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

Under the heading “The OSCE Always Ready to Help” Chas gives information about mission’s trip to Liepaja. The Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia P.Semneby had meetings with the Mayor of Liepaja and other officials. About 15 visitors wanted to discuss their problems with mission members. Besides these meetings, the ambassador P.Semneby with his colleagues met with General Consul of Russia in Liepaja

Under the heading The OSCE Always Ready to Help Chas gives information about missions trip to Liepaja. The Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia P.Semneby had meetings with the Mayor of Liepaja and other officials. About 15 visitors wanted to discuss their problems with mission members. Besides these meetings, the ambassador P.Semneby with his colleagues met with General Consul of Russia in Liepaja. Chas

Local Liepaja newspaper

Local Liepaja newspaper Rita Ekspresis informs on the OSCE Mission to Latvia visit to Liepaja.

The Mayor of Liepaja U.Sesks stressed that one of the biggest problems is insufficient funding for language learning courses, in his opinion the courses should be free of charge. The ambassador promised to put this question for revision of the high officials of the OSCE. Other fields of interests of the ambassador were possibilities of non-citizens to participate in processes at municipalities and the course of reforms in school system.

The Mayor of Liepaja U.Sesks stressed that one of the biggest problems is insufficient funding for language learning courses, in his opinion the courses should be free of charge. The ambassador promised to put this question for revision of the high officials of the OSCE. Other fields of interests of the ambassador were possibilities of non-citizens to participate in processes at municipalities and the course of reforms in school system.

There was bomb explosion in the editorial office of the newspaper

There was bomb explosion in the editorial office of the newspaper Kapital Latgalii in Daugavpils. People working for newspaper explains that with the recent publications on political powers and links the event with the upcoming municipal elections. Diena, Jauna, Rigas Balss, Panorama Latvii, Vesti Segodnja, Respublika, Chas

Latvia’s Progress Report adopted by the EC on Wednesday could be characterised as positive on the whole; however, the EC points out the spheres, which should be improved. Implementation changes in state administrative capacity is the most serious challenge for Latvia. In regard to society integration poor Latvian language skills and fees are mentioned as main obstacles in faster decrease of the number of non-citizens. The EC indicates that the practice to combine secondary school examination in the Latvian language with naturalisation examination has not become a usual one. In regard to the State Language law, formally it seems acceptable to the EC, however, it is too strict and gives possibility for subjective interpretation. The law and regulations should be implemented with the sense and only so far as it is in legitimate interests of society.

Latvias Progress Report adopted by the EC on Wednesday could be characterised as positive on the whole; however, the EC points out the spheres, which should be improved. Implementation changes in state administrative capacity is the most serious challenge for Latvia. In regard to society integration poor Latvian language skills and fees are mentioned as main obstacles in faster decrease of the number of non-citizens. The EC indicates that the practice to combine secondary school examination in the Latvian language with naturalisation examination has not become a usual one. In regard to the State Language law, formally it seems acceptable to the EC, however, it is too strict and gives possibility for subjective interpretation. The law and regulations should be implemented with the sense and only so far as it is in legitimate interests of society. Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Respublika, Chas

European countries express bigger support to Latvia’s acceptance to the NATO. In all West European countries the number of supporters exceeds 50%.

European countries express bigger support to Latvias acceptance to the NATO. In all West European countries the number of supporters exceeds 50%. Diena

As of this week Latvia becomes a governing country of the EC. During its presidency Latvia will pay attention to five main priorities. Besides usual duties and responsibilities, Latvia has planned to have serious culture programme. In December EC campaign “Europe – Common Heritage” is planned to take place in Riga; in April the conference “Small Languages in the Beginning of XXI Century” will be organised and in May international conference “Democracy on the Turn of XXI Century” will be held in Riga.

As of this week Latvia becomes a governing country of the EC. During its presidency Latvia will pay attention to five main priorities. Besides usual duties and responsibilities, Latvia has planned to have serious culture programme. In December EC campaign Europe – Common Heritage is planned to take place in Riga; in April the conference Small Languages in the Beginning of XXI Century will be organised and in May international conference Democracy on the Turn of XXI Century will be held in Riga. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas

State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs M.Riekstins and British Minister for European Affairs Keith Vaz have made an agreement between the two countries on special co-operation plan which would be aimed to Latvia’s preparation for the EU. K.Vaz noted that Latvia already has reached serious progress and appraisals in such fields as legal system improvement and society integration are founded.

State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs M.Riekstins and British Minister for European Affairs Keith Vaz have made an agreement between the two countries on special co-operation plan which would be aimed to Latvias preparation for the EU. K.Vaz noted that Latvia already has reached serious progress and appraisals in such fields as legal system improvement and society integration are founded. Neatkariga, Respublika

Austrian newspaper “Die Press” publishes the article “Latvians and Nazis: Black Shadow of Waffen SS over Riga” where the author of the article express his surprise on the presence of Latvia’s Minister of Defence G.V.Kristovskis at the ceremony of the unveiling the statue honouring soldiers who died while serving in a Latvian unit of the German Army.

Austrian newspaper Die Press publishes the article Latvians and Nazis: Black Shadow of Waffen SS over Riga where the author of the article express his surprise on the presence of Latvias Minister of Defence G.V.Kristovskis at the ceremony of the unveiling the statue honouring soldiers who died while serving in a Latvian unit of the German Army. Neatkariga

Chas interviews the President V.Vike-Freiberga who has been in this post for 500 days. Chas gives very positive evaluation to her diplomatic skills. The President was asked a very wide range of questions - regarding corruption of politicians, cases of Kalejs and Konovs, society integration, Russia, state image and her personal life. The President does not think that integrated society in Latvia is utopia, in her opinion, people can be unified in their loyalty to the state and if she could she would congratulate every person who acquires Latvian citizenship. The President hopes to have an open dialogue on the relations of Russia and Latvia with the President of Russia and there is no objections from Latvia’s side to have the meeting with Russia’s President.

Chas interviews the President V.Vike-Freiberga who has been in this post for 500 days. Chas gives very positive evaluation to her diplomatic skills. The President was asked a very wide range of questions - regarding corruption of politicians, cases of Kalejs and Konovs, society integration, Russia, state image and her personal life. The President does not think that integrated society in Latvia is utopia, in her opinion, people can be unified in their loyalty to the state and if she could she would congratulate every person who acquires Latvian citizenship. The President hopes to have an open dialogue on the relations of Russia and Latvia with the President of Russia and there is no objections from Latvias side to have the meeting with Russias President.