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

Chairman of the Latvian parliament's European Affairs Commission, Edvins Inkens, the OSCE mission head in Latvia, Peter Semneby and his deputy Neil Brennan believe that the successful public integration process in Latvia could act as a stimulus for Latvia's speedier accession to the EU. Speaking of the integration process and its perspectives, Inkens emphasised that it is very significant for the process to occur naturally. "People need time to adapt to a new situation. Furthermore, non-citizens must choose to irrevocably bind their life with our country and become Latvian citizens; in this sense it must be based on the voluntary principles, and no pressure is admissible," said Inkens. He also said that the most important thing is not how many non-citizens gain citizenship each year, but to what extent they have integrated into Latvia's society. In conclusion, the meeting also touched upon the possible closing of the OSCE mission in Latvia. Latvia hopes the mission to be closed by the end of this year.

Chairman of the Latvian parliament's European Affairs Commission, Edvins Inkens, the OSCE mission head in Latvia, Peter Semneby and his deputy Neil Brennan believe that the successful public integration process in Latvia could act as a stimulus for Latvia's speedier accession to the EU. Speaking of the integration process and its perspectives, Inkens emphasised that it is very significant for the process to occur naturally. "People need time to adapt to a new situation. Furthermore, non-citizens must choose to irrevocably bind their life with our country and become Latvian citizens; in this sense it must be based on the voluntary principles, and no pressure is admissible," said Inkens. He also said that the most important thing is not how many non-citizens gain citizenship each year, but to what extent they have integrated into Latvia's society. In conclusion, the meeting also touched upon the possible closing of the OSCE mission in Latvia. Latvia hopes the mission to be closed by the end of this year. BNS

Yesterday Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga gave an interview for the national radio. She stated, "I completely believe that the need for the mission has currently no more grounds. Mr.Ekeus, by the way, during his visit emphasised that the functions, which he has as a Minority Commissioner, are not to be a protector of minorities, but to follow in general the relations among nations, including majorities and minorities. He interprets his mandate and reminds that he is not an advocate of minorities, but that his official duties require to assess situations in any country. As he has just recently took the position, he makes visits to all countries to learn the situations there, and I do hope that this introduction process will not take too long. The mission has given us much through its activities, it has given a serious contribution also in defending us in front of various ungrounded accusations. But I think now, when we are going towards EU membership, the time has come to close this mission, and I hope that the respective measures will be taken," said Latvia's President in a radio interview.

Yesterday Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga gave an interview for the national radio. She stated, "I completely believe that the need for the mission has currently no more grounds. Mr.Ekeus, by the way, during his visit emphasised that the functions, which he has as a Minority Commissioner, are not to be a protector of minorities, but to follow in general the relations among nations, including majorities and minorities. He interprets his mandate and reminds that he is not an advocate of minorities, but that his official duties require to assess situations in any country. As he has just recently took the position, he makes visits to all countries to learn the situations there, and I do hope that this introduction process will not take too long. The mission has given us much through its activities, it has given a serious contribution also in defending us in front of various ungrounded accusations. But I think now, when we are going towards EU membership, the time has come to close this mission, and I hope that the respective measures will be taken," said Latvia's President in a radio interview. BNS, Latvijas Vestnesis, LETA.

The President was also asked about the letter of the USA State Secretary - how she sees the ways to strengthen relations with Russia. The President replies that it is simply reminder of the geopolitical location of Latvia. Also V.Vike-Freiberga did not see any grounds to be concerned that relations with Estonia would change because of the new Estonian President.

The President was also asked about the letter of the USA State Secretary - how she sees the ways to strengthen relations with Russia. The President replies that it is simply reminder of the geopolitical location of Latvia. Also V.Vike-Freiberga did not see any grounds to be concerned that relations with Estonia would change because of the new Estonian President. Latvijas Vestnesis

In response to appeal by United States Secretary of State Colin Powell to the three Baltic states to join their forces in combating terrorism the Latvian prime minister could propose a government working group be set up to develop a complex of measures to fight against terrorism.

In response to appeal by United States Secretary of State Colin Powell to the three Baltic states to join their forces in combating terrorism the Latvian prime minister could propose a government working group be set up to develop a complex of measures to fight against terrorism. Diena, Neatkariga

Press in Russian –

Press in Russian – Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii - when providing this information draw readersattention to the part of the letter where Baltic Countries are asked to improve their relations with Russia.

In his speech at the Baltic Development Forum the Prime Minister A.Berzins emphasised that the priorities of national policy of Latvia are not only Latvia’s admission to the EU and NATO but also good relations with Russia. And this time there Latvia did not receive reproaches from Russia about the situation of Russian-speakers in the Baltic countries.

In his speech at the Baltic Development Forum the Prime Minister A.Berzins emphasised that the priorities of national policy of Latvia are not only Latvias admission to the EU and NATO but also good relations with Russia. And this time there Latvia did not receive reproaches from Russia about the situation of Russian-speakers in the Baltic countries. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Yesterday DCMA Head M.Bicevskis informed the Parliament that the planned introduction of ID cards at the beginning of the next year will require to enter amendments to 6 laws.

Yesterday DCMA Head M.Bicevskis informed the Parliament that the planned introduction of ID cards at the beginning of the next year will require to enter amendments to 6 laws. Chas

Chas

interviews Latvias Way leader at partys faction in Riga City Council A.Pocha about the internal situation in the party. A.Pocha admits that LW is worn out in some way, however, it should just have to go through the current phase and get ready for the 8th Saeima election. interviews Latvia’s Way leader at party’s faction in Riga City Council A.Pocha about the internal situation in the party. A.Pocha admits that LW is worn out in some way, however, it should just have to go through the current phase and get ready for the 8th Saeima election.