Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Newspapers report on the congress held by the opposition Equal Rights Movement on Saturday. The party unanimously adopted the basic concepts of party’s election program: Latvia should stop integration into NATO, grant Russian the status of the official language in those local governments where at least 20% of residents are Russian-speakers and grant Latvian citizenship to all non-citizens who have expressed such a wish. Equal Rights Movement chairperson Tatjana Zdanoka announced that her party will stay in the Union FHRUL to run for the 8th Saiema elections.

Newspapers report on the congress held by the opposition Equal Rights Movement on Saturday. The party unanimously adopted the basic concepts of partys election program: Latvia should stop integration into NATO, grant Russian the status of the official language in those local governments where at least 20% of residents are Russian-speakers and grant Latvian citizenship to all non-citizens who have expressed such a wish. Equal Rights Movement chairperson Tatjana Zdanoka announced that her party will stay in the Union FHRUL to run for the 8th Saiema elections. Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Panorama Latvii

90% of the inspected shops dealing with spare parts for cars have violated the State Language Law. After the acquisition of this data the State Language Center has launched a broad inspection campaign of these shops in the whole territory of Latvia.

90% of the inspected shops dealing with spare parts for cars have violated the State Language Law. After the acquisition of this data the State Language Center has launched a broad inspection campaign of these shops in the whole territory of Latvia. Telegraf

Vesti Segodnja

provides information for Russians who want to emigrate to Russia, in particular, about the recently signed agreement with Russian Federation city Kaluga. provides information for Russians who want to emigrate to Russia, in particular, about the recently signed agreement with Russian Federation city Kaluga. “The Baltic Forum” is one of the first and most regular possibilities for Latvian and Russian counterparts to meet and discuss topical issues. This year the forum will take place at the end of May.

The Baltic Forum is one of the first and most regular possibilities for Latvian and Russian counterparts to meet and discuss topical issues. This year the forum will take place at the end of May. Telegraf provides a list of the invited participants representing the key figures of Russias economic and political spheres.

Neatkariga

interviews Austrian President Thomas Klestil who will launch his visit to Latvia tomorrow. interviews Austrian President Thomas Klestil who will launch his visit to Latvia tomorrow. NeatkarigaNeatkariga asks the President about Austrias membership and role in the EU and the Convent on the future of the EU. The president denies the assumption that Austria opposes the enlargement of the European Union. The President praises contacts and cooperation with the Baltic countries. asks the President about Austria’s membership and role in the EU and the Convent on the future of the EU. The president denies the assumption that Austria opposes the enlargement of the European Union. The President praises contacts and cooperation with the Baltic countries. On Saturday about 350 people gathered to create a new political party “For Freedom of Latvia.” The charter says that the aim of the party is to unite forces on the basis of similar viewpoints, rooted in Christian values in order to defend the social and economic rights and interests of all Latvia's residents. The congress elected Odisejs Kostanda chairperson of the party. Kostanda was a prominent activist in the independence movement and, in the mid-1990s, co-leader of the populist party known by the name of its leader Joachim Siegerist.

On Saturday about 350 people gathered to create a new political party For Freedom of Latvia. The charter says that the aim of the party is to unite forces on the basis of similar viewpoints, rooted in Christian values in order to defend the social and economic rights and interests of all Latvia's residents. The congress elected Odisejs Kostanda chairperson of the party. Kostanda was a prominent activist in the independence movement and, in the mid-1990s, co-leader of the populist party known by the name of its leader Joachim Siegerist. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf

Telegraf

interviews leader of the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party Juris Bojars. He provides in-depth information about his proposed amendments to the Constitution. interviews leader of the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party Juris Bojars. He provides in-depth information about his “proposed “amendments” to the Constitution.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Defence Minister Girts Valdis Kristovskis, delegated to the post by FF/LNNK, is ready to give his stance regarding the abolition of the language requirement for election candidates in the election laws. Although the stance of his party is against the lifting of the language requirement, Kristovskis said “if this is an important requirement for Latvia’s NATO membership, the election laws should be amended.” FF/LNNK chairperson Maris Grinblats stated that the faction is not going to support the lifting of the language requirement, but will not criticise the defence minister.

Defence Minister Girts Valdis Kristovskis, delegated to the post by FF/LNNK, is ready to give his stance regarding the abolition of the language requirement for election candidates in the election laws. Although the stance of his party is against the lifting of the language requirement, Kristovskis said if this is an important requirement for Latvias NATO membership, the election laws should be amended. FF/LNNK chairperson Maris Grinblats stated that the faction is not going to support the lifting of the language requirement, but will not criticise the defence minister. Diena

Vecernaya Riga

talks to chairperson of the Riga Education Board Guntis Helmanis. He disagrees with the statement of the newspaper that the school optimisation plan, which call for closing several schools due to the insuffiecient number of students, concerns only Russian schools. He stresses that all schools have equal possibilities, but it is the responsibility of a school to apply and initiate projects. Regarding the switch to education in the Latvian language in 2004, Helmanis states that schools have started preparation a long time ago and should be ready for 2004. talks to chairperson of the Riga Education Board Guntis Helmanis. He disagrees with the statement of the newspaper that the school optimisation plan, which call for closing several schools due to the insuffiecient number of students, concerns only Russian schools. He stresses that all schools have equal possibilities, but it is the responsibility of a school to apply and initiate projects. Regarding the switch to education in the Latvian language in 2004, Helmanis states that schools have started preparation a long time ago and should be ready for 2004.

Chas

interviews history professor Ilga Apine about the relations of national minorities in Latvia. She believes that Russians are not under threat of assimilation in Latvia. Regarding the school reform in 2004 she states that people have to have a choice, and to learn Latvian it is not necessary to study all subjects at school in the Latvian language. When asked what is integration, Apine replies that integration is expansion of participation. In her opinion, the situation regarding Russians has improved and it will change completely when a new generation of Russians who know the Latvian language and are competitive will constitute a bigger part of society. She believes that Russians have to be more pro-active regarding their rights. Regarding the Latvian language she says that no more administrative measures should be introduced to strengthen the status and usage of Latvian, on the contrary, people should have the rights to communicate with their municipalities in Russian. interviews history professor Ilga Apine about the relations of national minorities in Latvia. She believes that Russians are not under threat of assimilation in Latvia. Regarding the school reform in 2004 she states that people have to have a choice, and to learn Latvian it is not necessary to study all subjects at school in the Latvian language. When asked what is integration, Apine replies that “integration is expansion of participation.” In her opinion, the situation regarding Russians has improved and it will change completely when a new generation of Russians who know the Latvian language and are competitive will constitute a bigger part of society. She believes that Russians have to be more pro-active regarding their rights. Regarding the Latvian language she says that no more administrative measures should be introduced to strengthen the status and usage of Latvian, on the contrary, people should have the rights to communicate with their municipalities in Russian.

Vesti Segodnja

states that the governing national parties are against the Constitution developed by leader of Social Democrats Juris Bojars because it stipulates that international conventions signed by Latvia are higher in the legal hierarchy than Latvian legislation. states that the governing national parties are against the Constitution developed by leader of Social Democrats Juris Bojars because it stipulates that international conventions signed by Latvia are higher in the legal hierarchy than Latvian legislation. 25 minority NGOs, such as the Latvian Human Rights Committee, Baltic-Slavic Association of Culture and others have developed a statement on the rights of national minorities in Latvia addressed to international organisations.

25 minority NGOs, such as the Latvian Human Rights Committee, Baltic-Slavic Association of Culture and others have developed a statement on the rights of national minorities in Latvia addressed to international organisations. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Neatkariga

interviews Austrian Ambassador Wolfgang Jilly. He talks about Austrian experience in issues topical for Latvia now, such as, rebuilding of the economy, EU membership and language issues. interviews Austrian Ambassador Wolfgang Jilly. He talks about Austrian experience in issues topical for Latvia now, such as, rebuilding of the economy, EU membership and language issues.

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

Jauna interviews FF/LNNK chairperson Maris Grinblats. Regarding the language issue Grinblats stresses that the new norm in the Constitution stipulating that the working language of local governments should be the Latvian language was initiated by his party. He believes that language should be the number one priority in next years state budget. Grinblats states that the government has neglected language issues for the last decade and that the assumption that non-Latvians will be very eager to learn the language has not come true. Regarding the balance of political forces in the next Saeima, Grinblats thinks that no major changes will take place.

