Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Vechernaya Riga

provides the information on the procedure and required documents for naturalisation of children in Latvia. provides the information on the procedure and required documents for naturalisation of children in Latvia.

Vesti Segodnya

looks at parties pre-election programmes, in particular, whether parties have included the issue concerning rights of national minorities in their programmes. Latvias Way included a promise to strengthen civil society and foster society integration, but does not indicate the means how to achieve this goal. The long programme of the Peoples Party says that the party will motivate representatives of national minorities to be actively involved in all spheres and affairs. looks at parties’ pre-election programmes, in particular, whether parties have included the issue concerning rights of national minorities in their programmes. Latvia’s Way included a promise to strengthen civil society and foster society integration, but does not indicate the means how to achieve this goal. The long programme of the People’s Party says that the party will “motivate representatives of national minorities to be actively involved in all spheres and affairs.” Vesti SegodnyaVesti Segodnya reminds that the Peoples Party headed the Ministry of Education when the education reform, which foresees the switch of minority secondary schools to Latvian in 2004, was elaborated and adopted. The newspaper reproaches the Peoples Party for not paying any attention to this issue. Regarding the New Era party, the newspaper writes that the party does not mention national minorities in its programme at all. reminds that the People’s Party headed the Ministry of Education when the education reform, which foresees the switch of minority secondary schools to Latvian in 2004, was elaborated and adopted. The newspaper reproaches the People’s Party for not paying any attention to this issue. Regarding the New Era party, the newspaper writes that the party does not mention national minorities in its programme at all. Vesti SegodnyaVesti Segodnya stresses that none of the parties except FHRUL states the need to ratify the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities. stresses that none of the parties except FHRUL states the need to ratify the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities.

Neatkariga

reports that there are two political parties running for the 8th Saeima which clearly demonstrates their ethnic principles in their names and ideologies – the Latvian Party and the Russian Party. The newspaper concludes that both parties fail to represent the majority of Latvians and Russians. reports that there are two political parties running for the 8th Saeima which clearly demonstrates their ethnic principles in their names and ideologies – the Latvian Party and the Russian Party. The newspaper concludes that both parties fail to represent the majority of Latvians and Russians.

Chas

interviews the first ambassador of the Russian Federation to Latvia Aleksandr Rannih. He says that he has a feeling that Latvia did not understand what he wanted to say while being as an Russian ambassador. He states that at these times, when he was an ambassador to Latvia, Russia was ready to start a dialogue with Latvia, however, Latvia was not ready for it. interviews the first ambassador of the Russian Federation to Latvia Aleksandr Rannih. He says that he has a feeling that Latvia did not understand what he wanted to say while being as an Russian ambassador. He states that at these times, when he was an ambassador to Latvia, Russia was ready to start a dialogue with Latvia, however, Latvia was not ready for it.

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

According to the data provided by the Naturalisation Board, 2092 residents of Latvia acquired Latvian citizenship through naturalisation in July. The number of people who naturalised in July this year has almost doubled in comparison to the number of people who naturalised in July last year.

BNS

Considering the deep interest of Latvian residents, the Naturalisation Board will continue to provide a toll-free information phone line. Calling a toll-free number people can obtain information on documents needed to apply for Latvian citizenship and naturalisation procedure. Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

Panorama Latvii

summarises views of its readers about the pre-election campaign of FHRUL. summarises views of its readers about the pre-election campaign of FHRUL. Panorama LatviiPanorama Latvii readers believe that three key points of the partys programme are the following: adoption of the zero option citizenship law, granting the Russian language the status of the state language at municipalities where the number of Russian speakers exceeds 20% and halting the switch of minority secondary schools to Latvian in 2004. readers believe that three key points of the party’s programme are the following: adoption of the zero option citizenship law, granting the Russian language the status of the state language at municipalities where the number of Russian speakers exceeds 20% and halting the switch of minority secondary schools to Latvian in 2004. Within the framework of the support programme run by the Russian Federation about 20 sick children from different cities and towns of Latvia will spend 20 days in a recreation resort in Russia

Within the framework of the support programme run by the Russian Federation about 20 sick children from different cities and towns of Latvia will spend 20 days in a recreation resort in Russia. Vesti Segodnya

Lauku Avize

provides an in-depth information about the new Russian Citizenship Law and talks to an official of the Russian Embassy to Latvia. The official states that for the time being the application process is halted. According to the data provided by the official, 40 people in May and 70 people in June applied for Russian citizenship. When asked about the number of people who have applied for Russian citizenship since Latvia has regained its independence, the official says that the embassy does not know the exact number as people from Latvia apply for Russian citizenship at the Russian embassy to Latvia and also in Russia. provides an in-depth information about the new Russian Citizenship Law and talks to an official of the Russian Embassy to Latvia. The official states that for the time being the application process is halted. According to the data provided by the official, 40 people in May and 70 people in June applied for Russian citizenship. When asked about the number of people who have applied for Russian citizenship since Latvia has regained its independence, the official says that the embassy does not know the exact number as people from Latvia apply for Russian citizenship at the Russian embassy to Latvia and also in Russia.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Within a framework of a new project launched by

Within a framework of a new project launched by Neatkariga Rita Avize and the Integration Foundation, Neatkariga devotes a page to articles about social integration issues in Latvia. As of today the newspaper will publish a monthly supplement discussing issues of social integration in the country.

Neatkariga

talks to talks to ChasChas columnist Aleksandr Shabanov who acquired Latvian citizenship through naturalisation last year. Shabanov states that the right to participate in elections was one of the key reasons motivating him to naturalise. Shabanov says that he does not identify himself as a Latvian, although he cannot identify himself as a Russian either. columnist Aleksandr Shabanov who acquired Latvian citizenship through naturalisation last year. Shabanov states that the right to participate in elections was one of the key reasons motivating him to naturalise. Shabanov says that he does not identify himself as a Latvian, although he cannot identify himself as a Russian either. Neatkariga reports on the results of the public awareness and citizenship promotion campaign run by the Naturalisation Board. The campaign was launched in November last year and ended in April this year. Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies researcher Ilze Brands Kehris conducted the evaluation of the results of the campaign. According to Brands Kehris, the campaign, along with other important initiatives (reduction of the state fee for naturalisation and others), increased the number of naturalisation applications by 20-30%. Brands Kehris emphasises that in general the campaign was perceived as an expression of the government’s wish to see non-citizens as a part of Latvian society. The newspaper provides the results of two surveys (one conducted by the Naturalisation Board, another by the company SKDS) about the attitude of respondents to the campaign.

Neatkariga reports on the results of the public awareness and citizenship promotion campaign run by the Naturalisation Board. The campaign was launched in November last year and ended in April this year. Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies researcher Ilze Brands Kehris conducted the evaluation of the results of the campaign. According to Brands Kehris, the campaign, along with other important initiatives (reduction of the state fee for naturalisation and others), increased the number of naturalisation applications by 20-30%. Brands Kehris emphasises that in general the campaign was perceived as an expression of the governments wish to see non-citizens as a part of Latvian society. The newspaper provides the results of two surveys (one conducted by the Naturalisation Board, another by the company SKDS) about the attitude of respondents to the campaign.

Neatkarigas

columnist Voldemars Hermanis quotes articles concerning non-citizen issues in the Russian language press, in particular, articles published in Russian newspapers about the latest report of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance on Latvia. He stresses that Russian language journalists paid too much attention to this report. columnist Voldemars Hermanis quotes articles concerning non-citizen issues in the Russian language press, in particular, articles published in Russian newspapers about the latest report of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance on Latvia. He stresses that Russian language journalists paid too much attention to this report. The newspaper reports on the situation of Estonians as an ethnic minority in Latvia. Estonians are one of the oldest ethnic minorities in Latvia and they do not have any problems with integration into Latvian society.

The newspaper reports on the situation of Estonians as an ethnic minority in Latvia. Estonians are one of the oldest ethnic minorities in Latvia and they do not have any problems with integration into Latvian society.

Neatkariga

publishes an article about bilingual education in Estonia and its decision to postpone the switch to Estonian language instruction of secondary minority schools. . publishes an article about bilingual education in Estonia and its decision to postpone the switch to Estonian language instruction of secondary minority schools. .

Vesti Segodnya

columnist, election candidate of FHRUL Nikolay Kabanov looks into the lists of parties running for the 8th Saeima elections and counts the number of persons of Russian ethnic background in the lists. The lists of currently governing parties and the most popular party New Era have none or 1-2 election candidates who are Russians. He doubts whether people who are not Russians can represent their interests in the Parliament. columnist, election candidate of FHRUL Nikolay Kabanov looks into the lists of parties running for the 8th Saeima elections and counts the number of persons of Russian ethnic background in the lists. The lists of currently governing parties and the most popular party New Era have none or 1-2 election candidates who are Russians. He doubts whether people who are not Russians can represent their interests in the Parliament.

Vesti Segodnya

asks several questions to election candidate of the Progress Party Eriks Rozencveigs. He believes if a person lives in Latvia and pays taxes, s/he must have the right to participate at the decision taking process in his/her small world. Regarding the choice of an instruction language at schools, Rozencveigs states that this decision should be made by students parents. asks several questions to election candidate of the Progress Party Eriks Rozencveigs. He believes if a person lives in Latvia and pays taxes, s/he must have the right to participate at the decision taking process in “his/her small world.” Regarding the choice of an instruction language at schools, Rozencveigs states that this decision should be made by students’ parents.

Chas

reports that the Russian news agency ITAR-TASS will open its office in Riga. The key task of the agency will be provision of complete and objective information about Latvia and Baltic states to Russia. reports that the Russian news agency ITAR-TASS will open its office in Riga. The key task of the agency will be provision of complete and objective information about Latvia and Baltic states to Russia. Russia has suspended the process of receiving applications for Russian citizenship at Russian embassies abroad. The embassies, including the Russian embassy to Latvia, decided to halt the process until they receive clear regulations on the procedure of awarding Russian citizenship a in accordance with the new Russian Citizenship Law.

Russia has suspended the process of receiving applications for Russian citizenship at Russian embassies abroad. The embassies, including the Russian embassy to Latvia, decided to halt the process until they receive clear regulations on the procedure of awarding Russian citizenship a in accordance with the new Russian Citizenship Law. Diena, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Vesti Segodnja publishes the answers of election candidate of the Union Centrs Odisejs Kostanda about his partys electoral programme. He states that his party will struggle for building a unified civil society in Latvia. Kostanda is convinced that non-citizens should have the right to participate in municipal elections and that it is currently impossible to implement the switch of minority secondary schools to Latvian.

Rigas Balss

interviews political scientist Jen Zvirgzdgrauds about political parties and their prospects in the 8th Saeima. Jen Zvirgzdgrauds says that Russians will vote for both right and left wing parties if only these parties are Russian. According to Zvirgzdgrauds Russians will have 20-30 seats in the 8th Saeima, while Repses party will have about 15. He believes that it will be very difficult to form long term coalitions in the next Saeima. interviews political scientist Jen Zvirgzdgrauds about political parties and their prospects in the 8th Saeima. Jen Zvirgzdgrauds says that Russians will vote for both right and left wing parties if only these parties are Russian. According to Zvirgzdgrauds “Russians” will have 20-30 seats in the 8th Saeima, while Repse’s party will have about 15. He believes that it will be very difficult to form long term coalitions in the next Saeima.

Lauku Avize

asks the opinion of leader of the Peoples Party Andris Skele about the statements of party member Aleksandrs Kirsteins about relations between Latvia and Russia. Aleksandrs Kirsteins recently stated that there is no sense in seeking to improve relations between the countries. Andris Skele disagrees with Kirsteins opinion, but believes that the reaction of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs towards Kirsteins statements was exaggerated. asks the opinion of leader of the People’s Party Andris Skele about the statements of party member Aleksandrs Kirsteins about relations between Latvia and Russia. Aleksandrs Kirsteins recently stated that there is no sense in seeking to improve relations between the countries. Andris Skele disagrees with Kirsteins’ opinion, but believes that the reaction of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs towards Kirsteins’ statements was exaggerated.

Panorama Latvii

reports that the Russian embassies in the CIS and Baltic countries will launch a new campaign in the fall. The Russian embassies will provide Russian schools with study books and teaching aids in the Russian language. reports that the Russian embassies in the CIS and Baltic countries will launch a new campaign in the fall. The Russian embassies will provide Russian schools with study books and teaching aids in the Russian language.

Panorama Latvii

comments on Voldemars Hermanis article in comments on Voldemars Hermanis’ article in Neatkariga Neatkariga about non-citizens and giving them the right to vote. Panorama Latvii concludes that there is only one party, which fights for anti-discrimination laws, and that is FHRUL. about non-citizens and giving them the right to vote. Panorama Latvii concludes that there is only one party, which fights for anti-discrimination laws, and that is FHRUL.

Chas

reports on the exhibition about the history and current situation of the Roma community in Latvia in the Latvian Academic Library. reports on the exhibition about the history and current situation of the Roma community in Latvia in the Latvian Academic Library.

Rigas Balss

interviews former long-term director of the State Language Centre Dzintra Hirsa. Dzintra Hirsa states that the key problem concerning the language realm is a mess in language legislation. interviews former long-term director of the State Language Centre Dzintra Hirsa. Dzintra Hirsa states that the key problem concerning the language realm is “a mess in language legislation.” According to

According to Vesti Segodnya the Estonian Parliament has amended the Estonian Language Law. The new amendments stipulate that employees of private companies and non-commercial organisations are no longer required to speak the Estonian language.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Vechernaya Riga interviews FHRULs member and Vesti Segodnya journalist Nikolay Kabanov, who is running for 8th Saeima elections. Nikolay Kabanov states that the key problem is that in 1991 Latvias residents were divided into two categories – citizens and non-citizens. According to Kabanov, the language issue is well balanced in practice. However, all problems arise due to politicisation of the issue in Latvia. Nikolay Kabanov believes that the Russian language should be given the status of second state language in municipalities where the number of Russian speakers exceeds 20% of the total number of residents. He states that the year 2004 [the scheduled time for the implementation of the switch of minority secondary schools to Latvian] will show whether there is any sense to discuss the future of Russians in Latvia.

Vesti Segodnya

asks questions to election candidate from the Green Party Indulis Emsis. In response to a question, Indulis Emsis states that he supports education in a mother tongue. He adds, however, that a person should also speak the language of the country of residence. Regarding the right of non-citizens to participate in municipal elections, Indulis Emsis says that the issue could be discussed. asks questions to election candidate from the Green Party Indulis Emsis. In response to a question, Indulis Emsis states that he supports education in a mother tongue. He adds, however, that a person should also speak the language of the country of residence. Regarding the right of non-citizens to participate in municipal elections, Indulis Emsis says that the issue could be discussed.

Vesti Segodnya

reports on a case of a refugee family from Chechnya that lives in an illegal immigrant camp in Olaine already for a year. The family asked for asylum a year ago, but after 9 months spent in the camp, the Nunayevs received a refusal. The Latvian government stated that the family does not have justified grounds to receive asylum in Latvia. Nunayev announced that as of today he and his wife and three of their children would go on a hunger strike. Ramzan Nunayev states that the living conditions at the camp are very bad: there are so many refugees here, we all are ill, nobody takes care of us. reports on a case of a refugee family from Chechnya that lives in an illegal immigrant camp in Olaine already for a year. The family asked for asylum a year ago, but after 9 months spent in the camp, the Nunayevs received a refusal. The Latvian government stated that the family does not have justified grounds to receive asylum in Latvia. Nunayev announced that as of today he and his wife and three of their children would go on a hunger strike. Ramzan Nunayev states that the living conditions at the camp are very bad: “there are so many refugees here, we all are ill, nobody takes care of us.”

Telegraf

writes that the living conditions at the camp are not so bad – the building and rooms are currently under repair. The administration of the camp has recently been replaced and the new administration has not received any reprimand. writes that the living conditions at the camp are not so bad – the building and rooms are currently under repair. The administration of the camp has recently been replaced and the new administration has not received any reprimand. Elton Gallegly, the chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Europe is on a three-day visit in Latvia. The USA official held meetings with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Justice. Elton Gallegly inquired about integration and naturalisation processes in Latvia during his meeting with representatives from the Justice Ministry. Solvita Harbacevica, advisor to the Minister of Justice Ingrida Labucka, stated that social integration has been a very difficult but successful process, there are now several institutions that deal with this issue, including non-governmental organisations.

Elton Gallegly, the chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Europe is on a three-day visit in Latvia. The USA official held meetings with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Justice. Elton Gallegly inquired about integration and naturalisation processes in Latvia during his meeting with representatives from the Justice Ministry. Solvita Harbacevica, advisor to the Minister of Justice Ingrida Labucka, stated that social integration has been a very difficult but successful process, there are now several institutions that deal with this issue, including non-governmental organisations. LETA