• The Naturalisation Board (NB) plans to conduct a broad study to find out the key reasons which hamper Latvian non-citizens to acquire Latvian citizenship
• Plans of Special Task Minister of the Societal Integration for the next year
• Ratings of political parties in December

The Naturalisation Board (NB) plans to conduct a broad study to find out the key reasons which hamper Latvian non-citizens to acquire Latvian citizenship. Head of the NB Eizenija Aldermane thinks that only about 120,000 – 150,000 non-citizens (out of about 500,000) will acquire Latvian citizenship. Aldermane noted the current naturalisation process reflects general attitude towards naturalisation and statements of individual politicians make people hamper the acquisition of citizenship. The NB will present the preliminary results already in the beginning of February. The Finnish Embassy is the key sponsor of the study. It will allocate EUR 30,000.

The Naturalisation Board (NB) plans to conduct a broad study to find out the key reasons which hamper Latvian non-citizens to acquire Latvian citizenship. Head of the NB Eizenija Aldermane thinks that only about 120,000 – 150,000 non-citizens (out of about 500,000) will acquire Latvian citizenship. Aldermane noted the current naturalisation process reflects general attitude towards naturalisation and statements of individual politicians make people hamper the acquisition of citizenship. The NB will present the preliminary results already in the beginning of February. The Finnish Embassy is the key sponsor of the study. It will allocate EUR 30,000. Diena, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Vesti Segodnya

asks officials about their plans for the next year. Special Task Minister of the Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks says that his top priority is to get funding for his ministry and that he wants to convene the Minority Advisory Council already by the end of January to detect the key problems of national minorities. The Minister also notes that during the next year he will try to prepare the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities for ratification. asks officials about their plans for the next year. Special Task Minister of the Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks says that his top priority is to get funding for his ministry and that he wants to convene the Minority Advisory Council already by the end of January to detect the key problems of national minorities. The Minister also notes that during the next year he will try to prepare the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities for ratification. According to the poll conducted by the company "Latvijas fakti," 27.9 % voters would vote for the New Era, if the Saeima elections were held now.For Human Rights In A United Latvia with 15.6% of voters ranked second in December. 8.8% would vote for the People's Party, the Union of Greens and Farmers - 7.8%, Latvia's First Party - 7.7%.The rating of For Fatherland And Freedom/LNNK was 3.9% in December, Latvia's Way - 2.5%, Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDSP) - 1.5%.

According to the poll conducted by the company "Latvijas fakti," 27.9 % voters would vote for the New Era, if the Saeima elections were held now.For Human Rights In A United Latvia with 15.6% of voters ranked second in December. 8.8% would vote for the People's Party, the Union of Greens and Farmers - 7.8%, Latvia's First Party - 7.7%.The rating of For Fatherland And Freedom/LNNK was 3.9% in December, Latvia's Way - 2.5%, Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDSP) - 1.5%. LETA, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya

• Education Minister about education reform in 2004
• Discussion about ratification of the Framework Convention in the Parliament

Neatkariga interviews Education Minister Karlis Sadurskis. Regarding education reform in 2004, he says that the Latvian language should be both the subject and the language of instruction at minority schools. He notes that unfortunately at many schools there is only a discussion about the reform and no actual work, therefore the situation is not as good as it could be. The Minister states that 166 minority schools in Latvia have some problems concerning the implementation of the reform. He admits that probably there will be schools where the reform will not take place in 2004.

Special Task Minister of the Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks believes that Latvia should ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities

Special Task Minister of the Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks believes that Latvia should ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities as soon as possible. The Minister believes that Latvia should make only one reservation in the Convention – concerning the spelling of street names as street names in Russian are not acceptable for the majority of Latvians and are not needed for the representatives of other minorities. However, the majority of MPs are against ratification. Head of the New Era faction Krisjanis Karins is convinced that national interests are more important than ratification. FF/LNNK MP Inese Vaidere says that the issue is not topical for the Saeima. Head of the Latvian First Party Oskars Kastens states that the Saeima will have to discuss the issue, however, not in the closest future. Vechernaya Riga, Vesti Segodnya

• Government rejected the proposal to mark December 7 – Orthodox Christmas - as an official holiday
• Political technologist, head of the PR company Epicentrs Andrey Voroncov about the Repses government
• Vesti Segodnya comments on the government.

On Monday following Prime Minister Repse’s suggestions the government rejected the proposal

On Monday following Prime Minister Repses suggestions the government rejected the proposal of Special Task Minister of the Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks to mark December 7 – Orthodox Christmas - as an official holiday. The Prime Minister noted the Orthodox Christmas could actually split society and that a broader public discussion about this issue is needed. Diena, Vechernaya Riga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Chas interviews political technologist, head of the PR company Epicentrs Andrey Voroncov about the Repses government. Regarding the stance of the government towards ethnic issues, Voroncov says that the ethnic aspect is of very small importance for this government. He believes that Russians in Latvia should protect their rights in accordance with international norms. Concerning the implementation of education reform in 2004, Voroncov is convinced that the reform will be postponed as schools are not prepared for it. He also believes that the head of the Naturalisation Board should be a person who him/herself has undergone naturalisation and not the person who is a member of a political party.

Vesti Segodnya comments on the government. Regarding the stance of parties presented in the Parliament towards ethnic and integration issues, the newspaper writes that in the 8th Saeima only FHRUL stands for the rights of minorities and there are no liberal parties, such as Latvias Way and the Social Democrats, which were in the parliament in the 7th Saeima.

• Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov held a reception for representatives of the mass media in Latvia
• Alfreds Rubiks-led Latvian Socialist Party wants to revive Latvias Communist Party
• Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Sandra Kalniete about integration
• Vesti Segodnya comments on the recent statement of head of the Delegation of the European Commission Andrew Rasbash

On December 20 Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov held a reception for representatives of the mass media in Latvia. Ambassador Studennikov said that he reads Latvian newspapers with a great interest and stressed that people in Latvia will understand each other when Latvians start reading Russian newspapers and Russians – Latvian.

On December 20 Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov held a reception for representatives of the mass media in Latvia. Ambassador Studennikov said that he reads Latvian newspapers with a great interest and stressed that people in Latvia will understand each other when Latvians start reading Russian newspapers and Russians – Latvian. Vesti Segodnya

The Alfreds Rubiks-led Latvian Socialist Party wants to revive Latvia’s Communist Party, which was opposed to Latvia’s independence and was dissolved after the putsch in August 1991. However, LSP’s move could cause problems within For Human Rights In A United Latvia, because LSP’s partner – the National Harmony Party – is against such a proposal.

The Alfreds Rubiks-led Latvian Socialist Party wants to revive Latvias Communist Party, which was opposed to Latvias independence and was dissolved after the putsch in August 1991. However, LSPs move could cause problems within For Human Rights In A United Latvia, because LSPs partner – the National Harmony Party – is against such a proposal. Diena, Neatkariga, Vechernaya Riga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

Vesti Segodnya reports on the TV show “From the Position of Power” with the participation of Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Sandra Kalniete. In the show she stated that Latvia should not ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities while the discussion about ratification has not been held among Latvians. The Minister is also convinced that language restrictions in the Law on Radio and Television should not be abolished and the education reform should be implemented in 2004.

Vesti Segodnya reports on the TV show From the Position of Power with the participation of Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Sandra Kalniete. In the show she stated that Latvia should not ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities while the discussion about ratification has not been held among Latvians. The Minister is also convinced that language restrictions in the Law on Radio and Television should not be abolished and the education reform should be implemented in 2004. Panorama Latvii

Vesti Segodnya

comments on the recent statement of head of the Delegation of the European Commission Andrew Rasbash about the complicated situation when Latvia joins the EU - Latvian non-citizens will not be entitled to vote in municipal elections while citizens of other EU countries after residing in Latvia for 6 months will have the right to participate in municipal elections. The newspaper interprets that statement of Andrew Rasbash was a new requirement and pressing from the EU on Latvia as the EU has nevertalked about this issue before. about the complicated situation when Latvia joins the EU - Latvian non-citizens will not be entitled to vote in municipal elections while citizens of other EU countries after residing in Latvia for 6 months will have the right to participate in municipal elections. The newspaper interprets that statement of Andrew Rasbash was a new requirement and pressing from the EU on Latvia as the EU has never talked about this issue before.

• Diena interviews head of the Delegation of the European Commission to Latvia Andrew Rasbash
• Chas and Telegraf interview Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga
• Neatkariga talks to Special Task Minister for the Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks
• Minority class in Latvian secondary school in Ventspils
• FF/LNNK MP suggests not showing people who cannot speak Latvian on the National TV
• Repses party gains in popularity
• Neatkariga interviews general director of the National Radio Dzintris Kolats
• Situation concerning integration and minorities in Latgale
• Article about Ukrainians in Latvia

Diena

interviews head of the Delegation of the European Commission to Latvia Andrew Rasbash. He states that after Latvias accession to the EU Latvian non-citizens will not enjoy the same rights as Latvian citizens, in particular, Latvian non-citizens will not automatically receive rights to work in other EU member states. Non-citizens will not need a visa to travel to the Schengen Countries, however, they will need visas to Great Britain and Ireland. According to Rasbash, one of the most sensitive issues regarding non-citizens and the EU will be the right to vote in municipal elections, as citizens of other EU countries will have the right to participate in municipal elections after residing in Latvia for 6 months, but Latvian non-citizens who have lived in Latvia for decades are not entitled to participate in municipal elections. When asked whether Latvias accession to the EU could motivate Latvian non-citizens to naturalise, Rasbash says that for young and economically active non-citizens it could be good motivation, but older people probably would not be very interested in acquiring Latvian citizenship. interviews head of the Delegation of the European Commission to Latvia Andrew Rasbash. He states that after Latvia’s accession to the EU Latvian non-citizens will not enjoy the same rights as Latvian citizens, in particular, Latvian non-citizens will not automatically receive rights to work in other EU member states. Non-citizens will not need a visa to travel to the Schengen Countries, however, they will need visas to Great Britain and Ireland. According to Rasbash, one of the most sensitive issues regarding non-citizens and the EU will be the right to vote in municipal elections, as citizens of other EU countries will have the right to participate in municipal elections after residing in Latvia for 6 months, but Latvian non-citizens who have lived in Latvia for decades are not entitled to participate in municipal elections. When asked whether Latvia’s accession to the EU could motivate Latvian non-citizens to naturalise, Rasbash says that for young and economically active non-citizens it could be good motivation, but older people probably would not be very interested in acquiring Latvian citizenship.

Chas

and Telegraf interview Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. The president was asked what Russian-speakers will gain from Latvias accession to NATO and the EU. The President states that first of all, all Latvian residents will be granted more security and a safer business environment. Vaira Vike-Freiberga stresses that she calls on Latvian non-citizens to naturalise every year. The President also believes that it would be reasonable to designate the Orthodox Christmas a national celebration day in Latvia. Chas. The president was asked what Russian-speakers will gain from Latvia’s accession to NATO and the EU. The President states that first of all, all Latvian residents will be granted more security and a safer business environment. Vaira Vike-Freiberga stresses that she calls on Latvian non-citizens to naturalise every year. The President also believes that it would be reasonable to designate the Orthodox Christmas a national celebration day in Latvia. Chas

Telegraf

asks the Presidents views about the education reform in 2004. She says that the Latvian language skills are weak and that is an additional reason to introduce the reform. She stresses that good Latvian language skills are necessary to work for the government. Regarding the language quotas in the Law on Radio and TV, the President says that this norm was adopted because of political considerations and now the parliament should decide whether to abolish it or not. As the main reason why Latvia has not ratified the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities the President says that Latvia has not defined what a national minority is in Latvia. asks the President’s views about the education reform in 2004. She says that the Latvian language skills are weak and that is an additional reason to introduce the reform. She stresses that good Latvian language skills are necessary to work for the government. Regarding the language quotas in the Law on Radio and TV, the President says that this norm was adopted because of political considerations and now the parliament should decide whether to abolish it or not. As the main reason why Latvia has not ratified the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities the President says that Latvia has not defined what a national minority is in Latvia.

Neatkariga

talks to Special Task Minister for the Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks. He states that until now integration was not a priority for any minister. He believes that not only he but also the whole government should call on people to naturalise. However, he warns that prognoses about the possible number of people who would naturalise were too optimistic. Another area of the new ministers work will be related to the EU Race Directive. Muiznieks believes that racial issues are something new for Latvia and will be a challenge for its society. Muiznieks is convinced that neither the Citizenship Law nor the Language Law should be amended, as they are thoroughly harmonised with the EU.. He states that until now integration was not a priority for any minister. He believes that not only he but also the whole government should call on people to naturalise. However, he warns that prognoses about the possible number of people who would naturalise were too optimistic. Another area of the new minister’s work will be related to the EU Race Directive. Muiznieks believes that racial issues are something new for Latvia and will be a challenge for its society. Muiznieks is convinced that neither the Citizenship Law nor the Language Law should be amended, as they are thoroughly harmonised with the EU.

Diena

reports about a pilot project in Ventspils – as of next year, one of Ventspils Latvian secondary schools will have one 10th grade composed only of minority students. reports about a pilot project in Ventspils – as of next year, one of Ventspils Latvian secondary schools will have one 10th grade composed only of minority students. DienaDiena talks to two girls who will graduate the 9th grade in Russian primary school and have decided to study in this minority class. talks to two girls who will graduate the 9th grade in Russian primary school and have decided to study in this minority class. In her letter to general director of the National TV Uldis Grava FF/LNNK MP Inese Vaidere suggests that the National TV should not interview people who do not speak the state language. Grava disagrees with the opinion and is convinced that TV should present opinions of all Latvian residents.

In her letter to general director of the National TV Uldis Grava FF/LNNK MP Inese Vaidere suggests that the National TV should not interview people who do not speak the state language. Grava disagrees with the opinion and is convinced that TV should present opinions of all Latvian residents. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Repse’s party gains in popularity. According to the opinion poll conducted by the company SKDS poll this month 30% of Latvian citizens support the New Era. Sociologist Arnis Kaktins tells Diena that such a high rating is unusual for Latvia, and it indicates that people are supporting Repse’s “strong hand” in cleaning up government.

Repses party gains in popularity. According to the opinion poll conducted by the company SKDS poll this month 30% of Latvian citizens support the New Era. Sociologist Arnis Kaktins tells Diena that such a high rating is unusual for Latvia, and it indicates that people are supporting Repses strong hand in cleaning up government. Diena, Neatkariga

Neatkariga

interviews general director of the National Radio Dzintris Kolats. He is not sure whether the norms in the Law on Radio and TV stipulating restrictions of the usage of foreign languages in radio programmes up to 25% were introduced for economic or political reasons. He says that from a market perspective everything should develop naturally, but on the other hand, he is not convinced that the Latvian language is secure enough, therefore, there should be some regulations and norms. . He is not sure whether the norms in the Law on Radio and TV stipulating restrictions of the usage of foreign languages in radio programmes up to 25% were introduced for economic or political reasons. He says that from a market perspective everything should develop naturally, but on the other hand, he is not convinced that the Latvian language is secure enough, therefore, there should be some regulations and norms.

Neatkariga

features an article about the situation concerning integration and minorities in Latgale, the eastern part of Latvia. Although the number of Russian-speakers is one of the highest in this part of Latvia, the number of non-citizens is not so high. Officials of town and rural district councils report about activities implemented to foster integration in their districts. features an article about the situation concerning integration and minorities in Latgale, the eastern part of Latvia. Although the number of Russian-speakers is one of the highest in this part of Latvia, the number of non-citizens is not so high. Officials of town and rural district councils report about activities implemented to foster integration in their districts.

Neatkariga

features an article about Ukrainians in Latvia. About a half of the Ukrainians in Latvia speak Russian in their families. The only Ukrainian school in the Baltic countries is in Latvia. The Ukrainian Embassy to Latvia is also very actively organising different activities. features an article about Ukrainians in Latvia. About a half of the Ukrainians in Latvia speak Russian in their families. The only Ukrainian school in the Baltic countries is in Latvia. The Ukrainian Embassy to Latvia is also very actively organising different activities.

Neatkariga

publishes an article about a Lebanese doctor who came to Latvia to study, learned the Latvian language and wants to stay in Latvia. He says that for him the possibilities to obtain citizenship are rather limited – either to marry a Latvian or have a turnover of 1 million dollar. publishes an article about a Lebanese doctor who came to Latvia to study, learned the Latvian language and wants to stay in Latvia. He says that for him the possibilities to obtain citizenship are rather limited – either to marry a Latvian or have a turnover of 1 million dollar.