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.

• Discussions on usage of state language in media
• President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers about 16 March and 9 May
• Vesti Segodnya prints an article about asylum seekers reception centre Mucenieki
• Latvijas Avize prints an article about elaboration of the draft guidelines on national integration policy
• Ukrainian girl without permission to stay in Latvia detained in the centre of Riga

Yesterday, the Saeima Human Rights and Social Affairs Committee and the President’s State Language Commission discussed usage of state language in mass media. Members of the President’s Commission as well as MPs consider that the Law on Electronic Media should determine not only establishment, registration and work of mass media but also ensure stability and development of state language. For instance, the MPs consider that news broadcasts in foreign languages on public TV channels should obligatory be with subtitles in Latvian language. Members of the President’s Commission believe that state officials, especially ministers and deputies should speak to journalists only in Latvian language thus testifying that meaning of state language and its integrative role.

Yesterday, the Saeima Human Rights and Social Affairs Committee and the Presidents State Language Commission discussed usage of state language in mass media. Members of the Presidents Commission as well as MPs consider that the Law on Electronic Media should determine not only establishment, registration and work of mass media but also ensure stability and development of state language. For instance, the MPs consider that news broadcasts in foreign languages on public TV channels should obligatory be with subtitles in Latvian language. Members of the Presidents Commission believe that state officials, especially ministers and deputies should speak to journalists only in Latvian language thus testifying that meaning of state language and its integrative role. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Diena

The President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers does not object events in honour of Latvian Waffen SS legionnaires on 16 March (unofficial commemoration day), but at the same time, the President considers that Latvian soldiers fallen for Latvia should be commemorated on the official commemoration day on 11 November. The President also believes that celebrations of 9 May (Victory Day or end of the WWII celebrated in Soviet times and presently in Russia) should not be associated with beginning of Latvia’s occupation by Soviet Union.

The President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers does not object events in honour of Latvian Waffen SS legionnaires on 16 March (unofficial commemoration day), but at the same time, the President considers that Latvian soldiers fallen for Latvia should be commemorated on the official commemoration day on 11 November. The President also believes that celebrations of 9 May (Victory Day or end of the WWII celebrated in Soviet times and presently in Russia) should not be associated with beginning of Latvias occupation by Soviet Union. Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Vesti Segodnya prints an article about asylum seekers reception centre Mucenieki. Newspaper interviews asylum seekers from various countries who live in Mucenieki in expectation of decision on granting the of status of asylum seeker. Presently, there are 52 persons living in the centre.

Latvijas Avize prints an article about elaboration of the draft guidelines on national integration policy. According to the newspaper, it is positive that the draft guidelines, presently elaborated by the Ministry of Justice, concentrate on ethnic integration and integration of non-citizens. At the same time, the newspaper criticizes that there is lack of such basic principles as state language and loyalty towards the country.

Chas reports that a 17-year-old Ukrainian girl who did not have permission to stay in Latvia was detained in the centre of Riga. The girl was placed in the centre for illegal immigrants in Olaine.