Integration and Minority Information Service

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

On Friday representatives of the Language Commissions of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania signed a memorandum of intent on the formation of a Language Council of the Baltic states. The Language Commissions of the three states support language policy based on European guidelines and minority integration on the basis of the state language.

On Friday representatives of the Language Commissions of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania signed a memorandum of intent on the formation of a Language Council of the Baltic states. The Language Commissions of the three states support language policy based on European guidelines and minority integration on the basis of the state language. Diena, Neatkariga

Information Days of the Examination Centre of the Naturalisation Board will be organised once a month to provide information about the content and procedure of naturalisation tests. Visitors will have a possibility to take trial naturalisation examinations to test their Latvian language skills, knowledge of the Constitution, Latvian history and national anthem. The first information day is planned on May 22.

Information Days of the Examination Centre of the Naturalisation Board will be organised once a month to provide information about the content and procedure of naturalisation tests. Visitors will have a possibility to take trial naturalisation examinations to test their Latvian language skills, knowledge of the Constitution, Latvian history and national anthem. The first information day is planned on May 22. Neatkariga

Lauku Avize

publishes opinions of its readers regarding the statement of FHRUL deputy Janis Urbanovics that the requirements for Latvian citizenship should be eased. All of the inquired persons disagree with the opinion. publishes opinions of its readers regarding the statement of FHRUL deputy Janis Urbanovics that the requirements for Latvian citizenship should be eased. All of the inquired persons disagree with the opinion.

Lauku Avize

publishes more in-depth discussion of MPs about the suitability of head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane for the position. Latvias Way chairperson Kristiana Libane states that first of all the investigation concerning Aldermanes responsibility for the alleged sale of citizenship by several of her staff members should be concluded and an evaluation made over whether her conduct made possible these violations. Only then could the question about her possible dismissal be discussed. Chairperson of the Peoples Party faction Vineta Muizniece believes that the attitude of Aldermane towards what has happened should be considered when reviewing her suitability for the position. FF/LNNK faction chairperson Vents Balodis says, the violations committed by the Naturalisation Board call for Aldermanes dismissal. publishes more in-depth discussion of MPs about the suitability of head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane for the position. Latvia’s Way chairperson Kristiana Libane states that first of all the investigation concerning Aldermane’s responsibility for the alleged sale of citizenship by several of her staff members should be concluded and an evaluation made over whether her conduct made possible these violations. Only then could the question about her possible dismissal be discussed. Chairperson of the People’s Party faction Vineta Muizniece believes that the attitude of Aldermane towards what has happened should be considered when reviewing her suitability for the position. FF/LNNK faction chairperson Vents Balodis says, “the violations committed by the Naturalisation Board call for Aldermane’s dismissal.”

Lauku Avize

interviews political scientist, founder of the Peoples Harmony Party Nikolays Neilands. He provides in-depth information about the economic conference Baltic Forum – its background, goals and activities. Neilands states that Latvia has not even started a dialogue with Russia. This should be a task of Latvian diplomats to organise meetings of Latvian and Russian top officials. interviews political scientist, founder of the People’s Harmony Party Nikolays Neilands. He provides in-depth information about the economic conference “Baltic Forum” – its background, goals and activities. Neilands states that Latvia has not even started a dialogue with Russia. This should be a task of Latvian diplomats to organise meetings of Latvian and Russian top officials.

Chas

provides information on the activities of the Association of Russian Language and Literature Teachers in Latvia. The chairperson of the Association Tatyana Liguta admits that Russian schools in Latvia have undergone big changes during the years of independence. However, now Russian schools can really be called Russian as they are oriented to Russian culture. provides information on the activities of the Association of Russian Language and Literature Teachers in Latvia. The chairperson of the Association Tatyana Liguta admits that Russian schools in Latvia have undergone big changes during the years of independence. However, now Russian schools can really be called Russian as they are oriented to Russian culture. The US Senate supports NATO expansion and decided to allot USD 55.5 million for 7 candidate members. Latvia will receive USD 7 million.

The US Senate supports NATO expansion and decided to allot USD 55.5 million for 7 candidate members. Latvia will receive USD 7 million. Diena, Neatkariga

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

The President’s State Language Commission received the first funding in the amount of 40,000 lats from the state budget for 4 high priority projects. 20,000 lats are allotted for the implementation of 4 urgent projects and the remaining 20,000 lats for the administrative expenses of the State Language Commission. The four projects are: launching a language vortal; introduction of a study course on “The Culture of the Latvian Language” in the University of Latvia and Daugavpils Pedagogical University; expansion of the capacity of the Terminology Committee and issuance of an informative bulletin “Languages in Latvia” in 6 languages.

