• UNDP report on identity politics around the world
• Rigas Balss writes about re-opening of the case of the Slivenkos family
• Activities of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools

United Nations Development Programme has prepared a Human Development Report 2004, which in this year examines identity politics around the world. The authors of the report argue that people have the right to maintain their ethnic, linguistic, and religious identities. According to the report, the adoption and implementation of policies that recognise and protect these identities are the only sustainable approach in diverse societies. Authors of the report also points to the necessity to address and overcome xenophobic resistance to cultural diversity.

United Nations Development Programme has prepared a Human Development Report 2004, which in this year examines identity politics around the world. The authors of the report argue that people have the right to maintain their ethnic, linguistic, and religious identities. According to the report, the adoption and implementation of policies that recognise and protect these identities are the only sustainable approach in diverse societies. Authors of the report also points to the necessity to address and overcome xenophobic resistance to cultural diversity. Latvijas Vestnesis

Rigas Balss write about re-opening of the case of the Slivenkos family in order to clarify the legal status of Tatjana and Karina Slivenko in Latvia.

Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools has installed a screen in the centre of Riga, which displays the number of days remaining till 1 September 2004, when the education reform should be implemented in minorities’ schools.

Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools has installed a screen in the centre of Riga, which displays the number of days remaining till 1 September 2004, when the education reform should be implemented in minorities schools. Vesti Segodnya

• First Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe Alvaro Gill-Robles on minority situation in Latvia
• Prime Minister Indulis Emsis about the implementation of the education reform and ratification of the Framework Convention
• Interview with the candidate to the Foreign Affairs Minister post Artis Pabriks
• Secretariat for Societal Integration plans to develop the Roma integration programme
• A call to minority students parents to engage more actively in school advisory boards
• Newspapers continue to write about the forthcoming picket against the education reform of Latvia in Strasbourg
• A renewal of proceeding in the case of Slivenko family

Latvia should make efforts to integrate national minorities in the political life of the state, stated the First Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe Alvaro Gill-Robles during his visit to Moscow. Alvaro Gill-Robles also believes that the Latvian government should foster naturalisation of children, whose parents are Latvian non-citizens, as well as non-citizens should have the right to vote in municipal elections, requirements for naturalisation should be softened and the education reform should be implemented very carefully.

Latvia should make efforts to integrate national minorities in the political life of the state, stated the First Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe Alvaro Gill-Robles during his visit to Moscow. Alvaro Gill-Robles also believes that the Latvian government should foster naturalisation of children, whose parents are Latvian non-citizens, as well as non-citizens should have the right to vote in municipal elections, requirements for naturalisation should be softened and the education reform should be implemented very carefully. Vesti Segodnya

Chas prints an interview with the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis, who believes that Latvia could ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities with a number of reservations and that Latvian legislation already corresponds with the requirements of the Convention. In regard to the implementation of the education reform, Indulis Emsis states that the stance of the government has not changed – there is no necessity to introduce the moratorium on the education reform, because, according to the Prime Minister, more than 70% of minority schools have already ‘passed the exam which confirms their readiness to implement the reform. However, the Prime Minister also notes that the government will work with those schools, which were not able to prove their readiness.

Neatkariga Rita Avize features an interview with the candidate to the post of the Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks. He believes that before Latvias accession to the EU and NATO, the country had to adjust to the standards set by these institutions, however, now it is time when Latvia has the right to act in according to her will. One of his key goals in case of his election will be the removal of the name of Latvia from the agenda of international community when the issues concerning human and minority rights and discrimination are discussed. Regarding the ratification of the Framework Convention, Artis Pabriks says that there are a number of reasons why Latvia should ratify the Convention, however, there are also a number of reasons why the Government should not rush with ratification.

The Special Tasks Minister’s For Societal Integration Secretariat is planning to develop a programme, which would promote observation of rights of the Roma community in Latvia. Before development of the programme, the Secretariat is meeting with representatives of the Roma community to find out whether Roma themselves are ready to cooperate.

