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

• Neatkariga

about ratification of the Framework Convention for Protection of National Minorities

• Case of a fraud language certificate
• The Estonian Foreign Affairs Ministry denied the entry into the country to 53 Roma from Latvia
• Cabinet of Ministers postponed the payment of travel expenses to repatriates
• Branch of Russias organisation for support of its compatriots formed in Latvia
• Interview with chairperson of Peoples Party Andris Skele

Neatkarigas

columnist Viktors Avotins discusses columnist Viktors Avotins discusses ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minoritiesratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Avotins doubts whether Latvians would support ratification of the Convention as ruling political parties have interpreted ratification only as the expanded usage of the Russian language and a threat to the Latvian language. . Avotins doubts whether Latvians would support ratification of the Convention as ruling political parties have interpreted ratification only as the expanded usage of the Russian language and a threat to the Latvian language.

Chas

reports about a case of a driver who experienced problems with inspectors of the State Language Commission when it turned out that his language certificate was fraudulent. According to a human resources manager of one of Latvian companies, in 1992-1994 a number of small firms and companies examined peoples state language skills and issued them false state language skill certificates. The newspaper concludes that the Ministry of Justice should investigate firms and companies which issued false certificates instead of conducting inspections and imposing fines by inspectors of the State Language Centre on people who have such certificates. . According to a human resources manager of one of Latvian companies, in 1992-1994 a number of small firms and companies examined people’s state language skills and issued them false state language skill certificates. The newspaper concludes that the Ministry of Justice should investigate firms and companies which issued false certificates instead of conducting inspections and imposing fines by inspectors of the State Language Centre on people who have such certificates. The Estonian Foreign Affairs Ministry denied entry into the country on the basis of “serious administrative violations and inappropriate activities” to 70 persons, including 53 Roma origin

The Estonian Foreign Affairs Ministry denied entry into the country on the basis of serious administrative violations and inappropriate activities to 70 persons, including 53 Roma origin Vesti Segodnya

The Cabinet of Ministers postponed the implementation of the adopted regulations which stipulate that the Latvian state covers travel expenses of people who repatriate back to their home countries. The law probably would come into effect in 2004, but it is not guaranteed.

The Cabinet of Ministers postponed the implementation of the adopted regulations which stipulate that the Latvian state covers travel expenses of people who repatriate back to their home countries. The law probably would come into effect in 2004, but it is not guaranteed. Panorama Latvii

Panorama Latvii

reports that a branch of a Russian organisation whose main goal is to provide the support for Russians residing abroad was recently formed in Latvia. The head of the organisations branch in Latvia Vladimir Ribakov states that first of all, the organisation will develop a mechanism to implement social programmes to deal with issues concerning Russians, first and foremost employment issues.

Chas

interviews Chairperson of the People’s Party Andris Skeleinterviews Chairperson of the Peoples Party Andris Skele. He states that for the moment the coalition in the Saeima looks stable, however, he does not want to predict the duration of the new cabinet. Skele says that it will be possible to judge about the stability of the Cabinet and coalition only after they start serious work and reforms. Skele believes that his party could be in one coalition with the New Era. He notes that co-operation with FHRUL on the issues where the Peoples Party and FHRUL have similar positions is possible as well. Andris Skele that FHRUL will have to change its ideology as people are more interested in economic welfare than ethnic issues. . He states that for the moment the coalition in the Saeima looks stable, however, he does not want to predict the duration of the new cabinet. Skele says that it will be possible to judge about the stability of the Cabinet and coalition only after they start serious work and reforms. Skele believes that his party could be in one coalition with the New Era. He notes that co-operation with FHRUL on the issues where the People’s Party and FHRUL have similar positions is possible as well. Andris Skele that FHRUL will have to change its ideology as people are more interested in economic welfare than ethnic issues.