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
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

Diena reports on the presentation of the research Latvian Language Usage by Russian-speakers conducted by the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences. In 10 years the number of people who speak Latvian has grown by 10% although the data for last 3-4 years have not changed. Researchers believe that this could be explained by the following: existence of two information spaces created by the mass media and the controversy around the switch of secondary education to Latvian. Only 12% of non-Latvians say that they do not speak Latvian at all. 87% of Russians believe that all Latvias residents should speak the state language fluently. Researchers believe that psychological aspects and lack of mutual respect are the key obstacles in expanding a Latvian language environment. The study shows that popularity of the Latvian press and TV channels is decreasing among Russians.

Neatkariga

provides comments of several experts on the study. provides comments of several experts on the study. ChasChas editor-in-chief Kseniya Zagorovskaya believes that attitudes of people in general towards the language are more tolerant than those of politicians. Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks agrees with Zagarovskaya and adds, Society is more tolerant than politicians, media and the law. Experts who took part in the discussion held by the National Programme for Latvian Language Training Programme stated that the upcoming 8th Saeima elections will influence language issues. editor-in-chief Kseniya Zagorovskaya believes that attitudes of people in general towards the language are more tolerant than those of politicians. Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks agrees with Zagarovskaya and adds, “Society is more tolerant than politicians, media and the law.” Experts who took part in the discussion held by the National Programme for Latvian Language Training Programme stated that the upcoming 8th Saeima elections will influence language issues. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama LatviiChas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Latvijas Vestnesis

publishes the key conclusions and data of the study. publishes the key conclusions and data of the study. The Saeima’s Legal Committee reviewed the proposed amendments to the Constitution aimed at securing the status of the state language for the third – final reading in the Saeima. The Committee did not pass a concrete decision. It will continue the review today after having consultations with language experts.

The Saeimas Legal Committee reviewed the proposed amendments to the Constitution aimed at securing the status of the state language for the third – final reading in the Saeima. The Committee did not pass a concrete decision. It will continue the review today after having consultations with language experts. Neatkariga

Chas notes that the main discussions were about the solemn undertaking or oath of the office. Saeima Legal Office chairperson Gunars Kusins stated that MPs should avoid such a wording of the undertaking which stipulates that representatives of national minorities must nurture the Latvian language as the sole state language. Kusins believes that such an undertaking would deny MPs who represent national minorities the possibility to propose amendments to language legislation.

Chas notes that the main discussions were about the solemn undertaking or oath of the office. Saeima Legal Office chairperson Gunars Kusins stated that MPs should avoid such a wording of the undertaking which stipulates that representatives of national minorities must nurture the Latvian language as the sole state language. Kusins believes that such an undertaking would deny MPs who represent national minorities the possibility to propose amendments to language legislation.

Chas

reports about the reaction of ministers to the call of FF/LNNK on providing funding for securing the status of the state language from the state budget of this year. Prime Minister Andris Berzins is against any amendments to the state budget. The Prime Minister says that the proposals of the Presidents State Language Commission have been forwarded to four ministries. Their responsibility is to make sure that the proposals of the Commission are not overlapping with any of the national programmes. Special Task Minister for Co-operation with International Financial Institutions Roberts Zile replied that it is the responsibility of the Saeima to adopt amendments to the state budget. The newspaper concludes that FF/LNNKs call is a good pre-election slogan, but regarding money – lets do not rush. reports about the reaction of ministers to the call of FF/LNNK on providing funding for securing the status of the state language from the state budget of this year. Prime Minister Andris Berzins is against any amendments to the state budget. The Prime Minister says that the proposals of the President’s State Language Commission have been forwarded to four ministries. Their responsibility is to make sure that the proposals of the Commission are not overlapping with any of the national programmes. Special Task Minister for Co-operation with International Financial Institutions Roberts Zile replied that it is the responsibility of the Saeima to adopt amendments to the state budget. The newspaper concludes that FF/LNNK’s call is a good pre-election slogan, but regarding money – let’s do not rush.

Chas

publishes an interview with President of Russias Academy of Television Vladimir Pozner. He admits that Russias television channels provide a one-sided reflection about Russians residing in Latvia, that is, about discrimination of the rights of non-citizens and alleged marches of Nazis. Pozner believes that the situation is not so bad because there are not so many Russians who want to emigrate to Russia, nevertheless he disapproves of some unfair and old laws. publishes an interview with President of Russia’s Academy of Television Vladimir Pozner. He admits that Russia’s television channels provide a one-sided reflection about Russians residing in Latvia, that is, about discrimination of the rights of non-citizens and alleged marches of Nazis. Pozner believes that the situation is not so bad because there are not so many Russians who want to emigrate to Russia, nevertheless he disapproves of some unfair and old laws. Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf Vesti Segodnja, Telegraf

Diena

publishes an article Tomorrows Challenges by Latvias Way deputy chairman Ivars Godmanis. He believes that Latvia will face new challenges in the economy, foreign policy and social development when the country becomes a member of the EU and NATO. Concerning social development, Godmanis believes that the main challenge is to strengthen and improve a modern civil society in Latvia. However, the securing of Latvian values is important as well, which means: 1) material and mental investments in the development of Latvian culture, language and traditions, 2) promotion of Latvian values among non-Latvians and 3) the expansion of Latvinness in Europe and the world.. Godmanis stresses that while promoting Latvian culture, respect towards the culture and traditions of other ethnic groups should be shown by involving them in NGOs and the Integration Foundation. publishes an article “Tomorrow’s Challenges” by Latvia’s Way deputy chairman Ivars Godmanis. He believes that Latvia will face new challenges in the economy, foreign policy and social development when the country becomes a member of the EU and NATO. Concerning social development, Godmanis believes that the main challenge is to strengthen and improve a modern civil society in Latvia. However, the securing of Latvian values is important as well, which means: 1) material and mental investments in the development of Latvian culture, language and traditions, 2) promotion of Latvian values among non-Latvians and 3) “the expansion of Latvinness in Europe and the world.”. Godmanis stresses that while promoting Latvian culture, respect towards the culture and traditions of other ethnic groups should be shown by involving them in NGOs and the Integration Foundation. Daugavpils Latvian experimental school board’s members have sent an open letter to

Daugavpils Latvian experimental school boards members have sent an open letter to Diena stating that the City administrations school optimisation plan does not foresee the possibility to create another school with Latvian as an instruction language in Daugavpils.

Diena

publishes the proposals of applicants for the post of the director of the National Television. One of the 5 applicants Uldis Duka suggests closing Channel II which airs programmes in Russian. Janis Leja believes that the profitability of Channel II should be reviewed very carefully. Uldis Grava believes that Channel II should remain and be used as a tool for promoting language acquisition and air programmes about integration as well. Gundars Reders also believes that Channel II should stay and air integration, sports and children programmes. publishes the proposals of applicants for the post of the director of the National Television. One of the 5 applicants Uldis Duka suggests closing Channel II which airs programmes in Russian. Janis Leja believes that the profitability of Channel II should be reviewed very carefully. Uldis Grava believes that Channel II should remain and be used as a tool for promoting language acquisition and air programmes about integration as well. Gundars Reders also believes that Channel II should stay and air integration, sports and children programmes.