Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Lauku Avize provides its view on the seminar organised by the Council of Europe Information Office and the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies about the Framework Convention for Protection of National Minorities. Newspapers columnist Maris Antonevics states that experts who organised and took part in the seminar are all the time the same persons and they believe that any integration issues could not be discussed without their presence. He writes that the views expressed by researcher of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Ilze Brands-Kehre were very close to the opinion expressed by a representative of the Latvian Committee of Human Rights (according to the newspaper he represented the views of FHRUL on this subject). Ilze Brands-Kehre stated that there will not be any major changes after ratification of the Convention because in practice minorities have more rights than on paper.

Telegraf

adds the opinion of director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks – he believes that the Saeima will ratify the Convention very soon. Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane agrees that the Convention should be ratified, however, she thinks that a number of reservations should be made. adds the opinion of director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks – he believes that the Saeima will ratify the Convention very soon. Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane agrees that the Convention should be ratified, however, she thinks that a number of reservations should be made.

Chas

publishes a long article about the current situation regarding the vacant post of the societal integration minister. Chas asks opinions of human right experts and minority representatives about their views regarding this post and possible candidacy for it. Head of the Association for Support of Russian Language Schools in Latvia Igors Pimenovs stresses that the key issue for his organisation is the attitude of minister towards the switch of minority schools to instruction in Latvian. The attitude of the rejected candidature Aleksandrs Brandavs was not voiced, however, Pimenovs considers that the reasons for Brandavs rejection are not permissible in a democratic country. Chairperson of the Association of Latvian National Culture Organisations Rafi Haradzanjans believes that the ministry is not needed if it is so hard to find an adequate candidacy for the post of the minister. President of the Association of Russian Language and Literature in Latvia Tatyana Liguta says that Latvia needs this ministry and a representative of a national minority would be the most adequate candidacy for the post. Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks is convinced that the reasons of Brandavs rejection imply discrimination. He believes that the best candidature will be a person who knows integration issues and is very sensitive towards minority problems. Chairperson of the Russian Association in Latvia Tatyana Fovorskaya says that it seems that the ministry will deal more with the issues of migrants coming from the Third World and not with minorities residing here. publishes a long article about the current situation regarding the vacant post of the societal integration minister. Chas asks opinions of human right experts and minority representatives about their views regarding this post and possible candidacy for it. Head of the Association for Support of Russian Language Schools in Latvia Igors Pimenovs stresses that the key issue for his organisation is the attitude of minister towards the switch of minority schools to instruction in Latvian. The attitude of the rejected candidature Aleksandrs Brandavs was not voiced, however, Pimenovs considers that the reasons for Brandav’s rejection are not permissible in a democratic country. Chairperson of the Association of Latvian National Culture Organisations Rafi Haradzanjans believes that the ministry is not needed if it is so hard to find an adequate candidacy for the post of the minister. President of the Association of Russian Language and Literature in Latvia Tatyana Liguta says that Latvia needs this ministry and a representative of a national minority would be the most adequate candidacy for the post. Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks is convinced that the reasons of Brandavs’ rejection imply discrimination. He believes that the best candidature will be a person who knows integration issues and is very sensitive towards minority problems. Chairperson of the Russian Association in Latvia Tatyana Fovorskaya says that it seems that the ministry will deal more with the issues of migrants coming from the Third World and not with minorities residing here.

Panorama Latvii

reports that a group of human right experts (mostly members of the Latvian Committee of Human Rights and Baltic Insight) has developed its own shadow report about compliance of Latvian legislation with the norms of the Framework Convention for the Protection of Human Rights. The experts concluded that Latvia could face many problems after the Convention is ratified. reports that a group of human right experts (mostly members of the Latvian Committee of Human Rights and Baltic Insight) has developed its own shadow report about compliance of Latvian legislation with the norms of the Framework Convention for the Protection of Human Rights. The experts concluded that Latvia could face many problems after the Convention is ratified.

Panorama Latvii

reports about the exhibition of periodicals in the Russian and Ukrainian languages held last week in the Academic Library. reports about the exhibition of periodicals in the Russian and Ukrainian languages held last week in the Academic Library.

Neatkariga

publishes an article by FHRUL MP Janis Urbanovics about the attitude of the ruling coalition towards FHRUL. He agrees that by leaving FHRUL in the opposition, it is Latvians and not minorities representatives who create the two-community situation in the country. publishes an article by FHRUL MP Janis Urbanovics about the attitude of the ruling coalition towards FHRUL. He agrees that by leaving FHRUL in the opposition, it is Latvians and not minorities representatives who create the two-community situation in the country.

Vesti Segodnya

reports about the last event in the campaign of information booths where people could obtain information about naturalisation. Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane and British Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere (the British Embassy provided financial support for the campaign) took part in the event. reports about the last event in the campaign of information booths where people could obtain information about naturalisation. Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane and British Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere (the British Embassy provided financial support for the campaign) took part in the event.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Panorama Latvii reports about the seminar organised by the Council of Europe Information Office and the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies. The key subject discussed at the seminar was the compliance of Latvian legislation with the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Latvia signed the Convention 1995, but has not ratified it. Researcher of the University of Latvia Aivars Tabuns believes that the key impediments for ratification is the contradicting perception about the roles of the Russian and Latvian language: Russians believe that the government wants to exclude the usage of Russian from the public sphere, but Latvians are convinced that the lack of the Latvian language skills threatens the future of independent Latvia. Human rights expert of the National Committee of Human Rights Aleksey Dmitrov states that a number of norms in the Education Law, the State Language Law and the Law on Radio and Television are not in compliance with the Convention, in particular, the norms which stipulate restrictions regarding the usage of minority languages in state and municipal institutions, language quota in TV and radio programmes and the switch of minority secondary school to instruction in Latvian. Researcher of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Ilze Brands-Kehre noted that domestic legislation is in contradiction not only with the Convention but also with the freedom of expression. She believes that minority names spelled in accordance with Latvian grammar rules contradicts the Convention and suggests amending the Education Law and the Law on Radio and Television and to consider providing free of charge translators service at municipalities as well.

Diena

reports about the celebration of the Independence Day at schools. The newspaper provides few examples about the celebration of Independence Day at minority schools. One of the key subjects of the curricula implemented by the Riga Polish Primary School is civil education. School principal Inga Gudevica says We talk about the importance of this day in classes of history, literature and language. It is very necessary as many parents of our children were educated in a different way. Principal of the Russian School No 22 states, If a childs family wants to know more about this day, children are more interested as well. But if parents have problems and if these problems are related to language skills, the attitude tends to be negative. reports about the celebration of the Independence Day at schools. The newspaper provides few examples about the celebration of Independence Day at minority schools. One of the key subjects of the curricula implemented by the Riga Polish Primary School is civil education. School principal Inga Gudevica says “We talk about the importance of this day in classes of history, literature and language. It is very necessary as many parents of our children were educated in a different way.” Principal of the Russian School No 22 states, “If a child’s family wants to know more about this day, children are more interested as well. But if parents have problems and if these problems are related to language skills, the attitude tends to be negative.” The Russian language press –

The Russian language press – Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii - reports about the presentation of a book about Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga in the Russian Drama Theatre. The President and Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov took part in the presentation.

Chas

talks to teacher of the Riga Jewish School Elina Falkensteina who is also a project co-ordinator of the Soros programme Open School. Elina Falkensteina is very positive about the programme as it focuses on integration and not on assimilation. She believes that schools, in particular teachers, are not ready for the switch of minority schools to instruction in Latvian in 2004. However, she is an optimist and believes that the new generation will have an easier life as they do not feel offended about the past. talks to teacher of the Riga Jewish School Elina Falkensteina who is also a project co-ordinator of the Soros programme “Open School.” Elina Falkensteina is very positive about the programme as it focuses on integration and not on assimilation. She believes that schools, in particular teachers, are not ready for the switch of minority schools to instruction in Latvian in 2004. However, she is an optimist and believes that the new generation will have an easier life as they do not feel offended about the past.

Lauku Avizes

columnist asks several Russian-speakers about their feelings towards Independence Day. Many of them knew what is celebrated on 18 November, however, they do not feel this day as their celebration. The columnist stresses that the attitude of Russian-speakers who have acquired Latvian citizenship is different – people have much more information and knowledge about this day. columnist asks several Russian-speakers about their feelings towards Independence Day. Many of them knew what is celebrated on 18 November, however, they do not feel this day as their celebration. The columnist stresses that the attitude of Russian-speakers who have acquired Latvian citizenship is different – people have much more information and knowledge about this day.

Vesti Segodnya

reports that the European Parliament is aware that the ruling coalition of the Latvian Parliament has banned Boris Tsilevich from speaking in the European Parliament. The newspaper writes that this issue will be discussed in the session of one of the most influential political groups. reports that the European Parliament is aware that the ruling coalition of the Latvian Parliament has banned Boris Tsilevich from speaking in the European Parliament. The newspaper writes that this issue will be discussed in the session of one of the most influential political groups.

Vesti Segodnya

features an article about two persons who live in the westernmost and easternmost points of Latvia– Belorussian Dina Gasparenok from Ludza and Latvian Janis Putis from Liepaja. Dina Gasparenok says that she has never experienced any ethnic problems although she does not speak Latvian. She believes that the integration process is successful in Latvia. She notes that her children go to Latvian school. Janis Putis agrees that there are no ethnic problems, however, the government should pay more attention to education and employment issues. Regarding integration he says I dont know whether there is integration, but I have been living with Russians and Poles all my life. features an article about two persons who live in the westernmost and easternmost points of Latvia– Belorussian Dina Gasparenok from Ludza and Latvian Janis Putis from Liepaja. Dina Gasparenok says that she has never experienced any ethnic problems although she does not speak Latvian. She believes that the integration process is successful in Latvia. She notes that her children go to Latvian school. Janis Putis agrees that there are no ethnic problems, however, the government should pay more attention to education and employment issues. Regarding integration he says “I don’t know whether there is integration, but I have been living with Russians and Poles all my life.”

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Vesti Segodnya reports on the TV discussion “What’s Going On in Latvia?” about integration issues and plans to establish the Societal Integration Ministry. The newspaper stresses that participants in the discussion – linguist Ina Druviete, former Ambassador to Russia Janis Peters – could not clearly indicate the tasks and authority of the new minister, as well as the majority of viewers did not support the idea of forming this ministry. The newspaper believes that the new ministry will implement integration in accordance with the old mechanism: a part of society issues directives and another part has to implement them without any objections.

Vesti Segodnya reports on the TV discussion Whats Going On in Latvia? about integration issues and plans to establish the Societal Integration Ministry. The newspaper stresses that participants in the discussion – linguist Ina Druviete, former Ambassador to Russia Janis Peters – could not clearly indicate the tasks and authority of the new minister, as well as the majority of viewers did not support the idea of forming this ministry. The newspaper believes that the new ministry will implement integration in accordance with the old mechanism: a part of society issues directives and another part has to implement them without any objections.

Telegraf

reports that today the last information booth where people can obtain information about naturalisation possibilities will be organised in one of the districts of Riga. During 4 months 2175 people visited these information booths. For the time being there is no accurate information whether the campaign influenced the rate of naturalisation. According to the Naturalisation Board the number of people who want to naturalise is increasing. The newspaper stresses that it is mostly thanks to head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane who has showed non-citizens how important is to receive Latvian citizenship. However, it adds that the Latvian government has not given any money for the campaign. The campaign was funded with the financial support of foreign embassies. reports that today the last information booth where people can obtain information about naturalisation possibilities will be organised in one of the districts of Riga. During 4 months 2175 people visited these information booths. For the time being there is no accurate information whether the campaign influenced the rate of naturalisation. According to the Naturalisation Board the number of people who want to naturalise is increasing. The newspaper stresses that it is mostly thanks to head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane who has showed non-citizens how important is to receive Latvian citizenship. However, it adds that the Latvian government has not given any money for the campaign. The campaign was funded with the financial support of foreign embassies.

Telegraf

interviews FHRUL MP Boriss Tsilevich. He states that Latvias EU membership will not solve the non-citizen issue, though it could create the conditions for solving it. Tsilevich is convinced that the switch of minority secondary schools to instruction in Latvian will not take place in 2004 and the government will be sensible enough to consider the interests of students. Tsilevich believes that FHRUL can co-operate with any party except for FF/LNNK and that FHRUL should become one party in place of the current coalition of three parties. interviews FHRUL MP Boriss Tsilevich. He states that Latvia’s EU membership will not solve the non-citizen issue, though it could create the conditions for solving it. Tsilevich is convinced that the switch of minority secondary schools to instruction in Latvian will not take place in 2004 and the government will be sensible enough to consider the interests of students. Tsilevich believes that FHRUL can co-operate with any party except for FF/LNNK and that FHRUL should become one party in place of the current coalition of three parties.

Neatkarigas

columnist Viktors Avotins comments on the decision of the ruling coalition to ban Boris Tsilevich from speaking in the European Parliament. He states that the 7th Saeima was not able to develop a constructive national opposition to the stances of Tsilevich and FHRUL. He concludes that the 8th Saeima is not concerned about how to influence and overtake the electorate of FHRUL. columnist Viktors Avotins comments on the decision of the ruling coalition to ban Boris Tsilevich from speaking in the European Parliament. He states that the 7th Saeima was not able to develop a constructive national opposition to the stances of Tsilevich and FHRUL. He concludes that the 8th Saeima is not concerned about how to influence and overtake the electorate of FHRUL.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Dienas columnist Aivars Ozolins comments on the decision of the ruling coalition to ban Boris Tsilevich from speaking in the European Parliament. Ozolins states that efforts of FHRUL to split Latvian society and use international organisations to satisfy imperial needs of Moscow are non-acceptable, however, it is not acceptable that the majority deprives a minority of the right to express its opinion just because it can bring harm to the image of Latvia. The Saeima should be concerned with democracy within the country and not with the quality of the image which it wants to present to foreigners.

Boris Tsilevich will not represent Latvia in the European Parliament. New Era MP Krisjanis Karins promised to reflect Tsilevich’s opinion in his speech.

Boris Tsilevich will not represent Latvia in the European Parliament. New Era MP Krisjanis Karins promised to reflect Tsilevichs opinion in his speech. Vechernaya Riga

Chas provides the key issues that Tsilevich wanted to discuss in the European Parliament, such as the necessity to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and integration issues.

Chas provides the key issues that Tsilevich wanted to discuss in the European Parliament, such as the necessity to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and integration issues.

The State Language Centre is convinced that advisor to Riga City Mayor Guntars Kukuls is intentionally avoiding state language inspectors. State language inspectors are trying to arrange a meeting with Kukuls to draw up a protocol regarding language violations registered at the press conference of Moscow’s Mayor Luzhkovs. The press conference was held in the Russian language and no translation into the state language was provided.

The State Language Centre is convinced that advisor to Riga City Mayor Guntars Kukuls is intentionally avoiding state language inspectors. State language inspectors are trying to arrange a meeting with Kukuls to draw up a protocol regarding language violations registered at the press conference of Moscows Mayor Luzhkovs. The press conference was held in the Russian language and no translation into the state language was provided. Diena

Rigas Balss reports that during the discussions about the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration the decision was taken that 25 people will work in the new ministry

Rigas Balss reports that during the discussions about the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration the decision was taken that 25 people will work in the new ministry. Vechernaya Riga

Chas

reports that for the first time a book about Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga is published in the Russian language. The President expressed the hope that the book will help to improve a dialogue between Russian-speakers and the President. reports that for the first time a book about Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga is published in the Russian language. The President expressed the hope that the book will help to improve a dialogue between Russian-speakers and the President. FHRUL MP and

FHRUL MP and Vesti Segodnyas journalist Nikolay Kabanov comments on the formation of a new left-centrist party. He believes that the slogan of the party ethnic reconciliation is not topical either for Latvians or Russians.

Latvijas Vestnesis

interviews new Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Sandra Kalniete. She states that there are indications that political relations between Latvia and Russia could improve and that meetings of high state officials could take place next year. Kalniete says that her previous statements that Russia should apologise to Latvia were made as a private person and not in her capacity of an official. interviews new Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Sandra Kalniete. She states that there are indications that political relations between Latvia and Russia could improve and that meetings of high state officials could take place next year. Kalniete says that her previous statements that Russia should apologise to Latvia were made as a private person and not in her capacity of an official.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

The Latvian First Party will look for a new candidate for the post of Special Task Minister for Societal Integration, as Aleksandrs Brandavs withdrew his candidature. Brandavs stated that he is an expert only on national minority issues, however, the minister’s responsibilities include other minorities and their integration into society as well. The Latvian First Party announced that it has several candidatures for the post, however, the party will give the name of their candidacy by the end of November.

The Latvian First Party will look for a new candidate for the post of Special Task Minister for Societal Integration, as Aleksandrs Brandavs withdrew his candidature. Brandavs stated that he is an expert only on national minority issues, however, the ministers responsibilities include other minorities and their integration into society as well. The Latvian First Party announced that it has several candidatures for the post, however, the party will give the name of their candidacy by the end of November. Diena, Neatkariga, Vechernaya Riga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

One of the most active Russian organisations is the Association of the Russian Language and Literature Teachers, which held its conference last weekend. The first discussion subject was the switch of national minority schools to instruction in Latvian in 2004. Teachers expressed their dissatisfaction with the government’s decision, as it was taken without taking into account views of minorities and teachers.

One of the most active Russian organisations is the Association of the Russian Language and Literature Teachers, which held its conference last weekend. The first discussion subject was the switch of national minority schools to instruction in Latvian in 2004. Teachers expressed their dissatisfaction with the governments decision, as it was taken without taking into account views of minorities and teachers. Vechernaya Riga, Chas

Chas

interviews member of Peoples Harmony Party Vladlen Dozorcev who came with an initiative to form a unified leftist party in Latvia. He believes that FHRUL has achieved its tasks and it is time to form a new party. The key tasks of the new party will be: first, develop ideology of solidarity and unity for all Latvian residents and form a unified political nation; second, balance the existing market mechanisms; third, implement a pragmatic approach to the Latvian domestic policy. Pensioners and employed persons, including, teachers and doctors, will be the electorate of the new party. Dozorcev stresses that the party programme will focus on solving naturalisation issues – the new party is interested in increasing the number of new citizens: we have to draw attention of the Latvian people on the sooner elimination of this weird institution – non-citizens. The party is planning to participate in the next municipal elections. interviews member of People’s Harmony Party Vladlen Dozorcev who came with an initiative to form a unified leftist party in Latvia. He believes that FHRUL has achieved its tasks and it is time to form a new party. The key tasks of the new party will be: first, develop ideology of solidarity and unity for all Latvian residents and form a unified political nation; second, balance the existing market mechanisms; third, implement a pragmatic approach to the Latvian domestic policy. Pensioners and employed persons, including, teachers and doctors, will be the electorate of the new party. Dozorcev stresses that the party programme will focus on solving naturalisation issues – the new party is interested in increasing the number of new citizens: “we have to draw attention of the Latvian people on the sooner elimination of this weird institution – non-citizens.” The party is planning to participate in the next municipal elections. Yesterday the Riga Centre Court declined the claim of Eduard Vasilyev and Yulia Bogdanova against the Central Electoral Commission. Bogdanova and Vasilyev were not satisfied with the response of the CEC regarding when, who and why they as non-citizens were deprived of the right to participate in elections.

Yesterday the Riga Centre Court declined the claim of Eduard Vasilyev and Yulia Bogdanova against the Central Electoral Commission. Bogdanova and Vasilyev were not satisfied with the response of the CEC regarding when, who and why they as non-citizens were deprived of the right to participate in elections. Chas

The Russian language press –

The Russian language press – Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Vechernaya Riga, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii - reports that the ruling coalition wants to deprive FHRUL MP Boriss Tsilevich of the right to participate at the discussions in the European Parliament. The newspapers states that the ruling coalition believes that a report of Tsilevich about the situation of national minorities in Latvia could have a negative impact on the image of the country.

Telegraf

reports that 3 years ago the Latvian government promised to pay compensations to all Russians who repatriate to Russia, however, during these 3 years no money for this purpose has been allotted from the state budget. About 6,000 Russians residing in Latvia want to return to Russia. According to the data provided by the Repatriation Centre about 7,5 thousand people repatriated from Latvia over the last 8 years. reports that 3 years ago the Latvian government promised to pay compensations to all Russians who repatriate to Russia, however, during these 3 years no money for this purpose has been allotted from the state budget. About 6,000 Russians residing in Latvia want to return to Russia. According to the data provided by the Repatriation Centre about 7,5 thousand people repatriated from Latvia over the last 8 years.