Press Report

Press Report

Diena

provides discussion whether non-citizens should be given the rights to vote at municipal elections. Latvian politicians and political scientists do not share a common opinion on the issue – a part thinks that if non-citizens are given the rights the tempo of naturalisation would decrease significantly, the other part considers that it would foster civic involvement and it would make big Latvian parties to start to communicate with till now the alienated part of society – non-citizens. Political scientist N.Muiznieks, who is for the idea, provides his opinion on the matter – this is experience of many European countries, as well as our neighbouring country Estonia. Their practice shows that thus the interest of citizens toward non-citizens grows, as well as it fosters understanding among different national minorities. The study Towards a Civic Society confirms that non-citizens want to have rights to vote at municipal election, as well as 44% citizens agree with that. Political scientist A.Pabriks is of opposite opinion. His main argument is that by giving non-citizens these rights, their motivation to get naturalised becomes very weak. Naturalisation Board head E.Aldermane is also against giving the rights to non-citizens at this moment, as according to the study 59% non-citizens are not planning to naturalise because of poor Latvian language skills and if they are not able to understand the candidate, then by voting they express probably not their own will but somebodys else, says Aldermane. In regard about the possible choice of non-citizens at elections N.Muiznieks sharply criticises Latvian parties about their ignorance towards non-citizens and national minorities in general. However, all inquired persons agreed upon the necessity to build one unified society in Latvia. provides discussion whether non-citizens should be given the rights to vote at municipal elections. Latvian politicians and political scientists do not share a common opinion on the issue – a part thinks that if non-citizens are given the rights the tempo of naturalisation would decrease significantly, the other part considers that it would foster civic involvement and it would make big Latvian parties to start to communicate with till now the alienated part of society – non-citizens. Political scientist N.Muiznieks, who is for the idea, provides his opinion on the matter – “this is experience of many European countries, as well as our neighbouring country Estonia. Their practice shows that thus the interest of citizens toward non-citizens grows, as well as it fosters understanding among different national minorities”. The study “Towards a Civic Society” confirms that non-citizens want to have rights to vote at municipal election, as well as 44% citizens agree with that. Political scientist A.Pabriks is of opposite opinion. His main argument is that by giving non-citizens these rights, their motivation to get naturalised becomes very weak. Naturalisation Board head E.Aldermane is also against giving the rights to non-citizens at this moment, as according to the study 59% non-citizens are not planning to naturalise because of poor Latvian language skills and if they are not able to understand the candidate, then by voting they express probably not their own will but somebody’s else, says Aldermane. In regard about the possible choice of non-citizens at elections N.Muiznieks sharply criticises Latvian parties about their ignorance towards non-citizens and national minorities in general. However, all inquired persons agreed upon the necessity to build one unified society in Latvia.

Diena

writes about the National Human Rights Office work as the term in office of the current director of Latvian National Human Rights Office O.Bruvers comes to an end. The assessment of O.Bruvers work is rather contradicting. Prime Minister A.Berzins has asked coalition parties to name their candidates for the post of NHRO within this week, up till now the only name announced in public is O.Bruvers and he himself has confirmed that he would be ready to continue his work. However, it has given the ground for the supporters of the idea to establish ombudsman institution in Latvia promote their idea more actively. One of the most active supporters is J.Dreifeld, the head of presidential working group that developed conceptual paper on ombudsman institution in Latvia. According to unofficial sources, he could be the candidate named by President V.Vike-Freiberga. Diena also gives a look back to the scandals within NHRO and biography of O.Bruvers. writes about the National Human Rights Office work as the term in office of the current director of Latvian National Human Rights Office O.Bruvers comes to an end. The assessment of O.Bruvers work is rather contradicting. Prime Minister A.Berzins has asked coalition parties to name their candidates for the post of NHRO within this week, up till now the only name announced in public is O.Bruvers and he himself has confirmed that he would be ready to continue his work. However, it has given the ground for the supporters of the idea to establish ombudsman institution in Latvia promote their idea more actively. One of the most active supporters is J.Dreifeld, the head of presidential working group that developed conceptual paper on ombudsman institution in Latvia. According to unofficial sources, he could be the candidate named by President V.Vike-Freiberga. Diena also gives a look back to the scandals within NHRO and biography of O.Bruvers. The OSCE Mission to Latvia head P.Semneby and Latvian foreign minister I.Berzins discussed the successful course of fulfilling Mission’s tasks during their yesterday’s meeting. P.Semneby informed foreign minister about experts’ work at developing proposals on strengthening the role of NHRO, on OSCE co-operation with the State language Centre, as well as the projects implemented by the OSCE Mission to Latvia regarding providing information to public on integration and naturalisation issues.

