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

Saturday FF/LNNK Board has made several statements. The Board considers the ratification of the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities is undesirable. Board member A.Kimenis noted that ratification would require to give up the transfer to education in the state language, as well as some legal norms of the State Language Law. As well as FF/LNNK Board proposed to introduce amendments to the Law on Municipal Election that would stipulate 5% or lower voters’ barrier to be elected in the biggest Latvia municipalities.

Saturday FF/LNNK Board has made several statements. The Board considers the ratification of the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities is undesirable. Board member A.Kimenis noted that ratification would require to give up the transfer to education in the state language, as well as some legal norms of the State Language Law. As well as FF/LNNK Board proposed to introduce amendments to the Law on Municipal Election that would stipulate 5% or lower voters barrier to be elected in the biggest Latvia municipalities. Diena, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii

Chas

interviews Social Democrats Saeima faction chairperson E.Baldzens. He agrees that Social Democrats have not achieved serious results in their work at Riga City Council and admits that the party has serious internal problems. In regard about the possibility to merge with FHRUL, Baldzens says that is the matter of generations and that in some issues, such as privatisation, FHRUL are even more liberal than Social Democrats but what regards national issues E.Baldzens says that if we want to solve the problems of non-Latvians, we cannot just consider their wishes and the way how they understand it, and the same approach works for Latvians. interviews Social Democrats Saeima faction chairperson E.Baldzens. He agrees that Social Democrats have not achieved serious results in their work at Riga City Council and admits that the party has serious internal problems. In regard about the possibility to merge with FHRUL, Baldzens says that is the matter of generations and that in some issues, such as privatisation, FHRUL are even more liberal than Social Democrats but what regards national issues E.Baldzens says that “ if we want to solve the problems of non-Latvians, we cannot just consider their wishes and the way how they understand it, and the same approach works for Latvians”. The Prime Minister A.Berzins has asked Latvian judicial institutions to assess the statements of FHRUL Saeima deputies Y.Sokolovsky and M.Mitrafanov on the comparison between Macedonia and Latvia whether it is the call to violence. Y.Sokolovsky voiced that he has not violated any law and is satisfied that the note caused a reaction of politicians. The newspaper also links the harshness of the response of ruling politicians with their wishes to close the office of the OSCE Mission in Latvia.

The Prime Minister A.Berzins has asked Latvian judicial institutions to assess the statements of FHRUL Saeima deputies Y.Sokolovsky and M.Mitrafanov on the comparison between Macedonia and Latvia whether it is the call to violence. Y.Sokolovsky voiced that he has not violated any law and is satisfied that the note caused a reaction of politicians. The newspaper also links the harshness of the response of ruling politicians with their wishes to close the office of the OSCE Mission in Latvia. Vesti Segodnja

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga will leave for Hungary on 28-29 September to take part in the conference about NATO Enlargement.

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga will leave for Hungary on 28-29 September to take part in the conference about NATO Enlargement. Chas

24-29 September high military officials and diplomats from different countries will visit Latvia in order to learn more about Latvia.

24-29 September high military officials and diplomats from different countries will visit Latvia in order to learn more about Latvia. Chas

It is planned that at the end of November NATO General Secretary G.Robertson will visit Latvia.

It is planned that at the end of November NATO General Secretary G.Robertson will visit Latvia. Chas