Press Report

Press Report

The commission established by the Minister of Interior Affairs has examined assumptions made by the means of mass media that persons who are not entitled to hold identification documents of Latvia have received them. The commission concluded that out of 1075 examined persons there were 72 cases on retrieving non-citizens status that have already been started. Department of Citizenship and Migration considers that 2700 persons should be examined in the future. DCMA head M.Bichevskis says that the examination has not revealed any new facts as DCMA already had information about these persons.

The commission established by the Minister of Interior Affairs has examined assumptions made by the means of mass media that persons who are not entitled to hold identification documents of Latvia have received them. The commission concluded that out of 1075 examined persons there were 72 cases on retrieving non-citizens status that have already been started. Department of Citizenship and Migration considers that 2700 persons should be examined in the future. DCMA head M.Bichevskis says that the examination has not revealed any new facts as DCMA already had information about these persons. Neatkariga, Jauna

Members of the Latvian parliament have established a task force for the promotion of repatriating people to their ethnic origin. Chairman of the group Juris Vidins of the right-from-centre For Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK party said that Latvia is also populated by non-loyal foreigners that wish to return to their ethnic homeland, but are troubled of doing so for the lack of money. Vidins claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has also publicly announced that it would be beneficial for Russians to return to Russia, as the country lacks work force and that the country's demographic situation has worsened. "No Latvian institution has reacted to this statement of Russia, knowing that there are people in Latvia willing to return to their homeland," said Vidins. Vidins said that the aim of the task force made up of seven parliament members from the People's Party, FF/LNNK and social democrats, is to attract funds from foreign countries and Russia and that they have already talked to Norwegian Government and it has not refused the proposal.

Members of the Latvian parliament have established a task force for the promotion of repatriating people to their ethnic origin. Chairman of the group Juris Vidins of the right-from-centre For Fatherland and Freedom (FF)/LNNK party said that Latvia is also populated by non-loyal foreigners that wish to return to their ethnic homeland, but are troubled of doing so for the lack of money. Vidins claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has also publicly announced that it would be beneficial for Russians to return to Russia, as the country lacks work force and that the country's demographic situation has worsened. "No Latvian institution has reacted to this statement of Russia, knowing that there are people in Latvia willing to return to their homeland," said Vidins. Vidins said that the aim of the task force made up of seven parliament members from the People's Party, FF/LNNK and social democrats, is to attract funds from foreign countries and Russia and that they have already talked to Norwegian Government and it has not refused the proposal. Lauku Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

The Latvian Prosecutor General has produced a specification of its charge against the former Soviet partisan accused of war crimes, Vasily Kononov. Even though Latvian official institutions had not publicly announced the charges produced on May 8, the move had already been criticised by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday. Head Prosecutor Janis Osis said that specified charges have been submitted against Kononov accused of war crimes. "Nothing has changed, the charge is the same," said Osis. He did not forecast when the case may be sent to the courts, as it is yet to be looked into by the accused. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry representative Alexander Yakovenko assessed Latvia's action as a "new challenge to all that hold in honour deeds of heroism, carried out by those fighting against Nazism, liberating Europe of the brown plague in 1945".

The Latvian Prosecutor General has produced a specification of its charge against the former Soviet partisan accused of war crimes, Vasily Kononov. Even though Latvian official institutions had not publicly announced the charges produced on May 8, the move had already been criticised by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday. Head Prosecutor Janis Osis said that specified charges have been submitted against Kononov accused of war crimes. "Nothing has changed, the charge is the same," said Osis. He did not forecast when the case may be sent to the courts, as it is yet to be looked into by the accused. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry representative Alexander Yakovenko assessed Latvia's action as a "new challenge to all that hold in honour deeds of heroism, carried out by those fighting against Nazism, liberating Europe of the brown plague in 1945". Lauku Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

The members of the Cabinet of Ministers have gave a positive assessment to the work of National Human Rights Office Director O.Bruvers and think that his mandate should be prolonged.

Lauku Avize Committee of the Cabinet of Ministers approved draft amendments to Regulations No 296 “On Necessary Level of State Language Proficiency to Perform Job and Professional Duties and on State Language Proficiency Examination Procedure”. According to the amendments the examination in the Latvian language for 9 graders are to be comparable to naturalisation language examination.

