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.

• Ruling parties: Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities should be ratified till the end of June

Yesterday the ruling parties came to an agreement that the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities should be ratified till the end of June. The Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Ainars Latkovskis stated that till that time the minority definition will also be elaborated. According to the Minister the national minority definition will cover only Latvian citizens who reside in Latvia permanently, have long-term relations with the country, differ from the core nation on the grounds of ethnicity, language, culture and religion and want to maintain their culture and identity. Hence people who arrived in Latvia during the Soviet occupation will not be the subjects of the Convention.

Yesterday the ruling parties came to an agreement that the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities should be ratified till the end of June. The Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Ainars Latkovskis stated that till that time the minority definition will also be elaborated. According to the Minister the national minority definition will cover only Latvian citizens who reside in Latvia permanently, have long-term relations with the country, differ from the core nation on the grounds of ethnicity, language, culture and religion and want to maintain their culture and identity. Hence people who arrived in Latvia during the Soviet occupation will not be the subjects of the Convention. Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Telegraf