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.

23 December

• Political parties about guest workers
• Court starts hearing a case of an alleged racially motivated assault
• Study: lack of state language skills one of the main reasons of social exclusion
• Union of the Latvian First Party and Latvias Way might form one political force together with the Harmony Centre
• Stories of representatives of ethnic minorities about their way of celebration

Chas features opinions of representatives of political parties regarding attraction of guest workers to the Latvian job market. Representative of the Union of the Greens and Farmers Andris Berzins states that solving of the issue of lack of local labour force by attracting guest workers would bring both positive and negative. He believes that Latvia should open its labour market, while representative of the New Era Artis Kampars argues that Latvia has to do everything to avoid any influx of guest workers. Representative of the Harmony Centre Boriss Cilevics believes that attraction of guest workers would make a positive contribution into Latvias economic and social development.

Newspapers feature court hearing of case of the allegedly racially motivated assault on two Sri Lankans in January 2006. As reported, a 16-yea-old girl verbally and physically assaulted the brother and sister.

Newspapers feature court hearing of case of the allegedly racially motivated assault on two Sri Lankans in January 2006. As reported, a 16-yea-old girl verbally and physically assaulted the brother and sister. Chas, Neatkariga

According to researchers who conducted a study “Social Exclusion and Social Integration” the main reasons for social exclusion are lack of state language skills, lack of housing and lack of resources to attend doctor.

According to researchers who conducted a study Social Exclusion and Social Integration the main reasons for social exclusion are lack of state language skills, lack of housing and lack of resources to attend doctor. Diena

Leader of the union of the Latvian First Party and Latvia’s Way Ainars Slesers has stated that the union might consider the formation of a new political force together the Harmony Centre (one of so-called Russian parties) headed by Nils Usakovs. The newspaper notes that the Latvian First Party as well as Latvia’s Way has always tried to attract the Russian-speaking electorate.

Leader of the union of the Latvian First Party and Latvias Way Ainars Slesers has stated that the union might consider the formation of a new political force together the Harmony Centre (one of so-called Russian parties) headed by Nils Usakovs. The newspaper notes that the Latvian First Party as well as Latvias Way has always tried to attract the Russian-speaking electorate. Neatkariga

Diena features stories of a several representatives of ethnic minorities living in Latvia – Norwegian, German, Estonian and Russian – about celebration of Christmas in Latvia.

27 December

• Vesti Segodnya talks to the Integration Minister Oskars Kastens
• Vesti Segodnya about guest workers from Bulgaria and Rumania
• Interview with the Head of the Naturalisation Board
• Brief insight in the history of the Jewish community in Latvia

Vesti Segodnya talks to the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Oskars Kastens. The Integration Minister comments on the recent negative statements of the Minister of Justice regarding naturalisation (optimisation of the Naturalisation Board and imposing limits on mass naturalisation). The newspaper reports that Oskars Kastens promised to discuss the statements with the Minister of Justice and suggested to invite to the meeting representatives of the Council of Europe who have continuously recommended decreasing the number of non-citizens in the country. He also notes that Latvia has received foreign funding aimed particularly at promoting acquisitions of Latvian citizenship.

Vesti Segodnya comments on the statement of the Minister of Welfare regarding the Latvias decision to open its borders to free movement of workers from the two new EU countries Bulgaria and Rumania. The Minister believes that Latvia will not face a massive influx of people from these countries. However, the newspaper argues that living conditions in these countries are so poor that people will be very willing to move. The newspaper also states, Besides, Rumanian drug dealers will definitely want to expand their markets.

Telegraf features an interview with the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane. She believes that no restrictions will be imposed on procedures regarding naturalisation. While Neatkariga features an article on people deprived Latvian citizenship. Each year the Naturalisation Board receives about 200 applications asking to deprive citizenship from certain people.

Vesti Segodnya provides an insight into the history of the Jewish community in Latvia.