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

Diena

writes about the ongoing investigation of the Naturalisation Board. writes about the ongoing investigation of the Naturalisation Board. Diena Diena reporter Dita Araja refers to the latest decision of the Saeima Committee on the Implementation of Citizenship to ask the Coalition Council to review the suitability of head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane for the position. Political scientist Nils Muiznieks believes that the attempts to dismiss Aldermane are linked to the upcoming 8th Saeima elections. He states that Our country would have far less corruption if every state institution were so thoroughly investigated. However, this campaign derived from the fact that FF/LNNK and a part of the Peoples Party hate Aldermane and will do everything to hinder naturalisation and ruin the prestige of naturalisation in the eyes of non-citizens. Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane voiced incomprehension about the continuous tyrannisation of the Board. Minister of Justice Ingrida Labucka voiced her satisfaction with Aldermanes work and is not going to dismiss her. reporter Dita Araja refers to the latest decision of the Saeima Committee on the Implementation of Citizenship to ask the Coalition Council to review the suitability of head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane for the position. Political scientist Nils Muiznieks believes that the attempts to dismiss Aldermane are linked to the upcoming 8th Saeima elections. He states that “Our country would have far less corruption if every state institution were so thoroughly investigated.” However, this campaign derived from the fact that “FF/LNNK and a part of the People’s Party hate Aldermane and will do everything to hinder naturalisation and ruin the prestige of naturalisation in the eyes of non-citizens.” Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane voiced incomprehension about “the continuous tyrannisation of the Board.” Minister of Justice Ingrida Labucka voiced her satisfaction with Aldermane’s work and is not going to dismiss her. Yesterday the Saeima turned down the proposal of the Union of Social Democrats to amend Article 4 of the Constitution stipulating that the working language of the Saeima and local governments is the Latvian language.

Yesterday the Saeima turned down the proposal of the Union of Social Democrats to amend Article 4 of the Constitution stipulating that the working language of the Saeima and local governments is the Latvian language. BNS

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has congratulated Latvia for amending its election laws.

BNS

Dienas

columnist Laila Pakalnina comments on the Latvian Roma congress, which took place two days ago. Pakalnina admits that although 90% of Roma speak Latvian their integration into society is difficult, in particular, in the sphere of employment. Pakalnina believes that Roma will not solve their problems by asking the government for a loan in the amount of USD 3 million for their needs. columnist Laila Pakalnina comments on the Latvian Roma congress, which took place two days ago. Pakalnina admits that although 90% of Roma speak Latvian their integration into society is difficult, in particular, in the sphere of employment. Pakalnina believes that Roma will not solve their problems by asking the government for a loan in the amount of USD 3 million for their needs.

Lauku Avize

introduces its audience to the activities of the Latvian Human Rights Committee headed by Vladimir Buzayev, Genadij Kotov and Tatyana Zdanok. The newspaper stresses that the Soros Foundation and several other European institutions fund the Committee and notes that the only aim of the Committee is to show foreign countries that Latvia violates human rights. The newspaper also reports about the press conference held by the Committee on the occasion of the 50th issue of the electronic bulletin Minority Issues in Latvia. introduces its audience to the activities of the Latvian Human Rights Committee headed by Vladimir Buzayev, Genadij Kotov and Tatyana Zdanok. The newspaper stresses that the Soros Foundation and several other European institutions fund the Committee and notes that the only aim of the Committee is to show foreign countries that Latvia violates human rights. The newspaper also reports about the press conference held by the Committee on the occasion of the 50th issue of the electronic bulletin “Minority Issues in Latvia.” Lauku AvizeLauku Avize writes that although three young students were introduced as developers of the bulletin it is clear that actually it is the product of FHRUL. The Russian language press provides more in-depth information about the work, subscribers and plans of the bulletin. writes that although three young students were introduced as developers of the bulletin “it is clear that actually it is the product of FHRUL.” The Russian language press provides more in-depth information about the work, subscribers and plans of the bulletin. Vesti Segodnja, ChasVesti Segodnja, Chas Tomorrow institutions of all three Baltic countries responsible for language policy will have a joint meeting in Riga. It is planned to establish a Language Council of the Baltic states. Member of the President’s State Language Commission professor Ina Druviete shares more in-depth information about possible co-operation among the three countries

Tomorrow institutions of all three Baltic countries responsible for language policy will have a joint meeting in Riga. It is planned to establish a Language Council of the Baltic states. Member of the Presidents State Language Commission professor Ina Druviete shares more in-depth information about possible co-operation among the three countries. Lauku Avize

Lauku Avize

talks to Daugavpils City Mayor Rihards Eigims about the language situation in Daugavpils. Eigims stresses that he and the City Council are doing real work to improve the language situation in the City – he and several other businessmen are donating money to organise Latvian language training for non-Latvians every month, all press conferences and almost all sittings of the Council are in the Latvian language. He voices respect for the work of such people as head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane, chairperson of the State Language Commission Mara Zalite and outgoing director of the State Language Centre Dzintra Hirsa, but blames politicians for hindering their work. Regarding the switch of secondary school to the Latvian language in 2004, he says that if the state forces implementation of the reform, schools in Daugavpils will transfer to the Latvian language, but his personal opinion is that it should be postponed. talks to Daugavpils City Mayor Rihards Eigims about the language situation in Daugavpils. Eigims stresses that he and the City Council are doing real work to improve the language situation in the City – he and several other businessmen are donating money to organise Latvian language training for non-Latvians every month, all press conferences and almost all sittings of the Council are in the Latvian language. He voices respect for the work of such people as head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane, chairperson of the State Language Commission Mara Zalite and outgoing director of the State Language Centre Dzintra Hirsa, but blames politicians for hindering their work. Regarding the switch of secondary school to the Latvian language in 2004, he says that if the state forces implementation of the reform, schools in Daugavpils will transfer to the Latvian language, but his personal opinion is that it should be postponed. Yesterday the delegation of the Latvian and Russian Ministries of Foreign Affairs met in Liepaja to discuss possibilities to ease a visa regime for people residing in border zones of both countries. The parties signed a preliminary agreement stipulating that people residing in border zones can receive visas free of charge as of 1 June to 31 October this year.

Yesterday the delegation of the Latvian and Russian Ministries of Foreign Affairs met in Liepaja to discuss possibilities to ease a visa regime for people residing in border zones of both countries. The parties signed a preliminary agreement stipulating that people residing in border zones can receive visas free of charge as of 1 June to 31 October this year. Chas

Vesti Segodnja, Chas

reports on the competition of the best Russian language teacher in Latvia. reports on the competition of the best Russian language teacher in Latvia. Latvia congratulates the agreement made between NATO and Russia. Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins stated that when it becomes a NATO member, Latvias will contribute to co-operation between NATO and Russia.

Latvia congratulates the agreement made between NATO and Russia. Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins stated that when it becomes a NATO member, Latvias will contribute to co-operation between NATO and Russia. Diena

Dienas

columnist Aivars Ozolins says that the alliances agreement with Russia will lessen Moscows ability to oppose entry of the Baltic countries into NATO. columnist Aivars Ozolins says that the alliance’s agreement with Russia will lessen Moscow’s ability to oppose entry of the Baltic countries into NATO.