• Councils of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Alvaro Gill-Robles visits Latvia
• Latvia celebrates the Day of Tolerance today
• Russian language press reports on the examination of minority schools
• Vesti Segodnya comments on statements of the Foreign Affairs Minister in his interview with the commercial television channel LNT
• FHRUL has developed draft amendments to the Law on Education
• Vesti Segodnya: state authorities support activities of national radicals
• Security Police concludes that the activist of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia Jurijs Petropavlovskis may naturalise
• NRA: parties continue demonstrate their ethnic belonging even running for municipal elections
• Polish community in Latgale celebrates the Day of Polands Independence

After a one-day visit to Latvia the Council’s of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights  Alvaro Gill-Robles stated that the issues related to the big number of non-citizens in the country and ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities are most topical issues and advises Latvia to solve them. The Commissioner met with a number of state officials and minority representatives. After his meeting with representatives of minority schools, the Commissioner did not say that he had noticed any problems in the implementation of the education reform. He stated that minority rights to education and culture should be respected, however, all citizens should speak the state language. Regarding Commissioner’s call to ratify the Framework Convention, the Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks assured that Latvia wants to ratify the Convention. However, the Minister stressed that it is more important to motivate non-citizens to naturalise than give them the right to participate in municipal elections.

After a one-day visit to Latvia the Councils of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Alvaro Gill-Robles stated that the issues related to the big number of non-citizens in the country and ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities are most topical issues and advises Latvia to solve them. The Commissioner met with a number of state officials and minority representatives. After his meeting with representatives of minority schools, the Commissioner did not say that he had noticed any problems in the implementation of the education reform. He stated that minority rights to education and culture should be respected, however, all citizens should speak the state language. Regarding Commissioners call to ratify the Framework Convention, the Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks assured that Latvia wants to ratify the Convention. However, the Minister stressed that it is more important to motivate non-citizens to naturalise than give them the right to participate in municipal elections.

The Russian language press comments that Latvian officials ‘again did not listen to the Commissioner’s calls.’

The Russian language press comments that Latvian officials ‘again did not listen to the Commissioners calls. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Today Latvia celebrates the Day of Tolerance.

Today Latvia celebrates the Day of Tolerance. Rigas Balss reports that people interviewed by the newspaper are convinced that in Riga members of a Latvian multi-ethnic society are getting along very well irrespectively of their skin colour and language. Conflicts are caused by misunderstandings and ignorance. The newspaper writes that according to surveys the tolerance level in Latvia is rather high and there are no such conflicts as for instance in the Netherlands. While Chas columnist Fedoseyev states that there was a lack of information about the events organised in the framework of this event and accuses the Secretariat of the Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration in being inactive.

Chas reports that in October inspectors of the Ministry of Education and Science have examined 78 minority schools. Inspectors have not registered any serious violations, but have noted some problematic issues, such as: activists of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools are active at minority schools; there is a lack of the textbooks etc. Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Vesti Segodnya comments on the interview of the Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks with the commercial television channel Latvian Independent Television. When asked about ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities the Foreign Affairs Minister said that there are immigrants and minorities in Latvia and the Convention will not apply towards immigrants (people who arrived to Latvia from the USSR from 1944-1991). The newspaper concludes that the Minister wants to solve minority issues by ignoring them.

The union For Human Rights in the United Latvia has developed draft amendments to the Law on Education. The draft amendments stipulate that schools have a free choice of subjects to be studied in the Latvian language.

The union For Human Rights in the United Latvia has developed draft amendments to the Law on Education. The draft amendments stipulate that schools have a free choice of subjects to be studied in the Latvian language. Chas

Chas claims that activities of the member of the National Front Aivars Garda who fights for de-occupation of Latvia receive increasing support of state authorities, for instance, the national television broadcasted interview with two member of the National Front about de-occupation of Latvia, there is poster with a common photo of a group of MPs, including the former Education Minister Karlis Sadurskis, and members of the National Party. The newspaper continues with asking the views of a number of MPs, such as Juris Dalbins, Peteris Simsons, Leopolds Ozolins and others on decolonisation. The surveyed MPs support decolonisation, however, have different opinions on the ways and methods how to achieve it. The Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks says ‘people like Garda talk about decolonisation because they do not believe that diverse people can live together in this country. My task is to promote consolidation of society and show that it is possible.

After a long investigation the Security Police has admitted that the opponent to the education reform and activist of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia Jurijs Petropavlovskis corresponds to the criteria set in the Law on Citizenship for the acquisition of Latvian citizenship through naturalisation.

After a long investigation the Security Police has admitted that the opponent to the education reform and activist of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia Jurijs Petropavlovskis corresponds to the criteria set in the Law on Citizenship for the acquisition of Latvian citizenship through naturalisation. Diena

While

While Chas reports that Jurijs Petropavlovskis received a letter from the State Revenue Service. He is asked to fill in declaration on his sources of incomes for the last three years.

NRA briefly comments on parties strategies for the upcoming municipal elections. The columnist concludes that it is idiotic that parties demonstrate their ethnic belonging even when running for municipal elections.

The Polish community in Kraslava celebrated its National Independence Day together with the member of Polish diplomats.

The Polish community in Kraslava celebrated its National Independence Day together with the member of Polish diplomats. Chas

 

 

 

• Interview with the Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks
• Telegraf continues the investigation of the case of the Zaharovs who are refused by the OCMD to register their daughter
• Union of the Christians and Democrats has developed their definition of the term ‘minority
• Comments on the President Vaira Vike-Freibergas decision not to promulgate the amendments to the Law on Radio and Television
• Unknown news agency reports that Russia has radically changed her policy towards Latvia
• Riga City Council is looking for a space to build a mosque
• Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry concerned over the tendency of the diminishing usage of the Russian language in the Baltic States

Vesti Segodnya talks to the Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks who recently took part in the meeting of EU Integration Ministers which took place in the Netherlands. The Minister says that due to the murder of the movie director Theo van Gog the situation in the Netherlands was rather tense and the key issue in the Netherlands is the co-living of Europeans and Muslims. The Minister notes that Latvia is in a much better position because there are very few extremist organisations and they are rather weak. Nevertheless, the Minister admits that there are quite many extremists among both Latvians and Russians. When asked about the future of the Secretariat, Nils Muiznieks replies that the issues concerning inter-ethnic relations will remain topical in the future and he hopes that representatives of all parties understand that. He adds that he has not heard that any party wants to close the Secretariat.

Telegraf continues the investigation of the case of the Zaharovs who are refused by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Department to register their daughter who was borns in Latvia in July 2004. The mother of the girl is a Latvian non-citizen and the father is a Russian citizen. The officials refuse to register the girl and give her any status, thus depriving her the right to use medical services, receive state allowances, attend kindergarten. The parents have applied with the Administrative Court.

Latvijas Avizes columnist Maris Antonevics comments on the President Vaira Vike-Freibergas decision not to promulgate the amendments to the Law on Radio and Television which 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. The columnist questions whether the President is under the influence of Zhdanoka and the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia.

The Union of the Christians and Democrats has developed their definition of the term ‘minority, ’ which according to the Union is necessary for ratification of the Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Their definition says that ‘a national minority is a people or an ethnic group residing in the territory of a country and which do not have their own state.’

The Union of the Christians and Democrats has developed their definition of the term ‘minority, which according to the Union is necessary for ratification of the Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Their definition says that ‘a national minority is a people or an ethnic group residing in the territory of a country and which do not have their own state. Vesti Segodnya

Chas reports that according to the information provided by the independent news agency Independent Media Service Russia has radically changed her policy towards Latvia. The news agency states that Russia is ready to remove the issue concerning minority rights from the agenda if Russia has bigger influence on the economy of Latvia. However, the newspaper doubts authenticity of the news and notes that there was no information about such news agency on the internet.

Vesti Segodnya writes that according to unofficial sources the Riga City Council is looking for a space to build a mosque for Muslims living in Riga. The construction of mosque will be partly financed by the Riga City Council.

The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry has expressed its concern regarding the diminishing usage of the Russian language in the Baltic States in the fields of education, culture and information.

The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry has expressed its concern regarding the diminishing usage of the Russian language in the Baltic States in the fields of education, culture and information. Vesti Segodnya

• President Vaira Vike-Freiberga did not promulgate the amendments to the Law on Radio and Television
• Activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools in Latvia will run for municipal elections
• Study on the usage of languages in the television and radio presented
• Diena follows the implementation of the education reform at minority schools in practice
• Conference on the relations between Latvia and Russia took place on Friday in Riga

The President Vaira Vike-Freiberga did not promulgate the amendments to the Law on Radio and Television which 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.  The President believes that the amendments contradict the Law on the Cabinet of Ministers, which provides that the government may issue normative acts only if the main directions of the provisions’ context are defined in the authorisation provided by the law. According to the President, the authorisation is too broad, which enables the government to issue respective legal norms. While

The President Vaira Vike-Freiberga did not promulgate the amendments to the Law on Radio and Television which 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. The President believes that the amendments contradict the Law on the Cabinet of Ministers, which provides that the government may issue normative acts only if the main directions of the provisions context are defined in the authorisation provided by the law. According to the President, the authorisation is too broad, which enables the government to issue respective legal norms. While Vesti Segodnya reports that the President also noted the state language should be protected with other means and without intervention into private businesses. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, NRA

The activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools in Latvia Jurijs Petropavlovskis is the first candidate on the list of candidates running for municipal elections from the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia. Jurijs Petropavlosvkis is a Latvian non-citizen and according to Latvian legislation does not have the right to run for municipal elections. The leader of FHRUL Tatyana Zdanoka believes that about 15-20% and not only Russians but also Latvians will support FHRUL in Riga.

The activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools in Latvia Jurijs Petropavlovskis is the first candidate on the list of candidates running for municipal elections from the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia. Jurijs Petropavlosvkis is a Latvian non-citizen and according to Latvian legislation does not have the right to run for municipal elections. The leader of FHRUL Tatyana Zdanoka believes that about 15-20% and not only Russians but also Latvians will support FHRUL in Riga. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Latvijas Avize

The presentation of the study ‘Language Use in Latvian Radio and Television: Legislation and Practice’ conducted in the framework of studies funded by the public policy Providus took place on Friday. The author of the study, former researcher of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Signe Martisune has come to conclusions that restrictions set on the usage of minority languages do not foster integration.

The presentation of the study ‘Language Use in Latvian Radio and Television: Legislation and Practice conducted in the framework of studies funded by the public policy Providus took place on Friday. The author of the study, former researcher of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Signe Martisune has come to conclusions that restrictions set on the usage of minority languages do not foster integration. Chas

Diena follows the implementation of the education reform and visits one of minority school in Bauska (the Southern part of Latvia). Although the school, students and teachers admit that there are several problems, in general the minority school in Bauska is successfully implementing the reform.

The conference on the relations between Latvia and Russia took place on Friday in Riga. The majority of participants concluded that Russia although have lost her former influence continues to form relations with the Baltic countries on Russia’s former positions therefore a successful dialogue is not achievable.

The conference on the relations between Latvia and Russia took place on Friday in Riga. The majority of participants concluded that Russia although have lost her former influence continues to form relations with the Baltic countries on Russias former positions therefore a successful dialogue is not achievable. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

• Latest data on naturalisation
• Head of the Latvian Delegation to the PACE Andris Berzins met with pupils from the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools
• NGO will help to reduce barriers to speak Latvian
• MP from a pro-minority party on non-citizenship issues
• Former Interior Minister is planning to form a new party
• Latvia will celebrate the Tolerance Day
• Days of the German culture in Latvia
• Russian President Putin has received more than 2,000 complaints about Latvia in two years
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs has developed new foreign policy goals and presents them for discussion

Diena reports that in October the number of naturalised persons has already reached 80,000 since February 1995. Chas

The Head of the Latvian Delegation to the PACE Andris Berzins met with the delegation of pupils from the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools who participated in the protest actions against the education reform in Strasbourg couple months ago. The meeting took place in Riga. The students reported to Andris Berzins that the quality of education is decreasing almost in all minority schools because of the education reform. Therefore the solution should not be sought at the level of individual schools, but should be complex, that is, changes in legislation.  

The Head of the Latvian Delegation to the PACE Andris Berzins met with the delegation of pupils from the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools who participated in the protest actions against the education reform in Strasbourg couple months ago. The meeting took place in Riga. The students reported to Andris Berzins that the quality of education is decreasing almost in all minority schools because of the education reform. Therefore the solution should not be sought at the level of individual schools, but should be complex, that is, changes in legislation.

The former member of the New Era Maris Gulbis talks to

The former member of the New Era Maris Gulbis talks to Vesti Segodnya about his plans to form a new party. Maris Gulbis stresses that he is not going to form a party on the basis of nationality or ethnicity. He believes that it is useless to talk about the past and former offences ‘it is time to bet on young people who do not have any prejudices either towards West or East.

