Integration monitor
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.
Dec. 29, 2008
- Political scientist Ivars Ijabs anticipates increase of radicalism
- Orthodox Christmas will not be officially celebrated in 2009
- Interview with representatives of Secretariat of the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration
In the interview with Chas, political scientist Ivars Ijabs stated that he anticipates increased radicalisation and growing strength of nationalists. He mentioned that political party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK (TB/LNNK) recently launched ridiculous TV advertisement, where a Russian couple refuses to buy Christmas tree when they find out that tree is from Latvia. Also Head of Peoples party and Minister of Interior Mareks Seglins said that he will not speak Russian anymore. Chas
After a discussion about adding Orthodox Christmas to Latvian calendar a new discussion started on how two extra holidays can harm Latvian economy. It is unlikely that Orthodox Christmas will be officially celebrated in 2009. Telegraf
Latvijas Avize interviewed representatives of the Secretariat of the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration (Secretariat) - Deniss Hanovs, Director of National Minority Affairs Department and Aleksandra Rostovceva, Senior Officer of National Minorty Coordination Unit about the results of the Secretariats work, ethnic minority NGOs, radicalism, political criticism and the institutional reform. Deniss Hanovs said that it doesnt matter how the next institution will be called, the most important thing is to continue the work of the Secretariat. Latvijas Avize