Press Report

An unidentified person threw the bottle of gas mixture in the night of May 13 at the Lavian Consulate in St. Petersburg causing fire and damage. Latvian Foreign Ministry submitted a Note to Russia and expressed indignation regarding the repeated attacks. The Russian ambassador to Latvia expressed regret and condemnation.

An unidentified person threw the bottle of gas mixture in the night of May 13 at the Lavian Consulate in St. Petersburg causing fire and damage. Latvian Foreign Ministry submitted a Note to Russia and expressed indignation regarding the repeated attacks. The Russian ambassador to Latvia expressed regret and condemnation. Diena, Chas, Vesti, Panorama Latvii, Neatkariga

After the extradition agreement was signed between Latvia and Australia last Friday there is more possibility that the alleged war criminal Konrвds Kalejs if official charges are brought up against him. ProsecutorТs office does not predict when the decision will be made in Kalejs criminal case. Kalejs in Australia has asked a month for consulting with the lawyer to decide whether the questions put by LatviaТs prosecutors.

After the extradition agreement was signed between Latvia and Australia last Friday there is more possibility that the alleged war criminal Konrвds Kalejs if official charges are brought up against him. ProsecutorТs office does not predict when the decision will be made in Kalejs criminal case. Kalejs in Australia has asked a month for consulting with the lawyer to decide whether the questions put by LatviaТs prosecutors. Diena, Chas, Neatkariga

Aivars Ozolins in a commentary in

Aivars Ozolins in a commentary in Diena suggests that the protest activities launched by pro-Moscow radicals against the state language regulations would have been started irrespective of what they look like. These activities will continue no matter in what shape the regulations are passed by the Cabinet. These activities should be viewed in the context of the new Russian domestic and foreign policy: to keep the Baltics as a special zone of influence, first of all their NATO accession should be prevented, also lately expressions are heard that Russia does not need EU accession of these countries as well. To achieve that, something should be done to make these countries not to meet accession criteria. One of them Ц the candidate countries should not have serious ethnic conflicts. There will be less criticism concerning the discriminatory legislation, it is most important not to allow real society integration. The desirable Уreal situationФ is violence. Ozoliтр suggests that Latvian politicians should start actually implement the society integration program which has been on paper for two years. But as the first thing, language regulations should be adopted in compliance with international norms and the opponents should be made to publicly specify their objections. Diena

Prime Minister Andris Berzins speaking on radio said that the government plans this Tuesday to make a decision on implementation of the society integration program by establishing Society Integration Fund as the central executive institution.

Prime Minister Andris Berzins speaking on radio said that the government plans this Tuesday to make a decision on implementation of the society integration program by establishing Society Integration Fund as the central executive institution. Diena

The claims of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia asking Russia to give back their former embassy buildings in France and Italy after the statement of Russian experts are not legally grounded since they declare occupation of the Baltic countries in 1940.

The claims of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia asking Russia to give back their former embassy buildings in France and Italy after the statement of Russian experts are not legally grounded since they declare occupation of the Baltic countries in 1940. Diena

The language issue became the main political focus for the working visit if Prime Minister Andris Berzins in Daugavpils where he was met by roughly 50 rallyers with slogans against language policy.

The language issue became the main political focus for the working visit if Prime Minister Andris Berzins in Daugavpils where he was met by roughly 50 rallyers with slogans against language policy. Chas, Vesti, Panorama Latvii

Last Friday, editors and reporters of Russian language media gathered to discuss the language situation which may destroy the market of Russian-language media since the draft language regulations demand the higher level of language proficiency for editors and proof-readers and level 3A for journalists.

Last Friday, editors and reporters of Russian language media gathered to discuss the language situation which may destroy the market of Russian-language media since the draft language regulations demand the higher level of language proficiency for editors and proof-readers and level 3A for journalists. Chas

Speaker of the Lithuanian Saeima Vitautas Landsbergis accused Russia of the desire to "continue domination and ruling in the Baltic countriesФ. In his mind, Russia attempts to reach at least delay in accession of the Baltic states to NATO.

Speaker of the Lithuanian Saeima Vitautas Landsbergis accused Russia of the desire to "continue domination and ruling in the Baltic countriesФ. In his mind, Russia attempts to reach at least delay in accession of the Baltic states to NATO. Vesti

Press Report

Around 500 (also mentioned 2000, several thousands) mostly elderly people and some children rallied yesterday at Esplanade to protest the draft language regulations. 22 NGOs have expressed readiness to organize protest activities until the developers of regulations give in. The concerns expressed by ralliers include the possible loss of jobs, wish to use Russian freely, to have education in Russian. Many speakers harshly criticized the State Language Law passed last year. Observers note that the political demands were expressed efficiently and without causing public disorder.

Around 500 (also mentioned 2000, several thousands) mostly elderly people and some children rallied yesterday at Esplanade to protest the draft language regulations. 22 NGOs have expressed readiness to organize protest activities until the developers of regulations give in. The concerns expressed by ralliers include the possible loss of jobs, wish to use Russian freely, to have education in Russian. Many speakers harshly criticized the State Language Law passed last year. Observers note that the political demands were expressed efficiently and without causing public disorder. Diena, Respublika, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Vesti, Jauna Avize, Neatkariga

A commentary by Askolds Rodins in

A commentary by Askolds Rodins in Diena says that the draft language regulations could serve as a sample of a bad work of public servants, at the same time he has noticed that the object of protests of Russian-speakers actually is the State Language Law passed last year, and the demands for the second state language are heard again.

Representatives of the left-wing forces yesterday visited the Head of the UNDP Mission in Latvia Jan Sand Sorensen to hand over the signatures under the petition to international organizations asking to grant municipal election rights to non-citizens. Mr. Sorensen promised to deliver the petition to Geneva, UNCHR.

Representatives of the left-wing forces yesterday visited the Head of the UNDP Mission in Latvia Jan Sand Sorensen to hand over the signatures under the petition to international organizations asking to grant municipal election rights to non-citizens. Mr. Sorensen promised to deliver the petition to Geneva, UNCHR. Jauna Avize, Panorama Latvii

It is possible that in September the Strasbourg Court will start the first hearing against the state of Latvia. In 1998 the Central Election Committee crossed out from the election list the candidate from For Human Rights in United Latvia for insufficient knowledge of the state language on the basis of conclusion of the language commission.

It is possible that in September the Strasbourg Court will start the first hearing against the state of Latvia. In 1998 the Central Election Committee crossed out from the election list the candidate from For Human Rights in United Latvia for insufficient knowledge of the state language on the basis of conclusion of the language commission. Vesti

The famous fighter for human rights Tatjana Zdanok will be one of the four representatives from Latvia to the Council of Compatriates under the Russian State Duma. The council is a consultative body with the lower house of the Russian parliament aimed at representing the interests of the Russian-speaking diaspora outside Russia and participating in discussion of draft laws providing for the protection of rights of compatriates.

The famous fighter for human rights Tatjana Zdanok will be one of the four representatives from Latvia to the Council of Compatriates under the Russian State Duma. The council is a consultative body with the lower house of the Russian parliament aimed at representing the interests of the Russian-speaking diaspora outside Russia and participating in discussion of draft laws providing for the protection of rights of compatriates. Vesti

In an interview to the national radio Prime Minister Andris Berzins said that the Russian-language press editions quite often reflect the work of the government more precisely than Latvian media. Cooperation with the Russian papers had always been constructive and business-like.

In an interview to the national radio Prime Minister Andris Berzins said that the Russian-language press editions quite often reflect the work of the government more precisely than Latvian media. Cooperation with the Russian papers had always been constructive and business-like. Respublika

Press Review

During the visit of the Prime Minister Andris Berzins in Daugavpils scheduled for tomorrow the Association of Trade Unions will hand him over an address in connection with the draft language regulations and ask funding for Latvian language training. An open letter of the Daugavpils branch of Equality party addressed to the City Council demands that the authorities keep the possibility to submit private documents to authorities in Russian and to have translation expenses covered by the respective municipal institution. Daugavpils City Council representative said that most likely after the Language Law enters into effect the City Council will need to hire a person to assist residents in preparing documents.

During the visit of the Prime Minister Andris Berzins in Daugavpils scheduled for tomorrow the Association of Trade Unions will hand him over an address in connection with the draft language regulations and ask funding for Latvian language training. An open letter of the Daugavpils branch of Equality party addressed to the City Council demands that the authorities keep the possibility to submit private documents to authorities in Russian and to have translation expenses covered by the respective municipal institution. Daugavpils City Council representative said that most likely after the Language Law enters into effect the City Council will need to hire a person to assist residents in preparing documents. Chas, Panorama Lavii

Diena

notes that the Russian-language papers reflect too dramatically the situation with the Language Law regulations and do not refer to the clear expressions of the state authorities who say that the regulations should be adopted in accordance with international standards. Also, Diena points out that the statement of the Russian Community printed yesterday offers wrong information about the language proficiency certificates saying that people who have the current certificates will have to take new exams to get the new certificates although it is not said in draft regulations. notes that the Russian-language papers reflect too dramatically the situation with the Language Law regulations and do not refer to the clear expressions of the state authorities who say that the regulations should be adopted in accordance with international standards. Also, Diena points out that the statement of the Russian Community printed yesterday offers wrong information about the language proficiency certificates saying that people who have the current certificates will have to take new exams to get the new certificates although it is not said in draft regulations. Activists of protection of rights of non-Latvians are sure that the government will at least partly take into consideration their demands when adopting the language regulations but they will not stop the protest actions before the regulations are adopted.

Activists of protection of rights of non-Latvians are sure that the government will at least partly take into consideration their demands when adopting the language regulations but they will not stop the protest actions before the regulations are adopted. Neatkariga

During their meeting yesterday President Freiberga and Prime Minister Andris Berzins discussed society integration. Freiberga said that language regulations should correspond the spirit of the Language Law, interests of LatviaТs residents and international norms.

During their meeting yesterday President Freiberga and Prime Minister Andris Berzins discussed society integration. Freiberga said that language regulations should correspond the spirit of the Language Law, interests of LatviaТs residents and international norms. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas

Vesti

offers an aid for inexperienced ralliers. The interviewed representative from For Human Rights in United Latvia says that all activities in protest to the language regulations should be legal, and aimed at achieving a result. In this respect it would not be wise to ignore the Latvian language. More effective would be spontaneous rallies (piquets) since the permission from authorities is not needed to organize them. offers an aid for inexperienced ralliers. The interviewed representative from For Human Rights in United Latvia says that all activities in protest to the language regulations should be legal, and aimed at achieving a result. In this respect it would not be wise to ignore the Latvian language. More effective would be spontaneous rallies (piquets) since the permission from authorities is not needed to organize them. In an article titled УDzintra Hirsa against OSCE: who will win?Ф Vesti state that under the avalanche of criticism Justice Ministry tries to weaken the language regulations. Thus, most likely the paragraph providing for six degrees of language proficiency will be deleted, also, the Minister Labucka wants to take out the paragraph where employees of private companies are obliged to have fluent Latvian. The author continues that the Head of the State Language Center will not give in and maybe OSCE would help the Justice Ministry in the struggle with Ms. Hirsa.

In an article titled УDzintra Hirsa against OSCE: who will win?Ф Vesti state that under the avalanche of criticism Justice Ministry tries to weaken the language regulations. Thus, most likely the paragraph providing for six degrees of language proficiency will be deleted, also, the Minister Labucka wants to take out the paragraph where employees of private companies are obliged to have fluent Latvian. The author continues that the Head of the State Language Center will not give in and maybe OSCE would help the Justice Ministry in the struggle with Ms. Hirsa. Vesti

Lauku Avize

asks the opinion of several MPs about the reaction in Russian-speaking community towards the draft language law regulations. Kristiвna Lоbane from LatviaТs Way stresses the importance of compliance of the regulations with the internationally recognized State Language Law and refers to information she had about the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly where Mr. Van der Stoel had clearly supported Latvia against RussiaТs reproaches saying that Latvia has adopted good laws, in accordance with international norms. Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Bзrziтр yesterday met the German Amabassador to Latvia. Apart from bilateral relations, they discussed also society integration and state language issues as well as exchanged opinions about the new RussiaТs foreign policy concept. Berziтр stressed that Latvia as the future EU member country was ready to develop constructive relations with Russia without raising any preconditions for that.

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Bзrziтр yesterday met the German Amabassador to Latvia. Apart from bilateral relations, they discussed also society integration and state language issues as well as exchanged opinions about the new RussiaТs foreign policy concept. Berziтр stressed that Latvia as the future EU member country was ready to develop constructive relations with Russia without raising any preconditions for that. Neatkariga

Information released in mass media saying that agreement is signed with the winner of the tender for the producer of new Latvian citizen passports - the German company Giesecke&Devrient; Ц is a misunderstanding. The Cabinet of Ministers has not confirmed the samples of the passports, thus the agreement cannot be concluded. Bank of Latvia President Einars Repse advised DCMA to follow carefully that the potential producer fulfills the offer since the company had problems with printing the 100 Euro banknote.

Information released in mass media saying that agreement is signed with the winner of the tender for the producer of new Latvian citizen passports - the German company Giesecke&Devrient Ц is a misunderstanding. The Cabinet of Ministers has not confirmed the samples of the passports, thus the agreement cannot be concluded. Bank of Latvia President Einars Repse advised DCMA to follow carefully that the potential producer fulfills the offer since the company had problems with printing the 100 Euro banknote. Neatkariga

In an interview to

In an interview to Panorama Latvii MP from For Human Rights in United Latvia Jakovs Pliners speaks about the recent conference on problems and prospects of the development of ethnic minorities education programs.

Judge from Latvia to the European Court of Human Rights Egils Levits in

Judge from Latvia to the European Court of Human Rights Egils Levits in Jauna Avize tells about this institution, the type of complaints coming from Latvia (mostly about social issues), the way appeals are considered, how to appeal.

Press Review

Press Review

It is obvious that the parties involved in the process of drafting language law regulations have different intentions: Latvian government and OSCE will try to ensure adoption of regulations in accordance with the State Language Law and LatviaТs international obligations while the background of protests coming from other ethnic groups is the constant objections against the language law and demands for rights that reach outside LatviaТs international obligations.

It is obvious that the parties involved in the process of drafting language law regulations have different intentions: Latvian government and OSCE will try to ensure adoption of regulations in accordance with the State Language Law and LatviaТs international obligations while the background of protests coming from other ethnic groups is the constant objections against the language law and demands for rights that reach outside LatviaТs international obligations.

It is expected that most of the drafts will be ready next week. Foreign Minister Indulis Berziтр expressed incomprehension with the raised stir since he was sure that the regulations would be passed in accordance with international norms. Diena

It is expected that most of the drafts will be ready next week. Foreign Minister Indulis Berziтр expressed incomprehension with the raised stir since he was sure that the regulations would be passed in accordance with international norms. Diena

It is expected that the Latvian-Australian extradition agreement will be signed this Friday in Riga. It will make it possible to extradite the alleged war criminal Konrвds Kalзjs in case the prosecutorТs office decides to bring up charges against him. Diena

It is expected that the Latvian-Australian extradition agreement will be signed this Friday in Riga. It will make it possible to extradite the alleged war criminal Konrвds Kalзjs in case the prosecutorТs office decides to bring up charges against him. Diena

Representative of For Human Rights in United Latvia Tatjana ёdanoka and representative of the Latvian Human Rights Committee Leonid Raihman brought 58,000 signatures of LatviaТs residents to the OSCE with an appeal to influence Latvian authorities to ratify the Framework Convention for Protection of Ethnic Minorities. OSCE Mission promised to deliver the signatures to the High Commissioner for National Minorities. Visitors had expressed concern about the municipal election rights for non-citizens and the draft language law regulations. Neatkarоgв, Vesti, Chas

Representative of For Human Rights in United Latvia Tatjana ёdanoka and representative of the Latvian Human Rights Committee Leonid Raihman brought 58,000 signatures of LatviaТs residents to the OSCE with an appeal to influence Latvian authorities to ratify the Framework Convention for Protection of Ethnic Minorities. OSCE Mission promised to deliver the signatures to the High Commissioner for National Minorities. Visitors had expressed concern about the municipal election rights for non-citizens and the draft language law regulations. Neatkarоgв, Vesti, Chas

Respublika interviews Boris Tsilevich (For Human Rights in United Latvia) and Agris TimuЪka (State Language Center) to find out whether the draft language regulations really are Уlanguage inquisitionФ.

Respublika interviews Boris Tsilevich (For Human Rights in United Latvia) and Agris TimuЪka (State Language Center) to find out whether the draft language regulations really are Уlanguage inquisitionФ.

Tomorrow a rally of estimated 500 people will gather at Esplanade at 17:00 to protest against language inquisition. Chas

Tomorrow a rally of estimated 500 people will gather at Esplanade at 17:00 to protest against language inquisition. Chas

A statement of LatviaТs Russian Community expresses discontent with the language policy in Latvia, suggests that in order to achieve society integration, citizenship should be given to everybody without any tests, Russian language should become the second official language in Latvia, proportional representation of Russians in all state authorities, state-funded education in Russian, neutrality in LatviaТs foreign policy. Chas, Vesti, Panorama Latvii

A statement of LatviaТs Russian Community expresses discontent with the language policy in Latvia, suggests that in order to achieve society integration, citizenship should be given to everybody without any tests, Russian language should become the second official language in Latvia, proportional representation of Russians in all state authorities, state-funded education in Russian, neutrality in LatviaТs foreign policy. Chas, Vesti, Panorama Latvii

To comment on the new Russian foreign policy concept, Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Bзrziтр said that he supports RussiaТs wishes in regards to the situation of ethnic minorities in Latvia as far as they concur with the position of OSCE and the EU. Chas

To comment on the new Russian foreign policy concept, Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Bзrziтр said that he supports RussiaТs wishes in regards to the situation of ethnic minorities in Latvia as far as they concur with the position of OSCE and the EU. Chas

Press Review

Russia in its new foreign policy concept presented yesterday by Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov expresses hope for prospects of better relations with the Baltic countries but with a precondition that they should honor Russia’s interests, including the rights of Russian speakers. Russia maintains negative attitude towards NATO enlargement.

Russia in its new foreign policy concept presented yesterday by Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov expresses hope for prospects of better relations with the Baltic countries but with a precondition that they should honor Russias interests, including the rights of Russian speakers. Russia maintains negative attitude towards NATO enlargement. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas

Aivars Ozolins in his commentary in

Diena writes that the draft language regulations currently serve as a good reason for struggle for radicals of both sides. However, it looks like those who protect the interests of Russian-speakers have not really read the regulations. But the regulations prepared by the Language Center seem like an intentional provocation aiming to receive criticism first of all on international level, not so much from local non-Latvians. Diena

Diena

publishes the seven proposals drafted by the Saeimas left-wing politicians and several NGOs for changes in Language Law Regulations. publishes the seven proposals drafted by the Saeima’s left-wing politicians and several NGOs for changes in Language Law Regulations. The ruling of Kurzeme District Court in Liepaja to inprison the former KGB investigator Jevgeny Savenko was commented by Russia as a blatantly inhumane action and an attempt to take revenge for the past.

The ruling of Kurzeme District Court in Liepaja to inprison the former KGB investigator Jevgeny Savenko was commented by Russia as a blatantly inhumane action and an attempt to take revenge for the past. Diena, Panorama Latvii

Vasily Kononov did not arrive at the Naturalization Board within the two allotted weeks to discuss the case of depriving him of Latvian citizenship. Naturalization Board this week is to decide whether to repeat the invitation.

Vasily Kononov did not arrive at the Naturalization Board within the two allotted weeks to discuss the case of depriving him of Latvian citizenship. Naturalization Board this week is to decide whether to repeat the invitation. Neatkariga

A symbolic bomb was placed yesterday 50m away from the Cabinet building yesterday to start the series of protest actions against adoption of the current version of the draft language regulations. This Thursday a bigger rally is planned.

A symbolic bomb was placed yesterday 50m away from the Cabinet building yesterday to start the series of protest actions against adoption of the current version of the draft language regulations. This Thursday a bigger rally is planned. Chas, Vesti, Panorama Latvii

During the first 6 months of this year a record-big number of people – 8528 - received citizenship trhough naturalization. If the tendency remains, by the the end of the year 14-16 thousand are expected to have become citizens. Last year the number was 12,427.

During the first 6 months of this year a record-big number of people – 8528 - received citizenship trhough naturalization. If the tendency remains, by the the end of the year 14-16 thousand are expected to have become citizens. Last year the number was 12,427. Chas, Panorama Latvii

Judge from Latvia to the European Human Rights Court Egils Levits predicted that the number of complaints coming from Latvia could increase. Currently 120 complaints are sent to Strasbourgh, 50 of them are accepted for further proceedings.

Judge from Latvia to the European Human Rights Court Egils Levits predicted that the number of complaints coming from Latvia could increase. Currently 120 complaints are sent to Strasbourgh, 50 of them are accepted for further proceedings. Chas

The next Baltic-Russian forum will take place this autumn in St. Petersburg. As told by organizers from Latvian side, the theme will be Latvian-Russian relations in the context of united Europe and general globalization.

The next Baltic-Russian forum will take place this autumn in St. Petersburg. As told by organizers from Latvian side, the theme will be Latvian-Russian relations in the context of united Europe and general globalization. Vesti

During the first 6 months of this year the Latvian Human Rights Committee received 1918 people. 46.5% of problems they were looking for help in were related to lodging issues.

During the first 6 months of this year the Latvian Human Rights Committee received 1918 people. 46.5% of problems they were looking for help in were related to lodging issues. Vesti