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

The Saeima will have to consider the draft law proposed by the nation against privatisation of Latvenergo. On Friday until 8.20 p.m. already 161 981 signatures were collected that is more than necessary to get this draft law to the Saeima.

The Saeima will have to consider the draft law proposed by the nation against privatisation of Latvenergo. On Friday until 8.20 p.m. already 161 981 signatures were collected that is more than necessary to get this draft law to the Saeima. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas,

A.Lejins, Director of Latvian Foreign Policy Institute, writes about Russian – Latvian relations stating that Russia should change her attitude towards the Baltic States and learn from history. A.Lejins predicts that these relations would improve radically when Latvia will join NATO and EU, organisations that Russia, whether she likes it or not, will have to co-operate.

A.Lejins, Director of Latvian Foreign Policy Institute, writes about Russian – Latvian relations stating that Russia should change her attitude towards the Baltic States and learn from history. A.Lejins predicts that these relations would improve radically when Latvia will join NATO and EU, organisations that Russia, whether she likes it or not, will have to co-operate. Diena

There are more than 9000 people in Latvia who are registered as Romany people in their passports, but in reality there are two times more. Many people do not want to reveal their true nationality being afraid to lose their jobs. To ensure public integration of this minority group in Venspils was established Romany people’s association Gloss with 820 participants. The most urgent problem to solve is unemployment – nobody wants to employ gypsies. Neatkariga

There are more than 9000 people in Latvia who are registered as Romany people in their passports, but in reality there are two times more. Many people do not want to reveal their true nationality being afraid to lose their jobs. To ensure public integration of this minority group in Venspils was established Romany peoples association Gloss with 820 participants. The most urgent problem to solve is unemployment – nobody wants to employ gypsies. Neatkariga

Latvian Minister of Justice I.Labucka participated in a popular TV show after her return from Moscow. The Minister told journalists that Moscow criticised the new Latvian language law regulations even without reading them although they were available on Internet. Everybody can make comments there. A.Story compares this situation with the public discussion of the integration program – “do propose – the unnecessary we will cut out.” Answering on the question about the fact that Latvia had not ratified the EU frame convention on national minorities yet, I.Labucka said that this ratification was not necessary for joining EU.

Latvian Minister of Justice I.Labucka participated in a popular TV show after her return from Moscow. The Minister told journalists that Moscow criticised the new Latvian language law regulations even without reading them although they were available on Internet. Everybody can make comments there. A.Story compares this situation with the public discussion of the integration program – do propose – the unnecessary we will cut out. Answering on the question about the fact that Latvia had not ratified the EU frame convention on national minorities yet, I.Labucka said that this ratification was not necessary for joining EU. Chas