• Activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs, who is also the assistant of the member of the Russia State Council Dmitry Rogozin, expelled from Latvia
• Draft Law on Minority Schools is not ready for public discussions yet
• Prime Minister Indulis Emsis talks about the implementation of the education reform
• Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools calls minority students to change methods of protest
• Diena writes about possibilities to apply for Latvian language courses free of charge

‘The activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs, who is also the assistant of the member of the Russia State Council Dmitry Rogozin, will be expelled from Latvia because he does not have a legitimate reason to stay in Latvia,’ has stated the Minister of Interior Eriks Jekabsons. According to the Minister, there are two reasons for his deportation: first, Kazahov’s marriage with a Latvian citizen was the only reason why Kazahov’s residence permit was prolonged. However, his wife died in the beginning of August. Second, activities of Aleksandrs Kazakovs are directly related to security issues in Latvia.

‘The activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs, who is also the assistant of the member of the Russia State Council Dmitry Rogozin, will be expelled from Latvia because he does not have a legitimate reason to stay in Latvia, has stated the Minister of Interior Eriks Jekabsons. According to the Minister, there are two reasons for his deportation: first, Kazahovs marriage with a Latvian citizen was the only reason why Kazahovs residence permit was prolonged. However, his wife died in the beginning of August. Second, activities of Aleksandrs Kazakovs are directly related to security issues in Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Contrary to a statement of the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis, the working group under the Minister of Education and Science which develops a draft Law on Minority Schools has announced that the draft law is not ready for public discussions yet.

Contrary to a statement of the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis, the working group under the Minister of Education and Science which develops a draft Law on Minority Schools has announced that the draft law is not ready for public discussions yet. Diena, Latvijas Avize

Chas features an interview with the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis about the implementation of the education reform. When commenting results of the research, recently conducted by the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences and which reveals that only 15% Russian-speaking students support the education reform, the Prime Minister stressed that the education reform should not be perceived as a command issued by the state with the goal to make a negative influence on Russian-speaking students. The education reform, first of all, is necessary for students. ‘They do not understand the key aims of the reform if they could give such answers, notes the Prime Minister. Indulis Emsis believes that besides few technical issues, such as the lack of teaching aids, there are no serious problems concerning the implementation of the reform.

The Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools has issued a statement which calls minority students to return back to schools. The call invites students to express their disagreement with the education reform in other ways, namely, to answer only in a mother tongue to questions asked in lessons which take place in the Latvian language or bilingually. Meanwhile newspapers report that minority students have not supported the protest action ‘Empty Schools’ on action’s second day.

The Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools has issued a statement which calls minority students to return back to schools. The call invites students to express their disagreement with the education reform in other ways, namely, to answer only in a mother tongue to questions asked in lessons which take place in the Latvian language or bilingually. Meanwhile newspapers report that minority students have not supported the protest action ‘Empty Schools on actions second day. Diena

Diena features an article about possibilities to apply for Latvian language courses free of charge. The courses will be organised in Ventspils and are financed by the Societal Integration Foundation. The requirement to have a good Latvian language proficiency at work, desire to find a job or naturalise and then find a job in another EU member state are key motivations for applicants to learn the language. While Diena looks into the overall situation concerning Latvian language training free of charge. The newspaper notes that there is a possibility that courses free of charge may not be provided next year due to the lack of funding. The key source of funding was the EU Phare programme which ends this year. Although the Latvian state provided the required co-funding, it has not given any promises to continue the funding. The Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks believes that there is a possibility to find the necessary amount of money in the next years state budget, however, he also suggests to look for other possibilities to find money.

• Protest actions against the education reform go on
• Saeima did not support amendments to the Law on Education, submitted by the FHRUL
• Prime Minister Indulis Emsis talks about possible mass disorders planned by opponents of the education reform
• Neatkariga Rita Avize discussed alternatives to minority school curricula
• Deputy of Russia Foreign Affairs Minister Victor Kaluznij appointed to the post of the Russia Ambassador to Latvia
• Interview with the head of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Aleksandrs Kirsteins
• Detectaphone found in the premises of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools
• Riga Central Court dismiss charges against eight opponents of the education reform, who chained themselves to the doors of the Cabinet of Ministers
• Saeima refuses to give the MP Vladimirs Buzajevs a day-off to organise a protest action against the education reform

