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

• Presidents Official Language Commission accounted for its activities yesterday
• Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks asked the government to allot LVL 646 685 for formation and activities of his ministry
• Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities discussed at the Saeima Committee on European Affairs

• Russian ambassador concerned about the education reform in 2004
• Vesti Segodnya interviews Russian ambassador
• Chairperson of the Latvian First Party and head of the EC Delegation Andrew Rasbash discuss integration issues
• State Language inspectors fail to impose fine on Riga City Council official
• Anti-NATO NGO Prata Speks has opened a special phone line for support of Latvian language courses free of charge

The President’s Official Language Commission accounted for its activities yesterday. The President stressed that Latvia has strengthened democratic traditions which is proved by the closure of the OSCE Mission, however, now it is necessary to secure the rights of the Latvian language and its practical usage domestically. Chairperson of the OLC Mara Zalite reported that this year the Commission received LVL 78,423 and 15 its projects were supported by the Saeima and the government. The two most important are the creation of an internet

The Presidents Official Language Commission accounted for its activities yesterday. The President stressed that Latvia has strengthened democratic traditions which is proved by the closure of the OSCE Mission, however, now it is necessary to secure the rights of the Latvian language and its practical usage domestically. Chairperson of the OLC Mara Zalite reported that this year the Commission received LVL 78,423 and 15 its projects were supported by the Saeima and the government. The two most important are the creation of an internet webpage for the Latvian language and drafting of the framework programme for the development of the Latvian language. Zalite believes that that Commission should not write projects - this task should be carried out by the to be established State Language Agency which would administrate funding and distribute it for projects. Diena, Lauku Avize, Vesti Segodnya

Latvijas Vestnesis publishes the full speech of the President given on the occasion.

Latvijas Vestnesis publishes the full speech of the President given on the occasion.

Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks asked the government to allot LVL 646 685 for the formation and activities of his ministry. It is planned that the Ministry will have two departments – Societal Integration and Minority and Administrative Department. Under the supervision of Muiznieks there will also be an Advisory Committee on the Integration Issues, a working group, which will elaborate ethnic policy and an Advisory Committee of Nationalities. The total number of staff amounts to 30 employees. BNS

Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks asked the government to allot LVL 646 685 for the formation and activities of his ministry. It is planned that the Ministry will have two departments – Societal Integration and Minority and Administrative Department. Under the supervision of Muiznieks there will also be an Advisory Committee on the Integration Issues, a working group, which will elaborate ethnic policy and an Advisory Committee of Nationalities. The total number of staff amounts to 30 employees. BNS

Vesti Segodnya

and and Neatkariga Neatkariga report that the Minister of Finance opposes the request of the Integration Minister and states that the decision was to form the post of the minister and not the ministry. The Prime Minister said that most probably the government would allot as little funding as possible for this Ministry. report that the Minister of Finance opposes the request of the Integration Minister and states that the decision was to form the post of the minister and not the ministry. The Prime Minister said that most probably the government would allot as little funding as possible for this Ministry.

Vesti Segodnya

reports about a sitting of the Saeima Committee on European Affairs headed by FF/LNNK MP Guntars Krasts. The main discussion subject was the progress report of the European Commission on Latvia. When discussing the recommendation of the European Commission reports about a sitting of the Saeima Committee on European Affairs headed by FF/LNNK MP Guntars Krasts. The main discussion subject was the progress report of the European Commission on Latvia. When discussing the recommendation of the European Commission to ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minoritiesto ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, FHRUL MP Boriss Tsilevich stated that already two NGOs have developed reports about the consequences of ratification, however, there is no response of the government. Guntars Krasts replied that Latvia does not need the Convention., FHRUL MP Boriss Tsilevich stated that already two NGOs have developed reports about the consequences of ratification, however, there is no response of the government. Guntars Krasts replied that Latvia does not need the Convention.

During the meeting with chairperson of the Latvian First Party and vice speaker of the Saeima Eriks Jekabsons, Russian ambassador Igor Studennikov voiced concern about the switch of national minority schools to instruction in the Latvian language and asked for tolerance toward the wish to study in a native language. Jekabsons replied that these issues should be thoroughly discussed because they should not evoke concern of Russian speakers about the future of their children.

Diena

Vesti Segodnya

interviews Russian ambassador Igor Studennikov. The key discussion subjects are relations between Latvia and Russia and terrorism in Russia and in the world.

Latvijas Vestnesis

reports about the meeting of chairperson of the Latvian First Party and vice speaker of the Saeima Eriks Jekabsons with head of the European Commission to Latvia Andrew Rasbash. The key discussion subjects were the societal integration in Latvia, the speed of naturalisation and future expectation in these areas. Jekabsons stressed that integration and society consolidation is one of the key tasks of the government as well as the Saeima.

State Language inspectors fail to impose fine on Riga City Council official. After several unsuccessful attempts to arrange a meeting with head of the Information Department of Riga City Council Guntars Kukuls to draw an administrative protocol about the lack of translation to the state language at the press conference of Moscow Mayor Yurij Luzkov, the State Language Centre asks Kukuls to come to the Centre. However, Kukuls will not be in Riga at that time. State Language Centre inspectors say that it is jeering because we are not entitled to draw a protocol without the presence of a person who violated the law. BNS

Anti-NATO NGO Prata Speks, which provides Latvian language courses free of charge,

Anti-NATO NGO Prata Speks, which provides Latvian language courses free of charge, has opened a special phone line where each call costs LVL 1. The money collected will be donated for funding of Latvian language courses in the future. Vesti Segodnya