INTEGRATION AND MINORITY INFORMATION SERVICE

INTEGRATION AND MINORITY INFORMATION SERVICE

 An Investigative Commission of the Ministry of Justice has finished a review of the Naturalisation Board after several employees were caught receiving bribes for helping people who wanted to pass naturalisation examinations. The Commission concluded that there are no serious violations in the work of the Naturalization Board and that the overall performance of the institution is good. The Commission will also recommend the Government to resume granting Latvian citizenship by naturalisation, a process that had been suspended when three Naturalisation Board employees were detained for selling citizenship.

An Investigative Commission of the Ministry of Justice has finished a review of the Naturalisation Board after several employees were caught receiving bribes for helping people who wanted to pass naturalisation examinations. The Commission concluded that there are no serious violations in the work of the Naturalization Board and that the overall performance of the institution is good. The Commission will also recommend the Government to resume granting Latvian citizenship by naturalisation, a process that had been suspended when three Naturalisation Board employees were detained for selling citizenship. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Daugavpils City Council denied the request of the national bolshevik organization “Pobeda” to organize a rally in support of the Russian language. The documents requesting permission to organize the rally did not comply with Latvian legislation, says a Daugavpils City Council official.

Daugavpils City Council denied the request of the national bolshevik organization Pobeda to organize a rally in support of the Russian language. The documents requesting permission to organize the rally did not comply with Latvian legislation, says a Daugavpils City Council official. Diena, Neatkariga

Vesti Segodnja

comments on the article by Klavs Sedlinieks Towards Two Communities in Latvia, published in the internet portal politika.lv. In his article, Sedlinieks writes that although the legislation of the country concerning the rights of national minorities has been acknowledged as being legitimate, it is still possible that the society is divided and full of hatred. Vesti Segodnja agrees with the statement and notes that finally not only Russian-writing journalists see this problem but also the Latvian press writes about it. The newspaper highlights another statement by Sedlinieks to the effect that that an uncritical yielding to the demands of various international organizations can foster the formation of two communities in the country. comments on the article by Klavs Sedlinieks “Towards Two Communities in Latvia”, published in the internet portal politika.lv. In his article, Sedlinieks writes that although the legislation of the country concerning the rights of national minorities has been acknowledged as being legitimate, it is still possible that the society is divided and full of hatred. Vesti Segodnja agrees with the statement and notes that finally not only Russian-writing journalists see this problem but also the Latvian press writes about it. The newspaper highlights another statement by Sedlinieks’ to the effect that that an uncritical yielding to the demands of various international organizations can foster the formation of two communities in the country. Last week officials of the Latvian and Russian Welfare Ministries held a meeting in Moscow to finalize the social guarantee agreement between the two countries. The agreement provides that more than 22,000 pensioners who live in Latvia, but who are not Latvian citizens, will receive pensions which will be calculated to include the years they worked outside the territory of Latvia for the period till 1991. It is hoped that the agreement will be signed by this parliament.

Last week officials of the Latvian and Russian Welfare Ministries held a meeting in Moscow to finalize the social guarantee agreement between the two countries. The agreement provides that more than 22,000 pensioners who live in Latvia, but who are not Latvian citizens, will receive pensions which will be calculated to include the years they worked outside the territory of Latvia for the period till 1991. It is hoped that the agreement will be signed by this parliament. Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii.

Telegraf

provides an overview of Russian culture in Latvia, its future and key events over the last 10 years. The majority of the cultural figures interviewed believe that there is a Russian culture in Latvia and that its future depends primarily on the Russians themselves. Some of those cited think that it is impossible to single out Russian culture in Latvia as such. Many believe that the biggest achievement of Russian culture in Latvia is the Russian theatre, but they also name the magazine Daugava, the literary almanac Orbita and the newspaper provides an overview of Russian culture in Latvia, its future and key events over the last 10 years. The majority of the cultural figures interviewed believe that there is a Russian culture in Latvia and that its future depends primarily on the Russians themselves. Some of those cited think that it is impossible to single out Russian culture in Latvia as such. Many believe that the biggest achievement of Russian culture in Latvia is the Russian theatre, but they also name the magazine “Daugava,” the literary almanac “Orbita” and the newspaper TelegrafTelegraf. .

