• Newspapers report on the board meeting of the union For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM
• Telegraf continues discussions about statements of the Head of Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Aleksandrs Kirsteins about the necessity to promote the emigration of non-citizens to other countries
• Saeimas member Ina Druviete about the role of the Latvian language in the formation of the Latvian identity
• Day centre for minority children from socially disadvantaged families to be opened in Jurmala
• Discussions on the opening of files of former agents of the State Security Committees of the Soviet Republic of Latvia go on
• State Security Police have to report on their reposnse to the activities of the national-radical political organisation Union of National Strength
• Opinion poll: 36% Russians in Russia would not support marriage between their close relative and a Latvian or Estonian

Newspapers report on the board meeting of the union For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM. During the meeting the Board re-confirmed the key points in the party’s programme for the following three years. The party promises to maintain the prohibitions for non-citizens to participate in municipal elections and give Latvian citizenship only to those, who respect the Latvian language, culture and state. The party is also planning to demand the recognition of Latvia’s occupation and condemnation of Communist regime.

Newspapers report on the board meeting of the union For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM. During the meeting the Board re-confirmed the key points in the partys programme for the following three years. The party promises to maintain the prohibitions for non-citizens to participate in municipal elections and give Latvian citizenship only to those, who respect the Latvian language, culture and state. The party is also planning to demand the recognition of Latvias occupation and condemnation of Communist regime. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Telegraf continues discussions about statements of the Head of Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Aleksandrs Kirsteins about the necessity to promote the emigration of non-citizens of Latvia to the USA, Russia and other European Countries. Aleksandrs Kirsteins believes that it is necessary to work seriously on the strategy of deportation of non-citizens to the USA, Russia or other countries, because it is naďve to believe that all 450,000 non-citizens would naturalise. The members of the Aleksandrs Kirsteins party (Peoples Party) – Minister of Justice Vineta Muizniece and Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks – disassociate with the Kirsteins statements and stress that his opinion does not reflect the position of the party. Moreover, Artis Pabriks calls non-citizens to naturalise.

Latvijas Avize prints an article by the professor and Saeima member Ina Druviete about the role of the Latvian language in the formation of the Latvian identity in Latvia and Europe. According to the MP, the Latvian language has not become a decisive indicator of ones national identity. However, she notes that the number of people whose second language is Latvian has increased among minority representatives from 23% in 1989 to 53% in 2000. However, Ina Druviete is not satisfied with the situation because better Latvian language proficiency is observable among members of such minorities as Lithuanians, Estonians and Roma, while Latvian language proficiency of Russians, Belorussians and Ukrainians is remarkably lower. Approximately 50% of minority representatives have poor or no knowledge of Latvian.

‘A day centre for minority children from socially disadvantaged families is planned to be open in Jurmala. The key aim of the centre will be integration of Romani children in society’ stated the Mayor of Jurmala Juris Hlevickis during the meeting with the Special Tasks Minister for Social Integration Nils Muiznieks. The Mayor believes that a social programme addressing specifically all Roma is needed as well.

‘A day centre for minority children from socially disadvantaged families is planned to be open in Jurmala. The key aim of the centre will be integration of Romani children in society stated the Mayor of Jurmala Juris Hlevickis during the meeting with the Special Tasks Minister for Social Integration Nils Muiznieks. The Mayor believes that a social programme addressing specifically all Roma is needed as well. Latvijas Avize

The Head of the Centre of Documenting the Consequences of Totalitarianism Indulis Zalite comments on an intention of MPs to open only those files of former agents, who were ideological informants of the State Security Committee of the Soviet Republic of Latvia, thus persons, who at that time fought against criminal activities, would be protected. Indulis Zalite states that in Latvia there are only registration cards containing names of former agents, while descriptions of their tasks are in Moscow and this information will not be available for several decades. The critical stance of Zalite has led to discussions among MPs about the eligibility of Indulis Zalite to hold  the post if he continues to be negative towards suggestions made by MPs and do not offer any alternative solutions.

The Head of the Centre of Documenting the Consequences of Totalitarianism Indulis Zalite comments on an intention of MPs to open only those files of former agents, who were ideological informants of the State Security Committee of the Soviet Republic of Latvia, thus persons, who at that time fought against criminal activities, would be protected. Indulis Zalite states that in Latvia there are only registration cards containing names of former agents, while descriptions of their tasks are in Moscow and this information will not be available for several decades. The critical stance of Zalite has led to discussions among MPs about the eligibility of Indulis Zalite to hold the post if he continues to be negative towards suggestions made by MPs and do not offer any alternative solutions. Neatkariga Rita Avize

Members of the Saeima National Security Committee are planning to question the head of the State Security Police Janis Reiniks to clarify the planned response of the Police towards the activities of the national-radical political organisation Union of National Strength. The radical organisation published envelopes with the picture of the Latvian pilot Herberts Cukurs who in the World War Two participated in the Holocaust.

Members of the Saeima National Security Committee are planning to question the head of the State Security Police Janis Reiniks to clarify the planned response of the Police towards the activities of the national-radical political organisation Union of National Strength. The radical organisation published envelopes with the picture of the Latvian pilot Herberts Cukurs who in the World War Two participated in the Holocaust. Latvijas Avize

‘36% Russians living in Russia would not support the marriage between their close relative and a Latvian or Estonian. 31% of respondents have stated that they would not mind, while 33% would support such marriage,’ reveals the public opinion poll conducted on the request by the Russia newspaper ‘Izvestia.’ Russians are more negative towards a possible marriage between their close relatives and Chechens – 65% of respondents would not support the marriage between a Chechen and their relative.  

‘36% Russians living in Russia would not support the marriage between their close relative and a Latvian or Estonian. 31% of respondents have stated that they would not mind, while 33% would support such marriage, reveals the public opinion poll conducted on the request by the Russia newspaper ‘Izvestia. Russians are more negative towards a possible marriage between their close relatives and Chechens – 65% of respondents would not support the marriage between a Chechen and their relative.

• Newspapers continue to write about comments on the statement of the prospective Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice Rocco Buttiglione about violation on non-citizens rights in Latvia
• Interview with the director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Ilze Brands-Kehris
• Article by the communication student of the Riga Stradins University Svetlana Nekrepkina about the identity of Russians living in Latvia

Diena features an article about attempts of the member of the European Parliament Tatjana Zdanoka to misinterpret the statement of the prospective Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice Rocco Buttiglione concerning violation of non-citizens rights in Latvia. Rocco Buttiglione expressed concern about the situation of Latvian non-citizens, in particular, that they do not have the right to participate in municipal elections. The prospective commissioner stated that the issue probably should be looked into by the European Court of Justice of European Communities. While Tatjana Zdanoka has issued a press release where she has welcomed the ‘firm determination of the Rocco Buttiglione to tackle discrimination against the citizenship rights of EU residents and his ‘promise to use the power of the European Commission to solve the issue. In her statement Latvia has been described as the country where ‘Russian-speakers make up some 40% of the population but are denied many basic rights and ‘half of them have the status of non-citizens of Latvia. Latvijas Avize features opinions of state officials. They say that the statements of the commissioner are too abstract and hence show that he lacks information about the real situation in Latvia. Diena

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies (LCHRES) Ilze Brands-Kehris about social integration issues. Ilze Brands-Kehris states that allegations that granting non-citizens the right to participate in municipal elections could slow down the naturalisation process are demagogic. According to Ilze Brands-Kehris Latvian non-citizens may have the right already for municipal elections taking place in 2009. When asked to comment on the education reform, the LCHRESs director stresses that both Latvian and Russian parents should have more possibilities to choose the ratio of languages of instruction. Ilze Brands-Kehris also emphasised that the stereotype that Russians are against the Latvian language should be broken and that the language issue should be viewed from a different perspective – all children should speakmore languages.

Diena prints an article by the communication student of the Riga Stradins University Svetlana Nekrepkina about the identity of Russians living in Latvia. According to the author, the identity of Russians is under construction now. Svetlana Nekrepkina states that Russians feel strangers in both countries – in Russia and in Latvia. Latvias Russians cannot identify themselves with Latvians because of their different ethnic origin, while mentality of Russians in Russia differs from mentality of Latvias Russians.

• FF/LNIM suggests amendments to the Code of Administrative Violations
• Representative of the PACE will issue a statement about the minority education reform in Latvia
• Latvian MPs respond to the statements of the prospective Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice Rocco Buttiglione about violation of non-citizens rights in Latvia
• Former President of Latvia Guntis Ulmanis comments on social integration issues
• Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools plans new activities
• Anti-Semitic slogans discovered on the fence in the centre of Riga

For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM has developed amendments to the Code of Administrative Violations. According to the new amendments persons who organise unapproved meetings, show disrespect towards the state language, will have to serve their punishment through forced labour. The Member of the People’s Harmony Party Valerijs Agesins believes that these amendments are an attempt to deal with political opponents.

For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM has developed amendments to the Code of Administrative Violations. According to the new amendments persons who organise unapproved meetings, show disrespect towards the state language, will have to serve their punishment through forced labour. The Member of the Peoples Harmony Party Valerijs Agesins believes that these amendments are an attempt to deal with political opponents. Telegraf

‘Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) is planning to issue a statement about the minority education reform in Latvia,’ reports the representative of Latvia to the PACE Anta Rugate. The statement, drafted by the representative of France Jacques Legendre, could be reviewed by the PACE on April 2006.

‘Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) is planning to issue a statement about the minority education reform in Latvia, reports the representative of Latvia to the PACE Anta Rugate. The statement, drafted by the representative of France Jacques Legendre, could be reviewed by the PACE on April 2006. Vesti Segodnya

The right-wing members of the European Parliament (EP) from Latvia plan to send a letter to the prospective Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice Rocco Buttiglione containing an in-depth explanation about the situation in the area of minority rights in Latvia. The EP deputy Rihards Piks believes that Rocco Buttiglione has not read official reports concerning observation of human rights in Latvia and hence he is not able to discuss these issues objectively. Rocco Buttiglione has expressed concern about the situation of Latvian non-citizens, in particular, that they do not have rights to participate in municipal elections.

The right-wing members of the European Parliament (EP) from Latvia plan to send a letter to the prospective Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice Rocco Buttiglione containing an in-depth explanation about the situation in the area of minority rights in Latvia. The EP deputy Rihards Piks believes that Rocco Buttiglione has not read official reports concerning observation of human rights in Latvia and hence he is not able to discuss these issues objectively. Rocco Buttiglione has expressed concern about the situation of Latvian non-citizens, in particular, that they do not have rights to participate in municipal elections. Latvijas Avize

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the former President of Latvia Guntis Ulmanis about political situation in Latvia and the implementation of the education reform. The former president points to the lack of dialogue between the state and society as the key reason of the problems in the area.

The Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools plans to focus its activities mainly on minority schools. The Headquarters has issued a statement calling minority students to protect their rights more actively: demand Latvian –Russian dictionaries, ask teachers to explain all materials in Russian and answer to teachers’ questions in Russians. Representatives of the Headquarters plan to call parents to get involved more actively in activities of schools’ committees.

The Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools plans to focus its activities mainly on minority schools. The Headquarters has issued a statement calling minority students to protect their rights more actively: demand Latvian –Russian dictionaries, ask teachers to explain all materials in Russian and answer to teachers questions in Russians. Representatives of the Headquarters plan to call parents to get involved more actively in activities of schools committees. Vesti Segondya, Chas, Telegraf

The State Police are looking for authors of anti-Semitic slogans and drawings of the symbol of the Nazi party, recently discovered on the fence in the centre of Riga.

The State Police are looking for authors of anti-Semitic slogans and drawings of the symbol of the Nazi party, recently discovered on the fence in the centre of Riga. Diena, Rigas Balss, Telegraf

• Interview with the advisor of the President of Latvia on minority issues and the chairman of the Society Integration Foundation Sols Bukingolts
• Critical articles about the decision of National Radio and TV Council of Latvia to impose a fine on the First Baltic Channel
• Juris Audarins has been appointed to the post of the Special Affairs Ambassador on Latvian Diaspora Issues
• Council of Kandavas region implements the EU Phare project ‘Ethnic Integration in Local Community – Understanding, Dialogue, and Participation
• Latvian Ambassador to Russia Normans Penke nominated for the post of the State Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry
• Peoples Party proposes to decrease the number of offices prohibited to be hold by double citizens of Latvia

Vesti Segodnya features 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. According to Sols Bukingolts, publishing and distribution of the envelopes with the image of Herberts Cukurs who participated in the Holocaust is not a hooliganism but provocation towards all members of society. Sols Bukingolts notes that the issue whether political parties, involved in such activities, may be officially registered and implement their activities in the territory of Latvia.

Russian language newspapers features critical articles about the decision of National Radio and TV Council of Latvia to impose a fine on the First Baltic Channel 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.

Russian language newspapers features critical articles about the decision of National Radio and TV Council of Latvia to impose a fine on the First Baltic Channel 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. Vesti Segodnya states that the decision is the first real example of political repressions against mass media in Latvia. While the Russian-language newspaper Telegraf, reports that the Council is planning to conduct a thorough analysis of news programmes broadcasted by all media in Latvia. The newspaper states that activities of the Council lead to a conclusion that censorship on mass media has been launched. The chairman of the National Radio and TV Council Imants Rakins disagrees with such formulation. Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks has appointed Juris Audarins to the post of the Special Affairs Ambassador on Latvian Diaspora Issues. According to Artis Pabriks, work with the Latvian Diaspora is one of the priorities of Latvian foreign policy.

Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks has appointed Juris Audarins to the post of the Special Affairs Ambassador on Latvian Diaspora Issues. According to Artis Pabriks, work with the Latvian Diaspora is one of the priorities of Latvian foreign policy. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize

The Council of Kandava’s region plans to promote integration of non-Latvians, within the EU Phare project ‘Ethnic Integration in a Local Community – Understanding, Dialogue, and Participation.’ It is planned to open several minority information centres, which will provide information about possibilities to learn languages, naturalisation, etc. In the region of Kandava there are approximately 300 non-Latvians, inclding Roma, Russians and Poles.

The Council of Kandavas region plans to promote integration of non-Latvians, within the EU Phare project ‘Ethnic Integration in a Local Community – Understanding, Dialogue, and Participation. It is planned to open several minority information centres, which will provide information about possibilities to learn languages, naturalisation, etc. In the region of Kandava there are approximately 300 non-Latvians, inclding Roma, Russians and Poles. Latvijas Avize

The People’s Party has proposed to decrease the number of offices prohibited to be hold by Latvian double citizens. The People’s Party believes that double citizens should have the right to be members of Saeima.

The Peoples Party has proposed to decrease the number of offices prohibited to be hold by Latvian double citizens. The Peoples Party believes that double citizens should have the right to be members of Saeima. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

The Latvian ambassador to Russia Normans Penke has been nominated to the post of the State Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, while the name of his successor has not been revealed yet.

The Latvian ambassador to Russia Normans Penke has been nominated to the post of the State Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, while the name of his successor has not been revealed yet. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

• Paul Gouble: Russia and Belorussia may attempt to make pressure on the Baltic States through the European Union
• National Radio and TV Council of Latvia imposes a fine on the First Baltic Channel
• Head of the Peoples Harmony Party parliamentary group Janis Urbanovics sends an open letter to the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga
• Head of Greens and Farmers parliamentary group August Brigmanis talks about social integration issues
• Opinions of MPs on the conclusions made in the study Assuring Access in Key Strategic Regions. Toward a Long-Term Strategy
• Statement of the Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry on the procession against the former ‘red partisan Vasilijs Kononovs
• Study on motivation of representatives of ethnic minorities to join minority organisations
• Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice Rocco Buttiglione is concerned about violation of rights of non-citizens in Latvia

‘Russia and Belorussia may attempt to make a pressure on the Baltic States through the European Union. And that could intensify the pressure of the international community on these states,’ foresees the former advisor of the USA government Pol Gouble. According to the Pol Gouble, statements made by high Russian and Belorussian officials about violations of rights of  Russian-speakers may promote discussions among European states and that could lead to formation of opposite views concerning the Baltic States among EU and NATO member states.

‘Russia and Belorussia may attempt to make a pressure on the Baltic States through the European Union. And that could intensify the pressure of the international community on these states, foresees the former advisor of the USA government Pol Gouble. According to the Pol Gouble, statements made by high Russian and Belorussian officials about violations of rights of Russian-speakers may promote discussions among European states and that could lead to formation of opposite views concerning the Baltic States among EU and NATO member states. Latvijas Avize

The National Radio and TV Council of Latvia has imposed a fine in the amount of 2,000 lats (EUR 3,000) on the First Baltic Channel for broadcasting a historical programme ‘The Secrets of the Century,’ which according to the conclusion of the historian committee contained a one-sided and historically incorrect depiction of the Molotov- Ribentrop Pact.

The National Radio and TV Council of Latvia has imposed a fine in the amount of 2,000 lats (EUR 3,000) on the First Baltic Channel for broadcasting a historical programme ‘The Secrets of the Century, which according to the conclusion of the historian committee contained a one-sided and historically incorrect depiction of the Molotov- Ribentrop Pact. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Telegraf

Telegraf prints an open letter of the Head of the Peoples Harmony Party parliamentary group Janis Urbanovics to the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga, pointing to the necessity to grant to Latvian non-citizens political rights. Janis Urbanovics believes that in Latvia there is a democracy deficit because more than 350,000 residents of Latvia are not given the right to participate in the countrys political life.

Latvijas Avize prints an interview with the head of Greens and Farmers parliamentary group August Brigmanis. The MP believes that Latvian legislation should be amended so the representative of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-Language Schools Jurijs Petropavlovskis and other persons who are not loyal to Latvia, could not naturalise. August Brigmanis also believes that the latest statements by the Peoples Harmony Party that they will not support the government of Indulis Emsis any more are related to the forthcoming municipal elections. According to Brigmanis, the Peoples Harmony Party was aware that neither the Law on Education, nor the Law on State Language would be amended already long time ago.

Latvijas Avize features views of MPs about the conclusions of the study Assuring Access in Key Strategic Regions. Toward a Long-Term Strategy, prepared by the RAND Corporation for United States Army. The study speculates that Russia may increase her support for extreme Russian-speakers in Latvia and Estonia. By increasing violent activities local state security institutions would get involved into conflicts, which would serve as an argument for Russia to plan invasion into the Baltic States claiming that she defends rights of Russian-speakers. Most of MPs state that these conclusions are biased and exaggerated.

The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry has issued a statement on the procession against the former red partisan Vasilijs Kononovs. The statement describes the procession as immoral and says that there were no legal grounds to initiate the case and hence it is a intentionally made up case based on the desire of officials to revise the outcomes of the World War II. The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry notes that lawyers of Vasilijs Kononovs have already applied with the European Court of Human Rights.

The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry has issued a statement on the procession against the former red partisan Vasilijs Kononovs. The statement describes the procession as immoral and says that there were no legal grounds to initiate the case and hence it is a intentionally made up case based on the desire of officials to revise the outcomes of the World War II. The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry notes that lawyers of Vasilijs Kononovs have already applied with the European Court of Human Rights. Latvijas Avize

Vesti Segodnya reports on results of the study conducted by Riga Stradins University about motivations of minority representatives to form and join minority organisations. According to the results of the study, at beginning of the 90-ties people joined minority organisations wishing to maintain their traditions, while now representatives of ethnic minorities participate in activities of minority NGOs to be involved in social integration processes and promote a more effective dialogue with the state and inform broader public about their culture.

Russian language newspapers report on the parliamentary hearing of the new EC Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice Rocco Buttiglione (Italia). Responding to a question asked by Tatjana Zdanoka, Rocco Buttiglione expressed concern about the situation of Latvian non-citizens, in particular, that they do not have rights to participate in municipal elections.

Russian language newspapers report on the parliamentary hearing of the new EC Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice Rocco Buttiglione (Italia). Responding to a question asked by Tatjana Zdanoka, Rocco Buttiglione expressed concern about the situation of Latvian non-citizens, in particular, that they do not have rights to participate in municipal elections. Vesti Segondya, Chas