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.

INTEGRATION AND MINORITY INFORMATION SERVICE

INTEGRATION AND MINORITY INFORMATION SERVICE

Yesterday the Saeima Legal Committee approved in principle amendments to the Constitution aimed at securing the status of the state language. The Legal Committee specified the wording of some amendments – for example, regarding the proposed solemn undertaking (oath of office), the committee decided to exclude provision that a deputy could not assume office if s/he gave the solemn undertaking “in inappropriate manner” from Article 18.

Yesterday the Saeima Legal Committee approved in principle amendments to the Constitution aimed at securing the status of the state language. The Legal Committee specified the wording of some amendments – for example, regarding the proposed solemn undertaking (oath of office), the committee decided to exclude provision that a deputy could not assume office if s/he gave the solemn undertaking in inappropriate manner from Article 18.

Members of the Union of Social Democrats proposed not to amend Article 104, that is, not to add, “residents are entitled to communicate with local governments and receive responses in the Latvian language”. Representatives of other parties did not support the Social Democrats.

Members of the Union of Social Democrats proposed not to amend Article 104, that is, not to add, residents are entitled to communicate with local governments and receive responses in the Latvian language. Representatives of other parties did not support the Social Democrats. Diena, Lauku Avize, Chas

The current version of all proposed amendments in English is available upon request.

The current version of all proposed amendments in English is available upon request.

Lauku Avize publishes more detailed information about the work of the Investigation Commission of the Ministry of Justice that was conducting a review of the Naturalization Board. The newspaper writes that although the Investigation Commission reported that the overall performance of the Naturalization Board is good, the final conclusion can be made only after a more in-depth review.

Lauku Avize

interviews Latvian Social Democrats Workers Party leader Juris Bojars. Regarding the recent split in his party Bojars says that only dishonest people left for the recently established Union of Social Democrats. When asked about the prospects of his party in the next Saeima, he claimed to be confident that his party would be well represented in the Saeima, but he did not want to disclose any information about possible coalition partners. Concerning language issues, Bojars asserted that his party is not going to grant Russian the status of the second state language, however, his party believes that local governments should be able to choose the language in which they communicate with the public.

Lauku Avize

asked several non-citizens about their choice at the next Saeima elections if they would have the rights to vote. FHRUL is the most popular political force, followed by Repses party New Era and the recently established Union of Social Democrats.

The Academy of Science of Latvia has awarded Russian Federation researcher and linguist Vladimir Toporov, a specialist in the Baltic languages with a medal. When Vladimir Toporov is asked what he thinks about the role of the Russian language in Latvia, he says that the Russian language is everywhere in Latvia and civilized Latvia is fully capable of coping with the challenge posed by the Russian language. Vladimir Toporov is an optimist and believes that the language issue will cease to be problematic with generational change. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf

Vesti Segodnja

writes about the possible choices of the Russian electorate in the next Saeima elections. The newspaper believes that Russians will vote for FHRUL, although it admits that the party has not done very much for improving the economic situation of its supporters. writes about the possible choices of the Russian electorate in the next Saeima elections. The newspaper believes that Russians will vote for FHRUL, although it admits that the party has not done very much for improving the economic situation of its supporters. Vesti SegodnjaVesti Segodnja highlights that FHRUL is very successful and professional in fighting for the protection of the rights of national minorities. Regarding Daugavpils City Mayor Eigimss chances, the newspaper believes that he will be able to compete with FHRUL only in the Daugavpils region. Also both Social Democrat Parties headed by Bojars and Baldzens could receive significant share of Russian votes, believes highlights that FHRUL is very successful and professional in fighting for the protection of the rights of national minorities. Regarding Daugavpils City Mayor Eigims’s chances, the newspaper believes that he will be able to compete with FHRUL only in the Daugavpils’ region. Also both Social Democrat Parties headed by Bojars and Baldzens could receive significant share of Russian votes, believes Vesti Segodnja.Vesti Segodnja. From the right wing parties the most serious competitor for Russians votes could be Latvias Way. From the right wing parties the most serious competitor for Russians’ votes could be Latvia’s Way. The President’s State Language Commission continues its tour of the cities and towns of Latgale, Latvia’s Eastern district. Yesterday the Commission visited Latgale’s second biggest city Rezekne.

The Presidents State Language Commission continues its tour of the cities and towns of Latgale, Latvias Eastern district. Yesterday the Commission visited Latgales second biggest city Rezekne. Panorama Latvii