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

Daugavpils Mayor Rihards Eigims' state language skills correspond to the language proficiency level required to carry out his professional duties, Latvian State Language Centre concluded following a repeated test. Language Centre head Dzintra Hirsa told BNS that for the time being there is no document affirming the evaluation for Eigims Latvian language proficiency level so there is no concrete decision on the evaluation level yet. The State Language Centre will send its decision to Daugavpils local authority, which will contain a concrete decision. Although the written test has not been made at the highest level the mayor's language proficiency still meets 3a level, which is one of the highest levels, said Hirsa. Eigims' written test got evaluation 2b. Hirsa told BNS the evaluation of the written test is not important in this case because the general language proficiency should be evaluated. "Language proficiency should be valued by several criteria -- oral, written, reading and understanding proficiency and, his knowledge generally meets the level appropriate for his office," said Hirsa. The Centre recommends Eigims to regularly improve his language proficiency because in the town of Daugavpils he does not have a lot of opportunities to speak in Latvia which may reduce his language proficiency. Now the State Language Centre will be only entitled to check Eigims language proficiency after complaints over him not using the state language. Hirsa said though that, in the wake of complaints, it is actually impossible to prove that the state language has not been used. One of the possibilities is sending language inspectors, for example, to press conferences, which though has not been done so far, said Hirsa. Media reports have said Eigims had held press conferences in Russian. Under the state language law a head of a local authority should have the state language proficiency at the highest grade which is divided in two levels -- 3b which is free and fluent use of language in writing, oral communication, reading and understanding. The second level 3a is free use of language admitting small and insignificant mistakes.

Daugavpils Mayor Rihards Eigims' state language skills correspond to the language proficiency level required to carry out his professional duties, Latvian State Language Centre concluded following a repeated test. Language Centre head Dzintra Hirsa told BNS that for the time being there is no document affirming the evaluation for Eigims Latvian language proficiency level so there is no concrete decision on the evaluation level yet. The State Language Centre will send its decision to Daugavpils local authority, which will contain a concrete decision. Although the written test has not been made at the highest level the mayor's language proficiency still meets 3a level, which is one of the highest levels, said Hirsa. Eigims' written test got evaluation 2b. Hirsa told BNS the evaluation of the written test is not important in this case because the general language proficiency should be evaluated. "Language proficiency should be valued by several criteria -- oral, written, reading and understanding proficiency and, his knowledge generally meets the level appropriate for his office," said Hirsa. The Centre recommends Eigims to regularly improve his language proficiency because in the town of Daugavpils he does not have a lot of opportunities to speak in Latvia which may reduce his language proficiency. Now the State Language Centre will be only entitled to check Eigims language proficiency after complaints over him not using the state language. Hirsa said though that, in the wake of complaints, it is actually impossible to prove that the state language has not been used. One of the possibilities is sending language inspectors, for example, to press conferences, which though has not been done so far, said Hirsa. Media reports have said Eigims had held press conferences in Russian. Under the state language law a head of a local authority should have the state language proficiency at the highest grade which is divided in two levels -- 3b which is free and fluent use of language in writing, oral communication, reading and understanding. The second level 3a is free use of language admitting small and insignificant mistakes. Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika

The expected visit of French President Jacques Chirac in Latvia will have the status of a state visit and the key issues for discussion will be bilateral relations between Latvia and France, Latvian president's adviser for foreign affairs said. The president's chancellery reported the French president will be on a state visit in Latvia at the invitation of Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga July 27-28.

The expected visit of French President Jacques Chirac in Latvia will have the status of a state visit and the key issues for discussion will be bilateral relations between Latvia and France, Latvian president's adviser for foreign affairs said. The president's chancellery reported the French president will be on a state visit in Latvia at the invitation of Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga July 27-28. Diena

The State Language Centre cannot realise its rights stipulated by the Administrative Violation Code effective as of June to impose fines for State Language Law violations. The State Language Centre is unable to impose fines as the procedure is not stipulated in the Regulations on the State Language Centre. The Cabinet of Ministers is in charge for the amendments to the Regulations.

The State Language Centre cannot realise its rights stipulated by the Administrative Violation Code effective as of June to impose fines for State Language Law violations. The State Language Centre is unable to impose fines as the procedure is not stipulated in the Regulations on the State Language Centre. The Cabinet of Ministers is in charge for the amendments to the Regulations. Neatkariga, Respublika

Thursday International Migration Organisation (IMO) Secretary General Brunson McKinley arrived in Latvia on a two-day visit to discuss with Latvian officials future co-operation and assess previous work. Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Brunson McKinley has suggested discussing the possibility of Latvia legalising the status of illegal immigrants in future. McKinley emphasised that Latvia is a model as to how small countries, only just hit with the problem, form their migration policies. The IOM is pleased about Latvia's implementation of the organisation’s programs. Latvia expels an average of 500 illegal immigrants each year, while 2,500 people are granted initial residency permits. 40 percent of the illegal immigrants gain permission for residence by marrying, another 40 percent through work, with other reasons for the remaining 20 percent.

Thursday International Migration Organisation (IMO) Secretary General Brunson McKinley arrived in Latvia on a two-day visit to discuss with Latvian officials future co-operation and assess previous work. Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Brunson McKinley has suggested discussing the possibility of Latvia legalising the status of illegal immigrants in future. McKinley emphasised that Latvia is a model as to how small countries, only just hit with the problem, form their migration policies. The IOM is pleased about Latvia's implementation of the organisations programs. Latvia expels an average of 500 illegal immigrants each year, while 2,500 people are granted initial residency permits. 40 percent of the illegal immigrants gain permission for residence by marrying, another 40 percent through work, with other reasons for the remaining 20 percent. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

For the second week Vieda book is on the top of the best sold books in Latvia. The publishing house says that “the book simply corresponds to the interests and views of the people”. Vieda is going to re-publish the book, however, it does not disclose the exact number of the books to be issued.

For the second week Vieda book is on the top of the best sold books in Latvia. The publishing house says that the book simply corresponds to the interests and views of the people. Vieda is going to re-publish the book, however, it does not disclose the exact number of the books to be issued. Rigas Balss

Chas provides rather detailed comments of political scientist A.Pabriks on Vieda book. He feels sorry that the book did not receive the assessment it had deserved – a negative one. He says “from the aspect of the Criminal Law there is nothing to pick on and also the majority of students did not express as radical views as A.Garda did, but from the view of society consent it is difficult not to exaggerate the harm caused by the book”. A.Pabriks is very disappointed with the attitude of society and mass media – in his opinion journalists had to declare very clearly their negative stance. About Russia he says “Russia’s stance is absolutely unacceptable for me, too. It is speculative and they have their own purposes for doing that”. A.Pabriks names the main obstacles which prevent the building of integrated community in Latvia. First, the different views on history. “Latvians do need the recognition that Latvia was occupied in 1940. Right now in Latvia there is no mass media working for both Russian and Latvian audiences, therefore history study books should be used to reflect the truth and both Russians and Latvians could read them without negative emotions”. In regard to the representatives of Russians in state affairs, A.Pabriks says “is it normal that Russians who support liberal ideas and free market economy vote for FHRUL and not for Latvia’s Way or People’s Party. The reason is the power of habits and second, the parties themselves should be blamed.”

Chas provides rather detailed comments of political scientist A.Pabriks on Vieda book. He feels sorry that the book did not receive the assessment it had deserved – a negative one. He says from the aspect of the Criminal Law there is nothing to pick on and also the majority of students did not express as radical views as A.Garda did, but from the view of society consent it is difficult not to exaggerate the harm caused by the book. A.Pabriks is very disappointed with the attitude of society and mass media – in his opinion journalists had to declare very clearly their negative stance. About Russia he says Russias stance is absolutely unacceptable for me, too. It is speculative and they have their own purposes for doing that. A.Pabriks names the main obstacles which prevent the building of integrated community in Latvia. First, the different views on history. Latvians do need the recognition that Latvia was occupied in 1940. Right now in Latvia there is no mass media working for both Russian and Latvian audiences, therefore history study books should be used to reflect the truth and both Russians and Latvians could read them without negative emotions. In regard to the representatives of Russians in state affairs, A.Pabriks says is it normal that Russians who support liberal ideas and free market economy vote for FHRUL and not for Latvias Way or Peoples Party. The reason is the power of habits and second, the parties themselves should be blamed.

Latvian Supreme Court Oct. 10 will begin hearing appeal claims by the three National Bolsheviks from Russia, on trial in Latvia over terrorism and illegal border crossing.

Latvian Supreme Court Oct. 10 will begin hearing appeal claims by the three National Bolsheviks from Russia, on trial in Latvia over terrorism and illegal border crossing. Vesti Segodnja

Yesterday Russian State Duma adopted the draft of Migration Policy which main purpose is to attract qualified professionals from CIS and Baltic Countries to Russia.

Yesterday Russian State Duma adopted the draft of Migration Policy which main purpose is to attract qualified professionals from CIS and Baltic Countries to Russia. Panorama Latvii