• Society Integration Foundation Society Solidarity award
• Meeting of the head of the Naturalization Board with MPs
• Increased rates of naturalization applications
• Conference about the integration of minority youth
• Proposal on voting rights for non-citizens at the elections for the European Parliament rejected
• Upcoming establishment of a Russian schools teachers society
• New leader of Peoples Harmony Partys parliamentary faction
• Interview with representative of the emerging party For a Two-Community Latvia
• The number of migrants from Latvia to Russia is decreasing

This year’s Society Integration Foundation Society Solidarity Award was awarded to to the Jelgava Sport and rehabilitation club for disabled persons “Ceriba” (“Hope”) and to the ex-adviser to the President on nationality issues Olgerts Tipans.  The award was established last year as a recognition of significant contribution in the area of social and ethnic integration. 

This years Society Integration Foundation Society Solidarity Award was awarded to to the Jelgava Sport and rehabilitation club for disabled persons Ceriba (Hope) and to the ex-adviser to the President on nationality issues Olgerts Tipans. The award was established last year as a recognition of significant contribution in the area of social and ethnic integration. Diena, Chas

Telegraf writes about the meeting yesterday of Eizenija Aldermane, the head of Naturalization Board, with members of parliament. Eizenija Aldermane reported that Latvian language proficiency among minority children is improving, but their attitude to the state is standoffish. The head of Naturalization Board believes that the main causes of this phenomenon are the large share of non-citizens among the Russian language school teachers and the lack of patriotic education.

In October and November this year the Naturalization Board has received approximately twice as many naturalization applications as during the same period last year. In October there were 1371 applications, but in November about 1300.

In October and November this year the Naturalization Board has received approximately twice as many naturalization applications as during the same period last year. In October there were 1371 applications, but in November about 1300. Latvijas Avize

A conference about the integration of minority youth was organized yesterday by the Secretariat of the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration. The Head of Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane stated at the conference that young people know the Latvian language but do not feel a sense of belonging to the state. The survey of the Baltic Social Sciences Institute shows that young people of minorities are estranged from the state, but not apolitical, i.e., they increasingly establish the new NGOs in order to protest against the education reform. The Special Task Minister fore Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks pointed to the polls, displaying that 47% Russian speaking young people has measured their Latvian language proficiency as  “below average,” but 4% declared that they do not know Latvian at all. The minister concluded that this shows that the education reform is necessary. 

A conference about the integration of minority youth was organized yesterday by the Secretariat of the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration. The Head of Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane stated at the conference that young people know the Latvian language but do not feel a sense of belonging to the state. The survey of the Baltic Social Sciences Institute shows that young people of minorities are estranged from the state, but not apolitical, i.e., they increasingly establish the new NGOs in order to protest against the education reform. The Special Task Minister fore Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks pointed to the polls, displaying that 47% Russian speaking young people has measured their Latvian language proficiency as below average, but 4% declared that they do not know Latvian at all. The minister concluded that this shows that the education reform is necessary. Vesti Segodnya

Yesterday the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee rejected the proposals of MP Vladimir Buzajev (For Human Rights in a United Latvia) to grant voting rights for non-citizens of Latvia at the European Parliament elections and to deny the right to vote for those citizens of the European Union, who do not have such a right in their country of origin.

Yesterday the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee rejected the proposals of MP Vladimir Buzajev (For Human Rights in a United Latvia) to grant voting rights for non-citizens of Latvia at the European Parliament elections and to deny the right to vote for those citizens of the European Union, who do not have such a right in their country of origin. Latvijas Avize

A Russian school teachers’ society is in the process of being established. The main tasks of the new organization will be improvement of the education process and monitoring of the education reform in the Russian-language schools as well as the elaboration of proposals on these issues.

A Russian school teachers society is in the process of being established. The main tasks of the new organization will be improvement of the education process and monitoring of the education reform in the Russian-language schools as well as the elaboration of proposals on these issues. Chas features an interview with a one of the founders of the organization -- head master of private secondary school Maxima Olga Isakova. Latvijas Avize, Chas

Janis Urbanovics has become the new leader of the People’s Harmony Party’s parliamentary faction after the resignation of previous leader Janis Jurkans.

