News:

 Tatyana Zdanoka scored the highest ranking among Latvian MEPs in terms of promoting democracy

Independent think tank Open Europe has published a ranking of all 785 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), scoring their record on promoting transparency, democracy and reform in the European Union over the last five-year term. Tatyana Zdanoka scored the highest ranking among Latvian MEPs. She is in the 45th place out of 785. Vesty Segodnya

1 June, 2009

 Interview with the Member of the President’s Commission on language Mrs. Dzintra Hirsa

NGO Afrolatvian association „Afrolat” celebrated 46th Africa Day. Vesty Segodnya reports that around 40 persons with African background live in Latvia permanently. The celebration also coincided with the 5th anniversary of the organisation “Afrolat”.

Latvia’s new ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Russia, Edgars Skuja presented letters of accreditation to the President of Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev. Mr. Medvedev informed Mr. Skuja that he is looking forward to constructive and friendly dialogue with Latvia, yet he also reminded that the situation of Russia’s compatriots in Latvia is still a priority in the communication between the two countries. Vesty Segodnya

Vesty Segodnya interviewed the Member of the President’s State Language Commission Mrs. Dzintra Hirsa on the importance of Latvian language. Mrs. Hirsa believes that when the authorities are reducing the number of schools in order to save the state funds, schools with Russian language of instruction could be transformed into schools with Latvian language of instruction in districts with Russian-speaking majority. Mrs. Hirsa alleges that some people are speaking Russian even if they are fluent in Latvian and claims that in Latvia, the only method to make people to learn the State language is to put pressure on them. Vesty Segodnya

For further information:

Latvian Centre for Human Rights