Press Report

Press Report

Tuesday also the Latvian government support repeated nomination of National Human Rights Office (NHRO) director Olafs Bruvers for another term in the office.

Tuesday also the Latvian government support repeated nomination of National Human Rights Office (NHRO) director Olafs Bruvers for another term in the office.

The NHRO director has to be confirmed in the office by the parliament. The Government suggested Bruvers should be more active in promoting work by the human rights office, in participating in international human rights conferences to spread information about the situation in Latvia and in looking for foreign sources of funding. The NHRO head himself proposed to the government to adjust functions of the human rights office and the National Children Right Protection Center either by merging the center with the NHRO or by establishing a separate ombudsman for children rights as to eliminate the currently overlapping functions of the two agencies. In case of his re-appointment to the office Bruvers named as priorities the acceptance of complaints from population and elimination of human right violations, focusing on the most unprotected social groups -- disabled persons, children, prison inmates, etc. The NHRO director also vowed to seek closer co-operation with municipal institutions and non-governmental organisations. He agreed that so far he had not been very successful in obtaining support from foreign institutions and establishing contacts with other Baltic states.

The NHRO director has to be confirmed in the office by the parliament. The Government suggested Bruvers should be more active in promoting work by the human rights office, in participating in international human rights conferences to spread information about the situation in Latvia and in looking for foreign sources of funding. The NHRO head himself proposed to the government to adjust functions of the human rights office and the National Children Right Protection Center either by merging the center with the NHRO or by establishing a separate ombudsman for children rights as to eliminate the currently overlapping functions of the two agencies. In case of his re-appointment to the office Bruvers named as priorities the acceptance of complaints from population and elimination of human right violations, focusing on the most unprotected social groups -- disabled persons, children, prison inmates, etc. The NHRO director also vowed to seek closer co-operation with municipal institutions and non-governmental organisations. He agreed that so far he had not been very successful in obtaining support from foreign institutions and establishing contacts with other Baltic states. BNS

Rigas Balss provides opinions of some politicians about O.Bruvers work. Social democrat V.Lazo “It does not make any sense to appoint somebody else – you do not change wheels when driving. And after all – his office was not doing so bad”. LW Saeima faction chairperson K.Libane says “I have not heard that he has done something really good, however, if the government supports his candidature, the Saeima is going to approve him”. Also FF/LNNK V.Balodis said that there is no another alternative. People’s Party discussed the possibility to nominate for the post A.Pabriks, however, after A.Pabriks refusal to candidate for the post, the party will also support O.Bruvers.

Rigas Balss provides opinions of some politicians about O.Bruvers work. Social democrat V.Lazo It does not make any sense to appoint somebody else – you do not change wheels when driving. And after all – his office was not doing so bad. LW Saeima faction chairperson K.Libane says I have not heard that he has done something really good, however, if the government supports his candidature, the Saeima is going to approve him. Also FF/LNNK V.Balodis said that there is no another alternative. Peoples Party discussed the possibility to nominate for the post A.Pabriks, however, after A.Pabriks refusal to candidate for the post, the party will also support O.Bruvers.

The Latvian government Tuesday endorsed accession of Latvia to the Council of Europe (CE) Convention on Nationals. The Latvian effective Citizenship Law basically meets convention requirements but, as Latvia is a CE member country it should sign the convention, the annotation to the draft law reads. The convention admits individual approach towards a set of issues and, Latvia in the future too will set out for non-citizens children, born in Latvia after Aug, 21, 1991, a requirement to speak state language (if that child has reached age of 15 years) and have no previous criminal record. Latvia will not promote acquisition of citizenship by citizens spouses, refugees, persons staying in the country permanently and others, as well as will not allow persons who have failed to meet their obligations towards Latvia to drop their citizenship. Nationals of other countries who can not drop their current citizenship will be banned from acquiring Latvian citizens.

