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.

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

LATVIAN MEDIA REVIEW

Amendments to Saeima and municipal elections laws are acceptable in case the status of the state language is bolstered in other laws at the same time, declares a resolution passed at Latvia’s Way congress on Saturday. The resolution assigns LW Saeima faction and board to evaluate required proposals for strengthening the status of the state language in the Constitution. The possible changes in election laws are to be reviewed along the introduction of the norms strengthening the status of the state language into the Constitution. The Prime Minister will discuss the issue with Coalition partners in the closest future.

Amendments to Saeima and municipal elections laws are acceptable in case the status of the state language is bolstered in other laws at the same time, declares a resolution passed at Latvias Way congress on Saturday. The resolution assigns LW Saeima faction and board to evaluate required proposals for strengthening the status of the state language in the Constitution. The possible changes in election laws are to be reviewed along the introduction of the norms strengthening the status of the state language into the Constitution. The Prime Minister will discuss the issue with Coalition partners in the closest future. Diena

When reflecting LW congress the newspapers emphasize that LW members did not discuss the failures of LW (its member Naglis was dismissed from the post of Privatization Agency General Director, some leading members left the party or decided to subdue their activities), instead LW’s congress looked more at the party’s achievements not its problems.

When reflecting LW congress the newspapers emphasize that LW members did not discuss the failures of LW (its member Naglis was dismissed from the post of Privatization Agency General Director, some leading members left the party or decided to subdue their activities), instead LWs congress looked more at the partys achievements not its problems. Neatkar̨g̢ says that LWs congress was marked by a great trust in the partys chairman, Prime Minister Andris Berzins, and self-satisfaction. Chas says that the party has underlined its promises of social character, higher wages, bettering the situation in health care and education, regardless of its defeat at municipal elections. The invited representatives of other parties РA.Skele and V.Makarovs Рcriticized foreign affairs ministry headed by LW member I.Berzins stating that the ministry works in the regime of reflex and serves as the source of information for Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf

A great competition among Latvias Way, People's Party and Einars Repse's to-be "New Era" (Jaunais laiks) is expected at the next Saeima elections, when the People's Party could become unnecessary, Maris Grinblats, chairman of FF/LNNK, said during the party council's meeting on Saturday. Grinblats said that the split within the Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDSP) has also damaged this party. In commenting on FF/LNNK's prospects at the elections, Grinblats said that the toughest moment is already in the past, he also stressed that those members who quit the party have not effected its rating. The beginning of the year was very successful for the party, which is proved by the increasing number of TB/LNNK members.

Grinblats said, in commenting on countrys political situation, that the amendments to Saeima and municipal election laws, proposed by the President, are now the most pressing issue. The psychological aspect, not the legal, is most important in the amendments. Grinblats believes that in case the amendments are passed, those people who do not wish to learn Latvian would be implied that they might well not learn the language. He is also concerned that one cannot be sure if this is the last European Union's requirement for Latvia.

Latvian Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Center director Nils Muiznieks argues against Peoples Party leader Andris Skeles statements regarding language requirements for election candidates. Nils Muiznieks is surprised that the leader of Peoples Party is not so well informed about the stance of the EU, NATO and western countries regarding the removal of language requirement and Latvias NATO bid. Muiznieks also provides statements made by NATO, the EU, EC, OSCE and the USA regarding the abolishment of language requirement.

Diena People’s Party has announced that it would invest at least 1 million lats in its pre-election campaign. In its turn, FF/LNNK is considering to invest 300 000 lats.

Peoples Party has announced that it would invest at least 1 million lats in its pre-election campaign. In its turn, FF/LNNK is considering to invest 300 000 lats. Neatkariga

Rigas Balss editorial is about language requirements for election candidates. The editor-in-chief writes that President’s statements that MPs are concerned only about their future and the elections should be viewed very seriously. She concludes that the solution could be the referendum, because neither European bodies nor the President nor MPs could object to the outcome of the referendum.

Rigas Balss editorial is about language requirements for election candidates. The editor-in-chief writes that Presidents statements that MPs are concerned only about their future and the elections should be viewed very seriously. She concludes that the solution could be the referendum, because neither European bodies nor the President nor MPs could object to the outcome of the referendum.

Vesti Segodnja

writes that the Russian language teachers from Russia are ready to support their colleagues in Latvia with Russian language teaching methodology and teaching aids. The commission which will develop Russian language teaching aid particularly for this region is to be established. writes that the Russian language teachers from Russia are ready to support their colleagues in Latvia with Russian language teaching methodology and teaching aids. The commission which will develop Russian language teaching aid particularly for this region is to be established.

Vesti Segodnja

interviews Igor Udalov who is responsible for the matters concerning the Russians at the Latvian Trade Union. Udalov believes that discrimination of Russian-speakers in Latvia is a part of Latvian Governments policy. When asked to compare the situations in Russia and Latvia, he says that there are no differences in principal, however, the Latvian legislation provides for restrictions in the rights of Latvian non-citizens. interviews Igor Udalov who is responsible for the matters concerning the Russians at the Latvian Trade Union. Udalov believes that discrimination of Russian-speakers in Latvia is a part of Latvian Government’s policy. When asked to compare the situations in Russia and Latvia, he says that there are no differences in principal, however, the Latvian legislation provides for restrictions in the rights of Latvian non-citizens.

Telegraf

interviews FHRUL Saeima faction Vice-chairman Janis Urbanovics about his party stance towards Presidents initiative. He believes that President is not going to come up with her initiative in the Saeima, but if she does, FHRUL would vote for the removal of undemocratic requirements. interviews FHRUL Saeima faction Vice-chairman Janis Urbanovics about his party stance towards President’s initiative. He believes that President is not going to come up with her initiative in the Saeima, but if she does, FHRUL would vote for the removal of undemocratic requirements.