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

An advisor to the Moscow mayor included in the official list of Russian delegates coming to the Latvian capital Riga for celebration of the city's 800th anniversary this weekend will not be let into Latvia as competent Latvian authorities have refused to lift his current status of persona non grata. Alexander Perelygin will not be issued a Latvian visa because competent authorities would not change the decision made last November about banning Perelygin from entering Latvia for a year, reported the Latvian Foreign Ministry. The Riga City Council asked the Interior Ministry to grant an exception in respect of Perelygin so that he would be able to come to Riga for the anniversary celebration. Moreover, Perelygin was also appointed as the chairman of the Moscow task force for co-operation with Riga.

An advisor to the Moscow mayor included in the official list of Russian delegates coming to the Latvian capital Riga for celebration of the city's 800th anniversary this weekend will not be let into Latvia as competent Latvian authorities have refused to lift his current status of persona non grata. Alexander Perelygin will not be issued a Latvian visa because competent authorities would not change the decision made last November about banning Perelygin from entering Latvia for a year, reported the Latvian Foreign Ministry. The Riga City Council asked the Interior Ministry to grant an exception in respect of Perelygin so that he would be able to come to Riga for the anniversary celebration. Moreover, Perelygin was also appointed as the chairman of the Moscow task force for co-operation with Riga. Diena, Chas

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers accepted the amendments to Regulations No 33 On the Examination Procedure of Latvian Language Proficiency and Basic Rules of the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia, National Anthem and Latvian History, which provide for some changes in the structure of history tests given for naturalisation purposes. From now on a test in history will be composed of not only multiple choice questions but also open questions. Naturalisation Board head E.Aldermane informed

Yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers accepted the amendments to Regulations No 33 On the Examination Procedure of Latvian Language Proficiency and Basic Rules of the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia, National Anthem and Latvian History, which provide for some changes in the structure of history tests given for naturalisation purposes. From now on a test in history will be composed of not only multiple choice questions but also open questions. Naturalisation Board head E.Aldermane informed Neatkariga that open questions will be only a small part of the test, besides, these open questions will be such questions which in the opinion of Naturalisation Board would be incorrectly to give as multiple choice questions, for example, Which language is the state language in Latvia? Chas, Latvijas Vestnesis, Diena

Diena

columnist D.Araja tries to evaluate all the happenings having nationalistic character which occurred during this summer – starting with the contest organised by Vieda and ending with the latest activities of Solidarity. Her question is whether these happenings are activities of innocent inexperienced patriots or planned manipulation with people who are not aware of that. National Programme of Latvian Language Learning director A.Priedite says that if young people who had not done anything before suddenly start to be very active, in fact, it means that there is somebody behind their back. Political scientist A.Pabriks considers that it would be foolish to blame some unknown black power, however, most likely the east is under suspicion. In opinion of A.Pabriks the further development of the situation could be the attempt to establish a consolidate Russian oriented civic movement that would have support from municipalities and parties; or another alternative – attempt to prove ineffectiveness of state institutions. Political scientist N.Muizhnieks do not believe in theory about organised conspiracy, but his biggest concern is that Latvias Russian speaking community, which is rather diverse, is rather consolidate what regards language issues. columnist D.Araja tries to evaluate all the happenings having nationalistic character which occurred during this summer – starting with the contest organised by Vieda and ending with the latest activities of “Solidarity”. Her question is whether these happenings are “activities of innocent inexperienced patriots or planned manipulation with people who are not aware of that”. National Programme of Latvian Language Learning director A.Priedite says that if “young people who had not done anything before suddenly start to be very active, in fact, it means that there is somebody behind their back”. Political scientist A.Pabriks considers that “it would be foolish to blame some unknown black power, however, most likely the east is under suspicion”. In opinion of A.Pabriks the further development of the situation could be the attempt to establish a consolidate Russian oriented civic movement that would have support from municipalities and parties; or another alternative – attempt to prove ineffectiveness of state institutions. Political scientist N.Muizhnieks do not believe in theory about organised conspiracy, but his biggest concern is that Latvia’s Russian speaking community, which is rather diverse, is rather consolidate what regards language issues. The Centre of Human Rights and Ethnic Studies director N.Muizhnieks gives his response to the comments of Russian press on the letter “Garda against Latvia” written and distributed by the Centre. N.Muizhnieks explains what determined the circle of people who signed the letter. As it was summer time and many people were having vacations, N.Muizhnieks took an opportunity to inform about the letter at the public political forum organised by Soros Foundation. In result, the letter was signed by many researchers and members of NGOs. Centre director assesses the letter as a success – “it cannot be called a serious change in state policy, however, it is something”.

The Centre of Human Rights and Ethnic Studies director N.Muizhnieks gives his response to the comments of Russian press on the letter Garda against Latvia written and distributed by the Centre. N.Muizhnieks explains what determined the circle of people who signed the letter. As it was summer time and many people were having vacations, N.Muizhnieks took an opportunity to inform about the letter at the public political forum organised by Soros Foundation. In result, the letter was signed by many researchers and members of NGOs. Centre director assesses the letter as a success – it cannot be called a serious change in state policy, however, it is something. Chas

Commenting support voiced last week by government coalition party Latvia’s Way, in nominating her for a second term in office, Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga admitted that she feels surprised and pleased, adding that the move can be "translated in various ways." Vike-Freiberga also said on Monday that Latvia's EU and NATO bids are in no way related to introducing a popular elected president for Latvia. "I don't see any special relation between these three various issues. The EU is one thing, NATO another, and the president's institution a third," said the president. Asked whether she believes if the support voiced by Latvian Way is anything to do with the coming parliament elections in fall next year, Vike-Freiberga said that "it can be translated in various ways."

Commenting support voiced last week by government coalition party Latvias Way, in nominating her for a second term in office, Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga admitted that she feels surprised and pleased, adding that the move can be "translated in various ways." Vike-Freiberga also said on Monday that Latvia's EU and NATO bids are in no way related to introducing a popular elected president for Latvia. "I don't see any special relation between these three various issues. The EU is one thing, NATO another, and the president's institution a third," said the president. Asked whether she believes if the support voiced by Latvian Way is anything to do with the coming parliament elections in fall next year, Vike-Freiberga said that "it can be translated in various ways." Diena, Respublika

Security Police have sent a letter to the Ministry of Justice with the request to examine the compliance of NGO “Youth Movement Solidarity” with the Law on NGO and Associations. Security Police have established that the organisers of the meeting in Mezhaparks did not ensure public order during the meeting, that the real number of people taking part in the meeting exceeded the indicated number, as well as the person, who calls himself Ivan Stalnoy and runs the organisation, is not among the names of founders and officials of the movement. Security Police learned that I.Stalnoy actually is a student of Cesis Gimnasium E.Zalitis.

Security Police have sent a letter to the Ministry of Justice with the request to examine the compliance of NGO Youth Movement Solidarity with the Law on NGO and Associations. Security Police have established that the organisers of the meeting in Mezhaparks did not ensure public order during the meeting, that the real number of people taking part in the meeting exceeded the indicated number, as well as the person, who calls himself Ivan Stalnoy and runs the organisation, is not among the names of founders and officials of the movement. Security Police learned that I.Stalnoy actually is a student of Cesis Gimnasium E.Zalitis. Neatkariga

Chas informs that Tuesday’s morning I.Stalnoy spent at Security Police and now the organisation is suspected in preparation unsanctioned activities during Riga 800th anniversary. Deputy J. Sokolovsky said that the activities of Police are illegal as the examination of Solidarity does not fall under the competence of Security Police.

Chas informs that Tuesdays morning I.Stalnoy spent at Security Police and now the organisation is suspected in preparation unsanctioned activities during Riga 800th anniversary. Deputy J. Sokolovsky said that the activities of Police are illegal as the examination of Solidarity does not fall under the competence of Security Police.

Vesti Segodnja

asks opinions of some politicians about Solidarity. FF/LNNK J.Dobelis says that his attitude towards the organisation is a bit ironic and he does not consider that the movement has any ideals and principles. Social Democrat V.Lazo thinks that we should be very careful when new organisations are established at the time when we want to join the EU and NATO. For now it is hard to tell what are the true aims of Solidarity. FHRUL deputy J.Sokolovsky is of very high opinion about professionalism of the leader of Solidarity, however, now it is hard to tell if the organisation will grow into a serious political power. asks opinions of some politicians about Solidarity. FF/LNNK J.Dobelis says that his attitude towards the organisation is a bit ironic and he does not consider that the movement has any ideals and principles. Social Democrat V.Lazo thinks that “we should be very careful when new organisations are established at the time when we want to join the EU and NATO. For now it is hard to tell what are the true aims of Solidarity”. FHRUL deputy J.Sokolovsky is of very high opinion about professionalism of the leader of “Solidarity”, however, now it is hard to tell if the organisation will grow into a serious political power.