Press Report

Press Report

Latvian Foreign Minister, Indulis Berzins, speaking at the debates in the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly on Thursday, noted that Russia has still failed to return to the Baltic states their diplomatic properties that were taken over by the Soviet Union after World War II.

Latvian Foreign Minister, Indulis Berzins, speaking at the debates in the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly on Thursday, noted that Russia has still failed to return to the Baltic states their diplomatic properties that were taken over by the Soviet Union after World War II. Neatkariga

Jurmala City Council chairman will meet with the directors of Jurmala’s hotels and resorts to discuss introduction of changes in visa regime with Russia, Ukraine and other former CIS countries. The proposals on the procedure providing for easier travel arrangements for tourists coming to Jurmala will be developed and submitted to CoM.

Jurmala City Council chairman will meet with the directors of Jurmalas hotels and resorts to discuss introduction of changes in visa regime with Russia, Ukraine and other former CIS countries. The proposals on the procedure providing for easier travel arrangements for tourists coming to Jurmala will be developed and submitted to CoM. Diena

The Latvian parliament Thursday in the second reading adopted legislative amendments envisaging granting of the status of a politically repressed person and all related social guarantees such as pensions, tax and social insurance payments, as well as medical care free of charge and reduced price tickets in public transport to the persons falling in this category. The law applies to Latvian citizens only. FHRUL deputy M.Mitrofanov’s proposal that all persons who have been repressed after World War II in the territory of the USSR and now are residing in Latvia are to be included in this category only raised strong opposition and was turned down.

The Latvian parliament Thursday in the second reading adopted legislative amendments envisaging granting of the status of a politically repressed person and all related social guarantees such as pensions, tax and social insurance payments, as well as medical care free of charge and reduced price tickets in public transport to the persons falling in this category. The law applies to Latvian citizens only. FHRUL deputy M.Mitrofanovs proposal that all persons who have been repressed after World War II in the territory of the USSR and now are residing in Latvia are to be included in this category only raised strong opposition and was turned down. Neatkarig, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Yesterday 3-days conference “Russian Culture in the Baltic Countries Between the Wars” was opened in Riga. More than 30 researchers representing 7 countries will report on different aspects of Russian community life in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Finland.

Yesterday 3-days conference Russian Culture in the Baltic Countries Between the Wars was opened in Riga. More than 30 researchers representing 7 countries will report on different aspects of Russian community life in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Finland. Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Chas

interviews Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centre director N.Muiznieks and the main discussion subject is the essay contest organised by publishing house Vieda. N.Muiznieks finds the idea of the contest is simply horrible, however, according to Latvian legislation, it does not have the ground to file a claim with court for kindling national hate. In regard to integration N.Muiznieks says that for sure it will happen one day, however, at different times in different areas. As a positive example he mentions language – more and more Russian-speakers know Latvian, but the sphere which is very difficult to integrate is information and the means of mass media. Concerning education, N.Muiznieks thinks that very seldom the Ministry of Education is ready to have a dialogue with national minorities. interviews Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centre director N.Muiznieks and the main discussion subject is the essay contest organised by publishing house “Vieda”. N.Muiznieks finds the idea of the contest is “simply horrible, however, according to Latvian legislation, it does not have the ground to file a claim with court for kindling national hate”. In regard to integration N.Muiznieks says that for sure it will happen one day, however, at different times in different areas. As a positive example he mentions language – more and more Russian-speakers know Latvian, but the sphere which is very difficult to integrate is information and the means of mass media. Concerning education, N.Muiznieks thinks that very seldom the Ministry of Education is ready to have a dialogue with national minorities. Yesterday the Parliament approved in the first reading the Law on Ruled Professions and Recognition of Job Qualification containing the article according to which foreign diplomas are recognised only if their holders are Latvian or EU citizens or repatriates who have arrived to Latvia not from the former CIS countries. Thus, the law does not say anything about diplomas of non-citizens.

Yesterday the Parliament approved in the first reading the Law on Ruled Professions and Recognition of Job Qualification containing the article according to which foreign diplomas are recognised only if their holders are Latvian or EU citizens or repatriates who have arrived to Latvia not from the former CIS countries. Thus, the law does not say anything about diplomas of non-citizens. Vesti Segodnja

Vesti Segodnja

interviews the director of Ukrainian school in Riga. She provides information about the school, its curriculum and students. interviews the director of Ukrainian school in Riga. She provides information about the school, its curriculum and students. The State Language Centre together with lawyers working for the Government is exploiting whether there are possibilities to examine state language proficiency of 6 deputies of Riga City Council.

