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.

• Romani NGO leader tells about the situation of Roma and development of the National Programme for the Integration of Roma in Latvia
• Criminal persecution started against a girl accused in racially motivated assault
• Visit of the Moscow Patriarch to Latvia – a possible step towards improvement of relations between Latvia and Russia at official level
• African Days celebrated in Latvia

Diena features an interview with the leader of the Romani NGO Nevo Drom Aleksandrs Berezovskis. He reports that finally the Latvian government took a decision to elaborate the National Programme for the Integration of Roma. The main goals of the program is to foster inclusion of Roma into the Latvian labour market and education, as well as eliminate discrimination against Roma.

The State Security Police have asked the Prosecution Office to start criminal persecution of a girl who attacked on two Shri Lankans in January. The girl is related to a skinhead organisation.

The State Security Police have asked the Prosecution Office to start criminal persecution of a girl who attacked on two Shri Lankans in January. The girl is related to a skinhead organisation. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Chas

During his meeting with the Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Patriarch Alexy II of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow stressed that relations between Russians and Latvians should be improved and he will talk about this issue with the Russian President Putin. A number of political scientists commented that the visit should be seen as a step towards improvement of official relations between the countries.

During his meeting with the Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Patriarch Alexy II of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow stressed that relations between Russians and Latvians should be improved and he will talk about this issue with the Russian President Putin. A number of political scientists commented that the visit should be seen as a step towards improvement of official relations between the countries. Diena, NRA, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Vesti Segodnya reports on the celebration of the African Days last Friday in Latvia.