• USA Department of State has issued the Report on Global Anti-Semitism
• Minister of Education and Science Ina Druviete: bilingual education should be implemented in Latvian-language schools as well
• Response of the Minister of Education and Science Ina Druviete to the claim of the party For Human Rights in the United Latvia
• For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM demands to stop broadcasting of clips of municipal election campaign in the Russian language
• Slivenko family is planning to appeal against the decision of the Administrative District Court
• National Agency for Latvian Language Training plans to print a bilingual newspaper
• Russian-language newspaper Chas blames the Latvian language daily Diena for distorting the images of Russians in Latvia
• Old Believers and Orthodox believers celebrate Christmas

Newspapers report that the USA Department of State has issued the Report on Global Anti-Semitism (1 July 2003 – 31 December 2004). The report evaluates the extension of the anti-Semitism and its forms in the world, including Latvia. Regarding Latvia, the authors of the report state that in Latvia in 2003 there were several incidents of desecration of cemeteries, vandalism and anti-Semitic graffiti. The report compliments the Secretariat of the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration, state institutions and police for their contribution in fighting with anti-Semitism and promoting tolerance. 

Newspapers report that the USA Department of State has issued the Report on Global Anti-Semitism (1 July 2003 – 31 December 2004). The report evaluates the extension of the anti-Semitism and its forms in the world, including Latvia. Regarding Latvia, the authors of the report state that in Latvia in 2003 there were several incidents of desecration of cemeteries, vandalism and anti-Semitic graffiti. The report compliments the Secretariat of the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration, state institutions and police for their contribution in fighting with anti-Semitism and promoting tolerance. Diena, Chas

Yesterday the Minister of Education and Science Ina Druviete visited two secondary schools in Riga and stated that ‘bilingual education should be implemented also in Latvian-language schools.’ The Minister believes that it would ‘enhance the quality of children’s knowledge and enrich their intellect.’

Yesterday the Minister of Education and Science Ina Druviete visited two secondary schools in Riga and stated that ‘bilingual education should be implemented also in Latvian-language schools. The Minister believes that it would ‘enhance the quality of childrens knowledge and enrich their intellect. Diena, Rigas Balss

Vesti Segodnya comments on the response of the Minister of Education and Science Ina Druviete to the claim of the party For Human Rights in the United Latvia. The party asked the Minister whether there are any data on how successful are Russian and Latvian students in the entrance exams of higher academic institutions and whether their levels of academic success differ during studies at these institutions. According to the Minister of Education and Science Ina Druviete, the Ministry does not have such data at its disposal: ‘university applicants have never been asked their ethnicity, because it could be regarded as discrimination [on ethnic grounds]. The Minister adds that unitary final examinations which have to be taken by all secondary school graduates show that there is a tendency that students, who study in minority languages, have better knowledge in mathematics and natural sciences, while students, who study in Latvian, are more successful in humanitarian and social subjects.

The union For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM has asked the Central Election Commission to stop the broadcast of clips of municipal election campaign in the Russian language. The party believes that broadcast of clips in Russian contradicts the Law on Municipal Elections and the State Language Law. The Chairman of the Election Commission Andris Cimdars has refused to comment the application of the party.

The union For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM has asked the Central Election Commission to stop the broadcast of clips of municipal election campaign in the Russian language. The party believes that broadcast of clips in Russian contradicts the Law on Municipal Elections and the State Language Law. The Chairman of the Election Commission Andris Cimdars has refused to comment the application of the party. Chas

The Slivenko family plans to appeal the decision of the Administrative District Court with higher instance court. The family’s lawyer believes that the judgement of the Administrative District Court is ungrounded. As reported, the Administrative District Court ruled that the decision of the Citizenship and Migration Affairs Office to annul the personal codes of Tatiana and Karina Slivenko, the spouse and the daughter of a former Russian army officer, was illegitimate. At the same time the judge noted that the ruling does not give any new rights to the Slivenkos: they both are Russian citizens and therefore cannot apply for the status of Latvian non-citizens.

The Slivenko family plans to appeal the decision of the Administrative District Court with higher instance court. The familys lawyer believes that the judgement of the Administrative District Court is ungrounded. As reported, the Administrative District Court ruled that the decision of the Citizenship and Migration Affairs Office to annul the personal codes of Tatiana and Karina Slivenko, the spouse and the daughter of a former Russian army officer, was illegitimate. At the same time the judge noted that the ruling does not give any new rights to the Slivenkos: they both are Russian citizens and therefore cannot apply for the status of Latvian non-citizens. Chas

The National Agency for Latvian Language Training plans to print a bilingual newspaper, which will explain government’s decisions. Project manager Inga Misiņa states that previous studies of the agency show that Russian-speaking residents of Latvia know laws effective in Russia, but have very limited knowledge about Latvian legislation.

The National Agency for Latvian Language Training plans to print a bilingual newspaper, which will explain governments decisions. Project manager Inga Misiņa states that previous studies of the agency show that Russian-speaking residents of Latvia know laws effective in Russia, but have very limited knowledge about Latvian legislation. Telegraf

The Russian-language newspaper

The Russian-language newspaper Chas blames the Latvian language daily Diena for distorting the images of Latvias Russians. On 30 December 2004 Diena published 21 answers to the question: ‘What are you waiting from the next year? According to Chas, only 3 of them were Russians – a homeless person Volodya, driver Michail and a girl, while represented much broader social circle, for instance, ‘defender of the fatherland, employee of an European institution, participant of the Song Festival, etc The member of the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia Jakovs Pliners evaluates the sampling of respondents as ‘at least incorrect and argues that the Latvian language press distorts reality and the image of the Russian community in Latvia quite often. Dienas deputy editor in chief of the Mara Mikelsone responds that the sampling of respondents did not have any intentions to present the full spectrum of Latvias society and ‘it was just a coincidence that the only homeless person, interviewed by a journalist, had a Russian name. Chas

Today the Old Believers and Orthodox believers living in Latvia celebrate Christmas.

Today the Old Believers and Orthodox believers living in Latvia celebrate Christmas. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf, Chas

• Vesti Segodnya discusses the difficulties to register a child, whose mother is a Latvian non-citizen and father – a Russian citizen
• Representatives of the Latvian Jews Community and the advisor of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin on Baltic Issues Shabtai Kalmanovitch comment on the recent statements of the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Viktor Kaluznij
• Interview with the Russian politician Dmitry Rogozin
• Andris Teikmanis among possible candidates to the post of the ambassador of Latvia to Russia

Vesti Segodnya continues to write about difficulties to register newborn children whose one parent is a Latvian non-citizen and the other is a citizen of a foreign country with the Register of Residents. According to the effective legislation, officials of the Citizenship and Migration Office refuse to register these newborn children in any status but as citizens of the country whose subject is one of childs parents. Vesti Segodnya follows activities of Sergey Zaharov who challenged the demand of CMOs officials to register his daughter with the Register of Residents in any status but as a Russian citizen with court. The District Administrative Court refused to accept his application, however, he appealed with the Regional Court. Few days age he received its response that his claim is partly satisfied. The newspaper reports that the court ruled the following: firstly, the decision of the CMO to refuse to register the child as a permanent citizen shall be annulled and secondly, petition of Sergey Zaharov to include his daughter in the Register of Residents under the status of a Latvian non-citizen should be declined. MP Boris Tsilevitch states that the decision is anecdotic and is not clear how it could be implemented.

Chas features comments of the representatives of the Latvian Jewish Community Mordechai Glazman and Arkadijs Suharenko and the advisor of the Russian President on Baltic Issues Shabtai Kalmanovitch on the statements of the Russian Ambassador to Latvia Viktor Kaluznij. The Ambassadors statements were evaluated as anti-Semitic by a number of Latvian politicians and historians. The Rabbi of the Riga Synagogue Mordechai Glazman and the Head of the Board of the Jewish Communities in Latvia Arkadijs Suharenko express incomprehension about such statements and state that the Jewish community is still waiting for Ambassadors explanations. While Russias official Shabtai Kalmanovitch says that the Ambassadors statements were misunderstood or they were intentionally misinterpreted.

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the Russian politician Dmitry Rogozin about the relationship between Russia and Latvia. Dmitry Rogozin stresses that the observation of rights of his compatriots is the top priority of Putins policy. Dmitry Rogozin also argues that Latvia does not comply with the EU standards in the areas of human and minority rights.

Referring to unofficial sources of information,

Referring to unofficial sources of information, Telegraf reports that the Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Andris Teikmanis may be nominated to the post of Latvian ambassador to Russia.

• Vesti Segodnya comments on the report of the Councils of Europe Commissioner for Human RightsAlvaro Gill-Robles concerning minority situation in Latvia
• Statement of the Cabinet of Ministers regarding the claim of Jurijs Petropavlovskis
• Number of naturalisation applications received by the Daugavpils Regional Branch of the Naturalisation Board has increased last year
• MP Boris Tsilevitch talks about perspectives of the so-called Russian and left-centric parties in the forthcoming municipal elections
• Several municipalities allow Russian-language schools have a day-off on 7 January

Vesti Segodnya comments on the report of the European Commissioner for Human RightsAlvaro Gill-Robles concerning minority situation in Latvia. In his report the Commissioner states that the large number of non-citizens is one of the key issues in the country and recommends the Latvian government to foster naturalisation and promote integration of non-citizens into society. According to Alvaro Gill-Robles, ‘Latvian authorities have been reluctant to increase the rights of non-citizens (notably in respect of electoral rights and the ability to communicate with the public administration in their own language) and broaden the protection of minority rights (as evidenced by the non-ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities), for fear of decreasing the incentives to naturalise and integrate. The Commissioner also notes that language reforms in the educational system have been adopted with insufficient dialogue with minority communities concerned and seemingly with too little sensitivity to the quality of education.

The Cabinet of Ministers will ask the Administrative Court to reject a claim submitted by Jurijs Petropavlovskis challenging the government’s refusal to grant him Latvian citizenship. The Cabinet of Minister argues that the decision was a political and not an administrative act, therefore may not be appealed with court.

The Cabinet of Ministers will ask the Administrative Court to reject a claim submitted by Jurijs Petropavlovskis challenging the governments refusal to grant him Latvian citizenship. The Cabinet of Minister argues that the decision was a political and not an administrative act, therefore may not be appealed with court. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

In 2004 the number of the naturalisation applications, received by the Daugavpils Regional Branch of the Naturalisation Board, has increased by 310 applications in comparison to the number of applications in 2003 (1335 applications).

In 2004 the number of the naturalisation applications, received by the Daugavpils Regional Branch of the Naturalisation Board, has increased by 310 applications in comparison to the number of applications in 2003 (1335 applications). Telegraf

Chas features an article by the MP Boris Tsilevitch (the Peoples Harmony Party) about perspectives of the so-called Russian parties and left-centric parties in the forthcoming municipal elections. The MP believes that these parties should join in a left-centric block, so they would be able to influence adoption of political decisions.

Several municipalities has permitted Russian-language schools to celebrate 7 January - Christmas Day celebrated by Orthodox believers and Old Believers – and have a day-off on that day,  although it has not been marked as national holiday in Latvia.

Several municipalities has permitted Russian-language schools to celebrate 7 January - Christmas Day celebrated by Orthodox believers and Old Believers – and have a day-off on that day, although it has not been marked as national holiday in Latvia. Neatkariga Rita Avize

• Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Ainars Latkovskis talks about societal integration in Latvia
• Interview with the Minister of Justice Solvita Aboltina
• Head of the Saeima Committee on the Implementation of the Citizenship Law Anta Rugate: there is no need to amend the Citizenship Law
• Russian Foreign Affairs Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov: Latvia and Estonia violate rights of national minorities
• Book ‘History of Latvia: 20thCentury has been published in the Russian language

Chas features an interview with the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Ainars Latkovskis about societal integration in Latvia. The Minister believes that there is no basis for the formation of a two-community state in Latvia. He argues that all non-citizens have a right to naturalisation and take part in states political affairs. The Minister adds that a two-community state appears when two linguistic communities, which have been living side by side, form one country, however, in Latvia there are no mono-national regions and national minorities are dispersed in the whole territory of Latvia. He notes that young people do not have any big problems with Latvian and the implementation of the minority education reform will improve this situation in future. He states that a decrease of the education quality at minority schools should be perceived only as a short-term problem. When asked to comment on ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, the Minister stresses that first of all Latvia has to study experiences of countries which have already ratified the Convention.

Latvijas Avize prints an interview with the Minister of Justice Solvita Aboltina. The Minister supports the proposal of the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane that the Citizenship Law should be amended, i.e. the circle of persons who should not be entitled to Latvian citizenship should be broadened. When asked about the claim of the activist of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools Jurijs Petropavlovskis against the government, Solvita Aboltina notes that the governments decision not to grant Jurijs Petropavlovskis Latvian citizenship was a political decision, therefore might not be appealed with court.

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the Head of the Saeima Committee on the Implementation of the Citizenship Law Anta Rugate. Anta Rugate believes that there is no need to amend the Citizenship Law, that is, change the text of the loyalty pledge which is given by naturalisation applicants. She believes that the effective law fully complies with the states interests and needs.

The Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov has reproached Latvia and Estonia for violating the European Union’s standards in the area of national minority rights. The Minister believes that the EU should take steps to improve this situation. In his interview with the German newspaper

The Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov has reproached Latvia and Estonia for violating the European Unions standards in the area of national minority rights. The Minister believes that the EU should take steps to improve this situation. In his interview with the German newspaper Handelsblatt the Minister states that the tempo of naturalisation in Latvia and Estonia is too slow. Sergey Lavrov argues that that the invitation of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin to the leaders of the Baltic States to visit the planned celebration of the anniversary of the victory in World War II and sign the border agreement with Latvia shows Russias wish to build good relations with Latvia. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

The book ‘History of Latvia: 20th

The book ‘History of Latvia: 20thCentury has been published in the Russian language. This is the first most extended publication about the Latvian history in Russian. Latvijas Avize