• Newspapers comment on the forthcoming visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Latvia
• Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics talks about the development of the draft Law on Minority Schools
• Article about the results of the research Integrating Immigrant Children into Schools in Europe by the information network on education in Europe ‘Eurydice
• Special Tasks Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks presents to the Saeima Subcommittee on Social Integration a Civic Education Programme 2004 – 2014
• Interview with the political scientist Juris Rozenvalds
• Diena journalist Aivars Ozolins criticises the desire of the New Eras board to discuss the possibility to develop a ‘Latvian list for the next Saeima elections

Newspapers continue to write about the forthcoming visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Latvia featuring opinions of the state officials about goals of the visit. The Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry is convinced that the visit of the High Commissioner takes places thanks to the statements of the Russia Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov about the problems of Russian-speakers in the field of education in Latvia. While the Head of the Latvian delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Krisjanis Peters believes that the visit of Rolf Ekeus could close international discussions about violations of minority rights in Latvia. The head of Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee Ina Druviete notes that Latvia has considered the advice of the Commissioner to explain the content and goals of the education reform. ‘The OSCE has never asked to postpone the education reform,’ states Ina Druviete responding to the statement of the Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry that the Russian schools are gradually ‘Latvianised’ and that is against the recommendations of the UN, the Council of Europe and the OSCE.

Newspapers continue to write about the forthcoming visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Latvia featuring opinions of the state officials about goals of the visit. The Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry is convinced that the visit of the High Commissioner takes places thanks to the statements of the Russia Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov about the problems of Russian-speakers in the field of education in Latvia. While the Head of the Latvian delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Krisjanis Peters believes that the visit of Rolf Ekeus could close international discussions about violations of minority rights in Latvia. The head of Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee Ina Druviete notes that Latvia has considered the advice of the Commissioner to explain the content and goals of the education reform. ‘The OSCE has never asked to postpone the education reform, states Ina Druviete responding to the statement of the Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry that the Russian schools are gradually ‘Latvianised and that is against the recommendations of the UN, the Council of Europe and the OSCE. Latvijas Avize, Telegraf

Telegraf prints an interview with the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics about the development of the draft Law on Minority Schools. The Minister points to the necessity of a sociological research which would evaluate the necessity in a law.

‘In Latvia ethnic minorities are guaranteed the right to acquire basic education and study their native language and cultural values’ concludes the research “Integrating Immigrant Children into Schools in Europe” conducted by the information network on education in Europe ‘Eurydice.’ According to the research, the educational policy of ethnic minorities facilitates their integration into Latvian society, observes their rights and complies with the requirements of international agreements. At the same time the study notes that no additional resources are made available to schools or pre-school institutions to implement relevant support measures for immigrant children. Currently eight minority languages are used as languages of instruction – Lithuanian, Estonian, Romani, Polish, Russian, Ukrainian, Belorussian and Hebrew.

‘In Latvia ethnic minorities are guaranteed the right to acquire basic education and study their native language and cultural values concludes the research Integrating Immigrant Children into Schools in Europe conducted by the information network on education in Europe ‘Eurydice. According to the research, the educational policy of ethnic minorities facilitates their integration into Latvian society, observes their rights and complies with the requirements of international agreements. At the same time the study notes that no additional resources are made available to schools or pre-school institutions to implement relevant support measures for immigrant children. Currently eight minority languages are used as languages of instruction – Lithuanian, Estonian, Romani, Polish, Russian, Ukrainian, Belorussian and Hebrew. Latvijas Avize

Yesterday the Special Tasks Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks presented to the Saeima Subcommittee on Social Integration a civic education programme 2004 – 2014. According to the newspaper, the member of the committee Inara Ostrovska was concerned about the plans of the Special Tasks Minister’s Secretariat to organise a discussion ‘Islam and Youth’ stating that Latvia should not engage in the propaganda of the Islam. Special Task Minister replied that such discussions are necessary because according to the studies Muslims along with Roma are the groups which are most heavily subjected to stereotypes.

