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

Since February 1, 1995 – the beginning of naturalisation in Latvia – 53,327 persons have acquired Latvian citizenship through naturalisation. The number of applications for naturalisation increased in the beginning of this year. The peak was reached in February – 1049 applications, while in June the number declined to 447 applications.

Since February 1, 1995 – the beginning of naturalisation in Latvia – 53,327 persons have acquired Latvian citizenship through naturalisation. The number of applications for naturalisation increased in the beginning of this year. The peak was reached in February – 1049 applications, while in June the number declined to 447 applications. Neatkariga

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins voiced that Latvians should speak the Latvian language with non-Latvians because this is the only way to ensure the usage of the language. He believes that if Latvians themselves do not speak and respond to non-Latvians in Latvian then “the representatives of other nationalities would never start using the state language.”

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins voiced that Latvians should speak the Latvian language with non-Latvians because this is the only way to ensure the usage of the language. He believes that if Latvians themselves do not speak and respond to non-Latvians in Latvian then the representatives of other nationalities would never start using the state language. Vesti Segodnja

During his visit to Finland Russian Defence Minister Sergey Ivanov stated that Moscow would probably change its military positions after the Baltic states join NATO. The Defence Minister has noted that the dislocation of the Russian army to the West is rather possible after NATO expansion. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that too much attention should not be paid to such statements.

During his visit to Finland Russian Defence Minister Sergey Ivanov stated that Moscow would probably change its military positions after the Baltic states join NATO. The Defence Minister has noted that the dislocation of the Russian army to the West is rather possible after NATO expansion. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that too much attention should not be paid to such statements. Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja

Lauku Avize

reflects on the public policy forum Is Latvia Ready for Europe? organised by the Soros Foundation in Latvia. Well known Latvian politicians, officials and researchers took part in the forum. One of the discussion subjects raised by FHRUL MPs was the situation of minorities in Latvia. reflects on the public policy forum “Is Latvia Ready for Europe?” organised by the Soros Foundation in Latvia. Well known Latvian politicians, officials and researchers took part in the forum. One of the discussion subjects raised by FHRUL MPs was the situation of minorities in Latvia. On Friday the youth organisation “Solidarnostj” organised a press conference on the results of the campaign of collecting signatures in support to education in minority languages ran by leader of the FHRUL youth organisation Ivan Stalnoy. Of approximately 3,000 signatures that a FHRUL youth organisation was collecting, 90% of respondents indicated that they want education in their native language, of whom 40% were Latvians. FHRUL MP Yakov Pliner comments on the results of the campaign He says that the results of the campaign demonstrated that the decision of the Ministry of Education and Science to switch minority secondary schools to the Latvian language in 2004 is absurd. Yakov Pliner promised that if FHRUL wins the upcoming Saeima elections, the party would completely re-organise the Latvian education system.

On Friday the youth organisation Solidarnostj organised a press conference on the results of the campaign of collecting signatures in support to education in minority languages ran by leader of the FHRUL youth organisation Ivan Stalnoy. Of approximately 3,000 signatures that a FHRUL youth organisation was collecting, 90% of respondents indicated that they want education in their native language, of whom 40% were Latvians. FHRUL MP Yakov Pliner comments on the results of the campaign He says that the results of the campaign demonstrated that the decision of the Ministry of Education and Science to switch minority secondary schools to the Latvian language in 2004 is absurd. Yakov Pliner promised that if FHRUL wins the upcoming Saeima elections, the party would completely re-organise the Latvian education system. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii