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.

• Saeima did not accept the draft amendments to the Education Law and the Saeimas Rules of Procedure proposed by FF /LNIM
• NGO Prata Speks offers free-of-charge courses aimed at preparation for naturalisation examinations
• Leader of The Concord Centre Nils Usakovs: Russians in Latvia have to resist assimilation
• Telegraf prints articles about activities of the Ukrainian Cultural – Educational Society Dnipro and the Riga Ukrainian Secondary School
• Most popular parties in September: Peoples Party, the Union of Greens and Farmers, and FHRUL

Yesterday, the Saeima declined the draft amendments to the Education Law and to the Saeima’s Rules of Procedure proposed by the political party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM. As reported, the draft amendments to the Education Law stipulated that the state examinations in minority educational institutions funded by state and municipalities have to be taken only in the state language. The declined draft amendments to the Rules of Procedure stipulated that MPs would be forbidden to speak Russian during sessions of parliamentary factions.

Yesterday, the Saeima declined the draft amendments to the Education Law and to the Saeimas Rules of Procedure proposed by the political party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM. As reported, the draft amendments to the Education Law stipulated that the state examinations in minority educational institutions funded by state and municipalities have to be taken only in the state language. The declined draft amendments to the Rules of Procedure stipulated that MPs would be forbidden to speak Russian during sessions of parliamentary factions. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Latvijas Avize, Latvijas Vestnesis

Yesterday, the NGO “Prata Speks” re-launched free-of-charge courses which aim is to prepare applicants for naturalisation examinations. The head of the “Prata Speks” Igors Kuzmuks in an interview with

Yesterday, the NGO Prata Speks re-launched free-of-charge courses which aim is to prepare applicants for naturalisation examinations. The head of the Prata Speks Igors Kuzmuks in an interview with Chas stated that about 1,500 persons have attended the courses since the initiative was launched five years ago. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Vesti Segodnya prints an interview with the leader of the political party The Concord Centre Nils Usakovs. Mr. Usakovs argues that Russians in Latvia face assimilation, however, they have to become equal members of the Latvian nation.

Telegraf in its supplement Latvia-Ukraine prints an article about activities of the Ukrainian Cultural – Educational Society Dnipro which celebrates its 18th anniversary. The newspaper also interviews the director of the Riga Ukrainian Secondary School about schools activities.

According to the public opinion survey conducted by the company "Latvijas fakti," the People’s Party would receive 13.3 % of votes, the Union of Greens and Farmers – 12.1%, For Human Rights in the United Latvia – 9.3% if the Saeima elections were hold in September. The party New Era (8.1%), the Union of Latvia’s First Party and Latvia’s Way (6.3%), For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM (5.8%) and “The Concord Centre” (5.7%) would also pass the required 5 per cent barrier. However, 16.7 % of the respondents responded that they do not know whom will they vote for yet, and 10.5% stated that they will not participate in the elections.

According to the public opinion survey conducted by the company "Latvijas fakti," the Peoples Party would receive 13.3 % of votes, the Union of Greens and Farmers – 12.1%, For Human Rights in the United Latvia – 9.3% if the Saeima elections were hold in September. The party New Era (8.1%), the Union of Latvias First Party and Latvias Way (6.3%), For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM (5.8%) and The Concord Centre (5.7%) would also pass the required 5 per cent barrier. However, 16.7 % of the respondents responded that they do not know whom will they vote for yet, and 10.5% stated that they will not participate in the elections. Diena