Press Report

Press Report

Latvian and Lithuanian presidents at the talks on Friday in Vilnius said that solidarity and joint efforts by the three Baltic states were crucial at the historical moment when decisions are being made about NATO enlargement and the future of the Baltic states within the alliance. The talks focused on latest developments concerning integration into NATO and the European Union (EU) enlargement, reported a spokeswoman for the Latvian president.

Latvian and Lithuanian presidents at the talks on Friday in Vilnius said that solidarity and joint efforts by the three Baltic states were crucial at the historical moment when decisions are being made about NATO enlargement and the future of the Baltic states within the alliance. The talks focused on latest developments concerning integration into NATO and the European Union (EU) enlargement, reported a spokeswoman for the Latvian president. BNS

The Russian embassy in Riga has expressed its dismay over the vandalism having taken place on the Soviet built Victory Monument in Riga On June 14, Remembrance Day for victims of communist terror, the Soviet built Victory Monument was seen to have graffiti resembling swastika and words in Latvian saying "Russians out".

The Russian embassy in Riga has expressed its dismay over the vandalism having taken place on the Soviet built Victory Monument in Riga On June 14, Remembrance Day for victims of communist terror, the Soviet built Victory Monument was seen to have graffiti resembling swastika and words in Latvian saying "Russians out". BNS, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Jauna Avize (18.06)

In a very short time the Supreme Court in Strasbourg accepted for consideration 10 claims against the Latvian State. The member of European Court on Human rights E.Levits confirmed this fact during his visit to Latvia. He explained the procedure of filing a claim with this court and the results of this court decisions on national legislation.

In a very short time the Supreme Court in Strasbourg accepted for consideration 10 claims against the Latvian State. The member of European Court on Human rights E.Levits confirmed this fact during his visit to Latvia. He explained the procedure of filing a claim with this court and the results of this court decisions on national legislation. Vesti Segodnya

Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centre Director N.Muiznieks published an open letter in the newspaper

Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Centre Director N.Muiznieks published an open letter in the newspaper Vesti Segodnya explaining his position concerning his statements in mass media about the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia. He does not think that with the help of Latvian language a whole group of Latvian population was ousted from the labour market, but it was evident that for people with little knowledge of the Latvian language it was difficult to compete in the labour market and in the system of education, as well as participate international political life of the country. N.Muiznieks considers that this problem should be solved by joined effort – both the government and Latvian society should assist Russian speaking population, but persons who do not speak the state language should mobilise their effort and resources for mastering this language.

In a TV show N.Muiznieks said that human right violations in Latvia would stop with Latvia’s joining EU and NATO.

In a TV show N.Muiznieks said that human right violations in Latvia would stop with Latvias joining EU and NATO. Chas

One of the major problems in Latvia according to N.Muiznieks is national minority rights and problems with the state language. The new Citizenship law is certainly a step forwards but one can see some problems and inaccuracies there.

One of the major problems in Latvia according to N.Muiznieks is national minority rights and problems with the state language. The new Citizenship law is certainly a step forwards but one can see some problems and inaccuracies there. Panorama Latvii (18.06)

Press Report

The EU Praises Latvia’s Achievements in Society Integration. In the response to the report of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby on the situation concerning human rights in Latvia, the EU issued the statement where it congratulates Latvia with the achieved results in the field of integration and indicates the tasks still to be fulfilled. However, in the statement it is emphasised that the decision about the closing of the Mission, which could take place at the end of the year, should be based only and exclusively on the fulfilment of the OSCE guidelines. The EU totally agrees with the Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia that the establishment of Society Integration Fund cannot be postponed anymore. The EU finds the work invested in the creation of ombudsman institution important, as well as “congratulates the report on the activities that should be performed to strengthen National Human Rights Office, including proposals on how to improve the procedure on the appointment of a new director of NHRO”. The EU provides a positive assessment to the decisions of the Government to foster naturalisation – to recognise validity of school graduation exams for naturalisation purposes, reduce state fee for naturalisation and expand the number of categories which have to pay reduced state fee. Positive evaluation was also given to the amendments to the Administrative Violations Code, where many of the suggestions of the OSCE High Commissioner were taken into consideration.”

