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

• Adoption of amendments to Law on Education could be linked to stability of Cabinet of Ministers
• RussiaState Council issues call to reject amendments to the Law on Education
• European Commission response to Russian dissatisfaction with minority policy of Latvia
• The meeting of Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis and the head of LASHOR Igor Pimenov
• Article by MP Jakov Pliner
• Interview with political scientist Valts Kalnins
• Russian State Duma vice-speaker Vladimir Zhirinovsky on Latvia
• State Police promises to clarify who ordered the request of information on students from Riga minority schools

Saeima parliamentary group For Human Rights in the United Latvia (FHRUL) would support the present government and not demand the resignation of the Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis only if the education reform will be implemented in a manner acceptable to their voters. According to FHRUL, only three subjects in should be taught in Latvian in secondary schools, in addition to the Latvian language and literature, with the school choosing which three subjects. Some New Era politicians believe that the Prime Minister Einars Repse might relate the adoption of the education law amendments in the third reading to a vote of confidence in the government.  

Saeima parliamentary group For Human Rights in the United Latvia (FHRUL) would support the present government and not demand the resignation of the Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis only if the education reform will be implemented in a manner acceptable to their voters. According to FHRUL, only three subjects in should be taught in Latvian in secondary schools, in addition to the Latvian language and literature, with the school choosing which three subjects. Some New Era politicians believe that the Prime Minister Einars Repse might relate the adoption of the education law amendments in the third reading to a vote of confidence in the government. Diena, Rigas Balss, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Chas, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

The Russia State Council is reported to prepare a call to Latvia to reject amendments to the Law on Education, which stipulate the transition to Latvian as a language of instruction in all schools of Latvia.

The Russia State Council is reported to prepare a call to Latvia to reject amendments to the Law on Education, which stipulate the transition to Latvian as a language of instruction in all schools of Latvia. Latvijas Avize, Telegraf

Russia has expressed concern to the European Commission about issues connected with the enlargement of the European Union, including the issue of minority rights in Latvia and Estonia. Russia has issued a set of recommendations on naturalization and language use in Latvia.  The European Commission on Monday responded by expressing its readiness to discuss matters of economy with Russia, but reiterates that the EC believes that minority rights are observed in Latvia and Estonia, and that Russia should not use the situation of the Russian minority in the Baltic countries as a bargaining chip.

Russia has expressed concern to the European Commission about issues connected with the enlargement of the European Union, including the issue of minority rights in Latvia and Estonia. Russia has issued a set of recommendations on naturalization and language use in Latvia. The European Commission on Monday responded by expressing its readiness to discuss matters of economy with Russia, but reiterates that the EC believes that minority rights are observed in Latvia and Estonia, and that Russia should not use the situation of the Russian minority in the Baltic countries as a bargaining chip. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize

Russian language newspapers report on the meeting of Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis and the head of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools (LASHOR) Igor Pimenov. The head of LASHOR believes that amendments to the Law on Education as proposed now should not be adopted in the third reading and calls for a continuation of dialogue on this issue. The Minister of Education and Science believes that the amendments prepared for the third reading are the only possible alternative. He predicts the return to the initial stage of the law, stipulating a transition in minority schools to the instruction only in Latvian language if the amendments guaranteeing 2/5 of instruction in a minority language will not be adopted.

Russian language newspapers report on the meeting of Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis and the head of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools (LASHOR) Igor Pimenov. The head of LASHOR believes that amendments to the Law on Education as proposed now should not be adopted in the third reading and calls for a continuation of dialogue on this issue. The Minister of Education and Science believes that the amendments prepared for the third reading are the only possible alternative. He predicts the return to the initial stage of the law, stipulating a transition in minority schools to the instruction only in Latvian language if the amendments guaranteeing 2/5 of instruction in a minority language will not be adopted. Vechernaya Riga, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnya features an article by the head of Saeima parliamentary group For Human Rights in the United Latvia Jakov Pliner about education reform.

Chas features aninterview with political scientist Valts Kalnins, in which he discusses the lack of dialogue in the area of society integration.

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with vice-speaker of the Russia State Duma Vladimir Zhirinovsky believing that Russia ought to use economic sanctions in order to respond the events in the area of education reform in Latvia. He also states that Russia will require the cancellation of the education reform and the revoking of non-citizen status.

State Police have promised to clarify who the officials are that made the decision to request information from Riga minority schools on all students who had been absent from classes during the protest meeting against the education reform 2004 and why such a request was made. The State Police is for the time being not commenting on the possible connection of its officials to this incident.

State Police have promised to clarify who the officials are that made the decision to request information from Riga minority schools on all students who had been absent from classes during the protest meeting against the education reform 2004 and why such a request was made. The State Police is for the time being not commenting on the possible connection of its officials to this incident. Diena

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

• January ratings of political parties
• Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Inese Vaidere reproves EP Deputy Elisabeth Schroedter for distribution of tendentious information about Latvia
• Polish support for Polish minority education in Latvia
• Differing opinions about the latest amendments to the Law on Education
• Participants at economic forum Russia and Baltic States in Larger Europe discuss observation of minority rights in Latvia and Estonia

Latvijas Fakti (Latvian Facts) opinion poll indicates that the most popular political party with the rating 27,3% in January was New Era. Other most popular parties were People’s Party (6,2%), For Human Rights in the United Latvia (6,1%), People’s Harmony Party (5,8%), Union of Greens and Farmers (5,0%). The rating of Latvia’s First Party was 2,3%. The opinion poll was conducted before the changes in the governing coalition.

Latvijas Fakti (Latvian Facts) opinion poll indicates that the most popular political party with the rating 27,3% in January was New Era. Other most popular parties were Peoples Party (6,2%), For Human Rights in the United Latvia (6,1%), Peoples Harmony Party (5,8%), Union of Greens and Farmers (5,0%). The rating of Latvias First Party was 2,3%. The opinion poll was conducted before the changes in the governing coalition. Neatkariga Rita Avize

Head of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Inese Vaidere (Fatherland and Freedom/Latvian National Independence Movement)has sent a letter to the head of the European Parliament’s (EP) Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defense Policy Elmar Brok,  criticizing EP Deputy Elisabeth Schroedter for distributing imprecise and tendentious information about Latvia. Inese Vaidere believes that the Elisabeth Schroedter’s reporting about the Law on Education and the choice of the instruction language in minority schools is not objective. The Latvian parliamentarian states that Elisabeth Schroedter’s suggestion to provide education on two languages, is advocating only the rights of Russian minority while ignoring the interests of other ethnic minorities living in Latvia.

Head of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Inese Vaidere (Fatherland and Freedom/Latvian National Independence Movement)has sent a letter to the head of the European Parliaments (EP) Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defense Policy Elmar Brok, criticizing EP Deputy Elisabeth Schroedter for distributing imprecise and tendentious information about Latvia. Inese Vaidere believes that the Elisabeth Schroedters reporting about the Law on Education and the choice of the instruction language in minority schools is not objective. The Latvian parliamentarian states that Elisabeth Schroedters suggestion to provide education on two languages, is advocating only the rights of Russian minority while ignoring the interests of other ethnic minorities living in Latvia. Latvijas Avize

Newspapers feature articles about the meeting of Ambassador of Poland to Latvia Tadeusz Fiszbach, Minister Education and Science of Latvia Karlis Sadurskis and representatives of Polish schools in Latvia. The ambassador has pointed to the stable place of six Polish schools and one kindergarten in the education system of Latvia, stressing that the Senate of Poland will continue the financial support for Polish education in Latvia. According to the ambassador, every year these schools receive various support from Poland, including teaching aids and 30 teachers, working at the Polish schools in Latvia.

Newspapers feature articles about the meeting of Ambassador of Poland to Latvia Tadeusz Fiszbach, Minister Education and Science of Latvia Karlis Sadurskis and representatives of Polish schools in Latvia. The ambassador has pointed to the stable place of six Polish schools and one kindergarten in the education system of Latvia, stressing that the Senate of Poland will continue the financial support for Polish education in Latvia. According to the ambassador, every year these schools receive various support from Poland, including teaching aids and 30 teachers, working at the Polish schools in Latvia. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize

Latvijas Avize features different opinions about the latest amendments to the Law on Education including the ratio 60-40% of Latvian and minority language use in minority schools. The head of the Saeima parliamentary group For Human Rights in the United Latvia Jakov Pliner believes that the adoption of the amendments in the third reading will cause new protest actions. Meanwhile Saeima Education, Culture and Science Committee Janis Strazdins states that this ratio reflects arrangement with the left-wing opposition representatives. The Ex-Deputy Prime Minister Ainars Slesers (Latvias First Party) in an interview to Chas states that the most optimal ratio for instruction in minority schools is 50% - 50%. Latvijas Avize, Chas

The issue of observation of minority rights in Baltic States was discussed during the economic forum “Russia and Baltic States in Larger Europe”  in Moscow. Head of the Council of Russia Federation Committee on Foreign Affairs Mihail Margelov stated that Russia is troubled about the observation of ethnic minority rights in Latvia and Estonia. Meanwhile head of the Head of the European Commission's delegation to Russia Richard Wright stated that Latvia and Estonia have fulfilled all EU political criteria in the area of minority rights, stressing that representatives of minorities should be aware of the advantages of knowing the state language for social and political integration.

The issue of observation of minority rights in Baltic States was discussed during the economic forum Russia and Baltic States in Larger Europe in Moscow. Head of the Council of Russia Federation Committee on Foreign Affairs Mihail Margelov stated that Russia is troubled about the observation of ethnic minority rights in Latvia and Estonia. Meanwhile head of the Head of the European Commission's delegation to Russia Richard Wright stated that Latvia and Estonia have fulfilled all EU political criteria in the area of minority rights, stressing that representatives of minorities should be aware of the advantages of knowing the state language for social and political integration. Vesti Segodnya, Latvijas Avize

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

• Saeima revokes the prohibition to stand for the European Parliament electionsfor ex-officials of the State Security Committee of the SovietRepublic of Latvia
• Former Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks about the future of Secretariat
• State Security Police arrests possible vandals
• Different statements about the latest amendments to the Law on Education
• Ventspils Police Department requests explanations about protest action against education reform from the student of Ventspils secondary school
• Peoples Harmony Party asks Minister for Interior Maris Gulbis to name the person or persons who made the decision about repressive measures towards the minority schools students
• Russia calls for renewal of CEPAs monitoring procedure in the area of observation of minority rights in Latvia
• Political analyst Artis Pabriks on dilemmas of democracy, ethnic policy and EU enlargement
• Interview with the RussiaState Council deputy speaker Dmitry Rogozin

Saeima has adopted amendments to the European Parliament election’s law, revoking the prohibition to stand for the European Parliament elections for ex-officials of the State Security Committee of the Soviet Republic of Latvia and those individuals who were members of the Communist Party and related organizations after January 13, 1991. In the future, according to the head of the Saeima Legal Affairs Committee Solvita Aboltina, the prohibitions to stand for Saeima and local government elections will also have to be revoked.

Saeima has adopted amendments to the European Parliament elections law, revoking the prohibition to stand for the European Parliament electionsfor ex-officials of the State Security Committee of the Soviet Republic of Latvia and those individuals who were members of the Communist Party and related organizations after January 13, 1991. In the future, according to the head of the Saeima Legal Affairs Committee Solvita Aboltina, the prohibitions to stand for Saeima and local government elections will also have to be revoked. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Vechernaya Riga, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

Newspapers feature the statements of the Ex-Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks about his experience working in the government of Einars Repse, and the future of the Special Task Minister’s Secretariat after his resignation. According to the Special Task Minister, the dissolution of the Secretariat could cause not only the incomprehension of international partners, but also the impediment of the society integration process. Temporarily the duties of the Special Task Minister are assigned to the Minister for Justice Aivars Aksenoks (New Era).

Newspapers feature the statements of the Ex-Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks about his experience working in the government of Einars Repse, and the future of the Special Task Ministers Secretariat after his resignation. According to the Special Task Minister, the dissolution of the Secretariat could cause not only the incomprehension of international partners, but also the impediment of the society integration process. Temporarily the duties of the Special Task Minister are assigned to the Minister for Justice Aivars Aksenoks (New Era). Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vechernaya Riga, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

State Security Police has arrested two young inhabitants of Daugavpils on suspicion of their possible participation in the vandalism act at the Ministry of Education and Science, allegedly carried out in protest against the education reform 2004. One of the detainees is a national-bolsheviks’ supporter Alina Lebedeva, whose first encounter with the police was in 2001, when she had slapped Charles, Prince of Wales in the face with a red carnation during his visit to Latvia. Other detainee, Aleksandrs Gridasovs, was one of the two national-bolsheviks who handcuffed themselves to a fence across the street from one of the most popular polling stations in Riga in March 2001, protesting against the ineligibility of the non-citizens to vote in local elections. Both young people deny participation in the vandalism act.

State Security Police has arrested two young inhabitants of Daugavpils on suspicion of their possible participation in the vandalism act at the Ministry of Education and Science, allegedly carried out in protest against the education reform 2004. One of the detainees is a national-bolsheviks supporter Alina Lebedeva, whose first encounter with the police was in 2001, when she had slapped Charles, Prince of Wales in the face with a red carnation during his visit to Latvia. Other detainee, Aleksandrs Gridasovs, was one of the two national-bolsheviks who handcuffed themselves to a fence across the street from one of the most popular polling stations in Riga in March 2001, protesting against the ineligibility of the non-citizens to vote in local elections. Both young people deny participation in the vandalism act. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Vechernaya Riga, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Russian language newspapers feature articles about the meeting of the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis in order to discuss the education reform and the attitude of the left-wing politicians towards amendments to the Law on Education. Vaira Vike-Freiberga has evaluated the latest amendments to the Law on Education as a compromise. Left–wing politicians and Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-Language Schools do not support amendments, saying the public opinion was not taken into account. The Headquarters also calls defenders of Russian-language schools to participate in meeting with the deputies next to Saeima building, and near the President’s Castle on the day of the law review in the final reading.

Russian language newspapers feature articles about the meeting of the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis in order to discuss the education reform and the attitude of the left-wing politicians towards amendments to the Law on Education. Vaira Vike-Freiberga has evaluated the latest amendments to the Law on Education as a compromise. Left–wing politicians and Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-Language Schools do not support amendments, saying the public opinion was not taken into account. The Headquarters also calls defenders of Russian-language schools to participate in meeting with the deputies next to Saeima building, and near the Presidents Castle on the day of the law review in the final reading. Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Russian language newspapers write about activities of Ventspils Police Department, requested explanations about protest action against education reform last December from the one of the students who allegedly organized it. According to head of the Central District of Ventspils Police Department Andrejs Stepanovics, the district has a reason to believe that the Law on Meetings, Processions and Pickets was broken during the action as it was directed by an unregistered NGO. The student faces the penalty of 100 Ls if proved guilty.

Russian language newspapers write about activities of Ventspils Police Department, requested explanations about protest action against education reform last December from the one of the students who allegedly organized it. According to head of the Central District of Ventspils Police Department Andrejs Stepanovics, the district has a reason to believe that the Law on Meetings, Processions and Pickets was broken during the action as it was directed by an unregistered NGO. The student faces the penalty of 100 Ls if proved guilty. Telegraf, Chas

Saeima MPs from the People’s Harmony Party has send a letter to the Minister for Interior Maris Gulbis, asking to initiate an official investigation in order to clarify who among the State Police officials has made a decision to request the minority schools to supply information on all students who had been absent from classes during the protest meeting against the education reform 2004.

Saeima MPs from the Peoples Harmony Party has send a letter to the Minister for Interior Maris Gulbis, asking to initiate an official investigation in order to clarify who among the State Police officials has made a decision to request the minority schools to supply information on all students who had been absent from classes during the protest meeting against the education reform 2004. Chas

Russia State Council deputy speaker and the member of Russia state delegation to the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (CEPA) Dmitry Rogozin (block „Rodina”) is planning to achieve the renewal of CEPA’s monitoring procedure in the area of observation of minority rights in Latvia. According to Dmitry Rogozin, this issue will be reviewed during the meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the Council’s of Europe Parliamentary Assembly at 3 March, 2004.

Russia State Council deputy speaker and the member of Russia state delegation to the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (CEPA) Dmitry Rogozin (block „Rodina) is planning to achieve the renewal of CEPAs monitoring procedure in the area of observation of minority rights in Latvia. According to Dmitry Rogozin, this issue will be reviewed during the meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the Councils of Europe Parliamentary Assembly at 3 March, 2004. Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Diena features an article by political analyst, member of the Peoples Party Artis Pabriks on dilemmas of democracy, ethnic policy and EU enlargement. According to the politologist, the language, migration and diverse cultures coexistence problem is a priority not only for Latvia, but also for other Central and Western Europe Countries. Artis Pabriks believes that in the heart of Europe crisis of democracy is ripening, which is tightly connected with the failures in the area of ethnic policy, and with the anxiety about the European Union enlargement.

Latvijas Avize prints an interview with the Russia State Council deputy speaker Dmitry Rogozin („Rodina).

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

• Latvias First Party withdraws from the governing coalition
• January ratings of ministers
• Parliamentary Committee accepts new amendments to the Law on Education
• Russian criticizes Latvia in the Council of Europe
• Leader of Latvian Socialist Party Alfreds Rubiks challenges the EU accession referendum
• Daugavpils teachers open letter to the Ministry of Education and Science
• Prime Minister believes that ex-officials of the State Security Committee of the Soviet Republic of Latvia should not be barred from standing for European Parliament elections
• Project on Roma education in Valmiera
• Diena reports on Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat discussion about minority rights in Latvia and Estonia

Yesterday Latvia’s First Party informed about its withdrawal from the governing coalition, recalling its government members the Minister for Economics, the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration and the Special Task Minister for Children and Family Affairs. This move comes as a response to the Prime Minister’s dismissal of Latvia’s First Party leader Ainars Slesers from the post of the deputy Prime Minister, which the party council declared unfounded. Prime Minister Einars Repse has stated that he will continue leading a minority government, whose parties together represent 45 votes in the 100-member Saeima.

Yesterday Latvias First Party informed about its withdrawal from the governing coalition, recalling its government members the Minister for Economics, the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration and the Special Task Minister for Children and Family Affairs. This move comes as a response to the Prime Ministers dismissal of Latvias First Party leader Ainars Slesers from the post of the deputy Prime Minister, which the party council declared unfounded. Prime Minister Einars Repse has stated that he will continue leading a minority government, whose parties together represent 45 votes in the 100-member Saeima. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Vechernaya Riga, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

A Latvijas fakti (Latvian Facts) opinion poll indicates that the rating of Prime Minister Einars Repse has decreased from 20,5 points in December till 13,7 points in January. Other New Era party representatives’ ratings also fell.  The Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis’s popularity has decreased from -3,6 to -9,4 points and the Minister for Regional Development and Municipalities Ivars Gaters’s rating decreased from -3,6 to -9 points. However, the most popular member of government in January was the Minister for the Interior Maris Gulbis, also from the New Era, at a rating of 52,8 points.  The second and third most popular ministers remain Minister of Culture Inguna Ribena and Foreign Minister Sandra Kalniete.  Although slightly better than in December, the most negative rating in January -- -26,1 -- was retained by Deputy Prime Minister Ainars Slesers (before the recent dismissal). 

