• Ministry of Education and Science decides to review a model of primary education curriculum developed by the LASHOR
• Protest action against the education reform in Latgale
• Russian language press comments on the protest actions in Strasbourg
• Another pro-minority NGO will be formed in September
• TV series in regional TV programmespromote social integration in Latvia

In order to improve the dialogue with minorities concerning the education reform, the Ministry of Education and Science decided to review a primary education curriculum developed by the LASHOR. The model was offered to the Ministry 2-3 years ago, nevertheless, the Ministry refused to discuss it then. Now the Ministry decided to discuss it because, in its opinion, it would help to build a dialogue with minority schools and organizations. If the model is accepted, it will be offered to minority primary schools as another alternative besides already four existing models. The model developed by the LASHOR offers teaching more subjects in Latvian and bilingually.

In order to improve the dialogue with minorities concerning the education reform, the Ministry of Education and Science decided to review a primary education curriculum developed by the LASHOR. The model was offered to the Ministry2-3 years ago, nevertheless, the Ministry refused to discuss it then. Now the Ministry decided to discuss it because, in its opinion, it would help to build a dialogue with minority schools and organizations. If the model is accepted, it will be offered to minority primary schools as another alternative besides already four existing models. The model developed by the LASHOR offers teaching more subjects in Latvian and bilingually. Diena

Members of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools organised another protest action “Against the Reform!” For two days 15 cars decorated with posters and flags agitating against the implementation of the education reform toured cities and towns of the Eastern part of Latvia.

Members of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools organised another protest action “Against the Reform!” For two days 15 cars decorated with posters and flags agitating against the implementation of the education reform toured cities and towns of the Eastern part of Latvia. Chas

Vesti Segodnya and Telegraf report on the arrival of members of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools who took part in protest actions against the education reform in Strasbourg. Newspaper comment that students were very satisfied with the achieved success: during their stay the protest action was the key event in Strasbourg and many members of the European Parliament were interested in discussions about the course of the education reform in Latvia. According to students, many MPs supported their stance and advised “not to give up!”

Members of Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools

Members of Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools believe that an organisation, planned to be formed in September, with the goal to defend the interests of the Russian community in Latvia, will be the biggest non-governmental organisation in Latvia. It is planned that at the initial phase about 30,000 people will be involved in the activities of the organisation and in two three years the number of members could grow to 100,000 members. Neatkariga

Last year a number of local TV stations produced and showed a series of short shows under the slogan “We are different, however, we are together.” Vladimirs Reiskarts, director of the Riga TV station TELE-1, states that the goal of the series was to learn how tolerant people belonging to different nationalities are towards each other, as well as to have a look at social integration issues from the perspective of average people and not politicians and civil servants. He concludes that in general there are no differences between Latvians and Russians and that is why day-to-day relations between Russians and Latvians are good. 

Last year a number of local TV stations produced and showed a series of short shows under the slogan “We are different, however, we are together.” Vladimirs Reiskarts, director of the Riga TV station TELE-1, states that the goal of the series was to learn how tolerantpeople belonging to different nationalities are towards each other, as well as to have a look at social integration issues from the perspective of average people and not politicians and civil servants. He concludes that in general there are no differences between Latvians and Russians and that is why day-to-day relations between Russians and Latvians are good.

• State Language Centre asks Saeima’s permission to fine an MP for violating the State Language Law

• Romani poetry and poetry about Roma in Latvia

The State Language Centre asked the Saeima’s permission to impose a penalty on the Head of the Latvian First Party Parliamentary group Oskars Kastens for violating the State Language Law. The State Language Centre basis its application on a received complaint from Latvian inhabitants of a residential house who received leaflets promoting the candidature of Oskars Kastens for the EP’s elections only in the Russian language. The MP explained that leaflets were distributed by party members and it was planned to distribute materials in both the Latvian and Russian language. Oskars Kastens stated that he had already apologised to the residents of the house and had sent them leaflets in the Latvian language as well.

