Press Report

Press Report

Latvia has developed a legislative project for European Parliament elections, which foresees forming a special election register and allows former KGB agents to run for parliament members. The current laws regulating parliament and municipal elections in Latvia do not allow former KGB agents to become parliament or local council members. The new legislative project does not foresee any such restrictions, stating that any Latvian or EU citizen older than 21 on election day may run for the European Parliament. Ballots will not be accepted only for people that are incapable, are serving time at prison or are unable to speak the state language according to the highest standard of language ability.

Latvia has developed a legislative project for European Parliament elections, which foresees forming a special election register and allows former KGB agents to run for parliament members. The current laws regulating parliament and municipal elections in Latvia do not allow former KGB agents to become parliament or local council members. The new legislative project does not foresee any such restrictions, stating that any Latvian or EU citizen older than 21 on election day may run for the European Parliament. Ballots will not be accepted only for people that are incapable, are serving time at prison or are unable to speak the state language according to the highest standard of language ability. BNS, Vesti Segodnya

Latvia's top security office, the Constitutional Protection Office, will be looking into the claims and civil war threats made by the scandalous Vieda publishing house director in a letter handed to the EU enlargement commissioner, Gunter Verheugen, last week in Latvia. The Constitutional protection office deputy head Uldis Dzenitis told BNS that the office will be acting according to requests made by Prime Minister Andris Berzins last week, checking up on the motivation for such a letter. Dzenitis reported that the security office does not see anything criminally offensive in the actual letter, but will be giving an official report this week.

Latvia's top security office, the Constitutional Protection Office, will be looking into the claims and civil war threats made by the scandalous Vieda publishing house director in a letter handed to the EU enlargement commissioner, Gunter Verheugen, last week in Latvia. The Constitutional protection office deputy head Uldis Dzenitis told BNS that the office will be acting according to requests made by Prime Minister Andris Berzins last week, checking up on the motivation for such a letter. Dzenitis reported that the security office does not see anything criminally offensive in the actual letter, but will be giving an official report this week. BNS, Diena, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Panorama Latvii

On Friday Social Democrats plan to decide on exchanging the current Saeima faction leader E.Baldzens with somebody else more favored by Party Chairman J.Bojars and MPs. The possible candidate could be MP Viola Lazo.

On Friday Social Democrats plan to decide on exchanging the current Saeima faction leader E.Baldzens with somebody else more favored by Party Chairman J.Bojars and MPs. The possible candidate could be MP Viola Lazo. Diena

Political scientist A.Pabriks writes about Latvia’s possibilities to join NATO. One of the tasks for Latvia to join this organization was to make the political situation here more stable because it was not a secret that one of the potential sources of political instability and international discussion is considered the relations between the state and ethnic minorities, integration of immigrants from former USSR republics into Latvian society. EU and NATO do not want to turn Latvia into a Russian speaking country where Latvian language and identity is endangered. It is in the interest of these states to see a stable and united Latvian society here. And many things have been achieved – Latvian nation in a referendum voted for a European solution to the problem of citizenship, in 1999 was adopted the State language law that was in compliance with EU, OSCE and US opinion and international standards. In spite of internal opposition, Latvia managed to rationalize state language testing mechanism by introducing united Latvian language test and harmonizing it with the demands for naturalization. And finally was adopted the law on integration fund allowing our political allies in Europe and US to start a wide public integration program. But there are several issues that put obstacles on Latvia’s way to NATO - firstly, disharmony between implementation of national minority education programs and transition of national minority secondary schools to tuition in the Latvian language, secondly - the legal norm of the sea election law stipulating that a person elected to the Saeima, local government should have the highest state language proficiency level.

