• FHRUL suggests amendments to the Citizenship Law
• Constitutional Court doubts authenticity of letters calling to recognise the education reform illegitimate
• Eizenija Aldermane: Latgale region needs a state supported Latvian language training programme
• Neatkariga Rita Avize writes about the pre-election campaign of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia
• Interview with the representative of the Latvias First Party Irina Vinnika
• Diena prints an article about the life and culture of minorities in Riga a century ago

The union For Human Rights in the United Latvia submitted to Saeima amendments to the Citizenship Law. The proposed amendments stipulate that persons who have completed elementary or general secondary education at state or municipal educational institutions after 1 September 1999 may acquire Latvian citizenship through registration. The amendments also stipulate that Latvian citizenship may be granted to persons who have completed elementary or general secondary education at private educational institutions, which provide at least a half of all classes, including foreign languages, in the state language.

The union For Human Rights in the United Latvia submitted to Saeima amendments to the Citizenship Law. The proposed amendments stipulate that persons who have completed elementary or general secondary education at state or municipal educational institutions after 1 September 1999 may acquire Latvian citizenship through registration. The amendments also stipulate that Latvian citizenship may be granted to persons who have completed elementary or general secondary education at private educational institutions, which provide at least a half of all classes, including foreign languages, in the state language. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Representatives of the Constitutional Court question authenticity of 34 out of 1116 individual letters, submitted to the Constitutional Court of Latvia by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools. The Headquarters organised an action in the framework of which it called people to sign already written letters in the support for the claim of 20 left wing politicians to Constitutional Court, calling to recognise the minority education reform illegitimate. The Constitutional Court reports that according to the regulations the Court has to provide an official reply to all applications, however, the Court was not able to respond to 32 applicants because the addresses indicated in these applications do not exist. While 2 applicants claimed that they have nothing to do with these letters.  The Constitutional Court considers a possibility to apply to the Prosecutor’s General Office to examine authenticity of the letters if more persons announce that they have nothing to do with the letters.

Representatives of the Constitutional Court question authenticity of 34 out of 1116 individual letters, submitted to the Constitutional Court of Latvia by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools. The Headquarters organised an action in the framework of which it called people to sign already written letters in the support for the claim of 20 left wing politicians to Constitutional Court, calling to recognise the minority education reform illegitimate. The Constitutional Court reports that according to the regulations the Court has to provide an official reply to all applications, however, the Court was not able to respond to 32 applicants because the addresses indicated in these applications do not exist. While 2 applicants claimed that they have nothing to do with these letters. The Constitutional Court considers a possibility to apply to the Prosecutors General Office to examine authenticity of the letters if more persons announce that they have nothing to do with the letters. Diena, Vesti Segodnya

The Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane announced that ‘Latgale region (the eastern part of Latvia) needs a specific state supported Latvian language training programme.’ Since the regain of independence, the state has allotted more than LVL 1,000,000 (EUR 1,431,844) for Latvian language training for the residents of Daugavpils, the biggest city in the region and the second biggest city in Latvia, where the number of minorities constitutes more than 80% of the total population.

The Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane announced that ‘Latgale region (the eastern part of Latvia) needs a specific state supported Latvian language training programme. Since the regain of independence, the state has allotted more than LVL 1,000,000 (EUR 1,431,844) for Latvian language training for the residents of Daugavpils, the biggest city in the region and the second biggest city in Latvia, where the number of minorities constitutes more than 80% of the total population. Neatkariga Rita Avize

Neatkariga Rita Avize writes about the pre-election campaign of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia. According to the newspaper, the union keeps manipulating with minority problems, such as the minority education reform. In its programme the party promises to implement such curriculum, which would provide that the main language of instruction is students native language. The newspaper notes that this issue is beyond municipalitys competence.

Chas prints an interview with the representative of the Latvias First Party Irina Vinnik running for the municipal elections in Riga. Irina Vinnik promises to establish a particular department on minority issues under the Riga City Council.

Diena prints an article about the life and culture of minorities in Riga a century ago by Dr.phil. historian Kristine Volfarte, author of the book ‘Everybody Had Their Own Riga. Multinational Portray of the City from 1857 - 1914. She writes about the residential and other traditions of minorities living in Riga in the beginning of the 20th century. She notes that at that time various ethnic groups lived rather isolated and there were no closer relations among them. The historian concludes that the brief insight in the lives of people living in Riga at the beginning of the last century may create interest and wish to understand todays diverse residents of Riga.

• Amendments to the Immigration Law will exempt foreigners who have severe hearing and speaking disabilities from the language examination
• Two Riga Mayor candidates – Janis Jurkans and Juris Lujans - discuss some integration issues
• Janis Lagzdins, member of the Riga City Council, about the aims of the Peoples Party
• Political scientist Karlis Dauksts argues that Latvia is not an ethnocratic state
• Historian comments on the interpretation of the Soviet times in Latvia

According to the new amendments to the Immigration Law adopted by Saeima in the second reading, the government has to determine those categories of foreigners who will be issued permanent residence permits and exempted from state language examinations. According to the new amendments only those persons who are not able to take the examination because they have total or partly speech disability or they are deaf will be exempted from the language examination.

According to the new amendments to the Immigration Law adopted by Saeima in the second reading, the government has to determine those categories of foreigners who will be issued permanent residence permits and exempted from state language examinations. According to the new amendments only those persons who are not able to take the examination because they have total or partly speech disability or they are deaf will be exempted from the language examination.

Saeima also supported the proposal of Aleksandrs Kirsteins (the People’s Party), who suggested introduction of an integration declaration:  foreigners, who want to receive residence permits in Latvia, will have to submit an integration declaration. In this declaration a person promises to pass state language examination and respect Latvia’s laws, traditions and culture.

Saeima also supported the proposal of Aleksandrs Kirsteins (the Peoples Party), who suggested introduction of an integration declaration: foreigners, who want to receive residence permits in Latvia, will have to submit an integration declaration. In this declaration a person promises to pass state language examination and respect Latvias laws, traditions and culture. Latvijas Avize

Rigas Balss holds a discussion of two candidates running for the post of Riga City Councils Mayor – Janis Jurkans (the Peoples Harmony Party) and Juris Lujans (the Latvian First Party). Janis Jurkans notes that the Latvian First Party talks about harmony in society only in the Russian version of the partys pre-election programme and reproaches the party for not supporting minority issues, such as non-citizenship and education reform, in the Saeima. Juris Lujans replies that the Latvian First Party believes that non-citizens should not be granted the right to participate in municipal elections, because ‘it is too late and would only aggravate hatred and aggression. However, he believes that requirements for the acquisition of Latvian citizenship should be made easier.

Latvijas Avize talks to member of the Riga City Council Janis Lagzdins (the Peoples Party). He states that the key task of his party in the municipal elections in Riga is to consolidate the right-wing parties and acquire control in the Council. He argues that due to the policies and activities implemented by left-wing parties in Riga for last 4 years it is very difficult to get a place in Latvian kindergartens, thus parents are forced to send their children to Russian ones. Further he states that Latvian language skills of non-Latvians are gradually improving and the number of Ukrainian, Russian and Belorussian children who study in Latvian is increasing. However, he notes that there are about 6,000 Latvian children who attend Russian schools and adds that ‘municipalities should work with their parents and persuade them to send their children to Latvian schools. Janis Lagzdins admits that more and more Latvians support left-wing parties. In the further discussion the newspaper reproaches the Latvian First Party for addressing also the Russian electorate and provides Lujans (Mayors candidate from the Latvian First Party) quote who has said that ‘he [Lujans] would not go only with Muslims, but with Christians, whatever kind, he will be together.

Chas talks to political scientist Karlis Dauksts. He disagrees with the journalists statement that Latvia develops as an ethnocratic state. He states that the Russian language has its secure place in Latvia and it is proved by a number of Russian-language newspapers printed in the country, which, according to Karlis Dauksts, would not be possible in an ethnocratic country. However, he admits that at the beginning of the 90-ies and also now there are attempts to form an ethnocratic country, however, it will be never realised in Latvia.

Chas prints an interview with Dr.hist. Tatyana Feigmane about interpretation of history of Latvia and the USSR in the time period 1940-1990. She argues that Latvia experienced incorporation and Sovetisation and not occupation and Russification. The historian states that under the USSR the Russian culture had suffered even more than any other culture and it was not the Russian but the Soviet culture which ruled in the territory of the USSR. Tatyana Feigmane is convinced that Russians are a traditional national minority in Latvia.

• FHRUL and Russian pupils will visit the European Parliament to talk about the minority education reform
• Interview with MP Vaira Paegle (Peoples Party)
• Chas: book about Riga published in Russian contains many language mistakes and controversial statements as well
• Russia calls theOSCE to intervene in the implementation of the minority education reform in Latvia

Next week representatives of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia and a number of Russian pupils will repeatedly visit the European Parliament in order to draw attention of its members to the issues concerning the implementation of the minority education reform in Latvia.

Next week representatives of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia and a number of Russian pupils will repeatedly visit the European Parliament in order to draw attention of its members to the issues concerning the implementation of the minority education reform in Latvia. Diena, Telegraf

Latvijas Avize interviews MP Vaira Paegle (Peoples Party). Regarding Russian Latvian relations, the MP states that Russia intervenes in political situations of its neighbour countries and tries to destabilise the situation there. When asked what the government and the Peoples Party do so that Riga remains Latvian after the municipal elections, Vaira Paegle argues that it depends on the ability of right-wing parties to consolidate their efforts before the municipal elections.

The Russian-language newspaper

The Russian-language newspaper Chas comments on the recently published book ‘Riga in the Russian language. The newspaper criticises the book as it contains controversial statements regarding Soviet times and people, as well as there are many language mistakes. Chas

Vesti Segodnya reports that Russia demands the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe to intervene in the implementation of the minority education reform in Latvia.

• Cabinet of Ministers adopts regulations on the usage of foreign languages in information for public
• Minorities will be informed on possibilities to participate in decision-making processes in the Russian language
• PR expert comments on parties pre-election programmes
• Russian Ambassador visits another Latvian city – Jelgava
• Interview with member of the Peoples Harmony Party about partys goals and electorate

According to new amendments adopted yesterday by the Cabinet of Ministers to the regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers On the Usage of Languages in Information, in specific cases foreign languages may be used along the state language in public information. Foreign languages in public information may be used if this information concerns international tourism, international events, if this information is provided due to security concerns, in cases of epidemics, diseases and in prisons if information concerns rights or obligations of inmates of foreign origin. The only restriction is that the text in foreign languages may not be bigger than a text in Latvian. The Russian-language press stress that the amendments were adopted under the pressure of the European Union.

According to new amendments adopted yesterday by the Cabinet of Ministers to the regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers On the Usage of Languages in Information, in specific cases foreign languages may be used along the state language in public information. Foreign languages in public information may be used if this information concerns international tourism, international events, if this information is provided due to security concerns, in cases of epidemics, diseases and in prisons if information concerns rights or obligations of inmates of foreign origin. The only restriction is that the text in foreign languages may not be bigger than a text in Latvian. The Russian-language press stress that the amendments were adopted under the pressure of the European Union. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Telegraf

Chas reports that as of now the web page of the Cabinet of Ministers www.mk.gov.lv will provide information on possibilities to take part in decision-making processesin the Russian language. The aim of this action is to increase involvement of minorities in states decision-making processes. Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segednya talks to PR expert Vsevolods Kacans about the forthcoming municipal elections and parties pre-election programs. Vsevolods Kacans agrees with the journalist that in these municipal elections all parties, including the ones, which are considered nationalistic, try to address the Russian electorate. He argues that ‘the demand for nationalistic ideas among Latvians is decreasing, while the Russian electorate is getting bigger and bigger. However, this group [Russians] has specific interests, therefore parties have to change their programs and pre-election campaigns.

The Russian Ambassador to Latvia Viktor Kaluznij visited Jelgava. The Ambassador met representatives of Jelgava’s municipality and visited a school, which provides bilingual education. In his meeting with students and teachers the Ambassador admitted that all residents should speak the state language, however, he expressed his incomprehension about the reduction of lessons in minority languages at primary school. The official of the Ministry of Education and Science Evija Papule comments that the number of lessons of native languages at primary school will be reduced at both Latvian and minority schools due to the inclusion of 3 extra subjects in the curriculum.

The Russian Ambassador to Latvia Viktor Kaluznij visited Jelgava. The Ambassador met representatives of Jelgavas municipality and visited a school, which provides bilingual education. In his meeting with students and teachers the Ambassador admitted that all residents should speak the state language, however, he expressed his incomprehension about the reduction of lessons in minority languages at primary school. The official of the Ministry of Education and Science Evija Papule comments that the number of lessons of native languages at primary school will be reduced at both Latvian and minority schools due to the inclusion of 3 extra subjects in the curriculum. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Chas talks to a candidate from the list of the Peoples Harmony Party writer Vladlens Dozorcevs. He states that the key issue for the party is mass non-citizenship issue in the country. When asked to describe partys electorate, he says that it is composed of people who are ‘fed up with national radicals of any party and that many of them come from mixed families or have acquired Latvian citizenship recently. He also notes that there are many Latvians among the members of the party.

 

 

• Committee of the Cabinet of Ministers approves the main principles of the Latvian language policy for 2005-2014
• Education officials cannot make any comments on the effect of the minority education reform on the level of academic success of students yet
• Teachers from Russian schools talk about the minority education reform

Yesterday the Committee of the Cabinet of Ministers approved the main principles of the Latvian language policy for 2005-2014. The document includes provision of Latvian language training for members of minorities.

Yesterday the Committee of the Cabinet of Ministers approved the main principles of the Latvian language policy for 2005-2014. The document includes provision of Latvian language training for members of minorities. Telegraf comments that although the document provides state funding for this purpose, in 2004 the state allotted only LVL 341,000 (EUR 488,256) for teachers training, examinations of state language, etc. Telegraf

In the response to the statements of the former education minister Juris Radzevics (Latvian First Party) that the level of academic success of minority students has dropped,

In the response to the statements of the former education minister Juris Radzevics (Latvian First Party) that the level of academic success of minority students has dropped, Latvijas Avize inquires the Head of the Curriculum and Examination Centre Maris Krastins about the level of academic success of students of minority secondary schools. Maris Krastins states that according to data at the disposal of the Centre the level of academic success has neither worsened nor got better. He notes that more accurate conclusions can be drawn regarding the level of academic success in specific subjects but not regarding the whole process. While politicians argue that the Radzevics statements are ‘flirting with the Russian electorate, because they [Latvian First Party] expect their support at the forthcoming municipal elections.

Latvijas Avize talks to several teachers from Russian schools about the minority education reform. Teachers state that many of students involved in the protest actions are not aware of actual goals of the reform, and a number of them protest not against the reform, but independent Latvia in general. Teachers agree that the Russian-language media plays an important role in providing a one-sided reflection of the education reform.