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

• Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion passes without incidents
• For Human Rights in the United Latviaplans to propose to the European Parliament to grant Russian language status of the official EU language
• Union For Human Rights in the United Latvia about the possible amendments to the law on the European Parliament elections
• State Security police will evaluate appeal, published by the newspaper of the Latvian National Front DDD, for possible incitement to ethnic hatred
• Interview with the Russias State Council deputy speaker Dmitry Rogozin
• President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga on relationship between Russia and Latvia to the French newspaper Le Figaro
• Latvijas Avize on possible ratification of the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Latvia
• Article about observation of minority rights in Latvia and the future role of Latvian and Russian languages in the EU
• Russian newspaper Versija names Ainars Slesers and Nils Miznieks as secret organizers of the protest actions against education reform in Latvia

The Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion has passed without incidents. Few hundreds of former legionnaires and their families’ members participated at the memorial service and laid flowers at the Freedom monument. Approximately 60 young people participated in the procession organized by the nationalist youth organization “Klubs 415” (“Club 415”).

The Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion has passed without incidents. Few hundreds of former legionnaires and their families members participated at the memorial service and laid flowers at the Freedom monument. Approximately 60 young people participated in the procession organized by the nationalist youth organization Klubs 415 (Club 415). Diena, Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Union For Human Rights in the United Latvia (FHRUL) is planning to propose to the European Parliament to change the language policy in the EU, granting status of official language to EU minority languages, including Russian. According to the leader of the FHRUL Tatjana Zdanoka, status of the Russian language is a cornerstone of the FHRUL policy realized within the EU.  The Union is also intending to form a united EU Russians’ party. Political scientist Zanete Ozolina says it is unlikely that the official status for all minorities’ languages in the enlarged EU will be granted, given that there are already 30 official languages.

Union For Human Rights in the United Latvia (FHRUL) is planning to propose to the European Parliament to change the language policy in the EU, granting status of official language to EU minority languages, including Russian. According to the leader of the FHRUL Tatjana Zdanoka, status of the Russian language is a cornerstone of the FHRUL policy realized within the EU. The Union is also intending to form a united EU Russians party. Political scientist Zanete Ozolina says it is unlikely that the official status for all minorities languages in the enlarged EU will be granted, given that there are already 30 official languages. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Union For Human Rights in the United Latvia (FHRUL) is planning to challenge the results of the European Parliament (EP) elections, if the amendments to the EP election law, stipulating the prohibition to stand for the EP 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, will be adopted. If the amendments to the law were adopted, the prohibition to stand for the EP elections would apply to Juris Bojars and Janis Adamsons, the candidates of Latvia Social Democratic Party and to the leader of the FHRUL Tatjana Zdanoka. The deputy candidate to the EP from FHRUL Miroslavs Mitrofanovs believes that For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM has proposed these amendments in order to provoke disagreement in the governing coalition.

Union For Human Rights in the United Latvia (FHRUL) is planning to challenge the results of the European Parliament (EP) elections, if the amendments to the EP election law, stipulating the prohibition to stand for the EP electionsfor 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, will be adopted. If the amendments to the law were adopted, the prohibition to stand for the EP elections would apply to Juris Bojars and Janis Adamsons, the candidates of Latvia Social Democratic Party and to the leader of the FHRUL Tatjana Zdanoka. The deputy candidate to the EP from FHRUL Miroslavs Mitrofanovs believes that For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM has proposed these amendments in order to provoke disagreement in the governing coalition. Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya

State Security police will evaluate the appeal, published by the newspaper of the Latvian National Front “DDD”, for the possible incitement to ethnic hatred. The appeal calls for Latvians to ‘follow the example of Azerbaijanis and to send occupants away from Latvia before the bloodshed started’. 

State Security police will evaluate the appeal, published by the newspaper of the Latvian National Front DDD, for the possible incitement to ethnic hatred. The appeal calls for Latvians to ‘follow the example of Azerbaijanis and to send occupants away from Latvia before the bloodshed started. Diena

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the Russias State Council deputy speaker Dmitry Rogozin about the perspectives of Russia-Latvia relationship. According to Dmitry Rogozin, the foreign policy of Russia will not change, and the defense of the compatriots rights will stay a priority also in the future. Rogozin believes that the only possibility to resolve the situation of the education reform is to start a dialogue with the representatives of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools.

Latvijas Avize reprints the fragments of the interview with the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga about the relationship between Latvia and Russia and the education reform in Latvia, published by the French newspaper Le Figaro. The President believes that Russias reproofs about minority rights violations in Latvia may be explained by desire to keep Latvia under its guardianship.

Latvijas Avize features an article by the commentator Vilnis Zarins, who says that ratification of the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Latvia cannot be discussed separately from the evaluation of the occupation consequences.

Vesti Segodnya prints an article about the observation of minority rights in Latvia and the future role of Latvian and Russian languages in the EU.

Russian newspaper

Russian newspaper Versija (Version) has spread the information that the protest actions against the education reform in Latvia, including the recent protest action of national-bolsheviks near the embassy of Latvia in Moscow, were organized by the (at that time former) deputy Prime Minister of Latvia Ainars Slesers (Latvias First Party), who wanted to use the language conflict as the means of getting back to power. According to the newspaper, he was assisted by the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks (at that time also former). Deputy Prime Minister of Latvia Ainars Slesers called information ‘invented madness, and refused from further comments. Diena

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

• Governing parties sign the coalition treaty
• Riga Administrative Court cancels the ban on organizing the procession on Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion
• Latvia Ministry of Foreign Affairs submits a note of protest to Russia
• Representatives of German Bundestag Committee visit Saeima
• Proposal of Saeima For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM parliamentary group to amend the European Parliament (EP) election law
• Riga minority schools have designed new educational programs
• Statements of the leader of the Latvian National Front (LNF) Aivars Garda
• About the ‘post-colonial identity of Latvia and society integration
• Latvijas Avize on possible ratification of the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Latvia
• Article by Maija Krumina about the recent Congress of the Defenders of Russian-language schools

Yesterday the three governing parties signed the coalition treaty, stipulating functions of the coalition parties’ factions, prime minister’s rights and obligations, as well as foreseeing the establishment of the coalition board. The board will include the Prime minister, two representatives of the Union of Farmers and Greens parliamentary faction, and three representatives of the Latvia’s First Party and Peoples Party’s factions each. The treaty stipulates that unanimous support of all members of the coalition board will be necessary for making amendments to the State Constitution and several laws, including Parliament Election law, law on State Language, law “On the Status of Former Citizens of the USSR who are Not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State”, “Law on Election of City Council, Regional Council and Parish Council”, if amendments concern the enlargement of the electorate, and amendments to the “Law on Education”, which concern the education reform.

Yesterday the three governing parties signed the coalition treaty, stipulating functions of the coalition parties factions, prime ministers rights and obligations, as well as foreseeing the establishment of the coalition board. The board will include the Prime minister, two representatives of the Union of Farmers and Greens parliamentary faction, and three representatives of the Latvias First Party and Peoples Partys factions each. The treaty stipulates that unanimous support of all members of the coalition board will be necessary for making amendments to the State Constitution and several laws, including Parliament Election law, law on State Language, law On the Status of Former Citizens of the USSR who are Not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State, Law on Election of City Council, Regional Council and Parish Council, if amendments concern the enlargement of the electorate, and amendments to the Law on Education, which concern the education reform. Rigas Balss, Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Chas

Riga Administrative Court has cancelled the ban of the Riga City Council to organize the procession on Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion. The leader of the nationalist youth organization “Klubs 415” (“Club 415”) Guntis Dilevs has stated that the planned procession will take place today. Union “Visu Latvijai” (“All for Latvia”) is also planning to commemorate legionnaires by laying flowers at the Freedom monument.

Riga Administrative Court has cancelled the ban of the Riga City Council to organize the procession on Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion. The leader of the nationalist youth organization Klubs 415 (Club 415) Guntis Dilevs has stated that the planned procession will take place today. Union Visu Latvijai (All for Latvia) is also planning to commemorate legionnaires by laying flowers at the Freedom monument. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Chas, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

Latvia Ministry of Foreign Affairs has submitted a note to the Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressing a protest about the recent protest action of Russia national-bolsheviks against the education reform in Latvia near the embassy of Latvia in Moscow. The participants of this protest action threw burning objects at the embassy building and chained themselves to the fence of the embassy. Latvia Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called the Russia authorities not to allow the recurrence of such actions in the future.

Latvia Ministry of Foreign Affairs has submitted a note to the Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressing a protest about the recent protest action of Russia national-bolsheviks against the education reform in Latvia near the embassy of Latvia in Moscow. The participants of this protest action threw burning objects at the embassy building and chained themselves to the fence of the embassy. Latvia Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called the Russia authorities not to allow the recurrence of such actions in the future. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Yesterday the representatives of German Bundestag Committee on the Affairs of the European Union visited Saeima European Affairs Committee. Ethnic policy of Latvia was discussed during the meeting.

Yesterday the representatives of German Bundestag Committee on the Affairs of the European Union visited Saeima European Affairs Committee. Ethnic policy of Latvia was discussed during the meeting. Latvijas Avize

Newspapers write about the proposal of Saeima For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM parliamentary group to amend the European Parliament (EP) election law. Proposed amendments stipulate the prohibition to stand for the EP 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.

Newspapers write about the proposal of Saeima For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM parliamentary group to amend the European Parliament (EP) election law. Proposed amendments stipulate the prohibition to stand for the EP electionsfor 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 features the opinion of representatives from the New Era and the Peoples Party, regarding this proposal as overdue. Saeima MP Aleksandrs Kabanovs (For Human Rights in the United Latvia) has stated that such proposal could cause the grave consequences for Latvia. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

According to the information of the Riga City Council’s Education, Youth and Sports department, all Riga minority schools have designed new educational programs, defining subjects, which will be taught in Latvian, and specifying the teachers who will teach it. The representatives of the department believe that there will be no need for the individual transition plans for schools, but rather for the individual support  to the teachers who still doubt their own ability to teach in Latvian.

According to the information of the Riga City Councils Education, Youth and Sports department, all Riga minority schools have designed new educational programs, defining subjects, which will be taught in Latvian, and specifying the teachers who will teach it. The representatives of the department believe that there will be no need for the individual transition plans for schools, but rather for the individual support to the teachers who still doubt their own ability to teach in Latvian. Diena

Vesti Segodnya writes about the statements of the leader of the Latvian National Front (LNF) Aivars Garda, published by the newspaper of the LNF DDD, stressing that the leader of the LNF publicly calls his supporters to violence. In this article Aivars Garda states that LNF demands establishment of the armed Latvian self-defense forces, because ‘Russian-speaking fascists understand only force.

Newspapers reprint fragments of the article by Ingars Rudzitis, MA student at the Boston University’s College of Communication, published at the public policy portal

Newspapers reprint fragments of the article by Ingars Rudzitis, MA student at the Boston Universitys College of Communication, published at the public policy portal www.politika.lv , about the ‘post-colonial identity of Latvia and society integration. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Latvijas Avize features an article about the possible ratification of the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Latvia. The author of the article believes that Latvia does not have to ratify the Convention, because ‘there are no minorities in Latvia.

Chas prints an article by Maija Krumina about the recent Congress of the Defenders of Russian-language schools and society integration. The author writes about two types of the education reform opponents – radical and moderate. According to the author, representatives of the moderate type have more or less adapted to the existing social and political reality, and many of them are citizens of Latvia. Ideas of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools are supported by those radically-oriented Russian-speakers, who experience more pronounced political and socioeconomic inequality (lack of citizenship, unstable economic situation, lost of perspective in life).

