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

• Discussion on possible economic sanctions against Latvia in Moscow
• Latvia will grant entry visa to the Russia State Councils deputy Konstantin Zatulin
• Amendments to the law On meetings, walks and pickets
• Information campaign about amendments to the Law on Education
• Latvian Association of National Cultural Societies supports the education reform
• Newspapers write about the oncoming Congress of the Defenders of Russian language schools
• Interview with the two activists of the Headquarters for the Defense of the Russian-Language Schools
• Latvia Socialist Party does not support engagement of children in political actions
• Riga City Councils Security and Order Committee supports the organization of the legionnaires procession
• Interview with the Latvian observer to the European Parliament Liene Liepina
• Another view on the possible causes of opposition against the education reform

The possible establishment of economic sanctions against Latvia was discussed at the round-table discussion yesterday in Moscow. Most participants, especially the representatives of Russia’s government and municipalities, have rejected sanctions as ineffective because of Latvia’s accession to the unified economic space of the European Union. Discussion participants have also pointed to the possible negative influence of the sanctions on the Russian-speakers in Latvia. Many participants have supported the necessity to discuss the situation of minorities in Latvia with the international institutions as frequently as possible.

The possible establishment of economic sanctions against Latvia was discussed at the round-table discussion yesterday in Moscow. Most participants, especially the representatives of Russias government and municipalities, have rejected sanctions as ineffective because of Latvias accession to the unified economic space of the European Union. Discussion participants have also pointed to the possible negative influence of the sanctions on the Russian-speakers in Latvia. Many participants have supported the necessity to discuss the situation of minorities in Latvia with the international institutions as frequently as possible. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Latvia has decided to grant the Latvian entry visa to the Russia State Council’s deputy Konstantin Zatulin. The Russia’s MP is planning to participate at the Congress of the Defenders of Russian language schools. Previously MFA denied entry visa to the vice speaker of the Russia State Council Dmitry Rogozin, motivating this decision with the lack of specific goal of his visit in his application.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Latvia has decided to grant the Latvian entry visa to the Russia State Councils deputy Konstantin Zatulin. The Russias MP is planning to participate at the Congress of the Defenders of Russian language schools. Previously MFA denied entry visa to the vice speaker of the Russia State Council Dmitry Rogozin, motivating this decision with the lack of specific goal of his visit in his application. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Telegraf

Saeima Legal Affairs Committee has accepted and relegated for review in Saeima the amendments to the law “On meetings, walks and pickets”, stipulating that meetings of Saeima and municipality deputies and deputy candidates, which take place outdoors, as well as organized and publicly announced pickets and walks must be coordinated with the municipality.

Saeima Legal Affairs Committee has accepted and relegated for review in Saeima the amendments to the law On meetings, walks and pickets, stipulating that meetings of Saeima and municipality deputies and deputy candidates, which take place outdoors, as well as organized and publicly announced pickets and walks must be coordinated with the municipality. Diena , Chas

Riga City Council’s Education, Youth and Sports department is planning an information campaign in minority schools with the aim to promote better understanding of the amendments to the Law on Education. According to the chairman of Department Elmars Vebers, the negative attitude of the minorities towards the education reform is based upon the intentional disinformation campaign, organized by several politicians.

Riga City Councils Education, Youth and Sports department is planning an information campaign in minority schools with the aim to promote better understanding of the amendments to the Law on Education. According to the chairman of Department Elmars Vebers, the negative attitude of the minorities towards the education reform is based upon the intentional disinformation campaign, organized by several politicians. Diena, Rigas Balss, Chas, Telegraf, Vechernaya Riga

Latvijas Avize prints announcement of the Latvian Association of National Cultural Societies, expressing support to the education reform. The Association also calls to inform society about the goals of the reform more actively, to examine the positive experience of minority schools, which are well-prepared for the reform, and to spread this experience to other minority schools.

Newspapers write about the oncoming Congress of the Defenders of Russian language schools.

Newspapers write about the oncoming Congress of the Defenders of Russian language schools. Diena refers to the representatives of the Saeima parties, stating thatnone of the potential governing parties is able to withdraw or postpone the education reform, while union For Human Rights in the United Latvia has promised the opposite to the congress delegates. The newspaper also features an opinion of the sociologist Aivars Freimanis, who believes that the withdrawal of the education reform as a result of the pressure is unlikely, especially considering the methods used by the opponents of the reform. Russian language newspapers forecast the number of participants of the congress up to 3,000 – 4,000. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Chas, Telegraf

Chas prints an interview with the activists of the Headquarters for the Defense of the Russian-Language Schools Jurijs Petropavlovskis and Aleksandrs Kazakovs. They are denying any participation of Russia in organizing the Headquarters activities. According to Jurijs Petropavlovskis, the Headquarters have always believed that there are two communities in Latvia, and that the recognition of the fact is the only way to normalize relationship between Russian-speakers and Latvian-speakers. Chas

Riga City Council’s Security and Order Committee has supported organization of the legionnaires’ procession on 16 March, the Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion, and suggested to the executive director of the Riga City Council Maris Tralmaks to approve of  this event.

Riga City Councils Security and Order Committee has supported organization of the legionnaires procession on 16 March, the Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion, and suggested to the executive director of the Riga City Council Maris Tralmaks to approve of this event. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Latvia Socialist Party and its leader Alfreds Rubiks do not support the engagement of children in political actions, including in the protest actions against the education reform. At the same time, the party leader has stated that socialists support the moratorium on the reform’s implementation.

Latvia Socialist Party and its leader Alfreds Rubiks do not support the engagement of children in political actions, including in the protest actions against the education reform. At the same time, the party leader has stated that socialists support the moratorium on the reforms implementation. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the Latvian observer to the European Parliament Liene Liepina about the resolution which condemns the totalitarian regime of communism, adopted during the congress of the European Peoples Party.

Vesti Segodnya features an article by the translator Tamara Nikitina, who believes that the ‘narrow Latvian language vocabulary and its ‘limited application possibilities are the main causes of reluctance to learn Latvian and opposition to the education reform. According to the author, the methods of the Latvian language instruction in minority schools are archaic, and the topics are not linked to the everyday life.

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

• Council of Europe Parliamentary Assemblys Monitoring Committee evaluates the possibility to renew the monitoring procedure on the observation of minority rights in Latvia
• Society integration in the draft of the new Governments Declaration
• Naturalization Board received the largest ever monthly amount of naturalization applications
• President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga meets Metropolitan Aleksandrs of the Orthodox Church
• Sweden Foreign Affairs Minister Laila Freivalds denies the reproofs of Russia about violation of minority rights in Latvia
• Interview with the head of the Department of Society Integration of the Special Task Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat Irina Vinnika
• Preparations to the Congress of the Defenders of Russian language schools
• Cabinet of Ministers adopts the regulation On personal names spelling and use in the Latvian language, and on its identification
• Plans of the vice-speaker of the Russias State Council Dmitry Rogozin to visit Latvia

Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly’s (CEPA) Monitoring Committee has nominated two rapporteurs who will evaluate a possibility to renew the monitoring procedure on the observation of minority rights in Latvia. Saeima MP and Latvian delegate to the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (CEPA)Boris Tsilevitch has pointed to the obligation of the Committee to evaluate this proposal, officially submitted by the vice-speaker of Russia State Council Dmitry Rogozin, while stating that the chairman of the Monitoring Committee Josette Durrieu does not supports the renewal of monitoring procedure.

Council of Europe Parliamentary Assemblys (CEPA) Monitoring Committee has nominated two rapporteurs who will evaluate a possibility to renew the monitoring procedure on the observation of minority rights in Latvia. Saeima MP and Latvian delegate to the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (CEPA)Boris Tsilevitch has pointed to the obligation of the Committee to evaluate this proposal, officially submitted by the vice-speaker of Russia State Council Dmitry Rogozin, while stating that the chairman of the Monitoring Committee Josette Durrieu does not supports the renewal of monitoring procedure. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

Latvijas Avize prints a draft of the Governments Declaration of the emerging Cabinet of Ministers, which stipulates the development of Latvia as a national state with the integrated society. The declaration also stipulates promotion of the naturalization process, providing the Latvian language courses free of charge, and the implementation of the amendments to the Law on Education, while taking into account interests of the society and maintaining the quality of minority education.

In February, the Naturalization Board has received 1600 naturalization applications, which is the largest monthly amount of naturalization applications received by the Board since the beginning of the naturalization process, informed the chairman of the Board Eizenija Aldermane. During her meeting with the Saeima MPs, the chairman has also called MPs to provide financial resources for the Latvian language courses for non-citizens. Opposite to the last year, this year the state has not allocated any financing to the courses.

In February, the Naturalization Board has received 1600 naturalization applications, which is the largest monthly amount of naturalization applications received by the Board since the beginning of the naturalization process, informed the chairman of the Board Eizenija Aldermane. During her meeting with the Saeima MPs, the chairman has also called MPs to provide financial resources for the Latvian language courses for non-citizens. Opposite to the last year, this year the state has not allocated any financing to the courses. Latvijas Avize

Newspapers feature articles about the meeting of the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Metropolitan Aleksandrs of the Latvian Orthodox Church. After the meeting, Metropolitan Aleksandrs has pointed out that the state has not provided enough explanations   about the importance of the Latvian language to the minority youth, school teachers and the whole society during the last 10 years. According to the Metropolitan, such activities would raise motivation to learn Latvian.

Newspapers feature articles about the meeting of the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Metropolitan Aleksandrs of the Latvian Orthodox Church. After the meeting, Metropolitan Aleksandrs has pointed out that the state has not provided enough explanations about the importance of the Latvian language to the minority youth, school teachers and the whole society during the last 10 years. According to the Metropolitan, such activities would raise motivation to learn Latvian. Latvijas Avize features an interview with Metropolitan Aleksandrs. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Latvijas Vestnesis

Sweden Foreign Affairs Minister Laila Freivalds submitted an official document to the Russia Foreign Affairs Minister Igor Ivanov, denying reproofs of Russia about the violation of minority rights in Latvia and Estonia.

Sweden Foreign Affairs Minister Laila Freivalds submitted an official document to the Russia Foreign Affairs Minister Igor Ivanov, denying reproofs of Russia about the violation of minority rights in Latvia and Estonia. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize

Official newspaper

Official newspaper Latvijas Vestnesis features an interview with the head of the Department of Society Integration of the Special Task Ministers for Society Integration Secretariat Irina Vinnika, who states that Latvia does not have a sustainable program for society integration, thus sending a wrong message to the minorities about their role in the society. She also stresses that all minority rights protective mechanisms have been incorporated into the Latvian legislation, but it is necessary to work on its implementation.

Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-Language Schools has received lists with the names of 826 persons, nominated to the Congress of the Defenders of Russian language schools. According to the organizer of the Congress Jurijs Petropavlovskis, 40% of the nominated persons could be parents, 40% - minority students, 10% - teachers and 10% - representatives of the non-governmental organizations.

Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-Language Schools has received lists with the names of 826 persons, nominated to the Congress of the Defenders of Russian language schools. According to the organizer of the Congress Jurijs Petropavlovskis, 40% of the nominated persons could be parents, 40% - minority students, 10% - teachers and 10% - representatives of the non-governmental organizations. Telegraf and Chas write about the support of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schoolsto the Congress. Diena, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf, Chas

Yesterday Cabinet of Ministers has adopted the regulation “On personal names’ spelling and use in the Latvian language, and on its identification’’, which stipulates that the person’s name will be reproduced in correspondence with its pronunciation in the original language, while endings will change in accordance with the declination norms of the Latvian language.

Yesterday Cabinet of Ministers has adopted the regulation On personal names spelling and use in the Latvian language, and on its identification, which stipulates that the persons name will be reproduced in correspondence with its pronunciation in the original language, while endings will change in accordance with the declination norms of the Latvian language. Diena, Vesti Segodnya

Vice-speaker of the Russia’s State Council Dmitry Rogozin’s plans, mentioned previously in the Russian-language newspapers, to get around the ban to entry Latvia and visit the country after its accession to the EU on 1 May, using Schengen visa, have failed. According to the press secretary of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs Inga Saleniece, Latvia will access the Schengen Treaty only in 2007–2008.

Vice-speaker of the Russias State Council Dmitry Rogozins plans, mentioned previously in the Russian-language newspapers, to get around the ban to entry Latvia and visit the country after its accession to the EU on 1 May, using Schengen visa, have failed. According to the press secretary of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs Inga Saleniece, Latvia will access the Schengen Treaty only in 2007–2008. Diena

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

• OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus concerned about the recent tensions around the education reform
• Sweden Foreign Affairs Minister Laila Freivalds and the Russia Foreign Affairs Minister Igor Ivanov discuss minority rights in Latvia
• Ministry of Education and Science is preparing a society information plan on education reform
• Preparations for the Latvian Legion Commemoration day
• Saeima MP Boris Tsilevich about causes of the negative attitude towards the education reform
• FHRUL representatives participate at the UN thematic discussion
• The Head of Council of Russia Federation Committee on Foreign Affairs Mihail Margelov about the situation of Russian-speaking people in Latvia
• Saeima MP Peteris Tabuns requests explanations from the state security institutions about the protest actions against the education reform
• Miroslav Mitrophanov: proposed amendments to the Law on the Protection of the Rights of the Child Law are discriminatory on age grounds
• Interview with the head of the Delegation on the Relations between Riga and Moscow Vladimir Malishkov
• Janis Valdmanis becomes a new director of the Sate Language Agency

According to the information published on official web page of the OSCE, the High Commissioner on National Minorities of the OSCE Rolf Ekeus is concerned about the recent tensions in the area of observation of minority rights in Latvia connected with the education reform.

According to the information published on official web page of the OSCE, the High Commissioner on National Minorities of the OSCE Rolf Ekeus is concerned about the recent tensions in the area of observation of minority rights in Latvia connected with the education reform. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Observation of minority rights in Latvia was discussed by the Sweden Foreign Affairs Minister Laila Freivalds and the Russia Foreign Affairs Minister Igor Ivanov during the visit of the Sweden Minister to Russia. Igor Ivanov has pointed to the large number of non-citizens and violation of Russian-speaking rights in Latvia, and has castigated the EU for application of double standards on Latvia and Estonia in the area of minority rights. Meanwhile Laila Freivalds has stated that the observation of minority rights in Baltic States conforms to the principles established by international organizations including the recommendations of the Council of Europe and the OSCE.

Observation of minority rights in Latvia was discussed by the Sweden Foreign Affairs Minister Laila Freivalds and the Russia Foreign Affairs Minister Igor Ivanov during the visit of the Sweden Minister to Russia. Igor Ivanov has pointed to the large number of non-citizens and violation of Russian-speaking rights in Latvia, and has castigated the EU for application of double standards on Latvia and Estonia in the area of minority rights. Meanwhile Laila Freivalds has stated that the observation of minority rights in Baltic States conforms to the principles established by international organizations including the recommendations of the Council of Europe and the OSCE. Diena, Chas

Ministry of Education and Science is preparing a society information plan on the education reform. Public Policy Centre PROVIDUS researcherIndra Dedze believes that this overdue information campaign requires very well defined target audience and subject of discussion. According to the researcher, discussion should not be about the proportion of Latvian and Russian language use in minority schools, but about place of the Russian language, culture and community in the society.

Ministry of Education and Science is preparing a society information plan on the education reform. Public Policy Centre PROVIDUS researcherIndra Dedze believes that this overdue information campaign requires very well defined target audience and subject of discussion. According to the researcher, discussion should not be about the proportion of Latvian and Russian language use in minority schools, but about place of the Russian language, culture and community in the society. Diena

Newspapers inform about events planned for March 16, the Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion. According to the Chairman of the Latvian National Soldiers Society Nikolajs Romanovskis, organization has called people not to participate in organized processions in order to avoid possible provocations.

Newspapers inform about events planned for March 16, the Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion. According to the Chairman of the Latvian National Soldiers Society Nikolajs Romanovskis, organization has called people not to participate in organized processions in order to avoid possible provocations. Latvijas Avize, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

Diena features an article by the Saeima MP Boris Tsilevich (Peoples Harmony Party) on the causes of the negative attitude of minorities towards the education reform. The MP points to the lack of dialogue between the state and the ethnic minorities, stressing that concern of the reforms opponents about the deterioration of the quality of minority education is disregarded. According to the Boris Tsilevich, Saeima majority should understand that opponents of the reform are not against the state language and proportion of Latvian and Russian language use in minority schools, but against their opinions and interests being demonstratively ignored.

Vesti Segodnya writes about the participation of the representatives of the union For Human in the United Latvia Tatjana Zdanoka and Miroslavs Mitrofanovs at the thematic discussion on non-citizens and racial discrimination of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Vesti Segodnya

The Head of Council of Russia Federation Committee on Foreign Affairs Mihail Margelov has pointed to the increasing disquiet of the European institutions about the situation of Russian-speaking people in Latvia. According to Mihail Margelov, the Council’s of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (CEPA) decision to relegate the issue of the education reform of Latvia for examination to the CEPA Committee on Education, Culture and Education proves it.

The Head of Council of Russia Federation Committee on Foreign Affairs Mihail Margelov has pointed to the increasing disquiet of the European institutions about the situation of Russian-speaking people in Latvia. According to Mihail Margelov, the Councils of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (CEPA) decision to relegate the issue of the education reform of Latvia for examination to the CEPA Committee on Education, Culture and Education proves it. Latvijas Avize, Telegraf, Chas

MP of the Saeima For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM parliamentary group Peteris Tabuns has send a letter to the director of the Constitutional Defence Bureau (CDB) Janis Kazocins, Minister of the Interior Maris Gulbis and prosecutor general Janis Maizitis, in which he expresses concern about the protest actions against the education reform. The MP wants to know why actions of the hostile towards Latvian state forces had been permitted. Director of the CDB Janis Kazocins has stated that e monitoring and prevention of the interior threats to the state is within the competence of the State Security Committee, but that the CDB regularly obtains information about the possible foreign countries’ connection with the organization of the protest actions against the education reform in Latvia.

MP of the Saeima For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM parliamentary group Peteris Tabuns has send a letter to the director of the Constitutional Defence Bureau (CDB) Janis Kazocins, Minister of the Interior Maris Gulbis and prosecutor general Janis Maizitis, in which he expresses concern about the protest actions against the education reform. The MP wants to know why actions of the hostile towards Latvian state forces had been permitted. Director of the CDB Janis Kazocins has stated that e monitoring and prevention of the interior threats to the state is within the competence of the State Security Committee, but that the CDB regularly obtains information about the possible foreign countries connection with the organization of the protest actions against the education reform in Latvia. Latvijas Avize

Vesti Segodnya prints an interview with the consultant of the Saeima parliamentary group For Human in the United Latvia Miroslav Mitrophanov about the proposals of the Saeima Childrens Rights Subcommittee to amend the Law on the Protection of the Rights of the Child with the goal to preclude the childrens participation in political protest actions. According to Miroslav Mitrophanov, these amendments are discriminatory on age grounds.

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the head of the Delegation on the Relations between Riga and Moscow, the Minister of Moscow Government Vladimir Malishkov, who says that politicians of both Latvia and Russia should close the black pages of the common history and start to think about the future.

Professor of the University of Latvia Janis Valdmanis has become a new director of the Sate Language Agency, which ensures the implementation of the state language policy.

Professor of the University of Latvia Janis Valdmanis has become a new director of the Sate Language Agency, which ensures the implementation of the state language policy. Diena

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

• Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Monitoring Committee will discuss renewing the monitoring procedure on observation of minority rights in Latvia
• Russian Party does not support actions of the Headquarters for the defence of Russian-language schools
• FHRUL MP Jakovs Pliners discusses upcoming Congress against education reform
• President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga interview in Russian media about the protest actions against the education reform
• FHRUL about the decision of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Latvia to not provide the entrance visa for Russia vice speaker Dmitry Rogozin
• Latvia Socialist Party leader Alfreds Rubiks requests the cancellation of his conviction record
• Ambassador of France to Latvia Michael Foucher explains President Chiracs statements
• Russias Foreign Affairs Minister Igor Ivanov interview in Sweden about minorities in Latvia
• Three-confessional ecumenical service for harmony and peace in society
• Article on increasing ethnic strain in society

Saeima MP and delegate from Latvia to the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (CEPA)Boris Tsilevitch claims that theMonitoring Committee of the CEPA could make a decision to renew the monitoring procedure on the observation of minority rights in Latvia. Boris Tsilevitch believes that only the active intervention of international organizations could influence the problematic situation with the education reform. The Monitoring Committee will discuss the minority rights observation in Latvia in its meeting on 3 March.

Saeima MP and delegate from Latvia to the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (CEPA)Boris Tsilevitch claims that theMonitoring Committee of the CEPA could make a decision to renew the monitoring procedure on the observation of minority rights in Latvia. Boris Tsilevitch believes that only the active intervention of international organizations could influence the problematic situation with the education reform. The Monitoring Committee will discuss the minority rights observation in Latvia in its meeting on 3 March. Vesti Segodnya

The extra-parliamentary Russian Party will not participate at the Congress of the Defenders of Russian language schools of Latvia, stressing that the Congress will only represent the opinion of one part of the Russian community in Latvia. The leader of the party Mikhail Gavrilov believes that such political parties as Equality and FHRUL as well as the grouping Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools and the Congress of the Defenders of Russian language schools do not have the right to speak for all Russians in Latvia. Mikhail Gavrilov states that his party will not heed the decisions of the upcoming Congress. The members of the party also state that the destructive actions of the Headquarters, which cause the unwillingness of state officials to develop a dialogue, in fact endanger the Russian-language schools.

The extra-parliamentary Russian Party will not participate at the Congress of the Defenders of Russian language schools of Latvia, stressing that the Congress will only represent the opinion of one part of the Russian community in Latvia. The leader of the party Mikhail Gavrilov believes that such political parties as Equality and FHRUL as well as the grouping Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools and the Congress of the Defenders of Russian language schools do not have the right to speak for all Russians in Latvia. Mikhail Gavrilov states that his party will not heed the decisions of the upcoming Congress. The members of the party also state that the destructive actions of the Headquarters, which cause the unwillingness of state officials to develop a dialogue, in fact endanger the Russian-language schools. Latvijas Avize

Some 3,500 representatives from Russian-language schools could participate at the Congress of the Defenders of Russian language schools of Latvia on 6 March, claims FHRUL parliamentary group head Jakovs Pliners. He further states that comprehensive protest actions against the education reform will be discussed during the congress and an appeal to international organizations to support the struggle against the reform will be adopted.

Some 3,500 representatives from Russian-language schools could participate at the Congress of the Defenders of Russian language schools of Latvia on 6 March, claims FHRUL parliamentary group head Jakovs Pliners. He further states that comprehensive protest actions against the education reform will be discussed during the congress and an appeal to international organizations to support the struggle against the reform will be adopted. Telegraf

Newspapers reprint fragments of the interview of the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga to the Russian newspaper

Newspapers reprint fragments of the interview of the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga to the Russian newspaper Izvestya about the protest actions against the education reform and the relationship between Latvia and Russia. The President believes that the protest actions against the education reform are not related to the education reform itself, but to a desire to complicate Latvias accession to the EU. The President states that one part of parliamentary deputies attempts to create a confrontation, making no secret about the involvement of the friends from Moscow. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Telegraf, Chas

FHRUL parliamentary group has expressed incomprehension about the decision of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Latvia to refuse entrance visa for Russia’s State Council vice speaker Dmitry Rogozin. According to the statement of the party, this decision is offensive to the parliamentary group as well as their voters.

FHRUL parliamentary group has expressed incomprehension about the decision of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Latvia to refuse entrance visa for Russias State Council vice speaker Dmitry Rogozin. According to the statement of the party, this decision is offensive to the parliamentary group as well as their voters. Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the Dmitry Rogozin, who responds to the decision of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Chas, Vesty Segodnya

Latvia Socialist Party leader Alfreds Rubiks’ lawyer Aleksandrs Ogurcovs has submitted an application to the Riga District Court requesting the cancellation of the conviction record of Alfreds Rubiks, who was convicted in 1995 for actions to overthrow the state. The leader of the Latvia Socialist Party motivates this application with the desire to stand as candidate for the European Parliament elections from the list of Socialist Party. 

Latvia Socialist Party leader Alfreds Rubiks lawyer Aleksandrs Ogurcovs has submitted an application to the Riga District Court requesting the cancellation of the conviction record of Alfreds Rubiks, who was convicted in 1995 for actions to overthrow the state. The leader of the Latvia Socialist Party motivates this application with the desire to stand as candidate for the European Parliament elections from the list of Socialist Party. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Rigas Balss, Latvijas Avize, Telegraf, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the Ambassador of France to Latvia Michael Foucher about the statements of the President of France Jacques Chirac that the European Union should respect the concerns of Russia regarding minority rights observation in Baltic States. The ambassador states that France does not have a separate opinion about the necessary actions in the area of the observation of minority rights in Latvia. Michael Foucher points to the necessity to show Russia that the enlargement of the EU is not directed against Russia.

Newspapers reprint fragments of the article by the former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Russia Igor Ivanov, published in the Swedish newspaper

Newspapers reprint fragments of the article by the former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Russia Igor Ivanov, published in the Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter about the situation of Russians in Latvia. Igor Ivanov expresses the hope that the member states of the EU and NATO will hold on to the same principles of minority rights in the Baltic states as in other states of the Central and Western Europe. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Telegraf

Leaders of largest confessions of Latvia – the Cardinal of the Catholic Church Janis Pujats, the Archbishop of the Lutheran Church Janis Vanags and the Metropolitan Aleksandrs of the Orthodox Church – are planning to officiate an ecumenical service in order to pray for harmony and peace in society. According to the religious leaders, harmony in society has been upset because of the politicized situation with the education reform.

Leaders of largest confessions of Latvia – the Cardinal of the Catholic Church Janis Pujats, the Archbishop of the Lutheran Church Janis Vanags and the Metropolitan Aleksandrs of the Orthodox Church – are planning to officiate an ecumenical service in order to pray for harmony and peace in society. According to the religious leaders, harmony in society has been upset because of the politicized situation with the education reform. Diena

Chas features an article by Maija Krumina about the increasing ethnic strain in the society between Latvian and Russian speaking communities. According to the political analyst, both the state as well as the Russian-speaking community are responsible for the present tense situation in the area of education reform, because the Russian-speaking community did not start to resist this policy until last year. She also believes that the politicization of the reform is inevitable because its goals are more political and ideological than educational. The researcher claims that the abolishment of the reform would be a positive step for Latvia as a democratic state because the reduction of the importance of ethnic integration could promote the formation of interest groups on the basis of economical and social features instead. Chas

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

• Russias Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Chizov on obstacles to signing border agreement with Latvia
• Entry visa denied to the vice speaker of the Russian State Council Dmitry Rogozin
• Latvias First Party want to reorganize special task secretariats to ministries
• 1,000 protesters demonstrate against education reform
• Non-governmental organization Cita Politika calls for moratorium on the implementation of the education reform
• Vesti Segodnya suggests OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus positive statements on education reform have been exaggerated in Latvian media
• Russian intellectuals request the cancellation of the education reform in Latvia
• Defenders of Russian-Language Schools will explain the objections against the education reform to the Latvian-speaking part of the society
• Researcher supports the proposal to grant automatic citizenship for non-citizens children

Lack of progress in the observation of minority rights in Latvia is the main obstacle to the signing of the border agreement between Russia and Latvia, stated the Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Chizov after consultations between the Foreign Affairs Ministries of Russia and Latvia. The Russian official stressed that the demands of Russia fully correspond to the recommendations of international human rights institutions.

Lack of progress in the observation of minority rights in Latvia is the main obstacle to the signing of the border agreement between Russia and Latvia, stated the Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Chizov after consultations between the Foreign Affairs Ministries of Russia and Latvia. The Russian official stressed that the demands of Russia fully correspond to the recommendations of international human rights institutions. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia has refused a visa application of the vice speaker of he Russia State Council Dmitry Rogozin. The refusal is motivated with the lack of specificity of the goal of his visit in his application. The Ministry also believes that the previous expressions of the Dmitry Rogozin do not indicate a desire to develop a constructive inter-state dialogue. The Headquarters for the defence of Russian language schools of Latvia have invited the Vice Speaker of the Russian State Council as a guest of a congress against the education reform to be held in Riga on 6 March.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia has refused a visa application of the vice speaker of he Russia State Council Dmitry Rogozin. The refusal is motivated with the lack of specificity of the goal of his visit in his application. The Ministry also believes that the previous expressions of the Dmitry Rogozin do not indicate a desire to develop a constructive inter-state dialogue. The Headquarters for the defence of Russian language schools of Latvia have invited the Vice Speaker of the Russian State Council as a guest of a congress against the education reform to be held in Riga on 6 March. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Latvia’s First Party leader Ainars Slesers has announced that when forming a new government, the party will call for the reorganizing of the secretariats of the two special task ministers -- the Social Integration Affairs and the Child and Family Affairs -- into ministries.

Latvias First Party leader Ainars Slesers has announced that when forming a new government, the party will call for the reorganizing of the secretariats of the two special task ministers -- the Social Integration Affairs and the Child and Family Affairs -- into ministries. Diena

About 1,000 participants protested against the education reform last Friday in Riga. The protestors were also called upon by the Headquarters to defend the contentious anti-reform video clip, which includes a distorted version of a Pink Floyd song and which the Security Police is in the process of evaluating for possible incitement charges.

About 1,000 participants protested against the education reform last Friday in Riga. The protestors were also called upon by the Headquarters to defend the contentious anti-reform video clip, which includes a distorted version of a Pink Floyd song and which the Security Police is in the process of evaluating for possible incitement charges. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neakariga Rita Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The non-governmental organization “Cita Politika” (“Other Policy”) has issued a  call for a moratorium on the implementation of the education reform. The leader of the NGO Riga Vice-Mayor Sergey Dolgopolov believes that it is necessary to make amendments to the Law on Education, which would establish transitional provisions during this moratorium. In the view of the politician, the moratorium should not have a set deadline but instead be in place until all the minority schools would be ready for the implementation of the reform.

The non-governmental organization Cita Politika (Other Policy) has issued a call for a moratorium on the implementation of the education reform. The leader of the NGO Riga Vice-Mayor Sergey Dolgopolov believes that it is necessary to make amendments to the Law on Education, which would establish transitional provisions during this moratorium. In the view of the politician, the moratorium should not have a set deadline but instead be in place until all the minority schools would be ready for the implementation of the reform. Diena, Chas

Vesti Segodnya writes about the meeting of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus and the observer to the European Parliament Boris Tsilevitch (Saeima MP from Peoples Harmony Party). According to Boris Tsilevich, the Latvian media and even the statements from the Presidents office regarding the High Commissioners full-fledged support for the education reform and appreciation of the constructive approach of the Latvian government to the solution of the problem have been exaggerated. Boris Tsilevitch claims that during his meeting with Rolf Ekeus, the High Commissioner had disclaimed such statements, stressing that he had spoken about the necessity to develop a dialogue between minorities and the state and also pointed to the necessity to guarantee the maintenance of the quality of education for minority children during the implementation of the reform. Boris Tsilevitch has asked the High Commissioner to become a mediator in the dialogue between the state and minorities.

Several famous Russian intellectuals – chairman of the International Association of the Russia Writers’ Union Nikita Mihalkov, chairman of the Russia Writers’ Union Valentin Rasputin, academician Dmitry Lvov and others – have signed an open letter to the ambassador of Latvia to Russia Normans Penke, requesting the cancellation of the education reform in Latvia. The Russian intellectuals believe that the Russian language in Latvia is suppressed and that “the rough pressure on the use of one of the major world’s languages in the learning process represents a relapse to fascism in the renewed Europe”.

Several famous Russian intellectuals – chairman of the International Association of the Russia Writers Union Nikita Mihalkov, chairman of the Russia Writers Union Valentin Rasputin, academician Dmitry Lvov and others – have signed an open letter to the ambassador of Latvia to Russia Normans Penke, requesting the cancellation of the education reform in Latvia. The Russian intellectuals believe that the Russian language in Latvia is suppressed and that the rough pressure on the use of one of the major worlds languages in the learning process represents a relapse to fascism in the renewed Europe. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-Language Schools is planning to intensify the work with the Latvian-speaking part of the society. According to the activist of the Headquarters Genadij Kotov, during the Congress of the Defenders of Russian language schools an appeal to Latvians will be adopted, explaining the main objections from the side of minorities against the education reform.

Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-Language Schools is planning to intensify the work with the Latvian-speaking part of the society. According to the activist of the Headquarters Genadij Kotov, during the Congress of the Defenders of Russian language schools an appeal to Latvians will be adopted, explaining the main objections from the side of minorities against the education reform. Chas

Diena features an article by research assistant of the Ethnic Research Centre at the University of Latvia Institute of Philosophy and Sociology Sigita Zankovska-Odina about the naturalization process in Latvia. According to the researcher, in order to ensure the sense of belonging to Latvia of the children of non-citizens and to avoid the transfer of resentment from one generation to the next, the recent expert recommendation that citizenship should be granted automatically to all newborn, while retaining the possibility for parents to refuse this opportunity, should be supported.