Press Report

Saturday Latvia’s President V.Vike-Freiberga met with Russia’s President V.Putin. The majority of discussion time (90%) was devoted to the issues concerning non- citizens, court proceedings on cases of II World War Soviet soldiers, state language learning, and repatriation. Latvia’s joining NATO was not mentioned at all, as “the views on this issues of the two countries are too diverse to discuss them at the very first meeting”, said V.Putin. At the disposal of Russia’s President was specific information on particular cases when the rights of Russian speaking people of Latvia are not observed, informs

Saturday Latvias President V.Vike-Freiberga met with Russias President V.Putin. The majority of discussion time (90%) was devoted to the issues concerning non- citizens, court proceedings on cases of II World War Soviet soldiers, state language learning, and repatriation. Latvias joining NATO was not mentioned at all, as the views on this issues of the two countries are too diverse to discuss them at the very first meeting, said V.Putin. At the disposal of Russias President was specific information on particular cases when the rights of Russian speaking people of Latvia are not observed, informs Vesti Segodnja. We are not asking anything special for our citizens, who reside in the Baltic States, including Latvia. We are just asking that they would also be the subjects of the regulations which apply to national minorities in Europe. No specific agreements were signed. Diena, Jauna, Neatkariga, Chas, Respublika

Russia’s ambassador to Latvia A.Udalcov comments this meeting as a positive signal, however, real improvements in the relations are possible on the condition that situation in the human sphere improves in Latvia. Also other politicians consider that as a positive signal and the beginning of new relationship era.

Russias ambassador to Latvia A.Udalcov comments this meeting as a positive signal, however, real improvements in the relations are possible on the condition that situation in the human sphere improves in Latvia. Also other politicians consider that as a positive signal and the beginning of new relationship era. Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

Panorama Latvii publishes a part of the press conference given by the President after the meeting with Russia’s President.

Panorama Latvii publishes a part of the press conference given by the President after the meeting with Russias President.

Vesti Segodnja

publishes an article about Russian speaking community attitude towards Latvias joining NATO. The main reason why Russians do not want Latvia join NATO is that after Latvia becomes a member they will be separated from their ethnic motherland with an iron curtain and thus possibilities to cultivate their culture, language and traditions would be very limited. publishes an article about Russian speaking community attitude towards Latvia’s joining NATO. The main reason why Russians do not want Latvia join NATO is that after Latvia becomes a member they will be separated from their ethnic motherland with an iron curtain and thus possibilities to cultivate their culture, language and traditions would be very limited. FHRUL faction at Riga Council has developed proposals in regard to the establishment of the Consultative Council on Non-citizen Matters at Riga City Council.

FHRUL faction at Riga Council has developed proposals in regard to the establishment of the Consultative Council on Non-citizen Matters at Riga City Council. Diena gives more detailed information about the possible responsibilities and activities of the institution.

School optimisation policy developed by the Ministry of Science turns out to be attempts to push out Russian schools from the centre to city’s outskirts. Students and their parents of one of such schools turned for the help to the President V.Vike-Freiberga. Non-sufficient number of students is the reason for closing the school given by officials.

School optimisation policy developed by the Ministry of Science turns out to be attempts to push out Russian schools from the centre to citys outskirts. Students and their parents of one of such schools turned for the help to the President V.Vike-Freiberga. Non-sufficient number of students is the reason for closing the school given by officials. Vesti Segodnja

Sweden vice Prime Minister Lena Helma Vallen is on one-day visit to Riga. Together with V.Vike-Freiberga she will participate at the presentation of the book “Tell About That to Your Children” which is devoted to Holocaust.

Sweden vice Prime Minister Lena Helma Vallen is on one-day visit to Riga. Together with V.Vike-Freiberga she will participate at the presentation of the book Tell About That to Your Children which is devoted to Holocaust. Vesti Segodnja, Neatkariga

Yesterday Poland Seima Vice Marshal Jan Krul arrived in Latvia. He has scheduled meetings with V.Vike-Freiberga, Saeima Speaker J.Straume and Foreign Affair Minister I.Berzins.

Jauna, Neatkariga Naturalisation Board Head E.Aldermane talks about the Social Integration Programme and gives a brief description of some projects and their aims.

Naturalisation Board Head E.Aldermane talks about the Social Integration Programme and gives a brief description of some projects and their aims. Neatkariga

Panorama Latvii

publishes the interview of the radio Svoboda journalist A.Babicky with Latvias President. He asked the President about Latvias integration to NATO, language, Framework Convention ratification and the norms restricting foreign language usage in radio and TV broadcasts. publishes the interview of the radio “Svoboda” journalist A.Babicky with Latvia’s President. He asked the President about Latvia’s integration to NATO, language, Framework Convention ratification and the norms restricting foreign language usage in radio and TV broadcasts. “There are no nuclear weapons in Kaliningrad”, says FHRUL deputy S.Dolgopolov after his visit to Kaliningrad where he took part in the international conference. He also had a meeting with the Head of Kaliningrad region V.Jegorov.

There are no nuclear weapons in Kaliningrad, says FHRUL deputy S.Dolgopolov after his visit to Kaliningrad where he took part in the international conference. He also had a meeting with the Head of Kaliningrad region V.Jegorov. Chas

Press Report

Saturday Latvia’s President V.Vike-Freiberga met with Russia’s President V.Putin. The majority of discussion time (90%) was devoted to the issues concerning non- citizens, court proceedings on cases of II World War Soviet soldiers, state language learning, and repatriation. Latvia’s joining NATO was not mentioned at all, as “the views on this issues of the two countries are too diverse to discuss them at the very first meeting”, said V.Putin. At the disposal of Russia’s President was specific information on particular cases when the rights of Russian speaking people of Latvia are not observed, informs

Saturday Latvias President V.Vike-Freiberga met with Russias President V.Putin. The majority of discussion time (90%) was devoted to the issues concerning non- citizens, court proceedings on cases of II World War Soviet soldiers, state language learning, and repatriation. Latvias joining NATO was not mentioned at all, as the views on this issues of the two countries are too diverse to discuss them at the very first meeting, said V.Putin. At the disposal of Russias President was specific information on particular cases when the rights of Russian speaking people of Latvia are not observed, informs Vesti Segodnja. We are not asking anything special for our citizens, who reside in the Baltic States, including Latvia. We are just asking that they would also be the subjects of the regulations which apply to national minorities in Europe. No specific agreements were signed. Diena, Jauna, Neatkariga, Chas, Respublika

Russia’s ambassador to Latvia A.Udalcov comments this meeting as a positive signal, however, real improvements in the relations are possible on the condition that situation in the human sphere improves in Latvia. Also other politicians consider that as a positive signal and the beginning of new relationship era.

Russias ambassador to Latvia A.Udalcov comments this meeting as a positive signal, however, real improvements in the relations are possible on the condition that situation in the human sphere improves in Latvia. Also other politicians consider that as a positive signal and the beginning of new relationship era. Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

Panorama Latvii publishes a part of the press conference given by the President after the meeting with Russia’s President.

Panorama Latvii publishes a part of the press conference given by the President after the meeting with Russias President.

Vesti Segodnja

publishes an article about Russian speaking community attitude towards Latvias joining NATO. The main reason why Russians do not want Latvia join NATO is that after Latvia becomes a member they will be separated from their ethnic motherland with an iron curtain and thus possibilities to cultivate their culture, language and traditions would be very limited. publishes an article about Russian speaking community attitude towards Latvia’s joining NATO. The main reason why Russians do not want Latvia join NATO is that after Latvia becomes a member they will be separated from their ethnic motherland with an iron curtain and thus possibilities to cultivate their culture, language and traditions would be very limited. FHRUL faction at Riga Council has developed proposals in regard to the establishment of the Consultative Council on Non-citizen Matters at Riga City Council.

FHRUL faction at Riga Council has developed proposals in regard to the establishment of the Consultative Council on Non-citizen Matters at Riga City Council. Diena gives more detailed information about the possible responsibilities and activities of the institution.

School optimisation policy developed by the Ministry of Science turns out to be attempts to push out Russian schools from the centre to city’s outskirts. Students and their parents of one of such schools turned for the help to the President V.Vike-Freiberga. Non-sufficient number of students is the reason for closing the school given by officials.

School optimisation policy developed by the Ministry of Science turns out to be attempts to push out Russian schools from the centre to citys outskirts. Students and their parents of one of such schools turned for the help to the President V.Vike-Freiberga. Non-sufficient number of students is the reason for closing the school given by officials. Vesti Segodnja

Sweden vice Prime Minister Lena Helma Vallen is on one-day visit to Riga. Together with V.Vike-Freiberga she will participate at the presentation of the book “Tell About That to Your Children” which is devoted to Holocaust.

Sweden vice Prime Minister Lena Helma Vallen is on one-day visit to Riga. Together with V.Vike-Freiberga she will participate at the presentation of the book Tell About That to Your Children which is devoted to Holocaust. Vesti Segodnja, Neatkariga

Yesterday Poland Seima Vice Marshal Jan Krul arrived in Latvia. He has scheduled meetings with V.Vike-Freiberga, Saeima Speaker J.Straume and Foreign Affair Minister I.Berzins.

Jauna, Neatkariga Naturalisation Board Head E.Aldermane talks about the Social Integration Programme and gives a brief description of some projects and their aims.

Naturalisation Board Head E.Aldermane talks about the Social Integration Programme and gives a brief description of some projects and their aims. Neatkariga

Panorama Latvii

publishes the interview of the radio Svoboda journalist A.Babicky with Latvias President. He asked the President about Latvias integration to NATO, language, Framework Convention ratification and the norms restricting foreign language usage in radio and TV broadcasts. publishes the interview of the radio “Svoboda” journalist A.Babicky with Latvia’s President. He asked the President about Latvia’s integration to NATO, language, Framework Convention ratification and the norms restricting foreign language usage in radio and TV broadcasts. “There are no nuclear weapons in Kaliningrad”, says FHRUL deputy S.Dolgopolov after his visit to Kaliningrad where he took part in the international conference. He also had a meeting with the Head of Kaliningrad region V.Jegorov.

There are no nuclear weapons in Kaliningrad, says FHRUL deputy S.Dolgopolov after his visit to Kaliningrad where he took part in the international conference. He also had a meeting with the Head of Kaliningrad region V.Jegorov. Chas

Press Report

Press Report

Friday Latvia’s President V.Vike-Freiberga received a sudden invitation to meet with Russia’s President V.Putin on Saturday. Latvia’s party was not able to obtain accurate information in regard to the possible discussion topics; V.Putin’s invitation contained only the wish to re-build a political dialogue.

Friday Latvias President V.Vike-Freiberga received a sudden invitation to meet with Russias President V.Putin on Saturday. Latvias party was not able to obtain accurate information in regard to the possible discussion topics; V.Putins invitation contained only the wish to re-build a political dialogue. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Although after the annual meeting of the three Baltic Prime Ministers all of them confirmed their common views on the joining of the Baltic States to NATO and readiness to follow similar joining policy, already some time later the Prime Minister of Lithuania stated that “it should be considered a success even only one of the Baltic States joins NATO”.

Although after the annual meeting of the three Baltic Prime Ministers all of them confirmed their common views on the joining of the Baltic States to NATO and readiness to follow similar joining policy, already some time later the Prime Minister of Lithuania stated that it should be considered a success even only one of the Baltic States joins NATO. Diena, Neatkariga

According to social poll data 79% citizens are going to participate at March municipal election. The most active people live in Zemgale (83,6%) and in Riga the number of people who said that they are going to vote is 74,9%.

According to social poll data 79% citizens are going to participate at March municipal election. The most active people live in Zemgale (83,6%) and in Riga the number of people who said that they are going to vote is 74,9%. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnja

Friday was held the conference “Latvia’s Membership in NATO – Caprices of Politicians or Severe Reality?”. Latvian politicians discussed different subjects among which were different threat scenarios, defence budget, “turning face or back toward Russia”.

Friday was held the conference Latvias Membership in NATO – Caprices of Politicians or Severe Reality?. Latvian politicians discussed different subjects among which were different threat scenarios, defence budget, turning face or back toward Russia. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

Monday deputies of two factions FHRUL and Social Democrats are going to apply to the Constitutional Court in defence of the rights of pensioners non-citizens. They are disputing the norm according to which time period worked outside Latvia is not taken into account when calculating non-citizens’ pensions.

Monday deputies of two factions FHRUL and Social Democrats are going to apply to the Constitutional Court in defence of the rights of pensioners non-citizens. They are disputing the norm according to which time period worked outside Latvia is not taken into account when calculating non-citizens pensions. Chas

Vesti Segodnja

draws readers attention to some statements of the President in her interview for Radio Svoboda journalist A.Babicky. The newspaper says that the President was not providing true facts – one where V.Vike-Freiberga said that also during the first independent state of Latvia a communication language in the Saeima was Latvian. According to the newspaper at those times at the Saeima Russian deputies gave their speeches in Russian. The President also said that In Latvia there are about 225 thousand Russian speaking people, however, the number established by DCMA is four times bigger. draws readers’ attention to some statements of the President in her interview for “Radio Svoboda” journalist A.Babicky. The newspaper says that the President was not providing true facts – one where V.Vike-Freiberga said that also during the first independent state of Latvia a communication language in the Saeima was Latvian. According to the newspaper at those times at the Saeima Russian deputies gave their speeches in Russian. The President also said that “In Latvia there are about 225 thousand Russian speaking people”, however, the number established by DCMA is four times bigger. Vesti SegodnjaVesti Segodnja

Vesti Segonja

has found already 3 company sign boards in Russian and as it was promised the entrepreneur was awarded with the diploma. has found already 3 company sign boards in Russian and as it was promised the entrepreneur was awarded with the diploma.

Press Report

Press Report

With the adoption of the National Integration Program in Latvia has completed the three years long period. E.Aldermane, Naturalization Board Head says that this support of the government just means the beginning of hard work. But it needs financing that is still to be fight for. Therefore it is so important to adopt a law on Integration Fund. If the parliament members reject the draft law that is under discussion at the Saeima commissions, the implementation of the integration program would be hindered. Nevertheless Ms. Aldermane hopes that the financing will be found.

With the adoption of the National Integration Program in Latvia has completed the three years long period. E.Aldermane, Naturalization Board Head says that this support of the government just means the beginning of hard work. But it needs financing that is still to be fight for. Therefore it is so important to adopt a law on Integration Fund. If the parliament members reject the draft law that is under discussion at the Saeima commissions, the implementation of the integration program would be hindered. Nevertheless Ms. Aldermane hopes that the financing will be found. Diena

To increase their influence in Latvian local governments four outside government political parties Latvian Farmers Union, Latvian Democratic Party, Labor Party and Latvian Green Party agreed on cooperation after the local government election in as many local governments as possible, trying to get the upper hand there. The partners also consider an idea to register the elected deputies at the Riga City Council as one cooperation partner in the possible coalition. The four parties undertook not to criticize other political forces, but hey admit being in opposition to Latvian Way.

To increase their influence in Latvian local governments four outside government political parties Latvian Farmers Union, Latvian Democratic Party, Labor Party and Latvian Green Party agreed on cooperation after the local government election in as many local governments as possible, trying to get the upper hand there. The partners also consider an idea to register the elected deputies at the Riga City Council as one cooperation partner in the possible coalition. The four parties undertook not to criticize other political forces, but hey admit being in opposition to Latvian Way. Diena, Neatkariga

Prime Ministers of the Baltic States have arrived to Riga for their regular meeting. They are going to discuss future co-operation of these states with the USA, joining NATO, establishing a united power market. Prime Ministers will also evaluate easing of border crossings among all three countries.

Prime Ministers of the Baltic States have arrived to Riga for their regular meeting. They are going to discuss future co-operation of these states with the USA, joining NATO, establishing a united power market. Prime Ministers will also evaluate easing of border crossings among all three countries. Jauna Avize

Z.Katc in

Z.Katc in Respublika is not satisfied with the decision of the government to charge the Education Content and Examination Center of the Ministry of Education and Science to test persons state language proficiency level. So far it was easy for those who decided to take this test, they paid the fee and went to the local municipality to take the test. But these local examination commissions as if applied different demands and differently interpreted corresponding norms. From now such commissions will be only in Riga and Daugavpils. In Liepaja, Valmiera, Jelgava, Venspils and Rezekne will be stationed only coordinators who ill collect the information on applicants and, basing on these data commissions will be sent to the places with enough number of applicants.

Today Russian Council General V.Polyakov is leaving for Russia. He has been appointed to a new position. Yesterday he went on a farewell visits to Liepaja and Venspils, but already this evening the new Council will arrive. It will be Yu.Popov.

Today Russian Council General V.Polyakov is leaving for Russia. He has been appointed to a new position. Yesterday he went on a farewell visits to Liepaja and Venspils, but already this evening the new Council will arrive. It will be Yu.Popov. Chas

The newspaper

The newspaper Chas introduces its readers with one more political party – the Russian Party, its leaders and program. In its program the Russian Party promises all residents of Riga the right to elect and right to be elected in the Riga City Council, ensure all residents equal rights disregarding their citizenship, nationality and mother tongue.

The Union For Human Rights in United Latvia and Social Democrats start a historical court proceeding. They bring the state to the Constitutional Court for violation the rights of non-citizens due to discriminatory norms in the law on pensions. According to the present norms, valid already for 6 years, owners of violate passports may not record in their length of service years they worked outside the territory of Latvia. Therefore their pensions quite often are less that pensioners - Latvian citizens

The Union For Human Rights in United Latvia and Social Democrats start a historical court proceeding. They bring the state to the Constitutional Court for violation the rights of non-citizens due to discriminatory norms in the law on pensions. According to the present norms, valid already for 6 years, owners of violate passports may not record in their length of service years they worked outside the territory of Latvia. Therefore their pensions quite often are less that pensioners - Latvian citizens. Vesti Segodnya

Press Secretary of the European Integration Office R.Mihailovska informed that this organization has published in the Russian language four booklets on EU integration and related issues in the series “I and EU”. Booklets “I and EU”, “30 Questions and Answers”, “Common Market” and “Civic rights” are published with Swedish help.

Press Secretary of the European Integration Office R.Mihailovska informed that this organization has published in the Russian language four booklets on EU integration and related issues in the series I and EU. Booklets I and EU, 30 Questions and Answers, Common Market and Civic rights are published with Swedish help. Panorama Latvii

The newspaper

The newspaper Latvijas Vestnesis interviewed the Head of the Education Content and Examination Center of the Ministry of Education and Science M.Krastins about Centers activities and main tasks for this year. Mr.Krastins told that last year they were busy with improving content of education, by the end of February they have to prepare draft standards for subjects and sample syllabi. And a very important thing is the state language proficiency tests.

Press Report

Press Report

For People’s Party this local government election will be the first one, and in their election campaign they put emphasis on three “engines” - candidates for the post of Riga City Mayor: Former Minister of Economics E.Krastins, businesswoman S.Pika and MP J.Dalbins to replace the party leader A.Skele, whose rating has fallen very low.

For Peoples Party this local government election will be the first one, and in their election campaign they put emphasis on three engines - candidates for the post of Riga City Mayor: Former Minister of Economics E.Krastins, businesswoman S.Pika and MP J.Dalbins to replace the party leader A.Skele, whose rating has fallen very low. Diena

Speaking about the principles of preparing the next year budget, Minister of Finances G.Berzins expressed an opinion that it was possible that public organizations could be involved in this process to ensure an open and successful development of the budget.

Speaking about the principles of preparing the next year budget, Minister of Finances G.Berzins expressed an opinion that it was possible that public organizations could be involved in this process to ensure an open and successful development of the budget. Diena

The government of Great Britain will allocate 50 000 pounds for the National State Language Training Program this year. It is stipulated in the agreement concluded between GB and UNDP. This money will be used for improving the state language proficiency of unemployed persons, medical personnel, teachers, policemen and handicapped persons. Along with GB also the USA, Canada, Norway, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Sweden and other EU countries support the Program.

The government of Great Britain will allocate 50 000 pounds for the National State Language Training Program this year. It is stipulated in the agreement concluded between GB and UNDP. This money will be used for improving the state language proficiency of unemployed persons, medical personnel, teachers, policemen and handicapped persons. Along with GB also the USA, Canada, Norway, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Sweden and other EU countries support the Program. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna Avize, Lauku Avize, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnya

Yesterday Prime Minister A.Berzins, at the meeting with the President V.Vike-Freiberga announced that his government was as stable as never before. Meanwhile politicians started talking that at the end of last week the three coalition partners -People’s Party, Latvian Way and FF/LNNK had agreed on “eternal trust” for Latvian Way representative Berzins’s government. So People’s Party leader A.Skele would be able to privatize Latvian Shipping Company undisturbed, but FF/LNNK as a consolation prize was promised to have the post Riga City mayor.

Yesterday Prime Minister A.Berzins, at the meeting with the President V.Vike-Freiberga announced that his government was as stable as never before. Meanwhile politicians started talking that at the end of last week the three coalition partners -Peoples Party, Latvian Way and FF/LNNK had agreed on eternal trust for Latvian Way representative Berzinss government. So Peoples Party leader A.Skele would be able to privatize Latvian Shipping Company undisturbed, but FF/LNNK as a consolation prize was promised to have the post Riga City mayor. Neatkariga

Yesterday at the meeting of Minister of Finances G.Berzins and International Monetary Fund mission an agreement was reached that budget deficit in Latvia would not exceed 1.75% of GDP.

Yesterday at the meeting of Minister of Finances G.Berzins and International Monetary Fund mission an agreement was reached that budget deficit in Latvia would not exceed 1.75% of GDP. Neatkariga

MFA Press Secretary M.Riekstins, presenting the Year Book, published by the Latvian MFA, said that the Ministry wanted to sum up all the major events in the diplomatic service last year. The book contains several materials on the main foreign policy priorities – integration into EU and NATO, regional co-operation, relations with Russia and evaluation of historical heritage in Latvia.

MFA Press Secretary M.Riekstins, presenting the Year Book, published by the Latvian MFA, said that the Ministry wanted to sum up all the major events in the diplomatic service last year. The book contains several materials on the main foreign policy priorities – integration into EU and NATO, regional co-operation, relations with Russia and evaluation of historical heritage in Latvia. Neatkariga

Today Prime Ministers of the Baltic States are coming to Riga to discuss expansion of EU and the place of the Baltic States in it.

Today Prime Ministers of the Baltic States are coming to Riga to discuss expansion of EU and the place of the Baltic States in it. Neatkariga

Latvian President considers that Latvia has lately received “certain signs and announcements” that create a favorable atmosphere and give reasons to hope for improvement of bilateral relations between Latvia and Russia. As a sample was mentioned the visit of Latvian MPs to Moscow and a promise that Russian MPs could come to Latvia.

Latvian President considers that Latvia has lately received certain signs and announcements that create a favorable atmosphere and give reasons to hope for improvement of bilateral relations between Latvia and Russia. As a sample was mentioned the visit of Latvian MPs to Moscow and a promise that Russian MPs could come to Latvia. Neatkariga

A time has come to exchange several Latvian diplomats abroad, therefore a decision will be taken on new ambassadors. Yesterday the Saeima Commission supported recalling of O.Pavlovskis from Spain, J.Dripe from Sweden, N.Penke from UK and J.Priedkalns from UN. The Ministry has nominated the new ambassadors but their names have not been made public yet.

A time has come to exchange several Latvian diplomats abroad, therefore a decision will be taken on new ambassadors. Yesterday the Saeima Commission supported recalling of O.Pavlovskis from Spain, J.Dripe from Sweden, N.Penke from UK and J.Priedkalns from UN. The Ministry has nominated the new ambassadors but their names have not been made public yet. Neatkariga

Now the Latvian Consulate General in St.Petersburg, after its building suffered from the attack of vandals at the end of January, has 24 hours security.

Now the Latvian Consulate General in St.Petersburg, after its building suffered from the attack of vandals at the end of January, has 24 hours security. Neatkariga

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins thinks that Latvian – Russian relations have not been bad, just inactive. In an interview he stated that a proof for such a state were the facts that both countries had not signed agreements prepared long time ago, no meetings of state officials had taken place and the intergovernmental commission had not worked.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins thinks that Latvian – Russian relations have not been bad, just inactive. In an interview he stated that a proof for such a state were the facts that both countries had not signed agreements prepared long time ago, no meetings of state officials had taken place and the intergovernmental commission had not worked. Neatkariga

To point out the role of education in the process of public social integration and economical development of regions, President V.Vike-Freiberga went on a three-day visit to Rezekne and Ludza Regions. She started her visit with greeting the new citizens at the Rezekne office of the Naturalization Board. She also visited Polish School there, met with representatives of local governments and intellectuals.

To point out the role of education in the process of public social integration and economical development of regions, President V.Vike-Freiberga went on a three-day visit to Rezekne and Ludza Regions. She started her visit with greeting the new citizens at the Rezekne office of the Naturalization Board. She also visited Polish School there, met with representatives of local governments and intellectuals. Neatkariga

The proposal of Riga City Council faction For Human Rights in United Latvia to establish a Council of non-citizens caused different reaction among politicians. The leader of For Human Rights in United Latvia block J.Jurkans supports this idea because a two-community society is a reality in Latvia and the Council could help to unite the society. A.Seikts from Latvian Way says that if the goal of this council is to further a dialog then such a council is a positive thing, but if it is aimed to put forward political objections, then its life span would be short. J.Lagzdins from People’s Party sees in it just a regular trick of Rubiks’s pre-election campaign.

The proposal of Riga City Council faction For Human Rights in United Latvia to establish a Council of non-citizens caused different reaction among politicians. The leader of For Human Rights in United Latvia block J.Jurkans supports this idea because a two-community society is a reality in Latvia and the Council could help to unite the society. A.Seikts from Latvian Way says that if the goal of this council is to further a dialog then such a council is a positive thing, but if it is aimed to put forward political objections, then its life span would be short. J.Lagzdins from Peoples Party sees in it just a regular trick of Rubikss pre-election campaign. Lauku Avize

Asked about the idea to establish the Council of Non-citizens Riga City mayor A.Argalis said that if non-citizen residents of Riga wanted to be more actively involved in the political life of the city, they had a possibility to naturalize. All residents of Riga had equal possibilities to influence political processes in the city – all deputies regularly receive visitors, and 60 Riga City Council deputies represent both citizens and non-citizens.

Asked about the idea to establish the Council of Non-citizens Riga City mayor A.Argalis said that if non-citizen residents of Riga wanted to be more actively involved in the political life of the city, they had a possibility to naturalize. All residents of Riga had equal possibilities to influence political processes in the city – all deputies regularly receive visitors, and 60 Riga City Council deputies represent both citizens and non-citizens. Chas

A.Yelkin in

A.Yelkin in Vesti Segodnya writes about two companies that followed the call of left wingers to start a civic disobedience action. These companies put out their signboards only in the Russian language. Human Rights Committee G.Kotov handed the representatives of these companies a diploma for courage.

On January 23 the Cabinet of Ministers accepted a draft decree on the institutional change of system of testing state language proficiency. It stipulates that this function will be taken over from State Language Center by the Education Content and Examination Center of the Ministry of Education and Science. The Head of State Language Center Dz.Hirsa explains the necessity of this step.

On January 23 the Cabinet of Ministers accepted a draft decree on the institutional change of system of testing state language proficiency. It stipulates that this function will be taken over from State Language Center by the Education Content and Examination Center of the Ministry of Education and Science. The Head of State Language Center Dz.Hirsa explains the necessity of this step. Latvijas Vestnesis

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins gave a speech about different Latvian foreign policy aspects at an academic conference in Latvian University. Among other things he spoke about the State language law stating that the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel had greeted this law. I.Berzins told about the good cooperation between Latvian government and OSCE and CoE experts ensured conformity of this law to European standards. The fact that the civic disobedience campaign, called for by some opposition parties, failed proved that this law and its implementation regulations were democratic – people saw that this law did not effect their lives and did not limit their rights. The same situation was with so much discussed citizenship problem. The great number of applicants of Latvian citizenship proved the wish of Latvian residents to link their lives with Latvia.

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins gave a speech about different Latvian foreign policy aspects at an academic conference in Latvian University. Among other things he spoke about the State language law stating that the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel had greeted this law. I.Berzins told about the good cooperation between Latvian government and OSCE and CoE experts ensured conformity of this law to European standards. The fact that the civic disobedience campaign, called for by some opposition parties, failed proved that this law and its implementation regulations were democratic – people saw that this law did not effect their lives and did not limit their rights. The same situation was with so much discussed citizenship problem. The great number of applicants of Latvian citizenship proved the wish of Latvian residents to link their lives with Latvia. Latvijas Vestnesis