LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

 

Diena publishes analyses and conclusions of two experts – Latvian Center for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies director Nils Muiznieks and Riga Graduate School of Law lecturer Martins Mits - concerning the drafted amendments to the Constitution to secure the status of the state language, their compliance with the aims voiced, the Constitution and international bindings.

Riga executive director’s deputy has issued approval for march on Latvian Legion Day. State Reform Minister Janis Krumins had expressed his dismay over the authorization received by two groups ("Latvietis" and "Klubs 415") for a procession through Riga to the Freedom Monument on March 16 in honor of the World War II Latvian legionnaires. Krumins demanded that Riga Deputy Director Vita Zablocka’s decision is overturned and, as Diena points out, "one didn’t have to wait too long". Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars yesterday evening announced that it was a mistake, which will be corrected. Observation of the controversial (but unofficial) March 16 anniversary has irked Moscow annually and Latvian army veterans groups had already decided not to hold their procession this year.

Riga executive directors deputy has issued approval for march on Latvian Legion Day. State Reform Minister Janis Krumins had expressed his dismay over the authorization received by two groups ("Latvietis" and "Klubs 415") for a procession through Riga to the Freedom Monument on March 16 in honor of the World War II Latvian legionnaires. Krumins demanded that Riga Deputy Director Vita Zablockas decision is overturned and, as Diena points out, "one didnt have to wait too long". Riga Mayor Gundars Bojars yesterday evening announced that it was a mistake, which will be corrected. Observation of the controversial (but unofficial) March 16 anniversary has irked Moscow annually and Latvian army veterans groups had already decided not to hold their procession this year. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Yesterday Saeima Judicial Commission in principal approved the amendments on bolstering the status of Latvian language to the Constitution. Before the decision was adopted the Commission listened to the views of lawyers and language experts. The majority of the participants did not object to the amendment which provides for that a MP takes an official pledge, however, they doubted whether the Constitution could provide for the way it should be taken. Also State Language Commission chairperson Mara Zalite believes that the text of the pledge should be shorter and should not be included in the Constitution. The biggest objections were voiced again the definition “[takes an official pledge] in an inappropriate manner”. The article which provides for that residents are entitled to receive replies to their applications from municipalities in the Latvian language was also under discussion. Supreme Court Chairman Andris Gulans has already called the amendments a political move.

Yesterday Saeima Judicial Commission in principal approved the amendments on bolstering the status of Latvian language to the Constitution. Before the decision was adopted the Commission listened to the views of lawyers and language experts. The majority of the participants did not object to the amendment which provides for that a MP takes an official pledge, however, they doubted whether the Constitution could provide for the way it should be taken. Also State Language Commission chairperson Mara Zalite believes that the text of the pledge should be shorter and should not be included in the Constitution. The biggest objections were voiced again the definition [takes an official pledge] in an inappropriate manner. The article which provides for that residents are entitled to receive replies to their applications from municipalities in the Latvian language was also under discussion. Supreme Court Chairman Andris Gulans has already called the amendments a political move. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Neatkariga

interviews Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov. The ambassador agrees that the current relations between Latvia and Russia are good, in particular, in the fields of economy and trade. He does not think that the comparison between Latvia and Macedonia made repeatedly by Russian officials is unacceptable, as this time the issue is about having one common standards regarding national minorities in Europe. Regarding the possibility to have Russian foreign affairs minister Ivanov in Latvia Studennikov says that it requires appropriate circumstances,... atmosphere, which should be built by both parties. interviews Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov. The ambassador agrees that the current relations between Latvia and Russia are good, in particular, in the fields of economy and trade. He does not think that the comparison between Latvia and Macedonia made repeatedly by Russian officials is unacceptable, as “this time the issue is about having one common standards regarding national minorities in Europe”. Regarding the possibility to have Russian foreign affairs minister Ivanov in Latvia Studennikov says that “it requires appropriate circumstances,... atmosphere, which should be built by both parties”.

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

Five deputies from the Saeima faction FHRUL have repeatedly handed in the amendments to the Saeima Election Law proposing to lift requirements for the state language fluency set for election candidates. The amendments to the law include specifying the procedure of elections to exclude possible errors in counting votes and the organization of election procedure. On March 14, Saeima will decide on turning over the amendments to the Saeima Election Law to commissions.

Five deputies from the Saeima faction FHRUL have repeatedly handed in the amendments to the Saeima Election Law proposing to lift requirements for the state language fluency set for election candidates. The amendments to the law include specifying the procedure of elections to exclude possible errors in counting votes and the organization of election procedure. On March 14, Saeima will decide on turning over the amendments to the Saeima Election Law to commissions. Diena, Lauku Avize, Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Panorama Latvii

State Language Commission chairperson Mara Zalite believes that FHRUL leader Jurkans open letter to her was an attempt to discriminate the State Language Commission. Mara Zalite said that she will not reply to the letter which contains false statements as there is no ground for calling her national radical.

Diena

Lauku Avize

features an article on state language inspector Velta Miskes who is responsible for Daugavpils and Kraslava districts. In the predominantly Russian and Latgalian language speaking region, Miske says that she is considered "persona non grata", and she has received both direct and veiled threats. However, she says her approach is to find the reasons for violating language regulations and only then if necessary impose penalty. features an article on state language inspector Velta Miske’s who is responsible for Daugavpils and Kraslava districts. In the predominantly Russian and Latgalian language speaking region, Miske says that she is considered "persona non grata", and she has received both direct and veiled threats. However, she says her approach is to find the reasons for violating language regulations and only then if necessary impose penalty.

Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Panorama Latvii

publish the resolution of NGO the Russian Community in Latvia adopted at its 6th conference. The resolution says Latvian Governments policy [concerning national minorities in Latvia] has not changed: forcible assimilation, therefore the organization keeps the goals set at the foundation of the organization: publish the resolution of NGO the Russian Community in Latvia adopted at its 6th conference. The resolution says “Latvian Government’s policy [concerning national minorities in Latvia] has not changed: forcible assimilation”, therefore the organization “keeps the goals set at the foundation of the organization: 1) citizenship to everyone who was a Latvian resident in 19911; 2) Russian is the second state language; 3) state education in a native tongue”. The newspaper also interviews Russian Community Vice-chairperson Eduard Goncarov. Goncarov informs that “some serious sponsors want to invest money in conducting serious scientific study about saboteurs who hinder the development of Latvia and they also offered a theme for public discussions “Who are the natives in Latvia and possible solutions to the problems caused by those who are unworthy to live in this country”. Goncarov has forwarded this letter to General Prosecutor Office to check whether the proposals are in compliance with Latvian legislation. He explains that the letter is a response to contests organized by notorious publishing house Vieda director A.Garda.

1) citizenship to everyone who was a Latvian resident in 19911; 2) Russian is the second state language; 3) state education in a native tongue. The newspaper also interviews Russian Community Vice-chairperson Eduard Goncarov. Goncarov informs that some serious sponsors want to invest money in conducting serious scientific study about saboteurs who hinder the development of Latvia and they also offered a theme for public discussions Who are the natives in Latvia and possible solutions to the problems caused by those who are unworthy to live in this country. Goncarov has forwarded this letter to General Prosecutor Office to check whether the proposals are in compliance with Latvian legislation. He explains that the letter is a response to contests organized by notorious publishing house Vieda director A.Garda.

Chas

publishes FHRUL member Yakov Pliners arguments against transfer of Russian secondary schools to the studies in Latvian as a sole instruction language in 2004. publishes FHRUL member Yakov Pliner’s arguments against transfer of Russian secondary schools to the studies in Latvian as a sole instruction language in 2004.

Chas

looks into the activities of Russian NGOs in Latvia. The attempt to consolidate all Russian NGOs under the Russian Community in Latvia has failed and for the time being there is no one organized Russian movement as there is no common platform, common electorate and common goal and idea, writes the newspaper. The journalist also admits that protection, associations are very good terms to speculate with. Behind this cover it is possible to claim to be representing the interests of all Russians. looks into the activities of Russian NGOs in Latvia. The attempt to consolidate all Russian NGOs under the Russian Community in Latvia has failed and for the time being “there is no one organized Russian movement as there is no common platform, common electorate and common goal and idea”, writes the newspaper. The journalist also admits that “”protection”, “associations” are very good terms to speculate with. Behind this cover it is possible to claim to be representing the interests of all Russians”.

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

 

Diena examines the activities of the left-wing parties in Riga City Council. The newspaper concludes that the reorganization of various institutions and the switching of officials in various posts are a lot more politicized and more obvious than in previous city councils. Besides, the activities of the left-wingers are being felt not only in Riga, but also in Moscow.

People’s Harmony Party’s (represented by FHRUL in the Saeima) Council adopted 6 basic principles for creating the lists of 8th Saeima’s election candidates. One of the principles provides for that Peoples Harmony Party’s candidate has to speak good Latvian. Peoples Harmony Party’s leader Janis Jurkans informed that the party will not require a deputy candidate to present any official documents proving his/her language proficiency, but it will consider how effective will be the work of a deputy at the Saeima taking into account his/her Latvian language skills.

Peoples Harmony Partys (represented by FHRUL in the Saeima) Council adopted 6 basic principles for creating the lists of 8th Saeimas election candidates. One of the principles provides for that Peoples Harmony Partys candidate has to speak good Latvian. Peoples Harmony Partys leader Janis Jurkans informed that the party will not require a deputy candidate to present any official documents proving his/her language proficiency, but it will consider how effective will be the work of a deputy at the Saeima taking into account his/her Latvian language skills. Diena

Society Integration Foundation approved the winner of the first tender of SIF’s projects. Latvian Folk School received the rights to provide Latvian language courses for people who want to naturalize. The project amounts to 32 thousand lats. SIF Council is also planning to ask for 20 000 lats from the state budget for the next year’s courses.

Society Integration Foundation approved the winner of the first tender of SIFs projects. Latvian Folk School received the rights to provide Latvian language courses for people who want to naturalize. The project amounts to 32 thousand lats. SIF Council is also planning to ask for 20 000 lats from the state budget for the next years courses. Diena

The Committee of the Cabinet of Ministers will review the amendments to the Law on City/Town, Regional and Rural District Council which will provide for that both Latvian and EU citizens are entitled to participate at municipal elections

The Committee of the Cabinet of Ministers will review the amendments to the Law on City/Town, Regional and Rural District Council which will provide for that both Latvian and EU citizens are entitled to participate at municipal elections. Neatkariga, Chas

Vecernaya Riga

publishes the discussion FHRUL member Yakov Pliner with the readers of the newspaper about bilingual education in Latvia. He believes that bilingual education is possible, however, all 4 bilingual education models developed in Latvia are bad. publishes the discussion FHRUL member Yakov Pliner with the readers of the newspaper about bilingual education in Latvia. He believes that bilingual education is possible, however, all 4 bilingual education models developed in Latvia are bad. Liepaja City Council has established the post of a Russian-Latvian translator who translates the applications if they are written in Russian to the Council by Liepaja’s residents.

Liepaja City Council has established the post of a Russian-Latvian translator who translates the applications if they are written in Russian to the Council by Liepajas residents. Vesti Segodnja

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

Lithuanian PM Algirdas Brazauskas, Latvian PM Andris Berzins and Estonian PM Siim Kallas are to meet British PM Tony Blair on March 14. The four-way meeting will likely see discussion of EU and NATO expansion and Russian relations.

Lithuanian PM Algirdas Brazauskas, Latvian PM Andris Berzins and Estonian PM Siim Kallas are to meet British PM Tony Blair on March 14. The four-way meeting will likely see discussion of EU and NATO expansion and Russian relations. Chas, Vesti Segodnja

After Latvia enters NATO Latvian-Russian relations will improve radically, deputy commander of the National Armed Forces, Admiral Gaidis Andrejs Zeibots, says in an interview to the newspaper

After Latvia enters NATO Latvian-Russian relations will improve radically, deputy commander of the National Armed Forces, Admiral Gaidis Andrejs Zeibots, says in an interview to the newspaper Vesti Segodna. Zeibots is confident that "unhealthy ambitions" will disappear, as Russia will start to treat Latvia with respect. The admiral draws the example of Poland, its relations with Russia changed considerably after it entered the alliance. In commenting on NATO's requirements for candidate countries, Zeibots says that they do not concern national defense matters - NATO asks that Latvia observes human rights, fights corruption and suchlike.

In opening the conference “Latvia and France: Partners and Allies in Europe" in Riga on Friday, both Latvian and French representatives stressed the necessity of observing the principle of equality among the EU countries. Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Parliamentary Secretary Peteris Elferts pointed out that it would be important for Latvia, in joining EU, that small and large countries, old and new ones - have equal rights. French Ambassador to Latvia Louise Avon called for creation of a free and democratic new Europe since these principles are important for all European countries. In her view, if common rights are observed in Europe, EU will become a powerful force that will defend the rights of member nations on their own territories and globally. The president of the Robert Schuman Foundation Jean-Dominique Giuliani agreed with the comments made by the previous speakers, pointing out that all EU member and applicant states have joint goals and values - democracy and freedom.

In opening the conference Latvia and France: Partners and Allies in Europe" in Riga on Friday, both Latvian and French representatives stressed the necessity of observing the principle of equality among the EU countries. Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Parliamentary Secretary Peteris Elferts pointed out that it would be important for Latvia, in joining EU, that small and large countries, old and new ones - have equal rights. French Ambassador to Latvia Louise Avon called for creation of a free and democratic new Europe since these principles are important for all European countries. In her view, if common rights are observed in Europe, EU will become a powerful force that will defend the rights of member nations on their own territories and globally. The president of the Robert Schuman Foundation Jean-Dominique Giuliani agreed with the comments made by the previous speakers, pointing out that all EU member and applicant states have joint goals and values - democracy and freedom. Vesti Segodnja emphasizes that the observance of the rights of national minorities in Latviawas one of the main discussion subjects.

Chas

provides its comments on the press conference organized by the Naturalization Board for Russian mass media in Latvia about the course and results of Public Awareness and Citizenship Promotion Campaign. The newspaper writes that journalists agreed that this campaign caused irritation and that the program itself was developed by God knows who, God knows for whom and, the most important, without any involvement of the people-to-be-integrated. provides its comments on the press conference organized by the Naturalization Board for Russian mass media in Latvia about the course and results of Public Awareness and Citizenship Promotion Campaign. The newspaper writes that journalists agreed that this campaign caused irritation and that the program itself was developed by “God knows who, God knows for whom and, the most important, without any involvement of the people-to-be-integrated”.

Vecernaya Riga

comments the press conference as friendly and constructive. comments the press conference as “friendly and constructive”.

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

Constitutional amendments on strengthening status of state language handed over to Saeima commissions. The ruling coalition’s amendments were supported by every party in Saeima except the left wing For Human Rights In A United Latvia. They believe that adoption of the amendments will stop Latvia’s integration into the EU and NATO. According to FF/LNNK chairperson Grinblats Saeima Legal Committee will review the amendments on 12 March and the Saeima could review the amendments in the first reading on 20 March.

Constitutional amendments on strengthening status of state language handed over to Saeima commissions. The ruling coalitions amendments were supported by every party in Saeima except the left wing For Human Rights In A United Latvia. They believe that adoption of the amendments will stop Latvias integration into the EU and NATO. According to FF/LNNK chairperson Grinblats Saeima Legal Committee will review the amendments on 12 March and the Saeima could review the amendments in the first reading on 20 March. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf

Yesterday Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga met with the representatives of political parties of the Saeima. Vaira Vike-Freiberga said that the amendments are one way of easing the concern of the population that the official Latvian language could be under threat. After the meeting

Yesterday Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga met with the representatives of political parties of the Saeima. Vaira Vike-Freiberga said that the amendments are one way of easing the concern of the population that the official Latvian language could be under threat. After the meeting Latvijas Vestnesis asked the leaders of the parties whether the next step could be the introduction of the amendments to the Election Law. Peoples Party leader Skele said, securing the state language in the Constitution is our most important task now. If it is done in appropriate manner, Peoples Party is ready for further discussions. FF/LNNK chairperson Grinblats said that in the opinion of his party these amendments are just a part of laws to be revised to provide additional security to the Latvian language and that the amendments to the Constitution is not directly linked to the amendments to the Election Law. Latvias Way chairperson Libane says that Latvias Way has always been open for discussion regarding the amendments to the Election Law.

The representatives and the President also agreed that the amendment which provides for that only citizens have rights to participate at municipal elections do not contradict to international law.

The representatives and the President also agreed that the amendment which provides for that only citizens have rights to participate at municipal elections do not contradict to international law. Diena.

Latvijas Vestnesis

informs about the course and some results of the Public Awareness and Citizenship Promotion Campaign. In total 1523 people attended 20 information booth, 100 000 non-citizens received information about the acquisition of Latvian citizenship in direct mail, toll free information phone line received about 120-150 calls per day. Since December last year the number of applications for naturalization has increased and now it remains a little bit over 1000 applications a month. Now the results of the campaign have been measured and assessed. Already now the Naturalization Board is convinced that information reached its target audience and the demand for information proves that the campaign was necessary. informs about the course and some results of the Public Awareness and Citizenship Promotion Campaign. In total 1523 people attended 20 information booth, 100 000 non-citizens received information about the acquisition of Latvian citizenship in direct mail, toll free information phone line received about 120-150 calls per day. Since December last year the number of applications for naturalization has increased and now it remains a little bit over 1000 applications a month. Now the results of the campaign have been measured and assessed. Already now the Naturalization Board is convinced that information reached its target audience and the demand for information proves that the campaign was necessary.

Vesti Segodnja

informs that yesterday the Naturalization Board organized a press conference regarding the Public Awareness Campaign. The newspaper notes that the discussion was very interesting and useful. informs that yesterday the Naturalization Board organized a press conference regarding the Public Awareness Campaign. The newspaper notes that the discussion was very interesting and useful. Panorama LatviiPanorama Latvii Commentator Aivars Ozolins in today’s

Commentator Aivars Ozolins in todays Diena points out that the Constitution already contains an article that Latvian is the official language in Latvia. "Adding texts that elected officials and government agencies must use the Latvian language is nationalistic redundancy that is disharmonious with the Constitutions concise and clear style of expression".

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Indulis Berzins today is in Skopje, Macedonia, participating at the meeting of foreign ministers from NATO candidate states. The ministers plan to discuss the preparation of candidate states for NATO membership, cooperation and contribution to the alliance's fight against terrorism, as well as the possible decisions on NATO expansion in Prague.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Indulis Berzins today is in Skopje, Macedonia, participating at the meeting of foreign ministers from NATO candidate states. The ministers plan to discuss the preparation of candidate states for NATO membership, cooperation and contribution to the alliance's fight against terrorism, as well as the possible decisions on NATO expansion in Prague. LETA

Latvia’s Way member Andrejs Pantelejevs writes about the language issue. He believes that the amendments should be introduced to the Election Law and that the language should be strengthened not so much by administrative measures but rather with changing Latvians’ attitude towards their language. Pantelejevs thinks that the amendments to the Election Law will make political parties review their programs and activities, as “Russian speaking citizens are voters, too, and parties will have to pay attention and work with their problems”.

Latvias Way member Andrejs Pantelejevs writes about the language issue. He believes that the amendments should be introduced to the Election Law and that the language should be strengthened not so much by administrative measures but rather with changing Latvians attitude towards their language. Pantelejevs thinks that the amendments to the Election Law will make political parties review their programs and activities, as Russian speaking citizens are voters, too, and parties will have to pay attention and work with their problems. Jauna

Jauna

interviews one of the State Language Commission members, professor Janina Kursite. Kursite says we are fighting not so much with the others and other languages but rather with ourselves and our language. She believes that the Latvians themselves have to treat the language with more respect and keep speak Latvian with people whose first language is not the Latvian language. interviews one of the State Language Commission members, professor Janina Kursite. Kursite says “we are fighting not so much with the others and other languages but rather with ourselves and our language”. She believes that the Latvians themselves have to treat the language with more respect and keep speak Latvian with people whose first language is not the Latvian language.

Chas

interviews Daugavpils City Mayor Rihards Eigims. He agrees that language situation in Daugavpils is not the best as the City lacks funding and study books. However, the Council tries to deal with the problem organizing monthly language courses free of charge. The Mayor suggests that people could come to Daugavpils to work as volunteers and teach the Latvian language. interviews Daugavpils City Mayor Rihards Eigims. He agrees that language situation in Daugavpils is not the best as the City lacks funding and study books. However, the Council tries to deal with the problem organizing monthly language courses free of charge. The Mayor suggests that people could come to Daugavpils to work as volunteers and teach the Latvian language. The Russian Foreign Ministry today released a statement again criticizing the attitude of the Latvian authorities to the issue on national minorities. Moscow calls on Riga to approximate Latvian legislation to European standards. The Russian Foreign Ministry declines recent statement made by the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins who had stated that Russia’s policy against Latvia is provocative. The document says that Latvia's institutions themselves have created obstacles for the solution of non-citizens' problem in the state. The Russian Foreign Ministry also criticizes a slow course of the naturalization process in Latvia, which is due to the attitude of Latvia's authorities in developing relations with minorities. The statement declares that even after becoming citizens, people do not obtain the same democratic rights that minorities in European countries enjoy. Double standards are applied to national minorities in Latvia, the document points out.

The Russian Foreign Ministry today released a statement again criticizing the attitude of the Latvian authorities to the issue on national minorities. Moscow calls on Riga to approximate Latvian legislation to European standards. The Russian Foreign Ministry declines recent statement made by the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins who had stated that Russias policy against Latvia is provocative. The document says that Latvia's institutions themselves have created obstacles for the solution of non-citizens' problem in the state. The Russian Foreign Ministry also criticizes a slow course of the naturalization process in Latvia, which is due to the attitude of Latvia's authorities in developing relations with minorities. The statement declares that even after becoming citizens, people do not obtain the same democratic rights that minorities in European countries enjoy. Double standards are applied to national minorities in Latvia, the document points out. LETA