LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

Foreign ministers of the Baltic States and Germany will hold a regular meeting in Riga today; LETA was informed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs press center. German Foreign Minister Joscha Fischer, Estonian Foreign Minister Kristiina Ojulande, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Antanas Valionis, as well as Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins will participate at the meeting. The ministers plan to discuss issues pertaining to security, including NATO expansion, integration into the European Union, the future of Europe, as well as regional co-operation and relations with the neighboring states.

Foreign ministers of the Baltic States and Germany will hold a regular meeting in Riga today; LETA was informed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs press center. German Foreign Minister Joscha Fischer, Estonian Foreign Minister Kristiina Ojulande, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Antanas Valionis, as well as Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins will participate at the meeting. The ministers plan to discuss issues pertaining to security, including NATO expansion, integration into the European Union, the future of Europe, as well as regional co-operation and relations with the neighboring states. LETA

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga on Friday met with the U.S. President George W. Bush during the reception for heads of foreign states before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, LETA was informed by president's press secretary Aiva Rozenberga. During the meeting, Bush confirmed the unchanging attitude of the U.S. regarding the co-operation between the two states and NATO expansion, noting that all the principles that were discussed during the previous meeting with Vike-Freiberga in April of last year are still in force. The U.S. support Latvia's integration in united and free Europe, and the rights of the candidate states to join NATO on the basis of each state's individual achievements. Bush stressed that no country outside NATO has veto rights in the expansion issue.

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga on Friday met with the U.S. President George W. Bush during the reception for heads of foreign states before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, LETA was informed by president's press secretary Aiva Rozenberga. During the meeting, Bush confirmed the unchanging attitude of the U.S. regarding the co-operation between the two states and NATO expansion, noting that all the principles that were discussed during the previous meeting with Vike-Freiberga in April of last year are still in force. The U.S. support Latvia's integration in united and free Europe, and the rights of the candidate states to join NATO on the basis of each state's individual achievements. Bush stressed that no country outside NATO has veto rights in the expansion issue. LETA, Telegraf, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Russian President Vladimir Putin stands for fundamentally changing relations between Russia and NATO, he said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. "Today we do not think that NATO is a hostile organization to us, to Russia. But in order to become a universal international security organization, NATO should change its quality of relations with Russia, and we are ready for that," he said Putin said Russia is not planning full-scale membership in the North Atlantic alliance. "But there is a whole group of questions on which we could work together very effectively with NATO countries, including the United States," he said. At the moment Putin regards counter-productive NATO enlargement to the east, namely through the admission of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. In his opinion, in these conditions Russians will feel less secure "because the infrastructure of the military alliance is approaching our borders." BNS

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins and Estonian Foreign Minister Kristiina Ojuland met Monday in Riga and discussed bilateral co-operation, EU integration and NATO enlargement, and relations with other countries, reported the Latvian Foreign Ministry. Berzins and Ojuland also talked about relations with Russia and said they were ready for a pragmatic and constructive co-operation with the big eastern neighbor. As to integration into the EU, Latvian and Estonian ministers agreed the Baltic States should work on a common position concerning the European Commission proposals for the agriculture chapter.

BNS Latvia's SKDS sociological research center, the government's official pollster last year, has also posted the country's ex-central banker's recently founded party New Time at the top of the polls for January, but figures for some of the following parties differ form this year's official pollster Latvijas Fakti. SKDS results show that New Time (NT), has 15.7 percent support from the country's potential voters, followed by Latvian Way (LW) with 10.4 percent and the People's Party (PP) with 9.9 percent and left-wing For Human Rights in a United Latvia (FHRUL) with 9.4 percent, followed by the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDWP) with 9.1 percent in January. These results slightly differ from figures published for January by this year's official government pollster, Latvijas Fakti, which are at 17.3 percent for New Time (compared to 15.7 percent for SKDS), while this year's official government pollster also places LW in second place in terms of popularity in January, while third place was give to FHRUL rather than PP as stated by SKDS.

