• Saeima Legal Committee supports amendments to the Constitution of Latvia to grant citizens of other EU countries the right to participate in municipal elections in Latvia
• NGOs and left-wing MPs wants European institutions to influence Latvia so she would grant Latvian non-citizens the right to participatein municipal elections
• Interview with the Peoples Harmony Party Parliamentary Group Janis Urbanovichs
• Security Police: part of funding for the protest actions against the education reform comes from Russia
• Open door day at the Naturalisation Board
• President congratulates all Jews in Latvia with the beginning of a new year

The Saeima Legal Committee supported amendments to the Constitution of Latvia which provide the right to citizens of other EU countries to vote in municipal elections. MP Vladimirs Buzajevs (For Human Rights in the United Latvia - FHRUL) suggested to include in the amendments also a norm which would grant Latvian non-citizens the right to vote in municipal elections as well. The Committee did not support the proposal. It did not support another Buzajev’s proposal to amend the Rules of Procedure, which would allow MPs to give speeches in Russian in Saeima’s sessions.

The Saeima Legal Committee supported amendments to the Constitution of Latvia which provide the right to citizens of other EU countries to vote in municipal elections. MP Vladimirs Buzajevs (For Human Rights in the United Latvia - FHRUL) suggested to include in the amendments also a norm which would grant Latvian non-citizens the right to vote in municipal elections as well. The Committee did not support the proposal. It did not support another Buzajevs proposal to amend the Rules of Procedure, which would allow MPs to give speeches in Russian in Saeimas sessions. Latvijas Avize

A number of NGOs and left-wing MPs calls on the European Commission and the European Parliament to influence Latvia so it would grant its non-citizens the right to participate in municipal elections. Municipal elections will take place March 2005.

A number of NGOs and left-wing MPs calls on the European Commission and the European Parliament to influence Latvia so it would grant its non-citizens the right to participate in municipal elections. Municipal elections will take place March 2005. Rigas Balss, Chas

Chas interviews the leader of the Peoples Harmony Party Parliamentary Group Janis Urbanovichs, who is also the President of the upcoming ‘Baltic Forum. Janis Urbanovichs is convinced that Latvia herself has to deal with its domestic issues, although during 10 years of independence she has not made any progress regarding integration of two communities – Latvians and Russians. He believes that solution to the current situation would be if Latvians leave Russians alone anddo not impose on them the Latvian language, etc., while Russians realise that Latvians are afraid of them. He states that politicians should feel that there is a demand for peace and not for war.

According to the information, which is at the disposal of the Security Police, the advisor to the Head of the Russia State Duma’s Foreign Affairs Committee Aleksandr Kazakov, who was very actively involved in the protest actions against the education reform in Latvia, has had relations with supporters in Russia who provided him with financial support.

According to the information, which is at the disposal of the Security Police, the advisor to the Head of the Russia State Dumas Foreign Affairs Committee Aleksandr Kazakov, who was very actively involved in the protest actions against the education reform in Latvia, has had relations with supporters in Russia who provided him with financial support. Diena

Yesterday the Naturalisation Board organised the open door day to inform all interests about procedures of naturalisation and examinations.

Yesterday the Naturalisation Board organised the open door day to inform all interests about procedures of naturalisation and examinations. Vesti Segodnya

Yesterday the Latvian President wished happy Rosh Hashanah to all Latvian Jews.

