• Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks has confirmed the information about the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Latvia
• Opinion of an official of the Ministry of Education and Science regarding a necessity to postpone the development of the Law on Minority Schools
• Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks states that the Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov should visit Latvia
• International rights lawyer Kristine Krumina evaluates the foreign policy of the Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister
• Representatives of national cultural organisations discuss societal integration issues
• Newspapers report on the performance staged by the Russian youth organisation ‘Rodina by the building of the EU delegation in Moscow

The Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks has confirmed that the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus will visit Latvia on 12 October.

The Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks has confirmed that the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus will visit Latvia on 12 October. Diena, referring to the Senior Adviser of the HCNM Falk Lange, reports that the Commissioner is planning to meet representatives of the government and discuss issues concerning the observation of minority rights. However, Falk Lange refused to comment the statement of the Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry that Russia has encouraged the OSCE Commissioner to visit Latvia. He stressed that Rolf Ekeus himself chooses countries, which he wants to visit. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Diena looks into reasons of the postponement of the development of the Law on Minority Schools. The newspaper features opinions of several officials of the Ministry of Education and Science. According to the head of the working group, charged to draft the law, Janis Karklins, the latest decision is that the necessity of the law should be discussed by broader public, in particular, by directors of minority schools. Besides, it is planned to study the situation in minority schools after the education reform has been launched.

In his statement the Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks has noted that the Russia Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov should visit Latvia and see for himself that minority rights are observed in Latvia.

In his statement the Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks has noted that the Russia Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov should visit Latvia and see for himself that minority rights are observed in Latvia. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Diena features an article by the international rights lawyer Kristine Krumina. In her article she evaluates the activities of the Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks. She states that Pabriks rhetoric – that minority issues of Latvia should be removed from the international agenda till 2007 - only helps the Peoples Party to refresh the necessary national image for domestic purposes. Further she refers to the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Kristine Krumina states that Latvia violates international law because she has signed the Convention but has postponed its ratification for almost ten years. Leading politicians have announced that Latvia will not ratify the Convention during this Saeima and, she continues, ‘it seems that both human rights activists Muiznieks and Pabriks after taking politically high level positions have changed their views and they are ready to give up ratification of the Convention which they advocated for some time ago. Kristine Krumina foresees that the Framework Convention will not be ratified during this Saeima. Therefore, minority right issues will not disappear from the international agenda. Kristine Krumina concludes that the foreign policy of the Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks has experienced first failures.

Latvijas Avize features a discussion among the chairman of the Latvian Association of National Cultural Societies Rafi Haradzanjan, chairperson of the Roma NGO ‘Nevo drom Anatolijs Berezovskis and the co-chairman of the Ukrainian organisation Viktors Stefanovics. The discussion focussed on the situation of minority cultural organisations in Latvia. The participants pointed out that views of these organisations have not always been taken into account when addressing issues concerning societal integration. Regarding the recently formed United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia, participants noted that it could attract only underdeveloped and unstable organisations and none of the well know Ukrainian, Belorussian or Roma organisations and organisations, which are members of the Latvian Association of National Cultural Societies, did not join the recently formed organisation.

Newspapers report on the performance staged by the Russian youth organisation ‘Rodina’ near the building of the EU delegation in Moscow. The performance was staged with the key aim to protest against discrimination of Russian-speakers in Latvia. Few participants of the performance were dressed in stylised uniforms of the German army and held a poster ‘Let’s change Latvia into a concentration camp complying with EU standards.’

Newspapers report on the performance staged by the Russian youth organisation ‘Rodina near the building of the EU delegation in Moscow. The performance was staged with the key aim to protest against discrimination of Russian-speakers in Latvia. Few participants of the performance were dressed in stylised uniforms of the German army and held a poster ‘Lets change Latvia into a concentration camp complying with EU standards. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

• Drafting of the Law on Minority Schools has been halted
• Latvia Foreign Affairs Ministry is not planning to respond to the Russias reproaches about repressions against opponents of the education reform
• Interview with the head of Peoples Harmony Party Janis Jurkans
• Director of the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences Brigita Zepa talks about the problems concerning the implementation of the education reform

The working group has halted the development of the Law on Minority Schools till a study about the situation in minority schools is conducted. The majority of the working group agreed that the information at their disposal is not sufficient to develop the Law.

The working group has halted the development of the Law on Minority Schools till a study about the situation in minority schools is conducted. The majority of the working group agreed that the information at their disposal is not sufficient to develop the Law. Telegraf

The Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry is not planning to respond to the Russia’s statement in which Russia criticised Latvia for the protest actions against the education reform and the expulsion of the adviser of the Russia State Council deputy speaker Dmitry Rogozin Aleksandrs Kazakovs from Latvia. In its statement the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry called the expulsion of Aleksandrs Kazakovs an example of state repressions against opponents of the education reform. According to the state secretary of the Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry Maris Riekstins, the expulsion of Aleksandrs Kazakovs was conducted in accordance with Latvian legislation and Latvia does not have to account for that.

The Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry is not planning to respond to the Russias statement in which Russia criticised Latvia for the protest actions against the education reform and the expulsion of the adviser of the Russia State Council deputy speaker Dmitry Rogozin Aleksandrs Kazakovs from Latvia. In its statement the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry called the expulsion of Aleksandrs Kazakovs an example of state repressions against opponents of the education reform. According to the state secretary of the Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry Maris Riekstins, the expulsion of Aleksandrs Kazakovs was conducted in accordance with Latvian legislation and Latvia does not have to account for that. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the head of Peoples Harmony Party Janis Jurkans about the societal integration issues and relationships between Latvia and Russia. Janis Jurkans is convinced that non-citizens will not be granted the right to participate in municipal elections because ‘first, right-wing politicians hate Russian-speakers and, second, they are afraid to loose political and economical power. According to the politician, granting the right to vote could have a strong impact on election results in some municipalities in Latvia, for instance, in Riga. The head of the party also believes that relationships between Russia and Latvia depend on the willingness of Latvia to revise its policy concerning Russian-speakers.

Chas features an interview with the director of the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences Brigita Zepa about the problems concerning the implementation of the education reform. The social scientist points to the necessity to implement an individual approach because a part of minority schools are ready to implement the education reform and have already launched the reform, while some schools are not ready for the implementation of the reform and hence should have an opportunity to implement the reform according to the individual scheme. Brigita Zepa stresses that the reform is politicised and unwillingness of the state to make any compromises are the key issues, which prevent a successful implementation of the education reform.

• Russia criticizes Latvia and Estonia about the situation of Russian-speakers in these states
• President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga receives the Cultural Pluralism Award
• Non-citizen children may travel to and through EU member states without visas
• Diena reports on the implementation of the education reform in Mezmalas Secondary School in Jurmala
• Russian youth union Za Rodinu is planning to protest against discrimination of Russian-speakers in Latvia

During the meeting with EU Foreign Affairs Ministers Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov has criticized Latvia and Estonia about the situation of Russian-speakers in these states. Sergey Lavrov tried to relate the situation of Russian-speakers with ratification of the partnership agreement between Russia and the EU. However, according to the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Artis Pabriks, EU ministers did not accept reproaches expressed by Russia.

During the meeting with EU Foreign Affairs Ministers Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov has criticized Latvia and Estonia about the situation of Russian-speakers in these states. Sergey Lavrov tried to relate the situation of Russian-speakers with ratification of the partnership agreement between Russia and the EU. However, according to the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Artis Pabriks, EU ministers did not accept reproaches expressed by Russia. Diena, Latvijas Avize

The Chairman of the US Cultural Heritage Protection Commission Warren Miller has presented the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga the Cultural Pluralism Award for her outstanding contribution to the remembrance of the Holocaust and promotion of its historical research and preservation of cultural heritage.

The Chairman of the US Cultural Heritage Protection Commission Warren Miller has presented the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga the Cultural Pluralism Award for her outstanding contribution to the remembrance of the Holocaust and promotion of its historical research and preservation of cultural heritage. Latvijas Avize

As from 25 September Latvian children non-citizens, who travel in a group with other children accompanied by a teacher, will not need a visa to travel to and through other EU member states.

As from 25 September Latvian children non-citizens, who travel in a group with other children accompanied by a teacher, will not need a visa to travel to and through other EU member states. Diena

Diena reports on the implementation of the education reform in the Mezmalas Secondary School in Jurmala. According to the newspaper, this school has chosen to teach in Latvian subjects, such as, chemistry, biology, history and geography, which are not the usual choice of other schools.

On Monday the Russian youth organisation Za Rodinu (For Motherland) is planning to stage a performance by the building of the EU delegation in Moscow. The key aim of the performance is to protest against discrimination of Russian-speakers in Latvia. According to the Russia news agency Rosbalt, activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs, who was recently expelled from Latvia, is also planning to participate in the protest action.

On Monday the Russian youth organisation Za Rodinu (For Motherland) is planning to stage a performance by the building of the EU delegation in Moscow. The key aim of the performance is to protest against discrimination of Russian-speakers in Latvia. According to the Russia news agency Rosbalt, activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs, who was recently expelled from Latvia, is also planning to participate in the protest action. Diena, Vesti Segodnya

• Saeima adopts amendments to the Constitution of Latvia
• Diena looks into possible causes for the increasing number of minority students at schools with Latvian as a language of instruction
• Activists of the Russian party ‘Jabloko protest against violations of rights of Russians in Latvia
• Newspapers report on the Days of the Russian culture

The Saeima has adopted amendments to the Constitution of Latvia. The new amendments provide that citizens of the EU member states, permanently living in Latvia, have the right to participate in municipal elections and to participate at the work of the municipalities

The Saeima has adopted amendments to the Constitution of Latvia. The new amendments provide that citizens of the EU member states, permanently living in Latvia, have the right to participate in municipal elections and to participate at the work of the municipalities. The Saeima did not support the proposal of MPs from the Peoples Harmony Party and the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia to grant the same rights to Latvian non-citizens. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Diena looks into possible reasons for the increasing number of minority students in Riga schools where the language of instruction is Latvian. State officials and education experts, interviewed by the newspaper, believe that the tendency could be regarded as a counter-reaction to the protest actions against the education reform. It could also be interpreted as concern of minority students parents about the quality of education in minority schools. According to the researcher of the Public policy centre PROVIDUS Marija Golubeva, the choice of parents could be explained by an opinion prevailing in society that after the implementation of the education reform is completed all schools in Latvia will be only in Latvian, however, those which were non-Latvian school would provide the lower quality education.

