• Ephraim Zuroff expresses dissatisfaction about the attitude of General Prosecutors office towards people, informing about the war crimes
• A proposal of Saeima coalition parties
• About the visit of deputy from European Parliament (EP) Elisabeth Schroedter to Latvia
• Interview with the Under-Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andris Piebalgs
• Interview with the Secretary of Saeima Janis Reirs (The New Era)
• Articles on conference Maintenance and development of ethnical minorities in Latvia: facilities and needs

Simon Wiesenthal Centre director Ephraim Zuroff has expressed dissatisfaction about the attitude of General Prosecutor’s office towards people, informing about the war crimes realized by fascists. The resident of Bauska Larisa Grekova has complained to Zuroff that the prosecutor Vija Popova has incriminated to her the defamation to Latvia. According to the press secretary of General Prosecutor’s office Dzintra Schubrovska, there has been performed an official investigation  and established an infringement of a several norms of criminal proceedings code, do not giving any impact on activities of General Prosecutor’s office in the area of investigation of the crimes of totalitarian regime.

Simon Wiesenthal Centre director Ephraim Zuroff has expressed dissatisfaction about the attitude of General Prosecutors office towards people, informing about the war crimes realized by fascists. The resident of Bauska Larisa Grekova has complained to Zuroff that the prosecutor Vija Popova has incriminated to her the defamation to Latvia. According to the press secretary of General Prosecutors office Dzintra Schubrovska, there has been performed an official investigation and established an infringement of a several norms of criminal proceedings code, do not giving any impact on activities of General Prosecutors office in the area of investigation of the crimes of totalitarian regime. Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the Ephraim Zuroff. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The coalition parties of Saeima have tabled a proposal, stipulating the deny of rights to candidate for the elections to the European Parliament for ex-officials of the State Security Committee of the Soviet Republic of Latvia and the activists of Communist Party after the retrieve of independence of Latvia. The MPs of Saeima also want to prolong the prohibition to candidate for the Saeima’s elections to these persons for the next 10 years.

The coalition parties of Saeima have tabled a proposal, stipulating the deny of rights to candidate for the elections to the European Parliament for ex-officials of the State Security Committee of the Soviet Republic of Latvia and the activists of Communist Party after the retrieve of independence of Latvia. The MPs of Saeima also want to prolong the prohibition to candidate for the Saeimas elections to these persons for the next 10 years. Diena

Lauku Avize features an article about the oncoming visit of deputy from the group of the Greens/European Free Alliance of the European Parliament (EP) Elisabeth Schroedter to Latvia. The deputy believes that there are problems in the area of observation of minority rights in Latvia, pointing to the Saeimas decision to recall Marjan Bekasov from the status of an observer to the EP as illustration.

Lauku Avize features an interview with the Under-Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andris Piebalgs about the relationships between Latvia and Russia.

Lauku Avize prints an interview with the Secretary of Saeima Janis Reirs (The New Era) about the accession of Latvia to the European Union, relationships between Latvia and Russia and observation of minority rights. Janis Reirs believes, that Latvia will not make amendments to a Citizenship law and that there will not be naturalization according to the list.

Russian language newspapers feature articles about the conference “Maintenance and development of ethnical minorities in Latvia: facilities and needs”, discussing the situation of Russians as ethnos in Latvia.

Russian language newspapers feature articles about the conference Maintenance and development of ethnical minorities in Latvia: facilities and needs, discussing the situation of Russians as ethnos in Latvia. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

• A deputy of the EPwill gather information for the EPs Monitoring Report on Latvia
• Society Integration Foundation allocates around 2 millions euro to the EU Phare projects
• The Special Task Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat prepares a draft report on the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
• A protest meeting of a Russian language schools students against education reform
• Eizenija Aldermane about the increasing number of naturalization applications
• Publishing house Vieda led by Aivars Garda announces new essay contests
• About the proposals of the party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK to the draft law on the EPs elections
• Discussion on nationalism in Latvia
• www.policy.lv interviews Boris Tsilevitch

On 1-2 December, a deputy from the group of the Greens/European Free Alliance of the European Parliament (EP) Elisabeth Schroedter will visit Latvia in order to gather information for the EP’s Monitoring Report on Latvia. The deputy will gather information on minority integration, judicial reform, anti-corruption measures and other issues. According to Elisabeth Schroedter, Latvia’s initiatives to promote integration of minorities are insufficient. The deputy also believes that the Saeima’s decision to recall Marjan Bekasov from the status of an observer to the EP is anti-democratic.

On 1-2 December, a deputy from the group of the Greens/European Free Alliance of the European Parliament (EP) Elisabeth Schroedter will visit Latvia in order to gather information for the EPs Monitoring Report on Latvia. The deputy will gather information on minority integration, judicial reform, anti-corruption measures and other issues. According to Elisabeth Schroedter, Latvias initiatives to promote integration of minorities are insufficient. The deputy also believes that the Saeimas decision to recall Marjan Bekasov from the status of an observer to the EP is anti-democratic. Diena

The Society Integration Foundation (SIF) has allocated around 2 millions euro to the 2004 EU Phare projects. The SIF has allocated 1,28 millions euro to 31 projects in the area of ethnic integration and 790,000 euro to 18 projects for the development of civic society. In the area of ethnic integration, there are projects aimed to promote participation of non-Latvians in political life and naturalization, support of minority cultures and intercultural dialog, implementation of education reform, participation of socially excluded minority representatives. There are also other projects’ themes.

The Society Integration Foundation (SIF) has allocated around 2 millions euro to the 2004 EU Phare projects. The SIF has allocated 1,28 millions euro to 31 projects in the area of ethnic integration and 790,000 euro to 18 projects for the development of civic society. In the area of ethnic integration, there are projects aimed to promote participation of non-Latvians in political life and naturalization, support of minority cultures and intercultural dialog, implementation of education reform, participation of socially excluded minority representatives. There are also other projects themes. Diena

The Special Task Minister’s for Societal Integration Secretariat has prepared a draft report on the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. The Saeima could examine this document in December-January. The report contains four possible alternatives to ratify the Convention. The Minister Nils Muiznieks believes that only one reservation on minority language use in topographical information should be made.

The Special Task Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat has prepared a draft report on the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. The Saeima could examine this document in December-January. The report contains four possible alternatives to ratify the Convention. The Minister Nils Muiznieks believes that only one reservation on minority language use in topographical information should be made. Telegraf

Yesterday around 400 students of a Riga Russian language school have organized a protest meeting against education reform. The meeting has taken place near the school’s building during a break, without participation of teachers and school’s administration.

Yesterday around 400 students of a Riga Russian language school have organized a protest meeting against education reform. The meeting has taken place near the schools building during a break, without participation of teachers and schools administration. Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Vechernaya Riga

The Naturalization Board is conducting a survey among naturalization applicants about the reasons why they have not applied for Latvian citizenship before. According to the head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane, there are three main reasons of the increasing number of naturalization applications: the positive result of the referendum on Latvia’s accession to the EU, Latvian language courses free of charge, and the reduction of the naturalization fee. Eizenija Aldermane has also concluded, that the state identity of naturalization applicants has increased, especially among middle-aged persons.

The Naturalization Board is conducting a survey among naturalization applicants about the reasons why they have not applied for Latvian citizenship before. According to the head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane, there are three main reasons of the increasing number of naturalization applications: the positive result of the referendum on Latvias accession to the EU, Latvian language courses free of charge, and the reduction of the naturalization fee. Eizenija Aldermane has also concluded, that the state identity of naturalization applicants has increased, especially among middle-aged persons. Jauna Avize

The extreme nationalistic publishing house “Vieda” led by Aivars Garda has announced three new essay contests. The theme of the first essay contest for children is: “Don’t you think that Latvian state robs your grandmother, grandfather and yourself when paying pensions to occupants?” Another essay contest is for pensioners: “Don’t you think that the Latvian state robs a happy old age taking away a piece of bread from Latvian pensioners when paying pensions to occupants?” The theme of the third essay contest is for children and students of Latvia and Russia: “Let’s help to the President Putin to return Russians from the former USSR’s republics to Russia!”

The extreme nationalistic publishing house Vieda led by Aivars Garda has announced three new essay contests. The theme of the first essay contest for children is: Dont you think that Latvian state robs your grandmother, grandfather and yourself when paying pensions to occupants? Another essay contest is for pensioners: Dont you think that the Latvian state robs a happy old age taking away a piece of bread from Latvian pensioners when paying pensions to occupants? The theme of the third essay contest is for children and students of Latvia and Russia: Lets help to the President Putin to return Russians from the former USSRs republics to Russia! Chas, Telegraf,

Vesti Segodnya interviews the chairperson of the Saeimas Foreign Affairs Committee Inese Vaidere (for Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK). The MP comments the proposals of the party to the draft law on the EPs elections. According to the draft proposal, former agents and members of the National Security Committee should not have the right to candidate for the elections to the EP. Inese Vaidere believes that deputies of the EP should be loyal to Latvia. Vesti Segodnya

Rigas Balss features a discussion on the issue of nationalism and the prospects of its development in Latvia. The newspaper has interviewed the former secretary general of the group For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK Aigars Kimenis, a representative of the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian Schools Juriy Petropavlovsky, the head of the organization All for Latvia Raivis Dzintars and the LU associated professor Juris Rozenvalds.

The English version of the public policy portal

The English version of the public policy portal www.policy.lv publishes an interview with Boris Tsilevitch, a member of the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and a MP (Peoples Harmony Party). Boris Tsilevitch discusses various minority issues in Latvia (See the interview at http://www.policy.lv/index.php?id="102786&lang=en).

• Rating of party New Era increased
• Most Riga's minority language schools will teach more then 5 subjects in Latvian
• Interview with Rafi Haradzanjan, the chairman of the Latvian Association of National Cultural Societies
• Janis Jurkans is planning to leave the post of the head of the PHPs parliamentary group
• The establishment of the Russian Centre for Diasporas support initiated in Moscow

According to an opinion poll conducted by the company Latvian Facts, the rating of party New Era has increased from 18,7% in September till 31,8% in November. Other the most popular political parties in November were FHRUL (8,6%), People’s Party (7,4%) and Union of Greens and Farmers (4,8%). The rating of the FHRUL has increased by 3,5% as compared with October.

According to an opinion poll conducted by the company Latvian Facts, the rating of party New Era has increased from 18,7% in September till 31,8% in November. Other the most popular political parties in November were FHRUL (8,6%), Peoples Party (7,4%) and Union of Greens and Farmers (4,8%). The rating of the FHRUL has increased by 3,5% as compared with October. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

The Department of Education, Youth and Sports of the Riga City Council has examined minority schools’ action plans stipulating the number of subjects to be taught in Latvian at the tenth grade starting from 1 September 2004. Only one minority language school is planning to follow the minority education model, which stipulates teaching five subjects in Latvian. Other schools have chosen a larger number of subjects (8-15).

The Department of Education, Youth and Sports of the Riga City Council has examined minority schools action plans stipulating the number of subjects to be taught in Latvian at the tenth grade starting from 1 September 2004. Only one minority language school is planning to follow the minority education model, which stipulates teaching five subjects in Latvian. Other schools have chosen a larger number of subjects (8-15). Lauku Avize

The chairman of the People’s Harmony Party (PHP) Janis Jurkans is planning to leave the post of the head of the Saeima PHP’s parliamentary group. Janis Urbanovitch, the deputy chairman of the party, will possibly replace Janis Jurkans.

The chairman of the Peoples Harmony Party (PHP) Janis Jurkans is planning to leave the post of the head of the Saeima PHPs parliamentary group. Janis Urbanovitch, the deputy chairman of the party, will possibly replace Janis Jurkans. Telegraf, Chas, Vechernaya Riga

Lauku Avize prints an article about the Latvian Association of National Cultural Societies (LANCS) celebrating the 15-year anniversary of its work. The members of the LANCS recognize the principles of multiculturalism. However, according to the LANCS, Latvian language and culture is prior among other languages and cultures. The chairman of the LANCS Rafi Haradzanjan has emphasized the cooperation of the LANCS with the Ministry of Culture, the Saiemas Committees and other state bodies. He has pointed to the insufficient funding for maintaining of minority Sunday schools.

Vesti Segodnya reports on the initiative of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Russias State Council to establish the Russian Centre in Moscow. The Russian Centre could co-ordinate the activities of Russian organizations supporting Russian Diaspora, provide social assistance, legal aid and information to Diasporas members and promote economic cooperation between Russia and Diaspora.

• 30 Latvian language teachers receive the State Language Commissions awards
• MPs about the impact of naturalization on the distribution of power
• The session of minority schools on bilingual education
• Jakov Pliner and Valery Buhvalov discuss loyalty issue

Yesterday the President of Latvia and the State Language Commission have granted the awards to thirty Latvian language teachers from Latvian schools. The President has emphasized the role of the teachers in promotion of the development and popularization of Latvian language and literature.

Yesterday the President of Latvia and the State Language Commission have granted the awards to thirty Latvian language teachers from Latvian schools. The President has emphasized the role of the teachers in promotion of the development and popularization of Latvian language and literature. The Official Gazette, Diena, Lauku Avize, Rigas Balss, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Chas

Lauku Avize features the responses of the MPs to Boris Tsilevitchs statements. According to Boris Tsilevitch, mass naturalization would raise the political failure of many parties. He believes that the newly naturalized citizens would not vote for politicians who have opposed granting citizenship to them and their parents such a long time. Juris Dobelis (For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNL) believes that there would be no crucial changes in the distribution of political forces. According to Inese Vaidere from For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK, the increasing number of disloyal citizens would promote nationalistic orientation of loyal citizens. Krisjanis Karins (The New Era Party) points to the increasing role of economic criteria in voters political choices in future.

Lauku Avize reports on the session of minority schools with the participation of teachers, students and representatives of the students parents. The newspaper points to the positive experience of schools implementing bilingual education reform.

The head of the party

The head of the party BITE Jakov Pliner and Dr Valery Buhvalov discuss the issue of loyalty in Latvia. According to the authors, Latvian officials consider loyalty as the agreement with the ruling political parties stances while the right to express alternative opinions is not respected in Latvia. Vesti Segodnya

• Activities of the Special Task Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat
• Einars Repse comments the letter of Tatjana Slivenkos lawyers
• The Regulations on the State Language Agency adopted
• Latvian Language Fund will gather information on organizations maintaining Latvian language friendly environment
• Session of the party Equality and BITE
• Survey data: one third of Latvias residents would like to leave Latvia
• Diena reports on the article of The Economist about the relationship between the Baltic States and Russia

The Official Gazette reports on the activities of the Special Task Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat. The Secretariat is planning to mail invitations to non-citizens families to apply for their childrens Latvian citizenship through registration. The elaboration of the Diaspora program is another new initiative of the Secretariat.

The Prime Minister Einars Repse has given his comments about the lawyers’ of Tatjana Slivenko letter with the request to facilitate fulfilling the judgement of the European Court for Human Rights. The Prime Minister hopes that the ministries will be able to implement the ECHR’s ruling without his intervention.

The Prime Minister Einars Repse has given his comments about the lawyers of Tatjana Slivenko letter with the request to facilitate fulfilling the judgement of the European Court for Human Rights. The Prime Minister hopes that the ministries will be able to implement the ECHRs ruling without his intervention. Chas, Vechernaya Riga

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers has adopted the Regulations on the State Language Agency. According to the Regulations, the Agency will be responsible for the elaboration of the state language policy and research in the area of Latvian language. The Agency will be under supervision of the Ministry of Education and Science.

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers has adopted the Regulations on the State Language Agency. According to the Regulations, the Agency will be responsible for the elaboration of the state language policy and research in the area of Latvian language. The Agency will be under supervision of the Ministry of Education and Science. Chas

The Latvian Language Fund has initiated gathering information about organizations maintaining Latvian language friendly environment. The Ministry of Education and Science has allocated 2,000 lats for this project. 

The Latvian Language Fund has initiated gathering information about organizations maintaining Latvian language friendly environment. The Ministry of Education and Science has allocated 2,000 lats for this project. Lauku Avize, Telegraf

Yesterday the session of the party “Equality” and BITE has taken place. The parties have decided to merger into the FHRUL party and to candidate for the elections to the European Parliament.

Yesterday the session of the party Equality and BITE has taken place. The parties have decided to merger into the FHRUL party and to candidate for the elections to the European Parliament. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Lauku Avize asks MPs if the state should invite non-citizens to naturalize. The head of the Saeima Committee for the Citizenship Laws Implementation Anta Rugate believes that citizenship is available to everybody who wants and ready for this. According to the head of the Saeima Human Rights Committee Ina Druviete, the state should provide information on naturalization, but at the same time to explain that naturalization is a responsible step.

According to the data of sociological research center

According to the data of sociological research center SKDS, around one third of Latvias residents would like to leave Latvia for the Western European countries if they would have such opportunity. The largest number of people willing to leave Latvia is among young persons (57% of respondents aged 18 - 24), non-citizens, non-Latvians, employees of the private sector, people whose average income per family member is below 42 lats or above 85 lats. Chas columnist Leonid Fedoseyev points to the small number of Latvian repatriates and the week Latvias support to repatriation. Diena, Chas, Vechernaya Riga

Diena reports on the articles in the journal The Economist discussing the relationship between the Baltic States and Russia. According to the journal, the Baltic States are motivated to promote their cooperation with Russia through the EU. The journal outlines the existence of two communities in Latvia as the consequence of the Soviet russification policy.