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

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a letter to Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, agreeing with her that Russian-Latvian relations need improvement and "their potential is far from exhausted." Putin wrote to Vike-Freiberga in a response to her message following the meeting between the two presidents in Austria in February.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a letter to Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, agreeing with her that Russian-Latvian relations need improvement and "their potential is far from exhausted." Putin wrote to Vike-Freiberga in a response to her message following the meeting between the two presidents in Austria in February.

Russia and Latvia should be very careful about each other's interests and concerns, considering the fact that the majority of the problems that Russia is constantly pointing out to the Latvian administration still need to be solved, the Russian president wrote. In this context, Putin pointed out the necessity of improving the situation that emerged after Riga made a decision to denounce the agreement on the transit of Russian citizens through Latvian territory by train. Latvia said the move was based on the European Union (EU) requirements. Moreover, it is not known yet when the agreement will be annulled. In closing, Putin expressed his confidence that "cardinal changes in the issues that concern Russia and our compatriots in Latvia will become a powerful starting signal for the development and deepening of the entire complex of Russian-Latvian relations."

Russia and Latvia should be very careful about each other's interests and concerns, considering the fact that the majority of the problems that Russia is constantly pointing out to the Latvian administration still need to be solved, the Russian president wrote. In this context, Putin pointed out the necessity of improving the situation that emerged after Riga made a decision to denounce the agreement on the transit of Russian citizens through Latvian territory by train. Latvia said the move was based on the European Union (EU) requirements. Moreover, it is not known yet when the agreement will be annulled. In closing, Putin expressed his confidence that "cardinal changes in the issues that concern Russia and our compatriots in Latvia will become a powerful starting signal for the development and deepening of the entire complex of Russian-Latvian relations." Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

In East part of Latvia – Latgale – Daugavpil’s City Naturalisation Board organised a conference “Experience of Towns and Rural Districts in Solving Integration Problems”. In Latgale 40% non-citizens have not exploited all possibilities to learn the language. Lack of integration roots in the lack of mutual trust and social resources.

In East part of Latvia – Latgale – Daugavpils City Naturalisation Board organised a conference Experience of Towns and Rural Districts in Solving Integration Problems. In Latgale 40% non-citizens have not exploited all possibilities to learn the language. Lack of integration roots in the lack of mutual trust and social resources. Neatkariga.

Friday the Government did not give its approval to the framework document of ID cards. Ministers considered that the issue concerning the changes in place of residency registration in regard to ID cards has not been developed accurately enough. The concept will be reviewed again in two weeks.

Friday the Government did not give its approval to the framework document of ID cards. Ministers considered that the issue concerning the changes in place of residency registration in regard to ID cards has not been developed accurately enough. The concept will be reviewed again in two weeks. Neatkariga, Jauna

Friday Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry issued the statement in regard to the essay contest for Latvian students announced by publishing house “Vieda”. MoFA states that “the fact that Latvian authorities did not react to such discriminating actions towards Russians is a prove to the lack of their political will to improve Latvian Russian relations in practice”.

Friday Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry issued the statement in regard to the essay contest for Latvian students announced by publishing house Vieda. MoFA states that the fact that Latvian authorities did not react to such discriminating actions towards Russians is a prove to the lack of their political will to improve Latvian Russian relations in practice. Chas

The conference “Small Language in XXI Century Europe” took place in Riga. Russian newspaper

The conference Small Language in XXI Century Europe took place in Riga. Russian newspaper Chas informs that the Russian language was not considered as a small language in Latvia and that was a surprise for international guests of the conference.

Chas

interviews Deputy Head of the Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs J.Lejins. The main discussion subjects were in regard to immigrants, what would happen when Latvia joins the EU, introduction of ID cards. interviews Deputy Head of the Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs J.Lejins. The main discussion subjects were in regard to immigrants, what would happen when Latvia joins the EU, introduction of ID cards.