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

Neatkariga provides brief information about national minority education in Latvia. Although in Latvian legislation there is no definition of a national minority school, altogether there are 17 national minority schools and 175 schools with Russian as a language of instruction. In addition to providing education programs in minority languages, national minority schools offer more in-depth study of a nations culture and traditions. The biggest problem for national minority schools is finding funding, as education for a student at a small minority school costs 500 lats in comparison to 155 lats at a regular school.

Lauku Avize

publishes the open letter of Aina Rodriguez-Mata to President Vaira Vike-Freiberga where she expresses her concern about the Presidents initiative to remove language requirement for election candidates from the Election Law. Aina Rodriguez-Mata believes that Latvian politicians and officials have done very little to explain to the world Latvias particular circumstances and historical background and now Latvia is about to lose its independence. The newspaper also publishes a response by the Presidents Chancellery where it gives detailed arguments why Latvia should abolish the language requirement and its view of the situation. The newspaper provides also the views of some MPs regarding Aina Rodriguez-Matas letter. Peoples Party deputy Janis Lagzdins and FF/LNNK Peteris Tabuns agree that Latvian MFA officials should do a better job in presenting Latvias issues to the international community. publishes the open letter of Aina Rodriguez-Mata to President Vaira Vike-Freiberga where she expresses her concern about the President’s initiative to remove language requirement for election candidates from the Election Law. Aina Rodriguez-Mata believes that Latvian politicians and officials have done very little to explain to the world Latvia’s particular circumstances and historical background and now Latvia is about to lose its independence. The newspaper also publishes a response by the President’s Chancellery where it gives detailed arguments why Latvia should abolish the language requirement and its view of the situation. The newspaper provides also the views of some MPs regarding Aina Rodriguez-Mata’s letter. People’s Party deputy Janis Lagzdins and FF/LNNK Peteris Tabuns agree that Latvian MFA officials should do a better job in presenting Latvia’s issues to the international community. Last year State Language Center inspectors visited more than 3000 companies and examined more than 700 complaints. Language inspectors have drawn up 39 administrative protocols for violating language legislation.

Last year State Language Center inspectors visited more than 3000 companies and examined more than 700 complaints. Language inspectors have drawn up 39 administrative protocols for violating language legislation. Chas

Chas

interviews American Ambassador to Latvia Brian Carlson. One of the first questions concerns the abolishment of the language requirement for election candidates from the Election Law and why Richard Armitages letter was sent only last year. The Ambassador replies that it is up to Latvia to decide what do with the Election Law. However, a language requirement is not characteristic of western democracies. Concerning the timing of the letter, he says that it was linked to the closure of the OSCE Missions to Latvia and Estonia. The Ambassador also provides information about the main projects supported by the American embassy in Latvia. interviews American Ambassador to Latvia Brian Carlson. One of the first questions concerns the abolishment of the language requirement for election candidates from the Election Law and why Richard Armitage’s letter was sent only last year. The Ambassador replies that it is up to Latvia to decide what do with the Election Law. However, a language requirement is not characteristic of western democracies. Concerning the timing of the letter, he says that it was linked to the closure of the OSCE Missions to Latvia and Estonia. The Ambassador also provides information about the main projects supported by the American embassy in Latvia.

Vesti Segodnja

comments on the amendments to the by-laws of the State Language Center adopted by the Government last week. The newspaper harshly criticizes the new norm, which provides the State Language Center the right to invite people to come to the State Language Center and examine their language proficiency in the Center. Now the Center also has the right to impose a fine of up to 250 lats if a person has twice refused to come to the Center. comments on the amendments to the by-laws of the State Language Center adopted by the Government last week. The newspaper harshly criticizes the new norm, which provides the State Language Center the right to invite people to come to the State Language Center and examine their language proficiency in the Center. Now the Center also has the right to impose a fine of up to 250 lats if a person has twice refused to come to the Center.

Chas, Telegraf

and and Vesti SegodnjaVesti Segodnja provide some insight to the amendments to the Latvian Constitution developed by social democrat leader Juris Bojars. The newspapers emphasize that Bojars Constitution has a whole chapter devoted to the protection of national minority rights in Latvia, namely, all national minorities have rights to develop their languages and culture in Latvia. The newspapers note that Bojars now is advocating ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. provide some insight to the amendments to the Latvian Constitution developed by social democrat leader Juris Bojars. The newspapers emphasize that Bojar’s Constitution has a whole chapter devoted to the protection of national minority rights in Latvia, namely, all national minorities have rights to develop their languages and culture in Latvia. The newspapers note that Bojars now is advocating ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. The Daugavpils Council Committee on Education has developed a school “optimization” plan for 2002-2005. The plan provides for closing a number of schools and transferring all secondary schools to education in Latvian as the only language of instruction.

The Daugavpils Council Committee on Education has developed a school optimization plan for 2002-2005. The plan provides for closing a number of schools and transferring all secondary schools to education in Latvian as the only language of instruction. Panorama Latvii

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

Open Public Foundation “Dabas retumu kratuves” Head Guntis Enins voices his opinion about the language situation in Latvia. He believes that the language situation would be much better if the Latvians would not bother about Latvian language skills of the Russians but if Latvians, in particular, journalists, MPs and officials, would pay more attention to the way they speak Latvian and would speak correct Latvian.

Open Public Foundation Dabas retumu kratuves Head Guntis Enins voices his opinion about the language situation in Latvia. He believes that the language situation would be much better if the Latvians would not bother about Latvian language skills of the Russians but if Latvians, in particular, journalists, MPs and officials, would pay more attention to the way they speak Latvian and would speak correct Latvian. Diena

March has seen yet another slight increase in support for the New Era party, founded and led by Latvia's former central banker Einars Repse. Latvijas Fakti polls show that in the last two months New Era support has grown by 2.5 percent up to 19.8 percent. in second place is the left-wing For Human Rights in a United Latvia alliance with only half as much support as New Era. All parties in government have lost popularity and the People's Party has fallen the furthest to only 5.8 percent support. Latvian president Vaira Vike-Freiberga, parliament speaker Janis Straume and former central banker/New Era party leader Einars Repse still were the most popular politicians in Latvia in March, unchanged from February.

March has seen yet another slight increase in support for the New Era party, founded and led by Latvia's former central banker Einars Repse. Latvijas Fakti polls show that in the last two months New Era support has grown by 2.5 percent up to 19.8 percent. in second place is the left-wing For Human Rights in a United Latvia alliance with only half as much support as New Era. All parties in government have lost popularity and the People's Party has fallen the furthest to only 5.8 percent support. Latvian president Vaira Vike-Freiberga, parliament speaker Janis Straume and former central banker/New Era party leader Einars Repse still were the most popular politicians in Latvia in March, unchanged from February. Diena, Panorama Latvii, (Neatkariga 2 April).

Panorama Latvii

sums up amendments to the by-laws of the State Language Center adopted on 26 April and previously and concludes that it is not the recent amendments which cause great concern, but the general trend of expanding the authority of the State Language Center. the recent changes evoke concern insofar as the OSCE Mission has closed and Latvia is no longer subject to external monitoring. sums up amendments to the by-laws of the State Language Center adopted on 26 April and previously and concludes that it is not the recent amendments which cause great concern, but the general trend of expanding the authority of the State Language Center. the recent changes evoke concern insofar as the OSCE Mission has closed and Latvia is no longer subject to external monitoring.

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

Latvijas Vestnesis publishes the amendments to the by-laws of the State Language Center adopted by the Government on 26 March. The new amendments provide for broader rights for state language inspectors. Diena, Rigas Balss

State Language Center deputy director Agris Timuska says that the amendments would ensure more effective work of language inspectors. According to A.Timuska the Center has initiated to bring amendments to regulations No 296, that is, add some more professions, such as, sales persons, hairdressers and other customer service providers to the list of professions in private sphere who have to know and speak the Latvian language.

