Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane has applied to join Latvia’s Way and will be a candidate for the 8th Saiema elections. Latvia’s Way, headed by Prime Minister Andris Berzins, will be the first party to announce its list of candidates for the 8th Saeima elections.

Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane has applied to join Latvias Way and will be a candidate for the 8th Saiema elections. Latvias Way, headed by Prime Minister Andris Berzins, will be the first party to announce its list of candidates for the 8th Saeima elections. Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Telegraf

Today President Vaira Vike-Freiberga meets vice speaker of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Ljubov Sliska.

Today President Vaira Vike-Freiberga meets vice speaker of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Ljubov Sliska. Panorama Latvii

Lauku Avize

re-publishes an article from Russian newspaper re-publishes an article from Russian newspaper Bizness&Baltija;Bizness&Baltija where 5 popular politicians provide their forecast on the situation in the 8th Saeima. Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs believes that leader of the New Era Einars Repse could be the Prime Minister in the next Saeima and FHRUL could have 20 seats. Peoples Party chairperson Andris Skele realises that a part of the Peoples Party electorate will vote for Repses party and agrees that FHRUL could get about 20 seats in the next Saeima. Leader of the New Era Einars Repse is convinced that the New Era will get the majority of the seats in the 8th Saeima. Repse says that the chances of other parties, including Rihards Eigims party, are not very high. FHRUL leader Janis Jurkans believes that Repses party will not bring any new ideas and changes in Latvia. Jurkans predicts that his party could get 20 seats, but is very sceptical regarding the chances of Eigims party. where 5 popular politicians provide their forecast on the situation in the 8th Saeima. Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs believes that leader of the New Era Einars Repse could be the Prime Minister in the next Saeima and FHRUL could have 20 seats. People’s Party chairperson Andris Skele realises that a part of the People’s Party electorate will vote for Repse’s party and agrees that FHRUL could get about 20 seats in the next Saeima. Leader of the New Era Einars Repse is convinced that the New Era will get the majority of the seats in the 8th Saeima. Repse says that the chances of other parties, including Rihards Eigims’ party, are not very high. FHRUL leader Janis Jurkans believes that Repse’s party will not bring any new ideas and changes in Latvia. Jurkans predicts that his party could get 20 seats, but is very sceptical regarding the chances of Eigims’ party.

Lauku Avize

summarises party platforms on ethnic policy. The newspaper writes that the programme of the Peoples Party adopted in 1998 does not have a chapter on ethnic policy. Latvias Way programme, adopted in 2001, has a chapter on Social Integration in Latvia. FF/LNNK is the party, which has elaborated its policy on ethnic issues in a most serious manner. The programme of the party devotes 4 chapters to such issues. The newspaper writes that ethnic policy of FF/LNNK is well based and provides methods of reaching the goals laid out. summarises party platforms on ethnic policy. The newspaper writes that the programme of the People’s Party adopted in 1998 does not have a chapter on ethnic policy. Latvia’s Way programme, adopted in 2001, has a chapter on “Social Integration in Latvia.” FF/LNNK is the party, which has elaborated its policy on ethnic issues in a most serious manner. The programme of the party devotes 4 chapters to such issues. The newspaper writes that ethnic policy of FF/LNNK is “well based and provides methods of reaching the goals laid out.” Lauku AvizeLauku Avize writes that surprisingly, the Peoples Harmony Party has ignored this issue in its programme adopted in 2000. The party uses very general terms and statements when discussing ethnic policy issues, suggesting that that the party is not really interested in this issue. The Latvian Social Democratic Party has devoted 5 chapters to ethnic policy in its party programme. writes that surprisingly, the People’s Harmony Party has ignored this issue in its programme adopted in 2000. The party uses very general terms and statements when discussing ethnic policy issues, suggesting that that the party is not really interested in this issue. The Latvian Social Democratic Party has devoted 5 chapters to ethnic policy in its party programme. Lauku AvizeLauku Avize comments that practical activities of the party show that the programmes concepts are simple pre-election tricks. The ethnic policy programme of the New Era is a paper which is flexible enough to be adopted to the needs of any audience. comments that practical activities of the party show that the programme’s concepts are simple pre-election tricks. The ethnic policy programme of the New Era is “a paper which is flexible enough to be adopted to the needs of any audience.” Yesterday a German delegation composed of members of trade unions, the Social Democratic party, and academic institutions visited the editorial office of the newspaper

Yesterday a German delegation composed of members of trade unions, the Social Democratic party, and academic institutions visited the editorial office of the newspaper Chas. The members of the delegation were very interested in issues concerning citizenship, naturalisation and problems of non-citizens.

In yesterday’s video conference with Latvian journalists, Heather Conley,USDeputy Assistant Secretary of State, suggested that Latvia should continue to study the history of the Holocaust and to provide information about the Holocaust to students and pupils.

In yesterdays video conference with Latvian journalists, Heather Conley,USDeputy Assistant Secretary of State, suggested that Latvia should continue to study the history of the Holocaust and to provide information about the Holocaust to students and pupils. Chas

Panorama Latvii

reports that national minority schools have received a decree from the Curriculum and Examination Centre of the Ministry of Education. According to the decree, observers who have a pedagogic education and the right to teach the Latvian language should be included in the examination commissions which are assessing the Latvian language skills of 9th grade pupils of national minority schools. The majority of schools believe that the decree demonstrates the Ministrys distrust towards these schools. reports that national minority schools have received a decree from the Curriculum and Examination Centre of the Ministry of Education. According to the decree, observers who have a pedagogic education and the right to teach the Latvian language should be included in the examination commissions which are assessing the Latvian language skills of 9th grade pupils of national minority schools. The majority of schools believe that the decree demonstrates the Ministry’s distrust towards these schools.

Neatkariga

publishes the agenda and list of participants of the conference The World 2002: Hopes and Concerns which will take place on Friday and Saturday and is organised by the Baltic Forum. The newspaper also provides several articles on relations between Russia and Latvia, the world after September 11 and globalisation written by the invited participants. publishes the agenda and list of participants of the conference “The World 2002: Hopes and Concerns” which will take place on Friday and Saturday and is organised by the Baltic Forum. The newspaper also provides several articles on relations between Russia and Latvia, the world after September 11 and globalisation written by the invited participants. Lauku Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama LatviiLauku Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii For already 4 months, the Russian public library has been operating in Riga. The library was established thanks to the efforts of people whose native tongue is Russian.

For already 4 months, the Russian public library has been operating in Riga. The library was established thanks to the efforts of people whose native tongue is Russian. Panorama Latvii

Today the exhibition “Riga Expo 2002” is opened in Moscow. A delegation from Latvia headed by Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars is taking part in the opening.

Today the exhibition Riga Expo 2002 is opened in Moscow. A delegation from Latvia headed by Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars is taking part in the opening. Chas

On June 11-14 the 5th National Polish Exhibition will take place in Riga.

OnJune 11-14 the 5th National Polish Exhibition will take place in Riga. Chas

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

Chas

reports about the meeting of members of the European Parliament, leaders of national parliaments of EU candidate countries and Latvian MPs. When social democrat Risards Labanovskis raised the question about Europes unwillingness to recognise Latvias occupation and russification, President of the European Parliament Pat Cox noted that Latvia should focus on its achievements in the sphere of social integration and pointed out the recent victory of Latvian representative Maria Naumova whose ethnic background is Russian at the Eurovision song festival. Cox stressed that not only the economy but also the stability of the country will be considered when a decision about a countrys EU membership is taken. reports about the meeting of members of the European Parliament, leaders of national parliaments of EU candidate countries and Latvian MPs. When social democrat Risards Labanovskis raised the question about Europe’s unwillingness to recognise Latvia’s occupation and russification, President of the European Parliament Pat Cox noted that Latvia should focus on its achievements in the sphere of social integration and pointed out the recent victory of Latvian representative Maria Naumova whose ethnic background is Russian at the Eurovision song festival. Cox stressed that not only the economy but also the stability of the country will be considered when a decision about a country’s EU membership is taken. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama LatviiVesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Telegrafs

editorial comments on the victory of Maria Naumova in the Eurovision song festival. The newspaper says that the victory provides the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs a chance to boast about integration in Latvia and the promotion of other cultures. editorial comments on the victory of Maria Naumova in the Eurovision song festival. The newspaper says that the victory provides the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs a chance to boast about integration in Latvia and the promotion of other cultures.

Vecehernaya Riga

writes about one of the aspects of bilingual education, in particular, should Russian children attend Latvian kindergartens and pre-schools. Journalist Yelena Slusareva provides information on several cases when attendance at Latvian pre-schools had a negative impact on a minority childs further development. writes about one of the aspects of bilingual education, in particular, should Russian children attend Latvian kindergartens and pre-schools. Journalist Yelena Slusareva provides information on several cases when attendance at Latvian pre-schools had a negative impact on a minority child’s further development.

Telegraf

inquires students and their parents of Jelgava Secondary School No 5 who study according to the second model of bilingual education. The majority of students and their parents are satisfied with the quality of education. inquires students and their parents of Jelgava Secondary School No 5 who study according to the second model of bilingual education. The majority of students and their parents are satisfied with the quality of education.

Chas

writes that after several month of suspension the speed of naturalisation is increasing. During three weeks since naturalisation was resumed 2304 persons have been granted the status of Latvian citizen. writes that after several month of suspension the speed of naturalisation is increasing. During three weeks since naturalisation was resumed 2304 persons have been granted the status of Latvian citizen.

Telegraf

writes about the official ceremony of granting Latvian citizenship in Daugavpils. Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane and Daugavpils Mayor Rihards Eigims will attend the ceremony. writes about the official ceremony of granting Latvian citizenship in Daugavpils. Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane and Daugavpils Mayor Rihards Eigims will attend the ceremony. According to the latest opinion poll conducted by the company “Latvijas fakti” the New Era party is still the most popular party in Latvia, although its rating has slightly decreased. FHRUL is the second most popular political force, followed by Latvia’s Way, the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party, the People’s Party and FF/LNNK. The President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Saeima Speaker Janis Straume and the New Era leader Einars Repse are the most popular figures among Latvian residents.

According to the latest opinion poll conducted by the company Latvijas fakti the New Era party is still the most popular party in Latvia, although its rating has slightly decreased. FHRUL is the second most popular political force, followed by Latvias Way, the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party, the Peoples Party and FF/LNNK. The President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Saeima Speaker Janis Straume and the New Era leader Einars Repse are the most popular figures among Latvian residents. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Telegraf

publishes a discussion with leader of the party New Era Einars Repse. When asked if he is interested in the Russian electorate, Repse says that his party definitely needs support of progressively thinking Russians. publishes a discussion with leader of the party New Era Einars Repse. When asked if he is interested in the Russian electorate, Repse says that his party definitely needs support of “progressively thinking Russians.” FHRUL deputy Boriss Tsilevich publishes his thoughts about the possible situation after the 8th Saeima elections. He states that the situation after the elections will change drastically. Tsilevich believes that Einars Repse’s New Era Party could be the leader in the next Saeima. Regarding FF/LNNK, Tsilevitch is convinced that the party is losing its electorate and will not be a major player in the next Saeima. According to the MP, FHRUL has a good chance to be the second biggest political force in the 8th Saeima and to participate in forming the government. Tsilevich offers two future alternatives: first, a nominated candidate to the post of the Prime Minister ratifies the Framework Convention, provides the residents of Latvia the rights to communicate with local governments in Russian, abolishes language restrictions in the Law on Radio and TV and cancels the planned switch of secondary education. Second alternative would be if the future Prime Minister states that “we should not listen to any European commissioners” and sets more strict language requirements. According to Tsilevich both alternatives are possible and it will depend on the number of seats FHRUL will receive in the 8th Saeima.