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

• 10504 citizens of Russia living in Latvia participated in Russian President Elections
• Establishment of Afro-Latvian Association
• Study of the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences The role of municipalities in the process of integration
• Interview with the ambassador of the United Kingdom to Latvia Andrew Tesoriere
• Official statement of the Latvian National Soldiers Association
• Leader of the Ventspils Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs on Russias statements about the minority rights observation in Latvia
• Russia prepares to raise an issue about the overt discrimination of Russian-speakers in Latvia at the session of the UN Human Rights Committee
• Linguist Arturs Prieditis about society integration

10 504 citizens of Russia, living in Latvia, participated at Russian President Elections. According to the provisional results, most of them voted for Vladimir Putin.

10504 citizens of Russia, living in Latvia, participated at Russian President Elections. According to the provisional results, most of them voted for Vladimir Putin. Diena, Rigas Balss, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

The Afro-Latvian Association held its launching ceremony on Saturday. The Association represents interests of Latvian residents of African origin.

The Afro-Latvian Association held its launching ceremony on Saturday. The Association represents interests of Latvian residents of African origin. Rigas Balss, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Diena features an article about the study of the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences The role of municipalities in the process of integration. According to the study, municipalities believe that social integration is a greater problem than ethnic integration.

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the ambassador of the United Kingdom to Latvia Andrew Tesoriere, who states that the education reform of Latvia fully complies with the international standards. Ambassador believes that the anxiety about the possible ethnic conflict in Latvia is not well justified, because the naturalization process is speeding up, and the education reform can not exterminate Russian culture and does not threaten Russian speakers with assimilation. Andrew Tesoriere also considers worthwhile to discuss making the language exam for old people and disabled persons easier.

Latvijas Avize features an official statement of the Latvian National Soldiers Association that the former legionnaires will not participate at the organized procession on the Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion.

Russian language newspapers feature articles about the visit of the Russia’s State Council deputy speaker Dmitry Rogozin and the leader of the Ventspils Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs to Russia State Council and Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). According to Aleksandrs Kazakovs, the representatives of the Russia MFA have stated that the dialogue between Russia and Latvia is impossible without the dialogue between the state and the opponents of the education reform. Aleksandrs Kazakovs also says that Russia will continue to inform the international organizations about the violation of minority rights in Latvia.

Russian language newspapers feature articles about the visit of the Russias State Council deputy speaker Dmitry Rogozin and the leader of the Ventspils Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs to Russia State Council and Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). According to Aleksandrs Kazakovs, the representatives of the Russia MFA have stated that the dialogue between Russia and Latvia is impossible without the dialogue between the state and the opponents of the education reform. Aleksandrs Kazakovs also says that Russia will continue to inform the international organizations about the violation of minority rights in Latvia. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Russia is preparing to raise an issue about the overt discrimination of Russian-speakers in Latvia and Estonia during the session of the UN Human Rights Committee today.

Russia is preparing to raise an issue about the overt discrimination of Russian-speakers in Latvia and Estonia during the session of the UN Human Rights Committee today. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Chas features opinions of the linguist Arturs Prieditis, who says that the state has betrayed minorities on three occasions – deviating from the zero (i.e. automatic for all) alternative of citizenship, not granting the voting rights for non-citizens at municipal elections, and implementing the education reform. According to Arturs Prieditis, if the state wants to avoid the conflict, it is necessary to apologize, cancel the ungrounded decisions, and to start the dialogue with the Russian community.

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

• State officials and experts on recommendations of the European Parliament
• President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga visits France
• Saeima MPs and integration experts evaluate expressions of the head of the Saeima FHRUL parliamentary group Jakovs Pliners
• Riga District court dismisses claim of the Latvia Socialist Party leader Alfreds Rubiks to cancellation of his conviction record
• For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM plans to amend the European Parliament (EP) election law
• Latvia Socialist Party plans to challenge the results of the EU accession referendum in Latvia at the European Court for Human Rights
• Liepajas municipality authorizes organization of the Latvian Legion commemoration days procession
• Ministry of Education and Science plans to gather information about minority schools preparedness to the education reform
• Director of the RigaSecondary School No. 95 Juris Celmins about the education reforms alternatives
• Assault on the leader of the Latvian National Front Aivars Garda
• Car of the journalist writing about the link between Russia and the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools vandalized

Newspapers feature statements of the state officials and experts about the recommendation of the European Parliament to ratify the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities.

Newspapers feature statements of the state officials and experts about the recommendation of the European Parliament to ratify the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Diena and Chas refer to the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis, who has stated that there will be no premature activities in the area of granting voting rights to non-citizens at the municipal elections, stressing that the next municipal elections will take place in accordance with the current legislation. Director of the Latvian Institute of International Affairs Atis Lejins believes that ratification of the convention is possible with the several reservations (for example, stipulating the Latvian language as the only state language), but at the same time says that today its ratification would be presented as a victory of the Moscows foreign policy. Sociologist and doctor of the University of Latvia Aivars Tabuns considers it necessary to define what should be regarded as a national minority in Latvia first, taking into account that demographic changes in the Latvian society have been forced. He also adds that ratification of the Convention in Estonia has not endangered the state, but appeased the international community. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas

Newspapers write about the visit of the Present of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga to France. During the meeting with the President of France Jacques Chirac issues of Latvia’s accession to the EU, and relationship of the EU and Latvia with Russia have been discussed.

Newspapers write about the visit of the Present of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga to France. During the meeting with the President of France Jacques Chirac issues of Latvias accession to the EU, and relationship of the EU and Latvia with Russia have been discussed. Diena, Latvijas Avize

Saeima MPs and the integration experts evaluate expressions of the head of the Saeima For Human Rights in the United Latvia parliamentary group Jakovs Pliners, who, commenting on  the education reform, has stated that ‘the derogatory idea about the Latvian Latvia with its degenerated democracy must be buried forever’. Saeima MPs believe that Jakovs Pliners has violated the deputy ethical code. Political analyst Artis Pabriks has stated that MP’s expressions also contain fulmination against the state system and indirect incitement of ethnic tension. Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks believes that demands for opening of the “Law on State Language” and the law “On the Status of Former Citizens of the USSR who are Not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State”  eliminate the possibility of dialogue in the area of education reform.

Saeima MPs and the integration experts evaluate expressions of the head of the Saeima For Human Rights in the United Latvia parliamentary group Jakovs Pliners, who, commenting on the education reform, has stated that ‘the derogatory idea about the Latvian Latvia with its degenerated democracy must be buried forever. Saeima MPs believe that Jakovs Pliners has violated the deputy ethical code. Political analyst Artis Pabriks has stated that MPs expressions also contain fulmination against the state system and indirect incitement of ethnic tension. Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks believes that demands for opening of the Law on State Language and the law On the Status of Former Citizens of the USSR who are Not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State eliminate the possibility of dialogue in the area of education reform. Diena

Riga District court has dismissed a claim of the Latvia Socialist Party leader Alfreds Rubiks to cancellation of his conviction record. Hence Alfreds Rubiks will not be allowed to candidate at the elections to the European Parliament. The court motivated this decision with the fact that the leader of the Socialist Party, who was convicted in 1995 for an attempt to overthrow the state, has not expressed regret about his deeds.

Riga District court has dismissed a claim of the Latvia Socialist Party leader Alfreds Rubiks to cancellation of his conviction record. Hence Alfreds Rubiks will not be allowed to candidate at the elections to the European Parliament. The court motivated this decision with the fact that the leader of the Socialist Party, who was convicted in 1995 for an attempt to overthrow the state, has not expressed regret about his deeds. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Saeima For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM parliamentary group is preparing to submit amendments to the European Parliament (EP) election law, stipulating the prohibition to stand for the EP 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.

Saeima For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM parliamentary group is preparing to submit amendments to the European Parliament (EP) election law, stipulating the prohibition to stand for the EP electionsfor 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. Latvijas Avize

Latvia Socialist Party is planning to apply to the European Court for Human Rights, challenging the results of the EU accession referendum. Party is planning to ask to recognize the referendum results as illegitimate, because non-citizens were not allowed to vote.

Latvia Socialist Party is planning to apply to the European Court for Human Rights, challenging the results of the EU accession referendum. Party is planning to ask to recognize the referendum results as illegitimate, because non-citizens were not allowed to vote. Latvijas Avize

Liepaja’s municipality has authorized organization of the procession on 16 March, the Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion.

Liepajas municipality has authorized organization of the procession on 16 March, the Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Ministry of Education and Science has prepared a new timetable for consultations with the representatives of minority schools, minority students and their parents, in order to gather information about minority schools which need individual transition programs.

Ministry of Education and Science has prepared a new timetable for consultations with the representatives of minority schools, minority students and their parents, in order to gather information about minority schools which need individual transition programs. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize

Diena features an article of the director of the Riga Secondary School No. 95 Juris Celmins about alternatives for the education reform. The director points to the dividing lines among Latvian- and Russian-speaking children, stressing that at present there are small opportunities for Russian-speaking children to become pupils of the Latvian-language kindergartens or students of the Latvian-language schools. According to Juris Celmins, Latvia should abandon such division practices, opening all schools for all children, regardless of the ethnic background. The school director also believes that there should be a transition period determined during which the Russian-language schools could be reformed as integrated schools with the choice of studying in one of three streams – Latvian, Russian or bilingual.

Last Friday two men assaulted  the leader of the Latvian National Front Aivars Garda and set his car on fire. The State Security Police examines different possible motives for this crime, among them the version of revenge from the side of Garda’s ideological opponents, who are not satisfied with his position towards Russian-speakers in Latvia.

Last Friday two men assaulted the leader of the Latvian National Front Aivars Garda and set his car on fire. The State Security Police examines different possible motives for this crime, among them the version of revenge from the side of Gardas ideological opponents, who are not satisfied with his position towards Russian-speakers in Latvia. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Diena writes about the car of the journalist Leonids Jakobsons, which had been smashed after the publication of his article in the newspapers Diena supplement SestDiena. In his article, Leonids Jakobsons concedes the possible financing of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools by Russia and evaluates degree of involvement of the Russia political technologist Konstantin Koshkin in organizing the protest actions against the education reform in Latvia. The journalist and the State Security Police suspect that vandals could be the Headquarters combatants, and that the goal of this vandalism act is to put pressure on the journalist. The leader of the Headquarters Jurijs Petropavlovskis denies the Headquarters connection to this vandalism act.

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

• European Parliament adopts the report on Latvias preparedness to join the European Union
• NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer visits Latvia
• Russia National-Bolshevik Party protests against the education reform in Latvia
• Amendments to the law on On meetings, walks and pickets
• About minority schools preparedness to the education reform
• Nationalist youth organization Klubs 415 challenges the ban on the procession on 6 March
• Political scientist Juris Rozenvalds about the education reform
• Constitutional Court dismisses complaint about the EU accession referendum
• Latvian Association of National Cultural Societies awards Marks of Distinction for significant contributions in the area of minority culture development
• Interview with the MP of RussiaState Council Konstantin Zatulin

European Parliament has adopted the report on Latvia’s preparedness to join the European Union, submitted by the German Deputy Elisabeth Schroedter. The report points to the necessity of speeding up the naturalization process, and of ratifying the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities as soon as possible. European parliament also recommends to consider the possibility of granting non-citizens voting rights in municipal elections, and to accelerate the society integration process.

European Parliament has adopted the report on Latvias preparedness to join the European Union, submitted by the German Deputy Elisabeth Schroedter. The report points to the necessity of speeding up the naturalization process, and of ratifying the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities as soon as possible. European parliament also recommends to consider the possibility of granting non-citizens voting rights in municipal elections, and to accelerate the society integration process. Chas features a statement of the Minister for Foreign Affairs Rihards Piks, saying that Latvia cannot ratify the Framework convention yet. According to the minister, ‘the national minorities in Latvia have not developed in the natural way, but are a consequence of occupation, and this kind of minorities cannot be equated with the minorities, living in Latvia for many centuries (like, for example, Old Believers). Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Vechernaya Riga, Telegraf, Chas

Yesterday NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer visited Latvia. During the meeting with the Secretary General Foreign Affairs Minister Rihards Piks called him to touch upon the issue of Latvia and Russia boarder agreement during the planned visit of Jaap de Hoop Scheffer to Mocow.

Yesterday NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer visited Latvia. During the meeting with the Secretary General Foreign Affairs Minister Rihards Piks called him to touch upon the issue of Latvia and Russia boarder agreement during the planned visit of Jaap de Hoop Scheffer to Mocow. Latvijas Avize features an interview with Jaap de Hoop Scheffer. Latvijas Vestnesis, Diena, Rigas Balss, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Telegraf, Chas

15 representatives of the Russia National-Bolshevik Party were detained during the unapproved protest action against ‘closing down Russian schools,’ ‘depriving Russian-speakers of the citizenship’ and ‘on-going trials against anti-fascist veterans’ in Latvia, where they chained themselves to the fence of the Latvian embassy in Moscow.

15 representatives of the Russia National-Bolshevik Party were detained during the unapproved protest action against ‘closing down Russian schools, ‘depriving Russian-speakers of the citizenship and ‘on-going trials against anti-fascist veterans in Latvia, where they chained themselves to the fence of the Latvian embassy in Moscow. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Saeima has adopted amendments to the law on “On meetings, walks and pickets”, stipulating that meetings of Saeima and municipality deputies and deputy candidates with their electorate, which take place outdoors, as well as organized and publicly announced pickets and walks, must be coordinated with the municipality.

Saeima has adopted amendments to the law on On meetings, walks and pickets, stipulating that meetings of Saeima and municipality deputies and deputy candidates with their electorate, which take place outdoors, as well as organized and publicly announced pickets and walks, must be coordinated with the municipality. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Newspapers feature articles about the minority schools’ preparedness to the education reform, stating that Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics has requested  to work out a new timetable for consultations with the representatives of minority schools, minority students and their parents.

Newspapers feature articles about the minority schools preparedness to the education reform, stating that Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics has requested to work out a new timetable for consultations with the representatives of minority schools, minority students and their parents. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Telegraf

Nationalist youth organization “Klubs 415” (“Club 415”) has applied to the court, challenging the decision of the Executive director of the Riga City Council Maris Tralmaks to ban the procession on Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion. 

Nationalist youth organization Klubs 415 (Club 415) has applied to the court, challenging the decision of the Executive director of the Riga City Council Maris Tralmaks to ban the procession on Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion. Latvijas Avize

Vesti Segodnya publishes the statements of the political scientist Juris Rozenvalds about the education reforms implementation. Juris Rozenvalds believes that there were many mistakes made during the process of the reform, stressing that the most absurd decision is to oblige Russian teachers to teach in the Latvian language. Although political scientist believes that the escalation of violence is unlikely, he stresses the necessity to seek a compromise on the issue, in order to take away the strain in the society.

Constitutional Court has dismissed the complaint case, submitted by the representatives of the Latvia Socialist party. Party asked to recognize the results of the EU accession referendum as illegitimate, because non-citizens were not allowed to vote.

Constitutional Court has dismissed the complaint case, submitted by the representatives of the Latvia Socialist party. Party asked to recognize the results of the EU accession referendum as illegitimate, because non-citizens were not allowed to vote. Diena

Yesterday the Latvian Association of National Cultural Societies has awarded Marks of Distinctions for sustained and significant contribution in the area of minority culture development to 15 individuals.

Yesterday the Latvian Association of National Cultural Societies has awarded Marks of Distinctions for sustained and significant contribution in the area of minority culture development to 15 individuals. ­Latvijas Avize

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the MP of Russia State Council Konstantin Zatulin about the education reform in Latvia.