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

Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will be headed for Durban in South Africa to take part in a UN world conference on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and other expressions of hatred. During her visit Latvia's president is also set to meet the first president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. This will be the first time Latvia takes part in the event. The 3rd UN conference against racism, discrimination, xenophobia, and hatred is one of the most important UN conferences in 2001. It is expected that the conference participants will sign a declaration and action plan for governments of the world. The aim of the conference is protection of equality and eradication of hatred and prejudice across the world, including racism, xenophobia, gender inequality, as well as discrimination in global economics. Latvia will share its

Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will be headed for Durban in South Africa to take part in a UN world conference on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and other expressions of hatred. During her visit Latvia's president is also set to meet the first president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. This will be the first time Latvia takes part in the event. The 3rd UN conference against racism, discrimination, xenophobia, and hatred is one of the most important UN conferences in 2001. It is expected that the conference participants will sign a declaration and action plan for governments of the world. The aim of the conference is protection of equality and eradication of hatred and prejudice across the world, including racism, xenophobia, gender inequality, as well as discrimination in global economics. Latvia will share its

experience in clearing up the aftermath of totalitarian regimes, and experience of establishing democracy and a humane state. "The location of the conference is not a coincidence - Just like the Baltic states regained independence 10 years ago, South Africa also freed itself from apartheid in the beginning of the Nineties," said the spokesperson. Latvia will have the chance to tell of its experience in social integration in Latvia, as well as tell of minority education opportunities, historical realisation, gender equality and women's rights issues. It is expected that Vike-Freiberga will take part in the opening of the conference and plenary meetings, as well as the South African president's luncheon in honour of the country delegation leaders on August 31, she will make a speech on September 1 and take part in round table discussions, and a women's leader discussion on September 2

experience in clearing up the aftermath of totalitarian regimes, and experience of establishing democracy and a humane state. "The location of the conference is not a coincidence - Just like the Baltic states regained independence 10 years ago, South Africa also freed itself from apartheid in the beginning of the Nineties," said the spokesperson. Latvia will have the chance to tell of its experience in social integration in Latvia, as well as tell of minority education opportunities, historical realisation, gender equality and women's rights issues. It is expected that Vike-Freiberga will take part in the opening of the conference and plenary meetings, as well as the South African president's luncheon in honour of the country delegation leaders on August 31, she will make a speech on September 1 and take part in round table discussions, and a women's leader discussion on September 2. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga

In its turn, Russia’s delegation is going to draw world’s attention to the protection of rights of Russians residing abroad , particularly in Latvia and Estonia.

In its turn, Russias delegation is going to draw worlds attention to the protection of rights of Russians residing abroad , particularly in Latvia and Estonia. Jauna, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Diena

publishes the editorial of Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Research Centre scientist A.Pabriks regarding the recent activities of Russian-speaking young people. Already from the very ancient times in order to have support of the people the rulers provided entertainment to them. In Pubriks opinion Russia follows this practice. Already for some time Russia offers courses for Latvias Russian speaking teachers, provides them with methodological resources, also there are rumours that in Latvia Russia supports not only teachers but also the means of mass media. From this perspective, political scientist analysis the two recent happenings – Solidarity meeting in Mezaparks and the rock concert in the Dome Square. The most essential questions – reasons for organising these events and who were the real organisers. A.Pabriks concludes that the aim of these activities was definitely not to foster thinking oriented to the state of Latvia in young people; second, if Russias money or political interests is behind both events, it should be considered as the beginning of a new political campaign which unifies inside and outside powers that are against society integration, membership to the EU and NATO. The third conclusion is that these happenings were like an investigation to see how organised and manageable are mass meetings. And the last conclusion is that the battle for Russian young people has been launched. publishes the editorial of Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Research Centre scientist A.Pabriks regarding the recent activities of Russian-speaking young people. Already from the very ancient times in order to have support of the people the rulers provided entertainment to them. In Pubrik’s opinion Russia follows this practice. Already for some time Russia offers courses for Latvia’s Russian speaking teachers, provides them with methodological resources, also there are rumours that in Latvia Russia supports not only teachers but also the means of mass media. From this perspective, political scientist analysis the two recent happenings – Solidarity meeting in Mezaparks and the rock concert in the Dome Square. The most essential questions – reasons for organising these events and who were the real organisers. A.Pabriks concludes that the aim of these activities was definitely not to foster thinking oriented to the state of Latvia in young people; second, if Russia’s money or political interests is behind both events, it should be considered as the beginning of a new political campaign which unifies inside and outside powers that are against society integration, membership to the EU and NATO. The third conclusion is that these happenings were like an investigation to see how organised and manageable are mass meetings. And the last conclusion is that the battle for Russian young people has been launched. Professor of Uppsala University, East Europe Department S.Hedlund suggests Russia to apologise to the Baltic countries for crimes committed during 50 years of occupation. Professor stresses that Sweden should seriously consider the possibility to include this difficult issue in the talks with Moscow.

