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

The Baltic states are knocking at the NATO door, and it is our task not to let them in, essayist and commentator Jeffrey Tayler says in his article "The Next Threat to NATO", which was published in the fresh issue of "The Atlantic Monthly". “Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have been clamoring for admission to NATO - and the Bush administration appears receptive," writes Tayler, calling it a terrible idea.

The Baltic states are knocking at the NATO door, and it is our task not to let them in, essayist and commentator Jeffrey Tayler says in his article "The Next Threat to NATO", which was published in the fresh issue of "The Atlantic Monthly". Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have been clamoring for admission to NATO - and the Bush administration appears receptive," writes Tayler, calling it a terrible idea. Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, LETA

249 participants of the founding congress of the democratic right-wing political party "Jaunais laiks" (New Era, JL) unanimously voted for establishing the party. Einars Repse pledged in his address at the congress that as soon as NE comes to power, restoration of welfare will begin in Latvia, honest businessmen will be guaranteed support of the state, residents - welfare and security, he also pledged the party would fight corruption and drug dealership. Repse said that dishonest and unprofessional politicians, corrupt and thieving public servants are guilty of the state of disorder in Latvia, as a result, the state cannot ensure that the law is observed, neither can it guarantee welfare and security to residents.

Einars Repse was elected the head of the political party New Era during the party's founding congress today with 242 out of 245 votes. Repse was the only candidate for the post.

Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Telegraf During the meetings with high USA State Department, National Security Department and NATO Committee officials Saeima Vice-Speaker Rihards Pîks was told that Latvia itself should not destroy its perspectives to become NATO member state already this year and accomplish its home tasks among which is the abolishment of language requirement for election candidates. Rihards Pîks also mentions that “this is not the secret that OSCE Mission to Latvia was closed thanks to the support of the Americans, although few European countries objected to that”.

During the meetings with high USA State Department, National Security Department and NATO Committee officials Saeima Vice-Speaker Rihards Pîks was told that Latvia itself should not destroy its perspectives to become NATO member state already this year and accomplish its home tasks among which is the abolishment of language requirement for election candidates. Rihards Pîks also mentions that this is not the secret that OSCE Mission to Latvia was closed thanks to the support of the Americans, although few European countries objected to that. Diena

Diena

columnist Dita Araja looks into the first activities of Society Integration Foundation, in particular the way it allotted the funding for integration projects. Araja writes that the first money distribution has disappointed integration experts and has caused concern about the possible lobbying of individual projects. Money distribution without the involvement of experts and giving ethnic society integration projects the secondary role are the main reasons for causing mistrust in the objectiveness of Society Integration Foundation. SIF claims that at the end of the last year they were short of time to look for and involve the experts, however, this year they have already announced the openings. Arâja also writes about the disappointment of international donators concerning SIF decision to stop funding of Latvian language courses for people who want to naturalize. columnist Dita Araja looks into the first activities of Society Integration Foundation, in particular the way it allotted the funding for integration projects. Araja writes that “the first money distribution has disappointed integration experts and has caused concern about the possible lobbying of individual projects”. Money distribution without the involvement of experts and giving ethnic society integration projects the secondary role are the main reasons for causing mistrust in the objectiveness of Society Integration Foundation. SIF claims that at the end of the last year they were short of time to look for and involve the experts, however, this year they have already announced the openings. Arâja also writes about the disappointment of international donators concerning SIF decision to stop funding of Latvian language courses for people who want to naturalize.

Vesti Segodnja

publishes its summary of State Language Commission chairperson Mara Zalites statements concerning the Latvian language publishes its summary of State Language Commission chairperson Mara Zalite’s statements concerning the Latvian language