• Students strike against the education reform takes place today
• Appeal of the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis to the minority students parents
• European Council Human Rights Commissioner Alvaro Hill-Robles calls on Sweden to influence the Latvian integration policy more actively
• Response of the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis to the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia
• Directors of nine Latvian- and Russian-language Riga schools condemn activities of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools
• Directors of Liepaja minority schools receive anonymous letters
• Executive director of the Riga City Council Maris Tralmaks has repeatedly refused to authorize a protest meeting against the education reform
• Russia submitted a memorandum to the European Commission, agreeing to sign a supplementary protocol of the treaty on collaboration between Russia and the European Union
• Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics discusses the education reform with the mayors of Latvias biggest towns
• Jakovs Pliners and Valerijs Buhvalovs on the future of the Russian community in Latvia
• Tatjana Zdanoka explains her political position, publicly answering a letter which blames her for destabilizing situation in the country
• Information day in the Naturalization Boards Centre of Methodology and Examination

Newspapers print articles about the students’ strike against the education reform, organized by the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools taking place today.

Newspapers print articles about the students strike against the education reform, organized by the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools taking place today. Diena writes about the planned protest actions against education reform in Daugavpils. The Education board of Daugavpils has issued an instruction, demanding a letter from parents of the students who want to participate in the protest actions, in which they consent to bear responsibility for the conduct of their children. Diena, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Prime Minister Indulis Emsis is asking parents of the minority students to consider issue of their children’s security before allowing them to participate in the strike against the education reform.

Prime Minister Indulis Emsis is asking parents of the minority students to consider issue of their childrens security before allowing them to participate in the strike against the education reform. Diena, Latvijas Avize

European Council Human Rights Commissioner Alvaro Hill-Robles has called on Sweden, as a big authority for the Baltic countries, to influence Latvian integration policy more actively, in order to help solving the problem of non-citizens. According to the commissioner, such a big number of people restricted from participation in the political life, creates a dangerous precedent in Europe. He believes it is necessary to grant automatic citizenship to the newborn children, and to allow non-citizens to vote at the municipal elections. Latvia should put more trust into its own residents, says Alvaro Hill-Robles.

European Council Human Rights Commissioner Alvaro Hill-Robles has called on Sweden, as a big authority for the Baltic countries, to influence Latvian integration policy more actively, in order to help solving the problem of non-citizens. According to the commissioner, such a big number of people restricted from participation in the political life, creates a dangerous precedent in Europe. He believes it is necessary to grant automatic citizenship to the newborn children, and to allow non-citizens to vote at the municipal elections. Latvia should put more trust into its own residents, says Alvaro Hill-Robles. Diena

Vesti Segodnya publishes response of the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis to the invitation to meet representatives of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools. Prime minister regards such meeting as useful, especially taking into consideration that a working group under the guidance of the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics was established for development a constructive dialogue with minority students, parents and organizations representing them. FHRUL has also invited the prime minister to participate at the ceremony, during which opponents of the education reform are planning to submit a petition expressing a negative attitude towards the reform.

Directors of nine Latvian and Russian language Riga schools have appealed to the society, calling to ignore the protest actions against the education reform, organized by the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools. Directors call the protest actions ‘immoral’, and express indignation about attempts of the Headquarters to involve teachers in those.

Directors of nine Latvian and Russian language Riga schools have appealed to the society, calling to ignore the protest actions against the education reform, organized by the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools. Directors call the protest actions ‘immoral, and express indignation about attempts of the Headquarters to involve teachers in those. Diena points to the lack of informative activities for parents, promised by the Minister of Education and Science. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Chas, Telegraf

Directors of Liepaja minority schools have received copies of the unsigned letter with the logotype of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools. The letter requests directors not to create obstacles for the students who want to express their attitude against the education reform, and not to restrict their freedom of participation in the protest actions.

Directors of Liepaja minority schools have received copies of the unsigned letter with the logotype of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools. The letter requests directors not to create obstacles for the students who want to express their attitude against the education reform, and not to restrict their freedom of participation in the protest actions. Telegraf

Executive director of the Riga City Council Maris Tralmaks repeatedly refused to authorize a protest meeting against the education reform, planned on 16 April by the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools. According to the activist of the Headquarters Gennadijs Kotovs, application to the Riga City Council, asking for permission to organize this protest meeting, will be resubmitted again today.

Executive director of the Riga City Council Maris Tralmaks repeatedly refused to authorize a protest meeting against the education reform, planned on 16 April by the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools. According to the activist of the Headquarters Gennadijs Kotovs, application to the Riga City Council, asking for permission to organize this protest meeting, will be resubmitted again today. Chas

According to the information possessed by

According to the information possessed by Diena, Russia has submitted a memorandum to the European Commission, confirming its resolution to sign a supplementary protocol of the treaty on collaboration between Russia and the European Union, therefore applying it to all new EU member states. Russia will sign the protocol on condition that the EU undertakes to satisfy Russias requirements, including revision of the Russian-speakers status in the Baltic States. Russian Information Agency Novosti quotes the Russia Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov saying that all new member states of EU should acknowledge that they will fulfill requirements of the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Diena, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Newspapers feature articles about the meeting of the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics and the mayors of the Latvian biggest towns in order to discuss implementation of the education reform. According to the mayors, the greatest part of minority schools in Ventspils, Daugavpils, Rezekne, Valmiera, Jelgava and Jurmala are prepared for the reform’s implementation. Juris Radzevics acknowledged that the state will be forced to apply appropriate sanctions if violations of law take place during the protest actions.

Newspapers feature articles about the meeting of the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics and the mayors of the Latvian biggest towns in order to discuss implementation of the education reform. According to the mayors, the greatest part of minority schools in Ventspils, Daugavpils, Rezekne, Valmiera, Jelgava and Jurmala are prepared for the reforms implementation. Juris Radzevics acknowledged that the state will be forced to apply appropriate sanctions if violations of law take place during the protest actions. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Vesty segodnya publishes article by the FHRUL MP Jakovs Pliners and Dr. ped. Valerijs Buhvalovs about the future of the Russian community in Latvia. Using a Russian-language school in Kalnciems as an example, authors claim that state integration program has put Russian-language schools on the verge of extinction – schools do not have enough pupils, and soon will encounter a shortage of teachers. According to Jakovs Pliners and Valerijs Buhvalovs, defending schools from the ‘forceful Latvianization is not enough to preserve ethnic identity and Russian culture. They believe a new law on ‘ethnic-cultural autonomy is necessary, which would stipulate, among other conditions, education from pre-school to university available in the Russian language with the intensified studies of Latvian; official status of the Russian language in the areas inhabited by the Russian minority in substantial numbers; and creation of the Advisory Council of the Russian communities at the Saeima, which would evaluate the draft laws concerning the Russian minority.

Vesty Segodnya publishes a response of the leader of the Equality party Tatjana Zdanoka to the letter, which blames her for destabilizing political situation in the country and endangering school children, sending them out to the streets to protest against the country they live in, and against the President of Latvia. Author of the letter is a Russian woman, who had married a politically repressed Latvian during his exile in Siberia, and later repatriated together with her husband. Tatjana Zdanoka defends her position, saying that children do not protest against their native country, they simply demand respect towards themselves and their parents, the right to study in their native tongue, and the right to the best possible way of Latvian language acquisition.

Rigas Balss writes about the information day in the Naturalization Boards Centre of Methodology and Examination.

• Planned protest actions against the education reform
• Deputy Chairman of the Riga City Councils Education, Youth Affairs and Sports department Guntis Helmanis calls not to participate in the protest actions
• Interview with the Foreign Affairs Minister of Latvia Rihards Piks
• President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga will not have an adviser on nationalities issues in the nearest future
• Appeal to the teachers to support establishment of moratorium on the education reform
• FHRUL worries about Russian-speakers not being informed about the EP election process

Newspapers write about the oncoming protest actions against the education reform. For Human Rights in the United Latvia (FHRUL) has resubmitted an application to the Riga City Council, asking for permission to organize a protest meeting on 16 April. Yesterday Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools already organized an action, during which leaflets calling minority students to participate in the strike and other protest actions against the education reform were distributed.

Newspapers write about the oncoming protest actions against the education reform. For Human Rights in the United Latvia (FHRUL) has resubmitted an application to the Riga City Council, asking for permission to organize a protest meeting on 16 April. Yesterday Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools already organized an action, during which leaflets calling minority students to participate in the strike and other protest actions against the education reform were distributed. Chas prints an article by the Saeima MP Vladimirs Buzajevs (FHRUL) about the goals of the protest actions, organized by the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Deputy Chairman of the Riga City Council’s Education, Youth Affairs and Sports department Guntis Helmanis has made an appeal to minority schools teachers and students’ parents, calling them to evaluate carefully possible participation of students in the protest actions against the education reform. Guntis Helmanis stresses that the municipality security units cannot ensure safety of the children during the actions. The chairman also points to the fact that participation in the protest actions impedes  students’ preparation to the end of the school year’s tests, and may influence their performance negatively.

Deputy Chairman of the Riga City Councils Education, Youth Affairs and Sports department Guntis Helmanis has made an appeal to minority schools teachers and students parents, calling them to evaluate carefully possible participation of students in the protest actions against the education reform. Guntis Helmanis stresses that the municipality security units cannot ensure safety of the children during the actions. The chairman also points to the fact that participation in the protest actions impedes students preparation to the end of the school years tests, and may influence their performance negatively. Latvijas Avize

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the Foreign Affairs Minister of Latvia Rihards Piks, who believes that political relationship between Russia and Latvia will not improver immediately. According to the minister, Russia needs time to get used to the new status of Latvia after its accession to the NATO and the EU.

President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga will not have an adviser on nationalities’ issues in the nearest future. According to the Head of the Chancery of the President Martins Bondars, the president already has a non-staff adviser on society integration issues, and there is a Special Task Minister for Society Integration, therefore there is no immediate need for another adviser, although this position may be renewed in the future. Previous president’s adviser on nationalities’ issues Olgerts Tipans left his post at the President’s Chancery at the end of last year.

President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga will not have an adviser on nationalities issues in the nearest future. According to the Head of the Chanceryof the President Martins Bondars, the president already has a non-staff adviser on society integration issues, and there is a Special Task Minister for Society Integration, therefore there is no immediate need for another adviser, although this position may be renewed in the future. Previous presidents adviser on nationalities issues Olgerts Tipans left his post at the Presidents Chancery at the end of last year. Latvijas Avize

Chas features a statement of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools and Russian-language school teachers society, calling all schools in Latvia to support the request of the Riga Secondary School Nr. 40 teachers to establish a moratorium on the education reform.

Newspapers write about appeal of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia to inform about possible violations in the process of the European parliament election.

Newspapers write about appeal of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia to inform about possible violations in the process of the European parliament election. Latvijas Avize journalist Aija Calite criticizes statements of the FHRULs leader Tatjana Zdanoka that Russian-speakers are not informed about the EP election because information campaign takes place only in Latvian. Journalist points to the fact that only citizens can participate at the EP election, and that each naturalization applicant must pass a Latvian language exam. Aija Calite believes that the true goal of these statements is to challenge, and possibly to annul the elections results in case they are unfavorable for FHRUL. Representative of the union Miroslavs Mitrofanovs states that FHRUL will request to set a new date for election, if there is a large amount of complaints on lack of information from voters. Telegraf, Latvijas Avize

 

• More comments on the meeting of the Minister for Education and Science Juris Radzevics with the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools
• Government and municipal officials on participation of teachers and minority schools students in the protest actions against the education reform
• Different opinions on the protest actions against the education reform
• Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry denies the ‘Russian connection to the protest actions against the education reform in Latvia
• Education reform issues are being discussed in Daugavpils
• Teachers of the Rigasecondary schools No. 40 call to the large discussion on the education reform
• Interview with the deputy chairman of the Yakuts National Culture Society Choron Inokentijs Ustinovs

Newspapers write about the meeting of the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics with the representatives of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools (LASHOR), who have repeatedly submitted proposals for amendments to the Law on Education, including rights for minority schools to determine the subjects to be taught in Latvian or bilingually, increase of the amount of the Latvian language and literature lessons in minority schools, establishment of the department on the issues of minority education within the Ministry of Education and Science . During this meeting Juris Radzevics has called parents to keep their children back from participation in the spontaneous protest actions, as no one is can guarantee security for the children.

Newspapers write about the meeting of the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics with the representatives of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools (LASHOR), who have repeatedly submitted proposals for amendments to the Law on Education, including rights for minority schools to determine the subjects to be taught in Latvian or bilingually, increase of the amount of the Latvian language and literature lessons in minority schools, establishment of the department on the issues of minority education within the Ministry of Education and Science . During this meeting Juris Radzevics has called parents to keep their children back from participation in the spontaneous protest actions, as no one is can guarantee security for the children. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Diena features different statements about participation of the teachers and minority schools students in the protest actions against the education reform. Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics has stated that he does not support the protest actions, but is not going to persecute anybody, as he respects the choice of minority students and parents. Officials of the Education State Inspection and Riga City Councils Education, Youth Affairs and Sports department are of a different opinion, believing that school non-attendance due to participation in the protest actions should be regarded as unjustified. Moreover, teachers participation in the unapproved protest actions can be regarded as a violation of the labor legislation.

