Integration monitor is a daily Latvian press digest on ethnic minority and society integration issues. The Monitor reviews the biggest Latvian dailies: Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga (in Latvian language), Vesti Segodnya (in Russian language). In specific cases other information sources are used. Latvian Centre for Human Rights is not responsible for information published by the media.

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.