Yesterday the Special Tasks Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks presented to the Saeima Subcommittee on Social Integration a civic education programme 2004 – 2014. According to the newspaper, the member of the committee Inara Ostrovska was concerned about the plans of the Special Tasks Ministers Secretariat to organise a discussion ‘Islam and Youth stating that Latvia should not engage in the propaganda of the Islam. Special Task Minister replied that such discussions are necessary because according to the studies Muslims along with Roma are the groups which are most heavily subjected to stereotypes. Vesti Segodnya

Chas prints an interview with the political scientist Juris Rozenvalds about the relationships between Russians and Latvians and the formation of the Russian community in Latvia. Juris Rozenvalds believes that the negative vote of the Russian-speakers in the referendum about Latvias accession to the EU was not related to their affiliation with Russia. He believes that Russians voted against Latvias accession to the EU, because in their opinion the EU failed to solve issues concerning language and education. The political scientist also names the inability of some Latvian politicians and a part of Latvian society to see legitimate opponents in Russians as a very serious problem.

Diena features a commentary of the journalist Aivars Ozolins about the decision of the New Eras board to review a possibility to unite the ‘national forces in the ‘Latvian list for the next Saeima elections. The journalist believes that it is a naďve and dangerous idea. The New Era may turn into the subject of manipulations by those who want to see Latvia a two-community and divided society.

• Saeima did not provide its response to the Constitutional Court about legitimacy of the education reform
• Member of nationalistic NGO continues her activities within NGO although she has been employed in the Saeima
• Attitudes towards people with dark skin in Latvia
• Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the decision of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Ralf Ekeus to come to Latvia
• Chas: Security Police are very interested in activities of Russian community
• Russian school director advises students to chose schools with Latvian as the language of instruction
• Interview with a member of FF/LNIM
• Columnist of the Russian language press claims that authorities are not very helpful in providing information to the Russian language media

Yesterday the Saeima had to present the Constitutional Court the written response to the claim submitted by the People’s Harmony Party challenging the legitimacy of the education reform. However, the Saeima could not meet the deadline and the reply time is postponed to 29 September.

Yesterday the Saeima had to present the Constitutional Court the written response to the claim submitted by the Peoples Harmony Party challenging the legitimacy of the education reform. However, the Saeima could not meet the deadline and the reply time is postponed to 29 September. Chas, Telegraf

Liene Apine, member of the radical nationalistic organisation Latvian National Front headed by Aivars Garda, continues to be actively involved in activities of the LNF, which contradicts the state policy on ethnic integration, and advocates for decolonisation of Latvia. Nevertheless, from the beginning of September she is working as a secretary of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee. The Security Police have classified the LNF as an organisation of ‘higher risk.’ The director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Ilze Brands Kehre believes that Liene Apine may not combine the two positions:  ‘maybe it is legitimate legally, however, the issue is about the person who hired her.’ Neither Aleksandrs Kirsteins, who employed Liene Apine, nor  Liene Apine herself believe that she should stop her activities related with LNF.  

Liene Apine, member of the radical nationalistic organisation Latvian National Front headed by Aivars Garda, continues to be actively involved in activities of the LNF, which contradicts the state policy on ethnic integration, and advocates for decolonisation of Latvia. Nevertheless, from the beginning of September she is working as a secretary of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee. The Security Police have classified the LNF as an organisation of ‘higher risk. The director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Ilze Brands Kehre believes that Liene Apine may not combine the two positions: ‘maybe it is legitimate legally, however, the issue is about the person who hired her. Neither Aleksandrs Kirsteins, who employed Liene Apine, nor Liene Apine herself believe that she should stop her activities related with LNF.

Latvijas Avize re-prints excerpts from the recent study ‘Integration of Minority Youth in the Society of Latvia in the Context of the Education Reform conducted by the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences. The newspaper focuses on the data how foreigners and people with dark skin feel in Latvia. Almost all persons with dark skin who were interviewed had experienced real physical threats or violence. However, they did not think that threats and violence should be related to racism, but rather to their skin colour, which attracts attention of young people who are aggressive. The persons surveyed stated that it was not difficult to make friends in Latvia and establish families. They evaluated the attitude of state authorities and police towards them as overall positive.

According to students and parents, the director of the only school with the language of instruction in Russian in Cesis, suggests first grade and secondary s school students choose schools with Latvian as the language of instruction stating that her school does not have any future. The director did not show any initiative in the formation of the first grade where children could study in Russian. Only thanks to parents the sufficient number of students was collected and the first grade at Russian school was formed.

According to students and parents, the director of the only school with the language of instruction in Russian in Cesis, suggests first grade and secondary s school students choose schools with Latvian as the language of instruction stating that her school does not have any future. The director did not show any initiative in the formation of the first grade where children could study in Russian. Only thanks to parents the sufficient number of students was collected and the first grade at Russian school was formed. Chas

Vesti Segodnya interviews one of the ideologists of the FF/Latvian National Independent Movement and member of the Riga City Cuncil Vilnis Zarins. He states ‘I have never supported forceful deportation of Russians, however, they should realise that Latvia will become more and more Latvian each year. He believes that due to recent issues concerning the education reform the popularity of FF/LNNK will grow because Latvians realise that they need a national conservative party.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the decision of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Ralf Ekeus to come to Latvia with a working visit.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the decision of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Ralf Ekeus to come to Latvia with a working visit. Chas, Telegraf

Chas claims that recently more and more activists of Russian community in Latvia are called to the Security Police.

The

The Telegrafs columnist Tatjana Mazane claims that lately it is becoming more and more difficult for the Russian language press to obtain information from state authorities, in particular, from the Ministry of Education and Science.

 

• Pupils who are non-citizens will have the right to go to EU countries without visa
• Police and officials do not take any measures to get rid of anti-Semitic graffiti
• New party ‘Another Policy has been formed
• Political Scientist David Laitin about ethnic relations in Latvia
• Riga Polish Primary School reorganised into a general pre-school
• Parade of the Russian culture in Riga at the end of September
• Broad ethnic integration project to be implemented in Ventspils
• Latvian youth about ethnic relations

Tuesday the Cabinet of Ministers will review amendments to regulations on passing borders. The new amendments stipulate that pupils who are non-citizens will not need a visa to go to EU countries if they are in the group of other pupils accompanied with a teacher.

Tuesday the Cabinet of Ministers will review amendments to regulations on passing borders. The new amendments stipulate that pupils who are non-citizens will not need a visa to go to EU countries if they are in the group of other pupils accompanied with a teacher. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnya reports that in Daugavpils (the second biggest city of Latvia in its North Eastern part) neither policy nor officials pay attention to anti-Semitic graffiti drawn on the walls of a building of Daugavpils District Council and take measures to get rid of the graffiti.

Newspapers report about the formation of a new party ‘Another Policy.’ The Vice Mayor of the Riga City Council Sergejs Dolgopolovs is one of the founders of the party. Almost 800 people have registered as party members. The basic theses of the party programme are the following: reduce social inequality, eliminate ethnic tension, and ensure stable economic development.

Newspapers report about the formation of a new party ‘Another Policy. The Vice Mayor of the Riga City Council Sergejs Dolgopolovs is one of the founders of the party. Almost 800 people have registered as party members. The basic theses of the party programme are the following: reduce social inequality, eliminate ethnic tension, and ensure stable economic development. Diena, NRA, Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Chas interviews the professor of the Stanford University Daivid Laitin who has conducted a number of studies on Russian identity. The Professor states that he cannot explain why Latvian governments do not exploit the huge potential of the Russian-speaking community and argues that if he were a citizen of Latvia he would vote against such governments. However, as a political scientist he admits that a Latvian nationalist has all rights to use democratic institutions and procedures to promote the idea about the Latvian state. He notes that conflicts, which take place in Latvia, do not have destructive features, but is a demonstration of pluralism.

On the basis of the decision of the Riga City Council the Polish Primary School is undergoing re-organisation process into the pre-school. The decision is based on the claims that for years the school experienced the lack of students and that there is not a sufficient number of pre-schools in Riga. The Council believes that those children who want to study the Polish language and culture can do it at another Polish school.

On the basis of the decision of the Riga City Council the Polish Primary School is undergoing re-organisation process into the pre-school. The decision is based on the claims that for years the school experienced the lack of students and that there is not a sufficient number of pre-schools in Riga. The Council believes that those children who want to study the Polish language and culture can do it at another Polish school. NRA

28 -30 September the Secretariat of Societal Integration Minister organises the parade of the Russian culture.

28 -30 September the Secretariat of Societal Integration Minister organises the parade of the Russian culture. Vesti Segodnya

Chas reports that the NGO Centre in Ventspils received EUR 28, 452 from the Phare programme to implement the ethnic integration project ‘I, You, We – different, but all together!

Vesti Segodnya talks to two Latvian pupils to find out their opinions and stances about life and inter ethnic relations in Latvia. They both state that in daily life relations between Latvians and Russians are good, although they admit that both nations have stereotypes towards each other.

 

• Dr. Denis Hanovs about intolerance towards others in Latvia
• International conference ‘Identity Changes: Latvian Society in the European Context took place in Riga
• Discussions about the unification of all national forces before elections launched
• Russian organisations in Latvia protestagainst claims of the United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia to speak on the behalf of all Russians
• United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia will open its offices in Moscow and Strasbourg
• Founder of a new party of entrepreneurs concerned about consolidation of Latvian society
• Ventspils Administrative Committee imposes fines on parents whose children participated in unapproved meeting during classes
• Latvijas Avize comments on the forthcoming visit of the OSCE HCNM

Dr. Denis Hanovs publishes an article about intolerance towards others in Latvia. He was motivated to write the article by the response of mass media towards the results of studies, which indicate that the level of intolerance in Latvian society towards others grows. Majority of newspapers expressed incomprehension about the need of such studies, because ‘intolerance is a part of human being.’ First, the author looks into the possible causes of intolerance and after summarising the market of ideas in Latvia concludes that tolerance, equality and intercultural dialogue do not have hopes for mass support in Latvia now. The author warns about the possible consequences of intolerance – unstable society, escalation of violence, etc. Hanovs admits that sometimes intolerance may seem the fastest way to reach one’s goals, however, it has never worked in a long-run. All members of society need tolerance. Denis Hanovs reminds that EU directives provide that legislation of new EU countries should ensure a minimum of tolerance and anti-discrimination. And it is an obligation of Latvian legislators to introduce these norms. He stresses that specific intolerance in Latvia is observable towards memories, historic events of other groups. In conclusion he suggests to 1) develop societal legal activities, for instance court cases dealing with expressions of intolerance; 2) tolerance should be taught at schools, however, first of all teachers and 3) it should be one of the tasks of mass media to develop tolerance.

Dr. Denis Hanovs publishes an article about intolerance towards others in Latvia. He was motivated to write the article by the response of mass media towards the results of studies, which indicate that the level of intolerance in Latvian society towards others grows. Majority of newspapers expressed incomprehension about the need of such studies, because ‘intolerance is a part of human being. First, the author looks into the possible causes of intolerance and after summarising the market of ideas in Latvia concludes that tolerance, equality and intercultural dialogue do not have hopes for mass support in Latvia now. The author warns about the possible consequences of intolerance – unstable society, escalation of violence, etc. Hanovs admits that sometimes intolerance may seem the fastest way to reach ones goals, however, it has never worked in a long-run. All members of society need tolerance. Denis Hanovs reminds that EU directives provide that legislation of new EU countries should ensure a minimum of tolerance and anti-discrimination. And it is an obligation of Latvian legislators to introduce these norms. He stresses that specific intolerance in Latvia is observable towards memories, historic events of other groups. In conclusion he suggests to 1) develop societal legal activities, for instance court cases dealing with expressions of intolerance; 2) tolerance should be taught at schools, however, first of all teachers and 3) it should be one of the tasks of mass media to develop tolerance. Diena

Chas reports about the international conference ‘Identity Changes: Latvian Society in the European Context organised by the University of Latvia and the Institute of Political and Sociological Studies. Among prominent speakers was the Professor of Stanford University David Laitin who gave the presentation of his research on Russian identities in Briton Beach New York.

The Board of the New Era will meet one of the founders of the Latvian National Independence Movement (LNIM) Eduards Berklavs to discuss his idea to unite all national forces and parties for the next Saeima elections. The member of the New Era Krisjanis Karins believes that the idea is good, however, it is not very clear how to realise the idea.

The Board of the New Era will meet one of the founders of the Latvian National Independence Movement (LNIM) Eduards Berklavs to discuss his idea to unite all national forces and parties for the next Saeima elections. The member of the New Era Krisjanis Karins believes that the idea is good, however, it is not very clear how to realise the idea. Diena, Chas

The Association of Russian Organisations in Latvia has issued a statement saying that FHRUL and the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools use Russian education issues with the only goal – to advertise the party before municipal elections. The statement stresses that the United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia does not have the right to speak on the behalf of all Russians in Latvia. 

The Association of Russian Organisations in Latvia has issued a statement saying that FHRUL and the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools use Russian education issues with the only goal – to advertise the party before municipal elections. The statement stresses that the United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia does not have the right to speak on the behalf of all Russians in Latvia.

The United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia will have to representative offices outside Latvia – one in Moscow and another in Strasbourg. The office in Moscow will be opened by the Advisor to the member of the Russian State Duma Aleksandr Kazakov who was recently deported from Latvia because of his active involvement in the protest actions against the education reform.

The United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia will have to representative offices outside Latvia – one in Moscow and another in Strasbourg. The office in Moscow will be opened by the Advisor to the member of the Russian State Duma Aleksandr Kazakov who was recently deported from Latvia because of his active involvement in the protest actions against the education reform. Diena

Chas talks to Juris Brivzemnieks who is forming a party of entrepreneurs. He states that none of Latvian governments had even attempted to consolidate Latvian society and accuses governments in being interested in having divided society. He believes that the number of state functions should be restricted.

The Administrative Committee of the Ventspils City reviewed the case of a number of students who were absent from classes because participated in an unapproved meeting in the support for Kazakov, the activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools just recently expulsed from Latvia. The Committee ruled that parents are responsible that their children did not attend classes and were imposed a fine in the amount of LVL 10 (EUR 15). The member of the Headquarters commented that the Committee has misinterpreted the norm according to which it sentenced the parents and that the norm in fact deals with socially excluded families. The decision will be appealed with the District Court.

The Administrative Committee of the Ventspils City reviewed the case of a number of students who were absent from classes because participated in an unapproved meeting in the support for Kazakov, the activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools just recently expulsed from Latvia. The Committee ruled that parents are responsible that their children did not attend classes and were imposed a fine in the amount of LVL 10 (EUR 15). The member of the Headquarters commented that the Committee has misinterpreted the norm according to which it sentenced the parents and that the norm in fact deals with socially excluded families. The decision will be appealed with the District Court. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Latvijas Avize comments on the forthcoming visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Ralf Ekeus to Latvia. The columnist Aija Calite states that his visits always bring some negativism, because they make Latvia justify her decisions and actions. The columnist reports that the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told her that the visit will be an ordinary working visit and Latvia does not have to consider whether she has committed any violations and look for possible excuses.

 

 

• Saeima adopts amendments which provides that Latvian non-citizens can work as pilots and crew members
• Situation concerning Latvian language courses provided in Daugavpils and in general
• Riga City Council sees no need in the development of the Law on Minority Schools
• Directors of minority schools claim that their students have no objections to increased number of subjects in Latvian
• Vesti Segodnya: due to education reform Russian parents want their children attend Latvian kindergartens
• Latvijas Avize names schools whose students have taken the most active part in protest actions against the education reform
• National Radio and TV Council critical about a the content of a programme aired in Russian by the National Television
• Detailed article about leaders and programmes of the United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia

Yesterday the Saeima adopted amendments to the Law on Aviation. The new provisions stipulate that from now on Latvian non-citizens and citizens of the EU, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein can take positions of pilots and other crewmembers.

Yesterday the Saeima adopted amendments to the Law on Aviation. The new provisions stipulate that from now on Latvian non-citizens and citizens of the EU, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein can take positions of pilots and other crewmembers. Vesti Segodnya

Diena prints reportage on the situation concerning Latvian language learning in Daugavpils (the second biggest city in Latvia where the predominantly majority of residents are non-Latvians), in particular, about Latvian language courses offered by the Societal Integration Foundation and people who apply for these courses. Experience from other cities in Latvia shows that there is a strong interest to learn the Latvian language. In Daugavpils people explain their interest mostly with the need to understand what their children study at school. However, next year the Societal Integration Foundation will not provide money for organising Latvian language courses free of charge. The Minister for Societal Integration Affairs Nils Muiznieks believes that funding could be obtained from the European Social Foundation, however, the Ministry of Welfare reports that none of Foundations programmes is aimed specifically at learning the Latvian language. There are programmes, which will provide an opportunity to study Latvian for socially excluded groups, such as, long-term unemployed, disabled persons etc.

The Department of Education, Youth Affairs and Sport of the Riga City Council after the analysis of Latvian legislation has come to a conclusion that there is no need in the development of the Law on Minority and sent its conclusion to the Saeima and the Cabinet of Ministers.

The Department of Education, Youth Affairs and Sport of the Riga City Council after the analysis of Latvian legislation has come to a conclusion that there is no need in the development of the Law on Minority and sent its conclusion to the Saeima and the Cabinet of Ministers. Latvijas Avize

Directors of minority schools in Riga claim that they do not feel any opposition from their pupils to study in Latvian, however, they feel under pressure because of continuous attention from mass media. Any conclusions about changes in grades of minority students after having increased number of subjects in Latvian can be drawn only at the end of the first semester.

Directors of minority schools in Riga claim that they do not feel any opposition from their pupils to study in Latvian, however, they feel under pressure because of continuous attention from mass media. Any conclusions about changes in grades of minority students after having increased number of subjects in Latvian can be drawn only at the end of the first semester. Latvijas Avize

Vesti Segodnya writes that the number of Russian children whose parents have decided to send them to Latvian kindergartens has increased considerably. However, the newspaper also reports about the case when the administration of the Latvian kindergarten refused to enrol a Russian child because of her nationality. The administration of the kindergarten No 160 denies the accusations and states that the child was refused because there are no more free places for children of any nationality. Nevertheless, the Head of the kindergarten admits that 2-year-old children should not be taken out of their natural language environment.

According to the data provided by the Riga City Council Riga Secondary Schools No 21, 22 and 68 had the highest number of pupils who did not attend classes without justified reasons.

According to the data provided by the Riga City Council Riga Secondary Schools No 21, 22 and 68 had the highest number of pupils who did not attend classes without justified reasons. Latvijas Avize

The National Radio and TV Council is very cautious when gives an evaluation to the morning show in the Russian language, which is aired by the Channel 7 of the National Television. The member of the Conservative Party Valerijs Belokons who also owns the newspaper

The National Radio and TV Council is very cautious when gives an evaluation to the morning show in the Russian language, which is aired by the Channel 7 of the National Television. The member of the Conservative Party Valerijs Belokons who also owns the newspaper Telegraf funds the show. A member of the NRTC does not deny that there is a need for such programme because Russian-speakers residing in Latvia live in a totally different informative space; however, the programme contains too much news from Russia. Latvijas Avize

Chas introduces its readers to leaders of the United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia and their views and aims.