State Language Center deputy director Agris Timuska says that the amendments would ensure more effective work of language inspectors. According to A.Timuska the Center has initiated to bring amendments to regulations No 296, that is, add some more professions, such as, sales persons, hairdressers and other customer service providers to the list of professions in private sphere who have to know and speak the Latvian language. Lauku Avize

Political scientist Ivars Indans argues against the statement made by number of politicians that the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to be blamed for the current situation around the language issue as it did not inform politicians about the requirement of western countries to amend Latvian election laws timely. He believes that the work of Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been effective and reproaches that the Ministry has not carried out explanatory work to sufficient extent are not grounded. Indans believes that it is the responsibility of the Saeima to solve the situation and the amendments to the Constitution to secure the state language is not the best solution. He believes that ensuring Latvian language courses and open communication with public would be more effective measures to settle the language issue.

Political scientist Ivars Indans argues against the statement made by number of politicians that the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to be blamed for the current situation around the language issue as it did not inform politicians about the requirement of western countries to amend Latvian election laws timely. He believes that the work of Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been effective and reproaches that the Ministry has not carried out explanatory work to sufficient extent are not grounded. Indans believes that it is the responsibility of the Saeima to solve the situation and the amendments to the Constitution to secure the state language is not the best solution. He believes that ensuring Latvian language courses and open communication with public would be more effective measures to settle the language issue. Diena

Diena

denies the statement published in yesterdays denies the statement published in yesterday’s Vesti Segodnja Vesti Segodnja that the report of European Parliament members on Latvias development would provide any suggestions that Latvia should have two state languages. that the report of European Parliament members on Latvia’s development would provide any suggestions that Latvia should have two state languages.

Lauku Avize

informs that state language inspectors have discovered nine false state language certificates, which were issued to nurses and doctors working for the clinic of railway company. informs that state language inspectors have discovered nine false state language certificates, which were issued to nurses and doctors working for the clinic of railway company. FHRUL youth organization’s leader Ivan Stalnoj is about to launch a campaign/opinion poll among high school pupils and students about the protection of education in mother tongue.

FHRUL youth organizations leader Ivan Stalnoj is about to launch a campaign/opinion poll among high school pupils and students about the protection of education in mother tongue. Vesti Segodnja

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

Latvia’s Way Saeima faction could come up with the amendments to the Election Law in the Saeima after Eastern Holidays. LW judicial committee and faction’s representatives are working at the amendments right now.

Latvias Way Saeima faction could come up with the amendments to the Election Law in the Saeima after Eastern Holidays. LW judicial committee and factions representatives are working at the amendments right now. Diena

Vesti Segodnja

writes the report developed by the parliamentarians of the European Parliament also supports idea of Mr. Stoudmann about increasing the role of the Russian language in Latvia. The newspaper also notes other issues which Latvia should paid attention to: increase speed of naturalization process, allot more funding for integration projects, lift language requirement for election candidates from the Election Law and ratify the Framework Convention. The newspaper concludes that there are only two options for Latvia either to ratify the Framework Convention or stay in isolation. writes “the report developed by the parliamentarians of the European Parliament also supports idea of Mr. Stoudmann about increasing the role of the Russian language in Latvia”. The newspaper also notes other issues which Latvia should paid attention to: increase speed of naturalization process, allot more funding for integration projects, lift language requirement for election candidates from the Election Law and ratify the Framework Convention. The newspaper concludes that there are only two options for Latvia either to ratify the Framework Convention or stay in isolation. Columnist Abik Elkin comments on Russian political scientist Sergey Markov’s, the member of Council on Interior and Defense Policy (CIDP) of Russian Federation, statement that “Moscow can use the problem of Russian-speaking population to stop Baltic States’ inspirations to join NATO”. The journalist provides the statements of other members of CIDP who assures that their opinion and the opinion of official Moscow is that these are two completely different issues.

Columnist Abik Elkin comments on Russian political scientist Sergey Markovs, the member of Council on Interior and Defense Policy (CIDP) of Russian Federation, statement that Moscow can use the problem of Russian-speaking population to stop Baltic States inspirations to join NATO. The journalist provides the statements of other members of CIDP who assures that their opinion and the opinion of official Moscow is that these are two completely different issues. Vesti Segodnja

Moscow wants European standards concerning the rights of ethnic minorities to be applied in Latvia and Estonia with regard to the Russian-speaking population, said Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov. "We want neither more, nor less," said the minister Tuesday, addressing a session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe's permanent commission. He expressed hope that these countries' forthcoming accession to the European Union would serve to enforce these principles. Ivanov said that Moscow is interested in maintaining good- neighborly and constructive relations with Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. "But we cannot shut our eyes to the problems that exist," the Russian minister said. "We are not asking for more than observing the principles that exist in Europe guaranteeing the rights of ethnic minorities," he remarked. "It is our sincere hope that the leaderships of these states will make corrections to their policies on this issue," the minister said.

Moscow wants European standards concerning the rights of ethnic minorities to be applied in Latvia and Estonia with regard to the Russian-speaking population, said Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov. "We want neither more, nor less," said the minister Tuesday, addressing a session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe's permanent commission. He expressed hope that these countries' forthcoming accession to the European Union would serve to enforce these principles. Ivanov said that Moscow is interested in maintaining good- neighborly and constructive relations with Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. "But we cannot shut our eyes to the problems that exist," the Russian minister said. "We are not asking for more than observing the principles that exist in Europe guaranteeing the rights of ethnic minorities," he remarked. "It is our sincere hope that the leaderships of these states will make corrections to their policies on this issue," the minister said. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Chas

interviews New Era leader Einars Repse. He believes that the best for Latvia is gradual and complete integration while people who are integrated know Latvian and respects the country. His party has not planned any specific initiatives to attract Russian electorate. Regarding education reform in 2004, Repse says that his party will follow the existing legislation, but we will take care that schools have qualified teachers who speak Latvian. interviews New Era leader Einars Repse. He believes that the best for Latvia is gradual and complete integration while people who are integrated know Latvian and respects the country. His party has not planned any specific initiatives to attract Russian electorate. Regarding education reform in 2004, Repse says that his party will follow the existing legislation, “but we will take care that schools have qualified teachers who speak Latvian.” The Government has entered amendments to the statutes of the State Language Center. According to

The Government has entered amendments to the statutes of the State Language Center. According to Chas the new amendments, first, enlarge the circle of persons who are entitled to examine language certificates, second, these persons are entitled to take part at the examinations of the state language as observers, and third, they can, after establishing violation, invite anybody to the State Language Center. Riga City Council FHRUL deputy Genadij Kotov believes that the new amendments were introduced partly because of the situation when 6 Riga City Council deputies refused to re-take state language examination. Telegraf

Telegraf

inquires some Latvian MPs and party leader about the decision of the Estonian Government to postpone the education reform. Dzintars Abikis, Juris Bojars, Juris Dobelis and Kristiana Libane believe that Latvia has different circumstances and it should not postpone its education reform scheduled for 2004. inquires some Latvian MPs and party leader about the decision of the Estonian Government to postpone the education reform. Dzintars Abikis, Juris Bojars, Juris Dobelis and Kristiana Libane believe that Latvia has different circumstances and it should not postpone its education reform scheduled for 2004.

Telegraf

talks to Baltic Media Facts director general Kaspars Ults. About the future of the press in Russian he says, it depends on integration, social economic situation. Right now there is absolutely no tendency showing decrease in Russian audience in Latvia. talks to Baltic Media Facts director general Kaspars Ults. About the future of the press in Russian he says, “it depends on integration, social economic situation. Right now there is absolutely no tendency showing decrease in Russian audience in Latvia”.