• Latest data on naturalisation
• Head of the Latvian Delegation to the PACE Andris Berzins met with pupils from the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools
• NGO will help to reduce barriers to speak Latvian
• MP from a pro-minority party on non-citizenship issues
• Former Interior Minister is planning to form a new party
• Latvia will celebrate the Tolerance Day
• Days of the German culture in Latvia
• Russian President Putin has received more than 2,000 complaints about Latvia in two years
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs has developed new foreign policy goals and presents them for discussion

Diena reports that in October the number of naturalised persons has already reached 80,000 since February 1995. Chas

The Head of the Latvian Delegation to the PACE Andris Berzins met with the delegation of pupils from the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools who participated in the protest actions against the education reform in Strasbourg couple months ago. The meeting took place in Riga. The students reported to Andris Berzins that the quality of education is decreasing almost in all minority schools because of the education reform. Therefore the solution should not be sought at the level of individual schools, but should be complex, that is, changes in legislation.  

The Head of the Latvian Delegation to the PACE Andris Berzins met with the delegation of pupils from the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools who participated in the protest actions against the education reform in Strasbourg couple months ago. The meeting took place in Riga. The students reported to Andris Berzins that the quality of education is decreasing almost in all minority schools because of the education reform. Therefore the solution should not be sought at the level of individual schools, but should be complex, that is, changes in legislation.

The former member of the New Era Maris Gulbis talks to

The former member of the New Era Maris Gulbis talks to Vesti Segodnya about his plans to form a new party. Maris Gulbis stresses that he is not going to form a party on the basis of nationality or ethnicity. He believes that it is useless to talk about the past and former offences ‘it is time to bet on young people who do not have any prejudices either towards West or East.

Telegraf prints an article by the member of Saeima Janis Urbanovics. In the article he focuses on the issues concerning non-citizenship: its history, the current situation and possible solutions. Janis Urbanovics believes that the situation can be solved by the down-top approach. He suggests that each Russian should talk to at least one Latvian and explain the situation from ‘the Russians perspective. That, according to Janis Urbanovics, would lead to bringing in changes in the Law on Citizenship and development of one nation in the country.

Vesti Segodnya reports on the launching of the project by the NGO Women Education Centre. The key goal of the project is the usage of the Latvian language in practice, as according to the data many people who can speak Latvian experience psychological barriers to use the language. The Society Integration Foundation funds the project; its duration is seven month.

Neatkariga reports that on 16 November Latvia will celebrate the Tolerance Day in the framework of which a number of different informative and entertaining events will take place. Vesti Segodnya

Yesterday the Secretariat of the Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration launched the Days of the German Cultural. In the framework of the Days a number of concerts and the exhibition of the German folk art will take place.

Yesterday the Secretariat of the Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration launched the Days of the German Cultural. In the framework of the Days a number of concerts and the exhibition of the German folk art will take place. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The Russian President Vladimir Putin has received more than 2,000 complaints about the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia in two years. Mostly complaints address the issue of non-citizens.

The Russian President Vladimir Putin has received more than 2,000 complaints about the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia in two years. Mostly complaints address the issue of non-citizens. Telegraf

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has developed new foreign policy goals, which also include promotion of the image of the country abroad, that is, explaining the Latvian history and sharing Latvia’s experience in integration issues.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has developed new foreign policy goals, which also include promotion of the image of the country abroad, that is, explaining the Latvian history and sharing Latvias experience in integration issues. Diena

 

• Presidents Chancery discusses recently adopted amendments to the Law on Radio and Television
• Leader of the Latvian National Democratic Party has asked the General Prosecutors Office to examine the publication in the regional newspaper Kurzemes Vards and plans to bring charges against Nils Muiznieks
• Chairperson of the Union of the Greens and Farmers on ratification of the Convention
• Telegraf on the situation of minority schools
• Interest of schools inimplementing ofthe integration project has dropped this year

Yesterday the President’s Chancery discussed recently adopted amendments to the Law on Radio and Television which foresee that the Cabinet of Ministers has the right to set specific provisions concerning the usage of the language of broadcasting if the usage of the state language is endangered or restricted in the territory of a respective broadcaster.  The union For Human Rights in the United Latvia asked the President not to promulgate the Law. The President has to take decision on promulgation till 13 November.

Yesterday the Presidents Chancery discussed recently adopted amendments to the Law on Radio and Television which foresee that the Cabinet of Ministers has the right to set specific provisions concerning the usage of the language of broadcasting if the usage of the state language is endangered or restricted in the territory of a respective broadcaster.The union For Human Rights in the United Latvia asked the President not to promulgate the Law. The President has to take decision on promulgation till 13 November. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The leader of the Latvian National Democratic Party Jevgenijs Osipovs has asked the General Prosecutor’s Office to examine the publication in the regional newspaper

The leader of the Latvian National Democratic Party Jevgenijs Osipovs has asked the General Prosecutors Office to examine the publication in the regional newspaper Kurzemes Vards. The newspaper published a number of photos and asked its readers to come up with smart and funny titles for the photos. On one of the photos there was a wall with pictures of swastika and skinheads. The leader of the Latvian National Democratic Party believes that publications of such photos are not acceptable. Chas

While

While Vesti Segodnya reports that Jevgenijs Osipovs is planning to apply with court against the Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration who stated that he does not believe that Osipovs has given up his anti-semitic views.

Latvijas Avize talks to the Chairperson of the Union of the Greens and Farmers Augusts Brigmanis. Regarding ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, Augusts Brigmanis states that he cannot support ratification until there is no clear definition what is a minority in Latvia. He continues that the Convention should not be ratified if it harms the interests of Latvians and argues that it should be ratified with reservations.

Telegraf prints a detailed article on the situation of minority schools. The newspaper writes that the report of the Ministry of Education and Science, which states that minority schools were ready for the reform, is also supported by principles of minority schools. However, the newspaper adds that minority school principles agree with the Ministry at official level, while in informal talks they admit that both teachers and students experience very big difficulties. The Chairperson of the FHRULs faction in Saeima Yakov Pliner also notes that people are afraid to talk openly about the problems concerning the education reform. According to the survey conducted by FHRUL the level of academic achievements of students of minority schools has considerably dropped.

NRA reports on the project competition ‘Towards a Civil Society. The key goal of the project is to foster education of students about their rights and increase their involvement in the formation of an integrated and civil society. The competition takes place already for a number of years, however, in comparison to the last year the number of project applications has dropped almost twice – this year there were only 28 project applications. The biggest number of projects deals with promotion of the acquisition of Latvian citizenship and awareness campaigns on citizenship issues.

 

 

 

• Minister of Education and Science presents a report on the readiness of minority schools to implement the education reform
• Director of the Society Integration Foundation Nils Sakss accounts to the Saeima Subcommittee
• Diena comments on the recent amendments to the Law on radio and Television
• Two French state officials study the role of Latvia in the relations between the EU and Russia
• Latvijas Avize discusses goals of the United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia (OKROL)
• Russian state officials concerned about the situation of non-citizens

Yesterday the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics presented a report which according to the Minister ‘does not analyse the implementation of the reform, but concludes whether schools were ready for the reform.’ The Minister was not able to assure that the implementation of the reform is successful, nevertheless the report concludes that schools are ready for the academic year as provided in legislation. According to the officials of the Ministry, first analysis of the reform will be available after the first semester in January. Scrupulous examination of all schools is planned in March and April. Regarding halting activities of the working group dealing with development of the Law on Minority Schools, officials stated that the activities of the group were halted probably because the head of the working group changed his jobs and now ‘we should wait when the new government is formed and then it will appoint a new head of the working group.’ 

Yesterday the Minister of Education and Science Juris Radzevics presented a report which according to the Minister ‘does not analyse the implementation of the reform, but concludes whether schools were ready for the reform. The Minister was not able to assure that the implementation of the reform is successful, nevertheless the report concludes that schools are ready for the academic year as provided in legislation. According to the officials of the Ministry, first analysis of the reform will be available after the first semester in January. Scrupulous examination of all schools is planned in March and April. Regarding halting activities of the working group dealing with development of the Law on Minority Schools, officials stated that the activities of the group were halted probably because the head of the working group changed his jobs and now ‘we should wait when the new government is formed and then it will appoint a new head of the working group. NRA, Chas

Yesterday the Director of Society Integration Foundation Nils Sakss accounted for the activities of the Foundation to the members of the Integration Subcommittee of Saeima. In three years of operation the budget of the Foundation has significantly increased. The biggest share of money comes from the EU, however Nils Sakss notes that the EU will be interested in ethnic integration issues only till 2007. According to the newspaper foreign donors have acknowledged the Foundation as ‘a very adequate institution’ for administrating money flows.

Yesterday the Director of Society Integration Foundation Nils Sakss accounted for the activities of the Foundation to the members of the Integration Subcommittee of Saeima. In three years of operation the budget of the Foundation has significantly increased. The biggest share of money comes from the EU, however Nils Sakss notes that the EU will be interested in ethnic integration issues only till 2007. According to the newspaper foreign donors have acknowledged the Foundation as ‘a very adequate institution for administrating money flows. Vesti Segodnya

Diena comments on the recent amendments to the Law on Radio and Television which foresee that the Cabinet of Ministers has the right to set specific provisions concerning the usage of the language of broadcasting if the usage of the state language is endangered or restricted in the territory of a respective broadcaster. No criteria, according to which threats to the Latvian language could be measured, were adopted. The Head of the Saeima Human Rights Committee Ina Druviete and the Head of the Saeima Legal Office Gunars Kusins do not consider that the recent amendments contradict the ruling of the Constitutional Court which was adopted a half a year ago and abolished the paragraph of the Law on Radio and Television, which provided that time of broadcast in foreign languages may not exceed 25% of total broadcasting time. While representatives of the mass media, mostly broadcasting in the Russian language, are concerned that new restrictions may result in financial loses.

Two members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the French National Assembly held meetings with a number of Latvian state officials. The French officials are studying the relations between the EU and Russia and the role of Latvia in these relations.

Two members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the French National Assembly held meetings with a number of Latvian state officials. The French officials are studying the relations between the EU and Russia and the role of Latvia in these relations. Latvijas Avize reports that the French officials noted that Latvian legislation corresponds to EU legislation and creates a favourable environment for ethnic minorities. They both have agreed that the Latvias past is a difficult issue. When commenting on the future relations between the EU and Russia, the French officials admitted that the post of the Commissioner for Energy, which will be taken up by the Latvian representative Andris Piebalgs, is very important. Therefore, Piebalgs could strengthen Latvias positions against Russia in the future. Chas

Latvijas Avize discusses one of the key goals of the United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia (OKROL): to unite and support Russian business people. The newspaper comments the OKROL follows the principles of the pure race set and used by Nazi Germany. The newspaper provides information on business activities of the leaders of the organisation.

‘The situation of non-citizens in Latvia and Estonia does not correspond to the European standards,’ stated the Special Representative of the Russian President in the Relations with the EU Sergei Yastrzembsky yesterday. The booklet ‘The rights of national minorities in Estonia and Latvia’ developed by Russia was also presented at the press conference. The booklet will be sent to the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities and will be distributed to EU countries. According to

‘The situation of non-citizens in Latvia and Estonia does not correspond to the European standards, stated the Special Representative of the Russian President in the Relations with the EU Sergei Yastrzembsky yesterday. The booklet ‘The rights of national minorities in Estonia and Latvia developed by Russia was also presented at the press conference. The booklet will be sent to the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities and will be distributed to EU countries. According to Telegraf , Brussels will play closer attention to the issue of non-citizens in two EU countries – Latvia and Estonia – in the upcoming summit. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Vesti Segodnya reports on the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities to Russia. The newspaper notes that Russian officials stressed that the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia and Estonia has got worse after accession of these countries into the EU.

• Peoples Harmony Party concerned about increased intolerance in programmes aired by the National Radio and TV
• Telegraf discusses difficulties concerning initiating cases for incitement of national hatred
• Internet users discuss ratification of the Framework Convention
• Members of nationalcultural organisation discuss integration issues
• Interview with the member of the European Parliament Tatyana Zdanoka
• Interview with one of the leaders of the United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia (OKROL) Valerijs Kravcovs
• Two Romani festivals will take place this weekend
• Pro-minority organisations have announced the essay competition on the education reform for secondary school students

The People’s Harmony Party has sent a letter to the Chairperson of the National Radio and TV Council Imants Rakins. The party is concerned about increased ethnic intolerance in programmes produced by the National Television and National Radio, in particularly in live broadcast from the Saeima. Authors of the letter hope that Imants Rakins will take measures to stop incitement of national hatred.

The Peoples Harmony Party has sent a letter to the Chairperson of the National Radio and TV Council Imants Rakins. The party is concerned about increased ethnic intolerance in programmes produced by the National Television and National Radio, in particularly in live broadcast from the Saeima. Authors of the letter hope that Imants Rakins will take measures to stop incitement of national hatred. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The columnist of

The columnist of Telegraf is concerned that the claim of the Parliamentary Secretary of the Secretariat of the Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration Aleksandrs Brandavs against the national radical newspaper DDD for publishing articles containing anti-semitic statements and calling to national hatred will not be properly examined by the General Prosecurtors Office. The Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks explains that in accordance with the effective legislation it is very difficult to prove that national hatred was incited intentionally. He also notes that many prosecutors offices in East Europe, including Latvia, are very cautious with initiating such cases because they are afraid to violate the freedom of speech. The Minister states that another issue is that there is the lack of common European standards towards nationalism and nationalists. Telegraf concludes that the future of the claim largely depends on the verdict of experts, however, according to the newspaper and the Minister, experts will not found the grounds for initiating the case.

Latvijas Avize reports on the discussion in the internet about ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. According to the newspaper none of discussions participants supports ratification. Some of them state that first, ‘old EU countries should ratify the Framework Convention, while others are convinced that the Convention in Latvias particular situation is not necessary and in fact dangerous.

Latvijas Avize holds a discussion on integration issues between the Chairperson of the Riga Latvian Association Valdis Rumnieks, the Chairperson of the Association of Russian Organisations in Latvia Mihails Gavrilovs and the member of the Byelorussian Organisation and director of the Riga Byelorussian Primary School Anna Ivane. Valdis Rumnieks believes that integration at a cultural level is successful, while it cannot be said about integration at a political level. Mihails Gavrilovs argues that Russians in Latvia lack national self-awareness and that hampers successful integration. The participants agree that integration is based on the following three main values: culture, language and tolerance.

Vesti Segodnya talks to the member of the European Parliament Tatyana Zdanoka. She states that Latvian authorities ignore the presence of national minorities in the country.

Chas talks to one of the leaders of the United Congress of the Russian Community in Latvia (OKROL) Valerijs Kravcovs. He states that new and new branches of the organisation are formed in the regions of Latvia and the number of the members of the OKROL reaches 50,000.

The third Romani children and youth song festival will take place in Sabile. The organiser of the festival Kaspars Arhipovs states that the goal of the festival is to unite, educate and raise self-awareness of Roma. While in another town – Tukums – Romani autumn festival will take place this weekend.

The third Romani children and youth song festival will take place in Sabile. The organiser of the festival Kaspars Arhipovs states that the goal of the festival is to unite, educate and raise self-awareness of Roma. While in another town – Tukums – Romani autumn festival will take place this weekend. Latvijas Avize

The Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools in Latvia, FHRUL and Latvian Human Rights Committee have announced the essay competition for secondary school students. Students are called to write on such topics as ‘Education Reform: Springboard or Hellhole,’ ‘Me, School and Reform.’

The Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools in Latvia, FHRUL and Latvian Human Rights Committee have announced the essay competition for secondary school students. Students are called to write on such topics as ‘Education Reform: Springboard or Hellhole, ‘Me, School and Reform. Vesti Segodnya

• Ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities becomes a discussion subject in negotiations about the formation of a new government
• Interview with the chairperson of the FF/LNIM and Saeima Vice-speaker Janis Straume
• Ministry of Education and Science reports on a successful implementation of the education reform
• FHRUL states that Latvian authorities implement repressive methods towards opponents of the education reform
• National radical organisation will run for municipal election together with FHRUL
• Round-table discussions on the Holocaust and expressions of anti-Semitism took place in Riga

For Freedom and Fatherland/LNIM stated that the party will not take part in such a government, which will includ a point on ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection  of National Minorities in the governmental declaration. The Chairperson of the FF/LNIM Janis Straume thinks that ratification of the Convention will be brought up in discussions between the President and parties concerning the formation of a new government. According to interviews with representatives of other political parties, the New Era does not see grounds for supporting ratification. The People’s Party and the Union of the Greens and Farmers avoid giving explicit answers on their stance towards the Convention, while the Latvian First Party has expressed its support for ratification.

For Freedom and Fatherland/LNIM stated that the party will not take part in such a government, which will includ a point on ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities inthe governmentaldeclaration. The Chairperson of the FF/LNIM Janis Straume thinks that ratification of the Convention will be brought up in discussions between the President and parties concerning the formation of a new government. According to interviews with representatives of other political parties, the New Era does not see grounds for supporting ratification. The Peoples Party and the Union of the Greens and Farmers avoid giving explicit answers on their stance towards the Convention, while the Latvian First Party has expressed its support for ratification. Diena, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Latvijas Avize interviews the chairperson of the FF/LNIM and Saeima Vice-speaker Janis Straume. He declares that the Convention should not be ratified and ‘we will not exchange our position for the place in the government. When asked to comment on the implementation of the education reform, Janis Straumes says that there is no need to adopt a new law concerning minority education. He also notes that there was no violence on 1 September thanks to, first, security police and, second, the Saeima Protection Bureau. Janis Straume promises to defend ‘national issues if his party is in the government. He names the New Era and the Peoples Party as FF/NIMs allies in this field. Chas

According to the report of the Ministry of Education and Science submitted to the government, the situation at minority schools is good and all issues are solved on professional level.

According to the report of the Ministry of Education and Science submitted to the government, the situation at minority schools is good and all issues are solved on professional level. Telegraf

The union For Human Rights in the United Latvia adopted a statement, which says that the Latvian authorities implement repressive methods towards opponents of the education reform. The authors of the statement report that the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Schools in Latvia conducts a continuous monitoring of the implementation of the reform at schools and it is already possible to draw the following conclusions: ‘studies have turned into farce because the majority of time teachers spend translating and explaining Latvian terms and there is an obvious sharp decrease of the level of knowledge, lost interest towards studies, psychological trauma for students.’

The union For Human Rights in the United Latvia adopted a statement, which says that the Latvian authorities implement repressive methods towards opponents of the education reform. The authors of the statement report that the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Schools in Latvia conducts a continuous monitoring of the implementation of the reform at schools and it is already possible to draw the following conclusions: ‘studies have turned into farce because the majority of time teachers spend translating and explaining Latvian terms and there is an obvious sharp decrease of the level of knowledge, lost interest towards studies, psychological trauma for students. Chas

The Latvian National Democratic Part, which has organised a number of unauthorised meetings and is related with the illegal movement ‘Russian National Unity,’ plans to run for local elections in Liepaja together with the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia. The FHRUL does not deny a possibility to co-operate with the LNDP because, according to FHRUL, the leader of LNDP Jevgenijs Osipovs has given up his radical and anti-semitic views. However, the Minister of the Secretariat for Special Assignments for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks, who have followed Osipovs’ activities, believes that attempts of extremists to come to power with legitimate methods are dangerous.

The Latvian National Democratic Part, which has organised a number of unauthorised meetings and is related with the illegal movement ‘Russian National Unity, plans to run for local elections in Liepaja together with the union For Human Rights in the United Latvia. The FHRUL does not deny a possibility to co-operate with the LNDP because, according to FHRUL, the leader of LNDP Jevgenijs Osipovs has given up his radical and anti-semitic views. However, the Minister of the Secretariat for Special Assignments for Society Integration Nils Muiznieks, who have followed Osipovs activities, believes that attempts of extremists to come to power with legitimate methods are dangerous. Diena

The round-table discussions devoted to the Holocaust and expressions of anti-Semitism took place in Riga. The conference was organised by Yad Vashem and the agency ‘Sohnut.’ Participants of the conference discussed reasons for new expressions of anti-Semitism. 

The round-table discussions devoted to the Holocaust and expressions of anti-Semitism took place in Riga. The conference was organised by Yad Vashem and the agency ‘Sohnut. Participants of the conference discussed reasons for new expressions of anti-Semitism. Vesti Segodnya