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

Yesterday the government resumed the process of granting citizenship to persons (about 1800) who have undergone naturalisation tests. However, the government postponed the hearing of Minister of Justice Ingrida Labucka’s report on the review of the Naturalisation Board because governing coalition factions wanted to study the results of the review more thoroughly. The report was presented to the Saeima Commission for the Implementation of Citizenship. The Commission suggested that a review of Naturalisation Board should be conducted by the Corruption Prevention Department and the State Revenue Service. The Commission decided to send a note to the Ministry of Justice criticising its “light-minded and toothless” attitude towards the Naturalisation Board.

Yesterday the government resumed the process of granting citizenship to persons (about 1800) who have undergone naturalisation tests. However, the government postponed the hearing of Minister of Justice Ingrida Labuckas report on the review of the Naturalisation Board because governing coalition factions wanted to study the results of the review more thoroughly. The report was presented to the Saeima Commission for the Implementation of Citizenship. The Commission suggested that a review of Naturalisation Board should be conducted by the Corruption Prevention Department and the State Revenue Service. The Commission decided to send a note to the Ministry of Justice criticising its light-minded and toothless attitude towards the Naturalisation Board. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Chas reports that FF/LNNK proposed to amend the Law on Local Governments by including in the law a norm stipulating that the working language of local governments is the state language. The Saeima Committee for National Reforms declined the proposal and decided to draft alternative amendments to the Law on Local Governments aimed at securing the state language. Vesti Segodnja

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to the reproaches of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning the amendments to the Constitution aimed at securing the status of the state language. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Russia’s stance concerning the issue differs from the OSCE position, which has acknowledged that “our policy on national minorities complies with international standards.”

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to the reproaches of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning the amendments to the Constitution aimed at securing the status of the state language. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Russias stance concerning the issue differs from the OSCE position, which has acknowledged that our policy on national minorities complies with international standards. Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf, Latvijas Vestnesis

Latvijas Vestnesis

publishes an interview with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga from National Radio. The President believes that Latvia should align its legislation with international norms for its own sake and then relations with Russia will improve and no pressure from any country will be possible. The President agrees that relations with Russia are gradually improving. publishes an interview with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga from National Radio. The President believes that Latvia should align its legislation with international norms for its own sake and then relations with Russia will improve and no pressure from any country will be possible. The President agrees that relations with Russia are gradually improving.

Vesti Segodnja

comments on the proposals of Latvias Way concerning amendments to the election law. According to the proposal an MP should fill in a form regarding state language skills and assess his/her own proficiency level. comments on the proposals of Latvia’s Way concerning amendments to the election law. According to the proposal an MP should fill in a form regarding state language skills and assess his/her own proficiency level. The Russian language press writes that the first stage of restoration of the Soviet Victory Monument has been concluded with the support of the Russian Embassy in Latvia. The newspapers emphasise that “our Victory Day” will be celebrated at the monument on May 9.

The Russian language press writes that the first stage of restoration of the Soviet Victory Monument has been concluded with the support of the Russian Embassy in Latvia. The newspapers emphasise that our Victory Day will be celebrated at the monument on May 9. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii