LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Prime Minister Andris Berzins on Wednesday issued a joint directive about forming a state language commission to see to Latvian language protection and to open a debate on problems faced by small languages. Latvian poetess Mara Zalite was appointed as the commission head. Zalite together with Vike-Freiberga will pick commission members by late January, the Latvian president told reporters. The commission chairwoman also has time by late February to work with the State Chancellery on the commission's by-laws and funding required by the entity for next three years. Latvian premier told the press that the key reason behind the move was "recent public implications about inadequate performance of the state language law." Berzins said international experts should be invited to join the commission so that the body would work not only on the state language problems in Latvia but also initiate a debate on small languages problems on global scale. According to the premier, "the commission could generate proposals" for Latvian language protection and look into compliance of activities to this end with international standards. The commission will handle issues concerning the state language protection and development. Its tasks will include development of the state language policy and informing the public and the government about the language status and situation in the country, said a presidential spokeswoman.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Prime Minister Andris Berzins on Wednesday issued a joint directive about forming a state language commission to see to Latvian language protection and to open a debate on problems faced by small languages. Latvian poetess Mara Zalite was appointed as the commission head. Zalite together with Vike-Freiberga will pick commission members by late January, the Latvian president told reporters. The commission chairwoman also has time by late February to work with the State Chancellery on the commission's by-laws and funding required by the entity for next three years. Latvian premier told the press that the key reason behind the move was "recent public implications about inadequate performance of the state language law." Berzins said international experts should be invited to join the commission so that the body would work not only on the state language problems in Latvia but also initiate a debate on small languages problems on global scale. According to the premier, "the commission could generate proposals" for Latvian language protection and look into compliance of activities to this end with international standards. The commission will handle issues concerning the state language protection and development. Its tasks will include development of the state language policy and informing the public and the government about the language status and situation in the country, said a presidential spokeswoman. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Latvijas Vestnesis, Telegraf, Chas,

Vesti Segodnya characterises the President’s choice of poetess Mara Zalite as a strange one because she is famous for her Russo-phobic statements. One just can imagine what those guys will “cook” under the leadership of this lady.

Vesti Segodnya characterises the Presidents choice of poetess Mara Zalite as a strange one because she is famous for her Russo-phobic statements. One just can imagine what those guys will cook under the leadership of this lady.

During the meeting today in Riga between President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and visiting Estonian President Arnold Ruutel, both officials agreed on the necessity to co-operate in tackling important and similar issues. As Vike-Freiberga said after the meeting, Latvia and Estonia have to deal with similar issues pertaining to the integration of non-citizens, the status of the state language and curbing unemployment. The Latvian president believes that joint work in solving these issues would have a positive effect. Ruutel also admitted that both countries have numerous similar problems that could be solved jointly.

During the meeting today in Riga between President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and visiting Estonian President Arnold Ruutel, both officials agreed on the necessity to co-operate in tackling important and similar issues. As Vike-Freiberga said after the meeting, Latvia and Estonia have to deal with similar issues pertaining to the integration of non-citizens, the status of the state language and curbing unemployment. The Latvian president believes that joint work in solving these issues would have a positive effect. Ruutel also admitted that both countries have numerous similar problems that could be solved jointly. LETA

Newspaper

Newspaper Chas adds that Estonian President suggested Vaira Vike-Freiberga to abolish the language proficiency norm in the election laws.

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga plans to meet with Saeima deputies next week in order to discuss expected amendments to Saeima and municipal election laws that would lift the requirement for deputy candidates on the required knowledge of the state language in conducting professional duties. The president told reporters today that she is going to discuss election laws with Saeima deputies from all factions. Vike-Freiberga added that she would willingly hear the individual stance of every deputy and Saeima faction in this matter.

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga plans to meet with Saeima deputies next week in order to discuss expected amendments to Saeima and municipal election laws that would lift the requirement for deputy candidates on the required knowledge of the state language in conducting professional duties. The president told reporters today that she is going to discuss election laws with Saeima deputies from all factions. Vike-Freiberga added that she would willingly hear the individual stance of every deputy and Saeima faction in this matter. LETA, Neatkariga

Latvia's Social Democratic Workers Party's council resolved in a meeting Wednesday the party should close a co-operation agreement with Russia's Social Democratic Party whose leaders are Mikhail Gorbachev and "perestroika" period ideologist Alexander Yakovlev.