According to the information of the Education, Youth and Sports Department of the Riga City Council, approximately 95% of minority students in Riga have not responded to the call of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-Language Schools to participate in the protest action ‘empty schools.’ The widest support for the protest action has been received from minority students in Ventspils (the six largest city in Latvia): 200 or one eight of minority students were absent from school. In Daugavpils (the second largest city in Latvia) only 20 students instead of planned 1,000 participated in the protest walk and 120 were absent on 2 September. The representatives of the Headquarters assure that protest actions are continued. Meanwhile the Security and Order Committee of the Riga City Council will request information about students, who do not go to school because of protest actions. The Committee has charged the Municipal Police to impose fines on parents of absent students. According to the members of the Council, the decision is in line with the provision of the Code of Administrative Offences of Latvia, which provides imposing fine in the amount of up to LVL 50, if parents do not fulfil their duty to nurture and educate their minors. Another development regarding the education reform is that the Head of the Education, Youth and Sports Department Elmars Vebers in collaboration with teachers of 50 minority schools appealed the Executive Director of the Riga City Council asking not to issue authorisation for those protest actions which are planned during school time.

According to the information of the Education, Youth and Sports Department of the Riga City Council, approximately 95% of minority students in Riga have not responded to the call of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-Language Schools to participate in the protest action ‘empty schools. The widest support for the protest action has been received from minority students in Ventspils (the six largest city in Latvia): 200 or one eight of minority students were absent from school. In Daugavpils (the second largest city in Latvia) only 20 students instead of planned 1,000 participated in the protest walk and 120 were absent on 2 September. The representatives of the Headquarters assure that protest actions are continued. Meanwhile the Security and Order Committee of the Riga City Council will request information about students, who do not go to school because of protest actions. The Committee has charged the Municipal Police to impose fines on parents of absent students. According to the members of the Council, the decision is in line with the provision of the Code of Administrative Offences of Latvia, which provides imposing fine in the amount of up to LVL 50, if parents do not fulfil their duty to nurture and educate their minors. Another development regarding the education reform is that the Head of the Education, Youth and Sports Department Elmars Vebers in collaboration with teachers of 50 minority schools appealed the Executive Director of the Riga City Council asking not to issue authorisation for those protest actions which are planned during school time. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Yesterday the Saeima did not support amendments to the Law on Education, submitted by the parliamentary group For Human Rights in the United Latvia. The amendments stipulated the establishment of a moratorium on the education reform and charged the Cabinet of Ministers with the task to develop the Law on Minority Schools until 1 October. The amendments were supported by 17 members of FHRUL and Latvia’s Socialist Party parliamentary groups, while 76 deputies from right-wing factions voted against them.

Yesterday the Saeima did not support amendments to the Law on Education, submitted by the parliamentary group For Human Rights in the United Latvia. The amendments stipulated the establishment of a moratorium on the education reform and charged the Cabinet of Ministers with the task to develop the Law on Minority Schools until 1 October. The amendments were supported by 17 members of FHRUL and Latvias Socialist Party parliamentary groups, while 76 deputies from right-wing factions voted against them. Latvijas Avize

‘At the disposal of law enforcement institutions there is information about possible mass disorders during the Days of Rezekne City next Saturday. Dissorders are planned by opponents of the education reform,’ announced the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis.

‘At the disposal of law enforcement institutions there is information about possible mass disorders during the Days of Rezekne City next Saturday. Dissorders are planned by opponents of the education reform, announced the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis. Diena

Although the Ministry of Education and Science has not compiled information about subjects, which minority schools have chosen to teach in Latvian, according to unofficial information sports and history are the more frequently chosen subjects, while the instruction language of physics and chemistry remain Russian. Nevertheless, physics and chemistry are taught in Latvian at those schools, which major in exact sciences to prepare their students for enrolment in universities.

Although the Ministry of Education and Science has not compiled information about subjects, which minority schools have chosen to teach in Latvian, according to unofficial information sports and history are the more frequently chosen subjects, while the instruction language of physics and chemistry remain Russian. Nevertheless, physics and chemistry are taught in Latvian at those schools, which major in exact sciences to prepare their students for enrolment in universities. Neatkariga Rita Avize

The President of Russia Vladimir Putin has officially appointed the former Russia Energetic Minister and current deputy of the Russia Foreign Affairs Minister Victor Kaluznij to the post of the Russian ambassador to Latvia.

The President of Russia Vladimir Putin has officially appointed the former Russia Energetic Minister and current deputy of the Russia Foreign Affairs Minister Victor Kaluznij to the post of the Russian ambassador to Latvia. Diena, Neatkarīgā Rīta Avīze, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the Head of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Aleksandrs Kirsteins about societal integration issues. Aleksandrs Kirsteins believes that those Russians, who came to Latvia during Soviet occupation looking for a job, as well as their descendants, should not be granted the status of national minority. The MP also believes that the state should promote development of Russian schools, where students could study Russian traditions of Orthodoxy. Aleksandrs Kirsteins basis his suggestion on the fact that in Latvia there are schools which teach in Russian, but there are very few Russian minority schools.

The Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools claim that they have found detectaphones in their office and accuse state authorities in installing this equipment there.

The Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools claim that they have found detectaphones in their office and accuse state authorities in installing this equipment there. Chas

The Riga Central Court dismissed the charges against nine opponents of the education reform, who chained themselves to the doors of the Cabinet of Ministers on 1 September and, according to the testimonies of the police, caused public disorder. The National News Agency LETA, referring to the judge Raimonds Buls, reports that the case was closed because the judge found no evidence that these persons committed administrative offences included in testimonies of policemen. Besides, the judge noted, that there are no other witnesses but policemen. 

The Riga Central Court dismissed the charges against nine opponents of the education reform, who chained themselves to the doors of the Cabinet of Ministers on 1 September and, according to the testimonies of the police, caused public disorder. The National News Agency LETA, referring to the judge Raimonds Buls, reports that the case was closed because the judge found no evidence that these persons committed administrative offences included in testimonies of policemen. Besides, the judge noted, that there are no other witnesses but policemen. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Yesterday the Saeima denied a request of the MP Vladimirs Buzajevs to give him a day-off to organise a protest action against the education reform.

Yesterday the Saeima denied a request of the MP Vladimirs Buzajevs to give him a day-off to organise a protest action against the education reform. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

• Newspapers report on yesterdays protest actions against the education reform
• Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry condemns Latvia for violating the rights of Russian-speakers
• Petition against the education reform, signed by 1,000 non-Latvians, is submitted to the European Commission Education and Culture Commissioners secretariat
• Peoples Harmony Party will not ask the resignation of the government
• Riga vice-mayor Sergejs Dolgopolovs talks about the education reform
• Administrative Court does not accept a claim submitted by the Russian schools defender Eduards Goncarovs

Yesterday’s protest meeting against the education reform as well as the rock concert, organised by the Ministry of Education and Science, ran without any serious incidents. Approximately 5,000 – 6,000 people participated in the protest meeting against the education reform, organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-Language Schools. The Russian-language newspaper

Yesterdays protest meeting against the education reform as well as the rock concert, organised by the Ministry of Education and Science, ran without any serious incidents. Approximately 5,000 – 6,000 people participated in the protest meeting against the education reform, organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-Language Schools. The Russian-language newspaper Vesti Segodnya, however, reports that the number of participants reached 25,000. The number of participants who came to the rock concert reached 3,000 – 4,000. Yesterday also other protest activities took place in Riga: at night four persons, among them also participants of the hunger strike against the education reform, chained themselves to the doors of the Cabinet of Ministers. The police detained the people taking part in this protest action. On 1 September the police also detained two students who distributed leaflets in minority schools. The leaflets on the behalf of the Headquarters called to participate in protest actions. The Headquarters continues to call parents of minority students to participate in protest actions and students stay absent from schools. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

In response to an interview with the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane with Russian mass media, the Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry has issued a statement, which stresses that Russian-speakers in Latvia are deprived of their rights, and first of all it regards their rights to acquire qualitative secondary education in their native language. The Ministry basis its claims on the results of a study conducted by the Latvian Human Rights Committee.  Regarding the statement made by Eizenija Aldermane that holders of non-citizen passports enjoy all social rights, the Russian Ministry says that such statements do not correspond to reality. ‘According to the data provided in the study of the Latvian Human Rights Committee, in Latvia there are 62 differences between the status of citizens and non-citizens in Latvia.

In response to an interview with the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane with Russian mass media, the Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry has issued a statement, which stresses that Russian-speakers in Latvia are deprived of their rights, and first of all it regards their rights to acquire qualitative secondary education in their native language. The Ministry basis its claims on the results of a study conducted by the Latvian Human Rights Committee. Regarding the statement made by Eizenija Aldermane that holders of non-citizen passports enjoy all social rights, the Russian Ministry says that such statements do not correspond to reality. ‘According to the data provided in the study of the Latvian Human Rights Committee, in Latvia there are 62 differences between the status of citizens and non-citizens in Latvia. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

The member of the European Parliament Tatjana Zdanoka has submitted a petition against the education reform in Latvia to the European Commission Education and Culture Commissioner’s secretariat. The petition is signed by 1,000 non-Latvians.

The member of the European Parliament Tatjana Zdanoka has submitted a petition against the education reform in Latvia to the European Commission Education and Culture Commissioners secretariat. The petition is signed by 1,000 non-Latvians. Vesti Segodnya

The leader of the People’s Harmony Party Janis Jurkans is convinced that the Party will support his initiative to discontinue party’s support for the present government. He, however, believes that his party will not initiate the resignation of the Cabinet of Ministers.

The leader of the Peoples Harmony Party Janis Jurkans is convinced that the Party will support his initiative to discontinue partys support for the present government. He, however, believes that his party will not initiate the resignation of the Cabinet of Ministers. Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Telegraf

Telegraf features an interview with the Riga Vice-mayor Sergejs Dolgopolovs. The Vice-mayor believes that the problem of the education reform could be solved, if the education reform is discussed with and explained to students, parents and teachers. He also believes that non-citizens should naturalise more actively so they would be able to influence a political situation in the country.

The Administrative Court has refused the claim of the Russian schools’ defender Eduards Goncarovs challenging the decision of the Riga City Council to refuse the authorisation of the procession against the education reform on 1 September.

The Administrative Court has refused the claim of the Russian schools defender Eduards Goncarovs challenging the decision of the Riga City Council to refuse the authorisation of the procession against the education reform on 1 September. Latvijas Avize

• Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics: minority schools are ready for the education reform
• Interview with the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga about the implementation of the education reform
• Administrative Court refuses to accept the claim of Tatjana and Karina Slivenko
• Janis Jurkans comments on the support for the Emsis government
• Newspapers continue to discuss the statement of the Russian Party
• Newspapers write about the visit of state officials to Moscow to explain the necessity of education reform to Russian journalists
• Interview with the Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks
• Number of Latvian language native speakers decreases by 5,000 every year
• Latvijas Avize discusses naturalisation of non-citizens disloyal to Latvia
• Planned procession against the education reform will take place despite the refusal to authorise it
• Discussion about the role of mass media in the formation of the public opinion on education reform
• Open letter to the Russia Minister of Interior Rashid Nurgaliyev expressing support to the leader of the national bolsheviks Vladimirs Lindermans

Newspapers repeatedly stress the statement of the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics that ‘all minority schools have licensed their curicula and are ready to implement the education reform.’

Newspapers repeatedly stress the statement of the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics that ‘all minority schools have licensed their curicula and are ready to implement the education reform. Diena, Chas

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga about the implementation of the education reform. The President stresses that the reform does not imply the violation of the rights of minority students, but will improve their Latvian language proficiency to a very great extent.

The Administrative Court refused to abolish the decision on the deportation of Tatjana and Karina Slivenko from Latvia in 1996. The women appealed the decision with Latvian courts and also with the European Court of Human Rights, which ruled that by expulsion Latvia had violated women’s right to personal life.  However, the representative of the Court stated it would not be logic to abolish the decision as it has been already implemented.

The Administrative Court refused to abolish the decision on the deportation of Tatjana and Karina Slivenko from Latvia in 1996. The women appealed the decision with Latvian courts and also with the European Court of Human Rights, which ruled that by expulsion Latvia had violated womens right to personal life. However, the representative of the Court stated it would not be logic to abolish the decision as it has been already implemented. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

The People’s Harmony Party (PHP) should not continue to support the Emsis’ government, believes the leader of the party Janis Jurkans. According to Janis Jurkans, the government has not managed to eliminate tension in society caused by  the implementation of the education reform and thus the PHP has no arguments to support this government. The decision about the future support for the government may be adopted by the PHP on 6 September.

The Peoples Harmony Party (PHP) should not continue to support the Emsis government, believes the leader of the party Janis Jurkans. According to Janis Jurkans, the government has not managed to eliminate tension in society caused by the implementation of the education reform and thus the PHP has no arguments to support this government. The decision about the future support for the government may be adopted by the PHP on 6 September. Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Newspapers continue to report on the statement of the Russian Party which says that,  methods of leaders of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia and the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools to fight against the implementation of the education reform, in fact, stir tension in society, which can grow into an ethnic conflict.

Newspapers continue to report on the statement of the Russian Party which says that, methods of leaders of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia and the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools to fight against the implementation of the education reform, in fact, stir tension in society, which can grow into an ethnic conflict. Rigas Balss features an opinion of the mass media expert Abrams Kleckins. He believes that the problem of the education reform could be solved if the forthcoming protest actions do not result in conflicts and bring no victims. ‘The reform divides the Russian-speaking community, because there are people who want to politicise the issue, says Abrams Kleckins. The historian Karlis Dauksts is convinced that politically the Russian community is already divided, however, psychologically it still may form one community. Rigas Balss, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Newspapers feature articles about the visit of state officials to Moscow with the goal to explain the education reform to Russian journalists. According to the members of delegation, there are many stereotypes about the situation of Russians in Latvia, for instance, many Russian journalists did not want to believe that a person with Russian surname, namely the Advisor of the Minister of Education and Science Sergejs Ancupovs, holds an office in the state institution. The members of the Latvian delegation also noted that in many cases Russian journalists were not very interested in listening to views and stances contradicting the official stance of Russia.

Newspapers feature articles about the visit of state officials to Moscow with the goal to explain the education reform to Russian journalists. According to the members of delegation, there are many stereotypes about the situation of Russians in Latvia, for instance, many Russian journalists did not want to believe that a person with Russian surname, namely the Advisor of the Minister of Education and Science Sergejs Ancupovs, holds an office in the state institution. The members of the Latvian delegation also noted that in many cases Russian journalists were not very interested in listening to views and stances contradicting the official stance of Russia. Latvijas Avize, Chas

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks, who believes that relations between Russia and Latvia depend on Russia. The Minister is convinced that Latvia should not naturalise non-citizens only to improve statistics of naturalisation. ‘I believe that the naturalisation process should ensure that these persons are able to integrate, states Artis Pabriks.

The number of Latvian language native speakers is sinking by 5,000 or 0.3 % every year. The Latvian language is a mother tongue of at least 1,5 millions of the world population, while half a million names Latvian their second language.

The number of Latvian language native speakers is sinking by 5,000 or 0.3 % every year. The Latvian language is a mother tongue of at least 1,5 millions of the world population, while half a million names Latvian their second language. Latvijas Avize, Telegraf

Latvijas Avize reports that the Citizenship ABC has been published in Latvia. The book includes information about various citizenship terms, possibilities to acquire Latvian citizenship, etc. The newspaper, however, stresses that recently there have been many cases which show that citizenship is a cheap commodity in Latvia. The newspaper enumerates cases when in its opinion people who are disloyal to Latvia, for instance are against the education reform, have received Latvian citizenship. The deputy chairman of the Naturalisation Board Janis Kahanovics explains that in accordance with the Law on Citizenship Latvian citizenship may not be deprived for incitement of national hatred, calls to violence and open disrespect towards the country.

The procession against the education reform, planned by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools on 1 September, will take place although the executive director of the Riga City Council Maris Tralmaks has not authorised it. The decision of the executive director has been already appealed with the Administrative Court.

The procession against the education reform, planned by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools on 1 September, will take place although the executive director of the Riga City Council Maris Tralmaks has not authorised it. The decision of the executive director has been already appealed with the Administrative Court. Neatkariga Rita Avize

Neatkariga Rita Avize features a discussion with Russian and Latvian mass media journalists about the role of mass media in the formation of public opinion on the education reform.

Several representatives of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia have drafted an open letter addressed to the Russia Minister of Interior Rashid Nurgaliyev. In the letter MPS express their support for the leader of the national bolsheviks Vladimirs Lindermans, who has been accused in an attempt to overthrow the state power and change political system in Latvia. According to the information provided by the Russia news agency ‘Regnum,’ the authors of the letter regard the criminal case, initiated against the Vladimirs Lindermans in Latvia, absurd and express their incomprehension concerning the Russia’s refusal to grant asylum and Russian citizenship to the leader of national bolsheviks.

Several representatives of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia have drafted an open letter addressed to the Russia Minister of Interior Rashid Nurgaliyev. In the letter MPS express their support for the leader of the national bolsheviks Vladimirs Lindermans, who has been accused in an attempt to overthrow the state power and change political system in Latvia. According to the information provided by the Russia news agency ‘Regnum, the authors of the letter regard the criminal case, initiated against the Vladimirs Lindermans in Latvia, absurd and express their incomprehension concerning the Russias refusal to grant asylum and Russian citizenship to the leader of national bolsheviks. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

• Prime Minister Indulis Emsis: information about the sources of income of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools will be discussed after the forthcoming protest actions
• The Russian Party: FHRUL and the Headquarters have spoiled a chance to discuss education of Russian-speakers in Latvia
• Advisor of the Prime Minister on national security issues Andrejs Pantelejevs about the forthcoming protest actions against the education reform
• Chairman of the Riga City Councils Education, Youth and Sports Department Elmars Vebers calls on directors of minority schools to report on absent students
• Latvian Social Democratic Labour Party terminates the agreement with its youth organization
• Article about the preparedness of the Jaunogre Secondary Minority School to implement the education reform

The Prime Minister Indulis Emsis stated that the information provided by the State Security Police about the sources of income of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools will be discussed after the forthcoming protest actions against the education reform take place. ‘The reaction to this information will depend on the behaviour of forces ill-disposed towards Latvia,’ stated the Prime Minister. He stressed that the government will be tolerant until then.

The Prime Minister Indulis Emsis stated that the information provided by the State Security Police about the sources of income of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools will be discussed after the forthcoming protest actions against the education reform take place. ‘The reaction to this information will depend on the behaviour of forces ill-disposed towards Latvia, stated the Prime Minister. He stressed that the government will be tolerant until then. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Rigas Balss, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The Russian Party has issued a statement which says that ‘the fight for the abolishment of the education reform led by leaders of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia and the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools is a way how to increase tension in society, which can grow into an ethnic conflict.’ The statement also notes that FHRUL and the Headquarters have spoiled a possibility to defend Russian-speaking schools. They direct the process not towards discussions but an ethnic conflict.’ The party is convinced that the Congress of the Russian Community, which ‘will proclaim itself a centre in the two community state,’ may bring about unpredictable consequences. The Russian Party calls on Russian and Slavic NGO’s not participate in the Congress and not support activities of the FHRUL.

The Russian Party has issued a statement which says that ‘the fight for the abolishment of the education reform led by leaders of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia and the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools is a way how to increase tension in society, which can grow into an ethnic conflict. The statement also notes that FHRUL and the Headquarters have spoiled a possibility to defend Russian-speaking schools. They direct the process not towards discussions but an ethnic conflict. The party is convinced that the Congress of the Russian Community, which ‘will proclaim itself a centre in the two community state, may bring about unpredictable consequences. The Russian Party calls on Russian and Slavic NGOs not participate in the Congress and not support activities of the FHRUL. Latvijas Avize

Newspapers feature statements of the Advisor to the Prime Minister on national security issues Andrejs Pantelejevs about the forthcoming protest actions against the education reform. The official states that a possibility of conflict between Latvians and Russians on September 1 is lesser than between Russians who will participate in protest actions and those Russians who will not.  According to Andrejs Pantelejevs, some teachers, directors and students of minority schools, who do not support protest actions, have already received threats.

Newspapers feature statements of the Advisor to the Prime Minister on national security issues Andrejs Pantelejevs about the forthcoming protest actions against the education reform. The official states that a possibility of conflict between Latvians and Russians on September 1 is lesser than between Russians who will participate in protest actions and those Russians who will not. According to Andrejs Pantelejevs, some teachers, directors and students of minority schools, who do not support protest actions, have already received threats. Rigas Balss, Vesti Segodnya

The Chairman of the Riga City Council’s Education, Youth and Sports department Elmars Vebers has sent a letter to minority school directors asking them to report on  information about those students who will be absent at school on 1 – 3 September.

The Chairman of the Riga City Councils Education, Youth and Sports department Elmars Vebers has sent a letter to minority school directors asking them to report on information about those students who will be absent at school on 1 – 3 September. Telegraf

The Latvian Social Democratic Labour Party has terminated its agreement with its youth organization. The Chairman  of LSDLP youth organisation Janis Kuzins participated in the protest action against the education reform, organised by Tatjana Zdanoka in Strasbourg. Participants of the protest action demanded the establishment of the moratorium on the education reform.

The Latvian Social Democratic Labour Party has terminated its agreement with its youth organization. The Chairman of LSDLP youth organisation Janis Kuzins participated in the protest action against the education reform, organised by Tatjana Zdanoka in Strasbourg. Participants of the protest action demanded the establishment of the moratorium on the education reform. Diena, Chas

Neatkariga Rita Avize prints an article about the preparedness of the Jaunogre Secondary Minority school to implement the education reform. The director of the school Ludmila Sokolova states that school is ready for the education reform because already in previous years five subjects in Latvian were taught in this school. The school also supports initiatives to improve Latvian language skills outside school: after school students of 11 and 12 grades teach the Latvian language to parents of their classmates, while teachers teach the Latvian history to help parents to get ready for the naturalisation exams.