• Ratings of political parties in November
• Interview with the Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis
• Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee supports the amendments to the Law on Radio and Television
• Statistics on complaints received by the National Human Rights Office
• Russian language newspapers discuss the necessity of independent expertise of the quality of education in minority schools
• Activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs criticizes the appointment of Ina Druviete to the post of the Minister of Education and Science
• Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov points to minority problems in Latvia and Estonia
• Director of the Russian Centre for Scientific and Cultural Collaboration Elena Mitrofanov talks about the minority education reform in Latvia
• Russia plans to organise the meeting of national leaders of Russia and NATO member states in Moscow on 9 May 2004
• Russia will allocate RUB300,000,000 (EUR 7,877,610) for its compatriots
• Newspapers discuss ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
• Cabinet of Ministers allocates funding for four Russian military pensioners who want to emigrate from Latvia
• Hanukas celebrations took place in the centre of Riga

The latest opinion poll conducted by the company SKDS shows that the New Era has remained the most popular political party in November – 17.4% citizens would vote for the New Era. Ratings of other parties are the following: For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM – 10%, For Human Rights in the United Latvia – 9.4%, the Union of Farmers and Greens – 8.9%, the People’s Party – 8.2% and Latvia’s Way – 5.3%. The rating of the Latvia’s First Party, which is in the government, is 2.6%. The opinion poll was conducted after the resignation of the Emsis’ government, but before the formation process of the new government.

The latest opinion poll conducted by the company SKDS shows that the New Era has remained the most popular political party in November – 17.4% citizens would vote for the New Era. Ratings of other parties are the following: For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM – 10%, For Human Rights in the United Latvia – 9.4%, the Union of Farmers and Greens – 8.9%, the Peoples Party – 8.2% and Latvias Way – 5.3%. The rating of the Latvias First Party, which is in the government, is 2.6%. The opinion poll was conducted after the resignation of the Emsis government, but before the formation process of the new government. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas

Neatkariga Rita Avize features an interview with the Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis. Regarding ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, the Prime Minister states that politicians exaggerate the possible effects of ratification. The Prime Minister believes that most likely the minority definition will be include only those minorities who were Latvian citizens until 17 June 1940 or their descendants.

Despite the President’s decision not to promulgate the amendments to the Law on Radio and Television and return the Law to Saeima, the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee supported the amendments to the Law which stipulate that the Cabinet of Ministers has the right to set specific provisions concerning the usage of the language of broadcasting if the usage of the state language is endangered or restricted in the territory of a respective broadcaster.

Despite the Presidents decision not to promulgate the amendments to the Law on Radio and Television and return the Law to Saeima, the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee supported the amendments to the Law which stipulate that the Cabinet of Ministers has the right to set specific provisions concerning the usage of the language of broadcasting if the usage of the state language is endangered or restricted in the territory of a respective broadcaster. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

In 2004 the National Human Rights Office has received seven complaints from individuals who complained about violation of their rights on the grounds of their ethnicity. Another seven persons complained discrimination on the grounds of language, but four – about repressions because of their religious believes. According to the Head of the Analysis Department of the Bureau Liga Bikisiniece, Russians, for example, most frequently complain about municipality offcials who refuse to receive their applications written in Cyrillic.

In 2004 the National Human Rights Office has received seven complaints from individuals who complained about violation of their rights on the grounds of their ethnicity. Another seven persons complained discrimination on the grounds of language, but four – about repressions because of their religious believes. According to the Head of the Analysis Department of the Bureau Liga Bikisiniece, Russians, for example, most frequently complain about municipality offcials who refuse to receive their applications written in Cyrillic. Vesti Segodnya

Russian language newspapers discuss the necessity of independent expertise that would evaluate the quality of education in minority schools after the implementation of the education reform. The inquired human rights experts state that there is a need to conduct an independent expertise, because there is more and more negative information concerning the implementation of the reform and also the number of parents who believe that the academic success of their children is getting worse is increasing.  However, NGO representatives doubt that the state is interested in objective analysis of problems concerning the implementation of the education reform.

Russian language newspapers discuss the necessity of independent expertise that would evaluate the quality of education in minority schools after the implementation of the education reform. The inquired human rights experts state that there is a need to conduct an independent expertise, because there is more and more negative information concerning the implementation of the reform and also the number of parents who believe that the academic success of their children is getting worse is increasing. However, NGO representatives doubt that the state is interested in objective analysis of problems concerning the implementation of the education reform. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

‘The nomination of the member of the New Era Ina Druviete to the post of the Minister of Education and Science is making fun of the Russian community in Latvia,’ believes the activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs who was recently expelled from Latvia. The activist states that although Ina Druviete stated that she is ready to talk with representatives of the Headquarters, her previous activities reveal her radical views and stances.

‘The nomination of the member of the New Era Ina Druviete to the post of the Minister of Education and Science is making fun of the Russian community in Latvia, believes the activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs who was recently expelled from Latvia. The activist states that although Ina Druviete stated that she is ready to talk with representatives of the Headquarters, her previous activities reveal her radical views and stances. Latvijas Avize

The Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov has repeatedly drawn the attention of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe to issues of national minorities in Latvia and Estonia.

The Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov has repeatedly drawn the attention of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe to issues of national minorities in Latvia and Estonia. Latvijas Avize

‘There is no doubt that national languages should have a dominant role in national republics in all spheres, including educations,’ stated the director of the Russian Centre for Scientific and Cultural Collaboration Elena Mitrofanov. However, when asked about minority education reform in Latvia, Elena Mitrofanov pointed to several mistakes: lack of discussions in society about the reform and lack of training of minority schools teachers before the implementation of the reform. The official was concerned about the quality of education.

‘There is no doubt that national languages should have a dominant role in national republics in all spheres, including educations, stated the director of the Russian Centre for Scientific and Cultural Collaboration Elena Mitrofanov. However, when asked about minority education reform in Latvia, Elena Mitrofanov pointed to several mistakes: lack of discussions in society about the reform and lack of training of minority schools teachers before the implementation of the reform. The official was concerned about the quality of education. Latvijas Avize, Chas

Diena, referring to anonymous sources of information in Brussels, reports that Russia plans to organise a meeting of state leaders from Russia and NATO member states on 9 May 2004. ‘Therefore the pressure on the leaders of the Baltic States to participate in the celebrations of the anniversary of the victory in World War II could be increased, concludes the newspaper.

Russia is ready to increase funding for its compatriots residing in the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Baltic States, in 2005. Next year Russia plans to allocate RUB 300,000,000 (EUR 7,877,610) for its compatriots.

Russia is ready to increase funding for its compatriots residing in the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Baltic States, in 2005. Next year Russia plans to allocate RUB300,000,000 (EUR 7,877,610) for its compatriots. Telegraf

Latvijas Avize features a critical commentary by Vilnis Zarins on ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. The author of the article believes that the standards of the Convention concerning the usage of minority languages should not be applied regarding languages of former occupants of Latvia, that is, Russian and German. Vilnis Zarins states ‘Latvia should categorically reject all attempts made by its former occupants to implement this Convention in seven largest Latvian cities/towns, population of which has changed substantially due to occupation. However, the author believes that Latvia should not ignore this Convention because its ratification would help Latvia to protect other minorities, for instance Belorussians, from russification. The columnist of the Russian-language newspaper Chas Leonids Fedoseyevs criticizes attempts of state officials to divide non-Latvian citizens into two groups.

The Cabinet of Ministers supported the allocation of financial support from the state budget for four Russian military pensioners who want to emigrate from Latvia. Two pensioners will receive LVL 2,160 (EUR 3151), but the other two LVL 1,440 (EUR 2100) and LVL 1,200 (EUR1700).

The Cabinet of Ministers supported the allocation of financial support from the state budget for four Russian military pensioners who want to emigrate from Latvia. Two pensioners will receive LVL2,160 (EUR 3151), but the other two LVL 1,440 (EUR 2100) and LVL1,200 (EUR1700). Chas

Yesterday the Jewish national holiday Hanuka was celebrated in the centre of Riga. Celebrations were organised by the Jewish religious organisation Habad-Lubavich.

Yesterday the Jewish national holiday Hanuka was celebrated in the centre of Riga. Celebrations were organised by the Jewish religious organisation Habad-Lubavich. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize

• Latvian Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis and the Head of the Saeima Subcommittee on Social Integration Andris Berzins discuss ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
• Ina Druviete: there will be no radical changes concerning the implementation of the education reform
• Telegraf examines knowledge of the new Society Integration Minister
• Constitutional Court of Latvia: an alien should has a right to appeal in court their inclusion in list of undesirable for Latvia persons
• Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks will meet the Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov in Brussels
• Participants of the conference call to support the democratisation of the Law on Education in accordance with the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
• Representatives of minorities talk about racial discrimination and intolerance in Latvia
• Critical commentary on the recent ruling of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in the case of Mihails Farbtuhs v. Latvia

Diena features an interview with the new Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis. When asked about the stance of the Peoples Party towards towards ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, Aigars Kalvitis states that the party promised the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga to ratify the Convention till the next Saeima elections take place in 2006. The Peoples Party believes that only those non-Latvians who were Latvian citizens until 17 June 1940 or their descendants should be the subjects of the Convention. The party also supports adoption of two reservations: 1) street, place, etc names should be only in the state language; 2) communication between residents and municipalities should be only in the state language. Latvijas Avize prints an interview with the Head of the Saeima Subcommittee on Social Integration Andris Berzins about the preparation of the Convention for ratification. Andris Berzins believes that the Convention will be ratified with reservations. He also foresees sharp discussions on the definition ‘national minority among society members.

‘No radical changes concerning the implementation of the education reform have been planned,’ stressed the Minister of Education and Science Ina Druviete. The Minister states that the fuss raised by several mass media concerning her refusal to speak Russian is provocation. Ina Druviete notes that she will continue to work at strengthening bilingual education at secondary schools. Tomorrow the Minister is planning to meet representatives of the Advisory Board on Minority Education Issues of the Ministry of Education and Science.

‘No radical changes concerning the implementation of the education reform have been planned, stressed the Minister of Education and Science Ina Druviete. The Minister states that the fuss raised by several mass media concerning her refusal to speak Russian is provocation. Ina Druviete notes that she will continue to work at strengthening bilingual education at secondary schools. Tomorrow the Minister is planning to meet representatives of the Advisory Board on Minority Education Issues of the Ministry of Education and Science. Diena

Telegraf ‘examines knowledge of the new Minister for Social assignments for Society Integration Ainars Latkovskis concerning social integration issues in Latvia. The newspaper stresses that the new Minister was not able to answer to a number of questions and provide accurate numbers concerning the number of children of Latvian non-citizens who were born after 1991, the number of Orthodox believers, duration of naturalisation process in Latvia and the budget of the Society Integration Foundation.

The Constitutional Court of Latvia adopted a decision concerning compliance of the Article 61 of Paragraph 6 of the Immigration Law (persons who have been included in the list of persons who may not enter the territory of Latvia have no right to appeal this decision) with the Article 92 of the Constitution of Latvia (rights to protect person’s rights and legal interests in a fair court). The Constitutional Court ruled that the Article of the Immigration Law does not comply with the Constitution of Latvia and determined that persons have the right to appeal the decision concerning their inclusion in the list of persons who may not enter Latvia. The case was initiated on the basis of the application filed by the citizen of Moldova Elvira Petrjuka with the Administrative District Court. The citizen of Moldova Elvira Petrjuka complained that she had been included in the list illegally.

The Constitutional Court of Latvia adopted a decision concerning compliance of the Article 61 of Paragraph 6 of the Immigration Law (persons who have been included in the list of persons who may not enter the territory of Latvia have no right to appeal this decision) with the Article 92 of the Constitution of Latvia (rights to protect persons rights and legal interests in a fair court). The Constitutional Court ruled that the Article of the Immigration Law does not comply with the Constitution of Latvia and determined that persons have the right to appeal the decision concerning their inclusion in the list of persons who may not enter Latvia. The case was initiated on the basis of the application filed by the citizen of Moldova Elvira Petrjuka with the Administrative District Court. The citizen of Moldova Elvira Petrjuka complained that she had been included in the list illegally. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Telegraf

Russian-language newspapers write about the forthcoming meeting of the Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks and the Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov in Brussels. During the meeting the ministers plan to discuss possibilities to sign several governmental agreements as well as a possible participation of the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga in the celebrations of the anniversary of the victory in World War II to be held in Moscow on 9 May 2005.

Russian-language newspapers write about the forthcoming meeting of the Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks and the Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov in Brussels. During the meeting the ministers plan to discuss possibilities to sign several governmental agreements as well as a possible participation of the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga in the celebrations of the anniversary of the victory in World War II to be held in Moscow on 9 May 2005. Chas, Telegraf

Participants of the conference ‘Russian-speaking community in the enlarged EU’ issued a statement addressed to the Latvian President, the Saeima Speaker and the Prime Minister. The statement calls to provide support for democratisation of the Law on Education in accordance with the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. The authors of the statement state that ‘Russian-speaking children should have the right and opportunities to study in their native language at secondary school as well as have qualitative Latvian language classes.’ The authors of the statement are convinced that school boards should have the right to determine the language of the instruction, degree of bilingualism and which subjects should be taught in the Latvian language. The authors of the statement suggest that boards should be composed of senior students, parents, teachers and school administrations.

Participants of the conference ‘Russian-speaking community in the enlarged EU issued a statement addressed to the Latvian President, the Saeima Speaker and the Prime Minister. The statement calls to provide support for democratisation of the Law on Education in accordance with the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. The authors of the statement state that ‘Russian-speaking children should have the right and opportunities to study in their native language at secondary school as well as have qualitative Latvian language classes. The authors of the statement are convinced that school boards should have the right to determine the language of the instruction, degree of bilingualism and which subjects should be taught in the Latvian language. The authors of the statement suggest that boards should be composed of senior students, parents, teachers and school administrations. Chas

Latvijas Avize prints statements of the chairman of the Romani non-governmental organisation ‘Ame Roma Vanda Zamicka-Bergendale, Palestinian Haisam Abu Abdu and the Head of the Afro-Latvian Association Christopher Ejugbo about racial discrimination and intolerance in Latvia. Haisam Abu Abdu states that the level of intolerance towards ‘others is increasing in Latvia. Vanda Zamicka-Bergendale says that the Roma are discriminated in the job market not only because of the low level of education among Roma, but also because of their ethnicity.

Latvijas Avize features a critical commentary by Maris Antonevics about the recent ruling of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in the case of Mihails Farbtuhs v. Latvia. The ECHR ruled that the living conditions of Mihails Farbtuhs in the prison were not adequate, thus Latvia has violated the Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment). Maris Antonevics stresses that the members of those 31 Latvian families deported to Siberia personally by Mihails Fartbuhs had no possibility to complain and receive compensations for being in conditions harming human dignity.

