Nov. 25, 2002
Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies
Opinions about ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
Article about recently elected director of the State Language Centre Agris Timuska
The Latvian Social Democrats held its congress on Saturday
Conference Electronic Mass Media and Social Integration
Dienas
columnist Dita Araja features a long article about Latvias attitude towards ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Dita Araja states that the perception of ratification of the Convention has been overexaggerated in Latvia – Latvians believe that it threatens their national identity, while Russians perceive it as the last hope to protect their rights. There is no uniform opinion about the Convention in Latvia. Regarding the education reform lecturer of the Riga Graduate School of Law Marins Mits says that the Convention contradicts with the planned switch of minority secondary schools to instruction in Latvian in 2004, while researcher of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Ilze Brands-Kehre states that the Law on Education does not comply with the Convention and the Law should be amended. Official of the Education Ministry Evija Papule disagrees with Ilze Brands-Kehre. Article about recently elected director of the State Language Centre Agris TimuskaArticle about recently elected director of the State Language Centre Agris Timuska
Vechernaya Riga features an article about recently appointed director of the State Language Centre Agris Timuska. Agris Timuska states that many duties of the State Language Centre have been abolished or delegated to other institutions, however, the key responsibility of the Centre – implement control of the implementation of the State Language Law – remains the same. The key information source about violation in the language realm is public complaints – the Centre receives about 800 complaints a month. Mostly people complain about the service sphere, less frequently about public information. The newspaper concludes that the image of new director – Agris Timuska – is much softer than the image of former director of the Centre Dzintra Hirsa.
The Latvian Social Democrats held a party congress on Saturday. The Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party has new chairman - Dainis Ivans. Ivans is a Riga City councilman. 373 party delegates at the 34th congress voted for Ivans, and 169 for ex-LSDSP chairman Juris Bojars. The new LSDSP leader spoke about reviving the party and bringing back better times for LSDSP. One of the key tasks of the social democrats in the future will be the reassessment of relations of social democrats with FHRUL in Riga City Council. Diena, Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Vechernaya Riga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf
Conference “Electronic Mass Media and Social Integration”Conference Electronic Mass Media and Social Integration Telegraf features an article about the conference Electronic Mass Media and Social Integration held by the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies last Friday in Riga. The conclusion of the conference was that the market should regulate the usage of languages in the private sphere – commercial radio stations and televisions should have the rights to choose a language for their programmes. Panorama Latvii
Nov. 23, 2002
Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies
Saeimas debate about the new Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Seminar on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities Conference Electronic Mass Media and Social Integration
Court decides that a teacher whose dismissal was her insufficient state language skills should be re-hired
Saeimas debate about the new Special Task Minister for Societal Integration
Lauku Avize provides an in-depth information about debate of 8th Saeima MPs about adequacy of Nils Muiznieks for the post of the Special Task Minister of Societal Integration. Leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans stated that Muiznieks is the most suitable candidature for the post, because he knows the subject, is aware of the situation in Latvia and European norms. FF/LNNK expressed their dissatisfaction with the candidacy, however, voted for Muiznieks in order not to split the coalition. The Union of Farmers and Greens MP Leopolds Ozolins believes that Muiznieks serves international organisations and suggests that Muzinieks task is to foment national hatred between Russians and Latvians.
On Friday, a conference Electronic Mass Media and Social Integration was held in Riga. The conference was organised by the Latvian Centre for Human Rights (LCHRES) and Ethnic Studies. The key discussion subject was controversial restrictions provided for by the Law on Radio and Television, which stipulate that only up to 25% of commercial TV and radio programmes can be aired in foreign languages. The majority of speakers – dean of the Communication Department of the University of Latvia Inta Brikse, outgoing director of the LCHRES and Societal Integration Minister Nils Muiznieks and others – stressed the necessity to abolish the norm. Head of the Control Department of the State Language Centre Maris Birzgalis opposed these opinions and stated that the norm secures and ensures the status of the state language. Chas, Vesti Segodnya
Chas
reports about the seminar on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities organised by the Council of Europe Information Office and the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies held on November 15. The key subject discussed at the seminar was the compliance of Latvian legislation with the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Chas provides the key points discussed at the conference.Panorama Latviireports that yesterday the Riga District Court ruled that the decision of the administration of the Salaspils Secondary School No 2 to dismiss teacher of biology because of her insufficient state language skills is invalid and the teacher should be re-hired.
Nov. 22, 2002
Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies
Nils Muiznieks approved for the post of the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration.
Yesterday the Saeima approved the candidacy of Nils Muiznieks, director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies, for the post of Special Task Minister of the Societal Integration. The Saeima had one vote for all new members of the Cabinet – Nils Muiznieks and candidacy for the Welfare Minister Dagnija Stake. 52 out of 55 coalition members had a positive vote for the two candidacies. FF/LNNK voiced objections towards Nils Muiznieks, however, they voted for his candidacy. FHRUL voted against although they supported the candidacy of Nils Muiznieks.Yesterday the Saeima approved the candidacy of Nils Muiznieks, director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies, for the post of Special Task Minister of the Societal Integration. The Saeima had one vote for all new members of the Cabinet – Nils Muiznieks and candidacy for the Welfare Minister Dagnija Stake. 52 out of 55 coalition members had a positive vote for the two candidacies. FF/LNNK voiced objections towards Nils Muiznieks, however, they voted for his candidacy. FHRUL voted against although they supported the candidacy of Nils Muiznieks. Diena reports that Nils Muiznieks promises to foster ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. According to Muiznieks, it should be possible during this Saeima. He believes that the only reservation in the Convention should be made regarding the topographic names, because Latvia is not yet ready to see street names in two languages. Prime Minister Einars Repse supports the ratification as well, however, he believes that a number of reservations should be made, including topographic names. Neatkariga, Telegraf
Chas’ columnist Leonid Fedoseyev comments on new Minister of Social Integration Nils Muiznieks. Fedoseyev agrees that his professional and academic background are very suitable for the position, however, Fedoseyev doubts whether Muiznieks will be able to oppose FF/LNNK and Repse as the Prime Minister will most likely care about the coalition than the observation of the interests of Russians. He concludes that the small budget of the ministry already shows the attitude of the government.Chas columnist Leonid Fedoseyev comments on new Minister of Social Integration Nils Muiznieks. Fedoseyev agrees that his professional and academic background are very suitable for the position, however, Fedoseyev doubts whether Muiznieks will be able to oppose FF/LNNK and Repse as the Prime Minister will most likely care about the coalition than the observation of the interests of Russians. He concludes that the small budget of the ministry already shows the attitude of the government.
Vesti Segodnya
writes, Nils Muiznieks is a chance for national minorities. writes, “Nils Muiznieks is a chance for national minorities.”Panorama Latvii
asks several questions to Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks. When asked whether he will join the Latvian First Party who nominated him for the post, Muiznieks says that the ideas and programme of the party are very close to him, but it is too early to talk about that. asks several questions to Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks. When asked whether he will join the Latvian First Party who nominated him for the post, Muiznieks says that the ideas and programme of the party are very close to him, but it is too early to talk about that. Language restrictions set for TV and radio hamper the development of the marketLanguage restrictions set for TV and radio hamper the development of the market
Dienas columnist Dita Araja features an article about the impact of the language restriction imposed on TV and radio broadcasting. According to the Law on Radio and Television only up to 25% of programmes can be aired in foreign languages. Radio organisations believe that these restrictions impede the development of the market and push away non-Latvians from listening to Latvian media. Human rights experts agree with the opinion and state that this is also a violation of the freedom of expression. The National Radio and TV Council is more cautious and is afraid that by abolition of language quotas, the number of mass media broadcasting in the Russian language will prevail. This year the NRTC has issued warnings regarding the violation of language quotas to three broadcasting organisations.
The project about the situation of Roma in Latvia applied with the Integration Foundation. The Roma Association in Latvia submitted a project to the Integration Foundation. The project foresees the study about the education situation of Roma and their life conditions in Latvia. The chairperson of the Association Normunds Rudevics states that it is not possible to develop an integration programme for Roma if there is no data. He claims that there are about 20,000 Roma in Latvia, although in accordance with the latest census there are about 8,800 Roma. Rudevics explains that many Roma preferred to be identified as non-Roma. Normunds Rudevics says that the attitude of society towards Roma is very negative and that Roma should be given a chance to foster their culture. Neatkariga
Article about journalist and integration expert Irina VinnikaArticle about journalist and integration expert Irina Vinnika
Neatkariga publishes an article about journalist Irina Vinnika who identifies herself as an Ukrainian although she does not speak Ukrainian. Vinnika works for the National TV and is very active in the field of integration. Irina Vinnika acquired Latvian citizenship through naturalisation. She is the founder of the minority song festival Golden Ball. She dreams about democratic TV in the Russian language which is targeted at Russians residing in Latvia, however, she realises how controversially this idea could be perceived. Irina admits that the attitude what are you, Russians, doing in our television is sometimes still alive.
The third meeting of national minority schools takes place
Vesti Segodnya reports that the third meeting of national minority schools will take place in Riga this weekend. The key discussion subject will be the co-operation among schools in order to facilitate studies of the Latvian language.
Interview with the organiser of the song festival for national minority children
Neatkariga interviews organiser of the song festival for children and youth belonging to national minorities Zoja Kane. She voices satisfaction that the Latvian media has changed its attitude and has reflected the event in newspapers and LTV 2.
Nov. 21, 2002
Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies
The Latvian First Party nominated director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks for the post of the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration. Prime Minister Einars Repse supports the candidature. The Saeima will have a vote today. According to Muiznieks the top priorities in his work will be promotion of a more active dialogue between the state and society and formation of the new ministry as a pillar to integration processes. The Latvian First Party decided to nominate Muiznieks because of his professionalism and experience in the field of integration. As Latvian First Party member Janis Peters (former Latvian ambassador to Russia) noted, the candidacy of Muiznieks is supported by both largest ethnic communities in Latvia – Latvians and Russians. FF/LLNK MP Peteris Tabuns is against the candidacy of Muiznieks He will integrate, integrate and integrate as much as possible, and thats simply stunning. The new ministry will be called the Nationality and Integration Ministry, the budget of the new ministry will be LVL 280,000 and the staff of the new ministry will be 25 persons. Leader of the Peoples Party Skele does not comment the candidacy, however, he believes that the formation of the new ministry is not reasonable at this time. Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Rigas Balss, Chas
The Russian language press stresses that although Muiznieks was born in the USA, he speaks Russian.The Russian language press stresses that although Muiznieks was born in the USA, he speaks Russian. Vesti Segodnya writes that even the opposition – FHRUL – agrees that Nils Muiznieks is the only person in the current government who would be able to start a dialogue with non-Latvians.
Telegraf
asks several questions of Nils Muiznieks. He says that the education reform in 2004 is the most painful issue for Russian-speakers today: many schools are not ready for the switch, therefore the implementation of the reform should be discussed. asks several questions of Nils Muiznieks. He says that the education reform in 2004 is the most painful issue for Russian-speakers today: “many schools are not ready for the switch, therefore the implementation of the reform should be discussed.”Lauku Avize
comments on the TV discussion Whats Going on in Latvia? which was devoted to integration issues. The newspaper states that the opposition does not want to implement integration, fostering a feeling of affiliation with this country in non-Latvians. According to comments on the TV discussion “What’s Going on in Latvia?” which was devoted to integration issues. The newspaper states that the opposition does not want to implement integration, fostering a feeling of affiliation with this country in non-Latvians. According to Lauku Avize’sLauku Avizes columnist Anda Lice the best solution would be the formation of a new non-political newspaper printed in both Latvian and Russian. columnist Anda Lice the best solution would be the formation of a new non-political newspaper printed in both Latvian and Russian.Chas
reports that yesterday the European Parliament adopted a resolution about the expansion of the EU. The Foreign Affairs Commission of the European Parliament has drafted a detailed report, which promises the support for candidate countries and also indicates the problem areas of each candidate country. The Latvian government is reproached for insufficient political support for integration and inadequate funding allotted for Latvian-language courses for non-Latvians. Regarding the switch of minority secondary schools to instruction in Latvian, the European Parliament suggests not to implement the reform if the quality of education is threatened. reports that yesterday the European Parliament adopted a resolution about the expansion of the EU. The Foreign Affairs Commission of the European Parliament has drafted a detailed report, which promises the support for candidate countries and also indicates the problem areas of each candidate country. The Latvian government is reproached for insufficient political support for integration and inadequate funding allotted for Latvian-language courses for non-Latvians. Regarding the switch of minority secondary schools to instruction in Latvian, the European Parliament suggests not to implement the reform if the quality of education is threatened.Latvijas Vestnesis
publishes the speech of British Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere given on the occasion of the closing of the campaign of information booths where people could obtain information about naturalisation. publishes the speech of British Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere given on the occasion of the closing of the campaign of information booths where people could obtain information about naturalisation.Nov. 20, 2002
Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies
By comparison with 2001, there are 3,400 fewer Latvians living in Riga.Academician Janis Stradins says development of a Latvian capital of Latvia should be considered, because after Latvias accession to EU, the populace could become even more multi-ethnic because Bosnians, Turks, Yugoslavs will settle here.
According to the latest data there are 41.5% Latvians and 43.5% Russians residing in Riga. This year about 150,000 cases of nationality changes have been registered in Riga: Russians, Lithuanians and Belorussians decide to become Latvians, Latvians decide to become Roma, however, the most often is the case when people decide to reregister as Germans and Jews. The change of nationality in most cases is linked to emigration or studies abroad.According to the latest data there are 41.5% Latvians and 43.5% Russians residing in Riga. This year about 150,000 cases of nationality changes have been registered in Riga: Russians, Lithuanians and Belorussians decide to become Latvians, Latvians decide to become Roma, however, the most often is the case when people decide to reregister as Germans and Jews. The change of nationality in most cases is linked to emigration or studies abroad. Rigas Balss, Chas, Vesti Segodnya
According to the opinion poll 68.3% of Latvian residents consider themselves patriots of the country. In 1999 the number of persons who claimed to be patriots of Latvia was higher -- 70.4%. 50.6% of non-Latvians and 42.7% of non-citizens consider themselves patriots of Latvia.
Neatkariga, ChasDiena
recalls the important decisions Latvia had to make on its way towards NATO. The two most important were amendments to the Election Law and the formation of the Corruption Prevention Bureau. Latvia had to show also its good intentions in fostering naturalisation and providing Latvian language courses for non-Latvians. recalls the important decisions Latvia had to make on its way towards NATO. The two most important were amendments to the Election Law and the formation of the Corruption Prevention Bureau. Latvia had to show also its good intentions in fostering naturalisation and providing Latvian language courses for non-Latvians. Today the European Parliament will take a decision whether a number of countries, including Latvia, should accede to the EU.Today the European Parliament will take a decision whether a number of countries, including Latvia, should accede to the EU. Chas reminds about the problems the European Parliament noted regarding Latvia in its progress report. The European Parliament is concerned about the language realm, in particular, the switch of secondary minority school to instruction only in Latvian.
FHRUL MP Aleksandr Bartashevich reports from Strasbourg that two MPs who yesterday presented Latvia in the European Parliament did not mention a word about problems of national minorities in their speeches. One of MPs – New Era MP Karins – said that Latvia has to struggle with the consequences of the occupation, that Russian-speakers do not know the state language and the government had to make a lot of effort to integrate them into Latvian society.FHRUL MP Aleksandr Bartashevich reports from Strasbourg that two MPs who yesterday presented Latvia in the European Parliament did not mention a word about problems of national minorities in their speeches. One of MPs – New Era MP Karins – said that Latvia has to struggle with the consequences of the occupation, that Russian-speakers do not know the state language and the government had to make a lot of effort to integrate them into Latvian society. Vesti Segodnya
Russian journalist Irina Vinnika has produced a TV show in the Russian language where experts, politicians and journalists, such as former foreign affairs minister Indulis Berzins, journalists Anna Stroya and Aleksandr Rzhavin, chairperson of FHRUL Janis Jurkans, will discuss issues related to Latvia’s membership to NATO. The show will be aired at 9.15 PM November 21.Russian journalist Irina Vinnika has produced a TV show in the Russian language where experts, politicians and journalists, such as former foreign affairs minister Indulis Berzins, journalists Anna Stroya and Aleksandr Rzhavin, chairperson of FHRUL Janis Jurkans, will discuss issues related to Latvias membership to NATO. The show will be aired at 9.15 PM November 21. Panorama Latvii
Head of the regional Naturalisation Board in Rezekne Rita Zommere talks about the situation concerning naturalisation in Latgale, the eastern part of Latvia. Although the number of non-Latvians is high in Latgale, the number of non-citizens is only about 20,000. The official stresses that the activity of non-citizen parents of children who were born after 1991 and who are entitled to receive Latvian citizenship automatically, is very low. Rita Zommere believes that the key reason for the slow rate of naturalisation is the lack of motivation to naturalise.Head of the regional Naturalisation Board in Rezekne Rita Zommere talks about the situation concerning naturalisation in Latgale, the eastern part of Latvia. Although the number of non-Latvians is high in Latgale, the number of non-citizens is only about 20,000. The official stresses that the activity of non-citizen parents of children who were born after 1991 and who are entitled to receive Latvian citizenship automatically, is very low. Rita Zommere believes that the key reason for the slow rate of naturalisation is the lack of motivation to naturalise.
Panorama Latvii
reports about the campaign of information booths where people could obtain information about naturalisation. Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane and British Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere (the British Embassy provided financial support for the campaign) took part in the event. reports about the campaign of information booths where people could obtain information about naturalisation. Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane and British Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere (the British Embassy provided financial support for the campaign) took part in the event. Ms Aldermane and Ambassador Tesoriere voiced their satisfaction with the results of the campaign. The ambassador promised to provide financial support to integration projects in the future as well. Eizenija Aldermane voiced her opinion about the possible tasks of the new Special Task Minister for Societal Integration. She believes that social integration will be a comparatively small part of minister’s duties and that the new minister will have to take care of different aspects of integration, such as, small minorities residing in Latvia, the Latvian diaspora abroad, etc.Ms Aldermane and Ambassador Tesoriere voiced their satisfaction with the results of the campaign. The ambassador promised to provide financial support to integration projects in the future as well. Eizenija Aldermane voiced her opinion about the possible tasks of the new Special Task Minister for Societal Integration. She believes that social integration will be a comparatively small part of ministers duties and that the new minister will have to take care of different aspects of integration, such as, small minorities residing in Latvia, the Latvian diaspora abroad, etc.
Panorama Latvii
reports that a song festival of national minorities Golden Ball will take place November 22-24 in Riga. reports that a song festival of national minorities “Golden Ball” will take place November 22-24 in Riga.