INTEGRATION AND MINORITY INFORMATION SERVICE

INTEGRATION AND MINORITY INFORMATION SERVICE

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that the state of Latvia has violated Ingrida Podkolziona’s rights to free and genuine elections which are provided for by Article 3 Protocol 1 to the European Convention on Human Rights, but found it “necessary” to examine possible violations to the right to an effective remedy (Article 13) and the prohibition of discrimination (Article 14). The ruling also notes that it is not for the Court to take a position on the choice of the working language of a national parliament. The Court did rule that striking Podkolzina from the list of election candidates was not proportional to the legitimate goal invoked by the Latvian government of ensuring the functioning of the state language in Latvia. The state of Latvia must pay Podkolzina EUR 7,500 for moral distress and EUR 1,500 for legal fees. Ingrida Podkolzina is satisfied with the ruling and hopes that it will be guarantee that no more such precedents will occur in the future

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that the state of Latvia has violated Ingrida Podkolzionas rights to free and genuine elections which are provided for by Article 3 Protocol 1 to the European Convention on Human Rights, but found it necessary to examine possible violations to the right to an effective remedy (Article 13) and the prohibition of discrimination (Article 14). The ruling also notes that it is not for the Court to take a position on the choice of the working language of a national parliament. The Court did rule that striking Podkolzina from the list of election candidates was not proportional to the legitimate goal invoked by the Latvian government of ensuring the functioning of the state language in Latvia. The state of Latvia must pay Podkolzina EUR 7,500 for moral distress and EUR 1,500 for legal fees. Ingrida Podkolzina is satisfied with the ruling and hopes that it will be guarantee that no more such precedents will occur in the future. Neatkariga, Chas

In its headline,

In its headline, Diena argues that the ECHR acquits state language policyand that it has recognised the legal basis for the election law. Diena suggests that the ECHR has ruled that Latvia has the right to determine which language deputies use in parliament and set the criteria for their election. Notwithstanding the lack of a clear finding that the election law is in violation of the ECHR, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga does not intend to change her stance on the need to amend the laws. Several human rights experts - interviewed by Diena - also agree with Presidents stance.

Dienas

commentary by Aivars Ozolins is also about the ECHRs decision. Ozolins writes that the hopes of those Latvian politicians that the Court would take a decision for them on whether Latvia should amend election laws have not come true. Latvian politicians themselves will have to take the decision on this issue while Latvias foreign and domestic policy goals. Aivars Ozolins notes that the language requirements in Latvias election laws threaten Latvias NATO inspiration and should therefore be abolished and as soon as possible after the status of the Latvian language is secured in the Constitution. commentary by Aivars Ozolins is also about the ECHR’s decision. Ozolins writes that the hopes of those Latvian politicians that the Court would take a decision for them on whether Latvia should amend election laws have not come true. Latvian politicians themselves will have to take the decision on this issue while Latvia’s foreign and domestic policy goals. Aivars Ozolins notes that the language requirements in Latvia’s election laws threaten Latvia’s NATO inspiration and should therefore be abolished and as soon as possible after the status of the Latvian language is secured in the Constitution.

Telegraf

publishes the comments of several politicians concerning the ruling on Podkolzinas case. Saeima Human Rights Committee chairperson Antons Seiksts says that the ruling proved that no language requirements should be included in election laws. I believe the ruling will make our politicians amend the election laws, says Seiksts. FF/LNNK deputy Dzintars Rasnacs says that in his opinion, the ruling is not in favour of Podkolzina. Equal Rights Movement leader Tatjana Zdanok in publishes the comments of several politicians concerning the ruling on Podkolzina’s case. Saeima Human Rights Committee chairperson Antons Seiksts says that the ruling proved that no language requirements should be included in election laws. “I believe the ruling will make our politicians amend the election laws,” says Seiksts. FF/LNNK deputy Dzintars Rasnacs says that in his opinion, the ruling is not in favour of Podkolzina. Equal Rights Movement leader Tatjana Zdanok in Vesti SegodnjaVesti Segodnja comments on the ruling: It is a complete victory. A victory of national minorities in Latvia. comments on the ruling: “It is a complete victory. A victory of national minorities in Latvia.” Vesti Segodnja Vesti Segodnja argues that the ECHR has ruled that the Government has to amend the election laws. argues that the ECHR has ruled that the Government has to amend the election laws. Podkolzina is still a member of FHRUL and has not yet decided whether to run for the 8th Saeima elections in the fall.

Podkolzina is still a member of FHRUL and has not yet decided whether to run for the 8th Saeima elections in the fall. Panorama Latvii

The Society Integration Foundation (SIF) organised a number of regional seminars where people interested in receiving funding for integration projects could receive in-depth information on application process. First seminars are being organised in Liepaja, then they will be organised in Ventspils and Talsi. SIF director Nils Sakss highlights that the attendance rate of seminars is very high and people have many questions. The deadline for submitting projects is 3 May and probably already in August the projects will start to be implemented.

The Society Integration Foundation (SIF) organised a number of regional seminars where people interested in receiving funding for integration projects could receive in-depth information on application process. First seminars are being organised in Liepaja, then they will be organised in Ventspils and Talsi. SIF director Nils Sakss highlights that the attendance rate of seminars is very high and people have many questions. The deadline for submitting projects is 3 May and probably already in August the projects will start to be implemented. Chas

INTEGRATION AND MINORITY INFORMATION SERVICE

INTEGRATION AND MINORITY INFORMATION SERVICE

Four more persons have turned themselves in the General Prosecutor Office in the criminal investigation involving alleged sale of Latvian citizenship. Two persons have admitted to being mediators in bribing Naturalization Board staff, while two others claim to have given bribes. According to the law, persons who have turned themselves in can be released from criminal charges. Now the case includes more than 20 incidents of bribery.

Four more persons have turned themselves in the General Prosecutor Office in the criminal investigation involving alleged sale of Latvian citizenship. Two persons have admitted to being mediators in bribing Naturalization Board staff, while two others claim to have given bribes. According to the law, persons who have turned themselves in can be released from criminal charges. Now the case includes more than 20 incidents of bribery. Diena, Chas, Telegraf

A delegation of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is on a 5-day visit to the Russian Federation. The aim of the visit is to meet the officials of the Russian Federation’s MFA, politicians and political scientists to discuss co-operation between the two countries.

A delegation of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is on a 5-day visit to the Russian Federation. The aim of the visit is to meet the officials of the Russian Federations MFA, politicians and political scientists to discuss co-operation between the two countries. Lauku Avize, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Lauku Avize

interviews Russian Federation Baltic language linguist and researcher Vladimirs Toporovs. He says that in comparison to two other Baltic States Latvia experiences the most difficult language problems as the Russian language distorts any language proportionality in the country. However, he believes that the negative attitude of people in Russia towards the Baltic countries is gradually changing, as people understand that life for non-citizens in Latvia is better than life of most citizens in Russia. interviews Russian Federation Baltic language linguist and researcher Vladimirs Toporovs. He says that in comparison to two other Baltic States Latvia experiences the most difficult language problems as the Russian language distorts any language proportionality in the country. However, he believes that the negative attitude of people in Russia towards the Baltic countries is gradually changing, as people understand that life for non-citizens in Latvia is better than life of most citizens in Russia.

Vecernaja Riga

publishes a story by Vladimir Stroy who took part in the Latvian language training programme for persons who want to naturalize. Stroy praises the qualitative and effective work of teachers at the Folk School, and notes that only 2 students in his group could not pass the language tests. These two had skipped classes quite often. The newspaper reports that this year the Latvian Government will continue funding of the project, which had been funded by foreign donors. It has allotted 32 thousand lats for providing Latvian language courses free of charge for 255 applicants for naturalization. publishes a story by Vladimir Stroy who took part in the Latvian language training programme for persons who want to naturalize. Stroy praises the qualitative and effective work of teachers at the Folk School, and notes that only 2 students in his group could not pass the language tests. These two had skipped classes quite often. The newspaper reports that this year the Latvian Government will continue funding of the project, which had been funded by foreign donors. It has allotted 32 thousand lats for providing Latvian language courses free of charge for 255 applicants for naturalization. The European Court of Human Rights has accepted one more case from Latvia. This time the citizen of the Russian Federation and resident of Latvia Nina Sevanova has filed a claim with the ECHR concerning her forcible expulsion from Latvia. Sevanova arrived in Latvia in 1970. In the 1990 she accepted a job offer in Chechnya, and therefore acquired Russian citizenship and residency registration in Russia. When Latvian Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs officials learned that Sevanova had registered her place of residency in Russia, they refused to issue her a non-citizen passport and ordered her expulsion from Latvia. Sevanova’s application before the European Court alleges violations of the rights to privacy and family life.