Political scientist A.Pabriks writes about Latvias possibilities to join NATO. One of the tasks for Latvia to join this organization was to make the political situation here more stable because it was not a secret that one of the potential sources of political instability and international discussion is considered the relations between the state and ethnic minorities, integration of immigrants from former USSR republics into Latvian society. EU and NATO do not want to turn Latvia into a Russian speaking country where Latvian language and identity is endangered. It is in the interest of these states to see a stable and united Latvian society here. And many things have been achieved – Latvian nation in a referendum voted for a European solution to the problem of citizenship, in 1999 was adopted the State language law that was in compliance with EU, OSCE and US opinion and international standards. In spite of internal opposition, Latvia managed to rationalize state language testing mechanism by introducing united Latvian language test and harmonizing it with the demands for naturalization. And finally was adopted the law on integration fund allowing our political allies in Europe and US to start a wide public integration program. But there are several issues that put obstacles on Latvias way to NATO - firstly, disharmony between implementation of national minority education programs and transition of national minority secondary schools to tuition in the Latvian language, secondly - the legal norm of the sea election law stipulating that a person elected to the Saeima, local government should have the highest state language proficiency level. Diena

Vesti Segodnya

writes that now there are followers of A.Garda who try to infect with nationalism not only students and pupils of higher grades but also 9 – 13 years old children. This time the guilty is the monthly periodical for teenagers Mana where was announced a contest What it means for me to be a Latvian. The title itself does not contain any reprehensible idea but the note what the organizers of this contest hope to see in the works of children, If the fate of Latvians on their ethnic Fatherland worries you, if you want to make more good for your Fatherland that current Latvian politicians, participate in this contest and you will receive a prize – the book of the Publishing House Vieda We shall not give Latvia to anybody!

Vesti Segodnya

reminds that Valmiera Secondary School No 2 was the first school that in May openly opposed the planned transfer of national minority schools to the tuition in the state language. Representatives of Parents Committee of the school had a discussion with the head of the Saeima Commission on Education, Culture and Science Dz.Abikis during which they insisted that with this transition were violated childrens rights stipulated in the Latvian law On protection of childrens rights and international convention on childrens rights. But Dz.Abikis thinks that they might cherish their national language and culture in the family, cultural societies and Sunday schools if they wished to organize and establish such. He was sure that local government would support their initiatives. Also parents from Aizkraukle School No 1 sent their protest letter to mass media. reminds that Valmiera Secondary School No 2 was the first school that in May openly opposed the planned transfer of national minority schools to the tuition in the state language. Representatives of Parents Committee of the school had a discussion with the head of the Saeima Commission on Education, Culture and Science Dz.Abikis during which they insisted that with this transition were violated children’s rights stipulated in the Latvian law “On protection of children’s rights” and international convention on children’s rights. But Dz.Abikis thinks that they might cherish their national language and culture in the family, cultural societies and Sunday schools if they wished to organize and establish such. He was sure that local government would support their initiatives. Also parents from Aizkraukle School No 1 sent their protest letter to mass media.

Press Report

Press Report

In

In Dienas editorial political commentator A.Rodins writes about the Vieda Publishing House Director A.Gardas letter to EU Commissioner G.Verheugen. A.Rodin states that Garda had no basis to claim that Latvia could face a civil war if it would not be decolorized because to say such a thing you need to receive a legitimate authorization from tens, even hundreds of thousands of Latvians. A.Rodin also writes that the works of the participants of this contest that have been assembled in a book according to the opinion of Latvian judicial institutions and the OSCE Mission to Latvia are not to be considered as inciting inter-ethnic hated. Nevertheless, with no doubt, they are provocative and stimulating imitation."

The newspaper

The newspaper Lauku Avize published the full text of Gardas letter to the Commissioner G.Verheugen.

Chinese Communist party delegation headed by party central committee international section deputy head will arrive in Latvia Wednesday on a three day visit here to meet Latvian lawmakers and Foreign Ministry deputy state secretary. The Latvian parliament board Monday approved the visit of the delegation and the spending estimate. The Chinese delegation, headed by Tsai Wu, during the three day visit that will last July 25-28 is scheduled to meet Latvian-Chinese parliamentary cooperation group and members of the parliament factions as well as Foreign Ministry deputy state secretary Martins Virsis. Latvian parliament Chinese cooperation group head Olegs Denisovs told BNS factions of the leftist union For Human Rights in United Latvia and Social Democrats are planning to have separate meetings with six delegation members.

Chinese Communist party delegation headed by party central committee international section deputy head will arrive in Latvia Wednesday on a three day visit here to meet Latvian lawmakers and Foreign Ministry deputy state secretary. The Latvian parliament board Monday approved the visit of the delegation and the spending estimate. The Chinese delegation, headed by Tsai Wu, during the three day visit that will last July 25-28 is scheduled to meet Latvian-Chinese parliamentary cooperation group and members of the parliament factions as well as Foreign Ministry deputy state secretary Martins Virsis. Latvian parliament Chinese cooperation group head Olegs Denisovs told BNS factions of the leftist union For Human Rights in United Latvia and Social Democrats are planning to have separate meetings with six delegation members. BNS, Vesti Segodnya

Latvian president Monday presented credentials to three Latvian ambassadors - to the Czech Republic, Sweden and Cyprus, president's press office reported.

Latvian president Monday presented credentials to three Latvian ambassadors - to the Czech Republic, Sweden and Cyprus, president's press office reported. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga

Western Latvian town Liepaja based organization of Barkhashovtsi, calling themselves as Russian National Unity in Latvia, Monday by post filed a claim with a Riga city court against the Company Register (CR) which has for two times declined to register the organization, organization leader said. Yevgeny Osipov said the organization believes the CR does not have legal grounds to deny registration of the organization under the name Russian National Unity in Latvia.

BNS

A United States Jewish organization highly appreciates position of Latvian and Estonian foreign ministers to give appropriate assessment of the Holocaust in an international anti-racism conference later this year in South Africa. The organization called Advocates on behalf of Jews in Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic States and Eurasia made the statement in a letter to Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins, Foreign Ministry press office reported. The conference against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance will take place Aug. 31-Sept. 7. BNS

Press Report

The planned exchange of real properties between the state and Riga municipality let the Russian Consulate could move to the former hotel Baka has come to a deadlock. The Ministry of Finances disagreed to the proposal of Riga municipality to exchange the hotel for three state owned real properties. Meanwhile MFA considers finding premises for Russian consulate a politically important matter.

The planned exchange of real properties between the state and Riga municipality let the Russian Consulate could move to the former hotel Baka has come to a deadlock. The Ministry of Finances disagreed to the proposal of Riga municipality to exchange the hotel for three state owned real properties. Meanwhile MFA considers finding premises for Russian consulate a politically important matter. Diena

Seven Latvian ambassadors have been exchanged from the beginning of this year. Three more will be exchanged. In total there are 29 Latvian ambassadors in 45 countries.

Seven Latvian ambassadors have been exchanged from the beginning of this year. Three more will be exchanged. In total there are 29 Latvian ambassadors in 45 countries. Chas

Press Report

Press Report

After joining the European Union, Latvia will have to join the Dublin convention, which regulates migration policies, however, the EU may grant a certain transitional period for implementation of the convention in Latvia, claims the IOM. Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Brunson McKinley, told BNS while in Latvia that the transitional period may be granted because the weight of migration from the east will affect Latvia significantly, being the outer border of the EU. "As Latvia has a border with the former USSR, the Dublin convention will bind Latvia with unproportionate weight," said McKinley, therefore, the EU may decide that the convention will not take immediate effect in Latvia. "Europe will help Latvia, if it takes on a large amount of the immigrant burden."

After joining the European Union, Latvia will have to join the Dublin convention, which regulates migration policies, however, the EU may grant a certain transitional period for implementation of the convention in Latvia, claims the IOM. Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Brunson McKinley, told BNS while in Latvia that the transitional period may be granted because the weight of migration from the east will affect Latvia significantly, being the outer border of the EU. "As Latvia has a border with the former USSR, the Dublin convention will bind Latvia with unproportionate weight," said McKinley, therefore, the EU may decide that the convention will not take immediate effect in Latvia. "Europe will help Latvia, if it takes on a large amount of the immigrant burden." BNS, Diena, Vesti Segodnya

After accession of Latvia to the European the country's non-citizens will not have the opportunity to enjoy the same rights as citizens but the Union will guarantee them the fundamental human rights, EU enlargement commissioner said. Guenter Verheugen's remark came in a news conference Friday following a meeting with several Latvian officials. The commissioner noted though this is a "highly complicated question" and the EU legal services are already analyzing the situation but the answers so far have not been unanimous. Verheugen added the Latvian government should not amend the current citizenship legislation and its implementation. He voiced conviction the EU will work to promote social integration.

After accession of Latvia to the European the country's non-citizens will not have the opportunity to enjoy the same rights as citizens but the Union will guarantee them the fundamental human rights, EU enlargement commissioner said. Guenter Verheugen's remark came in a news conference Friday following a meeting with several Latvian officials. The commissioner noted though this is a "highly complicated question" and the EU legal services are already analyzing the situation but the answers so far have not been unanimous. Verheugen added the Latvian government should not amend the current citizenship legislation and its implementation. He voiced conviction the EU will work to promote social integration. BNS, Respublika

During an unofficial lunch between the European Union's Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen and Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the two also touched upon the recent controversial Vieda publishing house essay contest. Latvia's president said after the meeting that Verheugen had said: "displays of extremism are unfortunately not unknown of elsewhere in Europe...but the government's task is to clearly and categorically state that such displays are unacceptable," if they are turned against other nations or religions. President Vike-Freiberga went on to say "I haven't had time myself to look into the results of the competition... therefore I can't give a serious professional assessment," nevertheless, she has "been given the impression that the [competition] is unbalanced in its approach... treated too emotionally," and that the book is in some places "undoubtedly prejudiced against other nations."

During an unofficial lunch between the European Union's Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen and Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the two also touched upon the recent controversial Vieda publishing house essay contest. Latvia's president said after the meeting that Verheugen had said: "displays of extremism are unfortunately not unknown of elsewhere in Europe...but the government's task is to clearly and categorically state that such displays are unacceptable," if they are turned against other nations or religions. President Vike-Freiberga went on to say "I haven't had time myself to look into the results of the competition... therefore I can't give a serious professional assessment," nevertheless, she has "been given the impression that the [competition] is unbalanced in its approach... treated too emotionally," and that the book is in some places "undoubtedly prejudiced against other nations." BNS, Panorama Latvii

The Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins has asked the country's top security office and the security police to assess the claims of civil war threats made by scandalous Vieda publishing director and parliament member, social democrat Janis Leja, in a letter handed to the EU enlargement commissioner currently in Latvia. The Latvian Prime Minister's spokesperson, Arnis Lapins, told BNS the PM's opinion that the claims made in the said letter are either provocative or the result of an inadequate understanding of the processes currently taking place in the country, and has therefore asked the Constitution Protection Office and Security Police to look into the matter. "They are unacceptable, create a threat to the citizen society and discredit the Latvian State," said Lapins.

The Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins has asked the country's top security office and the security police to assess the claims of civil war threats made by scandalous Vieda publishing director and parliament member, social democrat Janis Leja, in a letter handed to the EU enlargement commissioner currently in Latvia. The Latvian Prime Minister's spokesperson, Arnis Lapins, told BNS the PM's opinion that the claims made in the said letter are either provocative or the result of an inadequate understanding of the processes currently taking place in the country, and has therefore asked the Constitution Protection Office and Security Police to look into the matter. "They are unacceptable, create a threat to the citizen society and discredit the Latvian State," said Lapins. BNS

Vieda publishing company, that acquired controversy following a nationalist youth essay contest, and a Social Democrat MP Friday handed a letter to European Union enlargement commissioner, currently on a visit in Latvia, underscoring the need for decolonization of Latvia or repatriation of people of other nationalities. "If decolonization does not proceed fast Latvia is under danger of civil war because colonists in this country are inciters to national hatred, especially the Russian language press. The letter was handed to Commissioner Gunter Verheugen by four students of Latvian Culture Academy during a lecture at Riga Graduate School of Law where the commissioner was delivering a lecture "EU Enlargement -- Common Gain".

Vieda publishing company, that acquired controversy following a nationalist youth essay contest, and a Social Democrat MP Friday handed a letter to European Union enlargement commissioner, currently on a visit in Latvia, underscoring the need for decolonization of Latvia or repatriation of people of other nationalities. "If decolonization does not proceed fast Latvia is under danger of civil war because colonists in this country are inciters to national hatred, especially the Russian language press. The letter was handed to Commissioner Gunter Verheugen by four students of Latvian Culture Academy during a lecture at Riga Graduate School of Law where the commissioner was delivering a lecture "EU Enlargement -- Common Gain". BNS, Diena, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodna, Respublika (23.07)

The OSCE mission in Latvia said the book is a manifestation of bad taste but it should not be regarded as inciting to national hatred. Latvian top national security agency, the Constitution Protection Office, held a similar opinion saying the debate triggered by the book should be seen as diversity of opinions and people can not be punished for that.

The OSCE mission in Latvia said the book is a manifestation of bad taste but it should not be regarded as inciting to national hatred. Latvian top national security agency, the Constitution Protection Office, held a similar opinion saying the debate triggered by the book should be seen as diversity of opinions and people can not be punished for that. BNS

On June 29 Latvia's Foreign Ministry sent the European Commission its annual progress report on Latvia, which is used mainly as a basis for the European Commission's progress report on Latvia. The Foreign Ministry reported that the national progress report has analyzed the country's general process of reforms, the acquisition process of the European Union's legislation (acquis communautaire) and implementation of legislation, analysis of economic indicators and descriptions of the EU accession negotiation chapters. Latvia's 2001 progress report claims that the government's priorities - social integration, public administration, economic and regional policies and anti-corruption - are reflected in planning of the state budget and introduction of EU principles. The report claims that all six parties in parliament "completely support Latvia's integration to the EU. The state continues to carry out political accession criteria, increasing state funding in 2000 and 2001 for Latvian language training, minority education and public information. The report states that this has directly promoted the interest of non-citizens to naturalize. In order to make the naturalization process easier, the fee has been reduced, and a broader range of people are now liable for reductions on the fee. Latvian language final exams at minority schools are also now passed as valid for naturalization.

On June 29 Latvia's Foreign Ministry sent the European Commission its annual progress report on Latvia, which is used mainly as a basis for the European Commission's progress report on Latvia. The Foreign Ministry reported that the national progress report has analyzed the country's general process of reforms, the acquisition process of the European Union's legislation (acquis communautaire) and implementation of legislation, analysis of economic indicators and descriptions of the EU accession negotiation chapters. Latvia's 2001 progress report claims that the government's priorities - social integration, public administration, economic and regional policies and anti-corruption - are reflected in planning of the state budget and introduction of EU principles. The report claims that all six parties in parliament "completely support Latvia's integration to the EU. The state continues to carry out political accession criteria, increasing state funding in 2000 and 2001 for Latvian language training, minority education and public information. The report states that this has directly promoted the interest of non-citizens to naturalize. In order to make the naturalization process easier, the fee has been reduced, and a broader range of people are now liable for reductions on the fee. Latvian language final exams at minority schools are also now passed as valid for naturalization. BNS

Press Report

Press Report

Daugavpils Mayor Rihards Eigims' state language skills correspond to the language proficiency level required to carry out his professional duties, Latvian State Language Centre concluded following a repeated test. Language Centre head Dzintra Hirsa told BNS that for the time being there is no document affirming the evaluation for Eigims Latvian language proficiency level so there is no concrete decision on the evaluation level yet. The State Language Centre will send its decision to Daugavpils local authority, which will contain a concrete decision. Although the written test has not been made at the highest level the mayor's language proficiency still meets 3a level, which is one of the highest levels, said Hirsa. Eigims' written test got evaluation 2b. Hirsa told BNS the evaluation of the written test is not important in this case because the general language proficiency should be evaluated. "Language proficiency should be valued by several criteria -- oral, written, reading and understanding proficiency and, his knowledge generally meets the level appropriate for his office," said Hirsa. The Centre recommends Eigims to regularly improve his language proficiency because in the town of Daugavpils he does not have a lot of opportunities to speak in Latvia which may reduce his language proficiency. Now the State Language Centre will be only entitled to check Eigims language proficiency after complaints over him not using the state language. Hirsa said though that, in the wake of complaints, it is actually impossible to prove that the state language has not been used. One of the possibilities is sending language inspectors, for example, to press conferences, which though has not been done so far, said Hirsa. Media reports have said Eigims had held press conferences in Russian. Under the state language law a head of a local authority should have the state language proficiency at the highest grade which is divided in two levels -- 3b which is free and fluent use of language in writing, oral communication, reading and understanding. The second level 3a is free use of language admitting small and insignificant mistakes.

Daugavpils Mayor Rihards Eigims' state language skills correspond to the language proficiency level required to carry out his professional duties, Latvian State Language Centre concluded following a repeated test. Language Centre head Dzintra Hirsa told BNS that for the time being there is no document affirming the evaluation for Eigims Latvian language proficiency level so there is no concrete decision on the evaluation level yet. The State Language Centre will send its decision to Daugavpils local authority, which will contain a concrete decision. Although the written test has not been made at the highest level the mayor's language proficiency still meets 3a level, which is one of the highest levels, said Hirsa. Eigims' written test got evaluation 2b. Hirsa told BNS the evaluation of the written test is not important in this case because the general language proficiency should be evaluated. "Language proficiency should be valued by several criteria -- oral, written, reading and understanding proficiency and, his knowledge generally meets the level appropriate for his office," said Hirsa. The Centre recommends Eigims to regularly improve his language proficiency because in the town of Daugavpils he does not have a lot of opportunities to speak in Latvia which may reduce his language proficiency. Now the State Language Centre will be only entitled to check Eigims language proficiency after complaints over him not using the state language. Hirsa said though that, in the wake of complaints, it is actually impossible to prove that the state language has not been used. One of the possibilities is sending language inspectors, for example, to press conferences, which though has not been done so far, said Hirsa. Media reports have said Eigims had held press conferences in Russian. Under the state language law a head of a local authority should have the state language proficiency at the highest grade which is divided in two levels -- 3b which is free and fluent use of language in writing, oral communication, reading and understanding. The second level 3a is free use of language admitting small and insignificant mistakes. Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

The expected visit of French President Jacques Chirac in Latvia will have the status of a state visit and the key issues for discussion will be bilateral relations between Latvia and France, Latvian president's adviser for foreign affairs said. The president's chancellery reported the French president will be on a state visit in Latvia at the invitation of Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga July 27-28.

The expected visit of French President Jacques Chirac in Latvia will have the status of a state visit and the key issues for discussion will be bilateral relations between Latvia and France, Latvian president's adviser for foreign affairs said. The president's chancellery reported the French president will be on a state visit in Latvia at the invitation of Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga July 27-28. Diena

The State Language Centre cannot realise its rights stipulated by the Administrative Violation Code effective as of June to impose fines for State Language Law violations. The State Language Centre is unable to impose fines as the procedure is not stipulated in the Regulations on the State Language Centre. The Cabinet of Ministers is in charge for the amendments to the Regulations.

The State Language Centre cannot realise its rights stipulated by the Administrative Violation Code effective as of June to impose fines for State Language Law violations. The State Language Centre is unable to impose fines as the procedure is not stipulated in the Regulations on the State Language Centre. The Cabinet of Ministers is in charge for the amendments to the Regulations. Neatkariga, Respublika

Thursday International Migration Organisation (IMO) Secretary General Brunson McKinley arrived in Latvia on a two-day visit to discuss with Latvian officials future co-operation and assess previous work. Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Brunson McKinley has suggested discussing the possibility of Latvia legalising the status of illegal immigrants in future. McKinley emphasised that Latvia is a model as to how small countries, only just hit with the problem, form their migration policies. The IOM is pleased about Latvia's implementation of the organisation’s programs. Latvia expels an average of 500 illegal immigrants each year, while 2,500 people are granted initial residency permits. 40 percent of the illegal immigrants gain permission for residence by marrying, another 40 percent through work, with other reasons for the remaining 20 percent.

Thursday International Migration Organisation (IMO) Secretary General Brunson McKinley arrived in Latvia on a two-day visit to discuss with Latvian officials future co-operation and assess previous work. Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Brunson McKinley has suggested discussing the possibility of Latvia legalising the status of illegal immigrants in future. McKinley emphasised that Latvia is a model as to how small countries, only just hit with the problem, form their migration policies. The IOM is pleased about Latvia's implementation of the organisations programs. Latvia expels an average of 500 illegal immigrants each year, while 2,500 people are granted initial residency permits. 40 percent of the illegal immigrants gain permission for residence by marrying, another 40 percent through work, with other reasons for the remaining 20 percent. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

For the second week Vieda book is on the top of the best sold books in Latvia. The publishing house says that “the book simply corresponds to the interests and views of the people”. Vieda is going to re-publish the book, however, it does not disclose the exact number of the books to be issued.

For the second week Vieda book is on the top of the best sold books in Latvia. The publishing house says that the book simply corresponds to the interests and views of the people. Vieda is going to re-publish the book, however, it does not disclose the exact number of the books to be issued. Rigas Balss

Chas provides rather detailed comments of political scientist A.Pabriks on Vieda book. He feels sorry that the book did not receive the assessment it had deserved – a negative one. He says “from the aspect of the Criminal Law there is nothing to pick on and also the majority of students did not express as radical views as A.Garda did, but from the view of society consent it is difficult not to exaggerate the harm caused by the book”. A.Pabriks is very disappointed with the attitude of society and mass media – in his opinion journalists had to declare very clearly their negative stance. About Russia he says “Russia’s stance is absolutely unacceptable for me, too. It is speculative and they have their own purposes for doing that”. A.Pabriks names the main obstacles which prevent the building of integrated community in Latvia. First, the different views on history. “Latvians do need the recognition that Latvia was occupied in 1940. Right now in Latvia there is no mass media working for both Russian and Latvian audiences, therefore history study books should be used to reflect the truth and both Russians and Latvians could read them without negative emotions”. In regard to the representatives of Russians in state affairs, A.Pabriks says “is it normal that Russians who support liberal ideas and free market economy vote for FHRUL and not for Latvia’s Way or People’s Party. The reason is the power of habits and second, the parties themselves should be blamed.”

Chas provides rather detailed comments of political scientist A.Pabriks on Vieda book. He feels sorry that the book did not receive the assessment it had deserved – a negative one. He says from the aspect of the Criminal Law there is nothing to pick on and also the majority of students did not express as radical views as A.Garda did, but from the view of society consent it is difficult not to exaggerate the harm caused by the book. A.Pabriks is very disappointed with the attitude of society and mass media – in his opinion journalists had to declare very clearly their negative stance. About Russia he says Russias stance is absolutely unacceptable for me, too. It is speculative and they have their own purposes for doing that. A.Pabriks names the main obstacles which prevent the building of integrated community in Latvia. First, the different views on history. Latvians do need the recognition that Latvia was occupied in 1940. Right now in Latvia there is no mass media working for both Russian and Latvian audiences, therefore history study books should be used to reflect the truth and both Russians and Latvians could read them without negative emotions. In regard to the representatives of Russians in state affairs, A.Pabriks says is it normal that Russians who support liberal ideas and free market economy vote for FHRUL and not for Latvias Way or Peoples Party. The reason is the power of habits and second, the parties themselves should be blamed.

Latvian Supreme Court Oct. 10 will begin hearing appeal claims by the three National Bolsheviks from Russia, on trial in Latvia over terrorism and illegal border crossing.

Latvian Supreme Court Oct. 10 will begin hearing appeal claims by the three National Bolsheviks from Russia, on trial in Latvia over terrorism and illegal border crossing. Vesti Segodnja

Yesterday Russian State Duma adopted the draft of Migration Policy which main purpose is to attract qualified professionals from CIS and Baltic Countries to Russia.

Yesterday Russian State Duma adopted the draft of Migration Policy which main purpose is to attract qualified professionals from CIS and Baltic Countries to Russia. Panorama Latvii