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

Former U.S. administration's NATO enlargement coordinator Ronald D. Asmus, answering to the question of newspaper

Former U.S. administration's NATO enlargement coordinator Ronald D. Asmus, answering to the question of newspaper Diena about Latvias possibilities to join NATO said that one of the fields US administration would pay special attention to was public integration. It is important because it is linked with the basic question about unity of Latvian society. In the USA, which is a multiethnic state, the question of integration is regarded as a litmus test. Diena

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers passed two decrees on granting Latvian citizenship trough the process of naturalization to 354 persons. So far 45 241 persons have received Latvian citizenship through this process.

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers passed two decrees on granting Latvian citizenship trough the process of naturalization to 354 persons. So far 45 241 persons have received Latvian citizenship through this process. Jauna Avize

In an interview to Latvian Radio President V.Vike-Freiberga, speaking about the action of youth movement Solidarnost said that she was sure that it was an initiative of political forces. The President could not make any conclusion about responsiveness of the public because during it there was organized a free of charge concert and many youngsters used this possibility. At the same time she did understand that a certain part of them had a wish to study in their mother tongue. “We live in democratic country and thanks God everybody has a chance and possibility to express his opinion and wishes.”

In an interview to Latvian Radio President V.Vike-Freiberga, speaking about the action of youth movement Solidarnost said that she was sure that it was an initiative of political forces. The President could not make any conclusion about responsiveness of the public because during it there was organized a free of charge concert and many youngsters used this possibility. At the same time she did understand that a certain part of them had a wish to study in their mother tongue. We live in democratic country and thanks God everybody has a chance and possibility to express his opinion and wishes. Latvijas Vestnesis

President V.Vike-Freiberga gave an interview to Russian newspaper Moskovskiye Novosti.

President V.Vike-Freiberga gave an interview to Russian newspaper Moskovskiye Novosti. Vesti Segodnya commenting it writes that it is possible that the opinion of V.Vike-Freiberga on Russia has undergone evaluation. The President had acknowledged that perspectives of Latvias development were linked with Russia and other East European states. She even used this possibility and advertised advantages of Latvian ports. Nevertheless it is too early to speak about radical change in Latvian – Russian relations. Latvian government still refuses to organize by autumn a meeting of working groups on social issues. The reason for that is unwillingness of Latvia to sign an agreement that would oblige it to recalculate pensions to those non-citizens who until 1991 worked outside Latvia. But without this agreement Russia would not conclude the whole package of economical agreement. A signal for improvement of bilateral relations should serve signing of co-operation agreement between Riga and Moscow. But FF/LNNK and Peoples Party have already expressed their objections to it. They propose to reconsider several articles, put forward by Moscow City Council. One of them envisages ensuring a possibility of receiving secondary and higher education for representatives of national minorities in their mother tongue. Latvian MFA pointed out that issues of education, choice of language were not under competence of local governments. Vesti Segodnya,

Russian speaking newspaper

Russian speaking newspaper Chas says that the representatives of FF/LNNK and Peoples Party in Riga City Council consider this co-operation agreement to be a mistake and treachery of national interests.

Yesterday took place a press conference about the idea to establish Russian library in Riga. After publications in press people called expressing a wish not only to donate books but also sponsor this event. Now the Council of the library is looking for appropriate premises for the library.

Yesterday took place a press conference about the idea to establish Russian library in Riga. After publications in press people called expressing a wish not only to donate books but also sponsor this event. Now the Council of the library is looking for appropriate premises for the library. Vesti Segodnya