The European Court of Human Rights has accepted one more case from Latvia. This time the citizen of the Russian Federation and resident of Latvia Nina Sevanova has filed a claim with the ECHR concerning her forcible expulsion from Latvia. Sevanova arrived in Latvia in 1970. In the 1990 she accepted a job offer in Chechnya, and therefore acquired Russian citizenship and residency registration in Russia. When Latvian Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs officials learned that Sevanova had registered her place of residency in Russia, they refused to issue her a non-citizen passport and ordered her expulsion from Latvia. Sevanovas application before the European Court alleges violations of the rights to privacy and family life. Telegraf

INTEGRATION AND MINORITY INFORMATION SERVICE

INTEGRATION AND MINORITY INFORMATION SERVICE

Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii informs that probably on Tuesday the European Court of Human Rights will adopt a final ruling on Ingrida Podkolzinas case concerning the Latvian language requirement for persons running for seats in the Saeima included in the Election Law. The courts verdict will state whether Latvia has violated Article 3, Protocol 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights that provides for that member states have to ensure their citizens free and genuine elections.

On Saturday further priorities in the work of Latvia's Way were named at the party's conference in Livani. The priorities are the following: national security, development of the national economy, and preservation of Latvian culture and identity. The Russian newspapers cites Latvia’s Way Saeima faction chairperson Kristiana Libane that Latvia’s Way will launch expansion of “Latvicanisation”. Prime Minister Andris Berzins suggested that “the party had not committed any principal mistakes” and praised the foreign policy of Latvia, which has been successfully implemented by his party.

On Saturday further priorities in the work of Latvia's Way were named at the party's conference in Livani. The priorities are the following: national security, development of the national economy, and preservation of Latvian culture and identity. The Russian newspapers cites Latvias Way Saeima faction chairperson Kristiana Libane that Latvias Way will launch expansion of Latvicanisation. Prime Minister Andris Berzins suggested that the party had not committed any principal mistakes and praised the foreign policy of Latvia, which has been successfully implemented by his party. Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Neatkariga

publishes an article on radical organizations in Latvia. The majority of experts questioned by publishes an article on radical organizations in Latvia. The majority of experts questioned by NeatkarigaNeatkariga believe that these organizations have very similar ideological background and in certain individual cases they would be able to stage joint actions. The only difference of these organizations lies in their ethnic backgrounds. In total there are about 10 national radical organizations in Latvia. The Chief of the Security Police asserts that the security police is monitoring these organizations and has the situation under control. believe that these organizations have very similar ideological background and in certain individual cases they would be able to stage joint actions. The only difference of these organizations lies in their ethnic backgrounds. In total there are about 10 national radical organizations in Latvia. The Chief of the Security Police asserts that the security police is monitoring these organizations and has the situation under control.

Vesti Segodnja

highlights the events and activities concerning the rights of non-citizens, which took place 10 years ago. The newspaper concludes that no serious changes have taken place. highlights the events and activities concerning the rights of non-citizens, which took place 10 years ago. The newspaper concludes that no serious changes have taken place.

Panorama Latvii

publishes the letter of a reader complaining that the Liepaja City Council refuses to accept and register residents applications written in the Russian language. The Council does not have a translator and the Councils staff members are not even able to provide information about places where translations could be odered. publishes the letter of a reader complaining that the Liepaja City Council refuses to accept and register residents’ applications written in the Russian language. The Council does not have a translator and the Council’s staff members are not even able to provide information about places where translations could be odered. Earlier press informed that the Liepaja City Council had fired a Russian-Latvian language translator whose duties should be translation of public applications from Russian to Latvian.

Earlier press informed that the Liepaja City Council had fired a Russian-Latvian language translator whose duties should be translation of public applications from Russian to Latvian.

INTEGRATION AND MINORITY INFORMATION SERVICE

INTEGRATION AND MINORITY INFORMATION SERVICE

Neatkarigas columnist Maris Krautmanis sharply criticizes the amendments to the Constitution aimed at securing the status of the state language, in particular, the undertaking or oath to be given by the newly elected Saeima members. He believes that the undertaking sounds very well, but it does not have any sense. Krautmanis also notes that the oath or undertaking should be given to the people and not to the Saeima.