The State Language Centre asked the Saeima’s permission to impose a penalty on the Head of the Latvian First Party Parliamentary group Oskars Kastens for violating the State Language Law. The State Language Centre basis its application on a received complaint from Latvian inhabitants of a residential house who received leaflets promoting the candidature of Oskars Kastens for the EP’s elections only in the Russian language. The MP explained that leaflets were distributed by party members and it was planned to distribute materials in both the Latvian and Russian language. Oskars Kastens stated that he had already apologised to the residents of the house and had sent them leaflets in the Latvian language as well. Diena

The annual two-day art happening “Lyrics for Summer” was devoted to Roma and Romani theme in the Latvian poetry. The first evening Roma poets and artistis who live in Latvia introduced their poetry and culture to audience, while Latvian poets read their works written about Roma next evening.  

The annual two-day art happening “Lyrics for Summer” was devoted to Roma and Romani theme in the Latvian poetry. The first evening Roma poets and artistis who live in Latvia introducedtheir poetry and culture to audience, whileLatvian poets read their works written about Romanext evening. Latvijas Avize

 

 

• Interview with the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis
• Indulis Emsis calls on municipalities to explain the goals of the education reform more actively
• Head of the New Era Parliamentary group Krisjanis Karins on social integration
• Interview with the Head of the Russia Science Academys Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology Valery Tishkov
• Tatjana Zdanoka reproaches Latvia for doing nothing to solve minority problems in the country
• Visit of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools to Strasbourg
• Draft declaration condemning the communist regime in the former USSR
• Approximately 20 representatives of the National Democratic Party participated in the picket against the education reform in Liepaja

Neatkariga Rita Avize features an interview with the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis. When asked about the education reform, the Prime Minister states that postponement or abolishment of the education reform would only lead to the further requirements and demands from Russia, however, Latvia has to obserher national interests.

The Prime Minister Indulis Emsis called local governments to get more involved in explaining the goals of the education reform which would, in his opinion, consequently diminish protest actions against the reform.

The Prime Minister Indulis Emsis called local governments to get more involved in explaining the goals of the education reform which would, in his opinion, consequently diminish protest actions against the reform. Latvijas Avize

Chas features an interview with the head of the New Era Parliamentary group Krisjanis Karins about social integration and the role of Latvian language.

Latvijas Avize prints an interview with the Head of the Russia Science Academys Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology Valery Tishkov about social integration issues in Latvia. Valery Tishkov believes that Latvia has to grantthe Latviancitizenship to allits residents. In his view, categorizing people in citizens and non-citizens has only ‘poisoned relations between these two communities. The social scientist is convinced thatbilingualism should become a norm among Russians as well as Latvians, because it is a requirement of a modern society.

‘Latvia is not dealing with minority problems exisiting in Latvia,’ stated the European Parliament (EP) MP from Latvia Tatjana Zdanoka in an interview with the broadcaster BBC. The MP also announced that for the first time a Russian minority is directly represented in the EP.

‘Latviais not dealing withminority problems exisiting in Latvia, stated the European Parliament (EP) MP from Latvia Tatjana Zdanoka in an interview with the broadcaster BBC. The MP also announced that for the first timea Russian minority is directly represented in the EP. Diena

Russian language newspapers continue to write about the visit of the Headquarters’ for the Defence of Russian-language Schools students to Strasbourg.

Russian language newspapers continue to write about the visit of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools students to Strasbourg. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Vesti Segodnya reports on development of a draft declaration, which condemns the communist regime in the former USSR. The declaration is developed by a working group which was formed within the Repses government. According to the draft declaration, the Russian Federation, as the successor state of the former USSR, takes legal, financial, political and moral responsibility for damages and genocide brought and conducted in Latvia during the years of its occupation. Hence, according to the draft document, the European Union should ‘demand Russia to compensate moral and financial damages brought by the occupation and communistic regime, as well as decolonise Latvia by repatriating former USSR citizens. According to the author of the article, Saeima could review the resolution in September.

Approximately 20 representatives of the National Democratic Party participated in the picket against the education reform in Liepaja. The municipality of Liepaja refused to accept a petition of participants. The petition asked to replace current minority schools directors because they advocate for the implementation of the education reform.

Approximately 20 representatives of the National Democratic Party participatedin the picket against the education reform in Liepaja. The municipality of Liepaja refused to accept a petition ofparticipants. The petition asked to replace current minority schools directors because they advocate for the implementation of the education reform. Latvijas Avize

• Saeima appoints Artis Pabriks to the post of Foreign Affairs Minister
• Picket against the Latvias education reform in Strasbourg
• Latvian Government plans to take steps to respond to the protest actions against the education reform planned by the Headquarters on 1 September
• President of the public relation agency RKT Publicitate Krisjanis Rozenvalds on societal integration in Latvia
• Museum ‘Russians in Latvia

The Saeima appointed the current Head of Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Artis Pabriks (People’s Party) to the post of the Foreign Affairs Minister. Artis Pabriks was elected to the post thanks to the direct and indirect support of the opposition’s left-wing parties. 55 MPs from the coalition parties and People’s Harmony Party voted for Artis Pabriks, 31 (from the New Era and For Human Rights in the United Latvia) voted against, 7 MPs from the For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM abstained. MPs from Latvia’s Socialist Party did not participate in the vote thereby indirectly supporting the candidature of Artis Pabriks.

The Saeima appointed the current Head of Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Artis Pabriks (Peoples Party) to the post of the Foreign Affairs Minister. Artis Pabriks was elected to the post thanks to the direct and indirect support of the oppositions left-wing parties. 55 MPs from the coalition parties and Peoples Harmony Party voted for Artis Pabriks, 31 (from the New Era and For Human Rights in the United Latvia) voted against, 7 MPs from the For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM abstained. MPs from Latvias Socialist Party did not participate in the vote thereby indirectly supporting the candidature of Artis Pabriks. Chas and Telegraf feature interviews with Artis Pabriks. Latvijas Vestnesis, Diena, Rigas Balss, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Newspapers write about the picket against the Latvia’s education reform in Strasbourg in which young people from the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools took part. While the Latvian mass media reports that the protest, as well as the press conference with the European Parliament (EP) MP Tatjana Zdanoka did not attract attention of EP deputies and foreign journalists, the Russian language newspapers evaluate the protest action as successful. Other Latvian MPs of the EP, who disagree with the protest actions, issued a statement. In their statement they condemn the activities of Tatjana Zdanoka stating that these activities have no relation to real concerns regarding the situation of minorities in Latvia.

Newspapers write about the picket against the Latvias education reform in Strasbourg in which young people from the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools took part. While the Latvian mass media reports that the protest, as well as the press conference with the European Parliament (EP) MP Tatjana Zdanoka did not attract attention of EP deputies and foreign journalists, the Russian language newspapers evaluate the protest action as successful. Other Latvian MPs of the EP, who disagree with the protest actions, issued a statement. In their statement they condemn the activities of Tatjana Zdanoka stating that these activities have no relation to real concerns regarding the situation of minorities in Latvia. Diena, Rigas Balss, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

In the response to the planned protest actions against the implementation of the education reform scheduled on 1 September 2004, the government plans to organise several recreational events for students, announced the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis after the meeting with President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga.

In the response to the planned protest actions against the implementation of the education reform scheduled on 1 September 2004, the government plans to organise several recreational events for students, announced the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis after the meeting with President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga. Diena, Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the president of the public relation agency RKT Publicitate Krisjanis Rozenvalds about issues concerning Latvian Russian relations in Latvia. He critically talks about “Latvian mentality” and reproaches Latvians for being indifferent towards issues where their involvement is necessary, for example, prohibition of legionnaires demonstrations. However, he is convinced that Russia should recognise occupation of Latvia and that would help to eliminate many phobias still alive among Latvians.   

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the president of the public relation agency RKT Publicitate Krisjanis Rozenvalds about issues concerning Latvian Russian relations in Latvia. He critically talks about Latvian mentality and reproaches Latvians for being indifferent towards issues where their involvement is necessary, for example, prohibition of legionnaires demonstrations. However, he is convinced that Russia should recognise occupation of Latvia and that would help to eliminate many phobias still alive among Latvians.

Chas reports that a number of Russian non-governmental cultural organisations have formed a working group which works at the formation of the museum ‘Russians in Latvia.

• Administrative Court refuses to initiate a case challenging a provision which stipulates transcription of persons names and surnames in accordance with Latvian spelling and grammar rules in Latvian identity documents
• OSCE Chairman Solomon Passy on the observation of minority rights in Latvia
• Commentary about the possible ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
• Newspapers continue to write about the visit of 40 youth representatives and their parents from the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools to the European Parliament
• European culture and art festival Europeade 2004 is taking place in Riga

Human rights expert Leonid Raihman has challenged provisions of the State Language Centre which stipulate that in Latvian ID persons’ first and last names should be written in accordance with Latvian grammar rules. Leonid Raihman believes that this is a violation of human rights. Nevertheless, the Administrative Court refused to initiate the case stating that provisions of the State Language Centre are not administrative norms, therefore, not under the competence of administrative courts. Leonid Raihman is determined to appeal to the Senate of the Supreme Court and to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in order to defend his right to write his name in identification documents ‘Leonid Raihman’ instead of ‘Leonids Raihmans.’ ‘I will also complain to the ECHR about the lack of effective court mechanism in Latvia and their inability to review discrimination cases,’ says Leonid Raihman.

Human rights expert Leonid Raihman has challenged provisions of the State Language Centre which stipulate that in Latvian ID persons first and last names should be written in accordance with Latvian grammar rules. Leonid Raihman believes that this is a violation of human rights. Nevertheless, the Administrative Court refused to initiate the case stating that provisions of the State Language Centre are not administrative norms, therefore, not under the competence of administrative courts. Leonid Raihman is determined to appeal to the Senate of the Supreme Court and to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in order to defend his right to write his name in identification documents ‘Leonid Raihman instead of ‘Leonids Raihmans. ‘I will also complain to the ECHR about the lack of effective court mechanism in Latvia and their inability to review discrimination cases, says Leonid Raihman. Vesti Segodnya

Chas prints an interview with the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Solomon Passy about the observation of minority rights in Latvia. According to the Chairman, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus has developed a project for ensuring more liberal interpretation of the Law on State Language. When asked about the education reform, Solomon Passy stresses the right of the state to implement the education reform in order to strengthen the Latvian language, however, he notes that the state must also ensure opportunities to acquire education in minority languages these languages, which would help to maintain cultural and linguistic identities of national minorities.

Neatkariga Rita Avize features a commentary by Viktors Avotins on the possible ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. The author foresees the lack of productive discussions on the issue in the closest future as the main reason for non-ratification of the Convention provided by the majority of society and politicians are the contradicting arguments about the role of Latvian and Russian languages. The author basis his conclusion on the data of the survey on the attitude of Latvian society towards the Convention, conducted in 2002, which shows that the majority of non-Latvians believe there is a strong desire to eliminate the usage of the Russian language in public sphere, while Latvians believe that the lack of Latvian language skills is the main cause of tension in society.

Newspapers continue to write about the visit of 40 youth representatives and their parents from the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools to the European Parliament (EP) to express their stance against the education reform. Eight European Parliament’s MPs from Latvia are planning to issue a joint statement, providing opposite views regarding the reform. The European Parliament’s MP Michael Gahler (Group of the European People’s Party) foresees that the planned picket will not reach the goal set by its organisers, as the European Parliament is not responsible institution for educational policy in Latvia.

Newspapers continue to write about the visit of 40 youth representatives and their parents from the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools to the European Parliament (EP) to express their stance against the education reform. Eight European Parliaments MPs from Latvia are planning to issue a joint statement, providing opposite views regarding the reform. The European Parliaments MP Michael Gahler (Group of the European Peoples Party) foresees that the planned picket will not reach the goal set by its organisers, as the European Parliament is not responsible institution for educational policy in Latvia. Diena, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

The European culture and art festival Europeade 2004 is taking place in Riga from 21 till 25 of July.

The European culture and art festival Europeade 2004 is taking place in Riga from 21 till 25 of July. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Rigas Balss