• LASHOR presents proposals for the development of alternative minorities education programmes
• Different comments on the recommendations of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly to Latvia
• Commentator Viktors Avotins about lack of political will to avoid ethnic cleavage in the society
• Vesti Segodnya writes about the folklore festival in Vangazi

The proposals of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools (LASHOR) for the development of the alternative minorities’ educational programmes will be presented today during the meeting of a working group comprised of representatives of LASHOR and the Ministry of Education and Science. The journalist from

The proposals of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools (LASHOR) for the development of the alternative minorities educational programmes will be presented today during the meeting of a working group comprised of representatives of LASHOR and the Ministry of Education and Science. The journalist from Vesti Segodnya Elena Slusareva writes that Russian-speakers have repeatedly confirmed their serious intentions in defending the Russian-language schools, and that establishment of the moratorium on the education reform is the only possible compromise. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Telegraf prints different comments of the two members of the Latvian delegation to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), Krisjanis Peters (Latvias First Party) and Andrejs Klementjevs (Peoples Harmony Party), on the resolution adopted by the OSCE PA last week. The resolution includes recommendations for Latvia in the area of minorities rights observation. While Krisjanis Peters during the session of the OSCE PA has expressed concern that granting of voting rights to the non-citizens at the municipal elections could slow down the naturalisation process, Andrejs Klementjevs has pointed to the several, in his opinion, disadvantages of the naturalisation process as such. According to Klementjevs, naturalisation process is very slow, and some of the examination questions should be revised. ‘For example, the question about Latvias occupation is in contradiction with the beliefs of many Latvian citizenship applicants, says Andrejs Klementjevs.

Neatkariga Rita Avize features a critical commentary by Viktors Avotins about lack of political will to prevent deepening of the ethnic cleavage in society. According to the journalist, if one presumes that the voting at the European Parliament elections was ethnically motivated, one should also recognise that citizens simply chose from the available options. ‘This is why we have to talk about the failure of the state integration policy, and unsuitability of existing state practices to the formation of the unified civic society, concludes the journalist.

Vesti Segodnya writes about the folklore festival in Vangazi, in which Russian, Ukrainian and Belarussian folklore groups from all parts of Latvia have participated.

• Newspapers continue to print comments on the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assemblys recommendations to Latvia
• Latest statistics regarding the naturalisation process in Latvia
• Indulis Emsis talks about the stance of Latvia towards a co-operation between the EU and Russia
• Congresss of the Russian community organisational committee calls LASHOR to review usefulness of the discussion on the education reforms problems within the combined working group with the Ministry of Education and Science
• Head of the New Era parliamentary group Krisjanis Karins on societal integration issues
• Statements of ethnic Russians about their life in Latvia

Newspapers continue to print comments on the resolution, adopted by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, which includes recommendations for Latvia in the area of minorities’ rights observation. The OSCE recommends Latvia to ratify the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and to grant non-citizens the right to vote at municipal elections. Russian language newspapers feature comments of one of the representatives of Latvia to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, MP Andrejs Klementjevs (People’s Harmony Party), who fully supports the recommendations of the OSCE.

Newspapers continue to print comments on the resolution, adopted by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, which includes recommendations for Latvia in the area of minorities rights observation. The OSCE recommends Latvia to ratify the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and to grant non-citizens the right to vote at municipal elections. Russian language newspapers feature comments of one of the representatives of Latvia to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, MP Andrejs Klementjevs (Peoples Harmony Party), who fully supports the recommendations of the OSCE. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Newspapers feature articles about the naturalisation process in Latvia.

Newspapers feature articles about the naturalisation process in Latvia. Diena, referring to the information of the Naturalisation Board, reports that in this year the naturalisation rate has not diminished even during the summer months. 9501 persons have been naturalised during the first six months of this year. Diena, Latvijas Avize

“Latvia as the member state of the European Union and the neighbour state of Russia is interested in a close co-operation between the EU and Russia,” stated the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis in Berlin, during discussion organized by the European Commission. According to Indulis Emsis, Latvia supports regular, wide-range dialogues between the EU and Russia on the issues concerning the observation of human rights in all EU member states and Russia.

Latvia as the member state of the European Union and the neighbour state of Russia is interested in a close co-operation between the EU and Russia, stated the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis in Berlin, during discussion organized by the European Commission. According to Indulis Emsis, Latvia supports regular, wide-range dialogues between the EU and Russia on the issues concerning the observation of human rights in all EU member states and Russia. Latvijas Avize

The Executive Committee of the Russian Community Congress distributed a statement, which comments on the recently established working group, where both representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science and the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools (LASHOR) are presented. In the statement the Executive Committee welcomes any initiative aimed at improving the quality of education in the Russian language. The authors of the statement, however, believe that an intention of the working group to improve the minorities’ educational programmes in the existing framework of the language ratio, stipulated by the Education Law, is not supported by Russian speakers. The authors of the statement also do not believe in the usefulness of the discussion on the education reform’s problems month and a half before the implementation of the reform. The Committee also calls the LASHOR to express a clear opinion towards protest actions, organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language schools.

The Executive Committee of the Russian Community Congress distributed a statement, which comments on the recently established working group, where both representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science and the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools (LASHOR) are presented. In the statement the Executive Committee welcomes any initiative aimed at improving the quality of education in the Russian language. The authors of the statement, however, believe that an intention of the working group to improve the minorities educational programmes in the existing framework of the language ratio, stipulated by the Education Law, is not supported by Russian speakers. The authors of the statement also do not believe in the usefulness of the discussion on the education reforms problems month and a half before the implementation of the reform. The Committee also calls the LASHOR to express a clear opinion towards protest actions, organised by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language schools. Chas

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the Head of the New Eras Saeima faction Krisjanis Karins on social integration issues and the future of the present government. Krisjanis Karins believes that the implementation of the education reform is the necessary basis for the formation of a one-community state in Latvia. He reproaches the present government for ‘playing with the education reform and explains it with the necessity of the government to have the support of the Peoples Harmony Party. According to Krisjanis Karins, the state must explain more actively ‘the consequences of the occupation and colonisation to non-Latvians living in Latvia, as ‘protests against the education reform are not the struggle against the Latvian language, but rather the struggle about the principles. Krisjanis Karins believes that people, who are protesting against the implementation of the reform, still do not perceive Latvia as an independent state. The MP believes that the performance of the Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration also has not been active enough.

Diena supplement Sestdiena prints views of a number of ethnic Russians about their life in Latvia, attitude towards Russia and social integration in Latvia.

• Newspapers write about the goals of the working group, combined of representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science and the LASHOR
• Comments of the Head of Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Artis Pabriks about the recommendations of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly to Latvia
• Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks on gender equality in the area of social integration
• Project on the improvement of Roma educational level
• Sociolinguist Gatis Dilans talks about the russophobia in Latvia and the implementation of the education reform

The main goal 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, is to develop the standards of the minorities’ educational programme for primary- and secondary schools. Representatives of both parties stress that the working group will not discuss political issues, for example, possible amendments to the Law on Education which would stipulate abolishment of the reform or would establish moratorium.

The main goal 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, is to develop the standards of the minorities educational programme for primary- and secondary schools. Representatives of both parties stress that the working group will not discuss political issues, for example, possible amendments to the Law on Education which would stipulate abolishment of the reform or would establish moratorium. Diena, referring to the leader of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Jurijs Petropavlovskis, who has named this attempt as ‘pseudo-dialogue, foresees that the activities of the working group most probably will not prevent protest actions against the education reform. Diena, Rigas Balss, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Telegraf

Newspapers continue to write about the resolution of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, featuring comments of the head of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Artis Pabriks. He points to the necessity to explain the situation in the area of minorities’ rights observation in Latvia to the EU member states more actively.

Newspapers continue to write about the resolution of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, featuring comments of the head of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Artis Pabriks. He points to the necessity to explain the situation in the area of minorities rights observation in Latvia to the EU member states more actively. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Telegraf

Men in Latvia, unlike men in Western Europe, participate in social integration processes more passively, has stated the Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks at the conference on gender equality issues in the European Union’s countries.  According to the Special Tasks Minister, 70 % of naturalised citizens in Latvia are women. Men are also more passive in taking part in civil activities.

Men in Latvia, unlike men in Western Europe, participate in social integration processes more passively, has stated the Special Tasks Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks at the conference on gender equality issues in the European Unions countries. According to the Special Tasks Minister, 70 % of naturalised citizens in Latvia are women. Men are also more passive in taking part in civil activities. Rigas Balss

Ventspils Evening Secondary School is planning to continue a promotion project aimed at the improvement of education level of Roma in the regions of Kurzeme and Zemgale. The main goal of the project is to foster opportunities for Roma children and youth to maintain their ethnic identity and culture at school. The project also foresees to improve teachers’ Romani language skills.

Ventspils Evening Secondary School is planning to continue a promotion project aimed at the improvement of education level of Roma in the regions of Kurzeme and Zemgale. The main goal of the project is to foster opportunities for Roma children and youth to maintain their ethnic identity and culture at school. The project also foresees to improve teachers Romani language skills. Latvijas Avize

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the sociolinguist Gatis Dilans about the russophobia in Latvia and the implementation of the education reform.

• OSCE recommends Latvia and Estonia to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and to grant non-citizens the right to vote at municipal elections
• The first meeting of the combined working group of the Ministry of Education and Science and the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools
• Newspapers comment on the appeal in the case of Tatjana Zdanoka
• Russia State Council adopts a statement ‘On the Necessity to Implement Counteractions against the Idealisation of the Nazism in the Baltic States
• Head of the Russia State Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Mihail Margelov talks about Russias attitude towards the occupation of Latvia
• Moscow mayor Jurij Luzkov on the Russian-speakers situation in Latvia
• Riga City Council decides to reorganise the Riga Polish primary school

The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly has adopted a resolution, which recommends Latvia and Estonia to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and to grant non-citizens the right to vote at municipal elections. The Parliamentary Assembly did not support other reproaches expressed in the draft resolution, developed by Russia, such as heavy criticism regarding the implementation of the education reform, state language proficiency requirements and the large number of non-citizens in both Baltic States.

The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly has adopted a resolution, which recommends Latvia and Estonia to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and to grant non-citizens the right to vote at municipal elections. The Parliamentary Assembly did not support other reproaches expressed in the draft resolution, developed by Russia, such as heavy criticism regarding the implementation of the education reform, state language proficiency requirements and the large number of non-citizens in both Baltic States. Diena, Rigas Balss, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf, Chas

Today the first 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) will take place. The key task of the working group is to develop the educational programmes for minorities’ schools on the basis of bilingual models, proposed by the LASHOR.

Today the first 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) will take place. The key task of the working group is to develop the educational programmes for minorities schools on the basis of bilingual models, proposed by the LASHOR. Chas, Telegraf

One of the leaders of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia Tatjana Zdanoka believes that she will be capable to win a case against Latvia at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The ECHR Grand Chamber will be able to review the appeal of Latvia in the case of Tatjana Zdanoka only in 2005, because there is no judge form Latvia at ECHR.

One of the leaders of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia Tatjana Zdanoka believes that she will be capable to win a case against Latvia at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The ECHR Grand Chamber will be able to review the appeal of Latvia in the case of Tatjana Zdanoka only in 2005, because there is no judge form Latvia at ECHR. Latvijas Avize

Yesterday Russia State Council adopted the statement ‘On the Necessity of Counteraction against the Idealisation of the Nazism.’ The statement stresses that activities concerning ‘exoneration (‘rehabilitation’) and idealisation of Nazism’ become more and more frequent in Baltic States.

Yesterday Russia State Council adopted the statement ‘On the Necessity of Counteraction against the Idealisation of the Nazism. The statement stresses that activities concerning ‘exoneration (‘rehabilitation) and idealisation of Nazism become more and more frequent in Baltic States. Vesti Segodnya

“Russia will never revise its attitude towards the World War II and consequently towards the Latvia’s occupation fact,” stated the Head of the Russia State Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Mihail Margelov during the meeting with the journalists from the Baltic States.  

Russia will never revise its attitude towards the World War II and consequently towards the Latvias occupation fact, stated the Head of the Russia State Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Mihail Margelov during the meeting with the journalists from the Baltic States. Latvijas Avize features the opinions of Latvian MPs on this statement. Latvijas Avize

“The most complicated situation concerning the observation of the rights of Russian-speakers is in Latvia,” believes the Moscow mayor Jurij Luzkov. In the interview to a Russian TV channel, Yuri Luzkov stated that Latvia is doing everything to suppress the Russian-speaking residents in Latvia.

The most complicated situation concerning the observation of the rights of Russian-speakers is in Latvia, believes the Moscow mayor Jurij Luzkov. In the interview to a Russian TV channel, Yuri Luzkov stated that Latvia is doing everything to suppress the Russian-speaking residents in Latvia. Vesti Segodnya

Due to the insufficient number of children, Riga City Council has decided to reorganise the Riga Polish primary school by transforming it into a preschool institution. The reorganisation process will be realised until the 2009. Students, who want to study the Polish culture and language, will have the opportunity to do it at the Riga’s Itas Kozakevicas Polish Secondary School.

Due to the insufficient number of children, Riga City Council has decided to reorganise the Riga Polish primary school by transforming it into a preschool institution. The reorganisation process will be realised until the 2009. Students, who want to study the Polish culture and language, will have the opportunity to do it at the Rigas Itas Kozakevicas Polish Secondary School. Diena

• A call to establish a moratorium on education reform
• Latvia is planning to appeal the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in the case of Tatjana Zdanoka
• The status of Tatjana Slivenko and her daughter in Latvia will be defined by court
• Member of Riga City Council Ivans Klementjevs talks about the Russian community in Latvia
• Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Eleonor Mitrophanov speaks about the status of the Russian language in the Baltic States
• Palestinian Haisam Abu Abda becomes a citizen of Latvia

Russian language newspapers feature articles about the call by a group of public figures and teachers addressed to the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Saeima Speaker Ingrida Udre and Prime Minister Indulis Emsis. The high officials are called to start a dialogue on the education reform with the discussion group, nominated by the Congress of the Defenders of Russian-language schools. The authors of the call emphasise the necessity to reach a compromise regarding the education reform, which, in their opinion, cannot be achieved if requirements developed by the discussion group are not considered. The main requirement is to set at least a one year long moratorium on the education reform. During the moratorium proposals on how to improve the quality of instruction in Latvian language should be developed, amendments to legislation which would stipulate the right to minorities’ schools to define the ratio of subjects to be taught in Latvian and minorities’ languages should be adopted, as well as a department on minorities’ education under the Ministry of Education and Science should be established.

Russian language newspapers feature articles about the call by a group of public figures and teachers addressed to the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Saeima Speaker Ingrida Udre and Prime Minister Indulis Emsis. The high officials are called to start a dialogue on the education reform with the discussion group, nominated by the Congress of the Defenders of Russian-language schools. The authors of the call emphasise the necessity to reach a compromise regarding the education reform, which, in their opinion, cannot be achieved if requirements developed by the discussion group are not considered. The main requirement is to set at least a one year long moratorium on the education reform. During the moratorium proposals on how to improve the quality of instruction in Latvian language should be developed, amendments to legislation which would stipulate the right to minorities schools to define the ratio of subjects to be taught in Latvian and minorities languages should be adopted, as well as a department on minorities education under the Ministry of Education and Science should be established. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

The Government of Latvia has decided to appeal the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in the case of Tatjana Zdanoka.

The Government of Latvia has decided to appeal the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in the case of Tatjana Zdanoka. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Cabinet of Ministers has charged the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs to file a petition to court, which would clarify what documents and status – entrance visa, temporary or permanent residence permit – must be conferred to the wife of the Russian army officer, Tatjana Slivenko, and his daughter Karina Slivenko so they could enter Latvia. Last October European Court of Human Rights satisfied one claim of the Slivenko, deciding that Latvia has violated their rights to respect for private life and home when it made the decision about deportation of the family from the state. According to the Latvian representative to the international human rights organizations Inga Reine, Latvia has already paid the compensation of 13,400 lats.

Cabinet of Ministers has charged the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs to file a petition to court, which would clarify what documents and status – entrance visa, temporary or permanent residence permit – must be conferred to the wife of the Russian army officer, Tatjana Slivenko, and his daughter Karina Slivenko so they could enter Latvia. Last October European Court of Human Rights satisfied one claim of the Slivenko, deciding that Latvia has violated their rights to respect for private life and home when it made the decision about deportation of the family from the state. According to the Latvian representative to the international human rights organizations Inga Reine, Latvia has already paid the compensation of 13,400 lats. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Chas, Telegraf

Chas features an interview with the sportsman and the deputy of Riga City Council Ivans Klementjevs (Peoples Harmony Party) about the Russian community in Latvia. According to the deputy, Russians must form a strong cultural and language community. The key task of the community would be the solution of the most urgent problems, among them, abolishment of the language exam during the naturalisation process for old persons, granting Latvian citizenship to all children born in Latvia and the right to all non-citizens, who are taxpayers in Latvia, to participate at municipal elections.

Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Eleonor Mitrophanov believes that Russian must be used as an official language in international communications among the Baltic States and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Eleonor Mitrophanov believes that Russian must be used as an official language in international communications among the Baltic States and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Vesti Segodnya

Chas features an article about Palestinian Haisam Abu Abda, who has succesfully passed the naturalisation exam and soon will receive the passport of a Latvian citizen.