• Recommendations of the UN Human Rights Committee to Latvia
• MP Juris Dobelis points to shortcomings of the procedure of the EP observers recall
• Jacques Simon, the State Secretary for EU Affairs of Belgium, on Russian criticism and Latvias accession to the EU
• Russian military expert about possible Russias military intervention in border states

The Human Rights Committee of the United Nations has released the Concluding Observations on Latvia’s report on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The Committee has provided recommendations in several fields, including police brutality, prison conditions, trafficking in human beings, gender inequality, etc.  Concerning non-citizens, the Committee recommends to further address the lack of applications for naturalization and possible obstacles posed by the Latvian language requirements; to further encourage the registration of children as citizens; to enable non-citizens who are long-term residents to participate in local elections; to prevent negative impact of the state language policy, which stipulates the requirement to communicate in Latvian with public authorities, suggesting the possible further development of translation services; to ensure that there be no negative impact on minorities of the transition to Latvian as the language of instruction. The Committee is also concerned with the social and economic situation of Roma in Latvia. The Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks has referred to the government’ stance to promote naturalization, not to extend non-citizen’s rights.

The Human Rights Committee of the United Nations has released the Concluding Observations on Latvias report on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The Committee has provided recommendations in several fields, including police brutality, prison conditions, trafficking in human beings, gender inequality, etc. Concerning non-citizens, the Committee recommends to further address the lack of applications for naturalization and possible obstacles posed by the Latvian language requirements; to further encourage the registration of children as citizens; to enable non-citizens who are long-term residents to participate in local elections; to prevent negative impact of the state language policy, which stipulates the requirement to communicate in Latvian with public authorities, suggesting the possible further development of translation services; to ensure that there be no negative impact on minorities of the transition to Latvian as the language of instruction. The Committee is also concerned with the social and economic situation of Roma in Latvia. The Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks has referred to the government stance to promote naturalization, not to extend non-citizens rights. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Chas, Lauku Avize

MP Juris Dobelis (For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK), an observer to the European Parliament, has provided his comments to the European Parliament regarding  Saeima’s decision to recall Martjan Bekasov as an observer. According to Juris Dobelis, the goal of the Saeima was to express its stance on the deputy’s work and point to the shortcomings in the procedure of observers’ recall. He called on the EP to make a distinction between the expression of opinion and the distorted information provided by Bekasov.

MP Juris Dobelis (For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK), an observer to the European Parliament, has provided his comments to the European Parliament regarding Saeimas decision to recall Martjan Bekasov as an observer. According to Juris Dobelis, the goal of the Saeima was to express its stance on the deputys work and point to the shortcomings in the procedure of observers recall. He called on the EP to make a distinction between the expression of opinion and the distorted information provided by Bekasov. Diena

The State Secretary for the EU Affairs of Belgium Jacques Simon has stated that Russia’s accusations of Latvia will not create problems in the process of Latvia’s accession to the EU. He believes that Latvia will find appropriate solutions in the area of minority situation.

The State Secretary for the EU Affairs of Belgium Jacques Simon has stated that Russias accusations of Latvia will not create problems in the process of Latvias accession to the EU. He believes that Latvia will find appropriate solutions in the area of minority situation. Lauku Avize

Lauku Avize interviews Russian military expert Pavel Felgenhauer on the new Russian armed force doctrine providing for Russias military intervention into border states if Russias security is endangered, including the discrimination of a Diaspora. The Russian expert considers these Russian statements as a political, not a military threat, and does not see any real danger of Russias military intervention because of the weak capacity of the Russian army.

• Accession country issues at EU-Russia Summit in Rome
• Gunter Verheugen speaks on minority rights in the Baltics
• Nils Muiznieks on obstacles to naturalization
• CesisCity Councils Committee refuses to open the first grade in a Russian-language school
• Session of the Advisory Council on Minority Education Affairs

No agreement was reached between the EU and Russia at the EU-Russia Summit in Rome yesterday regarding the application of EU-Russia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement to the acceding EU member states. Recently Russia’s State Duma adopted a statement stipulating that Russia may mot apply the Agreement to Latvia and Estonia as long as the rights of Russian-speakers in these states are violated. Responding to Russia’s initiative to discuss minority situation in the Baltic States, the EU leaders pointed to a successful integration process and the lack of minority rights violations. The summit’s participants also decided to continue discussion about Latvian-Russian cooperation regarding border issues and easing of travel regulations.

No agreement was reached between the EU and Russia at the EU-Russia Summit in Rome yesterday regarding the application of EU-Russia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement to the acceding EU member states. Recently Russias State Duma adopted a statement stipulating that Russia may mot apply the Agreement to Latvia and Estonia as long as the rights of Russian-speakers in these states are violated. Responding to Russias initiative to discuss minority situation in the Baltic States, the EU leaders pointed to a successful integration process and the lack of minority rights violations. The summits participants also decided to continue discussion about Latvian-Russian cooperation regarding border issues and easing of travel regulations. Diena

At the European Parliament session last Wednesday, the Commissioner for Enlargement of the European Commission Gunter Verheugen stated that Latvia and Estonia conform to international minority rights standards, although there is, as always, the need for further improvements.

At the European Parliament session last Wednesday, the Commissioner for Enlargement of the European Commission Gunter Verheugen stated that Latvia and Estonia conform to international minority rights standards, although there is, as always, the need for further improvements. Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

At the meeting with the state secretary for EU Affairs of Belgium, Jacques Simon, the Special Task Minister for Social Integration Affairs Nils Muiznieks reportedly stated that non-citizens’ view that Latvian citizenship should be granted automatically is the main obstacle for naturalization.

At the meeting with the state secretary for EU Affairs of Belgium, Jacques Simon, the Special Task Minister for Social Integration Affairs Nils Muiznieks reportedly stated that non-citizens view that Latvian citizenship should be granted automatically is the main obstacle for naturalization. Telegraf

Yesterday the Committee for Education, Science and Sports of the Cesis City Council has denied a Russian-language school’s appeal to open a first grade class even if the number of students is insufficient. According to the head of the Committee Daumants Vasmanis, opening a class in contradiction with the law could encourage the thought that there is a need for creating especially benevolent conditions for Russian-language schools. The Secretariat of the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration is  examining a letter signed by 400 Cesis’ residents.

Yesterday the Committee for Education, Science and Sports of the Cesis City Council has denied a Russian-language schools appeal to open a first grade class even if the number of students is insufficient. According to the head of the Committee Daumants Vasmanis, opening a class in contradiction with the law could encourage the thought that there is a need for creating especially benevolent conditions for Russian-language schools. The Secretariat of the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration is examining a letter signed by 400 Cesis residents. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

Chas reports on thesession of the Advisory Council on Minority Education Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Science. The proposals of the Latvian Association for the Support for Russian Schools (LASRS) for amendment of the Law on Education and for review of the Councils composition were not approved. LASRS suggests that the Council should consist of school principals, teachers, students, parents, representatives of NGOs and municipalities, while state officials should have a status of experts without voting rights.

• European Commission has released a Comprehensive Monitoring Report on the EU accession countries
• EP Constitutional Committee will review Martjan Bekasovs recall
• UNDP allocates 380,000 USD to Latvian language courses for naturalization applicants
• Lauku Avize continues discussion on the conflict between a Latvian language teacher and students
• A Russian official on the conditions for improvement of relationship between Latvia and Russia
• FHRUL officially re-established

The European Commission (EC) has released a Comprehensive Monitoring Report consisting of 10 Country Monitoring reports on the EU accession countries. The EC has concluded that the new member states will be fully ready to the EU membership from 1 May 2004. The EC has pointed to five problem areas in Latvia thus putting Latvia in the third place among the most criticized states after Poland and Malta.

The European Commission (EC) has released a Comprehensive Monitoring Report consisting of 10 Country Monitoring reports on the EU accession countries. The EC has concluded that the new member states will be fully ready to the EU membership from 1 May 2004. The EC has pointed to five problem areas in Latvia thus putting Latvia in the third place among the most criticized states after Poland and Malta. The Official Gazette, Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Lauku Avize, Telegraf, Chas Vesti Segodnya, Vechernaya Riga

Yesterday the European Parliament (EP) decided to delegate the review of the case of Martjan Bekasov’s recall to the EP Constitutional Committee. According to

Yesterday the European Parliament (EP) decided to delegate the review of the case of Martjan Bekasovs recall to the EP Constitutional Committee. According to Chas, left-wing deputies of the EP have expressed their support for Bekasov to continue his work of an observer at the EP. Bekasov himself has stated that he is not planning to leave his post. Vesti Segodnya, Chas

With the support of the USA, Sweden, Norway and the Great Britain, the UNDP has allocated 380,000 USD to Latvian language courses for naturalization applicants. The courses will provide an opportunity for more than 5000 persons to learn Latvian over the next two years. No funding from the state budget has been allocated for such courses for 2004. 3400 persons have participated in Latvian language courses free of charge in 2000-2002.

With the support of the USA, Sweden, Norway and the Great Britain, the UNDP has allocated 380,000 USD to Latvian language courses for naturalization applicants. The courses will provide an opportunity for more than 5000 persons to learn Latvian over the next two years. No funding from the state budget has been allocated for such courses for 2004. 3400 persons have participated in Latvian language courses free of charge in 2000-2002. Lauku Avize, Telegraf, Vechernaya Riga, Vesty Segodnya, Chas

Lauku Avize continues discussion on the recent conflict between a Latvian language teacher and students at a Russian-language school. The newspaper interviews the director of the Latvian National Human Rights Office Olafs Bruvers and the head of the State Education Inspection Zigfrids Grinpauks. The State Education Inspection is planning to discuss with the schools principal the need for paying more attention to civic education and introduction of students to Latvian culture.

The deputy director of the Second European Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia Mikhael Demurin has commented the results of the seminar “Latvia – Russia: new cooperation prospects” which recently took place in Moscow. According to the official, the acceleration of naturalization and resolving legal issues concerning World War II veterans will be the starting point of the improvement of Latvian-Russian relationships.

The deputy director of the Second European Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia Mikhael Demurin has commented the results of the seminar Latvia – Russia: new cooperation prospects which recently took place in Moscow. According to the official, the acceleration of naturalization and resolving legal issues concerning World War II veterans will be the starting point of the improvement of Latvian-Russian relationships. Chas

The Ministry of Justice has agreed to the re-establishment of For Human Rights in a United Latvia. The coalition is now composed of the party “Equality “ and the newly established party BITE. Tatjana Zdanok and Jakov Pliner are the co-chairpersons of the FHRUL.

The Ministry of Justice has agreed to the re-establishment of For Human Rights in a United Latvia. The coalition is now composed of the party Equality and the newly established party BITE. Tatjana Zdanok and Jakov Pliner are the co-chairpersons of the FHRUL. Vesty Segodnya

• Police arrested vandals of the Pokrovs Orthodox cemetery
• The EU-Russia Summit will be held tomorrow in Rome
• Discussion on the recall of Marjan Bekasov from the European Parliament
• Lauku Avize criticizes Nils Muiznieks statements on naturalization promotion
• The Advisory Council for Minority Education Affairs has not approved the proposals of the Latvian Associations for the Support for Russian Schools
• Members of the Peoples party and the Union of Greens and Farmers meet with Russian students visiting the Council of Europe
• EducationState Inspection: the absence of Russian studentsfrom school during their visit to Strasbourg and Moscow has been justified
• Newspapers aboutthe seminar Latvia – Russia: new cooperation prospects
• Olgerts Tipans will join the New Era party

Riga Central Police Department has arrested two young persons suspected in breaking of more than 50 crosses at the Pokrov’s Orthodox cemetery on the Halloween night. Two young men have been under the alcohol influence when they went home through the cemetery and committed the crime.

Riga Central Police Department has arrested two young persons suspected in breaking of more than 50 crosses at the Pokrovs Orthodox cemetery on the Halloween night. Two young men have been under the alcohol influence when they went home through the cemetery and committed the crime. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Lauku Avize, Rigas Balss, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf, Chas, Vechernaya Riga

At the EU-Russia Summit on 6 November in Rome, the EU President Romano Prodi and other EU leaders will meet with the President of Russia Vladimir Putin. The European Commission is planning to ask Russia to extend the EU-Russia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement to the acceding EU member states, and to sign the border agreements with Latvia and Estonia. The perspective of a visa-free regime between the EU and Russia will also be addressed.

At the EU-Russia Summit on 6 November in Rome, the EU President Romano Prodi and other EU leaders will meet with the President of Russia Vladimir Putin. The European Commission is planning to ask Russia to extend the EU-Russia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement to the acceding EU member states, and to sign the border agreements with Latvia and Estonia. The perspective of a visa-free regime between the EU and Russia will also be addressed. Vesti Segodnya refers to the official information from the Presidents Administration that Vladimir Putin is planning to discuss the issue of Russian Diaspora in Estonia and Latvia with the EU leaders. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize.

According to

According to Lauku Avize, the European Parliament (EP) will possibly examine the legitimacy of the recall of Martjan Bekasov (the Latvian Socialist party) from the status of an observer to the EP during the session next Wednesday. The EPs regulations on the status of the observers from the candidate states stipulate that the change of an observer can take place under the following circumstances: observers death, resignation, expiration of his mandate, and dismissal from the National Parliament. The EP President Pat Cox has not responded to the recall of Bekasov yet. The speaker of the Saeima Ingrida Udre has sent a letter to the EP explaining the reasons of the Saeima decision to recall Bekasov. According to Vesty Segodnya, Bekasovs recall will be already discussed at the todays session of the EP, and left-wing politicians of the EP have met with Pat Cox pointing to the Saeimas anti-democratic recall of Bekasov without preliminary informing the EP of this decision.

Lauku Avize criticizes the views of the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks, which he has recently expressed in an interview to the Russian media agency ITAR-TASS. The Minister has said that the switch to professional army will increase motivation to apply for Latvian citizenship among young non-citizens, who will take citizenship without being afraid to be called to military service. He has also emphasized the activities of the government for promoting Latvian citizenship. The columnist disagrees with the minister that the state should invite non-citizens to apply for the Latvian citizenship, or should ease naturalization conditions.

Yesterday the Advisory Council for Minority Education Affairs at the Ministry on Education and Science has not approved the proposals of the Latvian Association’s for the Support for Russian Schools (LASRS). The Chairman of the Board of LASRS Igor Pimenov said that the Council has denied some proposals and refused to examine others.

Yesterday the Advisory Council for Minority Education Affairs at the Ministry on Education and Science has not approved the proposals of the Latvian Associations for the Support for Russian Schools (LASRS). The Chairman of the Board of LASRS Igor Pimenov said that the Council has denied some proposals and refused to examine others. Chas

The members of a youth organization of the People’s party and MPs from the Union of Greens and Farmers have met with the activists from the youth organization “Strasbourg” to discuss education reform. The Russian students from “Strasbourg” have visited the Council of Europe last September. The politicians are planning to meet with Russian school teachers next week.

The members of a youth organization of the Peoples party and MPs from the Union of Greens and Farmers have met with the activists from the youth organization Strasbourg to discuss education reform. The Russian students from Strasbourg have visited the Council of Europe last September. The politicians are planning to meet with Russian school teachers next week. Vesty Segodnya

The Education State Inspection has concluded that explanatory notes of parents justify the absence of Russian studentsfrom school during their visit to Strasbourg and Moscow.

The Education State Inspection has concluded that explanatory notes of parents justify the absence of Russian studentsfrom school during their visit to Strasbourg and Moscow. Telegraf

Lauku Avize and Vesty Segodnya report on the seminar Latvia – Russia: new cooperation prospects which has taken place in Moscow last Saturday. Lauku Avize concludes that the experts believe that after Latvias accession to the EU the dialog between two countries will improve, or at least will be taken to a new quality level. At the same time, Russia is likely to continue pressure on Latvia and the EU. Vesty Segodnya points to the importance of continuing the discussion.

Olgerts Tipans, the former advisor to the President of Latvia on nationality issues, has left his post at the President’s Chancery and is planning to join the New Era party.

Olgerts Tipans, the former advisor to the President of Latvia on nationality issues, has left his post at the Presidents Chancery and is planning to join the New Era party. Lauku Avize

• Janis Jurkans meets with Einars Repse
• The response of the Latvian First party to the vandalism act at the Pokrovs OrthodoxCemetery
• Newspapers point to the insufficient state response to the vandalism act at the Pokrovs OrthodoxCemetery
• Discussion on the letter of Russian Jewish organizations to the Prime Minister of Israel
• A seminar on the prospects of cooperation between Latvia and Russia
• About the conference on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Strasbourg

Yesterday the chairman of the People’s Harmony Party Janis Jurkans met with the Prime Minister Einars Repse. According to the press secretary of Einars Repse, the goal of the meeting has been to talk over cooperation between the position and opposition. According to Janis Jurkans, discussion was about other issues concerning political situation in the state.

Yesterday the chairman of the Peoples Harmony Party Janis Jurkans met with the Prime Minister Einars Repse. According to the press secretary of Einars Repse, the goal of the meeting has been to talk over cooperation between the position and opposition. According to Janis Jurkans, discussion was about other issues concerning political situation in the state. Lauku Avize, Telegraf

After the vandalism act at the Pokrov’s Orthodox cemetery, the chairperson of the Latvian First party Eriks Jekabsons has distributed a statement on the necessity of preventing vandalism at cemeteries.

After the vandalism act at the Pokrovs Orthodox cemetery, the chairperson of the Latvian First party Eriks Jekabsons has distributed a statement on the necessity of preventing vandalism at cemeteries. Lauku Avize The First party is planning to invite the Minister of Interior Maris Gulbis to the Saeima and to the partys session to discuss the question about security measures at the cemeteries. Chas

Mediarespond to the vandalism act at the Pokrov’s Orthodox cemetery.

Mediarespond to the vandalism act at the Pokrovs Orthodox cemetery. Lauku Avize columnist Maris Antonevics points to the lack of public attention and insufficient official condemnation of the vandalism act at the Pokrovs Orthodox cemetery as compared with the recent anti-Semitic vandalism act the New Jewish cemetery. Rigas Balss points to the need to investigate the allegedly Satanistic case in a similar fashion as the anti-Semitic vandalism acts. Chas and Vesti Segodnya point to the lack of state support to the Pokrovs cemetery in general, and especially lack of initiative on cemetery renovation. Vesti Segodnya invites readers to help putting the cemetery back in order next Saturday.

Telegraf discusses a letter of the Russian Jewish organizations to the Prime Minister of Israel Ariel Saron. The chairman of the Latvian Council of Jewish Communities Arkady Suharenko has stated that there is certain rehabilitation of the Latvian Legion soldiers. However, he disagrees with the authors of the letter that there are the anti-Semitic tendencies and rehabilitation of Nazism in Latvia.

Yesterday a seminar “Latvia – Russia: new cooperation prospects”, organized by the Russian Tolerance Institute and the Latvian Embassy in Russia, took place in Moscow. Political scientists, economists, and representatives of state bodies have discussed prospects of cooperation between the two states after Latvia’s accession to the EU. According to

Yesterday a seminar Latvia – Russia: new cooperation prospects, organized by the Russian Tolerance Institute and the Latvian Embassy in Russia, took place in Moscow. Political scientists, economists, and representatives of state bodies have discussed prospects of cooperation between the two states after Latvias accession to the EU. According to Telegraf, the participants have discussed a possibility to establish an expert corporationto find a compromise on the most disputable topics. Lauku Avize, the Official Gazette, Telegraf, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Lauku Avize reports on the conference devoted to the five years anniversary of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, which has taken place in Strasbourg. Most participants have not supported the proposal of Boris Tsilevitch, Latvias representative to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, about granting rights to individuals to apply to the European Court of Human Rights on the basis of the Convention. The newspaper also refers to Tove Skutnabb-Kangas, the human rights expert from Denmark, who believes that extending the demanded minority rights in the area of language and education would promote integration and strengthen loyalty of Russian-speaking population in Latvia. Lauku Avize