• Saeima adopts amendments to the Law on Radio and Television
• Interview with the chairman of the party Latvias Way Ivars Godmanis about societal integration
• Russian Embassy to Latvia announces the number of persons leaving for Russia
• Psychologist and professor of the University of Latvia Olegs Nikiforovs talks about the education reform

In the third reading Saeima adopted amendments to the Law on Radio and Television Law. The new provisions foresee that the Cabinet of Ministers has the right to set specific provisions concerning the usage of the language of broadcasting if the usage of the state language is endangered or restricted in the territory of a respective broadcaster.

In the third reading Saeima adopted amendments to the Law on Radio and Television Law. The new provisions foresee that the Cabinet of Ministers has the right to set specific provisions concerning the usage of the language of broadcasting if the usage of the state language is endangered or restricted in the territory of a respective broadcaster. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Latvijas Avize prints an interview with the chairman of the party Latvias Way Ivars Godmanis about societal integration. Ivars Godmanis believes that the state should not speed up naturalisation with artificial methods. He believes that there is no need to amend the Citizenship Law, because wider range of prohibitions on the grant of Latvian citizenship would be interpreted as hampering of naturalisation. According to the politician, there is a need to promote the value of the Latvian state among Russians, in particularly young Russians.

In last few years the number of persons, who want to leave for Russia, has decreased by 100 – 150 persons a year, is stated in the official information distributed by the Russian Embassy to Latvia. This year 419 persons received migration papers. According to the Russian Embassy, the majority of people who want to leave Latvia are older persons, persons, who do not speak the Latvian language; persons, who cannot find a well-paid job and also those who want to their children to educate in the Russian language.

In last few years the number of persons, who want to leave for Russia, has decreased by 100 – 150 persons a year, is stated in the official information distributed by the Russian Embassy to Latvia. This year 419 persons received migration papers. According to the Russian Embassy, the majority of people who want to leave Latvia are older persons, persons, who do not speak the Latvian language; persons, who cannot find a well-paid job and also those who want to their children to educate in the Russian language. Latvijas Avize

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the psychologist and professor of the University of Latvia Olegs Nikiforovs. He believes that the minority education reform would not have a negative impact on the academic development of minority students if only their secondary educational programme would be prolonged and they would study 15 instead of 12 years. Olegs Nikiforovs also notes that there is the lack of teaching aids in bilingual education in minority schools. The professor refers to tests, conducted among students of one minority school and concludes that IQ of these students has dropped by 53% since the beginning of the reform.

• Finnish President Tarja Halonen: the situation of the Russian-speakers in the Baltic States complies with international standards
• Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane talks about naturalisation in Latvia
• Article by the member of Saeima Boris Tsilevitch about ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Latvia
• Political Affairs Committee of the Councils of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) and the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee discuss condemnation of crimes committed by the totalitarian regime
• Latvijas Avize comments on the claim, submitted to the Administrative Court by the activist of the Headquarters for Defence of Russian-language Schools Jurijs Petropavlovskis

‘The European Union has followed the situation of minorities in the Baltic States and its conclusion is that the situation of Russian-speakers in these states complies with international legal norms,’ stated the President of Finland Tarja Halonen in her meeting with the Russian President Vladimir Putin.

‘The European Union has followed the situation of minorities in the Baltic States and its conclusion is that the situation of Russian-speakers in these states complies with international legal norms, stated the President of Finland Tarja Halonen in her meeting with the Russian President Vladimir Putin. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Telegraf

Telegraf features an interview with the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane about naturalisation and a suggestion to amend the Citizenship Law. The Head of the NB believes that there is a need to amend the Citizenship Law. The new amendments would stipulate additional prohibitions on grant of Latvian citizenship, for example, to persons who are related to international terrorism. Eizenija Aldermane stresses that no changes will be introduced in the naturalisation procedure as it complies with international standards. The Head of the Naturalisation Board assures that although the number of applications is increasing there are no delays with the issuance of passports.

Chas features an article by the member of Saeima Boris Tsilevitch about ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Boris Tsilevitch believes that ratification of the Convention with reservations and a decision to recognise several ethnic groups, for example, Russians and Poles, as minorities in Latvia, would bring a negative reaction of the Council of Europe.