Vesti Segodnya features different statements about protest actions against the education reform in response to the opinion expressed by the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga, that the protest actions will not bring any solution to the problems. The observer from Latvia to the European Parliament Boris Tsilevitch points to the necessity of the protest actions, believing that it is the only possibility for minorities to achieve amendments to the Law on Education. Political scientist Mihails Rodins says it is not likely that the protest actions will force governing majority to cancel the reform.

Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry has made a statement, denying any connection of Russia to the protest actions against the education reform in Latvia.

Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry has made a statement, denying any connection of Russia to the protest actions against the education reform in Latvia. Neatkariga Rita Avize

Latvijas Avize prints an article about discussion on the education reform in Daugavpils. Chairman of the Daugavpils Bilingual Education Supporting Centre Silvija Mickevica has stated that minority students opinion poll shows that 39,4% of them support the acquisition of school subjects in Latvian, 43,6% - support it partly, but 11,3% do not want to study in Latvian. According to the chairman, during the last year students motivation to study in Latvian has decreased due to the protest actions against the education reform. At the end of the discussion a resolution condemning activities of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools, which split up the Latvian society and do not promote the naturalization process, was adopted.

Vesti Segodnya features an open letter of the teachers of Rigasecondary schools No. 40, who call for a large discussion about education in Latvia in the XXI century, and suggest entrusting the reformation of education, including minority education, to the professionals, i.e., teachers. According to the authors of the letter, education reforms implementation should be suspended until such discussion takes place.

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the deputy chairman of the Yakuts National Culture Society Coron Inokentijs Ustinovs.

• President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga about the necessity to continue the implementation of education reform
• Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics meets representatives of the ministrys Advisory Council on Issues of Minority Education and the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools
• Interview with the Minister for the Interior Eriks Jekabsons about protest actions against the education reform
• Executive director of the Riga City Council Maris Tralmaks does not authorize a protest meeting against the education reform
• Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry on Saeimas decision against moratorium on the education reform
• Russia requests the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to condemn the Waffen SS legions
• Political parties election programs on society integration issues
• Discussion on education reform issues in Daugavpils

 President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga believes that it is necessary to continue the implementation of education reform despite the protest actions. According to the president, the sharper are the protests against the reform, the lesser are the chances for any amendments to the Law on Education, because MPs are forced to resist pressure which is being put on them.

President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga believes that it is necessary to continue the implementation of education reform despite the protest actions. According to the president, the sharper are the protests against the reform, the lesser are the chances for any amendments to the Law on Education, because MPs are forced to resist pressure which is being put on them. Diena

Latvijas Avize prints an article about meetings of the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics with the representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science Advisory Council on Issues of Minority Education and the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools (LASHOR). During the meeting, representative of the LASHOR Igors Pimenovs has pointed to the necessity to establish a separate department within the ministry, dealing with the problems of minorities education. Juris Radzevics has answered that he evaluates a possibility of creating a position of the deputy State secretary on minorities education issues, but sees no need for a separate department.

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the Minister for the Interior Eriks Jekabsons about the protest actions against the education reform. According to the minister, he possesses information on provocateurs behind the protest actions and related money flows, but still hopes to avoid arrests, deportations and criminal sanctions, especially on the eve of joining the EU. However, Eriks Jekabsons says that the observation period is about to end, and if somebody is acting against the law, they will be held responsible.

Executive director of the Riga City Council Maris Tralmaks has not authorized a protest meeting against the education reform, planned on 16 April by the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools. Maris Tralmaks has motivated his decision not to authorize the meeting by doubts about the organizers’ ability to maintain order during the event.

Executive director of the Riga City Council Maris Tralmaks has not authorized a protest meeting against the education reform, planned on 16 April by the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools. Maris Tralmaks has motivated his decision not to authorize the meeting by doubts about the organizers ability to maintain order during the event. Latvijas Avize

Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry has expressed regret about the Saeima’s decision to reject the proposal of the For Human Rights in the United Latvia on establishing moratorium on the education reform until September 2007.

Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry has expressed regret about the Saeimas decision to reject the proposal of the For Human Rights in the United Latvia on establishing moratorium on the education reform until September 2007. Diena, Latvijas Avize

Right after Latvia’s accession to the NATO, Russia has submitted a resolution to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights requesting condemnation of the

Right after Latvias accession to the NATO, Russia has submitted a resolution to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights requesting condemnation of the Waffen SS legions. Although no particular state is mentioned in the resolution, diplomats polled by the news agency Associated Press, believe that Russia requests to condemn the Latvian legionnaires. According to the head of Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Artis Pabriks, Latvia is not preparing to express an official attitude towards this resolution. Diena

Diena features statements of the political parties on society integration issues in their European Parliament election programs. New Era and Peoples Party promise to attain a condemnation of the communism totalitarian regime, For Human Rights in the United Latvia – to support demands of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian Language Schools and needs of the World War II veterans, as well as to promote recognition of the status of non-citizens of Latvia as citizens of the EU.

Chas writes about discussion on the education reform issues in Daugavpils.

 

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

• Approximately 50,000 minority students could participate in the strike against the education reform on 15 April
• Change of the Latvian Associations for the Support of Russian-Language Schools (LASHOR) governing body
• Response of the head of Saeima Latvias First Party (LFP) parliamentary group Oskars Kastens to the article in the Latvijas Avize
• Interview with the MP Boris Tsilevich
• Interview with the leader of the Afro-Latvian Association Christopher Ejugbo
• Dr. Phil. Maris Ruks on repatriation as an alternative to social integration and naturalization

According to the information of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools, approximately 50,000 minority students could participate in the strike against the education reform on 15 April.

According to the information of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools, approximately 50,000 minority students could participate in the strike against the education reform on 15 April. Chas informs about activities of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools collecting signatures of the minorities representatives who support moratorium on the education reform. The signatures will be submitted to the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis and Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Telegraf

Newspapers write about the change in the Latvian Association’s for the Support of Russian-Language Schools (LASHOR) governing body.

Newspapers write about the change in the Latvian Associations for the Support of Russian-Language Schools (LASHOR) governing body. Diena, referring to the former member of the board Igors Vatolins, informs that Igors Pimenovss refusal to candidate repeatedly to the chairmans post could be related to the resolution on support of the protest actions against the education reform, organized by the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools, adopted by the newly elected board members. Previously Igors Pimenovs, together with the other former board members, initiated LASHOR withdrawal as a founding member of the Headquarters and as a partner in organizing protest actions against the education reform. Diena, Rigas Balss, Telegraf, Chas

Latvijas Avize prints a response of the head of Saeima Latvias First Party (LFP) parliamentary group Oskars Kastens to the article of the Latvijas Avizes journalist Inara Murniece, in which she has pointed out similarities between positions of the Latvias First Party and the Peoples Harmony Party on society integration issues. According to Oskars Kastens, the parties have different attitudes towards the education reform, state language and the granting of voting rights to non-citizens at municipal elections. Oskars Kastens states that LFP consequently supports the education reform while MPs of PHP, for example, Valerijs Agesins, organize protest actions against it. LFP also does not support granting Russian language status of the second state language, as it could diminish the motivation of minorities to learn Latvian and legitimatize the consequences of the soviet language policy. Contrary to the position of the PHP, Latvias First Party believes that Latvia must not enlarge the rights of non-citizens, granting them voting rights at municipal elections, but should instead increase the number of lawful citizens.

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the MP Boris Tsilevich, who believes that the right to study in the native tongue is a legitimate and natural right of a person in the democratic society, and the sooner it is recognized by the Latvian state, the easier it will be to resolve the conflict in the area of the education reform, otherwise escalation of the conflict is inevitable. He also stresses that as the Peoples Harmony Party is not part of the governing coalition and has no obligations towards this government, it reserves the right to vote against other important draft laws, if the situation with the education reform stays unchanged.

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the leader of the Afro-Latvian Association Christopher Ejugbo about future plans of organization and level of intolerance in the Latvian society. According to Christopher Ejugbo, intolerance, stereotypes and prejudices against the people of African origin exist in the Latvian society.

Latvijas Vestnesis publishes an article about interethnic relations by Dr.Phil. Maris Ruks. The author is convinced that by announcing integration and naturalization as the only ‘road signs for Russian-speakers, politicians and state officials deny big part of the population much wider opportunities which they can gain by repatriation. Maris Ruks calls step-by-step repatriation of the Soviet era migrants, which he suggests to organize in accordance with the International law, a ‘natural and logical solution to the consequences of occupation. He expresses serious concerns about integration and naturalization, which, in his opinion, produce disloyal citizens of the state.