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

• No additional obligations in minority rights area are expected to be imposed on Latvia as a result of the mutual agreement between the EU and Russia
• The President of Latvia is concerned with accusations and threats towards directors of minority schools successfully implementing education reform
• State Police bringscharges against protest actions organizers
• The ruling coalition has decided not to submit draft amendments to the Citizenship Laws to the government and the Saeima
• About possible impact of the Latvian language proficiency requirements for foreigners on the Latvian labor market
• The Prime Minister Indulis Emsis is not planning to recall his statement about Russias financial support to the education reforms opponents
• The Riga City Councils deputy Aleksandrs Gilmans is considering a possibility to waive the fines imposed by court
• Russian-language media criticize the governments attitude towards the Ventspils schools problems
• MP from the Peoples Harmony Party Aleksandrs Bartasevics about the partys stance on the education reform
• Vesty Segodnya on the meeting with non-citizens teachers organized by the Education, Youth and Sports Department of the Riga City Council and NGO Civic Initiative XIX
• Lithuanian NGOs have adopted a statement supporting the education reform
• The number of applications for Estonian citizenship has doubled since January

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Latvia Rihards Piks has stated that no additional obligations in minority rights area may be imposed on Latvia as a result of the mutual agreement between the EU and Russia related to the protocol on the treaty on collaboration, applicable for the new EU member states, which is to be signed today. According to

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Latvia Rihards Piks has stated that no additional obligations in minority rights area may be imposed on Latvia as a result of the mutual agreement between the EU and Russia related to the protocol on the treaty on collaboration, applicable for the new EU member states, which is to be signed today. According to Diena, a diplomatic statement about Russias and the EUs mutual obligation to protect minority rights will be included in the agreement. Diena, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

Yesterday the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga has met with 20 directors of the minority schools. According to the President, extremely negative and sometimes threatening attitude from the reform opponents towards the school directors supporting the reform, which was also reflected in some Russian- language press publications, presents a serious problem. The President will be looking for opportunities to protect school administration from such influence within existing legal framework, and to discuss activities of the education reform’s opponents with the Interior Minister and the National Security Council.

Yesterday the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga has met with 20 directors of the minority schools. According to the President, extremely negative and sometimes threatening attitude from the reform opponents towards the school directors supporting the reform, which was also reflected in some Russian- language press publications, presents a serious problem. The President will be looking for opportunities to protect school administration from such influence within existing legal framework, and to discuss activities of the education reforms opponents with the Interior Minister and the National Security Council. Vesty Segodnya has denied the Presidents accusation towards Russian-language press in rising ethnic tensions and putting pressure on school administration. The newspaper stresses that Russian-language press has objectively reflected various opinions on the events related to the education reform. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

According to

According to Diena, the State Police has brought the case against S. Malahovskis, I. Grigorjevs and O. Goculaks for violations of the rules organizing protest actions to court. The State Police has also sent an application to the Saeima asking for permission to initiate administrative case against two other reforms opponents, who are also MPs. The protocols on administrative violations have been prepared against G. Kotovs and J. Petropavlovsksis.

The ruling coalition has decided not to submit the draft amendments to the Citizenship Law, prepared by the Special Task Minister for Children and Family Affairs Secretariat, to the government and Saeima for examination. The aim of the amendments, prepared by the secretariat, is to ease the process of obtaining citizenship for children and other persons. For example, draft amendments foresee rights to obtain citizenship through registration for adopted children and orphans, as well as for children whose parents obtained Latvian citizenship after their children were born, and abolishing the norm that non-citizens’ children born after 21 August 1991 have the right to get Latvian citizenship through registration only till they are 18 years old. The Special Task Minister for Children and Family Affairs Ainars Bastiks has allegedly stated that due to the tensions in the society over the coming education reform, it may be not a right moment to open the Citizenship Law for examination.

The ruling coalition has decided not to submit the draft amendments to the Citizenship Law, prepared by the Special Task Minister for Children and Family Affairs Secretariat, to the government and Saeima for examination. The aim of the amendments, prepared by the secretariat, is to ease the process of obtaining citizenship for children and other persons. For example, draft amendments foresee rights to obtain citizenship through registration for adopted children and orphans, as well as for children whose parents obtained Latvian citizenship after their children were born, and abolishing the norm that non-citizens children born after 21 August 1991 have the right to get Latvian citizenship through registration only till they are 18 years old. The Special Task Minister for Children and Family Affairs Ainars Bastiks has allegedly stated that due to the tensions in the society over the coming education reform, it may be not a right moment to open the Citizenship Law for examination. Latvijas Avize

Diena features an article on the recently adopted regulations stipulating Latvian language proficiency requirements for foreigners who apply for the permanent residence permit. While some foreign employees in Latvia support the norm, others think that this norm interferes in the private business sphere and could hinder the work of qualified specialists in Latvia, thus reducing Latvias competitiveness on the international labor market. According to the deputy director of Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) Mara Roze, the norm is necessary in order to ensure foreigners integration into the society and their respect towards the state, and that it will not influence foreign investment in Latvia. The OCMA estimates that around 200 persons, who are eligible for permanent residence in Latvia, will pass Latvian language proficiency exam. There are 7,553 foreigners who presently hold temporary residence permits in Latvia.

The Prime Minister Indulis Emsis is not planning to recall his statements concerning Russia’s financial support to the protest activities against the education reform, and the role of the representative of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs in organizing protest events. The prime minister has named Kazakovs a ‘Moscow consultant’ in organizing protest actions, and accused him in being on Moscow’s payroll. Aleksandrs Kazakovs has promised to sue the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis in court if he will not recall his statements to the mass media.

The Prime Minister Indulis Emsis is not planning to recall his statements concerning Russias financial support to the protest activities against the education reform, and the role of the representative of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs in organizing protest events. The prime minister has named Kazakovs a ‘Moscow consultant in organizing protest actions, and accused him in being on Moscows payroll. Aleksandrs Kazakovs has promised to sue the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis in court if he will not recall his statements to the mass media. Latvijas Avize

The Riga City Council’s deputy Aleksandrs Gilmans is considering a possibility to waive the fines imposed by the court for social order’s violations during the protest activities against the education reform. The deputy is planning to consult lawyers on appeal possibilities.

The Riga City Councils deputy Aleksandrs Gilmans is considering a possibility to waive the fines imposed by the court for social orders violations during the protest activities against the education reform. The deputy is planning to consult lawyers on appeal possibilities. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Russian-language media report on the meeting of Venstpils schools’ administration and students with the Minister for Education and Science Juris Radzevics and the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks last week in Ventspils. The newspapers point to the lack of true dialog between school administration and the Latvian authorities, who allegedly are unwilling to understand the schools’ problems.

Russian-language media report on the meeting of Venstpils schools administration and students with the Minister for Education and Science Juris Radzevics and the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks last week in Ventspils. The newspapers point to the lack of true dialog between school administration and the Latvian authorities, who allegedly are unwilling to understand the schools problems. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Latvijas Avize features an interview with MP from the Peoples Harmony Party (PHP) and a European Parliament deputy candidate Aleksandrs Bartasevics. According to Bartasevics, the main problem in the area of education reform is the poor preparation of schools and teachers to the reform implementation, and lack of the governments support. The PHP is planning to initiate a constructive discussion on education reform with the government. The PHP concedes that reform may be implemented, but is willing to change the proportion of 60/40 percent defined by the Education Law for the one established by municipalities, students parents and principals.

Vesti Segodnya critically reports on the meeting with the school teachers, who have the non-citizen status, organized by the Education, Youth and Sports Department of the Riga City Council and NGO Civic Initiative XXI. The aim of the meeting was to motivate teachers to apply for Latvian citizenship. The newspaper calls the meeting ‘propaganda, and expresses an opinion that Latvian citizenship will not empower minorities to influence the state policies.

Three Lithuanian NGOs have adopted a statement supporting the education reform in Latvia. There are 32,000 Lithuanians living in Latvia.

Three Lithuanian NGOs have adopted a statement supporting the education reform in Latvia. There are 32,000 Lithuanians living in Latvia. Latvijas Avize

Diena refers to the Estonian newspaper Eesti Paevaleht informing that the number of applications for Estonian citizenship has doubled since January. According to the interviewed Estonian official, the main reason behind the increase is that non-citizens have finally understood that the EU will not require Estonia to grant them automatic citizenship.

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

• The Prime Minister Indulis Emsis on schools preparedness to the education reform
• The State Education Inspection: majority of schools in Riga are ready to teach subjects in Latvian
• Vice Speaker of Estonian Parliament and observer to the European Parliament Toomas Savi: Russia should apologize to the Baltics for the occupation
• Vesti Segodnya reports on the publications in the German newspaper Tagenszeitung criticizing minority policies in Latvia
• Around 350 minority children participate in the children and youth festival Golden Ball in Liepaja
• The Latvian Russian-language writer Dalija Truskinovska invites parents to initiate an open public attestation of teachers in schools claiming to be ready for education reform

Vesty Segodnya interviews the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis. According to the prime minister, the consultative committee established with the Ministry of Education and Science has visited 33 Russian-language schools to evaluate their readiness to the reform. 15 schools have already licensed their education programs for the reforms implementation, while 60% of schools have prepared programs for licensing. Other schools continue coordinating preparation of the programs with the Ministry and parents. Indulis Emsis has pointed to the different level of preparedness to the reform among schools and outlined difficulties of studying subjects in Latvian for low- achieving students. The prime minister has promised that the government will do its best to ensure the reforms implementation and to prevent deterioration in quality of education, and that no Russian-language schools will be closed.

According to the State Education Inspection, many schools in Riga are ready to teach subjects in Latvian. Out of 60 Riga minority schools, only 2 schools have problems with development of the education programs. 19 out of 422 teachers, who will have to teach subjects in Latvian next year, will not be ready for it. Officials promise to prepare a full report of schools’ readiness to the education reform in early May. 

According to the State Education Inspection, many schools in Riga are ready to teach subjects in Latvian. Out of 60 Riga minority schools, only 2 schools have problems with development of the education programs. 19 out of 422 teachers, who will have to teach subjects in Latvian next year, will not be ready for it. Officials promise to prepare a full report of schools readiness to the education reform in early May. Chas

According to the Vice Speaker of Estonian Parliament and observer to the European Parliament Toomas Savi, Russia should apologize to the Baltic States for the occupation after the treaty on collaboration between Russia and the European Union is applied to all new EU member states.

According to the Vice Speaker of Estonian Parliament and observer to the European Parliament Toomas Savi, Russia should apologize to the Baltic States for the occupation after the treaty on collaboration between Russia and the European Union is applied to all new EU member states. Latvijas Avize

Vesti Segodnya quotes critical articles by German newspaper Tagenszeitung about the education reform in Latvia. Tagenszeitung refers to the director of the Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Ilze Brands Kehris naming the ratio 60/40 as a big problem raising hidden tensions. According to Tagenszeitung, the EU should criticize Latvia for its minority policies.

Last weekend children and youth festival “Golden Ball” was held in Liepaja with participation of around 350 minority representatives.

Last weekend children and youth festival Golden Ball was held in Liepaja with participation of around 350 minority representatives. Latvijas Avize

Chas features an article by the Latvian Russian-language writer Dalija Truskinovska, who invites parents to initiate an open public appraisal of teachers in the schools which claim to be ready for the education reform.

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

• Latvia expels Russian diplomat
• President of the European Commission Romano Prodi says almost all contradictions in negotiations with Moscow have been resolved
• European Council Human Rights Commissioner Alvaro Gil-Robles calls the Russians-speakers situation in Latvia and Estonia a very serious problem
• Russian State Dumas stance on the EU enlargement
• Prime Minister Indulis Emsis names eight persons who initiate unsanctioned protest actions
• The Riga City Centre district court has imposed a second fine on City Councils deputy Aleksandrs Gilmans for organizing protest activities against the education reform
• Chairman of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Artis Pabriks on Latvian-Russian relations and education reform
• Launch of the State Language Agency
• The NGO Russian Society of Latvia will boycott minority children sports festival
• Protest activities against the education reform in Rezekne
• New division of Roma organization Nevo Drom (New Way) established in Daugavpils
• Diena reports that non-citizens problems are given priority attention by the foreign media

On Friday, Latvia has expelled a Russian diplomat who has not been named officially so far. According to the note submitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs parliamentary secretary Maris Riekstins to the Russian ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov, the ministry has found that “one of the Russian diplomats has engaged in activities not compatible with the diplomatic status,” thus indicating espionage. According to the information of the Constitutional Defense Bureau, the diplomat has tried to get information on NATO military infrastructure and some topical internal and external political issues. According to

On Friday, Latvia has expelled a Russian diplomat who has not been named officially so far. According to the note submitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs parliamentary secretary Maris Riekstins to the Russian ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov, the ministry has found that one of the Russian diplomats has engaged in activities not compatible with the diplomatic status, thus indicating espionage. According to the information of the Constitutional Defense Bureau, the diplomat has tried to get information on NATO military infrastructure and some topical internal and external political issues. According to Neatkariga Rita Avize, foreign policy experts assume that this diplomat has also been interested in the Russian-language schools protests. The Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs has named the diplomats expulsion as provocative and unfounded. Russia has also stated that this step was not surprising since the Ministry warned in press about such plans of Latvian Russophobic politicians already on 12 April. These warnings were related to accusations of Latvian officials to Russia in rising social tensions over the education reform. Chas features comments by Latvian officials on this issue. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

At a press conference in Moscow, the President of the European Commission Romano Prodi stated that almost all contradictions have been resolved in negotiations with Moscow in order to sign a protocol of the treaty on collaboration between Russia and the European Union, applying it to all new EU member states. According to Prodi, Russia and the EU will continue to pay special attention to minority protection in the Baltic States, while no special agreement between Russia and the EU regarding this issue is expected.

At a press conference in Moscow, the President of the European Commission Romano Prodi stated that almost all contradictions have been resolved in negotiations with Moscow in order to sign a protocol of the treaty on collaboration between Russia and the European Union, applying it to all new EU member states. According to Prodi, Russia and the EU will continue to pay special attention to minority protection in the Baltic States, while no special agreement between Russia and the EU regarding this issue is expected. Latvijas Avize

On Friday, the European Council Human Rights Commissioner Alvaro Gil-Robles stated that the Russians-speakers’ situation in Latvia and Estonia is “a very serious problem”.

On Friday, the European Council Human Rights Commissioner Alvaro Gil-Robles stated that the Russians-speakers situation in Latvia and Estonia is a very serious problem. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

On Friday the deputy minister of Foreign Affairs and the head of Moscow delegation at the UN Human Rights Committee’s session in Geneva Jurij Fedotov stated that minority protection in the Baltic States has been one of the core Russian tasks during the session. The Russian delegation calls on the international community to prevent violation of Russian-speakers’ rights in the Baltic States.

On Friday the deputy minister of Foreign Affairs and the head of Moscow delegation at the UN Human Rights Committees session in Geneva Jurij Fedotov stated that minority protection in the Baltic States has been one of the core Russian tasks during the session. The Russian delegation calls on the international community to prevent violation of Russian-speakers rights in the Baltic States. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize

The Russian State Duma is planning to ratify the protocol of the treaty on collaboration between Russia and the European Union, applying it to all new EU member states in September. According to the First Vice Speaker of Russian State Duma Lubov Sliska, Russia considers the EU enlargement an internal EU issue, but remains concerned about the transit issue in Kaliningrad area and violations of Russian-speakers’ rights in the Baltic States.

The Russian State Duma is planning to ratify the protocol of the treaty on collaboration between Russia and the European Union, applying it to all new EU member states in September. According to the First Vice Speaker of Russian State Duma Lubov Sliska, Russia considers the EU enlargement an internal EU issue, but remains concerned about the transit issue in Kaliningrad area and violations of Russian-speakers rights in the Baltic States. Neatkariga Rita Avize

The Prime Minister Indulis Emsis in an interview to

The Prime Minister Indulis Emsis in an interview to Latvijas Avize named eight persons who have organized unsanctioned protest actions and against whom the State Police has initiated administrative legal cases: Sergejs Malahovskijs, Ivans Grigorjevs, Jurijs Petropavlovskis, Olegs Goculaks, MPs Andris Tolmacovs, Jakovs Pliners, Vladimirs Buzajevs and Riga City Councils deputy Genadijs Kotovs. The possibility that criminal charges will be brought after the initial investigation is not excluded. Latvijas Avize

The Riga City’s Centre district court has imposed a 100 lats fine on the City Council’s deputy Aleksandrs Gilmans, who has been accused in violations of social order on 11 February by organizing a meeting of the opponents of education reform with the Saeima’s deputies. Last week Gilmans was fined 80 lats for social order’s violations (disturbing traffic) on 5 February. According to Gilmans, the court ruling was politically motivated.

The Riga Citys Centre district court has imposed a 100 lats fine on the City Councils deputy Aleksandrs Gilmans, who has been accused in violations of social order on 11 February by organizing a meeting of the opponents of education reform with the Saeimas deputies. Last week Gilmans was fined 80 lats for social orders violations (disturbing traffic) on 5 February. According to Gilmans, the court ruling was politically motivated. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas,

Chas reports on the interview with the chairman of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Artis Pabriks for the Russian-language TV program From Positions of Power. Artis Pabriks believes that after Latvias accession to the EU, the dialog between Latvia and Russia will improve. According to Pabriks, education reform is necessary in order to ensure that all schools graduates can speak Latvian freely.

Latvijas Avize features an article about the State Language Agency, which was opened yesterday. The State Language Agency has 12 staff members. Establishment of the national terminology database, sociolinguistic research and development of consulting service networks in Latvias largest cities are among the priorities of the State Language Agency.

The Russian Society of Latvia has decided to boycott minority children sports festival to be held on 2 May. The Russian Society explains its decision by the fact that the government continuously ignores claims of the education reform’s opponents. The organization calls other NGOs to boycott similar “decorative events”.

The Russian Society of Latvia has decided to boycott minority children sports festival to be held on 2 May. The Russian Society explains its decision by the fact that the government continuously ignores claims of the education reforms opponents. The organization calls other NGOs to boycott similar decorative events. Vesty Segodnya, Chas

Vesti Segodnya reports critical opinions of school representatives, students and their parents in Rezekne schools on the education reform, and describes protest activities of the schools. The Rezeknes Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools organized a meeting against education reform on 16 April.

New division of Roma organization “Nevo Drom” (New Way”) has been established in Daugavpils. According to the department’s head, the main organization’s task is to promote Roma children school attendance and Roma employment.

New division of Roma organization Nevo Drom (New Way) has been established in Daugavpils. According to the departments head, the main organizations task is to promote Roma children school attendance and Roma employment. Chas

Diena prints an article about publications about Latvia in the foreign press. Non-citizens problems are one of the priority subjects reflected in the foreign media.

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

• The situation of Russian-speakers is still under discussion in negotiations between Russia and the European Commission
• The leader of the Peoples Harmony Party Janis Jurkans calls the prime minister to cooperation on solving problems related to the education reform
• The Peoples Harmony Party asks the Interior Minister Eriks Jekabsons to explain his statement concerning partys member Boris Tsilevitch
• Neatkariga Rita Avize on the complaints against Latvia submitted to the European Court for Human Rights
• State Language Agency announces a project tender
• Minority schools teachers and students parents are concerned with the deterioration of students knowledge
• Latvijas Avize reviews foreign press statements about Latvia
• The co-chairman of NGO The Union of Citizens and Non-Citizens Vladimirs Sokolovs points to the Integration Program being out of date
• The deputy chairperson of the Latvian Russian party Vjaceslavs Starostins on importance of the development of Russian minority schools in Latvia

Yesterday the President of the European Commission Romano Prodi has visited Moscow to discuss issues of the EU enlargement with the Russian government. The situation of Russian-speakers in the Baltic states is the only issue where agreement is still not achieved in Russia and the EU negotiations on the treaty on collaboration between Russia and the EU member states, including all new members. Although the EU has not planned to include the issue of the Russian-speakers into the agreement, Russia is insisting on its inclusion in the resolution, in order to promote improvement of the Russian-speakers’ situation in the Baltic States. The agreement should be signed on 27 April.

Yesterday the President of the European Commission Romano Prodi has visited Moscow to discuss issues of the EU enlargement with the Russian government. The situation of Russian-speakers in the Baltic states is the only issue where agreement is still not achieved in Russia and the EU negotiations on the treaty on collaboration between Russia and the EU member states, including all new members. Although the EU has not planned to include the issue of the Russian-speakers into the agreement, Russia is insisting on its inclusion in the resolution, in order to promote improvement of the Russian-speakers situation in the Baltic States. The agreement should be signed on 27 April. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Telegraf, Chas

The leader of the People’s Harmony Party Janis Jurkans has sent an open letter to the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis calling for cooperation in finding solution to the education reform’s problems. The PHP has previously proposed moratorium on the education reform. The meeting of the prime minister with Janis Jurkans is planned on 1 May.

The leader of the Peoples Harmony Party Janis Jurkans has sent an open letter to the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis calling for cooperation in finding solution to the education reforms problems. The PHP has previously proposed moratorium on the education reform. The meeting of the prime minister with Janis Jurkans is planned on 1 May. Diena, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

The People’s Harmony Party has officially requested the Interior minister Eriks Jekabsons to provide explanations for the statement made in his interview to Latvijas Avize on 10 April. In this interview, the minister said that “although Boris Tsilevich is an intelligent and educated man, there is an opinion that his political philosophy is more dangerous for the state than Rubiks’ and Zhdanok’s more primitive political stance”.

The Peoples Harmony Party has officially requested the Interior minister Eriks Jekabsons to provide explanations for the statement made in his interview to Latvijas Avize on 10 April. In this interview, the minister said that although Boris Tsilevich is an intelligent and educated man, there is an opinion that his political philosophy is more dangerous for the state than Rubiks and Zhdanoks more primitive political stance. Latvijas Avize

Latvijas Avize writes about complaints submitted to the European Court for Human Rights (ECHR) against Latvia. Up to now, the ECHR has dismissed six complaints by the former USSR militaries and their families, who were challenging legitimacy of their expulsion from Latvia. The next judgment to be delivered is in the case of Arkadijs Sisojevss family.

The State Language Agency has announced a project tender “State Language Development”. The aim of the projects is to foster development of Latvian language as the state language, promote its wider use and stimulate public involvement in the language-related issues. The projects’ scope includes research studies, publications, creation of databases, organization of competitions, etc. Each project will receive financing of 5,000 lats.

The State Language Agency has announced a project tender State Language Development. The aim of the projects is to foster development of Latvian language as the state language, promote its wider use and stimulate public involvement in the language-related issues. The projects scope includes research studies, publications, creation of databases, organization of competitions, etc. Each project will receive financing of 5,000 lats. Latvijas Avize

Yesterday a conference of teachers and students’ parents of a Russian-language school was held. School officials are concerned with the decrease of students’ achievements as a result of bilingual education.

Yesterday a conference of teachers and students parents of a Russian-language school was held. School officials are concerned with the decrease of students achievements as a result of bilingual education. Telegraf

Latvijas Avize quotes statements in the foreign press about Latvia. For example, German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung writes that Latvian society will split on language basis after Latvias accession to the EU on 1 May. According to another newspaper, Tageszeitung, Latvia punishes children who do not speak correct language.

The co-chairman of the NGO The Union of Citizens and Non-Citizens Vladimirs Sokolovs points to the outdated information, contained in the National Program for Integration of the Society in Latvia. He notes that the term for most of the projects listed in the Program has ended already in 2003.

The co-chairman of the NGO The Union of Citizens and Non-Citizens Vladimirs Sokolovs points to the outdated information, contained in the National Program for Integration of the Society in Latvia. He notes that the term for most of the projects listed in the Program has ended already in 2003. Vesti Segodnya

Neatkariga Rita Avize features an article of the deputy chairperson of the Latvian Russian party Vjaceslavs Starostins, who believes that the present system of Russian-language schools does not guarantee preservation of Russian ethnic identity and bringing up children ‘with a Russian soul, and points to the importance of development of Russian minority schools along the same lines as Jewish, Polish or Ukrainian minority schools.

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

• The Minister of Justice suspends the draft law on municipal elections
• Comments on the new Latvian language proficiency requirements for foreigners applying for permanent residence
• Representative of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs asks Prime Minister Indulis Emsis to recall his statements
• The Secretariat of the Special Tasks Minister on Societal Integration Issues is planning a mailing campaign to explain rules of citizenship registration for parent of the children born in Latvia after 21 August 1991
• Russia is planning to raise question of the education reform in Latvia at the next session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
• The Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools deny all recent accusations
• Russian youngsters suspected in vandalizing the parks gazebo with anti-reform slogans
• Presidents advisor on economic issues Sols Bukingolts about Latvia-Russia relations
• Chas columnist: education reform can be suspended only if all Latvian residents participate in the elections

The minister of Justice Vineta Muizniece from the People’s party has suspended the draft law on municipal elections which cancels the prohibition to candidate for elections for former State Security Committee’s staff and Communist Party’s members after 13 January 1991. According to the minister, the People’s party will not support this change, and there are also other reasons for the draft law review.

The minister of Justice Vineta Muizniece from the Peoples party has suspended the draft law on municipal elections which cancels the prohibition to candidate for elections for former State Security Committees staff and Communist Partys members after 13 January 1991. According to the minister, the Peoples party will not support this change, and there are also other reasons for the draft law review. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Telegraf

According to the representative of the State Human rights Office Liga Bikseniece, the state partially intrudes in private life by adopting government regulations which oblige foreigners applying for the permanent residence in Latvia to pass Latvian language examination. However, points Liga Bikseniece, lack of proficiency in the state language cannot lead to the person’s expulsion, as he or she can always apply for the temporary residence permit, which foresees no language proficiency requirements. The Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Affairs Nils Muiznieks points to the need of training course for foreigners in the Latvian language and in ‘what this country is about’.

According to the representative of the State Human rights Office Liga Bikseniece, the state partially intrudes in private life by adopting government regulations which oblige foreigners applying for the permanent residence in Latvia to pass Latvian language examination. However, points Liga Bikseniece, lack of proficiency in the state language cannot lead to the persons expulsion, as he or she can always apply for the temporary residence permit, which foresees no language proficiency requirements. The Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Affairs Nils Muiznieks points to the need of training course for foreigners in the Latvian language and in ‘what this country is about. Diena

The representative of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs has promised to sue the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis in court if he will not recall his statements to the mass media. The Prime Minister has named Kazakovs a ‘Moscow consultant’ in organizing protest actions against the education reform, and accused him in being on Moscow’s payroll. In his letter to the prime minister, Kazakov has stated that he is a voluntary deputy’s assistant, not occupying an official position and not receiving a salary.

The representative of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs has promised to sue the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis in court if he will not recall his statements to the mass media. The Prime Minister has named Kazakovs a ‘Moscow consultant in organizing protest actions against the education reform, and accused him in being on Moscows payroll. In his letter to the prime minister, Kazakov has stated that he is a voluntary deputys assistant, not occupying an official position and not receiving a salary. Latvijas Avize, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

The Secretariat of the Special Task’s Minister on Society Integration Issues is planning to mail to all parents, whose children were born in Latvia after 21 August 1991, booklets explaining the rules of registering  their children as Latvian citizens.

The Secretariat of the Special Tasks Minister on Society Integration Issues is planning to mail to all parents, whose children were born in Latvia after 21 August 1991, booklets explaining the rules of registering their children as Latvian citizens. Vesti Segodnya

Russian delegation is planning to raise the question about human rights violation in Latvia, specifically in the area of the education reform, on the spring session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on 26-30 April,

Russian delegation is planning to raise the question about human rights violation in Latvia, specifically in the area of the education reform, on the spring session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on 26-30 April, Chas

At the press conference yesterday, representatives of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools denied all recent accusations of Latvian officials, including collaboration with the ‘foreign sponsors’. According to Jakovs Pliners, the state provokes ethnic conflict by denying all proposals made by opposition regarding the 2004 education reform.

At the press conference yesterday, representatives of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools denied all recent accusations of Latvian officials, including collaboration with the ‘foreign sponsors. According to Jakovs Pliners, the state provokes ethnic conflict by denying all proposals made by opposition regarding the 2004 education reform. Vesti Segodnya

A pagoda-like gazebo, which Riga received as a present on the 800 years anniversary from the Chinese city of Suzhou, had been covered by graffiti last Tuesday. The slogans read “No to the reform” and “Latvians forbidden to enter” in the Russian language, which makes staff of the Riga City Council Environmental department think that Russian youngsters are to be blamed. The City council deputy Aleksandrs Gilmans, one of the protest actions' leaders, counters by saying that graffiti may be a provocation with the aim of casting a shadow over the education reform opponents.

A pagoda-like gazebo, which Riga received as a present on the 800 years anniversary from the Chinese city of Suzhou, had been covered by graffiti last Tuesday. The slogans read No to the reform and Latvians forbidden to enter in the Russian language, which makes staff of the Riga City Council Environmental department think that Russian youngsters are to be blamed. The City council deputy Aleksandrs Gilmans, one of the protest actions' leaders, counters by saying that graffiti may be a provocation with the aim of casting a shadow over the education reform opponents. Rigas Balss

Latvijas Avize reprints an interview with the advisor to the Latvian president on economic issues Sols Bukingolts to the Russian information agency Regnum-News Spb. According to Sols Bukingolts, Latvian-Russian relations should be developed on the basis of common interests. He also believes that it is important that Russians in Latvia will feel themselves as Latvian Russians, but Latvians should not  automatically consider Russians as left-wing forces or ‘agents of Russia’s influence’.

Latvijas Avize reprints an interview with the advisor to the Latvian president on economic issues Sols Bukingolts to the Russian information agency Regnum-News Spb. According to Sols Bukingolts, Latvian-Russian relations should be developed on the basis of common interests. He also believes that it is important that Russians in Latvia will feel themselves as Latvian Russians, but Latvians should not automatically consider Russians as left-wing forces or ‘agents of Russias influence. Latvijas Avize

Chas columnist Viktors Guscins believes that suspension of the education reform can be achieved only with changing existing elections practice, i.e. ensuring participation of all state residents in the elections.