The Presidents State Language Commission received the first funding in the amount of 40,000 lats from the state budget for 4 high priority projects. 20,000 lats are allotted for the implementation of 4 urgent projects and the remaining 20,000 lats for the administrative expenses of the State Language Commission. The four projects are: launching a language vortal; introduction of a study course on The Culture of the Latvian Language in the University of Latvia and Daugavpils Pedagogical University; expansion of the capacity of the Terminology Committee and issuance of an informative bulletin Languages in Latvia in 6 languages. Diena, Vesti Segodnja

Diena

interviews new general director of National TV Uldis Grava. When asked what National TV could do to improve the situation regarding the Russian-speaking viewing audience in Latvia, Grava says the term integration is misunderstood in Latvia. If we show different programmes for different audiences this is segregation. Latvians and Russians should receive the same information. interviews new general director of National TV Uldis Grava. When asked what National TV could do to improve the situation regarding the Russian-speaking viewing audience in Latvia, Grava says “the term “integration” is misunderstood in Latvia. If we show different programmes for different audiences this is segregation. Latvians and Russians should receive the same information.”

Chas

publishes the views of FHRUL deputy Yurij Sokolovskij about the attempts of FF/LNNK to amend different laws to secure the status of the state language. The MP stresses that FF/LNNK is just trying to look better in the eyes of its electorate but actually there is no need to secure the status of the Latvian language in all possible laws as the State Language Law already does that. publishes the views of FHRUL deputy Yurij Sokolovskij about the attempts of FF/LNNK to amend different laws to secure the status of the state language. The MP stresses that FF/LNNK is just trying to look better in the eyes of its electorate but actually there is no need to secure the status of the Latvian language in all possible laws as the State Language Law already does that. Yesterday FHRUL proposed that the Saeima abolish the norm in the election law which stipulates that persons who were the members of the Communist Party after 13 January 1991 do not have the right to run for the seats in the Saeima. The Saeima turned down the proposal.

Yesterday FHRUL proposed that the Saeima abolish the norm in the election law which stipulates that persons who were the members of the Communist Party after 13 January 1991 do not have the right to run for the seats in the Saeima. The Saeima turned down the proposal. Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Telegraf

provides information on the activities of the State Language Commissions of Estonia and Lithuania. provides information on the activities of the State Language Commissions of Estonia and Lithuania. Leader of the New Era Party Einars Repse announced that only one party should be responsible for the formation of a government after the 8th Saeima elections. His party will fight for 51 seats in the Saeima, but if they do not succeed, New Era will not form a coalition, but invite “professionals” from a variety of parties.

Leader of the New Era Party Einars Repse announced that only one party should be responsible for the formation of a government after the 8th Saeima elections. His party will fight for 51 seats in the Saeima, but if they do not succeed, New Era will not form a coalition, but invite professionals from a variety of parties. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Diena

writes about the ongoing investigation of the Naturalisation Board. writes about the ongoing investigation of the Naturalisation Board. Diena Diena reporter Dita Araja refers to the latest decision of the Saeima Committee on the Implementation of Citizenship to ask the Coalition Council to review the suitability of head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane for the position. Political scientist Nils Muiznieks believes that the attempts to dismiss Aldermane are linked to the upcoming 8th Saeima elections. He states that Our country would have far less corruption if every state institution were so thoroughly investigated. However, this campaign derived from the fact that FF/LNNK and a part of the Peoples Party hate Aldermane and will do everything to hinder naturalisation and ruin the prestige of naturalisation in the eyes of non-citizens. Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane voiced incomprehension about the continuous tyrannisation of the Board. Minister of Justice Ingrida Labucka voiced her satisfaction with Aldermanes work and is not going to dismiss her. reporter Dita Araja refers to the latest decision of the Saeima Committee on the Implementation of Citizenship to ask the Coalition Council to review the suitability of head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane for the position. Political scientist Nils Muiznieks believes that the attempts to dismiss Aldermane are linked to the upcoming 8th Saeima elections. He states that “Our country would have far less corruption if every state institution were so thoroughly investigated.” However, this campaign derived from the fact that “FF/LNNK and a part of the People’s Party hate Aldermane and will do everything to hinder naturalisation and ruin the prestige of naturalisation in the eyes of non-citizens.” Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane voiced incomprehension about “the continuous tyrannisation of the Board.” Minister of Justice Ingrida Labucka voiced her satisfaction with Aldermane’s work and is not going to dismiss her. Yesterday the Saeima turned down the proposal of the Union of Social Democrats to amend Article 4 of the Constitution stipulating that the working language of the Saeima and local governments is the Latvian language.

Yesterday the Saeima turned down the proposal of the Union of Social Democrats to amend Article 4 of the Constitution stipulating that the working language of the Saeima and local governments is the Latvian language. BNS

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has congratulated Latvia for amending its election laws.

BNS

Dienas

columnist Laila Pakalnina comments on the Latvian Roma congress, which took place two days ago. Pakalnina admits that although 90% of Roma speak Latvian their integration into society is difficult, in particular, in the sphere of employment. Pakalnina believes that Roma will not solve their problems by asking the government for a loan in the amount of USD 3 million for their needs. columnist Laila Pakalnina comments on the Latvian Roma congress, which took place two days ago. Pakalnina admits that although 90% of Roma speak Latvian their integration into society is difficult, in particular, in the sphere of employment. Pakalnina believes that Roma will not solve their problems by asking the government for a loan in the amount of USD 3 million for their needs.

Lauku Avize

introduces its audience to the activities of the Latvian Human Rights Committee headed by Vladimir Buzayev, Genadij Kotov and Tatyana Zdanok. The newspaper stresses that the Soros Foundation and several other European institutions fund the Committee and notes that the only aim of the Committee is to show foreign countries that Latvia violates human rights. The newspaper also reports about the press conference held by the Committee on the occasion of the 50th issue of the electronic bulletin Minority Issues in Latvia. introduces its audience to the activities of the Latvian Human Rights Committee headed by Vladimir Buzayev, Genadij Kotov and Tatyana Zdanok. The newspaper stresses that the Soros Foundation and several other European institutions fund the Committee and notes that the only aim of the Committee is to show foreign countries that Latvia violates human rights. The newspaper also reports about the press conference held by the Committee on the occasion of the 50th issue of the electronic bulletin “Minority Issues in Latvia.” Lauku AvizeLauku Avize writes that although three young students were introduced as developers of the bulletin it is clear that actually it is the product of FHRUL. The Russian language press provides more in-depth information about the work, subscribers and plans of the bulletin. writes that although three young students were introduced as developers of the bulletin “it is clear that actually it is the product of FHRUL.” The Russian language press provides more in-depth information about the work, subscribers and plans of the bulletin. Vesti Segodnja, ChasVesti Segodnja, Chas Tomorrow institutions of all three Baltic countries responsible for language policy will have a joint meeting in Riga. It is planned to establish a Language Council of the Baltic states. Member of the President’s State Language Commission professor Ina Druviete shares more in-depth information about possible co-operation among the three countries

Tomorrow institutions of all three Baltic countries responsible for language policy will have a joint meeting in Riga. It is planned to establish a Language Council of the Baltic states. Member of the Presidents State Language Commission professor Ina Druviete shares more in-depth information about possible co-operation among the three countries. Lauku Avize

Lauku Avize

talks to Daugavpils City Mayor Rihards Eigims about the language situation in Daugavpils. Eigims stresses that he and the City Council are doing real work to improve the language situation in the City – he and several other businessmen are donating money to organise Latvian language training for non-Latvians every month, all press conferences and almost all sittings of the Council are in the Latvian language. He voices respect for the work of such people as head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane, chairperson of the State Language Commission Mara Zalite and outgoing director of the State Language Centre Dzintra Hirsa, but blames politicians for hindering their work. Regarding the switch of secondary school to the Latvian language in 2004, he says that if the state forces implementation of the reform, schools in Daugavpils will transfer to the Latvian language, but his personal opinion is that it should be postponed. talks to Daugavpils City Mayor Rihards Eigims about the language situation in Daugavpils. Eigims stresses that he and the City Council are doing real work to improve the language situation in the City – he and several other businessmen are donating money to organise Latvian language training for non-Latvians every month, all press conferences and almost all sittings of the Council are in the Latvian language. He voices respect for the work of such people as head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane, chairperson of the State Language Commission Mara Zalite and outgoing director of the State Language Centre Dzintra Hirsa, but blames politicians for hindering their work. Regarding the switch of secondary school to the Latvian language in 2004, he says that if the state forces implementation of the reform, schools in Daugavpils will transfer to the Latvian language, but his personal opinion is that it should be postponed. Yesterday the delegation of the Latvian and Russian Ministries of Foreign Affairs met in Liepaja to discuss possibilities to ease a visa regime for people residing in border zones of both countries. The parties signed a preliminary agreement stipulating that people residing in border zones can receive visas free of charge as of 1 June to 31 October this year.

Yesterday the delegation of the Latvian and Russian Ministries of Foreign Affairs met in Liepaja to discuss possibilities to ease a visa regime for people residing in border zones of both countries. The parties signed a preliminary agreement stipulating that people residing in border zones can receive visas free of charge as of 1 June to 31 October this year. Chas

Vesti Segodnja, Chas

reports on the competition of the best Russian language teacher in Latvia. reports on the competition of the best Russian language teacher in Latvia. Latvia congratulates the agreement made between NATO and Russia. Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins stated that when it becomes a NATO member, Latvias will contribute to co-operation between NATO and Russia.

Latvia congratulates the agreement made between NATO and Russia. Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins stated that when it becomes a NATO member, Latvias will contribute to co-operation between NATO and Russia. Diena

Dienas

columnist Aivars Ozolins says that the alliances agreement with Russia will lessen Moscows ability to oppose entry of the Baltic countries into NATO. columnist Aivars Ozolins says that the alliance’s agreement with Russia will lessen Moscow’s ability to oppose entry of the Baltic countries into NATO.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers adopted the Statutes of the President’s State Language Commission. The Commission has been established for an indefinite period of time, the term of office for Commission members is 3 years. The Commission is under the President’s subordination. The Commission’s budget is composed of funding from the President’s Chancery and the state budget.

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers adopted the Statutes of the Presidents State Language Commission. The Commission has been established for an indefinite period of time, the term of office for Commission members is 3 years. The Commission is under the Presidents subordination. The Commissions budget is composed of funding from the Presidents Chancery and the state budget. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf

The European Commission congratulated Latvia on amending its election laws.

The European Commission congratulated Latvia on amending its election laws. Diena

The task group of the Saeima Committee on State and Regional Administration drafted amendments to the Law on Local Governments aimed at securing the status of the state language. One of the norms stipulates that the Latvian language is the sole working language of local governments.

The task group of the Saeima Committee on State and Regional Administration drafted amendments to the Law on Local Governments aimed at securing the status of the state language. One of the norms stipulates that the Latvian language is the sole working language of local governments. Chas

Newspapers report on the Latvian Roma congress. The Latvian Roma NGO “Glos

Newspapers report on the Latvian Roma congress. The Latvian Roma NGO Gloss announced that the state should provide USD 3 million to improve the economic and social conditions of Roma in Latvia. If the state gives no money, Gloss will urge that the Roma be granted an official status of emigrants, so that those Roma who want to leave Latvia can receive compensation. In 2001 some Roma joined the Latvian Socials Democratic Workers Party because this is the only party which does not consider a persons ethnic background. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnjua, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Chas provides the comments of Saeima MP and head of the Roma Association in Latvia Normunds Rudevics about the congress. He blames Social Democrats for splitting the Roma community in Latvia and states that “Gloss” is just carrying out propaganda and not doing real work.

Chas provides the comments of Saeima MP and head of the Roma Association in Latvia Normunds Rudevics about the congress. He blames Social Democrats for splitting the Roma community in Latvia and states that Gloss is just carrying out propaganda and not doing real work.

The Saeima Committee on the Implementation of Citizenship continues to discuss the review of the Naturalisation Board. Yesterday the Committee re-launched discussion about the suitability of head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane for the position. The Committee decided that the issue should be reviewed by the Coalition Council.

The Saeima Committee on the Implementation of Citizenship continues to discuss the review of the Naturalisation Board. Yesterday the Committee re-launched discussion about the suitability of head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane for the position. The Committee decided that the issue should be reviewed by the Coalition Council. Chas

Vesti Segodnja

reports about the organisation Movement of Non-citizens for Human Rights. The leader of the organisation Tamara Timofeyevna states that the existing political and non-governmental organisations that claim to represent the interests of Russian-speakers in Latvia lack a long-term vision and principled stand. She announced that she knows the mechanism how to make the Latvian government to grant Latvian citizenship to all residents of Latvia and to permit dual citizenship – Russian and Latvian. The organisation is going to collect 600,000 complaints about illegitimate deprivation of citizenship from 600,000 people who lost the status of citizens after Latvia regained independence and file a collective petition with the Constitutional Court. If the Court does not accept the petition or issues a negative ruling, the organisation will file a claim with the European Court of Human Rights. reports about the organisation “Movement of Non-citizens for Human Rights.” The leader of the organisation Tamara Timofeyevna states that the existing political and non-governmental organisations that claim to represent the interests of Russian-speakers in Latvia lack a long-term vision and principled stand. She announced that she knows the mechanism how to make the Latvian government to grant Latvian citizenship to all residents of Latvia and to permit dual citizenship – Russian and Latvian. The organisation is going to collect 600,000 complaints about illegitimate deprivation of citizenship from 600,000 people who lost the status of citizens after Latvia regained independence and file a collective petition with the Constitutional Court. If the Court does not accept the petition or issues a negative ruling, the organisation will file a claim with the European Court of Human Rights. Vesti SegodnjaVesti Segodnja also publishes the comparison between Latvia and Macedonia concerning the observance of human rights in these countries made by Tamara Timofeyevna. also publishes the comparison between Latvia and Macedonia concerning the observance of human rights in these countries made by Tamara Timofeyevna.

Vesti Segodnja

reports about a unique exposition about national minorities, in particular, Jews opened in the Jewish Community House. The exposition is about the traditions, roots and history of Jews in Latvia for the period from XVI till XX century. reports about a unique exposition about national minorities, in particular, Jews opened in the Jewish Community House. The exposition is about the traditions, roots and history of Jews in Latvia for the period from XVI till XX century.

Chas

publishes an article about the best methods for learning the Latvian language and provides practical tips as well publishes an article about the best methods for learning the Latvian language and provides practical tips as well

Diena

publishes an article by deputy State Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Reikstins about Latvias role in NATO. He refers to the NATO meeting in Reykjavik and provides the key discussion subjects of the meeting. He concludes that Latvia will have reliable partners and security when it becomes the member state of NATO. publishes an article by deputy State Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Reikstins about Latvia’s role in NATO. He refers to the NATO meeting in Reykjavik and provides the key discussion subjects of the meeting. He concludes that Latvia will have reliable partners and security when it becomes the member state of NATO.

Telegraf

interviews president of the International Foundation of Civic Freedoms Aleks Goldfarb. He states that it is very important that the Russian community in Latvia does not experience any discrimination. This is important not only for the sake of Latvia but also for the security sake of Russia. He admits that the culture and businesses of Russians in Latvia are prospering. Goldfarb informs about the activities his Foundation will be focusing on in Latvia – promotion of Russian culture and integration. interviews president of the International Foundation of Civic Freedoms Aleks Goldfarb. He states that it is very important that the Russian community in Latvia does not experience any discrimination. This is important not only for the sake of Latvia but also for the security sake of Russia. He admits that the culture and businesses of Russians in Latvia are prospering. Goldfarb informs about the activities his Foundation will be focusing on in Latvia – promotion of Russian culture and integration.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Neatkarigas

columnist Viktors Avotins writes about language policy, arguing that the President is the only actor with a long-term vision, while the Saeima and government have done little. He concludes that first of all language policy and the foreign policy of the country should be harmonised; second there is a lack of political will to establish an adequate proportion between Latvian language learning to non-citizens and the development of the Latvian language on a broad social scale; third, language policy does not seem binding to officials and institutions that are not directly concerned with language policy; fourth, political speculation and adoption of language policy to the goals of one party do not build confidence in the sustainability of Latvias long-term language policy. columnist Viktors Avotins writes about language policy, arguing that the President is the only actor with a long-term vision, while the Saeima and government have done little. He concludes that first of all language policy and the foreign policy of the country should be harmonised; second there is a lack of political will to establish an adequate proportion between Latvian language learning to non-citizens and the development of the Latvian language on a broad social scale; third, language policy does not seem binding to officials and institutions that are not directly concerned with language policy; fourth, political speculation and adoption of language policy to the goals of one party do not build confidence in the sustainability of Latvia’s long-term language policy.

Lauku Avize

interviews FHRUL deputy Janis Urbanovics. He states that it is rather difficult to reach an agreement within FHRUL as it is composed of three political organisations with rather different political ideologies. Janis Urbanovics believes that not only should the Russian language press be blamed for fomenting ethnic tension, but also the governing parties as our government comes up with provocations in the most responsible moments. He believes that if the situation concerning non-citizens remains the same, Latvia under international pressure will be forced to adopt the zero option. Urbanovics reports on the amendments developed by his party to the Citizenship Law. The draft amendments stipulate that persons who were born and have studied in Latvia and old people should receive Latvian citizenship without any examinations. interviews FHRUL deputy Janis Urbanovics. He states that it is rather difficult to reach an agreement within FHRUL as it is composed of three political organisations with rather different political ideologies. Janis Urbanovics believes that not only should the Russian language press be blamed for fomenting ethnic tension, but also the governing parties as “our government comes up with provocations in the most responsible moments.” He believes that if the situation concerning non-citizens remains the same, Latvia under international pressure will be forced to adopt the zero option. Urbanovics reports on the amendments developed by his party to the Citizenship Law. The draft amendments stipulate that persons who were born and have studied in Latvia and old people should receive Latvian citizenship without any examinations.

Lauku Avize

introduces its audience to Latvian citizen Dainis Krauklis whose ethnic background is Roma. Dainis has come up with an initiative to build a monument to Roma who were the victims of holocaust and started to write a book about Roma legends. Dainis Krauklis shares his emotions how Roma feel in Latvia. He admits that he still feels uncomfortable when being outside his usual social circle. introduces its audience to Latvian citizen Dainis Krauklis whose ethnic background is Roma. Dainis has come up with an initiative to build a monument to Roma who were the victims of holocaust and started to write a book about Roma legends. Dainis Krauklis shares his emotions how Roma feel in Latvia. He admits that he still feels uncomfortable when being outside his usual social circle. Today the second congress of Latvia’s Roma takes place in Riga.

Today the second congress of Latvias Roma takes place in Riga. Chas interviews chairperson of Roma association Gloss Leonid Gindra. He says that the only Roma representative in the Latvian Parliament Normunds Rudevichs has lost any connection to the Roma community and could not be considered a representative of their interests. Gindra states that Latvia will have to tackle the Roma issue if the country wants to join the EU.

Panorama Latvii

reports that the 50th issue of the electronic bulletin National Minority Issues in Latvia will be released today. The electronic bulletin is published on the Minelres web page and many foreign experts have shown their interest in this issue. reports that the 50th issue of the electronic bulletin “National Minority Issues in Latvia” will be released today. The electronic bulletin is published on the “Minelres” web page and many foreign experts have shown their interest in this issue.

Panorama Latvii

interviews the chairperson of Tatar Association in Latvia, imam of the Muslim Association in Latvia Midhat Satdanov. He talks about the traditions and culture of Tatars in Latvia. interviews the chairperson of Tatar Association in Latvia, imam of the Muslim Association in Latvia Midhat Satdanov. He talks about the traditions and culture of Tatars in Latvia. Several parties signed agreements with the political organisation headed by Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs before the 7th Saeima elections. These parties did not disclose the information about signing these agreements and their contents to voters. According to the agreements the parties should not support the People’s Party in forming the government. Leader of the New Party Ainars Slesers admits that he signed such an agreement, but hopes that by announcing this information he will prevent such deals before the 8th Saeima elections. FF/LLNK chairperson Maris Grinblats denies that FF/LNNK has signed any agreements with Aivars Lembergs.

Several parties signed agreements with the political organisation headed by Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs before the 7th Saeima elections. These parties did not disclose the information about signing these agreements and their contents to voters. According to the agreements the parties should not support the Peoples Party in forming the government. Leader of the New Party Ainars Slesers admits that he signed such an agreement, but hopes that by announcing this information he will prevent such deals before the 8th Saeima elections. FF/LLNK chairperson Maris Grinblats denies that FF/LNNK has signed any agreements with Aivars Lembergs. Diena

Lauku Avize

reports on a visit of President Vaira Vike-Freiberga to the small Latvian town Livani. The newspaper publishes the Presidents discussion with local people of Livani. People were interested in the Presidents opinion about political processes in the country as well as her advice on how to improve each individual life. reports on a visit of President Vaira Vike-Freiberga to the small Latvian town Livani. The newspaper publishes the President’s discussion with local people of Livani. People were interested in the President’s opinion about political processes in the country as well as her advice on how to improve each individual life.