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

Yesterday, the Foreign Commission of the European Parliament, in its resolution on fighting against racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism in EU candidate countries, stated that EU from its budget should allot enough resources to support observing human rights and minority rights in the candidate countries. In the resolution, the European Commission is advised to help also Latvia and Estonia “to continue taking care of integration of the Russian minority and ensuring equal attitude”. Several Central European countries are reproached of discriminating Gypsies.

Yesterday, the Foreign Commission of the European Parliament, in its resolution on fighting against racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism in EU candidate countries, stated that EU from its budget should allot enough resources to support observing human rights and minority rights in the candidate countries. In the resolution, the European Commission is advised to help also Latvia and Estonia to continue taking care of integration of the Russian minority and ensuring equal attitude. Several Central European countries are reproached of discriminating Gypsies. Diena

After the materials obtained by the investigation commission in pedophilia case were passed over to the Constitution Defense Office for investigation, Justice Minister Valdis Birkavs stopped his hunger strike.

After the materials obtained by the investigation commission in pedophilia case were passed over to the Constitution Defense Office for investigation, Justice Minister Valdis Birkavs stopped his hunger strike.

In yesterday’s Saeima session the term for the activities of the commission was extended till April 13. The Saeima agreed to look at the draft amendments to the law on Prosecutor’s Office submitted by the commission.

In yesterdays Saeima session the term for the activities of the commission was extended till April 13. The Saeima agreed to look at the draft amendments to the law on Prosecutors Office submitted by the commission. Diena, Vesti, Neatkariga

Several Russian politicians on Thursday came forward with threatening statements in the direction of Latvia expressing support for introducing economic sanctions. They stressed that the federal authorities should develop a united program against the Baltic countries and repeat reproaches regarding discrimination of Russian speakers in Estonia and Latvia. Chairman of the State Duma Foreign Commission Sergey Rogozin noted that the sanctions should be adopted by Duma only after being approved by the executive bodies, like the Security Council and Foreign Ministry. Rogozin has informed BNS that the State Duma will develop and submit to OSCE its own report on the human rights situation in Estonia and Latvia. This has been agreed during Rogozin’s meeting with the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel.

Several Russian politicians on Thursday came forward with threatening statements in the direction of Latvia expressing support for introducing economic sanctions. They stressed that the federal authorities should develop a united program against the Baltic countries and repeat reproaches regarding discrimination of Russian speakers in Estonia and Latvia. Chairman of the State Duma Foreign Commission Sergey Rogozin noted that the sanctions should be adopted by Duma only after being approved by the executive bodies, like the Security Council and Foreign Ministry. Rogozin has informed BNS that the State Duma will develop and submit to OSCE its own report on the human rights situation in Estonia and Latvia. This has been agreed during Rogozins meeting with the OSCE High Commissioner Max van der Stoel. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti, Panorama Latvii

The protocol between Latvian and Russian governments regulating the process of resettling was extended for 5 more years. As it was told at the ceremony, 2000 persons leave Latvia for Russia and 800 come to Latvia from Russia.

The protocol between Latvian and Russian governments regulating the process of resettling was extended for 5 more years. As it was told at the ceremony, 2000 persons leave Latvia for Russia and 800 come to Latvia from Russia. Diena, Chas, Jauna Avize, Neatkariga

After the last week’s parliament vote when the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia did not support marking June 17 as a commemoration day of Latvia’s occupation, many MP s from this faction doubted the fact of occupation when speaking to press. Chairman of the faction Janis Jurkans recognized that Latvia was occupied and expressed pity for what his colleges had said.

After the last weeks parliament vote when the faction For Human Rights in United Latvia did not support marking June 17 as a commemoration day of Latvias occupation, many MP s from this faction doubted the fact of occupation when speaking to press. Chairman of the faction Janis Jurkans recognized that Latvia was occupied and expressed pity for what his colleges had said. Diena

Russian Ambassador to Latvia Alexander Udaltsov said yesterday that Vasily Kononov could move to Russia if he agrees to take Russian citizenship. State Secretary of the Foreign Ministry Maris Riekstins commented that it was to early to discuss the problem as Kononov has appealed the court decision

Russian Ambassador to Latvia Alexander Udaltsov said yesterday that Vasily Kononov could move to Russia if he agrees to take Russian citizenship. State Secretary of the Foreign Ministry Maris Riekstins commented that it was to early to discuss the problem as Kononov has appealed the court decision. Neatkariga

The Society Integration Council has approved the short version of the Society Integration Program and decided to submit the document to the government.

The Society Integration Council has approved the short version of the Society Integration Program and decided to submit the document to the government. Panorama Latvii