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

• 10504 citizens of Russia living in Latvia participated in Russian President Elections
• Establishment of Afro-Latvian Association
• Study of the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences The role of municipalities in the process of integration
• Interview with the ambassador of the United Kingdom to Latvia Andrew Tesoriere
• Official statement of the Latvian National Soldiers Association
• Leader of the Ventspils Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs on Russias statements about the minority rights observation in Latvia
• Russia prepares to raise an issue about the overt discrimination of Russian-speakers in Latvia at the session of the UN Human Rights Committee
• Linguist Arturs Prieditis about society integration

10 504 citizens of Russia, living in Latvia, participated at Russian President Elections. According to the provisional results, most of them voted for Vladimir Putin.

10504 citizens of Russia, living in Latvia, participated at Russian President Elections. According to the provisional results, most of them voted for Vladimir Putin. Diena, Rigas Balss, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

The Afro-Latvian Association held its launching ceremony on Saturday. The Association represents interests of Latvian residents of African origin.

The Afro-Latvian Association held its launching ceremony on Saturday. The Association represents interests of Latvian residents of African origin. Rigas Balss, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Diena features an article about the study of the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences The role of municipalities in the process of integration. According to the study, municipalities believe that social integration is a greater problem than ethnic integration.

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the ambassador of the United Kingdom to Latvia Andrew Tesoriere, who states that the education reform of Latvia fully complies with the international standards. Ambassador believes that the anxiety about the possible ethnic conflict in Latvia is not well justified, because the naturalization process is speeding up, and the education reform can not exterminate Russian culture and does not threaten Russian speakers with assimilation. Andrew Tesoriere also considers worthwhile to discuss making the language exam for old people and disabled persons easier.

Latvijas Avize features an official statement of the Latvian National Soldiers Association that the former legionnaires will not participate at the organized procession on the Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion.

Russian language newspapers feature articles about the visit of the Russia’s State Council deputy speaker Dmitry Rogozin and the leader of the Ventspils Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs to Russia State Council and Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). According to Aleksandrs Kazakovs, the representatives of the Russia MFA have stated that the dialogue between Russia and Latvia is impossible without the dialogue between the state and the opponents of the education reform. Aleksandrs Kazakovs also says that Russia will continue to inform the international organizations about the violation of minority rights in Latvia.

Russian language newspapers feature articles about the visit of the Russias State Council deputy speaker Dmitry Rogozin and the leader of the Ventspils Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools Aleksandrs Kazakovs to Russia State Council and Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). According to Aleksandrs Kazakovs, the representatives of the Russia MFA have stated that the dialogue between Russia and Latvia is impossible without the dialogue between the state and the opponents of the education reform. Aleksandrs Kazakovs also says that Russia will continue to inform the international organizations about the violation of minority rights in Latvia. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Russia is preparing to raise an issue about the overt discrimination of Russian-speakers in Latvia and Estonia during the session of the UN Human Rights Committee today.

Russia is preparing to raise an issue about the overt discrimination of Russian-speakers in Latvia and Estonia during the session of the UN Human Rights Committee today. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Chas features opinions of the linguist Arturs Prieditis, who says that the state has betrayed minorities on three occasions – deviating from the zero (i.e. automatic for all) alternative of citizenship, not granting the voting rights for non-citizens at municipal elections, and implementing the education reform. According to Arturs Prieditis, if the state wants to avoid the conflict, it is necessary to apologize, cancel the ungrounded decisions, and to start the dialogue with the Russian community.

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

• State officials and experts on recommendations of the European Parliament
• President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga visits France
• Saeima MPs and integration experts evaluate expressions of the head of the Saeima FHRUL parliamentary group Jakovs Pliners
• Riga District court dismisses claim of the Latvia Socialist Party leader Alfreds Rubiks to cancellation of his conviction record
• For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM plans to amend the European Parliament (EP) election law
• Latvia Socialist Party plans to challenge the results of the EU accession referendum in Latvia at the European Court for Human Rights
• Liepajas municipality authorizes organization of the Latvian Legion commemoration days procession
• Ministry of Education and Science plans to gather information about minority schools preparedness to the education reform
• Director of the RigaSecondary School No. 95 Juris Celmins about the education reforms alternatives
• Assault on the leader of the Latvian National Front Aivars Garda
• Car of the journalist writing about the link between Russia and the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools vandalized

Newspapers feature statements of the state officials and experts about the recommendation of the European Parliament to ratify the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities.

Newspapers feature statements of the state officials and experts about the recommendation of the European Parliament to ratify the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Diena and Chas refer to the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis, who has stated that there will be no premature activities in the area of granting voting rights to non-citizens at the municipal elections, stressing that the next municipal elections will take place in accordance with the current legislation. Director of the Latvian Institute of International Affairs Atis Lejins believes that ratification of the convention is possible with the several reservations (for example, stipulating the Latvian language as the only state language), but at the same time says that today its ratification would be presented as a victory of the Moscows foreign policy. Sociologist and doctor of the University of Latvia Aivars Tabuns considers it necessary to define what should be regarded as a national minority in Latvia first, taking into account that demographic changes in the Latvian society have been forced. He also adds that ratification of the Convention in Estonia has not endangered the state, but appeased the international community. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas

Newspapers write about the visit of the Present of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga to France. During the meeting with the President of France Jacques Chirac issues of Latvia’s accession to the EU, and relationship of the EU and Latvia with Russia have been discussed.

Newspapers write about the visit of the Present of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga to France. During the meeting with the President of France Jacques Chirac issues of Latvias accession to the EU, and relationship of the EU and Latvia with Russia have been discussed. Diena, Latvijas Avize

Saeima MPs and the integration experts evaluate expressions of the head of the Saeima For Human Rights in the United Latvia parliamentary group Jakovs Pliners, who, commenting on  the education reform, has stated that ‘the derogatory idea about the Latvian Latvia with its degenerated democracy must be buried forever’. Saeima MPs believe that Jakovs Pliners has violated the deputy ethical code. Political analyst Artis Pabriks has stated that MP’s expressions also contain fulmination against the state system and indirect incitement of ethnic tension. Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks believes that demands for opening of the “Law on State Language” and the law “On the Status of Former Citizens of the USSR who are Not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State”  eliminate the possibility of dialogue in the area of education reform.

Saeima MPs and the integration experts evaluate expressions of the head of the Saeima For Human Rights in the United Latvia parliamentary group Jakovs Pliners, who, commenting on the education reform, has stated that ‘the derogatory idea about the Latvian Latvia with its degenerated democracy must be buried forever. Saeima MPs believe that Jakovs Pliners has violated the deputy ethical code. Political analyst Artis Pabriks has stated that MPs expressions also contain fulmination against the state system and indirect incitement of ethnic tension. Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks believes that demands for opening of the Law on State Language and the law On the Status of Former Citizens of the USSR who are Not Citizens of Latvia or Any Other State eliminate the possibility of dialogue in the area of education reform. Diena

Riga District court has dismissed a claim of the Latvia Socialist Party leader Alfreds Rubiks to cancellation of his conviction record. Hence Alfreds Rubiks will not be allowed to candidate at the elections to the European Parliament. The court motivated this decision with the fact that the leader of the Socialist Party, who was convicted in 1995 for an attempt to overthrow the state, has not expressed regret about his deeds.

Riga District court has dismissed a claim of the Latvia Socialist Party leader Alfreds Rubiks to cancellation of his conviction record. Hence Alfreds Rubiks will not be allowed to candidate at the elections to the European Parliament. The court motivated this decision with the fact that the leader of the Socialist Party, who was convicted in 1995 for an attempt to overthrow the state, has not expressed regret about his deeds. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Saeima For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM parliamentary group is preparing to submit amendments to the European Parliament (EP) election law, stipulating the prohibition to stand for the EP elections for ex-officials of the State Security Committee of the Soviet Republic of Latvia and those individuals who were members of the Communist Party and related organizations after January 13, 1991.

Saeima For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM parliamentary group is preparing to submit amendments to the European Parliament (EP) election law, stipulating the prohibition to stand for the EP electionsfor ex-officials of the State Security Committee of the Soviet Republic of Latvia and those individuals who were members of the Communist Party and related organizations after January 13, 1991. Latvijas Avize

Latvia Socialist Party is planning to apply to the European Court for Human Rights, challenging the results of the EU accession referendum. Party is planning to ask to recognize the referendum results as illegitimate, because non-citizens were not allowed to vote.

Latvia Socialist Party is planning to apply to the European Court for Human Rights, challenging the results of the EU accession referendum. Party is planning to ask to recognize the referendum results as illegitimate, because non-citizens were not allowed to vote. Latvijas Avize

Liepaja’s municipality has authorized organization of the procession on 16 March, the Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion.

Liepajas municipality has authorized organization of the procession on 16 March, the Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Ministry of Education and Science has prepared a new timetable for consultations with the representatives of minority schools, minority students and their parents, in order to gather information about minority schools which need individual transition programs.

Ministry of Education and Science has prepared a new timetable for consultations with the representatives of minority schools, minority students and their parents, in order to gather information about minority schools which need individual transition programs. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize

Diena features an article of the director of the Riga Secondary School No. 95 Juris Celmins about alternatives for the education reform. The director points to the dividing lines among Latvian- and Russian-speaking children, stressing that at present there are small opportunities for Russian-speaking children to become pupils of the Latvian-language kindergartens or students of the Latvian-language schools. According to Juris Celmins, Latvia should abandon such division practices, opening all schools for all children, regardless of the ethnic background. The school director also believes that there should be a transition period determined during which the Russian-language schools could be reformed as integrated schools with the choice of studying in one of three streams – Latvian, Russian or bilingual.

Last Friday two men assaulted  the leader of the Latvian National Front Aivars Garda and set his car on fire. The State Security Police examines different possible motives for this crime, among them the version of revenge from the side of Garda’s ideological opponents, who are not satisfied with his position towards Russian-speakers in Latvia.

Last Friday two men assaulted the leader of the Latvian National Front Aivars Garda and set his car on fire. The State Security Police examines different possible motives for this crime, among them the version of revenge from the side of Gardas ideological opponents, who are not satisfied with his position towards Russian-speakers in Latvia. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Diena writes about the car of the journalist Leonids Jakobsons, which had been smashed after the publication of his article in the newspapers Diena supplement SestDiena. In his article, Leonids Jakobsons concedes the possible financing of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language Schools by Russia and evaluates degree of involvement of the Russia political technologist Konstantin Koshkin in organizing the protest actions against the education reform in Latvia. The journalist and the State Security Police suspect that vandals could be the Headquarters combatants, and that the goal of this vandalism act is to put pressure on the journalist. The leader of the Headquarters Jurijs Petropavlovskis denies the Headquarters connection to this vandalism act.

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

• European Parliament adopts the report on Latvias preparedness to join the European Union
• NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer visits Latvia
• Russia National-Bolshevik Party protests against the education reform in Latvia
• Amendments to the law on On meetings, walks and pickets
• About minority schools preparedness to the education reform
• Nationalist youth organization Klubs 415 challenges the ban on the procession on 6 March
• Political scientist Juris Rozenvalds about the education reform
• Constitutional Court dismisses complaint about the EU accession referendum
• Latvian Association of National Cultural Societies awards Marks of Distinction for significant contributions in the area of minority culture development
• Interview with the MP of RussiaState Council Konstantin Zatulin

European Parliament has adopted the report on Latvia’s preparedness to join the European Union, submitted by the German Deputy Elisabeth Schroedter. The report points to the necessity of speeding up the naturalization process, and of ratifying the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities as soon as possible. European parliament also recommends to consider the possibility of granting non-citizens voting rights in municipal elections, and to accelerate the society integration process.

European Parliament has adopted the report on Latvias preparedness to join the European Union, submitted by the German Deputy Elisabeth Schroedter. The report points to the necessity of speeding up the naturalization process, and of ratifying the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities as soon as possible. European parliament also recommends to consider the possibility of granting non-citizens voting rights in municipal elections, and to accelerate the society integration process. Chas features a statement of the Minister for Foreign Affairs Rihards Piks, saying that Latvia cannot ratify the Framework convention yet. According to the minister, ‘the national minorities in Latvia have not developed in the natural way, but are a consequence of occupation, and this kind of minorities cannot be equated with the minorities, living in Latvia for many centuries (like, for example, Old Believers). Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Vechernaya Riga, Telegraf, Chas

Yesterday NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer visited Latvia. During the meeting with the Secretary General Foreign Affairs Minister Rihards Piks called him to touch upon the issue of Latvia and Russia boarder agreement during the planned visit of Jaap de Hoop Scheffer to Mocow.

Yesterday NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer visited Latvia. During the meeting with the Secretary General Foreign Affairs Minister Rihards Piks called him to touch upon the issue of Latvia and Russia boarder agreement during the planned visit of Jaap de Hoop Scheffer to Mocow. Latvijas Avize features an interview with Jaap de Hoop Scheffer. Latvijas Vestnesis, Diena, Rigas Balss, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Telegraf, Chas

15 representatives of the Russia National-Bolshevik Party were detained during the unapproved protest action against ‘closing down Russian schools,’ ‘depriving Russian-speakers of the citizenship’ and ‘on-going trials against anti-fascist veterans’ in Latvia, where they chained themselves to the fence of the Latvian embassy in Moscow.

15 representatives of the Russia National-Bolshevik Party were detained during the unapproved protest action against ‘closing down Russian schools, ‘depriving Russian-speakers of the citizenship and ‘on-going trials against anti-fascist veterans in Latvia, where they chained themselves to the fence of the Latvian embassy in Moscow. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Saeima has adopted amendments to the law on “On meetings, walks and pickets”, stipulating that meetings of Saeima and municipality deputies and deputy candidates with their electorate, which take place outdoors, as well as organized and publicly announced pickets and walks, must be coordinated with the municipality.

Saeima has adopted amendments to the law on On meetings, walks and pickets, stipulating that meetings of Saeima and municipality deputies and deputy candidates with their electorate, which take place outdoors, as well as organized and publicly announced pickets and walks, must be coordinated with the municipality. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Newspapers feature articles about the minority schools’ preparedness to the education reform, stating that Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics has requested  to work out a new timetable for consultations with the representatives of minority schools, minority students and their parents.

Newspapers feature articles about the minority schools preparedness to the education reform, stating that Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics has requested to work out a new timetable for consultations with the representatives of minority schools, minority students and their parents. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Telegraf

Nationalist youth organization “Klubs 415” (“Club 415”) has applied to the court, challenging the decision of the Executive director of the Riga City Council Maris Tralmaks to ban the procession on Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion. 

Nationalist youth organization Klubs 415 (Club 415) has applied to the court, challenging the decision of the Executive director of the Riga City Council Maris Tralmaks to ban the procession on Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion. Latvijas Avize

Vesti Segodnya publishes the statements of the political scientist Juris Rozenvalds about the education reforms implementation. Juris Rozenvalds believes that there were many mistakes made during the process of the reform, stressing that the most absurd decision is to oblige Russian teachers to teach in the Latvian language. Although political scientist believes that the escalation of violence is unlikely, he stresses the necessity to seek a compromise on the issue, in order to take away the strain in the society.

Constitutional Court has dismissed the complaint case, submitted by the representatives of the Latvia Socialist party. Party asked to recognize the results of the EU accession referendum as illegitimate, because non-citizens were not allowed to vote.

Constitutional Court has dismissed the complaint case, submitted by the representatives of the Latvia Socialist party. Party asked to recognize the results of the EU accession referendum as illegitimate, because non-citizens were not allowed to vote. Diena

Yesterday the Latvian Association of National Cultural Societies has awarded Marks of Distinctions for sustained and significant contribution in the area of minority culture development to 15 individuals.

Yesterday the Latvian Association of National Cultural Societies has awarded Marks of Distinctions for sustained and significant contribution in the area of minority culture development to 15 individuals. ­Latvijas Avize

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the MP of Russia State Council Konstantin Zatulin about the education reform in Latvia.

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

• Report on Latvias preparedness to join the European Union
• OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus is planning to draw up recommendations for the improvement of Russian speaking minoritys situation in Latvia and Estonia
• Procession on Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion is not authorized
• Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics and the Special Task Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks on education reform
• Plans of the Special Task Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat
• Russian Party and Association of Russian societies do not support the decisions of the Headquarters for the Support of Russian-language Schools
• Interview with the Chairperson of the Moscow Helsinki Group Ludmila Alexeeva
• Sociologist Evija Klave about causes of the strain in the area of education reform
• Chairman of the Russias State Council Committee on International AffairsKonstantin Kosachov about the new Latvian government

Today the European Parliament (EP) is planning to approve the report on Latvia’s preparedness to join the European Union, submitted by the German Deputy Elisabeth Schroedter. Elisabeth Schroedter states that the policy of education, language and citizenship of Latvia complies with the international standards, but requires flexibility in the area of implementation of the education reform. The EP deputy also calls on Latvian government to grant voting rights to the non-citizens, who are permanent residents of the country, at municipal elections and EP elections, as well as to ratify the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities as soon as possible. The report, referring to the recent attempt of the Saeima to recall Martijans Bekasovs from the status of the EP observer, also stipulates that Latvia should insure the freedom of speech for all citizens and Parliament MPs.

Today the European Parliament (EP) is planning to approve the report on Latvias preparedness to join the European Union, submitted by the German Deputy Elisabeth Schroedter. Elisabeth Schroedter states that the policy of education, language and citizenship of Latvia complies with the international standards, but requires flexibility in the area of implementation of the education reform. The EP deputy also calls on Latvian government to grant voting rights to the non-citizens, who are permanent residents of the country, at municipal elections and EP elections, as well as to ratify the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities as soon as possible. The report, referring to the recent attempt of the Saeima to recall Martijans Bekasovs from the status of the EP observer, also stipulates that Latvia should insure the freedom of speech for all citizens and Parliament MPs. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Diena, Chas

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus during the visit to Russia has informed about his plans to draw up recommendations for the improvement of Russian speaking minority’s situation in Latvia and Estonia.

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus during the visit to Russia has informed about his plans to draw up recommendations for the improvement of Russian speaking minoritys situation in Latvia and Estonia. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Executive director of the Riga City Council Maris Tralmaks, following the recommendations of the State Security Police, has not authorized the organization of the procession on 16 March, the Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion, planned by the nationalist youth organization “Klubs 415” (“Club 415”).

Executive director of the Riga City Council Maris Tralmaks, following the recommendations of the State Security Police, has not authorized the organization of the procession on 16 March, the Commemoration day for the Latvian Legion, planned by the nationalist youth organization Klubs 415 (Club 415). Diena, Rigas Balss, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Newspapers feature statements of the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics, the Special Task Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks and the head of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools Igors Pimenovs about future activities in the area of education reform. Both ministers do not see the possibility for moratorium on the education reform. Juris Radzevics has stated that he fully supports the transition to Latvian as the main language of instruction in minority schools. According to him, the main reason of confrontation is not reluctance to learn Latvian, but the lack of dialogue.  

Newspapers feature statements of the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics, the Special Task Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks and the head of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools Igors Pimenovs about future activities in the area of education reform. Both ministers do not see the possibility for moratorium on the education reform. Juris Radzevics has stated that he fully supports the transition to Latvian as the main language of instruction in minority schools. According to him, the main reason of confrontation is not reluctance to learn Latvian, but the lack of dialogue. Rigas Balss writes that Igors Pimenovs believes Juris Radzevicss planned visits to all minority schools in order to explain the goals of the reform to minority students, parents and teachers are overdue, and predicts further protest actions in case the Law on Education will not be amended in line with the demands of reforms opponents. Rigas Balss, Telegraf

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the Special Task Minister for Society integration Nils Muiznieks about the plans of his Secretariat. According to Nils Muiznieks, the main task is to develop a dialogue with the minority NGOs, students and their parents about the education reform. The Special Task Minister has also pointed to the urgent necessity of incorporating paragraphs, prohibiting any form of racial discrimination, into many Latvian laws.

Russian Party and Association of Russian societies have made a statement that the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools do not have the right to speak for all Russians of Latvia. The leader of the party Mihails Gavrilovs has expressed support to the idea of Russian language as the second state language in Latvia, as well as for the automatic alternative of citizenship, at the same time stressing that it is too early to postulate such demands. According to him, the most important now is to renew a dialogue with the Latvian community, which was deranged by the Headquarters’ activities.

Russian Party and Association of Russian societies have made a statement that the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-language Schools do not have the right to speak for all Russians of Latvia. The leader of the party Mihails Gavrilovs has expressed support to the idea of Russian language as the second state language in Latvia, as well as for the automatic alternative of citizenship, at the same time stressing that it is too early to postulate such demands. According to him, the most important now is to renew a dialogue with the Latvian community, which was deranged by the Headquarters activities. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Latvijas Vestnesis

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the Chairperson of the Moscow Helsinki Group Ludmila Alexeeva about the observation of Russian minoritys rights in Latvia. Ludmila Alexeeva points to the necessity to take into account the interests of the Russian students and their parents in the process of implementation of education reform. The Chairperson also believes that the attitude towards Russians in Latvia is better than the attitude towards the representatives of other nationalities or races in Russia.

Official newspaper

Official newspaper Latvijas Vestnesis features an article by the project leader of the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences, sociologist Evija Klave about the conflict between two languages, Russian and Latvian, as a cause of strain in the area of education reform. According to Evija Klave, this conflict of languages, based on competition in the public sphere, in more or less latent form has lasted for many years, and now the education reform made it more pronounced.

Chairman of the Russia’s State Council Committee on International AffairsKonstantin Kosachov regards the new government of Latvia as a new possibility for the solution of the problems of education reform in Latvia. He believes that the new government will be more flexible and responsive towards the needs of Russian speaking minority.

Chairman of the Russias State Council Committee on International AffairsKonstantin Kosachov regards the new government of Latvia as a new possibility for the solution of the problems of education reform in Latvia. He believes that the new government will be more flexible and responsive towards the needs of Russian speaking minority. Diena

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

• Saeima approves the new government of Latvia
• Minister for Education and Science Juris Radzevics does not see a reason for postponing the education reform
• Minister for Foreign Affairs Rihards Piks: Latvia can not ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities yet
• NGOs Rietumu Krievi and Pilsoniskâ iniciativa XXI do not support the requirements of the Congress of the Defenders of Russian-language schools
• Political scientist and professor of the University of Latvia Juris Rozenvalds on the implementation of the education reform
• State Secretary of the MFA Maris Riekstins: Russia could agree to sign the treaty on collaboration with the European Union
• Russian language newspapers about the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Russia
• About the Afro - Latvian Association

Yesterday Saeima approved the new government of Latvia with 56 votes in favor (coalition parties Union of Farmers and Greens, Latvia’s First Party and Peoples Party, and deputies from the People’s Harmony Party), 33 against (all New Era and For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM deputies) and 11 abstentions (by the Socialist Party and For Human Rights in the United Latvia deputies). The two vacant positions in the new government – Minister for Health and Minister for Transport – are said to testify the determination of the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis to transform this minority government, supported by the left-wing deputies, into the right-wing majority government. The former Special Task Minister for Society integration Nils Muiznieks will hold the same post with the new government.

Yesterday Saeima approved the new government of Latvia with 56 votes in favor (coalition parties Union of Farmers and Greens, Latvias First Party and Peoples Party, and deputies from the Peoples Harmony Party), 33 against (all New Era and For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM deputies) and 11 abstentions (by the Socialist Party and For Human Rights in the United Latvia deputies). The two vacant positions in the new government – Minister for Health and Minister for Transport – are said to testify the determination of the Prime Minister Indulis Emsis to transform this minority government, supported by the left-wing deputies, into the right-wing majority government. The former Special Task Minister for Society integration Nils Muiznieks will hold the same post with the new government. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Rigas Balss, Chas, Vechernaya Riga, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Minister for Education and Science Juris Radzevics does not see any reason for withdrawal of or moratorium on the education reform at present. Minister is planning to visit minority schools in order to evaluate their preparedness for education reform. One of the leaders of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools, Jurijs Petropavlovskis, hopes that the compromise with the new minister is achievable, and that the education reform could be postponed.

Minister for Education and Science Juris Radzevics does not see any reason for withdrawal of or moratorium on the education reform at present. Minister is planning to visit minority schools in order to evaluate their preparedness for education reform. One of the leaders of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-language schools, Jurijs Petropavlovskis, hopes that the compromise with the new minister is achievable, and that the education reform could be postponed. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vechernaya Riga

Minister for Foreign Affairs Rihards Piks has stated that Latvia cannot ratify the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities within the nearest future, because many issues about the consequences of the soviet occupation are not resolved.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Rihards Piks has stated that Latvia cannot ratify the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities within the nearest future, because many issues about the consequences of the soviet occupation are not resolved. Chas

Yesterday NGOs “Rietumu Krievi” (“Western Russians”) and “Pilsoniskâ iniciatîva XXI” (“Civic Initiative XXI”) have notified that they are separating themselves from the demands of the Congress of the Defenders of Russian-language schools on granting the “zero” (i.e. automatic for all) alternative of citizenship, and recognition of the Russian language as the second state language of Latvia. During the meeting with the two NGOs, the head of the Ministry of Education and Science General Education Department Guntis Vasilevskis has stated that the ministry officials are not prepared for the dialogue with the work group representatives, which had been delegated by the congress to communicate with the government, because of their overly politicized demands. 

Yesterday NGOs Rietumu Krievi (Western Russians) and Pilsoniskâ iniciatîva XXI (Civic Initiative XXI) have notified that they are separating themselves from the demands of the Congress of the Defenders of Russian-language schools on granting the zero (i.e. automatic for all) alternative of citizenship, and recognition of the Russian language as the second state language of Latvia. During the meeting with the two NGOs, the head of the Ministry of Education and Science General Education Department Guntis Vasilevskis has stated that the ministry officials are not prepared for the dialogue with the work group representatives, which had been delegated by the congress to communicate with the government, because of their overly politicized demands. Diena, Latvijas Avize

Public policy site

Public policy site www.politika.lv publishes an article of the political scientist and professor of the University of Latvia Juris Rozenvalds about the education reform implementation. Juris Rozenvalds believes that the ill-prepared reform will not be implemented in its present model, because the EU will not permit formation of the ethnic conflict inside the EU. Political scientist regards the radicalization of the demands of the significant part of Russian society as a result of the prolonged inability of the governing elite to acknowledge the Russian community of Latvia as something more than the passive object of the decisions made by the Latvian politicians.

The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Maris Riekstins believes that Russia could agree to sign the treaty on collaboration between Russia and the European Union, applying it also to the new member states. According to the State Secretary, new demands from the Russia’s side can possibly emerge during the process of ratification.

The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Maris Riekstins believes that Russia could agree to sign the treaty on collaboration between Russia and the European Union, applying it also to the new member states. According to the State Secretary, new demands from the Russias side can possibly emerge during the process of ratification. Diena

Russian language newspapers feature articles about the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Russia, stressing that discussion on observation of minority rights in Latvia and Estonia is also planned during this visit. According to the deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Russia Jurij Fedotov, representatives of Russia are preparing to raise the issue about the overt discrimination of Russian-speaking people in Latvia and Estonia during the session of the UN Human Rights Committee. The first deputy minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Eleonora Mitrophanova has informed about the plans to organize a round table discussion with the participation of representatives of the European organizations, in order to discuss to discuss the situation of minorities in Latvia and to seek a quick solution.

Russian language newspapers feature articles about the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus to Russia, stressing that discussion on observation of minority rights in Latvia and Estonia is also planned during this visit. According to the deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Russia Jurij Fedotov, representatives of Russia are preparing to raise the issue about the overt discrimination of Russian-speaking people in Latvia and Estonia during the session of the UN Human Rights Committee. The first deputy minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Eleonora Mitrophanova has informed about the plans to organize a round table discussion with the participation of representatives of the European organizations, in order to discuss to discuss the situation of minorities in Latvia and to seek a quick solution. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Public policy site

Public policy site www.politika.lv writes about the upcoming presentation of the newly-founded Afro-Latvian Association (AFROLAT). AFROLAT is a registered NGO of Latvia, representing the interests of Latvian residents of African origin. There are approximately 30 people of African origin living in Latvia today.