• Vesti Segodnya discusses the difficulties to register a child, whose mother is a Latvian non-citizen and father – a Russian citizen
• Representatives of the Latvian Jews Community and the advisor of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin on Baltic Issues Shabtai Kalmanovitch comment on the recent statements of the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Viktor Kaluznij
• Interview with the Russian politician Dmitry Rogozin
• Andris Teikmanis among possible candidates to the post of the ambassador of Latvia to Russia

Vesti Segodnya continues to write about difficulties to register newborn children whose one parent is a Latvian non-citizen and the other is a citizen of a foreign country with the Register of Residents. According to the effective legislation, officials of the Citizenship and Migration Office refuse to register these newborn children in any status but as citizens of the country whose subject is one of childs parents. Vesti Segodnya follows activities of Sergey Zaharov who challenged the demand of CMOs officials to register his daughter with the Register of Residents in any status but as a Russian citizen with court. The District Administrative Court refused to accept his application, however, he appealed with the Regional Court. Few days age he received its response that his claim is partly satisfied. The newspaper reports that the court ruled the following: firstly, the decision of the CMO to refuse to register the child as a permanent citizen shall be annulled and secondly, petition of Sergey Zaharov to include his daughter in the Register of Residents under the status of a Latvian non-citizen should be declined. MP Boris Tsilevitch states that the decision is anecdotic and is not clear how it could be implemented.

Chas features comments of the representatives of the Latvian Jewish Community Mordechai Glazman and Arkadijs Suharenko and the advisor of the Russian President on Baltic Issues Shabtai Kalmanovitch on the statements of the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Viktor Kaluznij. The Ambassadors statements were evaluated as anti-Semitic by a number of Latvian politicians and historians. The Rabbi of the Riga Synagogue Mordechai Glazman and the Head of the Board of the Jewish Communities in Latvia Arkadijs Suharenko express incomprehension about such statements and state that the Jewish community is still waiting for Ambassadors explanations. While Russias official Shabtai Kalmanovitch says that the Ambassadors statements were misunderstood or they were intentionally misinterpreted.

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the Russian politician Dmitry Rogozin about the relationship between Russia and Latvia. Dmitry Rogozin stresses that the observation of rights of his compatriots is the top priority of Putins policy. Dmitry Rogozin also argues that Latvia does not comply with the EU standards in the areas of human and minority rights.

Referring to unofficial sources of information,

Referring to unofficial sources of information, Telegraf reports that the Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Andris Teikmanis may be nominated to the post of Latvian ambassador to Russia.

• Vesti Segodnya comments on the report of the Councils of Europe Commissioner for Human RightsAlvaro Gill-Robles concerning minority situation in Latvia
• Statement of the Cabinet of Ministers regarding the claim of Jurijs Petropavlovskis
• Number of naturalisation applications received by the Daugavpils Regional Branch of the Naturalisation Board has increased last year
• MP Boris Tsilevitch talks about perspectives of the so-called Russian and left-centric parties in the forthcoming municipal elections
• Several municipalities allow Russian-language schools have a day-off on 7 January

Vesti Segodnya comments on the report of the European Commissioner for Human RightsAlvaro Gill-Robles concerning minority situation in Latvia. In his report the Commissioner states that the large number of non-citizens is one of the key issues in the country and recommends the Latvian government to foster naturalisation and promote integration of non-citizens into society. According to Alvaro Gill-Robles, ‘Latvian authorities have been reluctant to increase the rights of non-citizens (notably in respect of electoral rights and the ability to communicate with the public administration in their own language) and broaden the protection of minority rights (as evidenced by the non-ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities), for fear of decreasing the incentives to naturalise and integrate. The Commissioner also notes that language reforms in the educational system have been adopted with insufficient dialogue with minority communities concerned and seemingly with too little sensitivity to the quality of education.

The Cabinet of Ministers will ask the Administrative Court to reject a claim submitted by Jurijs Petropavlovskis challenging the government’s refusal to grant him Latvian citizenship. The Cabinet of Minister argues that the decision was a political and not an administrative act, therefore may not be appealed with court.

The Cabinet of Ministers will ask the Administrative Court to reject a claim submitted by Jurijs Petropavlovskis challenging the governments refusal to grant him Latvian citizenship. The Cabinet of Minister argues that the decision was a political and not an administrative act, therefore may not be appealed with court. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

In 2004 the number of the naturalisation applications, received by the Daugavpils Regional Branch of the Naturalisation Board, has increased by 310 applications in comparison to the number of applications in 2003 (1335 applications).

In 2004 the number of the naturalisation applications, received by the Daugavpils Regional Branch of the Naturalisation Board, has increased by 310 applications in comparison to the number of applications in 2003 (1335 applications). Telegraf

Chas features an article by the MP Boris Tsilevitch (the Peoples Harmony Party) about perspectives of the so-called Russian parties and left-centric parties in the forthcoming municipal elections. The MP believes that these parties should join in a left-centric block, so they would be able to influence adoption of political decisions.

Several municipalities has permitted Russian-language schools to celebrate 7 January - Christmas Day celebrated by Orthodox believers and Old Believers – and have a day-off on that day,  although it has not been marked as national holiday in Latvia.

Several municipalities has permitted Russian-language schools to celebrate 7 January - Christmas Day celebrated by Orthodox believers and Old Believers – and have a day-off on that day, although it has not been marked as national holiday in Latvia. Neatkariga Rita Avize

• Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Ainars Latkovskis talks about societal integration in Latvia
• Interview with the Minister of Justice Solvita Aboltina
• Head of the Saeima Committee on the Implementation of the Citizenship Law Anta Rugate: there is no need to amend the Citizenship Law
• Russian Foreign Affairs Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov: Latvia and Estonia violate rights of national minorities
• Book ‘History of Latvia: 20thCentury has been published in the Russian language

Chas features an interview with the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Ainars Latkovskis about societal integration in Latvia. The Minister believes that there is no basis for the formation of a two-community state in Latvia. He argues that all non-citizens have a right to naturalisation and take part in states political affairs. The Minister adds that a two-community state appears when two linguistic communities, which have been living side by side, form one country, however, in Latvia there are no mono-national regions and national minorities are dispersed in the whole territory of Latvia. He notes that young people do not have any big problems with Latvian and the implementation of the minority education reform will improve this situation in future. He states that a decrease of the education quality at minority schools should be perceived only as a short-term problem. When asked to comment on ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, the Minister stresses that first of all Latvia has to study experiences of countries which have already ratified the Convention.

Latvijas Avize prints an interview with the Minister of Justice Solvita Aboltina. The Minister supports the proposal of the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane that the Citizenship Law should be amended, i.e. the circle of persons who should not be entitled to Latvian citizenship should be broadened. When asked about the claim of the activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Jurijs Petropavlovskis against the government, Solvita Aboltina notes that the governments decision not to grant Jurijs Petropavlovskis Latvian citizenship was a political decision, therefore might not be appealed with court.

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the Head of the Saeima Committee on the Implementation of the Citizenship Law Anta Rugate. Anta Rugate believes that there is no need to amend the Citizenship Law, that is, change the text of the loyalty pledge which is given by naturalisation applicants. She believes that the effective law fully complies with the states interests and needs.

The Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov has reproached Latvia and Estonia for violating the European Union’s standards in the area of national minority rights. The Minister believes that the EU should take steps to improve this situation. In his interview with the German newspaper

The Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov has reproached Latvia and Estonia for violating the European Unions standards in the area of national minority rights. The Minister believes that the EU should take steps to improve this situation. In his interview with the German newspaper Handelsblatt the Minister states that the tempo of naturalisation in Latvia and Estonia is too slow. Sergey Lavrov argues that that the invitation of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin to the leaders of the Baltic States to visit the planned celebration of the anniversary of the victory in World War II and sign the border agreement with Latvia shows Russias wish to build good relations with Latvia. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

The book ‘History of Latvia: 20th

The book ‘History of Latvia: 20thCentury has been published in the Russian language. This is the first most extended publication about the Latvian history in Russian. Latvijas Avize

• Interview with the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Ainars Latkovskis
• Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov proposes to sign a border agreement with Latvia on 10 May 2005 in Moscow
• Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga talks about Latvian Russian relations and societal integration in Latvia
• Latvijas Avize reports on a meeting of the Head of Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Aleksandrs Kirsteins and the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Viktor Kaluznij
• Minister of Justice Solvita Aboltina: the Naturalisation Board may face financial difficulties next year

29 December

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Ainars Latkovskis. The Minister states that the top priorities of his work is ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National minorities as well as development of civil society and regional integration. Ainars Latkovskis believes that the Framework Convention could be ratified in the Saeimas spring session. When asked to comment on the issues concerning non-citizens, the Minister says that a difficult economic situation and high rate of unemployment in Latgale region (eastern part of Latvia) are the main reasons for the large number of non-citizens and Russian citizens in this region. The Minister argues that people do not naturalise because they lack patriotism towards Latvia, but because there is a need to search for job in Russia a job.

The Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov proposed to sign a border agreement with Latvia on 10 May 2005 in Moscow: a day after the planned celebration of the anniversary of the victory in World War II. The Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks, however, argues that the border agreement should be signed before this date and stresses that Latvia can do it right now.

The Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov proposed to sign a border agreement with Latvia on 10 May 2005 in Moscow: a day after the planned celebration of the anniversary of the victory in World War II. The Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks, however, argues that the border agreement should be signed before this date and stresses that Latvia can do it right now. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Latvijas Avize prints an interview with the Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga about Latvian Russian relations and societal integration in Latvia. The President believes that before ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities Latvia should develop a minority definition, which would comply with the Constitution of Latvia and other domestic legal norms and international obligations as well. Vaira Vike-Freiberga is convinced that several reservations should be introduced. When asked about Latvian Russian relations, the President states that a proposal of Russia to sign the border agreement with Russia in the planned celebration of the anniversary of the victory in World War II in Moscow is not acceptable for Latvia.

Latvijas Avize reports on the meeting of the Head of Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Aleksandrs Kirsteins and the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Viktor Kaluznij. Among several topics officials discussed the implementation of the minority education reform in Latvia.

 

30 December

Minister of Justice Solvita Aboltina stated that the Naturalisation Board may face financial difficulties next year, because no extra funding has been allotted for the Naturalisation Board in 2005 although the number of naturalisation applications has significantly increased.

Minister of Justice Solvita Aboltina stated that the Naturalisation Board may face financial difficulties next year, because no extra funding has been allotted for the Naturalisation Board in 2005 although the number of naturalisation applications has significantly increased. Latvijas Avize, Telegraf

24 December

24 December

• Latvian state officials comment on the Russian President Putins statements
• Explanation of the Latvian history in the context of minority issues will be among the next years priorities in the Latvian foreign policy
• Politicians do not support introduction of changes in the Citizenship Law

The Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks believes that statements made by the Russian President Vladirmirs Putins hampers development of pragmatic bilateral relations between the two countries. On 23 December the Russian President announced that the number of Russian-speakers working at Latvian state authorities should be proportional their number in the country. The Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga notes that state officials in Latvia are appointed on the basis of their qualifications and skills and not their ethnicity or gender.

The Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks believes that statements made by the Russian President Vladirmirs Putins hampers development of pragmatic bilateral relations between the two countries. On 23 December the Russian President announced that the number of Russian-speakers working at Latvian state authorities should be proportional their number in the country. The Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga notes that state officials in Latvia are appointed on the basis of their qualifications and skills and not their ethnicity or gender. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

The top priorities of the next year’s Latvian foreign policy will be explanation of the Latvian history in the context of minority issues to the international community and development of economic co-operation with foreign countries.

The top priorities of the next years Latvian foreign policy will be explanation of the Latvian history in the context of minority issues to the international community and development of economic co-operation with foreign countries. Vesti Segodnya

Telegraf reports that members of the ruling parties – the Latvian First Party, the Union of the Greens and Farmers and the New Era – do not support the proposal of the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane to introduce more rigid restrictions in the Citizenship Law which would broaden the circle of persons who should not be granted Latvian citizenship.

27 December

27 December

• Administrative District Court issues a ruling in the Sivenkos case
• Prime Minister about integration issues
• Riga City Council did not have the right to prohibit the organisation of the open lesson of the Russian language

The Administrative District Court ruled that the decision of the Citizenship and Migration Affairs Office to annul the personal codes of Tatiana and Karina Slivenko, the spouse and the daughter of a former Russian army officer, was illegitimate. However, the court notes that its ruling does not give any new rights to the Slivenkos: they both are Russian citizens and therefore cannot apply for the status of Latvian non-citizens.

The Administrative District Court ruled that the decision of the Citizenship and Migration Affairs Office to annul the personal codes of Tatiana and Karina Slivenko, the spouse and the daughter of a former Russian army officer, was illegitimate. However, the court notes that its ruling does not give any new rights to the Slivenkos: they both are Russian citizens and therefore cannot apply for the status of Latvian non-citizens.
As reported, the Slivenkos challenged several decisions of the Citizenship and Migration Affairs Office that ordered removal of their names from the Registry of Residents and deportation from Latvia. Tatiana Slivenko applied with the European Court of Human Rights, which said that their right to respect for private and family life had been violated. Diena, NRA, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Chas re-prints excerpts of the Latvian Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis interview with the Russias newspaper Russian Newspaper. The Prime Minister argues that Latvia and Russia can live without each other; however, if they want to build relations the countries should stand on equal footing. The Prime Minister stated that the minority education reform is completed and there was no room for discussions regarding postponing or abolishing the reform. Regarding non-citizens, Aigars Kalvitis says that Latvia needs these people and if these people want to become Latvian citizens and have the right to do so, all necessary provisions are in place.

The Administrative District Court ruled that the Riga City Council did not have the right to prohibit the organisation of the open lesson of the Russian language. The union For Human Rights in the United Latvia asked the Riga City Council to issue a permission to organise the open lesson of the Russian language at the Congress House on 16 April, 2004.

The Administrative District Court ruled that the Riga City Council did not have the right to prohibit the organisation of the open lesson of the Russian language. The union For Human Rights in the United Latvia asked the Riga City Council to issue a permission to organise the open lesson of the Russian language at the Congress House on 16 April, 2004. Vesti Segodnya

28 December

28 December

• Interview with political consultant Andrej Voroncov
• Interview with the official of the Citizenship and Migration Affairs Office about norms and procedures of registration of children whose parents are neither Latvian citizens or non-citizens
• Analysis of integration in Latvia
• Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will wish the happy New Year in Russian
• New Era calls state officials to condemn recent statements made by Russias officials about the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia
• Ratings of political parties

Chas talks to the director of the company ‘Epicentr Andrej Voroncov. He believes that in the forthcoming municipal elections, which will take place in March, the national factor will continue to play a very important role. He argues that the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia will be elected to the Riga City Council, however, if the elections had taken place in August [culmination of the crisis concerning the implementation of the education reform] there would be more people who had voted for FHRUL. Andrej Voroncov states that FHRUL promised ‘empty schools, hunger strikes till the victory, but did not keep their promise and therefore several their previous supporters may not vote for them. He also notes that the future for Russian-speakers in Riga will not be ‘worse as it was and believes that Russians in Latvia should find one unifying idea to fight for. Andrej Voroncov concludes that the situation will change for the next Saeima elections when ‘our children who speak several languages and have no problems with integration will start forming their parties.

Vesti Segodnya talks to the representative of the Citizenship and Migration Affairs Office Laila Rieksta-Riekstina about norms and procedures concerning registration of children who are born in a family where one parent is a citizen of a foreign country and the other is a permanent resident of Latvia. Right now Latvian legislation provides that a child should be registered as a citizen of a country of his/her parent.

Latvijas Avize prints an article about integration by Juris Cibuls. The author criticises integration policy implemented in Latvia and concludes that the effective policy is only a ‘dream vision and is doomed to fail. The main issue in Latvia is ‘who will assimilate who.

NRA reports that the Channel 7 of the National Television on 30 December will broadcast the interview with the Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and at the end of the interview the President will give a short New Years speech in the Russian language. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

In the response to the recent statements made by Russia’s officials concerning the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia the New Era issued a statement. It says that Latvian officials should not ignore such statements and calls on Saeima to condemn them.

In the response to the recent statements made by Russias officials concerning the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia the New Era issued a statement. It says that Latvian officials should not ignore such statements and calls on Saeima to condemn them. Chas

According to the opinion poll conducted by the company ‘Latvijas Fakti’ the New Era remains the most popular party also in December – 14 per cent Latvian citizens support the party. The New Era is followed by the People’s Party (8.5 per cent), the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia (9 per cent), FF/LNIM (8.8 per cent) and the Union of the Greens and Farmers (6 per cent).

According to the opinion poll conducted by the company ‘Latvijas Fakti the New Era remains the most popular party also in December – 14 per cent Latvian citizens support the party. The New Era is followed by the Peoples Party (8.5 per cent), the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia (9 per cent), FF/LNIM (8.8 per cent) and the Union of the Greens and Farmers (6 per cent). Diena, Chas