• Discussions on the term ‘national minority
• Approximately 400 participated in the meeting of parents of minority students
• Latvijas Avize prints the full version of the governments declaration
• For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM explains why it refused to take part in the coalition
• MP Boris Tsilevitch (Peoples Harmony Party) comments on the formation of the new government
• Formation of the European Russian Party discussed during the conference ‘Russian-speaking community in the enlarged EU
• Practice of the Valmiera Secondary School Nr.2 in the implementation of the minority education reform
• Seminar ‘Russian world and Latvia: the past, present and future took place
• Conference ‘Latvia-Belorussia: the dialogue of cultures took place in Riga this Saturday
• Telegraf prints an interview with the recently naturalised Palestinian Haisam Abu Abda

Newspapers continue to discuss ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, paying particular attention to the definition of the term ‘national minority.’

Newspapers continue to discuss ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, paying particular attention to the definition of the term ‘national minority. Diena provides views of a number of integration experts and officials. The Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks believes that only those non-Latvians who were Latvian citizens until 17 June 1940 or their descendants should be subjects of the Convention. While the Director of the Integration Department of the Secretariat of the Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration Reinis Aboltins rejects the division of ethnic groups in citizens and non-citizens and believes that both citizens and non-citizens permanently living in Latvia should be the subjects of the Convention. The former Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks believes that the definition should include only Latvian citizens. While the MP Boris Tsilevitch in the interview with Vesti Segodnya notes that division of citizens into two groups – ones who were citizens before 1940 and citizens who acquired Latvian citizenship through naturalisation after 1992 contradicts the Constitution of Latvia, which stipulates that all the citizens of Latvia are equal. According to Boris Tsilevitch ratification of the Convention without any reservations would show governments intentions to promote societal integration. Diena, Vesti Segodnya

Approximately 400 participated in the meeting of parents of minority students meeting organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools last Saturday. Participants analysed the situation in minority schools and effects of the education reform. During the meeting the survey of parents was conducted – parents of students from about 30 schools were polled. 18% of parents state that subjects which according to the curriculum should be taught in Russian are taught in Latvian.  56% said that the academic success of their children is getting worse. The Headquarters also announced about its plans to organise new protest actions against the education reform on January 2005, and the second Congress of the Defenders of Russian Language Schools on February 2005.

Approximately 400 participated in the meeting of parents of minority students meeting organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools last Saturday. Participants analysed the situation in minority schools and effects of the education reform. During the meeting the survey of parents was conducted – parents of students from about 30 schools were polled. 18% of parents state that subjects which according to the curriculum should be taught in Russian are taught in Latvian. 56% said that the academic success of their children is getting worse. The Headquarters also announced about its plans to organise new protest actions against the education reform on January 2005, and the second Congress of the Defenders of Russian Language Schools on February 2005. Latvijas Avize, referring to the leader of the Headquarters Jurijs Petropavlovskis, reports that now the Headquarters has decided to implement a slightly different approach: it advises parents to get involved in the activities of school boards, so they can participate in negotiations between school boards and municipalities and have a bigger possibility to make pressure on school administrations. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Latvijas Avize prints a full version of the new governments declaration. In the section on education it provides ‘strengthening of bilingual education in minority primary schools, paying particular attention to the quality of the Latvian language and providing financial support. In the section on societal integration it stipulates: ‘implement ethnic policy principles that take into account interests of all members of society – both Latvians and other ethnic groups, ‘improve legal norms concerning ethnic policy, ‘raise the prestige of Latvian citizenship by creating more positive attitude towards the acquisition of citizenship, ‘educate society on issues concerning ethnic policy to reduce stereotypes and prejudices. [we will] reduce isolation of the two communication spaces, ‘provide support for national associations and communities.

Newspapers report on the eighth congress of the party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM. The party’s decision to stay out of the government was discussed during the congress. Members concluded that the refusal of FF/LNIM to join the new government was natural because the new government wants to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and that is not supported by people who vote for FF/LNIM.

Newspapers report on the eighth congress of the party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM. The partys decision to stay out of the government was discussed during the congress. Members concluded that the refusal of FF/LNIM to join the new government was natural because the new government wants to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and that is not supported by people who vote for FF/LNIM. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Chas features an article by the MP Boris Tsilevitch (Peoples Harmony Party) on the formation of the new government. Boris Tsilevitch doubts that this government would take very radical decisions, however, he admits that this government is ‘the most right-wing government. Instead he forecasts that due to calls to ratify the Convention ‘symbolic liberalisation may be observed

The conference ‘Russian-speaking community in the enlarged EU’ took place in Brussels on weekend. The participants of the conference discussed the formation of European Russians Party. The formation of a new party could take place next year summer.

The conference ‘Russian-speaking community in the enlarged EU took place in Brussels on weekend. The participants of the conference discussed the formation of European Russians Party. The formation of a new party could take place next year summer. Diena, Telegraf

Latvijas Avize reports on the practice of the Valmiera Secondary School Nr.2 in the implementation of the minority education reform. The specialist of bilingual teaching methodology Nila Zaiceva states that the implementation of bilingual education in this school was launched in 1995. Therefore teachers, as well as students were ready for the implementation of the reform. The director of the school Laila Pavulina believes that there is no negative impact of bilingual education on the quality of education. She assures that Latvian language skills of her students who now are in 9th grade are sufficient to continue studies in Latvian-language schools.

Russian-language newspapers write about the seminar ‘Russian world and Latvia: the past, present and future,’ which took place in the Centre of National Minorities in Riga.

Russian-language newspapers write about the seminar ‘Russian world and Latvia: the past, present and future, which took place in the Centre of National Minorities in Riga. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The conference ‘Latvia-Belorussia: the dialogue of cultures’ took place in Riga last Saturday. The main goals of the conference were to show that the cultures of both countries belong to the European culture, as well as to introduce each other to the Latvian and Belorussian cultures.

The conference ‘Latvia-Belorussia: the dialogue of cultures took place in Riga last Saturday. The main goals of the conference were to show that the cultures of both countries belong to the European culture, as well as to introduce each other to the Latvian and Belorussian cultures. Chas

Telegraf prints an interview with the recently naturalised Haisam Abu Abda. Palestinian Haisam Abu Abda came to Latvia as a refugee and has been living in Latvia for 13 years.

• Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools organises a meeting with parents of minority students
• Vladimir Chizov: presence of the leaders of the Baltic States in the anniversary of the victory in World War II in Moscow would be a god start to improve Latvian Russian relations
• Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) nominates the member of Saeima Boris Tsilevitch a key rapporteur on ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Latvia
• Latvijas Avize analysis negative attitude of the Russian-language mass media towards the new Minister of Education and Science Ina Druviete
• MP form For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM Imants Kalnins talks about the attitude of the party towards ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities

On Saturday the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools organised a meeting parents of minority students in Riga. The goal of the meeting is to inform parents about negative impact of the education reform on the quality of education in minority secondary schools. The Headquarters has also developed an action plan, which includes three main goals: abolishment of the education reform, re-establishment of tertiary education in the Russian-language and qualitative Latvian language classes.

On Saturday the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools organised a meeting parents of minority students in Riga. The goal of the meeting is to inform parents about negative impact of the education reform on the quality of education in minority secondary schools. The Headquarters has also developed an action plan, which includes three main goals: abolishment of the education reform, re-establishment of tertiary education in the Russian-language and qualitative Latvian language classes. Diena

Presence of the leaders of the Baltic States in the anniversary of the victory in World War II on 9 May 2005 in Moscow would be a good starting point for improvement of Latvian Russian relations, believes the Deputy of the Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Vladimir Chizov. None of the leaders of the Baltic States have confirmed their participation in this event yet.

Presence of the leaders of the Baltic States in the anniversary of the victory in World War II on 9 May 2005 in Moscow would be a good starting point for improvement of Latvian Russian relations, believes the Deputy of the Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Vladimir Chizov. None of the leaders of the Baltic States have confirmed their participation in this event yet. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Chas

The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) has nominated the member of the PACE and Latvian Parliament Boris Tsilevitch the key rapporteur on the implementation of ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in a number of European countries.

The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) has nominated the member of the PACE and Latvian Parliament Boris Tsilevitch the key rapporteur on the implementation of ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in a number of European countries. Vesti Segodnya

Latvijas Avize prints a critical commentary by Voldemars Krustins about negative attitude of the Russian-language mass media towards the new Minister of Education and Science Ina Druviete. Voldemars Krustins believes the Russian language press is not satisfied with the strict stance of Ina Druviete towards the implementation of the education reform and her intentions to inspect this process.

Latvijas Avize prints an interview with the MP (For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM) Imants Kalnins about the attitude of his party towards ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. According to Imants Kalnins, the party believes that the Convention cannot be ratified until Moscow does not recognise the occupation of the Baltic States.

• New government approved
• Statements of the new Minister of Education and Science Ina Druviete on societal integration issues
• Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks on the definition ‘national minority in the context of the Framework Convention of National Minorities
• Article by the political analyst Ivars Indans about migration
• Opinions of politicians and minority school teachers concerning the education reform
• European Court of Human Rights issues the ruling in the case of Mihails Farbtuhs v. Latvia
• For Human Rights in the United Latvia has developed amendments to the Law on Celebrations and Commemoration Days
• Today the conference ‘Russian-speaking community in the enlarged EU takes place in Brussels

Yesterday Saeima supported the new government of Latvia. There are four parties in the coalition - the People’s Party, the Union of the Farmers and Greens (UFG), the New Era and Latvia’s First Party. Members of the ruling parties as well as the party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM and one independent MP voted for the new government, while the members of People’s Harmony Party, Socialist Party, the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia, two independent MPs and one MP from the coalition party UFG voted against.

Yesterday Saeima supported the new government of Latvia. There are four parties in the coalition - the Peoples Party, the Union of the Farmers and Greens (UFG), the New Era and Latvias First Party. Members of the ruling parties as well as the party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM and one independent MP voted for the new government, while the members of Peoples Harmony Party, Socialist Party, the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia, two independent MPs and one MP from the coalition party UFG voted against. Vesti Segodnya describes this government as ‘typically nationalistic. The Head of the parliamentary group of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia Jakovs Pliners commented that none of the governing parties is seriously planning to focus on ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. He also believes that societal integration policy issues will be at the bottom of this governments agenda. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Vesti Segodnya features statements of the new Minister of Education and Science Ina Druviete on societal integration issues. Ina Druviete states that she is ready to build a dialogue with representatives of ethnic minorities; however, she notes that in the area of the education reform dialogue may be developed only concerning the ways to promote the implementation of the education reform. The new minister, referring to her academic background in bilingual education, says that the transition to teaching several more subjects in the Latvian language can not have a negative influence on the quality of minority education. While the MP Boriss Tsilevitch (Peoples Harmony Party), who was also the member of the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee led by Ina Druviete, doubts her ability to introduce positive tendencies in the field because of her nationalistic beliefs.

Latvijas Avize continues discussions about the necessity to define the term ‘national minority before ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, featuring the statement of the Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks. The newspaper writes that the Foreign Affairs Minister stated ‘First, national minorities are Latvian citizens, however, not those who have acquired Latvian citizenship through naturalisation, but citizens who have relations with the Republic of Latvia which existed between the two world wars (1918 - 1940)… Second, as some ethnic groups in Latvia already are given more rights than it is provided by the Convention, [we can include that] the state … would continue to support those ethnic groups which would not fall under the definition ‘national minority in order to avoid certain ethnic tension when the Convention is ratified, for instance the Riga Ukrainian Secondary School.

Diena prints an article by the political analyst Ivars Indans what consequences could bring migration for Latvia. According to Ivars Indans, now immigrants are not interested in migration to Latvia because Latvia is not developed as well as other EU countries and does not provide good social benefits to immigrants. Besides, in Latvia there are no well-developed ethnic communities, which usually serve as a precondition for the bigger influx of immigrants. However, in 5-10 years Latvia most probably will have to develop a liberal immigration policy because of the negative demographic situation which will result in the lack of workforce. Considering experience of other European countries and views of Latvian residents about immigrants provided by public opinion polls, Ivars Indans foresees the possible aggravation of ethnic relations and notes that liberal state language policy and tolerance towards diversity will play a significant role in the field of societal integration in the future.

Vesti Segodnya features opinions of politicians, minority schoolteachers and parents of minority students about problems concerning the implementation of the education reform. The director of the private minority school ‘Maksima and the head of the Latvian Association for Support of Schools with the Russian Language of Instruction (LASHOR) Olga Isakova believes that teachers working for public minority schools have betrayed the Russian education. The teacher of mathematics of the Riga Secondary School Nr. 40 Viktors Gluhovs says that the future of Russian schools depends on the involvement of parents of minority students, teachers and the Russian community. According to him, the monitoring conducted by international experts should be established. The experts would monitor the quality of education after the implementation of the education reform. While the member of the Riga City Council (For Human Rights in the United Latvia) and the co-leader of the NGO Latvian Human Rights Committee Genadijs Kotovs believes that the administrations of Russian-language schools and parents should have the right to choose the language of instruction at minority schools.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has issued a ruling in the case of Mihails Farbtuhs. The applicant complained with the ECHR against the sentence of the Riga District Court, according to which he was found guilty in genocide: the Court ruled that Mihails Farbtuhs is personally responsible for deporting Latvian citizens to Siberia. The ECHR did not take the decision concerning either legitimacy of the sentence issued by the Riga District Curt or Latvian legislation on the basis of which the Riga District Court found him guilty. The ECHR ruled that the living conditions of Mihails Farbtuhs in the prison were not adequate for his health, thus Latvia has violated the Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment). According to the ruling Latvia must pay Mihails Farbtuhs a compensation in the amount of LVL 4,150 (EUR 6,000). The ad hoc judge of the ECHR from Latvia Jautrite Briede disagrees with the ECHR’s ruling. She states that Latvia has not violated the rights of Mihails Farbtuhs, because the state authorities examined his health before detention and, knowing that adequate living conditions cannot be met, the prison’s administration asked the court to discharge him.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has issued a ruling in the case of Mihails Farbtuhs. The applicant complained with the ECHR against the sentence of the Riga District Court, according to which he was found guilty in genocide: the Court ruled that Mihails Farbtuhs is personally responsible for deporting Latvian citizens to Siberia. The ECHR did not take the decision concerning either legitimacy of the sentence issued by the Riga District Curt or Latvian legislation on the basis of which the Riga District Court found him guilty. The ECHR ruled that the living conditions of Mihails Farbtuhs in the prison were not adequate for his health, thus Latvia has violated the Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment). According to the ruling Latvia must pay Mihails Farbtuhs a compensation in the amount of LVL4,150 (EUR6,000). The ad hoc judge of the ECHR from Latvia Jautrite Briede disagrees with the ECHRs ruling. She states that Latvia has not violated the rights of Mihails Farbtuhs, because the state authorities examined his health before detention and, knowing that adequate living conditions cannot be met, the prisons administration asked the court to discharge him. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Telegraf

The union For Human Rights in the United Latvia has developed amendments to the Law on Celebrations and Commemoration Days. The amendments stipulate that on 7 January, when Orthodox believers and Old Believers celebrate Christmas, is a national holiday.

The union For Human Rights in the United Latvia has developed amendments to the Law on Celebrations and Commemoration Days. The amendments stipulate that on 7 January, when Orthodox believers and Old Believers celebrate Christmas, is a national holiday. Chas

Vesti Segodnya reports on the conference ‘Russian-speaking community in the enlarged EU, which takes place in Brussels today. Issues concerning the Russian community in Europe will be discussed there.