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 Report

Press Report

CBSS Commissioner O.Espersen, continuing his visit to Latvia, discusses the rights of non-citizens – the right to vote in municipal elections with the Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins. I.Berzins motivated his position that non-citizens do not need a special permission to participate in a municipal election due to the amendments to the citizenship law – every non-citizen, residing legally on the territory of Latvia, who knows the Latvian language – has a right to become a citizen. I.Berzins also pointed out that the opinion of O.Esperson on the integration processes was not so significant as the position of the OSCE HC Max van der Stoel.

CBSS Commissioner O.Espersen, continuing his visit to Latvia, discusses the rights of non-citizens – the right to vote in municipal elections with the Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins. I.Berzins motivated his position that non-citizens do not need a special permission to participate in a municipal election due to the amendments to the citizenship law – every non-citizen, residing legally on the territory of Latvia, who knows the Latvian language – has a right to become a citizen. I.Berzins also pointed out that the opinion of O.Esperson on the integration processes was not so significant as the position of the OSCE HC Max van der Stoel. Neatkariga

The level of GNP per one inhabitant in Latvia is the lowest among all the EU candidate states, concerning purchasing power – 26% of the EU average. These data ere published in the research of EU Statistics Office on GNO in Central European regions.

The level of GNP per one inhabitant in Latvia is the lowest among all the EU candidate states, concerning purchasing power – 26% of the EU average. These data ere published in the research of EU Statistics Office on GNO in Central European regions. Diena

On Tuesday the Government adopted in principle the concept of Public Integrration Program where the four main goals and directions were – furthering of public participation and political integration, social and regional integration of the society, education, language and culture policy and information. The only objections against this program had the ministers representing TB/LNNL.

On Tuesday the Government adopted in principle the concept of Public Integrration Program where the four main goals and directions were – furthering of public participation and political integration, social and regional integration of the society, education, language and culture policy and information. The only objections against this program had the ministers representing TB/LNNL. Diena

In the same newspaper N.Locmele explains why this program is so important for Latvia.

In the same newspaper N.Locmele explains why this program is so important for Latvia. Diena

Several donor states – Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, USA had granted 500 000 USD for the Latvian language Training Program to organise free of charge Latvian language training for representatives of different professions – national minority teachers, policemen and nurses and physicians, told

Several donor states – Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, USA had granted 500 000 USD for the Latvian language Training Program to organise free of charge Latvian language training for representatives of different professions – national minority teachers, policemen and nurses and physicians, told Diena NLLTP Director A.Priedite.

Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins in a interview to the Latvian Radio said that before the Helsinki Summit meeting many different unpleasant surprises could face Latvia. They would come up in Latvian and foreign press. The aim of such surprises would be – to postpone the beginning of the negotiation on Latvia’s joining EU. But I.Berzins was sure that the negotiations would start anyway.

Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins in a interview to the Latvian Radio said that before the Helsinki Summit meeting many different unpleasant surprises could face Latvia. They would come up in Latvian and foreign press. The aim of such surprises would be – to postpone the beginning of the negotiation on Latvias joining EU. But I.Berzins was sure that the negotiations would start anyway. Chas