Integration and Minority Information Service

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

According to the latest social opinion polls left-wing party FHRUL has the highest popularity rating among parties in the current Saeima. Political scientists believe that FHRUL could be one of the three most popular parties and even win in the next Saeima elections. Latgales Gaisma headed by Daugavpils City Mayor Rihards Eigims is named among the most serious competitors of FHRUL. Social integration and representation of Russian-speakers’ interests in the spheres of language, citizenship and education issues, good neighbouring relations with Russia are the key areas FHRUL works in and attracts a stable electorate.

According to the latest social opinion polls left-wing party FHRUL has the highest popularity rating among parties in the current Saeima. Political scientists believe that FHRUL could be one of the three most popular parties and even win in the next Saeima elections. Latgales Gaisma headed by Daugavpils City Mayor Rihards Eigims is named among the most serious competitors of FHRUL. Social integration and representation of Russian-speakers interests in the spheres of language, citizenship and education issues, good neighbouring relations with Russia are the key areas FHRUL works in and attracts a stable electorate. Diena

The Constitutional Court has already received 500 complaints from private persons and reviewed 10 of them since July 1 last year. Chairperson of the Constitutional Court Aivars Endzins believes that many politicians consider the Court nuisance, while the report of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies notes that the Constitutional Court has become an important instrument for the protection of human rights.

The Constitutional Court has already received 500 complaints from private persons and reviewed 10 of them since July 1 last year. Chairperson of the Constitutional Court Aivars Endzins believes that many politicians consider the Court nuisance, while the report of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies notes that the Constitutional Court has become an important instrument for the protection of human rights. Neatkariga

Vesti Segodnja

reports about a visit of American ambassador Brian Carlson to Daugavpils. The ambassador was satisfied with the visit and stated that the embassy of the USA will support naturalisation of Latvian non-citizens by various means. reports about a visit of American ambassador Brian Carlson to Daugavpils. The ambassador was satisfied with the visit and stated that the embassy of the USA will support naturalisation of Latvian non-citizens by various means.

Telegraf

publishes a long interview with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga concerning education reform. The President believes that schools are ready for the switch of secondary schools to the Latvian language in 2004. She states that if the reform is not conducted two communities would continue their co-existence in Latvia, therefore the Law on Education will not be amended. Regarding the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities, the President says that Latvia is not ready to ratify it, as an unresolved issue is the definition of a national minority in Latvia. Vaira Vike-Freiberga says that she has not decided on a proper formulation herself. publishes a long interview with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga concerning education reform. The President believes that schools are ready for the switch of secondary schools to the Latvian language in 2004. She states that if the reform is not conducted two communities would continue their co-existence in Latvia, therefore the Law on Education will not be amended. Regarding the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities, the President says that Latvia is not ready to ratify it, as an unresolved issue is the definition of a national minority in Latvia. Vaira Vike-Freiberga says that she has not decided on a proper formulation herself. Panorama LatviiPanorama Latvii

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Diena

reports that the amount required by the Presidents State Language Commission for its projects and activities is constantly increasing. The latest discussed amount is 500,000 lats for the Commissions projects and 200,000 lats for improving work of the State Language Centre. Minister of Finance Gundars Berzins has agreed to allocate the money and next week will meet with chairperson of the Presidents State Language Commission Mara Zalite to discuss priorities. reports that the amount required by the President’s State Language Commission for its projects and activities is constantly increasing. The latest discussed amount is 500,000 lats for the Commission’s projects and 200,000 lats for improving work of the State Language Centre. Minister of Finance Gundars Berzins has agreed to allocate the money and next week will meet with chairperson of the President’s State Language Commission Mara Zalite to discuss priorities.

Diena

devotes a page to discussions on Latvia and NATO. According to the opinion of the majority of politicians and political scientists, the most serious obstacle for NATO accession was the language requirement for election candidates in election laws and the controversial marches of the Waffen SS legionaries. The newspaper notes that the Saeima lifted the language requirement this week and the legionaries did not organise their march this year. devotes a page to discussions on Latvia and NATO. According to the opinion of the majority of politicians and political scientists, the most serious obstacle for NATO accession was the language requirement for election candidates in election laws and the controversial marches of the Waffen SS legionaries. The newspaper notes that the Saeima lifted the language requirement this week and the legionaries did not organise their march this year.

Neatkarigas

editorial is about the Russian governments new requirements for acquiring Russian citizenship, which are stricter than before. editorial is about the Russian government’s new requirements for acquiring Russian citizenship, which are stricter than before.