The State Language Centre together with lawyers working for the Government is exploiting whether there are possibilities to examine state language proficiency of 6 deputies of Riga City Council.

Rigas Balss

asked OSCE Mission to Latvia head P.Semneby how the cases when deputies have language problems are solved in the civilised world. It is hard to tell, whether such type of formal requirements exist in other countries, however, there is UN Convention on Civil and Political Rights which provides for that all citizens have to have rights and possibilities to take part in the affairs of state administration, vote and be elected without any discrimination and unjustified restrictions. The OSCE recommended Latvia to abolish these requirements, however, there is the conflict of interests. From one side, our organisation agrees that elected municipalities and the Parliament have to operate in the state language and that means a deputy has to speak the language. It could be regulated by the working documents of the sessions. From the other side, a voter has to have sovereign rights to vote for a candidate of his/her own choice not restricted in any way, including those candidates who are not able to work with a full capacity, for example, the blind. asked OSCE Mission to Latvia head P.Semneby how the cases when deputies have language problems are solved in the civilised world. “It is hard to tell, whether such type of formal requirements exist in other countries, however, there is UN Convention on Civil and Political Rights which provides for that all citizens have to have rights and possibilities to take part in the affairs of state administration, vote and be elected without any discrimination and unjustified restrictions. The OSCE recommended Latvia to abolish these requirements, however, there is the conflict of interests. From one side, our organisation agrees that elected municipalities and the Parliament have to operate in the state language and that means a deputy has to speak the language. It could be regulated by the working documents of the sessions. From the other side, a voter has to have sovereign rights to vote for a candidate of his/her own choice not restricted in any way, including those candidates who are not able to work with a full capacity, for example, the blind. It is difficult for me to give prognoses on the further development of the situation concerning the claims against Riga Council deputies – with a big interest I am waiting for the judgement of the European Human Rights Court in the case of Podkolzinoj; it will be of big importance in solving similar cases in the future.

It is difficult for me to give prognoses on the further development of the situation concerning the claims against Riga Council deputies – with a big interest I am waiting for the judgement of the European Human Rights Court in the case of Podkolzinoj; it will be of big importance in solving similar cases in the future.

Of course, the situation concerning the claims against the deputies is a difficult one. The requirements in regard to state language skills exist, but they should not be the reason for banning somebody rights to be elected. In this field the most important thing is sovereign right of voters and only then come secondary requirements, such as, language skills. I agree that this is a very difficult problem, which requires hard work to find a solution; it does not have simple solutions.

Of course, the situation concerning the claims against the deputies is a difficult one. The requirements in regard to state language skills exist, but they should not be the reason for banning somebody rights to be elected. In this field the most important thing is sovereign right of voters and only then come secondary requirements, such as, language skills. I agree that this is a very difficult problem, which requires hard work to find a solution; it does not have simple solutions.

Press Report

Press Report

Non-observance of human rights in Latvia, including the high number of cases pending for trial, prolonged terms of arrest and increased activity of Latvian and Russian nationalist extremist groups may affect admission of Latvia to the European Union. The opinion was expressed Wednesday by Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centre head Nils Muiznieks in a ceremony presenting the centre’s annual research about Latvia's human rights problems. He said Latvia is threatened by numerous legal proceedings in the international courts in Strasbourg and Geneva and, losing these proceedings may involve paying big amounts by Latvia. Moreover, there is no political will at all in the country to build an independent court system, which results in deficiencies in litigation and prolonged legal proceedings, Muiznieks said. The centre regards as a dangerous trend the growing number and increased activity of extremist groups. Muiznieks said upsurge in activity of such groups signals of insufficient integration in society. Activities of such groups may endanger security in the country because they are splitting society from inside, he said. The report praised as an achievement in the area of human rights adoption of the state language law regulations and liberalisation of the law on constitutional court, allowing private individuals too file claims with that court.

Non-observance of human rights in Latvia, including the high number of cases pending for trial, prolonged terms of arrest and increased activity of Latvian and Russian nationalist extremist groups may affect admission of Latvia to the European Union. The opinion was expressed Wednesday by Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centre head Nils Muiznieks in a ceremony presenting the centres annual research about Latvia's human rights problems. He said Latvia is threatened by numerous legal proceedings in the international courts in Strasbourg and Geneva and, losing these proceedings may involve paying big amounts by Latvia. Moreover, there is no political will at all in the country to build an independent court system, which results in deficiencies in litigation and prolonged legal proceedings, Muiznieks said. The centre regards as a dangerous trend the growing number and increased activity of extremist groups. Muiznieks said upsurge in activity of such groups signals of insufficient integration in society. Activities of such groups may endanger security in the country because they are splitting society from inside, he said. The report praised as an achievement in the area of human rights adoption of the state language law regulations and liberalisation of the law on constitutional court, allowing private individuals too file claims with that court. Diena, Neatkariga, Respublika

The parliament fraction of the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDWP) has decided to prepare a demand for the resignation of Minister of Economy Aigars Kalvitis or Prime Minister Andris Berzins, for the unsatisfactory management of the Latvian Shipping Company (LASCO) privatisation process.

The parliament fraction of the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDWP) has decided to prepare a demand for the resignation of Minister of Economy Aigars Kalvitis or Prime Minister Andris Berzins, for the unsatisfactory management of the Latvian Shipping Company (LASCO) privatisation process. Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Jauna, Lauku Avize

Yesterday Peoples party deputies organised a press conference stating their opinions about the work of the new Riga City Council. Peoples party deputies are not satisfied with language skills of some deputies and in their opinion Rigas mayor G.Bojars has violated the Law on Municipalities. Peoples party sent the letter where all violations are compiled to special task minister and has turned the State Language Centre with the request to examine Latvian language proficiency of 6 Riga Council deputies.

Diena, Chas, Jauna, Lauku Avize Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov launched his introduction with the means of mass media in Latvia with the visit to

Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov launched his introduction with the means of mass media in Latvia with the visit to Vesti Segodnja. The ambassador and journalists discussed different actual topics – Latvian-Russian relations, official assistance from Moscow to Russian people in Latvia, integration of Latvian society, the future of Russian education in Latvia. Vesti Segodnja.

Vesti Segodnja

writes that spring is supposed to be the most difficult time in Russian Latvian relations and this year is not an exception. Russias TV companies RTR and ORT broadcast about the case of the Slivenko in the news almost every day; and on Tuesday Russias Prime Minister M.Kasjanov during his visit to Sweden drew special attention to the situation concerning national minorities in Latvia and Estonia. The same day at night the former ambassador to Latvia A.Udalcov, who currently is the director of Russias MoFA, European Department, took part in live broadcast on TV. A.Udalcov noted that Latvia is a very unique country, which in one night deprived citizenship from one third of Latvias people, including those who voted for its independence. The former ambassador also talked about discrimination in regard to the Russian language. Latvian diplomats reacted to these statements voicing that international organisations, such as the OSCE and EC, are satisfied with the situation in Latvia. writes that spring is supposed to be the most difficult time in Russian Latvian relations and this year is not an exception. Russia’s TV companies RTR and ORT broadcast about the case of the Slivenko in the news almost every day; and on Tuesday Russia’s Prime Minister M.Kasjanov during his visit to Sweden drew special attention to the situation concerning national minorities in Latvia and Estonia. The same day at night the former ambassador to Latvia A.Udalcov, who currently is the director of Russia’s MoFA, European Department, took part in live broadcast on TV. A.Udalcov noted that “Latvia is a very unique country, which in one night deprived citizenship from one third of Latvia’s people, including those who voted for its independence”. The former ambassador also talked about discrimination in regard to the Russian language. Latvian diplomats reacted to these statements voicing that international organisations, such as the OSCE and EC, are satisfied with the situation in Latvia. Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, RespublikaNeatkariga, Lauku Avize, Respublika After three deputies from FHRUL turned to the Latvian Prosecutor General's Office, the Office has resolved to examine for corpus delicti a youth competition of essays organised by Vieda publishers which has been sharply criticised by Russia as nationalistic.

After three deputies from FHRUL turned to the Latvian Prosecutor General's Office, the Office has resolved to examine for corpus delicti a youth competition of essays organised by Vieda publishers which has been sharply criticised by Russia as nationalistic. Chas

American means of mass media have not paid any attention to the visit of Latvian President to the States and no American news agency has given information about this visit.

American means of mass media have not paid any attention to the visit of Latvian President to the States and no American news agency has given information about this visit. Vesti Segodnja explains that obviously Americans doubted for a long time whether to invite Latvian President or dont and finally they chose unofficial alternative – they met with V.Vike-Freiberga, however, pretended that they did not.

Rigas Balss

publishes the considerations of Liberty/Free Europe communication director P.Goble in regard to the latest statistic data about the language situation in Latvia, particularly 2 indicators – 84.4% people speak Russian, however, Latvian is spoken by 81.7%. This is challenging situation for both Latvian and Russian sides, as well as for foreign governments which want stability in the Baltic region. Moscow officials could use the data to force Latvia to adopt Russias requirements, however, most likely the effect will be the opposite. Western countries also face a difficult choice – a majority of western countries has determined the domain of one language in their own countries and if they tell Latvia to do otherwise they would be called hypocrites. publishes the considerations of Liberty/Free Europe communication director P.Goble in regard to the latest statistic data about the language situation in Latvia, particularly 2 indicators – 84.4% people speak Russian, however, Latvian is spoken by 81.7%. This is challenging situation for both Latvian and Russian sides, as well as for foreign governments which want stability in the Baltic region. Moscow officials could use the data to force Latvia to adopt Russia’s requirements, however, most likely the effect will be the opposite. Western countries also face a difficult choice – a majority of western countries has determined the domain of one language in their own countries and if they tell Latvia to do otherwise they would be called hypocrites. Education minister K.Greiskalns and Curriculum Examination Centre work at the regulations which would grant to grade 9 graduates of other national schools acquisition of so called comparative paper which would allow them not to re-take the naturalisation exam in the Latvian language.

Education minister K.Greiskalns and Curriculum Examination Centre work at the regulations which would grant to grade 9 graduates of other national schools acquisition of so called comparative paper which would allow them not to re-take the naturalisation exam in the Latvian language. Lauku Avize

Lauku Avize

interviews publishing house Vieda director A.Garda. He says that he does not hate Russians who live here, he just wants that people who are not friendly towards Latvia leave the country. interviews publishing house “Vieda” director A.Garda. He says that he does not hate Russians who live here, he just wants that people who are not friendly towards Latvia leave the country.

Panorama Latvii

publishes the discussion of Latvian journalists in the TV programme A Look from the Other Side. The newspaper draws readers attention to two topics discussed. First, journalists equalised publishing house Vieda director with the leader of For Equality T.Zhdanok. Second, they expressed their dissatisfaction with the fact that For Equality congress took place exclusively in Russian and no translation was provided although there were many journalists and invited guests. publishes the discussion of Latvian journalists in the TV programme “A Look from the Other Side”. The newspaper draws readers’ attention to two topics discussed. First, journalists equalised publishing house “Vieda” director with the leader of “For Equality” T.Zhdanok. Second, they expressed their dissatisfaction with the fact that “For Equality” congress took place exclusively in Russian and no translation was provided although there were many journalists and invited guests. Rigas Balss gives reference of the OSCE Mission to Latvia head P.Semneby to the study “Towards Civic Society”. “OSCE Mission to Latvia head was rather careful when providing evaluation to the information provided by Soros Foundation Latvia director V.Teraude that 20% non-citizens are planning to be naturalised during this year. European experts persistently recommends to decrease the amount of the state fee, which is an obstacle for many people who want to be naturalised”.

Rigas Balss gives reference of the OSCE Mission to Latvia head P.Semneby to the study Towards Civic Society. OSCE Mission to Latvia head was rather careful when providing evaluation to the information provided by Soros Foundation Latvia director V.Teraude that 20% non-citizens are planning to be naturalised during this year. European experts persistently recommends to decrease the amount of the state fee, which is an obstacle for many people who want to be naturalised.

Press Report

Press Report

Several US senators in the talks with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, currently on visit to the United States, expressed their support to Latvia's admission to NATO. The Latvian president met with US senators John McKane, Gordon Smith, Carl Levin. "Baltic states deserve NATO membership," said McKane. According to the opinions of several Latvian political scientists the favourable attitude of the US President toward Latvia has been judged as clearly expressed support to Latvia’s wish join NATO. Smith, the chairman of the European sub-committee under the Senate's foreign committee, also supported the opinion that Baltic states should be among new

Several US senators in the talks with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, currently on visit to the United States, expressed their support to Latvia's admission to NATO. The Latvian president met with US senators John McKane, Gordon Smith, Carl Levin. "Baltic states deserve NATO membership," said McKane. According to the opinions of several Latvian political scientists the favourable attitude of the US President toward Latvia has been judged as clearly expressed support to Latvias wish join NATO. Smith, the chairman of the European sub-committee under the Senate's foreign committee, also supported the opinion that Baltic states should be among new

NATO members. Smith said that a delegation from the US Congress will visit Latvia in May to assess possibilities for a dialogue between Latvia and the US.

NATO members. Smith said that a delegation from the US Congress will visit Latvia in May to assess possibilities for a dialogue between Latvia and the US. Diena, Neatkariga, Respublika

Research carried out by the organisation for open society Delna shows that means of mass media have performed hidden advertising of political character before the municipal election. Among newspapers

Research carried out by the organisation for open society Delna shows that means of mass media have performed hidden advertising of political character before the municipal election. Among newspapers Panorama Latvii, Chas and Neatkariga are the leaders in the number of publications which according to the opinion of experts reflected the candidates in a positive light, however, were not indicated as political advertisement. Diena

The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Tuesday approved Latvian representative, Egils Levits, as a judge for the European Court of Human Rights for another term of six-years.

The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Tuesday approved Latvian representative, Egils Levits, as a judge for the European Court of Human Rights for another term of six-years. Diena, Neatkariga

Sweden Parliament General Secretary A.Forsberg will visit Latvia and have meetings with Saeima vice-speaker J.Straume and other deputies to learn what kind of assistance needs Latvian Saeima to improve its institutional capacity.

Sweden Parliament General Secretary A.Forsberg will visit Latvia and have meetings with Saeima vice-speaker J.Straume and other deputies to learn what kind of assistance needs Latvian Saeima to improve its institutional capacity. Neatkariga

Neatkariga

provides information about the article about Latvia in Swedish newspaper provides information about the article about Latvia in Swedish newspaper Expressen.Expressen. The article says that one fourth of Latvian residents are non-citizens who do not have voting rights, they do not have real passports and Latvia tries to melt them into Latvian society. The article says that one fourth of Latvian residents are non-citizens who do not have voting rights, they do not have real passports and Latvia tries to melt them into Latvian society. Neatkariga. Neatkariga.

Chas

gives comments of Latvia on the case of the Slivenko. The deputy head of the Department of Migration and Citizenship Affairs J.Lejins says that the case was reviewed by the Latvian courts of different levels, including the Supreme Court and all of them turned down Slivenkos claim. Nikolaj Slivenko fell into category of military persons who receive money compensation for leaving Latvia. Besides, Tatiana hid the fact that her husband serves in the Soviet Army when she had to register, and that means, she provided false information to the state. And there was no search carried out at Silivenkos apartment. gives comments of Latvia on the case of the Slivenko. The deputy head of the Department of Migration and Citizenship Affairs J.Lejins says that “the case was reviewed by the Latvian courts of different levels, including the Supreme Court and all of them turned down Slivenko’s claim. Nikolaj Slivenko fell into category of military persons who receive money compensation for leaving Latvia. Besides, Tatiana hid the fact that her husband serves in the Soviet Army when she had to register, and that means, she provided false information to the state. And there was no search carried out at Silivenko’s apartment”. Vesti SegodnjaVesti Segodnja

Vesti Segodnja

turns readers attention to the fact that in the meeting of Prime Minister A.Berzins with NATO high officials they were more concerned with integration issues than defence matters in Latvia. turns readers’ attention to the fact that in the meeting of Prime Minister A.Berzins with NATO high officials they were more concerned with integration issues than defence matters in Latvia. War veterans, who fought on the Soviet side in World War Two and are now residing in the Baltic States, will soon be able to receive free medical care in Russia, Moskovsky Komsomolets newspaper reported. The Russian newspaper wrote Tuesday that it was the decision made by the Russian Health Care Ministry in co-operation with the federation's Obligatory Health Insurance Fund.

War veterans, who fought on the Soviet side in World War Two and are now residing in the Baltic States, will soon be able to receive free medical care in Russia, Moskovsky Komsomolets newspaper reported. The Russian newspaper wrote Tuesday that it was the decision made by the Russian Health Care Ministry in co-operation with the federation's Obligatory Health Insurance Fund. Panorama Latvii

Press Report

Press Report

Prime Minister A.Berzins and Defense Minister Girts Valdis Kristovskis reflected Latvia's progress towards NATO membership on Monday at a North-Atlantic council in Brussels and answered to questions posed by NATO ambassadors. 12 NATO ambassadors were assessed the indicators of Latvia's defense and macroeconomic development as impressive. Before presenting their report the Latvian officials met with NATO Secretary General George Robertson The main topics upon which lay most of the questions coming from the ambassadors were relations with Russia, public

Prime Minister A.Berzins and Defense Minister Girts Valdis Kristovskis reflected Latvia's progress towards NATO membership on Monday at a North-Atlantic council in Brussels and answered to questions posed by NATO ambassadors. 12 NATO ambassadors were assessed the indicators of Latvia's defense and macroeconomic development as impressive. Before presenting their report the Latvian officials met with NATO Secretary General George Robertson The main topics upon which lay most of the questions coming from the ambassadors were relations with Russia, public

integration and naturalisation, as well as privatisation. The German NATO ambassador emphasised Latvia's great progress, and the need to continue strengthening relations with Russia.

integration and naturalisation, as well as privatisation. The German NATO ambassador emphasised Latvia's great progress, and the need to continue strengthening relations with Russia. Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Lauku Avize , Chas

Some 80 essays have been submitted to the youth essay contest, announced by Vieda publishing house, that was sharply criticised by Russian Foreign Ministry and described also in Latvia as being on the edge of inciting to national hatred.

Some 80 essays have been submitted to the youth essay contest, announced by Vieda publishing house, that was sharply criticised by Russian Foreign Ministry and described also in Latvia as being on the edge of inciting to national hatred.

Vieda Director Aivars Garda told that the best essays which "are even unexpectedly good and indicate that there still is hope for the Latvian nation" will be published in a book in a month's time. The winners of the 100 lats (USD 160) have not been picked yet.

Vieda Director Aivars Garda told that the best essays which "are even unexpectedly good and indicate that there still is hope for the Latvian nation" will be published in a book in a month's time. The winners of the 100 lats (USD 160) have not been picked yet. Panorama Latvii, Respublika

The President V.Vike-Freiberga had an unscheduled meeting with the US President G. Bush, who suddenly joined to Latvian President’s meeting with vice-president R.Cheney, on the first day of her visit to the States. Among different discussion subjects the presidents talked about society integration issues and president G.Bush expressed his full support to society integration policy realised by the Latvian state.

The President V.Vike-Freiberga had an unscheduled meeting with the US President G. Bush, who suddenly joined to Latvian Presidents meeting with vice-president R.Cheney, on the first day of her visit to the States. Among different discussion subjects the presidents talked about society integration issues and president G.Bush expressed his full support to society integration policy realised by the Latvian state. Diena, Rigas Balss, Neatkariga

Yesterday the Saeima launched its spring session. Among the most important tasks for the deputies is the review of the Law on Society Integration Fund and National Programme on Society Integration. FHRUL chairman J.Jurkans says that the fact that this problem is left unsolved shows indifference of ruling parties’ deputies towards the problem that Latvia becomes a two-community country.

Yesterday the Saeima launched its spring session. Among the most important tasks for the deputies is the review of the Law on Society Integration Fund and National Programme on Society Integration. FHRUL chairman J.Jurkans says that the fact that this problem is left unsolved shows indifference of ruling parties deputies towards the problem that Latvia becomes a two-community country. Jauna, Vesti Segodnja

Rigas Balss

and and Lauku AvizeLauku Avize provide some numbers from the study Towards Civic Society. 45% of non-citizens consider their status as humiliating, for 64% non-citizens their status mean insecurity and 63% non-citizens think that they are discriminated in a labour market. provide some numbers from the study “Towards Civic Society”. 45% of non-citizens consider their status as humiliating, for 64% non-citizens their status mean insecurity and 63% non-citizens think that they are discriminated in a labour market.

Lauku Avize

also provides the comments of OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby on the process of naturalisation in Latvia. In his opinion it is rather dangerous that people who do not want to be naturalised somehow stay outside the society. They and also the country should be interested in the development of Latvia. Therefore, the state has act in such a way that people acquire citizenship and become a legitimate part of the society. Mr.Semneby understands that a part of them will remain non-citizens for a while, however, it is very important for the country to involve them, particularly young people, in state affairs. However, one of the paradoxes of Latvia is that the differences between citizens and non-citizens have been eliminated too successfully – people are rather happy with non-citizen passports. We could say – that proves how unfounded are the statements about non-citizens discrimination. OSCE Mission to Latvia Head indicated that it is possible to notice that there are two groups of people residing in Latvia, however, Russians who live here differ from Russians of Russia. In his opinion, it is an indication that social integration has taken place. At the same time it is true, that more should be done to develop the contacts between the two communities and that Russians should start using the Latvian language more. also provides the comments of OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby on the process of naturalisation in Latvia. “In his opinion it is rather dangerous that people who do not want to be naturalised somehow stay outside the society. They and also the country should be interested in the development of Latvia. Therefore, the state has act in such a way that people acquire citizenship and become a legitimate part of the society. Mr.Semneby understands that a part of them will remain non-citizens for a while, however, it is very important for the country to involve them, particularly young people, in state affairs. However, one of the paradoxes of Latvia is that the differences between citizens and non-citizens have been eliminated too successfully – people are rather happy with non-citizen passports. We could say – that proves how unfounded are the statements about non-citizens’ discrimination. OSCE Mission to Latvia Head indicated that it is possible to notice that there are two groups of people residing in Latvia, however, Russians who live here differ from Russians of Russia. In his opinion, it is an indication that social integration has taken place. At the same time it is true, that more should be done to develop the contacts between the two communities and that Russians should start using the Latvian language more”.

Chas

journalist views this study more in regard to the issue concerning relations between citizens and non-citizens – how possible are mixed marriages, tolerance toward other nationalities and languages spoken in communication between two nationalities. journalist views this study more in regard to the issue concerning relations between citizens and non-citizens – how possible are mixed marriages, tolerance toward other nationalities and languages spoken in communication between two nationalities.

Vesti Segodnja

considers strange that the number of citizens who think that the Latvian language is in danger has increased for 4% and the number of citizens who would agree to give the state language status to Russian has dropped for 3%. The conclusion of the newspaper is that the only mean, which could harmonise and integrate Latvian society is the time machine. considers strange that the number of citizens who think that the Latvian language is in danger has increased for 4% and the number of citizens who would agree to give the state language status to Russian has dropped for 3%. The conclusion of the newspaper is that the only mean, which could harmonise and integrate Latvian society is the time machine.

Panorama Latvii

writes that the only thing that is common for both citizens and non-citizens is the lack of trust in Latvian politicians. writes that the only thing that is common for both citizens and non-citizens is the lack of trust in Latvian politicians.

Lauku Avize

informs that just before Presidents visit to Washington DC when Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov presented Putins letter to Latvian President coincidentally informs that just before President’s visit to Washington DC when Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov presented Putin’s letter to Latvian President “coincidentally” Vesti SegodnjaVesti Segodnja political columnist A.Elkin was around. And V.Vike-Freiberga voiced that I have discussed with the Prime Minister and foreign affair minister two specific steps in regard to naturalisation. The first one is to reduce the amount of the state fee. The second step is also related to that – I asked the Ministry of Education to create such conditions that a centralised examination for 9 graders of national minority schools would be considered equal to naturalisation examination. political columnist A.Elkin was around. And V.Vike-Freiberga voiced that “I have discussed with the Prime Minister and foreign affair minister two specific steps in regard to naturalisation. The first one is to reduce the amount of the state fee. The second step is also related to that – I asked the Ministry of Education to create such conditions that a centralised examination for 9 graders of national minority schools would be considered equal to naturalisation examination”. Some left-wing Saeima deputies comment the statement of the President. FHRUL chairman J.Jurkans says that he is satisfied with the President, however, he does not believe that she will manage to reach these goals. Other deputies were of the same opinion, too – in general they were satisfied with the opinion expressed by the President, however, they did not believe that the ruling parties will listen to her.

Some left-wing Saeima deputies comment the statement of the President. FHRUL chairman J.Jurkans says that he is satisfied with the President, however, he does not believe that she will manage to reach these goals. Other deputies were of the same opinion, too – in general they were satisfied with the opinion expressed by the President, however, they did not believe that the ruling parties will listen to her.

The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg has accepted for consideration a claim by a Russian family against Latvian authorities whose actions forced the family to leave Latvia, Russia's authorized representative at the court said Monday.

The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg has accepted for consideration a claim by a Russian family against Latvian authorities whose actions forced the family to leave Latvia, Russia's authorized representative at the court said Monday.

Pavel Laptev said the case of Shlivenko family reveals a "whole bunch of European [human rights] convention violations". Tatyana Shlivenko told ORT television earlier that after retirement of her husband from the service the Latvian authorities took away their documents, searched their apartment and then ordered to leave Latvia. Shlivenko family were forced to leave for Kursk and today they can not even arrive in Riga for a while to visit their parents.

Pavel Laptev said the case of Shlivenko family reveals a "whole bunch of European [human rights] convention violations". Tatyana Shlivenko told ORT television earlier that after retirement of her husband from the service the Latvian authorities took away their documents, searched their apartment and then ordered to leave Latvia. Shlivenko family were forced to leave for Kursk and today they can not even arrive in Riga for a while to visit their parents. Vesti Segodnja

Five months have passed since the Conference for Russian Students’ Parents took place. Latvian Support Association to Schools with Russian as a Tuition Language (LSASRTL) chairman I.Pimenov talks about the work done during these months. As one of the achievements is the establishment of Consultative Council at the Ministry of Education where two members of LSASRTL are presented. Their future objectives are to enter the changes in bilingual education – abolish the transfer of secondary school to education in the state language in 2004, review the requirement which determines the minimum number of students to open a class at national minority schools. This year LSASRTL is planning to organise two more parents’ conferences.

Five months have passed since the Conference for Russian Students Parents took place. Latvian Support Association to Schools with Russian as a Tuition Language (LSASRTL) chairman I.Pimenov talks about the work done during these months. As one of the achievements is the establishment of Consultative Council at the Ministry of Education where two members of LSASRTL are presented. Their future objectives are to enter the changes in bilingual education – abolish the transfer of secondary school to education in the state language in 2004, review the requirement which determines the minimum number of students to open a class at national minority schools. This year LSASRTL is planning to organise two more parents conferences. Vesti Segodnja

Panorama Latvii

writes that the line where the nationality of cards holder should be indicated will be included in the new ID cards. Latvias Way deputy V.Birkavs says that such line should not be in the new ID cards; social democrat I.Burvis considers that it should be up to cards holder to fill in the line or leave it empty and FF/LNNK deputy P.Tabuns voices that it is an absolute requirement to have this line in the new cards. writes that the line where the nationality of card’s holder should be indicated will be included in the new ID cards. Latvia’s Way deputy V.Birkavs says that such line should not be in the new ID cards; social democrat I.Burvis considers that it should be up to card’s holder to fill in the line or leave it empty and FF/LNNK deputy P.Tabuns voices that it is an absolute requirement to have this line in the new cards...

It is planned to submit to the Saeima a new draft law on NGOs in the fall this year. In the new law the division of NGO into individual profit and public profit organisations will be introduced. The procedure of providing donations to NGO are to be simplified.

It is planned to submit to the Saeima a new draft law on NGOs in the fall this year. In the new law the division of NGO into individual profit and public profit organisations will be introduced. The procedure of providing donations to NGO are to be simplified. Diena

As a reaction to the essay contest organised by the publishing house Vieda

As a reaction to the essay contest organised by the publishing house Vieda Chas announced its own contest for students on the subject Why do I love Latvia and Consider it My Motherland.

Vesti Segodnja

will publish advertisements free of charge for the companies, which sign boards are written in both languages – Latvian and Russian. will publish advertisements free of charge for the companies, which sign boards are written in both languages – Latvian and Russian.

Press Report

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and an accompanying delegation set off for Washington DC on Sunday morning in order to meet with the new US administration. The aim of Vike-Freiberga's visit to the US is to meet with the new US administration in order to discuss issues mainly dealing with Latvian NATO integration. The trip will last until April 30.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and an accompanying delegation set off for Washington DC on Sunday morning in order to meet with the new US administration. The aim of Vike-Freiberga's visit to the US is to meet with the new US administration in order to discuss issues mainly dealing with Latvian NATO integration. The trip will last until April 30. Neatkariga, Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

Harsh discussions in FF/LNNK Council sitting between the supporters of the former Riga Mayor A.Argalis and their opponents are the indications of the crisis in the party. The main discord is the disagreement on the matter what is more harmful for the party either to co-operate with Social Democrats at Riga City Council or stay to the end with the ruling parties – Peoples Party and LW – which lost the election.

Neatkariga Movement’s “For Equality” 5th conference took place on Saturday. The members of the conference agreed that their strategic aim is to re-organise the Union for Human Rights in the United Latvia into one unified party. Equal Rights conference Saturday elected T.Zhdanok as the new party leader. She will replace Sergey Dimanis, who intends to quit politics "due to family-related reasons."

Movements For Equality 5th conference took place on Saturday. The members of the conference agreed that their strategic aim is to re-organise the Union for Human Rights in the United Latvia into one unified party. Equal Rights conference Saturday elected T.Zhdanok as the new party leader. She will replace Sergey Dimanis, who intends to quit politics "due to family-related reasons." Neatkariga,

Diena

informs about some disagreements inside the party. For Equality deputy in the Saeima A.Klementjev admitted that the atmosphere in the party has rather changed – it is more democratic and members want to free from the prejudices of Interfronte. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii Open door days organised by the Department of Citizenship and Migration have proved that people do not have very much information about DCMA and usually mix DCMA with the Naturalisation Board. The Head of DCMA M.Bichevskis says it makes to consider changes in the name of the organisation. People were mostly interested in matters concerning resident permits, visas, spelling of the last names in official papers.

Open door days organised by the Department of Citizenship and Migration have proved that people do not have very much information about DCMA and usually mix DCMA with the Naturalisation Board. The Head of DCMA M.Bichevskis says it makes to consider changes in the name of the organisation. People were mostly interested in matters concerning resident permits, visas, spelling of the last names in official papers. Neatkariga

FHRUL deputies in Riga City Council have strictly refused to meet with the language inspectors and demonstrate their language proficiency. The State Language Centre director Dz.Hirsha admitted that the situation is difficult as “the Language Centre has no rights to examine deputies’ language skills without their own agreement to that”.

FHRUL deputies in Riga City Council have strictly refused to meet with the language inspectors and demonstrate their language proficiency. The State Language Centre director Dz.Hirsha admitted that the situation is difficult as the Language Centre has no rights to examine deputies language skills without their own agreement to that. Rigas Balss