• Discussions on the term ‘national minority
• Approximately 400 participated in the meeting of parents of minority students
• Latvijas Avize prints the full version of the governments declaration
• For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM explains why it refused to take part in the coalition
• MP Boris Tsilevitch (Peoples Harmony Party) comments on the formation of the new government
• Formation of the European Russian Party discussed during the conference ‘Russian-speaking community in the enlarged EU
• Practice of the Valmiera Secondary School Nr.2 in the implementation of the minority education reform
• Seminar ‘Russian world and Latvia: the past, present and future took place
• Conference ‘Latvia-Belorussia: the dialogue of cultures took place in Riga this Saturday
• Telegraf prints an interview with the recently naturalised Palestinian Haisam Abu Abda

Newspapers continue to discuss ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, paying particular attention to the definition of the term ‘national minority.’

Newspapers continue to discuss ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, paying particular attention to the definition of the term ‘national minority. Diena provides views of a number of integration experts and officials. The Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks believes that only those non-Latvians who were Latvian citizens until 17 June 1940 or their descendants should be subjects of the Convention. While the Director of the Integration Department of the Secretariat of the Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration Reinis Aboltins rejects the division of ethnic groups in citizens and non-citizens and believes that both citizens and non-citizens permanently living in Latvia should be the subjects of the Convention. The former Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks believes that the definition should include only Latvian citizens. While the MP Boris Tsilevitch in the interview with Vesti Segodnya notes that division of citizens into two groups – ones who were citizens before 1940 and citizens who acquired Latvian citizenship through naturalisation after 1992 contradicts the Constitution of Latvia, which stipulates that all the citizens of Latvia are equal. According to Boris Tsilevitch ratification of the Convention without any reservations would show governments intentions to promote societal integration. Diena, Vesti Segodnya

Approximately 400 participated in the meeting of parents of minority students meeting organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools last Saturday. Participants analysed the situation in minority schools and effects of the education reform. During the meeting the survey of parents was conducted – parents of students from about 30 schools were polled. 18% of parents state that subjects which according to the curriculum should be taught in Russian are taught in Latvian.  56% said that the academic success of their children is getting worse. The Headquarters also announced about its plans to organise new protest actions against the education reform on January 2005, and the second Congress of the Defenders of Russian Language Schools on February 2005.

Approximately 400 participated in the meeting of parents of minority students meeting organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools last Saturday. Participants analysed the situation in minority schools and effects of the education reform. During the meeting the survey of parents was conducted – parents of students from about 30 schools were polled. 18% of parents state that subjects which according to the curriculum should be taught in Russian are taught in Latvian. 56% said that the academic success of their children is getting worse. The Headquarters also announced about its plans to organise new protest actions against the education reform on January 2005, and the second Congress of the Defenders of Russian Language Schools on February 2005. Latvijas Avize, referring to the leader of the Headquarters Jurijs Petropavlovskis, reports that now the Headquarters has decided to implement a slightly different approach: it advises parents to get involved in the activities of school boards, so they can participate in negotiations between school boards and municipalities and have a bigger possibility to make pressure on school administrations. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Latvijas Avize prints a full version of the new governments declaration. In the section on education it provides ‘strengthening of bilingual education in minority primary schools, paying particular attention to the quality of the Latvian language and providing financial support. In the section on societal integration it stipulates: ‘implement ethnic policy principles that take into account interests of all members of society – both Latvians and other ethnic groups, ‘improve legal norms concerning ethnic policy, ‘raise the prestige of Latvian citizenship by creating more positive attitude towards the acquisition of citizenship, ‘educate society on issues concerning ethnic policy to reduce stereotypes and prejudices. [we will] reduce isolation of the two communication spaces, ‘provide support for national associations and communities.

Newspapers report on the eighth congress of the party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM. The party’s decision to stay out of the government was discussed during the congress. Members concluded that the refusal of FF/LNIM to join the new government was natural because the new government wants to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and that is not supported by people who vote for FF/LNIM.

Newspapers report on the eighth congress of the party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM. The partys decision to stay out of the government was discussed during the congress. Members concluded that the refusal of FF/LNIM to join the new government was natural because the new government wants to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and that is not supported by people who vote for FF/LNIM. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Chas features an article by the MP Boris Tsilevitch (Peoples Harmony Party) on the formation of the new government. Boris Tsilevitch doubts that this government would take very radical decisions, however, he admits that this government is ‘the most right-wing government. Instead he forecasts that due to calls to ratify the Convention ‘symbolic liberalisation may be observed

The conference ‘Russian-speaking community in the enlarged EU’ took place in Brussels on weekend. The participants of the conference discussed the formation of European Russians Party. The formation of a new party could take place next year summer.

The conference ‘Russian-speaking community in the enlarged EU took place in Brussels on weekend. The participants of the conference discussed the formation of European Russians Party. The formation of a new party could take place next year summer. Diena, Telegraf

Latvijas Avize reports on the practice of the Valmiera Secondary School Nr.2 in the implementation of the minority education reform. The specialist of bilingual teaching methodology Nila Zaiceva states that the implementation of bilingual education in this school was launched in 1995. Therefore teachers, as well as students were ready for the implementation of the reform. The director of the school Laila Pavulina believes that there is no negative impact of bilingual education on the quality of education. She assures that Latvian language skills of her students who now are in 9th grade are sufficient to continue studies in Latvian-language schools.

Russian-language newspapers write about the seminar ‘Russian world and Latvia: the past, present and future,’ which took place in the Centre of National Minorities in Riga.

Russian-language newspapers write about the seminar ‘Russian world and Latvia: the past, present and future, which took place in the Centre of National Minorities in Riga. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The conference ‘Latvia-Belorussia: the dialogue of cultures’ took place in Riga last Saturday. The main goals of the conference were to show that the cultures of both countries belong to the European culture, as well as to introduce each other to the Latvian and Belorussian cultures.

The conference ‘Latvia-Belorussia: the dialogue of cultures took place in Riga last Saturday. The main goals of the conference were to show that the cultures of both countries belong to the European culture, as well as to introduce each other to the Latvian and Belorussian cultures. Chas

Telegraf prints an interview with the recently naturalised Haisam Abu Abda. Palestinian Haisam Abu Abda came to Latvia as a refugee and has been living in Latvia for 13 years.

• Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools organises a meeting with parents of minority students
• Vladimir Chizov: presence of the leaders of the Baltic States in the anniversary of the victory in World War II in Moscow would be a god start to improve Latvian Russian relations
• Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) nominates the member of Saeima Boris Tsilevitch a key rapporteur on ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Latvia
• Latvijas Avize analysis negative attitude of the Russian-language mass media towards the new Minister of Education and Science Ina Druviete
• MP form For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM Imants Kalnins talks about the attitude of the party towards ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities

On Saturday the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools organised a meeting parents of minority students in Riga. The goal of the meeting is to inform parents about negative impact of the education reform on the quality of education in minority secondary schools. The Headquarters has also developed an action plan, which includes three main goals: abolishment of the education reform, re-establishment of tertiary education in the Russian-language and qualitative Latvian language classes.

On Saturday the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools organised a meeting parents of minority students in Riga. The goal of the meeting is to inform parents about negative impact of the education reform on the quality of education in minority secondary schools. The Headquarters has also developed an action plan, which includes three main goals: abolishment of the education reform, re-establishment of tertiary education in the Russian-language and qualitative Latvian language classes. Diena

Presence of the leaders of the Baltic States in the anniversary of the victory in World War II on 9 May 2005 in Moscow would be a good starting point for improvement of Latvian Russian relations, believes the Deputy of the Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Vladimir Chizov. None of the leaders of the Baltic States have confirmed their participation in this event yet.

Presence of the leaders of the Baltic States in the anniversary of the victory in World War II on 9 May 2005 in Moscow would be a good starting point for improvement of Latvian Russian relations, believes the Deputy of the Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Vladimir Chizov. None of the leaders of the Baltic States have confirmed their participation in this event yet. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Chas

The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) has nominated the member of the PACE and Latvian Parliament Boris Tsilevitch the key rapporteur on the implementation of ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in a number of European countries.

The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) has nominated the member of the PACE and Latvian Parliament Boris Tsilevitch the key rapporteur on the implementation of ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in a number of European countries. Vesti Segodnya

Latvijas Avize prints a critical commentary by Voldemars Krustins about negative attitude of the Russian-language mass media towards the new Minister of Education and Science Ina Druviete. Voldemars Krustins believes the Russian language press is not satisfied with the strict stance of Ina Druviete towards the implementation of the education reform and her intentions to inspect this process.

Latvijas Avize prints an interview with the MP (For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM) Imants Kalnins about the attitude of his party towards ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. According to Imants Kalnins, the party believes that the Convention cannot be ratified until Moscow does not recognise the occupation of the Baltic States.

• New government approved
• Statements of the new Minister of Education and Science Ina Druviete on societal integration issues
• Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks on the definition ‘national minority in the context of the Framework Convention of National Minorities
• Article by the political analyst Ivars Indans about migration
• Opinions of politicians and minority school teachers concerning the education reform
• European Court of Human Rights issues the ruling in the case of Mihails Farbtuhs v. Latvia
• For Human Rights in the United Latvia has developed amendments to the Law on Celebrations and Commemoration Days
• Today the conference ‘Russian-speaking community in the enlarged EU takes place in Brussels

Yesterday Saeima supported the new government of Latvia. There are four parties in the coalition - the People’s Party, the Union of the Farmers and Greens (UFG), the New Era and Latvia’s First Party. Members of the ruling parties as well as the party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM and one independent MP voted for the new government, while the members of People’s Harmony Party, Socialist Party, the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia, two independent MPs and one MP from the coalition party UFG voted against.

Yesterday Saeima supported the new government of Latvia. There are four parties in the coalition - the Peoples Party, the Union of the Farmers and Greens (UFG), the New Era and Latvias First Party. Members of the ruling parties as well as the party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM and one independent MP voted for the new government, while the members of Peoples Harmony Party, Socialist Party, the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia, two independent MPs and one MP from the coalition party UFG voted against. Vesti Segodnya describes this government as ‘typically nationalistic. The Head of the parliamentary group of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia Jakovs Pliners commented that none of the governing parties is seriously planning to focus on ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. He also believes that societal integration policy issues will be at the bottom of this governments agenda. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Vesti Segodnya features statements of the new Minister of Education and Science Ina Druviete on societal integration issues. Ina Druviete states that she is ready to build a dialogue with representatives of ethnic minorities; however, she notes that in the area of the education reform dialogue may be developed only concerning the ways to promote the implementation of the education reform. The new minister, referring to her academic background in bilingual education, says that the transition to teaching several more subjects in the Latvian language can not have a negative influence on the quality of minority education. While the MP Boriss Tsilevitch (Peoples Harmony Party), who was also the member of the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee led by Ina Druviete, doubts her ability to introduce positive tendencies in the field because of her nationalistic beliefs.

Latvijas Avize continues discussions about the necessity to define the term ‘national minority before ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, featuring the statement of the Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks. The newspaper writes that the Foreign Affairs Minister stated ‘First, national minorities are Latvian citizens, however, not those who have acquired Latvian citizenship through naturalisation, but citizens who have relations with the Republic of Latvia which existed between the two world wars (1918 - 1940)… Second, as some ethnic groups in Latvia already are given more rights than it is provided by the Convention, [we can include that] the state … would continue to support those ethnic groups which would not fall under the definition ‘national minority in order to avoid certain ethnic tension when the Convention is ratified, for instance the Riga Ukrainian Secondary School.

Diena prints an article by the political analyst Ivars Indans what consequences could bring migration for Latvia. According to Ivars Indans, now immigrants are not interested in migration to Latvia because Latvia is not developed as well as other EU countries and does not provide good social benefits to immigrants. Besides, in Latvia there are no well-developed ethnic communities, which usually serve as a precondition for the bigger influx of immigrants. However, in 5-10 years Latvia most probably will have to develop a liberal immigration policy because of the negative demographic situation which will result in the lack of workforce. Considering experience of other European countries and views of Latvian residents about immigrants provided by public opinion polls, Ivars Indans foresees the possible aggravation of ethnic relations and notes that liberal state language policy and tolerance towards diversity will play a significant role in the field of societal integration in the future.

Vesti Segodnya features opinions of politicians, minority schoolteachers and parents of minority students about problems concerning the implementation of the education reform. The director of the private minority school ‘Maksima and the head of the Latvian Association for Support of Schools with the Russian Language of Instruction (LASHOR) Olga Isakova believes that teachers working for public minority schools have betrayed the Russian education. The teacher of mathematics of the Riga Secondary School Nr. 40 Viktors Gluhovs says that the future of Russian schools depends on the involvement of parents of minority students, teachers and the Russian community. According to him, the monitoring conducted by international experts should be established. The experts would monitor the quality of education after the implementation of the education reform. While the member of the Riga City Council (For Human Rights in the United Latvia) and the co-leader of the NGO Latvian Human Rights Committee Genadijs Kotovs believes that the administrations of Russian-language schools and parents should have the right to choose the language of instruction at minority schools.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has issued a ruling in the case of Mihails Farbtuhs. The applicant complained with the ECHR against the sentence of the Riga District Court, according to which he was found guilty in genocide: the Court ruled that Mihails Farbtuhs is personally responsible for deporting Latvian citizens to Siberia. The ECHR did not take the decision concerning either legitimacy of the sentence issued by the Riga District Curt or Latvian legislation on the basis of which the Riga District Court found him guilty. The ECHR ruled that the living conditions of Mihails Farbtuhs in the prison were not adequate for his health, thus Latvia has violated the Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment). According to the ruling Latvia must pay Mihails Farbtuhs a compensation in the amount of LVL 4,150 (EUR 6,000). The ad hoc judge of the ECHR from Latvia Jautrite Briede disagrees with the ECHR’s ruling. She states that Latvia has not violated the rights of Mihails Farbtuhs, because the state authorities examined his health before detention and, knowing that adequate living conditions cannot be met, the prison’s administration asked the court to discharge him.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has issued a ruling in the case of Mihails Farbtuhs. The applicant complained with the ECHR against the sentence of the Riga District Court, according to which he was found guilty in genocide: the Court ruled that Mihails Farbtuhs is personally responsible for deporting Latvian citizens to Siberia. The ECHR did not take the decision concerning either legitimacy of the sentence issued by the Riga District Curt or Latvian legislation on the basis of which the Riga District Court found him guilty. The ECHR ruled that the living conditions of Mihails Farbtuhs in the prison were not adequate for his health, thus Latvia has violated the Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment). According to the ruling Latvia must pay Mihails Farbtuhs a compensation in the amount of LVL4,150 (EUR6,000). The ad hoc judge of the ECHR from Latvia Jautrite Briede disagrees with the ECHRs ruling. She states that Latvia has not violated the rights of Mihails Farbtuhs, because the state authorities examined his health before detention and, knowing that adequate living conditions cannot be met, the prisons administration asked the court to discharge him. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Telegraf

The union For Human Rights in the United Latvia has developed amendments to the Law on Celebrations and Commemoration Days. The amendments stipulate that on 7 January, when Orthodox believers and Old Believers celebrate Christmas, is a national holiday.

The union For Human Rights in the United Latvia has developed amendments to the Law on Celebrations and Commemoration Days. The amendments stipulate that on 7 January, when Orthodox believers and Old Believers celebrate Christmas, is a national holiday. Chas

Vesti Segodnya reports on the conference ‘Russian-speaking community in the enlarged EU, which takes place in Brussels today. Issues concerning the Russian community in Europe will be discussed there.

• Newspapers discuss new ministers: the Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration Ainars Latkovskis and the Minister of Education and Science Ina Druviete
• Declaration of the new government does not include ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
• Latvijas Avize comments on naturalisation of a refugee, Palestinian Haisam Abu Abda
• Phone line opened to report on problems concerning minority education reform
• Representatives of the Union of Politically Repressed Persons visit the European Parliament
• Celebration of the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will take place on 11 December

he Party New Era nominated Ainars Latkovskis to the post of the Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration. Until now Ainars Latkovskis has been the Head of the Saeima Committee on Supervising the Prevention and Combating of Corruption, Contraband and Organised Crime. The Chairmen of the Latvia’s First Party Ainars Slesers has questioned correspondence of Ainars Latkovskis and Ina Druviete (New Era’s candidacy for the post of the Education Minister) to ensure  consolidation of Latvia’s society,  because till  now the New Era held a radical position concerning these issues. Ainars Slesers also pointed to the former decision of Ina Druviete not to speak with the mass media in Russian, which ‘automatically brings towards a conflict.’

he Party New Era nominated Ainars Latkovskis to the post of the Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration. Until now Ainars Latkovskis has been the Head of the Saeima Committee on Supervising the Prevention and Combating of Corruption, Contraband and Organised Crime. The Chairmen of the Latvias First Party Ainars Slesers has questioned correspondence of Ainars Latkovskis and Ina Druviete (New Eras candidacy for the post of the Education Minister) to ensure consolidation of Latvias society, because till now the New Era held a radical position concerning these issues. Ainars Slesers also pointed to the former decision of Ina Druviete not to speak with the mass media in Russian, which ‘automatically brings towards a conflict. Vesti Segodnya reports that yesterday Ainars Latkovskis refused journalists request to discuss his future plans. The Columnist of Chas believes that the nomination of Ina Druviete to the post of the Minister of Education and Science may lead to the tension in society, because not only is she ‘thinking nationalistically, but also advocates for ‘forced acquisition of the Latvian language among non-Latvians and is ‘the supporter of imposed and rigid decisions regarding non-Latvians. Telgraf features an interview with Ina Druviete. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Vesti Segodnya writes about the governments declaration, which was signed by representatives of the four right-wing parties – the Peoples Party, the New Era, the Union of Farmers and Greens and Latvias First Party yesterday. Ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities is not included in the governments declaration. The declaration also does not include initiatives to promote naturalisation. However, the declaration does include articles which provide readiness to ‘improve Latvian legislation till it fully complies with the EU directives on the prevention of discrimination, ‘evaluate consequences of the occupation and ‘launch discussions on receiving compensations for the damages, caused by the Soviet Occupation. Neatkariga Rita Avize writes that the refusal of the party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM to participate in the new government, suddenly expressed on Wednesday, is related to the decision of other political parties to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National minorities. Vesti Segodnya, Neatkariga Rita Avize

Latvijas Avize features a commentary on naturalisation of a refugee, Palestinian Haisam Abu Abda. The outgoing Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks states that it is the first case not only in Latvia, but also in Eastern Europe when a refugee is receiving citizenship through naturalisation. Referring to the statement of Nils Muiznieks, Latvijas Avize comments that the case is the evidence the Latvias Citizenship Law is very liberal.

A phone-line, which is meant for receiving complaints concerning the implementation of the minority education reform, has been operated already for a month. The phone line was launched by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language School.

A phone-line, which is meant for receiving complaints concerning the implementation of the minority education reform, has been operated already for a month. The phone line was launched by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language School. Vesti Segodnya

Newspapers report on the visit of representatives of the Union of Politically Repressed Persons to the European Parliament. The main goal of the visit was to launch discussions on the necessity to condemn internationally the crimes of the Soviet Regime.

Newspapers report on the visit of representatives of the Union of Politically Repressed Persons to the European Parliament. The main goal of the visit was to launch discussions on the necessity to condemn internationally the crimes of the Soviet Regime. Vesti Segodnya states that the majority of members of parliamentary groups of the European Parliament refused the adoption of such a resolution. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

The Latvian Human Rights Committee, the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools and the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia plan to organise the ‘Celebration of Humanity’ in honour of the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 11 December.

The Latvian Human Rights Committee, the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools and the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia plan to organise the ‘Celebration of Humanity in honour of the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 11 December. Vesti Segodnya

• Political parties cannot agree on the composition of a new government
• Chas reports on a possibility to introduce changes in the Law of Education
• Interview with the representative of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Jurijs Petropavlovskis
• Head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Russia State Council Konstantin Kosatchev talks about relations between Russia and Latvia
• New Russian Ambassador to Latvia Victor Kalyuzhny meets representatives of the Peoples Harmony Party
• Book on the Holocaust presented
• Latvijas Avize reports about a forthcoming meeting of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools with parents of minority students
• Today the minority art festival ‘United in Diversity 2004 will be launched in Riga

Yesterday after the President’s choice Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis (People’s Party) stated that ‘such controversial persons’ - the former prime ministers Andris Skele (nominated by the People’s Party to the post of the Minister for Health) and Einars Repse (nominated by the New Era to the Post of the Minister for Defence) - can not be included in the new government, the New Era announced that it refuses to participate in the formation of a new government. In response Aigars Kalvitis stated that he would give the New Era time till Tuesday to reconsider its decision. If on Tuesday the New Era continues to refuse to take part in the formation of a new government, the post of the Minister for Special Assingnments for Society Integration could be repeatedly entrusted to the Latvia’s First Party.

Yesterday after the Presidents choice Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis (Peoples Party) stated that ‘such controversial persons - the former prime ministers Andris Skele (nominated by the Peoples Party to the post of the Minister for Health) and Einars Repse (nominated by the New Era to the Post of the Minister for Defence) - can not be included in the new government, the New Era announced that it refuses to participate in the formation of a new government. In response Aigars Kalvitis stated that he would give the New Era time till Tuesday to reconsider its decision. If on Tuesday the New Era continues to refuse to take part in the formation of a new government, the post of the Minister for Special Assingnments for Society Integration could be repeatedly entrusted to the Latvias First Party. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Rigas Balss, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Vesti Segodnya prints an interview with the representative of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Jurijs Petropavlovskis. He is planning to challenge the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers with Latvian courts and if necessary with the European Court of Human Rights and the European Court of Justice. The Cabinet of Ministers refused to grant him Latvian citizenship. Jurijs Petropavlovskis is convinced that Latvia will be found guilty, as the decision was not based on sound arguments.

Newspapers feature statements of the Head of Russia State Council Foreign Affairs Committee Konstantin Kosatchev about relations between Russia and Latvia. Konstantin Kosatchev supports ratification of the border agreement between Latvia and Russia as soon as possible, nevertheless, he believes that Latvia must solve a number of minority problems: ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, grant non-citizens voting rights in municipal elections and solve issues concerning minority education reform. The Russian official also believes that participation of the leaders of the Baltic States in the anniversary of the victory in World War II on 9 May 2005 in Moscow would promote better relations between the countries.

Newspapers feature statements of the Head of Russia State Council Foreign Affairs Committee Konstantin Kosatchev about relations between Russia and Latvia. Konstantin Kosatchev supports ratification of the border agreement between Latvia and Russia as soon as possible, nevertheless, he believes that Latvia must solve a number of minority problems: ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, grant non-citizens voting rights in municipal elections and solve issues concerning minority education reform. The Russian official also believes that participation of the leaders of the Baltic States in the anniversary of the victory in World War II on 9 May 2005 in Moscow would promote better relations between the countries. Chas and Vesti Segodnya feature interviews with Konstantin Kosatchev. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

The Russian Ambassador to Latvia Victor Kalyuzhny met the representatives of the People’s Harmony Party in order to discuss the relationship between Russia and Latvia. During the meeting was also discussed the refusal of Saeima to adopt the amendments to the Citizenship Law, submitted by the People’s Harmony Party, which according to the PHP were aimed at promoting naturalisation. Victor Kalyuzhny

The Russian Ambassador to Latvia Victor Kalyuzhny met the representatives of the Peoples Harmony Party in order to discuss the relationship between Russia and Latvia. During the meeting was also discussed the refusal of Saeima to adopt the amendments to the Citizenship Law, submitted by the Peoples Harmony Party, which according to the PHP were aimed at promoting naturalisation. Victor Kalyuzhny has expressed a regret stating that Latvia should promote the naturalisation process. Chas, Telegraf

Yesterday the 12th volume of articles dedicated to the Holocaust was presented. The book has been developed by the Historians’ Commission under the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga. In the presentation the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga called the international society to be more critical towards totalitarian regimes, which categorised people according to their nationality, race, gender and religion.  

Yesterday the 12th volume of articles dedicated to the Holocaust was presented. The book has been developed by the Historians Commission under the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga. In the presentation the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga called the international society to be more critical towards totalitarian regimes, which categorised people according to their nationality, race, gender and religion. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Latvijas Avize reports on a forthcoming meeting of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools with parents of minority students. The newspaper believes that the Headquarters will continue to call minorities to protest against the education reform.

The Russian-language newspaper

The Russian-language newspaper Chas, referring to unofficial sources, writes that amendments to the Law on Education have been developed. These amendments provide more rigid ratio between languages of instruction in minority schools: instead of teaching 40% of subjects in minority languages as provided for by the effective norms, the new amendments foresee that only 25% of subjects will be taught in minority languages.

The minority art festival ‘United in Diversity 2004,’ dedicated to the 16th anniversary of the Latvian Association of National Cultural Organisations will be launched today in Riga.

The minority art festival ‘United in Diversity 2004, dedicated to the 16th anniversary of the Latvian Association of National Cultural Organisations will be launched today in Riga. Latvijas Avize