Press Report

Press Report

The Press Secretary of the Ministry of Justice informed that OSCE experts had objected to the too strict norms concerning the use of the Latvian language stipulated in the draft regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers which should take effect on September 1. The experts had studied these drafts and expressed their objections to the Minister of Justice. They think that in the regulations more explicitly should be divided the state and private spheres where employees should not be demanded to have so high state language knowledge. According to the experts’ opinion, not all meetings concerning property management should be conducted in the state language – this regulation could be acceptable if more than 25% of participants are Latvians. They also objected to the demand to spell company and personal names according to Latvian spelling rules. The Press Secretary acknowledged that the experts often had referred to the CoE national minority protection convention that was not binding for Latvia

The Press Secretary of the Ministry of Justice informed that OSCE experts had objected to the too strict norms concerning the use of the Latvian language stipulated in the draft regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers which should take effect on September 1. The experts had studied these drafts and expressed their objections to the Minister of Justice. They think that in the regulations more explicitly should be divided the state and private spheres where employees should not be demanded to have so high state language knowledge. According to the experts opinion, not all meetings concerning property management should be conducted in the state language – this regulation could be acceptable if more than 25% of participants are Latvians. They also objected to the demand to spell company and personal names according to Latvian spelling rules. The Press Secretary acknowledged that the experts often had referred to the CoE national minority protection convention that was not binding for Latvia. Diena

The main topics of the discussion between the Minister of Justice I.Labucka and the Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia T.Orn were the Public Integration Program and the implementation of the State Language Law. The Ambassador showed interest about the Minister’s work in the Public Integration Council, people’s attitude and integration process in major cities.

The main topics of the discussion between the Minister of Justice I.Labucka and the Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia T.Orn were the Public Integration Program and the implementation of the State Language Law. The Ambassador showed interest about the Ministers work in the Public Integration Council, peoples attitude and integration process in major cities. Diena

On Monday the Coalition Council will evaluate the move of the New Party when three NP deputies signed a proposal to summon an extraordinary Council meeting on agricultural issues, thus violating the coalition agreement. The partners do not promise a strict penalty, but they want to hear a clearly formulated attitude of the New Party towards this Government and an intention to preserve unity.

On Monday the Coalition Council will evaluate the move of the New Party when three NP deputies signed a proposal to summon an extraordinary Council meeting on agricultural issues, thus violating the coalition agreement. The partners do not promise a strict penalty, but they want to hear a clearly formulated attitude of the New Party towards this Government and an intention to preserve unity. Diena, Neatkariga

Publicist V.Avotins in Neatkariga writes that Latvian politicians have started talks on the national minority protection convention once more, but these talks repeatedly are senseless because the politicians are not ready to go any further than discussions. There is no clarity what to do with Russians in Latvia. The other minorities do not cause many headaches here. It is difficult to see the Integration Program, State Language Law, naturalisation and education policy as a convincing integrated state position.

Publicist V.Avotins in Neatkariga writes that Latvian politicians have started talks on the national minority protection convention once more, but these talks repeatedly are senseless because the politicians are not ready to go any further than discussions. There is no clarity what to do with Russians in Latvia. The other minorities do not cause many headaches here. It is difficult to see the Integration Program, State Language Law, naturalisation and education policy as a convincing integrated state position. Neatkariga

On Wednesday Latvian Ambassador to the USA A.Ronis submitted the letter of accreditation to President B.Clinton. During the ceremony the President prised Latvian policy in forming an integration society and establishing good relations with neighbouring countries. Diena ,

On Wednesday Latvian Ambassador to the USA A.Ronis submitted the letter of accreditation to President B.Clinton. During the ceremony the President prised Latvian policy in forming an integration society and establishing good relations with neighbouring countries. Diena , Neatkariga

Latvia will exchange her Ambassadors to Austria, Belgium and the Latvian Permanent Representative to UN in Geneva. Yesterday the Saeima Foreign Affairs Commission supported three candidates for the ambassadorial posts. The new Ambassador to Austria will be the MFA Deputy State Secretary E.Kuzmane, the Prime Minister’s Councillor in Foreign Affairs A.Groza will be the Ambassador to Belgium and MFA Deputy State Secretary J.Karklins will be posted in Geneva.

Latvia will exchange her Ambassadors to Austria, Belgium and the Latvian Permanent Representative to UN in Geneva. Yesterday the Saeima Foreign Affairs Commission supported three candidates for the ambassadorial posts. The new Ambassador to Austria will be the MFA Deputy State Secretary E.Kuzmane, the Prime Ministers Councillor in Foreign Affairs A.Groza will be the Ambassador to Belgium and MFA Deputy State Secretary J.Karklins will be posted in Geneva. Rigas Balss

On Tuesday, June 22 the last spring session of the Saeima will take place. On the agenda there are 22 issues.

On Tuesday, June 22 the last spring session of the Saeima will take place. On the agenda there are 22 issues. Respublika

Yesterday the Saeima deputies adopted in the 2nd reading amendments to the Law On the status of former USSR citizens who are not citizens of Latvia or any other country. The major disagreement was that the radical wing of the Parliament did not agree to adopt a unified procedure for depriving the status for citizens and non-citizens. A citizen may be deprived of his status by a court decree. The procedure of depriving the status for non-citizens was the same but the radical wing proposed to return to the old procedure when state officials could do it without a court decree. The Saeima found a compromise formula – a non-citizen may be deprived of his status for different violations by and administrative decision but if the person was not satisfied with it, he might appeal to the court within one month, and the status would be preserved until the court decree was passed.

Yesterday the Saeima deputies adopted in the 2nd reading amendments to the Law On the status of former USSR citizens who are not citizens of Latvia or any other country. The major disagreement was that the radical wing of the Parliament did not agree to adopt a unified procedure for depriving the status for citizens and non-citizens. A citizen may be deprived of his status by a court decree. The procedure of depriving the status for non-citizens was the same but the radical wing proposed to return to the old procedure when state officials could do it without a court decree. The Saeima found a compromise formula – a non-citizen may be deprived of his status for different violations by and administrative decision but if the person was not satisfied with it, he might appeal to the court within one month, and the status would be preserved until the court decree was passed. Chas

Anti-Russian policy of the Baltic States made Moscow politicians to be more careful towards the possible expansion of EU. This topic was discussed during the last sitting of the Russian National Council. Most of the speakers hold the position that Russia was not an enemy of this expansion eastwards if it did not endanger Russian security. They were ready to support this process, but the new memberstates should observe interests of Russia.

Anti-Russian policy of the Baltic States made Moscow politicians to be more careful towards the possible expansion of EU. This topic was discussed during the last sitting of the Russian National Council. Most of the speakers hold the position that Russia was not an enemy of this expansion eastwards if it did not endanger Russian security. They were ready to support this process, but the new memberstates should observe interests of Russia. Vesti Segodnya

One of the leaders of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia A.Rubiks met with the Chairman of the Russian Parliament on the same day when A.Seleznev had a meeting with B.Clinton. A.Rubiks said that they exchanged information about the situation in two countries. The Speaker had repeated that most of Russian people wanted good relations with Latvia, but when Russia expressed her readiness for a normal dialog, it did not receive any positive reaction from the Latvian Government.

One of the leaders of the Union For Human Rights in United Latvia A.Rubiks met with the Chairman of the Russian Parliament on the same day when A.Seleznev had a meeting with B.Clinton. A.Rubiks said that they exchanged information about the situation in two countries. The Speaker had repeated that most of Russian people wanted good relations with Latvia, but when Russia expressed her readiness for a normal dialog, it did not receive any positive reaction from the Latvian Government. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

Although the Government has learned about the procedure of the new tender on printing Latvian citizen passports, people and mass media still have no access to the information about the offers and submitted prices. The law on the state and local governments’ tenders prohibits it. The majority of politicians acknowledge that information for tenders, where the product is produced for tax payers money, should be made publicly available but, of course, observing legal norms. Also the Prime Minister holds the same opinion. In his turn the Deputy Head of the DCMA A.J.Lejins said that information on proposals and offered prices was confidential and did not give any details. Diena

Although the Government has learned about the procedure of the new tender on printing Latvian citizen passports, people and mass media still have no access to the information about the offers and submitted prices. The law on the state and local governments tenders prohibits it. The majority of politicians acknowledge that information for tenders, where the product is produced for tax payers money, should be made publicly available but, of course, observing legal norms. Also the Prime Minister holds the same opinion. In his turn the Deputy Head of the DCMA A.J.Lejins said that information on proposals and offered prices was confidential and did not give any details. Diena

The Prime Ministers of the Baltic States will meet this Thursday and Friday in the Estonian city Parnu to discuss co-operation issues.

The Prime Ministers of the Baltic States will meet this Thursday and Friday in the Estonian city Parnu to discuss co-operation issues. Diena

For the first time the most important facts of the history of the Baltic States have been summed up and published in one book. It covers the period from the time when the first people came to this territory up to the present days. The money for publishing this book comes from the CoE and Soros Foundation.

For the first time the most important facts of the history of the Baltic States have been summed up and published in one book. It covers the period from the time when the first people came to this territory up to the present days. The money for publishing this book comes from the CoE and Soros Foundation. Diena, Jauna Avize, Rigas Balss

The US Congress pointed out the input of the USA into the restoration the Baltic States freedom, i.e. the sixties anniversary of the policy of not recognising the incorporation of these states into the USSR. June 14 is announced in the USA to be the Baltic Freedom Day.

The US Congress pointed out the input of the USA into the restoration the Baltic States freedom, i.e. the sixties anniversary of the policy of not recognising the incorporation of these states into the USSR. June 14 is announced in the USA to be the Baltic Freedom Day. Neatkariga

On June 14 was Latvia commemorated the victims of Communist terror. Commemoration events were held in many places all around Latvia, but the main one took place at the Freedom Monument where the President gave a speech where she stated that Stalinism genocide was the same crime as Nazi crimes and had no lapse.

On June 14 was Latvia commemorated the victims of Communist terror. Commemoration events were held in many places all around Latvia, but the main one took place at the Freedom Monument where the President gave a speech where she stated that Stalinism genocide was the same crime as Nazi crimes and had no lapse. Diena, Lauku Avize, Neatkariga, Respublika

Also Estonian Prime Minister M.Laar called for giving a moral and legal estimation to the crimes committed by Communists. He did it during his speech in an international conference “Crimes of Communism” that took place in Tallin.

Also Estonian Prime Minister M.Laar called for giving a moral and legal estimation to the crimes committed by Communists. He did it during his speech in an international conference Crimes of Communism that took place in Tallin. Respublika

Lauku Avize

interviewed Latvian politicians about the courageous decision of Lithuania to levy Russia for the damages made to this country during 50 years of Soviet occupation. Dz.Abikis from Peoples Party thinks that Lithuania has made a correct step. Russia should pay compensation as Germany did it. But it is clear that it is unreal to receive any compensation from Russia, at least now. K.Leiskalns, Latvijas Cels, thinks that Russia must take responsibility for the damages. But the laws of the Baltic States are not valid for Russia, and nobody would pay any attention to such a law. Therefore if Latvia adopts a similar law, it would be simply a hostile act. Latvia would get no money, just trouble. J.Jurkans from For Human Rights in United Latvia points out that it was the USSR that occupied Latvia but not Russia. This country does not exist any more, and Russia is not a heir of the USSR. A.Kazakov from

A.Kazakov from Vesti Segodnya interpreted this step of Lithuania as an original way to increase the state revenues because the rough estimates show the sum of 30 billion USD. He suggests Latvian politicians not to follow this example otherwise Moscow would reach with the claims that Latvia can not even dream about.

Yesterday in Tallin at the conference dedicated the Communism victims the Russian deputy and human rights activist S.Kovalov repeated his statement that Russia should apologise to the Baltic States for the 50 years of Soviet occupation. He pointed out that the Russian nation is collectively responsible for the crimes committed by Communists.

Yesterday in Tallin at the conference dedicated the Communism victims the Russian deputy and human rights activist S.Kovalov repeated his statement that Russia should apologise to the Baltic States for the 50 years of Soviet occupation. He pointed out that the Russian nation is collectively responsible for the crimes committed by Communists. Lauku Avize , Respublika

Liepaja branch of the Latvian Socialists Party wants to hold a picket at the to Liberators Monument on June 22 to commemorate the beginning of the Great Patriotic War.

Liepaja branch of the Latvian Socialists Party wants to hold a picket at the to Liberators Monument on June 22 to commemorate the beginning of the Great Patriotic War. Jauna Avize

Daugavpils City Party summed up the results of the opinion poll organised to find out the opinion of City residents on giving the municipal election rights to non-citizens. About 300 people answered the questions of the poll, more that a half were citizens. 120 non-citizens wanted to participate in municipal elections, 120 Latvian citizens supported this idea, but 38 citizens were against it.

