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 supported in the final reading draft amendments to the parliamentary regulations regarding those MPs who have insufficient state language proficiency
• Minister of Culture Sarmite Elerte: new draft integration program emphasizes social memory
• Diena features an article by the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Latvia Tomašs Pštrošs about integration policy in Latvia

Yesterday, the Saeima supported in the final reading draft amendments to the parliamentary regulations regarding those MPs who have insufficient state language proficiency. According to the amendments, a request to check state language proficiency of an MP should be submitted by at least 20 MPs. If the level of language proficiency is acknowledged as insufficient the Saeima will have the right to decide on the expulsion of the MP from the parliament.

Yesterday, the Saeima supported in the final reading draft amendments to the parliamentary regulations regarding those MPs who have insufficient state language proficiency. According to the amendments, a request to check state language proficiency of an MP should be submitted by at least 20 MPs. If the level of language proficiency is acknowledged as insufficient the Saeima will have the right to decide on the expulsion of the MP from the parliament. Neatkariga

Diena prints an article about integration policy in Latvia and elaboration of the new integration program by the Ministry of Culture. The Minister of Culture Sarmite Elerte states that the new draft integration program considerably differs from the previous programs by its emphasis on social memory. The Minister believes that the split of social memory in the society can be solved by explanation of Latvian, European and Russian history in schools and to the rest of the society; by more serious evaluation of European history and clear position that Nazi and Stalins regime crimes should be evaluated on the equal criteria; and by active attraction of Russian speaking children to Latvian language kindergartens and schools.

Diena features an article by the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Latvia Tomašs Pštrošs about integration policy in Latvia. Mr. Pštrošs believes that every integration concept in Latvia which is based on „national principal will be unsuccessful because it will not reach ethnic non-Latvian residents. Mr. Pštrošs believes that Latvia needs the integration concept in which ethnic and cultural identity will not have the determinant significance. According to the Ambassador, integration should be based on values and aims which are surpassing over ethnic lines.