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

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Rolf Ekeus, said he will not recommend Latvia to establish a second state language as he recognized Latvian as the only official language in the Baltic state. "... my position is that the one and only State language in Latvia is the Latvian language. The High Commissioner has never made, nor will I make, a recommendation to establish a second State language in Latvia," a spokesman for the commissioner quoted Ekeus as saying. "At the same time, the regulation of the use of language cannot be in violation of fundamental human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to national minorities," pointed out Ekeus. "I wish to underline that the establishment of a State language and promotion of its use, which I also support should not be at the expense of other languages. ... For example, the learning of the State language does not preclude the learning of a minority language, and vice versa," said the OSCE commissioner.

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Rolf Ekeus, said he will not recommend Latvia to establish a second state language as he recognized Latvian as the only official language in the Baltic state. "... my position is that the one and only State language in Latvia is the Latvian language. The High Commissioner has never made, nor will I make, a recommendation to establish a second State language in Latvia," a spokesman for the commissioner quoted Ekeus as saying. "At the same time, the regulation of the use of language cannot be in violation of fundamental human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to national minorities," pointed out Ekeus. "I wish to underline that the establishment of a State language and promotion of its use, which I also support should not be at the expense of other languages. ... For example, the learning of the State language does not preclude the learning of a minority language, and vice versa," said the OSCE commissioner.

Following the uproar in Latvia after Stoudmann's careless remark about making Russian the second official language in Latvia, the OSCE official made a statement Thursday, saying his words should not be taken as an official position or recommendation by the OSCE, and it was only his personal opinion.

Following the uproar in Latvia after Stoudmann's careless remark about making Russian the second official language in Latvia, the OSCE official made a statement Thursday, saying his words should not be taken as an official position or recommendation by the OSCE, and it was only his personal opinion.

The US ambassador to Latvia, Brian Carlson told

The US ambassador to Latvia, Brian Carlson told BNS that he was surprised when he heard comments made by Gerard Stoudman of the OSCE, who mentioned the need for considering the introduction of Russian as a second state language in Latvia, reported the US embassy in Riga. "I was surprised hearing about Gerard Stoudman's comments yesterday. I do not agree with him. On my behalf I can say that the US knows nothing about any demands that Latvia should have any other language than only Latvian as the state language. In this respect I would like to draw your attention to Rolf Ekeus' [OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities] clear and defined stance on this issue that he announced at the OSCE conference yesterday," said the US Ambassador.

The European Union (EU) presidency Thursday released a statement, saying it recognized Latvia's right to decide on the language issue on its own.

The European Union (EU) presidency Thursday released a statement, saying it recognized Latvia's right to decide on the language issue on its own. Latvijas Vestnesis, Diena, Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Chas, Panorama Latvii

Vesti Segodnja publishes its opinion about the statement made by OSCE ODIHR Stoudmann and reaction of Latvian officials to that under the headline “Latvia Announces War to ..the OSCE?” The newspaper gives also the stance of some MPs.

Vesti Segodnja publishes its opinion about the statement made by OSCE ODIHR Stoudmann and reaction of Latvian officials to that under the headline Latvia Announces War to ..the OSCE? The newspaper gives also the stance of some MPs.

Telegraf

writes that Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs tried to influence writes that Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs tried to influence France Press France Press journalist who had recorded Stoudmanns statement. An official of Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the journalist and announced that Stoudmann could not voice such opinion. The journalist himself did not call it as a pressure. journalist who had recorded Stoudmann’s statement. An official of Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the journalist and announced that Stoudmann could not voice such opinion. The journalist himself did not call it as a pressure.

Dienas

columnist Askolds Rodins comments the response of the Latvian officials to Stoudmanns statements: Latvia responded to the statement in extremely exaggerated manner and without self-respect, like a small brother.columnist Askolds Rodins comments the response of the Latvian officials to Stoudmann’s statements: “Latvia responded to the statement in extremely exaggerated manner and without self-respect, like a small brother”.

Latvijas Vestnesis

publishes Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins interview on National Radio regarding OSCE ODIHR director Stoudmanns statement that Latvia should consider granting Russian the status of the official state language. The Prime Minister values the statement as highly irresponsible, however, he thinks that it should not increase the number of either EU or NATO skeptics, as OSCE ODIHR, which Stoudmann represents, is in no way linked to the above mentioned organizations. publishes Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins’ interview on National Radio regarding OSCE ODIHR director Stoudmann’s statement that Latvia should consider granting Russian the status of the official state language. The Prime Minister values the statement as highly irresponsible, however, he thinks that it should not increase the number of either EU or NATO skeptics, as OSCE ODIHR, which Stoudmann represents, is in no way linked to the above mentioned organizations. Latvia's Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins met the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, in Geneva today and drew attention to the role of the Latvian language as the only state language in Latvia for the integration of the country's society. Berzins told BNS that he told Commissioner Robertson also of Latvia's positive supportive attitude towards national minorities. Latvia's foreign minister stated in the meeting that Latvia is the only territory in the world where the Latvian language may successfully develop, while the sustainability of the Russian language is by no means under threat, especially taking into account neighboring Russia and Latvia's positive attitude towards national minorities. Robertson completely supported the opinion voiced by Berzins on the important role of the Latvian language in integrating society, but urged that the requirements for high-level language proficiency for election candidates be scrapped from the Baltic state's election law. Speaking at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva today, Berzins underlined that the Latvian government's priority is the formating of an integrated society. He reported of the social integration program in Latvia, covering various sectors on language training and education, the work of the social integration foundation, and past public awareness campaigns on naturalization projects, reported the Foreign Ministry. Berzins also noted his gratitude to international organizations assisting the improvement of Latvia's legislation, and expressed pleasure over the closure of the OSCE mission in Riga at the end of last year. Berzins indicated Latvia's willingness to be an active participant in international processes and take part in solving global issues. This is proven by Latvia's participation in the UN Human Rights Commission between 1999 and 2001.

Latvia's Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins met the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, in Geneva today and drew attention to the role of the Latvian language as the only state language in Latvia for the integration of the country's society. Berzins told BNS that he told Commissioner Robertson also of Latvia's positive supportive attitude towards national minorities. Latvia's foreign minister stated in the meeting that Latvia is the only territory in the world where the Latvian language may successfully develop, while the sustainability of the Russian language is by no means under threat, especially taking into account neighboring Russia and Latvia's positive attitude towards national minorities. Robertson completely supported the opinion voiced by Berzins on the important role of the Latvian language in integrating society, but urged that the requirements for high-level language proficiency for election candidates be scrapped from the Baltic state's election law. Speaking at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva today, Berzins underlined that the Latvian government's priority is the formating of an integrated society. He reported of the social integration program in Latvia, covering various sectors on language training and education, the work of the social integration foundation, and past public awareness campaigns on naturalization projects, reported the Foreign Ministry. Berzins also noted his gratitude to international organizations assisting the improvement of Latvia's legislation, and expressed pleasure over the closure of the OSCE mission in Riga at the end of last year. Berzins indicated Latvia's willingness to be an active participant in international processes and take part in solving global issues. This is proven by Latvia's participation in the UN Human Rights Commission between 1999 and 2001.