The OSCE Mission to Latvia head P.Semneby and Latvian foreign minister I.Berzins discussed the successful course of fulfilling Missions tasks during their yesterdays meeting. P.Semneby informed foreign minister about experts work at developing proposals on strengthening the role of NHRO, on OSCE co-operation with the State language Centre, as well as the projects implemented by the OSCE Mission to Latvia regarding providing information to public on integration and naturalisation issues. Neatkariga

Latvijas Vestnesis

interviews DCMA head M.Bichevskis about the implementation of ID cards in Latvia. M.Bichevskis explains why it is necessary to introduce ID cards, about the experience of Estonia, the application of electronic ID cards and the gains for the country after the cards are introduced. As one of the main problems concerning ID card introduction DCMA head mentions Latvian practice to make a stamp in the passport confirming persons participation at elections, therefore, the implementation of ID cards could be launched in 2002 just after 8th Saeima election. interviews DCMA head M.Bichevskis about the implementation of ID cards in Latvia. M.Bichevskis explains why it is necessary to introduce ID cards, about the experience of Estonia, the application of electronic ID cards and the gains for the country after the cards are introduced. As one of the main problems concerning ID card introduction DCMA head mentions Latvian practice to make a stamp in the passport confirming person’s participation at elections, therefore, the implementation of ID cards could be launched in 2002 just after 8th Saeima election. The State Language Centre has sent a letter to FHRUL faction chairman at Riga City Council with the request “to appoint specific time and place to examine language proficiency skills of 6 faction deputies”. The decision of the State Language Centre was taken after it received the letter of Riga City Council Mayor where he stated that officials of the Centre are entitled to meet with the deputies.

The State Language Centre has sent a letter to FHRUL faction chairman at Riga City Council with the request to appoint specific time and place to examine language proficiency skills of 6 faction deputies. The decision of the State Language Centre was taken after it received the letter of Riga City Council Mayor where he stated that officials of the Centre are entitled to meet with the deputies. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Yesterday Russia’s Parliament prolonged Russian Latvian agreement on Repatriation and Protection of the Rights of Repatriates.

Yesterday Russias Parliament prolonged Russian Latvian agreement on Repatriation and Protection of the Rights of Repatriates. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

Saeima Education, Science and Culture Committee supported the amendments to the Law envisaging administrative fines for violating the State Language Law, for example, the lack of the names of public organisations and institutions on the sign boards in Latvian can be fined with LVL 25-100.

Saeima Education, Science and Culture Committee supported the amendments to the Law envisaging administrative fines for violating the State Language Law, for example, the lack of the names of public organisations and institutions on the sign boards in Latvian can be fined with LVL 25-100. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

Seminar on the co-operation between border zone regions will take place in Pskov on 18 May. The discussion subjects are long-term perspectives of Latvian Russian relations, improvements in trade and investment environment and providing stability in border zone region co-operation.

Chas.

Respublika

interviews Latvian environmental protection and regional development minister V.Makarov, who couple years ago was the member of Parliamentarian Committee on Integration. When asked about the aspects that could promote integration the minister says it is first of all the language and not only Latvian, but also Russian. V.Makarovs sadly concludes that there are two communities of new generation in the country.

Lauku Avize

provides opinions of different politicians on the establishment of task force group to assist people to return to their ethnic countries. G.Krasts, FF/LNNK, says that in his opinion the work of the group will be successful. K.Libane, Latvias Way, says that first the group has to learn how many people want to return to their countries and then ask money to foreign countries. M.Mitrafanovs, FHRUL, does not like the idea very much and thinks that there are not so many people who wants to return to their ethnic countries, as there they experience even bigger problems and are not able to integrate either. J.Jurkans, FHRUL, also doubts whether there are such people who want to return.

Press Report

Press Report

The only just established Latvian parliament member group for supporting the repatriation of ethnic minorities will be urging other countries to financially support the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Latvia. In the opinion of political scientist N.Muiznieks deputies’ efforts are useless they would rather invest their efforts in the implementation of society integration programme. For three and a half years the IOM has been implementing an assistance programme for Russian citizens wanting to return to reside in Russia. As of June 1999 the office has helped 1,040 people return to Russia, half of which were people over 50, 200 children and 300 of working age. The cost of one person repatriating amounts to around 180 lats (USD 285), said Mezs. Deputy chairman of the parliament's task force, Vaira Paegle, said at the meeting that the aim of the group is to support the repatriation of ethnic minorities to their homeland amongst those who wish to and not to intentionally promote foreigners to leave the country. The MPs also expressed support to the suggestion of Mezs, who said that foreigners leaving Latvia should continue to get the pensions they earned in Latvia.

The only just established Latvian parliament member group for supporting the repatriation of ethnic minorities will be urging other countries to financially support the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Latvia. In the opinion of political scientist N.Muiznieks deputies efforts are useless they would rather invest their efforts in the implementation of society integration programme. For three and a half years the IOM has been implementing an assistance programme for Russian citizens wanting to return to reside in Russia. As of June 1999 the office has helped 1,040 people return to Russia, half of which were people over 50, 200 children and 300 of working age. The cost of one person repatriating amounts to around 180 lats (USD 285), said Mezs. Deputy chairman of the parliament's task force, Vaira Paegle, said at the meeting that the aim of the group is to support the repatriation of ethnic minorities to their homeland amongst those who wish to and not to intentionally promote foreigners to leave the country. The MPs also expressed support to the suggestion of Mezs, who said that foreigners leaving Latvia should continue to get the pensions they earned in Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Chas, Panorama Latvii.

Diena gives its analyses on the situation in Riga City Council. The coalition agreement is to be signed no sooner as in the next week and the content of it is kept in secret. The formation of the coalition can be fostered also by the observation of some politicians that in some cases the role of vice Mayor S.Dolgopolov, presenting FHRUL at the City Council, increases in comparison to the role of Mayor G.Bojars has.

Diena gives its analyses on the situation in Riga City Council. The coalition agreement is to be signed no sooner as in the next week and the content of it is kept in secret. The formation of the coalition can be fostered also by the observation of some politicians that in some cases the role of vice Mayor S.Dolgopolov, presenting FHRUL at the City Council, increases in comparison to the role of Mayor G.Bojars has.

Yesterday the Government adopted the new edition of the Regulations on Registration and Entry of Foreign Citizens to Latvia. The Regulations do not imply any new radical changes, however, they provide for some advantages for business people.

Yesterday the Government adopted the new edition of the Regulations on Registration and Entry of Foreign Citizens to Latvia. The Regulations do not imply any new radical changes, however, they provide for some advantages for business people. Chas

Yesterday the Naturalisation Board distributed the data on the number of applications submitted to acquire citizenship. In comparison to April 1999 the number is dropping - 1176 applications in April of 1999 and only 609 in April this year.

Yesterday the Naturalisation Board distributed the data on the number of applications submitted to acquire citizenship. In comparison to April 1999 the number is dropping - 1176 applications in April of 1999 and only 609 in April this year. Vesti Segodnja explains the changes with political activities in Russia – when V.Putin had been chosen for the post of President the number of naturalisation applications dropped almost twice in Latvia.

International Congress of Russian Mass Media takes place in Kiev. The delegation from Latvia is the third biggest delegation after Russian and Ukrainian delegations.

International Congress of Russian Mass Media takes place in Kiev. The delegation from Latvia is the third biggest delegation after Russian and Ukrainian delegations. Chas

Panorama Latvii

interviews the chairman of Socialist Party A.Rubiks. A.Rubiks shares with his opinions about the conference on the issues of globalisation and NATO organised for left-wing workers parties in Brussels, as well as life of common people in Latvia. interviews the chairman of Socialist Party A.Rubiks. A.Rubiks shares with his opinions about the conference on the issues of globalisation and NATO organised for left-wing workers parties in Brussels, as well as life of common people in Latvia.

Press Report

Press Report

The commission established by the Minister of Interior Affairs has examined assumptions made by the means of mass media that persons who are not entitled to hold identification documents of Latvia have received them. The commission concluded that out of 1075 examined persons there were 72 cases on retrieving non-citizens status that have already been started. Department of Citizenship and Migration considers that 2700 persons should be examined in the future. DCMA head M.Bichevskis says that the examination has not revealed any new facts as DCMA already had information about these persons.