Yesterday the Latvian President wished happy Rosh Hashanah to all Latvian Jews. Latvijas Avize

 

 

 

• Necessity in the development of the Law on Minority Schools still under discussions
• Amendments to the Immigration Law exempt persons with specific diseases and disabilities from the Latvian language test when receiving a residence permit
• Prime Ministers Adviser on National Security Andrejs Pantelejevs about education reform
• Vesti Segodnya interviews board members of the new organisation United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia
• Excerpts from an interview with Kazakov, just recently deported from Latvia because of his active involvement in protest activities against the education reform
• National Radio and TV Council will decide whether a historical analytical programme produced by Russia should be aired in Latvia
• OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities will visit Latvia

Yesterday the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee charged a working group formed with the aim to draft the Law on Minority Schools to come up with sound and accurate arguments whether and why there is a need for the Law on Minority Schools in Latvia within a month time. The Prime Minister Indulis Emsis expressed his incomprehension why the issue whether the Law is necessary at all is still under discussions. While

Yesterday the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee charged a working group formed with the aim to draft the Law on Minority Schools to come up with sound and accurate arguments whether and why there is a need for the Law on Minority Schools in Latvia within a month time. The Prime Minister Indulis Emsis expressed his incomprehension why the issue whether the Law is necessary at all is still under discussions. While Telegraf interviews the Secretary of the Saeimas Education Committee Dzintars Abikis who believes that there is no need in the development of the Law. NRA, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Yesterday amendments to the Law on Immigration were adopted. The new amendments stipulate that persons suffering from certain diseases or having some disabilities will not have to pass the Latvian language examination when receiving a residence permit. The list of diseases is under discussions.

Yesterday amendments to the Law on Immigration were adopted. The new amendments stipulate that persons suffering from certain diseases or having some disabilities will not have to pass the Latvian language examination when receiving a residence permit. The list of diseases is under discussions. Telegraf

Vesti Segodnya interviews the Advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security Andrejs Pantelejevs. He believes that, in fact, nobody, even the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools, was interested in initiating ethnic conflicts on 1 September. Andrejs Pantelejevs argues that the government has done a lot in the last months before 1 September to ensure the implementation of the reform, however, he stresses that there are no winners, including the government, in this situation. He is convinced that the government has learned its lesson and refers to the development of the Law on Minority Schools as a proof of the governments good will. Aleksejs Pantelejevs states that issues and events concerning the implementation of the education reform were last issues on the grounds of ethnicity in Latvia.

Vesti Segodnya interviews board members of the new organisation United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia. Majority of board members state that they joined the organisation because they want to foster the dialogue between the Latvian and Russian communities in Latvia. However, MP Boris Tsilevich, who was also elected in the Board of the Congress, doubts whether the Congress will achieve its aims.

Latvijas Avize reprints excerpts from the interview with the advisor to the Head of the Russia State Dumas Foreign Affairs Committee Aleksandr Kazakov, who has been just recently deported from Latvia because of his active involvement in protest activities against the education reform. In his interview with the newspaper Izvestija, printed in Russia, Kazakov states that very soon Russian-speakers in Latvia will speak exclusively Russian and will refuse to buy goods if they do not contain any labels or instructions in Russian. He believes that in March there will be a two-community society in Latvia.

The National Radio and TV Council will look into a programme ‘Europe Sentenced’ produced by Russia’s TV channel ‘Pervij Baltijskij’ which airs in the Baltic States. The programme ‘Europe Sentenced’ discusses the Molotov - Ribentrop pact and was recommended not to be aired in Lithuania.  

The National Radio and TV Council will look into a programme ‘Europe Sentenced produced by Russias TV channel ‘Pervij Baltijskij which airs in the Baltic States. The programme ‘Europe Sentenced discusses the Molotov - Ribentrop pact and was recommended not to be aired in Lithuania.

Vesti Segodnya reports that the OSCE High Commissioner Ralf Ekeus will visit Latvia.

 

• Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools plans to implement new protest activities against the education reform
• Comments on the formation of the new organisation United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia
• Politicians and ministers discuss societal integration issues in Limbazi
• Researcher: work of the Consultative Council on Nationality and Society Affairs not effective
• Naturalisation Board does not halt naturalisation
• OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities will look into the issues concerning the rights of Russian speakers in Latvia

The Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools plans to implement new protest activities against the education reform because the protest actions in September were not effective. On Monday the hunger strike was stopped as well. Members of the Headquarters state that protests failed because the government started discussions about the development of the Law on Minority Schools and has not been very strict regarding the implementation of the ratio of instruction languages.

The Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools plans to implement new protest activities against the education reform because the protest actions in September were not effective. On Monday the hunger strike was stopped as well. Members of the Headquarters state that protests failed because the government started discussions about the development of the Law on Minority Schools and has not been very strict regarding the implementation of the ratio of instruction languages. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Dienas columnist Askolds Rodins comments on the formation of the new organisation United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia (UCRCL). He stresses that at the congress there were representatives of 14 minority organisations who spoke on the behalf of all Russians in Latvia, although in total there are 40 minority organisations in Latvia. The columnist speculates that the new organisation may become a national radical satellite of FHRUL and then cleavages in the new organisation are not avoidable. The columnist concludes with the data from the recent study according to which 84% Latvians and 82% non-Latvians want to see a single-community society in Latvia. ‘Latvijas Avize asks views of Latvian politicians regarding the new organisation. Politicians agree that the goals and programmes of the new organisation are targeted against the development of Latvia; nevertheless no response to the Congress should be made.

Latvijas Avize reports on the Book festival in Limbazi (a town in a Northern part of Latvia) in which a number of politicians and members of government were present. Politicians and members of government also took part in the discussion organised by Latvijas Avize. Among other issues, participants of the discussion talked about social integration. Both the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis and the Societal Integration Minister Nils Muiznieks expressed their satisfaction with the governments activities in dealing with the implementation of the education reform and the protest activities, while the member of the Riga City Council Janis Karpovics argued that the Riga City Councilshould be thanked for a successful implementation of the education reform. Regarding the Law on Minority Schools, the Prime Minister repeatedly expressed his support for the development of the Law, while the representative of the New Era Krisjanis Karins believed that the adoption of such law would be a step towards a two-community society.

The assistant Sigita Zankovska-Odina working for the Centre for Ethnic Research of the University of Latvia evaluates the development of a dialogue between minorities and the government. She states that the Consultative Council on Nationality and Society Affairs established a year and a half ago under the Secretariat of the Special Task Minister of Societal Integration Affairs fails to be an effective mechanism of building a dialogue with minorities. She argues that the Council lost its expected efficiency because the body of the Council and its preliminary program were changed. Zankovska-Odina believes that the body of the Council proves that minorities are not able to consolidate, resultantly state institutions have difficulties with identification of partners. She summarises that through the Council minorities and organisations dealing with integration issues are given the possibility to be heard and it is up to them whether their views are taken into account. She also notes that a big part of society are not aware of the existence of the Council, therefore she advises the Ministry to promote activities of the Council.

The assistant Sigita Zankovska-Odina working for the Centre for Ethnic Research of the University of Latvia evaluates the development of a dialogue between minorities and the government. She states that the Consultative Council on Nationality and Society Affairs established a year and a half ago under the Secretariat of the Special Task Minister of Societal Integration Affairs fails to be an effective mechanism of building a dialogue with minorities. She argues that the Council lost its expected efficiency because the body of the Council and its preliminary program were changed. Zankovska-Odina believes that the body of the Council proves that minorities are not able to consolidate, resultantly state institutions have difficulties with identification of partners. She summarises that through the Council minorities and organisations dealing with integration issues are given the possibility to be heard and it is up to them whether their views are taken into account. She also notes that a big part of societyare not aware of the existence of the Council, therefore she advises the Ministry to promote activities of the Council. Diena

Chas investigates whether the tempo of naturalisation is intentionally halted before municipal elections in Latvia. The press secretary of the Naturalisation Board notes that on contrary the number of naturalisation applicants is increasing and explains more in detail theflow of documents and naturalisation procedures.

Vesti Segodnya reports that the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Ralf Ekeus is charged to clarify the situation regarding violations of rights of Russian-speakers in Latvia.