Latvia's Social Democratic Workers Party's council resolved in a meeting Wednesday the party should close a co-operation agreement with Russia's Social Democratic Party whose leaders are Mikhail Gorbachev and "perestroika" period ideologist Alexander Yakovlev. BNS, Chas

Dmitry Rogozin, chairman of international relations committee at Russian Duma, believes that the topic of Russia entering NATO should be dropped, while the inclusion of the Baltic States in the alliance is still unacceptable. "We should be interested in developing relations with the West in the sphere of joint security, but we should not have joint defence. Therefore, Russia should not enter NATO," Rogozin told the agency "Interfax" on Tuesday. Rogozin stressed that Russia still thinks NATO should not expand to the East, especially now that the main problems are arising in the south. "One should expand to the south together with Russia, not to the east towards Russia," Rogozin said.

Dmitry Rogozin, chairman of international relations committee at Russian Duma, believes that the topic of Russia entering NATO should be dropped, while the inclusion of the Baltic States in the alliance is still unacceptable. "We should be interested in developing relations with the West in the sphere of joint security, but we should not have joint defence. Therefore, Russia should not enter NATO," Rogozin told the agency "Interfax" on Tuesday. Rogozin stressed that Russia still thinks NATO should not expand to the East, especially now that the main problems are arising in the south. "One should expand to the south together with Russia, not to the east towards Russia," Rogozin said. LETA, Neatkariga

Serious test awaits coalition of Social Democrats and PCTVL at Riga City Council – electing Zhdanok chair of the Riga Housing Privatisation Commission, say newspapers. If the Social Democrats will not vote to appoint Zhdanok in the post, they "will have to look for other partners", said Janis Jurkans, chairman of the PCTVL Saeima faction. Jurkans also noted that Zhdanok, the leader of the "Equal Rights" party, previously did not get the post of the executive director of Riga’s Vidzeme District.

Serious test awaits coalition of Social Democrats and PCTVL at Riga City Council – electing Zhdanok chair of the Riga Housing Privatisation Commission, say newspapers. If the Social Democrats will not vote to appoint Zhdanok in the post, they "will have to look for other partners", said Janis Jurkans, chairman of the PCTVL Saeima faction. Jurkans also noted that Zhdanok, the leader of the "Equal Rights" party, previously did not get the post of the executive director of Rigas Vidzeme District. Diena, Neatkariga, Telegraf

Lauku Avize

columnist E.Licitis speaks ironically about the latest direction of the President on the necessity to amend the election law – he states it has brought light for many our professors, associated professors, etc. Mr.Licitis attacks the article of Dr.hist. I.Mezs where the author stands for a realistic usage of the Latvian language not just for certificates. Let us burn down this temple of bureaucracy – all language inspections, institution of Ms.Hirsa and abolish the language requirement norm in the Saeima and local governments. In no time non-Latvians not only in taxis and barbershops will say hello and good-bye in Latvian but also long speeches from the Saeima rostrum, at Riga City Council, and many Russian-writing newspapers will not call for to grant the Russian language the state language status. columnist E.Licitis speaks ironically about the latest direction of the President on the necessity to amend the election law – he states “it has brought light for many our professors, associated professors, etc”. Mr.Licitis attacks the article of Dr.hist. I.Mezs where the author stands for a realistic usage of the Latvian language not just for certificates. “Let us burn down this temple of bureaucracy – all language inspections, institution of Ms.Hirsa and abolish the language requirement norm in the Saeima and local governments. In no time non-Latvians not only in taxis and barbershops will say “hello” and “good-bye” in Latvian but also long speeches from the Saeima rostrum, at Riga City Council, and many Russian-writing newspapers will not call for to grant the Russian language the state language status. Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia MP A.Klementyev turned to the Prosecutor General’s Office with an application concerning the public anti-Russian expressions of former Riga Mayor A.Argalis.

Saeima faction For Human Rights in United Latvia MP A.Klementyev turned to the Prosecutor Generals Office with an application concerning the public anti-Russian expressions of former Riga Mayor A.Argalis. Panorama Latvii

Venspils City Mayor Lembergs in a TV show “From the position of authorities” once more expressed his opinion that Russian schools should not be closed under compulsion. Mr.Lembergs said that he was not for Russian education but against collective-farm methods in politics. It is clear that Russian schools will have to transfer to the tuition in the Latvian language but it should take place naturally, not upon a command of deputies.

Venspils City Mayor Lembergs in a TV show From the position of authorities once more expressed his opinion that Russian schools should not be closed under compulsion. Mr.Lembergs said that he was not for Russian education but against collective-farm methods in politics. It is clear that Russian schools will have to transfer to the tuition in the Latvian language but it should take place naturally, not upon a command of deputies. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

Following a meeting yesterday in the Presidential Palace in Riga, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus and Estonian President Arnold Ruutel confirmed that relations between all three Baltic countries were sound, and they expressed their readiness to continue and develop co-operation further.

Following a meeting yesterday in the Presidential Palace in Riga, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus and Estonian President Arnold Ruutel confirmed that relations between all three Baltic countries were sound, and they expressed their readiness to continue and develop co-operation further. LETA, Diena, Neatkariga

Presidents of three Baltic States at the meeting in Riga on Tuesday said relations with Russia should be stable, friendly and pragmatic. At a news conference after the meeting Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga said that Latvia "has repeatedly declared its wish to maintain good, friendly and constructive relations with Russia" and will keep working to improve these relations in future. Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus agreed with his Latvian counterpart, saying that relationship between neighbouring countries should be "full of respect." Estonian President Arnold Ruutel said Estonian-Russian relations had been "quite complicated" in past but were bound to improve.

Presidents of three Baltic States at the meeting in Riga on Tuesday said relations with Russia should be stable, friendly and pragmatic. At a news conference after the meeting Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga said that Latvia "has repeatedly declared its wish to maintain good, friendly and constructive relations with Russia" and will keep working to improve these relations in future. Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus agreed with his Latvian counterpart, saying that relationship between neighbouring countries should be "full of respect." Estonian President Arnold Ruutel said Estonian-Russian relations had been "quite complicated" in past but were bound to improve. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Latvijas Vestnesis, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

Following yesterday's meeting of the three Baltic presidents in the Presidential Palace in Riga, Estonian President Arnold Ruutel expressed his conviction that his upcoming visit to Russia would boost the development of Estonian and other Baltic states' relations with Russia.

Following yesterday's meeting of the three Baltic presidents in the Presidential Palace in Riga, Estonian President Arnold Ruutel expressed his conviction that his upcoming visit to Russia would boost the development of Estonian and other Baltic states' relations with Russia. LETA

Dr.hist. Ilmars Mezs analyses the two dominating opinions how to ensure survival of the Latvian language in the future. The first one is to demand every deputy to have a language proficiency certificate but the second is to give up this piece of paper, accordingly strengthening the positions of language use in legislation. The possible outcome of the first opinion was clearly demonstrated by the situation in Daugavpils and Riga City Councils. The second option also allows a situation that there are elected deputies with inadequate state language knowledge, but in reality the Latvian language will be the only working language, stipulated by law, both in the Parliament and local governments. More important is to achieve that all deputies (and not only them) use the language in their work and not to struggle that all of them have language certificates.

Dr.hist. Ilmars Mezs analyses the two dominating opinions how to ensure survival of the Latvian language in the future. The first one is to demand every deputy to have a language proficiency certificate but the second is to give up this piece of paper, accordingly strengthening the positions of language use in legislation. The possible outcome of the first opinion was clearly demonstrated by the situation in Daugavpils and Riga City Councils. The second option also allows a situation that there are elected deputies with inadequate state language knowledge, but in reality the Latvian language will be the only working language, stipulated by law, both in the Parliament and local governments. More important is to achieve that all deputies (and not only them) use the language in their work and not to struggle that all of them have language certificates. Diena

Newspaper

Newspaper Vesti Segodnya writes about the discussion on integration issues going on in the Internet portal Politika.lv. This time it is the article of Ass.Prof. J.Rozenvalds. Mr.Rozenvalds states that Latvia now has reached the breaking point in the process of integration when there are possible two likely developments of interethnic relations –deepening of the process or tensioning of these relations. The concept of integration adopted two years ago in principle was not a bad one – but the current situation did not confirmed one of its basic assumptions, i.e. certainty that mastering of the language is the decisive factor of integration. And J.Rozenvalds comes to a conclusion that the current difficulties of integration process have been programmed already at the very beginning, and the responsible for that are the decisions takers, who imagined that only Latvian politicians know what Russians in Latvian should want.

At the end of last year was published the report of Euro Commission where the situation in Latvia was described on 132 pages. And only 5 of them were about the situation of national minorities here. B.Kolchanov, commenting this, states that EU is not a human rights organisation and mostly concentrates on economic issues. Therefore there are a few recommendations concerning national minorities in these reports and most disputable questions remain without an answer. Thus in this report was stated that in March of 2001 Latvian parliament once more rejected to ratify the Framework Convention. The report gives the latest naturalisation figures and praises the steps taken to speed up the process of naturalisation. The conclusion is that Latvia is left alone to solve these problems.

At the end of last year was published the report of Euro Commission where the situation in Latvia was described on 132 pages. And only 5 of them were about the situation of national minorities here. B.Kolchanov, commenting this, states that EU is not a human rights organisation and mostly concentrates on economic issues. Therefore there are a few recommendations concerning national minorities in these reports and most disputable questions remain without an answer. Thus in this report was stated that in March of 2001 Latvian parliament once more rejected to ratify the Framework Convention. The report gives the latest naturalisation figures and praises the steps taken to speed up the process of naturalisation. The conclusion is that Latvia is left alone to solve these problems. Telegraf

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

Russia has once again criticised Latvia for what it calls 'criminal prosecution of World War Two veterans." Russian Foreign Ministry official representative Alexander Yakovenko said "judging by reports from Riga, Latvian authorities have stepped up legal prosecution of anti-Fascist veterans, causing quite grounded concern." It was emphasised that "relevant cases were sent to courts in remote towns on the excuse of Riga Regional Court being overloaded with work."

Russia has once again criticised Latvia for what it calls 'criminal prosecution of World War Two veterans." Russian Foreign Ministry official representative Alexander Yakovenko said "judging by reports from Riga, Latvian authorities have stepped up legal prosecution of anti-Fascist veterans, causing quite grounded concern." It was emphasised that "relevant cases were sent to courts in remote towns on the excuse of Riga Regional Court being overloaded with work." BNS, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

Latvia categorically rejects the regular reproaches by Russia over criminal prosecution of WW II veterans in Latvia and regards it as interference in internal affairs of a foreign country, Latvian Foreign Ministry spokesman said. "Such activities of the neighbouring country create an impression that Russia at times gets carried away in its efforts to comment on issues that fall in domestic jurisdiction of another sovereign country," Vilmars Henins said.

Latvia categorically rejects the regular reproaches by Russia over criminal prosecution of WW II veterans in Latvia and regards it as interference in internal affairs of a foreign country, Latvian Foreign Ministry spokesman said. "Such activities of the neighbouring country create an impression that Russia at times gets carried away in its efforts to comment on issues that fall in domestic jurisdiction of another sovereign country," Vilmars Henins said. BNS, Neatkariga,

Latvian and Russian border guards Monday, in the presence of senior border guard officials of the two countries, began dismantling of Russian-Estonian border sign no. 1 that was placed 70 meters into the territory of Latvia due to a mistake. The dismantling could take all day, Latvian border guard spokeswoman Dace Udre said.

Latvian and Russian border guards Monday, in the presence of senior border guard officials of the two countries, began dismantling of Russian-Estonian border sign no. 1 that was placed 70 meters into the territory of Latvia due to a mistake. The dismantling could take all day, Latvian border guard spokeswoman Dace Udre said. BNS

Heads of three Baltic states will meet in Latvian capital Riga on Tuesday to discuss foreign policy matters vital for Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia such as the US-Baltic Charter, integration into NATO and the European Union (EU), reported the Latvian president's spokeswoman. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus agreed on the meeting on the phone Sunday, and Estonian leader Arnold Ruutel has also given his consent.

Heads of three Baltic states will meet in Latvian capital Riga on Tuesday to discuss foreign policy matters vital for Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia such as the US-Baltic Charter, integration into NATO and the European Union (EU), reported the Latvian president's spokeswoman. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus agreed on the meeting on the phone Sunday, and Estonian leader Arnold Ruutel has also given his consent. BNS, Lauku Avize, Latvijas Vestnesis, Telegraf, Lauku Avize

The Riga City Council's competition committee has decided to select Tatjana Zhdanok, co-chairwoman of the party Equal Rights, representative from For Human Rights In A United Latvia (PCTVL) for the vacant post of the head of the Riga Housing Privatisation Commission, LETA was confirmed by the council's information and PR department.

The Riga City Council's competition committee has decided to select Tatjana Zhdanok, co-chairwoman of the party Equal Rights, representative from For Human Rights In A United Latvia (PCTVL) for the vacant post of the head of the Riga Housing Privatisation Commission, LETA was confirmed by the council's information and PR department. LETA, Diena, Neatkariga

The naturalisation process in Latvia should be viewed as positive, as the interest of the people in obtaining citizenship and in the integration processes has increased considerably, Eizenija Aldermane, the head of the Naturalisation Administration, told a press conference at the Rezekne City Council today. "It is not our goal to make non-citizens go through the naturalisation process at any cost. Our goal is to give as extensive and comprehensible information as possible about the need to obtain citizenship and about the integration process," stressed Aldermane. Aldermane commended informational campaigns organised by the Naturalisation Administration, citizenship days "Latvia – My Homeland" held at schools, and also the competition "On the Way to Civic Society". The Naturalisation Administration also plans to set up information stands in Rezekne in the near future.

The naturalisation process in Latvia should be viewed as positive, as the interest of the people in obtaining citizenship and in the integration processes has increased considerably, Eizenija Aldermane, the head of the Naturalisation Administration, told a press conference at the Rezekne City Council today. "It is not our goal to make non-citizens go through the naturalisation process at any cost. Our goal is to give as extensive and comprehensible information as possible about the need to obtain citizenship and about the integration process," stressed Aldermane. Aldermane commended informational campaigns organised by the Naturalisation Administration, citizenship days "Latvia – My Homeland" held at schools, and also the competition "On the Way to Civic Society". The Naturalisation Administration also plans to set up information stands in Rezekne in the near future. LETA

V.Krustins in the newspaper

V.Krustins in the newspaper Lauku Avize states that suddenly the President and Prime Minister have started to take care of the state language. At the Presidents castle they summon commissions, now they will establish a new super-commission, Prime Minister is ready to allocate money for it because he knows that a fed hen does not make noise. But now it may not make nose, otherwise it will be uncomfortable for the Saeima to abolish the state language proficiency requirement for deputy candidates. Mr.Krustins reminds that the President came forth with her proposal to abolish this norm as undemocratic and restricting human rights one just a day before her leaving for a vocation to Tobago. Everything seemed so clear and the authority of the President so high to waste any time, and officials and lawyers were immediately summoned to the castle to draw up the wish of the President. But people got worried, and the Saeima was not ready to fulfil Presidents wish. Latvian language Institute Director J.Valdmanis acknowledged that most likely even the language experts did not want to know the real language situation. Now all the errors have been fixed, all well-known persons had a heart-to-heart talk, President makes up a super-commission, language specialists are offered money and Prof.Valdmanis calms people down saying, we may pay so high price for state security. It means that instead of Vaira Vike-Freiberga, who knows six languages, there could be elected a president could not know or even has no wish to know the Latvian language.

Head of NATO expert group NATO Deputy Secretary General for Political Issues Guenter Altenburg answering to journalists’ questions said that one of very important preconditions for Latvia to be accepted to NATO was to have be a stable situation here, no contradictions between Latvians and Russian minority.

Head of NATO expert group NATO Deputy Secretary General for Political Issues Guenter Altenburg answering to journalists questions said that one of very important preconditions for Latvia to be accepted to NATO was to have be a stable situation here, no contradictions between Latvians and Russian minority. Lauku Avize

Latvijas Vestnesis informs that during a meeting with the Prime Minister Mr. Altenburg prised the consequent public integration processes. For more than ten years no incidents based on national belonging had occured in Latvia– a discussion takes place, and it is a feature of democracy.

Latvijas Vestnesis informs that during a meeting with the Prime Minister Mr. Altenburg prised the consequent public integration processes. For more than ten years no incidents based on national belonging had occured in Latvia– a discussion takes place, and it is a feature of democracy.

Last December Mayor of Venspils A.Lembergs sent a letter to the President expressing his concern with the education reform in Russian-speaking schools. Journalists of Venspils TV company asked the Mayor to explain his position on what he answered that as far as he had studied this issue he saw a serious problem with the transition to the tuition in the Latvian language. Not all schools and students would be ready for it. It takes much more time to implement this – even for Venspils, not speaking about Riga and Daugavpils.

Last December Mayor of Venspils A.Lembergs sent a letter to the President expressing his concern with the education reform in Russian-speaking schools. Journalists of Venspils TV company asked the Mayor to explain his position on what he answered that as far as he had studied this issue he saw a serious problem with the transition to the tuition in the Latvian language. Not all schools and students would be ready for it. It takes much more time to implement this – even for Venspils, not speaking about Riga and Daugavpils. Telegraf

Newspaper

Newspaper Chas is sarcastic about the adopted text of the Government commissions report to UN on the situation in Latvia. The document is not a convention, but some parts of the description as the journalist puts it slightly deviates from the existing reality and is a vivid sample of the existing double standard. It turns out that after restoration on independence the government of Latvia started implementing policy of unity aimed at harmonising the versatile cultural and religious traditions of different groups of residents.

Riga City Council deputy G.Kotov comments the statement made after the meeting of the President with the Minister of Education and Science K.Greiskalns that the problem of Russian-speaking schools would cease to exist in two years. He does not think so. Everything would depend on the outcome of the next election. And it is well known that there are no sufficient resources and staff to implement this reform. Mr.Kotov also states that the reform contradicts international law, e.g. UN convention of 1960 On fighting discrimination in the field of education and European Charter on regional languages or languages of minorities.

Riga City Council deputy G.Kotov comments the statement made after the meeting of the President with the Minister of Education and Science K.Greiskalns that the problem of Russian-speaking schools would cease to exist in two years. He does not think so. Everything would depend on the outcome of the next election. And it is well known that there are no sufficient resources and staff to implement this reform. Mr.Kotov also states that the reform contradicts international law, e.g. UN convention of 1960 On fighting discrimination in the field of education and European Charter on regional languages or languages of minorities.

The new Head of Programs at Latvian TV assured that they were not going to decrease the number of broadcasts in the Russian language.

The new Head of Programs at Latvian TV assured that they were not going to decrease the number of broadcasts in the Russian language. Vesti Segodnya

At the end of the last year the newspaper

At the end of the last year the newspaper Panorama Latvii organised a hot line with Russian Ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov. Now the newspaper publishes the questions and Ambassadors answers. Questions were about social welfare issues, benefits for war veterans, moving to Russia, exchanging of Russian passports, Russian citizenship, etc.

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

People’s Party MP Aleksandrs Kirsteins calls President’s initiative to remove language requirement for election candidates “simple-mindedness and simple incompetence”. He refers to restrictions in election laws of other countries, mainly in Africa and South America.

Peoples Party MP Aleksandrs Kirsteins calls Presidents initiative to remove language requirement for election candidates simple-mindedness and simple incompetence. He refers to restrictions in election laws of other countries, mainly in Africa and South America. Diena

Telegraf

says current program director at the Latvian National Television could soon be replaced by Baldurs Apinis. According to says current program director at the Latvian National Television could soon be replaced by Baldurs Apinis. According to Telegraf Telegraf the replacement is due to political machinations ahead of the upcoming Saeima elections, as well as the wish of TV leadership to harden language requirements and reduce the number of TV programmes and shows aired in the Russian language. the replacement is due to political machinations ahead of the upcoming Saeima elections, as well as the wish of TV leadership to harden language requirements and reduce the number of TV programmes and shows aired in the Russian language. Heads of three Baltic states will meet in Latvian capital Riga on Tuesday to discuss foreign policy matters vital for Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia such as the US-Baltic Charter, integration into NATO and the European Union.

Heads of three Baltic states will meet in Latvian capital Riga on Tuesday to discuss foreign policy matters vital for Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia such as the US-Baltic Charter, integration into NATO and the European Union. Neatkariga, Chas

Today the Latvian Government discusses Latvia’s development report to be submitted to the UN. The report should cover data from all spheres, including economy, social sphere, human rights etc.

Today the Latvian Government discusses Latvias development report to be submitted to the UN. The report should cover data from all spheres, including economy, social sphere, human rights etc. Vesti Segodnja draws attention to the data provided in the previous reports according to which the number of the Latvians is increasing and the number of minorities is decreasing, therefore, the newspaper concludes that national minorities are the ones whose survival is under threat. The newspaper also states that the report does not say anything about violations of human rights of national minorities in Latvia. Panorama Latvii

Naturalisation Board branch in Daugavpils will continue to provide Latvian language courses free of charge also this year.

Naturalisation Board branch in Daugavpils will continue to provide Latvian language courses free of charge also this year. Vesti Segodnja

Latvian TV channel TV5 organised a discussion in the studio with

Latvian TV channel TV5 organised a discussion in the studio with Vesti Segodnja contributor Nikolay Kabanov and MP Janis Leja about the necessity to introduce TV channel in Russian. Leja said that the pressure to study the language should remain, however, he admitted that the removal of quota on programmes in Russian on the TV and radio has been included in many recommendations and if the issue is raised on a political level then it will be reviewed. Vesti Segodnja

Panorama Latvii

interviews Socialist party chairman Alfreds Rubiks. He is satisfied with his party performance and co-operation within the Union for Human Rights in a United Latvia last year. A.Rubiks forecasts that at the next Saeima election his party will have 20-22 seats in the Parliament. interviews Socialist party chairman Alfreds Rubiks. He is satisfied with his party performance and co-operation within the Union for Human Rights in a United Latvia last year. A.Rubiks forecasts that at the next Saeima election his party will have 20-22 seats in the Parliament.

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

 NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, Guenter Altenburg praised the Baltic state's "unbelievable progress" and efforts made in building defense capacity meeting the alliance's standards. In the talks with Latvian foreign minister Indulis Berzins on Friday the two officials agreed that Russia is loosening its negative stance concerning admission of the Baltic states to the alliance. Berzins and Altenburg also discussed society integration in Latvia, and the foreign minister assured the NATO official that the Latvian government was committed to pursue actively the society integration program.

NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, Guenter Altenburg praised the Baltic state's "unbelievable progress" and efforts made in building defense capacity meeting the alliance's standards. In the talks with Latvian foreign minister Indulis Berzins on Friday the two officials agreed that Russia is loosening its negative stance concerning admission of the Baltic states to the alliance. Berzins and Altenburg also discussed society integration in Latvia, and the foreign minister assured the NATO official that the Latvian government was committed to pursue actively the society integration program.

A task force of NATO experts examined in detail Latvia's efforts in MAP implementation, focusing on planning of Latvia's military capacity and its improvement, defence budget development as well as legal and information security matters.

A task force of NATO experts examined in detail Latvia's efforts in MAP implementation, focusing on planning of Latvia's military capacity and its improvement, defence budget development as well as legal and information security matters. Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Chas

Diena, Lauku Avize, Rigas Balss, Chas

provide some comments of language experts who were invited for a meeting at Presidents to discuss language issues in Latvia. The majority of them consider that the amendments to the Law on Election could be introduced if along that the positions of the Latvian language are strengthened not only by amending Saeimas Rules of Order and Municipality Election Law, but also by developing language policy. LU professor Ina Druviete and famous Latvian poetess Mara Zalite agree that the main emphasis should be placed to Latvias integration into the EU and NATO and if there is a smallest threat to fail Latvia has to yield to their requirements. I.Druviete thinks that the removal of language requirement for election candidates could stimulate deputies non-Latvians to ask the rights to speak in the Parliament and municipalities in their mother tongue as provided for by the rights to freedom of expression in the European Convene on Human Rights and the Latvian Constituion. provide some comments of language experts who were invited for a meeting at President’s to discuss language issues in Latvia. The majority of them consider that the amendments to the Law on Election could be introduced if along that the positions of the Latvian language are strengthened not only by amending Saeima’s Rules of Order and Municipality Election Law, but also by developing language policy. LU professor Ina Druviete and famous Latvian poetess Mara Zalite agree that the main emphasis should be placed to Latvia’s integration into the EU and NATO and if there is a smallest threat to fail Latvia has to yield to their requirements. I.Druviete thinks that the removal of language requirement for election candidates could stimulate deputies non-Latvians to ask the rights to speak in the Parliament and municipalities in their mother tongue as provided for by the rights to freedom of expression in the European Convene on Human Rights and the Latvian Constituion. Vesti SegodnjaVesti Segodnja provides FHRUL member Boriss Cilevics comments that Druviete talks about things she does not know and that the amended Election Law would not influence language situation in the Saeima and municipalities. In his opinion, the biggest concern in Latvia is not the language issue, but minority education. provides FHRUL member Boriss Cilevics comments that Druviete talks about things she does not know and that the amended Election Law would not influence language situation in the Saeima and municipalities. In his opinion, the biggest concern in Latvia is not the language issue, but minority education.

Vesti Segodnja

informs about the latest activities of the National Front headed by publishing house Vieda director A.Garda and other nationalistic organisations. The website of one of these organisations informs about the latest activities of the National Front headed by publishing house “Vieda” director A.Garda and other nationalistic organisations. The website of one of these organisations All for Latvia!All for Latvia! says that its members already has started to train in tactical manoeuvring in wood to get ready for the fourth Awakening and complete ethnic cleaning in Latvia. says that its members already has started to train in tactical manoeuvring in wood to get ready for the fourth Awakening and complete ethnic cleaning in Latvia. The main goal of the new members of Russia’s delegation to the PACE is to deal with the situation of the Russians residing in Latvia and Estonia. In particular, the members want to develop common approach to the rights of national minorities in Europe for all countries. The chairman of Russian delegation V.Bakulins says that Latvia and Estonia even should have higher requirements in the field of human rights because these countries want to become the members of the EU and NATO.

The main goal of the new members of Russias delegation to the PACE is to deal with the situation of the Russians residing in Latvia and Estonia. In particular, the members want to develop common approach to the rights of national minorities in Europe for all countries. The chairman of Russian delegation V.Bakulins says that Latvia and Estonia even should have higher requirements in the field of human rights because these countries want to become the members of the EU and NATO. Vesti Segodnja

OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Adrian Severin when commenting the closure of the OSCE Missions to Latvia and Estonia said that Mission’s presence had to be viewed as a “specific support to solve certain problems and not as blemish.” A.Severin informed that OSCE PA has developed the report on Latvia and Estonia concerning the unsolved issues including situation of the Russians.

OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Adrian Severin when commenting the closure of the OSCE Missions to Latvia and Estonia said that Missions presence had to be viewed as a specific support to solve certain problems and not as blemish. A.Severin informed that OSCE PA has developed the report on Latvia and Estonia concerning the unsolved issues including situation of the Russians. Neatkariga

Lauku Avize

writes about situation concerning falsification of state language certificates. Although during last three years the State Language Centre has sent 200 applications to the police asking to penalise the holders of fraud state language certificates the police have not imposed any criminal charges on anybody and only few have had administrative charges. FF/LNNK member Vents Balodis suggests to exchange all language certificates issued till 1997 for the new ones. State Language Centre director Dz.Hirsa considers the exchange impossible as 250 000 state language certificates have been issued till 1997. She also thinks that in this way people whose language proficiency level has decreased from that time would receive language certificates indicating inadequate language proficiency level. writes about situation concerning falsification of state language certificates. Although during last three years the State Language Centre has sent 200 applications to the police asking to penalise the holders of fraud state language certificates the police have not imposed any criminal charges on anybody and only few have had administrative charges. FF/LNNK member Vents Balodis suggests to exchange all language certificates issued till 1997 for the new ones. State Language Centre director Dz.Hirsa considers the exchange impossible as 250 000 state language certificates have been issued till 1997. She also thinks that in this way people whose language proficiency level has decreased from that time would receive language certificates indicating inadequate language proficiency level.