Several activists of the Russian party ‘Jabloko’ participated in protest actions against non-observance of rights of Russians in Latvia near the building of the Latvian embassy in Moscow. Participants of the protest action also discussed a possibility to ask Russia to apply with the European Court of Human Rights against non-observance of the European Convention on Human Rights in Latvia.

Several activists of the Russian party ‘Jabloko participated in protest actions against non-observance of rights of Russians in Latvia near the building of the Latvian embassy in Moscow. Participants of the protest action also discussed a possibility to ask Russia to apply with the European Court of Human Rights against non-observance of the European Convention on Human Rights in Latvia. Latvijas Avize

Newspapers report on launching the Days of the Russian culture ‘The Traditions of the Russian People in Latvia.’ The week devoted to the Russian culture introduces the project ‘The Weeks of Nations,’ planned by the Special Tasks Minister’s for Society Integration Secretariat. 

Newspapers report on launching the Days of the Russian culture ‘The Traditions of the Russian People in Latvia. The week devoted to the Russian culture introduces the project ‘The Weeks of Nations, planned by the Special Tasks Ministers for Society Integration Secretariat. Latvijas Vestnesis, Diena, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

• Minister of Education and Science: no unofficial moratorium on education reform has been established
• Adviser of the Russia President Sergey Yastrzhembsky talks about the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia
• Latvia Foreign Affairs Ministry denies that the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus will visit Latvia
• Number of minority school students in Riga has dropped
• The Days of the Russian culture will launched today
• Minister of Interior Eriks Jekabsons accounts for the expulsion of the Headquarters activist Aleksandrs Kazakovs from Latvia

Yesterday the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics attended the session of the Saeima Government Review Committee and accounted for statements of an official of the Ministry of Education and Science, published by the newspaper

Yesterday the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics attended the session of the Saeima Government Review Committee and accounted for statements of an official of the Ministry of Education and Science, published by the newspaper Rigas Balss on 8 September, who stated that the Education State Inspection has established an unofficial moratorium on the education reform. The Minister declared that no unofficial moratorium on the reform has been established. Juris Radzevics also noted that the journalist has freely interpreted officials statements, who did not say that minority schools are not monitored, but stated that no mass monitoring and inspecting of schools have been conducted. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

‘Russia considers the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia and Estonia among three most topical issues in its relations with the European Union,’ has stated Sergey Yastrzhembsky, the adviser to the President of Russia Vladimir Putin at the session ofo the European Parliament. The Russian language newspapers report on the meeting of Sergey Yastrzhembsky with the member of the European Parliament Tatjana Zdanoka. During the meeting the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia was discussed as well.

‘Russia considers the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia and Estonia among three most topical issues in its relations with the European Union, has stated Sergey Yastrzhembsky, the adviser to the President of Russia Vladimir Putin at the session ofo the European Parliament. The Russian language newspapers report on the meeting of Sergey Yastrzhembsky with the member of the European Parliament Tatjana Zdanoka. During the meeting the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia was discussed as well. Diena, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

The Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry has issued a statement in which it denies the information, spread by the Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry, that the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus plans to visit Latvia.

The Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry has issued a statement in which it denies the information, spread by the Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry, that the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus plans to visit Latvia. Latvijas Avize

According to the information of the Education, Youth and Sports Department of the Riga City Council, this year the number of students studying at minority schools has dropped by 8,052 students in comparison to the academic year of 2003/2004.  This year 39,154 students are registered attending Riga minority schools. The number of  students studying at Latvian schools year has increased by 3,417 reaching 43,565 students in total this year.

According to the information of the Education, Youth and Sports Department of the Riga City Council, this year the number of students studying at minority schools has dropped by 8,052 students in comparison to the academic year of 2003/2004. This year 39,154 students are registered attending Riga minority schools. The number of students studying at Latvian schools year has increased by 3,417 reaching 43,565 students in total this year. Diena

Today the Days of the Russian culture ‘The Traditions of the Russian People in Latvia’ will be launched in Riga.

Today the Days of the Russian culture ‘The Traditions of the Russian People in Latvia will be launched in Riga. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

In the response to the application of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia, Minister of Interior Eriks Jekabsons accounted for the expulsion of the Headquarters’ for the Defence of Russian-Language Schools activist Aleksandrs Kazakovs from Latvia. The Minster stated that the deportation was implemented in compliance with Latvian legislation.

In the response to the application of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia, Minister of Interior Eriks Jekabsons accounted for the expulsion of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-Language Schools activist Aleksandrs Kazakovs from Latvia. The Minster stated that the deportation was implemented in compliance with Latvian legislation. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya