Press Report

Press Report

After joining the European Union, Latvia will have to join the Dublin convention, which regulates migration policies, however, the EU may grant a certain transitional period for implementation of the convention in Latvia, claims the IOM. Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Brunson McKinley, told BNS while in Latvia that the transitional period may be granted because the weight of migration from the east will affect Latvia significantly, being the outer border of the EU. "As Latvia has a border with the former USSR, the Dublin convention will bind Latvia with unproportionate weight," said McKinley, therefore, the EU may decide that the convention will not take immediate effect in Latvia. "Europe will help Latvia, if it takes on a large amount of the immigrant burden."

After joining the European Union, Latvia will have to join the Dublin convention, which regulates migration policies, however, the EU may grant a certain transitional period for implementation of the convention in Latvia, claims the IOM. Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Brunson McKinley, told BNS while in Latvia that the transitional period may be granted because the weight of migration from the east will affect Latvia significantly, being the outer border of the EU. "As Latvia has a border with the former USSR, the Dublin convention will bind Latvia with unproportionate weight," said McKinley, therefore, the EU may decide that the convention will not take immediate effect in Latvia. "Europe will help Latvia, if it takes on a large amount of the immigrant burden." BNS, Diena, Vesti Segodnya

After accession of Latvia to the European the country's non-citizens will not have the opportunity to enjoy the same rights as citizens but the Union will guarantee them the fundamental human rights, EU enlargement commissioner said. Guenter Verheugen's remark came in a news conference Friday following a meeting with several Latvian officials. The commissioner noted though this is a "highly complicated question" and the EU legal services are already analyzing the situation but the answers so far have not been unanimous. Verheugen added the Latvian government should not amend the current citizenship legislation and its implementation. He voiced conviction the EU will work to promote social integration.

After accession of Latvia to the European the country's non-citizens will not have the opportunity to enjoy the same rights as citizens but the Union will guarantee them the fundamental human rights, EU enlargement commissioner said. Guenter Verheugen's remark came in a news conference Friday following a meeting with several Latvian officials. The commissioner noted though this is a "highly complicated question" and the EU legal services are already analyzing the situation but the answers so far have not been unanimous. Verheugen added the Latvian government should not amend the current citizenship legislation and its implementation. He voiced conviction the EU will work to promote social integration. BNS, Respublika

During an unofficial lunch between the European Union's Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen and Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the two also touched upon the recent controversial Vieda publishing house essay contest. Latvia's president said after the meeting that Verheugen had said: "displays of extremism are unfortunately not unknown of elsewhere in Europe...but the government's task is to clearly and categorically state that such displays are unacceptable," if they are turned against other nations or religions. President Vike-Freiberga went on to say "I haven't had time myself to look into the results of the competition... therefore I can't give a serious professional assessment," nevertheless, she has "been given the impression that the [competition] is unbalanced in its approach... treated too emotionally," and that the book is in some places "undoubtedly prejudiced against other nations."

During an unofficial lunch between the European Union's Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen and Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the two also touched upon the recent controversial Vieda publishing house essay contest. Latvia's president said after the meeting that Verheugen had said: "displays of extremism are unfortunately not unknown of elsewhere in Europe...but the government's task is to clearly and categorically state that such displays are unacceptable," if they are turned against other nations or religions. President Vike-Freiberga went on to say "I haven't had time myself to look into the results of the competition... therefore I can't give a serious professional assessment," nevertheless, she has "been given the impression that the [competition] is unbalanced in its approach... treated too emotionally," and that the book is in some places "undoubtedly prejudiced against other nations." BNS, Panorama Latvii

The Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins has asked the country's top security office and the security police to assess the claims of civil war threats made by scandalous Vieda publishing director and parliament member, social democrat Janis Leja, in a letter handed to the EU enlargement commissioner currently in Latvia. The Latvian Prime Minister's spokesperson, Arnis Lapins, told BNS the PM's opinion that the claims made in the said letter are either provocative or the result of an inadequate understanding of the processes currently taking place in the country, and has therefore asked the Constitution Protection Office and Security Police to look into the matter. "They are unacceptable, create a threat to the citizen society and discredit the Latvian State," said Lapins.

The Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins has asked the country's top security office and the security police to assess the claims of civil war threats made by scandalous Vieda publishing director and parliament member, social democrat Janis Leja, in a letter handed to the EU enlargement commissioner currently in Latvia. The Latvian Prime Minister's spokesperson, Arnis Lapins, told BNS the PM's opinion that the claims made in the said letter are either provocative or the result of an inadequate understanding of the processes currently taking place in the country, and has therefore asked the Constitution Protection Office and Security Police to look into the matter. "They are unacceptable, create a threat to the citizen society and discredit the Latvian State," said Lapins. BNS

Vieda publishing company, that acquired controversy following a nationalist youth essay contest, and a Social Democrat MP Friday handed a letter to European Union enlargement commissioner, currently on a visit in Latvia, underscoring the need for decolonization of Latvia or repatriation of people of other nationalities. "If decolonization does not proceed fast Latvia is under danger of civil war because colonists in this country are inciters to national hatred, especially the Russian language press. The letter was handed to Commissioner Gunter Verheugen by four students of Latvian Culture Academy during a lecture at Riga Graduate School of Law where the commissioner was delivering a lecture "EU Enlargement -- Common Gain".

Vieda publishing company, that acquired controversy following a nationalist youth essay contest, and a Social Democrat MP Friday handed a letter to European Union enlargement commissioner, currently on a visit in Latvia, underscoring the need for decolonization of Latvia or repatriation of people of other nationalities. "If decolonization does not proceed fast Latvia is under danger of civil war because colonists in this country are inciters to national hatred, especially the Russian language press. The letter was handed to Commissioner Gunter Verheugen by four students of Latvian Culture Academy during a lecture at Riga Graduate School of Law where the commissioner was delivering a lecture "EU Enlargement -- Common Gain". BNS, Diena, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodna, Respublika (23.07)

The OSCE mission in Latvia said the book is a manifestation of bad taste but it should not be regarded as inciting to national hatred. Latvian top national security agency, the Constitution Protection Office, held a similar opinion saying the debate triggered by the book should be seen as diversity of opinions and people can not be punished for that.

The OSCE mission in Latvia said the book is a manifestation of bad taste but it should not be regarded as inciting to national hatred. Latvian top national security agency, the Constitution Protection Office, held a similar opinion saying the debate triggered by the book should be seen as diversity of opinions and people can not be punished for that. BNS

On June 29 Latvia's Foreign Ministry sent the European Commission its annual progress report on Latvia, which is used mainly as a basis for the European Commission's progress report on Latvia. The Foreign Ministry reported that the national progress report has analyzed the country's general process of reforms, the acquisition process of the European Union's legislation (acquis communautaire) and implementation of legislation, analysis of economic indicators and descriptions of the EU accession negotiation chapters. Latvia's 2001 progress report claims that the government's priorities - social integration, public administration, economic and regional policies and anti-corruption - are reflected in planning of the state budget and introduction of EU principles. The report claims that all six parties in parliament "completely support Latvia's integration to the EU. The state continues to carry out political accession criteria, increasing state funding in 2000 and 2001 for Latvian language training, minority education and public information. The report states that this has directly promoted the interest of non-citizens to naturalize. In order to make the naturalization process easier, the fee has been reduced, and a broader range of people are now liable for reductions on the fee. Latvian language final exams at minority schools are also now passed as valid for naturalization.

On June 29 Latvia's Foreign Ministry sent the European Commission its annual progress report on Latvia, which is used mainly as a basis for the European Commission's progress report on Latvia. The Foreign Ministry reported that the national progress report has analyzed the country's general process of reforms, the acquisition process of the European Union's legislation (acquis communautaire) and implementation of legislation, analysis of economic indicators and descriptions of the EU accession negotiation chapters. Latvia's 2001 progress report claims that the government's priorities - social integration, public administration, economic and regional policies and anti-corruption - are reflected in planning of the state budget and introduction of EU principles. The report claims that all six parties in parliament "completely support Latvia's integration to the EU. The state continues to carry out political accession criteria, increasing state funding in 2000 and 2001 for Latvian language training, minority education and public information. The report states that this has directly promoted the interest of non-citizens to naturalize. In order to make the naturalization process easier, the fee has been reduced, and a broader range of people are now liable for reductions on the fee. Latvian language final exams at minority schools are also now passed as valid for naturalization. BNS

Press Report

Press Report

Daugavpils Mayor Rihards Eigims' state language skills correspond to the language proficiency level required to carry out his professional duties, Latvian State Language Centre concluded following a repeated test. Language Centre head Dzintra Hirsa told BNS that for the time being there is no document affirming the evaluation for Eigims Latvian language proficiency level so there is no concrete decision on the evaluation level yet. The State Language Centre will send its decision to Daugavpils local authority, which will contain a concrete decision. Although the written test has not been made at the highest level the mayor's language proficiency still meets 3a level, which is one of the highest levels, said Hirsa. Eigims' written test got evaluation 2b. Hirsa told BNS the evaluation of the written test is not important in this case because the general language proficiency should be evaluated. "Language proficiency should be valued by several criteria -- oral, written, reading and understanding proficiency and, his knowledge generally meets the level appropriate for his office," said Hirsa. The Centre recommends Eigims to regularly improve his language proficiency because in the town of Daugavpils he does not have a lot of opportunities to speak in Latvia which may reduce his language proficiency. Now the State Language Centre will be only entitled to check Eigims language proficiency after complaints over him not using the state language. Hirsa said though that, in the wake of complaints, it is actually impossible to prove that the state language has not been used. One of the possibilities is sending language inspectors, for example, to press conferences, which though has not been done so far, said Hirsa. Media reports have said Eigims had held press conferences in Russian. Under the state language law a head of a local authority should have the state language proficiency at the highest grade which is divided in two levels -- 3b which is free and fluent use of language in writing, oral communication, reading and understanding. The second level 3a is free use of language admitting small and insignificant mistakes.

Daugavpils Mayor Rihards Eigims' state language skills correspond to the language proficiency level required to carry out his professional duties, Latvian State Language Centre concluded following a repeated test. Language Centre head Dzintra Hirsa told BNS that for the time being there is no document affirming the evaluation for Eigims Latvian language proficiency level so there is no concrete decision on the evaluation level yet. The State Language Centre will send its decision to Daugavpils local authority, which will contain a concrete decision. Although the written test has not been made at the highest level the mayor's language proficiency still meets 3a level, which is one of the highest levels, said Hirsa. Eigims' written test got evaluation 2b. Hirsa told BNS the evaluation of the written test is not important in this case because the general language proficiency should be evaluated. "Language proficiency should be valued by several criteria -- oral, written, reading and understanding proficiency and, his knowledge generally meets the level appropriate for his office," said Hirsa. The Centre recommends Eigims to regularly improve his language proficiency because in the town of Daugavpils he does not have a lot of opportunities to speak in Latvia which may reduce his language proficiency. Now the State Language Centre will be only entitled to check Eigims language proficiency after complaints over him not using the state language. Hirsa said though that, in the wake of complaints, it is actually impossible to prove that the state language has not been used. One of the possibilities is sending language inspectors, for example, to press conferences, which though has not been done so far, said Hirsa. Media reports have said Eigims had held press conferences in Russian. Under the state language law a head of a local authority should have the state language proficiency at the highest grade which is divided in two levels -- 3b which is free and fluent use of language in writing, oral communication, reading and understanding. The second level 3a is free use of language admitting small and insignificant mistakes. Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

The expected visit of French President Jacques Chirac in Latvia will have the status of a state visit and the key issues for discussion will be bilateral relations between Latvia and France, Latvian president's adviser for foreign affairs said. The president's chancellery reported the French president will be on a state visit in Latvia at the invitation of Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga July 27-28.

The expected visit of French President Jacques Chirac in Latvia will have the status of a state visit and the key issues for discussion will be bilateral relations between Latvia and France, Latvian president's adviser for foreign affairs said. The president's chancellery reported the French president will be on a state visit in Latvia at the invitation of Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga July 27-28. Diena

The State Language Centre cannot realise its rights stipulated by the Administrative Violation Code effective as of June to impose fines for State Language Law violations. The State Language Centre is unable to impose fines as the procedure is not stipulated in the Regulations on the State Language Centre. The Cabinet of Ministers is in charge for the amendments to the Regulations.

The State Language Centre cannot realise its rights stipulated by the Administrative Violation Code effective as of June to impose fines for State Language Law violations. The State Language Centre is unable to impose fines as the procedure is not stipulated in the Regulations on the State Language Centre. The Cabinet of Ministers is in charge for the amendments to the Regulations. Neatkariga, Respublika

Thursday International Migration Organisation (IMO) Secretary General Brunson McKinley arrived in Latvia on a two-day visit to discuss with Latvian officials future co-operation and assess previous work. Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Brunson McKinley has suggested discussing the possibility of Latvia legalising the status of illegal immigrants in future. McKinley emphasised that Latvia is a model as to how small countries, only just hit with the problem, form their migration policies. The IOM is pleased about Latvia's implementation of the organisation’s programs. Latvia expels an average of 500 illegal immigrants each year, while 2,500 people are granted initial residency permits. 40 percent of the illegal immigrants gain permission for residence by marrying, another 40 percent through work, with other reasons for the remaining 20 percent.

Thursday International Migration Organisation (IMO) Secretary General Brunson McKinley arrived in Latvia on a two-day visit to discuss with Latvian officials future co-operation and assess previous work. Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Brunson McKinley has suggested discussing the possibility of Latvia legalising the status of illegal immigrants in future. McKinley emphasised that Latvia is a model as to how small countries, only just hit with the problem, form their migration policies. The IOM is pleased about Latvia's implementation of the organisations programs. Latvia expels an average of 500 illegal immigrants each year, while 2,500 people are granted initial residency permits. 40 percent of the illegal immigrants gain permission for residence by marrying, another 40 percent through work, with other reasons for the remaining 20 percent. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

For the second week Vieda book is on the top of the best sold books in Latvia. The publishing house says that “the book simply corresponds to the interests and views of the people”. Vieda is going to re-publish the book, however, it does not disclose the exact number of the books to be issued.

For the second week Vieda book is on the top of the best sold books in Latvia. The publishing house says that the book simply corresponds to the interests and views of the people. Vieda is going to re-publish the book, however, it does not disclose the exact number of the books to be issued. Rigas Balss

Chas provides rather detailed comments of political scientist A.Pabriks on Vieda book. He feels sorry that the book did not receive the assessment it had deserved – a negative one. He says “from the aspect of the Criminal Law there is nothing to pick on and also the majority of students did not express as radical views as A.Garda did, but from the view of society consent it is difficult not to exaggerate the harm caused by the book”. A.Pabriks is very disappointed with the attitude of society and mass media – in his opinion journalists had to declare very clearly their negative stance. About Russia he says “Russia’s stance is absolutely unacceptable for me, too. It is speculative and they have their own purposes for doing that”. A.Pabriks names the main obstacles which prevent the building of integrated community in Latvia. First, the different views on history. “Latvians do need the recognition that Latvia was occupied in 1940. Right now in Latvia there is no mass media working for both Russian and Latvian audiences, therefore history study books should be used to reflect the truth and both Russians and Latvians could read them without negative emotions”. In regard to the representatives of Russians in state affairs, A.Pabriks says “is it normal that Russians who support liberal ideas and free market economy vote for FHRUL and not for Latvia’s Way or People’s Party. The reason is the power of habits and second, the parties themselves should be blamed.”

Chas provides rather detailed comments of political scientist A.Pabriks on Vieda book. He feels sorry that the book did not receive the assessment it had deserved – a negative one. He says from the aspect of the Criminal Law there is nothing to pick on and also the majority of students did not express as radical views as A.Garda did, but from the view of society consent it is difficult not to exaggerate the harm caused by the book. A.Pabriks is very disappointed with the attitude of society and mass media – in his opinion journalists had to declare very clearly their negative stance. About Russia he says Russias stance is absolutely unacceptable for me, too. It is speculative and they have their own purposes for doing that. A.Pabriks names the main obstacles which prevent the building of integrated community in Latvia. First, the different views on history. Latvians do need the recognition that Latvia was occupied in 1940. Right now in Latvia there is no mass media working for both Russian and Latvian audiences, therefore history study books should be used to reflect the truth and both Russians and Latvians could read them without negative emotions. In regard to the representatives of Russians in state affairs, A.Pabriks says is it normal that Russians who support liberal ideas and free market economy vote for FHRUL and not for Latvias Way or Peoples Party. The reason is the power of habits and second, the parties themselves should be blamed.

Latvian Supreme Court Oct. 10 will begin hearing appeal claims by the three National Bolsheviks from Russia, on trial in Latvia over terrorism and illegal border crossing.

Latvian Supreme Court Oct. 10 will begin hearing appeal claims by the three National Bolsheviks from Russia, on trial in Latvia over terrorism and illegal border crossing. Vesti Segodnja

Yesterday Russian State Duma adopted the draft of Migration Policy which main purpose is to attract qualified professionals from CIS and Baltic Countries to Russia.

Yesterday Russian State Duma adopted the draft of Migration Policy which main purpose is to attract qualified professionals from CIS and Baltic Countries to Russia. Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Press Report

Draft protocol of co-operation between Riga and Moscow sets out as priorities expansion of contacts in the areas of education, research, culture, sports and tourism as well as co-operation between media. The draft protocol made public by the Riga city council envisages promotion of co-operation of city council of both cities and delegation exchange, stipulating that each delegation may comprise no more than seven people and each party pays for plane tickets for its delegation. The draft protocol also envisages exchange of experience in developing draft legislation aimed at improving self-government system as well as economic and budget policy issues at the level of city legislation. The draft protocol offered by Moscow has been sent to Riga city council factions that should submit their proposals for co-operation. Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars Wednesday reiterated talking to reporters the protocol will be prepared for signing without delay but concrete terms have not been specified. Previously he described the protocol as declarative therefore the Riga city council should include concrete issues into it. The co-operation protocol with Moscow city government could be signed at the end of the year when Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov is expected arriving on a visit in Riga. With Moscow city council the protocol could be signed even earlier.

Draft protocol of co-operation between Riga and Moscow sets out as priorities expansion of contacts in the areas of education, research, culture, sports and tourism as well as co-operation between media. The draft protocol made public by the Riga city council envisages promotion of co-operation of city council of both cities and delegation exchange, stipulating that each delegation may comprise no more than seven people and each party pays for plane tickets for its delegation. The draft protocol also envisages exchange of experience in developing draft legislation aimed at improving self-government system as well as economic and budget policy issues at the level of city legislation. The draft protocol offered by Moscow has been sent to Riga city council factions that should submit their proposals for co-operation. Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars Wednesday reiterated talking to reporters the protocol will be prepared for signing without delay but concrete terms have not been specified. Previously he described the protocol as declarative therefore the Riga city council should include concrete issues into it. The co-operation protocol with Moscow city government could be signed at the end of the year when Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov is expected arriving on a visit in Riga. With Moscow city council the protocol could be signed even earlier. Diena

Wednesday the Constitutional Court initiated the first case in this court in Latvia on a claim by a private individual, contesting compliance to the Constitution of norms under the state language law and government regulations on spelling names and surnames in documents. Constitutional Court Chairman Aivars Endzins told BNS the claimant so far has contested at all court instances of the general jurisdiction the decision of the Citizenship and Migration Department to make Latvian spelling Mencena of the surname Mentzen. All general jurisdiction courts had turned down her complaint. Juta Mentzen-Mencena said in her claim to the court the state language law and corresponding government regulations on spelling names and surnames in documents do not comply with the provision under the Constitution on inviolability of privacy. The claim also cites two court judgements of the European Court of Human Rights. The court panel requested the parliament and government provide response on

Wednesday the Constitutional Court initiated the first case in this court in Latvia on a claim by a private individual, contesting compliance to the Constitution of norms under the state language law and government regulations on spelling names and surnames in documents. Constitutional Court Chairman Aivars Endzins told BNS the claimant so far has contested at all court instances of the general jurisdiction the decision of the Citizenship and Migration Department to make Latvian spelling Mencena of the surname Mentzen. All general jurisdiction courts had turned down her complaint. Juta Mentzen-Mencena said in her claim to the court the state language law and corresponding government regulations on spelling names and surnames in documents do not comply with the provision under the Constitution on inviolability of privacy. The claim also cites two court judgements of the European Court of Human Rights. The court panel requested the parliament and government provide response on

the matter by Sept. 3. Under recent amendments to the law on Constitutional Court, in effect since July 1, the circle of persons entitled to filing a claim with the court was expanded so to embrace private individuals. Private individuals can turn to the Constitutional Court only in the event their rights guaranteed under the constitution have been violated as well as all possibilities of appeal at the general jurisdiction courts have been exhausted. So far several dozens of residents have used the possibility to file the claim with the Constitutional Court but most of them do not fall into the court's competence for various reasons. The amendments also allow general jurisdiction courts to turn to the Constitutional Court if they, during consideration of a case, come across a norm not complying with the constitution. Also entitled to turn to the Constitutional Court are justices of Land Book register. The amendments also have expanded possibilities of local authorities and National Human Rights Office.

the matter by Sept. 3. Under recent amendments to the law on Constitutional Court, in effect since July 1, the circle of persons entitled to filing a claim with the court was expanded so to embrace private individuals. Private individuals can turn to the Constitutional Court only in the event their rights guaranteed under the constitution have been violated as well as all possibilities of appeal at the general jurisdiction courts have been exhausted. So far several dozens of residents have used the possibility to file the claim with the Constitutional Court but most of them do not fall into the court's competence for various reasons. The amendments also allow general jurisdiction courts to turn to the Constitutional Court if they, during consideration of a case, come across a norm not complying with the constitution. Also entitled to turn to the Constitutional Court are justices of Land Book register. The amendments also have expanded possibilities of local authorities and National Human Rights Office. Diena, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii, Respublika, Chas

Note: On a related point, the Mission is now reviewing a regulation being considered by the Cabinet of Ministers which provides a style guide (codex) for the transcription of names into Latvian from other languages. It is not clear if this draft regulation would supplement or replace the regulations being challenged in the Court case noted above.

Neatkariga

interviews Riga City Council mayor G.Bojars. In G.Bojars opinion he is contributing to the stability of political situation in the country as he is not taking measures just to make himself popular but he is implementing long-term development programmes. Once again G.Bojars stresses that his political views and activities are not always in compliance with the views of his father J.Bojars, Social Democrats Party chairperson.

Weekly Russian newspaper Subbota interviews OSCE Mission to Latvia head P.Semneby on the role and activities of the OSCE Mission in Latvia.

Press Report

Press Report

The Latvian Company Register has again refused to register an extreme and radical Liepaja City organisation, officially under the name of Russian National Unity in Latvia, as documentation is still insufficient and the organisation’s name is also still the same as another located in Russia. The Company Register reports that the so-called Barkashovtsi group has still not changed its name, the same as an anti-Latvian organisation in Russia, which was also a reason for previously refusing the application. The Latvian Company Register reports that the organisation in Russia is an extreme radical organisation working against the sovereignty of Latvia.

The Latvian Company Register has again refused to register an extreme and radical Liepaja City organisation, officially under the name of Russian National Unity in Latvia, as documentation is still insufficient and the organisations name is also still the same as another located in Russia. The Company Register reports that the so-called Barkashovtsi group has still not changed its name, the same as an anti-Latvian organisation in Russia, which was also a reason for previously refusing the application. The Latvian Company Register reports that the organisation in Russia is an extreme radical organisation working against the sovereignty of Latvia. Respublika

Yesterday publishing house Vieda director A.Garda announced that the book “We do not Give Latvia to Anyone” has been re-published.

Yesterday publishing house Vieda director A.Garda announced that the book We do not Give Latvia to Anyone has been re-published. Vesti Segodnja writes Garda keeps propagating hatred between the nations although the official institutions – the Prime Minister, the heads of Latvian top security agencies, General Prosecutor Office, as well as Russia and OSCE – had expressed their disapproving opinion about the book and essay contest.

Yesterday the Minister of Welfare A.Pozharnovs admitted that the work at singing agreements with Russia has stopped. The stumbling stone is the requirement to re-calculate pensions for non-citizens. The Ministry of Welfare was charged to carry out calculations whether the gains from other agreements with Russia would cover the losses generated by the re-calculation of pensions, however, neither the ministry nor ruling coalition seems to be in a hurry.

Yesterday the Minister of Welfare A.Pozharnovs admitted that the work at singing agreements with Russia has stopped. The stumbling stone is the requirement to re-calculate pensions for non-citizens. The Ministry of Welfare was charged to carry out calculations whether the gains from other agreements with Russia would cover the losses generated by the re-calculation of pensions, however, neither the ministry nor ruling coalition seems to be in a hurry. Chas, Respublika

Jauna

publishes an article about the Russian Party and talks with its leader M.Gavrilovs. The Party has 400 members and its ideology is based on the fundamental value of Russian culture – orthodoxy. I am very disappointed that Latvians Russians associate with such persons as T.Zhdanok, A.Rubiks and J.Jurkans. These people are cosmopolitans and internationalists and they protect the rights of Russian-speakers, not Russians. M.Gavrilovs considers that FHRUL should be blamed for having 2 disintegrated communities in Latvia. publishes an article about the Russian Party and talks with its leader M.Gavrilovs. The Party has 400 members and its ideology is based on the fundamental value of Russian culture – orthodoxy. “I am very disappointed that Latvians Russians associate with such persons as T.Zhdanok, A.Rubiks and J.Jurkans. These people are cosmopolitans and internationalists and they protect the rights of Russian-speakers, not Russians”. M.Gavrilovs considers that FHRUL should be blamed for having 2 disintegrated communities in Latvia.

Press Report

Press Report

The newspaper

The newspaper Chas has carried out Internet survey asking what status the Russian language should have in Latvia. Almost a half of the respondents (333) say that Russian should have the status of the official language. In this respect Chas also interviews Latvian Association for Supporting Schools with the Russian Language of Tuition (LASSRLT) chairperson I.Pimenovs about his proposed bilingual education model which main principle is to study Latvian mainly at the Latvian language classes at non-Latvian schools. When asked why the Saeima does not support his ideas, I.Pimenovs explains that with upcoming 8th Saeima election.

Jelgava is the second city in Latvia, which follows Ventspils model on the involvement of non-citizens in municipal affairs by establishing the Advisory Council in Non-citizen Affairs. The committee was established last week and this week it will take a decision on the best mechanism. In September the Commission will launch its operations. The Commission is headed by the City Council mayor A.Ravinsh and it will have 9 members representing state and municipal institutions and 4-5 representatives of national cultural associations. Jelgava City Council will use Ventspils’ model as a base, however, will search for their own solutions. In the decree on the establishment of the Council it is said that the Council is founded on the basis of Society Integration Programme and its purpose is to co-ordinate activities of state, municipal institutions and NGOs, as well as involve non-citizens in municipal affairs. The first activity of the Council will be the seminar which will take place in September and among the participants will be the representatives of the Naturalisation Board, local authorities, National Programme of Learning State Language, as well as N.Muizhnieks and E.Vebers have agreed to take part at the seminar.

Jelgava is the second city in Latvia, which follows Ventspils model on the involvement of non-citizens in municipal affairs by establishing the Advisory Council in Non-citizen Affairs. The committee was established last week and this week it will take a decision on the best mechanism. In September the Commission will launch its operations. The Commission is headed by the City Council mayor A.Ravinsh and it will have 9 members representing state and municipal institutions and 4-5 representatives of national cultural associations. Jelgava City Council will use Ventspils model as a base, however, will search for their own solutions. In the decree on the establishment of the Council it is said that the Council is founded on the basis of Society Integration Programme and its purpose is to co-ordinate activities of state, municipal institutions and NGOs, as well as involve non-citizens in municipal affairs. The first activity of the Council will be the seminar which will take place in September and among the participants will be the representatives of the Naturalisation Board, local authorities, National Programme of Learning State Language, as well as N.Muizhnieks and E.Vebers have agreed to take part at the seminar. Chas

Valmiera Secondary School No 1 – the only Russian school in the town – is under the threat of closing. School parents committee turned to the Saeima Standing Committee on Education and Culture chairperson Dz.Abikis with the request to find a possibility to keep the school. Dz.Abikis said in his response “..taking into account the composition of nationalities in Valmiera, it is very likely that in the very close future in this area will be only Latvian schools. And it will not result in discrimination toward your children – it will be them an advantage when they continue their education. Your language and culture you can preserve in families, associations of culture, Sunday schools”.

Valmiera Secondary School No 1 – the only Russian school in the town – is under the threat of closing. School parents committee turned to the Saeima Standing Committee on Education and Culture chairperson Dz.Abikis with the request to find a possibility to keep the school. Dz.Abikis said in his response ..taking into account the composition of nationalities in Valmiera, it is very likely that in the very close future in this area will be only Latvian schools. And it will not result in discrimination toward your children – it will be them an advantage when they continue their education. Your language and culture you can preserve in families, associations of culture, Sunday schools. Respublika

Draft regulations on “Spelling Code of Proper Names” has been submitted to the Government. The draft rather specifically covers the rules for conjugation and spelling of foreign names in the Latvian language.

Draft regulations on Spelling Code of Proper Names has been submitted to the Government. The draft rather specifically covers the rules for conjugation and spelling of foreign names in the Latvian language. Respublika

Former Russian ambassador to Latvia believes admission of the Baltic states to NATO is unacceptable for Russia. Alexander Udaltsev said in an interview to Russian language Bizness & Baltija newspaper: "Our position concerning inclusion of the Baltic states in NATO is unchanged, we regard such a development as unacceptable for Russia". He said "as I understand, in Latvia itself the attitude towards accession to NATO is not unanimous". "If a large part of the population does not support such a step, then, probably, there are grounds to think about it," said Udaltsev who currently is head of the second European department at the Russian Foreign Ministry. He believes the relations between Latvia and Russia should be solved as a complex and as the most important issues are regarded rights of Russian speakers in Latvia, education in Russian language and situation of war veterans. "[Russian] president [Vladimir Putin] in the meeting [with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga] set out our priorities clearly enough -- rights of Latvia's Russian speakers, education in Russian language and the situation of war veterans," he said. "By outlining these themes and naming them clearly enough we were expecting that further on will follow work in these directions -- the problems will be solved and the questions will be closed. For us it always was and will remain the main precondition to develop our relations in all directions. But, unfortunately, these themes remain open," said Udaltsev. "Yes, we have noticed that naturalisation fee has been reduced, that school examination of Latvian language in certain cases is taken into account in citizenship acquiring. Of course, we hail these decisions and voiced a hope in a Foreign Ministry statement that these are not separate facts but a trend," he said. But he added, "nevertheless, it can not be forgotten that these questions were overripe, they were to be solved already a long time ago". Moreover, he underscored, "we understand that these decisions will not solve problems of mass of non-citizens". The Baltic States hope to get the invitation to join NATO in the alliance summit in Prague in 2002.

Former Russian ambassador to Latvia believes admission of the Baltic states to NATO is unacceptable for Russia. Alexander Udaltsev said in an interview to Russian language Bizness & Baltija newspaper: "Our position concerning inclusion of the Baltic states in NATO is unchanged, we regard such a development as unacceptable for Russia". He said "as I understand, in Latvia itself the attitude towards accession to NATO is not unanimous". "If a large part of the population does not support such a step, then, probably, there are grounds to think about it," said Udaltsev who currently is head of the second European department at the Russian Foreign Ministry. He believes the relations between Latvia and Russia should be solved as a complex and as the most important issues are regarded rights of Russian speakers in Latvia, education in Russian language and situation of war veterans. "[Russian] president [Vladimir Putin] in the meeting [with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga] set out our priorities clearly enough -- rights of Latvia's Russian speakers, education in Russian language and the situation of war veterans," he said. "By outlining these themes and naming them clearly enough we were expecting that further on will follow work in these directions -- the problems will be solved and the questions will be closed. For us it always was and will remain the main precondition to develop our relations in all directions. But, unfortunately, these themes remain open," said Udaltsev. "Yes, we have noticed that naturalisation fee has been reduced, that school examination of Latvian language in certain cases is taken into account in citizenship acquiring. Of course, we hail these decisions and voiced a hope in a Foreign Ministry statement that these are not separate facts but a trend," he said. But he added, "nevertheless, it can not be forgotten that these questions were overripe, they were to be solved already a long time ago". Moreover, he underscored, "we understand that these decisions will not solve problems of mass of non-citizens". The Baltic States hope to get the invitation to join NATO in the alliance summit in Prague in 2002. BNS