The Latvian government Tuesday endorsed accession of Latvia to the Council of Europe (CE) Convention on Nationals. The Latvian effective Citizenship Law basically meets convention requirements but, as Latvia is a CE member country it should sign the convention, the annotation to the draft law reads. The convention admits individual approach towards a set of issues and, Latvia in the future too will set out for non-citizens children, born in Latvia after Aug, 21, 1991, a requirement to speak state language (if that child has reached age of 15 years) and have no previous criminal record. Latvia will not promote acquisition of citizenship by citizens spouses, refugees, persons staying in the country permanently and others, as well as will not allow persons who have failed to meet their obligations towards Latvia to drop their citizenship. Nationals of other countries who can not drop their current citizenship will be banned from acquiring Latvian citizens. Chas

A group of Latvian lawmakers has departed for a visit to Belarus without the parliament's approval and is set during the visit to meet all top Belarus officials, including President Alexander Lukashenko. Latvian parliament inter-parliamentary relations office head Sandra Paura told that the parliament board last Thursday denied the group of lawmakers a status of an official visit in Belarus because it does not regard Belarus parliament as legitimate. On acquaintance visit to Belarus have departed leftist MP Janis Urbanovics (from For Human Rights in United Latvia), Osvalds Zvejsalnieks (Social Democrat), Peteris Apinis (Latvia's Way) and Helmuts Cibulis (People's Party). Urbanovics told that on Monday the Latvian lawmakers attended the Belarus parliament as well as met deputy foreign minister to discuss Russian-Belarus unification process as well as Belarus relations with Ukraine and Moldova.

A group of Latvian lawmakers has departed for a visit to Belarus without the parliament's approval and is set during the visit to meet all top Belarus officials, including President Alexander Lukashenko. Latvian parliament inter-parliamentary relations office head Sandra Paura told that the parliament board last Thursday denied the group of lawmakers a status of an official visit in Belarus because it does not regard Belarus parliament as legitimate. On acquaintance visit to Belarus have departed leftist MP Janis Urbanovics (from For Human Rights in United Latvia), Osvalds Zvejsalnieks (Social Democrat), Peteris Apinis (Latvia's Way) and Helmuts Cibulis (People's Party). Urbanovics told that on Monday the Latvian lawmakers attended the Belarus parliament as well as met deputy foreign minister to discuss Russian-Belarus unification process as well as Belarus relations with Ukraine and Moldova. Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Respublika, Panorama Latvii

At Riga City Council Social democrats yield to FF/LNNK in entering the amendments to the Regulations of Riga City Council Board already in Tuesday’s sitting. The board was renamed into presidium and it is considered that after this agreement there are no obstacles to sign a coalition agreement.

At Riga City Council Social democrats yield to FF/LNNK in entering the amendments to the Regulations of Riga City Council Board already in Tuesdays sitting. The board was renamed into presidium and it is considered that after this agreement there are no obstacles to sign a coalition agreement. Diena, Jauna, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika, Panorama Latvii

Yesterday the Minister of Justice I.Labucka met with foreign ambassadors to inform them about the work at the draft on Society Integration Fund and the possible time of its implementation.

Yesterday the Minister of Justice I.Labucka met with foreign ambassadors to inform them about the work at the draft on Society Integration Fund and the possible time of its implementation. Vesti Segodnja

Yesterday Saeima Education, Culture and Science Committee chairperson Dz.Abikis called Riga City Council and School Board to continue reorganisation of Russian schools and increase the number of Latvian kindergartens.

Yesterday Saeima Education, Culture and Science Committee chairperson Dz.Abikis called Riga City Council and School Board to continue reorganisation of Russian schools and increase the number of Latvian kindergartens. Vesti Segodnja comments there should not be any illusions – the word reorganisation means closing. Respublika, Panorama Latvii

Yesterday the adoption of the amendments to the Regulations No 296, which would provide comparability of the examination in the Latvian language for 9 graders of national minority schools to the language examination for naturalisation, was postponed again.

Yesterday the adoption of the amendments to the Regulations No 296, which would provide comparability of the examination in the Latvian language for 9 graders of national minority schools to the language examination for naturalisation, was postponed again. Chas names its sabotage as the examination in the Latvian language for 9th grade pupils is scheduled to 12 June. Respublika

Chas

comments on the statement made by the Prime Minister whether non-citizens should have rights to participate at municipal elections. In the opinion of the newspaper, it would be only in the interests of the ruling parties to provide non-citizens with voting rights at municipal elections, otherwise the choice of new citizens and citizens-to-be will remain the same for the next elections as it was at this year election. comments on the statement made by the Prime Minister whether non-citizens should have rights to participate at municipal elections. In the opinion of the newspaper, it would be only in the interests of the ruling parties to provide non-citizens with voting rights at municipal elections, otherwise the choice of “new citizens” and citizens-to-be will remain the same for the next elections as it was at this year election.

Chas

gives perspectives on what will happen after three years when Russian schools will provide secondary education programmes only in the state language and what could be the solutions to the problems. gives perspectives on what will happen after three years when Russian schools will provide secondary education programmes only in the state language and what could be the solutions to the problems.

Press Report

Press Report

Germany's Bundestag president Wolfgang Tierse will visit Latvia from May 23 to 26 to meet with top Latvian officials. During his visit to Latvia the Bundestag president is scheduled to meet with Latvian president Vaira Vike-Freiberga, parliament speaker Janis Straume, prime minister Andris Berzins and welfare minister Andrejs Pozarnovs. The German guest will also visit the Occupation Museum in Riga and the

Germany's Bundestag president Wolfgang Tierse will visit Latvia from May 23 to 26 to meet with top Latvian officials. During his visit to Latvia the Bundestag president is scheduled to meet with Latvian president Vaira Vike-Freiberga, parliament speaker Janis Straume, prime minister Andris Berzins and welfare minister Andrejs Pozarnovs. The German guest will also visit the Occupation Museum in Riga and the

memorial to Jews killed during World War Two in Bikernieki on the outskirts of the Latvian capital. Tierse's agenda for his visit to Latvia also includes meetings with religious leaders and students studying German at the Latvia University.

memorial to Jews killed during World War Two in Bikernieki on the outskirts of the Latvian capital. Tierse's agenda for his visit to Latvia also includes meetings with religious leaders and students studying German at the Latvia University. Lauku Avize

On Monday the Coalition Board of the Saeima ruling parties decided to approve the candidature of O.Bruvers to the post of the director of National Human Rights Office. Although till now no other official candidatures were named, the possibility that O.Bruvers could be named for the post was doubted in the lobby discussions.

On Monday the Coalition Board of the Saeima ruling parties decided to approve the candidature of O.Bruvers to the post of the director of National Human Rights Office. Although till now no other official candidatures were named, the possibility that O.Bruvers could be named for the post was doubted in the lobby discussions. Diena, Respublika

Bruvers' term in the office expires May 28 and the government will have to decide who will head the office for the coming four years. Although it was predicted previously it will be difficult for Bruvers who is not a member of the influential parties to retain the post and, a variety of candidates were mentioned in the lobby talks, the ruling coalition council nevertheless accepted Bruvers candidacy without much objection. Bruvers told BNS he would gladly undertake heading the NHRO for the second term because he likes the job and chances to help people a lot. Bruvers was elected as director of NHRO in 1997. At that time the office was prospering and cited as exemplary at an international level but soon after a crisis at the NHRO set in, triggered by a conflict between the office staff and management. Devastating processes at the NHRO were then sharply criticised by UN experts who said Bruvers' actions were not promoting NHRO development but rather a gradual collapse of the office because Bruvers had strongly superficial understanding about human rights and international co-operation. Numerous gifted staff then either quit the job at the NHRO or were dismissed and in 1998 Bruvers, violating the right to inviolability of private correspondence, distributed to ruling coalition factions co-operation council private e-mail correspondence of the NHRO former staffers to provide grounds for their dismissal. The parliament then voted on removing Bruvers from the post but majority of the parliament rejected the motion.

Bruvers' term in the office expires May 28 and the government will have to decide who will head the office for the coming four years. Although it was predicted previously it will be difficult for Bruvers who is not a member of the influential parties to retain the post and, a variety of candidates were mentioned in the lobby talks, the ruling coalition council nevertheless accepted Bruvers candidacy without much objection. Bruvers told BNS he would gladly undertake heading the NHRO for the second term because he likes the job and chances to help people a lot. Bruvers was elected as director of NHRO in 1997. At that time the office was prospering and cited as exemplary at an international level but soon after a crisis at the NHRO set in, triggered by a conflict between the office staff and management. Devastating processes at the NHRO were then sharply criticised by UN experts who said Bruvers' actions were not promoting NHRO development but rather a gradual collapse of the office because Bruvers had strongly superficial understanding about human rights and international co-operation. Numerous gifted staff then either quit the job at the NHRO or were dismissed and in 1998 Bruvers, violating the right to inviolability of private correspondence, distributed to ruling coalition factions co-operation council private e-mail correspondence of the NHRO former staffers to provide grounds for their dismissal. The parliament then voted on removing Bruvers from the post but majority of the parliament rejected the motion. BNS

Riga City Council 6 left-wing deputies are not going to meet with State Language Centre inspectors, as the faction considers that there is no legal base to examine the language proficiency of the elected deputies. FHRUL vice mayor S.Dolgopolovs said that “the faction will provide to the Language Centre a polite response that the legislation does not envisage such procedure”. S.Dolgopolovs said that the deputies are examined before elections and they cannot run for elections if their language proficiency is not adequate. He said “The State Language Centre admits that has done not a good job and now tries to fix the situation”. If deputies language proficiency does not match the requirements provided by the law, the Centre will submit the documents to the Central Electorate, which will take decision on the future of the deputies.

Riga City Council 6 left-wing deputies are not going to meet with State Language Centre inspectors, as the faction considers that there is no legal base to examine the language proficiency of the elected deputies. FHRUL vice mayor S.Dolgopolovs said that the faction will provide to the Language Centre a polite response that the legislation does not envisage such procedure. S.Dolgopolovs said that the deputies are examined before elections and they cannot run for elections if their language proficiency is not adequate. He said The State Language Centre admits that has done not a good job and now tries to fix the situation. If deputies language proficiency does not match the requirements provided by the law, the Centre will submit the documents to the Central Electorate, which will take decision on the future of the deputies. Neatkariga

The staff of Jelgava City Primary School No 1 have sent a letter to the Russian embassy to Latvia with the request to provide its stance towards possible closing of the school. On 24 May Jelgava City Council has to decide either to switch the buildings of two schools (this option is preferred by the administration of the school) or locate first 6 grades at the premises of the kindergarten.

The staff of Jelgava City Primary School No 1 have sent a letter to the Russian embassy to Latvia with the request to provide its stance towards possible closing of the school. On 24 May Jelgava City Council has to decide either to switch the buildings of two schools (this option is preferred by the administration of the school) or locate first 6 grades at the premises of the kindergarten. Neatkariga

Vesti Segodnja publishes the announcement of Latvian Association Supporting Schools with Russian as the Tuition Language in support of Jelgava Primary School No 1.

Vesti Segodnja publishes the announcement of Latvian Association Supporting Schools with Russian as the Tuition Language in support of Jelgava Primary School No 1. Panorama Latvii

On May 22 the Latvian president is scheduled to meet Greek President Constantine Stephanopoulos. Rozenberga said that a state visit of the Latvian president in Greece is planned for this fall. She said the relations between the two countries are very active and the aim of the visits is to promote bilateral relations between the two countries.

On May 22 the Latvian president is scheduled to meet Greek President Constantine Stephanopoulos. Rozenberga said that a state visit of the Latvian president in Greece is planned for this fall. She said the relations between the two countries are very active and the aim of the visits is to promote bilateral relations between the two countries. Lauku Avize, Jauna

Yesterday the National Programme of Latvian Language Learning organised an open door day. The Prime Minister also participated at the presentation of new learning aids and methods. The Programme offers not only study books but also possibility to learn Latvian free of charge.

Yesterday the National Programme of Latvian Language Learning organised an open door day. The Prime Minister also participated at the presentation of new learning aids and methods. The Programme offers not only study books but also possibility to learn Latvian free of charge. Chas

Vesti Segodnja

comments on the article by demographer I.Mezs published in comments on the article by demographer I.Mezs published in DienaDiena where he called Latvians not to pay so much attention to learning Russian. The newspaper emphasises the importance of the Russian language and regrets the fact that already many young Latvians do not speak Russian so well. where he called Latvians not to pay so much attention to learning Russian. The newspaper emphasises the importance of the Russian language and regrets the fact that already many young Latvians do not speak Russian so well. The group of Saeima deputies visited Byelorussia. The deputies were provided with the information about Byelorussia from the sources of the “official Byelorussia”, as well as the UN, OSCE and EU. “Official Minsk” did not impose any restrictions for Latvian deputies to learn about the situation in the country.

The group of Saeima deputies visited Byelorussia. The deputies were provided with the information about Byelorussia from the sources of the official Byelorussia, as well as the UN, OSCE and EU. Official Minsk did not impose any restrictions for Latvian deputies to learn about the situation in the country. Vesti Segodnja

Russia’s Parliament has developed the draft on the Russian People targeted to provide assistance to Russian compatriots residing in CIS and Baltic countries. The draft will be reviewed by Russian Duma on Friday.