Daugavpils City Party summed up the results of the opinion poll organised to find out the opinion of City residents on giving the municipal election rights to non-citizens. About 300 people answered the questions of the poll, more that a half were citizens. 120 non-citizens wanted to participate in municipal elections, 120 Latvian citizens supported this idea, but 38 citizens were against it. Panorama Latvii

The Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia Deputy M.Mitrofanov told Panorama Latvii about the forum of EU states governmental institutions dealing with national minority issues. He said that this had been some kind of a working meeting of state officials heading departments and other services involved in the integration process. Latvian representatives - the Minister of Justice I.Labucka , Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane and some other high officials seemed rather “unimpressive” but the DCMA whose officials have taken a complex approach to these problems although the mandate of the DCMA did not provide for it. One more reason for Latvian failure was unwillingness to ratify the framework convention on national minorities.

The Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia Deputy M.Mitrofanov told Panorama Latvii about the forum of EU states governmental institutions dealing with national minority issues. He said that this had been some kind of a working meeting of state officials heading departments and other services involved in the integration process. Latvian representatives - the Minister of Justice I.Labucka , Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane and some other high officials seemed rather unimpressive but the DCMA whose officials have taken a complex approach to these problems although the mandate of the DCMA did not provide for it. One more reason for Latvian failure was unwillingness to ratify the framework convention on national minorities. Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Press Report

Lithuanian Saims adopted a law on levying Russia for the damaged caused to country during the Soviet occupation. According to this law the Government should establish a delegation for this negotiation by September 1 but by October 1 – finish calculation of damages made to the state and its residents. Diena, Neatkariga

Lithuanian Saims adopted a law on levying Russia for the damaged caused to country during the Soviet occupation. According to this law the Government should establish a delegation for this negotiation by September 1 but by October 1 – finish calculation of damages made to the state and its residents. Diena, Neatkariga

Neatkariga

adds that Russian MFA has expressed its incomprehension about this Lithuanian intention and due to this law was cancelled the visit of the Russian National Council, planned for Wednesday. adds that Russian MFA has expressed its incomprehension about this Lithuanian intention and due to this law was cancelled the visit of the Russian National Council, planned for Wednesday. Most important Latvian politicians doubt that this Saeima will be politically ready to ratify the convention on protecting the rights of minorities. One of the typical worries is a possibility of establishing a real two-language situation in Latgale. Politicians do not foresee the ratification in the next two years; after the reached compromise on the language problem that was achieved with so much effort, Latvia does not want to have new troubles. Nevertheless the Saeima Human Rights Commission plans to propose the Government to start an experts’ discussion on the juridical obstacles preventing the ratification of the convention.

Most important Latvian politicians doubt that this Saeima will be politically ready to ratify the convention on protecting the rights of minorities. One of the typical worries is a possibility of establishing a real two-language situation in Latgale. Politicians do not foresee the ratification in the next two years; after the reached compromise on the language problem that was achieved with so much effort, Latvia does not want to have new troubles. Nevertheless the Saeima Human Rights Commission plans to propose the Government to start an experts discussion on the juridical obstacles preventing the ratification of the convention. Diena

The Chairman of the Saeima Human Rights Commission A.Seiksts during the last day of Jurmala meeting of the representatives of state institutions dealing with the problems of national minorities in EU countries came to a conclusion that Latvia would have to ratify the convention on protecting the rights of national minorities. Only two parties – Latvijas Cels and People’s Party, under the pressure of European organisations and hoping to receive European money for “integration”, were ready to think about national minorities.

The Chairman of the Saeima Human Rights Commission A.Seiksts during the last day of Jurmala meeting of the representatives of state institutions dealing with the problems of national minorities in EU countries came to a conclusion that Latvia would have to ratify the convention on protecting the rights of national minorities. Only two parties – Latvijas Cels and Peoples Party, under the pressure of European organisations and hoping to receive European money for integration, were ready to think about national minorities. Chas

The amendments of the Satversme (Constitutional) Court allowing also persons and courts to address it got support of the Saeima juridical Commission, and it is planned that at Parliament would adopt it conceptually next Tuesday.

The amendments of the Satversme (Constitutional) Court allowing also persons and courts to address it got support of the Saeima juridical Commission, and it is planned that at Parliament would adopt it conceptually next Tuesday. Diena

In order to receive a financial support from the Russian Government for preserving Russian culture in Latvia, about 20 representatives of Russian intellectuals have established the Society of Russian Citizens in Latvia – the first official organisation representing interests of the Russian citizens here. The new organisation wants to establish direct contacts with the Compatriots Committee of the Russian National Council and receive financing, stipulated by the Russian law, for local culture activists and organising different events.

In order to receive a financial support from the Russian Government for preserving Russian culture in Latvia, about 20 representatives of Russian intellectuals have established the Society of Russian Citizens in Latvia – the first official organisation representing interests of the Russian citizens here. The new organisation wants to establish direct contacts with the Compatriots Committee of the Russian National Council and receive financing, stipulated by the Russian law, for local culture activists and organising different events. Diena

Afraid of losing seats in the next local government election, Latvian parties most probably will start solving the regional reform only after the election. This statement was made by the Chairman of Local Governments Union A.Jaunsleinis after a meeting with the State Minister on State Administration Affairs J.Krumins.

Afraid of losing seats in the next local government election, Latvian parties most probably will start solving the regional reform only after the election. This statement was made by the Chairman of Local Governments Union A.Jaunsleinis after a meeting with the State Minister on State Administration Affairs J.Krumins. Neatkariga

The newspaper

The newspaper Chas writes that the visit of Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins to China could result in concluding a no-visa regime.

The German company Geisecke & Devrient that won the tender on printing Latvian citizens’ passports will print about 2 million passports, including 2500 diplomatic, 5000 office passports and 1000 stateless persons’ IDs.

The German company Geisecke & Devrient that won the tender on printing Latvian citizens passports will print about 2 million passports, including 2500 diplomatic, 5000 office passports and 1000 stateless persons IDs. Vesti Segodnya

 

Press Review

To exchange information about protection of ethnic minorities and discuss further cooperation, an international meeting of officials from 22 CE member countries, representatives of European institutions and NGOs meet in Jurmala this week. Along with positive examples, like the amendments to the citizenship and language laws, Latvia had to admit the inability to ratify the convention on protection of minorities which was signed by Latvia in 1995.

To exchange information about protection of ethnic minorities and discuss further cooperation, an international meeting of officials from 22 CE member countries, representatives of European institutions and NGOs meet in Jurmala this week. Along with positive examples, like the amendments to the citizenship and language laws, Latvia had to admit the inability to ratify the convention on protection of minorities which was signed by Latvia in 1995. Diena, Neatkarîgâ, Chas, Vesti

Neatkariga

writes about the yesterdays meeting of the Latvian Prime Minister and the Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Torsten Orn. They discussed issues related to the society integration. writes about the yesterday’s meeting of the Latvian Prime Minister and the Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Torsten Orn. They discussed issues related to the society integration. Finland supports admission of new countries to the EU by observing objective criteria although it has its favorites – the Baltic countries, said the Finnish Foreign Minister at a press conference on Monday in Riga. The minister offered Finland’s assistance in informing Latvia’s society about the EU.

Finland supports admission of new countries to the EU by observing objective criteria although it has its favorites – the Baltic countries, said the Finnish Foreign Minister at a press conference on Monday in Riga. The minister offered Finlands assistance in informing Latvias society about the EU. Diena, Chas, Vesti

Latvian President Freiberga yesterday sent a letter of greetings to the Russian President Putin on the occasion of the anniversary of declaring sovereignty of the Russian state.

Latvian President Freiberga yesterday sent a letter of greetings to the Russian President Putin on the occasion of the anniversary of declaring sovereignty of the Russian state. Diena, LV

Estonian, Swedish and Russian experts will meet in an international conference in Tallinn on June 14 to discuss the crimes of Communism and their evaluations. The conference will be opened by the Estonian Prime Minister Mart Laar.

Estonian, Swedish and Russian experts will meet in an international conference in Tallinn on June 14 to discuss the crimes of Communism and their evaluations. The conference will be opened by the Estonian Prime Minister Mart Laar. Diena

In response to Lithuania’s attempt to pass a law demanding Russia to compensate for the damage incurred during the Soviet occupation, Russia issued a statement that in 1940 the Soviet troops entered Lithuania with a permission of the Lithuanian government.

In response to Lithuanias attempt to pass a law demanding Russia to compensate for the damage incurred during the Soviet occupation, Russia issued a statement that in 1940 the Soviet troops entered Lithuania with a permission of the Lithuanian government. Diena

MPs that left the New Party will not give up their deputy mandates. Silvija Dreimane said that they will continue to follow the ideas expressed by the program of the New Party.

MPs that left the New Party will not give up their deputy mandates. Silvija Dreimane said that they will continue to follow the ideas expressed by the program of the New Party. Neatkariga

Following the recent conference in Jurmala on Latvian-Russian relations, the Russian Council for Foreign and Defense Policy has prepared an analytical statement evaluating the current status of the relations between the countries and the activities that should be carried out by Russia in this field. The statement is meant to reach the administration of the Cremlin soon.

Following the recent conference in Jurmala on Latvian-Russian relations, the Russian Council for Foreign and Defense Policy has prepared an analytical statement evaluating the current status of the relations between the countries and the activities that should be carried out by Russia in this field. The statement is meant to reach the administration of the Cremlin soon. Vesti

Respublika

interviews the Head of the Naturalization Board Ezenija Aldermane about the society integration program and the possible ways of its implementation.

Lauku Avize

organized a discussion of the representatives of the leading political parties on the subject – what does it actually mean to turn with a face towards Russia. Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK and Latvias Way did not attend the discussion. organized a discussion of the representatives of the leading political parties on the subject – what does it actually mean to turn with a face towards Russia. Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK and Latvia’s Way did not attend the discussion.

Press Review

On Saturday the New Party Council took for information the announcement of the Party Chairman R.Pauls on his resignation from his post. The acting Chairman A.Slesers said that here were several candidates for this post and did not exclude a possibility that he could run for this post.

On Saturday the New Party Council took for information the announcement of the Party Chairman R.Pauls on his resignation from his post. The acting Chairman A.Slesers said that here were several candidates for this post and did not exclude a possibility that he could run for this post. Neatkariga

TB/LNNK Chairman M.Grinblats said at the party Council meeting that the Government was greatly basing on the overheated interest of People’s Party and Latvijas Cels, and one could see it from the minister posts occupied by the representatives of these parties. In his turn the TB/LNNK faction leader V.Balodis said that LC had learned its lesson after falling of V.Kristopans’s government and now together with the Prime Minister A.Berzins treated the work seriously.

TB/LNNK Chairman M.Grinblats said at the party Council meeting that the Government was greatly basing on the overheated interest of Peoples Party and Latvijas Cels, and one could see it from the minister posts occupied by the representatives of these parties. In his turn the TB/LNNK faction leader V.Balodis said that LC had learned its lesson after falling of V.Kristopanss government and now together with the Prime Minister A.Berzins treated the work seriously. Neatkariga

A picket was announced at the Council of Russian Federation in Liepaja. The Liepaja TB/LNNK section members plan to picket there on June 14 to remind the repressions against the Latvian nation in June 14, 1941. It is planned that about 100 will take part in this picket.

A picket was announced at the Council of Russian Federation in Liepaja. The Liepaja TB/LNNK section members plan to picket there on June 14 to remind the repressions against the Latvian nation in June 14, 1941. It is planned that about 100 will take part in this picket.

A.Story in Chas writes about the National State Language Training Program saying that four years the first stage of the program was financed by foreign donors. Now it was time for the Latvian Government to continue financing, but it is clear that there is not enough money for this in the state budget. Last week the managers of the Program together with Education Ministry people met with international donors to decide what to do. They got a promise from the UNDP for future help.

A.Story in Chas writes about the National State Language Training Program saying that four years the first stage of the program was financed by foreign donors. Now it was time for the Latvian Government to continue financing, but it is clear that there is not enough money for this in the state budget. Last week the managers of the Program together with Education Ministry people met with international donors to decide what to do. They got a promise from the UNDP for future help. Chas

From all the national minorities living in Latvia the most active in the process of naturalisation are Russians – 41.64%, the second are Byelorussioans – 16.81% and then Polish people 15.23%. More active in this process are women – 67%.

From all the national minorities living in Latvia the most active in the process of naturalisation are Russians – 41.64%, the second are Byelorussioans – 16.81% and then Polish people 15.23%. More active in this process are women – 67%. Respublika

According to the data of the Naturalisation Board, during the whole process of naturalisation, starting from 1995, about 400 people received refusal on their application for naturalisation.

According to the data of the Naturalisation Board, during the whole process of naturalisation, starting from 1995, about 400 people received refusal on their application for naturalisation. Respublika