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 Kristians Rozenvalds: referendum on status of Russian language forced the government to pay attention to Latgale region

Political scientist Kristians Rozenvalds believes the referendum on the status of Russian language achieved one very good thing – it forced the government to elaborate a plan of support and development of the Latgale region (Eastern part of Latvia). According to Mr Rozenvalds, many of the Latgale residents who voted for granting Russian language the status of a state language in Latvia did it not because they really want such status for Russian language but did it as a protest for the poor economic situation in the region. Mr Rozenvalds also believes politicians are only talking about promotion of integration but actually don’t do anything to promote it. According to Mr Rozenvalds, the lack of actions in practice can also be seen as a positive factor, because acting on the basis of the existing integration plan, which does not foresee mutual process, would harm the society and promote greater ethnic tensions. Vesti Segodnya