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

• Representative of Greens and Farmers nominated to form the new government
• Evaluation of the former governments policy on society integration
• Protest meeting in Liepaja against the education reform
• Question of the Russian-speaking minority will be discussed during the summer session of the OSCE
• Russian language schools will be allowed to use the textbooks received from Russia
• Russias Duma MP Konstantin Zatulin gives a press conference on situation of the Russian-speakers in Latvia
• Latvias Ambassador to the Council of Europe comments on the statements of Russias Minister for Foreign Affairs
• Maslenitsa celebration in Cesis
• Interview with the former Special Task Minister of Society Integration Affairs Nils Muiznieks

The President of Latvia nominated the representative of the Greens and Farmers political party Indulis Emsis to form the new government. Indulis Emsis is willing to form a coalition government of all five right-wing parties.

The President of Latvia nominated the representative of the Greens and Farmers political party Indulis Emsis to form the new government. Indulis Emsis is willing to form a coalition government of all five right-wing parties.

Commenting the former government of Einars Repse, Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Righst and Ethnic Studies Ilze Brande-Kehre states that creation of the Special Task Minister of Society Integration post was an important development. According to Ilze Brande-Kehre, the biggest problem of the former government was inability to continue with the inherited minority education reform.

Commenting the former government of Einars Repse, Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Righst and Ethnic Studies Ilze Brande-Kehre states that creation of the Special Task Minister of Society Integration post was an important development. According to Ilze Brande-Kehre, the biggest problem of the former government was inability to continue with the inherited minority education reform. Diena, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Last Friday Saeima’s MP Valerijs Agesins organized a protest meeting in Liepaja in the form of the meeting with the voters. About one hundred of students gathered to protest against the education reform with the slogans like ‘we are not against the Latvian language, we are for the education in our mother language’. The meeting was rather quiet, and after half an hour the crowd has dissolved.

Last Friday Saeimas MP Valerijs Agesins organized a protest meeting in Liepaja in the form of the meeting with the voters. About one hundred of students gathered to protest against the education reform with the slogans like ‘we are not against the Latvian language, we are for the education in our mother language. The meeting was rather quiet, and after half an hour the crowd has dissolved. Diena, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Latvijas Avize

The Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE has decided to include the question about the situation of the Russian-speaking minority in Latvia and Estonia in the summer session’s agenda.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE has decided to include the question about the situation of the Russian-speaking minority in Latvia and Estonia in the summer sessions agenda. Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Latvijas Avize

After examining the schoolbooks given as a gift by the Russian Embassy in Latvia,  director of the integration department of the Ministry of Science and Education Evija Papule announced that the Russian language schools would be allowed to use these books.

After examining the schoolbooks given as a gift by the Russian Embassy in Latvia, director of the integration department of the Ministry of Science and Education Evija Papule announced that the Russian language schools would be allowed to use these books. Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Latvijas Avize

On Friday the MP of the Russia’s Duma Konstantin Zatulin organized a press conference about the situation of the Russian-speakers in Latvia. He criticizes the Russian government for not introducing economic sanctions against Latvia.

On Friday the MP of the Russias Duma Konstantin Zatulin organized a press conference about the situation of the Russian-speakers in Latvia. He criticizes the Russian government for not introducing economic sanctions against Latvia. Latvijas Avize

Latvijas Avize publishes the commentary of the Latvias Ambassador to the Council of Europe Georgs Andrejevs on the statements of Russias Minister for Foreign Affairs Igor Ivanov about the education reform in Latvia. Georgs Andrejevs believes that by allocating a considerable amount of time for instruction in minority languages at the secondary school, the Education Law gives minorities a possibility to develop their identity, at the same time providing equal opportunities for the higher education and participation in the labor market. He stresses that Russian governments reference to the Framework Convention for the protection of the National Minorities is not accurate, as the Advisory Committee of the Convention has concluded that in Russia the option to learn minority language is available only in the primary school, and all instruction in further grades is in Russian only.

On Friday the celebration of traditional Russian holiday Butter Week (Maslenitsa) was organized in Cesis. The former Special Task Minister of Society Integration Affairs Nils Muiznieks, the Russian Ambassador Igor Studennikov and the British Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere have attended the event. Russian-speaking population in Cesis is only 4%, but many people joined the celebration.