A Latvijas fakti (Latvian Facts) opinion poll indicates that the rating of Prime Minister Einars Repse has decreased from 20,5 points in December till 13,7 points in January. Other New Era party representatives ratings also fell. The Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskiss popularity has decreased from -3,6 to -9,4 points and the Minister for Regional Development and MunicipalitiesIvars Gaterss rating decreased from -3,6 to -9 points. However, the most popular member of government in January was the Minister for the Interior Maris Gulbis, also from the New Era, at a rating of 52,8 points. The second and third most popular ministers remain Minister of Culture Inguna Ribena and Foreign Minister Sandra Kalniete. Although slightly better than in December, the most negative rating in January -- -26,1 -- was retained by Deputy Prime Minister Ainars Slesers (before the recent dismissal). Neatkariga Rita Avize, Telegraf, Chas

The Saeima Education, Science and Culture Committee has accepted new amendments to the Law on Education, explicitly allowing up to 40% of instruction to take place in a minority language and granting the right to choose the subjects to be taught in the minority language to the schools themselves.

The Saeima Education, Science and Culture Committee has accepted new amendments to the Law on Education, explicitly allowing up to 40% of instruction to take place in a minority language and granting the right to choose the subjects to be taught in the minority language to the schools themselves. Chas features the opinion of their audience about the education reform. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Vechernaya Riga, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

The Russian delegation to the Council of Europe has distributed a letter, criticizing Latvia for adopting laws that discriminate against minorities and requesting Latvia to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities.

The Russian delegation to the Council of Europe has distributed a letter, criticizing Latvia for adopting laws that discriminate against minorities and requesting Latvia to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Diena,

Leader of Latvian Socialist Party Alfreds Rubiks has applied to the Constitutional Court challenging the EU accession referendum on the basis that non-citizens could not participate in the referendum.

Leader of Latvian Socialist Party Alfreds Rubiks has applied to the Constitutional Court challenging the EU accession referendum on the basis that non-citizens could not participate in the referendum. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

The directors of Daugavpils schools are allegedly preparing an open letter to the Ministry of Education and Science, stating that the transition to the instruction mainly in Latvian language in this city is impossible at the moment and calling for the delay of the implementation of the education reform.

The directors of Daugavpils schools are allegedly preparing an open letter to the Ministry of Education and Science, stating that the transition to the instruction mainly in Latvian language in this city is impossible at the moment and calling for the delay of the implementation of the education reform. Latvijas Avize

Latvijas Avize features the statements of Prime Minister Einars Repse, who agrees that Latvia should not prohibit ex-officials of the State Security Committee of the Soviet Republic of Latvia to stand for the European Parliament elections. According to the Prime Minister, such a prohibition could damage the international interests of Latvia.

The project “Qualitative education for Roma children” has been launched in Valmiera. The project foresees the organization of teachers’ seminars and Roma parents’ meetings, the translation of books in Roma language and their donation to various institutions.

The project Qualitative education for Roma children has been launched in Valmiera. The project foresees the organization of teachers seminars and Roma parents meetings, the translation of books in Roma language and their donation to various institutions. Latvijas Avize

Diena reports on the discussion in the Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat about the observation of minority rights in Latvia and Estonia.

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

• After critique by President governing coalition MPs prepare new amendments to the Law on Education
• Alternative amendments to the Law on Education, prepared by the MPs of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia
• Investigation of police request to minority schools to supply information on students absent from school during protest meeting
• First Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe Alvaro Gil-Robles about minority rights in Latvia
• Interview with the Russia State Council deputy speaker Dmitry Rogozin
• Spontaneous protest actions of Ventspils city students against education reform 2004
• Ex-State Secretary of the United States of America Madeleine Albright visits Latvia and comments on Latvias relations with Russia

Saeima governing coalition MPs have prepared new amendments to the Law on Education in third reading, which explicitly will include to the ratio 60-40% of Latvian and minority language use in minority schools, as accepted by the Cabinet of Ministers last May. Yesterday Presidents of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga evaluated the amendments, adopted by the Saeima in the second reading, as “exceptionally awkwardly formulated” and promised to return the amendments for renewed review in the Saeima if accepted without change in a third reading. 

Saeima governing coalition MPs have prepared new amendments to the Law on Education in third reading, which explicitly will include to the ratio 60-40% of Latvian and minority language use in minority schools, as accepted by the Cabinet of Ministers last May. Yesterday Presidents of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga evaluated the amendments, adopted by the Saeima in the second reading, as exceptionally awkwardly formulated and promised to return the amendments for renewed review in the Saeima if accepted without change in a third reading. Latvijas Avize features the statements of the Special Task Minister for the Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks regarding the return to the ratio 60-40% of Latvian and Russian language use in minority schools as the most optimal solution. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Rigas Balss, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Vechernaya Riga, Telegraf

An alternative proposal of amendments to the Law on Education has been prepared by the MPs of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia Jakov Pliner and Vladimir Buzajev. According to these MPs, five subjects including Latvian language and literature should be required to be taught in Latvian, but the determination of the ratio of Latvian and Russian language use should be in the competence of the school. The MPs also state that the right to choose the language of the examination should be granted.

An alternative proposal of amendments to the Law on Education has been prepared by the MPs of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia Jakov Pliner and Vladimir Buzajev. According to these MPs, five subjects including Latvian language and literature should be required to be taught in Latvian, but the determination of the ratio of Latvian and Russian language use should be in the competence of the school. The MPs also state that the right to choose the language of the examination should be granted. Vesti Segodnya, Vechernaya Riga

State police has initiated an official investigation into the alleged police request to minority schools to supply information on all students who had been absent from classes during the protest meeting against the education reform 2004. Although a copy of the letter sent to Riga Secondary School No. 22 was published, the Riga City Central Police Department claims that the police administration has not ordered to perform such actions. Latvian National Human Rights Office made a statement that such a police inquiry into schools is unfounded and could be seen as an infringement of freedom of speech and assembly.

State police has initiated an official investigation into the alleged police request to minority schools to supply information on all students who had been absent from classes during the protest meeting against the education reform 2004. Although a copy of the letter sent to Riga Secondary School No. 22 was published, the Riga City Central Police Department claims that the police administration has not ordered to perform such actions. Latvian National Human Rights Office made a statement that such a police inquiry into schools is unfounded and could be seen as an infringement of freedom of speech and assembly. Rigas Balss, Chas, Telegraf

First Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe Alvaro Gil-Robles believes that the minority rights issues in Latvia are more complicated than in the other Baltic States. In interview to the Russian news agency “RIA Novosti” Alvaro Gil-Robles has pointed to the large number of non-citizens living in Latvia, stating that the national majority must ensure the smooth societal integration of minority instead of organizing “extraordinary exams of history and language”.  

First Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe Alvaro Gil-Robles believes that the minority rights issues in Latvia are more complicated than in the other Baltic States. In interview to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti Alvaro Gil-Robles has pointed to the large number of non-citizens living in Latvia, stating that the national majority must ensure the smooth societal integration of minority instead of organizing extraordinary exams of history and language. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the Russia State Council deputy speaker Dmitry Rogozin about the attitude of Russian officials to the latest amendments to the Law on Education. President of Russia Vladimir Putin, alleges Dmitry Rogozin, believes that the participation of minority students in the protest actions shows the rampant violation of minority rights in Latvia. According to the Dmitry Rogozin, Russia is preparing to once more bring the observation of minority rights in Latvia to the attention of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Russian language newspapers feature articles about spontaneous protest actions of Ventspils students against the 2004 education reform.

Russian language newspapers feature articles about spontaneous protest actions of Ventspils students against the 2004 education reform. Chas, Vechernaya Riga, Telegraf

The ex-Secretary of State of the United States of America Madeleine Albright is visiting Latvia and

The ex-Secretary of State of the United States of America Madeleine Albright is visiting Latvia and Diena and Telegraf publish interviews with her. Among various issues, Ms Albright expressed agreement with the present Secretary of State Colin Powells recent critical remarks concerning the state of democracy in Russia. She also expressed the belief that relations between Latvia and Russia will improve after Latvia will join NATO. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Chas, Latvijas Avize