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.

Integration and Minority Information Service

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

• Comments on the decision of the Constitutional Court to abolish the norm stipulating language restrictions in the Law on Radio and Television
• Media experts about the decision of the Constitution Court
• Interview with poet and head of the Presidents Official Language Commission Mara Zalite
• Lauku Avize:
increasing number of Russian parents send their children to Latvian kindergartens
• Teacher from Salaspils who was fired due to her insufficient language skills will be re-fired

Diena

comments on the decision of the Constitutional Court to abolish the norm of the Law on Radio and Television which stipulates language restrictions in private broadcasting. Diena states that the decision was unexpected. It proves that the Constitutional Court is capable of reaching decisions without any international pressure. The columnist believes that the decision of the CC will not bring any changes in programmes of Latvian radio and TV stations, however, he fears that full or even partial re-translation of radio programmes of Russia will start and it would result in distorted market of commercials. Another conclusion is that probably the decision will foster social integration, however, there is a risk that it would have a reverse effect – everything depends on the ability of the Saeima to create a legal situation where the mass media which broadcast in Russian do not turn into a voice of Moscow.

Diena

provides opinions of media experts on the abolition of the norm in the Law on Radio and TV. Head of the National Radio and TV Council (NRTC) Ojars Rubenis states the positions of the Latvian language in some regions are not secure yet, therefore alternative means should be considered to prevent airing programmes in Russian or any other foreign language. Researcher of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Signe Martisune believes that the decision is a serious step forward, as it shows that Latvia is able eliminate violations concerning the freedom of speech with local remedies. Head of the Saeima Human Rights Committee Ina Druviete agrees that the norm had to be abolished, however, there will not be a completely free market. However, commercial stations are not rushing to bring in changes in their programmes – they are waiting for the reaction of the NRTC. Neatkariga, Lauku Avize

Vesti Segodnya

comments that it is the first and hopefully not the last victory of national minorities in Latvia.

Chas

reports that Moscow welcomed the decision by the Constitutional Court.

Neatkariga

interviews poet and head of the Official Language Commission Mara Zalite. Regarding the education reform, Mara Zalite says that the word only in the phrase as of 2004 minority students shall study only in the state language was a mistake by the Saeima and successfully used by political forces to initiate protests in society. She stresses that the state should implement a language policy that would bring closer the two communities existing in Latvia. At the same time minorities should feel that nobody threatens their identity.

Lauku Avize

writes that more and more Russian parents want their children to master state language skills already in kindergarten. The newspaper talks to a number of kindergarten teachers about their experience with this issue.

Biology teacher of a Salaspils School Valentina Demidovec, who was dismissed due to her insufficient language skills and then re-hired on the basis of a Courts ruling, received a note from the school administration that her job contract will be terminated on 13 June 2003, as the teacher has violated work discipline. The teacher said that the administration intentionally gave her the weakest classes and constantly conducted inspections. The principle of the school stated that the quality of her classes is very low and students are dissatisfied. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

The Peoples Party Saeima faction asked for the resignation of the Repses government. The Saeima will vote for this proposal on Thursday. Head of the People Party Atis Slakteris is convinced that the proposal will also be supported by a part of reasonable MPs from other parties. Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Chas