• Latvia asks the Russian Ambassador to Latvia to provide an official explanation about the statement of the Russia Minister of Defence Sergey Ivanov concerning Latvia
• Director of the Russian Institute for Strategic Assessments Sergei Oznobischev on relations between Latvia and Russia
• Leader of party Latvijas Cels Andris Berzins on societal integration in Latvia
• Discussion about a role of the Peoples Harmony Party in the political arena in Latvia
• Planned picket against the education reform in Strasbourg
• Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language schools is fined for illegitimate playback of two songs during the protest action against the education reform
• 86 repatriates have permanently moved to Latvia

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov to provide an official explanation on the statement made by the Russia Minister of Defence Sergey Ivanov. The Russia Minister of Defence announced that European countries, which do not observe the generally accepted norms of democracy and human rights, are the sources of threat to Russia. The Minister named Latvia and Estonia as examples of such countries. The Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry stressed that the ‘radical statements of the Russian Minister are completely unjustified’ and ‘do not promote good relations between neighbouring states.’ The Minister of Foreign Affairs Rihards Piks evaluated these expressions as dangerous because they are ‘balancing on the edge of the rhetoric used during the cold war.’

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov to provide an official explanation on the statement made by the Russia Minister of Defence Sergey Ivanov. The Russia Minister of Defence announced that European countries, which do not observe the generally accepted norms of democracy and human rights, are the sources of threat to Russia. The Minister named Latvia and Estonia as examples of such countries. The Latvian Foreign Affairs Ministry stressed that the ‘radical statements of the Russian Minister are completely unjustified and ‘do not promote good relations between neighbouring states. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Rihards Piks evaluated these expressions as dangerous because they are ‘balancing on the edge of the rhetoric used during the cold war. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Chas features views of the director of the Russian Institute for Strategic Assessments Sergei Oznobischev on the further development of Latvian Russian relations if the former Russia Energetic Minister and the current deputy of the Russia Foreign Affairs Minister Victor Kaluznij is confirmed to the post of the Russia Ambassador to Latvia. Sergei Oznobischev believes that politicised discussions on a number of issues concerning Russian Latvian relations could be closed, however, some of the issues will always remain sacred and in the focus of Russias attention, in particular, protection of Russian-speakers rights

Chas features an interview with the former Prime Minister of Latvia and the chairperson of the party Latvijas Cels Andris Berzins about the future of the party and societal integration process in Latvia. When asked about the possible ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, Andris Berzins believes that the present Saeima would not ratify the Convention because ‘politicians do not want to admit that, in fact, in relations among people there is no nationalism in Latvia and that the Convention in no way sets restrictions on the usage and promotion of the Latvian language.

Neatkariga Rita Avize features a discussion about the role of the Peoples Harmony Party in the political arena and societal integration in Latvia. The political scientist Janis Ikstens, the PHPs leader Janis Jurkans and the member of the partys council Vladlens Dozorcevs took part in the discussion.

Approximately 40 young people from the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools and some representatives from the Latvian Social Democratic Labour Party youth organization plan to organise a picket against the Latvia’s education reform in Strasbourg. Meetings with members of several parliamentary groups of the European Parliament and participation at the press conference together with the recently elected EP deputy Tatjana Zdanoka are on their agenda as well. The main goal of activists is to inform about the ‘destruction of minority school system in Latvia.’

Approximately 40 young people from the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools and some representatives from the Latvian Social Democratic Labour Party youth organization plan to organise a picket against the Latvias education reform in Strasbourg. Meetings with members of several parliamentary groups of the European Parliament and participation at the press conference together with the recently elected EP deputy Tatjana Zdanoka are on their agenda as well. The main goal of activists is to inform about the ‘destruction of minority school system in Latvia. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Riga Vidzeme Court has satisfied a claim of the Latvian Copyrights Agency AKKA/LAA and imposed a 600 lats fine on the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language schools for illegitimate playback of two songs during the protest action against the education reform.

Riga Vidzeme Court has satisfied a claim of the Latvian Copyrights Agency AKKA/LAA and imposed a 600 lats fine on the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language schools for illegitimate playback of two songs during the protest action against the education reform. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

In the first six months this year 86 repatriates have permanently moved to Latvia.  52% of repatriates have emigrated from Western, but 48% from Eastern countries.

In the first six months this year 86 repatriates have permanently moved to Latvia. 52% of repatriates have emigrated from Western, but 48% from Eastern countries. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize

• Saeima Speaker Ingrida Udre on the possible ratification of the Framework Convention
• Constitutional Court will review the amendments to the law On the Status of Former USSR Citizens Who are not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State
• Riga Central Court fines the MP Vladimirs Buzajevs for organising an unapproved protest action against the education reform
• Roma from Latvia leave for Great Britain
• Visit of representatives of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools to Strasbourg has been planned
• Chas writes about possible effects of the implementation of the education reform on health of students

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the Saeima Speaker Ingrida Udre. She states that the Baltic States should have more active and united stance regarding their policies on societal integration issues at international organisations, so to be able to rebut reproaches regarding violation of minorities rights in these countries. Regarding the possible ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Latvia, Ingrida Udre is convinced that Latvia should not follow the experience of Estonia, that is, ratify the Convention and grant the right to vote to non-citizens at municipal elections, because it could lead to of unpredictable consequences in the case of Latvia. ‘Non-citizens of Estonia do not vote according to the ethnic principle, but evaluate parties programmes in overall terms, which is not the case in Latvia noted the official. Ingrida Udre also stresses that ratification of the Convention most probably will not stop accusations regarding violations of minority rights in Latvia.

The Constitutional Court of Latvia has accepted a claim submitted by 20 left-wing MPs. The claim challenges the amendments to the law On the Status of Former USSR Citizens Who are not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State. MPs believe that the amendments, which stipulates that persons, who have received a residence permit of another country after 1 May 2004, may be deprived of their non-citizen status in Latvia, do not comply with the Constitution of Latvia and international standards.

The Constitutional Court of Latvia has accepted a claim submitted by 20 left-wing MPs. The claim challenges the amendments to the law On the Status of Former USSR Citizens Who are not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State. MPs believe that the amendments, which stipulates that persons, who have received a residence permit of another country after 1 May 2004, may be deprived of their non-citizen status in Latvia, do not comply with the Constitution of Latvia and international standards. Telegraf

Riga Central Court has imposed a 100 lats fine on the MP Vladimirs Buzajevs (union For Human Rights in the United Latvia) for organising an unapproved protest action against the education reform, while the co-chairperson of FHRUL Tatjana Zdanoka received the warning. 

Riga Central Court has imposed a 100 lats fine on the MP Vladimirs Buzajevs (union For Human Rights in the United Latvia) for organising an unapproved protest action against the education reform, while the co-chairperson of FHRUL Tatjana Zdanoka received the warning. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Approximately 100 Roma have left Latvia’s Western town Talsi for Great Britain within a year. Roma go to Great Britain due to a number of reasons: to visit their relatives, find a job or ask for asylum. Vilis Sirmanis, the owner of the security company in Talsi and Roma himself, is convinced that Roma want to leave Latvia because that they are not able to find a job in Latvia.

Approximately 100 Roma have left Latvias Western town Talsi for Great Britain within a year. Roma go to Great Britain due to a number of reasons: to visit their relatives, find a job or ask for asylum. Vilis Sirmanis, the owner of the security company in Talsi and Roma himself, is convinced that Roma want to leave Latvia because that they are not able to find a job in Latvia. Latvijas Avize

Russian language newspapers write about a planned visit of representatives of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools to Strasbourg. The delegation wants to report international community about their stance towards the implementation of the education reform in Latvia.

Russian language newspapers write about a planned visit of representatives of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools to Strasbourg. The delegation wants to report international community about their stance towards the implementation of the education reform in Latvia. Vesti Segodnya

Chas features an interview with the paediatrician Svetlana Ivanova–Loshkanova about possible effects of the implementation of the education reform on health of students. The paediatrician points to the fact that the educational programmes, stipulated by the government in the framework of the education reform, are not evaluated from the perspective of possible physiological effects on students. Svetlana Ivanova–Loshkanova also believes that the education reform, first of all, should be started at the level of kindergarten and not at the level of secondary education.

• Possible crisis in Emsiscabinet
• President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Prime Minister Indulis Emsis discuss the forthcoming protest actions against the education reform
• Interview with the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis
• Vesti Segonya continues a discussion on the results of the latest opinion poll about ethnic cleavages in Latvia
• Response to the statement of the Commissioner Sandra Kalniete on the attitude of the EU towards the formation of the European Russian Party
• Secretary-general of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Terry Davis on minorities rights observation in the Baltic States
• Dismissal of Andrejs Klementjevs from the post of the secretary of Saeima National Security Committee on the basis of his statements on violation of Russian-speakers rights in Latvia is under discussion
• Minister of Culture Helena Demakova criticises the tolerant stance of the EU towards communist regime
• Procession against the education reform

People’s Harmony Party probably will not support the candidature of Artis Pabriks (People’s Party) for the post of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. According to the head of the People’s Harmony Party parliamentary group Andrejs Klementjevs, the candidate has made scornful comments on national minorities in Latvia and Russia. Other opposition parties have stated that they would not support the candidature of Artis Pabriks, too. The member of the People’s Party board Gundars Berzins believes that the lack of Saiema’s majority support may lead to cabinet crisis.

Peoples Harmony Party probably will not support the candidature of Artis Pabriks (Peoples Party) for the post of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. According to the head of the Peoples Harmony Party parliamentary group Andrejs Klementjevs, the candidate has made scornful comments on national minorities in Latvia and Russia. Other opposition parties have stated that they would not support the candidature of Artis Pabriks, too. The member of the Peoples Party board Gundars Berzins believes that the lack of Saiemas majority support may lead to cabinet crisis. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

The President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga and the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis discussed the forthcoming protest actions against the education reform, planned by the Headquarter for the Defence of Russian-language Schools. After the meeting with the President, Indulis Emsis did not reveal what steps the government is planning to take, however, he stated that these will be “effective steps.” He explained that the steps will not be aimed against organisers of the protest actions, but rather focus on the explanatory work.

The President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga and the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis discussed the forthcoming protest actions against the education reform, planned by the Headquarter for the Defence of Russian-language Schools. After the meeting with the President, Indulis Emsis did not reveal what steps the government is planning to take, however, he stated that these will be effective steps. He explained that the steps will not be aimed against organisers of the protest actions, but rather focus on the explanatory work. Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis about the performance of his government in a number of spheres, including social integration. The Prime Minister stated that the education reform will be implemented and that the government will maintain the status of the Latvian language as the only state language in Latvia. Indulis Emsis gave his positive evaluation to formation of the working group, comprised of representatives of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools (LASHOR) and the Ministry of Education and Science. According to the Prime Minister, there is a necessity to build a dialogue between the state and registered non-governmental organisations which deal with education reform issues.

Vesti Segonya continues a discussion on the results of the latest opinion poll, conducted by the company SKDS, which induced that 52% of the residents of Latvia believe that two countrys biggest communities – Latvians and Russian-speakers – will remain distinct in the future. The Director of the Societal Integration department of the Special Tasks Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat Reinis Aboltins believes that the results of this opinion poll reflects tension in the society caused by the implementation of the education reform. According to the official, the results ‘are not the indicators of the split in society, but rather reflect the freedom of speech, thought and opinion, granted by the Constitution of Latvia.

Vesti Segodnya, responding to the statement of the Commissioner Sandra Kalniete on the tolerant stance of the EU towards the formation of the European Russian Party, features an article about the party. According to one of partys initiators, the advisor to the Parliamentary faction of the Union For Human Rights in the United Latvia Miroslavs Mitrofanovs, the key goal of the party is to get involved those, who are educated about the Russian culture and are related to the Russian language. The main goals of the European Russian Party will be the development and promotion of the Russian language and culture in the EU, and the protection of Russian-speakers interests in EU member states.

Russian language newspapers feature statements of the Secretary- General of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Terry Davis (Socialist Group) on  the observation of minorities’ rights in the Baltic States. ‘I am concerned about the number of non-citizens in Latvia. (..) I believe that they should be granted Latvian citizenship and the right to vote,’ said the official in the interview printed in the Russian newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta (The Independent Newspaper).

Russian language newspapers feature statements of the Secretary- General of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Terry Davis (Socialist Group) on the observation of minorities rights in the Baltic States. ‘I am concerned about the number of non-citizens in Latvia. (..) I believe that they should be granted Latvian citizenship and the right to vote, said the official in the interview printed in the Russian newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta (The Independent Newspaper). Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Latvijas Avize features statements of Latvian MPs about a necessity to dismiss Andrejs Klementjevs (Peoples Harmony Party) from the post of the secretary of the Saeima National Security Committee on the basis of his statements about violation of Russian-speakers rights in Latvia, expressed in the session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. However, the majority of MPs, interviewed by the newspaper, do not support the dismissal of Andrejs Klementjevs.

In the conference of the European Cultural Foundation in Rotterdam the Latvian Minister of Culture Helena Demakova criticised a tolerant stance towards communist regime, still prevailing in many European countries. Helena Demakova believes that it is impossible to create a modern cultural environment if it is not admitted that communism was unlawful regime.

In the conference of the European Cultural Foundation in Rotterdam the Latvian Minister of Culture Helena Demakova criticised a tolerant stance towards communist regime, still prevailing in many European countries. Helena Demakova believes that it is impossible to create a modern cultural environment if it is not admitted that communism was unlawful regime. Latvijas Avize

Russian language newspapers write about the procession against the education reform, organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools.

Russian language newspapers write about the procession against the education reform, organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

• Naturalisation Board reports on the naturalisation exams
• Estonian MP to the European Parliament Toomas Hendrik Ilvess comments on relations between Russian and the Baltic States
• Speculations about the new Russia Ambassador to Latvia
• Russia Minister of Defence Sergey Ivanov talks about the Baltic States
• Latvian Commissioner at the European Commission Sandra Kalniete comments on the formation of the European Russian Party
• Riga Central Court closes the case of MP Andris Tolmacovs
• New Holocaust exhibition

According to the information provided by the Naturalisation Board, 90 % of Latvian citizenship applicants successfully pass the examination in the Latvian language already the first time, while the exam in the Latvian history is successfully passed the first time by 97% of naturalisation applicants.

According to the information provided by the Naturalisation Board, 90 % of Latvian citizenship applicants successfully pass the examination in the Latvian language already the first time, while the exam in the Latvian history is successfully passed the first time by 97% of naturalisation applicants. Latvijas Avize

‘By continuous focus on minority rights in Latvia and Estonia, Russia tries to make the pressure on these countries, so it would have an access to the internal EU and NATO information,’ stated the Estonian MP to the European Parliament Toomas Hendrik Ilvess. He believes that while Russia manages to keep the issue in the centre of attention, it has an opportunity to influence processes inside the EU and NATO.

‘By continuous focus on minority rights in Latvia and Estonia, Russia tries to make the pressure on these countries, so it would have an access to the internal EU and NATO information, stated the Estonian MP to the European Parliament Toomas Hendrik Ilvess. He believes that while Russia manages to keep the issue in the centre of attention, it has an opportunity to influence processes inside the EU and NATO. Latvijas Avize

According to the unofficial information, the former Russia Energetic Minister and the current deputy of the Russia Foreign Affairs Minister Victor Kaluznij could be next Russia Ambassador to Latvia.

According to the unofficial information, the former Russia Energetic Minister and the current deputy of the Russia Foreign Affairs Minister Victor Kaluznij could be next Russia Ambassador to Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

‘The European countries, which do not observe the generally accepted norms of democracy and human rights, are the sources of threat to their neighbour countries’ stated the Russia Minister of Defence Sergey Ivanov, mentioning Latvia and Estonia as examples.

‘The European countries, which do not observe the generally accepted norms of democracy and human rights, are the sources of threat to their neighbour countries stated the Russia Minister of Defence Sergey Ivanov, mentioning Latvia and Estonia as examples. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

The Latvian Commissioner at the European Commission Sandra Kalniete considers that the formation of the European Russian Party has been perceived too tolerantly by the European Union. In her view, the formation of the party should not be treated in a neutral manner, because now for the first time Europe has get rid of severe political regimes and has become aware of damages caused by racism.’ 

The Latvian Commissioner at the European Commission Sandra Kalniete considers that the formation of the European Russian Party has been perceived too tolerantly by the European Union. In her view, the formation of the party should not be treated in a neutral manner, because now for the first time Europe has get rid of severe political regimes and has become aware of damages caused by racism. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Riga Central Court has decided to close the case of the MP Andris Tolmacovs (For Human Rights in the United Latvia) due to the lack of evidence.  Andris Tolmacovs was accused in organising and participating in the unapproved picket and protest action against the education reform.

Riga Central Court has decided to close the case of the MP Andris Tolmacovs (For Human Rights in the United Latvia) due to the lack of evidence. Andris Tolmacovs was accused in organising and participating in the unapproved picket and protest action against the education reform. Latvijas Avize

Yesterday in the museum “Jews in Latvia” a new part of the Holocaust exposition was opened.

Yesterday in the museum Jews in Latvia a new part of the Holocaust exposition was opened. Latvijas Avize

• 52% residents of Latvia believe that two distinct communities – Latvians and non-Latvians – will remain in Latvia
• More comments on the OSCE Parliamentary Assemblys recommendations to Latvia
• Peoples Harmony Party wants to know the views of the candidates to the post of the Foreign Affairs Minister regarding ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
• About possible changes in the Special Tasks Ministers for Society Integration Secretariat status
• Working group of the LASHOR and the Ministry of Education and Science comes to the agreement on the key principles of the minorities educational programmes
• President of Russia Vladimir Putin talks about protection of compatriots outside Russia
• Teachers are concerned about the norm effective within 3 years stipulating that final exams in minorities secondary schools will be in both the Latvian and Russian language
• Article by the professor Ilga Apine and historian Dzintra Viksna on social and economic needs of new-repatriates
• Special Tasks Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat plans to learn reasons of minority NGOs formation
• Interview with the recently naturalised Gagauz Galina Arnauta

The opinion poll, conducted by the SKDS, induces that 52% of the residents of Latvia believe that two country’s biggest communities – Latvians and Russian-speakers – will remain distinct in the future. The most sceptical about the possibility to form a single community society in Latvia are respondents of the age of 35 – 44, ones who have higher education and the Latvian non-citizens. Scepticism of Latvian residents this year has increased, as in 1998 and 2003 when similar polls were conducted 46.8% and 47% respondents respectively believed in the further existence of two distinct communities in Latvia. The MP, Head of the Saeima Human Rights Committee Ina Druviete thinks that too much attention is paid to the survey and states that within five years there will be a single community society in Latvia. While the director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Ilze Brands Kehre believes that the results of the survey could be explained not only by the protest actions against the implementation of the education reform, but also by stances of politicians towards the education reform.

The opinion poll, conducted by the SKDS, induces that 52% of the residents of Latvia believe that two countrys biggest communities – Latvians and Russian-speakers – will remain distinct in the future. The most sceptical about the possibility to form a single community society in Latvia are respondents of the age of 35 – 44, ones who have higher education and the Latvian non-citizens. Scepticism of Latvian residents this year has increased, as in 1998 and 2003 when similar polls were conducted 46.8% and 47% respondents respectively believed in the further existence of two distinct communities in Latvia. The MP, Head of the Saeima Human Rights Committee Ina Druviete thinks that too much attention is paid to the survey and states that within five years there will be a single community society in Latvia. While the director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Ilze Brands Kehre believes that the results of the survey could be explained not only by the protest actions against the implementation of the education reform, but also by stances of politicians towards the education reform. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Newspapers continue to write about the recommendations, adopted by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, which includes recommendations to Latvia in the area of minorities’ rights.

Newspapers continue to write about the recommendations, adopted by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, which includes recommendations to Latvia in the area of minorities rights. Telegraf features opinions of state officials about a possible response of the state to the recommendation to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. The Head of the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee Ina Druviete stated that a specific date when the Convention could be ratified is not under discussions, because, first, it is necessary to clarify the opinion of the society on this issue. Latvijas Avize, Telegraf

The People’s Harmony Party wants to know the stance of the candidate to the post of the Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks towards ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities before the Party makes a decision whether it will support this candidature. The New Era and For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM have already declared that they would not support the candidature. The necessity to re-elect a new Minister of Foreign Affairs became urgent after the election of the present minister Rihards Piks to the European Parliament.

The Peoples Harmony Party wants to know the stance of the candidate to the post of the Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks towards ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities before the Party makes a decision whether it will support this candidature. The New Era and For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM have already declared that they would not support the candidature. The necessity to re-elect a new Minister of Foreign Affairs became urgent after the election of the present minister Rihards Piks to the European Parliament. Diena, Chas, Telegraf

The Special Tasks Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks has expressed a desire to change the status of the Special Tasks Minister’s for Societal Integration Secretariat.  According to Nils Muiznieks, societal integration is not a short-term process , therefore a ministry and not the secretariat should be in charge of these issues. However, the head of the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee Ina Druviete does not support the proposed change and states that societal integration process is long, but not endless.  Therefore, one day there will be no need to have an institution dealing with these issues. According to Ina Druviete, the funding from the state budget to this institution is fully sufficient, but the staff of the Secretariat is already too large.

The Special Tasks Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks has expressed a desire to change the status of the Special Tasks Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat. According to Nils Muiznieks, societal integration is not a short-term process , therefore a ministry and not the secretariat should be in charge of these issues. However, the head of the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee Ina Druviete does not support the proposed change and states that societal integration process is long, but not endless. Therefore, one day there will be no need to have an institution dealing with these issues. According to Ina Druviete, the funding from the state budget to this institution is fully sufficient, but the staff of the Secretariat is already too large. Latvijas Avize

Newspapers print articles about the meeting of the working group, combined of representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science and the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools (LASHOR). During the meeting members of both parties came to an agreement on four key principles, which should be elaborated into the minorities’ educational programmes. Minority educational programmes should develop patriotic feelings towards the Latvian state, ensure the high level of Latvian language proficiency, preserve a minority language and provide multicultural instruction.

Newspapers print articles about the meeting of the working group, combined of representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science and the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools (LASHOR). During the meeting members of both parties came to an agreement on four key principles, which should be elaborated into the minorities educational programmes. Minority educational programmes should develop patriotic feelings towards the Latvian state, ensure the high level of Latvian language proficiency, preserve a minority language and provide multicultural instruction. Chas features an interview with the deputy chairman of the LASHOR Olga Isakova about this meeting. Latvijas Avize, Telegraf, Chas

‘Protection of compatriots living outside Russia, especially in the Baltic States, is one of the most important tasks of the Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs,’ stated the President of Russia Vladimir Putin during his meeting with Russian diplomats. During the meeting diplomats also discussed the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia and implementation of the education reform.

‘Protection of compatriots living outside Russia, especially in the Baltic States, is one of the most important tasks of the Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated the President of Russia Vladimir Putin during his meeting with Russian diplomats. During the meeting diplomats also discussed the situation of Russian-speakers in Latvia and implementation of the education reform. Vesti Segodnya

Teachers have expressed their concern about the norm which foresees that in 2007 the final exams in the Latvian and Russian languages for Latvian-language and minority secondary school students will have the same content. That means that in 2007 this year’s students of the 10

Teachers have expressed their concern about the norm which foresees that in 2007 the final exams in the Latvian and Russian languages for Latvian-language and minority secondary school students will have the same content. That means that in 2007 this years students of the 10th grade will have to pass a final exam of the unified content in four subjects: Latvian language and literature as native language in Latvian-language schools and Latvian-language and literature as foreign language in minorities schools as well as Russian language and literature as native in minority schools and as foreign language in Latvian language schools. Diena

Neatkariga Rita Avize features an article by Professor Ilga Apine and historian Dzintra Viksna on the sociological portrait and social and economic needs of new-repatriates, i.e., Latvians and their families, who have moved to Latvia from the Commonwealth of the Independent States for the last seven years. The research reveals that approximately 75% of new-repatriates are Latvians and that they have very positive attitude towards Latvia – 74,3% of interviewed new-repatriates are proud of their affiliation to Latvia. While the authors of the article also point to the sustained bureaucratic procedure, stipulating the requirement to resign form the citizenship of Russia, Ukraine or Belorus in order to get the citizenship of Latvia, as the key reason for abstaining from naturalisation.

Special Tasks Minister’s for Societal Integration Secretariat in collaboration with Riga Stradins University plans to conduct a research on reasons of forming minority NGOs in Latvia. There are approximately 200 minority NGOs in the country.

Special Tasks Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat in collaboration with Riga Stradins University plans to conduct a research on reasons of forming minority NGOs in Latvia. There are approximately 200 minority NGOs in the country. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the recently naturalised Gagauz Galina Arnauta about societal integration processes in Latvia. According to Galina Arnauta, the implementation of the education reform should have been started already at the kindergarten and not secondary school level.