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

Diena

provides discussion whether non-citizens should be given the rights to vote at municipal elections. Latvian politicians and political scientists do not share a common opinion on the issue – a part thinks that if non-citizens are given the rights the tempo of naturalisation would decrease significantly, the other part considers that it would foster civic involvement and it would make big Latvian parties to start to communicate with till now the alienated part of society – non-citizens. Political scientist N.Muiznieks, who is for the idea, provides his opinion on the matter – this is experience of many European countries, as well as our neighbouring country Estonia. Their practice shows that thus the interest of citizens toward non-citizens grows, as well as it fosters understanding among different national minorities. The study Towards a Civic Society confirms that non-citizens want to have rights to vote at municipal election, as well as 44% citizens agree with that. Political scientist A.Pabriks is of opposite opinion. His main argument is that by giving non-citizens these rights, their motivation to get naturalised becomes very weak. Naturalisation Board head E.Aldermane is also against giving the rights to non-citizens at this moment, as according to the study 59% non-citizens are not planning to naturalise because of poor Latvian language skills and if they are not able to understand the candidate, then by voting they express probably not their own will but somebodys else, says Aldermane. In regard about the possible choice of non-citizens at elections N.Muiznieks sharply criticises Latvian parties about their ignorance towards non-citizens and national minorities in general. However, all inquired persons agreed upon the necessity to build one unified society in Latvia. provides discussion whether non-citizens should be given the rights to vote at municipal elections. Latvian politicians and political scientists do not share a common opinion on the issue – a part thinks that if non-citizens are given the rights the tempo of naturalisation would decrease significantly, the other part considers that it would foster civic involvement and it would make big Latvian parties to start to communicate with till now the alienated part of society – non-citizens. Political scientist N.Muiznieks, who is for the idea, provides his opinion on the matter – “this is experience of many European countries, as well as our neighbouring country Estonia. Their practice shows that thus the interest of citizens toward non-citizens grows, as well as it fosters understanding among different national minorities”. The study “Towards a Civic Society” confirms that non-citizens want to have rights to vote at municipal election, as well as 44% citizens agree with that. Political scientist A.Pabriks is of opposite opinion. His main argument is that by giving non-citizens these rights, their motivation to get naturalised becomes very weak. Naturalisation Board head E.Aldermane is also against giving the rights to non-citizens at this moment, as according to the study 59% non-citizens are not planning to naturalise because of poor Latvian language skills and if they are not able to understand the candidate, then by voting they express probably not their own will but somebody’s else, says Aldermane. In regard about the possible choice of non-citizens at elections N.Muiznieks sharply criticises Latvian parties about their ignorance towards non-citizens and national minorities in general. However, all inquired persons agreed upon the necessity to build one unified society in Latvia.

Diena

writes about the National Human Rights Office work as the term in office of the current director of Latvian National Human Rights Office O.Bruvers comes to an end. The assessment of O.Bruvers work is rather contradicting. Prime Minister A.Berzins has asked coalition parties to name their candidates for the post of NHRO within this week, up till now the only name announced in public is O.Bruvers and he himself has confirmed that he would be ready to continue his work. However, it has given the ground for the supporters of the idea to establish ombudsman institution in Latvia promote their idea more actively. One of the most active supporters is J.Dreifeld, the head of presidential working group that developed conceptual paper on ombudsman institution in Latvia. According to unofficial sources, he could be the candidate named by President V.Vike-Freiberga. Diena also gives a look back to the scandals within NHRO and biography of O.Bruvers. writes about the National Human Rights Office work as the term in office of the current director of Latvian National Human Rights Office O.Bruvers comes to an end. The assessment of O.Bruvers work is rather contradicting. Prime Minister A.Berzins has asked coalition parties to name their candidates for the post of NHRO within this week, up till now the only name announced in public is O.Bruvers and he himself has confirmed that he would be ready to continue his work. However, it has given the ground for the supporters of the idea to establish ombudsman institution in Latvia promote their idea more actively. One of the most active supporters is J.Dreifeld, the head of presidential working group that developed conceptual paper on ombudsman institution in Latvia. According to unofficial sources, he could be the candidate named by President V.Vike-Freiberga. Diena also gives a look back to the scandals within NHRO and biography of O.Bruvers. The OSCE Mission to Latvia head P.Semneby and Latvian foreign minister I.Berzins discussed the successful course of fulfilling Mission’s tasks during their yesterday’s meeting. P.Semneby informed foreign minister about experts’ work at developing proposals on strengthening the role of NHRO, on OSCE co-operation with the State language Centre, as well as the projects implemented by the OSCE Mission to Latvia regarding providing information to public on integration and naturalisation issues.

The OSCE Mission to Latvia head P.Semneby and Latvian foreign minister I.Berzins discussed the successful course of fulfilling Missions tasks during their yesterdays meeting. P.Semneby informed foreign minister about experts work at developing proposals on strengthening the role of NHRO, on OSCE co-operation with the State language Centre, as well as the projects implemented by the OSCE Mission to Latvia regarding providing information to public on integration and naturalisation issues. Neatkariga

Latvijas Vestnesis

interviews DCMA head M.Bichevskis about the implementation of ID cards in Latvia. M.Bichevskis explains why it is necessary to introduce ID cards, about the experience of Estonia, the application of electronic ID cards and the gains for the country after the cards are introduced. As one of the main problems concerning ID card introduction DCMA head mentions Latvian practice to make a stamp in the passport confirming persons participation at elections, therefore, the implementation of ID cards could be launched in 2002 just after 8th Saeima election. interviews DCMA head M.Bichevskis about the implementation of ID cards in Latvia. M.Bichevskis explains why it is necessary to introduce ID cards, about the experience of Estonia, the application of electronic ID cards and the gains for the country after the cards are introduced. As one of the main problems concerning ID card introduction DCMA head mentions Latvian practice to make a stamp in the passport confirming person’s participation at elections, therefore, the implementation of ID cards could be launched in 2002 just after 8th Saeima election. The State Language Centre has sent a letter to FHRUL faction chairman at Riga City Council with the request “to appoint specific time and place to examine language proficiency skills of 6 faction deputies”. The decision of the State Language Centre was taken after it received the letter of Riga City Council Mayor where he stated that officials of the Centre are entitled to meet with the deputies.

The State Language Centre has sent a letter to FHRUL faction chairman at Riga City Council with the request to appoint specific time and place to examine language proficiency skills of 6 faction deputies. The decision of the State Language Centre was taken after it received the letter of Riga City Council Mayor where he stated that officials of the Centre are entitled to meet with the deputies. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Yesterday Russia’s Parliament prolonged Russian Latvian agreement on Repatriation and Protection of the Rights of Repatriates.

Yesterday Russias Parliament prolonged Russian Latvian agreement on Repatriation and Protection of the Rights of Repatriates. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

Saeima Education, Science and Culture Committee supported the amendments to the Law envisaging administrative fines for violating the State Language Law, for example, the lack of the names of public organisations and institutions on the sign boards in Latvian can be fined with LVL 25-100.

Saeima Education, Science and Culture Committee supported the amendments to the Law envisaging administrative fines for violating the State Language Law, for example, the lack of the names of public organisations and institutions on the sign boards in Latvian can be fined with LVL 25-100. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

Seminar on the co-operation between border zone regions will take place in Pskov on 18 May. The discussion subjects are long-term perspectives of Latvian Russian relations, improvements in trade and investment environment and providing stability in border zone region co-operation.

Chas.

Respublika

interviews Latvian environmental protection and regional development minister V.Makarov, who couple years ago was the member of Parliamentarian Committee on Integration. When asked about the aspects that could promote integration the minister says it is first of all the language and not only Latvian, but also Russian. V.Makarovs sadly concludes that there are two communities of new generation in the country.

Lauku Avize

provides opinions of different politicians on the establishment of task force group to assist people to return to their ethnic countries. G.Krasts, FF/LNNK, says that in his opinion the work of the group will be successful. K.Libane, Latvias Way, says that first the group has to learn how many people want to return to their countries and then ask money to foreign countries. M.Mitrafanovs, FHRUL, does not like the idea very much and thinks that there are not so many people who wants to return to their ethnic countries, as there they experience even bigger problems and are not able to integrate either. J.Jurkans, FHRUL, also doubts whether there are such people who want to return.