LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

 Dutch foreign minister Monday in Lisbon called on Portugal, the presiding country of the OSCE, to support cooperation between OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities and Latvia concerning amendments to Latvia's Election Law. Jozias van Aartsen did not suggest consider appointing a new High Commissioner in Latvia to continue supervising the attitude of the Baltic country towards its Russian speaker minority as it was reported by BNS/Reuters.

Dutch foreign minister Monday in Lisbon called on Portugal, the presiding country of the OSCE, to support cooperation between OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities and Latvia concerning amendments to Latvia's Election Law. Jozias van Aartsen did not suggest consider appointing a new High Commissioner in Latvia to continue supervising the attitude of the Baltic country towards its Russian speaker minority as it was reported by BNS/Reuters.

OSCE member countries met Monday in Lisbon to coordinate monitoring missions at the world hot spots and the role of the OSCE in fight against terrorism.

OSCE member countries met Monday in Lisbon to coordinate monitoring missions at the world hot spots and the role of the OSCE in fight against terrorism. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

The Latvian President believes the reserved attitude of politicians towards Election Law amendments is related to upcoming general elections due this fall and their reluctance to think about what happens after the elections, including movement of Latvia to the European Union and NATO. "Everything else, including Latvia's likely invitation to NATO, is subordinate to election day,” the President said. She underscored that attitude of all residents of Latvia is important in order to promote amendments to the Election Law because "presently the politicians feel kind of hostages to these elections, to the public."

The Latvian President believes the reserved attitude of politicians towards Election Law amendments is related to upcoming general elections due this fall and their reluctance to think about what happens after the elections, including movement of Latvia to the European Union and NATO. "Everything else, including Latvia's likely invitation to NATO, is subordinate to election day, the President said. She underscored that attitude of all residents of Latvia is important in order to promote amendments to the Election Law because "presently the politicians feel kind of hostages to these elections, to the public."

Politcal scientist Nils Muiznieks suggests the President turn to the Constitutional Court to tackle the issue concerning the removal of language requirement from the Election Law. In his opinion, the Constitutional Court would rule that the norm is in contradiction to the Latvian Constitution and it should be abolished. The President said that for the time being she has not considered turning to the Constitutional Court to achieve amendments to the Election Law initiated by her. "That would require very long time and I believe that in this matter the attitude of parties represented in the parliament and factions will be of great importance during the coming four months until NATO foreign ministers meeting in Reykjavik that already will present assessment of candidate countries readiness," said Vike-Freiberga. The President has not given any information about her next step.

Politcal scientist Nils Muiznieks suggests the President turn to the Constitutional Court to tackle the issue concerning the removal of language requirement from the Election Law. In his opinion, the Constitutional Court would rule that the norm is in contradiction to the Latvian Constitution and it should be abolished. The President said that for the time being she has not considered turning to the Constitutional Court to achieve amendments to the Election Law initiated by her. "That would require very long time and I believe that in this matter the attitude of parties represented in the parliament and factions will be of great importance during the coming four months until NATO foreign ministers meeting in Reykjavik that already will present assessment of candidate countries readiness," said Vike-Freiberga. The President has not given any information about her next step. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Vesti Segodnja writes that now the President will not hurry with asking the Parliament to remove language requirement. The newspaper sees two options for the further President’s steps: first, the President forgets about the initiative for couple months, but while in the visit to the USA she promises that the amendments are introduced till May and asks the Americans for moral support, that is, pressure on Latvian MPs; the second, submit the draft bill to the Parliament just before the leaving for the USA or while already in Washington D.C.

Vesti Segodnja writes that now the President will not hurry with asking the Parliament to remove language requirement. The newspaper sees two options for the further Presidents steps: first, the President forgets about the initiative for couple months, but while in the visit to the USA she promises that the amendments are introduced till May and asks the Americans for moral support, that is, pressure on Latvian MPs; the second, submit the draft bill to the Parliament just before the leaving for the USA or while already in Washington D.C.

Latvijas Vestnesis

provides the full printed version of Latvian Presidents interview concerning language issue for the National Radio. provides the full printed version of Latvian President’s interview concerning language issue for the National Radio.

Diena

refers to the articles in refers to the articles in Dagens NyheterDagens Nyheter where former Swede Prime Minister Karl Bildt criticizes OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Ralf Ekeus for Ekeus attempts to justify Moscows lies about sending submarines to Sweden. where former Swede Prime Minister Karl Bildt criticizes OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Ralf Ekeus for Ekeus’ attempts to justify Moscow’s lies about sending submarines to Sweden. The European Council has signed the co-operation agreement with Society Integration Foundation. It is planned that the European Council Information Bureau will provide funding for organizing seminars and conferences addressing national integration issues.

