Integration monitor is a daily Latvian press digest on ethnic minority and society integration issues. The Monitor reviews the biggest Latvian dailies: Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga (in Latvian language), Vesti Segodnya (in Russian language). In specific cases other information sources are used. Latvian Centre for Human Rights is not responsible for information published by the media.

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.