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.

INTEGRATION AND MINORITY INFORMATION SERVICE

INTEGRATION AND MINORITY INFORMATION SERVICE

Neatkarigas columnist Maris Krautmanis sharply criticizes the amendments to the Constitution aimed at securing the status of the state language, in particular, the undertaking or oath to be given by the newly elected Saeima members. He believes that the undertaking sounds very well, but it does not have any sense. Krautmanis also notes that the oath or undertaking should be given to the people and not to the Saeima.

Lauku Avize

interviews Egils Baldzens, the Union of Social Democrats leader. He informs that the reasons for splitting from Bojars Social Democratic party and establishing the Union of Social Democrats were the coalition of Social Democrats and FHRUL in Riga City Council, as well as autocratic leadership style of partys chairperson Juris Bojars. Egils Baldzens believes that FHRUL serves the interests of people who are against independent and democratic Latvia. In response to a question about whether right-wing parties are silently preparing Latvia for russification, Baldzens replies that the idleness of right wing political forces promotes Latvias russification. About his parties prospects in the next Saeima, he voices that his party could be the political force that balances a number of issues. Baldzens highlights that the key activity for his party is reducing the number of Jurkans party supporters. Baldzens forecasts that his party could receive 9-12 seats in the next Saeima. interviews Egils Baldzens, the Union of Social Democrats leader. He informs that the reasons for splitting from Bojar’s Social Democratic party and establishing the Union of Social Democrats were the coalition of Social Democrats and FHRUL in Riga City Council, as well as autocratic leadership style of party’s chairperson Juris Bojars. Egils Baldzens believes that FHRUL serves the interests of people who are against independent and democratic Latvia. In response to a question about whether right-wing parties are “silently preparing Latvia for russification”, Baldzens replies that the idleness of right wing political forces promotes Latvia’s russification. About his parties prospects in the next Saeima, he voices that his party could be the political force that balances a number of issues. Baldzens highlights that the key activity for his party is reducing the number of Jurkans’ party supporters. Baldzens forecasts that his party could receive 9-12 seats in the next Saeima.

Vecernaja Riga

asks several questions to Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov. The Ambassador is very cautious about giving the possible date of the ratification of the social security agreement between the two countries. He is convinced that it will take time. The Ambassador also does not promise any easing of the visa regime for Latvian residents to the Russian Federation. asks several questions to Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Studennikov. The Ambassador is very cautious about giving the possible date of the ratification of the social security agreement between the two countries. He is convinced that it will take time. The Ambassador also does not promise any easing of the visa regime for Latvian residents to the Russian Federation. The Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs will hold an official event to celebrate the issuance of the 600 000 purple (non-citizen) passport in Latvia.

The Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs will hold an official event to celebrate the issuance of the 600 000 purple (non-citizen) passport in Latvia. Panorama Latvii doubts whether the occasion is worth to celebrate. Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Vesti Segodnja

reports that ruling Latvian political forces are not happy with recommendations included in the European Parliaments report on Latvia, such as ratifying the Framework Convection on the Protection of the Rights of National Minorities. Politicians are about to launch a campaign explaining the particular circumstances and historical background of Latvia in Brussels. The newspapers opinion is that politicians should improve the situation in Latvia rather by showing respect to national minorities and for example, ratifying the Convention, and not by imposing administrative measures, such as, - expanding authority of language inspectors. reports that ruling Latvian political forces are not happy with recommendations included in the European Parliament’s report on Latvia, such as ratifying the Framework Convection on the Protection of the Rights of National Minorities. Politicians are about to launch a campaign explaining the particular circumstances and historical background of Latvia in Brussels. The newspaper’s opinion is that politicians should improve the situation in Latvia rather by showing respect to national minorities and for example, ratifying the Convention, and not by imposing administrative measures, such as, - expanding authority of language inspectors.

Panorama Latvii

interviews Latvian Center for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies director Nils Muiznieks. Muiznieks explains why he is against granting the Russian language the status of second state language, arguing that it would weaken the incentives of many Russian-speakers to learn Latvian. He also argues that, in order to find a good job, one must know three languages: Latvian, Russian, and English. Regarding the planned switch of secondary education to Latvian in 2004, Muiznieks claims that the reform has not been sufficiently thought through. Regarding the possible future extension of voting rights to non-citizens at the municipal level, Muiznieks says that he has argued in favour of such a step and that it will become more likely after entry to the EU. interviews Latvian Center for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies director Nils Muiznieks. Muiznieks explains why he is against granting the Russian language the status of second state language, arguing that it would weaken the incentives of many Russian-speakers to learn Latvian. He also argues that, in order to find a good job, one must know three languages: Latvian, Russian, and English. Regarding the planned switch of secondary education to Latvian in 2004, Muiznieks claims that the reform has not been sufficiently thought through. Regarding the possible future extension of voting rights to non-citizens at the municipal level, Muiznieks says that he has argued in favour of such a step and that it will become more likely after entry to the EU.