Latvia's SKDS sociological research center, the government's official pollster last year, has also posted the country's ex-central banker's recently founded party New Time at the top of the polls for January, but figures for some of the following parties differ form this year's official pollster Latvijas Fakti. SKDS results show that New Time (NT), has 15.7 percent support from the country's potential voters, followed by Latvian Way (LW) with 10.4 percent and the People's Party (PP) with 9.9 percent and left-wing For Human Rights in a United Latvia (FHRUL) with 9.4 percent, followed by the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDWP) with 9.1 percent in January. These results slightly differ from figures published for January by this year's official government pollster, Latvijas Fakti, which are at 17.3 percent for New Time (compared to 15.7 percent for SKDS), while this year's official government pollster also places LW in second place in terms of popularity in January, while third place was give to FHRUL rather than PP as stated by SKDS. BNS, Neatkariga

Russian-speaking newspaper

Russian-speaking newspaper Chas interviewed the Deputy Chief Editor of Latvian newspaper Neatkariga S.Tocs, whose opinion differs from the ruling one among Latvian speaking population. S.Tocs considers that Russian-speaking schools should not be closed, Russians in Latvia have to be more self-assured and not to allow politicians like J.Dobelis to limit their rights, at the next election Russian-speaking citizens mostly will vote for For Human Rights in United Latvia because they have nobody else to vote for and that Russians have to explain their demands to Latvians.

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

 So far no European Commission reports about Latvia have indicated the country's current election law could be an obstacle for accession of Latvia to the European Union but European Commission nevertheless hails amendments proposed to the legislation by Latvian president and supported by a number of officials. The opinion was expressed by European Commission delegation head in Latvia Andrew Rasbash in an interview to Lauku Avize rural newspaper published on Saturday. "So far nothing has been said in any of the annual European Commission reports about Latvia that the election law could be an obstacle on Latvia's path to the EU. The election law has not been cited either as condition or as criteria. For something like this to happen the EU should change its position but I have no grounds to think such a change is possible," said Rasbash. He voiced satisfaction over the good results showed by Latvia in talks with the EU as Latvia has closed 23 out of 29 chapters of the membership talks that have been opened for negotiations. But he said "after the talks are completed there will still be the ratification process".

So far no European Commission reports about Latvia have indicated the country's current election law could be an obstacle for accession of Latvia to the European Union but European Commission nevertheless hails amendments proposed to the legislation by Latvian president and supported by a number of officials. The opinion was expressed by European Commission delegation head in Latvia Andrew Rasbash in an interview to Lauku Avize rural newspaper published on Saturday. "So far nothing has been said in any of the annual European Commission reports about Latvia that the election law could be an obstacle on Latvia's path to the EU. The election law has not been cited either as condition or as criteria. For something like this to happen the EU should change its position but I have no grounds to think such a change is possible," said Rasbash. He voiced satisfaction over the good results showed by Latvia in talks with the EU as Latvia has closed 23 out of 29 chapters of the membership talks that have been opened for negotiations. But he said "after the talks are completed there will still be the ratification process". BNS

Ruling coalition parties have expressed a possibility that strengthening of the status of the state language could be done by amending the Satversme. They came to this position after the second meeting of coalition party chairmen and faction leaders. So far there have been made only some proposals and no concrete decision has been taken.

Ruling coalition parties have expressed a possibility that strengthening of the status of the state language could be done by amending the Satversme. They came to this position after the second meeting of coalition party chairmen and faction leaders. So far there have been made only some proposals and no concrete decision has been taken. Diena

After the scandal with Naturalization Board officials, the head of the Board E.Aldermane thinks that Latvian citizenship should be annulled not only in the cases when an applicant provided false information but also when it was received illegally. Then it would be possible to annul citizenship for those who have received it with the help of the six detained persons. At the same time E.Aldermane admitted that before election politicians would not be ready to open the citizenship law foe amending. Meanwhile the Naturalization Board addressed the Ministry of Justice with a request to stop approving the last list of persons to be naturalized until a special commission would test if the applicants have passed the tests legally.

After the scandal with Naturalization Board officials, the head of the Board E.Aldermane thinks that Latvian citizenship should be annulled not only in the cases when an applicant provided false information but also when it was received illegally. Then it would be possible to annul citizenship for those who have received it with the help of the six detained persons. At the same time E.Aldermane admitted that before election politicians would not be ready to open the citizenship law foe amending. Meanwhile the Naturalization Board addressed the Ministry of Justice with a request to stop approving the last list of persons to be naturalized until a special commission would test if the applicants have passed the tests legally. Diena, Vesti Segodnya

Latvia's Social Democratic Welfare Party Feb. 11 will begin a signatures collecting campaign to propose the parliament consider a draft law envisaging to hold referendum on accession to the European Union and NATO on the day when the next general elections are held, party chairman Jurijs Zuravlovs told reporters.

Latvia's Social Democratic Welfare Party Feb. 11 will begin a signatures collecting campaign to propose the parliament consider a draft law envisaging to hold referendum on accession to the European Union and NATO on the day when the next general elections are held, party chairman Jurijs Zuravlovs told reporters. BNS

Journal

Journal Karyera organized a meeting with Russian Ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov. Answering to the questions of the present 500 people the Ambassador said that Russia was a new, different country now and had become predictable. The Ambassador characterized Latvian – Russian relations low intensity ones. Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Yesterday the Saeima Commission on citizenship Law Implementation held an extraordinary meeting to which were invited the Minister of Justice I.Labucka and Head of the Naturalization Board E.Aldermane. Commission members accused Ms.Aldermane that he had always showed the work of the Board in positive light. FF/LNNK members stated that E.Aldermane had always been too loyal to non-citizens. Deputy Director of the Satversme Security Office U.Dzenitis pointed out Latvian citizenship, received in this illegal way, permits its holders to travel to many European states. It means that Latvia could become an attractive transit state for terrorists.

Yesterday the Saeima Commission on citizenship Law Implementation held an extraordinary meeting to which were invited the Minister of Justice I.Labucka and Head of the Naturalization Board E.Aldermane. Commission members accused Ms.Aldermane that he had always showed the work of the Board in positive light. FF/LNNK members stated that E.Aldermane had always been too loyal to non-citizens. Deputy Director of the Satversme Security Office U.Dzenitis pointed out Latvian citizenship, received in this illegal way, permits its holders to travel to many European states. It means that Latvia could become an attractive transit state for terrorists. Vechernyaya Riga

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

After arresting two NA employees and four others, the Constitutional Protection Bureau (CPB) said that it has no cause to believe that any more corrupt officials are working at the NB. Still, Saeima deputies are preparing to call for an investigation into operations at the NB. Naturalization Board head Eizenija Aldermane supports a financial inspection as “only then will we be able to remove the veil of suspicion here.” CPB assistant director Uldis Dzenitis reported that on charges of granting citizenship illegally, the detained are two current and one former NB employee, a border guard and two non-officials. The border guard had allowed a wanted man leave Latvia,

After arresting two NA employees and four others, the Constitutional Protection Bureau (CPB) said that it has no cause to believe that any more corrupt officials are working at the NB. Still, Saeima deputies are preparing to call for an investigation into operations at the NB. Naturalization Board head Eizenija Aldermane supports a financial inspection as only then will we be able to remove the veil of suspicion here. CPB assistant director Uldis Dzenitis reported that on charges of granting citizenship illegally, the detained are two current and one former NB employee, a border guard and two non-officials. The border guard had allowed a wanted man leave Latvia, Neatkarîgâ reports. Those detained had supposedly organized the scheme and the others were accomplices, but Dzenitis declined to delve into their specific roles. The applicants were to go through all of the usual formalities but for USD 1,500, they were guaranteed no snags in receiving citizenship. No more than 100 people had received citizenship in this manner, and CPB says that it knows who most of them are. NRA points out that parliament deputies had expressed their dissatisfaction with Aldermanes work while TB/LNNK has requested Aldermane be temporarily released from her post during the investigation. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

Chas publishes the statement of Aldermane where she says “certain political forces can use this incident to compromise the naturalization process itsel.” The newspaper also comments that the incident let the Latvian authorities doubt naturalization as such.

Chas publishes the statement of Aldermane where she says certain political forces can use this incident to compromise the naturalization process itsel. The newspaper also comments that the incident let the Latvian authorities doubt naturalization as such.

Yesterday the Integration Fund had a press conference where it released information about the chosen areas for integration projects and the amounts of money allotted for the projects. Among the projects targeted to ethnic integration there are “Latvian language Courses for Persons Who Want to Naturalize,” “Support Program for NGOs’ Projects in the Sphere of Ethnic Integration,” “Means of Mass Media as Promoters of Society Integration” and others.

Yesterdaythe Integration Fund had a press conference where it released information about the chosen areas for integration projects and the amounts of money allotted for the projects. Among the projects targeted to ethnic integration there are Latvian language Courses for Persons Who Want to Naturalize, Support Program for NGOs Projects in the Sphere of Ethnic Integration, Means of Mass Media as Promoters of Society Integration and others. Latvijas Vestnesis

The Latvian parliament Feb. 7 upheld in the first reading amendments to the law on funding of political organizations. The bill proposed by Latvia's Way party from the ruling coalition suggests to form a pre-election fund separate from other money in the party treasury and to ban parties from taking loans. For greater transparency it is also proposed that parties should file financial reports on semi-annual basis. In addition, maximum amount that a party is allowed to receive from a single individual or corporate supporter may be reduced from current 25,000 lats to 10,000 lats.

The Latvian parliament Feb. 7 upheld in the first reading amendments to the law on funding of political organizations. The bill proposed by Latvia's Way party from the ruling coalition suggests to form a pre-election fund separate from other money in the party treasury and to ban parties from taking loans. For greater transparency it is also proposed that parties should file financial reports on semi-annual basis. In addition, maximum amount that a party is allowed to receive from a single individual or corporate supporter may be reduced from current 25,000 lats to 10,000 lats. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas

State Language Commission is going to establish 6 subcommittees, which will deal with specific areas. They are the following: legal, education, research and language development, international practice and computer linguistic committee.

State Language Commission is going to establish 6 subcommittees, which will deal with specific areas. They are the following: legal, education, research and language development, international practice and computer linguistic committee. Vesti Segodnja, Chas

Latvian Human Rights Committee Head Genady Kotov writes about the rights of national minorities to speak their languages. He concludes that in Latvia there are not so many positively stimulating measures to learn the state language and that the strict measures provided for by the Latvian legislation just cause reverse effect on people.

Latvian Human Rights Committee Head Genady Kotov writes about the rights of national minorities to speak their languages. He concludes that in Latvia there are not so many positively stimulating measures to learn the state language and that the strict measures provided for by the Latvian legislation just cause reverse effect on people. Vesti Segodnja

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell says the amendments to the Election Law important to Latvia’s entry into NATO. U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said during his meeting with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga in Washington on Tuesday that he supports the president’s initiative to amend the Election Law. He also commended Vike-Freiberga’s efforts to explain the complicated issue to Latvia’s people. Latvia's political will to amend the current Election Law is "a fundamentally important issue" in the context of Latvia joining NATO, as this would be a significant step towards integration and joining the values of the alliance. This was voiced by Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and the deputy assistant of the US Secretary of State Heather A. Conley at a joint video press conference from Washington DC on Wednesday. "If the Election Law is amended, it would more suit those values that are highly valued by NATO," said Conley, adding that Latvia's Membership Action Plan for NATO includes a very wide range of issues, including social spheres, and in this aspect public integration "is linked to NATO values." The US official promised that the US "will thoroughly follow the solution to this issue."

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell says the amendments to the Election Law important to Latvias entry into NATO. U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said during his meeting with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga in Washington on Tuesday that he supports the presidents initiative to amend the Election Law. He also commended Vike-Freibergas efforts to explain the complicated issue to Latvias people. Latvia's political will to amend the current Election Law is "a fundamentally important issue" in the context of Latvia joining NATO, as this would be a significant step towards integration and joining the values of the alliance. This was voiced by Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and the deputy assistant of the US Secretary of State Heather A. Conley at a joint video press conference from Washington DC on Wednesday. "If the Election Law is amended, it would more suit those values that are highly valued by NATO," said Conley, adding that Latvia's Membership Action Plan for NATO includes a very wide range of issues, including social spheres, and in this aspect public integration "is linked to NATO values." The US official promised that the US "will thoroughly follow the solution to this issue." Latvijas Vestnesis, Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii, BNS, LETA

Former Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Peter Semneby paid a farewell visit to Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins. Peter Semneby pointed out that naturalization procedure had proceeded smoothly in Latvia, Latvian language instruction program is functioning successfully, the Social Integration Foundation has launched its operations, as well as the National Human Rights Bureau's operations have improved. Semneby appreciated the initiative of President Vaira Vike-Freiberga requesting to lift the requirement on state language tests for candidates to the Saeima and municipal seats in the Election Law and concluded that stable civic society has been formed in Latvia that actively takes part in political processes.

