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
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

Dienas

columnist Askolds Rodins writes about the suspended process of granting citizenship to those who have undergone naturalisation. He writes if somebody believes that suspension will decrease the number of new citizens who will vote in the 8th Saeima elections, he is foolish and politically short-sighted. It is stupid because it is impossible to suspend naturalisation for half a year, and it is short-sighted because it sends a signal to new citizens that the state does not trust them and fears they will vote for Rubiks. Such a crude gesture could make new-citizens swing to the left. columnist Askolds Rodins writes about the suspended process of granting citizenship to those who have undergone naturalisation. He writes “if somebody believes that suspension will decrease the number of new citizens who will vote in the 8th Saeima elections, he is foolish and politically short-sighted. It is stupid because it is impossible to suspend naturalisation for half a year, and it is short-sighted because it sends a signal to new citizens that the state does not trust them and fears they will vote for Rubiks. Such a crude gesture could make new-citizens swing to the left.” Tuesday Minister of Justice Ingrida Labucka will report to the government about the review of the Naturalisation Board conducted by the Investigation Commission. The same day the government is scheduled to decide about the resumption of the process of granting citizenship to about 1800 non-citizens.

Tuesday Minister of Justice Ingrida Labucka will report to the government about the review of the Naturalisation Board conducted by the Investigation Commission. The same day the government is scheduled to decide about the resumption of the process of granting citizenship to about 1800 non-citizens. BNS

Neatkariga reports that President Vaira Vike-Freiberga has voiced her satisfaction with the decision of the Saeima to adopt in the first reading the amendments to the election laws.

Neatkariga reports that President Vaira Vike-Freiberga has voiced her satisfaction with the decision of the Saeima to adopt in the first reading the amendments to the election laws.

Chairperson of the President’s State Language Commission Mara Zalite has scheduled a meeting with Latvia’s Way to discuss issues concerning language policy. Prime Minister Andris Berzins stated that amendments to the state budget could be discussed only after Latvia’s Way and People’s Party have had meetings with Mara Zalite. The People’s Party is going to hold a meeting with Mara Zalite on 8 May.

Chairperson of the Presidents State Language Commission Mara Zalite has scheduled a meeting with Latvias Way to discuss issues concerning language policy. Prime Minister Andris Berzins stated that amendments to the state budget could be discussed only after Latvias Way and Peoples Party have had meetings with Mara Zalite. The Peoples Party is going to hold a meeting with Mara Zalite on 8 May. BNS

Chas provides excerpts from the speech of speaker of the Saeima Janis Straume given on the occasion of the anniversary of the adoption of Latvia’s Independence Declaration on 4 May. Straume stresses that the number of people who do not speak Latvian is still high and that means that national language policy does not create a keen necessity to learn the language. He believes that as soon as possible more funding should be found for securing the status of the state language.

Chas provides excerpts from the speech of speaker of the Saeima Janis Straume given on the occasion of the anniversary of the adoption of Latvias Independence Declaration on 4 May. Straume stresses that the number of people who do not speak Latvian is still high and that means that national language policy does not create a keen necessity to learn the language. He believes that as soon as possible more funding should be found for securing the status of the state language. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Vesti Segodnja

provides excerpts from the interview with Minister of Justice Ingrida Labucka from National TV. The newspaper highlights the statement of the minister that regarding language legislation European practice shows that the sphere of private business is not the subject of regulations. provides excerpts from the interview with Minister of Justice Ingrida Labucka from National TV. The newspaper highlights the statement of the minister that regarding language legislation “European practice shows that the sphere of private business is not the subject of regulations.”

Diena

publishes an article by professor of the University of Latvia Andrejs Veisbergs about the future role of the Latvian language and globalisation. He believes that the only way the Latvian language can be functional after 100 years of globalisation is to increase its economic value. He is convinced that, in addition to investing in new technologies, education programmes, and the media, certain repressive mechanisms could be useful for this purpose. publishes an article by professor of the University of Latvia Andrejs Veisbergs about the future role of the Latvian language and globalisation. He believes that the only way the Latvian language can be functional after 100 years of globalisation is to increase its economic value. He is convinced that, in addition to investing in new technologies, education programmes, and the media, certain repressive mechanisms could be useful for this purpose. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a directive about the tasks of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning support of compatriots residing abroad. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will have to take part in development of national policy concerning compatriots and its implementation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a directive about the tasks of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning support of compatriots residing abroad. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will have to take part in development of national policy concerning compatriots and its implementation. Panorama Latvii

FHRUL deputy Yakov Pliner argues against the switch of secondary education to Latvian as the sole language of instruction.

FHRUL deputy Yakov Pliner argues against the switch of secondary education to Latvian as the sole language of instruction. Panorama Latvii