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.

• The minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia asks the EU to confirm its stance on the recent statements of Russia
• Ten MPs propose to dismiss Martjan Bekasov from the post of observer to the European Parliament
• Vaira Vike-Freiberga disagrees with Aivars Lembergs opinion on the education reform
• Adviser to the Latvias President on Legislationrepliesto Jakov Pliners letter
• Boris Tsilevitch about the impact of the EU accession on ethnic situation in Latvia
• About the conference Post-communist transformation and democratization process in Latvia. 1987-2003

The minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Sandra Kalniete has asked the Italian Presidency of the Council of the EU to include an issue of recent statements of Russia into agenda of the next meeting of the ministers of foreign affairs. Last week, Russia has stated that Latvia’s joining to the Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between the EU and Russia may be dependent on satisfying Russia’s claims in the area of minority rights. Latvia has asked the Italian Presidency to confirm that the Agreement applies to new EU members automatically.

The minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Sandra Kalniete has asked the Italian Presidency of the Council of the EU to include an issue of recent statements of Russia into agenda of the next meeting of the ministers of foreign affairs. Last week, Russia has stated that Latvias joining to the Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between the EU and Russia may be dependent on satisfying Russias claims in the area of minority rights. Latvia has asked the Italian Presidency to confirm that the Agreement applies to new EU members automatically. Diena

Ten MPs from the ruling parties and the People’s Party have prepared a draft resolution on the dismissal of the Latvian Socialist party MP  Martjan Bekasov from the post of an observer to the European Parliament, after Bekasov has distributed a letter about minority discrimination in Latvia in the European Parliament..

Ten MPs from the ruling parties and the Peoples Party have prepared a draft resolution on the dismissal of the Latvian Socialist party MP Martjan Bekasov from the post of an observer to the European Parliament, after Bekasov has distributed a letter about minority discrimination in Latvia in the European Parliament.. Telegraf, Chas

The Official Gazette prints the text of the President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freibergas interview to Latvian TV. The President disagrees with the Ventspils mayor Aivars Lembergs, who considers education reform to be an obstacle for successful cooperation between Latvia and Russia. According to the President, education reform is not a crucial factor in relationship between the states.

Vesty Segodnya features an article by the FHRUL MP Nikolay Kabanov about the reply received by the head of the FHRUL Jakov Pliner to his letter to the Latvias President on the education reform. Presidents Adviser on Legislation Sandra Kukule writes that, the President and the Presidents Chancery will continue to pay close attention to minority education and societal integration issues, as well as continue to visit minority schools in order to listen to all opinions. Nikolay Kabanov argues that the President has not really started an open dialog with the opponents of the reform.

Jauna Avize prints an interview with the MP from the Peoples Harmony Party Boris Tsilevitch about the impact of Latvias accession to the EU on minority situation. He believes that ethnic Latvians will face a bigger competition in education and labor market, since the ethnical composition of Latvian society will become more heterogeneous.

Vechernaya Riga reports on the recent conference Post-communist transformation and democratization process in Latvia. 1987-2003.