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

As Prime Minister A.Berzin’s government has been working already for a year, Prime Minister looks back to the work done. Among the biggest successes he names progress made in discussions with the EU and NATO, improved relations with Russia, economic development, more stabilised social budget and, in their turn, the flaws are too optimistic income forecast, privatisation process of Latvian Shipping Company, hindering with Society Integration Programme implementation and drawing up the Law on Corruption Prevention, inability to set education as a real priority.

As Prime Minister A.Berzins government has been working already for a year, Prime Minister looks back to the work done. Among the biggest successes he names progress made in discussions with the EU and NATO, improved relations with Russia, economic development, more stabilised social budget and, in their turn, the flaws are too optimistic income forecast, privatisation process of Latvian Shipping Company, hindering with Society Integration Programme implementation and drawing up the Law on Corruption Prevention, inability to set education as a real priority. Diena

Russia’s minister of culture M.Svidkoy were on a two-day visit to Riga. The minister expressed his interest not only about the possibilities to improve co-operation in the sphere of culture, but also about naturalisation and situation concerning national minorities.

Russias minister of culture M.Svidkoy were on a two-day visit to Riga. The minister expressed his interest not only about the possibilities to improve co-operation in the sphere of culture, but also about naturalisation and situation concerning national minorities. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Jauna

provides opinions of two politicians of the opposite wings – P.Lace (FF/LNNK) and T.Zhdanok (For Equality). P.Lace has a strict position in regard to Russians in Latvia – they have to leave for their motherland. In her view Latvians have the soul of servants – before Latvians pleased Russians, now the High Commissioner Max van der Stoel. T.Zhdanok thinks that Russians are discriminated in a number spheres in Latvia and analyses what could be the results of these discriminations. International seminar “European Convention on Nationality – Common Problems and Solutions in the Field of Nationality” run by the EU, NB and Human Right Institute of the University of Latvia will take place in Riga on Monday and Tuesday. Human rights experts from Switzerland, Sweden, Russia, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia will share their experiences regarding citizenship issues and ratification process of the European Convention on Nationality.

International seminar European Convention on Nationality – Common Problems and Solutions in the Field of Nationality run by the EU, NB and Human Right Institute of the University of Latvia will take place in Riga on Monday and Tuesday. Human rights experts from Switzerland, Sweden, Russia, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia will share their experiences regarding citizenship issues and ratification process of the European Convention on Nationality. Neatkariga.

In response to school optimisation plan Russian schools are getting ready for protests. In accordance with the plan the changes will concern 5 Russian schools in Riga, 1 in Jelgava and 2 in Jekabpils. The schools will be reorganised or closed because of the insufficient number of students per class. Officials relate this situation to lower birth rate and the decision of parents to send their children to Latvian schools.

In response to school optimisation plan Russian schools are getting ready for protests. In accordance with the plan the changes will concern 5 Russian schools in Riga, 1 in Jelgava and 2 in Jekabpils. The schools will be reorganised or closed because of the insufficient number of students per class. Officials relate this situation to lower birth rate and the decision of parents to send their children to Latvian schools. Neatkariga

Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has come up with the statement in regard to the verdict to national bolshevists. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Friday that the jail

Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs has come up with the statement in regard to the verdict to national bolshevists. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Friday that the jail

terms passed in Latvia on three Russians extremists from National Bolshevik Party, who were convicted on terrorism charges, amounted to "demonstrative cruelty."

terms passed in Latvia on three Russians extremists from National Bolshevik Party, who were convicted on terrorism charges, amounted to "demonstrative cruelty."

Russia pointed out that Latvian extremists, who were tried for the attempt to blow up the Victory Monument built in Riga during the Soviet rule to commemorate the victory of the Soviet Army over Nazis in World War Two, got far more lenient sentences. According to this statement, "the Latvian judicial system had decided to show demonstrative cruelty against the young Russian citizens”.

Russia pointed out that Latvian extremists, who were tried for the attempt to blow up the Victory Monument built in Riga during the Soviet rule to commemorate the victory of the Soviet Army over Nazis in World War Two, got far more lenient sentences. According to this statement, "the Latvian judicial system had decided to show demonstrative cruelty against the young Russian citizens. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Chas gives the main points of Saeima vice-speaker J.Straume’s speech on the occasion of the Anniversary of Independence Declaration Day. J.Straume based his speech on 4 main points – NATO, state language, education and Constitution. In regard to the state language he said that “although there were many protests from the East and West, Latvia managed to prevent two-language situation, however, consolidation of the powers which were very happy about the conclusions of some foreign experts who supported easier norms of the State language should not be neglected”.

Chas gives the main points of Saeima vice-speaker J.Straumes speech on the occasion of the Anniversary of Independence Declaration Day. J.Straume based his speech on 4 main points – NATO, state language, education and Constitution. In regard to the state language he said that although there were many protests from the East and West, Latvia managed to prevent two-language situation, however, consolidation of the powers which were very happy about the conclusions of some foreign experts who supported easier norms of the State language should not be neglected. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

In the framework of the program “European Block”

In the framework of the program European Block Chas contributor A.Stroy visited European organisations in Brussels. A.Stroy met with Latvian ambassador to the EU A.Piebalgs and the officials of the EU. A.Stroy says that in all discussions Latvia first of all is perceived as a bridge between Europe and Russia and the main advantage of Latvia is the wide spread Russian language skills.