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

Latvian parliament speaker Janis Straume at the talks with US ambassador to Latvia on Tuesday thanked the US president and administration on their consistent and strong position as regards NATO enlargement. The US is convinced about the need to close the OSCE mission in Latvia as all the organisation’s guidelines have been fulfilled, said Carlson. Nevertheless, it is important for Latvian to achieve improvements in social and political areas, in particular in history studies, public integration and prevention of corruption. The US ambassador again expressed his approval of the Latvian president's suggestion to amend the election law and the discussion opened over the need to lift the top-level Latvian language proficiency requirement to candidates in general elections.

Latvian parliament speaker Janis Straume at the talks with US ambassador to Latvia on Tuesday thanked the US president and administration on their consistent and strong position as regards NATO enlargement. The US is convinced about the need to close the OSCE mission in Latvia as all the organisations guidelines have been fulfilled, said Carlson. Nevertheless, it is important for Latvian to achieve improvements in social and political areas, in particular in history studies, public integration and prevention of corruption. The US ambassador again expressed his approval of the Latvian president's suggestion to amend the election law and the discussion opened over the need to lift the top-level Latvian language proficiency requirement to candidates in general elections. BNS, Latvijas Vestnesis

Latvia's Way party faction in opposition on the Riga City Council demands that Riga mayor should explain the procedure for signing co-operation agreement with Moscow. Latvia's Way faction has sent an inquiry to Riga mayor Gundars Bojars, asking him to explain the relevant procedure. Under the mayor's orders concerning record-keeping, the agreement has to be accompanied by the city council resolution forming the basis for signing it but the council never got to examine the Riga-Moscow co-operation agreement.

Latvia's Way party faction in opposition on the Riga City Council demands that Riga mayor should explain the procedure for signing co-operation agreement with Moscow. Latvia's Way faction has sent an inquiry to Riga mayor Gundars Bojars, asking him to explain the relevant procedure. Under the mayor's orders concerning record-keeping, the agreement has to be accompanied by the city council resolution forming the basis for signing it but the council never got to examine the Riga-Moscow co-operation agreement. BNS

The head of European Commission delegation to Latvia, Gunter Weiss, said co-operation with Latvian authorities had been constructive and beneficial for both parties Weiss made this statement during his farewell visit to Latvian parliament speaker Janis Straume on Tuesday, reported the Latvian parliament press service.

The head of European Commission delegation to Latvia, Gunter Weiss, said co-operation with Latvian authorities had been constructive and beneficial for both parties Weiss made this statement during his farewell visit to Latvian parliament speaker Janis Straume on Tuesday, reported the Latvian parliament press service. BNS

Riga mayor Gundars Bojars will Dec. 12 head for Moscow where he and Moscow mayor Yury Luzhkov on Dec. 14 are expected to sign agreement between the two cities on co-operation in trade, economy, science and culture.

Riga mayor Gundars Bojars will Dec. 12 head for Moscow where he and Moscow mayor Yury Luzhkov on Dec. 14 are expected to sign agreement between the two cities on co-operation in trade, economy, science and culture. Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

If the Baltic countries enter NATO, "a reaction could follow" from Russia, which, however, will "by no means will be forceful," Russian Duma Chairman Gennady Seleznev commented during his visit to Beijing. Seleznev stressed that this view is shared by President Vladimir Putin. Both officials see no need for NATO to expand eastward any further.

If the Baltic countries enter NATO, "a reaction could follow" from Russia, which, however, will "by no means will be forceful," Russian Duma Chairman Gennady Seleznev commented during his visit to Beijing. Seleznev stressed that this view is shared by President Vladimir Putin. Both officials see no need for NATO to expand eastward any further. LETA, Chas

43.2 percent of Latvia’s people positive about the European Union. A poll by SKDS, European Integration Bureau and the State Chancellery, carried out this past November, shows that 43.2 percent would vote for Latvia’s accession to the EU if the referendum was held in November (up from 42.7 percent in August), 31.2 percent would vote against (up from 30.7 percent in August), 25.6 percent could not say (26.6 percent in August). Most people said that they would vote for joining the EU, as entering the EU would ensure Latvia's economic growth, EU membership will make Latvia a part of Europe, and there will be more opportunities to obtain a good education. Those who said that they would vote against Latvia's entry into the EU said that it threatens Latvia's national economy, Latvia will lose its independence, and also because EU presses its interests on its member countries. Whereas a poll of businessmen carried out by Dienas Bizness shows that almost one half of 240 questioned businessmen would vote for Latvia’s entry into the EU. DB concludes that the number of EU supporters among businessmen is the largest than among Latvia’s residents.

43.2 percent of Latvias people positive about the European Union. A poll by SKDS, European Integration Bureau and the State Chancellery, carried out this past November, shows that 43.2 percent would vote for Latvias accession to the EU if the referendum was held in November (up from 42.7 percent in August), 31.2 percent would vote against (up from 30.7 percent in August), 25.6 percent could not say (26.6 percent in August). Most people said that they would vote for joining the EU, as entering the EU would ensure Latvia's economic growth, EU membership will make Latvia a part of Europe, and there will be more opportunities to obtain a good education. Those who said that they would vote against Latvia's entry into the EU said that it threatens Latvia's national economy, Latvia will lose its independence, and also because EU presses its interests on its member countries. Whereas a poll of businessmen carried out by Dienas Bizness shows that almost one half of 240 questioned businessmen would vote for Latvias entry into the EU. DB concludes that the number of EU supporters among businessmen is the largest than among Latvias residents. Neatkariga

Politicians differ on President Vaira Vike-Freiberga’s support for general presidential elections. Romualds Razuks, the head of the Latvian delegation to the Baltic Assembly, believes that a serious debate is required, however, such major changes are inadvisable ahead of Latvia’s entry into the EU and NATO. Aivars Borovkovs, the head of the Latvian Lawyers’ Union, believes that the president’s statement is linked with her wish to be elected for a second term of office. NRA says that this would also mean significant amendments to the Constitution, working out such amendments could take several years.

Politicians differ on President Vaira Vike-Freibergas support for general presidential elections. Romualds Razuks, the head of the Latvian delegation to the Baltic Assembly, believes that a serious debate is required, however, such major changes are inadvisable ahead of Latvias entry into the EU and NATO. Aivars Borovkovs, the head of the Latvian Lawyers Union, believes that the presidents statement is linked with her wish to be elected for a second term of office. NRA says that this would also mean significant amendments to the Constitution, working out such amendments could take several years. Neatkariga

On November 28 took place the 2nd Latvian Society European Affairs forum. One of the three discussion topics was the situation of national minorities in Latvia. The discussion was based on the recently published report Protection of minorities by B.Kolchanov from the research institute Baltic Insight. All participants were positive about the fact of preparong this report and acknowledged that the collected information and conclusions could be seen as a professional alternative opinion but there was also criticism on the methodology, conclusions and recommendations. MFA representative J.Mazeiks evaluated this research as a good and professional work but he did not agree with the used methodology, i.e. that the subjects of comparison were different ethnic groups – Russian-speakers in Latvia and Estonia, but in the rest of the candidate states – Romany people.

Latvijas Vestnesis

The main topics of the discussion organised by EU Information Centre Integration – ideals and delusions what is integration, how we understand it and how to realise it. This topic has been widely discussed lately in Latvia, but very often it is understood as integration of non-Latvians into Latvian society and therefore these people have to make the major effort. Dr. A.Kleckins pointed out that integration should go from both directions an said that the existing ethnic disintegration is just a small part of this problem, the major one is the gap between the state power and nation.

Latvijas Vestnesis

Panorama Latvii

published comments on the interview MP from FF/LNNK faction J.Dobelis gave to the Latvian Radio. Mr.Dobelis attacked his colleague from For Human Rights in United Latvia faction B.Cilevich saying that he and other deputies like him work in the interests of certain groups to decrease the political power of the Latvian nation.

In the editorial of the newspaper Chas L.Fedoseyev writes about the future of the OSCE Mission to Latvia and the contradictory opinions on this issue by Latvian and Russian authorities. He asks - what would change in Latvia if the Mission were closed? From the point of view of immediate profit for Latvian people – nothing. There is no danger of immediate outbreak of a civil war. But the presence or closure of the Mission is just a signal shoving international attitude towards Latvia, especially before EU and NATO expansion.

E.Chuyanova writes about the Estonian national minority policy from the point of view of Russian-speakers. These people consider that all the latest achievements by Estonian authorities concerning the language issues are oriented for export. Is was clearly stated by the Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs who, speaking about the amendments to the election laws said, We need this law to close the OSCE Mission and increase the prestige of our country in the world. Chas