The Special Tasks Ministers For Societal Integration Secretariat is planning to develop a programme, which would promote observation of rights of the Roma community in Latvia. Before development of the programme, the Secretariat is meeting with representatives of the Roma community to find out whether Roma themselves are ready to cooperate. Latvijas Avize

Chas prints an article by the Head of the Saeima For Human Rights in the United Latvia parliamentary group Jakovs Pliners and teacher Valerijs Buhvalovs. Both activists invite parents of minority students to get involved into the work of minority school boards, so they could influence the implementation of the education reform. They also believe that, considering that there will not be significant changes in the policy of the education reform until 1 September 2004, parents should demand additional funding from municipalities, the Ministry of Education and Science and the Saeima Education, Culture and Science Committee for textbooks and for extra classes on subjects, hard to study in the state language.

Newspapers continue to write about the forthcoming picket against the education reform of Latvia during the first plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Newspapers continue to write about the forthcoming picket against the education reform of Latvia during the first plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Diena, Chas, Telegraf

The Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs applied with the Senate of the Supreme Court of Latvia, asking to re-open the case of the Slivenko’s family. The suggestion to clarify the legal status of Tatjana and Karina Slivenko in Latvia has been received from the Cabinet of Ministers of the Council of Europe because the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) established that Latvia violated the rights of the Slivenkos’ to the personal life, however, did not set the methods of dealing with the established violation.

The Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs applied with the Senate of the Supreme Court of Latvia, asking to re-open the case of the Slivenkos family. The suggestion to clarify the legal status of Tatjana and Karina Slivenko in Latvia has been received from the Cabinet of Ministers of the Council of Europe because the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) established that Latvia violated the rights of the Slivenkos to the personal life, however, did not set the methods of dealing with the established violation. Diena

• Latvia asks the Russian Ambassador to Latvia to provide an official explanation about the statement of the Russia Minister of Defence Sergey Ivanov concerning Latvia
• Director of the Russian Institute for Strategic Assessments Sergei Oznobischev on relations between Latvia and Russia
• Leader of party Latvijas Cels Andris Berzins on societal integration in Latvia
• Discussion about a role of the Peoples Harmony Party in the political arena in Latvia
• Planned picket against the education reform in Strasbourg
• Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language schools is fined for illegitimate playback of two songs during the protest action against the education reform
• 86 repatriates have permanently moved to Latvia

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov to provide an official explanation on the statement made by the Russia Minister of Defence Sergey Ivanov. The Russia Minister of Defence announced that European countries, which do not observe the generally accepted norms of democracy and human rights, are the sources of threat to Russia. The Minister named Latvia and Estonia as examples of such countries. The Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry stressed that the ‘radical statements of the Russian Minister are completely unjustified’ and ‘do not promote good relations between neighbouring states.’ The Minister of Foreign Affairs Rihards Piks evaluated these expressions as dangerous because they are ‘balancing on the edge of the rhetoric used during the cold war.’

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov to provide an official explanation on the statement made by the Russia Minister of Defence Sergey Ivanov. The Russia Minister of Defence announced that European countries, which do not observe the generally accepted norms of democracy and human rights, are the sources of threat to Russia. The Minister named Latvia and Estonia as examples of such countries. The Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry stressed that the ‘radical statements of the Russian Minister are completely unjustified and ‘do not promote good relations between neighbouring states. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Rihards Piks evaluated these expressions as dangerous because they are ‘balancing on the edge of the rhetoric used during the cold war. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Chas features views of the director of the Russian Institute for Strategic Assessments Sergei Oznobischev on the further development of Latvian Russian relations if the former Russia Energetic Minister and the current deputy of the Russia Foreign Affairs Minister Victor Kaluznij is confirmed to the post of the Russia Ambassador to Latvia. Sergei Oznobischev believes that politicised discussions on a number of issues concerning Russian Latvian relations could be closed, however, some of the issues will always remain sacred and in the focus of Russias attention, in particular, protection of Russian-speakers rights

Chas features an interview with the former Prime Minister of Latvia and the chairperson of the party Latvijas Cels Andris Berzins about the future of the party and societal integration process in Latvia. When asked about the possible ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, Andris Berzins believes that the present Saeima would not ratify the Convention because ‘politicians do not want to admit that, in fact, in relations among people there is no nationalism in Latvia and that the Convention in no way sets restrictions on the usage and promotion of the Latvian language.

Neatkariga Rita Avize features a discussion about the role of the Peoples Harmony Party in the political arena and societal integration in Latvia. The political scientist Janis Ikstens, the PHPs leader Janis Jurkans and the member of the partys council Vladlens Dozorcevs took part in the discussion.

Approximately 40 young people from the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools and some representatives from the Latvian Social Democratic Labour Party youth organization plan to organise a picket against the Latvia’s education reform in Strasbourg. Meetings with members of several parliamentary groups of the European Parliament and participation at the press conference together with the recently elected EP deputy Tatjana Zdanoka are on their agenda as well. The main goal of activists is to inform about the ‘destruction of minority school system in Latvia.’

Approximately 40 young people from the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools and some representatives from the Latvian Social Democratic Labour Party youth organization plan to organise a picket against the Latvias education reform in Strasbourg. Meetings with members of several parliamentary groups of the European Parliament and participation at the press conference together with the recently elected EP deputy Tatjana Zdanoka are on their agenda as well. The main goal of activists is to inform about the ‘destruction of minority school system in Latvia. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Riga Vidzeme Court has satisfied a claim of the Latvian Copyrights Agency AKKA/LAA and imposed a 600 lats fine on the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language schools for illegitimate playback of two songs during the protest action against the education reform.

Riga Vidzeme Court has satisfied a claim of the Latvian Copyrights Agency AKKA/LAA and imposed a 600 lats fine on the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language schools for illegitimate playback of two songs during the protest action against the education reform. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

In the first six months this year 86 repatriates have permanently moved to Latvia.  52% of repatriates have emigrated from Western, but 48% from Eastern countries.

In the first six months this year 86 repatriates have permanently moved to Latvia. 52% of repatriates have emigrated from Western, but 48% from Eastern countries. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize

• Saeima Speaker Ingrida Udre on the possible ratification of the Framework Convention
• Constitutional Court will review the amendments to the law On the Status of Former USSR Citizens Who are not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State
• Riga Central Court fines the MP Vladimirs Buzajevs for organising an unapproved protest action against the education reform
• Roma from Latvia leave for Great Britain
• Visit of representatives of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools to Strasbourg has been planned
• Chas writes about possible effects of the implementation of the education reform on health of students

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the Saeima Speaker Ingrida Udre. She states that the Baltic States should have more active and united stance regarding their policies on societal integration issues at international organisations, so to be able to rebut reproaches regarding violation of minorities rights in these countries. Regarding the possible ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Latvia, Ingrida Udre is convinced that Latvia should not follow the experience of Estonia, that is, ratify the Convention and grant the right to vote to non-citizens at municipal elections, because it could lead to of unpredictable consequences in the case of Latvia. ‘Non-citizens of Estonia do not vote according to the ethnic principle, but evaluate parties programmes in overall terms, which is not the case in Latvia noted the official. Ingrida Udre also stresses that ratification of the Convention most probably will not stop accusations regarding violations of minority rights in Latvia.

The Constitutional Court of Latvia has accepted a claim submitted by 20 left-wing MPs. The claim challenges the amendments to the law On the Status of Former USSR Citizens Who are not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State. MPs believe that the amendments, which stipulates that persons, who have received a residence permit of another country after 1 May 2004, may be deprived of their non-citizen status in Latvia, do not comply with the Constitution of Latvia and international standards.

The Constitutional Court of Latvia has accepted a claim submitted by 20 left-wing MPs. The claim challenges the amendments to the law On the Status of Former USSR Citizens Who are not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State. MPs believe that the amendments, which stipulates that persons, who have received a residence permit of another country after 1 May 2004, may be deprived of their non-citizen status in Latvia, do not comply with the Constitution of Latvia and international standards. Telegraf

Riga Central Court has imposed a 100 lats fine on the MP Vladimirs Buzajevs (union For Human Rights in the United Latvia) for organising an unapproved protest action against the education reform, while the co-chairperson of FHRUL Tatjana Zdanoka received the warning. 

Riga Central Court has imposed a 100 lats fine on the MP Vladimirs Buzajevs (union For Human Rights in the United Latvia) for organising an unapproved protest action against the education reform, while the co-chairperson of FHRUL Tatjana Zdanoka received the warning. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Approximately 100 Roma have left Latvia’s Western town Talsi for Great Britain within a year. Roma go to Great Britain due to a number of reasons: to visit their relatives, find a job or ask for asylum. Vilis Sirmanis, the owner of the security company in Talsi and Roma himself, is convinced that Roma want to leave Latvia because that they are not able to find a job in Latvia.

Approximately 100 Roma have left Latvias Western town Talsi for Great Britain within a year. Roma go to Great Britain due to a number of reasons: to visit their relatives, find a job or ask for asylum. Vilis Sirmanis, the owner of the security company in Talsi and Roma himself, is convinced that Roma want to leave Latvia because that they are not able to find a job in Latvia. Latvijas Avize

Russian language newspapers write about a planned visit of representatives of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools to Strasbourg. The delegation wants to report international community about their stance towards the implementation of the education reform in Latvia.

Russian language newspapers write about a planned visit of representatives of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools to Strasbourg. The delegation wants to report international community about their stance towards the implementation of the education reform in Latvia. Vesti Segodnya

Chas features an interview with the paediatrician Svetlana Ivanova–Loshkanova about possible effects of the implementation of the education reform on health of students. The paediatrician points to the fact that the educational programmes, stipulated by the government in the framework of the education reform, are not evaluated from the perspective of possible physiological effects on students. Svetlana Ivanova–Loshkanova also believes that the education reform, first of all, should be started at the level of kindergarten and not at the level of secondary education.

• Possible crisis in Emsiscabinet
• President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Prime Minister Indulis Emsis discuss the forthcoming protest actions against the education reform
• Interview with the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis
• Vesti Segonya continues a discussion on the results of the latest opinion poll about ethnic cleavages in Latvia
• Response to the statement of the Commissioner Sandra Kalniete on the attitude of the EU towards the formation of the European Russian Party
• Secretary-general of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Terry Davis on minorities rights observation in the Baltic States
• Dismissal of Andrejs Klementjevs from the post of the secretary of Saeima National Security Committee on the basis of his statements on violation of Russian-speakers rights in Latvia is under discussion
• Minister of Culture Helena Demakova criticises the tolerant stance of the EU towards communist regime
• Procession against the education reform

People’s Harmony Party probably will not support the candidature of Artis Pabriks (People’s Party) for the post of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. According to the head of the People’s Harmony Party parliamentary group Andrejs Klementjevs, the candidate has made scornful comments on national minorities in Latvia and Russia. Other opposition parties have stated that they would not support the candidature of Artis Pabriks, too. The member of the People’s Party board Gundars Berzins believes that the lack of Saiema’s majority support may lead to cabinet crisis.

Peoples Harmony Party probably will not support the candidature of Artis Pabriks (Peoples Party) for the post of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. According to the head of the Peoples Harmony Party parliamentary group Andrejs Klementjevs, the candidate has made scornful comments on national minorities in Latvia and Russia. Other opposition parties have stated that they would not support the candidature of Artis Pabriks, too. The member of the Peoples Party board Gundars Berzins believes that the lack of Saiemas majority support may lead to cabinet crisis. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

The President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga and the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis discussed the forthcoming protest actions against the education reform, planned by the Headquarter for the Defence of Russian-language Schools. After the meeting with the President, Indulis Emsis did not reveal what steps the government is planning to take, however, he stated that these will be “effective steps.” He explained that the steps will not be aimed against organisers of the protest actions, but rather focus on the explanatory work.

The President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga and the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis discussed the forthcoming protest actions against the education reform, planned by the Headquarter for the Defence of Russian-language Schools. After the meeting with the President, Indulis Emsis did not reveal what steps the government is planning to take, however, he stated that these will be effective steps. He explained that the steps will not be aimed against organisers of the protest actions, but rather focus on the explanatory work. Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis about the performance of his government in a number of spheres, including social integration. The Prime Minister stated that the education reform will be implemented and that the government will maintain the status of the Latvian language as the only state language in Latvia. Indulis Emsis gave his positive evaluation to formation of the working group, comprised of representatives of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools (LASHOR) and the Ministry of Education and Science. According to the Prime Minister, there is a necessity to build a dialogue between the state and registered non-governmental organisations which deal with education reform issues.

Vesti Segonya continues a discussion on the results of the latest opinion poll, conducted by the company SKDS, which induced that 52% of the residents of Latvia believe that two countrys biggest communities – Latvians and Russian-speakers – will remain distinct in the future. The Director of the Societal Integration department of the Special Tasks Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat Reinis Aboltins believes that the results of this opinion poll reflects tension in the society caused by the implementation of the education reform. According to the official, the results ‘are not the indicators of the split in society, but rather reflect the freedom of speech, thought and opinion, granted by the Constitution of Latvia.

Vesti Segodnya, responding to the statement of the Commissioner Sandra Kalniete on the tolerant stance of the EU towards the formation of the European Russian Party, features an article about the party. According to one of partys initiators, the advisor to the Parliamentary faction of the Union For Human Rights in the United Latvia Miroslavs Mitrofanovs, the key goal of the party is to get involved those, who are educated about the Russian culture and are related to the Russian language. The main goals of the European Russian Party will be the development and promotion of the Russian language and culture in the EU, and the protection of Russian-speakers interests in EU member states.

Russian language newspapers feature statements of the Secretary- General of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Terry Davis (Socialist Group) on  the observation of minorities’ rights in the Baltic States. ‘I am concerned about the number of non-citizens in Latvia. (..) I believe that they should be granted Latvian citizenship and the right to vote,’ said the official in the interview printed in the Russian newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta (The Independent Newspaper).

Russian language newspapers feature statements of the Secretary- General of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Terry Davis (Socialist Group) on the observation of minorities rights in the Baltic States. ‘I am concerned about the number of non-citizens in Latvia. (..) I believe that they should be granted Latvian citizenship and the right to vote, said the official in the interview printed in the Russian newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta (The Independent Newspaper). Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Latvijas Avize features statements of Latvian MPs about a necessity to dismiss Andrejs Klementjevs (Peoples Harmony Party) from the post of the secretary of the Saeima National Security Committee on the basis of his statements about violation of Russian-speakers rights in Latvia, expressed in the session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. However, the majority of MPs, interviewed by the newspaper, do not support the dismissal of Andrejs Klementjevs.

In the conference of the European Cultural Foundation in Rotterdam the Latvian Minister of Culture Helena Demakova criticised a tolerant stance towards communist regime, still prevailing in many European countries. Helena Demakova believes that it is impossible to create a modern cultural environment if it is not admitted that communism was unlawful regime.

In the conference of the European Cultural Foundation in Rotterdam the Latvian Minister of Culture Helena Demakova criticised a tolerant stance towards communist regime, still prevailing in many European countries. Helena Demakova believes that it is impossible to create a modern cultural environment if it is not admitted that communism was unlawful regime. Latvijas Avize

Russian language newspapers write about the procession against the education reform, organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools.

Russian language newspapers write about the procession against the education reform, organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools. Vesti Segodnya, Chas