On Friday the celebration of traditional Russian holiday Butter Week (Maslenitsa) was organized in Cesis. The former Special Task Minister of Society Integration Affairs Nils Muiznieks, the Russian Ambassador Igor Studennikov and the British Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere have attended the event. Russian-speaking population in Cesis is only 4%, but many people joined the celebration. Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Latvijas Avize

Neatkariga Rita Avize publishes an interview with Nils Muiznieks, the former Special Task Minister for Society Integration. According to Muiznieks, the main problem of the education reform is lack of information in the society and among minority students in particular. He states that although the goal of the education reform in Estonia is similar,  the situation there is much calmer – the starting requirement was for education only in Estonian, then it was decreased to 70%, later set down to 60%, and finally the education reform was postponed by two years. N. Muiznieks believes that the previous education models did not ensure the sufficient knowledge of Latvian language for students of the Russian language schools. He also stresses that minority education is not a question of human rights, as international human rights do not include strict standards on the minority rights for education. European institutions could not and would not express a unanimous opinion about the Latvian education reform because European minority education practice varies across the countries, says Muiznieks. He stresses that there is a need for the Prime Minister who will from the very first moment seriously approach the education reform issues, recognizing mistakes made in the past and possibly starting from the very beginning, carefully communicating the goals of the reform to the people.

Neatkariga Rita Avize publishes an interview with Nils Muiznieks, the former Special Task Minister for Society Integration. According to Muiznieks, the main problem of the education reform is lack of information in the society and among minority students in particular. He states that although the goal of the education reform in Estonia is similar, the situation there is much calmer – the starting requirement was for education only in Estonian, then it was decreased to 70%, later set down to 60%, and finally the education reform was postponed by two years. N. Muiznieks believes that the previous education models did not ensure the sufficient knowledge of Latvian language for students of the Russian language schools. He also stresses that minority education is not a question of human rights, as international human rights do not include strict standards on the minority rights for education. European institutions could not and would not express a unanimous opinion about the Latvian education reform because European minority education practice varies across the countries, says Muiznieks. He stresses that there is a need for the Prime Minister who will from the very first moment seriously approach the education reform issues, recognizing mistakes made in the past and possibly starting from the very beginning, carefully communicating the goals of the reform to the people.

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

• Latvian report has been accepted by the European Parliament
• Discussion about Latvian – Russian relationship
• Speaker of the Russias State Duma is invited to Latvia
• Saeima adopted the draft law on joining the NATO
• Paradoxes of the naturalization process
• Latvian Russian society divided by the attitude towards the education reform
• Latvian and Russian students at Rinuzhi school try to better understand each other

Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy of the European Parliament has accepted changes to the report on Latvia’s preparedness to join the European Union, submitted by the German deputy Elisabeth Schroedter. The new version of the report recognizes that Latvian policy in the fields of citizenship, language and education does correspond to the international standards. The Committee appreciated the growth in the speed of naturalization, but points out that it should be even faster and easier for the applicants. The report recommends the Latvian government to grant voting rights for non-citizens at the municipal elections and to speed up the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of the National Minorities.

Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy of the European Parliament has accepted changes to the report on Latvias preparedness to join the European Union, submitted by the German deputy Elisabeth Schroedter. The new version of the report recognizes that Latvian policy in the fields of citizenship, language and education does correspond to the international standards. The Committee appreciated the growth in the speed of naturalization, but points out that it should be even faster and easier for the applicants. The report recommends the Latvian government to grant voting rights for non-citizens at the municipal elections and to speed up the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of the National Minorities. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

Rigas Balss features a discussion about the relationship between Latvia and its biggest neighbor Russia. The weakest points are being identified as the lack of normal communication, real wish to develop the relationship, and professional dedication from both sides.

The Speaker of Saeima Ingrida Udre has invited Boris Grizlov, the Speaker of Russia’s State Duma on an official visit to Latvia in order to develop contacts between the two countries on the parliamentary level.

The Speaker of Saeima Ingrida Udre has invited Boris Grizlov, the Speaker of Russias State Duma on an official visit to Latvia in order to develop contacts between the two countries on the parliamentary level. Diena, Telegraf, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Neatkariga Rita Avize informs, that Saeima has adopted (73 votes for, 6 – against) the draft law on Latvia joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Telegraf points out the paradoxes of the naturalization process. With the number of applications almost doubling lately, the relevant institutions can hardly cope with managing the whole process due to the lack of financial and human resources. Help from international organizations could have sped up the process again.

Chas has published an article by Boriss Cilevics, the deputy from the Peoples Harmony Party, who analyzes the Russian society of Latvia from the point of view of attitude towards the education reform. Main three groups have been identified: the most integrated part of the population, ‘pragmatists, who have only constructive objections to the reform; the second group, ‘community supporters, are mainly concerned about the preservation of the Russian community in Latvia, and usually employ mass manifestations as the methods; and the third group, ‘diaspora, is clearly oriented towards Russia not only in language and cultural sense, but also politically..

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Chas also features an account of the discussion in the Rinuzhi secondary school, where Russian and Latvian students together tried to find an answer to the question: where does the division between Latvians and Russians start? The discussion has helped both sides to identify mutual stereotypes and prejudices.

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

• Former Special Task Minister for Society Integration argues that the political principles of the Latvian First Party remain unchanged
• Presidents letter to Saeima commission on education
• Expert round-table in parliament deplores inadequate information
• Left-leaning public organization Different Policy has been established
• Interview with columnist Viktors Avotins on education reform
• Politicians call on students in Liepaja on to picket regarding the Law on Education

Diena publishes the article by the former Special Task Minister on Society Integration Affairs Nils Muiznieks claiming that the political principles of the Latvian First Party remain unchanged after it has been joined by five deputies from the Peoples Harmony Party. Although admitting that the enlargement of the parliamentary fraction has both pluses and minuses, he believes that both the party and society will gain from this development. Muiznieks claims that only when parties will not follow ethnic lines but when it is possible for a party to attract Russian and other minority voters without losing Latvian ones will society be politically integrated.

The Saeima Commission of Education, Science and Culture yesterday discussed the reviewed a letter of the  President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga, in which she criticizes some points of the education law, including the possibility for Latvian-language private schools to receive state funding but not those with Russian as the language of instruction.  Although the president’s letter did not question the issues of the 60-40 ratio of language in secondary schools, the main discussion in the commission focused on it.

The Saeima Commission of Education, Science and Culture yesterday discussed the reviewed a letter of the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga, in which she criticizes some points of the education law, including the possibility for Latvian-language private schools to receive state funding but not those with Russian as the language of instruction. Although the presidents letter did not question the issues of the 60-40 ratio of language in secondary schools, the main discussion in the commission focused on it. Vesti Segodnya, Vechernaya Riga, Chas

About 30 experts from educational institutions and other relevant organizations participated in the  round table in the Saeima organized by Latvia’s First Party member and former Minister of Social Integration Affairs Nils Muiznieks.  Several experts expressed their concern about the lack of timely and effective information on the reform and discussed ways to deal with the present conflict situation. Although the round table gave no concrete solutions, a hope for new changes with the new government was expressed by the former minister.

About 30 experts from educational institutions and other relevant organizations participated in the round table in the Saeima organized by Latvias First Party member and former Minister of Social Integration Affairs Nils Muiznieks. Several experts expressed their concern about the lack of timely and effective information on the reform and discussed ways to deal with the present conflict situation. Although the round table gave no concrete solutions, a hope for new changes with the new government was expressed by the former minister. Diena, Telegraf

Diena informs that the Vice Mayor of Riga Sergejs Dolgopolovs has established a new public organization Different policy, which involves representatives of a leftist policy. The organization has declared its goals – to establish a dialogue on integration, educational reform, unification of Latvian and Russian informative fields and other issues, and thu sto offer an alternative solution to existing policy. Dolgopolovs admits the possibility of forming a new party in the future on the basis of this organization.

Chas publishes an interview with Neatkariga Rita Avize columnist Viktors Avotins on the minority education reform, in which he claims that the children are now doing the work that the adults have failed to do. He warns that clam will not return until the representatives of power will start to respect the opinion of society.

Left-wing politicians call on students from schools in Liepaja to publicly discuss the Law of Education. The organizer of the action the deputy of Saeima Valerijs Ageshins has distributed an appeal in the schools to gather on Friday morning during time of scheduled classes.

Left-wing politicians call on students from schools in Liepaja to publicly discuss the Law of Education. The organizer of the action the deputy of Saeima Valerijs Ageshins has distributed an appeal in the schools to gather on Friday morning during time of scheduled classes. Latvijas Avize, Diena

 

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

• Study shows that pace of naturalization differs across the regions
• Russian Foreign Affairs Minister about the amendments to the Education Law
• Newspapers continue discussion about the education reform
• Latvian Ambassador to Russia about amendments to the Education Law
• Rinuzi secondary schools Russian and Latvian students discuss the education reform
• Former Special Task Minister of Social Integration organizes discussion about the education reform at Saeima

Pace of the naturalization process differs across the Latvian regions, being especially low in the areas next to the borders, - say authors of the research study ‘The role of regional aspects in dealing with citizenship issues’, which had been carried out by the Naturalization Board with the financial support of the Embassy of Finland in Latvia and participation of three independent researchers. As a part of the study, almost 7000 respondents from regions with a high number of non-citizens, as well as 204 experts, have been asked to express their opinions about non-citizens’ attitude towards naturalization and related problems. The study shows that two-thirds of non-citizens are willing to naturalize, while the rest of them think that citizenship should be granted automatically, or mention different hindering obstacles, or do not want citizenship at all. Noted negative tendencies are the lack of information about naturalization and various legislative gaps.

Pace of the naturalization process differs across the Latvian regions, being especially low in the areas next to the borders, - say authors of the research study ‘The role of regional aspects in dealing with citizenship issues, which had been carried out by the Naturalization Board with the financial support of the Embassy of Finland in Latvia and participation of three independent researchers. As a part of the study, almost 7000 respondents from regions with a high number of non-citizens, as well as 204 experts, have been asked to express their opinions about non-citizens attitude towards naturalization and related problems. The study shows that two-thirds of non-citizens are willing to naturalize, while the rest of them think that citizenship should be granted automatically, or mention different hindering obstacles, or do not want citizenship at all. Noted negative tendencies are the lack of information about naturalization and various legislative gaps.

Diena and Neatkariga Rita Avize inform that Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Igor Ivanov sent letter to the foreign ministers of the European Union and human rights organizations in which he criticizes amendments to the Education Law. During the discussion with the Chairman of the OSCE Solomon Passy, Ivanov expressed hope that the OSCE will pay attention to the Russian-minority situation in Latvia. The newspaper Telegraf comments that hopefully statement made by Ivanov will not affect his deputys V. Chizhov plans to visit Riga at the end of February. Latvijas Avize prints the comments of the Russias permanent representative to the OSCE Alexander Alekseyev stating that legislative changes do not encourage interethnic dialogue and restrict ability of Russian-speaking minority to choose the language of instruction. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Rigas Balss, Latvijas Avize, Vechernaya Riga, Telegraf

The newspapers continue discussions about the education reform.

The newspapers continue discussions about the education reform. Neatkariga Rita Avize prints statements of Dainis Ivans, the chairman of the Latvian Social Democratic Party, who says that the government should take the responsibility for the actual situation, because during the preparation of the reform society was not informed about the methods that could prevent the crisis.

The newspapers report about the statements of the Latvian Ambassador to Russia Norman Penke during the press conference about the amendments of the Education Law. The Ambassador explained the Latvian education system and the meaning of the education reform, stressing that this is a step towards the promotion of the society integration. The Ambassador characterized the economic sanctions towards Latvia as a belated and ineffective method

The newspapers report about the statements of the Latvian Ambassador to Russia Norman Penke during the press conference about the amendments of the Education Law. The Ambassador explained the Latvian education system and the meaning of the education reform, stressing that this is a step towards the promotion of the society integration. The Ambassador characterized the economic sanctions towards Latvia as a belated and ineffective method Latvijas Avize, Telegraf

Chas reports that in Rinuzi secondary school the Russian students have invited their Latvian peers to discuss the education reform.

The former Special Task Minister of Social Integration Nils Muiznieks organized the round table discussion about the education reform, which is to take place today at Saeima. The goal of this discussion is to elaborate a long-term action plan in order to control the conflict situation. He stresses that the future Latvian government needs to elaborate serious concept for the regulation of interethnic dialogue.

The former Special Task Minister of Social Integration Nils Muiznieks organized the round table discussion about the education reform, which is to take place today at Saeima. The goal of this discussion is to elaborate a long-term action plan in order to control the conflict situation. He stresses that the future Latvian government needs to elaborate serious concept for the regulation of interethnic dialogue. Chas

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

• OSCE presiding state offers assistance to help to solve Russian-speaking minority problems
• State officials comment on the recommendations of the Council of Europe First Commissioner for Human Rights Alvaro Gil-Robles
• Critical statements of Russian politicians about the decision of the President of Latvia to announce the amendments to the Law on Education
• Articles about the conflicts between Latvian and Russian students in Riga
• Project Qualitative education for Romani children
• Reprinted interview with the former Special Task Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks
• Commentator of Latvijas Avize Aija Calite about the goals of the protest actions against education reform

The Foreign Affairs Minister of Bulgaria, the presiding state of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Solomon Passy has expressed readiness to help solve Russian-speakers minority problems in the Baltic States.

The Foreign Affairs Minister of Bulgaria, the presiding state of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Solomon Passy has expressed readiness to help solve Russian-speakers minority problems in the Baltic States. Chas

Vesti Segodnya features the opinions of state officials about the recommendations of the Council of Europe First Commissioner for Human Rights Alvaro Gil-Robles. Saeima MP Aleksandrs Kirsteins (Peoples Party) believes that the proposal of Alvaro Gil-Robles to grant the voting rights for non-citizens at the municipal elections is not acceptable for Latvia. He also states that the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities could be ratified only after Russia will officially acknowledge Latvias occupation. Observer from Latvia to the European Parliament Boris Tsilevitch (Peoples Harmony Party) believes that recommendations of the First Commissioner have clearly pointed to the link between society integration and the extension of the minority rights. Meanwhile the former Special Task Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks predicts that voting rights for non-citizens will not be granted during this Saeima and the Law on Education will not be revised.

Russian politicians criticize the decision of the President of Latvia to announce the amendments to the Law on Education. Vice speaker of the Russia State Council Dmitry Rogozin condemns this decision and also points to the necessity for careful analysis before the establishment of economical sanctions against Latvia. According to Dmitry Rogozin the establishment of the sanctions is not advisable if they would have a negative impact on Russian-speaking inhabitants of Latvia. The Head of Council of Russia Federation Committee on Foreign Affairs Mihail Margelov believes that Russian-speaking people can affect the state authorities only by submitting the demands to the European Court for Human Rights.

Russian politicians criticize the decision of the President of Latvia to announce the amendments to the Law on Education. Vice speaker of the Russia State Council Dmitry Rogozin condemns this decision and also points to the necessity for careful analysis before the establishment of economical sanctions against Latvia. According to Dmitry Rogozin the establishment of the sanctions is not advisable if they would have a negative impact on Russian-speaking inhabitants of Latvia. The Head of Council of Russia Federation Committee on Foreign Affairs Mihail Margelov believes that Russian-speaking people can affect the state authorities only by submitting the demands to the European Court for Human Rights. Latvijas Avize, Telegraf

Newspapers feature articles about conflicts between Latvian and Russian students in Riga.

Newspapers feature articles about conflicts between Latvian and Russian students in Riga. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Rigas Balss, Telegraf

Neatkariga Rita Avize prints an article about the project Qualitative education for Romani children which has been launched in three towns - Jekabpils, Jelgava and Valmiera. The organisations implementing this project believe that the lack of education is one of the main problems of Roma social integration. The main goal of the project is to achieve the inclusion of Romani children in general schools. Head of the Jekabpils Roma Society Laila Leiskina believes that it will be very hard to involve Romani families in this project because this ethnic group has secluded itself from the rest of society and they are afraid to get into the contact with others.

Vechernaya Riga reprints fragments of an interview with the former Special Task Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks to the Russian newspaper Nezavisimaja Gazeta about society integration issues.

Latvijas Avize features an article by the commentator Aija Calite who believes that the goal of the protest actions against education reform is to achieve the ethnic conflict in Latvia. The journalist also believes that the television is increasingly engaged in the inciting hatred among the Russian-speaking part of society.