Vesti Segodnja

comments on the proposed amendments to the regulations of the State Language Law which stipulate the expansion of the list of professions in the private sector subject to language requirements. The newspaper stresses the Russian language press brought the issue to the attention of the OSCE, which then expressed an interest in the amendments. comments on the proposed amendments to the regulations of the State Language Law which stipulate the expansion of the list of professions in the private sector subject to language requirements. The newspaper stresses the Russian language press brought the issue to the attention of the OSCE, which then expressed an interest in the amendments. Vesti SegodnjaVesti Segodnja also mentions the meeting of 6 deputies from the USA-Latvian parliamentary cooperation group with American Ambassador Brian Carlson and his statement that the USA supported the closure of the OSCE Mission to Latvia being convinced that Latvia will amend its election laws. also mentions the meeting of 6 deputies from the USA-Latvian parliamentary cooperation group with American Ambassador Brian Carlson and his statement that the USA supported the closure of the OSCE Mission to Latvia being convinced that Latvia will amend its election laws.

Panorama Latvii

gives excerpts from an article published in 1989 by Dzintra Hirsa, current head of the State Language Centre, entitled The Latvian Language in Latvia by Dzintra Hirsa, the head of the State Language Centre, published in 1989. The newspaper points out that more than 13 years ago Hirsa wrote that bilingualism is very dangerous for national minority languages and in fact could be called assimilation. gives excerpts from an article published in 1989 by Dzintra Hirsa, current head of the State Language Centre, entitled “The Latvian Language in Latvia” by Dzintra Hirsa, the head of the State Language Centre, published in 1989. The newspaper points out that more than 13 years ago Hirsa wrote that bilingualism is very dangerous for national minority languages and in fact could be called assimilation. This week Latvia’s Social Democratic Workers party leader Bojar’s proposed amendments to the Constitution will be published in several major dailies. Bojars believes that within two weeks social democrats will manage to collect 10 000 residents’ signatures that are required to initiate a referendum on approving amendments to the Constitution. The amendments are being translated into Russian and will soon become available to Russian-speaking residents as well.

This week Latvias Social Democratic Workers party leader Bojars proposed amendments to the Constitution will be published in several major dailies. Bojars believes that within two weeks social democrats will manage to collect 10 000 residents signatures that are required to initiate a referendum on approving amendments to the Constitution. The amendments are being translated into Russian and will soon become available to Russian-speaking residents as well. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Telegraf

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

According to the information provided to

According to the information provided to Diena by the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Latvia would violate a commitment given to the OSCE if it adopts the proposed amendments to the regulations of the State Language Law which stipulate the expansion of the list of professions required to have certain state language proficiency level in the private sphere. The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities office has expressed an interest about Latvias intention to expand the list. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is convinced that the amendments would cause a negative international reaction. State Secretary of the Ministry of Justice Solvita Harbacevica believes that the amendments concerning the private sphere are not going to be adopted. The President wants to discuss the amendments with Prime Minister Andris Berzins and the Presidents State Language Commission before making a statement concerning the issue. Representative of the National Human Rights Office Liga Biksiniece believes that the State Language Law already requires salespersons and bartenders to know the Latvian language if their work affects legitimate public interests and that employers have the right to set language requirements for their employees. Diena

Yesterday 6 Saeima MPs from the US-Latvian parliamentary cooperation group had a meeting with American Ambassador to Latvia Brian Carlson. The Ambassador stated that Latvia should lift the language requirement for election candidates. For their part, MPs reported on the latest developments regarding the issue.

Yesterday 6 Saeima MPs from the US-Latvian parliamentary cooperation group had a meeting with American Ambassador to Latvia Brian Carlson. The Ambassador stated that Latvia should lift the language requirement for election candidates. For their part, MPs reported on the latest developments regarding the issue. Lauku Avize, Panorama Latvii

Prime Minister Andris Berzins believes that there is no need to conduct a fourth review of the Naturalisation Board concerning the alleged sale of Latvian citizenship.

Prime Minister Andris Berzins believes that there is no need to conduct a fourth review of the Naturalisation Board concerning the alleged sale of Latvian citizenship. Chas.

Panorama Latvii reports that the government has still not resumed the issuance of citizen passports for persons who have successfully passed naturalisation examinations.

Panorama Latvii reports that the government has still not resumed the issuance of citizen passports for persons who have successfully passed naturalisation examinations.

Yesterday Representative of the Latvian Government to international institutions Kristine Malinovska reported to the government on the cases against Latvia filed with the European Court of Human Rights. The Court has accepted 32 complaints from Latvia.

Yesterday Representative of the Latvian Government to international institutions Kristine Malinovska reported to the government on the cases against Latvia filed with the European Court of Human Rights. The Court has accepted 32 complaints from Latvia. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf

Vesti Segodnja

interviews Prime Minister Andris Berzins. He states that the Latvian government has to amend the election laws regardless of the ECHRs ruling on Podkolzinas case. However, he stresses that this does not mean that Latvias Way is giving up its language policy. The Prime Minister argues against the statement that all language policy measures are administrative. He names the good works of the Government in this sphere: development of the National Programme for the Integration of Society, creation of the Integration Foundation, and governments funding for the National Programme for Latvian Language Training Programme. interviews Prime Minister Andris Berzins. He states that the Latvian government has to amend the election laws regardless of the ECHR’s ruling on Podkolzina’s case. However, he stresses that this does not mean that Latvia’s Way is giving up its language policy. The Prime Minister argues against the statement that all language policy measures are administrative. He names the good works of the Government in this sphere: development of the National Programme for the Integration of Society, creation of the Integration Foundation, and government’s funding for the National Programme for Latvian Language Training Programme.

Lauku Avize

interviews Peoples Party chairperson Andris Skele. He believes that Latvia needs new European nationalism. If I have to give up my Latvian identity our party is against the EU, says Skele. Regarding the ratification of the Framework Convention Skele is convinced that Latvia should not rush with the ratification and the pressure regarding the Convention has decreased lately. interviews People’s Party chairperson Andris Skele. He believes that Latvia needs new European nationalism. “If I have to give up my Latvian identity our party is against the EU,” says Skele. Regarding the ratification of the Framework Convention Skele is convinced that Latvia should not rush with the ratification and the pressure regarding the Convention has decreased lately.

Chas

talks to FHRUL deputy Janis Urbanovic. FHRUL has launched discussions about nominating its candidates for the 8th Saeima elections. Asked how many persons from FHRULs list will not have a state language proficiency certificate, Urbanovic replies that he does not know the precise number, but that such persons will be on the list. talks to FHRUL deputy Janis Urbanovic. FHRUL has launched discussions about nominating its candidates for the 8th Saeima elections. Asked how many persons from FHRUL’s list will not have a state language proficiency certificate, Urbanovic replies that he does not know the precise number, but that such persons will be on the list. The leading Canadian newspaper

The leading Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail has published a long article about Latvia. Chas introduces its audience to the key (according to Chas) points of the article. Chas quotes More than a decade after Latvia won its independence from the Soviet Union, there is still little love for Russia, and less trust… Anti-Russian sentiment is so strong it could subvert the countrys desire to enter NATO. If there is anything that could keep Latvia from winning membership in NATO, and from its long-term goal of joining the European Union, it might be the Latvian governments overt hostility to just about anything Russian. The Globe and Mail describes language policy as very strict and discriminatory towards Russians.

Chas

interviews the leader of the NGO Russians of the West Dmitry Nikolayev. The newspaper refers to Nikolayevs recent article in interviews the leader of the NGO “Russians of the West” Dmitry Nikolayev. The newspaper refers to Nikolayev’s recent article in DienaDiena where he criticised the Russian language press for fomenting national tension. where he criticised the Russian language press for fomenting national tension. ChasChas concludes that Nikolayev and his organisation are not able to find their place among other Russian organisations and therefore they are realising their idealistic goals with inappropriate methods. concludes that Nikolayev and his organisation are not able to find their place among other Russian organisations and therefore they are realising their idealistic goals with inappropriate methods.

Panorama Latvii

reports that the Union of Russian Federation Citizens in Latvia has signed a co-operation agreement with an organisation of the Russian Federation city Kaluga. The organisation will provide information to Russian Federation citizens who reside in Latvia and want to emigrate to Russia. reports that the Union of Russian Federation Citizens in Latvia has signed a co-operation agreement with an organisation of the Russian Federation city Kaluga. The organisation will provide information to Russian Federation citizens who reside in Latvia and want to emigrate to Russia.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Yesterday the Saeima Citizenship Implementation Commission held a sitting on the results of the review of the Naturalization Board conducted by the Ministry of Justice Investigation Commission concerning the alleged sale of Latvian citizenship. The Commission believes that the investigation was not conducted thoroughly, therefore it sent a letter to the Prime Minister requesting another review of the Naturalization Board. Concerning the suitability of NB head Eizenija Aldermane for the position, Ministry of Justice state secretary Aivars Maldups said that only the government is entitled to dismiss her from the position if the General Prosecutor Office establishes that the NB administration is negligent in its work.