Russias Parliament has developed the draft on the Russian People targeted to provide assistance to Russian compatriots residing in CIS and Baltic countries. The draft will be reviewed by Russian Duma on Friday. Panorama Latvii, Respublika

Respublika

re-publishes the article about Latvia from the New York Times. 28-29 May Naturalisation Board organises a conference “Towards a Civic Society”. Representatives from Latvia and Estonia will share with their experiences in the implementation of society integration programme

28-29 May Naturalisation Board organises a conference Towards a Civic Society. Representatives from Latvia and Estonia will share with their experiences in the implementation of society integration programme. Respublika

Press Report

Press Report

Tuesday the Cabinet of Ministers will review amendments to the Regulations No 296 envisaging that till 1 September 2003 the examination in the Latvian language for national minority students of 9th grade are to be comparable to the state language examinations for naturalisation.

Tuesday the Cabinet of Ministers will review amendments to the Regulations No 296 envisaging that till 1 September 2003 the examination in the Latvian language for national minority students of 9th grade are to be comparable to the state language examinations for naturalisation. Diena

American newspaper

American newspaper The New York Times publishes an article about society integration in Latvia. The article provides some insight into Latvian history and in regard to todays problems says that the majority of Russian speakers in Latvia is constituted of former Soviet military persons and people brought into the country on the directive of Stalin. It is admitted that Russians protests against violation of their rights seem a little bit ironic, besides Latvian Citizenship and State Language Laws meet all the requirements of the EU and OSCE for several years. The newspaper concludes that for successful integration in Latvia only justice is not enough. Diena

Latvian Government has started the long way to the ratification of the Convention on Nationalities – tomorrow the Government should take decision about the ratification of the Convention on Nationalities of 6 November of 1997. In order to have the Latvian Law on Citizenship in agreement with the Convention Latvia has entered some pretexts to the articles of the Convention.

Latvian Government has started the long way to the ratification of the Convention on Nationalities – tomorrow the Government should take decision about the ratification of the Convention on Nationalities of 6 November of 1997. In order to have the Latvian Law on Citizenship in agreement with the Convention Latvia has entered some pretexts to the articles of the Convention. Diena

A plaintiff, who turned to the European Court of Human Rights with a claim over violations of the election law, wants to exact from Latvia 50,000 lats (USD 79,000) in moral damages and also 1,500 in lost salary. The claim for moral damages is contradictory to the initial statement by the left-wing alliance For Human Rights to which Podkolzina belongs. The leftist block said earlier Podkolzina's case was a matter of principle and they sought legislative amendments, not money. The court notified the Latvian government about the amount of damages claimed. By June 7 the government has to submit its comments. The European Court of Human Rights has accepted for review in substance Podkolzina's claim about restricting elections rights on the grounds of discrimination by language. Podkolzina of eastern Latvian city of Daugavpils with predominantly Russian-speaking population was the only person deleted from the list of candidates in parliamentary elections in Latvia in 1998 due to inadequate language proficiency. Earlier the Latvian government was given the chance to try to reach a settlement with Podkolzina but the left-wing bloc in which she is a member insisted on amendments to the election law, eliminating discrimination against ethnic minority representatives whose rights to run for elections are restricted on the grounds of language proficiency.

A plaintiff, who turned to the European Court of Human Rights with a claim over violations of the election law, wants to exact from Latvia 50,000 lats (USD 79,000) in moral damages and also 1,500 in lost salary. The claim for moral damages is contradictory to the initial statement by the left-wing alliance For Human Rights to which Podkolzina belongs. The leftist block said earlier Podkolzina's case was a matter of principle and they sought legislative amendments, not money. The court notified the Latvian government about the amount of damages claimed. By June 7 the government has to submit its comments. The European Court of Human Rights has accepted for review in substance Podkolzina's claim about restricting elections rights on the grounds of discrimination by language. Podkolzina of eastern Latvian city of Daugavpils with predominantly Russian-speaking population was the only person deleted from the list of candidates in parliamentary elections in Latvia in 1998 due to inadequate language proficiency. Earlier the Latvian government was given the chance to try to reach a settlement with Podkolzina but the left-wing bloc in which she is a member insisted on amendments to the election law, eliminating discrimination against ethnic minority representatives whose rights to run for elections are restricted on the grounds of language proficiency. Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Panorama Latvii, BNS, Delfi

The campaign of

Vesti Segodnja providing advertising possibilities in the newspaper free of charge to the companies which sign boards are also in Russian has raised rather serious opposition from the Latvian language specialists and political scientists. Although the campaign is in accordance with the Law, political scientist A.Pabriks comments that the campaign should be viewed as civic irresponsibility and an invitation to confrontation. Diena Naturalisation Board has developed new proposals regarding the Regulations of Cabinet of Ministers on the State Fee for Naturalisation. The new regulations envisage more categories of people who should pay reduced state fee.

Naturalisation Board has developed new proposals regarding the Regulations of Cabinet of Ministers on the State Fee for Naturalisation. The new regulations envisage more categories of people who should pay reduced state fee. Diena

Chas

interviews the current Latvian ambassador to Russia I.Daudish whose term in the office comes to an end. The ambassador talks about the difficulties in his work and future perspectives. He says that we expected more from the meeting of our presidents, however, it was necessary as after that our President could start discussions with Latvian politicians on what could be improved in these relations. I.Daudishs next assignment is the post of Latvian ambassador to the United Kingdom. interviews the current Latvian ambassador to Russia I.Daudish whose term in the office comes to an end. The ambassador talks about the difficulties in his work and future perspectives. He says that “we expected more from the meeting of our presidents, however, it was necessary as after that our President could start discussions with Latvian politicians on what could be improved in these relations”. I.Daudishs next assignment is the post of Latvian ambassador to the United Kingdom.

Respublika

re-publishes excerpts from re-publishes excerpts from DienaDiena article whether or not non-citizens should have rights to participate at municipal elections. article whether or not non-citizens should have rights to participate at municipal elections.  

Press Report

Press Report

According to social poll data residents of Riga do not have very much information about Riga City Council officials and their work at the Council. However, the popularity ratings show that vice Mayor S.Dolgopolov (FHRUL) is a little bit ahead (15.9%) of Riga Mayor G.Bojars (social democrat) (15.6%)

According to social poll data residents of Riga do not have very much information about Riga City Council officials and their work at the Council. However, the popularity ratings show that vice Mayor S.Dolgopolov (FHRUL) is a little bit ahead (15.9%) of Riga Mayor G.Bojars (social democrat) (15.6%) Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja, Chas.

Latvian Youth Club is going to file a claim on the sentence of the Court of Riga Central District with the European Human Rights Court. LYC was fined in the amount of LVL 100 for distribution of posters in the Latvian language containing style and grammar mistakes.

Latvian Youth Club is going to file a claim on the sentence of the Court of Riga Central District with the European Human Rights Court. LYC was fined in the amount of LVL 100 for distribution of posters in the Latvian language containing style and grammar mistakes. Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Chas

talks to one of national bolshevists S.Solovej sentenced for terrorism in Latvia. S.Solovey does not regret what he did and says that it was done to support Russian people who reside in Latvia.talks to one of national bolshevists S.Solovej sentenced for terrorism in Latvia. S.Solovey does not regret what he did and says that it was done to support Russian people who reside in Latvia.   

Press Report

Press Report

The Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party and FF/LNNK party have completed work on their coalition agreement project and handed it in for discussions at the party factions and boards. Social democrat board member Janis Dinevics said that the two-page agreement project, including principles on joint work at the city council and the necessity to establish a co-ordination council, has been handed to the party factions for assessment. Dinevics did not wish to give any more details on the agreement until it is discussed and announced acceptable by both party factions.

The Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party and FF/LNNK party have completed work on their coalition agreement project and handed it in for discussions at the party factions and boards. Social democrat board member Janis Dinevics said that the two-page agreement project, including principles on joint work at the city council and the necessity to establish a co-ordination council, has been handed to the party factions for assessment. Dinevics did not wish to give any more details on the agreement until it is discussed and announced acceptable by both party factions. Diena, Panorama Latvii

Neatkariga gives a short article about the presentation of the booklet “Ten Questions About Society Integration in Latvia” and mentions the sponsors of the booklet.

Neatkariga gives a short article about the presentation of the booklet Ten Questions About Society Integration in Latvia and mentions the sponsors of the booklet.

To foster integration, the examination in the Latvian language at national minority schools should be comparable to language examinations for naturalisation. Such opinion was voiced during the meeting of foreign minister I.Berzins and OSCE Mission to Latvia head P.Semenby.

To foster integration, the examination in the Latvian language at national minority schools should be comparable to language examinations for naturalisation. Such opinion was voiced during the meeting of foreign minister I.Berzins and OSCE Mission to Latvia head P.Semenby. Rigas Balss

Lawmakers from FF/LNNK party have gathered the required number of signatures to set up a parliamentary commission for investigation in the agreement signed in 1991 between Latvia's then legislative body Supreme Council and Soviet Union's KGB. He said the proposal was signed by MPs from FF/LNNK parliament faction, several MPs from the other two coalition partners Latvia's Way and People's Party as well as by Social Democrat MPs. The protocol of agreement signed in 1991 by Supreme Council and KGB provides for ensuring rights of the former KGB employees and, if needed, appointing them on a job.

Lawmakers from FF/LNNK party have gathered the required number of signatures to set up a parliamentary commission for investigation in the agreement signed in 1991 between Latvia's then legislative body Supreme Council and Soviet Union's KGB. He said the proposal was signed by MPs from FF/LNNK parliament faction, several MPs from the other two coalition partners Latvia's Way and People's Party as well as by Social Democrat MPs. The protocol of agreement signed in 1991 by Supreme Council and KGB provides for ensuring rights of the former KGB employees and, if needed, appointing them on a job. Jauna, Respublika, Chas

Yesterday a new project targeted to society integration in Latvia was presented. In the framework of the project the series of TV discussions “2+2” will be aired on LTV channel II during 20 Sundays and it will reflect actual issues concerning national minorities in Latvia. The programme is organised in the form of discussions between 2 Russian and 2 Latvian journalists. Among the producers of the programme are the members of Latvian Committee on Human Rights T.Zhdanok and G.Kotov.

Yesterday a new project targeted to society integration in Latvia was presented. In the framework of the project the series of TV discussions 2+2 will be aired on LTV channel II during 20 Sundays and it will reflect actual issues concerning national minorities in Latvia. The programme is organised in the form of discussions between 2 Russian and 2 Latvian journalists. Among the producers of the programme are the members of Latvian Committee on Human Rights T.Zhdanok and G.Kotov. Respublika, Vesti Segodnja

Chas

writes about the amendments to the Law regarding imposing administrative fines for violating the State Language Law. FHRUL deputy M.Mitrafanovs comments that the new edition provides for that not only legal entities but also self-employed persons can be fined and that the State Language Centre wants to return the fines for omitting grammar mistakes, although the OSCE was against that. writes about the amendments to the Law regarding imposing administrative fines for violating the State Language Law. FHRUL deputy M.Mitrafanovs comments that the new edition provides for that not only legal entities but also self-employed persons can be fined and that the State Language Centre wants to return the fines for omitting grammar mistakes, although the OSCE was against that. Yesterday Russian EU summit was launched in Moscow. Russian President V.Putin met with EU President V.Prodi. Russian President draw attention of V.Prodi to the situation of national minorities in Latvia. “What regards Latvia’s integration to the EU we will pay special attention to the situation of national minorities and big number of non-citizens”, said V.Prodi.

Yesterday Russian EU summit was launched in Moscow. Russian President V.Putin met with EU President V.Prodi. Russian President draw attention of V.Prodi to the situation of national minorities in Latvia. What regards Latvias integration to the EU we will pay special attention to the situation of national minorities and big number of non-citizens, said V.Prodi. Vesti Segodnja

Prime Minister A.Berzins gave an interview for the National Radio. When asked if non-citizens will take part at municipal election, Prime Minister says that it will not happen until we reach an integrated society, however, he could not define what is an integrated society in his opinion. Prime Minister said that those who want to be involved in state affairs have to naturalise. The main argument of Prime Minister why non-citizens should not have rights to take part at municipal elections is that therefore they could lose motivation to integrate. In regard to relations with Russia, A.Berzins says that “recently these relations have got a new impulse and have developed far ahead. Russia has realised that we are not going to attack anybody and our membership to NATO is not directed against anybody”.

Prime Minister A.Berzins gave an interview for the National Radio. When asked if non-citizens will take part at municipal election, Prime Minister says that it will not happen until we reach an integrated society, however, he could not define what is an integrated society in his opinion. Prime Minister said that those who want to be involved in state affairs have to naturalise. The main argument of Prime Minister why non-citizens should not have rights to take part at municipal elections is that therefore they could lose motivation to integrate. In regard to relations with Russia, A.Berzins says that recently these relations have got a new impulse and have developed far ahead. Russia has realised that we are not going to attack anybody and our membership to NATO is not directed against anybody. Latvijas Vestnesis, Vesti Segodnja