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 Aivars Ozolins comments on the amendments proposed by FF/LNNK. The proposed amendments would require the dismissal of a council of the local government if it does not observe language requirements stipulated by the Constitution and other laws. Moreover, the proposed amendments would give a council the right to annul the mandate of a member of local government who does not know the state language on the level necessary to perform his/her professional duty. Ozolins stresses that FF/LNNK will probably continue with similar populistic national patriotic proposals and statements till the 8th Saeima elections in an effort to consolidate voter support. Ozolins harshly criticises FF/LNNK and concludes that local governments should observe laws stipulating that the Latvian language is the working language. However, administrative fines and not political repression should be imposed for violating language laws and regulations. columnist Aivars Ozolins comments on the amendments proposed by FF/LNNK. The proposed amendments would require the dismissal of a council of the local government if it does not observe language requirements stipulated by the Constitution and other laws. Moreover, the proposed amendments would give a council the right to annul the mandate of a member of local government who does not know the state language on the level necessary to perform his/her professional duty. Ozolins stresses that FF/LNNK will probably continue with similar populistic “national patriotic” proposals and statements till the 8th Saeima elections in an effort to consolidate voter support. Ozolins harshly criticises FF/LNNK and concludes that local governments should observe laws stipulating that the Latvian language is the working language. However, administrative fines and not political repression should be imposed for violating language laws and regulations.

Diena

writes about the ongoing investigation of the Naturalisation Board. Dita Araja writes, there is no hope that the investigation could come to an end in the nearest future, because the governing parties do not share one opinion about the suitability of head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane for her position. Political scientist Artis Pabriks states that people who are trying to dismiss Aldermane are short-sighted politicians. He notes that the international community values the Naturalisation Board as one of the best-run state institutions. writes about the ongoing investigation of the Naturalisation Board. Dita Araja writes, “there is no hope that the investigation could come to an end in the nearest future, because the governing parties do not share one opinion about the suitability of head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane for her position.” Political scientist Artis Pabriks states that people who are trying to dismiss Aldermane are short-sighted politicians. He notes that the international community values the Naturalisation Board as one of the best-run state institutions. The Rezekne City Council has accepted the reorganisation of the Polish Primary School into the Polish Secondary School. Rezekne Polish Primary School was established in 1993 and now has 341 students.

The Rezekne City Council has accepted the reorganisation of the Polish Primary School into the Polish Secondary School. Rezekne Polish Primary School was established in 1993 and now has 341 students. Diena

Historian Leo Dribins has conducted research on the history of the Jewish community in Latvia and shares the results in a long piece in

Historian Leo Dribins has conducted research on the history of the Jewish community in Latvia and shares the results in a long piece in Diena. He states that being aware of Jewish culture only enriches all of us.

The Days of Lithuania start today in Riga.

The Days of Lithuania start today in Riga. Chas interviews Lithuanian President Algirdas Brazauskas. The President states that the key priorities of Lithuania are integration in the EU and urbanisation. The President states that Lithuania is not looking back and dealing with old issues. Vesti Segodnja

Chas

reports that yesterday the State Duma of the Russian Federation listened to reports of the representatives of the Compatriot Council about the situation of Russians residing abroad. According to the reports the most difficult situation is for Russians residing in Latvia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. The newspaper concludes that Russians residing outside Russia should not rely on or expect any support from the Russian Federation. reports that yesterday the State Duma of the Russian Federation listened to reports of the representatives of the Compatriot Council about the situation of Russians residing abroad. According to the reports the most difficult situation is for Russians residing in Latvia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. The newspaper concludes that Russians residing outside Russia should not rely on or expect any support from the Russian Federation. A week of Slavic culture is organised in Daugavpils. Exhibitions, concerts and discussions devoted to Russian, Belarussian and Ukrainian culture will take place in the city.

A week of Slavic culture is organised in Daugavpils. Exhibitions, concerts and discussions devoted to Russian, Belarussian and Ukrainian culture will take place in the city. Vesti Segodnja