• Naturalisation Board reports on the naturalisation exams
• Estonian MP to the European Parliament Toomas Hendrik Ilvess comments on relations between Russian and the Baltic States
• Speculations about the new Russia Ambassador to Latvia
• Russia Minister of Defence Sergey Ivanov talks about the Baltic States
• Latvian Commissioner at the European Commission Sandra Kalniete comments on the formation of the European Russian Party
• Riga Central Court closes the case of MP Andris Tolmacovs
• New Holocaust exhibition

According to the information provided by the Naturalisation Board, 90 % of Latvian citizenship applicants successfully pass the examination in the Latvian language already the first time, while the exam in the Latvian history is successfully passed the first time by 97% of naturalisation applicants.

According to the information provided by the Naturalisation Board, 90 % of Latvian citizenship applicants successfully pass the examination in the Latvian language already the first time, while the exam in the Latvian history is successfully passed the first time by 97% of naturalisation applicants. Latvijas Avize

‘By continuous focus on minority rights in Latvia and Estonia, Russia tries to make the pressure on these countries, so it would have an access to the internal EU and NATO information,’ stated the Estonian MP to the European Parliament Toomas Hendrik Ilvess. He believes that while Russia manages to keep the issue in the centre of attention, it has an opportunity to influence processes inside the EU and NATO.

‘By continuous focus on minority rights in Latvia and Estonia, Russia tries to make the pressure on these countries, so it would have an access to the internal EU and NATO information, stated the Estonian MP to the European Parliament Toomas Hendrik Ilvess. He believes that while Russia manages to keep the issue in the centre of attention, it has an opportunity to influence processes inside the EU and NATO. Latvijas Avize

According to the unofficial information, the former Russia Energetic Minister and the current deputy of the Russia Foreign Affairs Minister Victor Kaluznij could be next Russia Ambassador to Latvia.

According to the unofficial information, the former Russia Energetic Minister and the current deputy of the Russia Foreign Affairs Minister Victor Kaluznij could be next Russia Ambassador to Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

‘The European countries, which do not observe the generally accepted norms of democracy and human rights, are the sources of threat to their neighbour countries’ stated the Russia Minister of Defence Sergey Ivanov, mentioning Latvia and Estonia as examples.

‘The European countries, which do not observe the generally accepted norms of democracy and human rights, are the sources of threat to their neighbour countries stated the Russia Minister of Defence Sergey Ivanov, mentioning Latvia and Estonia as examples. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

The Latvian Commissioner at the European Commission Sandra Kalniete considers that the formation of the European Russian Party has been perceived too tolerantly by the European Union. In her view, the formation of the party should not be treated in a neutral manner, because now for the first time Europe has get rid of severe political regimes and has become aware of damages caused by racism.’ 

The Latvian Commissioner at the European Commission Sandra Kalniete considers that the formation of the European Russian Party has been perceived too tolerantly by the European Union. In her view, the formation of the party should not be treated in a neutral manner, because now for the first time Europe has get rid of severe political regimes and has become aware of damages caused by racism. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Riga Central Court has decided to close the case of the MP Andris Tolmacovs (For Human Rights in the United Latvia) due to the lack of evidence.  Andris Tolmacovs was accused in organising and participating in the unapproved picket and protest action against the education reform.

Riga Central Court has decided to close the case of the MP Andris Tolmacovs (For Human Rights in the United Latvia) due to the lack of evidence. Andris Tolmacovs was accused in organising and participating in the unapproved picket and protest action against the education reform. Latvijas Avize

Yesterday in the museum “Jews in Latvia” a new part of the Holocaust exposition was opened.

Yesterday in the museum Jews in Latvia a new part of the Holocaust exposition was opened. Latvijas Avize

• 52% residents of Latvia believe that two distinct communities – Latvians and non-Latvians – will remain in Latvia
• More comments on the OSCE Parliamentary Assemblys recommendations to Latvia
• Peoples Harmony Party wants to know the views of the candidates to the post of the Foreign Affairs Minister regarding ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
• About possible changes in the Special Tasks Ministers for Society Integration Secretariat status
• Working group of the LASHOR and the Ministry of Education and Science comes to the agreement on the key principles of the minorities educational programmes
• President of Russia Vladimir Putin talks about protection of compatriots outside Russia
• Teachers are concerned about the norm effective within 3 years stipulating that final exams in minorities secondary schools will be in both the Latvian and Russian language
• Article by the professor Ilga Apine and historian Dzintra Viksna on social and economic needs of new-repatriates
• Special Tasks Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat plans to learn reasons of minority NGOs formation
• Interview with the recently naturalised Gagauz Galina Arnauta

The opinion poll, conducted by the SKDS, induces that 52% of the residents of Latvia believe that two country’s biggest communities – Latvians and Russian-speakers – will remain distinct in the future. The most sceptical about the possibility to form a single community society in Latvia are respondents of the age of 35 – 44, ones who have higher education and the Latvian non-citizens. Scepticism of Latvian residents this year has increased, as in 1998 and 2003 when similar polls were conducted 46.8% and 47% respondents respectively believed in the further existence of two distinct communities in Latvia. The MP, Head of the Saeima Human Rights Committee Ina Druviete thinks that too much attention is paid to the survey and states that within five years there will be a single community society in Latvia. While the director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Ilze Brands Kehre believes that the results of the survey could be explained not only by the protest actions against the implementation of the education reform, but also by stances of politicians towards the education reform.

The opinion poll, conducted by the SKDS, induces that 52% of the residents of Latvia believe that two countrys biggest communities – Latvians and Russian-speakers – will remain distinct in the future. The most sceptical about the possibility to form a single community society in Latvia are respondents of the age of 35 – 44, ones who have higher education and the Latvian non-citizens. Scepticism of Latvian residents this year has increased, as in 1998 and 2003 when similar polls were conducted 46.8% and 47% respondents respectively believed in the further existence of two distinct communities in Latvia. The MP, Head of the Saeima Human Rights Committee Ina Druviete thinks that too much attention is paid to the survey and states that within five years there will be a single community society in Latvia. While the director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Ilze Brands Kehre believes that the results of the survey could be explained not only by the protest actions against the implementation of the education reform, but also by stances of politicians towards the education reform. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Newspapers continue to write about the recommendations, adopted by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, which includes recommendations to Latvia in the area of minorities’ rights.

Newspapers continue to write about the recommendations, adopted by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, which includes recommendations to Latvia in the area of minorities rights. Telegraf features opinions of state officials about a possible response of the state to the recommendation to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. The Head of the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee Ina Druviete stated that a specific date when the Convention could be ratified is not under discussions, because, first, it is necessary to clarify the opinion of the society on this issue. Latvijas Avize, Telegraf

The People’s Harmony Party wants to know the stance of the candidate to the post of the Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks towards ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities before the Party makes a decision whether it will support this candidature. The New Era and For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM have already declared that they would not support the candidature. The necessity to re-elect a new Minister of Foreign Affairs became urgent after the election of the present minister Rihards Piks to the European Parliament.

The Peoples Harmony Party wants to know the stance of the candidate to the post of the Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks towards ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities before the Party makes a decision whether it will support this candidature. The New Era and For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM have already declared that they would not support the candidature. The necessity to re-elect a new Minister of Foreign Affairs became urgent after the election of the present minister Rihards Piks to the European Parliament. Diena, Chas, Telegraf

The Special Tasks Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks has expressed a desire to change the status of the Special Tasks Minister’s for Societal Integration Secretariat.  According to Nils Muiznieks, societal integration is not a short-term process , therefore a ministry and not the secretariat should be in charge of these issues. However, the head of the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee Ina Druviete does not support the proposed change and states that societal integration process is long, but not endless.  Therefore, one day there will be no need to have an institution dealing with these issues. According to Ina Druviete, the funding from the state budget to this institution is fully sufficient, but the staff of the Secretariat is already too large.

The Special Tasks Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks has expressed a desire to change the status of the Special Tasks Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat. According to Nils Muiznieks, societal integration is not a short-term process , therefore a ministry and not the secretariat should be in charge of these issues. However, the head of the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee Ina Druviete does not support the proposed change and states that societal integration process is long, but not endless. Therefore, one day there will be no need to have an institution dealing with these issues. According to Ina Druviete, the funding from the state budget to this institution is fully sufficient, but the staff of the Secretariat is already too large. Latvijas Avize

Newspapers print articles about the meeting of the working group, combined of representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science and the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools (LASHOR). During the meeting members of both parties came to an agreement on four key principles, which should be elaborated into the minorities’ educational programmes. Minority educational programmes should develop patriotic feelings towards the Latvian state, ensure the high level of Latvian language proficiency, preserve a minority language and provide multicultural instruction.

