• Prime Minister of Latvia Indulis Emsis does not support the initiative to claim damages from Russia
• For Human Rights in the United Latvia submits the amendments to the Law on Citizenship
• Collection of articles ‘The Holocaust Research in Latvia has been published
• Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools reproaches the party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM for using Nazi symbols, adoption of the ‘shameful non-citizens law, repressions against the Russian language.

The Prime Minister of Latvia Indulis Emsis does not support the initiative to ask Russia to compensate damages caused by the soviet regime to Latvia. The Prime Minister believes that it is unreal to reach a positive result on this issue and that would only spoil relations with Russia.

The Prime Minister of Latvia Indulis Emsis does not support the initiative to ask Russia to compensate damages caused by the soviet regime to Latvia. The Prime Minister believes that it is unreal to reach a positive result on this issue and that would only spoil relations with Russia. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The parliamentary group For Human Rights in the United Latvia has submitted amendments to the Law on Citizenship, which stipulate granting of the Latvian citizenship to all children, who have learned at Latvian-language secondary schools, but have not completed a full educational course, and orphans, who live in boarding-schools. Besides, all children, born in Latvia after 21 August 1991, who live permanently in the territory of Latvia, but have the status of non-citizens, should be registered as citizens of Latvia without any additional procedures.

The parliamentary group For Human Rights in the United Latvia has submitted amendments to the Law on Citizenship, which stipulate granting of the Latvian citizenship to all children, who have learned at Latvian-language secondary schools, but have not completed a full educational course, and orphans, who live in boarding-schools. Besides, all children, born in Latvia after 21 August 1991, who live permanently in the territory of Latvia, but have the status of non-citizens, should be registered as citizens of Latvia without any additional procedures. Chas

The collection of articles compiled by the historian commission ‘The Holocaust Research in Latvia’ has been published. The publication includes materials on international conferences, which took place in Riga on 12 – 13 June 2003 and 24 October 2003, and the Holocaust Studies in Latvia in 2002 – 2003.

The collection of articles compiled by the historian commission ‘The Holocaust Research in Latvia has been published. The publication includes materials on international conferences, which took place in Riga on 12 – 13 June 2003 and 24 October 2003, and the Holocaust Studies in Latvia in 2002 – 2003. Latvijas Avize

For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM expressed their concerns about the statement, issued by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools. In the statement the Headquarters compared FF/LNIM to Nazi, because FF/LNIM uses the symbol of swastika. The Headquarters also reproached FF/LNIM for being inspirers of the education reform, adoption of the ‘shameful non-citizens’ law’, repressions against Russian language. MP Juris Dobelis believes that these statements are ‘tendentious and incite national hatred.’ The MP noted that the issue will be discussed with the director of the Constitutional Defence Bureau Janis Kazocins. FF/LNIM is also planning to clarify the attitude of the Constitutional Defence Bureau towards the registration of the NGO United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia.

For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM expressed their concerns about the statement, issued by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools. In the statement the Headquarters compared FF/LNIM to Nazi, because FF/LNIM uses the symbol of swastika. The Headquarters also reproached FF/LNIM for being inspirers of the education reform, adoption of the ‘shameful non-citizens law, repressions against Russian language. MP Juris Dobelis believes that these statements are ‘tendentious and incite national hatred. The MP noted that the issue will be discussed with the director of the Constitutional Defence Bureau Janis Kazocins. FF/LNIM is also planning to clarify the attitude of the Constitutional Defence Bureau towards the registration of the NGO United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia. Latvijas Avize

• President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga talks about the necessity to evaluate the crimes of the Soviet regime
• United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia officially registered
• Latvian members to the European Parliament from For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM will ask the prospective Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice Rocco Buttiglione to explain his statements
• Neatkariga Rita Avize comments on recommendations of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus
• Discussions on equalising incitement of national hatred with denial of Latvias occupation in Latvian legislation
• Saeima refuses the proposal to grant Latvian non-citizens the right to work at the Prison Administration
• Saeima National Security Committee: by publishing the envelopes with the image of the Latvian pilot Herberts Cukurs, Union of National Strength has not incited national hatred
• Interview with the Advisor of the President of Latvia on minority issues and the Chairman of the Society Integration Foundation Sols Bukingolts

The President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga has called lawyers and historians to collect information on the damages brought by the Soviet regime during Latvia’’s so Latvia could apply with court and ask Russia for compensation. The President has also pointed to the fact that Russia has accepted the former properties and permanent assets of the USSR, but has not taken a responsibility of crimes committed by the Soviet regime. Russian-language newspapers express their criticism towards the President’s statements.

The President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga has called lawyers and historians to collect information on the damages brought by the Soviet regime during Latvias so Latvia could apply with court and ask Russia for compensation. The President has also pointed to the fact that Russia has accepted the former properties and permanent assets of the USSR, but has not taken a responsibility of crimes committed by the Soviet regime. Russian-language newspapers express their criticism towards the Presidents statements. Diena, Rigas Balss, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Telegraf

The United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia has been officially registered by the Register of Enterprises yesterday.

The United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia has been officially registered by the Register of Enterprises yesterday. Latvijas Avize features the statements of several right-wing MPs. The majority of them believe that the organisation should not be registered. However, they admit that a registered organisation is possible to control more effectively. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Latvian members of the European Parliament from the For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM have asked to invite the prospective Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice Rocco Buttiglione to the meeting of the Union for Europe of the Nations. According to the Latvian MPs, Rocco Buttiglione should explain his statement about the situation of non-citizens in Latvia and the suggestion to apply with the European Court to solve the issue. MPs are convinced that the prospective commissioner should recall his statement.

Latvian members of the European Parliament from the For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM have asked to invite the prospective Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice Rocco Buttiglione to the meeting of the Union for Europe of the Nations. According to the Latvian MPs, Rocco Buttiglione should explain his statement about the situation of non-citizens in Latvia and the suggestion to apply with the European Court to solve the issue. MPs are convinced that the prospective commissioner should recall his statement. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize

Responding to the recommendations of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to grant non-citizens the right to participate in municipal elections, the columnist of

Responding to the recommendations of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to grant non-citizens the right to participate in municipal elections, the columnist of Neatkariga Rita Avize Anita Daukste states that naturalisation process in Latvia is liberal enough. According to the journalist, the language proficiency is almost the only criteria to pass naturalisation. Therefore, easements in naturalisation process would be a wrong step. Neatkariga Rita Avize

Latvijas Avize claims that Latvian residents believe that conscious denial of Latvia’s occupation should be interpreted as racial hatred in Latvian legislation. such conclusion was made after the National Radio and TV Council fined the First Baltic Channel for “one-sided and subjective reflection of Molotov-Ribentrop Pact.” The newspaper asks views of the Minister for Special Affairs on Social Integration Nils Muiznieks. He states that the denial of occupation should not be mixed with non-recognition of mass deportations and other repressions. Muiznieks does not think that new norms on incitement of racial hatred should be added to the existing legal norms. While the Head of the Human Rights Institute of the University of Latvia Arturs Kucs states that it is very difficult to apply the existing norms as they provide that it should be proved that a person has incited national hatred intentionally. 

Latvijas Avize claims that Latvian residents believe that conscious denial of Latvias occupation should be interpreted as racial hatred in Latvian legislation. such conclusion was made after the National Radio and TV Council fined the First Baltic Channel for one-sided and subjective reflection of Molotov-Ribentrop Pact. The newspaper asks views of the Minister for Special Affairs on Social Integration Nils Muiznieks. He states that the denial of occupation should not be mixed with non-recognition of mass deportations and other repressions. Muiznieks does not think that new norms on incitement of racial hatred should be added to the existing legal norms. While the Head of the Human Rights Institute of the University of Latvia Arturs Kucs states that it is very difficult to apply the existing norms as they provide that it should be proved that a person has incited national hatred intentionally.

Saeima did not support amendments, submitted by the MP of the For Human Rights in the United Latvia Vladimirs Buzajevs, to the Law on Prison Administration. Amendments stipulated granting non-citizens the right to work at the Prison Administration and the requirement for all employees of the Administration to have a good command of the Russian language. The MP claims that prison guards must know Russian because 70% of prisoners are Russian-speakers. According to Vladimirs Buzajevs, the restrictions for non-citizens to hold certain offices are ‘the heaviest and aggressive forms of apartheid and russophobia’.

Saeima did not support amendments, submitted by the MP of the For Human Rights in the United Latvia Vladimirs Buzajevs, to the Law on Prison Administration. Amendments stipulated granting non-citizens the right to work at the Prison Administration and the requirement for all employees of the Administration to have a good command of the Russian language. The MP claims that prison guards must know Russian because 70% of prisoners are Russian-speakers. According to Vladimirs Buzajevs, the restrictions for non-citizens to hold certain offices are ‘the heaviest and aggressive forms of apartheid and russophobia. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

‘By publishing the envelopes with the image of the Latvian pilot Herberts Cukurs, who in the World War Two participated in the Holocaust, the political organisation Union of National Strength has not incited national hatred,’ concluded the representatives of the Saeima National Security Committee after the meeting of the head of the State Security Police Janis Reiniks.

‘By publishing the envelopes with the image of the Latvian pilot Herberts Cukurs, who in the World War Two participated in the Holocaust, the political organisation Union of National Strength has not incited national hatred, concluded the representatives of the Saeima National Security Committee after the meeting of the head of the State Security Police Janis Reiniks. Latvijas Avize

Latvijas Avize prints an interview with the advisor of the President of Latvia on minority issues and the Chairman of the Society Integration Foundation Sols Bukingolts about the recent activities of the national-radicals and the formation of the United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia. Sols Bukingolts believes that publishing and distribution of the envelopes with the image of Herberts Cukurs, who participated in the Holocaust, is a provocation towards all members of society. The Advisor evaluates attempts of the United Congress of the Russian Community to form economic groupings on the basis of ethnic lines as a dangerous tendency.

• Newspapers continue to write about the recommendations of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus
• Newspapers launch a discussion about ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Latvia
• Interview with the Parliamentary Secretary of the Special Tasks Ministers for Social Integration Secretariat Aleksandrs Brandavs
• Vasilijs Kononovs plans to apply with the European Court of Human Rights
• Aleksandrs Kazakovs: ‘I hope the European Court of Human Rights will make Latvian authorities account for my expulsion

Newspapers continue reporting on the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Latvia. During discussions with state officials, Rolf Ekeus has recommended to speed up and facilitate naturalisation process and grant non-citizens the rights to participate in municipal elections. The Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks, however, has stated that granting voting rights to non-citizens would not promote either naturalisation or social integration process.

Newspapers continue reporting on the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Latvia. During discussions with state officials, Rolf Ekeus has recommended to speed up and facilitate naturalisation process and grant non-citizens the rights to participate in municipal elections. The Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks, however, has stated that granting voting rights to non-citizens would not promote either naturalisation or social integration process. Diena and Latvijas Avize report that the High Commissioner also visited Riga Secondary School No 40. Students of the school have complained that it is difficult to learn in Latvian and that the Latvian language used in textbooks is too complicated. Students also expressed their dissatisfaction with insufficient Latvian language skills of teachers. Chas and Telegraf write about the meeting of Rolf Ekeus with the member of Saeima Boris Tsilevitch and the representative of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools Igors Pimenovs. During the meeting Rolf Ekeus has admitted, that the Law on Minority Schools could decrease tension around the education reform and promote democratisation of the education reform. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Following the recommendations of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus, newspapers launch a discussion about ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Latvia. The High Commissioner has stated that in Latvia’s social environment favours ratification of the Convention. However, Rolf Ekeus admitted that Latvia could adopt the Convention with few reservations, if they comply with the basic principles of the Convention. 

Following the recommendations of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus, newspapers launch a discussion about ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Latvia. The High Commissioner has stated that in Latvias social environment favours ratification of the Convention. However, Rolf Ekeus admitted that Latvia could adopt the Convention with few reservations, if they comply with the basic principles of the Convention. Neatkariga Rita Avize features views of the Head of Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee Ina Druviete and the leader of Peoples Harmony Party Janis Jurkans. Ina Druviete believes that Latvia should not ratify the Convention till goals of the Convention are not clear for society members and minorities should not have objections against education in the state language. While Janis Jurkans believes that the ratification of the convention could reduce tension in society. He notes that it would be important to grant a possibility for older persons to communicate with municipalities in their native language and ‘teach the state language at schools not with a stick but through agreement among schools, parents and municipalities. Journalist of Russian-language newspaper Chas believes that Latvia will not ratify the Convention in the nearest future, because politicians are afraid of Paragraph 15, which stipulates that ‘the Parties shall create the conditions necessary for the effective participation of persons belonging to national minorities in cultural, social and economic life and in public affairs, in particular those affecting them. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Chas

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the Parliamentary Secretary of the Special Tasks Ministers for Social Integration Secretariat Aleksandrs Brandavs on social integration issues. Aleksandrs Brandavs believes that the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities should be ratified as soon as possible. The Parliamentary Secretary, referring to the analysis conducted by the Secretariat, states that ratification of the Convention would not require many amendments to Latvian legislation. Aleksandrs Brandavs also points to the necessity to develop the Law on Minority Schools so schools in co-operation with municipalities and school boards would be able to decide on a type of education they need.

Former ‘red partisan’ Vasilijs Kononovs is planning appeal with the European Court of Human Rights challenging the ruling of the Senate of the Supreme Court that found him guilty in committing war crimes in 1944.

Former ‘red partisan Vasilijs Kononovs is planning appeal with the European Court of Human Rights challenging the ruling of the Senate of the Supreme Court that found him guilty in committing war crimes in 1944. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

The activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs, recently expelled from Latvia, has expressed a hope that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) will make Latvian authorities account for his expulsion. Aleksandrs Kazakovs is obliged to exhaust local remedies before he may appeal with the ECHR. According to the Headquarters’ activist, he has received only the note from the Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry, which was issued in the response to the request of the Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry.

The activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs, recently expelled from Latvia, has expressed a hope that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) will make Latvian authorities account for his expulsion. Aleksandrs Kazakovs is obliged to exhaust local remedies before he may appeal with the ECHR. According to the Headquarters activist, he has received only the note from the Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry, which was issued in the response to the request of the Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry. Latvijas Avize

• Newspapers report on recommendations of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus
• Eiropean Parliaments member Robers Zile: prospective Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice Rocco Buttiglione intervenes into domestic affairs of Latvia
• Meeting of the chairman of the Department of Ethnic Minority Affairs of the Special Tasks Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat Irina Vinnika and the head of the Riga City Council City Development Committee Andris Ameriks

Newspapers report on the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Latvia. Commissioner has repeatedly recommended Latvia to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and with fewer reservations as possible. During the Commissioner’s meeting with the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee a definition of the term ‘minority’ and a possibility to award the status ‘new immigrants’ to persons, who arrived to Latvia after World War II, were also among discussion topics. According to

Newspapers report on the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Latvia. Commissioner has repeatedly recommended Latvia to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and with fewer reservations as possible. During the Commissioners meeting with the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee a definition of the term ‘minority and a possibility to award the status ‘new immigrants to persons, who arrived to Latvia after World War II, were also among discussion topics. According to Vesti Segodnya, the Commissioner has stated that Latvia may not unify the status of persons permanently living in Latvia with the status of the persons, arrived in Latvia after its accession to the EU. Regarding the implementation of the education reform, Rolf Ekeus has stated that the particular attention should be paid to the maintenance of the quality of minority education, evaluation of minority schools on individual basis and continuation of a dialogue between all stakeholders. ‘If I need to be critical, the dialogue with all the parts involved has not been fully implemented yet, said the High Commissioner. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

The member of the European Parliament Robers Zile has issued a statement, in response to the concerns of the prospective Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice Rocco Buttiglione about violation of non-citizens rights in Latvia. Roberts Zile believes that Buttiglione’s statement is intervention in the domestic affairs of Latvia. Robers Zile noted that Latvia provides rights to participate in municipal elections to all EU citizens.

The member of the European Parliament Robers Zile has issued a statement, in response to the concerns of the prospective Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice Rocco Buttiglione about violation of non-citizens rights in Latvia. Roberts Zile believes that Buttigliones statement is intervention in the domestic affairs of Latvia. Robers Zile noted that Latvia provides rights to participate in municipal elections to all EU citizens. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnya features an article about the meeting of the chairman of the Department of Ethnic Minority Affairs of the Special Tasks Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat Irina Vinnika and the head of the Riga City Council City Development Committee Andris Ameriks. Both officials discussed the possible co-operation in the area of social integration. Andris Ameriks believes that the Riga City Council should form a new structure which would be composed of representatives of ethnic minority organisations.

• OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus visits Latvia
• Number of naturalisation applications increases significantly
• Law on Radio and TV contains a norm which endangers the freedom of speech
• Article about a split in the leadership of the NGO United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia
• Director of the Institute for Political Studies in Moscow Sergei Markov talks about further relationships between Russia and Latvia
• For Human Rights in the United Latvia is planning to collaborate with the Latvian National Democratic Party
• Group of national-bolsheviks wants to become a registered non-governmental organisation ‘NBP

Newspapers report on a three-day visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Latvia. The goal of the visit is to discuss the social integration issues and the implementation of the education reform. After the meeting with the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga the High Commissioner acknowledged that he was not concerned about the implementation of the education reform in Latvia and stressed that all states have the right and duty to ensure the education in the state language.

Newspapers report on a three-day visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Latvia. The goal of the visit is to discuss the social integration issues and the implementation of the education reform. After the meeting with the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga the High Commissioner acknowledged that he was not concerned about the implementation of the education reform in Latvia and stressed that all states have the right and duty to ensure the education in the state language. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Telegraf

2112 naturalisation applications have been received by the Naturalisation Board in September. This is the largest number of naturalisation applications, received by the Naturalisation Board in a month since the establishment of the institution. In total this year the Naturalisation Board has already received 14,789 applications from people who want to acquire Latvian citizenship through naturalisation.

2112 naturalisation applications have been received by the Naturalisation Board in September. This is the largest number of naturalisation applications, received by the Naturalisation Board in a month since the establishment of the institution. In total this year the Naturalisation Board has already received 14,789 applications from people who want to acquire Latvian citizenship through naturalisation. Latvijas Vestnesis, Diena, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

‘The norm on the basis of which the National Radio and TV Council of Latvia fined the First Baltic Channel is very vague and hence endangers the freedom of speech,’ believe lawyers, interviewed by

‘The norm on the basis of which the National Radio and TV Council of Latvia fined the First Baltic Channel is very vague and hence endangers the freedom of speech, believe lawyers, interviewed by Diena. The controversial norm stipulates that ‘the broadcasting organisation shall ensure that programmes should reflect facts and events in a fair, objective and comprehensive manner, in accordance with the generally accepted principles of journalism and ethics. The lecturer of the Riga Graduate School of Law Martins Mits points that the vague definition of the norm provides room for a very broad interpretation and thus is problematic from the point of view of human rights. The First Baltic Channel was fined in the amount of almost EUR 3000 for broadcasting a historical programme, which according to the conclusion of a historian commission contained a one-sided and historically incorrect depiction of the Molotov-Ribentrop Pact.

Latvijas Avize features the article about split in the leadership of the NGO United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia. According to the newspaper, in the leadership of the Congress well-known leaders of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools, mainly the MPs of the For Human Rigs in the United Latvia, as well as the leader of the Headquarters Jurijs Petropavlovskis, are not presented. The newspaper introduces to previously now so well known persons who are responsible actors in the Congress: Aleksandrs Kazakovs, Mihails Tjasins and Eduards Goncarovs.

Telegraf features an interview with the director of the Institute for Political
Studies in Moscow Sergei Markov about relationships between Russia and Latvia. Sergei Markov believes that the language and non-citizen issues in Latvia will always remain in the attention of Russia. According to the Director of the Institute, Russia will use the help of European institutions and will continue demanding Latvia to grant Russian the status of the second state language, have the right to acquire education in a native language and grant equal civil rights for all residents in Latvia.

The union For Human Rights in the United Latvia is planning to collaborate with the Latvian National Democratic Party and its leader Jevgenijs Osipovs in the next municipal elections in Liepaja. In one of his previous statements the Head of State Security Police Janis Reiniks has described the Latvian National Democratic Party as ‘a radical organisation coming very close to extremism.’

The union For Human Rights in the United Latvia is planning to collaborate with the Latvian National Democratic Party and its leader Jevgenijs Osipovs in the next municipal elections in Liepaja. In one of his previous statements the Head of State Security Police Janis Reiniks has described the Latvian National Democratic Party as ‘a radical organisation coming very close to extremism. Latvijas Avize

A group of national-bolsheviks had applied with the Register of Enterprises to register their group as a non-governmental organisation ‘NBP.’  State Security Police are drafting a resolution about the eligibility of the organisation to registration.

A group of national-bolsheviks had applied with the Register of Enterprises to register their group as a non-governmental organisation ‘NBP. State Security Police are drafting a resolution about the eligibility of the organisation to registration. Rigas Balss