• Chas prints an article on ethnic Russians in Latvia by historian Viktors Guscins

Chas prints an article by historian Viktors Guscins on ethnic Russians in Latvia. Mr. Guscins argues that Russians in Latvia are neither diaspora, nor post-colonial minority, because they resided in the country historically. The author believes that because of historical links to the country and the size of their community, ethnic Russians of Latvia could be considered not only as a national minority, but also as one of the state-founding communities of Latvia alongside ethnic Latvians and Latgalians.

 

• MP Vladimirs Buzajevs (FHRUL): solution of problem of mass scale non-citizenship in Latvia is hindered by Russophobia

Vesti Segodnya prints an interview with the MP, author of a book Non-citizens in Latvia Vladimirs Buzajevs (FHRUL). Mr. Buzaevs considers that solution of problem of mass scale non-citizenship in Latvia is hindered by Russophobia. Vladimirs Buzajevs also considers that naturalisation examination is complicated and people without higher education have difficulty passing it.

• Riga Regional Court has delayed a criminal case of a 23-year-old woman charged with incitement to ethnic hatred

Yesterday, the Riga Regional Court has delayed to 24 January a criminal case of a 23-year-old woman charged with incitement to ethnic hatred. As reported, the woman has placed insulting statement towards Latvia, ethnic Latvians and Latvian Waffen SS legionnaires on an internet forum. The woman has admitted the guilt and submitted an application with appeal to conclude an agreement with the Prosecutor about the punishment. Chas, Latvijas Avize

• MPs Jakovs Pliners and Valerijs Buhvalovs advise Russian parents to put their children in the Russian language schools
• State Language Centre has prepared new extended list which determines level of state language proficiency required for more than 200 posts and professions

Chas prints an article by the MPs Jakovs Pliners and Valerijs Buhvalovs in which they advise Russian parents to put their children in the Russian language schools. The MPs argue that only Russian language schools will help to preserve Russian identity and culture.

Vesti Segodnya reports that the State Language Centre has prepared new extended list which determines level of state language proficiency required for more than 200 posts and professions for employees of state and municipal institutions as well as of private sector. The new list includes such occupations as guards, sanitary technicians, electricians, jewellers, dentists, chambermaids, couriers, etc.

• Vesti Segodnya reports on a case of Anatolijs Zuravlovs who might be deprived of Latvian citizenship
• Telegraf reports on a festivity Days of Russian Culture and Education in Latvia
• Diena prints an article on importance of integration policy by the head of the Secretariat of the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Inga Liepa

Vesti Segodnya reports on a case of Anatolijs Zuravlovs who might be deprived of Latvian citizenship which was granted to him in 2000. According to the newspaper, Mr. Zuravlovs was granted Latvian citizenship on the basis that his step-father was ethnic Latvian. The fact that Mr. Zuravlevs was adopted by his stepfather was confirmed by a court decision in Russia. However, the Naturalisation Board has submitted a claim in the Jelgava Regional Court to strip Latvian citizenship from Anatolijs Zuravlevs. Today, the Riga Regional Court will review an appeal of Mr. Zuravlovs to recognize the decision of Russias court.

Telegraf reports on a festivity Days of Russian Culture and Education in Latvia held by the Latvian Association for Support of Russian Language Schools. The festivity was launched on 15 December and will finish on 26 January. Various concerts, exhibitions and presentation are held in the framework of the festivity throughout the country.

Diena prints an article by the head of the Secretariat of the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration (IUMSILS in its Latvian acronym) Inga Liepa on importance of integration policy. According to the article, state which does not take care about establishment of inclusive society risks to face serious clashes based on ethnic, religious or other grounds. Inga Liepa believes that implementation of effective integration policy depends on long-term ideological and strategic vision, high-quality policy planning, and corresponding capacity. Inga Liepa considers that instead of liquidation of the IUMSILS for the sake of saving state funds, institutions with corresponding competence could be merged in one system reconsidering their functions and number.