The EU Praises Latvias Achievements in Society Integration. In the response to the report of the OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby on the situation concerning human rights in Latvia, the EU issued the statement where it congratulates Latvia with the achieved results in the field of integration and indicates the tasks still to be fulfilled. However, in the statement it is emphasised that the decision about the closing of the Mission, which could take place at the end of the year, should be based only and exclusively on the fulfilment of the OSCE guidelines. The EU totally agrees with the Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia that the establishment of Society Integration Fund cannot be postponed anymore. The EU finds the work invested in the creation of ombudsman institution important, as well as congratulates the report on the activities that should be performed to strengthen National Human Rights Office, including proposals on how to improve the procedure on the appointment of a new director of NHRO. The EU provides a positive assessment to the decisions of the Government to foster naturalisation – to recognise validity of school graduation exams for naturalisation purposes, reduce state fee for naturalisation and expand the number of categories which have to pay reduced state fee. Positive evaluation was also given to the amendments to the Administrative Violations Code, where many of the suggestions of the OSCE High Commissioner were taken into consideration. Diena

Although at the Riga City Council Social Democrats are in the coalition with FF/LNNK they also rather openly consider the second biggest political power FHRUL. FF/LNNK leader M.Grinblats says that Social Democrats play dual politic games and that in the future it could cause problems. It is known that both vice mayors – I.Vaidere FF/LNNK and S. Dolgopolovs FHRUL – want to apply for two posts - the Head of Monument Council and Executive Director of Privatisation Fund.

Although at the Riga City Council Social Democrats are in the coalition with FF/LNNK they also rather openly consider the second biggest political power FHRUL. FF/LNNK leader M.Grinblats says that Social Democrats play dual politic games and that in the future it could cause problems. It is known that both vice mayors – I.Vaidere FF/LNNK and S. Dolgopolovs FHRUL – want to apply for two posts - the Head of Monument Council and Executive Director of Privatisation Fund. Diena

Yesterday the Saeima passed the amendments to the Administrative Violation Code. The amendments stipulates the fines for not using state language in the written communication at public or governmental establishments or for hiring employees with insufficient knowledge of the Latvian language. Amendments to the law foresee that the management of mainly public organisations and governmental establishments can be fined for between 50 and 100 lats (USD 78 - 156) for not ensuring the use of Latvian in written communication and documentation. If the violation occurs within a year's time again, a fine of 100 - 150 lats may be applied. Employees will be penalised between 50 and 250 lats for employing people without abilities or certification of state language ability sufficient for the profession he is employed for. The legislative amendments also foresee fines of 100 - 200 lats for those responsible in broadcasting radio or television shows without translations in the state language or for the public demonstration of films without translation in Latvian. The officials will not be penalised for accepting complaints or applications not in the state language from the residents. “In practice it will depend on the good will of each individual official”, said FHRUL deputy Mitrafanov.

Yesterday the Saeima passed the amendments to the Administrative Violation Code. The amendments stipulates the fines for not using state language in the written communication at public or governmental establishments or for hiring employees with insufficient knowledge of the Latvian language. Amendments to the law foresee that the management of mainly public organisations and governmental establishments can be fined for between 50 and 100 lats (USD 78 - 156) for not ensuring the use of Latvian in written communication and documentation. If the violation occurs within a year's time again, a fine of 100 - 150 lats may be applied. Employees will be penalised between 50 and 250 lats for employing people without abilities or certification of state language ability sufficient for the profession he is employed for. The legislative amendments also foresee fines of 100 - 200 lats for those responsible in broadcasting radio or television shows without translations in the state language or for the public demonstration of films without translation in Latvian. The officials will not be penalised for accepting complaints or applications not in the state language from the residents. In practice it will depend on the good will of each individual official, said FHRUL deputy Mitrafanov. Chas, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

The compromise was reached in the case of Jelgava school No 1 which was planned to undergo re-organisation in accordance with school optimisation plan. The students of Russian school will stay at their building, however, some classes of Latvian students will be located at the building.

The compromise was reached in the case of Jelgava school No 1 which was planned to undergo re-organisation in accordance with school optimisation plan. The students of Russian school will stay at their building, however, some classes of Latvian students will be located at the building. Chas, Vesti Segodnja.

Yesterday the meeting took place at the building of Russian embassy. 14 people came to the embassy to commemorate the deportations of Stalin’s regime in 14 June, 1941.

Yesterday the meeting took place at the building of Russian embassy. 14 people came to the embassy to commemorate the deportations of Stalins regime in 14 June, 1941. Respublika

Yesterday the State Language Centre sent a letter to Riga City Council with the request to review the ability of I.Grigule to hold the post of the director of Hansa Day Office as the staff of Hansa Days Office did not prevent the established Language Law violations.

Yesterday the State Language Centre sent a letter to Riga City Council with the request to review the ability of I.Grigule to hold the post of the director of Hansa Day Office as the staff of Hansa Days Office did not prevent the established Language Law violations. Respublika

Respublika

interviews Latvian foreign affairs minister I.Berzins about the relations of Russia and Latvia in regard to the expansion of NATO – the relations are constructive, but not active, because of Latvias plans to join NATO after all. When asked about the situation regarding national minorities in Latvia I.Berzins stresses again that our language and citizenship legislation meets the EU and OSCE standards. interviews Latvian foreign affairs minister I.Berzins about the relations of Russia and Latvia in regard to the expansion of NATO – “the relations are constructive, but not active, because of Latvia’s plans to join NATO after all”. When asked about the situation regarding national minorities in Latvia I.Berzins stresses again that “our language and citizenship legislation meets the EU and OSCE standards”. The State Language Centre has sent the second letter to 6 Riga City Council FHRUL deputies with the repeated request to set the time for language examination.

The State Language Centre has sent the second letter to 6 Riga City Council FHRUL deputies with the repeated request to set the time for language examination. Respublika

Today the President V.Vike-Freiberga left for Lithuania for one-day visit. On Monday the President is scheduled to go to Austria.

Today the President V.Vike-Freiberga left for Lithuania for one-day visit. On Monday the President is scheduled to go to Austria. Respublika

Press Report

Press Report

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga believes that Latvia's admission to NATO will simplify Latvian-Russian relations. "I only hope that a positive decision about admitting us will be adopted already November next year in Prague. I think it will solve a lot of issues, make many things simpler, including our relations with Russia," the president said in the interview for Lauku Avize. Vike-Freiberga said that Latvian-Russian relations were also influenced by relations between the United States and Russia. "Our relations with Russia are to a certain extent affected by the relations between Russia and the US. Our relations is not independent of relations Russia has with the European Union members." She said Russia's negative attitude towards the movement of Latvia and the Baltic States to the EU and NATO was understandable. Nevertheless, things are going to change after admission of the Baltic States to these organisations as Russia simply will have to respond in a different manner. "While we are still outside the EU and NATO, it is clear that Russia will try to block our admission. But as soon as we become members, Russia will have to reconcile itself to this new fact and react differently," said Vike-Freiberga. Several countries, including Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, hope to be invited to join NATO at the alliance's summit in Prague in late 2002. In regard to integration issues the President said out of 10 thousand letters received at Chancellery during a year only one letter was a complaint letter from non-Latvian who considered himself to be discriminated. In her opinion the situation regarding integration is very stable in Latvia.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga believes that Latvia's admission to NATO will simplify Latvian-Russian relations. "I only hope that a positive decision about admitting us will be adopted already November next year in Prague. I think it will solve a lot of issues, make many things simpler, including our relations with Russia," the president said in the interview for Lauku Avize. Vike-Freiberga said that Latvian-Russian relations were also influenced by relations between the United States and Russia. "Our relations with Russia are to a certain extent affected by the relations between Russia and the US. Our relations is not independent of relations Russia has with the European Union members." She said Russia's negative attitude towards the movement of Latvia and the Baltic States to the EU and NATO was understandable. Nevertheless, things are going to change after admission of the Baltic States to these organisations as Russia simply will have to respond in a different manner. "While we are still outside the EU and NATO, it is clear that Russia will try to block our admission. But as soon as we become members, Russia will have to reconcile itself to this new fact and react differently," said Vike-Freiberga. Several countries, including Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, hope to be invited to join NATO at the alliance's summit in Prague in late 2002. In regard to integration issues the President said out of 10 thousand letters received at Chancellery during a year only one letter was a complaint letter from non-Latvian who considered himself to be discriminated. In her opinion the situation regarding integration is very stable in Latvia.

Latvian National Human Rights Office (NHRO) director is surprised over his repeated appointment to the post and in the future would turn more to international contacts and building of NHRO's image. The parliament Wednesday appointed the previous NHRO director Olafs Bruvers for the second term in office although support to his candidacy was swaying ahead of the vote. Bruvers who was the only candidate officially nominated for the post was elected with 47 votes against eight and 28 abstentions. Bruvers told BNS that as part of his future activities he is committed to step up contacts with officials pointing less attention to consideration of complaints from the people. Bruvers reported to BNS about his "strategic future plans" that will include strengthening ties with non-governmental organisations, especially outside Riga. He said he also is committed to devote more time to relations with local authorities putting more emphasis on requests to solve human rights problems there, if possible, and turn to the NHRO for help only in desperate situations. He called on the local authorities to set up commissions dealing with human rights issues. Bruvers said he regards as his next goal building contacts with international institutions, especially Baltic states ombudsmen and other international partners. He also has decided to work more on fund raising for the NHRO because this issue has become under the sharpest criticism. He voiced an opinion though that reproaches over attracting of insufficient funds are partly groundless because "the NHRO is a state institution and the state should take care of its financing". Bruvers told BNS he did not know until the last minute what the outcome of the parliament vote will be like and was very much afraid he would not be appointed repeatedly because he "likes the job a lot". "It would be sad to leave because a well started work would stay". He voiced regret that media are covering work of the NHRO less than could be expected "therefore an impression is created that NHRO is doing nothing". Bruvers added though he does not want to blame the media.

Latvian National Human Rights Office (NHRO) director is surprised over his repeated appointment to the post and in the future would turn more to international contacts and building of NHRO's image. The parliament Wednesday appointed the previous NHRO director Olafs Bruvers for the second term in office although support to his candidacy was swaying ahead of the vote. Bruvers who was the only candidate officially nominated for the post was elected with 47 votes against eight and 28 abstentions. Bruvers told BNS that as part of his future activities he is committed to step up contacts with officials pointing less attention to consideration of complaints from the people. Bruvers reported to BNS about his "strategic future plans" that will include strengthening ties with non-governmental organisations, especially outside Riga. He said he also is committed to devote more time to relations with local authorities putting more emphasis on requests to solve human rights problems there, if possible, and turn to the NHRO for help only in desperate situations. He called on the local authorities to set up commissions dealing with human rights issues. Bruvers said he regards as his next goal building contacts with international institutions, especially Baltic states ombudsmen and other international partners. He also has decided to work more on fund raising for the NHRO because this issue has become under the sharpest criticism. He voiced an opinion though that reproaches over attracting of insufficient funds are partly groundless because "the NHRO is a state institution and the state should take care of its financing". Bruvers told BNS he did not know until the last minute what the outcome of the parliament vote will be like and was very much afraid he would not be appointed repeatedly because he "likes the job a lot". "It would be sad to leave because a well started work would stay". He voiced regret that media are covering work of the NHRO less than could be expected "therefore an impression is created that NHRO is doing nothing". Bruvers added though he does not want to blame the media. BNS, Jauna, Lauku Avize

Diena writes “the vote of the parliament for Bruvers, despite the fact that he was sharply criticised, has proved the assumptions that politicians do not care about human rights in the country, they are only interested to have a weak control mechanism”.

Diena writes the vote of the parliament for Bruvers, despite the fact that he was sharply criticised, has proved the assumptions that politicians do not care about human rights in the country, they are only interested to have a weak control mechanism.

Diena

publishes the article Latvia Needs an Ombudsman by professor J.Dreifelds who was the head of presidential working group, which developed conceptual paper on the role of ombudsman in Latvia. J.Dreifelds provides rather detailed explanation what the term ombudsman means and what funtions the institution performs in democratic countries and what would be the gains for Latvia if such an institution is established in our country. publishes the article “Latvia Needs an Ombudsman” by professor J.Dreifelds who was the head of presidential working group, which developed conceptual paper on the role of ombudsman in Latvia. J.Dreifelds provides rather detailed explanation what the term “ombudsman” means and what funtions the institution performs in democratic countries and what would be the gains for Latvia if such an institution is established in our country. Winners of a Latvian essay contest organised by a publishing company and criticised by Russia were awarded Wednesday in Riga in a ceremony joined by two parliament members. Nationalist Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK member of parliament Roberts Jurdzs who also is parliament repatriation support group member said in a presentation of the book comprised of best of the essays and called "We Don't Give Latvia to Anyone" that the group MPs were pleasantly surprised over the contest results and the idea. Head of the contest organiser Vieda publishing company Aivars Garda said: "If the Cabinet, president and parliament are not solving the most acute problems of Latvians then we should do it by ourselves. There are 700,000 colonists in Latvia who should return to their ethnic native land". The contest was sharply criticised by Russian Foreign Ministry while a local Russian language newspaper Chas asked the law enforcement authorities to check out if the contest should not be seen as inciting to national hatred. National security agency Constitution Protection Office believed there are no grounds to launch a criminal case because Latvia pursues freedom of speech. The book of essays is expected to be presented to country's top officials and will also be on sale. The edition is 3000 copies.

Winners of a Latvian essay contest organised by a publishing company and criticised by Russia were awarded Wednesday in Riga in a ceremony joined by two parliament members. Nationalist Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK member of parliament Roberts Jurdzs who also is parliament repatriation support group member said in a presentation of the book comprised of best of the essays and called "We Don't Give Latvia to Anyone" that the group MPs were pleasantly surprised over the contest results and the idea. Head of the contest organiser Vieda publishing company Aivars Garda said: "If the Cabinet, president and parliament are not solving the most acute problems of Latvians then we should do it by ourselves. There are 700,000 colonists in Latvia who should return to their ethnic native land". The contest was sharply criticised by Russian Foreign Ministry while a local Russian language newspaper Chas asked the law enforcement authorities to check out if the contest should not be seen as inciting to national hatred. National security agency Constitution Protection Office believed there are no grounds to launch a criminal case because Latvia pursues freedom of speech. The book of essays is expected to be presented to country's top officials and will also be on sale. The edition is 3000 copies. Diena, Jauna, Lauku Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Latvian Minister of Agriculture Atis Slakteris and Minister of Economy fell victim

Latvian Minister of Agriculture Atis Slakteris and Minister of Economy fell victim

to Russian national bolshevik extremists on Wednesday, who threw eggs at them during the opening of the Made in Latvia exhibition in Moscow. "Even so the exhibition is doing its task. The result can be seen: Moscow has many Latvian goods. Prices are levelling out, in general everything is fine in this sense. And we will keep working," said Slakteris. The younger of the two turns out to be the son of the Russian national bolshevik movement's Moscow group, and basically the second ranked leader of the Russian national bolshevik organisation.

to Russian national bolshevik extremists on Wednesday, who threw eggs at them during the opening of the Made in Latvia exhibition in Moscow. "Even so the exhibition is doing its task. The result can be seen: Moscow has many Latvian goods. Prices are levelling out, in general everything is fine in this sense. And we will keep working," said Slakteris. The younger of the two turns out to be the son of the Russian national bolshevik movement's Moscow group, and basically the second ranked leader of the Russian national bolshevik organisation. Lauku Avize, Chas, Respublika, Panorama Latvii

4th session of the Associated Council of Latvia and the EC took place in Riga. The scope of discussed matters ranged from society integration to the case of the Swedish ship.

