• FHRUL appeals with court the refusal to hold a meeting to draw attention to problems faced by Russian-speakers in Latvia
• Possible political choices of the Russian electorate in the upcoming Saeima elections
• 150 – 500 attended a rock concert in the support for the Russian language
• Life of Roma in Latvia
• Comprehensive article about nationalism in the pre-war Latvia

MPs of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia appealed at court the decision of the Riga City Council. The Council did not issue a permission to hold a march and meeting to draw attention to problems faced by Russian speakers in Latvia arguing that the route of the planned march is very intensively used by pedestrians and means of transport. The Executive Director of the Riga City Council also refused to discuss any changes in the route, but suggested that the march should be hold not in the centre of Riga but over the river.

MPs of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia appealed at court the decision of the Riga City Council. The Council did not issue a permission to hold a march and meeting to draw attention to problems faced by Russian speakers in Latvia arguing that the route of the planned march is very intensively used by pedestrians and means of transport. The Executive Director of the Riga City Council also refused to discuss any changes in the route, but suggested that the march should be hold not in the centre of Riga but over the river. Chas

Chas prints an article about possible choices of ‘the Russian electorate in the upcoming Saeima elections. The newspaper notes that ‘Latvians despite their socio-economic interests keep voting for the right wing parties because of their nationalistic ideas. The author stresses that in the upcoming elections the results of the elections will very much depend on the way parties will address ‘the Russian electorate. According to the newspaper, about 80% of Russian voters do not have high income, are not very sure about their future. Those are people who fully support left wing parties. About 15% are people with average income, who do not fully share left ideas, however, they are not satisfied with the language situation and ethnocratic regime in the country, therefore they may vote for left wing parties as well. And only 5% of the ‘Russian electorate are economically successful and are integrated into Latvian society – they most likely would support right wing parties that do not propagate anti-Russian rhetoric.

The rock concert which was a part of a protest action organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools gathered about 150, according to

The rock concert which was a part of a protest action organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools gathered about 150, according to Diena, - 250, according to Chas, - 500, according to Vesti Segodnya, people.

Dienas supplement Sestdiena prints an article about Roma in Latvia. The author of the article Evija Hauka visits Roma who during summer and fall make their living by collecting berries in forests. Evija Hauka talks to a number of Romani women about their lives, children, family and problems. The author of the article stresses that Roma continue to live in accordance with their old traditions and life style.

Dienas supplement Culture prints a comprehensive article by dr.hist. Uldis Kreslins about nationalism in the pre-war Latvia.

• Saeima did not support Nils Muiznieks for post of director of the Latvian National Human Rights Office
• Human and media experts condemn invitation of national radical extremist to a political discussion show
• Interview with Israeli President
• FHRUL submits to the Saeima a draft law that provides granting Latvian citizenship to non-citizens
• Organisers of the meeting in support of the Russian language will hold a rock concert despite the Riga City Councils refusal to give a permission
• Activists of the Headquarters reveal details of previous protest actions and future plans

Yesterday the Parliament did not approve the candidacy of the former integration minister Nils Muiznieks for post of director of the Latvian National Human Rights Office – only 45 out of 98 MPs voted for the candidacy of Nils Muiznieks, while 51 MPs were against - both left and right wing MPs. After the vote Nils Muiznieks stated that ‘obviously, many politicians are not able to accept my European views on national issues.’ For the moment the Parliament has not agreed on a new candidacy for the post.

Yesterday the Parliament did not approve the candidacy of the former integration minister Nils Muiznieks for post of director of the Latvian National Human Rights Office – only 45 out of 98 MPs voted for the candidacy of Nils Muiznieks, while 51 MPs were against - both left and right wing MPs. After the vote Nils Muiznieks stated that ‘obviously, many politicians are not able to accept my European views on national issues. For the moment the Parliament has not agreed on a new candidacy for the post. Diena, Neatkariga, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Diena discusses the limits of freedom of speech versus incitement to ethnic hatred referring to the analytical night talk show ‘What Is Going On in Latvia? anchored by journalist Janis Domburs. The show is aired once a week and a number of experts discuss thats week topical issue in the studio. In the last Wednesdays show the topic whether Nils Muiznieks should be the head of the Latvian National Human Rights Office (LNHRO) was discussed by representatives of political parties, the LNHRO, Gay and Lesbian Youth Association and the radical national organisation DDD Liene Apine. Liene Apine took an opportunity and announced the main ideas of her radical organisation, such as deportation of colonists, anti-Semitism and others, which according to many human right experts are calling to ethnic hatred. Human rights and media experts, such as Abrams Kleckins and Ilze Brands Kehre, believe that analytical programmes should not support extremists and give them platform to spread their ideas. While Janis Domburs does not consider that he had been given Liene Apine a possibility to call to ethnic hatred.

