• Josette Durrieu: Latvia should consider a possibility to simplify the Latvian language examinations for future citizens
• Experts evaluate performance of the Special Task Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat
• Preparation of minority schools for the switch to the Latvian language of instruction is going satisfactorily
• Simon Wiesenthal Centre director Ephraim Zuroff will visit Latvia
• European Parliament invites Russia to sign and ratify a border agreement with Latvia

Josette Durrieu, the chairperson of the Monitoring Committee of the Council’s of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, reportedly concluded there are no significant minority problems in Latvia, connected with the violation of human rights, but pointed out to the slow pace of the naturalization process, and still big number of non-citizens.  Josette Durrieu expressed appreciation of the establishment of the Saeima Sub-Committee for Societal integration in order to examine the possibility of ratifying the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. According to the Chairperson, a possibility to simplify the Latvian language examination procedure for future citizens should be considered, especially taking into account that people do not naturalize out of protest. Russian language newspapers also feature the account of the Ambassador of Russia to Latvia Igor Studennikov on his meeting with Josette Durrieu.

Josette Durrieu, the chairperson of the Monitoring Committee of the Councils of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, reportedly concluded there are no significant minority problems in Latvia, connected with the violation of human rights, but pointed out to the slow pace of the naturalization process, and still big number of non-citizens. Josette Durrieu expressed appreciation of the establishment of the Saeima Sub-Committee for Societal integration in order to examine the possibility of ratifying the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. According to the Chairperson, a possibility to simplify the Latvian language examination procedure for future citizens should be considered, especially taking into account that people do not naturalize out of protest. Russian language newspapers also feature the account of the Ambassador of Russia to Latvia Igor Studennikov on his meeting with Josette Durrieu. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vechernaya Riga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Diena interviews society integration experts about the performance of the Special Task Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat after the first year of work. According to the experts, the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks has not managed to address the topical issues in the area of society integration: the slow naturalization process, the large number of non-citizens among children, and the necessity to review the National Program Society Integration in Latvia, which in some aspects is already outdated. The Secretariat does not have a long-term action plan, with specific tasks and deadlines. As possible causes for delays, time needed for building a new institution and political hurdles, as well as unsuccessful team management and lack of professional administration are being mentioned. Diena

State Education Inspection, after evaluating 89 minority schools, has come to a conclusion that the preparation for the switch to the Latvian language of instruction in September 2004 proceeds satisfactorily. For example, the number of minority schools’ teachers, who need Latvian language courses and methodology courses, is diminished by 77.5% since the last spring.

State Education Inspection, after evaluating 89 minority schools, has come to a conclusion that the preparation for the switch to the Latvian language of instruction in September 2004 proceeds satisfactorily. For example, the number of minority schools teachers, who need Latvian language courses and methodology courses, is diminished by 77.5% since the last spring. Diena

Simon Wiesenthal Centre director Ephraim Zuroff is planning to visit Latvia to discuss the issue of possible connection between the ex-legionnaire Karlis Brazus, now living in Canada, and the death of a Jewish family during the Holocaust years in Bauska. He will meet with Larisa Grekova, who lives in Bauska and came across the connection when she was trying to privatize her apartment in the house which belonged to that Jewish family before the war, but ten years ago was denationalized by Karlis Brazus. Zuroff will also meet with the General Prosecutor’s office, where Larisa Grekova claims to fail to meet any support before she has contacted Simon Wiesenthal Centre.

Simon Wiesenthal Centre director Ephraim Zuroff is planning to visit Latvia to discuss the issue of possible connection between the ex-legionnaire Karlis Brazus, now living in Canada, and the death of a Jewish family during the Holocaust years in Bauska. He will meet with Larisa Grekova, who lives in Bauska and came across the connection when she was trying to privatize her apartment in the house which belonged to that Jewish family before the war, but ten years ago was denationalized by Karlis Brazus. Zuroff will also meet with the General Prosecutors office, where Larisa Grekova claims to fail to meet any support before she has contacted Simon Wiesenthal Centre. Telegraf

Yesterday the European Parliament adopted a resolution, inviting Russia to sign and ratify a border agreement with Latvia and Estonia.

Yesterday the European Parliament adopted a resolution, inviting Russia to sign and ratify a border agreement with Latvia and Estonia. Diena, Telegraf

• Josette Durrieu, the chairperson of the Monitoring Committee of the Councils of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, visits Latvia
• The EP will send a letter to the Saeima on Martjan Bekasovs recall
• Discussion on reasons behind Russias statements on minority issues in Latvia and Estonia
• Interview with Boris Tsilevitch on naturalization, education reform and Latvian-Russian relations

During her visit to Riga, the chairperson of the Monitoring Committee of the Council’s of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Josette Durrieu has discussed the prospects of the Framework Convention’s for the Protection of National Minorities ratification and possible reservations on specific articles. Josette Durrieu has pointed to the still slow naturalization pace, despite the recent increase in the amount of naturalization applications. The chairperson has welcomed abolishing of the language restrictions in commercial electronic mass media and the compromise made in the area of education reform. The youth NGO “Strasbourg” has organized a picket against education reform near the Ministry’s of Education and Science building during the visit of Josette Durrieu.

During her visit to Riga, the chairperson of the Monitoring Committee of the Councils of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Josette Durrieu has discussed the prospects of the Framework Conventions for the Protection of National Minorities ratification and possible reservations on specific articles. Josette Durrieu has pointed to the still slow naturalization pace, despite the recent increase in the amount of naturalization applications. The chairperson has welcomed abolishing of the language restrictions in commercial electronic mass media and the compromise made in the area of education reform. The youth NGO Strasbourg has organized a picket against education reform near the Ministrys of Education and Science building during the visit of Josette Durrieu. Diena, Lauku Avize, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

The European Parliament (EP) is planning to send an official letter to the Saeima, pointing to the incompliance of the Saeima’s decision to recall Martjan Bekasov with the basic principles of freedom of speech. According to the spokesman for the President of EP David Harley, the EP will refer to the legal provisions protecting the EP members’ freedom of speech. The EP is also planning to invite the Saeima to the discussion before making a final decision on this issue.

The European Parliament (EP) is planning to send an official letter to the Saeima, pointing to the incompliance of the Saeimas decision to recall Martjan Bekasov with the basic principles of freedom of speech. According to the spokesman for the President of EP David Harley, the EP will refer to the legal provisions protecting the EP members freedom of speech. The EP is also planning to invite the Saeima to the discussion before making a final decision on this issue. Diena, Chas

According to experts, surveyed by

According to experts, surveyed by Diena, Russias accusations of Latvia and Estonia are not connected with the forthcoming Russia State Dumas elections. The state secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Maris Riekstins believes that the purpose of these statements is to influence the social integration process in Latvia. The ex-diplomat Peteris Vinkelis thinks that the main reason behind the accusations is Russias attempt to split the EU countries. Diena

Chas features an interview with the observer to the European Parliament Boris Tsilevitch (Peoples Harmony Party) about the causes of slow naturalization process, education reform and relationship between Latvia and Russia. Boris Tsilevitch considers the unwillingness of many non-citizens to naturalize as a form of protest against the existent naturalization rules.

• The President of Latvia has invited people to apply for Latvian citizenship
• The Saeimas Speaker on citizenship and language issues
• The EU Commissioner in Charge of External Relations criticizes EU stance in negotiations with Russia
• The Prime Minister of Russia on the Russian societys attitudes towards events in Latvia and Estonia
• Discussion on patriotism in the Latvian National Armed Forces
• Survey shows the growing number of Latvian patriots

Addressing Latvian residents on the 85th anniversary of Latvia’s independence, the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga has stated that all people are equal in Latvia, and everybody have opportunities to become Latvian citizens if they feel ready for this. Vaira Vike-Freiberga has invited people who were born in Latvia and have chosen Latvia as the place of permanent residence, to apply for Latvian citizenship. The President has also stressed the need for preserving the Latvian language.

Addressing Latvian residents on the 85th anniversary of Latvias independence, the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga has stated that all people are equal in Latvia, and everybody have opportunities to become Latvian citizens if they feel ready for this. Vaira Vike-Freiberga has invited people who were born in Latvia and have chosen Latvia as the place of permanent residence, to apply for Latvian citizenship. The President has also stressed the need for preserving the Latvian language. The Official Gazette, Diena

At the Saeima’s session devoted to the 85th anniversary of Latvia’s independence, the Saeima’s Speaker Ingrida Udre has suggested to consider granting Latvian citizenship to the non-citizens’ children, who have grown up in the orphanages, automatically . Ingrida Udre has also stressed that political forces claiming to represent minority interests do not invite non-citizens to naturalize and thus to participate in political life. According to Udre, these politicians ignore the fact that for ordinary people solving social problems is a priority. The Saeima’s Speaker has also stated that Latvia is open to diversity of cultures and languages, but will require the respect for the Latvian language as the main condition of the nation’s existence.

At the Saeimas session devoted to the 85th anniversary of Latvias independence, the Saeimas Speaker Ingrida Udre has suggested to consider granting Latvian citizenship to the non-citizens children, who have grown up in the orphanages, automatically . Ingrida Udre has also stressed that political forces claiming to represent minority interests do not invite non-citizens to naturalize and thus to participate in political life. According to Udre, these politicians ignore the fact that for ordinary people solving social problems is a priority. The Saeimas Speaker has also stated that Latvia is open to diversity of cultures and languages, but will require the respect for the Latvian language as the main condition of the nations existence. The Official Gazette, Lauku Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Vechernaya Riga

At the meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, the EU Commissioner in Charge of External Relations Chris Patten has pointed to the lack of a clear and unified EU stance in negotiations with Russia. Around half of the representatives of the EU states have supported Chris Patten.

At the meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, the EU Commissioner in Charge of External Relations Chris Patten has pointed to the lack of a clear and unified EU stance in negotiations with Russia. Around half of the representatives of the EU states have supported Chris Patten. The Official Gazette, Diena, Lauku Avize, Telegraf, Neatkariga Rita Avize

After the meeting with the Prime Minister of Finland, the Prime Minister of Russia Mikhail Kasyanov has stated that negative perceptions of events taking place in Latvia and Estonia in the Russian society are connected primarily with the activities of these states’ officials regarding non-citizens. According to him, Russia is ready for cooperation and resolution of these problems together with the governments of Latvia and Estonia, and civil society.

After the meeting with the Prime Minister of Finland, the Prime Minister of Russia Mikhail Kasyanov has stated that negative perceptions of events taking place in Latvia and Estonia in the Russian society are connected primarily with the activities of these states officials regarding non-citizens. According to him, Russia is ready for cooperation and resolution of these problems together with the governments of Latvia and Estonia, and civil society. Chas

Lauku Avize interviews the officials and soldiers of the Latvian National Armed Forces (NAF) about the meaning of patriotism. The head of the Culture Affairs Department of the NAF Commanders Office Edite Sondovica has pointed to the lack of Latvian language skills among many soldiers. She believes that the starting point for patriotism is the Latvian language proficiency.

74,6% of Latvian residents consider themselves as Latvian patriots (18,8% do not consider themselves as such and 6,6% had no answer). According to the social research center SKDS, the number of people considering themselves as Latvian patriots has increased over the last years.

74,6% of Latvian residents consider themselves as Latvian patriots (18,8% do not consider themselves as such and 6,6% had no answer). According to the social research center SKDS, the number of people considering themselves as Latvian patriots has increased over the last years. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Chas

• The letter of Juris Dobelis has provoked EPs criticism about Martjan Bekasovs recall
• Rigas Deputy Mayor Sergey Dolgopolov about integration
• Latvian officials meet with Latvian Diaspora in Russia
• A. Kazakov on improving the dialog between Latvian government and Russian-speaking population
• A positive experience of a kindergartens teacher in promoting ethnic tolerance

Several deputies of the European Parliament consider the Saeima’s decision to recall Martjan Bekasov from the post of an observer as anti-democratic and violating human rights. This issue will be possibly discussed at the EP’s session this week in Strasburg. The letter of Juris Dobelis (For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK) has increased the EP’s attention to the case of Bekasov’s recall. Dobelis wrote in the letter that Bekasov has distributed defaming information about Latvia in the EP, which in his opinion was in contradiction with the state interests. He has also pointed out that four MPs from the Latvian Socialist Party have voted against Latvia’s accession to the EU.

Several deputies of the European Parliament consider the Saeimas decision to recall Martjan Bekasov from the post of an observer as anti-democratic and violating human rights. This issue will be possibly discussed at the EPs session this week in Strasburg. The letter of Juris Dobelis (For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK) has increased the EPs attention to the case of Bekasovs recall. Dobelis wrote in the letter that Bekasov has distributed defaming information about Latvia in the EP, which in his opinion was in contradiction with the state interests. He has also pointed out that four MPs from the Latvian Socialist Party have voted against Latvias accession to the EU. Diena

Rigas Balss features an interview with the Rigas Mayor Sergey Dolgopolov, who has the highest rating (supported by 37,2% of Latvians and 58,9 of non-Latvians) among the Riga City Councils officials. Speaking about integration in Riga, Sergey Dolgopolov believes that people are sufficiently tolerant in daily life, but there should be also more tolerance showed by the government institutions and municipalities, as integration is a two-way process. According to him, municipalities and the state should make decisions which are supported by the largest part of the society.

Yesterday, in commemoration of the 85-anniversary of Latvia’s independence, a meeting with the representatives of Latvian national societies in Russia was held at the Embassy of Latvia to Russia. The representatives of the Society Integration Foundation (SIF) and of the Special Task Minister’s for Societal Integration Secretariat have informed the participants about opportunities of applying  for SIF funding.

Yesterday, in commemoration of the 85-anniversary of Latvias independence, a meeting with the representatives of Latvian national societies in Russia was held at the Embassy of Latvia to Russia. The representatives of the Society Integration Foundation (SIF) and of the Special Task Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat have informed the participants about opportunities of applying for SIF funding. Vesti Segodnya

Alexander Kazakov, assistant to the head of the Russia State Duma’s Foreign Affairs Committee, has sent a concept of negotiations between Latvia and Russia to the Russian government. He suggests that Russia should urge the EU to recommend to Latvian officials to make a dialog with the Russian speaking population of the country.

Alexander Kazakov, assistant to the head of the Russia State Dumas Foreign Affairs Committee, has sent a concept of negotiations between Latvia and Russia to the Russian government. He suggests that Russia should urge the EU to recommend to Latvian officials to make a dialog with the Russian speaking population of the country. Vesty Segodnya

Chas prints an article about a positive experience of a kindergarten with the Latvian language and Russian language streams. In her work, the teacher is promoting ethnic tolerance and Latvian language knowledge.

• Josette Durrieu, the chairperson of the Monitoring Committee of the Councils of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, will visit Latvia
• Boris Tsilevitch about the forthcoming activities of the EP Legal Affairs Committee concerning Martjan Bekasovs recall
• Statistics on naturalization
• The head of the party BITE Jakov Pliner on the methods of achieving partys goals
• Lauku Avize criticizes the proposal to amend the Citizenship Law

On 18 November, the chairperson of the Monitoring Committee of the Council’s of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Josette Durrieu will pay a second visit to Latvia to monitor the fulfilling of recommendations to Latvia previously provided by the Committee. The recommendations included the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, amendments to the State Language Law and Education Law, and the adoption of the Law on Minority Protection. Josette Durrieu will meet with the President, Prime Minister, the Saeima’s Speaker, representatives of minority NGOs, the Naturalization Board and the ambassador of Russia to Latvia.

On 18 November, the chairperson of the Monitoring Committee of the Councils of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Josette Durrieu will pay a second visit to Latvia to monitor the fulfilling of recommendations to Latvia previously provided by the Committee. The recommendations included the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, amendments to the State Language Law and Education Law, and the adoption of the Law on Minority Protection. Josette Durrieu will meet with the President, Prime Minister, the Saeimas Speaker, representatives of minority NGOs, the Naturalization Board and the ambassador of Russia to Latvia. Chas

According to the observer to the European Parliament Boris Tsilevitch (People’s Harmony Party), the Legal Affairs Committee of the European Parliament will evaluate both legal and political aspects of Martjan Bekasov’s recall. Boris Tsilevitch considers assumptions that the Committee could decide to postpone Latvia’s accession to the EU, published in

According to the observer to the European Parliament Boris Tsilevitch (Peoples Harmony Party), the Legal Affairs Committee of the European Parliament will evaluate both legal and political aspects of Martjan Bekasovs recall. Boris Tsilevitch considers assumptions that the Committee could decide to postpone Latvias accession to the EU, published in Vesti Segodnya, as exaggerated. Neatkariga Rita Avize

Yesterday 85 newly naturalized citizens have received the Cabinet’s of Ministers directive on granting the Latvian citizenship. In 2003, 8059 persons have been granted Latvian citizenship through naturalization, including 878 under aged persons.

Yesterday 85 newly naturalized citizens have received the Cabinets of Ministers directive on granting the Latvian citizenship. In 2003, 8059 persons have been granted Latvian citizenship through naturalization, including 878 under aged persons. Diena

Chas interviews the head of the party BITE Jakov Pliner, who believes that a non-parliamentary struggle – the acts of non-violent resistance in full compliance with the law – is the only way to achieve partys goals. Jakov Pliner points to the unwillingness of the state to respond to the partys initiatives to start a dialog.

Lauku Avize criticizes the initiatives of the Naturalization Board and the Special Task Ministers for Societal Integration to facilitate naturalization through amending the Citizenship Law.