• More comments on the meeting of the Minister for Education and Science Juris Radzevics with the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools
• Government and municipal officials on participation of teachers and minority schools students in the protest actions against the education reform
• Different opinions on the protest actions against the education reform
• Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry denies the ‘Russian connection to the protest actions against the education reform in Latvia
• Education reform issues are being discussed in Daugavpils
• Teachers of the Rigasecondary schools No. 40 call to the large discussion on the education reform
• Interview with the deputy chairman of the Yakuts National Culture Society Choron Inokentijs Ustinovs

Newspapers write about the meeting of the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics with the representatives of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools (LASHOR), who have repeatedly submitted proposals for amendments to the Law on Education, including rights for minority schools to determine the subjects to be taught in Latvian or bilingually, increase of the amount of the Latvian language and literature lessons in minority schools, establishment of the department on the issues of minority education within the Ministry of Education and Science . During this meeting Juris Radzevics has called parents to keep their children back from participation in the spontaneous protest actions, as no one is can guarantee security for the children.

Newspapers write about the meeting of the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics with the representatives of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools (LASHOR), who have repeatedly submitted proposals for amendments to the Law on Education, including rights for minority schools to determine the subjects to be taught in Latvian or bilingually, increase of the amount of the Latvian language and literature lessons in minority schools, establishment of the department on the issues of minority education within the Ministry of Education and Science . During this meeting Juris Radzevics has called parents to keep their children back from participation in the spontaneous protest actions, as no one is can guarantee security for the children. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Diena features different statements about participation of the teachers and minority schools students in the protest actions against the education reform. Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics has stated that he does not support the protest actions, but is not going to persecute anybody, as he respects the choice of minority students and parents. Officials of the Education State Inspection and Riga City Councils Education, Youth Affairs and Sports department are of a different opinion, believing that school non-attendance due to participation in the protest actions should be regarded as unjustified. Moreover, teachers participation in the unapproved protest actions can be regarded as a violation of the labor legislation.

Vesti Segodnya features different statements about protest actions against the education reform in response to the opinion expressed by the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga, that the protest actions will not bring any solution to the problems. The observer from Latvia to the European Parliament Boris Tsilevitch points to the necessity of the protest actions, believing that it is the only possibility for minorities to achieve amendments to the Law on Education. Political scientist Mihails Rodins says it is not likely that the protest actions will force governing majority to cancel the reform.

Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry has made a statement, denying any connection of Russia to the protest actions against the education reform in Latvia.

Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry has made a statement, denying any connection of Russia to the protest actions against the education reform in Latvia. Neatkariga Rita Avize

Latvijas Avize prints an article about discussion on the education reform in Daugavpils. Chairman of the Daugavpils Bilingual Education Supporting Centre Silvija Mickevica has stated that minority students opinion poll shows that 39,4% of them support the acquisition of school subjects in Latvian, 43,6% - support it partly, but 11,3% do not want to study in Latvian. According to the chairman, during the last year students motivation to study in Latvian has decreased due to the protest actions against the education reform. At the end of the discussion a resolution condemning activities of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools, which split up the Latvian society and do not promote the naturalization process, was adopted.

Vesti Segodnya features an open letter of the teachers of Rigasecondary schools No. 40, who call for a large discussion about education in Latvia in the XXI century, and suggest entrusting the reformation of education, including minority education, to the professionals, i.e., teachers. According to the authors of the letter, education reforms implementation should be suspended until such discussion takes place.

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the deputy chairman of the Yakuts National Culture Society Coron Inokentijs Ustinovs.

• President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga about the necessity to continue the implementation of education reform
• Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics meets representatives of the ministrys Advisory Council on Issues of Minority Education and the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools
• Interview with the Minister for the Interior Eriks Jekabsons about protest actions against the education reform
• Executive director of the Riga City Council Maris Tralmaks does not authorize a protest meeting against the education reform
• Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry on Saeimas decision against moratorium on the education reform
• Russia requests the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to condemn the Waffen SS legions
• Political parties election programs on society integration issues
• Discussion on education reform issues in Daugavpils

 President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga believes that it is necessary to continue the implementation of education reform despite the protest actions. According to the president, the sharper are the protests against the reform, the lesser are the chances for any amendments to the Law on Education, because MPs are forced to resist pressure which is being put on them.

President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga believes that it is necessary to continue the implementation of education reform despite the protest actions. According to the president, the sharper are the protests against the reform, the lesser are the chances for any amendments to the Law on Education, because MPs are forced to resist pressure which is being put on them. Diena

Latvijas Avize prints an article about meetings of the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics with the representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science Advisory Council on Issues of Minority Education and the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools (LASHOR). During the meeting, representative of the LASHOR Igors Pimenovs has pointed to the necessity to establish a separate department within the ministry, dealing with the problems of minorities education. Juris Radzevics has answered that he evaluates a possibility of creating a position of the deputy State secretary on minorities education issues, but sees no need for a separate department.

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the Minister for the Interior Eriks Jekabsons about the protest actions against the education reform. According to the minister, he possesses information on provocateurs behind the protest actions and related money flows, but still hopes to avoid arrests, deportations and criminal sanctions, especially on the eve of joining the EU. However, Eriks Jekabsons says that the observation period is about to end, and if somebody is acting against the law, they will be held responsible.

Executive director of the Riga City Council Maris Tralmaks has not authorized a protest meeting against the education reform, planned on 16 April by the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools. Maris Tralmaks has motivated his decision not to authorize the meeting by doubts about the organizers’ ability to maintain order during the event.

Executive director of the Riga City Council Maris Tralmaks has not authorized a protest meeting against the education reform, planned on 16 April by the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools. Maris Tralmaks has motivated his decision not to authorize the meeting by doubts about the organizers ability to maintain order during the event. Latvijas Avize

Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry has expressed regret about the Saeima’s decision to reject the proposal of the For Human Rights in the United Latvia on establishing moratorium on the education reform until September 2007.

Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry has expressed regret about the Saeimas decision to reject the proposal of the For Human Rights in the United Latvia on establishing moratorium on the education reform until September 2007. Diena, Latvijas Avize

Right after Latvia’s accession to the NATO, Russia has submitted a resolution to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights requesting condemnation of the

Right after Latvias accession to the NATO, Russia has submitted a resolution to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights requesting condemnation of the Waffen SS legions. Although no particular state is mentioned in the resolution, diplomats polled by the news agency Associated Press, believe that Russia requests to condemn the Latvian legionnaires. According to the head of Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Artis Pabriks, Latvia is not preparing to express an official attitude towards this resolution. Diena

Diena features statements of the political parties on society integration issues in their European Parliament election programs. New Era and Peoples Party promise to attain a condemnation of the communism totalitarian regime, For Human Rights in the United Latvia – to support demands of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian Language Schools and needs of the World War II veterans, as well as to promote recognition of the status of non-citizens of Latvia as citizens of the EU.

Chas writes about discussion on the education reform issues in Daugavpils.

 

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

• Approximately 50,000 minority students could participate in the strike against the education reform on 15 April
• Change of the Latvian Associations for the Support of Russian-Language Schools (LASHOR) governing body
• Response of the head of Saeima Latvias First Party (LFP) parliamentary group Oskars Kastens to the article in the Latvijas Avize
• Interview with the MP Boris Tsilevich
• Interview with the leader of the Afro-Latvian Association Christopher Ejugbo
• Dr. Phil. Maris Ruks on repatriation as an alternative to social integration and naturalization

According to the information of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools, approximately 50,000 minority students could participate in the strike against the education reform on 15 April.

According to the information of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools, approximately 50,000 minority students could participate in the strike against the education reform on 15 April. Chas informs about activities of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools collecting signatures of the minorities representatives who support moratorium on the education reform. The signatures will be submitted to the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis and Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Telegraf

Newspapers write about the change in the Latvian Association’s for the Support of Russian-Language Schools (LASHOR) governing body.

Newspapers write about the change in the Latvian Associations for the Support of Russian-Language Schools (LASHOR) governing body. Diena, referring to the former member of the board Igors Vatolins, informs that Igors Pimenovss refusal to candidate repeatedly to the chairmans post could be related to the resolution on support of the protest actions against the education reform, organized by the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools, adopted by the newly elected board members. Previously Igors Pimenovs, together with the other former board members, initiated LASHOR withdrawal as a founding member of the Headquarters and as a partner in organizing protest actions against the education reform. Diena, Rigas Balss, Telegraf, Chas

Latvijas Avize prints a response of the head of Saeima Latvias First Party (LFP) parliamentary group Oskars Kastens to the article of the Latvijas Avizes journalist Inara Murniece, in which she has pointed out similarities between positions of the Latvias First Party and the Peoples Harmony Party on society integration issues. According to Oskars Kastens, the parties have different attitudes towards the education reform, state language and the granting of voting rights to non-citizens at municipal elections. Oskars Kastens states that LFP consequently supports the education reform while MPs of PHP, for example, Valerijs Agesins, organize protest actions against it. LFP also does not support granting Russian language status of the second state language, as it could diminish the motivation of minorities to learn Latvian and legitimatize the consequences of the soviet language policy. Contrary to the position of the PHP, Latvias First Party believes that Latvia must not enlarge the rights of non-citizens, granting them voting rights at municipal elections, but should instead increase the number of lawful citizens.

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the MP Boris Tsilevich, who believes that the right to study in the native tongue is a legitimate and natural right of a person in the democratic society, and the sooner it is recognized by the Latvian state, the easier it will be to resolve the conflict in the area of the education reform, otherwise escalation of the conflict is inevitable. He also stresses that as the Peoples Harmony Party is not part of the governing coalition and has no obligations towards this government, it reserves the right to vote against other important draft laws, if the situation with the education reform stays unchanged.

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the leader of the Afro-Latvian Association Christopher Ejugbo about future plans of organization and level of intolerance in the Latvian society. According to Christopher Ejugbo, intolerance, stereotypes and prejudices against the people of African origin exist in the Latvian society.

Latvijas Vestnesis publishes an article about interethnic relations by Dr.Phil. Maris Ruks. The author is convinced that by announcing integration and naturalization as the only ‘road signs for Russian-speakers, politicians and state officials deny big part of the population much wider opportunities which they can gain by repatriation. Maris Ruks calls step-by-step repatriation of the Soviet era migrants, which he suggests to organize in accordance with the International law, a ‘natural and logical solution to the consequences of occupation. He expresses serious concerns about integration and naturalization, which, in his opinion, produce disloyal citizens of the state.

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

• Russian language newspapers elaborate on preparations to the protest actions against the education reform
• Interview with the Saeima Speaker Ingrida Udre
• Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools expresses support to the protest actions against the education reform
• Chairman of the Russia State Councils Committee on International Affairs Konstantin Kosachev about decision of the Latvia Ministry of Culture to postpone the Russian Culture days in Latvia
• Findings of the study Importance of the regional aspects in solution of citizenship issues
• Project Promotion of Society Integration with the help of intercultural education
• Vesti Segodnya about the seminar Roma Culture in Latvia

Russian language newspapers write about the preparations of Riga, Jelgava, Kalnciems and Daugavpils Russian-language schools’ students and their parents to the oncoming protest actions against the education reform.

Russian language newspapers write about the preparations of Riga, Jelgava, Kalnciems and Daugavpils Russian-language schools students and their parents to the oncoming protest actions against the education reform. Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf, Chas

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the Saeima Speaker Ingrida Udre, who believes that the main cause of the problems in the area of education reform is a lack of constructive dialogue with the minority schools; and that after implementation of the education reform competitiveness of minority students on the employment market will increase.

Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools (LASHOR) has adopted a resolution stipulating support to the protest actions against the education reform, organized by the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools, until moratorium on education reform is established. Position of LASHOR chairman is vacant at the moment, as the stepping-down chairman Igors Pimenovs has refused to candidate repeatedly, and there was no other immediate candidate.

Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools (LASHOR) has adopted a resolution stipulating support to the protest actions against the education reform, organized by the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools, until moratorium on education reform is established. Position of LASHOR chairman is vacant at the moment, as the stepping-down chairman Igors Pimenovs has refused to candidate repeatedly, and there was no other immediate candidate. Chas

Chairman of the Russia State Council’s Committee on International Affairs Konstantin Kosachev has expressed dissatisfaction with the decision of the Latvian Ministry of Culture to postpone the Russian Culture days in Latvia, which were planned to take place in 2004, by two years. Latvian Ministry of Culture has allegedly explained its decision by lack of financing and existing priority of establishing cultural ties with the EU countries. According to Konstantin Kosachev, if Latvian government understands EU integration as alienation from Russia, then the only benefactors of such ‘short-sighted’ policy will be the opponents of cooperation between Latvia and Russia. Konstantin Kosachev believes that the planned event would give an opportunity not only to the ethnic Russians, but also to all other Latvian residents who speak the language, for the unique intellectual enrichment.

Chairman of the Russia State Councils Committee on International Affairs Konstantin Kosachev has expressed dissatisfaction with the decision of the Latvian Ministry of Culture to postpone the Russian Culture days in Latvia, which were planned to take place in 2004, by two years. Latvian Ministry of Culture has allegedly explained its decision by lack of financing and existing priority of establishing cultural ties with the EU countries. According to Konstantin Kosachev, if Latvian government understands EU integration as alienation from Russia, then the only benefactors of such ‘short-sighted policy will be the opponents of cooperation between Latvia and Russia. Konstantin Kosachev believes that the planned event would give an opportunity not only to the ethnic Russians, but also to all other Latvian residents who speak the language, for the unique intellectual enrichment. Latvijas Avize, Telegraf

Vesti Segodnya features an article about findings of the study Importance of the regional aspects in dealing with citizenship issues. According to the study, 42% of the non-citizens living in Riga have stated that they do not want to naturalize because they believe that the state should grant them a citizenship automatically, as they were born in Latvia. 17,9% non-citizens of Latvia regard the process of naturalization as derogatory.

30 teachers, students and representatives of NGOs have participated in the project “Promotion of Society Integration with the help of intercultural education”, organized by the Special Tasks Minister’s for Society Integration Secretariat. The project was financially supported by the British Embassy in Latvia.

30 teachers, students and representatives of NGOs have participated in the project Promotion of Society Integration with the help of intercultural education, organized by the Special Tasks Ministers for Society Integration Secretariat. The project was financially supported by the British Embassy in Latvia. Latvijas Avize

Vesti Segodnya prints an article about the seminar Roma Culture in Latvia, organized by the Special Tasks Ministers for Society Integration Secretariat. According to the director of the Department on Ethnic Minority Affairs Irina Vinnika, although Roma are considered to be the most integrated minority in Latvia ( 92% of Roma have Latvian citizenship and speak Latvian language fluently), they are also the most isolated part of the Latvian society. After dedicating the first seminar to the culture, Secretariat is planning to raise other Roma-related issues in the future, like, for example, Roma genocide during the World War II.

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

• Planned protest actions against the education reform
• Two members of the European Parliament send a letter to the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga in support of the Latvia Socialist Party leader Alfreds Rubikss right to candidate for European Parliament
• Special Task Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks visits Jelgava minority elementary school
• Representatives of the Riga City Council and Ministry of Education and Science discuss implementation of the education reform with the parents of Riga secondary school No. 40

Newspapers write about the protest actions against the education reform, planned by the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools for the period from 13 till 16 April. The Headquarters’ Daugavpils section calls Russian schools’ students to participate in the strike against the education reform on 15 April, attending school, but not participating in the learning process.

Newspapers write about the protest actions against the education reform, planned by the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools for the period from 13 till 16 April. The Headquarters Daugavpils section calls Russian schools students to participate in the strike against the education reform on 15 April, attending school, but not participating in the learning process. Chas informs about planned protest actions in Riga. Latvijas Avize, Chas

President of the European Parliament (EP) European United Left/Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL) parliamentary group Francis Wurtz and vice-president of GUEE/NGL Sylvia Kaufmann have sent a letter to the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga drawing attention to the recent decision of the Riga District court to dismiss a claim of the Latvia Socialist Party leader Alfreds Rubiks, who was convicted in 1995 for an attempt to overthrow the state, to cancellation of his conviction record. The EP representatives believe that this verdict deprives Alfreds Rubiks of opportunity to participate in the EP election and discriminates against the socialists’ supporters, restricting their choice. Francis Wurtz and Sylvia Kaufmann also state that such attitude towards the representative of the opposition is not acceptable, stressing that Latvia must observe the ‘Copenhagen criteria’, which include respect of the democratic rights and freedom of all inhabitants of the state.

President of the European Parliament (EP) European United Left/Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL) parliamentary group Francis Wurtz and vice-president of GUEE/NGL Sylvia Kaufmann have sent a letter to the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga drawing attention to the recent decision of the Riga District court to dismiss a claim of the Latvia Socialist Party leader Alfreds Rubiks, who was convicted in 1995 for an attempt to overthrow the state, to cancellation of his conviction record. The EP representatives believe that this verdict deprives Alfreds Rubiks of opportunity to participate in the EP election and discriminates against the socialists supporters, restricting their choice. Francis Wurtz and Sylvia Kaufmann also state that such attitude towards the representative of the opposition is not acceptable, stressing that Latvia must observe the ‘Copenhagen criteria, which include respect of the democratic rights and freedom of all inhabitants of the state. Vesti Segodnya

Special Task Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks has visited Jelgava minority elementary school, in order to discuss the education reform. According to the press secretary of the Special Tasks Minister’s Secretariat Gunta Line, students of the 9th grade have not expressed particular dissatisfaction about transition to the Latvian language as a main language of instruction, but teachers have pointed to the unsatisfactory quality of the textbooks. Teachers believe that textbooks, originally intended for the Latvian-language schools, are not suitable for bilingual instruction.

Special Task Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks has visited Jelgava minority elementary school, in order to discuss the education reform. According to the press secretary of the Special Tasks Ministers Secretariat Gunta Line, students of the 9th grade have not expressed particular dissatisfaction about transition to the Latvian language as a main language of instruction, but teachers have pointed to the unsatisfactory quality of the textbooks. Teachers believe that textbooks, originally intended for the Latvian-language schools, are not suitable for bilingual instruction. Latvijas Avize

Newspapers feature articles about the meeting of the representatives of Riga City Council and Ministry of Education and Science with the parents of Riga  secondary school No. 40, in order to discuss implementation of the education reform. During the meeting representatives of minority students’ parents adopted a resolution, demanding a moratorium on education reform. The resolution will be submitted to the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics on 6 April.

Newspapers feature articles about the meeting of the representatives of Riga City Council and Ministry of Education and Science with the parents of Riga secondary school No. 40, in order to discuss implementation of the education reform. During the meeting representatives of minority students parents adopted a resolution, demanding a moratorium on education reform. The resolution will be submitted to the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics on 6 April. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas