• Discussion on the implementation of the education reform
• Amendments to the Law on Municipal Elections
• Vesti Segodnya writes about the draft National Programme against Intolerance
• Articles on the call of the MP Karlis Sadurskis to evaluate the legitimacy of a camp for young people who are against the education reform
• Professor of Russia Foreign Affairs Ministrys Diplomatic Academy Tatyana Poloskova on the situation of the Russian minority in the former USSR countries
• About possibility for non-citizens, who are the members of the citizens families, to receive a visa free of charge for travelling in the European Union

Neatkariga Rita Avize features a discussion about the implementation of the education reform. The professor and director of the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences Brigita Zepa, representative of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia Tatjana Zdanoka and education official Baiba Petersone, who represented the Ministry of Education and Science in the development of the education reform. Baiba Petersone states that the education reform is not aimed at assimilation of minorities, but focuses on the status of Latvian language and its relation to the educational system. According to Baiba Petersone, the existence of two parallel (i.e., Russian and Latvian) education systems could result in the recognition of Russian as the second state language. While Brigita Zepa stresses the necessity to offer different models of the implementation of the education reform in order to achieve the main goal of the reform – good Latvian language proficiency of minority students. She names bilingual education as one of the models which would help to learn the language well. Another, although not so widespread, but, in her opinion, also effective model is formation of separate classes for Russian students, in which they learn in Latvian. Referring to the findings of several studies, Brigita Zepa states that intensive Latvian language studies during classes of the Latvian language are among available, however, non-effective models. The opponent of the education reform Tatjana Zdanoka is convinced that the reform is the form of forced assimilation.

The Ministry of Justice has submitted to the State Chancellery amendments to the Law on Municipal Elections which, in contradiction to the reading offered in spring, do not grant the right to ex-staff of the State Security Committee of the Soviet Republic of Latvia and persons who were members of the Communist Party after January 13, 1991 to stand for elections.

The Ministry of Justice has submitted to the State Chancellery amendments to the Law on Municipal Elections which, in contradiction to the reading offered in spring, do not grant the right to ex-staff of the State Security Committee of the Soviet Republic of Latvia and persons who were members of the Communist Party after January 13, 1991 to stand for elections. Latvijas Avize

Vesti Segodnya writes about the draft National Programme against Intolerance. The newspaper criticises authors of the programme because they have paid almost none attention to language, affiliation to minorities and citizenship, however, they are the main areas where people face intolerance.

Newspapers continue to write about the call of the MP Karlis Sadurskis to evaluate the legitimacy of a camp for young people who are against the education reform.

Newspapers continue to write about the call of the MP Karlis Sadurskis to evaluate the legitimacy of a camp for young people who are against the education reform. Latvijas Avize features the statement of the deputy chairperson of the State Security Police Juris Leitietis, who confirms that the State Security Police follows activities of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools, including organisation of camps, and is informed that what was taught there. The Russian-language media features the stance of the organisers. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Chas features an interview with the professor of Russia Foreign Affairs Ministrys Diplomatic Academy Tatyana Poloskova on the situation of the Russian minority in the former USSR countries. The professor is concerned that a significant part of Russians believe that meetings and demonstrations are the only instruments to solve their problems.

Neatkariga Rita Avize reports on a possibility for non-citizens, who are immediate members of an EU citizen family, to receive a visa free of charge for travelling in the European Union according to the Directive of the European Parliament on the right of citizens of the European Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the EU.

• Ratings of political parties
• MP Karlis Sadurskis calls to evaluate legitimacy of a summer camp organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools
• Participant of protest actions against the education reform believes thathis employment contract with the Jurmala City Council was not renewed because of his involvement in protest actions
• Opinions on a curriculum of minority primary school developed by the LASHOR
• Morning show in the Russian language to be aired by National TV

The opinion poll conducted by the company Latvijas Fakti shows that the most popular political party in July was the New Era – 16.8% of Latvian citizens would vote for the party if the elections were held in July. The New Era is followed by For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM (11.3%), For Human Rights in the United Latvia (8.3%), People’s Party (7.3%), Union of Farmers and Greens (5.3%) and Latvian Social Democratic Labour Party (5.2%).

The opinion poll conducted by the company Latvijas Fakti shows that the most popular political party in July was the New Era – 16.8% of Latvian citizens would vote for the party if the elections were held in July. The New Era is followed by For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM (11.3%), For Human Rights in the United Latvia (8.3%), People’s Party (7.3%), Union of Farmers and Greens (5.3%) and Latvian Social Democratic Labour Party (5.2%). Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

After the Russian TV channel NTV-Mir aired a reportage on a summer camp in Latvia organised for young people who are against the education reform, MP Karlis Sadurskis asked the Minister for Children and Family Affairs Ainars Bastiks, the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics and the Education State Inspection to evaluate legitimacy of a camp. The camp was organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools with the aim to prepare young activists to take part and organise protest actions against the education reform. According to the Latvian legislation, organisers of youth camps have to obtain license in a municipality on which’s territory a camp is organised. However, when

