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

• Interview with Special Task Minister for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks
• Gap in law obstructs the naturalization of non-citizens children
• Municipal voting rights recommended in the report of European Parliament on Immigration, integration and employment
• Newspapers report on Finnish article about the attempt of Russia to put pressure on Latvia and Estonia through the EU
• Interview with activist of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-Language Schools
• Draft report of the European Parliament deputy Elisabeth Schrodter about the preparedness of Latvia to join the European Union

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with Special Task Minister for the Society Integration Nils Muiznieks about current events in the area of society integration and the future plans of the Special Task Ministers Secretariat. The Special Task Minister believes that it is not possible to grant voting rights at the municipal elections for non-citizens during the actual Saeimas term of office and calls on non-citizens to naturalize. Nils Muiznieks states that it is more necessary to motivate non-citizens to naturalize than to grant them additional political rights. The Minister also believes that the proportion of 40% subjects to be taught in minority language and 60% in Latvian must be established in the Law on Education.

Telegraf writes about the gap in the law, making difficult the registration of non-citizens children as citizens of Latvia. In a case described by the newspaper, the officials of the Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs have denied the application by a mother who just passed the exams of naturalization herself for the registration of her child as a citizen of Latvia, motivating their decision with stipulation that such an opportunity is available only for children, whose both parents are non-citizens. Special Task Minister for the Society Integration Nils Muiznieks believes that there is no reason for the refusal to register this child as a citizen of Latvia.

Newspapersfeature articles about recommendations included in the report of European Parliament (EP) on “Immigration, integration and employment”. The EP recommends granting voting rights at municipal elections and European Parliament elections for all EU permanent residents.

Newspapersfeature articles about recommendations included in the report of European Parliament (EP) on Immigration, integration and employment. The EP recommends granting voting rights at municipal elections and European Parliament elections for all EU permanent residents. Latvijas Avize, Chas

Newspapers report on an article in the Finnish newspaper “Helsingin Sanomat”, which points to the attempt by Russia to put pressure on Latvia and Estonia in the area of minority rights observation using the EU as a mediator. According to the “Helsingin Sanomat”, the EU itself is in a difficult situation because it lacks sufficient mechanisms to pressure Russia into accepting that the framework aqgreement of cooperation between EU and Russia also apply to new member states.

Newspapersreport on an article in the Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat, which points to the attempt by Russia to put pressure on Latvia and Estonia in the area of minority rights observation using the EU as a mediator. According to the Helsingin Sanomat, the EU itself is in a difficult situation because it lacks sufficient mechanisms to pressure Russia into accepting that the framework aqgreement of cooperation between EU and Russia also apply to new member states. Latvijas Avize, Telegraf

Chas features an interview with the activist of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian-Language Schools Vadim Gailish about the planned protest actions of this organization against the 2004 education reform.

Telegraf prints the draft report of the European Parliament deputy from Germany Elisabeth Schrodter about the preparedness of Latvia to join the European Union.

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

• Politicianson the draft report about the preparedness of Latvia to join the European Union
• President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga on proposal to allow only citizens of Latvia to be school directors
• Protest against new education law amendments
• Vice-mayor of Riga City Council Aivars Kreituss about the participation of non-citizens at the municipal elections
• Establishment of a Russian language examination centre

Politicians comment on the draft report of the European Parliament deputy from Germany Elisabeth Schrodter about the preparedness of Latvia to join the European Union. Head of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Inese Vaidere (For Fatherland and Freedom/Latvian National Independence Movement) in an article published by

Politicians comment on the draft report of the European Parliament deputy from Germany Elisabeth Schrodter about the preparedness of Latvia to join the European Union. Head of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Inese Vaidere (For Fatherland and Freedom/Latvian National Independence Movement) in an article published by Latvijas Avize, regards this report as imprecise and tendentious, and reproaches Elisabeth Schrodter for not differentiating between the ethnic minorities and for placing Russians in a favourable position. Inese Vaidere also believes that the granting of voting rights for non-citizens at the municipal elections would not promote social integration but deform it. Chas features a full text of the draft report of Elisabeth Schrodter and statements of various MPs. Latvijas Avize, Chas

President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga judges positively the proposal of the Ministry of Education and Science to reserve the right to occupy the position of school director exclusively for citizens and to grant them civil servants’ status. According to the President, education is important enough at the national level to justify such restrictions.

President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga judges positively the proposal of the Ministry of Education and Science to reserve the right to occupy the position of school director exclusively for citizens and to grant them civil servants status. According to the President, education is important enough at the national level to justify such restrictions. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Riga City Council has received an application from the deputy of the Riga City Council Genadij Kotov (For Human Rights in the United Latvia) asking for a permit to organize a picket against the education reform near the Saeima building on January 22, 2004. On this day, Saeima will examine 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. According to Mr Kotov, the proposed amendments are an attempt to abolish the progress achieved in the area of minority education policy.

Riga City Council has received an application from the deputy of the Riga City Council Genadij Kotov (For Human Rights in the United Latvia) asking for a permit to organize a picket against the education reform near the Saeima building on January 22, 2004. On this day, Saeima will examine 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. According to Mr Kotov, the proposed amendments are an attempt to abolish the progress achieved in the area of minority education policy. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Vice-mayor of Riga City Council Aivars Kreituss believes that the elections of  the municipal councils in 2005 will be the last municipal elections without the participation of non-citizens. According to the Vice-mayor, after accession to the European Union Latvia could not escape from adopting European standards in this field.

Vice-mayor of Riga City Council Aivars Kreituss believes that the elections of the municipal councils in 2005 will be the last municipal elections without the participation of non-citizens. According to the Vice-mayor, after accession to the European Union Latvia could not escape from adopting European standards in this field. Chas

A Russian language examination centre is established at the University of Latvia, offering the opportunity to pass the Russian language exam and to get a certificate, acknowledging Russian language skills.

A Russian language examination centre is established at the University of Latvia, offering the opportunity to pass the Russian language exam and to get a certificate, acknowledging Russian language skills. Latvijas Avize, Chas

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

• Discussion about amendments to the Law on Education, proposed by the Saeima Education and Science Committee
• Latvian and European Parliament MPs on the report about Latvias preparedness to join to the European Union
• About the granting of voting rights for non-citizens at municipal elections
• Russia engages in court proceeding against Latvia by Russian ex-militarys family at the European Court for Human Rights
• Latvias First Party about proposal to grant civil servants status to school directors
• Interview with the Chairperson of Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Inese Vaidere
• Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-LanguageSchools and the statements by the Minister of Education and Science

Newspapers discuss amendments to the Law on Education, proposed by the Saeima Education and Science Committee, which stipulate that all instruction in minority secondary schools from the grade 10 must be provided in Latvian language, with the exception of minority languages as subjects and those which are related to the maintenance of minority identity.  Opposition politician Jakov Pliner (FHRUL) regards this amendment as deviation from the previously planned legislation changes, replacing the foreseen 40% subjects to be taught in minority language with only 10%.

Newspapers discuss amendments to the Law on Education, proposed by the Saeima Education and Science Committee, which stipulate that all instruction in minority secondary schools from the grade 10 must be provided in Latvian language, with the exception of minority languages as subjects and those which are related to the maintenance of minority identity. Opposition politician Jakov Pliner (FHRUL) regards this amendment as deviation from the previously planned legislation changes, replacing the foreseen 40% subjects to be taught in minority language with only 10%. Vesti Segodnya features the statements of school directors about this proposal. Diena, Telegraf

Latvijas Avize features Latvian MPs and European Parliament MPs statements on the report of the European Parliament deputy from Germany Elisabeth Schroedter about the preparedness of Latvia to join the European Union. According to Rihards Piks, Latvian representative at the EU Convention, the biggest discontent was caused by the conclusions of Elisabeth Schroedter about the extent of corruption in Latvia and the education reform of 2004. Vesti Segodnya prints an interview with Elisabeth Schroedter.

Yesterday the Saeima rejected a proposal of the parliamentary faction FHRUL to grant voting rights for non-citizens at the municipal elections. Latvian observer to the European Parliament Boris Tsilevich believes that in the future pressure will increase from international institutions for the extension of non-citizens’ rights. According to the observer, the European Parliament has included a recommendation to grant  voting rights at the municipal elections and European Parliament elections for all EU permanent residents in the report “Immigration, integration and employment.”

Yesterday the Saeima rejected a proposal of the parliamentary faction FHRUL to grant voting rights for non-citizens at the municipal elections. Latvian observer to the European Parliament Boris Tsilevich believes that in the future pressure will increase from international institutions for the extension of non-citizens rights. According to the observer, the European Parliament has included a recommendation to grant voting rights at the municipal elections and European Parliament elections for all EU permanent residents in the report Immigration, integration and employment. Telegraf, Vechernaya Riga, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Russia has officially engaged in the court proceeding initiated by Russian ex-military Vikulov’s family against Latvia at the European Court for Human Rights (ECHR) about the violation of their human rights when expelled from Latvia. The Vikulov family members are citizens of Russia.

Russia has officially engaged in the court proceeding initiated by Russian ex-military Vikulovs family against Latvia at the European Court for Human Rights (ECHR) about the violation of their human rights when expelled from Latvia. The Vikulov family members are citizens of Russia. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Latvia’s First Party is planning to meet the Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis in order to discuss his proposal to grant civil servants’ status to schools directors from September 1, 2004. Latvia’s First Party, in comments by the head of the party’s parliamentary group Oskars Kastens, regards this proposal as premature.

Latvias First Party is planning to meet the Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis in order to discuss his proposal to grant civil servants status to schools directors from September 1, 2004. Latvias First Party, in comments by the head of the partys parliamentary group Oskars Kastens, regards this proposal as premature. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Telegraf features an interview with the Head of Saeimas Foreign Affairs Committee Inese Vaidere (Fatherland and Freedom/Latvian National Independence Movement) about the education reform and the proposal to confer civil servants status on school directors.

Diena publishes commentary of Centres for Public Policy PROVIDUS researcherIndra Dedze on the response of the Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis to the recent vandalism act at the Ministry of Education and Science, when the Minister has blamed the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools (LASHOR) for motivating minority representatives to join in destructive actions. The author believes that the Ministers statements deepen the gap between Latvians and Russians, and hinder the societal integration process. Russian-language newspapers print an official LASHOR response to the Ministers statements. Diena, Vesti Segodnya, Chas

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

• Ministry of Education and Science proposes amendments to the Law on Education
• FHRULs proposals to the Law on Education have been rejected by the Saeimas Education, Culture and Science Committee
• Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry expresses incomprehension on the expressions of the Minister of Education and Science Karlis Shadurskis
• Prohibition to stand for European Parliament elections for ex-officials of the State Security Committee may be incompliant with the Latvian Constitution and EU standards

Ministry of Education and Science is preparing amendments to the Law on Education, which foresee granting the civil servants’ status to the school directors from September 1, 2004. The same would apply to the deputy directors from the year 2007. Approximately 20% of school directors are non-citizens today.

Ministry of Education and Science is preparing amendments to the Law on Education, which foresee granting the civil servants status to the school directors from September 1, 2004. The same would apply to the deputy directors from the year 2007. Approximately 20% of school directors are non-citizens today. Diena, Rigas Balss, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Vechernaya Riga, Telegraf

Saeima Education, Culture and Science Committee have rejected all proposals of the parliamentary group For Human Rights in the United Latvia to the Law on Education. The FHRUL has suggested granting the right for schools’ administration, students and parents to define the language of instruction, and the rights for minority students to present their theses in the mother tongue.

Saeima Education, Culture and Science Committee have rejected all proposals of the parliamentary group For Human Rights in the United Latvia to the Law on Education. The FHRUL has suggested granting the right for schools administration, students and parents to define the language of instruction, and the rights for minority students to present their theses in the mother tongue. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Vechernaya Riga

Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry has expressed incomprehension of the expressions of the Minister of Education and Science Karlis Shadurskis, who blamed the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools and the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian Schools for motivating minority representatives to join in the destructive actions.

Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry has expressed incomprehension of the expressions of the Minister of Education and Science Karlis Shadurskis, who blamed the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools and the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian Schools for motivating minority representatives to join in the destructive actions. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Yesterday Saeima Legal Affairs Committee has not made a decision on the possible prohibition to stand for 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. According to the Saeima Bureau of Legal Affairs, the prohibition is controversial and can be recognized as incompatible with the Latvian Constitution and the EU standards. Final decision may be made within two weeks.

Yesterday Saeima Legal Affairs Committee has not made a decision on the possible prohibition to stand for 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. According to the Saeima Bureau of Legal Affairs, the prohibition is controversial and can be recognized as incompatible with the Latvian Constitution and the EU standards. Final decision may be made within two weeks. Diena, Vesti Segodnya

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

• Cabinet of Ministers confirms Latvias Commissioner of the European Commission
• Naturalization Board receives the second largest amount of naturalization applications since the beginning of naturalization process
• Campaign to promote the naturalization of non-citizens children planned
• Russian-language school defenders request the resignation of the Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis
• Parliamentary faction FHRUL plans to challenge results of the elections of European Parliament if proposed amendments of election laws will not be accepted
• Saeima MP Vladimir Buzajev about the planned actions against education reform

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers unanimously confirmed the Foreign Affairs Minister Sandra Kalniete as the Commissioner of the European Commission from Latvia.

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers unanimously confirmed the Foreign Affairs Minister Sandra Kalniete as the Commissioner of the European Commission from Latvia. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Telegraf, Chas

Last year the Naturalization Board received 11 268 naturalization applications, which is the second largest yearly amount of naturalization applications received by the Board since the beginning of naturalization process. Until now, 70 038 non-citizens have been naturalized since 1995.

Last year the Naturalization Board received 11268 naturalization applications, which is the second largest yearly amount of naturalization applications received by the Board since the beginning of naturalization process. Until now, 70038 non-citizens have been naturalized since 1995. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas

Telegraf writes about a campaign to promote the naturalization of the non-citizens children who are entitled to become citizens of Latvia by registration, planned by the Secretariat of the Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration Affairs and the Secretariat of the Minister for Special Assignments for Children and Family Affairs. According to the information from the Naturalization Board there are more than 17000 children in Latvia who are eligible for registration as citizens. Telegraf

Yesterday the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools (LASHOR) and the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian Schools issued a statement calling for the resignation of the Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis. According to these organizations, the latest expressions of the Minister making a connection between the defenders of Russian-language schools to the recent extremist perpetrated vandalism against the Ministry of Education shows the Minister’s inability to properly evaluate previous constructive proposals by the organizations regarding the minority education reform.

Yesterday the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools (LASHOR) and the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian Schools issued a statement calling for the resignation of the Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis. According to these organizations, the latest expressions of the Minister making a connection between the defenders of Russian-language schools to the recent extremist perpetrated vandalism against the Ministry of Education shows the Ministers inability to properly evaluate previous constructive proposals by the organizations regarding the minority education reform. Vesti Segodnya, Vechernaya Riga, Telegraf, Chas

The Saeima parliamentary group FHRUL (For Human Rights in United Latvia) plans to challenge the results of the elections of the European Parliament if amendments to the election laws will not be accepted.  The faction has proposed removing the prohibition to stand for 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. FHRUL spokesperson Miroslav Mitrofanov also calls attention to the pending case of Equality leader Tatjana Zhdanok before the European Court for Human Rights, in which the prohibition is challenged. Tatjana Zhdanok also plans to bring a complaint to the Constitutional Court in case the FHRUL proposed amendments to the Law on elections of the European Parliament are not accepted in parliament.

The Saeima parliamentary group FHRUL (For Human Rights in United Latvia) plans to challenge the results of the elections of the European Parliament if amendments to the election laws will not be accepted. The faction has proposed removing the prohibition to stand for 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. FHRUL spokesperson Miroslav Mitrofanov also calls attention to the pending case of Equality leader Tatjana Zhdanok before the European Court for Human Rights, in which the prohibition is challenged. Tatjana Zhdanok also plans to bring a complaint to the Constitutional Court in case the FHRUL proposed amendments to the Law on elections of the European Parliament are not accepted in parliament. Latvijas Avize, Vesti segodnya, Vechernaya Riga, Telegraf, Chas

Vechernaya Riga interviews Saeima deputy and representative of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian Schools Vladimir Buzajev (FHRUL) about the planned actions to protest against the education reform.