Diena interviews the Israeli President Moshe Katzav who is on the official visit to Riga. When asked to comment Latvias efforts in evaluating its history during the Nazi occupation and attitude towards Jews, the Israeli President says that it is up to the society of Latvia to decide whether it has given an objective evaluation of this time. He adds ‘it is not the responsibility towards the Jews, it is a responsibility towards your nation.

MPs of FHRUL have submitted for the Parliament’s revision a draft law, which provides granting the status of a Latvian citizen to non-citizens. MPs argue that citizenship should be granted to all non-citizens born in Latvia, non-citizens who have reached the age of 60 and disabled non-citizens.

MPs of FHRUL have submitted for the Parliaments revision a draft law, which provides granting the status of a Latvian citizen to non-citizens. MPs argue that citizenship should be granted to all non-citizens born in Latvia, non-citizens who have reached the age of 60 and disabled non-citizens. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Chas reports that the Riga City Council has issued a permit to hold the meeting ‘Russian Resistance with the aim to support the Russian language, but refused to give permission to organise a rock concert, which was, planned as a part of the action. However, the organisers of the action state that the concert will take place - ‘it will be a meeting where songs will be sung. The organisers are convinced that there will not be any disorders.

Vesti Segodnya prints a comprehensive article revealing ‘unknown details about protest actions held by activists of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools and their plans about new protests. Activists agree that intensity of protests has dropped, however, general activity level of Russians is still higher than till 2003. They conclude that they want to live in an integrated society, however, it is impossible because Latvians and Russians are not equal in their rights in Latvia.

 

 

 

• Cabinet of Ministers adopts regulations on allowances for refugees in Latvia
• Experts on manifestation of anti-Semitism in Latvia
• Newspapers continue to comment on the inclusion of the loyalty criteria in the Citizenship Law
• Protest action against the minority education reform will be held tomorrow
• FF/LNIM protests against the decision not to provide additional funding for the State Language Centre next year
• Latvian Lithuanian Forum ‘The Union Days of Balts will be held on the weekend

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers adopted regulations ‘On Allowances for a Refugee and a Person Who Has Been Granted an Alternative Status.’ The regulations provide those persons who have been granted the satus of a refugee or the alternative status will receive the allowance in the amount of minimal salary in Latvia, which is LVL 80 (EUR 114) this year, to cover their living expenses. Besides, refugees who have reached the age of 7, may apply for the allowance in the amount of up to LVL 35 (EUR 50) to cover fees of Latvian language courses.

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers adopted regulations ‘On Allowances for a Refugee and a Person Who Has Been Granted an Alternative Status. The regulations provide those persons who have been granted the satus of a refugee or the alternative status will receive the allowance in the amount of minimal salary in Latvia, which is LVL 80 (EUR 114) this year, to cover their living expenses. Besides, refugees who have reached the age of 7, may apply for the allowance in the amount of up to LVL 35 (EUR 50) to cover fees of Latvian language courses.
The newspaper also reports that Latvian Border Guard will spend EUR 1,067,116 to train its staff in foreign languages. Vesti Segodnya

Diena asks a number of experts whether anti-Semitism is a topical issue in Latvia. Historian Aivars Stranga states that there is anti-Semitism in Latvia and it is well observable in commentaries on the Internet portal Delfi. However, he argues that it does not exist at a state level, but in minds of individual people. The Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnis Studies Ilze Brands Kehre says that in Latvia anti-Semitism is not a systematic or mass issue. She agrees with the statements of Aivars Stranga that in Latvia anti-Semitism is an issue of certain individuals. The Director notes that Latvian legislation lacks norms, which provide that denial or trivialisation of the Holocaust is a criminal offence. The Chair of the Rigas Jewish Community Arkadijs Suharenko also agrees that in Latvia anti-Semitism is not observable at a state level but in statements of some individuals.

Newspapers continue to comment on the inclusion of the loyalty criteria in the Citizenship Law. All newspapers express criticism about the lack of definition of the term and a possibility to interpret it very broadly.

Newspapers continue to comment on the inclusion of the loyalty criteria in the Citizenship Law. All newspapers express criticism about the lack of definition of the term and a possibility to interpret it very broadly. Diena, Neatkariga, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnya reports that the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools in Latvia will hold a protest action against the minority education reform tomorrow. The protest action is organised as a concert with participation of rock and pop bands as the Headquarters want to attract young people.

The union FF/LNIM protests against the government’s decision not to provide additional funding for the State Language Centre from the next year’s state budget. FF/LNIM argue that with the planned funding it is not possible to ensure effective implementation of the tasks of the State Language Centre.

The union FF/LNIM protests against the governments decision not to provide additional funding for the State Language Centre from the next years state budget. FF/LNIM argue that with the planned funding it is not possible to ensure effective implementation of the tasks of the State Language Centre. Latvijas Avize

Latvian Lithuanian forum ‘The Union Day of Balts’ will be held in Vilnius on 22 September.

Latvian Lithuanian forum ‘The Union Day of Balts will be held in Vilnius on 22 September. Diena features an article about one of forums participants - composer and musician Valdis Muktupavels. The main issues on the forums agenda will be strengthening of co-operation between the two nations in the fields of economic, culture and education. Latvijas Avize

• Discussions on the loyalty criteria continue
• President of Israel Moshe Katsav about anti-Semitism in Europe and Latvia
• Security Police look into activities of the Russian Community in Liepaja
• Graduates of pre-war Russian schools held their traditional meeting

The daily

The daily Diena comments on the draft amendments to the Citizenship Law adopted by the Committee of the Cabinet of Ministers providing the introduction of the loyalty criteria for naturalisation applicants. The Head of International Law Department of University of Latvia Kristine Kruma argues that there is no grounds to introduce such criteria, as staff of the Naturalisation Board already control that Latvian citizenship is not granted to people who have acted against national interests. Kristine Kruma also refers to the European Convention on Nationality of the Council of Europe, which provides that decisions on refusal on the grant of citizenship should contain reasons in writing and they should open to an administrative or judicial review. Although Latvia has not ratified the Convention, country may not adopt a law, which contradicts international norms.
While the Russian language daily Telegraf provides comments of MEP Tatyana Zdanoka and professor of the University of Latvia Abrams Kleckins. Tatjana Zdanoka highlights that there is no single interpretation of the term ‘loyalty. She adds that any opposition may be interpreted as non-loyalty now. Abrams Kleckins adds that there is no definition of loyalty and the adoption of such amendments would only lead to court cases.

As reported the President of Israel Moshe Katsav is on the official visit to Latvia. In his yesterday’s press conference when asked about anti-Semitism in Europe and Latvia President Moshe Katsav stated that the number of manifestations of anti-Semitism in Europe is growing, however, Latvia implements all measures to combat anti-Semitism. According to the Israeli President manifestations of anti-Semitism are marginal in Latvian society.

As reported the President of Israel Moshe Katsav is on the official visit to Latvia. In his yesterdays press conference when asked about anti-Semitism in Europe and Latvia President Moshe Katsav stated that the number of manifestations of anti-Semitism in Europe is growing, however, Latvia implements all measures to combat anti-Semitism. According to the Israeli President manifestations of anti-Semitism are marginal in Latvian society. Latvijas Vestnesis, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Chas reports that the Security Police have showed their interest about activities of the Russian Community in Liepaja. According to the newspaper the Police received an application, which accused the Russian Community in the genocide. The complainants were unsatisfied that the Russian Community provides 5% discount to its members in a number of shops and cafes. According to unofficial sources the complaint was submitted by the national radical organisation the National Union of Forces.

Yesterday graduates of pre-war (World War II) Russian schools held their traditional meeting. Participants of the meeting assured that Russian schools managed to survive through various regimes and will manage to survive today as well.

Yesterday graduates of pre-war (World War II) Russian schools held their traditional meeting. Participants of the meeting assured that Russian schools managed to survive through various regimes and will manage to survive today as well. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

• Committee of the Cabinet Minister supports draft amendments which provide inclusion of the loyalty criteria in the Citizenship Law
• Riga City Council does not issue permission to the Russian National Union to organise the ‘March of Resistance
• Political scientist Zanete Ozolina: state should provide a possibility for non-citizens to express their views at municipal level
• Vesti Segodnya comments on the human right report 2004 published by the LCHRES
• Latvias Way and Latvian First Party may join for the next Saeimas elections
• Israeli President is on the official visit to Latvia
• Latvian President becomes a patroness of the International Forum on the Holocaust

Yesterday the Committee of the Cabinet of Ministers supported draft amendments to the Citizenship Law, which provide the inclusion of the loyalty criteria in naturalisation procedure. Loyalty of a naturalisation applicant will be evaluated by the Naturalisation Board staff, however, if their decision is not clear, the government would take the final decision. The draft amendments do not provide what is loyalty. The Minister of Justice Solvita Aboltina states that ‘there is no common evaluation criteria of one’s loyalty, each applicant should be evaluated on individual basis.’ The Latvian National Human Rights Office states that ‘the introduction of the loyalty criteria brings in subjectivity in the Law and provides the ruling parties with a possibility to take tendentious decisions. The Saeima left-wing opposition parties voted against the introduction of the loyalty criteria in the Law.

Yesterday the Committee of the Cabinet of Ministers supported draft amendments to the Citizenship Law, which provide the inclusion of the loyalty criteria in naturalisation procedure. Loyalty of a naturalisation applicant will be evaluated by the Naturalisation Board staff, however, if their decision is not clear, the government would take the final decision. The draft amendments do not provide what is loyalty. The Minister of Justice Solvita Aboltina states that ‘there is no common evaluation criteria of ones loyalty, each applicant should be evaluated on individual basis. The Latvian National Human Rights Office states that ‘the introduction of the loyalty criteria brings in subjectivity in the Law and provides the ruling parties with a possibility to take tendentious decisions. The Saeima left-wing opposition parties voted against the introduction of the loyalty criteria in the Law. Latvijas Avize, NRA, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

The Committee of the Riga Council has not issued confirmation to the application submitted by the Russian National Union Rodina. The Union wanted to hold ‘The March of Resistance’ and demand granting the status of a Latvian citizen to all non-citizens in Latvia and the status of the official language to Russian. The spokesperson of the Riga City Council says that according to the information at the disposal of police the applicant of the march Eduards Goncharevs has been imposed administrative fines for several times and according to the Law on Meetings, Marches and Pickets such persons may not file an application to organise such events.

The Committee of the Riga Council has not issued confirmation to the application submitted by the Russian National Union Rodina. The Union wanted to hold ‘The March of Resistance and demand granting the status of a Latvian citizen to all non-citizens in Latvia and the status of the official language to Russian. The spokesperson of the Riga City Council says that according to the information at the disposal of police the applicant of the march Eduards Goncharevs has been imposed administrative fines for several times and according to the Law on Meetings, Marches and Pickets such persons may not file an application to organise such events. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Newspapers report that yesterday the study ‘Democracy Audit,’ which evaluates the level of democracy in a number of areas in Latvia was presented to the international community in Latvia. The study was conducted under auspices of the Strategic Analysis Committee established by the President. The Chair of the Committee Zanete Ozolina admits that Latvian legislation is in line with democratic values, however, more efforts should be made to implement and observe these norms in practice. She refers to the Citizenship Law and argues that the Law is ‘absolutely democratic… however, there are thousands of non-citizens in Latvia. The state is not democratic, if she does not talk to these people… They should be given a possibility to express their views at municipal level.’

Newspapers report that yesterday the study ‘Democracy Audit, which evaluates the level of democracy in a number of areas in Latvia was presented to the international community in Latvia. The study was conducted under auspices of the Strategic Analysis Committee established by the President. The Chair of the Committee Zanete Ozolina admits that Latvian legislation is in line with democratic values, however, more efforts should be made to implement and observe these norms in practice. She refers to the Citizenship Law and argues that the Law is ‘absolutely democratic… however, there are thousands of non-citizens in Latvia. The state is not democratic, if she does not talk to these people… They should be given a possibility to express their views at municipal level. Chas, Telegraf, Latvijas Avize

Vesti Segodnya comments on the human rights report of 2004 developed by the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies. The author of the article believes that in several places the report provides tendentious information about left-wing parties and Russian organisations.

Diena reports that the party Latvias Way (ruling party of former parliaments) and the Latvian First Party may run for the next Saeima elections together. The leader of Latvias Way Andris Berzins, former prime minister, states that the final decision has not been taken either by Latvias Way or the Latvian First Party, however, according to Andris Berzins, both parties have similar views on economic, national and ethnic integration issues. Stances of the parties differ on the issues concerning conservative Christian values, however, as admits one of the leaders of the Latvian First Party Juris Lujans ‘parties have more in common that dividing. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

The President of Israel Moshe Katsav is on the official visit to Latvia. During the meeting with the Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga the importance of learning about the Holocaust was discussed, while during meetings with representatives of the Jewish community in Latvia issues, such as heritage of the Jewish culture and history, were discussed.

The President of Israel Moshe Katsav is on the official visit to Latvia. During the meeting with the Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga the importance of learning about the Holocaust was discussed, while during meetings with representatives of the Jewish community in Latvia issues, such as heritage of the Jewish culture and history, were discussed. Telegraf reports that one of the main points on the Israeli Presidents agenda is the fight against anti-Semitism. Chas, Telegraf

The Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga accepted the invitation of the International Forum on the Holocaust to become its patroness. The Latvian President believes that the invitation is acknowledgment of Latvia’s contribution in dealing with the Holocaust.

The Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga accepted the invitation of the International Forum on the Holocaust to become its patroness. The Latvian President believes that the invitation is acknowledgment of Latvias contribution in dealing with the Holocaust. Diena