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.

• Igors Pimenovs believes that a national referendum on granting non-citizens voting rights would split society along ethnic lines
• Latvijas Avize reports on a visit of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe Thomas Hammarberg to Latvia
• Telegraf prints an article about a study Influence of Foreign Countries on Society Ethnic Integration Process in Latvia
• Vesti Segodnya reports on the European Russian forum
• Chas reports on festivity of Russian language in Daugavpils

The member of the Riga City Council, head of the Latvian Association for Support of Russian Language Schools Igors Pimenovs believes that a national referendum on granting non-citizens voting rights in municipal elections would split society along ethnic lines. Igors Pimenovs believes that ethnic split regarding political issues would increase tension between Latvians and Russian speaking residents. Mr. Pimenovs also believes that the referendum might be used by national radical parties, because rising interethnic tensions will strengthen their position. Chas

The member of the Riga City Council, head of the Latvian Association for Support of Russian Language Schools Igors Pimenovs believes that a national referendum on granting non-citizens voting rights in municipal elections would split society along ethnic lines. Igors Pimenovs believes that ethnic split regarding political issues would increase tension between Latvians and Russian speaking residents. Mr. Pimenovs also believes that the referendum might be used by national radical parties, because rising interethnic tensions will strengthen their position. Chas

Latvijas Avize reports on a visit of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe Thomas Hammarberg to Latvia. According to the newspaper, the Commissioner wanted to get acquainted with present situation in Latvia and to find out whether his previous recommendations on human rights issues have been taken into consideration. In the framework of the visit, Mr. Hammarberg has hold meetings with NGOs representatives, experts, ministers and other state officials.

Vesti Segodnya reports on the European Russian forum Russian Speaking Society in Europe and its Role in EU - Russia Relations held in Brussels from 1-2 October. The participants of the forum, including representatives from Latvia, among other, have discussed issues concerning Russian minorities in Europe and non-citizens in Latvia and Estonia.

Telegraf prints an article about a study Influence of Foreign Countries on Society Ethnic Integration Process in Latvia recently conducted by the Centre for Eastern European Political Studies. As reported, according to the study, Russia hinders integration process in Latvia. In an interview with the newspaper, political scientist, ex-Integration Minister Nils Muiznieks has agreed that Russia troubles integration process using mass media, various conferences, history curriculum and other means which form conflict opinions in Latvian society. However, Mr. Muiznieks believes that domestic mass media and political parties create much more obstacles for integration. While, the MP Boriss Cilevics (the Concord Centre), in an interview with Telegraf, has stated that the study cannot be evaluated as significant scientific study and it was conducted with prearranged results.

Chas reports on festivity of Russian language in Daugavpils (city in the Eastern part of Latvia) held with support of the House of Moscow.