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

publishes a discussion between leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans and Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins (Latvias Way). Janis Jurkans is convinced that the great number of non-citizens is the result of policy implemented by the ruling parties. Janis Jurkans states that Latvian legislation does not promote naturalisation. He suggests that in order to foster naturalisation non-citizens should be granted the right to vote at municipal elections and have a possibility to study in their languages at secondary school. The Prime Minister does not consider that the above mentioned measures would foster integration and states that his government has done a lot to provide programmes for Latvian language training. Regarding the switch of minority secondary schools to instruction in Latvian, Andris Berzins says that national minority schools could exist after 2004 but should not be funded from the state budget. He admits that the switch could be postponed for some schools, but in general all schools should follow the Law and implement the switch in 2004. publishes a discussion between leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans and Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins (Latvia’s Way). Janis Jurkans is convinced that the great number of non-citizens is the result of policy implemented by the ruling parties. Janis Jurkans states that Latvian legislation does not promote naturalisation. He suggests that in order to foster naturalisation non-citizens should be granted the right to vote at municipal elections and have a possibility to study in their languages at secondary school. The Prime Minister does not consider that the above mentioned measures would foster integration and states that his government has done a lot to provide programmes for Latvian language training. Regarding the switch of minority secondary schools to instruction in Latvian, Andris Berzins says that national minority schools could exist after 2004 but should not be funded from the state budget. He admits that the switch could be postponed for some schools, but in general all schools should follow the Law and implement the switch in 2004. Political scientist Janis Penikis states that in comparison to the previous elections, ethnopolitical issues are not so important any more, and even FF/LNNK is focusing on socio-economic questions in its campaign.

Political scientist Janis Penikis states that in comparison to the previous elections, ethnopolitical issues are not so important any more, and even FF/LNNK is focusing on socio-economic questions in its campaign. Lauku Avize

The Central Electoral Commission received a number of complaints about the state language skills of several persons who work at polling stations. Chairperson of the CEC Arnis Cimdars assigned two members of the CEC to inspect polling stations.

The Central Electoral Commission received a number of complaints about the state language skills of several persons who work at polling stations. Chairperson of the CEC Arnis Cimdars assigned two members of the CEC to inspect polling stations. Diena

Rigas Balss

interviews British ambassador Andrew Tesoriere. Ambassador Tesoriere stresses that he feels good in Latvia because he speaks Latvian and can integrate easily into Latvian society. interviews British ambassador Andrew Tesoriere. Ambassador Tesoriere stresses that he feels good in Latvia because he speaks Latvian and can integrate easily into Latvian society.

Telegraf

reports about two companies which provide Latvian language courses and prepare people for naturalisation. Both companies focus on teaching conversational language. reports about two companies which provide Latvian language courses and prepare people for naturalisation. Both companies focus on teaching conversational language.