• A vandalism act at the Riga Pokrovs OrthodoxCemetery
• Discussion on the letter of the Simon Lunn, the Secretary General of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly
• Russian Jewish organizations accuse Latvia and Estonia in rehabilitation of Nazism
• Vesti Segodnya on the session of the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations
• The increase of naturalization applications in a Latgale district

A vandalism act at the Riga Pokrov’s Orthodox Cemetery has taken place at the Halloween night. Unknown vandals have pulled out and broken about 30 crosses. This was the second vandalism act at this cemetery since last July. The police has started a criminal case. The head of the Pokrov’s Cemetery Reconstruction Fund Sergey Kalaida believes that the vandalism act is related to Halloween night celebration, and suspects a group of young Satanists. 

A vandalism act at the Riga Pokrovs Orthodox Cemetery has taken place at the Halloween night. Unknown vandals have pulled out and broken about 30 crosses. This was the second vandalism act at this cemetery since last July. The police has started a criminal case. The head of the Pokrovs Cemetery Reconstruction Fund Sergey Kalaida believes that the vandalism act is related to Halloween night celebration, and suspects a group of young Satanists. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Rigas Balss, Telegraf,

Neatkariga Rita Avize writes about the letter of the Secretary General of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (PA) Simon Lunn about the distorted way in which Russian language press reflected the visit of the PA deputies to Latvia. According to Chas editor, complaints of the Secretary General are not specific. The editor promised to correct mistakes if Chas columnist has distorted information.

Russian Jewish organizations have sent a letter to the Prime Minister of Israel Ariel Sharon, expressing their concern about rehabilitation of Nazism and insufficient studies of the Holocaust history in Latvia and Estonia.

Russian Jewish organizations have sent a letter to the Prime Minister of Israel Ariel Sharon, expressing their concern about rehabilitation of Nazism and insufficient studies of the Holocaust history in Latvia and Estonia. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnya reports on the session of the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations on the implementation of the International Pact on Civic and Political Rights in Latvia. According to the newspaper, the Committees members have not accepted the fact of Latvias former occupation as an argument in explaining minority rights situation, which was provided by the Latvian delegation. The newspaper expects that the Committee will provide strict recommendations to Latvia.

This year, Ludza branch of the Naturalization Board has received three times larger number of naturalization applications as compared with the last year. According to

This year, Ludza branch of the Naturalization Board has received three times larger number of naturalization applications as compared with the last year. According to Telegraf, the increase of the number of application has been caused by the availability of free of charge Latvian language courses, the decrease of the naturalization fee and the positive results of the referendum on Latvias accession to the EU. Telegraf

• The Saeima recalls Martjan Bekasov from the post of an observer to the European Parliament
• The Society Integration Foundation distributes state funding for 2004
• Karlis Sadurskis and Igor Pimenov are ready to continue a dialog
• Discussion on possible reinforcement of the Framework Convention
• An interview with Sandra Kalniete, the minister of Foreign Affairs
• Journalist Anna Stroja about the Russian community in Latvia after EU referendum
• Demographer Ilmars Mezs on the change of proportions between ethnic Latvians and other nationalities
• An article of sociolinguist Gatis Dilans

64 MPs have voted for the recall of the MP for the Latvian Socialist Party Martjan Bekasov from the post of an observer to the European Parliament. The MP has been accused by right-wing parties of the dissemination of distorted information in the European Parliament about discrimination of Russian-speakers in Latvia. Bekasov is planning to submit a complaint to the Constitutional Court about violation of his freedom of expression.

64 MPs have voted for the recall of the MP for the Latvian Socialist Party Martjan Bekasov from the post of an observer to the European Parliament. The MP has been accused by right-wing parties of the dissemination of distorted information in the European Parliament about discrimination of Russian-speakers in Latvia. Bekasov is planning to submit a complaint to the Constitutional Court about violation of his freedom of expression. Diena, Telegraf, Vechernaya Riga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The Society Integration Foundation (SIF) has distributed the state budget funding for the next year. 185,211 lats have been allocated to 34 projects on Latvian language training for adults, estimating that around 2830 persons will participate in the courses. The goal of the project is to provide an opportunity for everybody with poor Latvian language proficiency to learn Latvian. The fee will depend on the income level of the applicants. 33,756 lats have been allocated to 18 school projects aimed to provide information on education reform. Part of the funding is granted to mass media to inform about education reform.

The Society Integration Foundation (SIF) has distributed the state budget funding for the next year. 185,211 lats have been allocated to 34 projects on Latvian language training for adults, estimating that around 2830 persons will participate in the courses. The goal of the project is to provide an opportunity for everybody with poor Latvian language proficiency to learn Latvian. The fee will depend on the income level of the applicants. 33,756 lats have been allocated to 18 school projects aimed to provide information on education reform. Part of the funding is granted to mass media to inform about education reform. Diena, the Official Gazette, Telegraf

At the conference of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Strasburg, possible judicial reinforcement of the Convention has been discussed. The Latvia’s representative to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Boris Tsilevitch has advocated for granting rights to individuals to apply to the Court on the basis of the Convention. The director of the Office of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities John Packer has pointed out that the goal of the Convention is not to impose legal consequences on the specific state, and that it allows for certain flexibility in the implementation.

At the conference of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Strasburg, possible judicial reinforcement of the Convention has been discussed. The Latvias representative to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Boris Tsilevitch has advocated for granting rights to individuals to apply to the Court on the basis of the Convention. The director of the Office of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities John Packer has pointed out that the goal of the Convention is not to impose legal consequences on the specific state, and that it allows for certain flexibility in the implementation. Diena

The minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis has responded to the Latvian Association’s for the Support for Russian Schools (LASRS) letter signed by 107,000 persons asking for the free choice of the language of instruction. The minister wants to continue the dialog between the ministry and the LASRS. Igor Pimenov, the Chairman of the Board of LASRS, is also planning to continue cooperation with the ministry. On 4 November the Council on Minority Education Affairs of the Ministry on Education and Science will examine the proposals of the LASRS for the Education Law’s amendments.

The minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis has responded to the Latvian Associations for the Support for Russian Schools (LASRS) letter signed by 107,000 persons asking for the free choice of the language of instruction. The minister wants to continue the dialog between the ministry and the LASRS. Igor Pimenov, the Chairman of the Board of LASRS, is also planning to continue cooperation with the ministry. On 4 November the Council on Minority Education Affairs of the Ministry on Education and Science will examine the proposals of the LASRS for the Education Laws amendments. Telegraf, Vechernaya Riga, Chas

Jauna Avize features an interview with the minister of Foreign Affairs Sandra Kalniete discussing Latvias foreign policy issues. The minister considers the recent manifestations on protecting minority interests as a normal democracy practice, not a sign of an ethnic conflict.

Diena publishes an article by journalist Anna Stroja about Russian communities in Latvia and in other countries, possible changes after EU accession, and recent developments in Latvias relationship with Russia. Anna Stroja doubts that it is in anybodys best interests if Latvian non-citizens decide to choose Russias citizenship in favor of naturalization.

Jauna Avize features an article of demographer Ilmars Mezs analyzing the change of proportions between ethnic Latvians and other nationalities over the last years. According to him, the Latvian population, including ethnic Latvians, will continue to decrease in the forthcoming years. At the same time, the share of ethnic Latvians among other nationalities could increase to 61% in 10 years.

Sociolinguist Gatis Dilans discusses interethnic relations in Latvia and Latvian nationalism. He stresses the need to improve a dialog between the state and ethnic minorities.

Sociolinguist Gatis Dilans discusses interethnic relations in Latvia and Latvian nationalism. He stresses the need to improve a dialog between the state and ethnic minorities. Vechernaya Riga

• Protest activities against education reform
• The session of the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations
• Latvian delegation participates in the annual meeting of NATO Senior Council
• Media clarify statements of Gunter Verheugen
• The Mayor of Cesis meets with a Russian language school
• Igor Pimenov discusses an opportunity to open a class with the insufficient number of students
• The conference of the Riga Department of the Peoples Harmony Party
• Boris Tsilevitch: the current Latvian government will not ratify the Framework Convention

Yesterday a procession and protest meetings against education reform, organized by the Headquarters for the defense of Russian schools and the FHRUL, took place nearby the Ministry’s on Education and Science building, the Saeima building and the President’s palace. According to different newspapers, 300-800 people, predominantly Russian school students, participated in the procession. Nearby the President’s palace, the participants have burned a scarecrow with an inscription “Reform 2004”. The dress of the scarecrow resembled the Ku-Klux-Klan uniform. Participants of the procession have also called for resignation of the minister of Education and Science.

Yesterday a procession and protest meetings against education reform, organized by the Headquarters for the defense of Russian schools and the FHRUL, took place nearby the Ministrys on Education and Science building, the Saeima building and the Presidents palace. According to different newspapers, 300-800 people, predominantly Russian school students, participated in the procession. Nearby the Presidents palace, the participants have burned a scarecrow with an inscription Reform 2004. The dress of the scarecrow resembled the Ku-Klux-Klan uniform. Participants of the procession have also called for resignation of the minister of Education and Science. Diena, Lauku Avîze, Telegraf, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Vechernaya Riga

Media report on the session of the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations examining the implementation of the International Pact on Civic and Political Rights in Latvia. Eighteen UN experts will analyse Latvia’s official report by 7 November.

Media report on the session of the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations examining the implementation of the International Pact on Civic and Political Rights in Latvia. Eighteen UN experts will analyse Latvias official report by 7 November. Lauku Avize questions participation of the Latvian Human Rights Committee as an alternative delegation at the session. Chas, Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya, Lauku Avize

Latvian delegation participated in the annual meeting of NATO Senior Council, which started on 28 October. NATO Senior Council has positively evaluated the progress made by Latvia toward accession to NATO. NATO ambassadors have also asked the Latvian representatives to comment on the recent statements of Russia, including statements of Sergey Ivanov, the minister of Defence of Russia. Sergey Ivanov has previously mentioned possible Russia’s military intervention in order to protect the rights of Russia’s citizens and ethnic Russians in the former USSR’s republics. The state secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Maris Riekstins said to

Latvian delegation participated in the annual meeting of NATO Senior Council, which started on 28 October. NATO Senior Council has positively evaluated the progress made by Latvia toward accession to NATO. NATO ambassadors have also asked the Latvian representatives to comment on the recent statements of Russia, including statements of Sergey Ivanov, the minister of Defence of Russia. Sergey Ivanov has previously mentioned possible Russias military intervention in order to protect the rights of Russias citizens and ethnic Russians in the former USSRs republics. The state secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Maris Riekstins said to Lauku Avize that there is a need for the EU or NATO to respond to Russia unacceptable rhetorics. BNS, Lauku Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Chas and Lauku Avize have contacted Jean-Christophe Filori, the press secretary of the Commissioner for Enlargement of the European Commission Gunter Verheugen, in order to clarify the Commissioners statements. The press secretary said that Gunter Verheugen has not compared attitude towards Russian-speakers in the Baltic States with discrimination of Roma in Europe during his visit to Moscow. Vesti Segodnya denies information published in Diena that the press secretary of Gunter Verheugen has doubted intentions of the Commissioner to meet with the activists of the Latvian Human Rights Committee and the Latvian Association for the Support for Russian Schools. The possible upcoming meeting was first mentioned by Interfax, quoting Dmitry Rogozin. According to Vesti Segodnya, the press secretary was not present at the meeting of Gunter Verheugen with Dmitry Rogozin, and therefore cannot serve as a witness..

Yesterday representatives of a Russian school have submitted a letter to the mayor of Cesis where 400 persons ask the local government to preserve Russian language education at the school. According to the mayor, this issue will be discussed at the session of the Department for Education, Culture and Sports affairs of the City Council on 6 November.

Yesterday representatives of a Russian school have submitted a letter to the mayor of Cesis where 400 persons ask the local government to preserve Russian language education at the school. According to the mayor, this issue will be discussed at the session of the Department for Education, Culture and Sports affairs of the City Council on 6 November. Vesti Segodnya

Igor Pimenov, the Chairman of the Board of Latvian Association for the Support for Russian Schools analyses Latvian legislation stipulating conditions for opening a class with the insufficient number of students as an exception, and applies it to the case of the Russian school in Cesis.

Igor Pimenov, the Chairman of the Board of Latvian Association for the Support for Russian Schools analyses Latvian legislation stipulating conditions for opening a class with the insufficient number of students as an exception, and applies it to the case of the Russian school in Cesis. Vesti Segodnya

A conference of the Riga Depertment of the People’ Harmony Party takes place today. The new party program defining the PHP as a social democratic party will be discussed at the conference.

A conference of the Riga Depertment of the People Harmony Party takes place today. The new party program defining the PHP as a social democratic party will be discussed at the conference. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Chas features an article of Boris Tsilevitch about the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Tsilevitch believes that the current Latvian government will not ratify the Framework Convention, because the politicians have no experience in making a dialog with international organizations and they do not put minority problems among the priorities.

• Vice-President of the European Commission Neil Kinnock visits Latvia
• Gunter Verheugen about the rights of non-citizens in the enlarged EU
• The conflict between a Latvian language teacher and students was not based on ethnic intolerance
• Russia officially refuses to extradite Vladimir Linderman to Latvia
• Boris Tsilevitch will present a report in Strasburg
• A seminar on patriotism and naturalization among secondary school students
• Leonid Fedoseyev discusses national policy in Latvia
• Two articles at www.politika.lv

During his visit to Latvia, the Vice-President of the European Commission Neil Kinnock has commented on Russia’s accusations to Latvia, saying that Latvia conforms with the criteria of the EU member states and that opinions of non-members of the EU are not binding for the EU. The European Commission has also denied the fact that the Commissioner for Enlargement of the European Commission Gunter Verheugen has compared attitude towards Russian-speakers in the Baltic States with discrimination of Roma in Europe during his visit to Moscow. According to Commissioner’s press secretary, the media has distorted Verheugen’s statements. Commissioner’s representative has also doubted Gunter Verheugen’s intentions to meet with the activists of the Latvian Human Rights Committee and the Latvian Association for the Support for Russian Schools, as was previously announced by Interfax, quoting Dmitry Rogozin.

During his visit to Latvia, the Vice-President of the European Commission Neil Kinnock has commented on Russias accusations to Latvia, saying that Latvia conforms with the criteria of the EU member states and that opinions of non-members of the EU are not binding for the EU. The European Commission has also denied the fact that the Commissioner for Enlargement of the European Commission Gunter Verheugen has compared attitude towards Russian-speakers in the Baltic States with discrimination of Roma in Europe during his visit to Moscow. According to Commissioners press secretary, the media has distorted Verheugens statements. Commissioners representative has also doubted Gunter Verheugens intentions to meet with the activists of the Latvian Human Rights Committee and the Latvian Association for the Support for Russian Schools, as was previously announced by Interfax, quoting Dmitry Rogozin. Diena, Lauku Avize

At the press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, following the EU enlargement conference in Moscow, Gunter Verheugen said that the rights of the EU citizens will not be granted to non-citizens in Estonia and Latvia automatically, but non-citizens will obtain the rights of the EU residents. He has also invited non-citizens to naturalize.

At the press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, following the EU enlargement conference in Moscow, Gunter Verheugen said that the rights of the EU citizens will not be granted to non-citizens in Estonia and Latvia automatically, but non-citizens will obtain the rights of the EU residents. He has also invited non-citizens to naturalize. Chas, Vechernaya Riga

The Latvian National Human Rights Office has concluded that the cause of the conflict between a Latvian language teacher and her students was not ethnic intolerance, but rather pedagogical and psychological problems. The students have apologized to the teacher. Another teacher will be assigned to the class.

The Latvian National Human Rights Office has concluded that the cause of the conflict between a Latvian language teacher and her students was not ethnic intolerance, but rather pedagogical and psychological problems. The students have apologized to the teacher. Another teacher will be assigned to the class. Rigas Balss

Yesterday the Prosecutor General’s Office of Russia has officially refused to extradite the leader of the Russia’s National Bolshevik party Vladimir Linderman to Latvia.

Yesterday the Prosecutor Generals Office of Russia has officially refused to extradite the leader of the Russias National Bolshevik party Vladimir Linderman to Latvia. Chas

An MP from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Boris Tsilevitch will present a report at the conference “Filling the Frame” devoted to five years anniversary of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, which will take place tomorrow in Strasbourg.

An MP from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Boris Tsilevitch will present a report at the conference Filling the Frame devoted to five years anniversary of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, which will take place tomorrow in Strasbourg. Chas

Chas reports on a seminar Strengthening the Civic Consciousness devoted to the issues of patriotism and naturalization among secondary school students. During discussion organized by the Naturalization Board and the Department for Education, Youth and Sports Affairs of the Riga City Council, the participants have concluded that girls naturalize more actively, while boys see the citizens obligation to serve in the army as the main argument against naturalization.

Chas columnist Leonid Fedoseyev reviews the history of national policy in Latvia. According to him, Latvia has been a multicultural state of nations since the establishment of the Latvian state.

Public policy portal

Public policy portal www.politika.lv publishes an article by representative of the Russian Community of Latvia Aleksandr Rzhavin about inevitable assimilation of Russians and other minorities in Latvia and the victory of ethnocracy over democracy. Another article by a journalist from Komersant Baltic Daily Danuta Dombrovska discusses the issue of granting voting rights to non-citizens on municipal elections.

• Russias plans to accuse Latvia at the meeting of the EU ministers of foreign affairs
• Gunter Verheugen meets with Dmitry Rogozin
• President of Latvia speaks at the conference Holocaust research continues
• Two Latvian delegations participate in the session of the UN Human Rights Committee
• The Headquarters for the defense of Russian schools are planning protest activities tomorrow
• The Secretariat of the Special Task Minister for Children and Family Affairs proposes to simplify procedures for granting citizenship to children
• The on-going conflict between a Latvian language teacher and her students
• Recommendations of the World Federation of Free Latvians to Latvia
• Discussion on the situation of a Russian school in Cesis

Today, at the meeting with the ministers of foreign affairs of the EU states, Russia is planning to present its complaints regarding situation of Russian-speakers in Estonia and Latvia. Latvian diplomats have stated that the later issue is not included in the meeting’s agenda, and consider possible accusations to be Russia’s response to the EU criticism regarding human rights situation in Chechnya.

Today, at the meeting with the ministers of foreign affairs of the EU states, Russia is planning to present its complaints regarding situation of Russian-speakers in Estonia and Latvia. Latvian diplomats have stated that the later issue is not included in the meetings agenda, and consider possible accusations to be Russias response to the EU criticism regarding human rights situation in Chechnya. Diena, Vesti Segodnya

Gunter Verheugen, the Commissioner for Enlargement of the European Commission, has met with Dmitry Rogozin, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Russia’s State Council. During the meeting, Gunter Verheugen has stated that the EU is ready to support any initiatives on improving situation of Russian minority in Latvia, and promised to meet with the activists of the Latvian Human Rights Committee and the Latvian Association for the Support for Russian Schools. At the same time, the Commissioner has denied a possibility of re-opening the question of Latvia’s accession to the EU.

Gunter Verheugen, the Commissioner for Enlargement of the European Commission, has met with Dmitry Rogozin, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Russias State Council. During the meeting, Gunter Verheugen has stated that the EU is ready to support any initiatives on improving situation of Russian minority in Latvia, and promised to meet with the activists of the Latvian Human Rights Committee and the Latvian Association for the Support for Russian Schools. At the same time, the Commissioner has denied a possibility of re-opening the question of Latvias accession to the EU. Telegraf, Chas

In her speech at the conference “Holocaust research continues” the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga said that Latvia has condemned the Holocaust officially and has recognized the need to study its history. The President has stressed the necessity to continue Holocaust studies in Latvia. She also pointed to Russia’s distorted interpretation of history as a topical issue in relationship between Latvia and Russia.

In her speech at the conference Holocaust research continues the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga said that Latvia has condemned the Holocaust officially and has recognized the need to study its history. The President has stressed the necessity to continue Holocaust studies in Latvia. She also pointed to Russias distorted interpretation of history as a topical issue in relationship between Latvia and Russia. Lauku Avize

An official and an alternative delegation from Latvia participate at the session of the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations devoted to the implementation of the International Pact on Civic and Political Rights in Latvia. Tatjana Zdanok and Miroslav Mitrofanov from the party “Equality” represent an alternative delegation.

An official and an alternative delegation from Latvia participate at the session of the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations devoted to the implementation of the International Pact on Civic and Political Rights in Latvia. Tatjana Zdanok and Miroslav Mitrofanov from the party Equality represent an alternative delegation. Vesti Segodnya

Tomorrow the Headquarters for the defense of Russian schools are planning a procession and three pickets nearby the Ministry’s of Education and Science building, Saeima building and the President’s palace. The Riga City Council has approved the procession, but has not approved the pickets and the planned meeting near the President’s palace. The Headquarters plan to organize a meeting with MPs if the pickets will not be approved.

Tomorrow the Headquarters for the defense of Russian schools are planning a procession and three pickets nearby the Ministrys of Education and Science building, Saeima building and the Presidents palace. The Riga City Council has approved the procession, but has not approved the pickets and the planned meeting near the Presidents palace. The Headquarters plan to organize a meeting with MPs if the pickets will not be approved. Lauku Avize, Chas, Vechernaya Riga

The Secretariat of the Special Task Minister on Children and Family Affairs has established a working group to examine possible simplification of administrative procedures for granting citizenship to children. The Secretariat has prepared amendments to the Citizenship Law. One of the amendments stipulate granting of Latvian citizenship to persons who have graduated from a comprehensive school with Latvian language of instruction or from a school with Latvian language stream, even if they have not completed  the whole education course in Latvian.

The Secretariat of the Special Task Minister on Children and Family Affairs has established a working group to examine possible simplification of administrative procedures for granting citizenship to children. The Secretariat has prepared amendments to the Citizenship Law. One of the amendments stipulate granting of Latvian citizenship to persons who have graduated from a comprehensive school with Latvian language of instruction or from a school with Latvian language stream, even if they have not completed the whole education course in Latvian. Chas

Lauku Avize continues discussion about the conflict between a Latvian language teacher and her students because of the alleged ethnic preconceptions of the teacher. According to the newspaper, the teacher has refused teaching the class after an allegedly defamatory article in Vesti Segodnya. The newspaper reviews the teachers professional career, quoting positive evaluations by her colleagues. The National Human Rights Office examines the teachers case and her rights to apply to the Court.

The board of the World Federation of Free Latvians has adopted resolutions and decisions at a congress last week. The Federation has invited the Latvian government and organizations of Latvians to protest against Russia’s statements on human rights violations in Latvia. The board also believes that Latvia should claim Russia’s recognition of the fact of Latvia’s occupation and to condemn Soviet regime crimes.

The board of the World Federation of Free Latvians has adopted resolutions and decisions at a congress last week. The Federation has invited the Latvian government and organizations of Latvians to protest against Russias statements on human rights violations in Latvia. The board also believes that Latvia should claim Russias recognition of the fact of Latvias occupation and to condemn Soviet regime crimes. The Official Gazette

Tomorrow the mayor of Cesis will meet with the Russian school where no first grade will be open next year because of the insufficient number of students.

Tomorrow the mayor of Cesis will meet with the Russian school where no first grade will be open next year because of the insufficient number of students. Chas reports on the article by MP from the Peoples party Dzintars Abikis published in Cesis regional newspaper Druva. Dzintars Abikis suggested a gradual transformation of the Russian school into a school with Latvian language of instruction. Chas