 

 

• New Russian organisation ‘The Russian Community in Latvia established
• Research conducted by Russian researchers about the situation of Russian compatriots in the former republics of the USSR

Newspapers report on the formation of a new Russian organisation – The Russian Community in Latvia (RCL). The Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools in Latvia was an initiator of the formation of the new organisation and claimed that it will unite all Russians residing in Latvia. However,

Newspapers report on the formation of a new Russian organisation – The Russian Community in Latvia (RCL). The Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools in Latvia was an initiator of the formation of the new organisation and claimed that it will unite all Russians residing in Latvia. However, all newspapers stress that voting for the organisations council and board were accompanied with rather loud fuss and disagreements. Nevertheless, about 300 members of the congress managed to agree on the programmes and goals of the organisation. The key goals are that Russian should be the second state language, zero citizenship option should be adopted and Russian children should have the right to study in their native tongue. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

The Director of the Centre of Analysis ‘Fond Rossii’ Tatyana Poloskova introduces the audience of

The Director of the Centre of Analysis ‘Fond Rossii Tatyana Poloskova introduces the audience of Telegraf with the study on the situation of Russian compatriots in the CIS and Baltic countries. She notes that although the living conditions of Russian-speakers in the Baltic countries are better than in other former republics of the USSR, Russian-speakers in the Baltic states experience heavy psychological discomfort and difficulties concerning self-realisation.

• Future of the Law on Minority Schools unclear
• FF/LNIM asks the government to follow the implementation of the education reform more strictly
• Local and Russias response to the hunger strike against the education reform in Latvia
• Court closes the case of the Vesti Segodnyas photographer accused in causing public disorder during the protest actions against the education reform
• Former Russian school director claims that the Ministry of Education and Science ‘forced minority school directors to state that their schools are ready to implement the education reform
• Language courses for about 200 minority school teachers
• Newspapers continue to introduce with goals of the new Russian organisation
• Russian ambassador held the reception for children who spent their summer holidays in Russia
• Russian Drama Theatre in Latvia has staged a play in two languages for the first time
• Parties ratings

During the Friday's meeting members of the working group charged with drafting the Law on Minority Schools were not able to come to an agreement whether the Law is needed at all. The final decision about the necessity of the Law has been postponed to next Thursday as the working group decided to look at experiences of other European countries. Two main groups of opponents are the People’s Party that announced that there is no need for such law in Latvia, and the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis who has repeatedly announced that “I will insist on this law till I have the power.”

During the Friday's meeting members of the working group charged with drafting the Law on Minority Schools were not able to come to an agreement whether the Law is needed at all. The final decision about the necessity of the Law has been postponed to next Thursday as the working group decided to look at experiences of other European countries. Two main groups of opponents are the Peoples Party that announced that there is no need for such law in Latvia,and the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis who has repeatedly announced that I will insist on this law till I have the power. Diena, NRA, Chas

For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM has sent a letter to the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis asking to explain why the Ministry of Education and Science accepts violations concerning the Law on Education at minority schools. FF/LNIM notes that after September 1 many schools ignore the provision, which stipulates that 60% of subjects should be taught in Latvian, and teach these subjects in Latvian and in Russian.

For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM has sent a letter to the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis asking to explain why the Ministry of Education and Science accepts violations concerning the Law on Education at minority schools. FF/LNIM notes that after September 1 many schools ignore the provision, which stipulates that 60% of subjects should be taught in Latvian, and teach these subjects in Latvian and in Russian. Diena, Chas

The member of the Latvian Parliament Vladimirs Buzajevs has called participants of the hunger strike to stop the strike. The MP stated that although he totally agrees with the demands set by the participants, however, he is concerned about health conditions of the opponents of the education reform. One of the hunger strike’s participants, nevertheless, announced that they would continue the strike. While the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement regarding the hunger strike in Latvia. Moscow is concerned that the OSCE and the Council of Europe do not pay attention to the situation and calls on international organisations to “get involved in solving the issue concerning minority education in Latvia.”

The member of the Latvian Parliament Vladimirs Buzajevs has called participants of the hunger strike to stop the strike. The MP stated that although he totally agrees with the demands set by the participants, however, he is concerned about health conditions of the opponents of the education reform. One of the hunger strikes participants, nevertheless, announced that they would continue the strike. While the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement regarding the hunger strike in Latvia. Moscow is concerned that the OSCE and the Council of Europe do not pay attention to the situation and calls on international organisations to get involved in solving the issue concerning minority education in Latvia. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnya reports about the court proceeding reviewing the case of the Vesti Segodnyas photograph who was accused in causing public disorder and incrimination of a policeman during the protest actions against the education reform. The newspaper believes that the court was minded against the photograph and names as evidence the facts that the judge announced the court session closed and that she did not allow a pupil to give his testimony stating that he is a minor although he has reached the age of 16. According to the newspaper the court closed the case because of the lack of evidence.

Chas talks to a former director of the Malta secondary school located in the Eastern part of Latvia. The school provides all levels of education, including secondary, in Russian. The former director Igors Sorokins reveals how last year the Ministry of Education and Science surveyed school directors about the readiness of their schools to implement the education reform. The director claims that the Ministry of Education has a number of methods, for instance, determine shorter school accreditation period, to influence those school directors who said that there schools were not ready to implement the education reform.

About 200 minority teachers have an opportunity to improve their Latvian language skills after summer holidays. The opportunity is offered by the National Programme on Latvian Language Training with the financial support of the Parex bank.

About 200 minority teachers have an opportunity to improve their Latvian language skills after summer holidays. The opportunity is offered by the National Programme on Latvian Language Training with the financial support of the Parex bank. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Newspapers report about the forthcoming congress of Russians residing in Latvia organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools in Latvia. The congress will take place on Sunday. The goal of the Congress is to “unite all Russians residing in Latvia and fight for their rights to education in the native tongue, grant Russian the status of the second state language and adopt the zero citizenship.” To achieve these goals the Headquarters has developed the economic programme which foresees providing support for Russian entrepreneurs who in their turn would help to accomplish political goals of the Congress.  Political scientists, however, do not believe that the Congress will manage to implement their claims to unite all Russians of Latvia and form a closed, isolated community of Russians in Latvia.

Newspapers report about the forthcoming congress of Russians residing in Latvia organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools in Latvia. The congresswill take place on Sunday. The goal of the Congress is to unite all Russians residing in Latvia and fight for their rights to education in the native tongue, grant Russian the status of the second state language and adopt the zero citizenship. To achieve these goals the Headquarters has developed the economic programme which foresees providing support for Russian entrepreneurs who in their turn would help to accomplish political goals of the Congress. Political scientists, however, do not believe that the Congress will manage to implement their claims to unite all Russians of Latvia and form a closed, isolated community of Russians in Latvia. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

On Friday the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov held a reception for Latvian children who with the support of the Russian government spent summer holidays in Russia.

On Friday the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov held a reception for Latvian children who with the support of the Russian government spent summer holidays in Russia. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

For the first time the Russian Drama Theatre will open the season with the play in two languages ‘Who Is Afraid of Virginia Wolfe.’ One night the play will be performed in Latvian, but next – in Russian.

For the first time the Russian Drama Theatre will open the season with the play in two languages ‘Who Is Afraid of Virginia Wolfe. One night the play will be performed in Latvian, but next – in Russian. Latvijas Avize

According to the opinion poll conducted by the company SKDS the New Era remains the most popular party among Latvian citizens in August. For Fartherland and Freedom/LNIM is the second most popular party, followed the People’s Party, union For Human Rights in United Latvia, the Union of Farmers and Greens.

According to the opinion poll conducted by the company SKDS the New Era remains the most popular party among Latvian citizens in August. For Fartherland and Freedom/LNIM is the second most popular party, followed the Peoples Party, union For Human Rights in United Latvia, the Union of Farmers and Greens. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya