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.

• Josette Durrieu: Latvia should consider a possibility to simplify the Latvian language examinations for future citizens
• Experts evaluate performance of the Special Task Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat
• Preparation of minority schools for the switch to the Latvian language of instruction is going satisfactorily
• Simon Wiesenthal Centre director Ephraim Zuroff will visit Latvia
• European Parliament invites Russia to sign and ratify a border agreement with Latvia

Josette Durrieu, the chairperson of the Monitoring Committee of the Council’s of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, reportedly concluded there are no significant minority problems in Latvia, connected with the violation of human rights, but pointed out to the slow pace of the naturalization process, and still big number of non-citizens.  Josette Durrieu expressed appreciation of the establishment of the Saeima Sub-Committee for Societal integration in order to examine the possibility of ratifying the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. According to the Chairperson, a possibility to simplify the Latvian language examination procedure for future citizens should be considered, especially taking into account that people do not naturalize out of protest. Russian language newspapers also feature the account of the Ambassador of Russia to Latvia Igor Studennikov on his meeting with Josette Durrieu.

Josette Durrieu, the chairperson of the Monitoring Committee of the Councils of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, reportedly concluded there are no significant minority problems in Latvia, connected with the violation of human rights, but pointed out to the slow pace of the naturalization process, and still big number of non-citizens. Josette Durrieu expressed appreciation of the establishment of the Saeima Sub-Committee for Societal integration in order to examine the possibility of ratifying the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. According to the Chairperson, a possibility to simplify the Latvian language examination procedure for future citizens should be considered, especially taking into account that people do not naturalize out of protest. Russian language newspapers also feature the account of the Ambassador of Russia to Latvia Igor Studennikov on his meeting with Josette Durrieu. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Vechernaya Riga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Diena interviews society integration experts about the performance of the Special Task Ministers for Societal Integration Secretariat after the first year of work. According to the experts, the Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks has not managed to address the topical issues in the area of society integration: the slow naturalization process, the large number of non-citizens among children, and the necessity to review the National Program Society Integration in Latvia, which in some aspects is already outdated. The Secretariat does not have a long-term action plan, with specific tasks and deadlines. As possible causes for delays, time needed for building a new institution and political hurdles, as well as unsuccessful team management and lack of professional administration are being mentioned. Diena

State Education Inspection, after evaluating 89 minority schools, has come to a conclusion that the preparation for the switch to the Latvian language of instruction in September 2004 proceeds satisfactorily. For example, the number of minority schools’ teachers, who need Latvian language courses and methodology courses, is diminished by 77.5% since the last spring.

State Education Inspection, after evaluating 89 minority schools, has come to a conclusion that the preparation for the switch to the Latvian language of instruction in September 2004 proceeds satisfactorily. For example, the number of minority schools teachers, who need Latvian language courses and methodology courses, is diminished by 77.5% since the last spring. Diena

Simon Wiesenthal Centre director Ephraim Zuroff is planning to visit Latvia to discuss the issue of possible connection between the ex-legionnaire Karlis Brazus, now living in Canada, and the death of a Jewish family during the Holocaust years in Bauska. He will meet with Larisa Grekova, who lives in Bauska and came across the connection when she was trying to privatize her apartment in the house which belonged to that Jewish family before the war, but ten years ago was denationalized by Karlis Brazus. Zuroff will also meet with the General Prosecutor’s office, where Larisa Grekova claims to fail to meet any support before she has contacted Simon Wiesenthal Centre.

Simon Wiesenthal Centre director Ephraim Zuroff is planning to visit Latvia to discuss the issue of possible connection between the ex-legionnaire Karlis Brazus, now living in Canada, and the death of a Jewish family during the Holocaust years in Bauska. He will meet with Larisa Grekova, who lives in Bauska and came across the connection when she was trying to privatize her apartment in the house which belonged to that Jewish family before the war, but ten years ago was denationalized by Karlis Brazus. Zuroff will also meet with the General Prosecutors office, where Larisa Grekova claims to fail to meet any support before she has contacted Simon Wiesenthal Centre. Telegraf

Yesterday the European Parliament adopted a resolution, inviting Russia to sign and ratify a border agreement with Latvia and Estonia.

Yesterday the European Parliament adopted a resolution, inviting Russia to sign and ratify a border agreement with Latvia and Estonia. Diena, Telegraf