FHRUL deputy Boriss Tsilevich publishes his thoughts about the possible situation after the 8th Saeima elections. He states that the situation after the elections will change drastically. Tsilevich believes that Einars Repses New Era Party could be the leader in the next Saeima. Regarding FF/LNNK, Tsilevitch is convinced that the party is losing its electorate and will not be a major player in the next Saeima. According to the MP, FHRUL has a good chance to be the second biggest political force in the 8th Saeima and to participate in forming the government. Tsilevich offers two future alternatives: first, a nominated candidate to the post of the Prime Minister ratifies the Framework Convention, provides the residents of Latvia the rights to communicate with local governments in Russian, abolishes language restrictions in the Law on Radio and TV and cancels the planned switch of secondary education. Second alternative would be if the future Prime Minister states that we should not listen to any European commissioners and sets more strict language requirements. According to Tsilevich both alternatives are possible and it will depend on the number of seats FHRUL will receive in the 8th Saeima. Vesti Segodnja

Vesti Segodnja

investigates whether the calls of several Latvian nationalistic organisations – Visu Latvijai! (Everything for Latvia!) and the webpage latvians.lv - investigates whether the calls of several Latvian nationalistic organisations – “Visu Latvijai!” (“Everything for Latvia!”) and the webpage latvians.lv - to collect money for implementing their projects are legal. The Security Police did not see any violations of Latvian legislation in their activities.

to collect money for implementing their projects are legal. The Security Police did not see any violations of Latvian legislation in their activities.

Two nationalistic organisations - Russian National Unity in Latvia and the Latvian National Democratic Party - merged. From now on Yevgeny Osipov, the former leader of Russian National Unity, will be the leader of Latvian National Democratic Party. The party will not change its regulations and programme, but plans to run for seats in the 8th Saeima.

Two nationalistic organisations - Russian National Unity in Latvia and the Latvian National Democratic Party - merged. From now on Yevgeny Osipov, the former leader of Russian National Unity, will be the leader of Latvian National Democratic Party. The party will not change its regulations and programme, but plans to run for seats in the 8th Saeima. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf

Telegraf

reports that the Centre of Moscow Culture and Business will open in Riga. Now the Centre is reviewing reconstruction bids for the building, which will house the Centre in Riga. reports that the Centre of Moscow Culture and Business will open in Riga. Now the Centre is reviewing reconstruction bids for the building, which will house the Centre in Riga.

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

Telegraf

provides more in-depth information about the discussion on the planned switch of secondary education to the Latvian language. Head of the Integration Unit of General Education of the Ministry of Education and Science Evija Papule named Daugavpils as one of the best examples in implementing bilingual education in national minority schools. Director of Daugavpils Secondary School No. 3 Vitaly Azaravich agreed that school administrations and teachers knew about the switch already 6 years ago, however, ongoing accreditation and examinations of schools and their curriculum, and continuous changes in education policy did not allow the schools to devote all their time to prepare for the reform in 2004. He concluded that no serious studies have been conducted to assess the pros and cons of bilingual education in Latvia. provides more in-depth information about the discussion on the planned switch of secondary education to the Latvian language. Head of the Integration Unit of General Education of the Ministry of Education and Science Evija Papule named Daugavpils as one of the best examples in implementing bilingual education in national minority schools. Director of Daugavpils Secondary School No. 3 Vitaly Azaravich agreed that school administrations and teachers knew about the switch already 6 years ago, however, ongoing accreditation and examinations of schools and their curriculum, and continuous changes in education policy did not allow the schools to devote all their time to prepare for the reform in 2004. He concluded that no serious studies have been conducted to assess the pros and cons of bilingual education in Latvia.

Telegrafs

editorial is about the statement of minister of Education Karlis Greiskalns made at the discussion on the planned switch of secondary education to the Latvian language in Daugavpils. The Minister voiced incomprehension about concern of Russian teachers regarding the reform as already in 1996 the Law on Education stipulated the transfer in 2004. Editor-in-chief of editorial is about the statement of minister of Education Karlis Greiskalns made at the discussion on the planned switch of secondary education to the Latvian language in Daugavpils. The Minister voiced incomprehension about concern of Russian teachers regarding the reform as already in 1996 the Law on Education stipulated the transfer in 2004. Editor-in-chief of TelegrafTelegraf Tatyana Fast argues that schools should not be responsible for the lack of qualified teachers, well prepared study books and teaching aids. The government and ministry should take responsibility for the implementation of their decisions. Tatyana Fast argues that schools should not be responsible for the lack of qualified teachers, well prepared study books and teaching aids. The government and ministry should take responsibility for the implementation of their decisions. Residents of the Military Port in Liepaja whose income level is low will have a possibility to study the Latvian language free of charge. The Municipality of Liepaja has allotted LVL 1000 for Latvian language courses.

Residents of the Military Port in Liepaja whose income level is low will have a possibility to study the Latvian language free of charge. The Municipality of Liepaja has allotted LVL 1000 for Latvian language courses. Neatkariga

Lauku Avize is the only newspaper in the Latvian language, which reports on the conference about social integration “Latvia on the Way to 2002. Integration, Alternatives.”

Lauku Avize is the only newspaper in the Latvian language, which reports on the conference about social integration Latvia on the Way to 2002. Integration, Alternatives.

A group of the aides of US senators arrived to Riga. During their meeting with Latvian minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins, the minister stressed that Latvia after joining NATO could play an important role in relations between NATO and Russia.

A group of the aides of US senators arrived to Riga. During their meeting with Latvian minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins, the minister stressed that Latvia after joining NATO could play an important role in relations between NATO and Russia. Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Chas

columnist Leonid Fedoseyev comments the statement released by a Latvian newspaper that the Russian language press agitates their audiences to vote for FHRUL. He argues that FHRUL is the only party that stands for the interests of Russian-speakers and that true Latvian parties are promoting FRHUL by showing their indifference to the problems of non-Latvians. columnist Leonid Fedoseyev comments the statement released by a Latvian newspaper that “the Russian language press agitates their audiences to vote for FHRUL.” He argues that FHRUL is the only party that stands for the interests of Russian-speakers and that “true Latvian” parties are promoting FRHUL by showing their indifference to the problems of non-Latvians. Yesterday the NGOs the Russian Community in Latvia and the Latvian Association of Russian Language and Literature Teachers congratulated the winners of the Russian essay contest. About 100 students took part in the contest.

Yesterday the NGOs the Russian Community in Latvia and the Latvian Association of Russian Language and Literature Teachers congratulated the winners of the Russian essay contest. About 100 students took part in the contest. Chas

Vesti Segodnja

reports about the summit of the speakers of the European Parliament and national parliaments of the EU candidate countries. The newspaper writes that the members of the European parliament suggested the member countries focus on building a tolerant society and reminded that the European Parliament will thoroughly follow how the candidate countries meet EU requirements concerning national minorities. reports about the summit of the speakers of the European Parliament and national parliaments of the EU candidate countries. The newspaper writes that the members of the European parliament suggested the member countries focus on building a tolerant society and reminded that the European Parliament will thoroughly follow how the candidate countries meet EU requirements concerning national minorities. Panorama Latvii Panorama Latvii

Telegraf

writes about the official ceremony of granting Latvian citizenship in Jurmala. writes about the official ceremony of granting Latvian citizenship in Jurmala.

Panorama Latvii

publishes its weekly supplement about national minorities in Latvia. The newspaper publishes articles in the Ukrainian and Udmurtian languages and gives a brief introduction to Udmurtian culture. publishes its weekly supplement about national minorities in Latvia. The newspaper publishes articles in the Ukrainian and Udmurtian languages and gives a brief introduction to Udmurtian culture. The representative office of the human rights organisation “Union of Councils” in Riga has released a statement voicing its incomprehension about the statement released by founder of the Freedom’s Party Ziedonis Cevers at the party’s founding congress. Cevers said, “we should stop apologising to Jews for what happened in Bikernieki – we are not to responsible for that.” Cevers responded that he would comment on his statement on Tuesday.

The representative office of the human rights organisation Union of Councils in Riga has released a statement voicing its incomprehension about the statement released by founder of the Freedoms Party Ziedonis Cevers at the partys founding congress. Cevers said, we should stop apologising to Jews for what happened in Bikernieki – we are not to responsible for that. Cevers responded that he would comment on his statement on Tuesday. BNS

As of today the Saeima Committee on the Foreign Affairs will launch its homepage on the Internet

As of today the Saeima Committee on the Foreign Affairs will launch its homepage on the Internet www.saeima.lv/AK BNS

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

Vesti Segodnja

provides several statements of the speakers from the conference Latvia on the Way to 2002. Integration, Alternatives organised by Russian NGOs on 24 May in Riga. Director of the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences Brigita Zepa believes that discrimination of national minorities does not really exist and is only propagated by the means of mass media printed in the Russian language. Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane voiced her incomprehension about the ongoing investigation of the Naturalisation Board. Researcher Aivars Tabuns believes that Latvia meets all the requirements to build a unified society in Latvia. He also stressed that the Russian community in Latvia is very diverse. provides several statements of the speakers from the conference “Latvia on the Way to 2002. Integration, Alternatives” organised by Russian NGOs on 24 May in Riga. Director of the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences Brigita Zepa believes that discrimination of national minorities does not really exist and is only propagated by the means of mass media printed in the Russian language. Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane voiced her incomprehension about the ongoing investigation of the Naturalisation Board. Researcher Aivars Tabuns believes that Latvia meets all the requirements to build a unified society in Latvia. He also stressed that the Russian community in Latvia is very diverse. On 24 May journalists of

On 24 May journalists of Telegraf and the radio programme Dom Square held a meeting with teachers from Latgale, the eastern part of Latvia, to discuss the difficulties Russian schools face when implementing bilingual education. Minister of Education Karlis Greiskalns and Daugavpils City Mayor Rihards Eigims were also among the participants of the discussion. The next issues of Telegraf will publish more in-depth information about the discussion.

Member of the Latvian Human Rights Committee Leonid Raihman writes about discriminatory norms included in the Latvian Law on Radio and TV which stipulate that only up to 25% of the total broadcast time can be in foreign languages and that programmes should be produced only in one language. Raihman believes that the international community has not sufficiently criticised the law. He believes that MPs of the 8th Saeima will have to tackle many issues and one of them will be lifting of the discriminatory norms from the Law on Radio and TV.

Member of the Latvian Human Rights Committee Leonid Raihman writes about discriminatory norms included in the Latvian Law on Radio and TV which stipulate that only up to 25% of the total broadcast time can be in foreign languages and that programmes should be produced only in one language. Raihman believes that the international community has not sufficiently criticised the law. He believes that MPs of the 8th Saeima will have to tackle many issues and one of them will be lifting of the discriminatory norms from the Law on Radio and TV. Panorama Latvii

Chas

reports on an official ceremony of granting citizenship to naturalised persons in Liepaja. Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane visited the city to take part in the ceremony. reports on an official ceremony of granting citizenship to naturalised persons in Liepaja. Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane visited the city to take part in the ceremony.

Vesti Segodnja

provides information about the Days of Slavic Culture in Daugavpils. provides information about the Days of Slavic Culture in Daugavpils.

Chas

provides more in-depth information about the agenda and participants of the Baltic Forum. Russias MP Irina Hakamada and ex-minister Anatolij Kulikov will represent Russias politicians, while Dmitry Simes, president of the Nixon Foundation and Arnold Gorelick, chair of the Russian- American Dialogue group will represent the USA. provides more in-depth information about the agenda and participants of the Baltic Forum. Russia’s MP Irina Hakamada and ex-minister Anatolij Kulikov will represent Russia’s politicians, while Dmitry Simes, president of the Nixon Foundation and Arnold Gorelick, chair of the Russian- American Dialogue group will represent the USA. Saturday two new parties were formed – the Party of Freedom, whose most well known member is former politician Ziedonis Cevers and the First Party of Latvia headed by priest Eriks Jekabsons.

Saturday two new parties were formed – the Party of Freedom, whose most well known member is former politician Ziedonis Cevers and the First Party of Latvia headed by priest Eriks Jekabsons. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Telegraf

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

 

Lauku Avize writes about the language situation in Latvias supermarkets. Norwegian supermarket chain Rimi shares its experience with observing Latvian language laws and regulations. Executive director of Rimi Uldis Lebedevs says that at the very beginning Rimi experienced some difficulties in ensuring that all salespersons could speak Latvian, as very often the true state language proficiency of people did not correspond to the proficiency level noted in his/her state language certificate. Though 35-40% of staff are Russians, Lebedevs stresses that now, all salespersons speak Latvian and names ‘Rimi director general Knut Kvisvik as a very positive example for the whole staff. Lebedevs agrees that there are quite many shops where salespersons speak very bad Latvian or do not speak the language at all. Chairperson of the Latvian Association of Merchandisers Henriks Danusevichs believes that salespersons should be included in the list of professions who have to know the Latvian language.

Chas

talks to minister of Regional and Environment Protection Vladimirs Makarovs. He says that he does not feel inner discomfort being Russian while being the member of nationalistic party FF/LNNK. Makarovs states that he has not lost his Russian identity. In his opinion the residents of Latvia are more concerned about their economic situation and not about national issues. talks to minister of Regional and Environment Protection Vladimirs Makarovs. He says that he does not feel inner discomfort being Russian while being the member of nationalistic party FF/LNNK. Makarovs states that he has not lost his Russian identity. In his opinion the residents of Latvia are more concerned about their economic situation and not about national issues.

Chas

reports on the integration conference organised by the Union of Citizens and Non-citizens. The newspaper writes that the participants and issues discussed at the conference did not differ from participants and discussions of similar events. reports on the integration conference organised by the Union of Citizens and Non-citizens. The newspaper writes that the participants and issues discussed at the conference did not differ from participants and discussions of similar events. ChasChas quotes director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks people who have talked about integration already 5 times should not be allowed to touch the subject any more. The participants of the Union voiced their support for head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane. quotes director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks “people who have talked about integration already 5 times should not be allowed to touch the subject any more.” The participants of the Union voiced their support for head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane.

Vesti Segodnja

writes that the Committee of the European Parliament in charge of monitoring Latvia's candidacy for the EU continues to criticise the situation of national minorities in Latvia. The final version of the Committees report will be presented in the beginning of June. The report notes that the speed of naturalisation should be increased and the government should apply proportionate measures of implementing language policy. writes that the Committee of the European Parliament in charge of monitoring Latvia's candidacy for the EU continues to criticise the situation of national minorities in Latvia. The final version of the Committee’s report will be presented in the beginning of June. The report notes that the speed of naturalisation should be increased and the government should apply proportionate measures of implementing language policy.

Vesti Segodnja

provides a brief summary of a report by Boris Katkov, chairperson of the Association of Russian Latvian Co-operation and the co-chairperson of the Union of Russias Citizens in the Baltic States, to the State Duma of the Russian Federation about the situation of Russians in Latvia. provides a brief summary of a report by Boris Katkov, chairperson of the Association of Russian Latvian Co-operation and the co-chairperson of the Union of Russia’s Citizens in the Baltic States, to the State Duma of the Russian Federation about the situation of Russians in Latvia.