• Newspapers continue discussion about the possibility to make content of the State Security Committees of the Soviet Republic of Latvia former agents files publicly available
• President Vaira Vike-Freiberga on education reform
• Possible creation of database of the non-citizens who want to naturalize but do not have money for naturalization fee
• Saeima MP Boris Tsilevitch about the events of the last year in connection to the minority education reform
• Youth project We are different, but united in Latvia reports on non-citizens and minority rights mechanisms
• Opinion poll indicates that 80% of minority students report difficulties understanding lessons in Latvian
• Event I speak Russian in Riga
• Planned protest actions against the education reform

Discussion about the possibility to make the content of the State Security Committee’s of the Soviet Republic of Latvia former agents’ files publicly available continues in the newspapers, featuring opinions of state officials. According to the head of the Saeima Legal Affairs Committee Mareks Seglins, the content of former agents’ files will be made publicly available only if Saeima finds a way to legally define that it concerns only information on the political informers of the State Security Committee.

Discussion about the possibility to make the content of the State Security Committees of the Soviet Republic of Latvia former agents files publicly available continues in the newspapers, featuring opinions of state officials. According to the head of the Saeima Legal Affairs Committee Mareks Seglins, the content of former agents files will be made publicly available only if Saeima finds a way to legally define that it concerns only information on the political informers of the State Security Committee. Telegraf features the opinion of the former deputy chairman of the State Security Committee of the Soviet Republic of Latvia Janis Trubins, who believes that there would be a large amount of claims in court challenging the correctness of the information, if it would be made publicly available. Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Rigas Balss features an interview with the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga about the education reform and relationship between Latvia and Russia. Commenting possible government acceptance of the requirements of the left-wing parties in the area of the education reform, the president states that Prime Minister Indulis Emsis took office promising to ensure that there will not be any yielding to popular pressure regarding the amendments to the Law on Education. The president also points out that a serious promise has also been issued to the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus that the right to qualitative education for all children will not be endangered, and the government is working on its implementation. Vaira Vike-Freiberga thinks that the protest actions organizers are careful in their announcements, balancing on the edge of the permissible, and states that it is impossible to stop these persons actions until violation of the law has been proven.

People’s Harmony Party (PHP) in collaboration with the NGO Prata Speks (The Strength of Mind) is preparing to create a database of the non-citizens, who want to naturalize but do not have money for the naturalization fee. PHP, referring to sociological polls, states that the amount of the naturalization fee – 20 lats – still is the main obstacle for non-citizens to naturalize.

Peoples Harmony Party (PHP) in collaboration with the NGO Prata Speks (The Strength of Mind) is preparing to create a database of the non-citizens, who want to naturalize but do not have money for the naturalization fee. PHP, referring to sociological polls, states that the amount of the naturalization fee – 20 lats – still is the main obstacle for non-citizens to naturalize. Telegraf

Chas features an article by the Saeima MP Boris Tsilevitch about the events of the last year in connection to the implementation of the education reform. Boris Tsilevitch believes that, in contrast to the former government, the present Cabinet of Ministers has recognized the existence of the problem in the area of the education reform, but they are not capable of resolving it. The deputy also points to several ‘strategic mistakes of this government – the attempt to settle the problem at the level of explanations and propaganda, the lack of solution to the problem of the education quality, the active intervention of the secret services and the repressive measures against the organizers of the protest actions, as well as discounting of the parents opinion in the conclusions of the Ministry of Education and Science.

An opinion poll conducted by the NGO Latvian Youth Centre “Ejam” within the framework of the project “We are different, but united in Latvia” shows that 78% Latvian students and 58% Russian students believe that one benefits from being a citizen of Latvia. 32% of polled students were non-citizens: 55% of those stated that they want to naturalize, but 34% indicated that they do not want to become a citizen of Latvia. A study of the Republic of Latvia normative acts and international law in the area of promotion of the society integration and promotion of civic society was also conducted within the framework of this project. According to the author of the study Inta Mikluna, there is no mechanism for realization of the minorities’ rights fixed in the Constitution of Latvia. Inta Mikluna states that the law On the Unrestricted Development and Right to Cultural Autonomy of Latvia’s Nationalities and Ethnic Groups does not provide such a mechanism, stressing that the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities will not resolve the issue of how a violation of an individual’s minority rights can be contested either. The researcher also believes that Latvia due to its specific ethnic situation should avoid defining who belongs to a minority, because the risk of such attempts is that many groups of inhabitants may be excluded.

