• Riga City Council halts authorisation of the protest actions against the education reform
• State officials talk about the possible ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
• Denis Hanovs blames the journalist of Vesti Segodnya for inciting ethnic hatred
• Formation of the European Union Russian Party could be completed by the middle of 2006

Riga City Council has halted authorisation of the protest actions against the education reform, planned by the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia (FHRUL). The City Council decided to halt authorisation of the protest action after the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools distributed an open letter to the President of Latvia, the Prime Minister and MPs, where they warned about a possible conflict between participants of the protest actions and the police. MPs of FHRUL announced that they would sue the Riga City Council if the Council does not issue the authorisation to organise the protest meeting against the education reform on 1 September and other longer-term protest actions, which were scheduled for 23 August. According to MPs of FHRUL, the delay of the authorisation of the protest actions contradicts the Constitution of Latvia which stipulates that the freedom of previously confirmed peaceful meetings, processions and pickets can be restricted only to protect the rights of other persons, democratic political system as well as public security, welfare and morality.

Riga City Council has halted authorisation of the protest actions against the education reform, planned by the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia (FHRUL). The City Council decided to halt authorisation of the protest action after the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools distributed an open letter to the President of Latvia, the Prime Minister and MPs, where they warned about a possible conflict between participants of the protest actions and the police. MPs of FHRUL announced that they would sue the Riga City Council if the Council does not issue the authorisation to organise the protest meeting against the education reform on 1 September and other longer-term protest actions, which were scheduled for 23 August. According to MPs of FHRUL, the delay of the authorisation of the protest actions contradicts the Constitution of Latvia which stipulates that the freedom of previously confirmed peaceful meetings, processions and pickets can be restricted only to protect the rights of other persons, democratic political system as well as public security, welfare and morality. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Chas, Telegraf

Newspapers continue a discussion about a possible ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, featuring statements of the state officials. The head of Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Aleksandrs Kirsteins believes that the ratification of the Convention is possible if Russia recognises the occupation of the Baltic States and if the rights of national minorities are not granted to persons, who ‘arrived in Latvia by tanks.’ Kirsteins says that Latvia should define the term ‘national minority’ as ‘an ethnic group living in Latvia for several centuries, which differs from the language, culture and traditions of the core nation’ and ‘an ethnic group, which needs the additional protection because it does not have its own home country.’ The Head of the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee Ina Druviete believes that Latvia should not ratify the Convention while protest actions against the education reform take place. The Minister of Foreign Affairs considers the ratification of the Convention possible if it promotes societal integration. While the Special Tasks Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks believes that the ratification of the Convention would promote societal integration because the Convention could become a framework for the dialogue between the state and national minorities as well as between the state and the European Union.

Newspapers continue a discussion about a possible ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, featuring statements of the state officials. The head of Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Aleksandrs Kirsteins believes that the ratification of the Convention is possible if Russia recognises the occupation of the Baltic States and if the rights of national minorities are not granted to persons, who ‘arrived in Latvia by tanks. Kirsteins says that Latvia should define the term ‘national minority as ‘an ethnic group living in Latvia for several centuries, which differs from the language, culture and traditions of the core nation and ‘an ethnic group, which needs the additional protection because it does not have its own home country. The Head of the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee Ina Druviete believes that Latvia should not ratify the Convention while protest actions against the education reform take place. The Minister of Foreign Affairs considers the ratification of the Convention possible if it promotes societal integration. While the Special Tasks Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks believes that the ratification of the Convention would promote societal integration because the Convention could become a framework for the dialogue between the state and national minorities as well as between the state and the European Union. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Telegraf

Vesti Segodnya features a critical article by Denis Hanovs, the member of the working group which develops the National Programme against Intolerance. Denis Hanovs blames the journalist of the newspaper Nikolajs Kabanovs for stirring national hatred. Nikolajs Kabanovs criticised authors of the programme for not paying their attention to the Russian language, affiliation to Russian-speaking minority and citizenship as the areas and causes of intolerance. Denis Hanovs replies that it would be rather weird to discuss discrimination against only one ethnic group – Russians.

The formation of the European Union Russian Party could be completed by the middle of 2006. After with the meeting with the member of the European Parliament Tatjana Zdanoka also the Estonian Russian Party and United People’s Party of Estonia announced their intentions to participate in the formation of the new party. 

The formation of the European Union Russian Party could be completed by the middle of 2006. After with the meeting with the member of the European Parliament Tatjana Zdanoka also the Estonian Russian Party and United Peoples Party of Estonia announced their intentions to participate in the formation of the new party. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize

• MPs about possible ethnic conflicts
• Rock concert with Latvian and Russian rock musicians to take place as counter activity against the protest actions against education reform
• Diena discusses the impact of the financial supporters to the content of the new morning show in the Russian language in national TV
• MP Janis Lagzdins on official stance of the Peoples Party concerning granting to non-citizens the right to vote in municipal elections
• Latvia Socialist Party leader Alfreds Rubiks talks about the implementation of the education reform
• Interview with the editor-in-chief of the new weekly internet media www.dialogi.lv Anna Stroja

Vesti Segodnya features statements of MPs concerning possible ethnic conflicts on the grounds of disagreement regarding the education reform. MP of Peoples Harmony Party Valerijs Agesins believes that such a possibility exists, however, it could be eliminated if the state recognises that the education reform is unjustified, incompetent and unprofessional. Nevertheless, opponents of the reform should be ready for a comprise. While Dainis Turlais (Latvias First Party), Karlis Sadurskis (the New Era) and the Parliamentary Secretary of the Special Tasks Ministers Secretariat for Societal Integration Aleksandrs Brandavs believe that the ethnic conflict has been stirred by artificial methods.

The Ministry of Education and Science and Riga City Council plan to organise a rock concert with the participation of Latvian and Russian musicians. The concert is planned to take place on September 1 as a counter action to the protest actions against the education reform, planned by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools. The Head of the union’s For Human Rights in the United Latvia parliamentary group Jakovs Pliners states that the initiative of the Ministry and the Riga City Council is making fun of Russian children. The advisor on minority issues of the Minister of Education and Science Sergejs Ancupovs argues that the goal of the concert is not to suppress the protest actions but celebrate the beginning of the academic year.

The Ministry of Education and Science and Riga City Council plan to organise a rock concert with the participation of Latvian and Russian musicians. The concert is planned to take place on September 1 as a counter action to the protest actions against the education reform, planned by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools. The Head of the unions For Human Rights in the United Latvia parliamentary group Jakovs Pliners states that the initiative of the Ministry and the Riga City Council is making fun of Russian children. The advisor on minority issues of the Minister of Education and Science Sergejs Ancupovs argues that the goal of the concert is not to suppress the protest actions but celebrate the beginning of the academic year. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Diena debates on possible impacts on the content of a new morning show in the Russian language by its financial sponsors. The businessman and the member of the Conservative Partys board Valerijs Belokons, who is also one of the owners of the Russian-language newspaper Telegraf, is among the key sponsors of the new morning show. This raises concern of the Deputy Chairperson of the National TV and Radio Council Aivars Berkis, who believes that the Conservative Party could use the show for its propaganda. Valerijs Belokons denies such possibility. The show will be aired on the 7th channel of the national TV.

Chas features an interview with the MP Janis Lagzdins (Peoples Party), who expresses an official stance of the Peoples Party towards the granting of voting rights to non-citizens in municipal elections. According to Janis Lagzdins, non-citizens should not be granted the right to vote in municipal elections because it would diminish their motivation to naturalise.

Telegraf prints an interview with the Latvia Socialist Party leader Alfreds Rubiks, who believes that the formally declarative compromise on individual approach to the each minority school in the area of the education reform will be achieved. He also regards the statements about possible conflicts between the police and participants of the protest actions against the reform irresponsible.

Diena features an interview with the editor-in-chief of the new weekly internet media Dialogi.lv Anna Stroja. Commenting the goals of the new media, Anna Stroja states that it is important to create an alternative to all overtly xenophobic expressions in internet, which is a relatively new media environment, provided mainly for young people. ‘It is important to show the youth that there is no place for hate, detachment and segregation, states the editor-in-chief.

• Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools warns about possible public disorders on 1 September
• Russia will reproach Latvias policy towards ‘mass non-citizenship during the Session of the United Nations General Assembly
• Diena reports on the Programme for Supporting the Latvian Diaspora 2004 – 2009

Several members of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools have sent an open letter to the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis and MPs, inviting to establish a moratorium on the education reform till the moment when the Law on Minority Schools, which is in the phase of drafting, becomes effective. The authors of the letter reproaches the government for ‘demonstratively ignoring’ recommendations issued by international organisations, such as, recommendations to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and to grant to non-citizens the right to vote in municipal elections. ‘The scale of protest actions and level of tension raise concern about possible conflict between participants of protest actions and the police on 1 September,’ stated the authors of the letter. In their turn, the police have announced that they are ready to use water-cannons to maintain public order during the protest actions. The State Security Police and the Minister of Interior Eriks Jekabsons regarded the letter a provocation aimed at causing insurgencies during the protest action. While the Special Tasks Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks believes that there is no reason to be concerned about possible ethnic conflicts or conflicts between police and opponents of the reform.

Several members of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools have sent an open letter to the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis and MPs, inviting to establish a moratorium on the education reform till the moment when the Law on Minority Schools, which is in the phase of drafting, becomes effective. The authors of the letter reproaches the government for ‘demonstratively ignoring recommendations issued by international organisations, such as, recommendations to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and to grant to non-citizens the right to vote in municipal elections. ‘The scale of protest actions and level of tension raise concern about possible conflict between participants of protest actions and the police on 1 September, stated the authors of the letter. In their turn, the police have announced that they are ready to use water-cannons to maintain public order during the protest actions. The State Security Police and the Minister of Interior Eriks Jekabsons regarded the letter a provocation aimed at causing insurgencies during the protest action. While the Special Tasks Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks believes that there is no reason to be concerned about possible ethnic conflicts or conflicts between police and opponents of the reform. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

The Russian delegation plans to talk about the ‘inadmissibility of the Latvia’s policy towards mass non-citizenship’ and will express its concern regarding Latvia’s attempts to misinterpret outcomes of the World War II in the Session of the United Nations General Assembly which will take place in New York in September.

The Russian delegation plans to talk about the ‘inadmissibility of the Latvias policy towards mass non-citizenship and will express its concern regarding Latvias attempts to misinterpret outcomes of the World War II in the Session of the United Nations General Assembly which will take place in New York in September. Vesti Segodnya

Diena reports on the Programme for Supporting the Latvian Diaspora 2004 – 2009, developed by the Secretariat of the Special Tasks Minister for Societal Integration. The new programme foresees the increase of financial funding for the Latvian diaspora already this year. Funding will be used to support organisations, which support the Latvian diaspora, create a database about these organisations, as well as to publish the informative guide about Latvia. The programme also stipulates the development of Latvian language educational programme and teaching aids, distribution of funding to mass media of the diaspora and other activities.

• Drafting the Law on Minority Schools
• Opinion of Janis Kuzins about social integration issues
• Interview with the leader of national-extremist organisation ‘Visu Latvijai! Raivis Dzintars

The Prime Minister Indulis Emsis has charged the Ministry of Education and Science and the Special Tasks Minister’s for Social Integration Secretariat to form a joint working group to develop a draft Law on Minority Schools. The law should define the concept of minority school, which would guarantee preservation of one’s national affiliation, culture and traditions. The Ministry of Education and Science supports elaboration of a new law if it is developed within the framework of existing legislation which stipulate the switch to the Latvian language as the key language of instruction at minority schools. While the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools has expressed a hope that in accordance with the new law minority schools themselves would havean opportunity to choose the language of instruction.

The Prime Minister Indulis Emsis has charged the Ministry of Education and Science and the Special Tasks Ministers for Social Integration Secretariat to form a joint working group to develop a draft Law on Minority Schools. The law should define the concept of minority school, which would guarantee preservation of ones national affiliation, culture and traditions. The Ministry of Education and Science supports elaboration of a new law if it is developed within the framework of existing legislation which stipulate the switch to the Latvian language as the key language of instruction at minority schools. While the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools has expressed a hope that in accordance with the new law minority schools themselves would havean opportunity to choose the language of instruction. Diena, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Latvijas Avize features the opinion of Janis Kuzins, who was recently expelled from the Latvian Social Democratic Labour Party and whose employment contract with the Jurmala city mayor was not renewed, on social integration issues in Latvia. Janis Kuzins believes that Latvia should ratify the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities because it would make the status of minorities clearer and would reduce disagreement in society. Janis Kuzins also points to the necessity of the moratorium on the education reform, because the lack of qualified teachers and teaching aids is obvious.

Vesti Segodnya prints an interview with the leader of national-extremist organisation ‘Visu Latvijai! Raivis Dzintars about the necessity of Latvias decolonisation. Raivis Dzintars stresses that his organisation does not advocate for a forced deportation, but stand for ensuring a possibility to repatriate to all those non-citizens who want to leave Latvia. According to the leader of the organisation, there is also the necessity to establish a moratorium on naturalisation process, because thus disloyal Latvia non-citizens are able to naturalise and resultantly have an impact on national policy.

• Children of different ethnicities take part in plays staged in the Latvian language
• Head of the Russia State Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Mihail Margelov talks about relationship between Latvia and Russia

Diena features an article about plays in the Latvian language in which children of different ethnicities take part. The plays are a part of one of social integration projects implemented by the National Programme for the Latvian Language Training.

Newspapers feature an opinion of the Head of the Russia State Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Mihail Margelov about relationship between Latvia and Russia. Mihail Margelov states that Russia is ready for a dialogue with Latvia and does everything to ‘break the ice’ between the countries, however, Latvia does not respond to that. The Russian official also believes that Russia will not recognise the crimes of the Communist regime.

Newspapers feature an opinion of the Head of the Russia State Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Mihail Margelov about relationship between Latvia and Russia. Mihail Margelov states that Russia is ready for a dialogue with Latvia and does everything to ‘break the ice between the countries, however, Latvia does not respond to that. The Russian official also believes that Russia will not recognise the crimes of the Communist regime. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf