Integration and Minority Information Service

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

• Lauku Avize
interviews Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Sandra Kalniete
• Prime Minister Einars Repse supports the idea to mark January 7 – Orthodox Christmas – an official celebration day
• Russian governments statement regarding Latvia
• Panorama Latvii
about OSCE HCNM Rolf Ekeus visit to Riga

Lauku Avize

interviews Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Sandra Kalniete. Regarding relations between Russia and Latvia she says that relations between the two countries are not so hopeless and that co-operation is very active. She stresses that her personal contacts with the Russian ambassador are very pleasant. Regarding ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, Kalniete says that her stance towards ratification is more cautious than the stance of Nils Muiznieks and it would be strange if Muiznieks would have been against Latvias ratification of the Convention. Kalniete notes that during her discussions with OSCE HCNM Rolf Ekeus about ratification of the Convention she stressed that before the Convention is adopted by the Saeima a thorough discussion about ratification is needed in society. Vesti Segodnya

Prime Minister Einars Repse supports the idea of the Latvian First Party to mark January 7 – Orthodox Christmas – an official celebration day. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Russian Presidents advisor Sergey Yastrzembskiy stated that Moscow hopes that the situation of Russian-speakers will improve after the Baltic States join NATO. Vesti Segodnya

Panorama Latvii

comments on the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus. The newspaper states that the Latvian Government pretended that the High Commissioner was satisfied with the situation and provided such information to the press.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

• Visit of OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus
• Meeting of Latvian Education Minister Karlis Sadurskis and Russian ambassador Igor Studennikov
• Diena
features an article by former Swedish Prime Minister Karl Bildt
• The Latvian First Party suggests to mark Russian Christmas as an official national celebration day
• Vesti Segodnya
reports about the first congress of Russian citizens residing abroad

Chas

and Vesti Segodnya report about the visit of OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus. Vesti Segodnya provides comments of FHRUL leader Janis Jurkans. Jurkans states that the High Commissioner several times called on Latvia to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. According to Jurkans, requirements of the OSCE usually coincide with requirements of the EU and that means that if Latvia wants to become a member state of the EU, Latvia will have to ratify the Convention.

BNS

and LETA report about the meeting of the High Commissioner and Education Minister Karlis Sadurskis. The Minister stressed that there are no sound arguments to postpone the reform in 2004. He says that the process should be gradual, while the quality of education is ensured. The Minister assured that he will follow and pay attention to each individual problematic case and in a case of necessity individual timeframes for the switch will be set.

Telegraf

reports that during the meeting of Latvian Education Minister Karlis Sadurskis and Russian ambassador Igor Studenikov, the Ambassador voiced concern about the education reform in 2004. The Education Minister replied that the ministry will intensify its work with teachers and parents to explain them the meaning of the reform.

Diena

features an article by former Swedish Prime Minister Karl Bildt about Latvias successful way to the EU and NATO. He stresses that Latvia still has many tasks to do and one of it is building a unified society in the country. He believes that appointment of Nils Muiznieks for the post of the Special Task Minister of the Societal Integration is a serious acknowledgement that there still are several issues to be solved in this sphere and that in this respect Latvia could become a true example for other European countries. The Latvian First Party suggests marking Russian Christmas as an official national celebration day. Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks is convinced that the Saeima will support this idea and it will foster integration.

The Latvian First Party suggests marking Russian Christmas as an official national celebration day. Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks is convinced that the Saeima will support this idea and it will foster integration. Chas

Vesti Segodnya

reports about the first congress of Russian citizens residing abroad which took place recently in Kaliningrad. The delegation of 30 people presented Latvia. The newspaper interviews representative from Latvia Boris Katkov who was elected the co-chairperson of the congress. Katkov states that the attitude of the Russian state institutions to Russian citizens residing in the Baltic states is indifferent. One of the ideas discussed at the congress was the formation of the election district which would cover the Baltic States and Kaliningrad. Katkov says that in Latvia Russian citizens are more discriminated than non-citizens. which took place recently in Kaliningrad. The delegation of 30 people presented Latvia. The newspaper interviews representative from Latvia Boris Katkov who was elected the co-chairperson of the congress. Katkov states that the attitude of the Russian state institutions to Russian citizens residing in the Baltic states is indifferent. One of the ideas discussed at the congress was the formation of the election district which would cover the Baltic States and Kaliningrad. Katkov says that in Latvia Russian citizens are more discriminated than non-citizens. Vesti SegodnyaVesti Segodnya

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

• OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus on visit to Riga
• FF/LNNK MP, Minister of Transport Roberts Zile about ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
• Saeima Committee on the Implementation of the Citizenship Law meets with head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane
• New programmes in Russian on National TV
• Funding for the Societal Integration Ministry
• Articles in Rigas Balss, Vesti Segodnya and Telegraf about the education reform in 2004

When

When on his visit to Latvia, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus welcomed the initiative of the Latvian government to form the Ministry of the Societal Integration and promises to provide judicial support for the Ministry. This time the High Commissioner was more interested in familiarizing himself with the minority policy of the new government rather than providing recommendations or objections to Latvias policies. The High Commissioner held meetings with Prime Minister Einars Repse, Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks, Saeima Speaker Ingrida Udre and other high officials. Diena, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Lauku Avize comments on the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner and concludes that hopefully the views of the High Commissioner are not influenced by pro-minority MPs and the attitude of the High Commissioner towards Latvia will not change.

Lauku Avize comments on the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner and concludes that hopefully the views of the High Commissioner are not influenced by pro-minority MPs and the attitude of the High Commissioner towards Latvia will not change.

Latvijas Vestnesis

interviews Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Sandra Kalniete. Reagarding her meeting with OSCE HCNM Rolf Ekeus, she reports that they discussed ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and that the High Commissioner understood why Latvia cannot ratify the Convention now. Prime Minister Einars Repse when discussing ratification of the Convention said that it could be ratified during the 8th Saeima, however, Latvia would adopt a number of reservations. Repse also promised to do everything to ensure a successful and qualitative switch of minority secondary education to instruction in Latvian. Societal Integration Minister Nils Muiznieks is convinced that this Saeima could ratify the Convention. interviews Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Sandra Kalniete. Reagarding her meeting with OSCE HCNM Rolf Ekeus, she reports that they discussed ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and that the High Commissioner understood why Latvia cannot ratify the Convention now. Prime Minister Einars Repse when discussing ratification of the Convention said that it could be ratified during the 8th Saeima, however, Latvia would adopt a number of reservations. Repse also promised to do everything to ensure a successful and qualitative switch of minority secondary education to instruction in Latvian. Societal Integration Minister Nils Muiznieks is convinced that this Saeima could ratify the Convention.

Lauku Avize

interviews one of leaders of FF/LNNK, Minister of Transport interviews one of leaders of FF/LNNK, Minister of Transport Roberts Zile. Regarding ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National MinoritiesRoberts Zile. Regarding ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, Zile stresses that many European countries have not ratified the Convention and if Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks believes that Latvia has to ratify the Convention, he must provide sound arguments for doing that. , Zile stresses that many European countries have not ratified the Convention and if Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks believes that Latvia has to ratify the Convention, he must provide sound arguments for doing that.

Lauku Avize

reports that yesterday reports that yesterday the Saeima Committee on the Implementation of the Citizenship Law had invited for its session head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane.the Saeima Committee on the Implementation of the Citizenship Law had invited for its session head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane. The newspaper notes that the members of the Committee of the 7th Saeima were rather harsh towards Aldermane, however, members of the Committee of this Saeima discussed tasks of the Naturalisation Board in a rather favourable manner. Aldermane reported about the current situation in the field of naturalisation. She stressed that non-citizen parents of children who were born in Latvia after 1991 and are entitled to receive Latvian citizenship through registration are rather inactive. The NB has received applications of only 995 out of 16,600 eligible candidates requesting to grant Latvian citizenship to their children. Aldermane also stated that the level of Latvian language proficiency is decreasing and very often people are taking the Latvian language exam for naturalisation 2 or 3 times before passing. The NB is planning to start a new project, with the financial support from the Finnish embassy, to clarify the reasons why Latvian non-citizens lack motivation to naturalise. She reproached FHRUL MP Vladimir Buzayev and his party for giving people a hope that the Citizenship Law will be amended and the zero citizenship option will be adopted. The newspaper notes that the members of the Committee of the 7th Saeima were rather harsh towards Aldermane, however, members of the Committee of this Saeima discussed tasks of the Naturalisation Board in a rather favourable manner. Aldermane reported about the current situation in the field of naturalisation. She stressed that non-citizen parents of children who were born in Latvia after 1991 and are entitled to receive Latvian citizenship through registration are rather inactive. The NB has received applications of only 995 out of 16,600 eligible candidates requesting to grant Latvian citizenship to their children. Aldermane also stated that the level of Latvian language proficiency is decreasing and very often people are taking the Latvian language exam for naturalisation 2 or 3 times before passing. The NB is planning to start a new project, with the financial support from the Finnish embassy, to clarify the reasons why Latvian non-citizens lack motivation to naturalise. She reproached FHRUL MP Vladimir Buzayev and his party for giving people a hope that the Citizenship Law will be amended and the zero citizenship option will be adopted. The National TV announced changes in its programmes and channels. The conception of TV 2 (which till now aired cultural, children’s, sport and minority programmes) has been changed and now it will be called TV 7. TV 7 will broadcast entertainment, sport and minority programmes. The Latvian National TV promised to pay a serious attention to the reflection of social integration issues in its programmes. As of January there will be several new programmes in the Russian language – a discussion show on topical issues and programmes about life of national minorities in Latvia.

The National TV announced changes in its programmes and channels. The conception of TV 2 (which till now aired cultural, childrens, sport and minority programmes) has been changed and now it will be called TV 7. TV 7 will broadcast entertainment, sport and minority programmes. The Latvian National TV promised to pay a serious attention to the reflection of social integration issues in its programmes. As of January there will be several new programmes in the Russian language – a discussion show on topical issues and programmes about life of national minorities in Latvia. Diena, Lauku Avize, Rigas Balss, Vechernaya Riga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya,Ttelegraf

Funding for the Societal Integration Ministry

Funding for the Societal Integration Ministry Vesti Segodnya provides comments of Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks about discussions in the government to leave him with very limited funding. Muiznieks says that he will fight for funding. However, if it is not allocated, I would leave. I agree to be the Minister to solve certain issues, but without people and resources it is impossible.

Rigas Balss

reports about reports about the education reform in 2004 and views of education officials and principles about the reformthe education reform in 2004 and views of education officials and principles about the reform. Education expert at the Riga City Council Elmars Vebers states that there are many unclear and controversial issues and the coming changes have caused negative emotions and misunderstandings among teachers and parents. Education expert at the Ministry of Education Evija Papule notes that teachers had a possibility to study the Latvian language free of charge already from 2000, therefore the switch should not bring any problems and difficulties. The newspaper provides as an example the minority school in Sampeteri, Riga, where students study in the Latvian language already from the 1st grade and are very satisfied with their Latvian language skills. . Education expert at the Riga City Council Elmars Vebers states that there are many unclear and controversial issues and the coming changes have caused negative emotions and misunderstandings among teachers and parents. Education expert at the Ministry of Education Evija Papule notes that teachers had a possibility to study the Latvian language free of charge already from 2000, therefore the switch should not bring any problems and difficulties. The newspaper provides as an example the minority school in Sampeteri, Riga, where students study in the Latvian language already from the 1st grade and are very satisfied with their Latvian language skills.

Vesti Segodnya

publishes an article about the education reform in 2004 by FHRUL MP Yakov Pliner. He provides experiences of several European countries regarding bilingual education and concludes that students and their parents should have the right to choose a language of instruction at school. by FHRUL MP Yakov Pliner. He provides experiences of several European countries regarding bilingual education and concludes that students and their parents should have the right to choose a language of instruction at school.

Telegraf

discusses the education reform in 2004 as well. The newspaper states that unwillingness and inability of Einars Repse to make compromises could become one of the stumbling blocks when the education reform is implemented. as well. The newspaper states that unwillingness and inability of Einars Repse to make compromises could become one of the stumbling blocks when the education reform is implemented. TelegrafTelegraf notes that the interpretation of the reform provided by current Minister of Education Karlis Sadurskis, that 60 % of classes in secondary school are held in the state language and 40% in a minority language reassures primarily only those parents who want their children to attend Latvian schools but previously did not dare to so. However, there are parents who want that their children study in a native language, implying that at least 70% of classes are in a respective minority language. The newspaper concludes that the education reform could become a reason for crisis in the Government and cause instability in society. notes that the interpretation of the reform provided by current Minister of Education Karlis Sadurskis, that 60 % of classes in secondary school are held in the state language and 40% in a minority language reassures primarily only those parents who want their children to attend Latvian schools but previously did not dare to so. However, there are parents who want that their children study in a native language, implying that at least 70% of classes are in a respective minority language. The newspaper concludes that the education reform could become a reason for crisis in the Government and cause instability in society.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

• Presidents Official Language Commission accounted for its activities yesterday
• Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks asked the government to allot LVL 646 685 for formation and activities of his ministry
• Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities discussed at the Saeima Committee on European Affairs

• Russian ambassador concerned about the education reform in 2004
• Vesti Segodnya interviews Russian ambassador
• Chairperson of the Latvian First Party and head of the EC Delegation Andrew Rasbash discuss integration issues
• State Language inspectors fail to impose fine on Riga City Council official
• Anti-NATO NGO Prata Speks has opened a special phone line for support of Latvian language courses free of charge

The President’s Official Language Commission accounted for its activities yesterday. The President stressed that Latvia has strengthened democratic traditions which is proved by the closure of the OSCE Mission, however, now it is necessary to secure the rights of the Latvian language and its practical usage domestically. Chairperson of the OLC Mara Zalite reported that this year the Commission received LVL 78,423 and 15 its projects were supported by the Saeima and the government. The two most important are the creation of an internet

The Presidents Official Language Commission accounted for its activities yesterday. The President stressed that Latvia has strengthened democratic traditions which is proved by the closure of the OSCE Mission, however, now it is necessary to secure the rights of the Latvian language and its practical usage domestically. Chairperson of the OLC Mara Zalite reported that this year the Commission received LVL 78,423 and 15 its projects were supported by the Saeima and the government. The two most important are the creation of an internet webpage for the Latvian language and drafting of the framework programme for the development of the Latvian language. Zalite believes that that Commission should not write projects - this task should be carried out by the to be established State Language Agency which would administrate funding and distribute it for projects. Diena, Lauku Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Latvijas Vestnesis publishes the full speech of the President given on the occasion.

Latvijas Vestnesis publishes the full speech of the President given on the occasion.

Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks asked the government to allot LVL 646 685 for the formation and activities of his ministry. It is planned that the Ministry will have two departments – Societal Integration and Minority and Administrative Department. Under the supervision of Muiznieks there will also be an Advisory Committee on the Integration Issues, a working group, which will elaborate ethnic policy and an Advisory Committee of Nationalities. The total number of staff amounts to 30 employees. BNS

Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks asked the government to allot LVL 646 685 for the formation and activities of his ministry. It is planned that the Ministry will have two departments – Societal Integration and Minority and Administrative Department. Under the supervision of Muiznieks there will also be an Advisory Committee on the Integration Issues, a working group, which will elaborate ethnic policy and an Advisory Committee of Nationalities. The total number of staff amounts to 30 employees. BNS

Vesti Segodnya

and and Neatkariga Neatkariga report that the Minister of Finance opposes the request of the Integration Minister and states that the decision was to form the post of the minister and not the ministry. The Prime Minister said that most probably the government would allot as little funding as possible for this Ministry. report that the Minister of Finance opposes the request of the Integration Minister and states that the decision was to form the post of the minister and not the ministry. The Prime Minister said that most probably the government would allot as little funding as possible for this Ministry.

Vesti Segodnya

reports about a sitting of the Saeima Committee on European Affairs headed by FF/LNNK MP Guntars Krasts. The main discussion subject was the progress report of the European Commission on Latvia. When discussing the recommendation of the European Commission reports about a sitting of the Saeima Committee on European Affairs headed by FF/LNNK MP Guntars Krasts. The main discussion subject was the progress report of the European Commission on Latvia. When discussing the recommendation of the European Commission to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minoritiesto ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, FHRUL MP Boriss Tsilevich stated that already two NGOs have developed reports about the consequences of ratification, however, there is no response of the government. Guntars Krasts replied that Latvia does not need the Convention., FHRUL MP Boriss Tsilevich stated that already two NGOs have developed reports about the consequences of ratification, however, there is no response of the government. Guntars Krasts replied that Latvia does not need the Convention.

During the meeting with chairperson of the Latvian First Party and vice speaker of the Saeima Eriks Jekabsons, Russian ambassador Igor Studennikov voiced concern about the switch of national minority schools to instruction in the Latvian language and asked for tolerance toward the wish to study in a native language. Jekabsons replied that these issues should be thoroughly discussed because they should not evoke concern of Russian speakers about the future of their children.

Diena

Vesti Segodnya

interviews Russian ambassador Igor Studennikov. The key discussion subjects are relations between Latvia and Russia and terrorism in Russia and in the world.

Latvijas Vestnesis

reports about the meeting of chairperson of the Latvian First Party and vice speaker of the Saeima Eriks Jekabsons with head of the European Commission to Latvia Andrew Rasbash. The key discussion subjects were the societal integration in Latvia, the speed of naturalisation and future expectation in these areas. Jekabsons stressed that integration and society consolidation is one of the key tasks of the government as well as the Saeima.

State Language inspectors fail to impose fine on Riga City Council official. After several unsuccessful attempts to arrange a meeting with head of the Information Department of Riga City Council Guntars Kukuls to draw an administrative protocol about the lack of translation to the state language at the press conference of Moscow Mayor Yurij Luzkov, the State Language Centre asks Kukuls to come to the Centre. However, Kukuls will not be in Riga at that time. State Language Centre inspectors say that it is jeering because we are not entitled to draw a protocol without the presence of a person who violated the law. BNS

Anti-NATO NGO Prata Speks, which provides Latvian language courses free of charge,

Anti-NATO NGO Prata Speks, which provides Latvian language courses free of charge, has opened a special phone line where each call costs LVL 1. The money collected will be donated for funding of Latvian language courses in the future. Vesti Segodnya

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

• Integration Foundation grants Phare Funding
• Ministry of Justice plans to reduce funding for the Integration Foundation
• The Riga Regional Court ruled that the Freedom Party's election campaign video was defamatory

• Conference about integration tendencies in Ukrainian community in Latvia
• Re-organisation of National TV channel TV2, which aired programmes in Russian
• Panorama Latvii
reports about a number of minority cultural events.

For the first time,

For the first time, the Integration Foundation granted funding for 5 Phare integration projects aimed at fostering societal integration in Latvia. Director of the Integration Foundation Nils Sakss said that there had been some concern regarding the quality of NGOs in Latvia and their ability to meet the strict criteria of the EU, however, now he is convinced that Latvia will be able to manage the increased amount of money which will be allotted within the framework of the Phare programme next year (EUR 1,000,000). This year only so-called Latvian NGOs received the grant, as according to Nils Sakss, some Phare requirements, such as the project application should be in English and an NGO should have experience in managing grants in the amount of at least EUR 10,000, were the key obstacles for many minority NGOs. The following 5 projects were supported: study of the Roma situation in Latvia (implementer the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies); discussion clubs where 225 applicants for naturalisation will study the history of Latvia and the Constitution (the Folk School); documentary Dear Jasha about a Russian actor in Latvia (European Symposium of Documentaries); civic education on the regional level – the project will provide civic education to non-Latvians older than 50 years in 4 regions of Latvia (Latvian Adult Education Association); the fifth project is aimed at facilitation of capacities of minority NGOs (Centre for NGOs). Diena, Neatkariga, Chas

Panorama Latvii comments that most probably these projects will have no effect on the broader public, although the total amount of funding is quite substantial.

Panorama Latvii comments that most probably these projects will have no effect on the broader public, although the total amount of funding is quite substantial.

To save money in the state budget the

To save money in the state budget the Ministry of Justice plans to close the Commission on the Revision of Consequences of Totalitarian Regime and reduce funding for the Integration Foundation. Diena

The Riga Regional Court ruled that the Freedom Party's election campaign video, that featured black musicians Peter Mensah and Christopher Ejugo from the band "Los Amigos",

The Riga Regional Court ruled that the Freedom Party's election campaign video, that featured black musicians Peter Mensah and Christopher Ejugo from the band "Los Amigos", was defamatory. According to the court's ruling, the party must turn to the Latvian National Television (LTV) and ask to broadcast partys apology (funded by the party) one time before the LTV evening news program "Panorama." The party must apologise that its video was unethical, did not promote tolerance and bordered on kindling of ethnical and racial hatred. The party must also apologise to both musicians, and send such statements to 180,000 residents that received the party's advertisements. The FP is to pay each musician LVL 3,000 and LVL 150 for costs and expenditures. Mensah and Ejugo filed petitions in Riga Regional Court against the party, because its video depicted black people and warned about an influx of refugees from Asian countries. LETA, Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

The administration of the National TV announced about re-organisation of the channel TV 2 which until now has aired programmes also in the Russian language, as well as cultural, educational, children and sport shows and programmes. Representative of the administration Dariya Juskevica avoided the question what will happen with programmes in Russian.

The administration of the National TV announced about re-organisation of the channel TV 2 which until now has aired programmes also in the Russian language, as well as cultural, educational, children and sport shows and programmes. Representative of the administration Dariya Juskevica avoided the question what will happen with programmes in Russian. Telegraf

The organisation Ukraine – Latvia with the support of the Institution of Philosophy and Sociology, the Embassy of Ukraine, Riga Ukrainian Secondary School and the Society Integration Foundation held

The organisation Ukraine – Latvia with the support of the Institution of Philosophy and Sociology, the Embassy of Ukraine, Riga Ukrainian Secondary School and the Society Integration Foundation held a conference about integration tendencies in the Ukrainian community in Latvia. Panorama Latvii

Panorama Latvii

reports about a number of minority cultural events. The international festival of folk art We Love This Country was held in Liepaja. The Integration Foundation, branch of the Naturalisation Board in Liepaja and Centre for Slavic Culture provided their support to the festival. Another event took place in Riga and was devoted to national celebrations of Belorussians. The international festival of folk art “We Love This Country” was held in Liepaja. The Integration Foundation, branch of the Naturalisation Board in Liepaja and Centre for Slavic Culture provided their support to the festival. Another event took place in Riga and was devoted to national celebrations of Belorussians.