An opinion poll conducted by the NGO Latvian Youth Centre Ejam within the framework of the project We are different, but united in Latvia shows that 78% Latvian students and 58% Russian students believe that one benefits from being a citizen of Latvia. 32% of polled students were non-citizens: 55% of those stated that they want to naturalize, but 34% indicated that they do not want to become a citizen of Latvia. A study of the Republic of Latvia normative acts and international law in the area of promotion of the society integration and promotion of civic society was also conducted within the framework of this project. According to the author of the study Inta Mikluna, there is no mechanism for realization of the minorities rights fixed in the Constitution of Latvia. Inta Mikluna states that the law On the Unrestricted Development and Right to Cultural Autonomy of Latvias Nationalities and Ethnic Groups does not provide such a mechanism, stressing that the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities will not resolve the issue of how a violation of an individuals minority rights can be contested either. The researcher also believes that Latvia due to its specific ethnic situation should avoid defining who belongs to a minority, because the risk of such attempts is that many groups of inhabitants may be excluded. Latvijas Avize

Chas, referring to an opinion poll conducted by the State Education Inspection of the Ministry of Education and Science, informs that 80% minority students have difficulties learning subjects taught in Latvian. 57% of 10th graders have recognized that they have a good knowledge of Latvian, 33% noted that it is necessary to improve their knowledge, but 10% evaluated their language knowledge as insufficient.

Yesterday approximately 300, mainly elderly, persons participated at the event “I speak Russian” in Riga, organized by the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools. While several participants of the event, among them Saeima MPs Vladimirs Buzajevs (For Human Rights in the United Latvia) and Boris Tsilevitch (People’s Harmony Party) read poetry in the Russian language, young activists against the education reform offered an opportunity to register as a supporter of the Russian-speaking community.

Yesterday approximately 300, mainly elderly, persons participated at the event I speak Russian in Riga, organized by the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools. While several participants of the event, among them Saeima MPs Vladimirs Buzajevs (For Human Rights in the United Latvia) and Boris Tsilevitch (Peoples Harmony Party) read poetry in the Russian language, young activists against the education reform offered an opportunity to register as a supporter of the Russian-speaking community. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Latvijas Avize features an article about planned protest actions against the education reform, to be organized by the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools.

• President Vaira Vike-Freiberga does not proclaim the legal amendments, adopted by the Saeima, making publicly available the files recording former agents of Soviet Latvias State Security Committee
• At summit in Moscow EU and Russia discuss the Russian minority situation in Latvia
• Saeima accepts for review in commissions proposed amendments making punishable in the Criminal Law the public call to carry out acts that are administratively or criminally punishable
• Interview with the former state secretary of the Ministry of Interior Andris Staris
• Latvia Azerbaijan Society supports the Special Task Minister for Society Integration Affairs Nils Muiznieks
• Small-scale demonstration against the education reform in Liepaja
• Conference Ethnic minorities in Latgale: yesterday, today, tomorrow
• Minorities culture festival in Valmiera
• Event I speak Russian
• Formation of the Youth Guard to promote protest actions against the education reform
• Leader of national radical organization Visu Latvijai! argues for stricter Citizenship Law

President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga has returned to Saeima for repeat review the amended law, which stipulates the making publicly available the files on former agents of the State Security Committee’s of the Soviet Republic of Latvia . The President has called on the Saeima to discuss the necessity to prolong the prohibition to hold certain positions for ex-staff of the State Security Committee as well as the making the files publicly available, while considering how to protect persons, whose names may be in the files, but who have had no connection to political or ideological reporting.