The commission established by the Minister of Interior Affairs has examined assumptions made by the means of mass media that persons who are not entitled to hold identification documents of Latvia have received them. The commission concluded that out of 1075 examined persons there were 72 cases on retrieving non-citizens status that have already been started. Department of Citizenship and Migration considers that 2700 persons should be examined in the future. DCMA head M.Bichevskis says that the examination has not revealed any new facts as DCMA already had information about these persons. Neatkariga, Jauna

Members of the Latvian parliament have established a task force for the promotion of repatriating people to their ethnic origin. Chairman of the group Juris Vidins of the right-from-centre For Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK party said that Latvia is also populated by non-loyal foreigners that wish to return to their ethnic homeland, but are troubled of doing so for the lack of money. Vidins claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has also publicly announced that it would be beneficial for Russians to return to Russia, as the country lacks work force and that the country's demographic situation has worsened. "No Latvian institution has reacted to this statement of Russia, knowing that there are people in Latvia willing to return to their homeland," said Vidins. Vidins said that the aim of the task force made up of seven parliament members from the People's Party, FF/LNNK and social democrats, is to attract funds from foreign countries and Russia and that they have already talked to Norwegian Government and it has not refused the proposal.

Members of the Latvian parliament have established a task force for the promotion of repatriating people to their ethnic origin. Chairman of the group Juris Vidins of the right-from-centre For Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK party said that Latvia is also populated by non-loyal foreigners that wish to return to their ethnic homeland, but are troubled of doing so for the lack of money. Vidins claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has also publicly announced that it would be beneficial for Russians to return to Russia, as the country lacks work force and that the country's demographic situation has worsened. "No Latvian institution has reacted to this statement of Russia, knowing that there are people in Latvia willing to return to their homeland," said Vidins. Vidins said that the aim of the task force made up of seven parliament members from the People's Party, FF/LNNK and social democrats, is to attract funds from foreign countries and Russia and that they have already talked to Norwegian Government and it has not refused the proposal. Lauku Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

The Latvian Prosecutor General has produced a specification of its charge against the former Soviet partisan accused of war crimes, Vasily Kononov. Even though Latvian official institutions had not publicly announced the charges produced on May 8, the move had already been criticised by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday. Head Prosecutor Janis Osis said that specified charges have been submitted against Kononov accused of war crimes. "Nothing has changed, the charge is the same," said Osis. He did not forecast when the case may be sent to the courts, as it is yet to be looked into by the accused. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry representative Alexander Yakovenko assessed Latvia's action as a "new challenge to all that hold in honour deeds of heroism, carried out by those fighting against Nazism, liberating Europe of the brown plague in 1945".

The Latvian Prosecutor General has produced a specification of its charge against the former Soviet partisan accused of war crimes, Vasily Kononov. Even though Latvian official institutions had not publicly announced the charges produced on May 8, the move had already been criticised by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday. Head Prosecutor Janis Osis said that specified charges have been submitted against Kononov accused of war crimes. "Nothing has changed, the charge is the same," said Osis. He did not forecast when the case may be sent to the courts, as it is yet to be looked into by the accused. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry representative Alexander Yakovenko assessed Latvia's action as a "new challenge to all that hold in honour deeds of heroism, carried out by those fighting against Nazism, liberating Europe of the brown plague in 1945". Lauku Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

The members of the Cabinet of Ministers have gave a positive assessment to the work of National Human Rights Office Director O.Bruvers and think that his mandate should be prolonged.

Lauku Avize Committee of the Cabinet of Ministers approved draft amendments to Regulations No 296 “On Necessary Level of State Language Proficiency to Perform Job and Professional Duties and on State Language Proficiency Examination Procedure”. According to the amendments the examination in the Latvian language for 9 graders are to be comparable to naturalisation language examination.

Committee of the Cabinet of Ministers approved draft amendments to Regulations No 296 On Necessary Level of State Language Proficiency to Perform Job and Professional Duties and on State Language Proficiency Examination Procedure. According to the amendments the examination in the Latvian language for 9 graders are to be comparable to naturalisation language examination. Latvijas Vestnesis, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Riga City Council is not able to solve state language proficiency problem. The deputy of Mayor S.Dolgopolovs presenting FHRUL at the Council suggested to hire an interpreter thus people would be able to hand in their complaints also in the Russian language. G.Bojars has decided to examine language proficiency of 6 FHRUL deputies by any means – if Riga Council Legal Committee is not able to find a way to make these deputies take an examination in the language, Mayor would ask for help the Saeima Legal Committee. The State Language Centre has not received the letter from City Mayor, therefore they have not decided about their further steps.

Riga City Council is not able to solve state language proficiency problem. The deputy of Mayor S.Dolgopolovs presenting FHRUL at the Council suggested to hire an interpreter thus people would be able to hand in their complaints also in the Russian language. G.Bojars has decided to examine language proficiency of 6 FHRUL deputies by any means – if Riga Council Legal Committee is not able to find a way to make these deputies take an examination in the language, Mayor would ask for help the Saeima Legal Committee. The State Language Centre has not received the letter from City Mayor, therefore they have not decided about their further steps. Rigas Balss

Yesterday the booklet “Ten Questions about Integration of Society in Latvia” was presented by the Naturalisation Board. The booklet in a plain language explains issues regarding integration to a broader public.

Yesterday the booklet Ten Questions about Integration of Society in Latvia was presented by the Naturalisation Board. The booklet in a plain language explains issues regarding integration to a broader public. Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Respublika provides rather detailed reflection of the preparation and content of the booklet, as well as gives the names of the sponsors.

Respublika provides rather detailed reflection of the preparation and content of the booklet, as well as gives the names of the sponsors.

Chas

has written an open letter to President V.Vike-Freiberga in regard to essay-contest organised by publishing house Vieda asking not to ignore the cases when national hate is kindled. has written an open letter to President V.Vike-Freiberga in regard to essay-contest organised by publishing house Vieda asking not to ignore the cases when national hate is kindled. In Moscow Baltic Forum president N.Neiland met with State Duma faction leader J.Primakov. J.Primakov said that Latvia should learn from the experience of Lithuania where they were able to preserve one unified society. N.Neiland returned that he hopes that Latvian Government will start to work at this issue, however, now all work has to be done by the Opposition parties and NGOs. Baltic Forum president also invited J.Primakov to take part at the next Baltic Forum conference which will take place in the beginning of June in Jurmala.

In Moscow Baltic Forum president N.Neiland met with State Duma faction leader J.Primakov. J.Primakov said that Latvia should learn from the experience of Lithuania where they were able to preserve one unified society. N.Neiland returned that he hopes that Latvian Government will start to work at this issue, however, now all work has to be done by the Opposition parties and NGOs. Baltic Forum president also invited J.Primakov to take part at the next Baltic Forum conference which will take place in the beginning of June in Jurmala. Vesti Segodnja is one of the main information sponsors of the venue. Vesti Segodnja

The conference “Preservation and Development of Economic Relations between Latvia, Russia and Byelorussia under the Influence of Integration Processes of Latvia into the EU and Byelorussia – Russia” will take place 9-10 June. “The main goal of the conference is to foster co-operation between Latvian and Russian politicians”, says N.Neilands.

The conference Preservation and Development of Economic Relations between Latvia, Russia and Byelorussia under the Influence of Integration Processes of Latvia into the EU and Byelorussia – Russia will take place 9-10 June. The main goal of the conference is to foster co-operation between Latvian and Russian politicians, says N.Neilands. Respublika

Vesti Segodnja

publishes parts of an interview, which Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins gave for Russias newspaper publishes parts of an interview, which Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins gave for Russia’s newspaper “Nezavisimaja GazetaNezavisimaja Gazeta. A.Berzins turned down any assumptions about language and education discrimination toward Russian-speakers. Prime Minister stressed that we do not have any reproaches from the OSCE and EU and in regard to the ratification of the Convention on National Minorities, A.Berzins replied that also other EU countries have not ratified it. Prime Minister also talked about the situation in the country and why Latvia wants join NATO. ”. A.Berzins turned down any assumptions about language and education discrimination toward Russian-speakers. Prime Minister stressed that “we do not have any reproaches from the OSCE and EU” and in regard to the ratification of the Convention on National Minorities, A.Berzins replied that also other EU countries have not ratified it. Prime Minister also talked about the situation in the country and why Latvia wants join NATO. Three members of the Russian extremist party, convicted in Latvia from 5 to 15 years in jail on charges of terrorism and illegal border crossing, have filed an appeal against the harsh sentence, the Riga Regional Court.

Three members of the Russian extremist party, convicted in Latvia from 5 to 15 years in jail on charges of terrorism and illegal border crossing, have filed an appeal against the harsh sentence, the Riga Regional Court. Vesti Segodnja

Press Report

Jauna publishes Presidents speech at the opening of the conference Society Integration in Latvia: Aspects, Opinions, Perspectives.

Respublika

gives some parts of the speech. gives some parts of the speech.

Chas

reflects some parts of Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikovs interview for Latvian TV programme From the Position of Power. He talks about his first impressions about the country and regrets that there was no official organised celebration of 8 May – Commemoration Day of Soviet Soldiers of II World War in Latvia. The ambassador completely rejects the definition that Latvia was occupied by the USSR in 1940. When asked about the possible visit of Russian President to Latvia, I.Studennikov does not give a direct answer. The ambassador also expressed his views in regard to naturalisation – in some aspects the requirements are still too harsh. Mainly it is the amount of the state fee to be paid, as well as for some people some interpretations of history are not acceptable. reflects some parts of Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov’s interview for Latvian TV programme “From the Position of Power”. He talks about his first impressions about the country and regrets that there was no official organised celebration of 8 May – Commemoration Day of Soviet Soldiers of II World War in Latvia. The ambassador completely rejects the definition that Latvia was occupied by the USSR in 1940. When asked about the possible visit of Russian President to Latvia, I.Studennikov does not give a direct answer. The ambassador also expressed his views in regard to naturalisation – “in some aspects the requirements are still too harsh. Mainly it is the amount of the state fee to be paid, as well as for some people some interpretations of history are not acceptable”. Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov visited

Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov visited Panorama Latvii and answered to some questions asked by its journalists. The ambassador shared his joy that he saw so many people and among them so many young people at the Monument of Victory on 9 May. The ambassador expressed his concern about the problems concerning education and talked about the procedure of receiving visa for non-citizens to go to Russia.

Panorama Latvii

publishes official procedure for non-citizens on how to preserve their status. publishes official procedure for non-citizens on how to preserve their status.

Press Report

Press Report

The minister of foreign affairs after consultations with President V.Vike-Freiberga has decided to nominate to the post of Latvian ambassador to Russia the current Latvian ambassador to Great Britain N.Penke.

The minister of foreign affairs after consultations with President V.Vike-Freiberga has decided to nominate to the post of Latvian ambassador to Russia the current Latvian ambassador to Great Britain N.Penke. Diena

Council of Europe Secretary General Walter Schwimmer recommends Latvia to consider in the future a possibility to grant to non-citizens the right to vote in local elections but said this is not an "immediate demand" and presently Latvia should concentrate on society integration.

Council of Europe Secretary General Walter Schwimmer recommends Latvia to consider in the future a possibility to grant to non-citizens the right to vote in local elections but said this is not an "immediate demand" and presently Latvia should concentrate on society integration. Neatkariga

Neatkariga

gives a brief information on the course of the conference Society Integration in Latvia: Aspects, Opinions, Perspectives. gives a brief information on the course of the conference “Society Integration in Latvia: Aspects, Opinions, Perspectives”. Newspapers in Russian –

Newspapers in Russian – Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Panorama Latvii – provides their view on the conference. Vesti Segodnja is rather surprised at Presidents announcement that society integration has been done already from 1992, as well as the newspaper is rather dissatisfied with the selection of the invited representatives from the side of national minorities (only 2 representatives).

The members of “For Equality” organised a protest meeting at the building of the CoM. They protested against national integration programme and the selected people representing national minorities at the conference.

The members of For Equality organised a protest meeting at the building of the CoM. They protested against national integration programme and the selected people representing national minorities at the conference.

Vesti Segodnja also comments on the public awareness campaign, which is a co-operation project of the Naturalisation Board, OSCE and UNDP. Actually there was no other alternative (for foreign governments and organisations) as to donate their money, as Latvian government did not listen to advice – to speed up naturalisation. And after all western politicians have realised - if they do not provide funding, they would not live to the day when at least half of non-citizens are naturalised.

President V.Vike-Freiberga has left for vacation to Greece till 18 May.

President V.Vike-Freiberga has left for vacation to Greece till 18 May. Vesti Segodnja

Prime Minister A.Berzins confirmed that he has made an invitation to Russian Prime Minister M.Kasjanovs to visit Latvia. Till now there was no response.

Prime Minister A.Berzins confirmed that he has made an invitation to Russian Prime Minister M.Kasjanovs to visit Latvia. Till now there was no response. Vesti Segodnja

Friday at Jelgava City Council a protest meeting took place against reorganisation of Russian school in Jelgava.

Panorama Latvii, Chas