After the Russian TV channel NTV-Mir aired a reportage ona summer camp in Latvia organised for young people who are against the education reform, MP Karlis Sadurskis asked the Minister for Children and Family Affairs Ainars Bastiks, the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics and the Education State Inspection to evaluate legitimacy ofa camp. The camp was organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools with the aim to prepare young activists to take part and organise protest actions against the education reform. According to the Latvian legislation, organisers of youth camps have to obtain license in a municipality on which’s territory a camp is organised. However, when Latvijas Avize tried to find out whether the Headquarters had obtained the license, the newspaperwas told that is was not a camp but a hiking trip. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Russian language newspapers report that the Jurmala City Council did not renew the employment contract with the leader of the youth organisation ‘Working Youth’ Janis Kuzins. He was the advisor to the Jurmala city mayor on youth affairs. Janis Kuzins believes that the employment contract was not renewed because he participated in the protest action against the implementation of the education reform in Strasbourg. While the Jurmala mayor Juris Hlevickis denies the accusation.

Russian language newspapers report that the Jurmala City Council did not renew the employment contract with the leader of the youth organisation ‘Working Youth’ Janis Kuzins. He was the advisor to the Jurmala city mayor on youth affairs. Janis Kuzins believes that the employment contract was not renewed because he participated in the protest action against the implementation of the education reform in Strasbourg. While the Jurmala mayor Juris Hlevickis denies the accusation. Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Chas features an article by the MP Jakovs Pliners and teacher Valerijs Buhvalovs about the implementation of the education reform and the attempts of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools (LASHOR) to offer a new curriculum for minority primary schools in the framework of the present Law on Education. The authors of the article believe that minority schools as well as Latvian schools neededucation reform which deals with issues in a professional way rather ‘in accordancewith the percentages’ as it is offered by the LASHOR.

The 7

The 7th channel of the national TV will air morning shows in the Russian language as of 30 August. The show will consist of news and interviews with well-known persons. Diena, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

 

 

 

 

 

• LASHOR and Ministry of Education and Science agree on changes in the curriculum for minority primary schools
• Embassy of Great Britain provides financial support for organising Latvian language courses
• Cabinet of Ministers adopts amendments to regulations on naturalisation procedure
• Discussion about the draft declaration condemning the communist regime in the former USSR
• Riga City Council refuses to authorise the protest actions against the education reform

Yesterday the joint working group composed of representatives of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools (LASHOR) and the Ministry of Education and Science reached an agreement on the inclusion of proposals, developed by the LASHOR, in minority primary school curriculum. LETA reports that the working group agreed that it is not necessary to introduce seven new subjects as suggested by the LASHOR in the minority primary school curriculum as the content of these subjects can be included into already existing subjects.  While

Yesterday the joint working group composed of representatives of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools (LASHOR) and the Ministry of Education and Science reached an agreement on the inclusion of proposals, developed by the LASHOR, in minority primary school curriculum. LETA reports that the working group agreed that it is not necessary to introduce seven new subjects as suggested by the LASHOR in the minority primary school curriculum as the content of these subjects can be included into already existing subjects. While Diena reports that the working group agreed on the development of a new curriculum, which would be based on the curriculum proposed by the LASHOR. The current version of the LASHORs curriculum stipulates that 70% of studies are taught in a mother tongue and there are seven new subjects, such as I in my country. However, the newspaper, also adds that more detailed discussions will follow. Diena, Latvijas Vestnesis, Rigas Balss, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Today the Embassy of Great Britain to Latvia will allocate LVL 49,000 to the Naturalisation Board, which will use the money to organise Latvian language courses in Latgale, the Eastern part of Latvia. The amount of money is sufficient to provide Latvian language courses free of charge for 700 naturalisation applicants.

Today the Embassy of Great Britain to Latvia will allocate LVL 49,000 to the Naturalisation Board, which will use the money to organise Latvian language courses in Latgale, the Eastern part of Latvia. The amount of money is sufficient to provide Latvian language courses free of charge for 700 naturalisation applicants. Latvijas Vestnesis, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya

The Cabinet of Ministers adopted amendments to the Regulations No 33 On the Examination Procedure of Latvian Language Proficiency and Basic Rules of the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia, National Anthem and Latvian History. The amendments provide for that secondary school graduates who have successfully passed the centralised examination in the Latvian language and literature, will not have to re-take Latvian language tests if they apply for naturalisation.  However, they will still have to show their knowledge in the history of Latvia and the national anthem when applying for Latvian citizenship.

The Cabinet of Ministers adopted amendments to the Regulations No 33 On the Examination Procedure of Latvian Language Proficiency and Basic Rules of the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia, National Anthem and Latvian History. The amendments provide for that secondary school graduates who have successfully passed the centralised examination in the Latvian language and literature, will not have to re-take Latvian language tests if they apply for naturalisation. However, they will still have to show their knowledge in the history of Latvia and the national anthem when applying for Latvian citizenship. Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Russian language newspapers continue a discussion on the draft declaration condemning the communist regime in the former USSR.

