Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Yesterday 67 new and 33 re-elected MPs convened for the first session of the 8th Saeima yesterday. President Vaira Vike-Freiberga asked leader of the New Era Einars Repse to set up the new Cabinet of Ministers. Representatives of the prospective ruling coalition signed the government’s declaration already after the Saeima’s session. They plan to ask the Saeima to give a vote of confidence to the new Cabinet on Thursday. Diena provides the list of candidacies for all posts of ministers except for the post of the Minister of Societal Integration.

Yesterday 67 new and 33 re-elected MPs convened for the first session of the 8th Saeima yesterday. President Vaira Vike-Freiberga asked leader of the New Era Einars Repse to set up the new Cabinet of Ministers. Representatives of the prospective ruling coalition signed the governments declaration already after the Saeimas session. They plan to ask the Saeima to give a vote of confidence to the new Cabinet on Thursday. Diena provides the list of candidacies for all posts of ministers except for the post of the Minister of Societal Integration. Diena, Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Vechernaya Riga, Chas

The public policy portal

The public policy portal www.politika.lv publishes the national declaration of the new government. One of the top priorities of the new government is an integrated civic society, strong modern ethnic identity. The issues concerning the rights of national minorities are discussed in the chapter Education. Article 14.5 states We will strengthen bilingual education at all national minority schools. We will intensify preparatory tasks to ensure a gradual switch of minority secondary schools to Latvian as a main instruction language as of 2004. In the chapter on culture article 15.7. provides for We will preserve and foster diversity of the cultures of ethnic groups in Latvia and will promote development of national cultures.

Chapter 17 discusses ethno-political issues:

Chapter 17 discusses ethno-political issues:

“17.1. We will implement such ethno-political principles which will consider the interests of the state and all members of society, including Latvians and national minorities. We will improve legislation in the realm of ethnic policy and determine the fields of competence of the responsible institutions. We will assign a high level, politically responsible official having the requisite authority who will be responsible for the implementation of ethnic policy.

17.1. We will implement such ethno-political principles which will consider the interests of the state and all members of society, including Latvians and national minorities. We will improve legislation in the realm of ethnic policy and determine the fields of competence of the responsible institutions. We will assign a high level, politically responsible official having the requisite authority who will be responsible for the implementation of ethnic policy.

17.2. We will ensure consistent securing of the Latvian language in all spheres of life and its development as a communication language among all Latvian residents. We will support the activities of the President’s Official Language Commission and the adoption of the national programme for the development of the Latvian language.

17.2. We will ensure consistent securing of the Latvian language in all spheres of life and its development as a communication language among all Latvian residents. We will support the activities of the Presidents Official Language Commission and the adoption of the national programme for the development of the Latvian language.

17.3. We will foster the integration of Latvian society, learning of the Latvian language and the qualitative implementation of naturalisation processes.

17.3. We will foster the integration of Latvian society, learning of the Latvian language and the qualitative implementation of naturalisation processes.

17.4. We will support the activities of national societies and communities and the Association of Latvian National Culture Organisations and ensure adequate funding for these organisations. We will provide special support for the Association of Livs - the second core nation in Latvia, while facilitating preservation and promotion of their unique language and culture in the world in the framework of the national long term target programme “Livs in Latvia.”

17.4. We will support the activities of national societies and communities and the Association of Latvian National Culture Organisations and ensure adequate funding for these organisations. We will provide special support for the Association of Livs - the second core nation in Latvia, while facilitating preservation and promotion of their unique language and culture in the world in the framework of the national long term target programme Livs in Latvia.

17.5. We will educate society on ethnopolitical issues, while lessening prejudices and stereotypes. We will foster a dialogue on relations among nations and languages in Latvia. We will reduce the gap between two information spaces on the basis of common values and mutual respect.”

17.5. We will educate society on ethnopolitical issues, while lessening prejudices and stereotypes. We will foster a dialogue on relations among nations and languages in Latvia. We will reduce the gap between two information spaces on the basis of common values and mutual respect. Chas

When holding a speech on the occasion of the first session of the 8th Saeima, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga named social integration as one of the key tasks for the new Saeima. She said that ethnic background should not be the reason for any discrimination. The President also wished the new Saeima to join all “important documents in the sphere of human rights.”

When holding a speech on the occasion of the first session of the 8th Saeima, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga named social integration as one of the key tasks for the new Saeima. She said that ethnic background should not be the reason for any discrimination. The President also wished the new Saeima to join all important documents in the sphere of human rights. Vesti Segodnya, Latvijas Vestnesis

Yesterday all MPs including FHRUL gave a solemn oath or promise. Leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans stated that the oath is not against their beliefs, as “we have always been for the Latvian language as a sole state language.” However, he believes that the oath is illogical and FHRUL will suggest striking the oath from the Constitution.

Yesterday all MPs including FHRUL gave a solemn oath or promise. Leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans stated that the oath is not against their beliefs, as we have always been for the Latvian language as a sole state language. However, he believes that the oath is illogical and FHRUL will suggest striking the oath from the Constitution. Diena

Rigas Balss

interviews new director of the State Language Centre Agris Timuska. According to Timuska the situation in the language realm is satisfactory in Riga although it is not as good as the situation in the countryside. The situation in Daugavpils is unsatisfactory. Regarding the State Language Law, he says that the most serious stumbling rock is the term legitimate public interests – they are clearly defined in the Law, however, the existence of these interests should be proved over and over again. interviews new director of the State Language Centre Agris Timuska. According to Timuska the situation in the language realm is satisfactory in Riga although it is not as good as the situation in the countryside. The situation in Daugavpils is unsatisfactory. Regarding the State Language Law, he says that the most serious stumbling rock is the term “legitimate public interests” – they are clearly defined in the Law, however, the existence of these interests should be proved over and over again.

Telegraf

ironically comments that recently adopted amendments to the regulations on the state language stipulate a higher (II) state language proficiency level for a number of professions, including circus artists and shepherds. ironically comments that recently adopted amendments to the regulations on the state language stipulate a higher (II) state language proficiency level for a number of professions, including circus artists and shepherds.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

The New Era, the Latvian First Party, the Union of Greens and Farmers and FF/LNNK agreed yesterday to form the new government, headed by leader of the New Era Einars Repse.The four parties have a total of 55 seats in the parliament. Today Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga announced that she approves the candidacy of Einars Repse for the post of the Prime Minister.

The New Era, the Latvian First Party, the Union of Greens and Farmers and FF/LNNK agreed yesterday to form the new government, headed by leader of the New Era Einars Repse.The four parties have a total of 55 seats in the parliament. Today Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga announced that she approves the candidacy of Einars Repse for the post of the Prime Minister. Diena, Neatkariga

In the first sitting of the 8th Saeima for the first time newly elected MPs will swear an oath as provided for by amendments to the Satversme (constitution) passed in spring. However, there are concerns that the oath could cause certain problems for a number of MPs, as it contains several promises which could be against their beliefs, for instance, MPs have to promise to strengthen the Latvian language as the sole state language. Political scientist Nils Muiznieks recalls that OSCE experts already expressed their concern about the freedom of expression of MPs just before adoption of the amendments. However, Muiznieks notes that it would be complicated to argue against the text of the pledge because the Constitution which is implemented in accordance with international standards has higher judicial power than international treaties

In the first sitting of the 8th Saeima for the first time newly elected MPs will swear an oath as provided for by amendments to the Satversme (constitution) passed in spring. However, there are concerns that the oath could cause certain problems for a number of MPs, as it contains several promises which could be against their beliefs, for instance, MPs have to promise to strengthen the Latvian language as the sole state language. Political scientist Nils Muiznieks recalls that OSCE experts already expressed their concern about the freedom of expression of MPs just before adoption of the amendments. However, Muiznieks notes that it would be complicated to argue against the text of the pledge because the Constitution which is implemented in accordance with international standards has higher judicial power than international treaties. Diena

Vesti Segodnya and

Vesti Segodnya and Panorama Latvii report that MPs of FHRUL will say I promise.. instead of I swear.. They explain that the word swear (zveret) sounds like a beast in Latvian.

According to the latest study conducted by the company SKDS Latvian residents believe that social integration issues are much more important and topical than ethnic integration issues. Head of the Integration Department at the Ministry of Justice Reinis Aboltins states that the results of the poll could change the Government’s priorities in the field of integration. He says, “Ethnic problems appear to be secondary problems, because people are more concerned about their work, family and security.”

According to the latest study conducted by the company SKDS Latvian residents believe that social integration issues are much more important and topical than ethnic integration issues. Head of the Integration Department at the Ministry of Justice Reinis Aboltins states that the results of the poll could change the Governments priorities in the field of integration. He says, Ethnic problems appear to be secondary problems, because people are more concerned about their work, family and security. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya,

Vesti Segodnya

reports that LATO (Latvian Transatlantic Organisation) held a seminar for teachers from Latvian and Russian schools about Latvias move towards NATO. The newspaper looks at the booklet Lets Protect Our Future and draws attention to a number of differences in the Latvian and Russian editions. reports that LATO (Latvian Transatlantic Organisation) held a seminar for teachers from Latvian and Russian schools about Latvia’s move towards NATO. The newspaper looks at the booklet “Let’s Protect Our Future” and draws attention to a number of differences in the Latvian and Russian editions.

Vesty Segonyas

columnist, MP of the 8th Saeima Nikolay Kabanov sums up the key tasks of FHRUL which the party should implement during the 8th Saeima. According to Kabanov, none of political parties except for FHRUL is interested in promoting naturalisation, therefore it is the number one task of the party. Second is postponement of the education reform in 2004 and, third, the Russian language should be used in television and radio broadcasting without any restrictions. columnist, MP of the 8th Saeima Nikolay Kabanov sums up the key tasks of FHRUL which the party should implement during the 8th Saeima. According to Kabanov, none of political parties except for FHRUL is interested in promoting naturalisation, therefore it is the number one task of the party. Second is postponement of the education reform in 2004 and, third, the Russian language should be used in television and radio broadcasting without any restrictions.

Panorama Latvii

talks to one of experts of the Latvian Human Rights Committee Gennady Kotov. The Committee provides legal consultations concerning human rights issues free of charge since 1992. Kotov says that since then the situation has changed – in 1993 more than 160 thousand people were refused to be acknowledged as permanent residents of Latvia, now there are no more than 100 such persons in the country. He adds that 10 years ago there were more attempts to expel people from Latvia. Kotov notes that now the Committee files claims not only with domestic but international organisations as well. Kotov reports that in 10 years about 40,000 people turned for the help to the Committee. talks to one of experts of the Latvian Human Rights Committee Gennady Kotov. The Committee provides legal consultations concerning human rights issues free of charge since 1992. Kotov says that since then the situation has changed – in 1993 more than 160 thousand people were refused to be acknowledged as permanent residents of Latvia, now there are no more than 100 such persons in the country. He adds that 10 years ago there were more attempts to expel people from Latvia. Kotov notes that now the Committee files claims not only with domestic but international organisations as well. Kotov reports that in 10 years about 40,000 people turned for the help to the Committee.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

The newspapers report that the formation of a new government is at a crossroads. The Latvian First Party says that it cannot yield to the pressure exerted by Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs (exercised through the Union of Greens and Farmers), who seeks to bar two members of the Latvian First Party Ainars Slesers or Arnolds Laksa from taking the post of the Economy Minister.

The newspapers report that the formation of a new government is at a crossroads. The Latvian First Party says that it cannot yield to the pressure exerted by Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs (exercised through the Union of Greens and Farmers), who seeks to bar two members of the Latvian First Party Ainars Slesers or Arnolds Laksa from taking the post of the Economy Minister. LETA, Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

On Saturday FF/LNNK held its board meeting. The board admitted that the results of the 8th Saeima were bad and new changes should be brought into the party, so the party is elected in the 9th Saeima and becomes the only national conservative party in Latvia.

On Saturday FF/LNNK held its board meeting. The board admitted that the results of the 8th Saeima were bad and new changes should be brought into the party, so the party is elected in the 9th Saeima and becomes the only national conservative party in Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii

Chas

publishes several statements from LETA by linguist Ina Druviete, who was nominated for the post of Special Task Minister for Society Integration Affairs. She says that until now a lot has been done in the field of social integration, however, it is not possible to achieve any results if the interests of Latvians are not considered and the role of the Latvian language is not strengthened.. She also stresses that serious funding should be allotted to promote learning of Latvian. publishes several statements from LETA by linguist Ina Druviete, who was nominated for the post of Special Task Minister for Society Integration Affairs. She says that until now a lot has been done in the field of social integration, however, it is not possible to achieve any results if the interests of Latvians are not considered and the role of the Latvian language is not strengthened.. She also stresses that serious funding should be allotted to promote learning of Latvian.

Vesti Segodnya

publishes an article about director of TV5 Gunta Lidaka who supports abolition of language quotas which limit broadcasting of TV and radio programmes in foreign languages. Gunta Lidaka states that although 50% of residents in Riga are Russians who pay their taxes just like Latvians do and they have very few possibilities to receive information in Russian. She believes that commercial TV stations should not have any language restrictions. publishes an article about director of TV5 Gunta Lidaka who supports abolition of language quotas which limit broadcasting of TV and radio programmes in foreign languages. Gunta Lidaka states that although 50% of residents in Riga are Russians who pay their taxes just like Latvians do and they have very few possibilities to receive information in Russian. She believes that commercial TV stations should not have any language restrictions.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

Diena

features a long article by associated professor, researcher of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Artis Pabriks about parties which unify and parties which split Latvian society. He believes that first of all Latvian society is split by politically incompatible views among the public which partly overlap with ethnic divisions. Pabriks believes that the Russian language media and parties should take primary responsibility for this political disunity. According to Pabriks, rightist Latvian parties have gradually given up their exclusive orientation towards an ethnic voter and slowly begun talking with all members of society, while FHRUL has demonstrated the opposite tendency. FHRUL continues to stir its supporters by placing emphasis on the issues which were topical in the middle of the 1990s, namely, human rights of national minorities and discrimination of Russian-speakers. The switch of secondary minority schools to instruction in Latvian was the key issue in the FHRULs pre-election campaign. Pabriks argues that the arguments of FHRUL against the reform portray it inaccurately. He stresses that even after 2004 the Russian language will be quite extensively used at schools.Just because Latvian will be used as an instruction language, Russians will not lose their identity. The reform does not contradict international human rights standards. He concludes that the further development of FHRUL will be determined by the success or failure regarding the implementation of the reform in 2004 and co-operation among three parties within FHRUL. features a long article by associated professor, researcher of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Artis Pabriks about “parties which unify and parties which split Latvian society.” He believes that first of all Latvian society is split by politically incompatible views among the public which partly overlap with ethnic divisions. Pabriks believes that the Russian language media and parties should take primary responsibility for this political disunity. According to Pabriks, rightist Latvian parties have gradually given up their exclusive orientation towards an ethnic voter and slowly begun talking with all members of society, while FHRUL has demonstrated the opposite tendency. FHRUL continues to stir its supporters by placing emphasis on the issues which were topical in the middle of the 1990s, namely, human rights of national minorities and discrimination of Russian-speakers. The switch of secondary minority schools to instruction in Latvian was the key issue in the FHRUL’s pre-election campaign. Pabriks argues that the arguments of FHRUL against the reform portray it inaccurately. He stresses that even after 2004 the Russian language will be quite extensively used at schools.Just because Latvian will be used as an instruction language, Russians will not lose their identity. The reform does not contradict international human rights standards. He concludes that the further development of FHRUL will be determined by the success or failure regarding the implementation of the reform in 2004 and co-operation among three parties within FHRUL.

Lauku Avize

comments on the decision of the government to re-call the proposed amendments to language regulations which stipulated the expansion of the list of professions in the private sphere subject to state language requirements. The newspaper states that the government did not protect the Latvian language and the rights of residents to receive information in the state language. Director of the State Language Centre Agris Timuska says that the only hope is that the new government will protect the Latvian language. comments on the decision of the government to re-call the proposed amendments to language regulations which stipulated the expansion of the list of professions in the private sphere subject to state language requirements. The newspaper states that the government did not protect the Latvian language and the rights of residents to receive information in the state language. Director of the State Language Centre Agris Timuska says that the only hope is that the new government will protect the Latvian language.

Lauku Avize

interviews Director of the Soros Foundation - Latvia Vita Terauda. Lauku Avize believes that research conducted by the Foundation in the field of national minorities is not quite objective. Terauda responded by noting that the Foundation does not conduct research itself but provides funding.Second, it is not so easy to determine what is objective. She believes that if these studies raise discussions, then the key goal is achieved. Regarding the recent statements of George Soros that the Russian language should be more promoted in Latvia, Terauda says that it was the opinion of George Soros, while the foundation has its own views on the issue. interviews Director of the Soros Foundation - Latvia Vita Terauda. Lauku Avize believes that research conducted by the Foundation in the field of national minorities is not quite “objective.” Terauda responded by noting that the Foundation does not conduct research itself but provides funding.Second, it is not so easy to determine what is “objective.” She believes that if these studies raise discussions, then the key goal is achieved. Regarding the recent statements of George Soros that the Russian language should be more promoted in Latvia, Terauda says that it was the opinion of George Soros, while the foundation has its own views on the issue.

Vesti Segodnya

reports that Leonid Raihman, one of the founders of the Latvian Committee of Human Rights is conducting research on the theme Languages, Media Legislation and the Integration of Minorities: Lessons from the Latvian Perspective. Raihman reports that first, he has learned about the experience of other countries in this field. At the end of November he will present his first conclusions at a seminar held by the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies. reports that Leonid Raihman, one of the founders of the Latvian Committee of Human Rights is conducting research on the theme “Languages, Media Legislation and the Integration of Minorities: Lessons from the Latvian Perspective.” Raihman reports that first, he has learned about the experience of other countries in this field. At the end of November he will present his first conclusions at a seminar held by the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

In an editorial in

In an editorial in Chas columnist Leonid Fedoseyev discusses the adequacy of the candidacy of linguist Ina Druviete for the post of Special Task Minister for Society Integration Affairs. Fedoseyev does not doubt her professional skills in the language realm, however, he believes that this post should be held by a person who has earned the trust of society.

When talking to Estonian journalists, political scientist from Russia Sergey Karganov stated that the interest of Russia about the Baltic countries is decreasing due to serious improvements in the areas concerning the rights of Russian-speakers.

When talking to Estonian journalists, political scientist from Russia Sergey Karganov stated that the interest of Russia about the Baltic countries is decreasing due to serious improvements in the areas concerning the rights of Russian-speakers. Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

The public policy portal www.politika.lv publishes proposals of 12 influential NGOs in Latvia for the national declaration of the new government. The Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies lists tasks which the new government should deal with in the field of social integration. The centre proposes creating Special Task Minister for Society Integration and Ethnic Affairs to serve as director of the Integration Funds Council, oversee the work of the Society Integration Department and new Minority Affairs Department and coordinate integration related activities with other ministries. The centre also proposes, increasing funding for the Integration Foundation, the National Programme for Latvian Language Training and development and for research related to the Latvian language. In addition to forming a department responsible for national minorities at the Ministry of Culture, the new government should activate existing dialogue mechanisms and create new ones. Latvia should also ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, adopt a new modern Law on the Rights of National Minorities and amend the Law on Education which stipulates the switch of secondary minority schools to instruction in Latvian in 2004.

According to the data of the Central Statistic Bureau, since 1989 the number of Latvians has grown by 6.2% (now it is 58.2%), while the number of Russians has dipped by almost 5% (now – 29.2%). Experts state that the number of Russians has decreased due to their repatriation to Russia or emigration to other countries.

Diena, Vechernaya Riga Newspapers report that parties of the new government have come to an agreement on posts in the Cabinet. The situation is now thus: FF/LNNK takes the Transport Ministry, the Ministry of Agriculture goes to the Greens and Farmers, while the Economy Ministry will be headed by the New Era, as originally planned. The Latvian First Party will assume responsibility for the Regional Development and Local Government Ministry and will have the post of the Minister of Special Assignments for Societal Integration Affairs. The Party has not yet revealed its candidacy for the post yet.

Newspapers report that parties of the new government have come to an agreement on posts in the Cabinet. The situation is now thus: FF/LNNK takes the Transport Ministry, the Ministry of Agriculture goes to the Greens and Farmers, while the Economy Ministry will be headed by the New Era, as originally planned. The Latvian First Party will assume responsibility for the Regional Development and Local Government Ministry and will have the post of the Minister of Special Assignments for Societal Integration Affairs. The Party has not yet revealed its candidacy for the post yet. Diena, Neatkariga, Vechernaya Riga, Vesti Segodnya, Chas