Newspapers print articles about the meeting of the working group, combined of representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science and the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools (LASHOR). During the meeting members of both parties came to an agreement on four key principles, which should be elaborated into the minorities educational programmes. Minority educational programmes should develop patriotic feelings towards the Latvian state, ensure the high level of Latvian language proficiency, preserve a minority language and provide multicultural instruction. Chas features an interview with the deputy chairman of the LASHOR Olga Isakova about this meeting. Latvijas Avize, Telegraf, Chas

‘Protection of compatriots living outside Russia, especially in the Baltic States, is one of the most important tasks of the Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs,’ stated the President of Russia Vladimir Putin during his meeting with Russian diplomats. During the meeting diplomats also discussed the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia and implementation of the education reform.

‘Protection of compatriots living outside Russia, especially in the Baltic States, is one of the most important tasks of the Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated the President of Russia Vladimir Putin during his meeting with Russian diplomats. During the meeting diplomats also discussed the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia and implementation of the education reform. Vesti Segodnya

Teachers have expressed their concern about the norm which foresees that in 2007 the final exams in the Latvian and Russian languages for Latvian-language and minority secondary school students will have the same content. That means that in 2007 this year’s students of the 10

Teachers have expressed their concern about the norm which foresees that in 2007 the final exams in the Latvian and Russian languages for Latvian-language and minority secondary school students will have the same content. That means that in 2007 this years students of the 10th grade will have to pass a final exam of the unified content in four subjects: Latvian language and literature as native language in Latvian-language schools and Latvian-language and literature as foreign language in minorities schools as well as Russian language and literature as native in minority schools and as foreign language in Latvian language schools. Diena

Neatkariga Rita Avize features an article by Professor Ilga Apine and historian Dzintra Viksna on the sociological portrait and social and economic needs of new-repatriates, i.e., Latvians and their families, who have moved to Latvia from the Commonwealth of the Independent States for the last seven years. The research reveals that approximately 75% of new-repatriates are Latvians and that they have very positive attitude towards Latvia – 74,3% of interviewed new-repatriates are proud of their affiliation to Latvia. While the authors of the article also point to the sustained bureaucratic procedure, stipulating the requirement to resign form the citizenship of Russia, Ukraine or Belorus in order to get the citizenship of Latvia, as the key reason for abstaining from naturalisation.

Special Tasks Minister’s for Societal Integration Secretariat in collaboration with Riga Stradins University plans to conduct a research on reasons of forming minority NGOs in Latvia. There are approximately 200 minority NGOs in the country.

Special Tasks Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat in collaboration with Riga Stradins University plans to conduct a research on reasons of forming minority NGOs in Latvia. There are approximately 200 minority NGOs in the country. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the recently naturalised Gagauz Galina Arnauta about societal integration processes in Latvia. According to Galina Arnauta, the implementation of the education reform should have been started already at the kindergarten and not secondary school level.

• LASHOR presents proposals for the development of alternative minorities education programmes
• Different comments on the recommendations of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly to Latvia
• Commentator Viktors Avotins about lack of political will to avoid ethnic cleavage in the society
• Vesti Segodnya writes about the folklore festival in Vangazi

The proposals of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools (LASHOR) for the development of the alternative minorities’ educational programmes will be presented today during the meeting of a working group comprised of representatives of LASHOR and the Ministry of Education and Science. The journalist from

The proposals of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools (LASHOR) for the development of the alternative minorities educational programmes will be presented today during the meeting of a working group comprised of representatives of LASHOR and the Ministry of Education and Science. The journalist from Vesti Segodnya Elena Slusareva writes that Russian-speakers have repeatedly confirmed their serious intentions in defending the Russian-language schools, and that establishment of the moratorium on the education reform is the only possible compromise. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Telegraf prints different comments of the two members of the Latvian delegation to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), Krisjanis Peters (Latvias First Party) and Andrejs Klementjevs (Peoples Harmony Party), on the resolution adopted by the OSCE PA last week. The resolution includes recommendations for Latvia in the area of minorities rights observation. While Krisjanis Peters during the session of the OSCE PA has expressed concern that granting of voting rights to the non-citizens at the municipal elections could slow down the naturalisation process, Andrejs Klementjevs has pointed to the several, in his opinion, disadvantages of the naturalisation process as such. According to Klementjevs, naturalisation process is very slow, and some of the examination questions should be revised. ‘For example, the question about Latvias occupation is in contradiction with the beliefs of many Latvian citizenship applicants, says Andrejs Klementjevs.

Neatkariga Rita Avize features a critical commentary by Viktors Avotins about lack of political will to prevent deepening of the ethnic cleavage in society. According to the journalist, if one presumes that the voting at the European Parliament elections was ethnically motivated, one should also recognise that citizens simply chose from the available options. ‘This is why we have to talk about the failure of the state integration policy, and unsuitability of existing state practices to the formation of the unified civic society, concludes the journalist.

Vesti Segodnya writes about the folklore festival in Vangazi, in which Russian, Ukrainian and Belarussian folklore groups from all parts of Latvia have participated.

• Newspapers continue to print comments on the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assemblys recommendations to Latvia
• Latest statistics regarding the naturalisation process in Latvia
• Indulis Emsis talks about the stance of Latvia towards a co-operation between the EU and Russia
• Congresss of the Russian community organisational committee calls LASHOR to review usefulness of the discussion on the education reforms problems within the combined working group with the Ministry of Education and Science
• Head of the New Era parliamentary group Krisjanis Karins on societal integration issues
• Statements of ethnic Russians about their life in Latvia

Newspapers continue to print comments on the resolution, adopted by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, which includes recommendations for Latvia in the area of minorities’ rights observation. The OSCE recommends Latvia to ratify the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and to grant non-citizens the right to vote at municipal elections. Russian language newspapers feature comments of one of the representatives of Latvia to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, MP Andrejs Klementjevs (People’s Harmony Party), who fully supports the recommendations of the OSCE.

Newspapers continue to print comments on the resolution, adopted by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, which includes recommendations for Latvia in the area of minorities rights observation. The OSCE recommends Latvia to ratify the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and to grant non-citizens the right to vote at municipal elections. Russian language newspapers feature comments of one of the representatives of Latvia to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, MP Andrejs Klementjevs (Peoples Harmony Party), who fully supports the recommendations of the OSCE. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Newspapers feature articles about the naturalisation process in Latvia.

Newspapers feature articles about the naturalisation process in Latvia. Diena, referring to the information of the Naturalisation Board, reports that in this year the naturalisation rate has not diminished even during the summer months. 9501 persons have been naturalised during the first six months of this year. Diena, Latvijas Avize

“Latvia as the member state of the European Union and the neighbour state of Russia is interested in a close co-operation between the EU and Russia,” stated the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis in Berlin, during discussion organized by the European Commission. According to Indulis Emsis, Latvia supports regular, wide-range dialogues between the EU and Russia on the issues concerning the observation of human rights in all EU member states and Russia.

Latvia as the member state of the European Union and the neighbour state of Russia is interested in a close co-operation between the EU and Russia, stated the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis in Berlin, during discussion organized by the European Commission. According to Indulis Emsis, Latvia supports regular, wide-range dialogues between the EU and Russia on the issues concerning the observation of human rights in all EU member states and Russia. Latvijas Avize

The Executive Committee of the Russian Community Congress distributed a statement, which comments on the recently established working group, where both representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science and the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools (LASHOR) are presented. In the statement the Executive Committee welcomes any initiative aimed at improving the quality of education in the Russian language. The authors of the statement, however, believe that an intention of the working group to improve the minorities’ educational programmes in the existing framework of the language ratio, stipulated by the Education Law, is not supported by Russian speakers. The authors of the statement also do not believe in the usefulness of the discussion on the education reform’s problems month and a half before the implementation of the reform. The Committee also calls the LASHOR to express a clear opinion towards protest actions, organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language schools.

The Executive Committee of the Russian Community Congress distributed a statement, which comments on the recently established working group, where both representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science and the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools (LASHOR) are presented. In the statement the Executive Committee welcomes any initiative aimed at improving the quality of education in the Russian language. The authors of the statement, however, believe that an intention of the working group to improve the minorities educational programmes in the existing framework of the language ratio, stipulated by the Education Law, is not supported by Russian speakers. The authors of the statement also do not believe in the usefulness of the discussion on the education reforms problems month and a half before the implementation of the reform. The Committee also calls the LASHOR to express a clear opinion towards protest actions, organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language schools. Chas

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the Head of the New Eras Saeima faction Krisjanis Karins on social integration issues and the future of the present government. Krisjanis Karins believes that the implementation of the education reform is the necessary basis for the formation of a one-community state in Latvia. He reproaches the present government for ‘playing with the education reform and explains it with the necessity of the government to have the support of the Peoples Harmony Party. According to Krisjanis Karins, the state must explain more actively ‘the consequences of the occupation and colonisation to non-Latvians living in Latvia, as ‘protests against the education reform are not the struggle against the Latvian language, but rather the struggle about the principles. Krisjanis Karins believes that people, who are protesting against the implementation of the reform, still do not perceive Latvia as an independent state. The MP believes that the performance of the Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration also has not been active enough.

Diena supplement Sestdiena prints views of a number of ethnic Russians about their life in Latvia, attitude towards Russia and social integration in Latvia.

• Newspapers write about the goals of the working group, combined of representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science and the LASHOR
• Comments of the Head of Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Artis Pabriks about the recommendations of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly to Latvia
• Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks on gender equality in the area of social integration
• Project on the improvement of Roma educational level
• Sociolinguist Gatis Dilans talks about the russophobia in Latvia and the implementation of the education reform

The main goal of the working group, combined of representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science and the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools, is to develop the standards of the minorities’ educational programme for primary- and secondary schools. Representatives of both parties stress that the working group will not discuss political issues, for example, possible amendments to the Law on Education which would stipulate abolishment of the reform or would establish moratorium.

The main goal of the working group, combined of representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science and the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools, is to develop the standards of the minorities educational programme for primary- and secondary schools. Representatives of both parties stress that the working group will not discuss political issues, for example, possible amendments to the Law on Education which would stipulate abolishment of the reform or would establish moratorium. Diena, referring to the leader of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Jurijs Petropavlovskis, who has named this attempt as ‘pseudo-dialogue, foresees that the activities of the working group most probably will not prevent protest actions against the education reform. Diena, Rigas Balss, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Telegraf

Newspapers continue to write about the resolution of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, featuring comments of the head of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Artis Pabriks. He points to the necessity to explain the situation in the area of minorities’ rights observation in Latvia to the EU member states more actively.

Newspapers continue to write about the resolution of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, featuring comments of the head of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Artis Pabriks. He points to the necessity to explain the situation in the area of minorities rights observation in Latvia to the EU member states more actively. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Telegraf

Men in Latvia, unlike men in Western Europe, participate in social integration processes more passively, has stated the Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks at the conference on gender equality issues in the European Union’s countries.  According to the Special Tasks Minister, 70 % of naturalised citizens in Latvia are women. Men are also more passive in taking part in civil activities.

Men in Latvia, unlike men in Western Europe, participate in social integration processes more passively, has stated the Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks at the conference on gender equality issues in the European Unions countries. According to the Special Tasks Minister, 70 % of naturalised citizens in Latvia are women. Men are also more passive in taking part in civil activities. Rigas Balss

Ventspils Evening Secondary School is planning to continue a promotion project aimed at the improvement of education level of Roma in the regions of Kurzeme and Zemgale. The main goal of the project is to foster opportunities for Roma children and youth to maintain their ethnic identity and culture at school. The project also foresees to improve teachers’ Romani language skills.

Ventspils Evening Secondary School is planning to continue a promotion project aimed at the improvement of education level of Roma in the regions of Kurzeme and Zemgale. The main goal of the project is to foster opportunities for Roma children and youth to maintain their ethnic identity and culture at school. The project also foresees to improve teachers Romani language skills. Latvijas Avize

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the sociolinguist Gatis Dilans about the russophobia in Latvia and the implementation of the education reform.