Professor of Uppsala University, East Europe Department S.Hedlund suggests Russia to apologise to the Baltic countries for crimes committed during 50 years of occupation. Professor stresses that Sweden should seriously consider the possibility to include this difficult issue in the talks with Moscow. Diena

Diena

gives an article about the situation in national minority schools. The lack of qualified teachers, bilingual study books and resources make education experts, school principles and ethnopolicy researchers doubt the statement of the Ministry of Education and Science that Russian schools are ready for the transfer to education only in the state language in 2004. Principles of two Russian schools consider that in their schools not all teachers are ready to teach their subjects in Latvian. Another problem is study books – since 1999 only one study book has been produced and it was a failure. Majority of the experts agree that only half of national minority schools are ready for the transfer. gives an article about the situation in national minority schools. The lack of qualified teachers, bilingual study books and resources make education experts, school principles and ethnopolicy researchers doubt the statement of the Ministry of Education and Science that Russian schools are ready for the transfer to education only in the state language in 2004. Principles of two Russian schools consider that in their schools not all teachers are ready to teach their subjects in Latvian. Another problem is study books – since 1999 only one study book has been produced and it was a failure. Majority of the experts agree that only half of national minority schools are ready for the transfer.

Jauna

gives an insight in the presentation of the study Prevention of Alienation. Society Integration. According to one of the contributors A.Pabriks the main task of the study was to look into the current week aspects of society integration and come up with another better solutions. gives an insight in the presentation of the study “Prevention of Alienation. Society Integration”. According to one of the contributors A.Pabriks the main task of the study was to look into the current week aspects of society integration and come up with another better solutions. Riga City Council left-wing deputies whose state language proficiency is under doubt keep avoiding the examination already for 4 months. State Language Centre director Dz.Hirsa hopes that the deputies will meet with language inspectors next month, but the deputies are not going to do that as they believe that Latvian legal norms which provide for that deputies have to speak the state language are not in compliance with international pacts on political freedoms and human rights. One deputy – S.Zaletayevs – has undergone the examination and received the highest state language proficiency level. Another of 6 deputies denies the information that he had agreed to take the examination.

Riga City Council left-wing deputies whose state language proficiency is under doubt keep avoiding the examination already for 4 months. State Language Centre director Dz.Hirsa hopes that the deputies will meet with language inspectors next month, but the deputies are not going to do that as they believe that Latvian legal norms which provide for that deputies have to speak the state language are not in compliance with international pacts on political freedoms and human rights. One deputy – S.Zaletayevs – has undergone the examination and received the highest state language proficiency level. Another of 6 deputies denies the information that he had agreed to take the examination. Rigas Balss

Today new premises of Russia’s consulate are officially opened in Ventspils.

Today new premises of Russias consulate are officially opened in Ventspils. Chas

Chas

publishes Internet discussion forum where readers could ask their questions to Saeima FHRUL deputy B.Cilevich. The main themes were politics and relations between the nations. publishes Internet discussion forum where readers could ask their questions to Saeima FHRUL deputy B.Cilevich. The main themes were politics and relations between the nations. Yesterday the Government adopted the Regulations on Society Integration Foundation.

Yesterday the Government adopted the Regulations on Society Integration Foundation. Chas provides FHRUL deputy M.Mitrafanovs comments on the Foundation. M.Mitrafanov says that FHRUL factions requirements regarding the Foundation were transparency of its activities and involvement of municipalities and NGOs, and these requirements were considered. In Mitrafanovs opinion authorities overestimate the possible amounts of financial support allotted by foreign donators. He thinks that integration programme will be effective not more than 5 years and then the interest will disappear.