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

• Report on Latvias preparedness to join the European Union
• OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus is planning to draw up recommendations for the improvement of Russian speaking minoritys situation in Latvia and Estonia
• Procession on Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion is not authorized
• Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics and the Special Task Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks on education reform
• Plans of the Special Task Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat
• Russian Party and Association of Russian societies do not support the decisions of the Headquarters for the Support of Russian-language Schools
• Interview with the Chairperson of the Moscow Helsinki Group Ludmila Alexeeva
• Sociologist Evija Klave about causes of the strain in the area of education reform
• Chairman of the Russias State Council Committee on International AffairsKonstantin Kosachov about the new Latvian government

Today the European Parliament (EP) is planning to approve the report on Latvia’s preparedness to join the European Union, submitted by the German Deputy Elisabeth Schroedter. Elisabeth Schroedter states that the policy of education, language and citizenship of Latvia complies with the international standards, but requires flexibility in the area of implementation of the education reform. The EP deputy also calls on Latvian government to grant voting rights to the non-citizens, who are permanent residents of the country, at municipal elections and EP elections, as well as to ratify the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities as soon as possible. The report, referring to the recent attempt of the Saeima to recall Martijans Bekasovs from the status of the EP observer, also stipulates that Latvia should insure the freedom of speech for all citizens and Parliament MPs.

Today the European Parliament (EP) is planning to approve the report on Latvias preparedness to join the European Union, submitted by the German Deputy Elisabeth Schroedter. Elisabeth Schroedter states that the policy of education, language and citizenship of Latvia complies with the international standards, but requires flexibility in the area of implementation of the education reform. The EP deputy also calls on Latvian government to grant voting rights to the non-citizens, who are permanent residents of the country, at municipal elections and EP elections, as well as to ratify the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities as soon as possible. The report, referring to the recent attempt of the Saeima to recall Martijans Bekasovs from the status of the EP observer, also stipulates that Latvia should insure the freedom of speech for all citizens and Parliament MPs. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Diena, Chas

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus during the visit to Russia has informed about his plans to draw up recommendations for the improvement of Russian speaking minority’s situation in Latvia and Estonia.

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus during the visit to Russia has informed about his plans to draw up recommendations for the improvement of Russian speaking minoritys situation in Latvia and Estonia. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Executive director of the Riga City Council Maris Tralmaks, following the recommendations of the State Security Police, has not authorized the organization of the procession on 16 March, the Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion, planned by the nationalist youth organization “Klubs 415” (“Club 415”).

Executive director of the Riga City Council Maris Tralmaks, following the recommendations of the State Security Police, has not authorized the organization of the procession on 16 March, the Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion, planned by the nationalist youth organization Klubs 415 (Club 415). Diena, Rigas Balss, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Newspapers feature statements of the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics, the Special Task Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks and the head of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools Igors Pimenovs about future activities in the area of education reform. Both ministers do not see the possibility for moratorium on the education reform. Juris Radzevics has stated that he fully supports the transition to Latvian as the main language of instruction in minority schools. According to him, the main reason of confrontation is not reluctance to learn Latvian, but the lack of dialogue.  

Newspapers feature statements of the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics, the Special Task Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks and the head of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools Igors Pimenovs about future activities in the area of education reform. Both ministers do not see the possibility for moratorium on the education reform. Juris Radzevics has stated that he fully supports the transition to Latvian as the main language of instruction in minority schools. According to him, the main reason of confrontation is not reluctance to learn Latvian, but the lack of dialogue. Rigas Balss writes that Igors Pimenovs believes Juris Radzevicss planned visits to all minority schools in order to explain the goals of the reform to minority students, parents and teachers are overdue, and predicts further protest actions in case the Law on Education will not be amended in line with the demands of reforms opponents. Rigas Balss, Telegraf

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the Special Task Minister for Society integration Nils Muiznieks about the plans of his Secretariat. According to Nils Muiznieks, the main task is to develop a dialogue with the minority NGOs, students and their parents about the education reform. The Special Task Minister has also pointed to the urgent necessity of incorporating paragraphs, prohibiting any form of racial discrimination, into many Latvian laws.

Russian Party and Association of Russian societies have made a statement that the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools do not have the right to speak for all Russians of Latvia. The leader of the party Mihails Gavrilovs has expressed support to the idea of Russian language as the second state language in Latvia, as well as for the automatic alternative of citizenship, at the same time stressing that it is too early to postulate such demands. According to him, the most important now is to renew a dialogue with the Latvian community, which was deranged by the Headquarters’ activities.

Russian Party and Association of Russian societies have made a statement that the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools do not have the right to speak for all Russians of Latvia. The leader of the party Mihails Gavrilovs has expressed support to the idea of Russian language as the second state language in Latvia, as well as for the automatic alternative of citizenship, at the same time stressing that it is too early to postulate such demands. According to him, the most important now is to renew a dialogue with the Latvian community, which was deranged by the Headquarters activities. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Latvijas Vestnesis

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the Chairperson of the Moscow Helsinki Group Ludmila Alexeeva about the observation of Russian minoritys rights in Latvia. Ludmila Alexeeva points to the necessity to take into account the interests of the Russian students and their parents in the process of implementation of education reform. The Chairperson also believes that the attitude towards Russians in Latvia is better than the attitude towards the representatives of other nationalities or races in Russia.

Official newspaper

Official newspaper Latvijas Vestnesis features an article by the project leader of the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences, sociologist Evija Klave about the conflict between two languages, Russian and Latvian, as a cause of strain in the area of education reform. According to Evija Klave, this conflict of languages, based on competition in the public sphere, in more or less latent form has lasted for many years, and now the education reform made it more pronounced.

Chairman of the Russia’s State Council Committee on International AffairsKonstantin Kosachov regards the new government of Latvia as a new possibility for the solution of the problems of education reform in Latvia. He believes that the new government will be more flexible and responsive towards the needs of Russian speaking minority.

Chairman of the Russias State Council Committee on International AffairsKonstantin Kosachov regards the new government of Latvia as a new possibility for the solution of the problems of education reform in Latvia. He believes that the new government will be more flexible and responsive towards the needs of Russian speaking minority. Diena

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

• Saeima approves the new government of Latvia
• Minister for Education and Science Juris Radzevics does not see a reason for postponing the education reform
• Minister for Foreign Affairs Rihards Piks: Latvia can not ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities yet
• NGOs Rietumu Krievi and Pilsoniskâ iniciativa XXI do not support the requirements of the Congress of the Defenders of Russian-language schools
• Political scientist and professor of the University of Latvia Juris Rozenvalds on the implementation of the education reform
• State Secretary of the MFA Maris Riekstins: Russia could agree to sign the treaty on collaboration with the European Union
• Russian language newspapers about the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Russia
• About the Afro - Latvian Association

Yesterday Saeima approved the new government of Latvia with 56 votes in favor (coalition parties Union of Farmers and Greens, Latvia’s First Party and Peoples Party, and deputies from the People’s Harmony Party), 33 against (all New Era and For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM deputies) and 11 abstentions (by the Socialist Party and For Human Rights in the United Latvia deputies). The two vacant positions in the new government – Minister for Health and Minister for Transport – are said to testify the determination of the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis to transform this minority government, supported by the left-wing deputies, into the right-wing majority government. The former Special Task Minister for Society integration Nils Muiznieks will hold the same post with the new government.

Yesterday Saeima approved the new government of Latvia with 56 votes in favor (coalition parties Union of Farmers and Greens, Latvias First Party and Peoples Party, and deputies from the Peoples Harmony Party), 33 against (all New Era and For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM deputies) and 11 abstentions (by the Socialist Party and For Human Rights in the United Latvia deputies). The two vacant positions in the new government – Minister for Health and Minister for Transport – are said to testify the determination of the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis to transform this minority government, supported by the left-wing deputies, into the right-wing majority government. The former Special Task Minister for Society integration Nils Muiznieks will hold the same post with the new government. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Rigas Balss, Chas, Vechernaya Riga, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Minister for Education and Science Juris Radzevics does not see any reason for withdrawal of or moratorium on the education reform at present. Minister is planning to visit minority schools in order to evaluate their preparedness for education reform. One of the leaders of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools, Jurijs Petropavlovskis, hopes that the compromise with the new minister is achievable, and that the education reform could be postponed.

Minister for Education and Science Juris Radzevics does not see any reason for withdrawal of or moratorium on the education reform at present. Minister is planning to visit minority schools in order to evaluate their preparedness for education reform. One of the leaders of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools, Jurijs Petropavlovskis, hopes that the compromise with the new minister is achievable, and that the education reform could be postponed. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vechernaya Riga

Minister for Foreign Affairs Rihards Piks has stated that Latvia cannot ratify the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities within the nearest future, because many issues about the consequences of the soviet occupation are not resolved.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Rihards Piks has stated that Latvia cannot ratify the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities within the nearest future, because many issues about the consequences of the soviet occupation are not resolved. Chas

Yesterday NGOs “Rietumu Krievi” (“Western Russians”) and “Pilsoniskâ iniciatîva XXI” (“Civic Initiative XXI”) have notified that they are separating themselves from the demands of the Congress of the Defenders of Russian-language schools on granting the “zero” (i.e. automatic for all) alternative of citizenship, and recognition of the Russian language as the second state language of Latvia. During the meeting with the two NGOs, the head of the Ministry of Education and Science General Education Department Guntis Vasilevskis has stated that the ministry officials are not prepared for the dialogue with the work group representatives, which had been delegated by the congress to communicate with the government, because of their overly politicized demands. 

Yesterday NGOs Rietumu Krievi (Western Russians) and Pilsoniskâ iniciatîva XXI (Civic Initiative XXI) have notified that they are separating themselves from the demands of the Congress of the Defenders of Russian-language schools on granting the zero (i.e. automatic for all) alternative of citizenship, and recognition of the Russian language as the second state language of Latvia. During the meeting with the two NGOs, the head of the Ministry of Education and Science General Education Department Guntis Vasilevskis has stated that the ministry officials are not prepared for the dialogue with the work group representatives, which had been delegated by the congress to communicate with the government, because of their overly politicized demands. Diena, Latvijas Avize

Public policy site

Public policy site www.politika.lv publishes an article of the political scientist and professor of the University of Latvia Juris Rozenvalds about the education reform implementation. Juris Rozenvalds believes that the ill-prepared reform will not be implemented in its present model, because the EU will not permit formation of the ethnic conflict inside the EU. Political scientist regards the radicalization of the demands of the significant part of Russian society as a result of the prolonged inability of the governing elite to acknowledge the Russian community of Latvia as something more than the passive object of the decisions made by the Latvian politicians.

The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Maris Riekstins believes that Russia could agree to sign the treaty on collaboration between Russia and the European Union, applying it also to the new member states. According to the State Secretary, new demands from the Russia’s side can possibly emerge during the process of ratification.

The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Maris Riekstins believes that Russia could agree to sign the treaty on collaboration between Russia and the European Union, applying it also to the new member states. According to the State Secretary, new demands from the Russias side can possibly emerge during the process of ratification. Diena

Russian language newspapers feature articles about the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Russia, stressing that discussion on observation of minority rights in Latvia and Estonia is also planned during this visit. According to the deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Russia Jurij Fedotov, representatives of Russia are preparing to raise the issue about the overt discrimination of Russian-speaking people in Latvia and Estonia during the session of the UN Human Rights Committee. The first deputy minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Eleonora Mitrophanova has informed about the plans to organize a round table discussion with the participation of representatives of the European organizations, in order to discuss to discuss the situation of minorities in Latvia and to seek a quick solution.

Russian language newspapers feature articles about the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Russia, stressing that discussion on observation of minority rights in Latvia and Estonia is also planned during this visit. According to the deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Russia Jurij Fedotov, representatives of Russia are preparing to raise the issue about the overt discrimination of Russian-speaking people in Latvia and Estonia during the session of the UN Human Rights Committee. The first deputy minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Eleonora Mitrophanova has informed about the plans to organize a round table discussion with the participation of representatives of the European organizations, in order to discuss to discuss the situation of minorities in Latvia and to seek a quick solution. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Public policy site

Public policy site www.politika.lv writes about the upcoming presentation of the newly-founded Afro-Latvian Association (AFROLAT). AFROLAT is a registered NGO of Latvia, representing the interests of Latvian residents of African origin. There are approximately 30 people of African origin living in Latvia today.