4th session of the Associated Council of Latvia and the EC took place in Riga. The scope of discussed matters ranged from society integration to the case of the Swedish ship. Vesti Segodnja

Press Report

Press Report

Many politicians inquired by

Many politicians inquired by Diena consider the establishment of a new right centric party possible. The former Riga City Council Mayor A.Argalis (the member of FF/LNNK) and former state president G.Ulmanis are named as possible leaders of the party. A.Argalis and G.Ulmanis themselves neither have denied nor approved the rumours. Diena

The number of eurosceptics keeps growing in Latvia, according to the latest public opinion poll. If the referendum about joining the European Union (EU) was held in May, 37.6 percent of Latvia's population would vote in favour of the EU membership and 37.4 percent against it. The undecided made up one-fourth or 25.1 percent of respondents, the European Integration Office (EIO) director Edvards Kusners told reporters Tuesday. The comparison between results obtained in polls in February and May showed a 3.8 percent reduction in number of euroenthusiasts and a 4.7 percent increase in number of eurosceptics. About two-thirds of Latvia's residents said they were ready to take part in the referendum. Kusners said it was the first time since the polling about the EU membership began when the number of people, having positive opinion of the EU, has reduced. Moreover, among non-citizens negative attitude is found 1.5 times more frequently than among Latvian citizens.

The number of eurosceptics keeps growing in Latvia, according to the latest public opinion poll. If the referendum about joining the European Union (EU) was held in May, 37.6 percent of Latvia's population would vote in favour of the EU membership and 37.4 percent against it. The undecided made up one-fourth or 25.1 percent of respondents, the European Integration Office (EIO) director Edvards Kusners told reporters Tuesday. The comparison between results obtained in polls in February and May showed a 3.8 percent reduction in number of euroenthusiasts and a 4.7 percent increase in number of eurosceptics. About two-thirds of Latvia's residents said they were ready to take part in the referendum. Kusners said it was the first time since the polling about the EU membership began when the number of people, having positive opinion of the EU, has reduced. Moreover, among non-citizens negative attitude is found 1.5 times more frequently than among Latvian citizens. Diena, Jauna, Rigas Balss, Chas, Respublika

In the absence of Riga City Council Mayor G.Bojars his deputy S.Dolgopolovs (FHRUL) did not let I.Vaidere (FF/LNNK) who is also a deputy mayor to head a council meeting as it was promised by Mayor G.Bojars.

In the absence of Riga City Council Mayor G.Bojars his deputy S.Dolgopolovs (FHRUL) did not let I.Vaidere (FF/LNNK) who is also a deputy mayor to head a council meeting as it was promised by Mayor G.Bojars. Diena

Latvian transport minister A.Gorbunovs left for St.Petersburg to make presentation at the economic forum. Also the minister of agriculture A.Slakters these days is visiting Russia and today he opens the exhibition “Made in Latvia” in Moscow.

Latvian transport minister A.Gorbunovs left for St.Petersburg to make presentation at the economic forum. Also the minister of agriculture A.Slakters these days is visiting Russia and today he opens the exhibition Made in Latvia in Moscow. Chas

Yesterday the Government postponed the decision about the possibility for 9 graders of non-Latvian schools to use the results of the exam in the Latvian language for naturalisation purposes again. The decision was postponed because of the objections of ministers representing FF/LNNK. FHRUL deputy Mitrofanovs says that most likely it has economic explanation – ministers who denied the students the possibility want to provide work for the State Language Centre.

Yesterday the Government postponed the decision about the possibility for 9 graders of non-Latvian schools to use the results of the exam in the Latvian language for naturalisation purposes again. The decision was postponed because of the objections of ministers representing FF/LNNK. FHRUL deputy Mitrofanovs says that most likely it has economic explanation – ministers who denied the students the possibility want to provide work for the State Language Centre. Chas

Press Report

The OSCE's mandate in Latvia will be extended by six months because the mission has not accomplished all goals under its mandate yet, OSCE mission's official representative in Latvia said. Peter Semneby did not rule out the mission in Latvia could be closed at the end of this year adding though "it is premature to discuss it as yet". Extension of the mandate which expires June 30 will be considered at the OSCE Permanent Council forum June 14 when Semneby will report on OSCE mission's work in Latvia, head of the Latvian delegation to OSCE, Edgars Skuja, told BNS. Skuja said the mission can be closed when most of the OSCE member countries approve that the mandate has been accomplished. "The fact that discussions on the mission closure in Latvia have began indicates the situation in Latvia has improved significantly," he said. It is not possible though to state concrete term for the mission closure yet. Semneby underscored that Latvia shows very positive development noting specifically that amendments to naturalisation regulations adopted recently indicate of "positive signals". Nevertheless, to accomplish the OSCE mandate "some things still should be completed". OSCE mission is focussing on naturalisation and citizenship issues and at this point also has taken involvement in the ombudsman institution formation process and strengthening of other human rights institutions, said Semneby. The mission head added that the mission's task currently also is monitoring introduction of the state language law in the country. Latvia hopes that in the wake of amendments to the naturalisation regulations, adopted last week envisaging lowering naturalisation fee, the OSCE mission will complete its work in Latvia at the end of this year together with OSCE mission in Estonia, Foreign Ministry state secretary Maris Riekstins told BNS. Currently the OSCE's presiding country is Romania. BNS has obtained information it is planned to close OSCE mission in Estonia at the end of this year too and this would coincide with expiry of Romania's presidency on the OSCE.

The OSCE's mandate in Latvia will be extended by six months because the mission has not accomplished all goals under its mandate yet, OSCE mission's official representative in Latvia said. Peter Semneby did not rule out the mission in Latvia could be closed at the end of this year adding though "it is premature to discuss it as yet". Extension of the mandate which expires June 30 will be considered at the OSCE Permanent Council forum June 14 when Semneby will report on OSCE mission's work in Latvia, head of the Latvian delegation to OSCE, Edgars Skuja, told BNS. Skuja said the mission can be closed when most of the OSCE member countries approve that the mandate has been accomplished. "The fact that discussions on the mission closure in Latvia have began indicates the situation in Latvia has improved significantly," he said. It is not possible though to state concrete term for the mission closure yet. Semneby underscored that Latvia shows very positive development noting specifically that amendments to naturalisation regulations adopted recently indicate of "positive signals". Nevertheless, to accomplish the OSCE mandate "some things still should be completed". OSCE mission is focussing on naturalisation and citizenship issues and at this point also has taken involvement in the ombudsman institution formation process and strengthening of other human rights institutions, said Semneby. The mission head added that the mission's task currently also is monitoring introduction of the state language law in the country. Latvia hopes that in the wake of amendments to the naturalisation regulations, adopted last week envisaging lowering naturalisation fee, the OSCE mission will complete its work in Latvia at the end of this year together with OSCE mission in Estonia, Foreign Ministry state secretary Maris Riekstins told BNS. Currently the OSCE's presiding country is Romania. BNS has obtained information it is planned to close OSCE mission in Estonia at the end of this year too and this would coincide with expiry of Romania's presidency on the OSCE. BNS, Diena, Vesti Segodnja

Diena publishes an article by political scientist A.Pabriks on civic integration. A.Pabriks gives an explanation to the terms “civic society” and “multi-cultural society” and what role integration has in them. In regard to the situation in Latvia he says “in Latvia the term “multi-culture” is more associated with alienated ethnic groups” and “what regards political integration in the context of the article the only thing is to invite Latvian non-citizens to be more active and exploit the possibilities provided by Latvian legislation to obtain citizenship”.

Diena publishes an article by political scientist A.Pabriks on civic integration. A.Pabriks gives an explanation to the terms civic society and multi-cultural society and what role integration has in them. In regard to the situation in Latvia he says in Latvia the term multi-culture is more associated with alienated ethnic groups and what regards political integration in the context of the article the only thing is to invite Latvian non-citizens to be more active and exploit the possibilities provided by Latvian legislation to obtain citizenship.

Last weekend the conference “Securing and Developing of Economic Relations among Latvia, Byelorussia and Russia under the Influence of Integration Processes of the Baltic States into the European Union and Byelorussia and Russia” organised by NGO Baltic Forum took place in Jurmala. Riga City Council deputy mayor S.Dolgopolovs, Jurmala mayor D.Urbanovich, Saeima deputy J.Urbanovich and V.Birkavs, Saeima vice-speaker R.Piks and a group of Latvian businesspeople represented Latvia, however, there were no representatives from Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Russia and Byelorussia were represented by their ambassadors to Latvia and big delegations of entrepreneurs, as well as deputies from Russian State Duma.

Last weekend the conference Securing and Developing of Economic Relations among Latvia, Byelorussia and Russia under the Influence of Integration Processes of the Baltic States into the European Union and Byelorussia and Russia organised by NGO Baltic Forum took place in Jurmala. Riga City Council deputy mayor S.Dolgopolovs, Jurmala mayor D.Urbanovich, Saeima deputy J.Urbanovich and V.Birkavs, Saeima vice-speaker R.Piks and a group of Latvian businesspeople represented Latvia, however, there were no representatives from Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Russia and Byelorussia were represented by their ambassadors to Latvia and big delegations of entrepreneurs, as well as deputies from Russian State Duma. Jauna, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

Rigas Balss

introduces the readers with the main facts from the biography of Riga City Council deputy mayor S.Dolgopolovs. Other politicians characterise him as completely different from his union members – he is very smart, never talks nonsense and is able to take decisions. Some of the City Council deputies even said that at the beginning it looked like the real head of Riga was Dolgopolovs and not G.Bojars. introduces the readers with the main facts from the biography of Riga City Council deputy mayor S.Dolgopolovs. Other politicians characterise him as completely different from his union members – “he is very smart, never talks nonsense and is able to take decisions”. Some of the City Council deputies even said that at the beginning it looked like the real head of Riga was Dolgopolovs and not G.Bojars.

Chas

interviews Latvias Way Saeima faction chairperson K.Libane. In her opinion the work of the current Government could be scored 4 out of 5. The same evaluation could be given to the relations between the Latvias Way and Peoples Party. The poor performance of her party at municipal election in her opinion will help the party to get ready for the next Saeima election. K.Libane does not exclude the possibility that a new party will be founded before 8th Saeima election, however, most likely that Social Democrats will try to play the main role. When asked about the situation in regard to FF/LNNK – in City Council they are in coalition with Social Democrats, but in Saeima they are in opposition - she says if political will of FF/LNNK grows into desire to overthrow the Government together with Social Democrats, they would succeed, however, we are doing our best to make FF/LNNK feel comfortable in this Government. interviews Latvia’s Way Saeima faction chairperson K.Libane. In her opinion the work of the current Government could be scored 4 out of 5. The same evaluation could be given to the relations between the Latvia’s Way and People’s Party. The poor performance of her party at municipal election in her opinion will help the party to get ready for the next Saeima election. K.Libane does not exclude the possibility that a new party will be founded before 8th Saeima election, however, most likely that Social Democrats will try to play the main role. When asked about the situation in regard to FF/LNNK – in City Council they are in coalition with Social Democrats, but in Saeima they are in opposition - she says “if political will of FF/LNNK grows into desire to overthrow the Government together with Social Democrats, they would succeed, however, we are doing our best to make FF/LNNK feel comfortable in this Government”. FHRUL deputies in City Council sent a letter to the State Language Centre, and letter’s main point was that “first, try to catch us and then you could examine us”. The administration of the Centre is preparing the response, which says “just give us a chance to examine your language and we will find mistakes anyway”.

FHRUL deputies in City Council sent a letter to the State Language Centre, and letters main point was that first, try to catch us and then you could examine us. The administration of the Centre is preparing the response, which says just give us a chance to examine your language and we will find mistakes anyway. Chas

The State Language Centre has established that during Hansa Days the organisers of the venue have violated the Law on the State Language – first, the names of Hansa cities were given in their original languages, second – the information on the uniforms of service people were written only in the English language.

The State Language Centre has established that during Hansa Days the organisers of the venue have violated the Law on the State Language – first, the names of Hansa cities were given in their original languages, second – the information on the uniforms of service people were written only in the English language. Respublika