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

• Peoples Harmony Party discusses recent amendments to the law On the Status of Former Citizens of the USSR who are Not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State with the representatives of the Presidents Chancery
• Statements of the Minister for Education and Science Juris Radzevics
• Peoples Harmony Party announces their candidate lists for the European Parliament
• Observer from Latvia to the European Parliament Boris Tsilevich on the necessity to recognize minorities rights to cultural and language diversity
• Interview with the leader of the non-governmental organization Rietumu krievi Dmitrijs Nikolajevs
• Leader of the For Human Rights in the United Latvia Tatjana Zdanoka is not planning to withdraw her claim to the European Court for Human Rights
• Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools invite to participate in the protest actions
• Celebration of the Muslim New Year in Latvia

Yesterday representatives of the People’s Harmony Party (PHP) and representatives of the President Chancery have met to discuss amendments to the law “On the Status of Former Citizens of the USSR who are Not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State”, which PHP asks not to announce. MP Aleksandrs Bartasevics has stated that these amendments will cause an avalanche of lawsuits against Latvia, because the amendments allow for depriving persons who have  lived outside Latvia for an extended period of time, obtained a residence permit in another country, or have registered  domicile in the member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States after 1 July 1992, of the non-citizen status of Latvia, According to the MP, many people register domicile in Russia in order to get a job in that country. Former chairperson of the Saeima Legal Affairs Committee Solvita Aboltina believes that the true goal of PHP is not cancellation of the amendments, but rather calling attention to the status of non-citizens in Latvia.

Yesterday representatives of the Peoples Harmony Party (PHP) and representatives of the President Chancery have met to discuss amendments to the law On the Status of Former Citizens of the USSR who are Not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State, which PHP asks not to announce. MP Aleksandrs Bartasevics has stated that these amendments will cause an avalanche of lawsuits against Latvia, because the amendments allow for depriving persons who have lived outside Latvia for an extended period of time, obtained a residence permit in another country, or have registered domicile in the member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States after 1 July 1992, of the non-citizen status of Latvia, According to the MP, many people register domicile in Russia in order to get a job in that country. Former chairperson of the Saeima Legal Affairs Committee Solvita Aboltina believes that the true goal of PHP is not cancellation of the amendments, but rather calling attention to the status of non-citizens in Latvia. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics in his interview to the Russian news agency

Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics in his interview to the Russian news agency Regnum has said that reform of the Russian schools in Latvia is a problem not only for Latvia, but for the whole EU. According to Radzevics, the Prime Minister Indulis Emsiss request to form a work group for developing a dialogue with the non-governmental organizations about implementation of the education reform is a response to the formation of the discussion group during the Congress of the Defenders of Russian-language schools. Vesti Segodnya

People’s Harmony Party has announced their candidate lists for the European Parliament elections. MP Boris Tsilevich is leading the list, the head of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools and member of Latvia’s Socialist Party Igors Pimenovs is running number three. According to Igors Pimenovs, simultaneous inclusion of his name in the candidate list of Latvia’s Socialist Party is against his will, and therefore against the law. He stressed that he is honored to candidate from the PHP, the party which cares for minority interests and is against the two-community state in Latvia.

Peoples Harmony Party has announced their candidate lists for the European Parliament elections. MP Boris Tsilevich is leading the list, the head of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools and member of Latvias Socialist Party Igors Pimenovs is running number three. According to Igors Pimenovs, simultaneous inclusion of his name in the candidate list of Latvias Socialist Party is against his will, and therefore against the law. He stressed that he is honored to candidate from the PHP, the party which cares for minority interests and is against the two-community state in Latvia. Latvijas Avize, Telegraf, Chas

Vesti Segodnya prints statements of the Latvian observer to the European Parliament (EP) Boris Tsilevich about preservation of the minority rights to maintain their cultural and language diversity after Latvian accession to the EU, and possible increase in Brussels pressure on Latvia and other accession countries to implement European anti-discrimination legislation.

Latvijas Avize features an interview with Dmitrijs Nikolajevs, leader of the non-governmental organization Rietumu krievi (Western Russians), which has expressed support of the education reform. Dmitrijs Nikolajevs believes time has come for Russian-speakers who are loyal towards the Latvian state to speak up; otherwise they are all being automatically identified with the activities of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools. Dmitrijs Nikolajevs believes that the Headquarters failed to unite promised 10% of Russian-speakers in their protest actions against the education reform, and that those protest actions is the last hope for the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia, who has driven themselves against the wall with their ungrounded promises for zero (i.e. automatic for all) alternative of citizenship.

The leader of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia Tatjana Zdanoka is not planning to withdraw her claim against Latvia at the Court for Human Rights despite the fact that Latvian European Parliament election law allows her to stand as a candidate.

The leader of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia Tatjana Zdanoka is not planning to withdraw her claim against Latvia at the Court for Human Rights despite the fact that Latvian European Parliament election law allows her to stand as a candidate. Vesti Segodnya

Russian language newspapers feature appeal of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools for participation in the protest actions against the education reform.

Russian language newspapers feature appeal of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools for participation in the protest actions against the education reform. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Latvijas Avize writes about the celebration of the Muslim New Year on 21 March, organized by the Uzbek cultural society of Latvia. Latvijas Avize

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

• Opponents of the education reform preparing new protest activities
• Interview with the Education and Science Minister Juris Radzevics
• European Parliament German Deputy Elisabeth Schroedter about the new Latvian Prime Minister
• Igors Pimenovs is planning to run for the European Parliament
• Article by student of Ghent University about the education reform
• Commentary on the article of Sigita Zankovska-Odina, researcher of the Latvian Universitys Centre for ethnic studies
• Article about the pedagogy issues of the education reform

Opponents of the education reform are preparing a new protest activity – students’ strikes on 15th and 16th of April. According to

Opponents of the education reform are preparing a new protest activity – students strikes on 15th and 16th of April. According to Chas, students from60 Rigas schools, as well as students from Liepaja, Ventspils and Daugavpils may join in the strike. Latvijas Avize reports about the meeting of the Minister for Education and Science and the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov about the implementation of the education reform. The newspaper ponders if this meeting may indicate that Latvian government has recognized that minority education reform is not only an interior issue of Latvia. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Rigas Balss features an interview with the Education and Science Minister Juris Radzevics. Minister comments that the education reform in the schools with Russian language of instruction has become more of a political than a pedagogic issue. He believes that it is necessary to analyze the situation and understand what causes problems. It is evident to the minister that reforms goals have not been thoroughly explained to the public, and no discussion has been attempted with the reforms opponents. Juris Radzevics thinks there is no reason to change the Education law, and that moratorium would not resolve the issue either. He believes that it is possible to achieve a reasonable, balanced compromise, once the reforms opponents will understand that the main goal is to prepare young people for the employment market or the system of higher education.

Latvijas Avize writes about the comment of the European Parliament German Deputy, who submitted the report on Latvias preparedness to join the European Union, about the new Prime Minister of Latvia. Elisabeth Schroedter states that she puts a lot of hope on Indulis Emsis, who supports the integration policy and is ready for compromise. According to Schroedter, it had been appreciated by the Russian minority MPs who voted for his candidature.

The head of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools Igors Pimenovs is planning to run for the European Parliament in order to represent the interests of the Russian-speaking minority. However, if his name appears on the election lists of two parties – Latvian Socialist party and the People’s Harmony party (who have both listed him as a candidate), he will be deleted from both.  Pimenovs is planning to organize a press conference to explain this situation.

The head of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools Igors Pimenovs is planning to run for the European Parliament in order to represent the interests of the Russian-speaking minority. However, if his name appears on the election lists of two parties – Latvian Socialist party and the Peoples Harmony party (who have both listed him as a candidate), he will be deleted from both. Pimenovs is planning to organize a press conference to explain this situation. Telegraf

Diena prints an article by Maxim Kovalenko, student of Ghent University, about the education reform. He stresses that language policy is one of the components of the integration policy, which aims to integrate young people into the system of higher education and the employment market. Maxim Kovalenko also indicates two critical success factors for the reform implementation: first of all, minority schools and teachers should be ready for it; second, there is a certain lack of trust between Latvian- and Russian language communities, which has been intensified by the recent political conflict in the area of education. M. Kovalenko concludes that in order to accomplish the reform, a series of supportive activities, which can minimize or even prevent the negative factors influence, is necessary: additional training for teachers on bilingual methods in practice; effective public relations program to minimize the negative attitude of the teachers and students; help to the socially vulnerable groups, like additional language tutorials when needed.