Committee of the Cabinet of Ministers approved draft amendments to Regulations No 296 On Necessary Level of State Language Proficiency to Perform Job and Professional Duties and on State Language Proficiency Examination Procedure. According to the amendments the examination in the Latvian language for 9 graders are to be comparable to naturalisation language examination. Latvijas Vestnesis, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Riga City Council is not able to solve state language proficiency problem. The deputy of Mayor S.Dolgopolovs presenting FHRUL at the Council suggested to hire an interpreter thus people would be able to hand in their complaints also in the Russian language. G.Bojars has decided to examine language proficiency of 6 FHRUL deputies by any means – if Riga Council Legal Committee is not able to find a way to make these deputies take an examination in the language, Mayor would ask for help the Saeima Legal Committee. The State Language Centre has not received the letter from City Mayor, therefore they have not decided about their further steps.

Riga City Council is not able to solve state language proficiency problem. The deputy of Mayor S.Dolgopolovs presenting FHRUL at the Council suggested to hire an interpreter thus people would be able to hand in their complaints also in the Russian language. G.Bojars has decided to examine language proficiency of 6 FHRUL deputies by any means – if Riga Council Legal Committee is not able to find a way to make these deputies take an examination in the language, Mayor would ask for help the Saeima Legal Committee. The State Language Centre has not received the letter from City Mayor, therefore they have not decided about their further steps. Rigas Balss

Yesterday the booklet “Ten Questions about Integration of Society in Latvia” was presented by the Naturalisation Board. The booklet in a plain language explains issues regarding integration to a broader public.

Yesterday the booklet Ten Questions about Integration of Society in Latvia was presented by the Naturalisation Board. The booklet in a plain language explains issues regarding integration to a broader public. Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Respublika provides rather detailed reflection of the preparation and content of the booklet, as well as gives the names of the sponsors.

Respublika provides rather detailed reflection of the preparation and content of the booklet, as well as gives the names of the sponsors.

Chas

has written an open letter to President V.Vike-Freiberga in regard to essay-contest organised by publishing house Vieda asking not to ignore the cases when national hate is kindled. has written an open letter to President V.Vike-Freiberga in regard to essay-contest organised by publishing house Vieda asking not to ignore the cases when national hate is kindled. In Moscow Baltic Forum president N.Neiland met with State Duma faction leader J.Primakov. J.Primakov said that Latvia should learn from the experience of Lithuania where they were able to preserve one unified society. N.Neiland returned that he hopes that Latvian Government will start to work at this issue, however, now all work has to be done by the Opposition parties and NGOs. Baltic Forum president also invited J.Primakov to take part at the next Baltic Forum conference which will take place in the beginning of June in Jurmala.

In Moscow Baltic Forum president N.Neiland met with State Duma faction leader J.Primakov. J.Primakov said that Latvia should learn from the experience of Lithuania where they were able to preserve one unified society. N.Neiland returned that he hopes that Latvian Government will start to work at this issue, however, now all work has to be done by the Opposition parties and NGOs. Baltic Forum president also invited J.Primakov to take part at the next Baltic Forum conference which will take place in the beginning of June in Jurmala. Vesti Segodnja is one of the main information sponsors of the venue. Vesti Segodnja

The conference “Preservation and Development of Economic Relations between Latvia, Russia and Byelorussia under the Influence of Integration Processes of Latvia into the EU and Byelorussia – Russia” will take place 9-10 June. “The main goal of the conference is to foster co-operation between Latvian and Russian politicians”, says N.Neilands.

The conference Preservation and Development of Economic Relations between Latvia, Russia and Byelorussia under the Influence of Integration Processes of Latvia into the EU and Byelorussia – Russia will take place 9-10 June. The main goal of the conference is to foster co-operation between Latvian and Russian politicians, says N.Neilands. Respublika

Vesti Segodnja

publishes parts of an interview, which Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins gave for Russias newspaper publishes parts of an interview, which Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins gave for Russia’s newspaper “Nezavisimaja GazetaNezavisimaja Gazeta. A.Berzins turned down any assumptions about language and education discrimination toward Russian-speakers. Prime Minister stressed that we do not have any reproaches from the OSCE and EU and in regard to the ratification of the Convention on National Minorities, A.Berzins replied that also other EU countries have not ratified it. Prime Minister also talked about the situation in the country and why Latvia wants join NATO. ”. A.Berzins turned down any assumptions about language and education discrimination toward Russian-speakers. Prime Minister stressed that “we do not have any reproaches from the OSCE and EU” and in regard to the ratification of the Convention on National Minorities, A.Berzins replied that also other EU countries have not ratified it. Prime Minister also talked about the situation in the country and why Latvia wants join NATO. Three members of the Russian extremist party, convicted in Latvia from 5 to 15 years in jail on charges of terrorism and illegal border crossing, have filed an appeal against the harsh sentence, the Riga Regional Court.

Three members of the Russian extremist party, convicted in Latvia from 5 to 15 years in jail on charges of terrorism and illegal border crossing, have filed an appeal against the harsh sentence, the Riga Regional Court. Vesti Segodnja

Press Report

Jauna publishes Presidents speech at the opening of the conference Society Integration in Latvia: Aspects, Opinions, Perspectives.

Respublika

gives some parts of the speech. gives some parts of the speech.

Chas

reflects some parts of Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikovs interview for Latvian TV programme From the Position of Power. He talks about his first impressions about the country and regrets that there was no official organised celebration of 8 May – Commemoration Day of Soviet Soldiers of II World War in Latvia. The ambassador completely rejects the definition that Latvia was occupied by the USSR in 1940. When asked about the possible visit of Russian President to Latvia, I.Studennikov does not give a direct answer. The ambassador also expressed his views in regard to naturalisation – in some aspects the requirements are still too harsh. Mainly it is the amount of the state fee to be paid, as well as for some people some interpretations of history are not acceptable. reflects some parts of Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov’s interview for Latvian TV programme “From the Position of Power”. He talks about his first impressions about the country and regrets that there was no official organised celebration of 8 May – Commemoration Day of Soviet Soldiers of II World War in Latvia. The ambassador completely rejects the definition that Latvia was occupied by the USSR in 1940. When asked about the possible visit of Russian President to Latvia, I.Studennikov does not give a direct answer. The ambassador also expressed his views in regard to naturalisation – “in some aspects the requirements are still too harsh. Mainly it is the amount of the state fee to be paid, as well as for some people some interpretations of history are not acceptable”. Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov visited

Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov visited Panorama Latvii and answered to some questions asked by its journalists. The ambassador shared his joy that he saw so many people and among them so many young people at the Monument of Victory on 9 May. The ambassador expressed his concern about the problems concerning education and talked about the procedure of receiving visa for non-citizens to go to Russia.

Panorama Latvii

publishes official procedure for non-citizens on how to preserve their status. publishes official procedure for non-citizens on how to preserve their status.

Press Report

Press Report

The minister of foreign affairs after consultations with President V.Vike-Freiberga has decided to nominate to the post of Latvian ambassador to Russia the current Latvian ambassador to Great Britain N.Penke.

The minister of foreign affairs after consultations with President V.Vike-Freiberga has decided to nominate to the post of Latvian ambassador to Russia the current Latvian ambassador to Great Britain N.Penke. Diena

Council of Europe Secretary General Walter Schwimmer recommends Latvia to consider in the future a possibility to grant to non-citizens the right to vote in local elections but said this is not an "immediate demand" and presently Latvia should concentrate on society integration.

Council of Europe Secretary General Walter Schwimmer recommends Latvia to consider in the future a possibility to grant to non-citizens the right to vote in local elections but said this is not an "immediate demand" and presently Latvia should concentrate on society integration. Neatkariga

Neatkariga

gives a brief information on the course of the conference Society Integration in Latvia: Aspects, Opinions, Perspectives. gives a brief information on the course of the conference “Society Integration in Latvia: Aspects, Opinions, Perspectives”. Newspapers in Russian –

Newspapers in Russian – Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Panorama Latvii – provides their view on the conference. Vesti Segodnja is rather surprised at Presidents announcement that society integration has been done already from 1992, as well as the newspaper is rather dissatisfied with the selection of the invited representatives from the side of national minorities (only 2 representatives).

The members of “For Equality” organised a protest meeting at the building of the CoM. They protested against national integration programme and the selected people representing national minorities at the conference.

The members of For Equality organised a protest meeting at the building of the CoM. They protested against national integration programme and the selected people representing national minorities at the conference.

Vesti Segodnja also comments on the public awareness campaign, which is a co-operation project of the Naturalisation Board, OSCE and UNDP. Actually there was no other alternative (for foreign governments and organisations) as to donate their money, as Latvian government did not listen to advice – to speed up naturalisation. And after all western politicians have realised - if they do not provide funding, they would not live to the day when at least half of non-citizens are naturalised.

President V.Vike-Freiberga has left for vacation to Greece till 18 May.

President V.Vike-Freiberga has left for vacation to Greece till 18 May. Vesti Segodnja

Prime Minister A.Berzins confirmed that he has made an invitation to Russian Prime Minister M.Kasjanovs to visit Latvia. Till now there was no response.

Prime Minister A.Berzins confirmed that he has made an invitation to Russian Prime Minister M.Kasjanovs to visit Latvia. Till now there was no response. Vesti Segodnja

Friday at Jelgava City Council a protest meeting took place against reorganisation of Russian school in Jelgava.

Panorama Latvii, Chas

Press Report

Press Report

The Naturalisation Board on Wednesday signed with the UNDP, OSCE Mission to Latvia and the Justice Ministry a document about co-operation aimed at developing and implementing a major project about informing Latvia's population about citizenship and naturalisation issues. The signing ceremony was attended by Aldermane, OSCE mission to Latvia head Peter Semneby, the UNDP permanent representative in Latvia Jan Sand Soerensen and the Justice Ministry Public Integration Department director Vilnis Antoniskis as well as representatives from US, UK, Swedish and Canadian embassies in Latvia. The survey conducted by the Naturalisation Board showed that the population, be it citizens or non-citizens, develop an increasingly positive attitude towards naturalisation but further efforts are still required, Aldermane stated. The OSCE representative in his turn said that OSCE Mission to Latvia had focussed on legislative consultations but now they will turn towards implementation of the citizenship law, a process to the interests of Latvia as well as its foreign partners. P.Semneby said the Naturalisation Board had made impressive achievements in levelling out differences between citizens and non-citizens but more difficulties will arise as Latvia moves towards the EU membership. Now it was the right time to inform non-citizens about citizenship and how their choice today will affect their future after Latvia's admission to the EU, he said, adding that no pressure should be exerted on non-citizens as naturalisation was one's personal choice. The OSCE Mission head said that naturalisation in Latvia had become a clear priority for the government as evidenced by development of the public integration program. The OSCE is contributing to the process with the Fast Track language program, helping on-citizens in learning the Latvian language. The UNDP representative said that integration was a priority also for the UNDP as the purpose of the integration was to ensure equal possibilities for all population and to help them to develop a sense of belonging with their common country.

The Naturalisation Board on Wednesday signed with the UNDP, OSCE Mission to Latvia and the Justice Ministry a document about co-operation aimed at developing and implementing a major project about informing Latvia's population about citizenship and naturalisation issues. The signing ceremony was attended by Aldermane, OSCE mission to Latvia head Peter Semneby, the UNDP permanent representative in Latvia Jan Sand Soerensen and the Justice Ministry Public Integration Department director Vilnis Antoniskis as well as representatives from US, UK, Swedish and Canadian embassies in Latvia. The survey conducted by the Naturalisation Board showed that the population, be it citizens or non-citizens, develop an increasingly positive attitude towards naturalisation but further efforts are still required, Aldermane stated. The OSCE representative in his turn said that OSCE Mission to Latvia had focussed on legislative consultations but now they will turn towards implementation of the citizenship law, a process to the interests of Latvia as well as its foreign partners. P.Semneby said the Naturalisation Board had made impressive achievements in levelling out differences between citizens and non-citizens but more difficulties will arise as Latvia moves towards the EU membership. Now it was the right time to inform non-citizens about citizenship and how their choice today will affect their future after Latvia's admission to the EU, he said, adding that no pressure should be exerted on non-citizens as naturalisation was one's personal choice. The OSCE Mission head said that naturalisation in Latvia had become a clear priority for the government as evidenced by development of the public integration program. The OSCE is contributing to the process with the Fast Track language program, helping on-citizens in learning the Latvian language. The UNDP representative said that integration was a priority also for the UNDP as the purpose of the integration was to ensure equal possibilities for all population and to help them to develop a sense of belonging with their common country. BNS

Following several incidents when Latvian embassy in Moscow was smeared with paint Russia has stepped up external security at the embassy, including during the night hours.

Following several incidents when Latvian embassy in Moscow was smeared with paint Russia has stepped up external security at the embassy, including during the night hours. Jauna

Yesterday was one more attempt of Social Democrats and FF/LNNK to establish a coalition at Riga City Council. The discussions went “partly successful”. Social Democrats and FF/LNNK have signed co-operation agreement on two basic principles – one that the obligations of one party are not binding to another and the second – any other political unions can be included in a coalition only upon the agreement of both parties. On the request of FF/LNNK in the agreement were included also the following principles – the Council works in accordance with the Law on Municipalities and State Language Law.

Yesterday was one more attempt of Social Democrats and FF/LNNK to establish a coalition at Riga City Council. The discussions went partly successful. Social Democrats and FF/LNNK have signed co-operation agreement on two basic principles – one that the obligations of one party are not binding to another and the second – any other political unions can be included in a coalition only upon the agreement of both parties. On the request of FF/LNNK in the agreement were included also the following principles – the Council works in accordance with the Law on Municipalities and State Language Law. Diena, Neatkariga, Rigas Balss

Yesterday the Saeima turned down the line of the amendments to the Law on Education proposed by FHRUL. Mainly the amendments granted national minority students possibility to study programmes of secondary and vocational education in their languages.

Yesterday the Saeima turned down the line of the amendments to the Law on Education proposed by FHRUL. Mainly the amendments granted national minority students possibility to study programmes of secondary and vocational education in their languages. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Chas

Today President V.Vike-Freiberga will open a conference “Society Integration in Latvia: Aspects, Opinions, Perspectives”.

Today President V.Vike-Freiberga will open a conference Society Integration in Latvia: Aspects, Opinions, Perspectives. Vesti Segodnja

The conference is aimed at assessing the current situation in the area of society integration, seeking solutions for involving non-governmental organisations and society in the integration process and promote better understanding among the public about the state program on society integration in Latvia. Reports and opinion about society integration will be provided to the conference by experts and government officials, including Justice Minister Ingrida Labucka, Culture Minister Karina Petersone, Education and Research Minister Karlis Greiskalns and Welfare Minister Andrejs Pozarnovs. The conference will feature meetings with NGOs and national minorities representatives, state and local authorities institutions officials. The conference will invite to a mutual dialogue on the present situation in the country to find solutions for more successful process of society integration. The conference is expected to be joined by international organisation officials, foreign ambassadors, president's chancellery and prime minister's office staffers.

The conference is aimed at assessing the current situation in the area of society integration, seeking solutions for involving non-governmental organisations and society in the integration process and promote better understanding among the public about the state program on society integration in Latvia. Reports and opinion about society integration will be provided to the conference by experts and government officials, including Justice Minister Ingrida Labucka, Culture Minister Karina Petersone, Education and Research Minister Karlis Greiskalns and Welfare Minister Andrejs Pozarnovs. The conference will feature meetings with NGOs and national minorities representatives, state and local authorities institutions officials. The conference will invite to a mutual dialogue on the present situation in the country to find solutions for more successful process of society integration. The conference is expected to be joined by international organisation officials, foreign ambassadors, president's chancellery and prime minister's office staffers. BNS

Vesti Segodnja

looks upon school optimisation plan in regard to national minorities. Although the number of pupils including Russian-speaking is dropping because of demographic situation in the country, Russian schools should not be closed, as there is no chance for them to be re-open in the future even if the demographic situation gets better. looks upon school optimisation plan in regard to national minorities. Although the number of pupils including Russian-speaking is dropping because of demographic situation in the country, Russian schools should not be closed, as there is no chance for them to be re-open in the future even if the demographic situation gets better.

Chas

interviews the new Daugavpils City Council Maoyr R.Eigims. When asked about the state language, he says that it was good that he was examined one more time and that all sessions of the Council are held in Latvian. interviews the new Daugavpils City Council Maoyr R.Eigims. When asked about the state language, he says that it was good that he was examined one more time and that all sessions of the Council are held in Latvian.

Press Report

Press Report

On Wednesday Finnish President met top Latvian officials while today she is scheduled to meet Latvian Parliament Speaker Janis Straume. Accession of Latvia to NATO causes no threat to Europe's security but the alliance's enlargement should be discussed with NATO and Russia, Finnish President Tarja Halonen said Wednesday in Riga. But, if Latvia wants to become a NATO member country, Halonen said, she believes Latvia's security will increase then and will contribute to structural security in the region.

On Wednesday Finnish President met top Latvian officials while today she is scheduled to meet Latvian Parliament Speaker Janis Straume. Accession of Latvia to NATO causes no threat to Europe's security but the alliance's enlargement should be discussed with NATO and Russia, Finnish President Tarja Halonen said Wednesday in Riga. But, if Latvia wants to become a NATO member country, Halonen said, she believes Latvia's security will increase then and will contribute to structural security in the region. Diena, Jauna, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Chas, Respublika, Panorama Latvii

Naturalisation Board, Social Integration Department, OSCE Mission to Latvia and UNDP have planned to carry out broad public awareness campaign from July till December. On Wednesday all the parties signed a co-operation agreement. The funds necessary to implement the programme amounts to USD 200 000, and some foreign embassies to Latvia have already promised to provide their assistance.

Naturalisation Board, Social Integration Department, OSCE Mission to Latvia and UNDP have planned to carry out broad public awareness campaign from July till December. On Wednesday all the parties signed a co-operation agreement. The funds necessary to implement the programme amounts to USD 200 000, and some foreign embassies to Latvia have already promised to provide their assistance. Diena, Chas

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins is surprised over a question by Lithuanian politician Vytautas Landsbergis doubting Latvia's support to accession of Lithuania to NATO. Berzins told that Landsbergis’ question had surprised him because he does not see objective grounds for it. He said his response to Landsbergis will be that Latvia is for Lithuania's membership in NATO just as it is for Latvia's and Estonia's membership in that organisation. He voiced a hope Lithuania supports all the three Baltic States membership in NATO, too.

Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins is surprised over a question by Lithuanian politician Vytautas Landsbergis doubting Latvia's support to accession of Lithuania to NATO. Berzins told that Landsbergis question had surprised him because he does not see objective grounds for it. He said his response to Landsbergis will be that Latvia is for Lithuania's membership in NATO just as it is for Latvia's and Estonia's membership in that organisation. He voiced a hope Lithuania supports all the three Baltic States membership in NATO, too. Neatkariga

Today Foreign Affairs Minister I.Berzins is going to Strasbourg to close Latvian Presidency at the European Council. As the main achievement of Latvian presidency I.Berzins states admission of the two new member states – Armenia and Azerbaijan to the EC.

Today Foreign Affairs Minister I.Berzins is going to Strasbourg to close Latvian Presidency at the European Council. As the main achievement of Latvian presidency I.Berzins states admission of the two new member states – Armenia and Azerbaijan to the EC. Neatkariga, Respublika

Only one Latvian newspaper

Only one Latvian newspaper Neatkariga provides information on yesterdays celebrations of Victory Day. The biggest venue took place in Riga – several thousand people took part in the meeting at the Victory Monument. Some festivities took place also in other places of Latvia.

Vesti Segodnja

claims that 100 000 people came to the Victory Monument and gives couple articles about the celebration and people who participated in that. The newspaper reproaches the official Riga and means of mass media in Latvian about ignoring the event claims that 100 000 people came to the Victory Monument and gives couple articles about the celebration and people who participated in that. The newspaper reproaches the “official Riga” and means of mass media in Latvian about ignoring the event. Chas, Panorama Latvii, Respublika. Chas, Panorama Latvii, Respublika During yesterday’s meeting Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins and OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby discussed the tasks fulfilled by the Mission and the possible closure of the Mission, as Latvia has successfully implemented almost all OSCE recommendations. Acknowledging the successful course of naturalisation process, Prime Minister and the Head of the Mission discussed promotion possibilities for the process, such as providing more information to public and reducing the state fee.

During yesterdays meeting Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins and OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby discussed the tasks fulfilled by the Mission and the possible closure of the Mission, as Latvia has successfully implemented almost all OSCE recommendations. Acknowledging the successful course of naturalisation process, Prime Minister and the Head of the Mission discussed promotion possibilities for the process, such as providing more information to public and reducing the state fee.

P.Semneby also informed Prime Minister on the work of the international working group regarding the establishment of ombudsman institution on the basis of NHRO.

P.Semneby also informed Prime Minister on the work of the international working group regarding the establishment of ombudsman institution on the basis of NHRO. Lauku Avize, news agency LETA, internet portal Delfi

Vesti Segodnja

writes about the problems caused by the State Language Law concerning spelling of foreign last names in Latvian. writes about the problems caused by the State Language Law concerning spelling of foreign last names in Latvian. FHRUL deputies decided not to accept President’s invitation to meet on Friday after they were refused the meeting with the President when all Parliamentarian factions were invited. FHRUL say that this double standard is not acceptable for them.

FHRUL deputies decided not to accept Presidents invitation to meet on Friday after they were refused the meeting with the President when all Parliamentarian factions were invited. FHRUL say that this double standard is not acceptable for them. Chas, Respublika