Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

• The lawyers of Slivenko hope to return to the family the permanent residents of Latvia status, and the apartment
• The delegation of Latvian officials will report to the UN Human Rights Committee
• The Secretariat of the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration is working on a draft National Programme against intolerance and discrimination
• Gunter Verheugen answers Vladimir Buzaev
• Ventspils mayor Aivars Lembergs on education reform
• Quality of NGOs projects supported by the Society Integration Foundation
• An article of Vjacheslav Altuhov, the president of the Russian Community in Latvia

The lawyers of Tatjana Slivenko are preparing a petition to the Latvian government. They believe that Latvia should return both status of permanent residents of Latvia and the apartment to the Slivenko family. According to the advocate Aleksandr Asnis, if Latvia does not satisfy these claims, a petition will be submitted to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

The lawyers of Tatjana Slivenko are preparing a petition to the Latvian government. They believe that Latvia should return both status of permanent residents of Latvia and the apartment to the Slivenko family. According to the advocate Aleksandr Asnis, if Latvia does not satisfy these claims, a petition will be submitted to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Vechernaya Riga

On 28 and 29 October, the delegation of Latvian officials is planning to present a report on the implementation of the International Pact on Civic and Political Rights since 1995 to the UN Human Rights Committee. The report has been prepared by ministries’ representatives, and commented by the National Human Rights Office and the Human Rights Institute of the University of Latvia. The Special Task Minister for Societal Integration will head the delegation. The working group presumes that an alternative report can be presented at the Committee’s session.

On 28 and 29 October, the delegation of Latvian officials is planning to present a report on the implementation of the International Pact on Civic and Political Rights since 1995 to the UN Human Rights Committee. The report has been prepared by ministries representatives, and commented by the National Human Rights Office and the Human Rights Institute of the University of Latvia. The Special Task Minister for Societal Integration will head the delegation. The working group presumes that an alternative report can be presented at the Committees session. Lauku Avize, Chas

Yesterday the first meeting of the working group on intolerance and xenophobia was held at the Secretariat of the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration. The Secretariat is planning to submit a draft National Programme against intolerance and discrimination to the government next week. The minister Nils Muiznieks believes that the problem of intolerance is not so acute in Latvia comparing with the other European states. However, there are cases of russofobia, Russian chauvinism, anti-Semitism, and racism. The minister is also concerned with intolerant attitude towards Roma in the society and foresees an increase of intolerance cases regarding black people after Latvia’s accession to the EU and NATO. Replying to

Yesterday the first meeting of the working group on intolerance and xenophobia was held at the Secretariat of the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration. The Secretariat is planning to submit a draft National Programme against intolerance and discrimination to the government next week. The minister Nils Muiznieks believes that the problem of intolerance is not so acute in Latvia comparing with the other European states. However, there are cases of russofobia, Russian chauvinism, anti-Semitism, and racism. The minister is also concerned with intolerant attitude towards Roma in the society and foresees an increase of intolerance cases regarding black people after Latvias accession to the EU and NATO. Replying to Chas, the minister said that he does not consider the large number of non-citizens as a result of the state xenophobic policy since non-citizens belong to different ethnic groups. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnya features the response of Gunter Verheugen, the Commissioner for Enlargement of the European Commission, to Vladimir Buzajev, the MP from the FHRUL, who has asked the Commissioner to support the idea of not switching Russian schools to Latvian language of instruction. According to the Commissioner, Latvia has no intent to liquidate minority education system, and the state will continue funding of education in eight languages. He also referred to the Council of Europe, pointing that 60/40 proportion between languages of instruction conforms with the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities.

Chas interviews Ventspils mayor Aivars Lembergs about education reform. The mayor believes that the reform has had a negative impact on economic cooperation between Latvia and Russia. According to him, nationalistic radical parties in Latvia and in Russia are the main beneficiaries from the reform. Lembergs also believes that local governments will not be able to control reform implementation since it was poorly prepared by the state.

Diena reports on the NGO forum yesterday. The boards chairman of the Society Integration Foundation (SIF) Sols Bukingolts said that around 10% of the projects supported by SIF are not qualitative, and there is a lack of interesting project proposals. At the same time, he noted that the quality of the projects has improved for the last project tenders.

Vesti Segodnya prints an article by Vjacheslav Altuhov, the president of the Russian Community of Latvia and a member of the newly established association of minority NGOs Sadraudziba. Altuhov stresses the necessity for close cooperation between Russians, Belarussians and Ukrainians in Latvia in order to defend minority rights. He also points to the importance of the new associations cooperation with the state bodies, and denies any collaboration between Sadraudziba and other states.

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

• Russia has postponed a meeting of the deputy secretary of the MFA of Latvia and the co-chairperson of the Russian-Latvian Intergovernment Commission
• The Department of Education, Youth and Sports of the RigaCity Council has received action plans for 2004 education reform from 50 schools
• An article by the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration about civic participation
• Latvia will present a report on the implementation of the International Pact on Civic and Political Rights to the UN Human Rights Committee
• Discussion on education reform at the press-conference in the Saeima
• Parents` meeting in a Russian school in Cesis
• Telegraf about complaints against Latvia submitted to the European Court for Human Rights
• Lauku Avize criticises the newly established association of minority NGOs Sadraudziba
• Interview with the chairman of the board of the World Federation of Free Latvians

Russia has postponed a meeting of the deputy secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Andris Teikmanis and the co-chairman of the Russian-Latvian Intergovernment Commission Aleksandr Pocinok, which was planned for 27 October. According to Russia, the meeting cannot be held at this time because of the recent events. Andris Teikmanis does not comprehend Russia’s decision, and the grounds it was taken on. He says Latvia has always expressed willingness to talk constructively to Russia.

Russia has postponed a meeting of the deputy secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Andris Teikmanis and the co-chairman of the Russian-Latvian Intergovernment Commission Aleksandr Pocinok, which was planned for 27 October. According to Russia, the meeting cannot be held at this time because of the recent events. Andris Teikmanis does not comprehend Russias decision, and the grounds it was taken on. He says Latvia has always expressed willingness to talk constructively to Russia. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Lauku Avize, Chas

The Department of Education, Youth and Sports of the Riga City Council has received 50 out of the expected 60 school action plans for the switch to the Latvian language of instruction from 1 September 2004. These plans have been required by the Department in order to elaborate support strategies for each school. According to the Department’s expert Modra Jansone, schools are planning to get ready for the reform. However, many Russian schools still need Latvian language courses for the teachers, methodology courses and teaching materials. Most schools are planning to avoid teaching exact subjects in Latvian as much as possible. According to

The Department of Education, Youth and Sports of the Riga City Council has received 50 out of the expected 60 school action plans for the switch to the Latvian language of instruction from 1 September 2004. These plans have been required by the Department in order to elaborate support strategies for each school. According to the Departments expert Modra Jansone, schools are planning to get ready for the reform. However, many Russian schools still need Latvian language courses for the teachers, methodology courses and teaching materials. Most schools are planning to avoid teaching exact subjects in Latvian as much as possible. According to Diena, some school plans include three-four exact subjects in the native language while the government officials state that no more then one-two exact subjects should be taught in a minority language. The Department is planning to examine to what extent the proportions between languages of instruction proposed by the schools conform with the proportions approved by the government. Diena

Diena features an article by the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks who considers the promotion of state identity and democratic values as the main goal for social integration. The minister discusses the issues of public participation in decision making processes and NGOs activities as the means of facilitating social integration.

The UN Human Rights Committee has invited the Latvian delegation to present a report on the implementation of the International pact on civic and political rights. The NGO Latvian Human Rights Committee has sent a letter to the UN Human Rights Committee pointing to the disparity between Latvian laws and several articles of the Pact.

The UN Human Rights Committee has invited the Latvian delegation to present a report on the implementation of the International pact on civic and political rights. The NGO Latvian Human Rights Committee has sent a letter to the UN Human Rights Committee pointing to the disparity between Latvian laws and several articles of the Pact. Vesti Segodnya

Yesterday, on a press-conference in the Saeima, a Russian school student has presented a letter addressed to the Saeima, the Minister of Education and Science and to the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration, which was signed by 27 students. The students are asking for an opportunity for mother tongue education at secondary school. The head of the FHRUL Jakov Pliner has informed about the pickets planned by the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian Schools on 29 October.

Yesterday, on a press-conference in the Saeima, a Russian school student has presented a letter addressed to the Saeima, the Minister of Education and Science and to the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration, which was signed by 27 students. The students are asking for an opportunity for mother tongue education at secondary school. The head of the FHRUL Jakov Pliner has informed about the pickets planned by the Headquarters for the Defense of Russian Schools on 29 October. Vesti Segodnya, Vechernaya Riga

Yesterday a parents` meeting was held in a Russian school in Cesis, with representatives of the MPs from the FHRUL and the Headquarters for the defense of Russian schools participating. No first grade has been formed in the school for the last three years, and no Russian language primary education has been offered over the last 5 years. The newspaper reports about the activities of the parents and the Headquaters to secure opportunities for Russian language education. The parents have also sent a letter  to the mayor of Moscow, asking for financial support to open a preparatory class.

Yesterday a parents` meeting was held in a Russian school in Cesis, with representatives of the MPs from the FHRUL and the Headquarters for the defense of Russian schools participating. No first grade has been formed in the school for the last three years, and no Russian language primary education has been offered over the last 5 years. The newspaper reports about the activities of the parents and the Headquaters to secure opportunities for Russian language education. The parents have also sent a letter to the mayor of Moscow, asking for financial support to open a preparatory class. Vesti Segodnya.

Telegraf provides information about complaints against Latvia submitted to the European Court for Human Rights. There are around 30 such complaints to be examined by the ECHR.

Lauku Avize criticises the new association of minority NGOs Sadraudziba accusing its members of disloyalty to the Latvian state, and claiming that associations establishment has been politically motivated. The columnist criticises the Secretariat the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration for the promised support to the association.

Lauku Avize interviews the chairman of the board of the World Federation of Free Latvians Janis Kukainis. He is concerned about the disloyalty of some MPs to the Latvian state. With regards to the education reform, the chairman is convinced that in the schools funded from the state budget all subjects except native language should be taught in Latvian.

 

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

• Russia has invited the Presidency of the Council of the EU to pay more attention to human rights situation in Estonia and Latvia
• Vesty Segodnya about the Saeimas refusal to nominate candidates from the Latvian Socialist Party to the Saeima National Security Committee
• Dainis Ivans: the Latvian Social Democratic Party is going to attract minority electorate
• Interview with Dans Titavs, advisor to the Latvian Prime Minister
• The Presidents State Language Commission is planning three seminars
• Ethnic dimension of the income level: sociological survey
• Interview with a historian and LU professor Inesis Feldmanis
• Conference Post-communist transformation and democratization process in Latvia. 1987-2003
• Forum Foreign Diaspora – the Intellectual Resource of Russia

At the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe meeting held on 8 October, Russia has invited the Presidency of the Council of the EU to pay more attention to human rights situation in Estonia and Latvia. The Russian ambassador to the Committee has particularly stressed the decision about deportation of Vikulov’s family from Latvia last September. This decision was made according to the treaty on the withdrawal of Russian troops between Latvia and Russia. According to the Russian ambassador, Latvia should not have made this decision before the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), where Vikulovs have submitted a complaint.

At the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe meeting held on 8 October, Russia has invited the Presidency of the Council of the EU to pay more attention to human rights situation in Estonia and Latvia. The Russian ambassador to the Committee has particularly stressed the decision about deportation of Vikulovs family from Latvia last September. This decision was made according to the treaty on the withdrawal of Russian troops between Latvia and Russia. According to the Russian ambassador, Latvia should not have made this decision before the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), where Vikulovs have submitted a complaint. Diena believes that the true purpose of Russias statements is to divert EU attention from the violations of human rights in Cechenya, which had been previously critisized by the Presidency of the Council of the EU. Diena

Vesti Segodnya reports about the Saeimas refusal to nominate Martjan Bekasov from the Latvian Socialist Party as a member of the Saeima National Security Committee. The candidacy of Igor Solovjev from this party had been refused before. According to the newspaper, Saeimas refusal to approve candidates from the opposition parties does not comply with the National Security Law. The law stipulates that MPs from each party should be recruited by the Committee. The leader of the LSP Saeima faction Aleksandr Golubov has stated that the party is considering submitting a complaint to the Constitutional Court.

Lauku Avize reports on the congress of the Latvia Social Democratic Party held last Saturday. The chairman of the party Dainis Ivans said that the LSDP is going to attract minority electorate and stressed the necessity for the governments dialog with the minorities. The LSDP has started closer cooperation with the People`s Harmony Party, even considering a possibility to form common election lists in the future.

Lauku Avize refers to an interview with Dans Titavs, an advisor to the Latvian Prime Minister, published in Telegraf. Dans Titavs says that ‘integration gates are wide open and invites non-citizens to naturalize.

The President’s State Language Commission is planning to organise seminars on the Latvian language terminology, on language and identity issues in the context of Latvia’s membership in the EU, and on the language issues in science.

The Presidents State Language Commission is planning to organise seminars on the Latvian language terminology, on language and identity issues in the context of Latvias membership in the EU, and on the language issues in science. Chas

According to a survey conducted by the social research centre SKDS, 29,5% of ethnic Latvians and 23,1% of representatives of other nationalities have operated with 500 lats bills. 7% of ethnic Latvians and 12,1% of non-Latvians have dealt with 20 lats bills. Russian language newspapers conclude that minorities have lower level of income as compared with ethnic Latvians.

According to a survey conducted by the social research centre SKDS, 29,5% of ethnic Latvians and 23,1% of representatives of other nationalities have operated with 500 lats bills. 7% of ethnic Latvians and 12,1% of non-Latvians have dealt with 20 lats bills. Russian language newspapers conclude that minorities have lower level of income as compared with ethnic Latvians. Vesti Segodnya, Vechernaya Riga

Lauku Avize prints an interview with a historian and LU professor Inesis Feldmanis discussing the judgment of ECHR in the case of Slivenko family and the foreign states attitudes towards the fact of Latvias occupation.

Vesti Segodnya reports on the conference Post-communist transformation and democratization process in Latvia. 1987-2003, reffering to the discussion between Priit Jarve from the European Centre for Minority Issues, Boris Tsilevish, MP from the People`s Harmony Party, political scientist Artis Pabriks and political scientist Tatyana Bogushevitch.

Chas reports about the forum Foreign Diaspora – the Intellectual Resource of Russia which took place in Moscow. The forums participants stressed the need to strengthen non-political and non-ideological cooperation between Russia and the Russian diaspora, primarily in the area of social life, economics, culture and information.

 

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

• Working group on examination of the UN Committees of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination recommendations established
• The Headquarters for the defense of Russian schools are planning to visit a Russian school in Cesis
• FHRUL is planning to transform into a political party
• Interview with Jakov Pliner about his visit to Moscow
• The Association for the Support for Russians Schools has started organizing Tatyanas Day celebrations
• Conference Post-communist transformation and democratization process in Latvia. 1987-2003
• Uldis Neiburgs, a researcher at the Latvian Occupation Museum, discusses different interpretations of the World War II events in Latvian and Russian language media

The Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks has established a working group to examine the recommendations of the Committee of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination of United Nations. Reinis Aboltins, the director of the Department on Social Integration Affairs of the Secretariat, will head the group.

The Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks has established a working group to examine the recommendations of the Committee of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination of United Nations. Reinis Aboltins, the director of the Department on Social Integration Affairs of the Secretariat, will head the group. Vesti Segodnya

The MPs from the Headquarters for the defence of Russian schools are planning to visit a Russian school in Cesis. There will be no first grade in the school next year because only 14 applications have been received. According to the rules adopted by the Ministry of Education and Science, a class can be established only if there are at least 18 students.

The MPs from the Headquarters for the defence of Russian schools are planning to visit a Russian school in Cesis. There will be no first grade in the school next year because only 14 applications have been received. According to the rules adopted by the Ministry of Education and Science, a class can be established only if there are at least 18 students. Chas

The head of the parliamentary group FHRUL Jakov Pliner has informed BNS about possible transforming of the FHRUL to a political party.

The head of the parliamentary group FHRUL Jakov Pliner has informed BNS about possible transforming of the FHRUL to a political party. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Chas interviews Jakov Pliner, the head of the FRHUL, about his visit to Moscow.

The Association for the Support for Russians Schools has started to organise the Tatyana’s Day celebration, devoted to Russian culture and education, on 25 September.

The Association for the Support for Russians Schools has started to organise the Tatyanas Day celebration, devoted to Russian culture and education, on 25 September. Telegraf, Vechernaya Riga

Neatkariga Rita avize reports about the conference Post-communist transformation and democratization process in Latvia. 1987-2003 which took place at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Latvia. The Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks has stressed the need for the research activities concerning Muslims in Latvia, Russian identity and other topics.

Diena features an article of Uldis Neiburgs, a researcher of the Latvian Occupation Museum, who points to the different interpretation of the events during the World War II in Latvian and Russian language media.

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

• Officials of the European Commission consider the Statement of Russias State Council ungrounded
• The number of complaints against Latvia to the European Court of Human Rights has increased over the last years
• Jakov Pliner informs Russian officials about the Latvian response to the visit of Russian school students to Moscow
• The Ministry of Foreign Affais of Latvia challenges the legitimacy of Russiasrefusal to extradite the leader of the Russias National Bolshevik party Vladimir Linderman to Latvia
• Interview with Dainis Ivans, the chairperson of the Latvian Social Democratic party
• Lauku Avize criticizes the Jakov Pliners visit to Moscow
• Nikolay Kabanov discusses three articles in Latvian language media concerning state identity and language issues
• Lauku Avize prints an article published in a Dutch newspaper about minority situation in Latvia

Lauku Avize features the response of the officials of the European Commission to Russias statement about human rights situation in Latvia adopted last Tuesday. The statement stipulates imposing of economic sanctions on Latvia, invites to exclude Latvia from the Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between the EU and Russia and not to sign a boarder agreement between Latvia and Russia. The EU officials consider the reproaches of Russia ungrounded, and stress that the EU Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation concerns all new EU member states automatically. The Italian Presidency of the Council of the EU is planning to discuss this issue with Russian officials during the meeting of the leaders of the EU and Russia to on 28 October.

Neatkariga Rita Avize provides information about complaints against Latvia to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The number of complaints against Latvia to the European Court of Human Rights has grown from 109 in 2000 to 256 in 2002. Till 1 September 2003, the ECHR has asked Latvia to comment 45 complaints. Inga Reine, the representative of Latvia to international human rights organizations, says that before deciding on possible preventive measures, it is necessary to wait for two-three years in order to see if similar complaints continue to be submitted. So far, Latvia has lost four court cases: the case of Antonina Ignatane, Slivenko family, Ingrida Podkolzina, and Aleksandr Lavent.

During his visit to Moscow, the head of the FHRUL Jakov Pliner informed Russian officials about the negative response of Latvian officials to the meeting of a Russian school students with the President of Russia.

During his visit to Moscow, the head of the FHRUL Jakov Pliner informed Russian officials about the negative response of Latvian officials to the meeting of a Russian school students with the President of Russia. Vesti Segodnya refers to the promise of the inspection of the Ministry of Education and Science to clarify if the studentsabsence from school was well grounded. Vesti Segodnya

The Ministry of Foreign Affaires of Latvia (MFA) has stated that the arguments for refusal of Russia to extradite the leader of the Russia’s National Bolshevik party Vladimir Linderman to Latvia contradict the previous decision of Russia to refuse a refugee status to Linderman last July. The refusal of Russia to extradite Linderman to Latvia was explained by the allegation that Latvia has initiated persecution of Linderman due to his political views.

The Ministry of Foreign Affaires of Latvia (MFA) has stated that the arguments for refusal of Russia to extradite the leader of the Russias National Bolshevik party Vladimir Linderman to Latvia contradict the previous decision of Russia to refuse a refugee status to Linderman last July. The refusal of Russia to extradite Linderman to Latvia was explained by the allegation that Latvia has initiated persecution of Linderman due to his political views. Diena, Vesti Segodnya

Chas features an interview with Dainis Ivans, the chairperson of the Latvian Social Democratic party (LSDP), where he discusses the prospects of cooperation between the LSDP and other social democratic parties in Latvia, education reform and granting of voting rights to non-citizens at municipal elections.

Chas features an interview with Dainis Ivans, the chairperson of the Latvian Social Democratic party (LSDP), where he discusses the prospects of cooperation between the LSDP and other social democratic parties in Latvia, education reform and granting of voting rights to non-citizens at municipal elections.

Lauku Avize columnist Maris Antonevics criticizes the visit of the head of the FHRUL and the leader of the new party BITE Jakov Pliner to Moscow last week. According to the columnist, the goal of this visit was to establish collaboration of BITE with the Russian officials.

A MP from the FHRUL Nikolay Kabanov criticizes the articles of Raivis Dzintars, the leader of the radical nationalistic movement “All for Latvia!”, Artis Pabriks, political scientist, and Denis Hanov, the representative of the Secretariat of the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Affaires. The articles were recently published in Latvian language Internet portals delfi.lv and politika.lv and discussed the issues of state identity, the policy of Russia regarding minorities in Latvia and the role of the Latvian language in social integration. The columnist considers the establishment of the official bilinguism and equal rights as the crucial conditions for a long-term stability of the state.

A MP from the FHRUL Nikolay Kabanov criticizes the articles of Raivis Dzintars, the leader of the radical nationalistic movement All for Latvia!, Artis Pabriks, political scientist, and Denis Hanov, the representative of the Secretariat of the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Affaires. The articles were recently published in Latvian language Internet portals delfi.lv and politika.lv and discussed the issues of state identity, the policy of Russia regarding minorities in Latvia and the role of the Latvian language in social integration. The columnist considers the establishment of the official bilinguism and equal rights as the crucial conditions for a long-term stability of the state. Vesty Segodnya

Lauku Avîze prints an article published in a Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad. The columnist argues that there is no systematic discrimination of Russians in Latvia.