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.

• Interviews with Education Minister Karlis Sadurskis and head of the Association of the Support for the Russian Language Schools in Latvia Igor Pimenov about the education reform in 2004
• Number of EU-sceptics has increased due to growing number of EU-sceptics among Latvian non-citizens
• Vice Prime Minister Ainars Slesers stressed that societal integration will be one of the top priorities of this government
• Russian culture days to be held from January 10-25

Vechernaya Riga

features interviews with Education Minister Karlis Sadurskis and head of the Association of the Support for the Russian Language Schools in Latvia Igor Pimenov about the education reform in 2004. The Minister strictly opposes the view that the education reform of 2004 represents elimination of Russian schools and states that it is a gradual transition to bilingual education. In his view the optimal division between two languages would be 60% of classes in Latvian and 40% in a minority language. Sadurskis agrees that the Ministry of Education has done very little to explain the reform to students and their parents and promises to correct this mistake. He reports that the National Programme for Latvian Language Training is planning to provide Latvian language courses for parents, which could help parents to overcome psychological objections. The Minister is very critical regarding the studies conducted by Latvian researchers about bilingual education in the country, especially one conducted by the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences, and says that these studies are not representative. Head of the Association of the Support for the Russian Language Schools in Latvia Igor Pimenov argues against the statements of the Minister and says that the Education Law in effect does not say anything about bilingual education and should be amended. He disagrees that Latvian language proficiency is the only and most important factor in the job market. Igor Pimenov stresses that Russian parents and students want to study mainly in their native language – at least 70% of classes should be held in Russian. features interviews with Education Minister Karlis Sadurskis and head of the Association of the Support for the Russian Language Schools in Latvia Igor Pimenov about the education reform in 2004. The Minister strictly opposes the view that the education reform of 2004 represents elimination of Russian schools and states that it is a gradual transition to bilingual education. In his view the optimal division between two languages would be 60% of classes in Latvian and 40% in a minority language. Sadurskis agrees that the Ministry of Education has done very little to explain the reform to students and their parents and promises to correct this mistake. He reports that the National Programme for Latvian Language Training is planning to provide Latvian language courses for parents, which could help parents to overcome psychological objections. The Minister is very critical regarding the studies conducted by Latvian researchers about bilingual education in the country, especially one conducted by the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences, and says that these studies are not representative. Head of the Association of the Support for the Russian Language Schools in Latvia Igor Pimenov argues against the statements of the Minister and says that the Education Law in effect does not say anything about bilingual education and should be amended. He disagrees that Latvian language proficiency is the only and most important factor in the job market. Igor Pimenov stresses that Russian parents and students want to study mainly in their native language – at least 70% of classes should be held in Russian. The European Integration Office reports that the number of EU-sceptics has increased due to the growing number of EU-sceptics among Latvian non-citizens. The number of people who have not taken a stance has slightly increased as well.

The European Integration Office reports that the number of EU-sceptics has increased due to the growing number of EU-sceptics among Latvian non-citizens. The number of people who have not taken a stance has slightly increased as well. Diena

During yesterday’s meeting with Latvian ambassadors abroad Vice Prime Minister Ainars Slesers stressed that societal integration will be one of the top priorities of the government.

During yesterdays meeting with Latvian ambassadors abroad Vice Prime Minister Ainars Slesers stressed that societal integration will be one of the top priorities of the government. Vesti Segodnya

The Association of the Support for the Russian Language Schools in Latvia will hold Russian Culture Days from January 10-25.

The Association of the Support for the Russian Language Schools in Latvia will hold Russian Culture Days from January 10-25. Vesti Segodnya