Russian language newspapers continue a discussion on the draft declaration condemning the communist regime in the former USSR. Vesti Segodnya features the stance of one of the authors of the document MP Leopolds Ozolins, who believes that the draft declaration corresponds to the Geneva Convention and that Latvia is entitled to demand decolonisation of Latvia and repatriate former USSR citizens. The MP also believes that persons, who came to Latvia during Soviet occupation, are not minorities. Telegraf reports that the Embassy of Russia will not comment the declaration before it is adopted. Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

The acting Executive Director of the Riga City Council Juris Kuzma refused to authorise protest action against the education reform. The application was submitted by the MPs from union For Human Rights in the United Latvia and deputies of the Riga City Council.

The acting Executive Director of the Riga City Council Juris Kuzma refused to authorise protest action against the education reform. The application was submitted by the MPs from union For Human Rights in the United Latvia and deputies of the Riga City Council. Diena, Chas, Telegraf

• Saeima Speaker Ingrida Udre has been nominated for the post of European commissioner
• Diena reports on a draft declaration condemning the Communist regime in the former USSR
• MP Vladimirs Buzajevs on the education reform
• Representatives of the Afro-Latvian Association will introduce the African culture to residents of Latgale
• Article on the special summer camp for young activists of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools

Referring to the inability of the governing parties to reach an agreement on a candidate for the post of European commissioner, the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis himself nominated the member of his party, Saeima Speaker Ingrida Udre (Union of Greens and Farmers) for this post.

Referring to the inability of the governing parties to reach an agreement on a candidate for the post of European commissioner, the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis himself nominated the member of his party, Saeima Speaker Ingrida Udre (Union of Greens and Farmers) for this post. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Diena writes about drafting a declaration condemning the communist regime in the former USSR. According to the draft document Russia should compensate moral and financial damages brought by the occupation and communist regime, as well as decolonise Latvia by repatriating former USSR citizens. Latvijas Avize, Diena, Latvijas Avize

Vesti Segodnya features an article by the MP Vladimirs Buzajevs (For Human Rights in the United Latvia) where he reveals views of opponents of the education reform.

Representatives of the Afro-Latvian Association will present the African culture to residents of Latgale. The members of the association are planning to visit five towns – Jekabpils, Preili, Kraslava, Daugavpils and Rezekne.

Representatives of the Afro-Latvian Association will present the African culture to residents of Latgale. The members of the association are planning to visit five towns – Jekabpils, Preili, Kraslava, Daugavpils and Rezekne. Chas

Vesti Segodnya features an article on the special summer camp organised for young activists of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools.

• Disunion of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools
• Member of the Russia State Council Alexei Mitrophanov calls to boycott cultural events in Latvia
• Latvijas Avize reprints fragments of the article about the Russian minority in Latvia printed in ‘Friesch Dagblat
• Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools plans new protest actions against the education reform

Newspapers continue to write about the split in the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools (LASHOR). The representative of the Organisation’s board Igors Pimenovs states that those former LASHOR members who decided to form a new organisation, are active supporters of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools. ‘Last week the LASHOR refused to admit certain people, because of their affiliation with the Headquarters,’ adds Igors Pimenovs. Members of a new organisation, however, accuse members of the LASHOR of being false Russians because they collaborate with the Ministry of Education and Science and thus create cleavages in the Russian community in Latvia.

Newspapers continue to write about the split in the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools (LASHOR). The representative of the Organisations board Igors Pimenovs states that those former LASHOR members who decided to form a new organisation, are active supporters of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools. ‘Last week the LASHOR refused to admit certain people, because of their affiliation with the Headquarters, adds Igors Pimenovs. Members of a new organisation, however, accuse members of the LASHOR of being false Russians because they collaborate with the Ministry of Education and Science and thus create cleavages in the Russian community in Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Yesterday the member of the Russia State Council Alexei Mitrophanov called the Russia’s Committee on Education, Culture and Science to encourage persons, who work in the sphere of culture, to boycott cultural events taking place in Latvia because Latvia violates the rights of Russian speakers.

Yesterday the member of the Russia State Council Alexei Mitrophanov called the Russias Committee on Education, Culture and Science to encourage persons, who work in the sphere of culture, to boycott cultural events taking place in Latvia because Latvia violates the rights of Russian speakers. Latvijas Avize

Latvijas Avize reprints fragments of the article, published in the regional newspaper of Netherlands ‘Friesch Dagblat, on the Russian minority in Latvia. The author of the article, demographer and geographer Ronald Reuderink believes that ‘Estonia and Latvia have the right to question a need to sign international agreements aimed at the protection of minority rights because these documents stipulate the protection of minorities that are perceived as minorities in Western countries and not Russians who came to Latvia and Estonia during Soviet occupation.

Russian language newspapers provide more detailed information about forthcoming protest actions against the education reform, planned by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools.

Russian language newspapers provide more detailed information about forthcoming protest actions against the education reform, planned by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools. Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf