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

In order to implement the PACE recommendations and ratify the Framework Convention on National Minorities Latvia would have to make some amendments to the legislation that could theoretically mean introducing of two state languages in the territories where majority of residents is Russian speakers if they were defined as a national minority. But the convention does not contain this definition. Every state may define it according its understanding as it has been done by several states. Also Latvia would have to define first what a national minority means in the context of this convention, thinks the Head of Latvian delegation to PACE J.Sinka.

In order to implement the PACE recommendations and ratify the Framework Convention on National Minorities Latvia would have to make some amendments to the legislation that could theoretically mean introducing of two state languages in the territories where majority of residents is Russian speakers if they were defined as a national minority. But the convention does not contain this definition. Every state may define it according its understanding as it has been done by several states. Also Latvia would have to define first what a national minority means in the context of this convention, thinks the Head of Latvian delegation to PACE J.Sinka. Diena

P.Gouble analyses the data of UNDP research stating that ethnic Latvians and ethnic Russians in Latvia have approximately the same income. And the fact that wealth and poverty does not depend on the national belonging helps to explain why ethnic differences have not turned into open political conflicts.

P.Gouble analyses the data of UNDP research stating that ethnic Latvians and ethnic Russians in Latvia have approximately the same income. And the fact that wealth and poverty does not depend on the national belonging helps to explain why ethnic differences have not turned into open political conflicts. Diena

The New Christian Party will be allowed to submit its list of candidates for the local government election although it requested to exchange its name after January 20, when all the lists were published in the newspaper Latvijas Vestnesis.

The New Christian Party will be allowed to submit its list of candidates for the local government election although it requested to exchange its name after January 20, when all the lists were published in the newspaper Latvijas Vestnesis. Diena

The government decided on Tuesday that the State Language Center together with the function of testing the state language proficiency level had to hand over to the Education Content and Examination Center also 2 staff positions with financing of 6119Ls.

The government decided on Tuesday that the State Language Center together with the function of testing the state language proficiency level had to hand over to the Education Content and Examination Center also 2 staff positions with financing of 6119Ls. Diena

Already 80 local government election candidates have passed the state language proficiency test showing the necessary language proficiency level. The Head of the State Language Center Testing Department A.Zuiceva told journalists that yesterday 20 candidates from Riga, Jelgava, Rujiena and some other places had arrived for a test. More than a half of them received the highest evaluation, but three candidates failed.

Already 80 local government election candidates have passed the state language proficiency test showing the necessary language proficiency level. The Head of the State Language Center Testing Department A.Zuiceva told journalists that yesterday 20 candidates from Riga, Jelgava, Rujiena and some other places had arrived for a test. More than a half of them received the highest evaluation, but three candidates failed. Neatkariga

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga arrived to the World Economics Forum in Dallas. She will give a short 5 minutes speech. She has to describe not only the perspectives on Latvia but also talk on the development of relations with Russia.

Latvian President V.Vike-Freiberga arrived to the World Economics Forum in Dallas. She will give a short 5 minutes speech. She has to describe not only the perspectives on Latvia but also talk on the development of relations with Russia. Chas

Yesterday Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins gave a speech at the PACE meeting describing the situation in Chechnya and his meeting with Russian officials. He had three positive and three negative points.

Yesterday Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins gave a speech at the PACE meeting describing the situation in Chechnya and his meeting with Russian officials. He had three positive and three negative points. Chas