• Cabinet of Ministers got acquainted with a report on implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination in Latvia
• OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Knut Vollebaek has met with the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane

Telegraf reports that yesterday, the Cabinet of Ministers got acquainted with a report on implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination in Latvia from 2003 to 2007 prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the newspaper, the report shows that number of Muslim communities in Latvia has significantly increased during past five years – from 6 communities to 16.

Yesterday, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Knut Vollebaek has met with the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane. The officials have discussed issues regarding naturalisation, motivation of applicants for citizenship and impact of political events on acquisition and renunciation of Latvian citizenship.

Yesterday, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Knut Vollebaek has met with the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane. The officials have discussed issues regarding naturalisation, motivation of applicants for citizenship and impact of political events on acquisition and renunciation of Latvian citizenship. Latvijas Avize

• Chas reports about a book Integration of Society and Cultural Autonomy

Chas reports about a book Integration of Society and Cultural Autonomy issued by the member of Russian culture NGO Veche Valerijs Buhvalovs. The book analyses and criticizes national integration program which according to the author is aimed at assimilation of ethnic non-Latvians. The book also provides alternative integration program based on cultural autonomy of ethnic minorities in Latvia.

• Russia prepares a draft law on granting Russian compatriots living in Latvia and Estonia equal rights with Russian citizens except voting rights
• About 50 song and dance collectives from all Latvia took part in a festival of ethnic minorities held in Riga

Newspapers report that Russia prepares a draft law on granting Russian compatriots living in Latvia and Estonia equal rights with Russian citizens except voting rights. Presently, Russian compatriots are called ex-citizens of USSR who preserve ties with Russia. Such draft law would stipulate cancellation of Russian visa requirements for this group of people, granting medical help and education equally with Russian citizens.

Newspapers report that Russia prepares a draft law on granting Russian compatriots living in Latvia and Estonia equal rights with Russian citizens except voting rights. Presently, Russian compatriots are called ex-citizens of USSR who preserve ties with Russia. Such draft law would stipulate cancellation of Russian visa requirements for this group of people, granting medical help and education equally with Russian citizens. Chas, Telegraf

Yesterday, in the framework of the Latvian National Song and Dance Festival, about 50 song and dance collectives from all Latvia took part in a festival of ethnic minorities “Latvian Diadem” held in Riga.

Yesterday, in the framework of the Latvian National Song and Dance Festival, about 50 song and dance collectives from all Latvia took part in a festival of ethnic minorities Latvian Diadem held in Riga. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

• Representatives of Muslim community in Latvia criticize broadcast of a cartoon Cid: the Legend at LTV-7 which allegedly cultivates aggression against Muslims

Representatives of Muslim community in Latvia has sent an open letter to the General Director of the Latvian Television Edgars Kots criticizing broadcast of a cartoon “Cid: the Legend” at LTV-7 which, according to the letter, cultivates aggression against Muslims. The Muslims are asking the Latvian Television to be more selective in broadcasting, especially when broadcasts are aimed at children.

Representatives of Muslim community in Latvia has sent an open letter to the General Director of the Latvian Television Edgars Kots criticizing broadcast of a cartoon Cid: the Legend at LTV-7 which, according to the letter, cultivates aggression against Muslims. The Muslims are asking the Latvian Television to be more selective in broadcasting, especially when broadcasts are aimed at children. Telegraf, Chas

• Four members of Riga City Council forwarded to the Security Police copies of 80 comments placed on an Internet site www.sargivalodu.lv which they believe incite to ethnic hatred

Four members of Riga City Council from political party For Human Rights in United Latvia have forwarded to the Security Police copies of 80 comments placed on an Internet site

Four members of Riga City Council from political party For Human Rights in United Latvia have forwarded to the Security Police copies of 80 comments placed on an Internet site www.sargivalodu.lv which they believe incite to ethnic hatred. The internet site is created by the ultra-right political party All for Latvia! with an aim to collect signatures of Latvian residents supporting full transition of all state funded schools to Latvian language starting from first grade. The Security Police has launched verification whether the comments incite to ethnic hatred. Chas