Vesti Segodnya publishes commentary on the article of Sigita Zankovska-Odina, researcher of the Latvian Universitys Centre for ethnic studies, who believes that Latvias accession to the EU can further complicate the society integration process in Latvia, as non-citizens will receive additional rights and therefore their motivation to naturalize will decrease. The researcher evaluates the possible choice of the part of non-citizens to adopt the Russian citizenship, which in her opinion would create a two-community society, as well as would give Russia a possibility of interfering in Latvian internal affairs.

Vesti Segodnya prints an article by Jakovs Pliners, MP from For Human Rights in United Latvia and Valerijs Buhvalovs, doctor of pedagogy, who believe that in order to successfully implement the ‘western model of bilingual education in Latvia, it should be scientifically analyzed and adapted to the local conditions, which, according to them, had not been the case. Pliners and Buhvalovs call to ‘professional pedagogical debate on the issue.

 

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

• Latvian government requests European Court for Human Rights to dismiss the case of Tatjana Zdanoka on lustration law
• Minister of Education opposes the formation of a Minority Education Department within the Ministry of Education and Science
• Peoples Harmony party requests the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga not to proclaim the amendments to the law defining the status of non-citizens
• Interview with the Foreign Affairs Minister of Latvia Rihards Piks
• Planned protest actions against the education reform
• Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics discusses the education reform with the ambassador of Russia to Latvia Igor Studennikov
• Interview with writer Marina Kostenecka on education reform

Latvian government has requested European Court for Human Rights (ECHR) to dismiss the case of Tatjana Zdanoka, because the recently adopted Latvian European Parliament election law grants the rights to stand for elections for ex-officials of the State Security Committee of the Soviet Republic of Latvia and those individuals who were members of the Communist Party and related organizations after January 13, 1991. Tatjana Zdanoka has applied to the ECHR,  claiming that her voting rights and freedom of speech and association have been violated, when she was deprived of the Riga City Council’s deputy mandate and prohibited to stand as a candidate for Saeima elections on 1997, because of her membership in the Communist Party after January 13, 1991.

Latvian government has requested European Court for Human Rights (ECHR) to dismiss the case of Tatjana Zdanoka, because the recently adopted Latvian European Parliament election law grants the rights to stand for elections for ex-officials of the State Security Committee of the Soviet Republic of Latvia and those individuals who were members of the Communist Party and related organizations after January 13, 1991. Tatjana Zdanoka has applied to the ECHR, claiming that her voting rights and freedom of speech and association have been violated, when she was deprived of the Riga City Councils deputy mandate and prohibited to stand as a candidate for Saeima elections on 1997, because of her membership in the Communist Party after January 13, 1991. Diena, Latvijas Avize

Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics regards the formation of a Minority Education Department within the Ministry, suggested by the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis, as unnecessary, arguing that these issues are already dealt with by the Secretariat of the Special Task Minister for Society Integration, the  Integration Unit within the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Education’s Advisory Council.

Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics regards the formation of a Minority Education Department within the Ministry, suggested by the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis, as unnecessary, arguing that these issues are already dealt with by the Secretariat of the Special Task Minister for Society Integration, the Integration Unit within the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Educations Advisory Council. Diena, Latvijas Avize

The MPs of the Saeima People’s Harmony party parliamentary group have sent a letter to the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga, requesting not to announce the amendments to the law “On the Status of Former Citizens of the USSR who are Not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State”, which foresee that persons who have obtained a residence permit in another country can be deprived of the non-citizen status of Latvia.

The MPs of the Saeima Peoples Harmony party parliamentary group have sent a letter to the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga, requesting not to announce the amendments to the law On the Status of Former Citizens of the USSR who are Not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State, which foresee that persons who have obtained a residence permit in another country can be deprived of the non-citizen status of Latvia. Diena

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the Foreign Affairs Minister of Latvia Rihards Piks about society integration and relations between Latvia and Russia. The minister points to the greater necessity of protecting the Latvian language, compared to the Russian language, which is spoken by 140 million people all around the world. The Minister also believes that Russia uses Latvia as an instrument in its dialogue with NATO and the EU.

Headquarters for the Defense of Russian language schools are planning new protest actions against the educations reform – the general strike of minority students on 15 and 16 April and manifestation on 1 May, when Latvia will be joining the EU.  Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics has expressed his regret that the representatives of the Headquarters have not contacted him to start the dialogue yet, and is considering the possibility to initiate a meeting with the leader of the Headquarters Jurijs Petropavlovskis in order to discuss the issue of education reform.

Headquarters for the Defense of Russian language schools are planning new protest actions against the educations reform – the general strike of minority students on 15 and 16 April and manifestation on 1 May, when Latvia will be joining the EU. Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics has expressed his regret that the representatives of the Headquarters have not contacted him to start the dialogue yet, and is considering the possibility to initiate a meeting with the leader of the Headquarters Jurijs Petropavlovskis in order to discuss the issue of education reform. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics has discussed the issue of education reform with the ambassador of Russia to Latvia Igor Studennikov. The minister has stated that a moratorium on the education reform is not possible.

Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics has discussed the issue of education reform with the ambassador of Russia to Latvia Igor Studennikov. The minister has stated that a moratorium on the education reform is not possible. Diena, Latvijas Avize

Latvijas Avize prints an interview with the well-known journalist and writer Marina Kostenecka, who points to several mistakes in the area of implementation of the education reform. The writer believes that one of the biggest problems is the scarcity of teachers ready to teach in Latvian, stressing that the successful implementation of the reform is possible only if the new teachers capable to teach in Latvian are prepared. According to Marina Kostenecka, it is necessary to evaluate the possibilities of each minority school to implement the education reform, but not to withdraw the reform itself, because then the further requirements for Russian as the second state language and for granting citizenship automatically will emerge.

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

• OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus: OSCE fully supports one state language in Latvia
• Saeima Speaker Ingrida Udre requests the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe Walter Schwimmer to explain nomination of the two rapporteurs to evaluate minority situation in Latvia
• Prime Minister requests to form a work group for development of the dialogue about the education reform
• Saeima adopts amendments to the law On meetings, walks and pickets
• Saeima rejects proposed amendments to the European Parliament election law
• Amendments to the law On the Status of Former Citizens of the USSR who are Not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State
• Foreign Affairs Ministry of Latvia reproaches Russia about distortion of the historical facts
• Special Task Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks visits the UN Human Rights Committee session
• Planned general strike of minority students on 15 and 16 April
• Defenders of the Russian-language schools present lemons with the inscription ‘Experience taste of the reform to all Saeima MPs of the right-wing parties
• Interview with the deputy editor-in-chief of Neatkariga Rita Avize Sandris Tocs about the education reform

During his visit to Estonia, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus has stated that the OSCE fully supports existence of one state language in Latvia. OSCE also does not allow for the possibility of renewal of OSCE missions in Latvia and Estonia.

During his visit to Estonia, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus has stated that the OSCE fully supports existence of one state language in Latvia. OSCE also does not allow for the possibility of renewal of OSCE missions in Latvia and Estonia. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Saeima Speaker Ingrida Udre has sent a letter to the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe Walter Schwimmer, requesting to explain the decision of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly’s Monitoring Committee to nominate two rapporteurs to evaluate minority situation in Latvia and implementation of the education reform. The positive rapport of the head of Monitoring Committee Josette Durrieu, who does not supports the renewal of monitoring procedure, was not taken into account when making this decision.

Saeima Speaker Ingrida Udre has sent a letter to the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe Walter Schwimmer, requesting to explain the decision of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assemblys Monitoring Committee to nominate two rapporteurs to evaluate minority situation in Latvia and implementation of the education reform. The positive rapport of the head of Monitoring Committee Josette Durrieu, who does not supports the renewal of monitoring procedure, was not taken into account when making this decision. Latvijas Avize

Prime Minister Indulis Emsis has asked the Minister for Education and Science Juris Radzevics to form a work group for developing a dialogue with the non-governmental organizations about implementation of the education reform. The Prime Minister has also suggested to evaluate the possibility of establishing a Minority Education Department within the Ministry.

Prime Minister Indulis Emsis has asked the Minister for Education and Science Juris Radzevics to form a work group for developing a dialogue with the non-governmental organizations about implementation of the education reform. The Prime Minister has also suggested to evaluate the possibility of establishing a Minority Education Department within the Ministry. Diena, Telegraf

Saeima has adopted amendments to the law “On meetings, walks and pickets” in the last reading, stipulating that outdoor meetings of Saeima and municipality deputies and deputy candidates with their electorate, as well as organized and publicly announced pickets and walks, must be coordinated with the municipality. Amendments were supported by 70 deputies from coalition parties, the New Era and For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM. Municipality’s decision can be appealed in court. If children are participating in the meeting, the organizers should ensure protection of the children’s rights in accordance with the law ‘Protection of the Rights of the Child’.  

Saeima has adopted amendments to the law On meetings, walks and pickets in the last reading, stipulating that outdoor meetings of Saeima and municipality deputies and deputy candidates with their electorate, as well as organized and publicly announced pickets and walks, must be coordinated with the municipality. Amendments were supported by 70 deputies from coalition parties, the New Era and For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM. Municipalitys decision can be appealed in court. If children are participating in the meeting, the organizers should ensure protection of the childrens rights in accordance with the law ‘Protection of the Rights of the Child. Diena, Latvijas Vestnesis, Neatkariga Rita Avize, LAtvijas Avize, Chas

Yesterday Saeima rejected amendments to the European Parliament election law, which stipulated prohibition to stand for elections for ex-officials of the State Security Committee of the Soviet Republic of Latvia and those individuals who were members of the Communist Party and related organizations after January 13, 1991.

Yesterday Saeima rejected amendments to the European Parliament election law, which stipulated prohibition to stand for elections for ex-officials of the State Security Committee of the Soviet Republic of Latvia and those individuals who were members of the Communist Party and related organizations after January 13, 1991. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Rigas Balss, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Saeima has adopted amendments to the law “On the Status of Former Citizens of the USSR who are Not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State”, stipulating that people who have obtained a residence permit in another country can be deprived of the non-citizen status in Latvia. The MPs from Saeima left-wing parties have asked the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga not to announce these amendments, naming them as discriminatory.

Saeima has adopted amendments to the law On the Status of Former Citizens of the USSR who are Not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State, stipulating that people who have obtained a residence permit in another country can be deprived of the non-citizen status in Latvia. The MPs from Saeima left-wing parties have asked the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga not to announce these amendments, naming them as discriminatory. Chas, Telegraf

Representative of the Russia embassy to Latvia was summoned to the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Latvia to be informed of the Latvia’s attitude towards the statement expressed by Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry after the Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion, which called it the rehabilitation of persons, convicted by the Nuremberg tribunal. Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry has pointed that historical facts have been deliberately distorted, including the verdicts of the Nuremberg tribunal, which were cited selectively. Ministry’s representatives have also pointed to the fact that Russia has not evaluated its own history and has not acknowledged the occupation of Latvia.

Representative of the Russia embassy to Latvia was summoned to the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Latvia to be informed of the Latvias attitude towards the statement expressed by Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry after the Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion, which called it the rehabilitation of persons, convicted by the Nuremberg tribunal. Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry has pointed that historical facts have been deliberately distorted, including the verdicts of the Nuremberg tribunal, which were cited selectively. Ministrys representatives have also pointed to the fact that Russia has not evaluated its own history and has not acknowledged the occupation of Latvia. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas

Vesti Segodnya writes about the visit of the Special Task Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks to the UN Human Rights Committee session. The Minister has stated that the education reform in Latvia complies with the international human rights standards.

Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools is planning to organize the general strike of minority students on 15 and 16 April.

Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools is planning to organize the general strike of minority students on 15 and 16 April. Vesti Segodnya

Yesterday representatives of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools presented lemons with the inscription ‘Experience taste of the reform’ to all MPs of Saeima right-wing parties, as a protest action.

Yesterday representatives of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools presented lemons with the inscription ‘Experience taste of the reform to all MPs of Saeima right-wing parties, as a protest action. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas

Chas features an interview with the deputy editor-in-chief of the Latvian newspaper Neatkariga Rita Avize Sandris Tocs, who believes that moratorium on education reform is the only possible way to reduce strain in the society.

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

• State Security Police about extremist organizations in Latvia
• Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Russia Jurij Fedotov points to the violation of minority rights in Latvia and Estonia
• Saeima New Era parliamentary group does not support amendments to the European Parliament elections law
• 12 minority schools will not be ready for transition to the Latvian language of instruction by 1 September
• Chairman of the Union of Citizens and Non-citizens V. Sokolovs about society integration
• Interview with the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks
• Leader of Latvia Socialist Party Alfreds Rubiks visits European Parliament
• Commentary about the Congress of the Defenders of Russian-language schools

State Security Police believes that the number of extremist organizations could increase after Latvia’s accession to the EU. According to the chairman of the Security Police Janis Reiniks, the organizations of right extremists as well as organizations of left extremists have achieved a new quality, for example, by involving children in their activities.

State Security Police believes that the number of extremist organizations could increase after Latvias accession to the EU. According to the chairman of the Security Police Janis Reiniks, the organizations of right extremists as well as organizations of left extremists have achieved a new quality, for example, by involving children in their activities. Diena

Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Russia Jurij Fedotov has pointed to the violation of minority rights in Latvia and Estonia during the UN Human Rights Committee session. According to the Minister, the main problem areas are the conservation of the non-citizens’ problem, which indicates a long-term deficit of democracy, and the implementation of the education reform in Latvia. Jurij Fedotov believes that although it is necessary to know the Latvian language, ‘there must be also a possibility to get education of full value in mother tongue’. Today the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks will report on the achievements in the area of observation of minority rights in Latvia.

Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Russia Jurij Fedotov has pointed to the violation of minority rights in Latvia and Estonia during the UN Human Rights Committee session. According to the Minister, the main problem areas are the conservation of the non-citizens problem, which indicates a long-term deficit of democracy, and the implementation of the education reform in Latvia. Jurij Fedotov believes that although it is necessary to know the Latvian language, ‘there must be also a possibility to get education of full value in mother tongue. Today the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks will report on the achievements in the area of observation of minority rights in Latvia. Telegraf, Chas

Saeima’s parliamentary group the New Era is not planning to support the proposal of the For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM parliamentary group to make amendments to the European Parliament election law, prohibiting to stand for elections for ex-officials of the State Security Committee of the Soviet Republic of Latvia and those individuals who were members of the Communist Party and related organizations after January 13, 1991. Hence the amendments to the European Parliament law most likely will not be possible.

Saeimas parliamentary group the New Era is not planning to support the proposal of the For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM parliamentary group to make amendments to the European Parliament election law, prohibiting to stand for elections for ex-officials of the State Security Committee of the Soviet Republic of Latvia and those individuals who were members of the Communist Party and related organizations after January 13, 1991. Hence the amendments to the European Parliament law most likely will not be possible. Neatkariga Rita Avize

Head of the Ministry of Education and Science General Education Department Guntis Vasilevskis has stated that 12 minority schools will not be ready for transition to Latvian as language of instruction by 1 September, and 16 minority schools have recognized some difficulties.

Head of the Ministry of Education and Science General Education Department Guntis Vasilevskis has stated that 12 minority schools will not be ready for transition to Latvian as language of instruction by 1 September, and 16 minority schools have recognized some difficulties. Vesti Segodnya

Newspapers print article by the chairman of the Union of Citizens and Non-citizens V.Sokolovs about society integration. According to Sokolovs, the integrated society is possible only after granting the citizenship to all children, born since the 1991, automatically without parents’ application, and granting the citizenship by registration to those who have got education in Latvia since restoration of the state independence, regardless of the instruction language.

Newspapers print article by the chairman of the Union of Citizens and Non-citizens V.Sokolovs about society integration. According to Sokolovs, the integrated society is possible only after granting the citizenship to all children, born since the 1991, automatically without parents application, and granting the citizenship by registration to those who have got education in Latvia since restoration of the state independence, regardless of the instruction language. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Rigas Balss features an interview with the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks about society integration and implementation of the education reform. According to the minister, the main causes of the confrontation in the area of education reform are changes in status of Russians and Russian language in Latvia, fears of Russian teachers for their jobs, and the battle for electorate between the left political forces.

Vesti Segodnya writes about the visit of the leader of Latvia Socialist Party Alfreds Rubiks to the European Parliament (EP), in order to discuss the issue of observation of minorities rights in Latvia. According to the observer from Latvia to the EP Martijans Bekasovs, during the meetings with Alfreds Rubiks the MPs of the EP have stated that any attempts to change the EP election law will cause very negative attitude from Brussels.

Neatkariga Rita Avize features an article by commentator Viktors Avotins about the Congress of the Defenders of Russian-language schools, different opinions, expressed by participants during the Congress, and attempts of the FHRUL to use the Congress for its own purely political purposes.