• Janis Jurkans repeatedly elected as the chairman of the Peoples Harmony Party
• Russia criticizes the statements of Laila Freivalde, the MFA of Sweden
• For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK opposes the establishment of the Saeima Sub-Committee on Integration Affairs
• Igor Pimenov opposes Josette Durrieu on education reform
• About the Latvian language courses free of charge in Ventspils

At the People’s Harmony Party’s (PHP) congress, Janis Jurkans has been repeatedly elected as the party’s chairman. Another candidate for the chairman’s post was the Deputy Mayor of Riga Sergey Dolgopolov. According to the new party’s program, the PHP is a social democratic left wing centrist party. According to Janis Jurkans, other social democratic parties will not be the PHP’s competitors because they work for Latvian electorate. The chairperson has also pointed to the necessity to broaden the traditional PHP’s electorate.

At the Peoples Harmony Partys (PHP) congress, Janis Jurkans has been repeatedly elected as the partys chairman. Another candidate for the chairmans post was the Deputy Mayor of Riga Sergey Dolgopolov. According to the new partys program, the PHP is a social democratic left wing centrist party. According to Janis Jurkans, other social democratic parties will not be the PHPs competitors because they work for Latvian electorate. The chairperson has also pointed to the necessity to broaden the traditional PHPs electorate. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Rigas Balss, Telegraf, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Vechernaya Riga

The Foreign Affairs Department of Russia has criticized the statements of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden Laila Freivalde during her visit to Riga. The Minister has accused Russia for its statements on the violations of Russian-speakers’ rights.

The Foreign Affairs Department of Russia has criticized the statements of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden Laila Freivalde during her visit to Riga. The Minister has accused Russia for its statements on the violations of Russian-speakers rights. Neatkariga Rita Avize

At the session of the party’s board, For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK has opposed the initiative of the New Era party to establish the Saeima Sub-Committee on Integration Affairs for examining the opportunities to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. According to

At the session of the partys board, For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK has opposed the initiative of the New Era party to establish the Saeima Sub-Committee on Integration Affairs for examining the opportunities to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. According to Vesti Segodnya columnist, the true objective of the Sub-Committees establishment is to postpone the ratification of the Framework Convention. Vesti Segodnya

Chas features the critical response of the Chairman of the Board of Latvian Association for the Support for Russian Schools Igor Pimenov to the statements of the chairperson of the Monitoring Committee of the Councils of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Josette Durrieu. Igor Pimenov opposes Josette Durrieu who believes that the compromise on 2004 education reform has been achieved.

Telegraf informs about the planned Latvian language courses free of charge in Ventspils. The project is supported by the Society Integration Foundation.

• The Special Task Minister for Societal Integration accounts for the Secretariats work during the first year
• Slivenkos lawyers ask Einars Repse to accelerate fulfilling the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights
• Discussion on the work of the Peoples Harmony Party
• Maris Antonevics accuses Latvian parties for not responding to Boris Tsilevitchs statements

On Friday, the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks has accounted for the first year work of the Secretariat. Among the achievements, the Minister has pointed out the Secretariat’s cooperation with more than hundred minority NGOs, the increase of funding for minority cultural activities, the project on integration issues in the border districts, and the activities discussing the role of mass media in social integration. The Secretariat is planning to establish the Minority Culture and Information Centre serving as a library and a consultation centre for minority NGOs. A campaign for promotion of naturalization is another priority of the Secretariat.

On Friday, the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks has accounted for the first year work of the Secretariat. Among the achievements, the Minister has pointed out the Secretariats cooperation with more than hundred minority NGOs, the increase of funding for minority cultural activities, the project on integration issues in the border districts, and the activities discussing the role of mass media in social integration. The Secretariat is planning to establish the Minority Culture and Information Centre serving as a library and a consultation centre for minority NGOs. A campaign for promotion of naturalization is another priority of the Secretariat. Lauku Avize, Chas

On Friday, the lawyers of Tatjana Slivenko have sent a letter to the Prime Minister Einars Repse. The lawyers have asked the Prime Minister to accelerate fulfilling the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) stipulating the payment of 20,000 euros to the family for non-pecuniary damage. According to the ECHR judgment from 10 October 2003, the payment should be made during three months. The lawyers have also required returning to Slivenko family the apartment deprived due to family’s deportation from Latvia or assign an equivalent apartment. According to the representative of Latvia to international human rights organizations Inga Reine, the apartment where Slivenko family lived before deportation was the property of the Defense Ministry of Latvia.

On Friday, the lawyers of Tatjana Slivenko have sent a letter to the Prime Minister Einars Repse. The lawyers have asked the Prime Minister to accelerate fulfilling the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) stipulating the payment of 20,000 euros to the family for non-pecuniary damage. According to the ECHR judgment from 10 October 2003, the payment should be made during three months. The lawyers have also required returning to Slivenko family the apartment deprived due to familys deportation from Latvia or assign an equivalent apartment. According to the representative of Latvia to international human rights organizations Inga Reine, the apartment where Slivenko family lived before deportation was the property of the Defense Ministry of Latvia. Lauku Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Diena prints an article about the work of the Peoples Harmony Party (PHP) and the forthcoming partys congress on Saturday. The newspaper provides opinions of politicians and experts on the partys work. According to political scientist Janis Ikstens, the PHPs political influence has not increased after its separation from the FHRUL. Vesti Segodnya interviews the Deputy Mayor of Riga Sergey Dolgopolov believing that the party is in a deep crisis after the FHRULs split. He points to the lack of a new modern party program and a clear ideology. The newspaper also features interviews with MPs from the PHP Janis Urbanovitch and Andrey Klimentyev. Lauku Avize prints an interview with Janis Urbanovitch. Diena, Vesti Segodnya, Lauku Avize

Lauku Avize columnist Maris Antonevics criticizes Latvian parties for not responding to the statements of Boris Tsilevitch (Peoples Harmony Party) believing that mass naturalization would mean the political bankrupt of several parties.

• 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