Janis Urbanovics has become the new leader of the Peoples Harmony Partys parliamentary faction after the resignation of previous leader Janis Jurkans. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with Jakov Briskin, representative of emerging party For a Two-Community Latvia (Par divkopienu Latviju). Jakov Briskin believes that in reality there are two communities in Latvia and that the dominating political regimes notion of integration subsumes assimilation. Briskin believes that its necessary to acknowledge the existence of two communities in Latvia on the international level, thus obtaining support in the struggle for equality.

The decreasing number of Latvian residents have been migrating to Russia over the last years. According to the head of the Citizenship and Migration Affairs Department’s Repatriation Division Juris Dombrovskis, during the last 11 months 675 residents have migrated to Russia. Approximately 1,000 people left Latvia for Russia the year before.

The decreasing number of Latvian residents have been migrating to Russia over the last years. According to the head of the Citizenship and Migration Affairs Departments Repatriation Division Juris Dombrovskis, during the last 11 months 675 residents have migrated to Russia. Approximately 1,000 people left Latvia for Russia the year before. Telegraf

• OSCE HCNM on education reform, naturalization and municipal elections
• Former KGB staff prohibition to stand as candidates for elections extended
• Riga Russian-language schools readiness for education reform
• European Parliament deputy points to weakness in Latvian state administrative apparatus, problems of social integration and illegal migrants camp
• Russian politicians in Moscow call for support for Russian-speakers in Latvia
• Representatives of Secretariat of Special Task Minister for Societal Integration in Liepaja
• Latvian Association of National Cultural Societies celebrates 15th anniversary

Rolf Ekeus, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, reportedly said in a meeting with Latvia’s foreign minister Sandra Kalniete that he agrees that the 2004 education reform in Latvia is necessary. The High Commissioner also positively valued the increase in the pace of naturalization and supported the necessity to know Latvian language for naturalization, while expressing understanding of the Latvian official argument that non-citizens should not be allowed to participate in municipal election because a priority should be given to increasing the rate of naturalization and integration.

Rolf Ekeus, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, reportedly said in a meeting with Latvias foreign minister Sandra Kalniete that he agrees that the 2004 education reform in Latvia is necessary. The High Commissioner also positively valued the increase in the pace of naturalization and supported the necessity to know Latvian language for naturalization, while expressing understanding of the Latvian official argument that non-citizens should not be allowed to participate in municipal election because a priority should be given to increasing the rate of naturalization and integration. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Rigas Balss, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

The Saeima Legal Affairs Committee supports the proposal to extend the period for establishing an individual’s connection to the Soviet State Security Committee for another tend years, thereby prolonging the prohibition for ex-staff of the State Security Committee to stand as candidate for elections and to be employed in state institutions.

The Saeima Legal Affairs Committee supports the proposal to extend the period for establishing an individuals connection to the Soviet State Security Committee for another tend years, thereby prolonging the prohibition for ex-staff of the State Security Committee to stand as candidate for elections and to be employed in state institutions. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Vechernaya Riga features an article about schools readiness for the education reform 2004. The article argues that the Ministry of Education information that most schools in Riga plan to include more disciplines in Latvian than the required minimum of 5, which is planned only by one school in Riga. Based on her own interviews, the author of the article questions the accuracy of these data, also pointing out that the school directors interviewed had very different understandings of the requirements.

European Parliament deputy Elisabeth Schroedter, who is preparing a report on Latvia to be included in an overview of the ten accession countries, is concerned about the weakness of state administrative capacity, social integration and alck of political will to integrate Russian-speakers as well as individual problems at the illegal migrants’ camp in Olaine.  She also criticized Latvia’s parliament for overreacting by recalling opposition deputy Bekasov from the European Parliament, where he had observer status and sees this as symptomatic.

European Parliament deputy Elisabeth Schroedter, who is preparing a report on Latvia to be included in an overview of the ten accession countries, is concerned about the weakness of state administrative capacity, social integration and alck of political will to integrate Russian-speakers as well as individual problems at the illegal migrants camp in Olaine. She also criticized Latvias parliament for overreacting by recalling opposition deputy Bekasov from the European Parliament, where he had observer status and sees this as symptomatic. Diena

At a press conference in Moscow the Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs of the State Duma Vyacheslav Igrunov and Yabloko party member Andrey Babuschin critically commented on the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia, calling on the Russian state to provide financial support for various activities to support culture and education in Russian in Latvia and arguing that international monitoring should continue.

At a press conference in Moscow the Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs of the State Duma Vyacheslav Igrunov and Yabloko party member Andrey Babuschin critically commented on the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia, calling on the Russian state to provide financial support for various activities to support culture and education in Russian in Latvia and arguing that international monitoring should continue. Chas, Telegraf, Latvijas Avize

Chas reports about the meeting of representatives of the Secretariat of the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration and residents of Liepaja.

The Latvian Association of National Cultural Societies (ANKOL), which includes organizations of various ethnic groups and is headed by Raffi Haradjanan, celebrated its 15-year anniversary with a concert, which was attended by representatives of the Minsitry of Culture and the Minister of Education Karlis Sadurskis.

The Latvian Association of National Cultural Societies (ANKOL), which includes organizations of various ethnic groups and is headed by Raffi Haradjanan, celebrated its 15-year anniversary with a concert, which was attended by representatives of the Minsitry of Culture and the Minister of Education Karlis Sadurskis. Latvijas avize, Vesti segodnya

• Latvian and Russian foreign ministers at OSCE meeting in Maastricht
• European Parliament deputy from Germany criticizes Latvia on integration
• Interview with Chairperson of Human Rights Committee Ina Druviete
• Politicians views on definition of minority
• Historian on research and facts of Nazi war crimes in Bauska

In the OSCE minister meeting in Maastricht Russian foreign minister Igor Ivanov criticized Latvia for not observing minority rights of Russian-speakers, while Latvia’s foreign minister Sandra Kalniete in her speech spoke of human rights violations in Chechnya and also called on Russia to fulfill obligations of troop withdrawal from Georgia and Moldova.  The Latvian foreign minister admitted that the Russian criticism was unexpectedly brief and moderate.

In the OSCE minister meeting in Maastricht Russian foreign minister Igor Ivanov criticized Latvia for not observing minority rights of Russian-speakers, while Latvias foreign minister Sandra Kalniete in her speech spoke of human rights violations in Chechnya and also called on Russia to fulfill obligations of troop withdrawal from Georgia and Moldova. The Latvian foreign minister admitted that the Russian criticism was unexpectedly brief and moderate. Diena also reports that the Russian foreign minister criticizes the OSCE lack of support for the Russian peace agreement proposal for Moldova, which foresees Russian troops remaining in the country until 2020, while presiding country foreign minister Jaap de Hoop Scheffer expressed hope that a common resolution will be agreed upon shortly. Diena, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

Latvijas Avize publishes an interview with European Parliament deputy from Gemany Elisabeth Schroedter, who was in Latvia yesterday on an official visit. Ms Schroedter was critical of the level of activities for social integration and concerned about the large number of non-citizens, which in her view will be a question that will receive increased attention in debates in the European Parliament. Ms Schroedter was also critical of the education reform and transition to Latvian as the main language of instruction in secondary schools, despite admitting that the reform has in general been accepted by Europe.

Latvijas Avize publishes an interview with New Era member and Chairperson of the Saeima Commission on Human Rights and Social Affairs Ina Druviete on ethnic integration and the necessary predominance of the Latvian language. Ms Druviete admits that minority language rights are also part of human rights, but that this concerns the use of minority language in the private sphere, not in higher sociolinguistic spheres as, for instance, the police, armed forces, municipal institutions, state power and administrative institutions, which should be reserved for the state language.

In an overview of politicians’ views of the definition of minority in Latvia, Ina Druviete (New Era) argues that since no international consensus exists on a definition and since many minorities in Latvia would in any case not correspond to any generally established criteria, while the majority – Latvians – are not in a dominant economic position, a general definition for Latvia would not be feasible.  Instead, a real possibility for Latvia when talking about the ratification of the Framework Convention would be to establish a list of minorities, making sure that a clear distinction is drawn between linguistic and ethnic minorities.  First Party representative and parliamentary faction leader Oskars Kastens stresses the uniqueness of the situation in Latvia and Estonia and thinks that although problematic, an elaboration of a definition could serve as a precedent for other countries and that the elaboration of a definition should be the competence of the Minister for Social Integration Affairs.  Fatherland and Freedom/Latvian National Independence Movement deputy Juris Dobelis and Anta Rugâte from People’s Party and head of the Citizenship Implementation Commission in parliament think that only citizens can be part of a minority.  Andris Berzins from the Union of Greens and Farmers refers to the working group in the Saeima which will be responsible for elaborating reservations to the Framework Convention and also should elaborate a definition for use in Latvia.  People’s Harmony Party representative Janus Urbanovics says that the definition should be based on European standards. 

In an overview of politicians views of the definition of minority in Latvia, Ina Druviete (New Era) argues that since no international consensus exists on a definition and since many minorities in Latvia would in any case not correspond to any generally established criteria, while the majority РLatvians Рare not in a dominant economic position, a general definition for Latvia would not be feasible. Instead, a real possibility for Latvia when talking about the ratification of the Framework Convention would be to establish a list of minorities, making sure that a clear distinction is drawn between linguistic and ethnic minorities. First Party representative and parliamentary faction leader Oskars Kastens stresses the uniqueness of the situation in Latvia and Estonia and thinks that although problematic, an elaboration of a definition could serve as a precedent for other countries and that the elaboration of a definition should be the competence of the Minister for Social Integration Affairs. Fatherland and Freedom/Latvian National Independence Movement deputy Juris Dobelis and Anta Rug̢te from Peoples Party and head of the Citizenship Implementation Commission in parliament think that only citizens can be part of a minority. Andris Berzins from the Union of Greens and Farmers refers to the working group in the Saeima which will be responsible for elaborating reservations to the Framework Convention and also should elaborate a definition for use in Latvia. Peoples Harmony Party representative Janus Urbanovics says that the definition should be based on European standards. Latvijas Avize

In an article in

In an article in Diena, historian and head of the history department of the Bauska Local research art and history museum Aigars Urtans describes what has been established as fact through research on the 1941 Nazi crimes in Bauska.

• Ephraim Zuroff expresses dissatisfaction about the attitude of General Prosecutors office towards people, informing about the war crimes
• A proposal of Saeima coalition parties
• About the visit of deputy from European Parliament (EP) Elisabeth Schroedter to Latvia
• Interview with the Under-Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andris Piebalgs
• Interview with the Secretary of Saeima Janis Reirs (The New Era)
• Articles on conference Maintenance and development of ethnical minorities in Latvia: facilities and needs

Simon Wiesenthal Centre director Ephraim Zuroff has expressed dissatisfaction about the attitude of General Prosecutor’s office towards people, informing about the war crimes realized by fascists. The resident of Bauska Larisa Grekova has complained to Zuroff that the prosecutor Vija Popova has incriminated to her the defamation to Latvia. According to the press secretary of General Prosecutor’s office Dzintra Schubrovska, there has been performed an official investigation  and established an infringement of a several norms of criminal proceedings code, do not giving any impact on activities of General Prosecutor’s office in the area of investigation of the crimes of totalitarian regime.

Simon Wiesenthal Centre director Ephraim Zuroff has expressed dissatisfaction about the attitude of General Prosecutors office towards people, informing about the war crimes realized by fascists. The resident of Bauska Larisa Grekova has complained to Zuroff that the prosecutor Vija Popova has incriminated to her the defamation to Latvia. According to the press secretary of General Prosecutors office Dzintra Schubrovska, there has been performed an official investigation and established an infringement of a several norms of criminal proceedings code, do not giving any impact on activities of General Prosecutors office in the area of investigation of the crimes of totalitarian regime. Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the Ephraim Zuroff. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The coalition parties of Saeima have tabled a proposal, stipulating the deny of rights to candidate for the elections to the European Parliament for ex-officials of the State Security Committee of the Soviet Republic of Latvia and the activists of Communist Party after the retrieve of independence of Latvia. The MPs of Saeima also want to prolong the prohibition to candidate for the Saeima’s elections to these persons for the next 10 years.

The coalition parties of Saeima have tabled a proposal, stipulating the deny of rights to candidate for the elections to the European Parliament for ex-officials of the State Security Committee of the Soviet Republic of Latvia and the activists of Communist Party after the retrieve of independence of Latvia. The MPs of Saeima also want to prolong the prohibition to candidate for the Saeimas elections to these persons for the next 10 years. Diena

Lauku Avize features an article about the oncoming visit of deputy from the group of the Greens/European Free Alliance of the European Parliament (EP) Elisabeth Schroedter to Latvia. The deputy believes that there are problems in the area of observation of minority rights in Latvia, pointing to the Saeimas decision to recall Marjan Bekasov from the status of an observer to the EP as illustration.

Lauku Avize features an interview with the Under-Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andris Piebalgs about the relationships between Latvia and Russia.

Lauku Avize prints an interview with the Secretary of Saeima Janis Reirs (The New Era) about the accession of Latvia to the European Union, relationships between Latvia and Russia and observation of minority rights. Janis Reirs believes, that Latvia will not make amendments to a Citizenship law and that there will not be naturalization according to the list.

Russian language newspapers feature articles about the conference “Maintenance and development of ethnical minorities in Latvia: facilities and needs”, discussing the situation of Russians as ethnos in Latvia.

Russian language newspapers feature articles about the conference Maintenance and development of ethnical minorities in Latvia: facilities and needs, discussing the situation of Russians as ethnos in Latvia. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

• A deputy of the EPwill gather information for the EPs Monitoring Report on Latvia
• Society Integration Foundation allocates around 2 millions euro to the EU Phare projects
• The Special Task Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat prepares a draft report on the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
• A protest meeting of a Russian language schools students against education reform
• Eizenija Aldermane about the increasing number of naturalization applications
• Publishing house Vieda led by Aivars Garda announces new essay contests
• About the proposals of the party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK to the draft law on the EPs elections
• Discussion on nationalism in Latvia
• www.policy.lv interviews Boris Tsilevitch

On 1-2 December, a deputy from the group of the Greens/European Free Alliance of the European Parliament (EP) Elisabeth Schroedter will visit Latvia in order to gather information for the EP’s Monitoring Report on Latvia. The deputy will gather information on minority integration, judicial reform, anti-corruption measures and other issues. According to Elisabeth Schroedter, Latvia’s initiatives to promote integration of minorities are insufficient. The deputy also believes that the Saeima’s decision to recall Marjan Bekasov from the status of an observer to the EP is anti-democratic.

On 1-2 December, a deputy from the group of the Greens/European Free Alliance of the European Parliament (EP) Elisabeth Schroedter will visit Latvia in order to gather information for the EPs Monitoring Report on Latvia. The deputy will gather information on minority integration, judicial reform, anti-corruption measures and other issues. According to Elisabeth Schroedter, Latvias initiatives to promote integration of minorities are insufficient. The deputy also believes that the Saeimas decision to recall Marjan Bekasov from the status of an observer to the EP is anti-democratic. Diena

The Society Integration Foundation (SIF) has allocated around 2 millions euro to the 2004 EU Phare projects. The SIF has allocated 1,28 millions euro to 31 projects in the area of ethnic integration and 790,000 euro to 18 projects for the development of civic society. In the area of ethnic integration, there are projects aimed to promote participation of non-Latvians in political life and naturalization, support of minority cultures and intercultural dialog, implementation of education reform, participation of socially excluded minority representatives. There are also other projects’ themes.

The Society Integration Foundation (SIF) has allocated around 2 millions euro to the 2004 EU Phare projects. The SIF has allocated 1,28 millions euro to 31 projects in the area of ethnic integration and 790,000 euro to 18 projects for the development of civic society. In the area of ethnic integration, there are projects aimed to promote participation of non-Latvians in political life and naturalization, support of minority cultures and intercultural dialog, implementation of education reform, participation of socially excluded minority representatives. There are also other projects themes. Diena

The Special Task Minister’s for Societal Integration Secretariat has prepared a draft report on the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. The Saeima could examine this document in December-January. The report contains four possible alternatives to ratify the Convention. The Minister Nils Muiznieks believes that only one reservation on minority language use in topographical information should be made.

The Special Task Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat has prepared a draft report on the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. The Saeima could examine this document in December-January. The report contains four possible alternatives to ratify the Convention. The Minister Nils Muiznieks believes that only one reservation on minority language use in topographical information should be made. Telegraf

Yesterday around 400 students of a Riga Russian language school have organized a protest meeting against education reform. The meeting has taken place near the school’s building during a break, without participation of teachers and school’s administration.

Yesterday around 400 students of a Riga Russian language school have organized a protest meeting against education reform. The meeting has taken place near the schools building during a break, without participation of teachers and schools administration. Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Vechernaya Riga

The Naturalization Board is conducting a survey among naturalization applicants about the reasons why they have not applied for Latvian citizenship before. According to the head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane, there are three main reasons of the increasing number of naturalization applications: the positive result of the referendum on Latvia’s accession to the EU, Latvian language courses free of charge, and the reduction of the naturalization fee. Eizenija Aldermane has also concluded, that the state identity of naturalization applicants has increased, especially among middle-aged persons.

The Naturalization Board is conducting a survey among naturalization applicants about the reasons why they have not applied for Latvian citizenship before. According to the head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane, there are three main reasons of the increasing number of naturalization applications: the positive result of the referendum on Latvias accession to the EU, Latvian language courses free of charge, and the reduction of the naturalization fee. Eizenija Aldermane has also concluded, that the state identity of naturalization applicants has increased, especially among middle-aged persons. Jauna Avize

The extreme nationalistic publishing house “Vieda” led by Aivars Garda has announced three new essay contests. The theme of the first essay contest for children is: “Don’t you think that Latvian state robs your grandmother, grandfather and yourself when paying pensions to occupants?” Another essay contest is for pensioners: “Don’t you think that the Latvian state robs a happy old age taking away a piece of bread from Latvian pensioners when paying pensions to occupants?” The theme of the third essay contest is for children and students of Latvia and Russia: “Let’s help to the President Putin to return Russians from the former USSR’s republics to Russia!”

The extreme nationalistic publishing house Vieda led by Aivars Garda has announced three new essay contests. The theme of the first essay contest for children is: Dont you think that Latvian state robs your grandmother, grandfather and yourself when paying pensions to occupants? Another essay contest is for pensioners: Dont you think that the Latvian state robs a happy old age taking away a piece of bread from Latvian pensioners when paying pensions to occupants? The theme of the third essay contest is for children and students of Latvia and Russia: Lets help to the President Putin to return Russians from the former USSRs republics to Russia! Chas, Telegraf,

Vesti Segodnya interviews the chairperson of the Saeimas Foreign Affairs Committee Inese Vaidere (for Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK). The MP comments the proposals of the party to the draft law on the EPs elections. According to the draft proposal, former agents and members of the National Security Committee should not have the right to candidate for the elections to the EP. Inese Vaidere believes that deputies of the EP should be loyal to Latvia. Vesti Segodnya

Rigas Balss features a discussion on the issue of nationalism and the prospects of its development in Latvia. The newspaper has interviewed the former secretary general of the group For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK Aigars Kimenis, a representative of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian Schools Juriy Petropavlovsky, the head of the organization All for Latvia Raivis Dzintars and the LU associated professor Juris Rozenvalds.

The English version of the public policy portal

The English version of the public policy portal www.policy.lv publishes an interview with Boris Tsilevitch, a member of the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and a MP (Peoples Harmony Party). Boris Tsilevitch discusses various minority issues in Latvia (See the interview at http://www.policy.lv/index.php?id="102786&lang=en).