Integration and Minority Information Service

of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studiesof the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

• Information about the results of the project competition organised by the Society Integration Foundation
• Genadij Kotov comments on the conference held in Moscow about the role of Russian language
• Vesti Sevodnya
and Telegraf continue the discussion about the education reform

Diena

reports about the results of the project competition for the state budget funding for integration organised by the Society Integration Foundation. In total 70 projects with funding of approximately 244 000 Lats where approved. The biggest number of submitted projects where in two programmes: the support for minority education, language and culture and the support for NGOs in the activities of ethnic integration. reports about the results of the project competition for the state budget funding for integration organised by the Society Integration Foundation. In total 70 projects with funding of approximately 244 000 Lats where approved. The biggest number of submitted projects where in two programmes: the support for minority education, language and culture and the support for NGO’s in the activities of ethnic integration.

Vesti Sevodnya

prints comments of Genadij Kotov, the member of the Riga City Council, on the conference held in Moscow about the role of the Russian language. prints comments of Genadij Kotov, the member of the Riga City Council, on the conference held in Moscow about the role of the Russian language.

Vesti Sevodnya

andand Telegraf Telegraf feature an article by Igor Pimenov, the Head of the Association for the Support for Russians Schools in Latvia. He stresses that his organisation is not planning to change the position regarding the education reform.feature an article by Igor Pimenov, the Head of the Association for the Support for Russians Schools in Latvia. He stresses that his organisation is not planning to change the position regarding the education reform.

Integration and Minority Information Service

of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studiesof the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

• Latvia submitted a note to the Russian Embassy in Latvia
• The Special Task Minister for Societal Integration is planning to visit Latvian settlement near Omsk
• Chas
continues discussion about the education reform
• Chas features interview with Konstantin Zatulin
• Aivars Garda organised a picket against Israel in the Dome Square
• Lauku Avizecomments on the article by Nils Muiznieks
• Lauku Avize commentary about the NGO Prata speks activities
• Newspapers on the article by the leader of a Latvian nationalistic organisation

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted a note to the Russian Embassy in Latvia asking Russia to provide information about the possible civil rebellion in the nearest future caused by the education reform, or to disclaim immediately unproved statements announced by a Russian diplomat during the meeting of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers.

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted a note to the Russian Embassy in Latvia asking Russia to provide information about the possible civil rebellion in the nearest future caused by the education reform, or to disclaim immediately unproved statements announced by a Russian diplomat during the meeting of the Council of Europes Committee of Ministers. Diena, Lauku Avize

Chas informs that in the beginning of August the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks is planning to visit Latvian settlement near Omsk in Russia and to discuss problems of repatriation with Russian officials.

Chas informs that in the beginning of August the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks is planning to visit Latvian settlement near Omsk in Russia and to discuss problems of repatriation with Russian officials.

Chas

continues the discussion about the education reform with an article by Igor Pimenov, the Head of the Association for the Support for Russians Schools in Latvia. continues the discussion about the education reform with an article by Igor Pimenov, the Head of the Association for the Support for Russians Schools in Latvia.

Chas

features a short interview with one of the participants of the conference held in Moscow about the role of Russian language, Konstantin Zatulin, the director of the Institute of CIS and the advisor to the Mayor of Moscow Yurij Luzkov. He believes that education policy in Baltic States discriminates against Russian speakers. features a short interview with one of the participants of the conference held in Moscow about the role of Russian language, Konstantin Zatulin, the director of the Institute of CIS and the advisor to the Mayor of Moscow Yurij Luzkov. He believes that education policy in Baltic States discriminates against Russian speakers. The activists of the nationalistic organisation National Front of Latvia led by notorious Aivars Garda organised a picket in the Dome Square protesting against Israeli Ambassador complaint about the publications of the nationalistic newspaper DDD.

The activists of the nationalistic organisation National Front of Latvia led by notorious Aivars Garda organised a picket in the Dome Square protesting against Israeli Ambassador complaint about the publications of the nationalistic newspaper DDD. Chas, Vesti Sevodnya

Lauku Avize

comments on the article by Nils Muiznieks in the Russian newspaper comments on the article by Nils Muiznieks in the Russian newspaper ChasChas regarding the education reform. The newspaper is pleased that the Minister clearly stated the official position of Latvian government. However, the Minister is been criticised because of the fact that an opponent of the education reform Igor Pimenov is the member of the Advisory council of the Integration led by Nils Muiznieks. regarding the education reform. The newspaper is pleased that the Minister clearly stated the official position of Latvian government. However, the Minister is been criticised because of the fact that an opponent of the education reform Igor Pimenov is the member of the Advisory council of the Integration led by Nils Muiznieks. Journalist of

Journalist of Lauku Avize Maris Antonevics comments on NGO Prata speks activities organising Latvian language courses. He believes that the knowledge of Latvian doesnt guarantee the loyalty. The journalist considers that non-citizens will learn Latvian in order to naturalise and then vote for the political parties who will represent their interests. Lauku Avize

Lauku Avize

and and Vesti SevodnyaVesti Sevodnya reports about the article Homeland – Russian Latvia published in the internet portal reports about the article “Homeland – Russian Latvia” published in the internet portal DelfiDelfi by the leader of a Latvian nationalistic organisation Raivis Dzintars. In his article the author discusses several problems: whether the integration programme corresponds with reality; is it necessary to hasten the process of integration. He considers that Latvians have to be more active in support of the nationalistic ideas. by the leader of a Latvian nationalistic organisation Raivis Dzintars. In his article the author discusses several problems: whether the integration programme corresponds with reality; is it necessary to hasten the process of integration. He considers that Latvians have to be more active in support of the nationalistic ideas.

 

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

• Russian diplomat announced that the education reform could cause civil rebellion
• Neatkariga: it is not necessary to know the opinion of non-citizens about the EU
• Comments on the Romano Prodis announcement regarding non-visa regime with Russia
• Survey data shows that Orthodox is the biggest confession in Latvia
• Article by Yakov Briskin about the definition of national minorities

Diena reports that during the meeting of the Council of Europes Committee of Ministers a Russian diplomat announced that the situation in Latvia concerning the education reform is very critical and there is a possibility that it could cause civil rebellion. In reply to this announcement the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will submit a note to the Russian Embassy in Latvia. Neatkariga, Telegraf, Vesti Sevodnya, Chas

Neatkarigas columnist Viktors Avotins presents critical comments on the research prepared by Baltic Institute of Social Sciences about the opinion of inhabitants regarding the Latvias EU membership. He considers that it was not necessary to integrate the opinion of non-citizens in the research, because they will not be able to participate in the referendum.

Telegraf reports that the President of European Commission Romano Prodi announced that the visa regime between the EU and Russia could be removed within five-year period. The Press secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented that before the removal of visa regime Russia have to adjust immigration policy and sign several treaties with neighbouring countries including Latvia. The head of the Saeimas Foreign Affairs committee Inese Vaidere believes that it will take more than five years to introduce non-visa regime with Russia.

Vesti Sevodnya comments that according to the survey developed by the company SKDS Orthodox is the biggest confession in Latvia (25,1%). The newspaper concludes that it is inadmissible that Orthodox Christmas and Easter are not national holidays in Latvia.

Vesti Sevodnya features an article by Yakov Briskin about the definition of national minorities. According to the journalist the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks stated that Russian speakers are not to be considered a national minority, therefore journalist believes that the ratification of Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities will not improve the situation of Russian speakers.

 

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

• Special Task Minister for Societal Integration meets Prata Speks
• Article by the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration about the education reform
• Igor Pimenov presents his opinion on the education reform in Moscow
• Telegraf about the opinions of non-citizens about Latvias EU membership

Journalist of

Journalist of Lauku Avize reports that the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks did not agree on journalists presence at the meeting of the Integration Minister with representatives of the NGO Prata Speks. The Minister believes that his meetings with visitors are private. However, the information about the agenda of the meeting was revealed after the meeting took place. The NGO Prata Speks wants to receive the state funding to organize Latvian language courses. The Minister suggested to apply for the funding with the Society Integration Foundation that announced a project tender just recently. Lauku Avize

Chas prints an article by the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks about the education reform. The Minister believes the reform is in compliance with international standards, as well as with the goals of society integration in Latvia. He states that it is possible to strengthen the knowledge of Latvian and to preserve the languages of national minorities simultaneously. Nils Muiznieks states that it is the time to start the discussion between teachers and cultural activists about the content of education in minority languages.

The Head of the Association for the Support for Russians Schools in Latvia Igor Pimenov presented his opinion about the education reform in Latvia at the conference about the Russian language in Moscow.

The Head of the Association for the Support for Russians Schools in Latvia Igor Pimenov presented his opinion about the education reform in Latvia at the conference about the Russian language in Moscow. Chas

Telegraf reports on the research prepared by Baltic Institute of Social Sciences in which it has been concluded that non-citizens are more pessimistic about the Latvias EU membership than citizens are.

Integration and Minority Information Service

of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studiesof the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

• Konstantin Zatulin: the governments in the Baltic States displace the Russian language
• Vesti Segodnya
about seminars organised by the Society Integration Foundation
• Oleg Shipcov about the education reform
• Opinions of non-citizens about Latvias EU membership
• Lauku Avize
comments on initiatives that invite Russian speakers to vote against Latvias EU membership
• Non-Latvian pensioners against Latvias NATO membership
• This year 3318 persons have received Latvian citizenship through naturalisation. Chas
• Social linguist Gatis Dilans features an article about assimilation
• Chas: only mass media may improve the dialogue between the two communities in Latvia
• Interview with the Head of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee, FF/LNNK MP Inese Vaidere
• Integration Minister comments on the article by Aleksey Dmitrov

Vesti Segodnya

presents the opinion of the Konstantin Zatulin, the director of the Institute of NVS, about the Russian language presented in the conference in Moscow. He believes that the governments in the Baltic States displace Russian language from state and business sphere; therefore the rights of Russian citizens living in these countries who doesnt speak the official language are restricted. Vladimir Buzaev, the member of the Saeimas Commission of Human Rights and Social Affairs agrees with this opinion saying that the Russian language in Latvia has the status of a foreign language regardless the fact that Russian is the most common language in Latvia. The Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane reminded that there is only one official language in Latvia and that the government has done a lot for those who want to learn Latvian. The Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks considers that the decrease of the usage of the Russian language is a normal process, however it will not disappear. presents the opinion of the Konstantin Zatulin, the director of the Institute of NVS, about the Russian language presented in the conference in Moscow. He believes that the governments in the Baltic States displace Russian language from state and business sphere; therefore the rights of Russian citizens living in these countries who doesn’t speak the official language are restricted. Vladimir Buzaev, the member of the Saeima’s Commission of Human Rights and Social Affairs agrees with this opinion saying that the Russian language in Latvia has the status of a foreign language regardless the fact that Russian is the most common language in Latvia. The Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane reminded that there is only one official language in Latvia and that the government has done a lot for those who want to learn Latvian. The Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks considers that the decrease of the usage of the Russian language is a normal process, however it will not disappear.

Vesti Segodnya

features an article about the seminars organised by the Society Integration Foundation on how to apply for the EU funding for projects. The Director of the Society Integration Foundation explained that project applications aimed at providing Latvian language courses for individuals will not be accepted by the Foundation. The NGO Prata Speks announced that the Society Integration Foundation is not interested to provide funding for Latvian language courses, therefore they intend to ask the assistance of the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration. features an article about the seminars organised by the Society Integration Foundation on how to apply for the EU funding for projects. The Director of the Society Integration Foundation explained that project applications aimed at providing Latvian language courses for individuals will not be accepted by the Foundation. The NGO “Prata Speks” announced that the Society Integration Foundation is not interested to provide funding for Latvian language courses, therefore they intend to ask the assistance of the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration.

Vesti Segodnya

features an article by Oleg Shipcov, professor, member of the Riga City Council about the education reform. features an article by Oleg Shipcov, professor, member of the Riga City Council about the education reform. The Baltic Institute of Social Sciences conducted a focus group research about the opinion of inhabitants regarding the Latvia’s EU membership. According to the research non-citizens believe that the government already has made the decision and is not interested in people’s opinion. Non -citizens think that after Latvia’s accession to the EU prices will increase, but salaries and pensions will reduce. There is a concern among non-citizens that Latvia will have to send troops to the military areas and that the number of immigrants will increase. Non-citizens in Daugavpils fear that Latvia could become the place of chemical wastage for Europe and that there will be military stations and armament. As for positive aspects non-citizens mention the possible development of information technologies and production (manufacturing). The director of the Institute Brigita Zepa states that citizens are more informed about the EU than non-citizens are.

The Baltic Institute of Social Sciences conducted a focus group research about the opinion of inhabitants regarding the Latvias EU membership. According to the research non-citizens believe that the government already has made the decision and is not interested in peoples opinion. Non -citizens think that after Latvias accession to the EU prices will increase, but salaries and pensions will reduce. There is a concern among non-citizens that Latvia will have to send troops to the military areas and that the number of immigrants will increase. Non-citizens in Daugavpils fear that Latvia could become the place of chemical wastage for Europe and that there will be military stations and armament. As for positive aspects non-citizens mention the possible development of information technologies and production (manufacturing). The director of the Institute Brigita Zepa states that citizens are more informed about the EU than non-citizens are. Neatkariga

Lauku Avize

comments that some organisations in Latvia purposely dispose Russian speakers to vote against Latvias EU membership. comments that some organisations in Latvia purposely dispose Russian speakers to vote against Latvia’s EU membership. According to the survey conducted by the company “Latvijas fakti” two thirds of Latvia’s inhabitants support Latvia’s NATO membership, greatest part of population that are against are non-Latvian pensioners in Riga and Daugavpils.

According to the survey conducted by the company Latvijas fakti two thirds of Latvias inhabitants support Latvias NATO membership, greatest part of population that are against are non-Latvian pensioners in Riga and Daugavpils. Lauku Avize

This year 3318 persons have received Latvian citizenship through naturalisation.

Chas Social linguist Gatis Dilans features an article about assimilation. Both – defenders of Russian rights and officials use this term in a negative sense. Gatis Dilans interprets the term in the same sense as Latvian officials – assimilation means Latvisation and it does not mean that a person loses his/her native language.

Social linguist Gatis Dilans features an article about assimilation. Both – defenders of Russian rights and officials use this term in a negative sense. Gatis Dilans interprets the term in the same sense as Latvian officials – assimilation means Latvisation and it does not mean that a person loses his/her native language. Chas

Chas

columnist Leonid Fedoseyev states that there is no dialogue between the Russian and Latvian communities in Latvia. Only the means of mass media and exert of all society on politicians can change the situation, as at the moment those politicians, for instance, FF/LNNK, are dealing with integration issues that are not interested to solve them. He calls on people to discuss integration issues in newspapers and other means of mass media. columnist Leonid Fedoseyev states that there is no dialogue between the Russian and Latvian communities in Latvia. Only the means of mass media and exert of all society on politicians can change the situation, as at the moment those politicians, for instance, FF/LNNK, are dealing with integration issues that are not interested to solve them. He calls on people to discuss integration issues in newspapers and other means of mass media.

Vechernaya Riga

interviews the Head of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee, FF/LNNK MP Inese Vaidere. She states that it is very important for her that the Latvian language is heard in Latvia, while cultures of another nationalities are preserved and that all minorities feel comfortable in Latvia. Regarding the status of non-citizens in the EU, Vaidere announces the stance of Latvia: non-citizens shall not receive more rights than Latvian citizens will. interviews the Head of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee, FF/LNNK MP Inese Vaidere. She states that it is very important for her that the Latvian language is heard in Latvia, while cultures of another nationalities are preserved and that all minorities feel comfortable in Latvia. Regarding the status of non-citizens in the EU, Vaidere announces the stance of Latvia: non-citizens shall not receive more rights than Latvian citizens will. The public policy portal

The public policy portal www.politika.lv prints comments of the Special Task Minister for Social Integration Affairs Nils Muiznieks on the article of Aleksey Dmitrov about the activity plan developed by the Integration Minister. Nils Muiznieks agrees that at the first impression the activity plan of the Secretariat may seem general, however, there are specific tasks which are not included in this plan, for instance, various co-operation projects with the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, work with minority youth and children.
The article in Latvian is available here.