Former Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Peter Semneby paid a farewell visit to Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins. Peter Semneby pointed out that naturalization procedure had proceeded smoothly in Latvia, Latvian language instruction program is functioning successfully, the Social Integration Foundation has launched its operations, as well as the National Human Rights Bureau's operations have improved. Semneby appreciated the initiative of President Vaira Vike-Freiberga requesting to lift the requirement on state language tests for candidates to the Saeima and municipal seats in the Election Law and concluded that stable civic society has been formed in Latvia that actively takes part in political processes. Latvijas Vestnesis, Neatkariga, LETA, Internet portal DELFI

The Constitutional Protection Bureau's operatives detained six persons yesterday who were trading with Latvian citizenship. Among the detained persons were former and current employees of the Naturalization Board, Border Guard Forces and the firm "Falcon plus". The newspaper reports that with the help of 2 employees of Naturalization Board Examination Center, people who did not have the required knowledge to pass naturalization exams could purchase the paper proving that they have successfully passed the exams. The service cost USD 1,500 overall, including payments to middlemen.

The Constitutional Protection Bureau's operatives detained six persons yesterday who were trading with Latvian citizenship. Among the detained persons were former and current employees of the Naturalization Board, Border Guard Forces and the firm "Falcon plus". The newspaper reports that with the help of 2 employees of Naturalization Board Examination Center, people who did not have the required knowledge to pass naturalization exams could purchase the paper proving that they have successfully passed the exams. The service cost USD 1,500 overall, including payments to middlemen.

A representative of the Constitutional Protection Bureau told the newspaper that, to his mind, the evidence gathered is sufficient so that the court could authorize arrest of the above persons. He did not want to say how many people had become citizens of Latvia through the scheme, he admitted however that selling citizenship could have been going on for a rather long time.

A representative of the Constitutional Protection Bureau told the newspaper that, to his mind, the evidence gathered is sufficient so that the court could authorize arrest of the above persons. He did not want to say how many people had become citizens of Latvia through the scheme, he admitted however that selling citizenship could have been going on for a rather long time. Neatkariga

Political scientist Ivars Indans writes about positive and negative stimulus used in fostering Latvian language learning in the country. He concludes that Latvia applies both measures, however, the efforts of the responsible state institutions are mainly orientated to the implementation of negative stimulus, such as, administrative fines and penalties.

Political scientist Ivars Indans writes about positive and negative stimulus used in fostering Latvian language learning in the country. He concludes that Latvia applies both measures, however, the efforts of the responsible state institutions are mainly orientated to the implementation of negative stimulus, such as, administrative fines and penalties. Diena

Neatkariga

and and Panorama LatviiPanorama Latvii publish interviews with the former Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Peter Semneby. The former Head looks at Latvias achievements concerning naturalization and citizenship issues for the last 8 years since the Mission was established in Latvia. He emphasizes that focus should be placed on positive measures in fostering and promoting Latvian language learning and usage. publish interviews with the former Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Peter Semneby. The former Head looks at Latvia’s achievements concerning naturalization and citizenship issues for the last 8 years since the Mission was established in Latvia. He emphasizes that focus should be placed on positive measures in fostering and promoting Latvian language learning and usage.

Lauku Avize

publishes the article by Juris Cibuls where he looks at the perception and definitions of the terms used when integration issues are discussed. He concludes that the responsible institutions should agree on the common terms and their definitions. publishes the article by Juris Cibuls where he looks at the perception and definitions of the terms used when integration issues are discussed. He concludes that the responsible institutions should agree on the common terms and their definitions.

Lauku Avize

publishes the letters of its readers in response to USA Ambassadors to Latvia open letter concerning the removal of language requirements for election candidates. All published letters are arguing against the views of the Ambassador. publishes the letters of its readers in response to USA Ambassador’s to Latvia open letter concerning the removal of language requirements for election candidates. All published letters are arguing against the views of the Ambassador. Yesterday Riga District Court considered the claim of a Russian family concerning spelling of their family name in Latvian in birth certificate of their child. The Court turned down the claim.

Yesterday Riga District Court considered the claim of a Russian family concerning spelling of their family name in Latvian in birth certificate of their child. The Court turned down the claim. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii.

While on the official visit to Latvia Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Anatoly Zlenko after his meeting with Prime Minister Andris Berzins and Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins expressed his support for Latvia's move to the European Union (EU) and NATO.

While on the official visit to Latvia Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Anatoly Zlenko after his meeting with Prime Minister Andris Berzins and Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins expressed his support for Latvia's move to the European Union (EU) and NATO. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Telegraf

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

Latvijas Vestensis publishes the views of two MPs Dzintars Kudums and Risards Labanovskis concerning the abolishment of language requirement for election candidates. Both MPs claim that none of NATO high officials have officially voiced that Latvia should remove language requirement, therefore, they do not see any ground for assumptions that if Latvia does not remove language requirement from its election laws the country is not invited for NATO membership this year. Do you think that NATO is so small and narrow minded that it will say that the way to NATO is closed for Latvia just because of this one tiny detail?, said Labanovskis.

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga held a meeting with U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney Tuesday, and during the meeting she received confirmation of support for Latvia’s move to NATO. She was also promised assistance in enhancing democratic institutions in Latvia. The president told Cheney that the Baltic countries’ inclusion into NATO would create one more safe and stable region. The president was also commended by the American Jewish Committee for her constructive efforts in raising awareness about Latvia’s past and at international forums. None of the newspapers and news agencies mention that the issue about the removal of language requirement form Latvian election laws was discussed.

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga held a meeting with U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney Tuesday, and during the meeting she received confirmation of support for Latvias move to NATO. She was also promised assistance in enhancing democratic institutions in Latvia. The president told Cheney that the Baltic countries inclusion into NATO would create one more safe and stable region. The president was also commended by the American Jewish Committee for her constructive efforts in raising awareness about Latvias past and at international forums. None of the newspapers and news agencies mention that the issue about the removal of language requirement form Latvian election laws was discussed. Diena, Latvijas Vestnesis, Neatkariga

Latvian top national security agency, the Constitution Protection Office (CPO), has found no grounds for initiating a criminal case against Riga City Council member Andris Argalis over his statements in the interview to the magazine Rigas Laiks. The CPO said Argalis' allegedly offensive comments on Russians do not amount to intentional instigation of ethnic hatred. The former Mayor said that “the Russians have genetic disposition towards stealing and laziness”.

Latvian top national security agency, the Constitution Protection Office (CPO), has found no grounds for initiating a criminal case against Riga City Council member Andris Argalis over his statements in the interview to the magazine Rigas Laiks. The CPO said Argalis' allegedly offensive comments on Russians do not amount to intentional instigation of ethnic hatred. The former Mayor said that the Russians have genetic disposition towards stealing and laziness. Diena, Neatkariga

Five years ago People’s Harmony Party was established. Party’s Vice-Chairperson Janis Urbanovics gives brief insight into parties activities and perspectives. Urbanovics believes that his party managed to raise the issue concerning society integration and other issues on high political level and to draw attention of international community to that. He considers that his party should look for co-operation partners in the EU and not in the Latvian Saeima.

Five years ago Peoples Harmony Party was established. Partys Vice-Chairperson Janis Urbanovics gives brief insight into parties activities and perspectives. Urbanovics believes that his party managed to raise the issue concerning society integration and other issues on high political level and to draw attention of international community to that. He considers that his party should look for co-operation partners in the EU and not in the Latvian Saeima. Vecernaya Riga

Chas

publishes the farewell interview with the former Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Peter Semneby. He informs about the responsible institutions, which will take over the projects of the former Mission and talks about Latvias perspectives when the country becomes the EU member. Peter Semneby concludes that the Mission has fulfilled its tasks in Latvia. publishes the farewell interview with the former Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Peter Semneby. He informs about the responsible institutions, which will take over the projects of the former Mission and talks about Latvia’s perspectives when the country becomes the EU member. Peter Semneby concludes that the Mission has fulfilled its tasks in Latvia.

Chas

talks to newspaper Education and Career editor-in-chief Viktor Guscin about education problems in Latvia. Guscin considers that the graduates of both Latvian and Russian high schools have not been taught their mother tongues on a good level. The Russians are in worse situation as they are not able to enter universities of Russia because of their poor knowledge of mother tongue if they do not undergo additional studies. He believes that the activities of the Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia is the last hope for Russian schools. talks to newspaper “Education and Career” editor-in-chief Viktor Guscin about education problems in Latvia. Guscin considers that the graduates of both Latvian and Russian high schools have not been taught their mother tongues on a good level. The Russians are in worse situation as they are not able to enter universities of Russia because of their poor knowledge of mother tongue if they do not undergo additional studies. He believes that the activities of the Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia is the last hope for Russian schools.

Vesti Segodnja

informs that yesterday Saeima Citizenship Implementation Committee invited Naturalization Board Head Eizenija Aldermane and two PR experts to justify why Public Awareness and Citizenship Promotion Campaign is run in the Russian language. The invited persons informed about the content of the campaign, as well as about the fact that the campaign is funded by international sponsors and not the Latvian government. They also informed that the number of people who have shown interest in naturalization has increased for 20% since the moment the campaign was launched. informs that yesterday Saeima Citizenship Implementation Committee invited Naturalization Board Head Eizenija Aldermane and two PR experts to justify why Public Awareness and Citizenship Promotion Campaign is run in the Russian language. The invited persons informed about the content of the campaign, as well as about the fact that the campaign is funded by international sponsors and not the Latvian government. They also informed that the number of people who have shown interest in naturalization has increased for 20% since the moment the campaign was launched.

Vesti Segodnja

informs about Saeima Vice-Speaker Ricards Piks visit to Washington D.C. where he had meetings with high USA officials. Pîks confirms that the USA knows about the problem [undemocratic norm in the Election Law pertaining requirement for election candidates to know the state language at the top level] very well. informs about Saeima Vice-Speaker Ricards Piks’ visit to Washington D.C. where he had meetings with high USA officials. Pîks confirms that “the USA knows about the problem [undemocratic norm in the Election Law pertaining requirement for election candidates to know the state language at the top level] very well.” Vesti SegodnjaVesti Segodnja adds in its comments that Latvian politicians should not promise the people that it is the last requirement to be fulfilled as it will be followed by another requirements, such as ratification of the Framework Convention, granting non-citizens rights to participate at municipal election and extension of the transfer period for education reform. adds in its comments that Latvian politicians should not promise the people that it is the last requirement to be fulfilled as it will be followed by another requirements, such as ratification of the Framework Convention, granting non-citizens rights to participate at municipal election and extension of the transfer period for education reform. On Tuesday Saeima Human Rights Committee discussed the reservations to be introduced to the European Convention on Citizenship which Latvia signed last year and is about to ratify. Naturalization Board Head Eizenija Aldermane believes that the document is ready for the first reading in the Saeima. “We have introduced only 6 reservations which refer to particularities of Latvia. However, I am afraid that due to the upcoming elections the Convention is not to be ratified by this Saeima.” FHRUL member Mitrafonov says that with these reservations the Convention is useless, as the Convention provides easements to receive citizenship for the persons born in the country, which the Latvian legislation does not provide for, as well as according to the Convention minors are entitled to automatic naturalization along with their parents, but the Latvian legislation provides such rights to children under the age of 15.

On Tuesday Saeima Human Rights Committee discussed the reservations to be introduced to the European Convention on Citizenship which Latvia signed last year and is about to ratify. Naturalization Board Head Eizenija Aldermane believes that the document is ready for the first reading in the Saeima. We have introduced only 6 reservations which refer to particularities of Latvia. However, I am afraid that due to the upcoming elections the Convention is not to be ratified by this Saeima. FHRUL member Mitrafonov says that with these reservations the Convention is useless, as the Convention provides easements to receive citizenship for the persons born in the country, which the Latvian legislation does not provide for, as well as according to the Convention minors are entitled to automatic naturalization along with their parents, but the Latvian legislation provides such rights to children under the age of 15. Panorama Latvii