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

Lithuanian Saims adopted a law on levying Russia for the damaged caused to country during the Soviet occupation. According to this law the Government should establish a delegation for this negotiation by September 1 but by October 1 – finish calculation of damages made to the state and its residents. Diena, Neatkariga

Lithuanian Saims adopted a law on levying Russia for the damaged caused to country during the Soviet occupation. According to this law the Government should establish a delegation for this negotiation by September 1 but by October 1 – finish calculation of damages made to the state and its residents. Diena, Neatkariga

Neatkariga

adds that Russian MFA has expressed its incomprehension about this Lithuanian intention and due to this law was cancelled the visit of the Russian National Council, planned for Wednesday. adds that Russian MFA has expressed its incomprehension about this Lithuanian intention and due to this law was cancelled the visit of the Russian National Council, planned for Wednesday. Most important Latvian politicians doubt that this Saeima will be politically ready to ratify the convention on protecting the rights of minorities. One of the typical worries is a possibility of establishing a real two-language situation in Latgale. Politicians do not foresee the ratification in the next two years; after the reached compromise on the language problem that was achieved with so much effort, Latvia does not want to have new troubles. Nevertheless the Saeima Human Rights Commission plans to propose the Government to start an experts’ discussion on the juridical obstacles preventing the ratification of the convention.

Most important Latvian politicians doubt that this Saeima will be politically ready to ratify the convention on protecting the rights of minorities. One of the typical worries is a possibility of establishing a real two-language situation in Latgale. Politicians do not foresee the ratification in the next two years; after the reached compromise on the language problem that was achieved with so much effort, Latvia does not want to have new troubles. Nevertheless the Saeima Human Rights Commission plans to propose the Government to start an experts discussion on the juridical obstacles preventing the ratification of the convention. Diena

The Chairman of the Saeima Human Rights Commission A.Seiksts during the last day of Jurmala meeting of the representatives of state institutions dealing with the problems of national minorities in EU countries came to a conclusion that Latvia would have to ratify the convention on protecting the rights of national minorities. Only two parties – Latvijas Cels and People’s Party, under the pressure of European organisations and hoping to receive European money for “integration”, were ready to think about national minorities.

The Chairman of the Saeima Human Rights Commission A.Seiksts during the last day of Jurmala meeting of the representatives of state institutions dealing with the problems of national minorities in EU countries came to a conclusion that Latvia would have to ratify the convention on protecting the rights of national minorities. Only two parties – Latvijas Cels and Peoples Party, under the pressure of European organisations and hoping to receive European money for integration, were ready to think about national minorities. Chas

The amendments of the Satversme (Constitutional) Court allowing also persons and courts to address it got support of the Saeima juridical Commission, and it is planned that at Parliament would adopt it conceptually next Tuesday.

The amendments of the Satversme (Constitutional) Court allowing also persons and courts to address it got support of the Saeima juridical Commission, and it is planned that at Parliament would adopt it conceptually next Tuesday. Diena

In order to receive a financial support from the Russian Government for preserving Russian culture in Latvia, about 20 representatives of Russian intellectuals have established the Society of Russian Citizens in Latvia – the first official organisation representing interests of the Russian citizens here. The new organisation wants to establish direct contacts with the Compatriots Committee of the Russian National Council and receive financing, stipulated by the Russian law, for local culture activists and organising different events.

In order to receive a financial support from the Russian Government for preserving Russian culture in Latvia, about 20 representatives of Russian intellectuals have established the Society of Russian Citizens in Latvia – the first official organisation representing interests of the Russian citizens here. The new organisation wants to establish direct contacts with the Compatriots Committee of the Russian National Council and receive financing, stipulated by the Russian law, for local culture activists and organising different events. Diena

Afraid of losing seats in the next local government election, Latvian parties most probably will start solving the regional reform only after the election. This statement was made by the Chairman of Local Governments Union A.Jaunsleinis after a meeting with the State Minister on State Administration Affairs J.Krumins.

Afraid of losing seats in the next local government election, Latvian parties most probably will start solving the regional reform only after the election. This statement was made by the Chairman of Local Governments Union A.Jaunsleinis after a meeting with the State Minister on State Administration Affairs J.Krumins. Neatkariga

The newspaper

The newspaper Chas writes that the visit of Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins to China could result in concluding a no-visa regime.

The German company Geisecke & Devrient that won the tender on printing Latvian citizens’ passports will print about 2 million passports, including 2500 diplomatic, 5000 office passports and 1000 stateless persons’ IDs.

The German company Geisecke & Devrient that won the tender on printing Latvian citizens passports will print about 2 million passports, including 2500 diplomatic, 5000 office passports and 1000 stateless persons IDs. Vesti Segodnya