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.

Nov. 27, 2014

  • Annual conference "Jews in the changing world" has taken place in Riga
  • Kraslava residents believe pro-Russian attitude is created by the statesmen’s long-term indifference and incitement of ethnic hatred
  • Vesti Segodnya: public figures are scaring the society with "Russian threat" 

Annual conference "Jews in the changing world" has taken place in Riga. Historians, researchers and representatives of Jewish diaspora discussed topical problems of the world, such as new raise of anti-Semitism, Islamic fundamentalism, xenophobia etc.), as well as recalled the history of Latvia – 73 years has passed since the beginning of mass extermination of Jews in November 1941. There are nearly 9,000 Jews in Latvia today. Vesti Segodnya 

Diena journalist interviewed residents of Kraslava (city close to border with Byelorussia). According to the journalist, there is certain "stubbornness" towards Riga, feeling that Riga takes everything – "jobs, opportunities, state money and the EU money" – and Latgale get only if there are leftovers. Several residents admitted they would not object if Latgale would join Russia. Kraslava residents believe pro-Russian attitude is created by the statesmen’s long-term indifference and incitement of ethnic hatred. One resident complained that after independence she was declared "non-citizen". Among more than 30 people interviewed in Kraslava, none encountered any pro-Russian or anti-state agitators. Four residents heard rumours, including from the media. The journalist also visited local Russian school Varaviksne ("Rainbow"). The schools’ director insists the school regularly conducts activities to increase patriotism and knowledge of culture among the students. The director also denies allegation that the school received donation from the opposition party and stresses that the alleged money was state funding. 

Editorial in Vesti Segodnya believes that following events in Ukraine some public figures (experts, politicians, researchers) are scaring the society with "Russian threat". The editorial believes Russian Federation would not interfere in Latvia, because, unlike in Ukraine, there was no coup d’etat in Latvia. The newspaper suggests consolidation of society would be promoted if the government improves social economic situation, guarantees accessibility of education in native language, streamlines naturalisation.

 

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