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

Yesterday Soros Foundation - Latvia gave awards of Public Harmony for special merits in bringing closer Latvia's ethnic groups. Among the awardees were Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane, scientists of the University of Latvia Ethnic Studies Center Elmars Vebers, Ilga Apine, Leo Dribins, Vladislavs Volkovs for a series of books about different national groups in Latvia

Yesterday Soros Foundation - Latvia gave awards of Public Harmony for special merits in bringing closer Latvia's ethnic groups. Among the awardees were Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane, scientists of the University of Latvia Ethnic Studies Center Elmars Vebers, Ilga Apine, Leo Dribins, Vladislavs Volkovs for a series of books about different national groups in Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii, Chas, Vesti

US Department of State in an official letter expressed congratulations regarding the adoption of the Language Law.

US Department of State in an official letter expressed congratulations regarding the adoption of the Language Law. Diena, Neatkariga

A comment by Elmars Vebers in

A comment by Elmars Vebers in Diena continues the discussion about society integration in Latvia.

Diena

interviews Ilga Apine in connection with the Soros Foundation award. She has written books "Belorussians in Latvia" and "Slavs in Latvia". She suggests that the Russian language in Latvia should be called the local minority language and not the foreign language. interviews Ilga Apine in connection with the Soros Foundation award. She has written books "Belorussians in Latvia" and "Slavs in Latvia". She suggests that the Russian language in Latvia should be called the local minority language and not the foreign language. Prime Minister Andris Skele yesterday oficially informed heads of the ruling coalition about Maris Vitols as the nominee for the position of the Education Minister. Of all the ruling faction only Latvia's Way has not expressed its opion about the nominee. The faction memebrs want to hear Vitols' plans in the position.

Prime Minister Andris Skele yesterday oficially informed heads of the ruling coalition about Maris Vitols as the nominee for the position of the Education Minister. Of all the ruling faction only Latvia's Way has not expressed its opion about the nominee. The faction memebrs want to hear Vitols' plans in the position. Neatkariga

After Head of the European Commission Delegation in Latvia Gunter Weiss, Head of the EC Romano Prodi is planning to visit Latvia next February 9-10. Mr. Weiss added that the problem of non-citizens may become an obstacle in EU accession negotiations as after several years Latvia will still have some hundreds of thousands of non-citizens.

After Head of the European Commission Delegation in Latvia Gunter Weiss, Head of the EC Romano Prodi is planning to visit Latvia next February 9-10. Mr. Weiss added that the problem of non-citizens may become an obstacle in EU accession negotiations as after several years Latvia will still have some hundreds of thousands of non-citizens. Chas

The government yesterday did not confirm the concept of ID cards and travel documents. Interior Ministry was assigned to finalize the document.

The government yesterday did not confirm the concept of ID cards and travel documents. Interior Ministry was assigned to finalize the document. Chas

Russian citizens residing in Latvia will have the possibility to vote in the Russian Duma elections here on Dec. 19. According to Latvian DCMA, there are roughly 15,000 Russian citizens in Latvia. Polling stations are in Riga, Liepaja and Daugavpils.

Russian citizens residing in Latvia will have the possibility to vote in the Russian Duma elections here on Dec. 19. According to Latvian DCMA, there are roughly 15,000 Russian citizens in Latvia. Polling stations are in Riga, Liepaja and Daugavpils. Jauna Avize

Vesti

interviews the nominee for Education Minister's position Maris Vitols. Speaking about the reforms in Russian schools Vitols stresses that the main task for him will be attracting resources to ensure better Latvian language teaching in ethnic minority schools.