Lauku Avize

interviews Egils Baldzens, the Union of Social Democrats leader. He informs that the reasons for splitting from Bojars Social Democratic party and establishing the Union of Social Democrats were the coalition of Social Democrats and FHRUL in Riga City Council, as well as autocratic leadership style of partys chairperson Juris Bojars. Egils Baldzens believes that FHRUL serves the interests of people who are against independent and democratic Latvia. In response to a question about whether right-wing parties are silently preparing Latvia for russification, Baldzens replies that the idleness of right wing political forces promotes Latvias russification. About his parties prospects in the next Saeima, he voices that his party could be the political force that balances a number of issues. Baldzens highlights that the key activity for his party is reducing the number of Jurkans party supporters. Baldzens forecasts that his party could receive 9-12 seats in the next Saeima. interviews Egils Baldzens, the Union of Social Democrats leader. He informs that the reasons for splitting from Bojar’s Social Democratic party and establishing the Union of Social Democrats were the coalition of Social Democrats and FHRUL in Riga City Council, as well as autocratic leadership style of party’s chairperson Juris Bojars. Egils Baldzens believes that FHRUL serves the interests of people who are against independent and democratic Latvia. In response to a question about whether right-wing parties are “silently preparing Latvia for russification”, Baldzens replies that the idleness of right wing political forces promotes Latvia’s russification. About his parties prospects in the next Saeima, he voices that his party could be the political force that balances a number of issues. Baldzens highlights that the key activity for his party is reducing the number of Jurkans’ party supporters. Baldzens forecasts that his party could receive 9-12 seats in the next Saeima.

Vecernaja Riga

asks several questions to Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov. The Ambassador is very cautious about giving the possible date of the ratification of the social security agreement between the two countries. He is convinced that it will take time. The Ambassador also does not promise any easing of the visa regime for Latvian residents to the Russian Federation. asks several questions to Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov. The Ambassador is very cautious about giving the possible date of the ratification of the social security agreement between the two countries. He is convinced that it will take time. The Ambassador also does not promise any easing of the visa regime for Latvian residents to the Russian Federation. The Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs will hold an official event to celebrate the issuance of the 600 000 purple (non-citizen) passport in Latvia.

The Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs will hold an official event to celebrate the issuance of the 600 000 purple (non-citizen) passport in Latvia. Panorama Latvii doubts whether the occasion is worth to celebrate. Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Vesti Segodnja

reports that ruling Latvian political forces are not happy with recommendations included in the European Parliaments report on Latvia, such as ratifying the Framework Convection on the Protection of the Rights of National Minorities. Politicians are about to launch a campaign explaining the particular circumstances and historical background of Latvia in Brussels. The newspapers opinion is that politicians should improve the situation in Latvia rather by showing respect to national minorities and for example, ratifying the Convention, and not by imposing administrative measures, such as, - expanding authority of language inspectors. reports that ruling Latvian political forces are not happy with recommendations included in the European Parliament’s report on Latvia, such as ratifying the Framework Convection on the Protection of the Rights of National Minorities. Politicians are about to launch a campaign explaining the particular circumstances and historical background of Latvia in Brussels. The newspaper’s opinion is that politicians should improve the situation in Latvia rather by showing respect to national minorities and for example, ratifying the Convention, and not by imposing administrative measures, such as, - expanding authority of language inspectors.

Panorama Latvii

interviews Latvian Center for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies director Nils Muiznieks. Muiznieks explains why he is against granting the Russian language the status of second state language, arguing that it would weaken the incentives of many Russian-speakers to learn Latvian. He also argues that, in order to find a good job, one must know three languages: Latvian, Russian, and English. Regarding the planned switch of secondary education to Latvian in 2004, Muiznieks claims that the reform has not been sufficiently thought through. Regarding the possible future extension of voting rights to non-citizens at the municipal level, Muiznieks says that he has argued in favour of such a step and that it will become more likely after entry to the EU. interviews Latvian Center for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies director Nils Muiznieks. Muiznieks explains why he is against granting the Russian language the status of second state language, arguing that it would weaken the incentives of many Russian-speakers to learn Latvian. He also argues that, in order to find a good job, one must know three languages: Latvian, Russian, and English. Regarding the planned switch of secondary education to Latvian in 2004, Muiznieks claims that the reform has not been sufficiently thought through. Regarding the possible future extension of voting rights to non-citizens at the municipal level, Muiznieks says that he has argued in favour of such a step and that it will become more likely after entry to the EU.

INTEGRATION AND MINORITY INFORMATION SERVICE

INTEGRATION AND MINORITY INFORMATION SERVICE

Yesterday the Saeima Legal Committee approved in principle amendments to the Constitution aimed at securing the status of the state language. The Legal Committee specified the wording of some amendments – for example, regarding the proposed solemn undertaking (oath of office), the committee decided to exclude provision that a deputy could not assume office if s/he gave the solemn undertaking “in inappropriate manner” from Article 18.

Yesterday the Saeima Legal Committee approved in principle amendments to the Constitution aimed at securing the status of the state language. The Legal Committee specified the wording of some amendments – for example, regarding the proposed solemn undertaking (oath of office), the committee decided to exclude provision that a deputy could not assume office if s/he gave the solemn undertaking in inappropriate manner from Article 18.

Members of the Union of Social Democrats proposed not to amend Article 104, that is, not to add, “residents are entitled to communicate with local governments and receive responses in the Latvian language”. Representatives of other parties did not support the Social Democrats.

Members of the Union of Social Democrats proposed not to amend Article 104, that is, not to add, residents are entitled to communicate with local governments and receive responses in the Latvian language. Representatives of other parties did not support the Social Democrats. Diena, Lauku Avize, Chas

The current version of all proposed amendments in English is available upon request.

The current version of all proposed amendments in English is available upon request.

Lauku Avize publishes more detailed information about the work of the Investigation Commission of the Ministry of Justice that was conducting a review of the Naturalization Board. The newspaper writes that although the Investigation Commission reported that the overall performance of the Naturalization Board is good, the final conclusion can be made only after a more in-depth review.

Lauku Avize

interviews Latvian Social Democrats Workers Party leader Juris Bojars. Regarding the recent split in his party Bojars says that only dishonest people left for the recently established Union of Social Democrats. When asked about the prospects of his party in the next Saeima, he claimed to be confident that his party would be well represented in the Saeima, but he did not want to disclose any information about possible coalition partners. Concerning language issues, Bojars asserted that his party is not going to grant Russian the status of the second state language, however, his party believes that local governments should be able to choose the language in which they communicate with the public.

Lauku Avize

asked several non-citizens about their choice at the next Saeima elections if they would have the rights to vote. FHRUL is the most popular political force, followed by Repses party New Era and the recently established Union of Social Democrats.

The Academy of Science of Latvia has awarded Russian Federation researcher and linguist Vladimir Toporov, a specialist in the Baltic languages with a medal. When Vladimir Toporov is asked what he thinks about the role of the Russian language in Latvia, he says that the Russian language is everywhere in Latvia and civilized Latvia is fully capable of coping with the challenge posed by the Russian language. Vladimir Toporov is an optimist and believes that the language issue will cease to be problematic with generational change. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf

Vesti Segodnja

writes about the possible choices of the Russian electorate in the next Saeima elections. The newspaper believes that Russians will vote for FHRUL, although it admits that the party has not done very much for improving the economic situation of its supporters. writes about the possible choices of the Russian electorate in the next Saeima elections. The newspaper believes that Russians will vote for FHRUL, although it admits that the party has not done very much for improving the economic situation of its supporters. Vesti SegodnjaVesti Segodnja highlights that FHRUL is very successful and professional in fighting for the protection of the rights of national minorities. Regarding Daugavpils City Mayor Eigimss chances, the newspaper believes that he will be able to compete with FHRUL only in the Daugavpils region. Also both Social Democrat Parties headed by Bojars and Baldzens could receive significant share of Russian votes, believes highlights that FHRUL is very successful and professional in fighting for the protection of the rights of national minorities. Regarding Daugavpils City Mayor Eigims’s chances, the newspaper believes that he will be able to compete with FHRUL only in the Daugavpils’ region. Also both Social Democrat Parties headed by Bojars and Baldzens could receive significant share of Russian votes, believes Vesti Segodnja.Vesti Segodnja. From the right wing parties the most serious competitor for Russians votes could be Latvias Way. From the right wing parties the most serious competitor for Russians’ votes could be Latvia’s Way. The President’s State Language Commission continues its tour of the cities and towns of Latgale, Latvia’s Eastern district. Yesterday the Commission visited Latgale’s second biggest city Rezekne.

The Presidents State Language Commission continues its tour of the cities and towns of Latgale, Latvias Eastern district. Yesterday the Commission visited Latgales second biggest city Rezekne. Panorama Latvii