President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga has returned to Saeima for repeat review the amended law, which stipulates the making publicly available the files on former agents of the State Security Committees of the Soviet Republic of Latvia . The President has called on the Saeima to discuss the necessity to prolong the prohibition to hold certain positionsfor ex-staff of the State Security Committee as well as the making the files publicly available, while considering how to protect persons, whose names may be in the files, but who have had no connection to political or ideological reporting. Chas features an interview with the leader of the Peoples Harmony Party Janis Jurkans, who believes that the premature decision of Saeima is connected with gaining political advantage at the upcoming European Parliament elections. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Cha, Vesti Segodnyas

Russian minority’s situation in Latvia was discussed during the Russia and the EU summit in Moscow yesterday. President of Russia Vladimir Putin has stressed that the new member states will have to observe the conception of the integrated Europe in the area of human rights, expressing a trust that ‘Russian-speakers of the Baltic States will feel a positive change in the near future’. While the President of the European Council Bertie Ahern has stated that Latvia and Estonia fully comply with their obligations in the area of human rights, the President of the European Commission Romano Prodi has recognized that there are some problems in this area, pointing to the necessity for the new member states of the EU to offer the more care about the observation of the Russian-speaking minority’s rights and their integration in the EU.

Russian minoritys situation in Latvia was discussed during the Russia and the EU summit in Moscow yesterday. President of Russia Vladimir Putin has stressed that the new member states will have to observe the conception of the integrated Europe in the area of human rights, expressing a trust that ‘Russian-speakers of the Baltic States will feel a positive change in the near future. While the President of the European Council Bertie Ahern has stated that Latvia and Estonia fully comply with their obligations in the area of human rights, the President of the European Commission Romano Prodi has recognized that there are some problems in this area, pointing to the necessity for the new member states of the EU to offer the more care about the observation of the Russian-speaking minoritys rights and their integration in the EU. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Saeima has accepted for review in commissions proposed amendments to the Criminal law, initiated by the parliamentary group For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM.  The amendments stipulate punishment for issuing public calls to carry out acts, which carry with them administrative or criminal penalty. The minimal punishment foreseen for such act is imprisonment up to three years or a fine up to 100 minimum monthly salaries. The amendments have been drawn up due to the protest actions against the education reform, and they are intended to be applicable also to the cases, when any such appeals are addressed to juveniles.

Saeima has accepted for review in commissions proposed amendments to the Criminal law, initiated by the parliamentary group For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM. The amendments stipulate punishment for issuing public calls to carry out acts, which carry with them administrative or criminal penalty. The minimal punishment foreseen for such act is imprisonment up to three years or a fine up to 100 minimum monthly salaries. The amendments have been drawn up due to the protest actions against the education reform, and they are intended to be applicable also to the cases, when any such appeals are addressed to juveniles. Diena

Neatkariga Rita Avize features an interview with the former state secretary of the Ministry of Interior Andris Staris. He believes that the State Security Police and the Constitutional Defense Bureau must be considerably more active in their work as a result of the protest actions against the education reform.

Latvia Azerbaijan Society has disseminated an open letter to state officials, expressing support for the work of the Special Task Minister for Society Integration Affairs Nils Muiznieks, whose resignation has been demanded by the party New Era. According to the chairman of the Azerbaijan Society Alirza Guseinovs minority cultural associations are feeling a real support and interest for their work since Nils Muiznieks is minister and for that reason his society supports the policy of the Secretariat, which is seeking to establish a dialogue on some outstanding problems.

Latvia Azerbaijan Society has disseminated an open letter to state officials, expressing support for the work of the Special Task Minister for Society Integration Affairs Nils Muiznieks, whose resignation has been demanded by the party New Era. According to the chairman of the Azerbaijan Society Alirza Guseinovs minority cultural associations are feeling a real support and interest for their work since Nils Muiznieks is minister and for that reason his society supports the policy of the Secretariat, which is seeking to establish a dialogue on some outstanding problems. Latvijas Avize

Approximately 30 persons participated at a picket against the education reform in Liepaja.

Approximately 30 persons participated at a picket against the education reform in Liepaja. Diena, Chas

Latvijas Avize informs about the conference Ethnic minorities in Latgale: yesterday, today, tomorrow, organized by the Southern-Latgale NGO Supporting Centre and the Naturalization Board. Concern over the lack of a unified funding mechanism for minorities NGOs was expressed during the conference. The necessity to ratify the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities was also discussed. Although there are 47 minority NGOs in Latgale, only a few NGOs had delegated representatives to the conference.

Hundreds of minority representatives will participate at the minorities’ culture festival, which will take place in Valmiera today. The festival is one of the activities funded within the framework “The Promotion of the Society Integration in Latvia”, financially supported by EU PHARE through the Society Integration Foundation.

Hundreds of minority representatives will participate at the minorities culture festival, which will take place in Valmiera today. The festival is one of the activities funded within the framework The Promotion of the Society Integration in Latvia, financially supported by EU PHARE through the Society Integration Foundation. Latvijas Avize

Russian-language newspapers inform about the event “I speak Russian”, which will take place this Sunday in Riga. According to the organizers, this event is not  political, but is intended as a promotion of the cultural values of the Russian language.

Russian-language newspapers inform about the event I speak Russian, which will take place this Sunday in Riga. According to the organizers, this event is not political, but is intended as a promotion of the cultural values of the Russian language. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Newspapers write about the formation of the Youth Guard – an organization, which could work to ensure participation of minority students in protest actions against the education reform during the summer holidays.

Newspapers write about the formation of the Youth Guard – an organization, which could work to ensure participation of minority students in protest actions against the education reform during the summer holidays. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Latvijas Avize prints an article by the leader of extreme national organization Visu Latvijai! Raivis Dzintars, who believes that the Latvian Citizenship Law should be made more rigorous and should prescribe strict limits for the number of the persons, who could be naturalized every year. According to Raivis Dzintars, too large a number of the persons living in Latvia are dependent on the mass media and politicians, who are loyal to Russia and the light-minded naturalization of this group entails a danger for Latvian political power in the state.

• About Saeima decision to make content of the State Security Committees of the Soviet Republic of Latvia former agents files publicly available
• Amendments to the law On the Status of Former USSR Citizens Who are not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State
• Peoples Harmony Party invited the Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks to participate in the events within PHP European Parliament election campaign
• Most of Riga minority schools are ready for the education reform
• Issue about refusal of an entry visa to Latvia to the Russian diplomat Mikhail Demurin can possibly be included in the agenda of the summit of Russia and the EU
• Member of the Peoples Party Vaira Paegle comments on the possible ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
• Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools is forming the Youth Guard
• Saeima Mandate and Submissions Committee prepared a draft decision on authorizing incrimination of administrative charges against the deputy Andris Tolmacovs
• Discussion about the politicians readiness to restrict activities of the opponents of the education reform who incite to hatred
• European Commission Representation in Latvia supports the project Integration – an Opportunity for the Future

Newspapers continue discussion about Saeima decision to make content of the State Security Committee’s of the Soviet Republic of Latvia former agents’ files publicly available. 

Newspapers continue discussion about Saeima decision to make content of the State Security Committees of the Soviet Republic of Latvia former agents files publicly available. Diena, referring to statements of the President of Latvia Vaira Vike- Freiberga, writes that the president could return the law to the parliament for elaboration. President has criticized the parliament for not justifying the goal of making this information publicly available, as well as necessity to do it precisely at this particular moment. Other important considerations against opening the files mentioned by the newspapers is incompleteness of the existing information, and impossibility to determine degree of involvement of a particular person. According to the Head of the Center of Documenting the Consequences of Totalitarianism Indulis Zalite, out of existing 4300 former agents files only slightly over 600 are identified with the ‘ideological counteraction, or informing on people ‘hostile to the communist regime, while others concern agents who were involved in espionage, counterespionage, economic crime investigation, etc. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Saeima has adopted amendments to the law On the Status of Former USSR Citizens Who are not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State in the second reading, stipulating that persons who have received a residence permit in another country after 1 May 2004 can be deprived of their non-citizen status in Latvia.

Saeima has adopted amendments to the law On the Status of Former USSR Citizens Who are not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State in the second reading, stipulating that persons who have received a residence permit in another country after 1 May 2004 can be deprived of their non-citizen status in Latvia. Diena, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

People’s Harmony Party has invited Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks to participate in the events, organized within the PHP European Parliament election campaign, with the aim of clarifying the citizenship issues to the public.

Peoples Harmony Party has invited Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks to participate in the events, organized within the PHP European Parliament election campaign, with the aim of clarifying the citizenship issues to the public. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

According to the information of the State Education Inspection of the Ministry of Education and Science, most of Riga minority schools are ready for the education reform.

According to the information of the State Education Inspection of the Ministry of Education and Science, most of Riga minority schools are ready for the education reform. Rigas Balss features an opinion of the Riga Secondary School No. 34 director Ludmila Porunkevica, who says that although the school is allegedly ready for the implementation of the education reform, it would benefit from a three-year transition period to the tuition in Latvian language. During the opinion poll, conducted by the state inspection, many students have expressed opinions that they are not able to study in Latvian. Deputy Chairman of the inspection Valda Puise points to the possible impact of the protest actions on the students attitude towards the reform – according to her, students, who have recognized themselves as able to study in Latvian last year, during the latest poll stated that they are not ready. Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Chas

According to the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Vladimir Chizhov, issue about refusal of an entry visa to Latvia to the Russian diplomat Mikhail Demurin may be included in the agenda of the summit of Russia and the EU. Vladimir Chizhov has pointed that the Baltic States’ policy regarding national minorities and heroization of fascists, as well as “sophistication of the visa requirements” is a cause of concern for the Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry.

According to the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Vladimir Chizhov, issue about refusal of an entry visa to Latvia to the Russian diplomat Mikhail Demurin may be included in the agenda of the summit of Russia and the EU. Vladimir Chizhov has pointed that the Baltic States policy regarding national minorities and heroization of fascists, as well as sophistication of the visa requirements is a cause of concern for the Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Cha, Telegrafs

Latvijas Avize features a commentary of the member of the People’s Party Vaira Paegle about possible ratification of the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Latvia. Vaira Paegle believes that Latvia should not yield to the internal or external pressure to ratify the convention, because ratification was not a precondition for Latvia’s accession to the EU, and because Latvian legislation already corresponds to the convention’s requirements.

Latvijas Avize features a commentary of the member of the Peoples Party Vaira Paegle about possible ratification of the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Latvia. Vaira Paegle believes that Latvia should not yield to the internal or external pressure to ratify the convention, because ratification was not a precondition for Latvias accession to the EU, and because Latvian legislation already corresponds to the conventions requirements.

Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools are forming the Youth Guard – organization, which could ensure participation of minority students in protest actions against the education reform during the summer holidays. Minority students, who want to join the Guard, are invited to send a short message to a mobile phone number, providing name, surname, mobile phones’ numbers, year of birth and represented school. Communication with the ones who signed up is also foreseen via text messages. State Security Police has no information about the Headquarters’ plans to form a military unit, according to the Deputy Chairman Ints Ulmanis, who adds that Headquarters are trying to use military terminology wherever they can.

Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools are forming the Youth Guard – organization, which could ensure participation of minority students in protest actions against the education reform during the summer holidays. Minority students, who want to join the Guard, are invited to send a short message to a mobile phone number, providing name, surname, mobile phones numbers, year of birth and represented school. Communication with the ones who signed up is also foreseen via text messages. State Security Police has no information about the Headquarters plans to form a military unit, according to the Deputy Chairman Ints Ulmanis, who adds that Headquarters are trying to use military terminology wherever they can. Latvijas Avize

Saeima Mandate and Submissions Committee has prepared a draft decision on authorizing incrimination of administrative charges against the deputy Andris Tolmacovs (For Human Rights in the United Latvia). Riga Central Police Department has appealed to the Saeima to authorize incrimination of administrative charges against the MP for organizing and participating in the unapproved picket and procession against the education reform.

Saeima Mandate and Submissions Committee has prepared a draft decision on authorizing incrimination of administrative charges against the deputy Andris Tolmacovs (For Human Rights in the United Latvia). Riga Central Police Department has appealed to the Saeima to authorize incrimination of administrative charges against the MP for organizing and participating in the unapproved picket and procession against the education reform. Latvijas Avize

Rigas Balss prints a discussion among the MPs about politicians readiness to take decisive measures against opponents of the education reform who incite to hatred. Former Ministers of Interior Maris Gulbis and Mareks Segliņš believe that security institutions are ready to act, but they are waiting for a ‘message from the minister.

European Commission’s Representation in Latvia has supported a project of the Vidzeme Development Agency “Integration – an Opportunity for the Future”. The goal of the project is to increase Russian-speakers’ and rural women’s competitiveness and level of knowledge about the opportunities in the EU. Mainly municipalities of the regions, where Russian-speakers live in substantial numbers will be included in the project.

European Commissions Representation in Latvia has supported a project of the Vidzeme Development Agency Integration – an Opportunity for the Future. The goal of the project is to increase Russian-speakers and rural womens competitiveness and level of knowledge about the opportunities in the EU. Mainly municipalities of the regions, where Russian-speakers live in substantial numbers will be included in the project. Diena

• For Human Rights in the United Latvia parliamentary group cannotdemand resignation of the government due to the lack of collected signatures
• Saeima decides to make the content of the State Security Committees of the Soviet Republic of Latvia former agents files public
• Draft statement about the status of Russian language in the EU
• Latvia refuses entry visa to Russian diplomat Mikhail Demurin
• Former Prime Minister Einars Repse about performance of the present government
• Riga Central Court imposes an 80 lats fine on Riga City Council deputy for organizing unapproved meetings against the education reform
• Experts discuss possibilities of penalizing organizers of the unapproved protest actions
• Interview with the head of parliamentary group For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM Maris Grinblats about society integration
• Representatives of Peoples Harmony Partys parliamentary group discuss security issues pertaining to the protest actions against the education reform with the Minister for Interior Eriks Jekabsons

Parliamentary group For Human Rights in the United Latvia has not submitted a note demanding resignation of the government because, according to the statement of the head of the group Jakovs Pliners, he succeeded to collect only six MPs’ signatures, while 10 signatures are necessary for initiation of the vote of confidence to the government.

Parliamentary group For Human Rights in the United Latvia has not submitted a note demanding resignation of the government because, according to the statement of the head of the group Jakovs Pliners, he succeeded to collect only six MPs signatures, while 10 signatures are necessary for initiation of the vote of confidence to the government. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Rigas Balss

Yesterday Saeima decided to make content of the State Security Committee’s of the Soviet Republic of Latvia former agents’ files publicly available, at the same time  stipulating prohibition for those persons to hold state administration offices for the next 10 years. As this decision was made rather in a hurry, Latvian parliamentarians, unlike parliamentarians in some other post-communism states, have not prescribed a procedure for making the files public and have not foreseen a lustration period, during which people could voluntarily confess and therefore protect their name from being announced publicly.

Yesterday Saeima decided to make content of the State Security Committees of the Soviet Republic of Latvia former agents files publicly available, at the same time stipulating prohibition for those persons to hold state administration offices for the next 10 years. As this decision was made rather in a hurry, Latvian parliamentarians, unlike parliamentarians in some other post-communism states, have not prescribed a procedure for making the files public and have not foreseen a lustration period, during which people could voluntarily confess and therefore protect their name from being announced publicly. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Rigas Balss, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Russian minority representatives from Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, who are standing for the European Parliament elections, have prepared a draft statement stipulating the recognition of the Russian language as one of the largest minorities’ languages in the EU, making it  a EU working language alongside with the Turkish, Hebrew, Arabian and Roma languages. The draft statement also says that representatives of the Baltic Russian minority are ready to defend the secondary and higher education in Russian language, and to promote its development.

Russian minority representatives from Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, who are standing for the European Parliament elections, have prepared a draft statement stipulating the recognition of the Russian language as one of the largest minorities languages in the EU, making it a EU working language alongside with the Turkish, Hebrew, Arabian and Roma languages. The draft statement also says that representatives of the Baltic Russian minority are ready to defend the secondary and higher education in Russian language, and to promote its development. Diena, Latvijas Avize

Latvia has refused an entry visa to the Russian diplomat Michael Demurin, who was planning to participate in the conference “Baltics and Russia in the 21

Latvia has refused an entry visa to the Russian diplomat Michael Demurin, who was planning to participate in the conference Baltics and Russia in the 21st Century Europe, organized by the Baltic Forum this weekend. Although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not disclose the reasons for the refusal, mass media inform that most likely the name of the Russian diplomat, who was expelled from Estonia due to the espionage last February, had been included in the list of persons who are not allowed entry into Latvia. Russian-language newspapers, referring to the statement of the Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry, claim that such decision could complicate relations between Russian and Latvia. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Cha, Telegrafs

Vesti Segodnya features a critical opinion of the former Prime Minister Einars Repse about the present governments performance. Einars Repse believes that the weakest ‘point in the present government is a Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks, who has done almost nothing for society integration, on the contrary, deliberately or unintentionally pushing things towards disintegration. According to Repse, while former Minister for Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis (New Era) tried both to implement the education reform and to explain its substance to minority students and their parents, Nils Muiznieks has withdrawn from the process as if it was not connected to integration.

Riga Central Court has imposed an 80 lats fine on the Riga City Council deputy Ilga Ozisa (For Human Rights in the United Latvia) for organizing the unapproved protest meetings against the education reform with the participation of Russian youth near the embassies of the USA, France and Russia in Riga.

Riga Central Court has imposed an 80 lats fine on the Riga City Council deputy Ilga Ozisa (For Human Rights in the United Latvia) for organizing the unapproved protest meetings against the education reform with the participation of Russian youth near the embassies of the USA, France and Russia in Riga. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas

Neatkariga Rita Avize continues discussion on the activities needed from the side of the state security institutions in order to penalize those responsible for organizing the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools protest actions against the education reform, during which violations of laws have been recorded, and features experts opinions on the legal aspects of the issue.

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the head of the parliamentary group For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM Maris Grinblats about society integration issues and possible government crisis.

Russian language newspapers write about the meeting of the representatives of the People’s Harmony Party parliamentary group and Minister for Interior Eriks Jekabsons in order to discuss security issues pertaining to the protest actions against the education reform.

Russian language newspapers write about the meeting of the representatives of the Peoples Harmony Party parliamentary group and Minister for Interior Eriks Jekabsons in order to discuss security issues pertaining to the protest actions against the education reform. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

• Saeima parliamentary groups demands resignation of the Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks and the all government
• Newspapers continue discussion on implementation of the education reform
• Officials of the Ministry of Education and Science seek possibilities to adjust process of the education reform within the framework of the Law on Education
• Saeima Mandate and Submissions Committee gives consent to incrimination of administrative charges against two FHRUL deputies
• Minister for Foreign Affairs Rihards Piks is planning to initiate elaboration of the nationally coordinated approach to providing information about the Russian-speakers situation in Latvia
• Article about the youth essays competition

Saeima parliamentary groups New Era and For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM have submitted a draft decision to the Saeima presidium, expressing mistrust to the Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks. The Union For Human Rights in the United Latvia is planning to submit a note demanding resignation of the whole government, on the grounds of unresolved problem of minorities’ education.

Saeima parliamentary groups New Era and For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM have submitted a draft decision to the Saeima presidium, expressing mistrust to the Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks. The Union For Human Rights in the United Latvia is planning to submit a note demanding resignation of the whole government, on the grounds of unresolved problem of minorities education. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Rigas Balss

Newspapers continue discussion on implementation of the education reform. Yesterday during the meeting of the governing coalition’s representatives and People’s Harmony Party (PHP) it was decided to include PHP representatives in the working group evaluating implementation of the education reform. According to

Newspapers continue discussion on implementation of the education reform. Yesterday during the meeting of the governing coalitions representatives and Peoples Harmony Party (PHP) it was decided to include PHP representatives in the working group evaluating implementation of the education reform. According to Latvijas Avize, PHP representative will be included in the working group chaired by the prime minister, which deals not only with the education reform, but also with national security issues. Prime Minister Indulis Emsis states the Law on Education will not be opened, but dialogue with the PHP, Russian-language schools and parents should be developed instead. PHP leader Janis Jurkans agrees it is possible to improve situation in the area of the education reform without amendments to the Law on Education. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize

Officials of the Ministry of the Education and Science are looking for possibilities to change the process of the education reform within the framework of the Law on Education, in order to prevent action ‘empty schools’, to ensure that all children attend school, that the main language of instruction is Latvian, and that in no case education quality suffers. According to the press secretary of the Minister of Education and Science Edgars Vaikulis, schools’ directors, teachers and parents have proposed various steps in improving the implementation process, as, for example, increasing the number of Latvian language lessons in 10th grade, and dividing classes into smaller groups.

Officials of the Ministry of the Education and Science are looking for possibilities to change the process of the education reform within the framework of the Law on Education, in order to prevent action ‘empty schools, to ensure that all children attend school, that the main language of instruction is Latvian, and that in no case education quality suffers. According to the press secretary of the Minister of Education and Science Edgars Vaikulis, schools directors, teachers and parents have proposed various steps in improving the implementation process, as, for example, increasing the number of Latvian language lessons in 10th grade, and dividing classes into smaller groups. Latvijas Avize features statements of the minority schools directors about readiness of their schools to the reform implementation. Telegraf, referring to the unofficial information, writes that the ministry could ask for additional financing of several million lats for the implementation of the education reform. Latvijas Avize, Telegraf

Saeima Mandate and Submissions Committee has prepared a draft decision on authorizing incrimination of administrative charges against two MPs  Â– Jakovs Pliners and Vladimirs Buzajevs (For Human Rights in the United Latvia (FHRUL) parliamentary group). A similar decision may be made regarding other FHRUL deputy Andris Tolmacovs this week. Riga Central Police Department has previously appealed to the Saeima to authorize incrimination of administrative charges against MPs for participation in organizing unapproved protest meetings and processions against the education reform.

Saeima Mandate and Submissions Committee has prepared a draft decision on authorizing incrimination of administrative charges against two MPs – Jakovs Pliners and Vladimirs Buzajevs (For Human Rights in the United Latvia (FHRUL) parliamentary group). A similar decision may be made regarding other FHRUL deputy Andris Tolmacovs this week. Riga Central Police Department has previously appealed to the Saeima to authorize incrimination of administrative charges against MPs for participation in organizing unapproved protest meetings and processions against the education reform. Latvijas Avize

Minister for Foreign Affairs Rihards Piks is initiating elaboration of the nationally coordinated approach to providing information about the Russian-speakers’ situation in Latvia to the international community. According to the minister, while Russia is using all available international forums to press the issue of the Russian-speakers’ situation in Latvia, it is important for Latvia to express a clear stand on the issue.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Rihards Piks is initiating elaboration of the nationally coordinated approach to providing information about the Russian-speakers situation in Latvia to the international community. According to the minister, while Russia is using all available international forums to press the issue of the Russian-speakers situation in Latvia, it is important for Latvia to express a clear stand on the issue. Latvijas Avize

Neatkariga Rita Avize features an article about the youth essays competition, organized by the Russian-language newspapers Subbota (Latvia), Den za Dnom (Estonia) and Litovskij Kuryer (Lithuania) within the framework of the pan-Baltic project I – Russian?.