Lauku Avize

publishes more in-depth discussion of MPs concerning lifting the language requirement for election candidates. The newspaper publishes mostly the opinions of FF/LNNK deputies who voice their concern about the future of the Latvian language after the laws are amended. publishes more in-depth discussion of MPs concerning lifting the language requirement for election candidates. The newspaper publishes mostly the opinions of FF/LNNK deputies who voice their concern about the future of the Latvian language after the laws are amended.

Chas

comments that the right-wing parties have probably lost the trust of their voters by lifting the language requirement for election candidates. The columnist believes that it is not the last requirement of European experts for Latvia and other requirements, such as amendments to the Law on Education, will follow. comments that the right-wing parties have probably lost the trust of their voters by lifting the language requirement for election candidates. The columnist believes that it is not the last requirement of European experts for Latvia and other requirements, such as amendments to the Law on Education, will follow. Several NGOs that represent Russian-speakers’ interests will launch a campaign called “Vote in My Place” aimed at non-citizens urging them to convince citizens to participate in the 8th Saeima elections. According to organisers about 15-20% of Russian-speaking citizens of Latvia are very passive and do not vote in the Saeima and municipal elections. The organisers believe that non-citizens are more active than those who are Latvian citizens and could “wake up” the passive Russian-speaking citizens of Latvia and motivate them to vote in the 8th Saeima elections.

Several NGOs that represent Russian-speakers interests will launch a campaign called Vote in My Place aimed at non-citizens urging them to convince citizens to participate in the 8th Saeima elections. According to organisers about 15-20% of Russian-speaking citizens of Latvia are very passive and do not vote in the Saeima and municipal elections. The organisers believe that non-citizens are more active than those who are Latvian citizens and could wake up the passive Russian-speaking citizens of Latvia and motivate them to vote in the 8th Saeima elections. Vesti Segodnja, Chas

Next week the annual international conference “Baltic Forum” will take place in Riga. Politicians and political scientists from Russia, the USA, United Kingdom and Nordic Countries will arrive to Latvia.

Next week the annual international conference Baltic Forum will take place in Riga. Politicians and political scientists from Russia, the USA, United Kingdom and Nordic Countries will arrive to Latvia. Vesti Segodnja stresses that the Latvian government will not take part in this event. Chas, Panorama Latvii

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Yesterday the Saeima adopted in the final reading amendments to the election law lifting the language requirement for election candidates. 67 MPs supported the amendments to the parliamentary election law, while 71 voted in favor of amending the municipal election law. A majority of FF/LLNK and the Union of Social Democrats deputies voted against the amendments. Several FF/LNNK deputies did not take part in the vote – Speaker of the Saeima Janis Straume, Chairperson of the Saeima Committee for Foreign Policy Guntars Krasts and Chairperson of the Saeima Committee for Defence and Interior Affairs Dzintars Kudums. FHRUL voted in favour of lifting the language requirement but did not support the norm which stipulates that an election candidate has to provide a self-assessment of his/her state language skills. The amendments include the new stipulations concerning the stated self-assessment of language proficiency and detailed information about the candidate’s possessions, savings, and positions in NGOs, political, religious organisations and trade unions.

Yesterday the Saeima adopted in the final reading amendments to the election law lifting the language requirement for election candidates. 67 MPs supported the amendments to the parliamentary election law, while 71 voted in favor of amending the municipal election law. A majority of FF/LLNK and the Union of Social Democrats deputies voted against the amendments. Several FF/LNNK deputies did not take part in the vote – Speaker of the Saeima Janis Straume, Chairperson of the Saeima Committee for Foreign Policy Guntars Krasts and Chairperson of the Saeima Committee for Defence and Interior Affairs Dzintars Kudums. FHRUL voted in favour of lifting the language requirement but did not support the norm which stipulates that an election candidate has to provide a self-assessment of his/her state language skills. The amendments include the new stipulations concerning the stated self-assessment of language proficiency and detailed information about the candidates possessions, savings, and positions in NGOs, political, religious organisations and trade unions.

The Ambassador of the United States of America and OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus congratulated Latvia with amending the election laws.

The Ambassador of the United States of America and OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus congratulated Latvia with amending the election laws. Diena, Latvijas Vestnesis, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Diena’s columnist Aivars Ozolins questions the suitability of two FF/LNNK deputies for their responsible posts -- Guntars Krasts, Chairperson of the Saeima Committee for Foreign Policy and Dzintars Kudums, Chairperson of the Saeima Committee for Defence and Interior Affairs -- because the two deputies abstained in the vote to remove the language requirements for election candidates. The columnist also points out that lifting the language requirement is not the only pre-condition for Latvia to join NATO. Ozolins stresses that Latvia has to focus on issues concerning corruption prevention.

Dienas columnist Aivars Ozolins questions the suitability of two FF/LNNK deputies for their responsible posts -- Guntars Krasts, Chairperson of the Saeima Committee for Foreign Policy and Dzintars Kudums, Chairperson of the Saeima Committee for Defence and Interior Affairs -- because the two deputies abstained in the vote to remove the language requirements for election candidates. The columnist also points out that lifting the language requirement is not the only pre-condition for Latvia to join NATO. Ozolins stresses that Latvia has to focus on issues concerning corruption prevention.

Diena

publishes the results of the social opinion polls about parties ratings conducted by two different companies – SKDS and Latvijas Fakti. New Era headed by Einars Repse is the leader in both opinion polls, followed by Latvias Way in the poll conducted by SKDS and FHRUL in the poll conducted by Latvijas Fakti. Latvias Way is the third most popular party according to the poll conducted by Latvijas Fakti, while FHRUL is only the fourth most popular party in the opinion poll by SKDS. SKDS included in its poll also Daugavpils Mayor Rihards Eigims party Latgales Light. The party received support from 2% of respondents. publishes the results of the social opinion polls about parties’ ratings conducted by two different companies – “SKDS” and “Latvijas Fakti.” New Era headed by Einars Repse is the leader in both opinion polls, followed by Latvia’s Way in the poll conducted by SKDS and FHRUL in the poll conducted by “Latvijas Fakti.” Latvia’s Way is the third most popular party according to the poll conducted by “Latvijas Fakti,” while FHRUL is only the fourth most popular party in the opinion poll by “SKDS.” “SKDS” included in its poll also Daugavpils Mayor Rihards Eigims’ party Latgales Light. The party received support from 2% of respondents.

Jauna

interviews outgoing Director of the State Language Centre Dzintra Hirsa. She stresses that the rules of the market and the experience of multilingual democratic countries do not apply in Latvia due to countrys specific historical background. Regarding the State Language Centre Hirsa states that there is one job which remains for her to be done, that is, enter amendments to the Administrative Violations Code which would clarify the responsibility of an employer regarding employees state language skills. Hirsa believes that patriotism is a very important aspect when teaching Latvian to non-Latvians. interviews outgoing Director of the State Language Centre Dzintra Hirsa. She stresses that the rules of the market and the experience of multilingual democratic countries do not apply in Latvia due to country’s specific historical background. Regarding the State Language Centre Hirsa states that there is one job which remains for her to be done, that is, enter amendments to the Administrative Violations Code which would clarify the responsibility of an employer regarding employees’ state language skills. Hirsa believes that patriotism is a very important aspect when teaching Latvian to non-Latvians.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

The government will find the necessary funding requested by the President’s State Language Commission to implement measures aimed at improving the state language situation, announced Minister of Finance Gundars Berzins after the meeting with chairperson of the State Language Commission Mara Zalite. The amount required for this year is 300,000 lats and an additional 200,000 lats for securing the activities of the State Language Centre.

The government will find the necessary funding requested by the Presidents State Language Commission to implement measures aimed at improving the state language situation, announced Minister of Finance Gundars Berzins after the meeting with chairperson of the State Language Commission Mara Zalite. The amount required for this year is 300,000 lats and an additional 200,000 lats for securing the activities of the State Language Centre. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas

Chas

comments on the proposed amendments to the election laws. The newspaper stresses that the proposed amendments still stipulate that an election candidate has to provide state language proficiency information in the form of self-assessment of his/her state language skills. Today the Saeima will review the amendments in the final reading. comments on the proposed amendments to the election laws. The newspaper stresses that the proposed amendments still stipulate that an election candidate has to provide state language proficiency information in the form of self-assessment of his/her state language skills. Today the Saeima will review the amendments in the final reading. TelegrafTelegraf

Neatkariga

publishes an article by lector of Riga Technical University Uldis Brakanskis. The author believes that the recent commotion concerning language legislation indicate that it serves as a cover for a large-scale state stealing campaign. Brakanskis believes that Latvians and the Latvian language will be safe if also non-Latvians perceive Latvia as their own country. publishes an article by lector of Riga Technical University Uldis Brakanskis. The author believes that the recent commotion concerning language legislation indicate that it serves as a cover for a large-scale state stealing campaign. Brakanskis believes that Latvians and the Latvian language will be safe if also non-Latvians perceive Latvia as their own country.

Lauku Avize

interviews Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs. He is very concerned about the language situation in the country, in particular, the increasing role of the English language in Latvia. Lembergs believes that only practical measures, such as language courses free of charge, and not legal and administrative measures can improve the state language situation. Lembergs states that he is strictly against the switch of secondary education to the Latvian language in 2004 and says it is a political provocation to foment ethnic conflicts in the country. interviews Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs. He is very concerned about the language situation in the country, in particular, the increasing role of the English language in Latvia. Lembergs believes that only practical measures, such as language courses free of charge, and not legal and administrative measures can improve the state language situation. Lembergs states that he is strictly against the switch of secondary education to the Latvian language in 2004 and says “it is a political provocation to foment ethnic conflicts in the country.”

Lauku Avize

publishes data about complaints received by the National Human Rights Office. The majority of complaints concern property rights followed by complaints related to the right to work. Director of National Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers reports that five years ago the majority of complaints came from non-Latvians, while today petitioners represent all nationalities. publishes data about complaints received by the National Human Rights Office. The majority of complaints concern property rights followed by complaints related to the right to work. Director of National Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers reports that five years ago the majority of complaints came from non-Latvians, while today petitioners represent all nationalities. Co-chairperson of the Union of Citizens and Non-citizens Sokolovs provides his views on problems concerning national minority education in Latvia. He believes that teachers who work at national minority schools should be required to know the mother tongue of the students.

Co-chairperson of the Union of Citizens and Non-citizens Sokolovs provides his views on problems concerning national minority education in Latvia. He believes that teachers who work at national minority schools should be required to know the mother tongue of the students. Vesti Segodnja

Director of a multi-national school in Kraslava Arkadij Fleikshman talks about co-operation with schools in the Russian Federation. He states that the support of Russia is invaluable.

Director of a multi-national school in Kraslava Arkadij Fleikshman talks about co-operation with schools in the Russian Federation. He states that the support of Russia is invaluable. Vesti Segodnja

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Yesterday the government resumed the process of granting citizenship to persons (about 1800) who have undergone naturalisation tests. However, the government postponed the hearing of Minister of Justice Ingrida Labucka’s report on the review of the Naturalisation Board because governing coalition factions wanted to study the results of the review more thoroughly. The report was presented to the Saeima Commission for the Implementation of Citizenship. The Commission suggested that a review of Naturalisation Board should be conducted by the Corruption Prevention Department and the State Revenue Service. The Commission decided to send a note to the Ministry of Justice criticising its “light-minded and toothless” attitude towards the Naturalisation Board.

Yesterday the government resumed the process of granting citizenship to persons (about 1800) who have undergone naturalisation tests. However, the government postponed the hearing of Minister of Justice Ingrida Labuckas report on the review of the Naturalisation Board because governing coalition factions wanted to study the results of the review more thoroughly. The report was presented to the Saeima Commission for the Implementation of Citizenship. The Commission suggested that a review of Naturalisation Board should be conducted by the Corruption Prevention Department and the State Revenue Service. The Commission decided to send a note to the Ministry of Justice criticising its light-minded and toothless attitude towards the Naturalisation Board. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Chas reports that FF/LNNK proposed to amend the Law on Local Governments by including in the law a norm stipulating that the working language of local governments is the state language. The Saeima Committee for National Reforms declined the proposal and decided to draft alternative amendments to the Law on Local Governments aimed at securing the state language. Vesti Segodnja

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to the reproaches of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning the amendments to the Constitution aimed at securing the status of the state language. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Russia’s stance concerning the issue differs from the OSCE position, which has acknowledged that “our policy on national minorities complies with international standards.”

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to the reproaches of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning the amendments to the Constitution aimed at securing the status of the state language. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Russias stance concerning the issue differs from the OSCE position, which has acknowledged that our policy on national minorities complies with international standards. Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf, Latvijas Vestnesis

Latvijas Vestnesis

publishes an interview with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga from National Radio. The President believes that Latvia should align its legislation with international norms for its own sake and then relations with Russia will improve and no pressure from any country will be possible. The President agrees that relations with Russia are gradually improving. publishes an interview with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga from National Radio. The President believes that Latvia should align its legislation with international norms for its own sake and then relations with Russia will improve and no pressure from any country will be possible. The President agrees that relations with Russia are gradually improving.

Vesti Segodnja

comments on the proposals of Latvias Way concerning amendments to the election law. According to the proposal an MP should fill in a form regarding state language skills and assess his/her own proficiency level. comments on the proposals of Latvia’s Way concerning amendments to the election law. According to the proposal an MP should fill in a form regarding state language skills and assess his/her own proficiency level. The Russian language press writes that the first stage of restoration of the Soviet Victory Monument has been concluded with the support of the Russian Embassy in Latvia. The newspapers emphasise that “our Victory Day” will be celebrated at the monument on May 9.

The Russian language press writes that the first stage of restoration of the Soviet Victory Monument has been concluded with the support of the Russian Embassy in Latvia. The newspapers emphasise that our Victory Day will be celebrated at the monument on May 9. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii