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

• Education and societal integration experts about the amendments to the Law on Education
• Over 1,000 participants in unapproved protest action against the amendments to the Law on Education
• Riga Vice-Mayor Sergey Dolgopolov on education reform deadlock
• Representative of the Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry A. Jakovenko criticizes the amendments to Latvias Law on Education
• RussiaState Council rejects the proposal of the parliamentary group Rodina member Viktors Alksnis to discuss the observation of Russian-speakers human rights in Latvia

Diena features the statements of education and societal integration experts about the amendments to the Law on Education, regarding the decision of the Saeima as ill advised and directed against social integration. The Special Tasks Minister for the Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks and the director of the Society Integration Foundation Nils Sakss point to the ambiguity and the varied interpretation possibilities of the norm which stipulates that all instruction in minority secondary schools from grade 10 must be in the Latvian language, with the exception of minority languages as subjects in themselves and those subjects which relate to the maintenance of minority identity. Independent experts from NGOs Ilze Brands Kehris and Irena Freimane are more critical and consider the new amendments a breach of earlier government promises of a 60-40% division between state and minority languages in secondary minority education. The Special Task Minister is planning to meet Saeima MPs and the officials of the Ministry of Education and Science to discuss this issue.

Yesterday approximately 1,000 – 2,000 students, their parents and representatives of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-Language Schools participated at an unapproved protest action near the Ministry of the Education and Science against the amendments to the Law on Education. Saeima MP and representative of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-Language Schools Jakov Pliner, as reported by

Yesterday approximately 1,000 – 2,000 students, their parents and representatives of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-Language Schools participated at an unapproved protest action near the Ministry of the Education and Science against the amendments to the Law on Education. Saeima MP and representative of the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-Language Schools Jakov Pliner, as reported by Latvijas Avize, stresses that this protest action was an initiative of Russian-language schools and denies the role of the Defenders of Russian-Language school as the main organizers of this protest action. According to Dienas reporter,the young people interviewed were protesting against the education reform as such and were not informed about the latest amendments to the law. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Vesti Segodnya prints an interview with Riga Vice-Mayor Sergey Dolgopolov, who believes that discussion about the 2004 education reform has reached a deadlock. According to the Vice-Mayor both sides – the supporters of the reform as well as its opponents - are not able to make concessions and therefore a compromise in this area is impossible.

The representative of Russia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry A. Jakovenko states that the decision of the Saeima on the amendments to the Law on Education shows that the Latvian legislation is in conflict with the general tendencies in European human rights, where extending the possibilities for minorities to use their mother tongue are allegedly the norm.

The representative of Russias Foreign Affairs Ministry A. Jakovenko states that the decision of the Saeima on the amendments to the Law on Education shows that the Latvian legislation is in conflict with the general tendencies in European human rights, where extending the possibilities for minorities to use their mother tongue are allegedly the norm. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Russia State Council has rejected a proposal of the parliamentary group “Rodina” member Viktors Alksnis to invite the Russia Foreign Affairs minister Igor Ivanov to participate at the State Council’s session to discuss the observation of Russian-speakers human rights in Latvia.

Russia State Council has rejected a proposal of the parliamentary group Rodina member Viktors Alksnis to invite the Russia Foreign Affairs minister Igor Ivanov to participate at the State Councils session to discuss the observation of Russian-speakers human rights in Latvia. Latvijas Avize

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

• The Saeima adopts education law amendments restricting the use of Russian in minority secondary schools
• 1,500 people participate in demonstration against the amendments to the Law on Education
• Interview with the head of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools Igor Pimenov
• Director of the Latvian Institute of International Affairs Atis Lejins on the relationship between Latvia and Russia and the draft report of European Parliament deputy Elisabeth Schrodter

Saeima has adopted the amendments to the Law on Education in the second reading, stipulating that all instruction in minority secondary schools from grade 10 must be in the Latvian language, with the exception of minority languages as subjects in themselves and those subjects which relate to the maintenance of minority identity. The Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis claims that these amendments are not in conflict with the ratio 60-40% of Latvian and Russian language use in minority schools, accepted by the Cabinet of Ministers last summer. Saeima MP Boris Tsilevitch (People’s Harmony Party) brings up the ambiguity regarding which subjects could be defined as relating to the maintenance of minority identity.

Saeima has adopted the amendments to the Law on Education in the second reading, stipulating that all instruction in minority secondary schools from grade 10 must be in the Latvian language, with the exception of minority languages as subjects in themselves and those subjects which relate to the maintenance of minority identity. The Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis claims that these amendments are not in conflict with the ratio 60-40% of Latvian and Russian language use in minority schools, accepted by the Cabinet of Ministers last summer. Saeima MP Boris Tsilevitch (Peoples Harmony Party) brings up the ambiguity regarding which subjects could be defined as relating to the maintenance of minority identity. Diena commentator Askolds Rodins reflects that the Saeima, by the substantial change of the education reforms provisions nine months before its implementation, is causing not only practical problems but also results in the distancing of the main objective of the reform - social integration. The commentator believes that reform will not be acceptable for a substantial part of society because the action of the state could be perceived as a breach of promise. Diena, Rigas Balss, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Telegraf, Veshernaya Riga, Vesti Segodnya

Yesterday approximately 1, 500 people participated in a picket near the Saeima building, organized by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-Language Schools against the amendments to the Law on Education. They asked for the resignation of the Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis and the free choice of the language of instruction.

Yesterday approximately 1, 500 people participated in a picket near the Saeima building, organized by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-Language Schools against the amendments to the Law on Education. They asked for the resignation of the Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis and the free choice of the language of instruction. Chas and Telegraf informs that in order to protest against the amendments to the law a strike at some eight Riga secondary schools is planned for today. Diena, Rigas Balss, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Telegraf, Vechernaya Riga, Vesti Segodnya

Rigas Balss interviews the head of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools Igor Pimenov about the statements of the organization about the education reform and social integration. Igor Pimenov points to the necessity develop a third community, members of which would be able to speak both languages.

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the director of the Latvian Institute of International Affairs Atis Lejins about the relationship between Latvia and Russia and the latest draft report prepared by the European Parliament deputy Elisabeth Schrodter about the preparedness of Latvia to join the European Union. Atis Lejins states that until now Latvia has held an appropriate and stable position with regard to Russia, while Russias reluctance to sign the boarder agreement with Latvia shows the necessity to stay attentive to the position also in the future. Commenting the draft report about the preparedness of Latvia to join the European Union, Atis Lejins points to the political membership of the Elisabeth Schrodter (Germanys Green Party), stating that the report reflects only her political sympathies which are not favorable to Latvia.

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

• Saeima Legal Affairs Committee recommends to exclude the restrictions on standing for the European Parliament elections
• Proposed amendments to the Law on Education reduce proportion of minority language in secondary schools
• Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis on obstacles to the 2004 education reform
• European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defense Policy discusses the draft report about the preparedness of Latvia to join the European Union
• EP report includes call on Russia to ratify the boarder agreements with Latvia and Estonia

The Saeima Legal Affairs Committee has recommended to exclude the prohibition to stand for the European Parliament 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 in the election law. According to the Head of the Committee Solvita Aboltina, after Latvia’s accession to the EU and NATO the candidacy of these persons for the EP elections can not be considered a security risk for Latvia as a democratic state.

The Saeima Legal Affairs Committee has recommended to exclude the prohibition to stand for the European Parliament 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 in the election law. According to the Head of the Committee Solvita Aboltina, after Latvias accession to the EU and NATO the candidacy of these persons for the EP elections can not be considered a security risk for Latvia as a democratic state. Diena, Rigas Balss, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Vechernaya Riga, Chas, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

Today the amendments to the Law on Education, stipulating that all instruction in minority secondary schools from grade 10 must be in the Latvian language, with the exception of minority languages as subjects in themselves and those subjects which relate to the maintenance of minority identity will be reviewed by the Saeima. Russian-language newspapers point out that most of the Saeima MPs are positive towards these amendments and predict a parliamentary majority supporting the amendments. Although this would entail a breech of the promise given by the government that secondary school minority education would allow for 40% of classes to be taught in the minority language, the Minister of Education’s party New Era parliamentary faction has supported the new amendments proposed by the parliamentary committee on education. MP and observer of Latvia to the European Parliament (EP) Boris Tsilevich reportedly informed

Today the amendments to the Law on Education, stipulating that all instruction in minority secondary schools from grade 10 must be in the Latvian language, with the exception of minority languages as subjects in themselves and those subjects which relate to the maintenance of minority identity will be reviewed by the Saeima. Russian-language newspapers point out that most of the Saeima MPs are positive towards these amendments and predict a parliamentary majority supporting the amendments. Although this would entail a breech of the promise given by the government that secondary school minority education would allow for 40% of classes to be taught in the minority language, the Minister of Educations party New Era parliamentary faction has supported the new amendments proposed by the parliamentary committee on education. MP and observer of Latvia to the European Parliament (EP) Boris Tsilevich reportedly informed Vesti Segodnya that he hasprepared a letter calling on the officials of the EP to put pressure on the Saeima in order to ensure the safeguarding of the interests of minority students. Diena, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Latvijas Avize prints an article by the Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis about obstacles to the successful implementation of the 2004 education reform. The Minister points to the necessity of dialogue between the supporters and opponents of education reform in a unified information space and stresses that the actual situation shows that opponents to the reform use a different information space than supporters. Karlis Sadurskis also believes that positive discussion outcome is possible only after depoliticizing the issue.

Newspapers report on the discussion in the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defense Policy about the draft report prepared by the European Parliament deputy Elisabeth Schrodter about the preparedness of Latvia to join the European Union. The Head of the EP Committee Elmar Brok, reports

Newspapers report on the discussion in the European Parliaments Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defense Policy about the draft report prepared by the European Parliament deputy Elisabeth Schrodter about the preparedness of Latvia to join the European Union. The Head of the EP Committee Elmar Brok, reports Diena, has stressed that new member states should not have higher demands put on them than EU member states themselves are fulfilling. Telegraf reports that Ambassador of Latvia to the European Union Andris Kesteris admits that the problems pointed out by Elisabeth Schrodter really do exist but there is a question about the formulation and wording used in the report. Diena, Latvijas Avize

European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defense Policy, in a report about the relationship between Russia and the EU, calls on Russia to ratify the boarder agreements with Latvia and Estonia immediately.

European Parliaments Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defense Policy, in a report about the relationship between Russia and the EU, calls on Russia to ratify the boarder agreements with Latvia and Estonia immediately. Diena

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

• Defenders of Russian-language schools plan to appeal to the EU member states governments
• Parliamentarian discussions of the European Parliament (EP) election law
• Students of the Riga Zolitude secondary school are forbidden to participate at the protest actions against the education reform
• EP Draft resolution condemns totalitarian communist regimes

During their congress in February or March defenders of Russian-language schools are planning to adopt an appeal to the EU member states’ governments and international organizations, asking to condemn the assimilating policy of the Latvian government in the area of minority education. Meanwhile, MP Vladimir Buzajev (FHRUL) informed that the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-Language Schools is planning to organize the action “Empty Schools” on May 1, 2004, calling on minority students to boycott all lessons which are taught in Latvian.

During their congress in February or March defenders of Russian-language schools are planning to adopt an appeal to the EU member states governments and international organizations, asking to condemn the assimilating policy of the Latvian government in the area of minority education. Meanwhile, MP Vladimir Buzajev (FHRUL) informed that the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-Language Schools is planning to organize the action Empty Schools on May 1, 2004, calling on minority students to boycott all lessons which are taught in Latvian. Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vechernaya Riga, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

Discussion of the planned review of the European Parliament (EP) election law continues, highlighting the divided attitude within the governing coalition to 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. The decision depends on the vote of New Era MPs, who disagree on the issue.

Discussion of the planned review of the European Parliament (EP) election law continues, highlighting the divided attitude within the governing coalition to 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. The decision depends on the vote of New Era MPs, who disagree on the issue. Latvijas Avize prints an article by the head of the New Era parliamentary group Krisjanis Karins about the matter. The newspaper publishes interview with the Head of the EPs Information Bureau in Latvia Philippe Kamaris. According to Mr Kamaris during the drafting of the EP election law the introduction of the prohibition is a matter of national legislation, but once the law is adopted it will be the competence of the European Commission to examine the observation of EU standards in the national legislation. Telegraf, Latvijas Avize

Vechernaya Riga writes about the prohibition for the students of the Riga Zolitude secondary school to participate in protest actions against the 2004 education. The school director Svetlana Slivenko holds that the children should not participate in the political games of the adults. The director says that non-attendance of school with the goal to participate in actions against the education reform will be considered unjustified absences.

The European Parliament (EP) European People’s Party and European Democrats parliamentary groups are preparing a resolution condemning totalitarian communism regimes. If the resolution is adopted, EP will recognize the equality of all victims of totalitarian regimes. The resolution will also require the establishment of a European research and documentation centre and the introduction of a special commemoration day for the victims of the totalitarian communist regimes.

The European Parliament (EP) European Peoples Party and European Democrats parliamentary groups are preparing a resolution condemning totalitarian communism regimes. If the resolution is adopted, EP will recognize the equality of all victims of totalitarian regimes. The resolution will also require the establishment of a European research and documentation centre and the introduction of a special commemoration day for the victims of the totalitarian communist regimes. Diena, Latvijas Avize

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

• Abolition of prohibition to stand for European Parliament elections for ex-officials of the State Security Committee of the SovietRepublic of Latvia less unlikely after parliamentary discussions
• Interview with Special Task Minister for Society Integration Affairs Nils Muiznieks on education reform
• Comments on the proposal of the Ministry of Education and Science to grant civil servants status to school directors
• Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools agreed call to participate in a demonstration against the education reform
• Planned meeting of the Latvian Ambassador to the European Union Andris Kesteris and the European Parliament deputy from Germany Elisabeth Schrodter
• Criticism of extreme expressions bythe Head of the National Broadcasting Council of Latvia Imants Rakins
• US researchers view about reasons for low risk of armed revolt by Russian-speaking people in Latvia

The Saeima may decide to repeal a prohibition to stand for the European Parliament 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. The parliamentary groups of Latvia’s First Party and For Human Rights in the United Latvia have expressed their support for this abolition. According to the Head of the Saeima Legal Affairs Committee Solvita Aboltina (New Era), some representatives of that party may also favour this decision, thus making abolition more likely. 

The Saeima may decide to repeal a prohibition to stand for the European Parliament 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. The parliamentary groups of Latvias First Party and For Human Rights in the United Latvia have expressed their support for this abolition. According to the Head of the Saeima Legal Affairs Committee Solvita Aboltina (New Era), some representatives of that party may also favour this decision, thus making abolition more likely. Diena, Rigas Balss, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Diena features Saeima MPs and experts statements on the proposal of the Ministry of Education and Science to grant civil servants status to schools directors from September 1, 2004. The Minister Karlis Sadurskis claims that this proposal has nothing to do with citizenship, although only citizens may be civil servants and instead simply aims to improve the quality of education. The Head of Latvias First Party parliamentary group Oskars Kastens believes that this proposal is not the best instrument for the improvement of the schools directors performance. The Head of the Saeima parliamentary group of the Union of Greens and Farmers Augusts Brigmanis has expressed incomprehension about the number of reforms announced lately by the Minister of Education and Science. Public Policy Centre PROVIDUS researcherIndra Dedze believes that the hasty proposal indicates the Ministers desire to soon realize a couple of reforms in which he is not expecting sufficient support from the schools. Diena

Latvijas Avize features an interview withSpecial Task Minister for Society Integration Affairs Nils Muiznieks about the 2004 minority education reform. Nils Muiznieks states that in his view there are three groups of education reform opponents in Latvia: those who are principled opponents to the reform and who will remain in opposition no matter what policies are suggested by the government; parents who are troubled about the fall of the quality of instruction at the Russian-language schools; and parents who are not informed about the real aims of the reform.

Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools has heeded the call of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-Language Schools asking Russian-speaking people to participate at the picket against the education reform near the Saeima building on January 22, 2004.

Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools has heeded the call of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-Language Schools asking Russian-speaking people to participate at the picket against the education reform near the Saeima building on January 22, 2004. Vechernaya Riga, Telegraf, Chas

The Ambassador of Latvia to the European Union Andris Kesteris is planning to meet the European Parliament deputy from Germany Elisabeth Schrodter to discuss the draft report about the preparedness of Latvia to join the European Union.

The Ambassador of Latvia to the European Union Andris Kesteris is planning to meet the European Parliament deputy from Germany Elisabeth Schrodter to discuss the draft report about the preparedness of Latvia to join the European Union. Telegraf

Vesti Segodnya criticizes the statements made by the Head of National Broadcasting Council of Latvia Imants Rakins to the national-extremist newspaper DDD. Newspaper stresses that Imants Rakins expressed view that Latvias decolonisation process is just is unacceptable for a state official.

Researchers of University of Maryland believe that the risk of Russian-speaking people organising an armed revolt in Latvia today is insignificant and continues to decrease. They motivate this statement with the improvement of the political and economic situation, the lack of unity among Russian-speaking people and the strategy of the leaders of Russian political parties to choose the mechanism of political discussions.

Researchers of University of Maryland believe that the risk of Russian-speaking people organising an armed revolt in Latvia today is insignificant and continues to decrease. They motivate this statement with the improvement of the political and economic situation, the lack of unity among Russian-speaking people and the strategy of the leaders of Russian political parties to choose the mechanism of political discussions. Vechernaya Riga