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

CoE Secretary General W.Schwimmer will come to Riga on May 3 during his European visit. Answering to the question about Latvian presidency of CoE that was coming to an end, he said that it had been very successful.

CoE Secretary General W.Schwimmer will come to Riga on May 3 during his European visit. Answering to the question about Latvian presidency of CoE that was coming to an end, he said that it had been very successful. Diena

Two cases filed by Latvian residents against the Latvian state about language discrimination could turn out to be important precedents that would make Latvia to reconsider several laws and possibly abolish the norm that forbids running for elections persons who do not know the language on the third – highest level. One case filed Daugavpils businesswoman I.Polocka for crossing out her name from election list before the Saeima election in 1998 and the other was teacher A.Ignatane for crossing out her name from local government election list in 1997.

Two cases filed by Latvian residents against the Latvian state about language discrimination could turn out to be important precedents that would make Latvia to reconsider several laws and possibly abolish the norm that forbids running for elections persons who do not know the language on the third – highest level. One case filed Daugavpils businesswoman I.Polocka for crossing out her name from election list before the Saeima election in 1998 and the other was teacher A.Ignatane for crossing out her name from local government election list in 1997. Diena

During the Russian and EU summits meeting that will take place in Moscow in May one of the discussion topics will be the situation of Russian speakers in the Baltic States. Agency Interfax learned about this from the delegation that would accompany Russian Prime Minister M.Kasyanov on his official visit to Sweden.

During the Russian and EU summits meeting that will take place in Moscow in May one of the discussion topics will be the situation of Russian speakers in the Baltic States. Agency Interfax learned about this from the delegation that would accompany Russian Prime Minister M.Kasyanov on his official visit to Sweden. Neatkariga

During the first three months of this year 180 residents of Daugavpils City and District, Kraslava and Jekabpils Districts have became citizens of Latvia. Totally since 1995 naturalised 3698 residents of this region. But the number of non-citizens in Daugavpils alone exceeds 36 000 that is about 31% of the total population of this city. 21 000 non-citizens by nationality are Russians, 7000 – Byelorussians and 4000 – Poles.

During the first three months of this year 180 residents of Daugavpils City and District, Kraslava and Jekabpils Districts have became citizens of Latvia. Totally since 1995 naturalised 3698 residents of this region. But the number of non-citizens in Daugavpils alone exceeds 36 000 that is about 31% of the total population of this city. 21 000 non-citizens by nationality are Russians, 7000 – Byelorussians and 4000 – Poles. Neatkariga

Riga City Council deputy A.Gilman writes about the case when Riga City Council Russian speaking deputies were approached by

Riga City Council deputy A.Gilman writes about the case when Riga City Council Russian speaking deputies were approached by Rigas Balss journalist E.Barkans and asked them to answer several questions. But the aim of those interviews was to check their state language proficiency level. A.Gilman sees it as a provocation and states that nobody will manage to deprive them of their mandates. Soon Latvia will have to ratify the framework Convention on National Minorities; the next step will be implementation of OSCE so called Oslo recommendation. And when non-citizens receive the right of vote in local government elections, they will come to power in all major cities of Latvia. Rigas Balss

Panorama Latvii

informs that one more Russian speaking school could be closed. This time - in Jelgava. One of explanations for such an action is that the school is planned for 1700 students but now there are only 650. Students would be sent to other schools but 50 teachers and 30 maintenance staff would become unemployed. (also on 30.04.01)