The Political Affairs Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) discussed condemnation of crimes committed by the communistic regime. According to the Head of the Latvian delegation to the PACE Andris Berzins, majority of Committee’s members supported condemnation of the communist regime.  At the same time, the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee launched discussions on the draft declaration on condemnation of the totalitarian occupation regime in Latvia. The declaration calls international organisations to recognise Latvia’s occupation and provide assistance in dealing with its consequences. The declaration also foresees support for persons who wish to return to their home countries. The Russian language newspaper

The Political Affairs Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) discussed condemnation of crimes committed by the communistic regime. According to the Head of the Latvian delegation to the PACE Andris Berzins, majority of Committees members supported condemnation of the communist regime. At the same time, the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee launched discussions on the draft declaration on condemnation of the totalitarian occupation regime in Latvia. The declaration calls international organisations to recognise Latvias occupation and provide assistance in dealing with its consequences. The declaration also foresees support for persons who wish to return to their home countries. The Russian language newspaper Vesti Segodnya calls this document a ‘declaration of ethnic cleansing. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Latvijas Avize writes about the claim, submitted to the Administrative Court by the member of the Headquarters for Defence of Russian-language Schools Jurijs Petropavlovskis. He challenged the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers to prohibit him grant on Latvian citizenship. The newspaper speculates that the court could reviews the case in April 2005. The Minister of Justice Solvita Aboltina comments that Jurijs Petropavlovskis has the right to apply with court. The Minister also admits that after throughout discussions new amendments, including new prohibitions on the grant of Latvian Citizenship, to the Law on Citizenship could be adopted. However, the Minister stresses that these amendments should be in compliance with international legal norms so they would not be a ‘bad surprise for Europe.

• Politicians comments on the latest statements of the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Viktor Kaluznij
• 1050 persons received Latvian citizenship yesterday
• Administrative Region Court accepted to review a claim submitted by the activist of the Headquarters for Defence of Russian-language Schools Jurijs Petropavlovskis
• Member of the European Parliament (EP) Tatjana Zdanoka reproaches Latvia for violation of minority linguistic rights

Latest statements of the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Viktor Kaluznij that Russia should not apologise to Latvia for the Soviet Occupation do not promote ethnic integration in Latvia, state several politicians interviewed by the newspaper

Latest statements of the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Viktor Kaluznij that Russia should not apologise to Latvia for the Soviet Occupation do not promote ethnic integration in Latvia, state several politicians interviewed by the newspaper Latvijas Avize. The Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration Ainars Latkovskis is concerned that such statements do not foster better Latvian Russian relations. The former Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks argues that the Ambassadors statements show a simplified interpretation of history. Taking into account that many Russian speakers in Latvia respect and carefully listen to views of state officials of Russia, their tendentious statements concerning the Baltic States history do not promote development of common understanding of the history, which resultantly hampers societal integration in Latvia. Latvijas Avize

Yesterday 1050 persons, including 103 minor children, received Latvian citizenship through naturalisation.

Yesterday 1050 persons, including 103 minor children, received Latvian citizenship through naturalisation. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

The Administrative Region Court accepted a claim submitted by the member of the Headquarters for Defence of Russian-language Schools Jurijs Petropavlovskis. The activist challenges the refusal of the Cabinet of Ministers to grant him Latvian citizenship.

The Administrative Region Court accepted a claim submitted by the member of the Headquarters for Defence of Russian-language Schools Jurijs Petropavlovskis. The activist challenges the refusal of the Cabinet of Ministers to grant him Latvian citizenship. Chas

In a session of the European Parliament, its member Tatjana Zdanoka (For Human Rights in the United Latvia) stated that Latvia violates minority rights. Tatjana Zdanoka argued that Latvia’s accession to the EU was a mistake because Latvian government do not recognise minority linguistic rights. ‘Russian-speakers do not have any rights to speak their language in public sphere,’ stated the MP and stressed that the EU should not repeat the same mistake in regarding Turkey.

In a session of the European Parliament, its member Tatjana Zdanoka (For Human Rights in the United Latvia) stated that Latvia violates minority rights. Tatjana Zdanoka argued that Latvias accession to the EU was a mistake because Latvian government do not recognise minority linguistic rights. ‘Russian-speakers do not have any rights to speak their language in public sphere, stated the MP and stressed that the EU should not repeat the same mistake in regarding Turkey. Vesti Segodnya

• Interviews with the Minister of Education and Science Ina Druviete
• Director of the Society Integration Foundation Nils Sakss talks about activities of the Foundation in 2004
• Administrative Court of Riga refused a claim of Ruslan Pankratov against latvianisation of minority personal names in documents
• Rap group accused in incitement of national hatred in its song
• Saeima plans to discuss the declaration condemning the totalitarian occupation regime in Latvia
• Director of the Economic Institute of the Latvian Academy of Science Raita Karnite talks about migration
• Administrative Regional Court issues a positive ruling in the case of the member of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Jurijs Petropavlovskis

Latvijas Avize and Rigas Balss feature interviews with the Minister of Education and Science Ina Druviete about the implementation of the minority education reform. The Minister points to the need to explain the key goals and content of bilingual education to the broader public. The Minister stresses that the majority of society does not have information about the reform. Ina Druviete notes that Saeima does not plan to introduce any amendments to the Law on Education.

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the Director of the Society Integration Foundation Nils Sakss about activities of the Foundation in 2004. According to Nils Sakss, EUR1,500,000 were allocated for ethnic integration projects this year. The biggest amount of this funding comes from the EU PHARE grant scheme. The Director also reports that in 2004 the number of submitted projects in the area of ethnic integration has dropped by 50% in comparison to 2003. Next year the share of the state funding allotted for the Foundation will be three times smaller, however, funding from the EU will increase and will reach the amount of EUR2,000,000.

The Administrative Court of Riga refused a claim submitted by Ruslan Pankratov. He objected against latvianisation of his first and last names (adding the ending -

The Administrative Court of Riga refused a claim submitted by Ruslan Pankratov. He objected against latvianisation of his first and last names (adding the ending -s) in his passport. Vesti Segodnya

State Security Police have launched investigation over incitement of national hatred towards Latvians in songs produced and sang by the rap group

State Security Police have launched investigation over incitement of national hatred towards Latvians in songs produced and sang by the rap group Dihlafoz&Nailz. Telegraf

Parliamentary groups of Saeima plans to launch discussions on the declaration on condemning the totalitarian occupation regime in Latvia. The declaration, developed by the working group composed of the MPs of the New Era, the People’s Party, the Latvians First Party, the Union of the Farmers and Greens, and For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM, calls international organisations to recognise occupation of Latvia and provide assistance in elimination of its consequences. The declaration also foresees support for persons who wish to return to their home countries.

Parliamentary groups of Saeima plans to launch discussions on the declaration on condemning the totalitarian occupation regime in Latvia. The declaration, developed by the working group composed of the MPs of the New Era, the Peoples Party, the Latvians First Party, the Union of the Farmers and Greens, and For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM, calls international organisations to recognise occupation of Latvia and provide assistance in elimination of its consequences. The declaration also foresees support for persons who wish to return to their home countries. Latvijas Avize

Chas prints an interview with the director of the Economic Institute of the Latvian Academy of Science Raita Karnite, who believes that the influx of immigrants in Latvia is inevitable if Latvia wants to become an economically developed country. Raita Karnite also argues that Latvia should develop immigration policy to be able to control immigration.

The Administrative Regional Court issued a positive ruling for the member of the Headquarters’ for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Jurijs Petropavlovskis. The activist appealed the ruling of the Riga Central Court, which stipulated that Jurijs Petropavlovskis should pay a fine in the amount of LVL 150 (EUR 217) for organising an unapproved protest action against the education reform.

The Administrative Regional Court issued a positive ruling for the member of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Jurijs Petropavlovskis. The activist appealed the ruling of the Riga Central Court, which stipulated that Jurijs Petropavlovskis should pay a fine in the amount of LVL 150 (EUR 217) for organising an unapproved protest action against the education reform. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya

• Interview with the Minister of Education and Science Ina Druviete
• Viktor Kaluznij: Russia does not have to apologise to Latvia for occupation
• Latvian Union of the Politically Repressed Persons calls the government to appeal the ruling issued by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in the case of Mihails Farbtuhs
• Attitudes of minority students from Daugavpils towards the implementation of the education reform
• Congress of the Socialist Party of Latvia took place in Riga
• Integration project implemented by Latvian and Russian students in Indra
• Latvijas Avize clarifies legitimacy of the usage of Russian in private food shops
• Latvijas Avize comments on the proposal to mark 7 January – Christmas Day celebrated by Orthodox believers and Old Believers – a national holiday

Neatkariga Rita Avize prints an interview with the Minister of Education and Science Ina Druviete. The main discussion topic is the education reform. The Minister believes that it is too early to draw any conclusions on effects of the education reform on the quality of education, because results of bilingual education are evident after 3 – 4 years after its implementation. The Minister declares that she will continue provide explanations concerning the implementation of the reform, however, she will not place emphasis on political aspects of the reform. Ina Druviete also comments on ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and notes that in regard to education there is no necessity to introduce any reservations because ‘Latvia has fulfilled all international standards concerning minority education.

The Russian Ambassador to Latvia Viktor Kaluznij does not believe that Russia should apologise to Latvia for the Soviet Occupation, because the majority of today’s population of Russia did not live at that time and there was no Russian state. According to the Ambassador, recognition of Latvia’s sovereignty is a clear demonstration of Russia’s attitude towards Latvia.

The Russian Ambassador to Latvia Viktor Kaluznij does not believe that Russia should apologise to Latvia for the Soviet Occupation, because the majority of todays population of Russia did not live at that time and there was no Russian state. According to the Ambassador, recognition of Latvias sovereignty is a clear demonstration of Russias attitude towards Latvia. Vesti Segodnya features an interview with Viktor Kaluznij, who states that Latvia should ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities without any reservations. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya

The Latvian Union of the Politically Repressed Persons calls the government to appeal the ruling issued by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in the case of Mihails Farbtuhs. Politically repressed persons are dissatisfied that according to the ECHR’s ruling Latvia has to pay compensation to a person, who has been found guilty in genocide. Politically repressed persons note that thousands of Farbtuhs’ victims have not received either his regrets or apologies.

The Latvian Union of the Politically Repressed Persons calls the government to appeal the ruling issued by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in the case of Mihails Farbtuhs. Politically repressed persons are dissatisfied that according to the ECHRs ruling Latvia has to pay compensation to a person, who has been found guilty in genocide. Politically repressed persons note that thousands of Farbtuhs victims have not received either his regrets or apologies. Neatkariga Rita Avize

Vesti Segodnya writes about attitudes of minority students from Daugavpils towards the implementation of the education reform. The coordinator of the Daugavpils Department of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Sergejs Solovjovs believes that majority of minority school students from Daugavpils are ready to participate in protest actions against the education reform. While Russian students point that the quality of education is getting worse due to the low level of Latvian language proficiency of their teachers. According to the newspaper students do not believe in a promise to develop a dialogue with all stakeholders made by the Minister of Education and Science.

Latvijas Avize reports on the congress of the Latvias Socialist Party. In his speech partys leader Alfreds Rubiks stressed that Latvian citizenship should be granted for all those Latvias residents, who were residents of Latvia until 1991. According to the partys leader, Latvian non-citizens should also have a right to participate in municipal elections.

Diena reports on the ethnic integration project ‘Indra: the End or Beginning of Europe? The project was developed and implemented by Latvian and Russian students who live in Indra parish (a very remote town in the south eastern part of Latvia). Students developed their vision on the development of the parish and printed these visions in a special magazine. They also developed a plan how to reduce the level of unemployment. The project is supported by the National Agency for Latvian Language Training, EU PHARE programme and the Indra municipality.

Referring to the letter of the newspaper reader,

Referring to the letter of the newspaper reader, Latvijas Avize investigates whether it is legitimate to use the Russian language on the signs placed on shelves in a private food shop. The reader of the newspaper reported that there are two languages on these signs - Latvian and Russian. According to the chief inspector of the Control Department of the State Language Inspection Ruta Livija Icaka, the Law on the State Language does not prohibit the usage of Russian together with Latvian in private shops. However, Ruta Livija Icaka notes that the Law is very liberal and promotes bilingualism. According to the inspector, many people who work in the service area, including salespersons, do not speak sufficient Latvian. Latvijas Avize

The Columnist of

The Columnist of Latvijas Avize Maris Antonevics discusses the necessity to mark 7 January – Christmas Day celebrated by Orthodox believers and Old Believers – a national holiday. The journalist notes that this proposal has been submitted by the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia, which regards Latvia as two-community state and thus Orthodox Christmas would become a day-off for ‘the closed Russian community.