Press Report

Press Report

Yesterday the Government accepted amendments to the regulations on the Implementation of the State Language Law. The regulations determine the list of professions and jobs for which respective state language proficiency level is a mandatory pre-condition.

Yesterday the Government accepted amendments to the regulations on the Implementation of the State Language Law. The regulations determine the list of professions and jobs for which respective state language proficiency level is a mandatory pre-condition. Diena

Panorama Latvii judges the acceptance of the amendments in their present version as a gain for people whose native language is not Latvian and considers that such amendments were possible with “joint efforts of the OSCE Mission to Latvia and local human right defenders”.

Panorama Latvii judges the acceptance of the amendments in their present version as a gain for people whose native language is not Latvian and considers that such amendments were possible with joint efforts of the OSCE Mission to Latvia and local human right defenders.

In its group Latvia has acquired leading positions in negation talks on its accession to the EU. This year Latvia has closed 9 sections and it is 2 sections more than Lithuania, however, 6 sections less than Estonia has. Free movement of services, Free movement of capital, Legislation on Entrepreneurship, Fishery and Transport Policy are next sections to be discussed.

In its group Latvia has acquired leading positions in negation talks on its accession to the EU. This year Latvia has closed 9 sections and it is 2 sections more than Lithuania, however, 6 sections less than Estonia has. Free movement of services, Free movement of capital, Legislation on Entrepreneurship, Fishery and Transport Policy are next sections to be discussed. Diena, Chas

On Tuesday Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued note to Russia’s Embassy. Latvia asks Russia to guarantee guards for Latvia’s consulate in St.Petesburg as in both vandalism acts a security officer was not on guard.

On Tuesday Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued note to Russias Embassy. Latvia asks Russia to guarantee guards for Latvias consulate in St.Petesburg as in both vandalism acts a security officer was not on guard. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Latvia’s diplomats are concerned about threats of national bolshevists to take Latvia’s citizens who now are in Russia in hostages. Additional safety measures are taken in consulates in Moscow and St.Petersburg.

Latvias diplomats are concerned about threats of national bolshevists to take Latvias citizens who now are in Russia in hostages. Additional safety measures are taken in consulates in Moscow and St.Petersburg. Neatkariga

The Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins in the interview for the magazine “Komersant” characterised relations with Russia as “very diverse and contradictory”. From the point of view of the Minister the uniting factor for both countries is that “Latvia has lost thousands of its people, who were killed during war operations and sent to Siberia, died in camps and emigrated to the West - which country if not Russia that itself has lost so many people could understand our country better”.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins in the interview for the magazine Komersant characterised relations with Russia as very diverse and contradictory. From the point of view of the Minister the uniting factor for both countries is that Latvia has lost thousands of its people, who were killed during war operations and sent to Siberia, died in camps and emigrated to the West - which country if not Russia that itself has lost so many people could understand our country better. Vesti Segodnja

Respublika

looks at relations between Russia and Latvia in the light of the recent events. In regard to the latest actions of national bolshevists the newspaper emphasis the fact that Latvia received warning about these actions from Russia Security Service; another positive sign in the relationship between the two countries is the agreement on the exchange of the buildings between Latvijas dzelzcels (Latvias Railway) and Moscow Transport Department. Good words are also devoted to the President of Latvia – in her interview for Russias TV she said that she is sorry that Russia does not participate in Latvias integration programmes. looks at relations between Russia and Latvia in the light of the recent events. In regard to the latest actions of national bolshevists the newspaper emphasis the fact that Latvia received warning about these actions from Russia Security Service; another positive sign in the relationship between the two countries is the agreement on the exchange of the buildings between “Latvijas dzelzcels” (Latvia’s Railway) and Moscow Transport Department. Good words are also devoted to the President of Latvia – in her interview for Russia’s TV she said that she is sorry that Russia does not participate in Latvia’s integration programmes.

Press Report

Press Report

Newspapers write about President’s interview for Russia’s television. The President talked about how important are all aspects of relations with Russia, about Russians in Latvia, legionnaires, Latvia and the NATO. The President herself assessed this interview as much friendlier than the recent interview for BBC.

Newspapers write about Presidents interview for Russias television. The President talked about how important are all aspects of relations with Russia, about Russians in Latvia, legionnaires, Latvia and the NATO. The President herself assessed this interview as much friendlier than the recent interview for BBC. Neatkariga, Jauna, Rigas Balss, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnja, Chas

Diena

journalist interviews Sweden Minister of Defence Bjorn fon Zidov. The questions were in regard to Latvias accession to the NATO, EU, co-operation and relation fields with Russia, how Latvia could improve them and the position of Sweden in these matters. journalist interviews Sweden Minister of Defence Bjorn fon Zidov. The questions were in regard to Latvia’s accession to the NATO, EU, co-operation and relation fields with Russia, how Latvia could improve them and the position of Sweden in these matters. Riga District Court sentenced to 10-days arrest three Russia’s national bolshevists, who on November 17 “occupied” Peter’s Church.

Riga District Court sentenced to 10-days arrest three Russias national bolshevists, who on November 17 occupied Peters Church. Diena, Lauku Avize, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnja

On night from 17 to 18 November unknown persons had defiled Latvia’s Consulate in St.Petersburg with gas mixture. The guard of the Consulate extinguished the fire. On 18 November the group of 15-20 people assembled at the entrance of General Consulate and threw eggs to the building and shouted abusing slogans. During both acts Consulate’s employee could not find Russia’s security officer who had to be on the guard.

On night from 17 to 18 November unknown persons had defiled Latvias Consulate in St.Petersburg with gas mixture. The guard of the Consulate extinguished the fire. On 18 November the group of 15-20 people assembled at the entrance of General Consulate and threw eggs to the building and shouted abusing slogans. During both acts Consulates employee could not find Russias security officer who had to be on the guard. Neatkariga

President V.Vike-Freiberga in her interview for Latvia’s radio expressed her incomprehension about the refusal of Lutheran Archbishop to do the service in honour of the Independence Day. In the future the President will carefully consider her participation in religious events.

President V.Vike-Freiberga in her interview for Latvias radio expressed her incomprehension about the refusal of Lutheran Archbishop to do the service in honour of the Independence Day. In the future the President will carefully consider her participation in religious events. Neatkariga, Jauna, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnja, Chas

When opening the regular sitting of the Council of Russia’s Compatriots at Russia’s Duma the Head of Committee on CIS affairs B.Pastuhovs announced that although there are positive trends in lives of Russians residing abroad, life conditions for ethnic Russians in the Baltic states are very hard – they have to face “open ruddiness toward them”.

When opening the regular sitting of the Council of Russias Compatriots at Russias Duma the Head of Committee on CIS affairs B.Pastuhovs announced that although there are positive trends in lives of Russians residing abroad, life conditions for ethnic Russians in the Baltic states are very hard – they have to face open ruddiness toward them. Neatkariga, Chas, Respublika

Chas

journalist A.Stroj comments on the draft on Society Integration Fund. She criticises the fact that in the administration of the fund and decision taking processes the presence and involvement of the minorities themselves are not foreseen. In her point of view, also the foreign institutions, who will be the sponsors of the fund, have been discriminated – their participation in the administrative units of the Fund is not foreseen either. journalist A.Stroj comments on the draft on Society Integration Fund. She criticises the fact that in the administration of the fund and decision taking processes the presence and involvement of the minorities themselves are not foreseen. In her point of view, also the foreign institutions, who will be the sponsors of the fund, have been discriminated – their participation in the administrative units of the Fund is not foreseen either.

Vesti Segodnja

publishes the open letter of Latvias Support Association to Schools with Russian Learning Language to the Ministry of Education and Science. In their letter they do not agree with the position of the Ministry that the Education Law guarantees the rights to acquire education in the native tongue. From her point of view the Ministry confuses 2 terms – learn the native tongue and study in the native tongue. They also express their dissatisfaction with the quality of bilingual teaching aids and quality of Latvian lessons for non-Latvians. publishes the open letter of Latvia’s Support Association to Schools with Russian Learning Language to the Ministry of Education and Science. In their letter they do not agree with the position of the Ministry that the Education Law guarantees the rights to acquire education in the native tongue. From her point of view the Ministry confuses 2 terms – “learn the native tongue and study in the native tongue”. They also express their dissatisfaction with the quality of bilingual teaching aids and quality of Latvian lessons for non-Latvians. Respublika.Respublika. Yesterday the Governmental Committee decided to pass for Government’s revision the amendments to the Regulations on the State Language Proficiency Level Necessary to Carry Out Professional and Job Duties.

Yesterday the Governmental Committee decided to pass for Governments revision the amendments to the Regulations on the State Language Proficiency Level Necessary to Carry Out Professional and Job Duties. Respublika

Without any big presentation in the middle of September the book “International Human Rights” by Thomass Burgental was published. The book gives insight into human rights history, UN, Europe and USA human rights protection systems, humanitarian rights and NGO’s. The book was published with the support of the Soros Foundation Latvia.

Without any big presentation in the middle of September the book International Human Rights by Thomass Burgental was published. The book gives insight into human rights history, UN, Europe and USA human rights protection systems, humanitarian rights and NGOs. The book was published with the support of the Soros Foundation Latvia. Latvijas Vestnesis says that it is the first book about human rights in the Latvian language.

 Press Report

Press Report

Russian newspapers – “

Russian newspapers – Vesti Segodnja, Chas and Panorama Latvii – pointed out the part in Presidents speech in honour to Latvias Independence Day where she stressed that all residents of Latvia are her sons and daughters irrespectively to the colour of their passports and nationality. The President also invited all holders of purple passports to become the citizens of Latvia.

Friday morning Russia’s national bolshevists “occupied” St.Peter’s church steeple – 3 men put out red flags, announced that they were armed and demanded to release their party members detained couple days ago. Another demand was that Latvia must not join the NATO. At noontime all extremists were detained and taken to the police. Other members of the party informed that party members in Russia are planning to take in hostages the citizens of Latvia who are in Russia right now.

Friday morning Russias national bolshevists occupied St.Peters church steeple – 3 men put out red flags, announced that they were armed and demanded to release their party members detained couple days ago. Another demand was that Latvia must not join the NATO. At noontime all extremists were detained and taken to the police. Other members of the party informed that party members in Russia are planning to take in hostages the citizens of Latvia who are in Russia right now. Diena, Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Jauna, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Chas

Archbishop of Lutheran Church J.Vanags refused to give a special service in honour to Independence Day and archbishops of other confessions joined his position. In his open letter to the State President, J.Vanags says that he feels sad and ashamed for the people who are leading our country.

Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Chas The section on agricultural issues of Latvia received the hardest criticism from the EU. Specialists consider that it is a hint that Latvia has no hopes to be included in the first group in negotiations.

The section on agricultural issues of Latvia received the hardest criticism from the EU. Specialists consider that it is a hint that Latvia has no hopes to be included in the first group in negotiations. Neatkariga

Pskov leadership has issued a statement where announces that the words of Pskov Mayor regarding “occupation of Estonia in 48 hours were the provocation of the journalist”. “It does not mean that if we are able to do it that we want or will do it” is said in the statement.

Pskov leadership has issued a statement where announces that the words of Pskov Mayor regarding occupation of Estonia in 48 hours were the provocation of the journalist. It does not mean that if we are able to do it that we want or will do it is said in the statement. Neatkariga

The residents of Latgale’s rural districts – Rezekne, Ludza, Preili – have small interest about Latvian language courses free of charge. Up to the moment only 20 applications have been received, comparatively in Jelgava district already 27 groups containing 12 participants each are organised. About 9% of Rezekne’s residents are not the citizens of Latvia.

The residents of Latgales rural districts – Rezekne, Ludza, Preili – have small interest about Latvian language courses free of charge. Up to the moment only 20 applications have been received, comparatively in Jelgava district already 27 groups containing 12 participants each are organised. About 9% of Rezeknes residents are not the citizens of Latvia. Diena

Vesti Segodnja

interviews the Minister of FA I.Berzins. The Minister was asked about the legionnaires, joining the EU and NATO, as well as Latvias relations with Russia. interviews the Minister of FA I.Berzins. The Minister was asked about the legionnaires, joining the EU and NATO, as well as Latvia’s relations with Russia.

Panorama Latvii

publishes an article about the case of four citizens of Russia residing in Riga who had to turn to the court of Latvia to protect their rights. The new head of the Social Care Department of Russias Embassy V.Litvinov fired four his employees, and in this process has several times violated the Labour Code of Latvia. The fired persons turned to the Ambassador of Russia for his help, but no assistance to solve the situation was provided. After that they turned to Latvias court, however, the judge refused to initiate a case basing her decision on the explanatory note of V.Litvinov: Social Care Department does not have a legal status, the department is a unit of Russias Ministry of Defence, and that means that in this case the defendant could be the MoD of Russia. However, former employees did not give up and turned to Riga District Court, which admitted that social departments of Russias Embassies in the Baltic states have a legal status and their employees should be hired and fired according to the regulations of the country of their location. publishes an article about the case of four citizens of Russia residing in Riga who had to turn to the court of Latvia to protect their rights. The new head of the Social Care Department of Russia’s Embassy V.Litvinov fired four his employees, and in this process has several times violated the Labour Code of Latvia. The fired persons turned to the Ambassador of Russia for his help, but no assistance to solve the situation was provided. After that they turned to Latvia’s court, however, the judge refused to initiate a case basing her decision on the explanatory note of V.Litvinov: “Social Care Department does not have a legal status, the department is a unit of Russia’s Ministry of Defence, and that means that in this case the defendant could be the MoD of Russia”. However, former employees did not give up and turned to Riga District Court, which admitted that “social departments of Russia’s Embassies in the Baltic states have a legal status and their employees should be hired and fired according to the regulations of the country of their location”.

Press Report

Press Report

Four Latvian’s national bolshevists have been detained on Wednesday night. They are under suspect of providing help to national bolshevists from Russia to arrive to Latvia illegally. Because of all these events the services of the Interior Ministry will work in reinforced regime till Monday. Faction For Human Rights in the United Latvia deputy M.Mitrafanov states that “the fuss is made of these events, as both involved parties Russia and Latvia can gain profit of the situation. Russia can show that it is not the only country where such acts take place and Latvia can show how prepared and ready are its security services to deal with such situations”.

Four Latvians national bolshevists have been detained on Wednesday night. They are under suspect of providing help to national bolshevists from Russia to arrive to Latvia illegally. Because of all these events the services of the Interior Ministry will work in reinforced regime till Monday. Faction For Human Rights in the United Latvia deputy M.Mitrafanov states that the fuss is made of these events, as both involved parties Russia and Latvia can gain profit of the situation. Russia can show that it is not the only country where such acts take place and Latvia can show how prepared and ready are its security services to deal with such situations. Diena, Rigas Balss, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

During the meeting of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia and MoFA of Russia both parties came to an agreement that the co-operation between the countries should be enhanced on the intergovernmental committees level.

During the meeting of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia and MoFA of Russia both parties came to an agreement that the co-operation between the countries should be enhanced on the intergovernmental committees level. Diena, Neatkariga

Today one of Russia’s television channels will present 10 minutes interview with President of Latvia V.Vike-Freiberga. The translation will be at 7.30 pm Latvia’s time.

Today one of Russias television channels will present 10 minutes interview with President of Latvia V.Vike-Freiberga. The translation will be at 7.30 pm Latvias time. Neatkariga

Next week the group of Russian politicians – T.Zhdanok, G.Astahov and other - will meet with vice Prime Minister of Russia V.Hristenko. Among the discussion subjects is also the organisation of II International Congress of Russians Residing Abroad. It is planned that the Congress will take place in April and probably the highest state officials of Russia (maybe the President) will take part in it.

Next week the group of Russian politicians – T.Zhdanok, G.Astahov and other - will meet with vice Prime Minister of Russia V.Hristenko. Among the discussion subjects is also the organisation of II International Congress of Russians Residing Abroad. It is planned that the Congress will take place in April and probably the highest state officials of Russia (maybe the President) will take part in it. Chas

In a very positive light

In a very positive light Panorama Latvii reflects an official event at Riga City Council when 83 non-citizens received the status of a citizen of Latvia. The new citizens shared their experiences acquired during the process of naturalisation.

Faction FF/LNNK invites the deputies of the Saeima to donate money for the memorial of legionnaires in Lestene and that caused appearance of critical responses in Russian newspapers

Faction FF/LNNK invites the deputies of the Saeima to donate money for the memorial of legionnaires in Lestene and that caused appearance of critical responses in Russian newspapers Panorama Latvii and Vesti Segodnja

Respublika

writes about the national programme of the Integration of Society in Latvia. Brief insight in the development of the programme is given. The situation for this moment is not very optimistic –the concept of programme is wondering through the different rooms of ministries to receive all possible approvals. At the same time the small version of the programme is accepted by the Government and that is the digest of the big programme. The next complicated issue was – which institution will be responsible for the implementation integration projects, as most likely the funds for this purpose will be acquired from foreign donators. Finally, the Cabinet of Ministers assigned these responsibilities to the Ministry of Justice, however, the newspaper has rather negative evaluation about the perspectives and future work of the programme. writes about the national programme of the Integration of Society in Latvia. Brief insight in the development of the programme is given. The situation for this moment is not very optimistic –“the concept of programme is wondering through the different rooms of ministries to receive all possible approvals. At the same time the “small” version of the programme is accepted by the Government and that is the digest of the “big” programme”. The next complicated issue was – which institution will be responsible for the implementation integration projects, as most likely the funds for this purpose will be acquired from foreign donators. Finally, the Cabinet of Ministers assigned these responsibilities to the Ministry of Justice, however, the newspaper has rather negative evaluation about the perspectives and future work of the programme. The Ministry of Education and Science issued the statement on its official position regarding the implementation of minority education programmes in Latvia’s schools. The Ministry has developed 4 examples for minority (bilingual) primary education programmes (1-9 grade), which ensure acquiring education in minority language and guarantees acquisition of the state language on such level which would foster students integration into society of Latvia. Education Law foresees the possibility for minorities to acquire minority primary education programmes in minority language also in the future.

The Ministry of Education and Science issued the statement on its official position regarding the implementation of minority education programmes in Latvias schools. The Ministry has developed 4 examples for minority (bilingual) primary education programmes (1-9 grade), which ensure acquiring education in minority language and guarantees acquisition of the state language on such level which would foster students integration into society of Latvia. Education Law foresees the possibility for minorities to acquire minority primary education programmes in minority language also in the future. Latvijas Vestnesis

Press Report

Press Report

The police have detained national bolshevists from Russia who illegally crossed Latvia’s border Tuesday night. Right now the police try to learn their plans and it is possible that these persons are the persons who according to the warning of Russia’s colleagues were to come to Latvia to carry out some degrading actions towards the State of Latvia.

The police have detained national bolshevists from Russia who illegally crossed Latvias border Tuesday night. Right now the police try to learn their plans and it is possible that these persons are the persons who according to the warning of Russias colleagues were to come to Latvia to carry out some degrading actions towards the State of Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Latvia has lost a legal proceeding in the international court of arbitrage in Stockholm and may have to repay USD 3.1 million. The case is about the Swedish vessel, which after couple years of being anchored in Riga port was cut in scrapped metal by the municipality of Riga. The issue is that for 2 weeks the Latvian Government did not provide public with the information that it has lost the case and is to pay 3.1 million from the state budget. Besides, Latvia’s party even did not consider to represent the country at the court proceeding.

Latvia has lost a legal proceeding in the international court of arbitrage in Stockholm and may have to repay USD 3.1 million. The case is about the Swedish vessel, which after couple years of being anchored in Riga port was cut in scrapped metal by the municipality of Riga. The issue is that for 2 weeks the Latvian Government did not provide public with the information that it has lost the case and is to pay 3.1 million from the state budget. Besides, Latvias party even did not consider to represent the country at the court proceeding. Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize

Some of the results of the recent research about civic education level at schools show that the foundation in learning democracy is made in a family. Pupils from the countryside have deeper emotional link with the country and are more negative about rights of ethnic groups and minorities. In co-operation with the World Bank and Soros Foundation new ways are searched how to ensure civic education at primary schools.

Some of the results of the recent research about civic education level at schools show that the foundation in learning democracy is made in a family. Pupils from the countryside have deeper emotional link with the country and are more negative about rights of ethnic groups and minorities. In co-operation with the World Bank and Soros Foundation new ways are searched how to ensure civic education at primary schools. Diena, Lauku Avize, Respublika

In order to introduce international society with Latvia, Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has prepared a textbook “From Accession to Presidency: Latvia’s Participation in the European Council”.

In order to introduce international society with Latvia, Latvias Ministry of Foreign Affairs has prepared a textbook From Accession to Presidency: Latvias Participation in the European Council. Neatkariga

Just few days before State Independence Day

Just few days before State Independence Day Lauku Avize publishes an interview with President V.Vike-Freiberga. The interviewer asks the President about her emotions, memories regarding Independence Day and her attitude towards building the monument to the President of Latvia K.Ulmanis (President during 1936-1940).

“The Laws of Latvia do not guarantee acquiring education in the minority language” is said in the open letter of Support Association to Latvia’s Schools with Russian Learning Language (SALSRL). In its turn, the Ministry of Science and Education turns down critic - in co-operation with Soros Foundation Latvia the methodology has been elaborated, professional courses for teachers have been organised and society has been provided with information on integration.

The Laws of Latvia do not guarantee acquiring education in the minority language is said in the open letter of Support Association to Latvias Schools with Russian Learning Language (SALSRL). In its turn, the Ministry of Science and Education turns down critic - in co-operation with Soros Foundation Latvia the methodology has been elaborated, professional courses for teachers have been organised and society has been provided with information on integration. Lauku Avize, Panorama Latvii

Liepaja’s City newspaper

Liepajas City newspaper Utrennij Ekspress publishes an article about the OSCE Mission trip to Liepaja. The article gives rather detailed information about the discussed subjects during the meetings with the Mayor, officials responsible for education and integration affairs in the city. Mission members gave a positive evaluation to their visit, as well as to the general situation in Latvia.