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.

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

• Lauku Avize
interviews Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Sandra Kalniete
• Prime Minister Einars Repse supports the idea to mark January 7 – Orthodox Christmas – an official celebration day
• Russian governments statement regarding Latvia
• Panorama Latvii
about OSCE HCNM Rolf Ekeus visit to Riga

Lauku Avize

interviews Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Sandra Kalniete. Regarding relations between Russia and Latvia she says that relations between the two countries are not so hopeless and that co-operation is very active. She stresses that her personal contacts with the Russian ambassador are very pleasant. Regarding ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, Kalniete says that her stance towards ratification is more cautious than the stance of Nils Muiznieks and it would be strange if Muiznieks would have been against Latvias ratification of the Convention. Kalniete notes that during her discussions with OSCE HCNM Rolf Ekeus about ratification of the Convention she stressed that before the Convention is adopted by the Saeima a thorough discussion about ratification is needed in society. Vesti Segodnya

Prime Minister Einars Repse supports the idea of the Latvian First Party to mark January 7 – Orthodox Christmas – an official celebration day. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Russian Presidents advisor Sergey Yastrzembskiy stated that Moscow hopes that the situation of Russian-speakers will improve after the Baltic States join NATO. Vesti Segodnya

Panorama Latvii

comments on the visit of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus. The newspaper states that the Latvian Government pretended that the High Commissioner was satisfied with the situation and provided such information to the press.