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.

Press Review

Mr. Janis Freimanis of the Christian Democratic Union faction analyzes the problem naturalization. He explains non-citizens' indifference toward naturalization by their fear of assimilation. He believes it to be quite a natural feeling and suggests that integration entails at least a certain degree of ethnic amalgamation. Mr. Freimanis does not believe assimilation of 44% of non-Latvian population to be possible. He stresses that two ethnic communities already exist in Latvia while the only plausible solution to the problem is to "make Latvia a civilized society" where non-citizens would not fear to lose their ethnic identity. Mr. Freimanis sees the Language Law as a factor required to protect the Latvian language.

Mr. Janis Freimanis of the Christian Democratic Union faction analyzes the problem naturalization. He explains non-citizens' indifference toward naturalization by their fear of assimilation. He believes it to be quite a natural feeling and suggests that integration entails at least a certain degree of ethnic amalgamation. Mr. Freimanis does not believe assimilation of 44% of non-Latvian population to be possible. He stresses that two ethnic communities already exist in Latvia while the only plausible solution to the problem is to "make Latvia a civilized society" where non-citizens would not fear to lose their ethnic identity. Mr. Freimanis sees the Language Law as a factor required to protect the Latvian language. Diena

The latest UNDP overview of the situation in Latvia includes a chapter on political integration written by Mr. Boris Tsilevich and a chapter on education in Russian language schools by Ms. Tatyana Liguta. The report also contains a comprehensive analysis of naturalization, language policy and differences between the rights of citizens and non-citizens. The document will be circulated in the

The latest UNDP overview of the situation in Latvia includes a chapter on political integration written by Mr. Boris Tsilevich and a chapter on education in Russian language schools by Ms. Tatyana Liguta. The report also contains a comprehensive analysis of naturalization, language policy and differences between the rights of citizens and non-citizens. The document will be circulated in the Saeima and in the Latvian Government. Diena