Press Report

Press Report

Prince Charles of Wales during his visit to Riga on Thursday admired the Latvian capital's architecture, visited the Occupation Museum and the First Christ Lutheran Parish church and met with the Latvian elite at a reception organised by the British embassy. During a brief conversation with Latvian justice minister Ingrida Labucka, the prince inquired about community work as an alternative punishment and formation of a probation service in Latvia. Latvian parliament vice-speaker Rihards Piks told BNS that the prince had asked questions about the parliament's involvement in foreign policy and forms of international Cupertino. Piks said the inter-parliamentary co-operation groups were active in the Latvian parliament.

Prince Charles of Wales during his visit to Riga on Thursday admired the Latvian capital's architecture, visited the Occupation Museum and the First Christ Lutheran Parish church and met with the Latvian elite at a reception organised by the British embassy. During a brief conversation with Latvian justice minister Ingrida Labucka, the prince inquired about community work as an alternative punishment and formation of a probation service in Latvia. Latvian parliament vice-speaker Rihards Piks told BNS that the prince had asked questions about the parliament's involvement in foreign policy and forms of international Cupertino. Piks said the inter-parliamentary co-operation groups were active in the Latvian parliament. BNS Diena, Neatkariga, Latvijas Vestnesis, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

Prince Charles is visiting Daugavpils today. During this visit, he will be accompanied by President Vike-Freiberga. The guests are scheduled to meet with Daugavpils Mayor Rihards Eigims, visit children's homes, and tour the city itself.

Prince Charles is visiting Daugavpils today. During this visit, he will be accompanied by President Vike-Freiberga. The guests are scheduled to meet with Daugavpils Mayor Rihards Eigims, visit children's homes, and tour the city itself. LETA, Telegraf

The accused 88-year Latvian war criminal Konrads Kalejs died in a hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Kalejs died before completion review of his appeal requesting to appeal the verdict on his extradition to Latvia.

LETA, Diena, Neatkariga, Latvijas Vestnesis, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii K.Plamse in

K.Plamse in Diena writes about the case of I.Podkolzina against the Latvian State in the EU Human Rights Court. A similar case is in the Strasbourg Court for discrimination during a parliamentary election and on the result of it and the reaction of the government will depend the closure of the OSCE Mission in Latvia or extension of its mandate. But so far it does not seem likely that Latvia could abolish language knowledge requirement for deputy candidates because the Saeima majority considers it to be a threat to the Latvian language. Although the complain of I.Podkolzina has no direct link either to the mandate of the OSCE Mission or to EU expansion, it is one of those cases the outcome of which and interpretation of the conditions most likely could become a precedent of international law. Diena

State police and Satversme Security Office will examine the information on the possibility to buy citizenship of Latvia and some other states. Officials suppose that is a fraud but are not able to explain why a company may continue offering this for a longer period of time and no cheated persons have addressed police.

State police and Satversme Security Office will examine the information on the possibility to buy citizenship of Latvia and some other states. Officials suppose that is a fraud but are not able to explain why a company may continue offering this for a longer period of time and no cheated persons have addressed police. Diena

The Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane, answering the information about a possibility to buy Latvian citizenship, assures that is not possible and explains why.

The Head of the Naturalisation Board E.Aldermane, answering the information about a possibility to buy Latvian citizenship, assures that is not possible and explains why. Neatkariga

Latvijas Vestnesis

published an interview Prime Minister A.Berzins gave to the Latvian Radio. Answering the question published an interview Prime Minister A.Berzins gave to the Latvian Radio. Answering the question “How do you evaluate the fact that Estonian deputies will be allowed not to know the Estonian language?”How do you evaluate the fact that Estonian deputies will be allowed not to know the Estonian language? Prime Minister said, In reality there was a situation like that in Latvia. Remember Zigerists, who was elected and did not know the Latvian language. And then the deputies decided to make according amendments to the election law. Almost in no country in the world such a norm exists. But in Latvia, to my mind, it is too early to say that something could be changed. There is a strange thing. Several cases have been started against the Latvian State in Strasbourg International Human Rights Court. And before these cases are considered, we shall not make any movements concerning this. I have repeated already for several times that Latvia will observe its international obligations, including court judgements if there are any. If they are such judgements that we have to amend the election law, we shall definitely establish a working group and change something. But we do not want to influence the court, especially in this situation, in this process. Prime Minister said, “In reality there was a situation like that in Latvia. Remember Zigerists, who was elected and did not know the Latvian language. And then the deputies decided to make according amendments to the election law. Almost in no country in the world such a norm exists. But in Latvia, to my mind, it is too early to say that something could be changed. There is a strange thing. Several cases have been started against the Latvian State in Strasbourg International Human Rights Court. And before these cases are considered, we shall not make any movements concerning this. I have repeated already for several times that Latvia will observe its international obligations, including court judgements if there are any. If they are such judgements that we have to amend the election law, we shall definitely establish a working group and change something. But we do not want to influence the court, especially in this situation, in this process.

Panorama Latvii

asked for the opinion of several MPs about the statement of the Director of the State Language Centre Dz.Hirsa that the governments decision to limit the rights of state language inspectors would not influence Centres work. Peoples Party representative Dz.Abikis said that the Centre had the right to check the state language knowledge, especially when there were discovered violations of its usage and inadequate state language knowledge. Cabinet of Ministers decision does not contradict this right. The case of Podkolzina is an individual case and most likely will not influence legislation. M.Mitrofanov (FHRUL) said that Ms. Hirsa was a high ranking state official, and her announcement was a defiance to the government. If the Cabinet of Ministers swallows it, it will become evident who is the master in this country – the government or haughty linguists. asked for the opinion of several MPs about the statement of the Director of the State Language Centre Dz.Hirsa that the government’s decision to limit the rights of state language inspectors would not influence Centre’s work. People’s Party representative Dz.Abikis said that the Centre had the right to check the state language knowledge, especially when there were discovered violations of its usage and inadequate state language knowledge. Cabinet of Ministers’ decision does not contradict this right. The case of Podkolzina is an individual case and most likely will not influence legislation. M.Mitrofanov (FHRUL) said that Ms. Hirsa was a high ranking state official, and her announcement was a defiance to the government. If the Cabinet of Ministers “swallows” it, it will become evident who is the master in this country – the government or “haughty linguists”.

Panorama Latvii

published the speech of the leader of the movement Equality T.Zhdanok in the Congress of compatriots in Moscow. Ms.Zhdanok said that Russians in Latvia believe in Russia and hope for its help. Russian community in Latvia wants the Russian State to have a clear-cut position on the Russian issue and is ready to participate in the development and implementation of a complex state program of the Russian Federation for co-operation with Russian Diaspora. published the speech of the leader of the movement Equality T.Zhdanok in the Congress of compatriots in Moscow. Ms.Zhdanok said that Russians in Latvia believe in Russia and hope for its help. Russian community in Latvia wants the Russian State to have a clear-cut position on the Russian issue and is ready to participate in the development and implementation of a complex state program of the Russian Federation for co-operation with Russian Diaspora.

Press Report

Press Report

It is still unclear however if language restrictions on candidates for Saeima deputies in Latvia could be a hindrance for the closure of the OSCE mission. The situation has been made more problematic by the Estonian parliament’s decision to cross out the requirement that candidates for parliament deputies must know the Estonian language at the highest level. State President meeting with P.Semneby spoke positively about Latvia’s co-operation with the Mission and voiced an opinion that all guidelines of the Mission’s mandate had been fulfilled. Vaira Vike-Freiberga.

It is still unclear however if language restrictions on candidates for Saeima deputies in Latvia could be a hindrance for the closure of the OSCE mission. The situation has been made more problematic by the Estonian parliaments decision to cross out the requirement that candidates for parliament deputies must know the Estonian language at the highest level. State President meeting with P.Semneby spoke positively about Latvias co-operation with the Mission and voiced an opinion that all guidelines of the Missions mandate had been fulfilled. Vaira Vike-Freiberga. Diena, Neatkariga, Latvijas Vestnesis, Vesti Segodnya

His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, today is scheduled to arrive on his two-day visit in Latvia. Prince Charles will come to Latvia from Lithuania. On his first day, he is scheduled to meet with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, place flowers at the Freedom Monument, visit Riga's architectural landmarks, the First Christ Lutheran Church, the Occupation Museum, and officially open the sawmill owned by British entrepreneurs, "BSW Latvia".

His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, today is scheduled to arrive on his two-day visit in Latvia. Prince Charles will come to Latvia from Lithuania. On his first day, he is scheduled to meet with President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, place flowers at the Freedom Monument, visit Riga's architectural landmarks, the First Christ Lutheran Church, the Occupation Museum, and officially open the sawmill owned by British entrepreneurs, "BSW Latvia". LETA, Diena, Lauku Avize, Vechernyaya Riga

Basing on the information provided by the newspaper

Basing on the information provided by the newspaper Neatkariga about a possibility to buy Latvian citizenship for 20 000 USD State Police decided to ask their French colleagues to check this information. Neatkariga

In the editorial

In the editorial Neatkariga writes that there exist half-legal methods how to get a passport in a short time. One of them is a fictitious marriage, other is corruption. Neatkariga has already described cases when without much trouble ones own people, who had arrived to Latvia after August 1991, were included in the Residents Register and soon received Latvian citizenship spitting on all the naturalisation regulations. And they did not need to go to Paris or pay 20 000USD. Therefore artificial seems the surprise of Latvian officials that something like that is possible.

Yesterday Riga Centre Court rejected a complaint of the organisation Russian National Unity, which is not registered in Latvia yet, on the Enterprise register for not registering their organisation.

Yesterday Riga Centre Court rejected a complaint of the organisation Russian National Unity, which is not registered in Latvia yet, on the Enterprise register for not registering their organisation. Neatkariga, Telegraf

I.Krumina in

I.Krumina in Lauku Avize writes about the governments decision to forbid inspectors of the State Language Centre the right to check state language proficiency level. A special working group was established and led by MFA Juridical department head K.Malinovska. The journalist interviewed working group member P.Elferts about the work of the group. Mr.Elferts said that the group started to prepare amendments after the UN Human Rights Commission had considered the complaint of A.Ignatane for crossing her off the candidate list for the Saeima election after a state language inspector had found out that this candidate had problems speaking in the Latvian language. The UN Commission in its decree stated that the results of the repeated inspection were subjective and such a possibility of a repeated testing contradicted the International Pact of Civic and Political Rights. The working group found out that the valid regulations were not precise and allowed interpretation. Thus the group wrote proposals to the government and it in its turn obediently raised their hands.

Russian speaking newspaper

Russian speaking newspaper Chas writes that now Latvian politicians try to make a political capital on A.Ignatane's case for the next Saeima election. Even in the press release of the Presidents office they inform that the President during her discussion with the HoM of the OSCE Mission to Latvia characterised these amendments as a good will of the government. L.Raihman from the Latvian Human Rights Committee claims that it is a merit of the leader of the Union Equality T.Zhdanok. Ms. Zhdanok herself stated that these amendments had nothing in common with elections or their procedure. In the election law there exists is a separate norm demand for a deputy candidate to have the third level of the state language proficiency. In the article of the law basing on which you may cross out the candidate from the list among other demands still exist the one for the third state language proficiency level.

When

When Chas journalist interviewed the Director of the State Language Centre Dz.Hirsa, she said that she had not known about such amendments and assured that nothing would change in the Centres activities. Even if the Centre receives these amendments, signed by the Prime Minister A.Berzins, a question rises – how to implement them. And Ms. Hirsa will ask her lawyers to comment this document. The Centre has to obey the law, and it stands higher than the Cabinet of Ministers. Also Vesti Segodnya

Panorama Latvii

states that now the State Language Centre has become enemy No 1 of the Russian-speaking population. Because after such an inspection a person may loose his job. On the other hand people may not get a job without the knowledge of the language. Therefore they try to get fake language certificates. states that now the State Language Centre has become enemy No 1 of the Russian-speaking population. Because after such an inspection a person may loose his job. On the other hand people may not get a job without the knowledge of the language. Therefore they try to get fake language certificates.

Vesti Segodnya

asked Latvian politicians to comment the decision of the government on the State Language Centre inspectors. Prime Minister A.Berzins was satisfied that the government managed to adopt these amendments, thus it fulfilled the decision of the UN Human Rights Commission. S.Zaletayev from For Human Rights in United Latvia said that it was a step to the right direction. But the question is - why only now? If it was taken to fulfil the Commissions decision – OK. But on these days is decided the fate of the OSCE Mission to Latvia – and it could be aimed to close the Mission. A.Seiksts thinks that by this the government showed that it respected and would respect international conventions and UN decisions. asked Latvian politicians to comment the decision of the government on the State Language Centre inspectors. Prime Minister A.Berzins was satisfied that the government managed to adopt these amendments, thus it fulfilled the decision of the UN Human Rights Commission. S.Zaletayev from For Human Rights in United Latvia said that it was a step to the right direction. But the question is - why only now? If it was taken to fulfil the Commission’s decision – OK. But on these days is decided the fate of the OSCE Mission to Latvia – and it could be aimed to close the Mission. A.Seiksts thinks that by this the government showed that it respected and would respect international conventions and UN decisions. MP J.Vidins from FF/LNNK thinks that the plan of his youth time friend, Russian writer and film editor V.Gonik to shoot a film on escaping of a Latvian boy from Siberia to Latvia will be “Russia’s step to repentance”. He is the prototype of this boy who alone covered 6000 km from Siberia to Latvia at the age of nine. He hopes that this film will improve Latvia’s political relations with Russia.

MP J.Vidins from FF/LNNK thinks that the plan of his youth time friend, Russian writer and film editor V.Gonik to shoot a film on escaping of a Latvian boy from Siberia to Latvia will be Russias step to repentance. He is the prototype of this boy who alone covered 6000 km from Siberia to Latvia at the age of nine. He hopes that this film will improve Latvias political relations with Russia. Neatkariga, Chas

The President’s new representative to the Society Integration Foundation Council S.Bukingots thinks that Latvia is lagging behind with integration of the society but not everything has been lost. He sees integration as respect of al members of the society - both Latvians and non-Latvians three things: state language, flag and constitution. And both parts of the society have to make a step towards each other.

The Presidents new representative to the Society Integration Foundation Council S.Bukingots thinks that Latvia is lagging behind with integration of the society but not everything has been lost. He sees integration as respect of al members of the society - both Latvians and non-Latvians three things: state language, flag and constitution. And both parts of the society have to make a step towards each other. Vesti Segodnya

Press Report

Press Report

The Latvian government on Tuesday accepted amendments to the regulations about state language proficiency that were drafted after the UN human rights committee decision on a complaint from Latvia, reported the government press service. Amendments to the regulations on state language proficiency required for certain professions and procedure for testing this proficiency were made after the UN human rights committee ruling in a case of a Latvian citizen, who was prevented from running in 1997 municipal elections due to her allegedly insufficient knowledge of the Latvian language. Under the amendments, inspectors of the state language authorities in Latvia will have the right to check only the authenticity of the language proficiency certificate, not the actual proficiency of its holder. The authenticity of the certificate is to be verified by a number of details such as the registration number, authenticity of the seal, etc., to eliminate any subjective opinion by a single official. The Latvian government this October formed a task force for evaluating the current human rights situation and to draft legislative amendments building on the UN human rights committee decision in the case of Latvian citizen Antonina Ignatane.

The Latvian government on Tuesday accepted amendments to the regulations about state language proficiency that were drafted after the UN human rights committee decision on a complaint from Latvia, reported the government press service. Amendments to the regulations on state language proficiency required for certain professions and procedure for testing this proficiency were made after the UN human rights committee ruling in a case of a Latvian citizen, who was prevented from running in 1997 municipal elections due to her allegedly insufficient knowledge of the Latvian language. Under the amendments, inspectors of the state language authorities in Latvia will have the right to check only the authenticity of the language proficiency certificate, not the actual proficiency of its holder. The authenticity of the certificate is to be verified by a number of details such as the registration number, authenticity of the seal, etc., to eliminate any subjective opinion by a single official. The Latvian government this October formed a task force for evaluating the current human rights situation and to draft legislative amendments building on the UN human rights committee decision in the case of Latvian citizen Antonina Ignatane. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Latvijas Vestnesis, Telegraf

The tenth anniversary of the Baltic Assembly will be marked in the Latvian capital Riga on Thursday with several events to be attended also by Lithuanian and Estonian representatives. Thursday morning the heads of the Baltic delegations to the assembly will address the Latvian parliament. Speeches will be delivered by the Latvian delegation leader Romualds Razuks as well as his Estonian and Lithuanian counterparts, reported the Latvian parliament presidium. BNS, Diena

The tenth anniversary of the Baltic Assembly will be marked in the Latvian capital Riga on Thursday with several events to be attended also by Lithuanian and Estonian representatives. Thursday morning the heads of the Baltic delegations to the assembly will address the Latvian parliament. Speeches will be delivered by the Latvian delegation leader Romualds Razuks as well as his Estonian and Lithuanian counterparts, reported the Latvian parliament presidium. BNS, Diena

On Tuesday the government appointed entrepreneur S.Bukingolt to the Society Integration Foundation Council as a representative of the President.

On Tuesday the government appointed entrepreneur S.Bukingolt to the Society Integration Foundation Council as a representative of the President. Diena

Liepaja City Council decided to allot more than 1000 LVL in order 30 low income people at Liepaja Naval Port be able to study the state language. The financing was granted upon a proposal of the Society Harmony Commission.

Liepaja City Council decided to allot more than 1000 LVL in order 30 low income people at Liepaja Naval Port be able to study the state language. The financing was granted upon a proposal of the Society Harmony Commission. Diena

The Saeima Juridical Commission reacted to the proposal of the Central Election Commission to amend urgently the Saeima election law by sending all factions the proposals of the CEC. After receiving responses from the factions the Commission will decide on the necessary amendments. Expressions of the Commission members proved that they did not intend to support the radical proposal of the CEC Chairman A.Cimdars to abolish the system of crossing off deputy candidates from the list and leaving just a possibility to mark them with + or -.

The Saeima Juridical Commission reacted to the proposal of the Central Election Commission to amend urgently the Saeima election law by sending all factions the proposals of the CEC. After receiving responses from the factions the Commission will decide on the necessary amendments. Expressions of the Commission members proved that they did not intend to support the radical proposal of the CEC Chairman A.Cimdars to abolish the system of crossing off deputy candidates from the list and leaving just a possibility to mark them with + or -. Diena

The Russian magazine "Kommersant dengi" has been running an advertisement for about six months, which suggests that Latvian, Lithuanian, Estonian and French citizenship can be bought. After calling the telephone number, it was established that Latvian citizenship could be bought for USD 20,000, and obtained in three to six months. The newspaper "Neatkariga Rita Avize" reports today that the ad does not say directly that citizenship can be bought for cash; it says that prices are reasonable and citizenship can be obtained without turning to any middlemen. The Naturalisation Administration's head Eizenija Aldermane categorically denied that anyone could obtain Latvian citizenship in this manner. Each application is reviewed by at least seven people at the administration, and it is not likely "that they all are corrupt". Aldermane said that this case most probably deals with an experienced swindler or this is "some political trick attempting to sling mud at our administration and the Citizenship and Migration Administration". "If anything like this happens at all, this is most likely linked with the sale of counterfeit passports," explained Aldermane.

The Russian magazine "Kommersant dengi" has been running an advertisement for about six months, which suggests that Latvian, Lithuanian, Estonian and French citizenship can be bought. After calling the telephone number, it was established that Latvian citizenship could be bought for USD 20,000, and obtained in three to six months. The newspaper "Neatkariga Rita Avize" reports today that the ad does not say directly that citizenship can be bought for cash; it says that prices are reasonable and citizenship can be obtained without turning to any middlemen. The Naturalisation Administration's head Eizenija Aldermane categorically denied that anyone could obtain Latvian citizenship in this manner. Each application is reviewed by at least seven people at the administration, and it is not likely "that they all are corrupt". Aldermane said that this case most probably deals with an experienced swindler or this is "some political trick attempting to sling mud at our administration and the Citizenship and Migration Administration". "If anything like this happens at all, this is most likely linked with the sale of counterfeit passports," explained Aldermane. Neatkariga

On November 8 – 9 Charles, Prince of Wales will visit Latvia upon an invitation of Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga.

On November 8 – 9 Charles, Prince of Wales will visit Latvia upon an invitation of Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. Neatkariga

Political scientist Ilze Ostrovska commenting on the political situation in Latvia states that she does not see any ethnic conflict in the profound meaning of this word in Latvia. When asked why Latvians vote for Latvian parties and Russians for Russian parties, I.Ostrovska answered that this issue had been over exaggerated because politics was too closely linked with economics. Now the question is how to distinguish your own people from strangers, and the simples way is – Latvian – non-Latvian, Russian – non-Russian.

Political scientist Ilze Ostrovska commenting on the political situation in Latvia states that she does not see any ethnic conflict in the profound meaning of this word in Latvia. When asked why Latvians vote for Latvian parties and Russians for Russian parties, I.Ostrovska answered that this issue had been over exaggerated because politics was too closely linked with economics. Now the question is how to distinguish your own people from strangers, and the simples way is – Latvian – non-Latvian, Russian – non-Russian. Chas

Russian-speaking newspaper

Russian-speaking newspaper Chas published an advertisement of Russian TV broadcast company OPT stating that in the Baltic States resided about 300 Chinese, 250 Africans and 2 000 000 Russians and Russian-speaking.

Newspaper

Newspaper Chas journalist writes that a private school in Latvia is almost the only educational institution where the state has no right to dictate the language of tuition although sometimes when licensing a private school state officials demanded to chose one of the four bilingual education models offered by the Ministry of Education and Science or to indicate three mandatory subjects that will be taught in the Latvian language. In reality such a demand has no grounds. The law on education stipulates that a private school holds the right to choose the language of tuition. The journalist interviewed the Director of private gymnasium Maxima O.Isakova, who was also a board member of the Association for Support of Russian-speaking schools in Latvia. Ms.Isakova spoke about the existing system in Latvia when only those private schools received state financing which taught in the state language although all parents paid taxes here.

M.Demurin, former Russian diplomat to Latvia gave an interview to the newspaper

M.Demurin, former Russian diplomat to Latvia gave an interview to the newspaper Vesti Segodnya. The high-ranking diplomat assured that nothing much had changed in the priorities of Latvian foreign policy since the meeting of Russian and Latvian presidents. Speed of naturalisation is decreasing. Russian-speakers are still deprived of the possibility to realise their rights here. Of course, Russia has observed some easements in the naturalisation process – lowering of state fee for naturalisation and equating school state language exams to the naturalisation test. But for solving the problem of mass statelessness it is not enough. The second problem is preservation of the Russian language and education. And the plans of Latvian government to abolish education in the Russian language do not comply with international standards stipulated in the Framework Convention.

Press Report

Press Report

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins does not rule out the possibility of Russia eventually becoming a NATO member, he said in an interview to a new Latvian newspaper. The premier voiced this opinion while commenting to the Russian-language

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins does not rule out the possibility of Russia eventually becoming a NATO member, he said in an interview to a new Latvian newspaper. The premier voiced this opinion while commenting to the Russian-language Telegraf on possible further developments in the alliance's enlargement following brutal terrorist attacks on the United States Sept. 11. BNS

The International Monetary Fund could sign a new economic co-operation memorandum with Latvia no sooner than next April, provided that the national budget’s implementation is acceptable by that time, reports Diena. NRA adds that the IMF mission concluded its work in Latvia yesterday and it left without reaching any agreement with the Latvian side. Diena,

The International Monetary Fund could sign a new economic co-operation memorandum with Latvia no sooner than next April, provided that the national budgets implementation is acceptable by that time, reports Diena. NRA adds that the IMF mission concluded its work in Latvia yesterday and it left without reaching any agreement with the Latvian side. Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Nobody expected from Prime Minister A.Berzins so critical speech concerning the partners in the government as he gave at the Latvia’s Way conference in Tukums. Some consider it to be an answer to those party members who accuse the leader for lack of strictness and yielding to the demands of the coalition partners. Others think it to be a warning signal to People’s Party that more and more demonstrate their power or 24 votes, considering them as decisive for the stability of the government. Contradictions between those two parties exists for a long time but by, approaching the next Saeima election, Latvia’s Way and People’s Party try to mark them more distinctly in their common political niche, especially when a new party, organised by E.Repse, intends to join them. Some politicians consider that People’s Party triy to expand their niche on the expense of Latvia’s Way.

Nobody expected from Prime Minister A.Berzins so critical speech concerning the partners in the government as he gave at the Latvias Way conference in Tukums. Some consider it to be an answer to those party members who accuse the leader for lack of strictness and yielding to the demands of the coalition partners. Others think it to be a warning signal to Peoples Party that more and more demonstrate their power or 24 votes, considering them as decisive for the stability of the government. Contradictions between those two parties exists for a long time but by, approaching the next Saeima election, Latvias Way and Peoples Party try to mark them more distinctly in their common political niche, especially when a new party, organised by E.Repse, intends to join them. Some politicians consider that Peoples Party triy to expand their niche on the expense of Latvias Way. Diena

Lauku Avize states that this time Latvias Way had nothing real to accuse the coalition partners of, therefore the main statement was that it was difficult to co-operate with them. Somebody wants to swing the governments boat, and it is not Latvias Way. More likely – Peoples Party.

Diena

runs Askolds Rodins commentary on Latvias Way conference in Tukums on the political situation this year. Rodins says optimism is a good thing, however, it would be naive to expect that other political parties, which will participate in the eighth Saeima elections, will deeply respect LW just because LW has been a "ruling party" for the longest period. Its representatives have worked in all governments in Latvia since 1993. And the conference proved that within the party there was no common opinion on partys identity. runs Askolds Rodins’ commentary on Latvia’s Way conference in Tukums on the political situation this year. Rodins says optimism is a good thing, however, it would be naive to expect that other political parties, which will participate in the eighth Saeima elections, will deeply respect LW just because LW has been a "ruling party" for the longest period. Its representatives have worked in all governments in Latvia since 1993. And the conference proved that within the party there was no common opinion on party’s identity. On Monday Integration Department Head of the Ministry of Education and Science E.Papule informed journalists that from September next year, implementing the gradual transition to the tuition in the state language, all Russian-speaking elementary schools would have to turn to the bilingual education. So far according this program, where almost half of subjects are taught in the Latvian language, have worked the first three classes, or at least two subjects had to be taught in the Latvian language. Officials of the Ministry of Education and Science consider that in the majority of schools a considerable amount of subjects are already taught in two languages or only in the state language therefore there will be no transitional problems.

On Monday Integration Department Head of the Ministry of Education and Science E.Papule informed journalists that from September next year, implementing the gradual transition to the tuition in the state language, all Russian-speaking elementary schools would have to turn to the bilingual education. So far according this program, where almost half of subjects are taught in the Latvian language, have worked the first three classes, or at least two subjects had to be taught in the Latvian language. Officials of the Ministry of Education and Science consider that in the majority of schools a considerable amount of subjects are already taught in two languages or only in the state language therefore there will be no transitional problems. Diena

Ministry of Education and Science reported on the work done to transfer Russian schools to the tuition in the state language because from September 2004 in all 10th classes all subjects had to be taught in the state language. MES is satisfied with the results of the program for teaching the state language to teachers; 960 teachers completed courses to raise their qualification for working according the bilingual scheme, and 314 teachers attended the Latvian language training courses. The author of one of models of bilingual education MP Ya.Pliner was positive about the work of the Ministry but assured that the very bilingual system was far from perfection.

Ministry of Education and Science reported on the work done to transfer Russian schools to the tuition in the state language because from September 2004 in all 10th classes all subjects had to be taught in the state language. MES is satisfied with the results of the program for teaching the state language to teachers; 960 teachers completed courses to raise their qualification for working according the bilingual scheme, and 314 teachers attended the Latvian language training courses. The author of one of models of bilingual education MP Ya.Pliner was positive about the work of the Ministry but assured that the very bilingual system was far from perfection. Telegraf

Newspaper

Newspaper Chas writing about this event states that officials of the Ministry assured that everything was under control and the transition to the tuition in the state language would take place although in the reality everything depended on the outcome of the next Saeima election. Opponents of this transition, e.g. I.Pimenov - Chairman of the Association for Support of Russian Schools in Latvia, are sure that students of Russian schools are not ready for it.

To the meeting with the participants of the Compatriots’ Congress in Moscow arrived about 200 people. The main speaker at this meeting was the leader of the movement Equality T.Zhdanok. The speakers there called Russian-speakers to struggle more energetically for their rights for citizenship, education in the Russian language and the usage of the Russian language, to acquire Latvian citizenship and get wider representation in the Saeima, to raise children according to the Russian spirit and not to hope much for assistance from Russia and international organisations but to unite all the strength of Russian-speaking organisations in Latvia. Ms.Zhdanok called Russia for a constructive co-operation with the Russian community in Latvia and expressed a belief that Russians would strengthen their economic positions in Latvia.

To the meeting with the participants of the Compatriots Congress in Moscow arrived about 200 people. The main speaker at this meeting was the leader of the movement Equality T.Zhdanok. The speakers there called Russian-speakers to struggle more energetically for their rights for citizenship, education in the Russian language and the usage of the Russian language, to acquire Latvian citizenship and get wider representation in the Saeima, to raise children according to the Russian spirit and not to hope much for assistance from Russia and international organisations but to unite all the strength of Russian-speaking organisations in Latvia. Ms.Zhdanok called Russia for a constructive co-operation with the Russian community in Latvia and expressed a belief that Russians would strengthen their economic positions in Latvia. Lauku Avize

J.Jurkans, responding to the publication of

J.Jurkans, responding to the publication of Lauku Avize They want to oust the state language from the Saeima of 25.10.01, added to his letter a copy of the newspaper Latvijas Vestnesis of 12.10.01 where the announcement of the Prime Minister A.Berzins had been published. Prime Minister in this announcement confirms repeatedly that the government of Latvia as any government of the CoE member state is ready to do everything necessary, including amending the legislation to implement the court decree and ensure observation of human rights and basic freedoms. Such an announcement was made due to the fact that UN Human Rights Commission had considered the complain of A.Ignatane for crossing out her name from the list of Riga City Council candidates in 1997 and decided that the Latvian state had made a damage to the claimant. As one may understand from the letter of Mr.Jurkans, he considers that this extract from Prime Ministers announcement proves that the head of the government has undertaken to amend exactly the Saeima and local government election laws. Prime Ministers Press Secretary J.Lapins explains this phrase in a different way: - Jurkans has interpreted Prime Ministers words as it suits him the best. But I would suggest reading Prime Ministers announcement once more and carefully. There nothing has been said about amending the election laws. Legislation does not consist just of election laws, and Mr.Jurkans has to know it. The essence of the matter is as follows: if a court decision in A.Ignatanes case from the UN Human Rights Commission is received, then the government will decide what to do. So far the Human Rights Commission has not reproached Latvia for the norm that deputy candidates are required to have the Latvian language knowledge, just for the procedure, i.e. they reproach that according to a decision of the State Language Centre inspector a person, who has a language proficiency certificate, may be crossed out the list of candidates, if the inspector has found that in the reality the candidate does not know the language. A working group has been established that will analyse this situation and look for a solution.

Some Latvian politicians gave their forecast for the outcome of the 8th Saeima election. So the Minister of Finances A.Kalvitis thinks that People’s Party will get 18 - 24 seats; Latvia’s Way 12 - 16; FF/LNNK – 10 – 14; For Human Rights in United Latvia – 14 –18; New Era – 7 – 10. A.Lembergs gives New ERA 25 –30 seats; For Human Rights in United Latvia – 20; LSDWP – 15; Latvian Farmers Party/Latvian Farmers Union – 15; People’s Party – 12; Latvia’s Way – 8.

Some Latvian politicians gave their forecast for the outcome of the 8th Saeima election. So the Minister of Finances A.Kalvitis thinks that Peoples Party will get 18 - 24 seats; Latvias Way 12 - 16; FF/LNNK – 10 – 14; For Human Rights in United Latvia – 14 –18; New Era – 7 – 10. A.Lembergs gives New ERA 25 –30 seats; For Human Rights in United Latvia – 20; LSDWP – 15; Latvian Farmers Party/Latvian Farmers Union – 15; Peoples Party – 12; Latvias Way – 8. Lauku Avize

Newspaper

Newspaper Lauku Avize interviewed the Presidents new representative at the Society Integration Foundation Council entrepreneur S.Bukingolt. Speaking about integration of the society he said that Latvia needed new roles for the new game for the old players – new political and economic principles because the situation has changed. We may not base our relations either with Russia or the West just on principles of history disregarding the geopolitical and geoeconomical understanding of the 21st century.

 

Press Report

Latvia’s Way blames coalition partners and thinks that LW has all chances to win at the next Saeima elections voiced the leadership of LW at party’s conference on Saturday. The party’s members said that LW’s position is very normal ahead of the 8th Saeima elections, and that tolerance remains the party’s identity.

Latvias Way blames coalition partners and thinks that LW has all chances to win at the next Saeima elections voiced the leadership of LW at partys conference on Saturday. The partys members said that LWs position is very normal ahead of the 8th Saeima elections, and that tolerance remains the partys identity. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

“The transfer to education in the state language at national minority schools should not be implemented in accordance with the principle to do it “at all costs”, it should be flexible and reasonable”, said Naturalisation Board head E.Aldermane at the conference “The Perspectives of Minority Education in Latvia” in Daugavpils.

The transfer to education in the state language at national minority schools should not be implemented in accordance with the principle to do it at all costs, it should be flexible and reasonable, said Naturalisation Board head E.Aldermane at the conference The Perspectives of Minority Education in Latvia in Daugavpils. Diena

Telegraf provides more detailed information about the conference. The comparison between language situations in Estonia and Latvia was drawn, as well as the particular situation in Daugavpils was discussed at the conference.

Telegraf provides more detailed information about the conference. The comparison between language situations in Estonia and Latvia was drawn, as well as the particular situation in Daugavpils was discussed at the conference.

Diena

introduces the readers with the personality of the new American ambassador to Latvia B.Karlson. introduces the readers with the personality of the new American ambassador to Latvia B.Karlson.

Vecernaja Riga

interviews Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov. The ambassador voices that the biggest concern for Russia are the non-citizens in Latvia as there are 58 differences between the rights of citizens and non-citizens… Russia supports naturalisation, however, the procedure should be made easier. The ambassador does not consider that easier visa requirements for non-citizens to enter Russia prevent them from naturalisation. I.Studennikov also provides his opinion about the possibilities to sign co-operation agreements between the two countries in different spheres. interviews Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov. The ambassador voices that “the biggest concern for Russia are the non-citizens in Latvia as there are 58 differences between the rights of citizens and non-citizens… Russia supports naturalisation, however, the procedure should be made easier”. The ambassador does not consider that easier visa requirements for non-citizens to enter Russia prevent them from naturalisation. I.Studennikov also provides his opinion about the possibilities to sign co-operation agreements between the two countries in different spheres.

Chas

interviews President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. The main discussion themes were women in politics and gender equality. interviews President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. The main discussion themes were women in politics and gender equality. The draft project on a co-operation agreement between the Latvian and Russian capital cities could be discussed in the middle or end of November, when a Moscow delegation will visit Riga.

The draft project on a co-operation agreement between the Latvian and Russian capital cities could be discussed in the middle or end of November, when a Moscow delegation will visit Riga. Chas

Vesti Segodnja

interviews British Ambassador to Latvia Stephen Nash. The ambassador talks about his career, family and personal matters. interviews British Ambassador to Latvia Stephen Nash. The ambassador talks about his career, family and personal matters.

Vesti Segodnja

writes about the issues concerning the education reform in 2004. The newspaper gives the basic principles of the bilingual education model developed by the Association for the Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia. As well as the newspaper names three steps how to provide practical assistance to ensure that national minorities will have possibility to study in their own languages, that is, parents and teachers have to discuss in detail education model developed by ASRLSL; draw up the lists with potential members for the ASRLSL conference and the last, be present at the conference and demonstrate the stance. writes about the issues concerning the education reform in 2004. The newspaper gives the basic principles of the bilingual education model developed by the Association for the Support of the Russian Language Schools in Latvia. As well as the newspaper names three steps how to provide practical assistance to ensure that national minorities will have possibility to study in their own languages, that is, parents and teachers have to discuss in detail education model developed by ASRLSL; draw up the lists with potential members for the ASRLSL conference and the last, be present at the conference and demonstrate the stance. Today is the first edition of the new newspaper

Today is the first edition of the new newspaper Telegraf in the Russian language. The newspaper asked the Latvian President what is her opinion about the press in Latvia. V.Vike-Freiberga considers that the press in Latvia has made a good progress during last 10 years. She points out that press in Latvian differs from the press in Russian, as the two audiences are interested in quite different subjects. On the whole, the President thinks that the press in Latvia is becoming the cornerstone of a democratic country. Telegraf

Telegraf

interviews Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins. When asked about the possible establishment of the new party by E.Repse, the Prime Minister is rather sceptical about the chances of the party to win at the next Saeima election. The Prime Minister gives his considerations about the future of his party Latvias Way, as well as about Latvias membership to NATO "In any case officials state that NATO won't change its position as regards enlargement. The question is what will the alliance itself be like? Indeed, maybe Russia will also find itself in NATO. interviews Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins. When asked about the possible establishment of the new party by E.Repse, the Prime Minister is rather sceptical about the chances of the party to win at the next Saeima election. The Prime Minister gives his considerations about the future of his party Latvia’s Way, as well as about Latvia’s membership to NATO "In any case officials state that NATO won't change its position as regards enlargement. The question is what will the alliance itself be like? Indeed, maybe Russia will also find itself in NATO”.