Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Leader of the New Era Einars Repse has repeatedly stressed that the post of the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration should be taken by a person who is able to communicate with all national minorities and religions. These were the reasons why Repse rejected the candidacy of Aleksandrs Brandavs. Repse believes that the candidate should receive society’s support. The Saeima decided to approve the government without a particular candidate for this post. Aleksandrs Brandavs says that at the beginning he perceived the reasons of his rejection as a joke, but now hopes that Einars Repse will understand that he has been mistaken. Brandavs states that it is not so important that he is assigned to this post, however, his party – the Latvian First Party – definitely wants to keep this post. During this week Brandavs will hold meetings with integration experts and officials. Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane considers the candidature of Brandavs suitable for the post of the Societal Integration Minister. Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks says that he is not very familiar with the activities of Brandavs, as Brandavs was not very active in those fields of integration where Muiznieks took an active part. However, Muiznieks claims that Repse’s objections towards Brandavs’ candidature are not serious and discriminatory.

Leader of the New Era Einars Repse has repeatedly stressed that the post of the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration should be taken by a person who is able to communicate with all national minorities and religions. These were the reasons why Repse rejected the candidacy of Aleksandrs Brandavs. Repse believes that the candidate should receive societys support. The Saeima decided to approve the government without a particular candidate for this post. Aleksandrs Brandavs says that at the beginning he perceived the reasons of his rejection as a joke, but now hopes that Einars Repse will understand that he has been mistaken. Brandavs states that it is not so important that he is assigned to this post, however, his party – the Latvian First Party – definitely wants to keep this post. During this week Brandavs will hold meetings with integration experts and officials. Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane considers the candidature of Brandavs suitable for the post of the Societal Integration Minister. Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks says that he is not very familiar with the activities of Brandavs, as Brandavs was not very active in those fields of integration where Muiznieks took an active part. However, Muiznieks claims that Repses objections towards Brandavs candidature are not serious and discriminatory. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Telegraf

reports that the State Language Centre received a complaint stating that the press conference of Moscows Mayor Luzkov was held in the Russian language without a translation into Latvian. The State Language Centre will have to take a decision about a possible fine on the Riga City Council within a week. reports that the State Language Centre received a complaint stating that the press conference of Moscow’s Mayor Luzkov was held in the Russian language without a translation into Latvian. The State Language Centre will have to take a decision about a possible fine on the Riga City Council within a week. Panorama LatviiPanorama Latvii The Kurzeme District Court found executive chairperson of Helsinki 86 in Liepaja and head of the information unit of youth FF/LNNK organisation Guntars Landmanis guilty for inciting national hatred and intolerance. Guntars Landmanis distributed monthly bulletin “Patriot” which published articles aimed at inciting national hatred against Jews.

The Kurzeme District Court found executive chairperson of Helsinki 86 in Liepaja and head of the information unit of youth FF/LNNK organisation Guntars Landmanis guilty for inciting national hatred and intolerance. Guntars Landmanis distributed monthly bulletin Patriot which published articles aimed at inciting national hatred against Jews. Neatkariga, Vechernaya Riga

Today the Riga Centre District Court will review 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.

Today the Riga Centre District Court will review 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. Vechernaya Riga, Vesti Segodnya

Aleksandr Rzavin publishes a long article about national symbols of Latvia, including the national anthem, and the perceptions of non-Latvians.

Aleksandr Rzavin publishes a long article about national symbols of Latvia, including the national anthem, and the perceptions of non-Latvians. Panorama Latvii

Advisor to Moscow Mayor Yurij Luzkov Konstantin Zatulin stated that it seems that Russians residing in Latvia should not rely on the new government and that progress in the field of human rights has been very small during these 10 years.

Advisor to Moscow Mayor Yurij Luzkov Konstantin Zatulin stated that it seems that Russians residing in Latvia should not rely on the new government and that progress in the field of human rights has been very small during these 10 years. Vesti Segodnya

Russian politician Mikhail Margelov says that the work on signing a Latvian-Russian border treaty shows some progress.The Latvian government approved the treaty nearly five years ago, however, the treaty still has not been signed and ratified. Margelov says that both countries are on their way to signing the treaty, however, he did not name a specific date when this could happen.

Russian politician Mikhail Margelov says that the work on signing a Latvian-Russian border treaty shows some progress.The Latvian government approved the treaty nearly five years ago, however, the treaty still has not been signed and ratified. Margelov says that both countries are on their way to signing the treaty, however, he did not name a specific date when this could happen. Neatkariga

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

Chas columnist Leonid Fedoseyev states that journalists of the National Radio, when providing a daily press review, gave subjective and distorted information about Tsilevichs interview for Nezavisimaya Gazeta. Fedesoyev believes that when journalists indicate the source of information -- the Russian language press or the Latvian language press -- it only deepens the gap between two information spaces. He suggests that information from all newspapers should be given in one block, however, he suggests that information published in the Russian language press should be prepared by Russian journalists.

Neatkariga

reports that the annual song contest for children of different nationalities from all regions of Latvia was held last weekend. The songs were performed in Latvian, Polish, Russian, Georgian, French and other languages. reports that the annual song contest for children of different nationalities from all regions of Latvia was held last weekend. The songs were performed in Latvian, Polish, Russian, Georgian, French and other languages.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Newspapers report on the Riga visit of Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov. In one of the first press conferences, Yuri Luzhkov said, "The process of naturalisation actually has stopped, and this is not normal." When asked about how the situation in Latvia has changed since he had in the past compared it to Pol Pot’s regime in Cambodia, Luzhkov said that there have been certain positive changes over three-four years, however, "the same problems still exist." Luzhkov admitted that he had expected such a question, and stressed that he is ready to openly discuss the situation concerning Russian-speakers in Latvia. Besides his scheduled events while visiting Riga, Mayor Yuri Luzhkov met yesterday with the left-wing leader Janis Jurkans. They discussed the left wing's successful results in the 8th Saeima elections. Jurkans made the comment that if his party were a part of the Latvian government "the ice between Moscow and Latvia would melt completely." Luzhkov also met with Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Stoudennikov in Jurmala.

Newspapers report on the Riga visit of Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov. In one of the first press conferences, Yuri Luzhkov said, "The process of naturalisation actually has stopped, and this is not normal." When asked about how the situation in Latvia has changed since he had in the past compared it to Pol Pots regime in Cambodia, Luzhkov said that there have been certain positive changes over three-four years, however, "the same problems still exist." Luzhkov admitted that he had expected such a question, and stressed that he is ready to openly discuss the situation concerning Russian-speakers in Latvia. Besides his scheduled events while visiting Riga, Mayor Yuri Luzhkov met yesterday with the left-wing leader Janis Jurkans. They discussed the left wing's successful results in the 8th Saeima elections. Jurkans made the comment that if his party were a part of the Latvian government "the ice between Moscow and Latvia would melt completely." Luzhkov also met with Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Stoudennikov in Jurmala. Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

Lauku Avize

asks a number of language and integration experts about the possible duties and authority of the Social Integration Minister. Linguist Ina Druviete believes that this ministry should harmonise interests of all groups of society and coordinate the activities and responsibilities of all institutions which are responsible for integration. Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane states that no new ministries should be formed. It would suffice if a post of Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Affairs would be established. The key task of the Minister would be the coordination of the activities and responsibilities of institutions dealing with aspects of integration. Former Minister of Justice Ingrida Labucka says that she is not sure what should be the tasks of such a Ministry, but believes that it would have more authority than the Integration Department. asks a number of language and integration experts about the possible duties and authority of the Social Integration Minister. Linguist Ina Druviete believes that this ministry should harmonise interests of all groups of society and coordinate the activities and responsibilities of all institutions which are responsible for integration. Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane states that no new ministries should be formed. It would suffice if a post of Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Affairs would be established. The key task of the Minister would be the coordination of the activities and responsibilities of institutions dealing with aspects of integration. Former Minister of Justice Ingrida Labucka says that she is not sure what should be the tasks of such a Ministry, but believes that it would have more authority than the Integration Department.

Lauku Avize

asks the first secretary of the British Embassy Nick Carter to comment on the visit to Riga of the British Embassy to Moscow representatives. Nick Carter says that it is very important for British diplomats to understand the situation in a region, therefore British diplomats from Moscow came to Latvia to see the situation concerning Russian-speakers in Latvia. He stresses that the visit in no way should be perceived as lack of trust in British diplomats in Riga. Minister of Foreign Affairs Sandra Kalniete comments that such practice does exist, however, it is somewhat ambiguous. Member of the New Era Grigorijs Krupnikovs is convinced that such visits should be very welcomed as they represent a possibility for Latvia to promote the country. asks the first secretary of the British Embassy Nick Carter to comment on the visit to Riga of the British Embassy to Moscow representatives. Nick Carter says that it is very important for British diplomats to understand the situation in a region, therefore British diplomats from Moscow came to Latvia to see the situation concerning Russian-speakers in Latvia. He stresses that the visit in no way should be perceived as lack of trust in British diplomats in Riga. Minister of Foreign Affairs Sandra Kalniete comments that such practice does exist, however, it is somewhat ambiguous. Member of the New Era Grigorijs Krupnikovs is convinced that such visits should be very welcomed as they represent a possibility for Latvia to promote the country. Last week the Board of the Association of Latvian National Culture Organisations discussed candidatures for the post of the Societal Integration Minister. The Board did not support the candidature of the Latvian First Party Aleksandrs Brandavs. The Board suggested the following candidatures: head of the Board of the Integration Foundation Ramona Umblija, advisor to the President Olgerts Tipans, long-lasting head of the Department of Ethnic Affairs Ilmars Geigis, linguist Ina Druviete and chairperson of the Association of Latvian National Culture Organisations Rafi Haradzanjans. The Board suggests to eliminate the post if parties are not able to reach an agreement on a candidature for the post.

Last week the Board of the Association of Latvian National Culture Organisations discussed candidatures for the post of the Societal Integration Minister. The Board did not support the candidature of the Latvian First Party Aleksandrs Brandavs. The Board suggested the following candidatures: head of the Board of the Integration Foundation Ramona Umblija, advisor to the President Olgerts Tipans, long-lasting head of the Department of Ethnic Affairs Ilmars Geigis, linguist Ina Druviete and chairperson of the Association of Latvian National Culture Organisations Rafi Haradzanjans. The Board suggests to eliminate the post if parties are not able to reach an agreement on a candidature for the post. Chas

In October and November a number of schools held information days to share their practices and knowledge about bilingual education, integration and multiculturalism at schools. The information days were organised in the framework of the Soros programme “Open School 1999-2002.”

In October and November a number of schools held information days to share their practices and knowledge about bilingual education, integration and multiculturalism at schools. The information days were organised in the framework of the Soros programme Open School 1999-2002. Chas provides a detailed reflection of such an information day at Riga Secondary School No 1. School director Aleksandr Makarov believes that children along with studies in the Latvian language should have a possibility to study in their native language. He praises the Soros programme which ensures diversity of methods in the study process.

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

8 November 2002

Yesterday the extraordinary Saeima’s session gave a vote of confidence to  Einars Repse's new government which will consist of the New Era, the Latvian First Party, the Union of Greens and Farmers and FF/LNNK. 55 deputies voted for the new government, 43 against and one abstained. No debate on the new government followed Repse's address to the Parliament. The Saeima approved the government with no candidates for two ministerial posts - the Integration Minister and Welfare Minister. It is planned that Prime Minister Einars Repse will assume the duties of the Welfare Minister, whereas Ainars Bastiks, Minister for Children’s and Family Matters, will temporarily take on the duties of the Societal Integration Minister. The New Era is represented in the government by Prime Minister Einars Repse, Finance Minister Valdis Dombrovskis, Interior Minister Maris Gulbis, Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis, Justice Minister Aivars Aksenoks, Culture Minister Inguna Ribena, and two state ministers - State Minister for Health Care Affairs Aris Auders and State Minister for Regional Development and Local Government Affairs Ivars Gaters. The New Era nominated Sandra Kalniete as Foreign Affairs Minister despite the fact that she is not a member of any party. The Latvian First Party is represented by Ainars Slesers - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Juris Lujans, and two state ministers - Ainars Bastiks - Minister for Child and Family Matters and a Societal Integration Minister not yet selected. The Union of Greens and Farmers is represented by Minister of Agriculture Martins Roze, Minister for Environment Raimonds Vejonis but their candidate for the welfare minister will be nominated in the near future.  FF/LNNK is represented by Minister of Defense Girts Valdis Kristovskis and Transport Minister Roberts Zile.

Yesterday the extraordinary Saeimas session gave a vote of confidence to Einars Repse's new government which will consist of the New Era, the Latvian First Party, the Union of Greens and Farmers and FF/LNNK. 55 deputies voted for the new government, 43 against and one abstained. No debate on the new government followed Repse's address to the Parliament. The Saeima approved the government with no candidates for two ministerial posts - the Integration Minister and Welfare Minister. It is planned that Prime Minister Einars Repse will assume the duties of the Welfare Minister, whereas Ainars Bastiks, Minister for Childrens and Family Matters, will temporarily take on the duties of the Societal Integration Minister. The New Era is represented in the government by Prime Minister Einars Repse, Finance Minister Valdis Dombrovskis, Interior Minister Maris Gulbis, Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis, Justice Minister Aivars Aksenoks, Culture Minister Inguna Ribena, and two state ministers - State Minister for Health Care Affairs Aris Auders and State Minister for Regional Development and Local Government Affairs Ivars Gaters. The New Era nominated Sandra Kalniete as Foreign Affairs Minister despite the fact that she is not a member of any party. The Latvian First Party is represented by Ainars Slesers - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Juris Lujans, and two state ministers - Ainars Bastiks - Minister for Child and Family Matters and a Societal Integration Minister not yet selected. The Union of Greens and Farmers is represented by Minister of Agriculture Martins Roze, Minister for Environment Raimonds Vejonis but their candidate for the welfare minister will be nominated in the near future. FF/LNNK is represented by Minister of Defense Girts Valdis Kristovskis and Transport Minister Roberts Zile. Diena, Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii, LETA

Vechernaya Riga talks to the candidate of the Latvian First Party Aleksandrs Brandavs for the post of the Societal Integration Minister who was rejected by the Prime Minister Einars Repse because of the following reasons: Brandavs is a representative of a national minority, he belongs to the Orthodox church and was criticised by the chairperson of the Association of Latvian National Culture Organisations Rafi Haradzanjans. Brandavs expresses his incomprehension why a person who is non-Latvian could not take the post of the Societal Integration Minister.

Chas columnist Leonid Fedoseyev comments on the reasons why Prime Minister Einars Repse rejected the candidacy of Aleksandrs Brandavs for the post of the Societal Integration Minister. Fedoseyev states that he agrees that this candidacy is not the most suitable, however, Fedoseyev believes that reasons, namely, that Brandavs is a representative of a national minority, are not adequate and Einars Repse should apologise.

Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov arrives in Riga today. His delegation includes nearly 30 people, including Moscow City Council’s chairman Vladimir Platonov, Luzhkov’s deputies Vladimir Resin and Oleg Tolkachev, Moscow government’s ministers Vladimir Malyshkov and Yevgeniy Panteleyev, and others.

Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov arrives in Riga today. His delegation includes nearly 30 people, including Moscow City Councils chairman Vladimir Platonov, Luzhkovs deputies Vladimir Resin and Oleg Tolkachev, Moscow governments ministers Vladimir Malyshkov and Yevgeniy Panteleyev, and others. Neatkariga, Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Yesterday the National Library opened an exhibition “The Jewish Community in Latvia: History, Tragedy, Revival.” The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in co-operation with the museum “Jews in Latvia” and the Latvian Institute of History prepared the exhibition. The American Embassy provided financial support.

Yesterday the National Library opened an exhibition The Jewish Community in Latvia: History, Tragedy, Revival. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in co-operation with the museum Jews in Latvia and the Latvian Institute of History prepared the exhibition. The American Embassy provided financial support. Neatkariga

Jauna interviews leaders of the Peoples Party Andris Skele and FHRUL Janis Jurkans. Andris Skele comments that passing the new budget will be the first big problem for Repses government. In his opinion this government could last no longer than half a year. Janis Jurkans states that it is a very big political mistake to leave FHRUL in the opposition. His forecast is that this government will last till the end of this year.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Lauku Avize reveals the reasons why Prime Minister Einars Repse rejected the candidacy of Aleksandrs Brandavs for the post of the Societal Integration Minister. According to the Latvian First Partys MP Arnolds Laksa, Repse rejected Brandavs because, first, Brandavs himself is a representative of a national minority, second, he belongs to the Orthodox church, third, the chairperson of the Association of Latvian National Culture Organisations Rafi Haradzanjans sent a protest letter against assigning Brandavs for this post. Einars Repse decided to assign one of the leaders of the First Party Ainars Slesers to this post until a suitable candidacy is found. LETA reports that Special Task Minister for Children and Family Matters Ainars Baštiks will carry out responsibilities of the Integration Minister until a suitable candidacy is found.

Vesti Segodnya

reports that socio-linguist, New Era MP Ina Druviete was nominated for the post of the chairperson of the Saeima Committee on Human Rights and Public Affairs. reports that socio-linguist, New Era MP Ina Druviete was nominated for the post of the chairperson of the Saeima Committee on Human Rights and Public Affairs. The British government allots 35,000 pounds for running the Latvian language courses for applicants for naturalisation. About 700 people will participate in the special programme courtesy of Great Britain. The unemployed, people with low income and pensioners can attend courses free of charge, others are entitled to a 50% discount.

The British government allots 35,000 pounds for running the Latvian language courses for applicants for naturalisation. About 700 people will participate in the special programme courtesy of Great Britain. The unemployed, people with low income and pensioners can attend courses free of charge, others are entitled to a 50% discount. Telegraf points out that it appears that the British government is contributing much more to speeding up the tempo of the naturalisation process than the Latvian government. Neatkariga, Vechernaya Riga, Chas, Telegraf

FHRUL’s MP Boris Tsilevich in his interview for the newspaper

FHRULs MP Boris Tsilevich in his interview for the newspaper Nezavisimiya Gazeta printed in Russia draws parallels between the situation of non-citizens in Latvia and the decision of Albanians in Macedonia to fight for their rights. Tsilevich believes that the Russian electorate will be repeatedly disappointed in their hopes that favourable changes will be implemented in a democratic way as FHRUL is ignored in the 8th Saeima. The consequences could be a slower speed of naturalisation, growing number of extremists and radical organisations. Tsilevich claims that both the OSCE and the Council of Europe have lost their interest in the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia. Regarding Russia, Tsilevich says that sometimes its support for Russian-speakers does not do any good but even makes the situation worse. According to Tsilevich, Russians in Latvia are very different from Russians in Russia and Russia exaggerates their warm feelings towards Russia. Diena, Chas, Telegraf

Diena

reports that an increasing number of the residents of Rezekne (a town in the eastern part of Latvia) want to take the state language exam in order to receive the state language proficiency certificate. Officials of Rezekne believe that people are so interested in taking the exam because of two reasons: first, the unemployed have a possibility to attend Latvian language courses free of charge, second, the State Language Inspection discovered that a number of employees at Rezeknes hospital did not have the language certificates of the required level. reports that an increasing number of the residents of Rezekne (a town in the eastern part of Latvia) want to take the state language exam in order to receive the state language proficiency certificate. Officials of Rezekne believe that people are so interested in taking the exam because of two reasons: first, the unemployed have a possibility to attend Latvian language courses free of charge, second, the State Language Inspection discovered that a number of employees at Rezekne’s hospital did not have the language certificates of the required level.

Chas

interviews former Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins. Regarding the loss of Latvias Way in the 8th Saeima elections, Berzins says that Latvias Way lost a part of support of the Russian electorate due to inconsistency of policy implemented by Latvias Way we are a liberal party, but consciously or not we turned into national conservative party and that should be changed.interviews former Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins. Regarding the loss of Latvia’s Way in the 8th Saeima elections, Berzins says that Latvia’s Way lost a part of support of the Russian electorate due to inconsistency of policy implemented by Latvia’s Way “we are a liberal party, but consciously or not we turned into national conservative party and that should be changed”.