Press Review

Press Review

The gathering of the worldТs Russian-language press representatives scheduled for July 25-28 to take place in Riga will bring new accents into the protest activities against the language regulations. The rallies will be addressed to the guests of this event. Editors of the Russian media published in Latvia yesterday agreed that the Language Law threatens the freedom of speech since it restricts the access to information for journalists and residents. The editors are planning to prepare a joint statement after consulting with the World Association of Russian Press.

The gathering of the worldТs Russian-language press representatives scheduled for July 25-28 to take place in Riga will bring new accents into the protest activities against the language regulations. The rallies will be addressed to the guests of this event. Editors of the Russian media published in Latvia yesterday agreed that the Language Law threatens the freedom of speech since it restricts the access to information for journalists and residents. The editors are planning to prepare a joint statement after consulting with the World Association of Russian Press. Diena, Vesti

There are more complaints going from Latvia to the European Court of Human Rights. The most recent one is from Aleksandrs Lavents, the former banker of Banka Baltija facing imprisonment for 13 years.

There are more complaints going from Latvia to the European Court of Human Rights. The most recent one is from Aleksandrs Lavents, the former banker of Banka Baltija facing imprisonment for 13 years. Diena

After the invitation of MP Juris Vidins, head of LatviaТs Chechnya Parliamentary support group 4 Chechens from Moscow and Chechnya are staying in Latvia.

After the invitation of MP Juris Vidins, head of LatviaТs Chechnya Parliamentary support group 4 Chechens from Moscow and Chechnya are staying in Latvia. Neatkariga

The left-wing forces yesterday closed the protest activities that were going on by the Cabinet of Ministers building. The organizers said that in the coming weeks the rallies will take place in other places with a goal to inform international community about restriction of rights of non-Latvians in Latvia.

The left-wing forces yesterday closed the protest activities that were going on by the Cabinet of Ministers building. The organizers said that in the coming weeks the rallies will take place in other places with a goal to inform international community about restriction of rights of non-Latvians in Latvia. Neatkariga

Prime Minister Andris Bзrziтр allows a possibility that after the Latvian-Russian relations improve the issue of demanding compensation from Russia for the damage caused during the Soviet occupation may become topical.

Prime Minister Andris Bзrziтр allows a possibility that after the Latvian-Russian relations improve the issue of demanding compensation from Russia for the damage caused during the Soviet occupation may become topical. Vesti

Colonel Viktor Alksnis, Russian Duma deputy who is originally from Latvia, supports PutinТs moves in the direction of authoritarian rule and predicts that his next step will be active defense of Russians and Russian citizens living abroad. Alksnis is sure that Putin will use all political and economic instruments to do that.

Colonel Viktor Alksnis, Russian Duma deputy who is originally from Latvia, supports PutinТs moves in the direction of authoritarian rule and predicts that his next step will be active defense of Russians and Russian citizens living abroad. Alksnis is sure that Putin will use all political and economic instruments to do that. Vesti

Chas

writes that there are first signs that Latvian authorities are considering to ease quotas applied to commercial TV and radio stations providing that only 1/4th of the air time can be taken by broadcasts in other than the state language. The move is said to be intended to lead the Russian-speaking audience out of the influence of RussiaТs TV channels. writes that there are first signs that Latvian authorities are considering to ease quotas applied to commercial TV and radio stations providing that only 1/4th of the air time can be taken by broadcasts in other than the state language. The move is said to be intended to lead the Russian-speaking audience out of the influence of RussiaТs TV channels.

Press Review

Ater yesterday’s meeting of Latvian President Freiberga and Justice Minister Labucka, Labucka informed the press that it was planned to finish the work on language regulations next week and then ask expertise of the OSCE so that in August the regulations could go to government for discussion. The president was sure that the language regulations will comply with Latvia’s international commitments and the spirit of the language law.

Ater yesterdays meeting of Latvian President Freiberga and Justice Minister Labucka, Labucka informed the press that it was planned to finish the work on language regulations next week and then ask expertise of the OSCE so that in August the regulations could go to government for discussion. The president was sure that the language regulations will comply with Latvias international commitments and the spirit of the language law. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Vesti, Chas

More than 1000 letters addressed to different government ministers with an appeal to not support adoption of discriminatory language regulations were mailed after the protest rallies organized by the movement Equality. Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins received about 100 letters. In the answer to these letters Berzins wrote that these people have become victims of provocation and two official languages will not be admitted in Latvia.

More than 1000 letters addressed to different government ministers with an appeal to not support adoption of discriminatory language regulations were mailed after the protest rallies organized by the movement Equality. Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins received about 100 letters. In the answer to these letters Berzins wrote that these people have become victims of provocation and two official languages will not be admitted in Latvia. Diena

Russian Foreign Ministry expressed official regret for the damage caused to the Latvian Consulate in St. Petersburg on July 14. However, Russian authorities still do not provide guarding of the building at night.

Russian Foreign Ministry expressed official regret for the damage caused to the Latvian Consulate in St. Petersburg on July 14. However, Russian authorities still do not provide guarding of the building at night. Diena

Central Board of Statistics finished entering of census data in the computer system. Now data will be processed and the first results will be published in October.

Central Board of Statistics finished entering of census data in the computer system. Now data will be processed and the first results will be published in October. Diena

The Union of Citizens and Non-citizens launched collecting of signatures in May to initiate referendum on granting non-citizens the right to vote in municipal elections. Yesterday the organization informed the press that 121 notarized signatures are collected. The organizers explain that by fact that non-citizens have become inactive. As the main task the organization sees facilitating of naturalization and to do that they suggest to cancel the Ls30 state duty payment and granting election rights to non-citizens.

The Union of Citizens and Non-citizens launched collecting of signatures in May to initiate referendum on granting non-citizens the right to vote in municipal elections. Yesterday the organization informed the press that 121 notarized signatures are collected. The organizers explain that by fact that non-citizens have become inactive. As the main task the organization sees facilitating of naturalization and to do that they suggest to cancel the Ls30 state duty payment and granting election rights to non-citizens. Neatkariga, Diena, Vesti,

Tomorrow at the Human Rights Office a meeting of the advisory council will review compliance of the draft language regulations to the human rights principles.

Tomorrow at the Human Rights Office a meeting of the advisory council will review compliance of the draft language regulations to the human rights principles. Lauku Avize

In response to a recent article in

In response to a recent article in Chas which said that before the wars the share of Russians in Latvias population was very close to the current situation, Lauku Avize reviews different time periods at the beginning of the 20th century and the presence of the ethnic minorities Russians, Jews and Germans, and other smaller ethnic groups.

Latvian and Russian journalists in this coming Sunday’s Russian TV program Press Club will have a discussion with representatives of the Russian mass media and State Duma about the relations between Russia and Latvia.

Latvian and Russian journalists in this coming Sundays Russian TV program Press Club will have a discussion with representatives of the Russian mass media and State Duma about the relations between Russia and Latvia. Respublika

Commissioner of CBSS Ole Espersen in his annual report noted the importance of adoption of the State Language Law in Latvia in the interests of all society of Latvia. Mr. Espersen admitted that he supports the evaluation given by the OSCE High Commissioner Mr. Van der Stoel concerning this issue.

Commissioner of CBSS Ole Espersen in his annual report noted the importance of adoption of the State Language Law in Latvia in the interests of all society of Latvia. Mr. Espersen admitted that he supports the evaluation given by the OSCE High Commissioner Mr. Van der Stoel concerning this issue. Respublika, Panorama Latvii, Vesti

Press Review

After several months of disagreement the government yesterday confirmed the short version of the state program “Society Integration in Latvia” and agreed that the society integration work would be coordinated by Justice Ministry but the decision on establishing the practical mechanism of integration – the Society Integration Fund (SIF) – should be made by the Saeima. In March the government will seriously review the work accomplished in integration sphere. Justice Ministry now is assigned to develop a draft law on SIF. For the work with integration issues the ministry will create a small department. The minister Labucka hopes that the draft law on SIF will be passed by the end of this year.

After several months of disagreement the government yesterday confirmed the short version of the state program Society Integration in Latvia and agreed that the society integration work would be coordinated by Justice Ministry but the decision on establishing the practical mechanism of integration – the Society Integration Fund (SIF) – should be made by the Saeima. In March the government will seriously review the work accomplished in integration sphere. Justice Ministry now is assigned to develop a draft law on SIF. For the work with integration issues the ministry will create a small department. The minister Labucka hopes that the draft law on SIF will be passed by the end of this year. Diena, Jauna Avize, Vesti, Panorama Latvii, Latvijas Vestnesis

A survey carried out by SKDS shows that an equal number – 47% - of residents of Latvia support and reject granting municipal election rights to non-citizens. 61.4% of citizens reject, 33 % agree; 6.6% of non-citizens reject, 90.6% agree. 27% of residents said they fully agree, 21% “sooner agree”; 32% completely reject and 17% “sooner reject”. Compared to February when the previous survey was carried out and the campaign for granting election rights had not started, the number of supporters was 51% of residents, while in June it has dropped to 47%.

A survey carried out by SKDS shows that an equal number – 47% - of residents of Latvia support and reject granting municipal election rights to non-citizens. 61.4% of citizens reject, 33 % agree; 6.6% of non-citizens reject, 90.6% agree. 27% of residents said they fully agree, 21% sooner agree; 32% completely reject and 17% sooner reject. Compared to February when the previous survey was carried out and the campaign for granting election rights had not started, the number of supporters was 51% of residents, while in June it has dropped to 47%. Diena, Vesti

Roughly 50 people yesterday gathered for a rally across the building of the Cabinet of Ministers to continue protesting against the draft language regulations. The rallying will continue for 3 days, then the protesters will decide on other activities. A group of young people demanded to have at least secondary education in Russian. Pensioners were worried that they will have to apply to state institutions in Latvian only.

Roughly 50 people yesterday gathered for a rally across the building of the Cabinet of Ministers to continue protesting against the draft language regulations. The rallying will continue for 3 days, then the protesters will decide on other activities. A group of young people demanded to have at least secondary education in Russian. Pensioners were worried that they will have to apply to state institutions in Latvian only. Neatkariga, Respublika, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins in a radio interview rejected the idea to have two state languages in Latvia and commented that Russian-language papers spread inaccurate information about the draft language regulations.

Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins in a radio interview rejected the idea to have two state languages in Latvia and commented that Russian-language papers spread inaccurate information about the draft language regulations. Jauna Avize, Vesti, Respublika

European Court of Human Rights sent a letter to the Latvian government to inquire about two cases from Latvia filed in the court. One is about a candidate for the last Saeima elections who was dismissed from the list because of insufficient state language proficiency, the other about registration in Latvia.

European Court of Human Rights sent a letter to the Latvian government to inquire about two cases from Latvia filed in the court. One is about a candidate for the last Saeima elections who was dismissed from the list because of insufficient state language proficiency, the other about registration in Latvia. Chas, Panorama Latvii

  

Press Report

Prosecutor from Latvia has returned from the 2-week work in archives in Moscow with 700 pages of material in the cases of alleged war criminals Konrâds Kalejs and Karlis Ozols. Latvian Prosecutor General’s office will review the documents and testimonies. Latvian President Freiberga has received a letter from Mr. Zuroff from Wiesental center with congratulations in connection with signing the extradition agreement between Latvia and Australia and urges to do everything to make ratification of the agreement to happen soon.

Prosecutor from Latvia has returned from the 2-week work in archives in Moscow with 700 pages of material in the cases of alleged war criminals Konrâds Kalejs and Karlis Ozols. Latvian Prosecutor Generals office will review the documents and testimonies. Latvian President Freiberga has received a letter from Mr. Zuroff from Wiesental center with congratulations in connection with signing the extradition agreement between Latvia and Australia and urges to do everything to make ratification of the agreement to happen soon. Diena, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii, Respublika, Jauna Avize

Council for education, science and culture of the the Saeima’s faction For Human Rights in United Latvia has released a statement against the restrictions to get higher education in Russian. The statement says that Latvia’s education law contradicts the Hague Recommendations on the rights of ethnic minorities.

Council for education, science and culture of the the Saeimas faction For Human Rights in United Latvia has released a statement against the restrictions to get higher education in Russian. The statement says that Latvias education law contradicts the Hague Recommendations on the rights of ethnic minorities. Neatkariga, Chas

The Union of Citizens and non-citizens will pay Ls100 to an otganization whose experts can evaluate the language regulations form the legal and socio-psychological point of view.

The Union of Citizens and non-citizens will pay Ls100 to an otganization whose experts can evaluate the language regulations form the legal and socio-psychological point of view. Vesti

Chas

reviews the draft regulations on spelling of personal names that have undergone the first stage of adoption July 13 at the meeting of ministerial secretaries of state. Also, reviews the draft regulations on spelling of personal names that have undergone the first stage of adoption July 13 at the meeting of ministerial secretaries of state. Also, Chas Chas offers its version on how the current draft regulations should be amended. offers its version on how the current draft regulations should be amended.

Lauku Avize

interviewed the Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Undine Bollow to find out what is the opinion of OSCE on the current draft regulations and whether demonstration inviting to not use the Latvian language are a sign of democracy. interviewed the Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Undine Bollow to find out what is the opinion of OSCE on the current draft regulations and whether demonstration inviting to not use the Latvian language are a sign of democracy.

Lauku Avize

runs interviews with the political scientist and human rights specialist Nils Muiznieks on the language policy in Latvia and MP from Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK Vladimirs Makarovs about feeling of belonging to Latvia of residents of non-Latvian origin. runs interviews with the political scientist and human rights specialist Nils Muiznieks on the language policy in Latvia and MP from Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK Vladimirs Makarovs about feeling of belonging to Latvia of residents of non-Latvian origin. Representatives of the OSCE Mission to Latvia are paying a two-day visit to Rçzekne. They plan to meet representatives of the City Council, Naturalization Board and the branch office of Department for Citizenship and Migration Affairs. This visit is connected with issues like issuance of non-citizen passports, citizenship and naturalization.

Representatives of the OSCE Mission to Latvia are paying a two-day visit to Rçzekne. They plan to meet representatives of the City Council, Naturalization Board and the branch office of Department for Citizenship and Migration Affairs. This visit is connected with issues like issuance of non-citizen passports, citizenship and naturalization. Jauna Avize

Press Report

More Russian children attend Latvian schools: in the school year 1998/99 3.4% of Russian shool-age children went to latvian schools, this school year the rate is 3.8%. 20.5% of Russian children attend Ukrainian schools, 71.7% - Russian schools.

More Russian children attend Latvian schools: in the school year 1998/99 3.4% of Russian shool-age children went to latvian schools, this school year the rate is 3.8%. 20.5% of Russian children attend Ukrainian schools, 71.7% - Russian schools. Diena

Latvia and Lithuania have positively evaluated the new Russian foreign policy concept where Russia expressed hope to establish good relations with the Baltic countries.

Latvia and Lithuania have positively evaluated the new Russian foreign policy concept where Russia expressed hope to establish good relations with the Baltic countries. Diena

Journalist of the Russian paper Kommersant writes that the activities of some of his compatriates in Estonia remind of manipulations of political profiteers and not rights protection, he concludes that the group of

Journalist of the Russian paper Kommersant writes that the activities of some of his compatriates in Estonia remind of manipulations of political profiteers and not rights protection, he concludes that the group of professional Russians is active in Estonia and their main goal is fighting and arguing with the local authorities. Neatkariga

Russian paper

Russian paper Nezavisimaja gazeta writes that Latvian citizenship can be obtained for a couple of boxes of brandy and language exams are taken only by those who do not offer bribes. The paper invites Russians living in Latvia to be more active as the indigenous nation is dying out two times faster than others. Neatkariga

Latvian President Freiberga and Justice Minister Labucka will discuss the language regulations during their meeting on July 19.

Latvian President Freiberga and Justice Minister Labucka will discuss the language regulations during their meeting on July 19. Vesti

As at the end of last week some of the draft language regulations were published in the Cabinet of Ministers website, Anna Story tries to establish where Russian can be spoken.

As at the end of last week some of the draft language regulations were published in the Cabinet of Ministers website, Anna Story tries to establish where Russian can be spoken. Chas

It is planned that later this year Latvian National TV will show discussions of Latvian and Russian journalists to reduce the division in the society after ethnicity.

It is planned that later this year Latvian National TV will show discussions of Latvian and Russian journalists to reduce the division in the society after ethnicity. Chas