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.

 Press Report

Press Report

I.Mezs discusses the problem of non-citizens in Latvia. Already for some time you can find the latest statistical information about non-citizens in home pages of the Naturalisation Board (www.nb.gov.lv) and the DCMA (

I.Mezs discusses the problem of non-citizens in Latvia. Already for some time you can find the latest statistical information about non-citizens in home pages of the Naturalisation Board (www.nb.gov.lv) and the DCMA (www.pid.gov.lv). Quite recently the Prime Minister expressed an opinion that non-citizens could be granted the right of vote in municipal elections if the percentage of Latvian citizens reached 75%. Only a few people knew that it was not a distant future. According the latest information at the beginning of June 2000 the number of citizens reached 1776004 or 79.4% from 2 371 333 residents of Latvia. There are three main reasons for this rapid increase – emigration, demography and naturalisation. Diena

At the annual Baltic Region Security and Co-operation Conference Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga pointed out Latvia’s wish to join NATO as soon as possible.

At the annual Baltic Region Security and Co-operation Conference Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga pointed out Latvias wish to join NATO as soon as possible. Diena, Respublika

With a small majority of voted the Saeima adopted the proposal to establish a possibility to get back the mandate of a municipal deputy for government members and MPs after their term in the government or Saeima has expired.

With a small majority of voted the Saeima adopted the proposal to establish a possibility to get back the mandate of a municipal deputy for government members and MPs after their term in the government or Saeima has expired. Diena, Neatkariga

On Saturday will take place 32nd congress of Latvian Social Democrats.

On Saturday will take place 32nd congress of Latvian Social Democrats. Neatkariga interviewed the Chairman of the Partys Saeima faction E.Baldzens. Speaking about their nearest future plans, E.Baldzens said that they planned to be in the new government. When the journalist asked to say something more about this new government, the Chairman answered that he could not say when it would be established, who would form it, but Social Democrats were ready to support a candidate from FF/LNNK.

MFA State Secretary M.Riekstins so far abstained from commenting the statement of Lithuanian Prime Minister on the Latvian – Lithuanian sea border agreement. The State Secretary said that the Ministry wanted to wait until Lithuanian MFA would ask for official explanation.

MFA State Secretary M.Riekstins so far abstained from commenting the statement of Lithuanian Prime Minister on the Latvian – Lithuanian sea border agreement. The State Secretary said that the Ministry wanted to wait until Lithuanian MFA would ask for official explanation. Neatkariga

At the annual meeting of Latvian ambassadors Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins pointed out the role of diplomats in achieving foreign policy goals. The m thought that those goals could be achieved by clearly defining foreign policy priorities and realising what should be done in the internal policy of Latvia.

At the annual meeting of Latvian ambassadors Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins pointed out the role of diplomats in achieving foreign policy goals. The m thought that those goals could be achieved by clearly defining foreign policy priorities and realising what should be done in the internal policy of Latvia. Respublika, Vesti Segodnya

Today in Pskov take place a meeting of Russian and Latvian experts to discuss the border crossing procedures for frontier residents. The previous agreement expired on October 19, and now these people need visa to cross the border.

Today in Pskov take place a meeting of Russian and Latvian experts to discuss the border crossing procedures for frontier residents. The previous agreement expired on October 19, and now these people need visa to cross the border. Respublika

The Chairman of Human Rights Commission A.Seiksts participated in a conference on the situation of Russian speakers in the post –Soviet areas. The newspaper

The Chairman of Human Rights Commission A.Seiksts participated in a conference on the situation of Russian speakers in the post –Soviet areas. The newspaper Chas interviewed one of the participants from the Russian party M.Lazutova and she said that the Latvian MP instead of talking about problems started to share Latvian experience in the process of naturalisation.

“To study in the mother tongue” This is the title of a conference organised by the Association of schools with the Russian language as the language of tuition that will take place today. The organisers call parents of their students to achieve the right for their children to study in their mother tongue.

To study in the mother tongue This is the title of a conference organised by the Association of schools with the Russian language as the language of tuition that will take place today. The organisers call parents of their students to achieve the right for their children to study in their mother tongue. Chas

On September 1 when the Russian speaking first graders came to Tukums School No 3 that is a Russian speaking school they found out that they had to study in the Latvian language. One of the first classes was turned into a bilingual class. And there was no such subject in the curriculum as the Russian language.

On September 1 when the Russian speaking first graders came to Tukums School No 3 that is a Russian speaking school they found out that they had to study in the Latvian language. One of the first classes was turned into a bilingual class. And there was no such subject in the curriculum as the Russian language. Chas

Last week the only Byelorussian elementary school in Latvia was under the danger of closure. The Head of the Riga City School Council explained that this was a municipal school and self cost of one student there was 400 Ls per month when in other schools it was only 100 Ls. Th school receives some financing from Byelorussian government but that was not enough. Now the school and the Council have to find some compromise. But the title of this article is “Problems of Byelorussians may face Russians”.

Last week the only Byelorussian elementary school in Latvia was under the danger of closure. The Head of the Riga City School Council explained that this was a municipal school and self cost of one student there was 400 Ls per month when in other schools it was only 100 Ls. Th school receives some financing from Byelorussian government but that was not enough. Now the school and the Council have to find some compromise. But the title of this article is Problems of Byelorussians may face Russians. Chas