Telegraf prints an article by the member of Saeima Janis Urbanovics. In the article he focuses on the issues concerning non-citizenship: its history, the current situation and possible solutions. Janis Urbanovics believes that the situation can be solved by the down-top approach. He suggests that each Russian should talk to at least one Latvian and explain the situation from ‘the Russians perspective. That, according to Janis Urbanovics, would lead to bringing in changes in the Law on Citizenship and development of one nation in the country.

Vesti Segodnya reports on the launching of the project by the NGO Women Education Centre. The key goal of the project is the usage of the Latvian language in practice, as according to the data many people who can speak Latvian experience psychological barriers to use the language. The Society Integration Foundation funds the project; its duration is seven month.

Neatkariga reports that on 16 November Latvia will celebrate the Tolerance Day in the framework of which a number of different informative and entertaining events will take place. Vesti Segodnya

Yesterday the Secretariat of the Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration launched the Days of the German Cultural. In the framework of the Days a number of concerts and the exhibition of the German folk art will take place.

Yesterday the Secretariat of the Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration launched the Days of the German Cultural. In the framework of the Days a number of concerts and the exhibition of the German folk art will take place. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The Russian President Vladimir Putin has received more than 2,000 complaints about the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia in two years. Mostly complaints address the issue of non-citizens.

The Russian President Vladimir Putin has received more than 2,000 complaints about the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia in two years. Mostly complaints address the issue of non-citizens. Telegraf

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has developed new foreign policy goals, which also include promotion of the image of the country abroad, that is, explaining the Latvian history and sharing Latvia’s experience in integration issues.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has developed new foreign policy goals, which also include promotion of the image of the country abroad, that is, explaining the Latvian history and sharing Latvias experience in integration issues. Diena

 

• Presidents Chancery discusses recently adopted amendments to the Law on Radio and Television
• Leader of the Latvian National Democratic Party has asked the General Prosecutors Office to examine the publication in the regional newspaper Kurzemes Vards and plans to bring charges against Nils Muiznieks
• Chairperson of the Union of the Greens and Farmers on ratification of the Convention
• Telegraf on the situation of minority schools
• Interest of schools inimplementing ofthe integration project has dropped this year

Yesterday the President’s Chancery discussed recently adopted amendments to the Law on Radio and Television which 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.  The union For Human Rights in the United Latvia asked the President not to promulgate the Law. The President has to take decision on promulgation till 13 November.

Yesterday the Presidents Chancery discussed recently adopted amendments to the Law on Radio and Television which 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.The union For Human Rights in the United Latvia asked the President not to promulgate the Law. The President has to take decision on promulgation till 13 November. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The leader of the Latvian National Democratic Party Jevgenijs Osipovs has asked the General Prosecutor’s Office to examine the publication in the regional newspaper

The leader of the Latvian National Democratic Party Jevgenijs Osipovs has asked the General Prosecutors Office to examine the publication in the regional newspaper Kurzemes Vards. The newspaper published a number of photos and asked its readers to come up with smart and funny titles for the photos. On one of the photos there was a wall with pictures of swastika and skinheads. The leader of the Latvian National Democratic Party believes that publications of such photos are not acceptable. Chas

While

While Vesti Segodnya reports that Jevgenijs Osipovs is planning to apply with court against the Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration who stated that he does not believe that Osipovs has given up his anti-semitic views.

Latvijas Avize talks to the Chairperson of the Union of the Greens and Farmers Augusts Brigmanis. Regarding ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, Augusts Brigmanis states that he cannot support ratification until there is no clear definition what is a minority in Latvia. He continues that the Convention should not be ratified if it harms the interests of Latvians and argues that it should be ratified with reservations.

Telegraf prints a detailed article on the situation of minority schools. The newspaper writes that the report of the Ministry of Education and Science, which states that minority schools were ready for the reform, is also supported by principles of minority schools. However, the newspaper adds that minority school principles agree with the Ministry at official level, while in informal talks they admit that both teachers and students experience very big difficulties. The Chairperson of the FHRULs faction in Saeima Yakov Pliner also notes that people are afraid to talk openly about the problems concerning the education reform. According to the survey conducted by FHRUL the level of academic achievements of students of minority schools has considerably dropped.

NRA reports on the project competition ‘Towards a Civil Society. The key goal of the project is to foster education of students about their rights and increase their involvement in the formation of an integrated and civil society. The competition takes place already for a number of years, however, in comparison to the last year the number of project applications has dropped almost twice – this year there were only 28 project applications. The biggest number of projects deals with promotion of the acquisition of Latvian citizenship and awareness campaigns on citizenship issues.