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.

• Political scientist Peteris Vinkelis: war in Georgia split Latvian society
• Newspapers report about reaction of Latvian residents and state officials towards war in Georgia

According to political scientist Peteris Vinkelis, war in Georgia split Latvian society because majority of ethnic Russian residents support South Ossetia, Abkhazia and Russia, while ethnic Latvians support Georgia. Therefore, Mr.Vinkelis considers that state authorities should be very careful in their actions regarding the war in Georgia to prevent aggravation of the situation in Latvian society.

According to political scientist Peteris Vinkelis, war in Georgia split Latvian society because majority of ethnic Russian residents support South Ossetia, Abkhazia and Russia, while ethnic Latvians support Georgia. Therefore, Mr.Vinkelis considers that state authorities should be very careful in their actions regarding the war in Georgia to prevent aggravation of the situation in Latvian society. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Newspapers report about reaction of Latvian residents and state officials towards war in Georgia. The President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins and other high officials condemn Russia’s military aggression in South Ossetia and Georgia and voices support for Georgian authorities. Also, several hundred of Latvian residents yesterday held a procession in Riga in support of Georgia and condemnation of Russia. In the meantime, the political party For Human Rights in United Latvia (FHRUL) and biggest Russian NGOs protested against Latvia’s official position expressed by various high state officials. The FHRUL and Russian NGOs consider that the official position does not reflect the position of all Latvian residents and express their support and condolences to South Ossetians and Russians who suffered from Georgian military intervention into South Ossetia. Tomorrow, an NGO People’s Patriotic Union “Motherland” is planning to hold in Riga a picket in support of Russia’s activities in South Ossetia. 

Newspapers report about reaction of Latvian residents and state officials towards war in Georgia. The President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins and other high officials condemn Russias military aggression in South Ossetia and Georgia and voices support for Georgian authorities. Also, several hundred of Latvian residents yesterday held a procession in Riga in support of Georgia and condemnation of Russia. In the meantime, the political party For Human Rights in United Latvia (FHRUL) and biggest Russian NGOs protested against Latvias official position expressed by various high state officials. The FHRUL and Russian NGOs consider that the official position does not reflect the position of all Latvian residents and express their support and condolences to South Ossetians and Russians who suffered from Georgian military intervention into South Ossetia. Tomorrow, an NGO Peoples Patriotic Union Motherland is planning to hold in Riga a picket in support of Russias activities in South Ossetia. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf, Diena, Latvijas Avize, NRA