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.

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

Latvijas Vestnesis

interviews State Language Commission chairperson Mara Zalite. Mara Zalite informs that the Commission has already drafted its regulations and short term activity plan for a year. Zalite believes that due to the upcoming Saiemas election when deputies have a possibility to promise a lot the Commission is in very favorable position to introduce necessary changes. When asked about her stance regarding Presidents initiative to remove language requirement for election candidates she replies that this is the only right strategy. She says that both Latvian and Russian communities in the country have built wrong perception about this issue: the Latvians believe that this is another yielding, but the Russians consider that as their victory. interviews State Language Commission chairperson Mara Zalite. Mara Zalite informs that the Commission has already drafted its regulations and short term activity plan for a year. Zalite believes that due to the upcoming Saiema’s election when deputies have a possibility to promise a lot the Commission is in very favorable position to introduce necessary changes. When asked about her stance regarding President’s initiative to remove language requirement for election candidates she replies that “this is the only right strategy”. She says that both Latvian and Russian communities in the country have built wrong perception about this issue: “the Latvians believe that this is another yielding, but the Russians consider that as their victory”.

Latvijas Vestnesis

publishes the interview with 2 MPs Vineta Muizniece (Peoples Party – ruling party) and Silvija Dreimane (New Party – opposition party) concerning the securing of Latvian language status in the Satversme. Muizniece informs about the draft amendments developed by the working group. Silvija Dreimane supports the draft amendments, however, she is cautious that some forces could use the situation when MPs open the Constitution for changes. Muizniece assures that now the Saeima is discussing only the amendments to secure the state language and no discussions are held or put on Saeimas agenda concerning the amendments to election laws. publishes the interview with 2 MPs Vineta Muizniece (People’s Party – ruling party) and Silvija Dreimane (New Party – opposition party) concerning the securing of Latvian language status in the Satversme. Muizniece informs about the draft amendments developed by the working group. Silvija Dreimane supports the draft amendments, however, she is cautious that some forces could use the situation when MPs open the Constitution for changes. Muizniece assures that now the Saeima is discussing only the amendments to secure the state language and no discussions are held or put on Saeima’s agenda concerning the amendments to election laws. NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson today is scheduled to arrive on visit in Latvia. During the visit, Robertson is set to meet with the President, Prime Minister Andris Berzins, Saeima Speaker Janis Straume, Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins, Defense Minister Girts Valdis Kristovskis and deputies from the Saeima Defense and Internal Affairs Commission. Diena’s correspondent interviews NATO Secretary General George Robertson. He considers that 2002 will be a "hot" year for Latvia. When asked how important will be Latvia’s decision concerning language requirement for election candidates for NATO member states when they will consider Latvia’s invitation to NATO, George Robertson says “in November, when a decision on NATO enlargement is to be adopted, the quality of democracy will be evaluated and if the respective country has good relations with its neighbors”.

NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson today is scheduled to arrive on visit in Latvia. During the visit, Robertson is set to meet with the President, Prime Minister Andris Berzins, Saeima Speaker Janis Straume, Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins, Defense Minister Girts Valdis Kristovskis and deputies from the Saeima Defense and Internal Affairs Commission. Dienas correspondent interviews NATO Secretary General George Robertson. He considers that 2002 will be a "hot" year for Latvia. When asked how important will be Latvias decision concerning language requirement for election candidates for NATO member states when they will consider Latvias invitation to NATO, George Robertson says in November, when a decision on NATO enlargement is to be adopted, the quality of democracy will be evaluated and if the respective country has good relations with its neighbors. Diena

According to the European Union’s regulations, Latvia has pledged that by the time it enters the EU, which in negotiations documents is January 1, 2003, it will set that EU member countries’ citizens are able to vote in municipal elections or be candidates for municipal seats. In the meantime, ruling coalition parties are looking at the proposed amendments to the Constitution, aimed at enhancing the status of the state language, which also includes amendments to the Constitution’s Article 101, that local governments are elected by citizens of Latvia only, as proposed by FF/LNNK. Not all parties have agreed yet. Representatives of the parties say that there is a political support for the FF/LNNK proposal, nevertheless, it is yet to be evaluated thoroughly. Prime Minister Andris Berzins and People’s Party chairperson Andris Skele said that these amendments should not be linked to the amendments concerning securing the language status. When asked if the Prime Minister would support the amendments concerning municipal elections, he replies “Why not?”

According to the European Unions regulations, Latvia has pledged that by the time it enters the EU, which in negotiations documents is January 1, 2003, it will set that EU member countries citizens are able to vote in municipal elections or be candidates for municipal seats. In the meantime, ruling coalition parties are looking at the proposed amendments to the Constitution, aimed at enhancing the status of the state language, which also includes amendments to the Constitutions Article 101, that local governments are elected by citizens of Latvia only, as proposed by FF/LNNK. Not all parties have agreed yet. Representatives of the parties say that there is a political support for the FF/LNNK proposal, nevertheless, it is yet to be evaluated thoroughly. Prime Minister Andris Berzins and Peoples Party chairperson Andris Skele said that these amendments should not be linked to the amendments concerning securing the language status. When asked if the Prime Minister would support the amendments concerning municipal elections, he replies Why not? Diena, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Dienas

editorial is about MPs proposals regarding the amendments to the Constitution to secure the Latvian language by Aivars Ozolins. He writes, "messing up the Constitution will not enhance the Latvian language". Dienas columnist says that amendments to the Constitution, proposed by the ruling coalition parties, which are meant to strengthen the status of the state language, show, at best, the politicians inability to formulate goals of vital importance to the state and the means for accomplishing such goals. At worst, it is an irresponsible attempt to cater to political parties interests at the futures expense. This is another attempt to replace responsibility for earlier mistakes that now need to be amended, by fooling people. In regard to FF/LNNK proposal to give the rights to participate at municipal elections to Latvian citizens only, Ozolins writes neither the EU nor any other international organization require to provide the election rights to non-citizens, however, the EU provides for municipal election rights to the citizens of other EU member states. Thus quite soon the decision should be taken about the removal of this norm from the Constitution and that would create increased internal tension in the country. editorial is about MPs proposals regarding the amendments to the Constitution to secure the Latvian language by Aivars Ozolins. He writes, "messing up the Constitution will not enhance the Latvian language". Diena’s columnist says that amendments to the Constitution, proposed by the ruling coalition parties, which are meant to strengthen the status of the state language, show, at best, the politicians’ inability to formulate goals of vital importance to the state and the means for accomplishing such goals. At worst, it is an irresponsible attempt to cater to political parties’ interests at the future’s expense. This is another attempt to replace responsibility for earlier mistakes that now need to be amended, by fooling people. In regard to FF/LNNK proposal to give the rights to participate at municipal elections to Latvian citizens only, Ozolins writes “neither the EU nor any other international organization require to provide the election rights to non-citizens, however, the EU provides for municipal election rights to the citizens of other EU member states. Thus quite soon the decision should be taken about the removal of this norm from the Constitution and that would create increased internal tension in the country.”

Telegraf

interviews Latvian Ambassador to the U.S. Aivis Ronis. He says that Latvian diplomats learned about USAs requirement to remove language requirement for election candidates not from the press, but already last year, long time before Presidents visit to the States. When asked whether Latvia will be accepted to NATO if it does not remove the requirement, the Ambassador says that only "the best" will be invited to join NATO. interviews Latvian Ambassador to the U.S. Aivis Ronis. He says that Latvian diplomats learned about USA’s requirement to remove language requirement for election candidates “not from the press, but already last year, long time before President’s visit to the States”. When asked whether Latvia will be accepted to NATO if it does not remove the requirement, the Ambassador says that only "the best" will be invited to join NATO. Saiema’s Citizenship Implementation Commission members visited regional branches of the Naturalization Board and inspected the course of naturalization examinations. Afterwards MPs concluded that examination procedure contains flaws and drawbacks, therefore the course of the examination should be studied in very detail in order to prevent any corruption or bribing.

Saiemas Citizenship Implementation Commission members visited regional branches of the Naturalization Board and inspected the course of naturalization examinations. Afterwards MPs concluded that examination procedure contains flaws and drawbacks, therefore the course of the examination should be studied in very detail in order to prevent any corruption or bribing. Lauku Avize

Lauku Avize looks into different Russian public organizations in Latvia. In total there are about 150 such organizations and they fall into three big categories – the Union of Russian Associations (compose of 30 organizations, 400 members); Russian Society in Latvia (includes 8 organizations, 300 members) and Latvia’s Russian Community (18 organizations, 2500 members).

Lauku Avize looks into different Russian public organizations in Latvia. In total there are about 150 such organizations and they fall into three big categories – the Union of Russian Associations (compose of 30 organizations, 400 members); Russian Society in Latvia (includes 8 organizations, 300 members) and Latvias Russian Community (18 organizations, 2500 members). Lauku Avize writes that rather serious discords exist among these different organizations and therefore Public Organization Co-ordination Council was established. The newspaper tracks some of these discords.

Lauku Avize

interviews Latvian ambassador to NATO Imants Liegis concerning his duties as an ambassador and Latvias perspectives to join NATO. interviews Latvian ambassador to NATO Imants Liegis concerning his duties as an ambassador and Latvia’s perspectives to join NATO.

Rigas Balss

interviews one of the members of the State Language Commission, Academy Of Science President Janis Stradins. He believes that language requirement should not be abolished, however, he understands also Presidents arguments. Janis Stradins finds it strange that the requirement has been formulated in such a strict manner and in his opinion it looks like the agreement between the USA and Russia. Stradins is afraid that after 8th Saeima elections many people who do not know the state language could be elected and afterwards these deputies could claim that their minority rights (rights to speak Russian) are not observed. interviews one of the members of the State Language Commission, Academy Of Science President Janis Stradins. He believes that language requirement should not be abolished, however, he understands also President’s arguments. Janis Stradins finds it strange that the requirement has been formulated in such a strict manner and in his opinion “it looks like the agreement between the USA and Russia.” Stradins is afraid that after 8th Saeima elections many people who do not know the state language could be elected and afterwards these deputies could claim that their minority rights (rights to speak Russian) are not observed. Today UNESCO calls on all its member states to show respect to “country’s national minorities and their language and culture”. Newspaper

Today UNESCO calls on all its member states to show respect to countrys national minorities and their language and culture. Newspaper Chas inquired different establishments and only FHRUL Saeimas faction showed interest about the Day of Native Languages.