Yesterday the Saeima Citizenship Implementation Commission held a sitting on the results of the review of the Naturalization Board conducted by the Ministry of Justice Investigation Commission concerning the alleged sale of Latvian citizenship. The Commission believes that the investigation was not conducted thoroughly, therefore it sent a letter to the Prime Minister requesting another review of the Naturalization Board. Concerning the suitability of NB head Eizenija Aldermane for the position, Ministry of Justice state secretary Aivars Maldups said that only the government is entitled to dismiss her from the position if the General Prosecutor Office establishes that the NB administration is negligent in its work. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf

Neatkariga

interviews Great Britain parliament member Giselle Stewart. Giselle Stewart is the Head of the Westminster Democracy Foundation and was on a 3-day visit to Latvia last week. She talks about the election system in Great Britain. Regarding the language requirement for election candidates provided for by Latvian election laws she says that language is an emotional issue, however, an MP has to speak the language of the country to be able to represent his/her voters in the best way. She also provides information on the Westminster Democracy Foundation, its activities and achievements. interviews Great Britain parliament member Giselle Stewart. Giselle Stewart is the Head of the Westminster Democracy Foundation and was on a 3-day visit to Latvia last week. She talks about the election system in Great Britain. Regarding the language requirement for election candidates provided for by Latvian election laws she says that language is an emotional issue, however, an MP has to speak the language of the country to be able to represent his/her voters in the best way. She also provides information on the Westminster Democracy Foundation, its activities and achievements. Justice minister Ingrida Labucka has concluded that Daugavpils Mayor Eigims’ party Latgales Light has violated the law when the party denied admittance to Diena’s journalist in the party’s congress. Diena has the right to file its complaint with the court.

Justice minister Ingrida Labucka has concluded that Daugavpils Mayor Eigims party Latgales Light has violated the law when the party denied admittance to Dienas journalist in the partys congress. Diena has the right to file its complaint with the court. Diena

Latgale’s Light participation in the next Saeima elections is reportedly linked with its wish to capture FHRUL’s electorate. “Ruling coalition parties are trying to form a FHRUL 2 in the current conditions,” says FHRUL deputy Miroslavs Mitrofanovs. Right-wing parties deny their possible co-operation with Eigims’ party.

Latgales Light participation in the next Saeima elections is reportedly linked with its wish to capture FHRULs electorate. Ruling coalition parties are trying to form a FHRUL 2 in the current conditions, says FHRUL deputy Miroslavs Mitrofanovs. Right-wing parties deny their possible co-operation with Eigims party. Neatkariga

The Riga Council FHRUL faction has drafted amendments to city council regulations on language provisions which stipulate for that all sign boards and posters have to be in the Latvian language except for international events. The Riga City Council adopted these provisions already in 1997. FHRUL suggested that the provisions should be amended and proposed that the State Language Law and Council of Minister regulations should be observed in such cases. The Riga City Council Development department does not support the amendments. FHRUL deputy Buzajev comments that Riga City Council provisions contradict the law.

Vecernaya Riga

Vesti Segodnja

publishes an article about bilingual education by FHRUL deputy Yakov Pliner. He believes that bilingual education is possible in Latvia, but on the condition that there is adequate methodology, teaching and studying aids and highly qualified teachers. Pliner thinks that the current process is a violent implanting of bilingual education in national minority schools. Pliner also stresses that almost all representatives of national minority schools are afraid to oppose the governments decision on education reform in 2004. Pliner concludes that the best solution would be to select only several schools for this experiment, and then on the basis of the results consider the best options for the implementation of bilingual education. publishes an article about bilingual education by FHRUL deputy Yakov Pliner. He believes that bilingual education is possible in Latvia, but on the condition that there is adequate methodology, teaching and studying aids and highly qualified teachers. Pliner thinks that the current process is a “violent implanting of bilingual education in national minority schools.” Pliner also stresses that almost all representatives of national minority schools are afraid to oppose the government’s decision on education reform in 2004. Pliner concludes that the best solution would be to select only several schools for this “experiment,” and then on the basis of the results consider the best options for the implementation of bilingual education.

Vecernaya Riga

reports that the 1st conference Latvia towards 2002. Integration, Alternatives… will be held at the end of May. Social science experts, political scientists and representatives of NGOs are invited to the conference to share their experiences. The conference is organised by the Union of Citizens and Non-citizens, the open public foundation Citizenship. Education. Culture" and Civic Initiative XXI. reports that the 1st conference “Latvia towards 2002. Integration, Alternatives…” will be held at the end of May. Social science experts, political scientists and representatives of NGOs are invited to the conference to share their experiences. The conference is organised by the Union of Citizens and Non-citizens, the open public foundation “Citizenship. Education. Culture" and “Civic Initiative XXI.”