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

• Saeima will vote on new government today
• Ratings of political parties
• President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Prime Minister candidate Indulis Emsis discuss planned activities in the area of education reform
• State Security Police recommends to not issue permission for youth organizations march on legionnaires commemoration day
• Former Deputy Prime Minister of Latvia Ainars Slesers accuses former Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis of mishandling education reform implementation
• Interview with the Estonian Minister for Population and Ethnic Affairs Paul-Eerik Rummo
• Ventspils mayor assigns responsibility for protest actions against the education reform to former Prime Minister Einars Repse
• Controversial call for special parliament of Russian-speaking people in Baltic States by Estonian academic
• Discussions on education reform by state institutions, Riga municipality and nongovernmental organizations
• Janis Valdmanis recently appointed as director of the State Language Agency

Today Saeima will vote on the new government of Latvia, formed by the representative of the Union of Farmers and Greens Indulis Emsis. The new minority government is constituted on the basis of the coalition of three right wing parties - Union of Farmers and Greens, People’s Party, Latvia’s First Party and so will depend on votes from other parties for their confirmation.

Today Saeima will vote on the new government of Latvia, formed by the representative of the Union of Farmers and Greens Indulis Emsis. The new minority government is constituted on the basis of the coalition of three right wing parties - Union of Farmers and Greens, Peoples Party, Latvias First Party and so will depend on votes from other parties for their confirmation. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Rigas Balss, Vechernaya Riga, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

The latest SKDS opinion poll indicates that the most popular party in Latvia in February was still New Era, which has a support of 22,4% of voters.  However, the party’s popularity has decreased from the previous poll by 1.5%. The rating of the People’s Party has significantly increased, to 16,1%.  Other parties’ ratings are: For Human Rights in United Latvia (10,2%), the Union of Farmers and Greens (8,8%), People’s Harmony Party (5,9%).  Below the 5% barrier for parliamentary representation are the ratings of For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM (4,5%) and Latvia’s First Party (3,1%).

The latest SKDS opinion poll indicates that the most popular party in Latvia in February was still New Era, which has a support of 22,4% of voters. However, the partys popularity has decreased from the previous poll by 1.5%. The rating of the Peoples Party has significantly increased, to 16,1%. Other parties ratings are: For Human Rights in United Latvia (10,2%), the Union of Farmers and Greens (8,8%), Peoples Harmony Party (5,9%). Below the 5% barrier for parliamentary representation are the ratings of For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM (4,5%) and Latvias First Party (3,1%). Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize

Chas reports on the meeting of the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga and the Prime Minister candidate Indulis Emsis. Among other things, during this meeting the emerging governments planned activities concerning the implementation of the minority education reform were discussed.

State Security Police has recommended to the executive director of the Riga City Council Maris Tralmaks to not grant the right to organize a protest march to the nationalist youth organization “Klubs 415” (“Club 415”) on 16 March, which already in previous years has raised controversy as the commemoration day for the Latvian Legion during WWII. The organization representing former legionnaires has distanced itself from this initiative. Although the reasons for not allowing the march are ostensibly security related, several commentators are more concerned about the negative image this could create for Latvia internationally.

State Security Police has recommended to the executive director of the Riga City Council Maris Tralmaks to not grant the right to organize a protest march to the nationalist youth organization Klubs 415 (Club 415) on 16 March, which already in previous years has raised controversy as the commemoration day for the Latvian Legion during WWII. The organization representing former legionnaires has distanced itself from this initiative. Although the reasons for not allowing the march are ostensibly security related, several commentators are more concerned about the negative image this could create for Latvia internationally. Diena

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with First Party leader and former Deputy Prime Minister of Latvia Ainars Slesers, in which he argues that the former Minister of Education and Science Karlis Shadurskis is to blame for provocations in the area of minority education reform. According to him, the new Minister of Education and Science will have to start from scratch the dialogue with minority students, teachers and nongovernmental organizations. Ainars Slesers also believes that it is possible to achieve a compromise in the area of education reform.

Latvijas Avize interviews the Estonian Minister for Population and Ethnic Affairs Paul-Eerik Rummo about society integration in Estonia and minority education reform in Latvia. Commenting the demands issued recently at of the Congress of the Defenders of Russian language schools, Paul-Eerik Rummo stresses that the response to the demands, which could impact the fundamentals of the state, are the exclusive competence of the state of Latvia and outside interference is inadmissible. He criticizes the activities of some Russian state officials, who were agitaing against Latvia during the anti-reform congress.

The Chairman of Ventspils City Council Aivars Lembergs has stated that the former Prime Minister of Latvia Einars Repse should bear the responsibility for the protest actions against the education reform. Aivars Lembergs does not exclude the possibility that the primary organizer of protest actions was Einars Repse. The Chairman of Ventspils City Council  believes that the unstable situation in the state was advantageous for Einars Repse, especially considering his expressions about the necessity to make amendments to the Constitution of Latvia, which would stipulate the authority to the Prime Minister to convene extraordinary Saeima elections in order to preclude a government crisis.

The Chairman of Ventspils City Council Aivars Lembergs has stated that the former Prime Minister of Latvia Einars Repse should bear the responsibility for the protest actions against the education reform. Aivars Lembergs does not exclude the possibility that the primary organizer of protest actions was Einars Repse. The Chairman of Ventspils City Council believes that the unstable situation in the state was advantageous for Einars Repse, especially considering his expressions about the necessity to make amendments to the Constitution of Latvia, which would stipulate the authority to the Prime Minister to convene extraordinary Saeima elections in order to preclude a government crisis. Vechernaya Riga, Vechernaya Riga, Chas

Russian-language newspapers reprint excerpts of the article of the Estonian academic Hanon Barabaner published in the Russian journal

Russian-language newspapers reprint excerpts of the article of the Estonianacademic Hanon Barabaner published in the Russian journal Ekspert. The author argues that Russian-speaking people in the Baltic States need their own parliament, which could represent the interests of a significant part of the Baltic States population in Europe. Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

A meeting of representatives of state institutions, Riga municipality and nongovernmental organizations took place yesterday, in which the participants discussed the present situation with the education reform.

A meeting of representatives of state institutions, Riga municipality and nongovernmental organizations took place yesterday, in which the participants discussed the present situation with the education reform. Latvijas Avize, Vechernaya Riga, Chas

Latvijas Avize writes about the newly appointed director of the State Language Agency Janis Valdmanis, who believes that the main goals of the agency are the implementation of the society integration on the basis of the state language, strengthening the position of the Latvian language and promoting sustainable development of the Latvian language.

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

• Congress of the Defenders of Russian language schools voices new requirements
• Interview with the Foreign Affairs Minister Sandra Kalniete
• Protest action against the education reform of Latvia near the Consulate-General of Latvia in St. Petersburg
• Interview with the MP of RussiaState Council Konstantin Zatulin
• Information campaign about the education reform planned in Riga
• Round-table discussion in Moscow on possible economic sanctions against Latvia
• Interview with the deputy chairman of the Committee on Information Policy Affairs of the Russian State Council Pavel Pozhigailo
• Thoughts on future role of the Russian language in Latvia

The Congress of the Defenders of Russian language schools has come up with new minority rights requirements. One of four statements, adopted by the Congress, establishes as the main requirements the renewal of state funding for Russian language education of all levels, granting implementation of the “zero” (i.e. automatic for all) alternative of citizenship and the recognition of Russian language as the second state language in Latvia. The activists state that there are two communities in Latvia, pointing to the ignoring of this fact

The Congress of the Defenders of Russian language schools has come up with new minority rights requirements. One of four statements, adopted by the Congress, establishes as the main requirements the renewal of state funding for Russian language education of all levels, granting implementation of the zero (i.e. automatic for all) alternative of citizenship and the recognition of Russian language as the second state language in Latvia. The activists state that there are two communities in Latvia, pointing to the ignoring of this fact de jure. During the congress there an appeal to the international organizations was adopted, calling for attention to the violation of human rights in Latvia. A decision to continue the organization of mass protest actions against the education reform was also made. According to the information of the organizers, 987 persons participated at the congress as delegates, but approximately 500persons as visitors of the congress. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Rigas Balss, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya, Vechernaya Riga

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the Minister for Foreign Affairs Sandra Kalniete, who stresses that Latvia will not give in to any pressure to recognize Russian as a second state language or issues of citizenship. According to the minister, Latvia will consistently implement the society integration policy in order to preclude a two-community society in Latvia.

Approximately 30 – 40 persons participated in a protest action against the education reform of Latvia near the Consulate-General of Latvia in St. Petersburg.  The action was organized by the Russian youth organization Iduscije Vmeste (The Confreres).

Approximately 30 – 40 persons participated in a protest action against the education reform of Latvia near the Consulate-General of Latvia in St. Petersburg. The action was organized by the Russian youth organization Iduscije Vmeste (The Confreres). Diena, Latvijas Avize, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

Telegraf features an interview with the MP of Russia State Council Konstantin Zatulin about the education reform of Latvia. Konstantin Zatulin believes that Latvia should have to proclaim Russian as a second state language. The Russian MP also considers unfounded the ratio, stipulating the instruction in minority secondary schools of up to 40% in the minority language, and 60% in Latvian.

Riga City Council’s Education, Youth and Sports department will provide information to minority schools that explain the amendments to the Law on Education. According to the head of the department Guntis Helmanis, among the plans are to appoint a person in each of minority schools of Riga, who will be charged with answering questions of parents and students.

Riga City Councils Education, Youth and Sports department will provide information to minority schools that explain the amendments to the Law on Education. According to the head of the department Guntis Helmanis, among the plans are to appoint a person in each of minority schools of Riga, who will be charged with answering questions of parents and students. Neatkariga Rita Avize

Latvijas Avize reports on a round-table discussion in Moscow last Thursday on possible economic sanctions against Latvia. Most discussion participants rejected the option of sanctions as ineffective.

Telegraf and Vesti Segodnya feature interviews with the deputy chairman of the Committee on Information Policy Affairs of the Russia State Council Pavel Pozhigailo about the education reform in Latvia.

Neatkariga Rita Avize publishes a commentary by Aigars Dabolins about the future role of the Russian language in Latvia. The author of the article states that youth, who do not speak Russian today, could become the outsiders of the society in the future.

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

• Representative of Russia to the OSCE spreads inaccurate information about the organizers of the Congress of the Defenders of Russian-language schools
• Congress of the Defenders of Russian-language schools
• Russias Foreign Affairs Ministry plans to discuss the situation of minorities in Latvia with the High Commissioner on National Minorities of the OSCE Rolf Ekeus
• Discussion for intelligentsia on the education reform
• Interview with the Prime Minister candidate Indulis Emsis
• Minority organizations, which do not support the Headquarter activities against the education reform, plan to issue statement
• Moscow denies financing protest actions against education reform in Latvia
• Article by the former head of the State Language Centre Dzintra Hirsa about education reform
• Interview with the Chairman of the Latvian Association of National Cultural Societies Rafi Haradzanjan
• Vice President of Russia's Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Igor Jurgens about education reform in Latvia
• Interview with the head of the Department of Society Integration of the Special Task Ministers for Society Integration Secretariat Irina Vinnika

Neatkariga Rita Avize reports on inaccurate information spread by the deputy permanent representative of Russia to the OSCE Boris Timokhov during the meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council. The Russian official asked for international support for the Congress of the Defenders of Russian-language schools protest action against the education reform on 6 March in Riga, while claiming that the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies is an organizer of the event. The Russian representative expressly pointed to the fact that the Centre recently received the prestigious Max van der Stoel award in recognition of outstanding achievements in the area of improvement national minorities position in Latvia. The actual organizer of this congress is a different NGO – the politically connected Latvian Human Rights Committee – whose leaders are left-wing politicians Tatjana Zdanok, Vladimirs Buzajevs, Genadijs Kotovs and others. State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia (MFA) Maris Riekstins believes that such disinformation is spread intentionally with the goal to mislead and increase the international prestige of the Human Rights Committee.

Commentators discuss the Congress of the Defenders of Russian language schools taking place in Riga today. The commentator of

Commentators discuss the Congress of the Defenders of Russian language schools taking place in Riga today. The commentator of Diena Askolds Rodins and the commentator of Latvijas Avize Maris Antonevics believe that the advocacy of Russian-language schools is only a formal goal of the Congress. Askolds Rodins believes that the congress is a first step towards the two-community state in Latvia. Maris Antonevics points to the political demands to be issued at the congress, including the cancellation of the education reform, implementation of the zero (i.e. automatic-for-all) citizenship and the recognition of Russian as the second state language in Latvia. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Russia has issued a statement that the education reform in Latvia will be discussed during the visit of the High Commissioner to Russia.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Russia has issued a statement that the education reform in Latvia will be discussed during the visit of the High Commissioner to Russia. Latvijas Avize

A discussion on the education reform took place on Friday in Riga, organized by the NGO Baltic Forum. The representative of the NGO Abrams Kleckins has stated that the education reform is a problem of all society, not only the Russians, because of the ignorance of public opinion from the side of political elite. The Saeima MP Boriss Tsilevitch believes that one part of Russians in Latvia supports the radical opinion of those, who do not call for a dialogue, but demand the granting of the automatic citizenship for all and the recognition of Russian as the second state language in Latvia.

A discussion on the education reform took place on Friday in Riga, organized by the NGO Baltic Forum. The representative of the NGO Abrams Kleckins has stated that the education reform is a problem of all society, not only the Russians, because of the ignorance of public opinion from the side of political elite. The Saeima MP Boriss Tsilevitch believes that one part of Russians in Latvia supports the radical opinion of those, who do not call for a dialogue, but demand the granting of the automatic citizenship for all and the recognition of Russian as the second state language in Latvia. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Latvijas Avize interviews Prime Minister candidate Indulis Emsis. Regarding the education reform, he states that the adopted law has to be fully observed. He also points to the responsibility of the state in providing the technical basis for the successful implementation of the reform.

Two minority non-governmental organizations – “Rietumu krievi” (“Western Russians”)  and “Pilsoniska iniciativa XXI” (“Civic initiative XXI”) – and representatives of Riga Classical Gymnasium are planning to adopt a statement, calling on society to evaluate the activities of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian language schools and not to permit the destabilization of the situation in the state. The leader of “Şietumu krievi” Dmitrijs Nikolajevs has pointed to the fact that the core leaders of the Headquarters are persons who were against the independence of Latvia in 1991.  The secretary of the “Pilsoniska iniciativa XXI” Vjaceslavs Vasins stated that he does not support the Headquarters nor the Ministry of Education and Science, because the activities of both do not promote dialogue.

Two minority non-governmental organizations – Rietumu krievi (Western Russians) and Pilsoniska iniciativa XXI (Civic initiative XXI) – and representatives of Riga Classical Gymnasium are planning to adopt a statement, calling on society to evaluate the activities of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian language schools and not to permit the destabilization of the situation in the state. The leader of Åžietumu krievi Dmitrijs Nikolajevs has pointed to the fact that the core leaders of the Headquarters are persons who were against the independence of Latvia in 1991. The secretary of the Pilsoniska iniciativa XXI Vjaceslavs Vasins stated that he does not support the Headquarters nor the Ministry of Education and Science, because the activities of both do not promote dialogue. Diena

Diena special correspondent in Moscow Pavels Sirovs writes on issues concerning possible involvement of Russian government and Moscow City Council in financing protest actions against the education reform in Latvia and the participation of Russias political technologists in their organization. Over the last years, Russian authorities have increased its financial support to compatriots living outside Russia, especially by financing several projects from the Russia state budget and Moscow city budget. Despite the fact that approximately one fourth of the 476 millions rubles allocated by Moscow for the activities for compatriots in the Baltic States, Crimea and Kazakhstan, is provided for Latvia and that Moscow also finances the building of the Centre of Russians in Riga, the administration of Russias capital denies its connection with the financing of protest actions against education reform. Diena also refers to an anonymous employee of a Russian political consultation company, which has organized several campaigns during Russian elections, stating that the protest actions against the education reform in Latvia display some characteristics used in Russian political technology. The informant also states that it does not mean that the organizers are necessarily persons from Russia. Diena

Latvijas Avize prints an article of the former head of the State Language Centre Dzintra Hirsa about the minority education reform. Dzintra Hirsa stresses that the implementation of the education reform could deliver a blow to the ideology, which aims to maintain a two-community state and those who propagate such an ideology. The author of the article also attempts to disprove several arguments against education reform.

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the Chairman of the Latvian Association of National Cultural Societies Rafi Haradzanjan, who says that the Russian-language newspapers in Latvia do not reflect the positive experience of the Lithuanian, Polish, Ukrainian and other minorities schools in the area of education reform. Rafi Haradzanjan also criticizes the Secretariat of the Special Task Minister for Society Integration for inactivity in explaining the goals of the education reform to minority students.

Chas features an interview with the Vice President of Russia's Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Igor Jurgens, who regards the education reform as one of the most serious problems of Latvia, which must be solved before Latvias accession to the EU.

Vesti Segodnya prints an interview with the head of the Department of Society Integration of the Special Task Ministers for Society Integration Secretariat Irina Vinnika about society integration process in Latvia.