7 February, 2009

130,960 persons were granted Latvian citizenship through naturalisation since 1995

130,960 persons were granted Latvian citizenship through naturalisation since the procedure was launched in 1995. According to the Naturalisation Board, despite hard economic situation in the country, number of applicants for naturalisation has grown this year. Vesti Segodnya

9 February, 2009

220th anniversary of establishment of first Russian school in Latvia.

In an interview with Chas, political scientist Iveta Kazoka states that ethnic Latvian part of society is ready to accept Russian parties in the government. Ms. Kazoka believes that Russian parties successfully work in municipalities, while, ratings of nationalistic parties drop. Iveta Kazoka also believes participation of Russian parties in the government would increase competition among parties and promote democracy.

According to a study “Teaching of Contradictory XX Century History Issues in Latvian Schools. Evaluation of Situation” conducted with the support of the Soros Foundation –Latvia, only 26% of students of Russian language schools consider that content of history books is objective, as compared with 65% of students of Latvian language schools. 62% of students of Russian language schools positively evaluate Soviet times in Latvia, while, majority of students of Latvian language schools evaluate Soviet times negatively. 62 % of students of Latvian language schools consider that Soviet troops in 1945 occupied Latvia, while, in Russian schools only 5 % agree with such statement and 65% consider that Soviet troops liberated Latvia. Vesti Segodnya (7.02) Latvijas Avize

For further information:

Latvian Centre for Human Rights