Press Report

Press Report

As Prime Minister A.Berzin’s government has been working already for a year, Prime Minister looks back to the work done. Among the biggest successes he names progress made in discussions with the EU and NATO, improved relations with Russia, economic development, more stabilised social budget and, in their turn, the flaws are too optimistic income forecast, privatisation process of Latvian Shipping Company, hindering with Society Integration Programme implementation and drawing up the Law on Corruption Prevention, inability to set education as a real priority.

As Prime Minister A.Berzins government has been working already for a year, Prime Minister looks back to the work done. Among the biggest successes he names progress made in discussions with the EU and NATO, improved relations with Russia, economic development, more stabilised social budget and, in their turn, the flaws are too optimistic income forecast, privatisation process of Latvian Shipping Company, hindering with Society Integration Programme implementation and drawing up the Law on Corruption Prevention, inability to set education as a real priority. Diena

Russia’s minister of culture M.Svidkoy were on a two-day visit to Riga. The minister expressed his interest not only about the possibilities to improve co-operation in the sphere of culture, but also about naturalisation and situation concerning national minorities.

Russias minister of culture M.Svidkoy were on a two-day visit to Riga. The minister expressed his interest not only about the possibilities to improve co-operation in the sphere of culture, but also about naturalisation and situation concerning national minorities. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Jauna

provides opinions of two politicians of the opposite wings – P.Lace (FF/LNNK) and T.Zhdanok (For Equality). P.Lace has a strict position in regard to Russians in Latvia – they have to leave for their motherland. In her view Latvians have the soul of servants – before Latvians pleased Russians, now the High Commissioner Max van der Stoel. T.Zhdanok thinks that Russians are discriminated in a number spheres in Latvia and analyses what could be the results of these discriminations. International seminar “European Convention on Nationality – Common Problems and Solutions in the Field of Nationality” run by the EU, NB and Human Right Institute of the University of Latvia will take place in Riga on Monday and Tuesday. Human rights experts from Switzerland, Sweden, Russia, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia will share their experiences regarding citizenship issues and ratification process of the European Convention on Nationality.

International seminar European Convention on Nationality – Common Problems and Solutions in the Field of Nationality run by the EU, NB and Human Right Institute of the University of Latvia will take place in Riga on Monday and Tuesday. Human rights experts from Switzerland, Sweden, Russia, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia will share their experiences regarding citizenship issues and ratification process of the European Convention on Nationality. Neatkariga.

In response to school optimisation plan Russian schools are getting ready for protests. In accordance with the plan the changes will concern 5 Russian schools in Riga, 1 in Jelgava and 2 in Jekabpils. The schools will be reorganised or closed because of the insufficient number of students per class. Officials relate this situation to lower birth rate and the decision of parents to send their children to Latvian schools.

In response to school optimisation plan Russian schools are getting ready for protests. In accordance with the plan the changes will concern 5 Russian schools in Riga, 1 in Jelgava and 2 in Jekabpils. The schools will be reorganised or closed because of the insufficient number of students per class. Officials relate this situation to lower birth rate and the decision of parents to send their children to Latvian schools. Neatkariga

Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has come up with the statement in regard to the verdict to national bolshevists. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Friday that the jail

Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs has come up with the statement in regard to the verdict to national bolshevists. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Friday that the jail

terms passed in Latvia on three Russians extremists from National Bolshevik Party, who were convicted on terrorism charges, amounted to "demonstrative cruelty."

terms passed in Latvia on three Russians extremists from National Bolshevik Party, who were convicted on terrorism charges, amounted to "demonstrative cruelty."

Russia pointed out that Latvian extremists, who were tried for the attempt to blow up the Victory Monument built in Riga during the Soviet rule to commemorate the victory of the Soviet Army over Nazis in World War Two, got far more lenient sentences. According to this statement, "the Latvian judicial system had decided to show demonstrative cruelty against the young Russian citizens”.

Russia pointed out that Latvian extremists, who were tried for the attempt to blow up the Victory Monument built in Riga during the Soviet rule to commemorate the victory of the Soviet Army over Nazis in World War Two, got far more lenient sentences. According to this statement, "the Latvian judicial system had decided to show demonstrative cruelty against the young Russian citizens. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Chas gives the main points of Saeima vice-speaker J.Straume’s speech on the occasion of the Anniversary of Independence Declaration Day. J.Straume based his speech on 4 main points – NATO, state language, education and Constitution. In regard to the state language he said that “although there were many protests from the East and West, Latvia managed to prevent two-language situation, however, consolidation of the powers which were very happy about the conclusions of some foreign experts who supported easier norms of the State language should not be neglected”.

Chas gives the main points of Saeima vice-speaker J.Straumes speech on the occasion of the Anniversary of Independence Declaration Day. J.Straume based his speech on 4 main points – NATO, state language, education and Constitution. In regard to the state language he said that although there were many protests from the East and West, Latvia managed to prevent two-language situation, however, consolidation of the powers which were very happy about the conclusions of some foreign experts who supported easier norms of the State language should not be neglected. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

In the framework of the program “European Block”

In the framework of the program European Block Chas contributor A.Stroy visited European organisations in Brussels. A.Stroy met with Latvian ambassador to the EU A.Piebalgs and the officials of the EU. A.Stroy says that in all discussions Latvia first of all is perceived as a bridge between Europe and Russia and the main advantage of Latvia is the wide spread Russian language skills.

Press Report

Press Report

The Latvian parliament on Thursday turned down no-confidence vote against Economics Minister Aigars Kalvitis, initiated by opposition Social Democrats accusing him over illegalities in Latvian Shipping Company (LASCO) privatisation. Kalvitis survived the vote with 50 votes against 32 and six abstentions. The minister himself did not arrive at the parliament for the vote as he is in Cologne to support Latvian national ice-hockey team in the world championships there.

The Latvian parliament on Thursday turned down no-confidence vote against Economics Minister Aigars Kalvitis, initiated by opposition Social Democrats accusing him over illegalities in Latvian Shipping Company (LASCO) privatisation. Kalvitis survived the vote with 50 votes against 32 and six abstentions. The minister himself did not arrive at the parliament for the vote as he is in Cologne to support Latvian national ice-hockey team in the world championships there. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Respublika, Jauna Avize

Council of Europe Secretary General Walter Schwimmer Thursday in Riga urged Latvia to grant non-citizens the voting right in the local elections so they can take part in the local authorities democracy process. Schwimmer said speaking in a conference called Local Democracy at the Beginning of the 21st Century that such is CE recommendation to Latvia as a European Union candidate country. He called on non-citizens to naturalise adding that CE would only support it.

Council of Europe Secretary General Walter Schwimmer Thursday in Riga urged Latvia to grant non-citizens the voting right in the local elections so they can take part in the local authorities democracy process. Schwimmer said speaking in a conference called Local Democracy at the Beginning of the 21st Century that such is CE recommendation to Latvia as a European Union candidate country. He called on non-citizens to naturalise adding that CE would only support it. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga,

During the meeting of Secretary General with Latvian Prime Minister both officials discussed Latvian presidency in CoE. During her presidency Latvia paid much attention to language policy, protection of cultural heritage. The Secretary General acknowledged that the language of every nation as a proof of its identity would be very important when joining EU.

During the meeting of Secretary General with Latvian Prime Minister both officials discussed Latvian presidency in CoE. During her presidency Latvia paid much attention to language policy, protection of cultural heritage. The Secretary General acknowledged that the language of every nation as a proof of its identity would be very important when joining EU. Latvijas Vestnesis

The Latvian government headed by Prime Minister Andris Berzins during its first year in the office has been able to achieve major progress in foreign policy priorities and to contribute to economic growth in the country, the premier said Thursday. At the meeting with chief editors from Latvian regional newspapers Berzins said that his government's foreign policy priorities were membership in the European Union (EU) and NATO as well as improved relations with all neighbouring countries. A major "breakthrough" has also been made in relations with Latvia's largest neighbour, Russia, the Latvian premier said, mentioning as achievements in this area the visit by Latvian foreign minister Indulis Berzins to Moscow where he met with his Russian counterpart, the meeting between Latvia and Russian presidents in Austria as well as progress in the work of the Latvian-Russian intergovernmental commission.

The Latvian government headed by Prime Minister Andris Berzins during its first year in the office has been able to achieve major progress in foreign policy priorities and to contribute to economic growth in the country, the premier said Thursday. At the meeting with chief editors from Latvian regional newspapers Berzins said that his government's foreign policy priorities were membership in the European Union (EU) and NATO as well as improved relations with all neighbouring countries. A major "breakthrough" has also been made in relations with Latvia's largest neighbour, Russia, the Latvian premier said, mentioning as achievements in this area the visit by Latvian foreign minister Indulis Berzins to Moscow where he met with his Russian counterpart, the meeting between Latvia and Russian presidents in Austria as well as progress in the work of the Latvian-Russian intergovernmental commission. BNS

Latvian journalists interviewed Finnish President T.Hallonen about Finnish position on the plans of the Baltic States to join NATO, Finnish experiences when joining EU and future plans for co-operation with the Baltic States.

Latvian journalists interviewed Finnish President T.Hallonen about Finnish position on the plans of the Baltic States to join NATO, Finnish experiences when joining EU and future plans for co-operation with the Baltic States. Diena

This weekend Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins will participate in unofficial meeting of ministers of Foreign Affairs of EU member and candidate states that will take place in Sweden. They will exchange their opinions about the future of Europe.

This weekend Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins will participate in unofficial meeting of ministers of Foreign Affairs of EU member and candidate states that will take place in Sweden. They will exchange their opinions about the future of Europe. Neatkariga

Riga major J.Bojars charged Juridical Department of the Council to prepare an answer to the State Language Centre about the procedure how officials of the Centre could test the language proficiency level of 6 Council members. These six deputies: S.Zaletajev, G.Kotov, V.Buzajev, O.Shipcov, I.Ivanov and M.Gavrilov refused to meet Centre’s officials because they already had those documents.

Riga major J.Bojars charged Juridical Department of the Council to prepare an answer to the State Language Centre about the procedure how officials of the Centre could test the language proficiency level of 6 Council members. These six deputies: S.Zaletajev, G.Kotov, V.Buzajev, O.Shipcov, I.Ivanov and M.Gavrilov refused to meet Centres officials because they already had those documents. Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii, Chas

A.Yelkin in

Vesti Segodnya cites an article in a German newspaper Stuttgarte Nachrichten where it was written that although Russia was not a member of EU, Russian language might become a working language of this organisation. And it could be Latvia that would make it happen because 1/5 of its population does not know the state language but everybody knows Russian. The German newspaper foresees that this delicate issue about the Russian language as a working language would be discusses during the next visit of Commissioner G.Verheugen to Riga. Meanwhile Latvian politicians demand to make stricter penalties for violating norms of the language law. Yesterday MP Abikis sent a letter to the Saeima Juridical Commission expressing his incomprehension about the slow process of preparing amendments to the Administrative Code. It weakens the positions of the Latvian language. And as a consequence of it language inspection may not test the language proficiency level of Riga City Council deputies from For Human Rights in United Latvia faction.

Yesterday Russian Minister of Culture arrived to Riga. It was planned that he would bring an official program of Latvian – Russian co-operation for two years, signed by Russian Prime Minister M.Kasyanov, but Russian heag of the government was too busy to sign it. Nevertheless, Latvian and Russian Ministers will discuss the last details of this program. Chas

Press Report

Press Report

The State Language Centre will not be able to check state language proficiency of six Riga city council deputies from the leftist union within the stated deadline because they refuse from meeting language inspectors. Centre deputy director Agris Timuska told BNS the centre has been attempting to meet the deputies and had been calling them on the phone and inviting to hold the language test. Moreover, the deputies have told the media they will not join the tests held by the centre because they already have language certification. Timuska told BNS the centre had sent a letter to Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars requesting his assistance in arranging the language tests. Timuska voiced a hope the centre would be able to hold in May the tests deadline of which was set for May 10.

The State Language Centre will not be able to check state language proficiency of six Riga city council deputies from the leftist union within the stated deadline because they refuse from meeting language inspectors. Centre deputy director Agris Timuska told BNS the centre has been attempting to meet the deputies and had been calling them on the phone and inviting to hold the language test. Moreover, the deputies have told the media they will not join the tests held by the centre because they already have language certification. Timuska told BNS the centre had sent a letter to Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars requesting his assistance in arranging the language tests. Timuska voiced a hope the centre would be able to hold in May the tests deadline of which was set for May 10. BNS

Hungary backs admission of the Baltic states to NATO in the nearest round of enlargement, Hungarian Foreign Minister Janos Martonyi said on Wednesday. Martonyi, who arrived to Riga on a two day official visit expressed the remark following a meeting with Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins, Foreign Ministry press office reported to

Hungary backs admission of the Baltic states to NATO in the nearest round of enlargement, Hungarian Foreign Minister Janos Martonyi said on Wednesday. Martonyi, who arrived to Riga on a two day official visit expressed the remark following a meeting with Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins, Foreign Ministry press office reported to BNS. Latvijas Vestnesis

The Latvian Foreign Ministry believes there are no grounds to relate simplified visa requirements with tourism development in sea resort town Jurmala, as Jurmala mayor wants, and the visa policy should not be altered. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Liga Bergmane told reporters Wednesday Latvia should pursue it effective visa policy while the tourism development needs good infrastructure, low prices of services and others. Jurmala town council has set up a working group that will develop the municipality's proposals for simplifying visa regime with the CIS countries. The changes in the visa regime are aimed at simplifying the procedure of acquiring Latvia's visas for tourists from Russia, Ukraine and other CIS countries. BNS

The Latvian Foreign Ministry believes there are no grounds to relate simplified visa requirements with tourism development in sea resort town Jurmala, as Jurmala mayor wants, and the visa policy should not be altered. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Liga Bergmane told reporters Wednesday Latvia should pursue it effective visa policy while the tourism development needs good infrastructure, low prices of services and others. Jurmala town council has set up a working group that will develop the municipality's proposals for simplifying visa regime with the CIS countries. The changes in the visa regime are aimed at simplifying the procedure of acquiring Latvia's visas for tourists from Russia, Ukraine and other CIS countries. BNS

The Latvian embassy in Russia Thursday will hand a note to the Russian Foreign Ministry to voice indignation over incident outside the Latvian embassy in Moscow where one vandal had thrown bottles with black paint at the embassy building. Latvian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Liga Bergmane told reporters Wednesday the note also will request to investigate the case and punish the guilty person as well as refund the damage caused to facade of the embassy building.

The Latvian embassy in Russia Thursday will hand a note to the Russian Foreign Ministry to voice indignation over incident outside the Latvian embassy in Moscow where one vandal had thrown bottles with black paint at the embassy building. Latvian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Liga Bergmane told reporters Wednesday the note also will request to investigate the case and punish the guilty person as well as refund the damage caused to facade of the embassy building. BNS, Neatkariga, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Professor A.Zunda writes about the priorities of Latvian foreign policy. And one should not be a big specialist in foreign affairs to understand how big role in modern Europe is played by Germany. That’s why Latvia tries to maintain good relations with this country.

Professor A.Zunda writes about the priorities of Latvian foreign policy. And one should not be a big specialist in foreign affairs to understand how big role in modern Europe is played by Germany. Thats why Latvia tries to maintain good relations with this country. Neatkariga

Upon the initiative of the Baltic States in PACE has been prepared a draft resolution where Russia will be reminded of her duty to return the buildings of former embassy buildings of the Baltic States that Russia had misappropriated after WW II.

Upon the initiative of the Baltic States in PACE has been prepared a draft resolution where Russia will be reminded of her duty to return the buildings of former embassy buildings of the Baltic States that Russia had misappropriated after WW II. Lauku Avize

On May 2 Secretary General of CoE W.Scwimmer arrived on a working visit to Riga. Today he will open the conference “Local democracy at the beginning of 21st century”, then meet with Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins, Saeima Speaker J.Straume and members of Latvian parliamentary Assembly members.

On May 2 Secretary General of CoE W.Scwimmer arrived on a working visit to Riga. Today he will open the conference Local democracy at the beginning of 21st century, then meet with Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins, Saeima Speaker J.Straume and members of Latvian parliamentary Assembly members. Latvijas Vestnesis

Tonight Russian Minister of Culture M.Shvidkoy is coming to Riga to initial a bilateral agreement between Culture Ministries of both countries for 2001 – 2003.

Tonight Russian Minister of Culture M.Shvidkoy is coming to Riga to initial a bilateral agreement between Culture Ministries of both countries for 2001 – 2003. Chas

Yesterday the co-chairman of Latvian – Russian intergovernmental commission informed about two news concerning this commission. The first is a good one – the commission resumed its activities, the second is a bad one – both parties declared different priorities. Latvia considers as a priority to conclude an agreement on co-operation in taxation maters and other economic issues. Russia sees social issues as a priority, especially concerning pensions.

Yesterday the co-chairman of Latvian – Russian intergovernmental commission informed about two news concerning this commission. The first is a good one – the commission resumed its activities, the second is a bad one – both parties declared different priorities. Latvia considers as a priority to conclude an agreement on co-operation in taxation maters and other economic issues. Russia sees social issues as a priority, especially concerning pensions. Chas

Yesterday Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centre Director N.Muiznieks presented the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Commission the research on human rights situation in Latvia in 2000. But very soon the deputies instead of discussing the report turned to a discussion on de-colonisation and the negative role of Russian speaking media on integration process in Latvia.

Yesterday Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centre Director N.Muiznieks presented the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Commission the research on human rights situation in Latvia in 2000. But very soon the deputies instead of discussing the report turned to a discussion on de-colonisation and the negative role of Russian speaking media on integration process in Latvia. Vesti Segodnya

A journalist from

A journalist from Vesti Segodnya interviewed the Chairman of the Association of Russian Language Teachers T.Liguta about the situation with the Russian language in Latvia. The Associated Professor Liguta thinks that this language needs as much protection as possible although in general there is no total danger for it. What happens in Latvia is a strong canning of the language. People when coming to a strange country keep speaking the language of the time they left Russia and do not know about the new developments there. Vesti Segodnya

Russian National Council member V.Alksnis was surprised when learned about the court decision concerning 3 Russian National Bolsheviks. He sees the long sentence terms for these people as an attempt to intimidate other National Bolsheviks acting in Latvia. Alksnis told the journalist about his recent meeting with the First Deputy of Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs A.Avdeyev, during which he was promised that Russia would demand extradition of those people.

Russian National Council member V.Alksnis was surprised when learned about the court decision concerning 3 Russian National Bolsheviks. He sees the long sentence terms for these people as an attempt to intimidate other National Bolsheviks acting in Latvia. Alksnis told the journalist about his recent meeting with the First Deputy of Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs A.Avdeyev, during which he was promised that Russia would demand extradition of those people. Vesti Segodnya

When members of the Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia learned that in the new ID cards developed for use internally and also in Estonia and Lithuania there was still preserved the record about person’s nationality. They rent a letter to DCMA with a request to explain this. An answer was received immediately and it was explained that there was a mistake when translating from English the term “nationality”. This term should be understood as “citizenship”. But this term is used in many countries in European and the world. And for recording one’s ethnic belonging is used the term “ethnic nationality”. Even more, DCMA Deputy Director Mr.Lejins, who signed this letter, explained that according to the existing concept this record would be voluntarily. It means that most likely this record would be like this “citizen of Latvia” or “non-citizen of Latvia”.

When members of the Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia learned that in the new ID cards developed for use internally and also in Estonia and Lithuania there was still preserved the record about persons nationality. They rent a letter to DCMA with a request to explain this. An answer was received immediately and it was explained that there was a mistake when translating from English the term nationality. This term should be understood as citizenship. But this term is used in many countries in European and the world. And for recording ones ethnic belonging is used the term ethnic nationality. Even more, DCMA Deputy Director Mr.Lejins, who signed this letter, explained that according to the existing concept this record would be voluntarily. It means that most likely this record would be like this citizen of Latvia or non-citizen of Latvia. Panorama Latvii

Press Report

On May 1 the leader of Latvian Social Democrats J.Bojars will present his draft version of Latvian Satversme (constitution). J.Bojars plans to finish this draft and submit it to the Saeima by the end of this year.

On May 1 the leader of Latvian Social Democrats J.Bojars will present his draft version of Latvian Satversme (constitution). J.Bojars plans to finish this draft and submit it to the Saeima by the end of this year. Diena

He explained that the main point of the amendments was to establish the institute of a popularly elected Latvian president to be elected from one-mandate electoral districts.

He explained that the main point of the amendments was to establish the institute of a popularly elected Latvian president to be elected from one-mandate electoral districts. BNS

Students of Riga Secondary school No 49 have developed a large-scale project “Latvian youth towards an integrated and multicultural society”. This project won the contest organised by the Naturalisation Board for students “Towards an integrated society”. To study the possible influence of education on the integration process 4 students inquired 1000 students from 14 Latvian, Russian, Jewish, Polish and Lithuanian schools as well as organised discussions for deeper understanding and exchange of opinions.

Students of Riga Secondary school No 49 have developed a large-scale project Latvian youth towards an integrated and multicultural society. This project won the contest organised by the Naturalisation Board for students Towards an integrated society. To study the possible influence of education on the integration process 4 students inquired 1000 students from 14 Latvian, Russian, Jewish, Polish and Lithuanian schools as well as organised discussions for deeper understanding and exchange of opinions. Diena

During a meeting of intergovernmental commission on Valka – Valga border crossing problems an idea was generated to develop a special Valka law. Taking into consideration the special status of the border town Valka, the general legislation may not always be applied to this town. The working group decided to prepare a list indicating concrete problems and reasons why at least 150 people have to cross the border several times a day.

During a meeting of intergovernmental commission on Valka – Valga border crossing problems an idea was generated to develop a special Valka law. Taking into consideration the special status of the border town Valka, the general legislation may not always be applied to this town. The working group decided to prepare a list indicating concrete problems and reasons why at least 150 people have to cross the border several times a day. Neatkariga

Soon after the local government election the Naturalisation Board evaluated the election results from their point of view. And it was very essential because it came to a conclusion that the statement about the “new citizens” as the electorate of For Human Rights in United Latvia turned out to be wrong. Deputy Head of the Board J.Kahanovics told newspaper

Soon after the local government election the Naturalisation Board evaluated the election results from their point of view. And it was very essential because it came to a conclusion that the statement about the new citizens as the electorate of For Human Rights in United Latvia turned out to be wrong. Deputy Head of the Board J.Kahanovics told newspaper Respublika that these new citizens in Riga gave For Human Rights in United Latvia only 3 seats in the Riga City Council. J.Kahanovics spoke about the situation of these new citizens and naturalisation process in general. Respublika

Vesti Segodnya

interviewed Russian Ambassador I.Studennikov about his life and work in Latvia. The newspaper cites that from the very first meetings with Latvian officials the Ambassador diplomatically but quite strictly pointed out the problems that worried Russian party – language rights of Russian compatriots, huge numbers of non-citizens, danger of reducing the possibilities to study in the Russian language and of course pursuing of WW II veterans. The Ambassador made it understandable that with the current practices of Latvian institutions the progress of Latvian – Russian relations might slow down. Russian Embassy in Latvia promised WW II veterans residing in Latvia to give vouchers for visiting health resorts in Russia.

Russian Embassy in Latvia promised WW II veterans residing in Latvia to give vouchers for visiting health resorts in Russia. Chas

Press Report

Press Report

CoE Secretary General W.Schwimmer will come to Riga on May 3 during his European visit. Answering to the question about Latvian presidency of CoE that was coming to an end, he said that it had been very successful.

CoE Secretary General W.Schwimmer will come to Riga on May 3 during his European visit. Answering to the question about Latvian presidency of CoE that was coming to an end, he said that it had been very successful. Diena

Two cases filed by Latvian residents against the Latvian state about language discrimination could turn out to be important precedents that would make Latvia to reconsider several laws and possibly abolish the norm that forbids running for elections persons who do not know the language on the third – highest level. One case filed Daugavpils businesswoman I.Polocka for crossing out her name from election list before the Saeima election in 1998 and the other was teacher A.Ignatane for crossing out her name from local government election list in 1997.

Two cases filed by Latvian residents against the Latvian state about language discrimination could turn out to be important precedents that would make Latvia to reconsider several laws and possibly abolish the norm that forbids running for elections persons who do not know the language on the third – highest level. One case filed Daugavpils businesswoman I.Polocka for crossing out her name from election list before the Saeima election in 1998 and the other was teacher A.Ignatane for crossing out her name from local government election list in 1997. Diena

During the Russian and EU summits meeting that will take place in Moscow in May one of the discussion topics will be the situation of Russian speakers in the Baltic States. Agency Interfax learned about this from the delegation that would accompany Russian Prime Minister M.Kasyanov on his official visit to Sweden.

During the Russian and EU summits meeting that will take place in Moscow in May one of the discussion topics will be the situation of Russian speakers in the Baltic States. Agency Interfax learned about this from the delegation that would accompany Russian Prime Minister M.Kasyanov on his official visit to Sweden. Neatkariga

During the first three months of this year 180 residents of Daugavpils City and District, Kraslava and Jekabpils Districts have became citizens of Latvia. Totally since 1995 naturalised 3698 residents of this region. But the number of non-citizens in Daugavpils alone exceeds 36 000 that is about 31% of the total population of this city. 21 000 non-citizens by nationality are Russians, 7000 – Byelorussians and 4000 – Poles.

During the first three months of this year 180 residents of Daugavpils City and District, Kraslava and Jekabpils Districts have became citizens of Latvia. Totally since 1995 naturalised 3698 residents of this region. But the number of non-citizens in Daugavpils alone exceeds 36 000 that is about 31% of the total population of this city. 21 000 non-citizens by nationality are Russians, 7000 – Byelorussians and 4000 – Poles. Neatkariga

Riga City Council deputy A.Gilman writes about the case when Riga City Council Russian speaking deputies were approached by

Riga City Council deputy A.Gilman writes about the case when Riga City Council Russian speaking deputies were approached by Rigas Balss journalist E.Barkans and asked them to answer several questions. But the aim of those interviews was to check their state language proficiency level. A.Gilman sees it as a provocation and states that nobody will manage to deprive them of their mandates. Soon Latvia will have to ratify the framework Convention on National Minorities; the next step will be implementation of OSCE so called Oslo recommendation. And when non-citizens receive the right of vote in local government elections, they will come to power in all major cities of Latvia. Rigas Balss

Panorama Latvii

informs that one more Russian speaking school could be closed. This time - in Jelgava. One of explanations for such an action is that the school is planned for 1700 students but now there are only 650. Students would be sent to other schools but 50 teachers and 30 maintenance staff would become unemployed. (also on 30.04.01)