to Latvian, she states that the issue should be reviewed as the state cannot guarantee the qualitative switch – teachers are not trained and no funds from the budget are allotted for this purpose. asks several questions of one of the leaders of the Union of the Green Party and the Farmer Party Ingrida Udre. Regarding giving the rights to non-citizens to participate at municipal elections, Udre says, “One of the EU requirements is to provide the right to non-citizens to participate at municipal elections and we will have to do it…” On the switch of minority secondary schools to Latvian, she states that the issue should be reviewed as the state cannot guarantee the qualitative switch – teachers are not trained and no funds from the budget are allotted for this purpose.”

Chas

reports on the on-line discussion with director of the Association for Support of Russian Language Schools in Latvia Igor Pimenov. The key discussion subject was the switch of minority secondary school to Latvian in 2004. The interest of Chas readers was very high and the discussion went on for several hours. Igor Pimenov states that the education reform will take place if taxpayers continue to keep silent. He states that halting of the reform should not be considered as a victory or loss by any of the involved and interested parties. He concludes that for the time being only FHRUL fully supports incentives of the ASRLSL in the field of education. reports on the on-line discussion with director of the Association for Support of Russian Language Schools in Latvia Igor Pimenov. The key discussion subject was the switch of minority secondary school to Latvian in 2004. The interest of “Chas” readers was very high and the discussion went on for several hours. Igor Pimenov states that the education reform will take place if taxpayers continue to keep silent. He states that halting of the reform should not be considered as a victory or loss by any of the involved and interested parties. He concludes that for the time being only FHRUL fully supports incentives of the ASRLSL in the field of education. On Tuesday

On Tuesday Telegraf organised a phone discussion with its readers about the education reform in 2004. Today the newspaper publishes several opinions about the switch of minority secondary schools to Latvian in 2004.

Panorama Latvii

publishes a questionnaire developed by the Association for Support of Russian Language Schools in Latvia regarding the education reform in 2004 and calls on its readers to fill in the form and deliver it to the newspaper or the ASRLSL. publishes a questionnaire developed by the Association for Support of Russian Language Schools in Latvia regarding the education reform in 2004 and calls on its readers to fill in the form and deliver it to the newspaper or the ASRLSL.

Lauku Avize

interviews correspondent of Russias Independent TV channel in the Baltic countries Vladislavs Andrejevs. He states that his channel is one of the Russian TV channels, which provides true and objective information about the Baltic countries to the Russian audience. Vladislavs Andrejevs is a Russian, who was born in Latvia and acquired Latvian citizenship through naturalisation. Regarding the upcoming elections Vladislavs Andrejevs says that he will take part in the elections, but is not sure which party he will vote for. When asked if FHRUL protects the interests of Russians in Latvia, he says that FHRUL is a party for old people who live in the past. About the Russian language press in Latvia, Andrejevs says that he is ashamed about their efforts to impose only their view on readers and that the only newspaper, which he reads in Russian, is interviews correspondent of Russia’s Independent TV channel in the Baltic countries Vladislavs Andrejevs. He states that his channel is one of the Russian TV channels, which provides true and objective information about the Baltic countries to the Russian audience. Vladislavs Andrejevs is a Russian, who was born in Latvia and acquired Latvian citizenship through naturalisation. Regarding the upcoming elections Vladislavs Andrejevs says that he will take part in the elections, but is not sure which party he will vote for. When asked if FHRUL protects the interests of Russians in Latvia, he says that FHRUL is a party for old people who live in the past. About the Russian language press in Latvia, Andrejevs says that he is ashamed about their efforts to impose only their view on readers and that the only newspaper, which he reads in Russian, is TelegrafTelegraf. . Commercial TV channel TV5 will produce a new show “Russian Issue” which will discuss the pre-election programmes of parties. Politicians from the ruling parties and parties running for the 8th Saeima will be invited to take part in the show. The new programme will exclusively discuss those points in parties’ programmes, which relate to Russian interests.

Commercial TV channel TV5 will produce a new show Russian Issue which will discuss the pre-election programmes of parties. Politicians from the ruling parties and parties running for the 8th Saeima will be invited to take part in the show. The new programme will exclusively discuss those points in parties programmes, which relate to Russian interests. Tele Programme

Telegraf

reports on the results of the study visit of Russian teachers from Latvia to Russia, which was a part of the support programme of Russia to its compatriots. During 2 weeks 65 teachers have acquired new knowledge, skills and ideas. reports on the results of the study visit of Russian teachers from Latvia to Russia, which was a part of the support programme of Russia to its compatriots. During 2 weeks 65 teachers have acquired new knowledge, skills and ideas. The Government and Presidium of the International Roma Union will hold its session in Riga this week.

The Government and Presidium of the International Roma Union will hold its session in Riga this week. Vesti Segodnya

Two dark-skinned musicians who were filmed in the clip of the Freedom Party have filed a second claim with the General Prosecutor’s Office against the Freedom Party. The musicians accuse the Freedom Party in kindling national hatred.

Two dark-skinned musicians who were filmed in the clip of the Freedom Party have filed a second claim with the General Prosecutors Office against the Freedom Party. The musicians accuse the Freedom Party in kindling national hatred. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Telegraf

and and Vesti SegodnyaVesti Segodnya publish an open letter of national bolsheviks to Raimonds Pauls, famous composer who recently became a member of the Peoples Party. National bolsheviks blame the Peoples Party for taking anti-Russian positions on all issues, therefore Raimonds Pauls cannot claim himself to be a friend of Russians. publish an open letter of national bolsheviks to Raimonds Pauls, famous composer who recently became a member of the People’s Party. National bolsheviks blame the People’s Party for taking anti-Russian positions on all issues, therefore Raimonds Pauls cannot claim himself to be a friend of Russians.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Vechernaya Riga

interviews head of the Education, Youth and Sport Department of the Riga City Council Elmars Vebers about the upcoming school year. Elmars Vebers is also well known researcher of integration issues in Latvia. He states that his co-operation with the Integration Foundation and other institutions dealing with integration issues will continue, but will not have any impact on his new duties in the Council. Elmars Vebers reports that the Riga City Council is planning to form a Public Council dealing with integration issues as well. The newspaper writes that Vebers did not want to disclose the plans of the department regarding Russian problems, however, it is obvious that there will be changes in this field. interviews head of the Education, Youth and Sport Department of the Riga City Council Elmars Vebers about the upcoming school year. Elmars Vebers is also well known researcher of integration issues in Latvia. He states that his co-operation with the Integration Foundation and other institutions dealing with integration issues will continue, but will not have any impact on his new duties in the Council. Elmars Vebers reports that the Riga City Council is planning to form a Public Council dealing with integration issues as well. The newspaper writes that “Vebers did not want to disclose the plans of the department regarding “Russian problems”, however, it is obvious that there will be changes in this field.”

Chas

discusses the application and selection procedure of a candidate for the post of the director of the State Language Centre. discusses the application and selection procedure of a candidate for the post of the director of the State Language Centre. Chas Chas reports that today the name of the new director should be announced, however, not all the names of the 6 applicants have been disclosed yet. reports that today the name of the new director should be announced, however, not all the names of the 6 applicants have been disclosed yet.

Chas

reports that within a week FHRUL will re-launch its website. This time the most attention will be drawn to spelling of foreign first and last names according to the rules of Latvian grammar. FHRUL hopes that this information will help people to fight the Latvian bureaucracy and even to file a claim with the European Court of Human Rights. reports that within a week FHRUL will re-launch its website. This time the most attention will be drawn to spelling of foreign first and last names according to the rules of Latvian grammar. FHRUL hopes that this information will help people to fight the Latvian bureaucracy and even to file a claim with the European Court of Human Rights.

Vesti Segodnya

talks to leader of the First Party Ainars Slesars about the pre-election programme of his party. When asked about possible solutions to non-citizens issues, Ainars Slesars states that we want people to live and work together irrespective of their ethnic background. In regard to the switch of minority secondary schools to Latvian in 2004 – it is impossible even technically. talks to leader of the First Party Ainars Slesars about the pre-election programme of his party. When asked about possible solutions to non-citizens issues, Ainars Slesars states that “we want people to live and work together irrespective of their ethnic background. In regard to the switch of minority secondary schools to Latvian in 2004 – it is impossible even technically.”

Telegraf

talks to FF/LNNK MP Juris Vidins. He is convinced that his party would have succeeded with decolonisation of Latvia, but then it would have caused many problems in the international arena. He admits that FF/LNNK is not representing the majority of Latvians. Vidins denies any co-operation possibility with national extremist Aivars Garda and believes that actually Garda works for FHRUL and Moscow. talks to FF/LNNK MP Juris Vidins. He is convinced that his party would have succeeded with decolonisation of Latvia, but then it would have caused many problems in the international arena. He admits that FF/LNNK is not representing the majority of Latvians. Vidins denies any co-operation possibility with national extremist Aivars Garda and believes that actually Garda works for FHRUL and Moscow.

Vesti Segodnya

continues to report about the activities of extremist Aivars Garda. continues to report about the activities of extremist Aivars Garda. Yesterday the government of Moscow adopted a support programme to Russians residing abroad for the years 2003-2005. Moscow set the following priority areas: provision of medical and legal aid to Russians residing abroad; development of education in the Russian language, improvement of business relations with Russia.

Yesterday the government of Moscow adopted a support programme to Russians residing abroad for the years 2003-2005. Moscow set the following priority areas: provision of medical and legal aid to Russians residing abroad; development of education in the Russian language, improvement of business relations with Russia. Panorama Latvii

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Lauku Avize reports that 6 candidates have applied for the post of the director of the State Language Centre. Two of the candidates agreed to disclose their names, and they are - lecturers at the Department of the Baltic languages of the University of Latvia Iveta Grinberga and Inga Ivanova. According to unofficial information head of the State Language Inspection Maris Birzgalis has applied for the post as well.

The Naturalisation Board will hold an information day on August 21 in Riga. Interested persons can obtain information about the procedure of naturalisation and take trial naturalisation tests.

The Naturalisation Board will hold an information day on August 21 in Riga. Interested persons can obtain information about the procedure of naturalisation and take trial naturalisation tests. Neatkariga, Telegraf

Panorama Latvii

introduces its readers to activities and projects of the Tatar association in Latvia. introduces its readers to activities and projects of the Tatar association in Latvia. The Jewish community in Latvia voiced their support to Latvia’s membership to NATO. Regarding the open letter of the non-governmental organisation "Jewish Survivors of Latvia" to the U.S. president, Congress and the Simon Wiesenthal Center, which states that Latvia does not deserve NATO membership, head of the Jewish community in Riga Arkadijs Suharenko says that Latvia does not have any problems in the field of ethnic relations and Latvia is on the right track. He believes that no imposed apologies are useful.

The Jewish community in Latvia voiced their support to Latvias membership to NATO. Regarding the open letter of the non-governmental organisation "Jewish Survivors of Latvia" to the U.S. president, Congress and the Simon Wiesenthal Center, which states that Latvia does not deserve NATO membership, head of the Jewish community in Riga Arkadijs Suharenko says that Latvia does not have any problems in the field of ethnic relations and Latvia is on the right track. He believes that no imposed apologies are useful. Lauku Avize

Vesti Segodnya

interviews leader of the Socialist Party Alfreds Rubiks. He doubts whether the EU accepts Latvia as its member if Latvia does not solve its non-citizen issue. Concerning the right to obtain education in a mother tongue, Rubiks states that halting of the education reform scheduled for 2004 is one of the top priority issues in his party programme. interviews leader of the Socialist Party Alfreds Rubiks. He doubts whether the EU accepts Latvia as its member if Latvia does not solve its non-citizen issue. Concerning the right to obtain education in a mother tongue, Rubiks states that halting of the education reform scheduled for 2004 is one of the top priority issues in his party programme. Yesterday deputy minister of the Russian Interior Ministry Andrej Chernenko and General of the Latvian National Border Guard Forces Gunars Dabolins signed an agreement on co-operation against illegal immigrants.

Yesterday deputy minister of the Russian Interior Ministry Andrej Chernenko and General of the Latvian National Border Guard Forces Gunars Dabolins signed an agreement on co-operation against illegal immigrants. Vechernaya Riga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Teslegraf, Panorama Latvii