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 number of people who would vote against accession of Latvia to the European Union has increased sharply in February marking the biggest upsurge of Euro-scepticism in the Baltic country since November 1998. If the referendum on accession of Latvia to the EU was held in February as many as 36.3 percent (in November 2001 -- 43.2 percent) would vote in favor of accession while 43 percent would vote against accession (31.2 percent) and 20.7 percent were undecided (25.6 percent), according to a public opinion poll conducted by Latvijas Fakti polling station in February. People with higher income, higher education, males and ethnic Latvians are more positive towards the accession. EIB director Edvards Kusners told that Latvia at this point "can, at least for a certain time, carry the name of the most Euro-sceptic country". He explained the negative attitude of people towards the EU by the European Commission's proposal concerning agriculture financing to the new member countries.

The number of people who would vote against accession of Latvia to the European Union has increased sharply in February marking the biggest upsurge of Euro-scepticism in the Baltic country since November 1998. If the referendum on accession of Latvia to the EU was held in February as many as 36.3 percent (in November 2001 -- 43.2 percent) would vote in favor of accession while 43 percent would vote against accession (31.2 percent) and 20.7 percent were undecided (25.6 percent), according to a public opinion poll conducted by Latvijas Fakti polling station in February. People with higher income, higher education, males and ethnic Latvians are more positive towards the accession. EIB director Edvards Kusners told that Latvia at this point "can, at least for a certain time, carry the name of the most Euro-sceptic country". He explained the negative attitude of people towards the EU by the European Commission's proposal concerning agriculture financing to the new member countries. Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Diena publishes article by political scientist Artis Pabriks about the possible input of the recently established State Language Commission in improving language situation in Latvia. He refers to the statements of State Language Commission member Ina Druviete and the language policy implemented by the Latvian Government for the last decade. Pertaining the State Language Commission Pabriks sees some unclear questions, which should be tackled: first, legal status of the Commission and its ability to co-operate with the Government and NGOs; second, selection criteria of the members of the Commission, as a number of the sub-commissions are headed by people who will eventually face the conflict of interests; and third, it is not clear why so few experts of international law and language learning are among Commission’s members. Pabriks believes that the Commission will not meet the expectations, because legal measures have secondary meaning in implementing successful language policy, and it seems that the Commission will continue to emphasize legal aspects and represive mechanisms while neglecting stimulating measures for language learning.

Diena publishes article by political scientist Artis Pabriks about the possible input of the recently established State Language Commission in improving language situation in Latvia. He refers to the statements of State Language Commission member Ina Druviete and the language policy implemented by the Latvian Government for the last decade. Pertaining the State Language Commission Pabriks sees some unclear questions, which should be tackled: first, legal status of the Commission and its ability to co-operate with the Government and NGOs; second, selection criteria of the members of the Commission, as a number of the sub-commissions are headed by people who will eventually face the conflict of interests; and third, it is not clear why so few experts of international law and language learning are among Commissions members. Pabriks believes that the Commission will not meet the expectations, because legal measures have secondary meaning in implementing successful language policy, and it seems that the Commission will continue to emphasize legal aspects and represive mechanisms while neglecting stimulating measures for language learning.

Latvian Center for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies (LCHRES) is holding an international conference on March 20 called “The OSCE and Latvia: Co-operation in the Past and Future”, set to include participation of the Prime Minister Andris Berzins, OSCE representatives and other officials.

Latvian Center for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies (LCHRES) is holding an international conference on March 20 called The OSCE and Latvia: Co-operation in the Past and Future, set to include participation of the Prime Minister Andris Berzins, OSCE representatives and other officials. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

A visit to Latvia has been planned for the OSCE Democratic Institution and Human Rights Office head Gerald Stoudman from March 18-20, during which he is to discuss the awaited parliament elections in Latvia this October. The Latvian Foreign Ministry reported that Stoudman is set to meet Latvian officials, and also take over an unfinished project launched in Latvia - coordinating research on bilingual education and language training for naturalization candidates.

A visit to Latvia has been planned for the OSCE Democratic Institution and Human Rights Office head Gerald Stoudman from March 18-20, during which he is to discuss the awaited parliament elections in Latvia this October. The Latvian Foreign Ministry reported that Stoudman is set to meet Latvian officials, and also take over an unfinished project launched in Latvia - coordinating research on bilingual education and language training for naturalization candidates. BNS, LETA

Lauku Avize publishes rather detailed information regarding State Language Commission’s field session to Daugavpils. After the session, State Language Chairperson Mara Zalite said, “on some level language situation in Daugavpils is politicized. No more people should not be cheated by telling that Latvia is a rebelled region of Russia which will join Russia again one day”. She also added that Daugavpils City Council has inherited soviet style: as soon as somebody voiced criticism about something, immediately it was followed by repression against this person”.

Lauku Avize publishes rather detailed information regarding State Language Commissions field session to Daugavpils. After the session, State Language Chairperson Mara Zalite said, on some level language situation in Daugavpils is politicized. No more people should not be cheated by telling that Latvia is a rebelled region of Russia which will join Russia again one day. She also added that Daugavpils City Council has inherited soviet style: as soon as somebody voiced criticism about something, immediately it was followed by repression against this person.