The European Council has signed the co-operation agreement with Society Integration Foundation. It is planned that the European Council Information Bureau will provide funding for organizing seminars and conferences addressing national integration issues. Diena

Dienas

editorial is about the response of MPs towards Presidents initiative to amend the Election Law. Columnist Aivars Ozolins says that it seems, judging by what representatives of Saeima factions told the press after their meeting with the President on Monday, that they might hope to tackle international issues, vital to the countrys long-term security, through putting to use the same skills they have developed in tackling private-domestic policy matters. That is, tell people one thing, say something else in private, agree on everything among themselves, deceive everyone and win again. The columnist writes that the issue is very simple either we amend the Law or do fail in already almost achieved membership to NATO. Ozolins believes that the deputies have therefore internationally discredited the President, let down Latvias strongest supporters, the Americans, and showed that no one can rely on Latvias word of honor as far as international relations are concerned. He also warns that thus Latvia could get back the OSCE and this time with completely new requirements in addition to language requirement. editorial is about the response of MPs towards President’s initiative to amend the Election Law. Columnist Aivars Ozolins says that it seems, judging by what representatives of Saeima factions told the press after their meeting with the President on Monday, that they might hope to tackle international issues, vital to the country’s long-term security, through putting to use the same skills they have developed in tackling private-domestic policy matters. That is, tell people one thing, say something else in private, agree on everything among themselves, deceive everyone and win again. The columnist writes that the issue is very simple either we amend the Law or do fail in already almost achieved membership to NATO. Ozolins believes that the deputies have therefore internationally discredited the President, let down Latvia’s strongest supporters, the Americans, and showed that no one can rely on Latvia’s word of honor as far as international relations are concerned. He also warns that thus Latvia could get back the OSCE and this time with completely new requirements in addition to language requirement. The Latvian government Tuesday supported the draft law on identification cards (ID cards) and passports outlining the types of valid ID cards and passports, their content and usage procedure. It is expected that the Law comes into effect on 1 July 2002 if Saeima approves it.

The Latvian government Tuesday supported the draft law on identification cards (ID cards) and passports outlining the types of valid ID cards and passports, their content and usage procedure. It is expected that the Law comes into effect on 1 July 2002 if Saeima approves it. Diena, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Chas

columnist Leonid Fedosejev writes about language requirement and the newly established Language Commission. In his opinion the removal of language requirement is useless if other stricter norms are introduced into language legislation. columnist Leonid Fedosejev writes about language requirement and the newly established Language Commission. In his opinion the removal of language requirement is useless if other stricter norms are introduced into language legislation.

Chas

comments the response of FHRUL to Presidents initiative to amend the Election Law. The newspaper considers that FHRUL has planned the meeting to the smallest detail: the party sent second level leadership to the meeting with the President and based their stance to refrain from the voting on the assumption that resultantly other stricter language norms will be introduced. comments the response of FHRUL to President’s initiative to amend the Election Law. The newspaper considers that FHRUL has planned the meeting to the smallest detail: the party sent second level leadership to the meeting with the President and based their stance to refrain from the voting on the assumption that resultantly other stricter language norms will be introduced. ChasChas conclusion is that removal of language requirement will concern only one faction in the Saeima and that is FHRUL. In its turn, that could increase competition for the seats in the Parliament within the party. conclusion is that “removal of language requirement will concern only one faction in the Saeima and that is FHRUL. In its turn, that could increase competition for the seats in the Parliament within the party.”

Panorama Latvii

editorial comments the latest developments concerning language issue. The columnist reminds that editorial comments the latest developments concerning language issue. The columnist reminds that Panorama LatviiPanorama Latvii already forecasted the current situation: the OSCE Mission to Latvia is closed but the language issue is not solved. Now the commentator forecasts that deputies will keep saying no to the amendments to the Election Law, but after the 8th Saeima election they say yes as they want not only to be MPs but also Latvia to be the member of NATO. already forecasted the current situation: the OSCE Mission to Latvia is closed but the language issue is not solved. Now the commentator forecasts that deputies will keep saying “no” to the amendments to the Election Law, but after the 8th Saeima election they say “yes” as they want not only to be MPs but also Latvia to be the member of NATO.

Vesti Segodnja

comments on National TV Show where Liga Muzikante member of National Front, which is headed by A.Garda, participated and expressed her views about relations between the Latvians and Russian-speakers in Latvia. Muzikante said that the relations between the two nations have never been good and this year will become the first year of de-colonization of Latvia. She also voiced that the National Front will fight for the seats in the Saeima as now there is no party that protects the rights of the Latvians. comments on National TV Show where Liga Muzikante member of National Front, which is headed by A.Garda, participated and expressed her views about relations between the Latvians and Russian-speakers in Latvia. Muzikante said that “the relations between the two nations have never been good and this year will become the first year of de-colonization of Latvia”. She also voiced that the National Front will fight for the seats in the Saeima as now there is no party that protects the rights of the Latvians.

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

People's Party (TP), FF/LNNK, Latvian Social Democratic WorkerТs Party and Union of Social Democrats Saeima factions do not back the proposal made by Vike-Freiberga on amending the Election Law by lifting the requirement set for Saeima and municipal deputies that they must have knowledge of the Latvian language at the highest level. Even FHRUL now is refraining from backing the president's proposal as they think that removal of language requirement is useless if at the same time other stricter norms concerning language usage are introduced. PeopleТs Party leader Skele stressed that during the meeting the deputies informed the President on how people perceive her proposals for the Election Law, and about the situation in local governments. "We asked numerous questions and received answers that did not convinced us about the necessity of amendments to the law," Skele said. PeopleТs Party leader stressed that the state language is an important ingredient for social integration. Skele expressed his view that preserving the requirement would not be an obstacle for Latvia's integration into NATO by any means because laws pertaining to elections and use of the state language are not the same for all NATO member states. Skele pointed out that at none of the meetings with OSCE representatives there was a requirement mentioned for amending the Election Law, and it was not set as a pre-condition for losing the OSCE Mission in Latvia. Skele predicted that a majority of Saeima deputies would oppose the president's proposal.

People's Party (TP), FF/LNNK, Latvian Social Democratic WorkerТs Party and Union of Social Democrats Saeima factions do not back the proposal made by Vike-Freiberga on amending the Election Law by lifting the requirement set for Saeima and municipal deputies that they must have knowledge of the Latvian language at the highest level. Even FHRUL now is refraining from backing the president's proposal as they think that removal of language requirement is useless if at the same time other stricter norms concerning language usage are introduced. PeopleТs Party leader Skele stressed that during the meeting the deputies informed the President on how people perceive her proposals for the Election Law, and about the situation in local governments. "We asked numerous questions and received answers that did not convinced us about the necessity of amendments to the law," Skele said. PeopleТs Party leader stressed that the state language is an important ingredient for social integration. Skele expressed his view that preserving the requirement would not be an obstacle for Latvia's integration into NATO by any means because laws pertaining to elections and use of the state language are not the same for all NATO member states. Skele pointed out that at none of the meetings with OSCE representatives there was a requirement mentioned for amending the Election Law, and it was not set as a pre-condition for losing the OSCE Mission in Latvia. Skele predicted that a majority of Saeima deputies would oppose the president's proposal.

Viola Lazo, head of the LSDSP Saeima faction after the meeting with the President said that the party believes that it is too hasty to lift the requirement set for deputy candidates and the issue could be reviewed again during the 8th Saeima. According to Lazo, it would be impossible to lift the requirements for the deputy candidates and simultaneously amend the legislation in order to provide protection of the state language during the 7th Saeima. Lazo believes that without amending the laws LatviaТs move to the EU and NATO has not been hampered because a requirement for amending the election law was not included in the directives set by the OSCE Mission to Latvia. Lazo admits that the President's initiative to amend the election laws had facilitated the closure of the OSCE Mission in Latvia but the OSCE Mission set no time limitation for amending the laws.

Viola Lazo, head of the LSDSP Saeima faction after the meeting with the President said that the party believes that it is too hasty to lift the requirement set for deputy candidates and the issue could be reviewed again during the 8th Saeima. According to Lazo, it would be impossible to lift the requirements for the deputy candidates and simultaneously amend the legislation in order to provide protection of the state language during the 7th Saeima. Lazo believes that without amending the laws LatviaТs move to the EU and NATO has not been hampered because a requirement for amending the election law was not included in the directives set by the OSCE Mission to Latvia. Lazo admits that the President's initiative to amend the election laws had facilitated the closure of the OSCE Mission in Latvia but the OSCE Mission set no time limitation for amending the laws.

Latvia's Way (LC) Saeima faction agrees on opening of the Election Law for amendments but backs only a complex approach to amending the law not just crossing out certain requirements, LC faction head Kristiana Lоbane told after the meeting with President Vaira Vонe-Freiberga. Lоbane could not give an unequivocal answer to the question whether LC deputies would back the president's proposal to lift the requirement from the Election Law. This would be decided after the President has turned with her proposal to Saeima, Libane said, adding that the President "can count on a constructive attitude from the LC factionФ. Libane declined to comment whether amendments to the Election Law would be reviewed by the next Saeima elections. The LC faction leader reminded that Latvia's NATO membership is a priority "for us" and the Saeima must review the amendments to the Election Law "if they are the key to NATO."

Latvia's Way (LC) Saeima faction agrees on opening of the Election Law for amendments but backs only a complex approach to amending the law not just crossing out certain requirements, LC faction head Kristiana Lоbane told after the meeting with President Vaira Vонe-Freiberga. Lоbane could not give an unequivocal answer to the question whether LC deputies would back the president's proposal to lift the requirement from the Election Law. This would be decided after the President has turned with her proposal to Saeima, Libane said, adding that the President "can count on a constructive attitude from the LC factionФ. Libane declined to comment whether amendments to the Election Law would be reviewed by the next Saeima elections. The LC faction leader reminded that Latvia's NATO membership is a priority "for us" and the Saeima must review the amendments to the Election Law "if they are the key to NATO."

New Christian Party SaeimaТs faction does not have one opinion about PresidentТs initiative, but PartyТs member Special Task Minister Janis Krumins has voiced support to the initiative.

New Christian Party SaeimaТs faction does not have one opinion about PresidentТs initiative, but PartyТs member Special Task Minister Janis Krumins has voiced support to the initiative.

Vike-Freiberga has not yet decided on her next move on the proposals after yesterdayТs consultations with political forces represented at Saeima, a majority of which does not back them.

Vike-Freiberga has not yet decided on her next move on the proposals after yesterdayТs consultations with political forces represented at Saeima, a majority of which does not back them. Latvijas Vestnesis, Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Lauku Avize stresses that the President when talking to MPs voiced for several times that her initiative to remove language requirement for election candidates resulted from the pressure of international community.

Lauku Avize stresses that the President when talking to MPs voiced for several times that her initiative to remove language requirement for election candidates resulted from the pressure of international community.

The initiative of the Latvian President to delete from the Election Law requirement for people running for elections to have top level state language proficiency could help Latvia emerge as leader among NATO candidate countries, Latvian ambassador to the United States believes. "By rejecting these proposals the parliament actually would say no to NATO's values," Latvian embassy to the US quoted ambassador Aivis Ronis as saying adding that "inability to strengthen the role of the Latvian language without restricting election rights will seriously hinder Latvia's dialogue with the Western countries on invitation to NATO as soon as this fall". Ronis said "the OSCE Mission would have still been in Latvia" if President Vaira Vike-Freiberga had not launched discussion on amendments to the election law. "The US supported the mission closure, convinced Europe's countries about it exactly because the president's initiative indicated of maturity of society and understanding of Western democratic values," the ambassador said. The OSCE is considering to appoint a high commissioner to Latvia to continue supervising Latvia's attitude towards the Russian speaking minority, announced the Netherlands Foreign Minister Joziass Artsen. OSCE members met in Lisbon on Monday in order to co-ordinate supervision missions at hot spots around the world. The Portuguese Foreign Minister stated the Balkans, Moldavia, the Caucasus and Central Asia as hot spots for the organisation.

The initiative of the Latvian President to delete from the Election Law requirement for people running for elections to have top level state language proficiency could help Latvia emerge as leader among NATO candidate countries, Latvian ambassador to the United States believes. "By rejecting these proposals the parliament actually would say no to NATO's values," Latvian embassy to the US quoted ambassador Aivis Ronis as saying adding that "inability to strengthen the role of the Latvian language without restricting election rights will seriously hinder Latvia's dialogue with the Western countries on invitation to NATO as soon as this fall". Ronis said "the OSCE Mission would have still been in Latvia" if President Vaira Vike-Freiberga had not launched discussion on amendments to the election law. "The US supported the mission closure, convinced Europe's countries about it exactly because the president's initiative indicated of maturity of society and understanding of Western democratic values," the ambassador said. The OSCE is considering to appoint a high commissioner to Latvia to continue supervising Latvia's attitude towards the Russian speaking minority, announced the Netherlands Foreign Minister Joziass Artsen. OSCE members met in Lisbon on Monday in order to co-ordinate supervision missions at hot spots around the world. The Portuguese Foreign Minister stated the Balkans, Moldavia, the Caucasus and Central Asia as hot spots for the organisation. BNS

Lauku Avize

publishes satire article devoting ironic comments to one of Public Awareness and Citizenship Promotion CampaignТs promotion materials which is in the format of the Latvian citizenТs passport. The УpassportФ is in two languages Ц Russian and Latvian Ц and in the opinion of the columnist the Naturalisation Board which is running the campaign has already introduced two-language system in Latvia. publishes satire article devoting ironic comments to one of Public Awareness and Citizenship Promotion CampaignТs promotion materials which is in the format of the Latvian citizenТs passport. The УpassportФ is in two languages Ц Russian and Latvian Ц and in the opinion of the columnist the Naturalisation Board which is running the campaign has already introduced two-language system in Latvia.

Lauku Avize

interviews newly established State Language Commission chairperson Mara Zalite. She considers that also the representatives of national minority schools should be the members of the Commission. Concerning PresidentТs initiative she says that losses could be even greater if the requirement set for deputy nominees pertaining to their knowledge of the Latvian language in election laws is not abolished. Zalite explained that lifting the requirements has been recommended by the international organizations, which Latvia wants to join. If the requirements are not lifted, Latvia will fail to meet its commitments in these organizations and therefore atvia's entry would be jeopardized. As a result, losses could be even higher, the poet believes. In her opinion, the Commission should work with the following issues: the protection of the Latvian language and its development; the role of the Latvian language after the accession to the EU; Latvian language learning at national minority schools. interviews newly established State Language Commission chairperson Mara Zalite. She considers that also the representatives of national minority schools should be the members of the Commission. Concerning PresidentТs initiative she says that losses could be even greater if the requirement set for deputy nominees pertaining to their knowledge of the Latvian language in election laws is not abolished. Zalite explained that lifting the requirements has been recommended by the international organizations, which Latvia wants to join. If the requirements are not lifted, Latvia will fail to meet its commitments in these organizations and therefore atvia's entry would be jeopardized. As a result, losses could be even higher, the poet believes. In her opinion, the Commission should work with the following issues: the protection of the Latvian language and its development; the role of the Latvian language after the accession to the EU; Latvian language learning at national minority schools. The session of PACE is to be held this week and it is expected that Russia will attack Baltic States for not observing the rights of Russian-speakers in these countries.

The session of PACE is to be held this week and it is expected that Russia will attack Baltic States for not observing the rights of Russian-speakers in these countries. Lauku Avize talks to LatviaТs delegation to PACE head Vaira Paegle. She is going to take part in discussions and ask the PACE Committee of Ministers why the definition for Уnational minorityФ has not been developed yet. Vaira Paegle is also concerned about the possibility that European Democratic group wants to nominate RussiaТs representative Dmitry Ragozin for the post of the chairperson of the Political Committee.

Vesti Segodnja

publishes the press release where the European Commission refuted the assertion that Romano Prodi had demanded for Russian the status of a second official language in Estonia and the other Baltic countries. publishes the press release where the European Commission refuted the assertion that Romano Prodi had demanded for Russian the status of a second official language in Estonia and the other Baltic countries. Lauku AvizeLauku Avize

Press Report

President Vaira Vike-Freiberega will meet with representatives from the Saeima factions today to discuss the possibilities for amendments to Saeima and municipal election laws, requesting that the restriction on a state language requirement for deputy candidates at the highest level be stricken. The president said last week that a task force of experts, which evaluated the above requirement on candidates, said today that the requirement is undemocratic and contradicts the Constitution and international conventions that Latvia has signed.

President Vaira Vike-Freiberega will meet with representatives from the Saeima factions today to discuss the possibilities for amendments to Saeima and municipal election laws, requesting that the restriction on a state language requirement for deputy candidates at the highest level be stricken. The president said last week that a task force of experts, which evaluated the above requirement on candidates, said today that the requirement is undemocratic and contradicts the Constitution and international conventions that Latvia has signed. LETA,

Telegraf writes - politicians themselves say that they are not going to change their position, and it seems that with the current Saeima the President will have more opponents than supporters.

Telegraf writes - politicians themselves say that they are not going to change their position, and it seems that with the current Saeima the President will have more opponents than supporters.

Daugavpils Mayor Rihards Eigims has decided to participate in Saeima elections and become a deputy. Eigims says in an interview to the newspaper "Vesti Segodnya" today: "The example with "Latvijas gaze" is didactic. This is why I will definitely run for Saeima elections along with my team - at least to tell such monopolies as "Latvijas gaze", please, observe interests of Latvia's people".

Daugavpils Mayor Rihards Eigims has decided to participate in Saeima elections and become a deputy. Eigims says in an interview to the newspaper "Vesti Segodnya" today: "The example with "Latvijas gaze" is didactic. This is why I will definitely run for Saeima elections along with my team - at least to tell such monopolies as "Latvijas gaze", please, observe interests of Latvia's people". LETA, Diena, Neatkariga

Last year Latvian death rate was the highest in Europe and the Baltic States also came in last by birth rate, according to the European Commission survey covering 31 countries. Latvia's population fell by 14,600 over the year from 2,366,100 on Jan. 1, 2001, to 2,351,500 early this year. Estonia's population shrank 58,000 to 1,360,900 at the beginning of 2002, and the same was also true about Lithuania that saw its population reduce from 3,692,600 in early 2001 to 3,680,700 early this year.

Last year Latvian death rate was the highest in Europe and the Baltic States also came in last by birth rate, according to the European Commission survey covering 31 countries. Latvia's population fell by 14,600 over the year from 2,366,100 on Jan. 1, 2001, to 2,351,500 early this year. Estonia's population shrank 58,000 to 1,360,900 at the beginning of 2002, and the same was also true about Lithuania that saw its population reduce from 3,692,600 in early 2001 to 3,680,700 early this year. BNS, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya

Newspaper

Vesti Segodnya interviewed Latvian MPs about the statement of NATO Deputy Secretary General G.Altenburg that on eof the most important preconditions for inviting Latvia to NATO would be a stable situation here and no contradictions between Latvians and Russian minority. V.Paegle (Peoples Party) thinks that during the last years Latvian authorities have managed to stop all human rights violations, also concerning national minority rights. And foreign experts have acknowledged this. Ms.Paegle herself has not observed any sharp contradictions among Latvians and Russians. M.Bekasov (For Human Rights in United Latvia) states that contradictions between these two parts of Latvian population exist. And they will vanish only when authorities will stop moral raping of national minorities. If the authorities observed the Common Human Rights Declaration there would be no national, language, nor any other contradictions.

MP Cilevich writes about the initiative of Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga concerning amending the election law. For many years opposition has spoken about non-compliance of local language legislation to international standards, but only after the lost Ignatane case at the UN Human Rights Committee and almost lost Podkolzina case in Strasbourg Court, the world just realised the real situation. OSCE and NATO loudly and directly demanded to abolish the language proficiency norm for deputy candidates, and on 6 December, 2001 President Vaira Vike-Freiberga addressed two existing problems in this field – language proficiency norm and distortion of spelling of foreign names and surnames. When some activities started, the presidential initiative was reduced just to the proficiency norm. Vesti Segodnya

Newspaper

Panorama Latvii published an open letter of the Republican Centre of the party Equality to the Prime Minister A.Berzins concerning his statements about the possible activities of Equality leader T.Zhdanok if she were elected the head of Riga City Council Privatisation Committee.

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

The European Commission welcomes the steps taken by Latvia during the past years to improve the situation of its Russian speaker minority, European Commission spokesman said. Jean-Christophe Filori said in a statement the European Commission believes Latvia's legislation generally meets international standards for protection of minorities and the use of Russian language in education, culture, media and other spheres is ensured in compliance with these standards. Latvia's progress is acknowledged also by Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) that last year decided to close the mission in Latvia.

The European Commission welcomes the steps taken by Latvia during the past years to improve the situation of its Russian speaker minority, European Commission spokesman said. Jean-Christophe Filori said in a statement the European Commission believes Latvia's legislation generally meets international standards for protection of minorities and the use of Russian language in education, culture, media and other spheres is ensured in compliance with these standards. Latvia's progress is acknowledged also by Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) that last year decided to close the mission in Latvia. BNS

Latvia's Prime Minister Andris Berzins is "more than sure" that most of Latvia's population will support Latvia's accession to the European Union in a referendum. The PM told reporters on Friday that discussion between EU supporters and opposition is normal, but that all state ministries and the government must explain EU regulations and the introduction of these in Latvia top the population before the referendum takes place.

Latvia's Prime Minister Andris Berzins is "more than sure" that most of Latvia's population will support Latvia's accession to the European Union in a referendum. The PM told reporters on Friday that discussion between EU supporters and opposition is normal, but that all state ministries and the government must explain EU regulations and the introduction of these in Latvia top the population before the referendum takes place. BNS

Chairman of Russian Duma Foreign Affairs Committee D.Ragozin announced in Russian publication Strana.ru that Lithuania as the presiding country of the Council of Ministers of Council of Europe should point out at the explicit human rights violations in Latvia and Estonia.

Chairman of Russian Duma Foreign Affairs Committee D.Ragozin announced in Russian publication Strana.ru that Lithuania as the presiding country of the Council of Ministers of Council of Europe should point out at the explicit human rights violations in Latvia and Estonia. Neatkariga

Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins is in Great Britain through January 23, where he will take part in the "Wilton Park" conference that will focus on NATO enlargement issues, LETA was informed by the Foreign Affairs Ministry Press Center.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins is in Great Britain through January 23, where he will take part in the "Wilton Park" conference that will focus on NATO enlargement issues, LETA was informed by the Foreign Affairs Ministry Press Center. LETA, Neatkariga

Newspaper

Newspaper Subota interviewed Russian Ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov. Characterising the previous year in terms of Russian – Latvian relations, the Ambassador said that it had been rather successful: several meetings on the highest level - Presidents, ministers of Foreign Affairs, other ministers, successful was also co-operation among municipalities – Moscow, St.Petersburg, Daugavpils, Liepaja. Mr.Studennikov would like these relations to be better but there are several conditions influencing them, e.g. – in 2000 Russia adopted a new foreign policy concept. Concerning the Baltic States it is stated there the Russia stands for turning mutual relations into good neighbouring relations and co-operation but precondition for this is that these states have to respect Russias interests, including interests of Russian-speaking population residing in the Baltic States. Speaking about Russias reaction to the planned transfer of Russian schools to tuition in the Latvian language the Ambassador said Russia had repeatedly stated that Latvia should take into consideration international experience and if Latvia had ratified the Framework Convention it would have to observe also Article 14.

Newspaper

Newspaper Vesti Segodnya informs about a new Latvian nationalists Internet portal Latvians.lv. It offers links to many sites of nationalistic content, including the home page of the notorious publicist A.Garda.

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

It is possible that President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will turn to Saeima already next week with an initiative to amend Saeima and municipal election laws, asking that the requirement that candidates for deputy seats have a top-level command of the Latvian language be crossed out. The president plans on submitting her proposal after consulting with deputies from all Saeima factions. The president told reporters today that a task force of experts, which evaluated the above requirement on candidates, said today that the requirement is undemocratic and contradicts the Constitution and international conventions Latvia has signed.

It is possible that President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will turn to Saeima already next week with an initiative to amend Saeima and municipal election laws, asking that the requirement that candidates for deputy seats have a top-level command of the Latvian language be crossed out. The president plans on submitting her proposal after consulting with deputies from all Saeima factions. The president told reporters today that a task force of experts, which evaluated the above requirement on candidates, said today that the requirement is undemocratic and contradicts the Constitution and international conventions Latvia has signed. LETA, Diena, Neatkariga, Latvijas Vestnesis, Telegraf, Chas

The European Commission refuted the assertion that Romano Prodi had demanded for Russian the status of a second official language in Estonia and the other Baltic countries, delegation of the commission in Estonia told BNS. Estonia's news agency ETA reported Thursday citing a material published in Estonia newspaper that President of the European Commission Romano Prodi has demanded establishment of bilingualism in Estonia. "It is the irrefutable right of any independent country, irrespective of whether it is or is not a member of the European Union, to independently decide its official language or languages. Estonia has established Estonian as its official language, and the European Union has never placed this fact in question," the European Commission said.

The European Commission refuted the assertion that Romano Prodi had demanded for Russian the status of a second official language in Estonia and the other Baltic countries, delegation of the commission in Estonia told BNS. Estonia's news agency ETA reported Thursday citing a material published in Estonia newspaper that President of the European Commission Romano Prodi has demanded establishment of bilingualism in Estonia. "It is the irrefutable right of any independent country, irrespective of whether it is or is not a member of the European Union, to independently decide its official language or languages. Estonia has established Estonian as its official language, and the European Union has never placed this fact in question," the European Commission said. BNS, Telegraf

Newspaper

Newspaper Vesti Segodnya writes about the Prodi statement as a sensation, for a week kept in secret by local mass media. Only at the very end of the article they admit that some EU officials refuted it but add that words are not like a bird, if they slip, you can not catch them.

If the requirement is strict that candidates for Saeima and municipal deputies have a top-level command of the state language, the principle of free and democratic elections would be enhanced in Latvia, which is also important for the country's membership in international organisations, believes the National Human Rights Office. The Human Rights Office explains that if the requirement were dropped, it would put an end to classifying parliament and municipal candidates according to language and also education.

If the requirement is strict that candidates for Saeima and municipal deputies have a top-level command of the state language, the principle of free and democratic elections would be enhanced in Latvia, which is also important for the country's membership in international organisations, believes the National Human Rights Office. The Human Rights Office explains that if the requirement were dropped, it would put an end to classifying parliament and municipal candidates according to language and also education. LETA

Last year, 10,637 people received Latvian citizenship through the naturalisation procedure, including 1,618 children. Overall, 49,396 people have been granted Latvian citizenship since 1995. According to data from the Naturalisation Administration, the administration received 8,672 applications last year, of which 6,042 were from women. The most applications - 6,027 - were handed in by Russians, 885 - by Belarussians, 780 - Ukrainians, 360 - Poles, 203 – Lithuanians and Estonians, but 415 - other nationalities. The most active were people between the ages of 18 and 30 – with 2,520 applications handed in, 1,965 people between 31 and 40, 1,920 - between 41 and 50, 1,003 - between 51 and 60, 855 -between 15 and 17, but 409 - those over 61 years of age. Regarding the level of education, 4,261 people of new Latvian citizens have a secondary education, 2,968 - a higher education, 1,392 - a primary education, while 51 have no education certificate.

Last year, 10,637 people received Latvian citizenship through the naturalisation procedure, including 1,618 children. Overall, 49,396 people have been granted Latvian citizenship since 1995. According to data from the Naturalisation Administration, the administration received 8,672 applications last year, of which 6,042 were from women. The most applications - 6,027 - were handed in by Russians, 885 - by Belarussians, 780 - Ukrainians, 360 - Poles, 203 – Lithuanians and Estonians, but 415 - other nationalities. The most active were people between the ages of 18 and 30 – with 2,520 applications handed in, 1,965 people between 31 and 40, 1,920 - between 41 and 50, 1,003 - between 51 and 60, 855 -between 15 and 17, but 409 - those over 61 years of age. Regarding the level of education, 4,261 people of new Latvian citizens have a secondary education, 2,968 - a higher education, 1,392 - a primary education, while 51 have no education certificate. LETA

Neatkariga writes that since 1995, when naturalisation process was started, 49 395 people have received Latvian citizenship, including 6750 underage children. Two thirds of these people are of Russian nationality.

Neatkariga writes that since 1995, when naturalisation process was started, 49 395 people have received Latvian citizenship, including 6750 underage children. Two thirds of these people are of Russian nationality.

Prime Minister Andris Berzins foresees a substantial improvement in Latvia's relations with its neighbours already this year. During a meeting with editors of regional newspapers today, the premier said that he has information that relations with neighbouring countries will improve considerably as bilateral co-operation agreements are to be signed. The premier said that good relations with neighbours were one of key priorities of Latvia's foreign policy. In commenting on tasks that the government plans to have accomplished by Saeima elections this fall, Berzins said that the move to the European Union and NATO would continue.

Prime Minister Andris Berzins foresees a substantial improvement in Latvia's relations with its neighbours already this year. During a meeting with editors of regional newspapers today, the premier said that he has information that relations with neighbouring countries will improve considerably as bilateral co-operation agreements are to be signed. The premier said that good relations with neighbours were one of key priorities of Latvia's foreign policy. In commenting on tasks that the government plans to have accomplished by Saeima elections this fall, Berzins said that the move to the European Union and NATO would continue. LETA

Top Latvian border guards met with their Russian colleagues to discuss border crossing issues and agreed to evaluate possibilities of returning to Russia those illegal immigrants who now stayed in Latvia.

Top Latvian border guards met with their Russian colleagues to discuss border crossing issues and agreed to evaluate possibilities of returning to Russia those illegal immigrants who now stayed in Latvia. Neatkariga

Newspaper

Newspaper Jauna Avize interviewed the head of the new language commission poetess Mara Zalite before she learned that she was appointed the Head of the Commission. M.Zalite thinks that the priority No 1 is survival of the Latvian language and part of it was making the language adjusted to the digital environment. People usually associate language policy with how the Latvian language interacts with national minority languages, what its position is concerning the Russian language. These are important things, but not the only ones. Speaking about the language of education, the poetess said that there for sure should be a sub-commission to research and further introduction of Latvian language in the field of education. And in this sub-commission have be included representatives of national minorities, who would help understanding the bottlenecks and problems, mostly concerning Russian-speaking population. The Latvian language may not compete with the Russian language on a global scale, and here, on the territory of Latvia, we have to achieve a situation that would favour the Latvian language. We have to make the language first of all – necessary and secondly – attractive. The commission has to find means how to stop the situation when a person can live in Latvia without knowing the state language.

From 13 – 29 of January take place the days of Russian culture in Latvia. This festivity is dedicated to the Tatyana Day and is organised for students and teachers by the Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia.

From 13 – 29 of January take place the days of Russian culture in Latvia. This festivity is dedicated to the Tatyana Day and is organised for students and teachers by the Association for Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia. Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya,