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

Neatkarigas

columnist Viktors Avotins writes about language policy, arguing that the President is the only actor with a long-term vision, while the Saeima and government have done little. He concludes that first of all language policy and the foreign policy of the country should be harmonised; second there is a lack of political will to establish an adequate proportion between Latvian language learning to non-citizens and the development of the Latvian language on a broad social scale; third, language policy does not seem binding to officials and institutions that are not directly concerned with language policy; fourth, political speculation and adoption of language policy to the goals of one party do not build confidence in the sustainability of Latvias long-term language policy. columnist Viktors Avotins writes about language policy, arguing that the President is the only actor with a long-term vision, while the Saeima and government have done little. He concludes that first of all language policy and the foreign policy of the country should be harmonised; second there is a lack of political will to establish an adequate proportion between Latvian language learning to non-citizens and the development of the Latvian language on a broad social scale; third, language policy does not seem binding to officials and institutions that are not directly concerned with language policy; fourth, political speculation and adoption of language policy to the goals of one party do not build confidence in the sustainability of Latvia’s long-term language policy.

Lauku Avize

interviews FHRUL deputy Janis Urbanovics. He states that it is rather difficult to reach an agreement within FHRUL as it is composed of three political organisations with rather different political ideologies. Janis Urbanovics believes that not only should the Russian language press be blamed for fomenting ethnic tension, but also the governing parties as our government comes up with provocations in the most responsible moments. He believes that if the situation concerning non-citizens remains the same, Latvia under international pressure will be forced to adopt the zero option. Urbanovics reports on the amendments developed by his party to the Citizenship Law. The draft amendments stipulate that persons who were born and have studied in Latvia and old people should receive Latvian citizenship without any examinations. interviews FHRUL deputy Janis Urbanovics. He states that it is rather difficult to reach an agreement within FHRUL as it is composed of three political organisations with rather different political ideologies. Janis Urbanovics believes that not only should the Russian language press be blamed for fomenting ethnic tension, but also the governing parties as “our government comes up with provocations in the most responsible moments.” He believes that if the situation concerning non-citizens remains the same, Latvia under international pressure will be forced to adopt the zero option. Urbanovics reports on the amendments developed by his party to the Citizenship Law. The draft amendments stipulate that persons who were born and have studied in Latvia and old people should receive Latvian citizenship without any examinations.

Lauku Avize

introduces its audience to Latvian citizen Dainis Krauklis whose ethnic background is Roma. Dainis has come up with an initiative to build a monument to Roma who were the victims of holocaust and started to write a book about Roma legends. Dainis Krauklis shares his emotions how Roma feel in Latvia. He admits that he still feels uncomfortable when being outside his usual social circle. introduces its audience to Latvian citizen Dainis Krauklis whose ethnic background is Roma. Dainis has come up with an initiative to build a monument to Roma who were the victims of holocaust and started to write a book about Roma legends. Dainis Krauklis shares his emotions how Roma feel in Latvia. He admits that he still feels uncomfortable when being outside his usual social circle. Today the second congress of Latvia’s Roma takes place in Riga.

Today the second congress of Latvias Roma takes place in Riga. Chas interviews chairperson of Roma association Gloss Leonid Gindra. He says that the only Roma representative in the Latvian Parliament Normunds Rudevichs has lost any connection to the Roma community and could not be considered a representative of their interests. Gindra states that Latvia will have to tackle the Roma issue if the country wants to join the EU.

Panorama Latvii

reports that the 50th issue of the electronic bulletin National Minority Issues in Latvia will be released today. The electronic bulletin is published on the Minelres web page and many foreign experts have shown their interest in this issue. reports that the 50th issue of the electronic bulletin “National Minority Issues in Latvia” will be released today. The electronic bulletin is published on the “Minelres” web page and many foreign experts have shown their interest in this issue.

Panorama Latvii

interviews the chairperson of Tatar Association in Latvia, imam of the Muslim Association in Latvia Midhat Satdanov. He talks about the traditions and culture of Tatars in Latvia. interviews the chairperson of Tatar Association in Latvia, imam of the Muslim Association in Latvia Midhat Satdanov. He talks about the traditions and culture of Tatars in Latvia. Several parties signed agreements with the political organisation headed by Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs before the 7th Saeima elections. These parties did not disclose the information about signing these agreements and their contents to voters. According to the agreements the parties should not support the People’s Party in forming the government. Leader of the New Party Ainars Slesers admits that he signed such an agreement, but hopes that by announcing this information he will prevent such deals before the 8th Saeima elections. FF/LLNK chairperson Maris Grinblats denies that FF/LNNK has signed any agreements with Aivars Lembergs.

Several parties signed agreements with the political organisation headed by Ventspils Mayor Aivars Lembergs before the 7th Saeima elections. These parties did not disclose the information about signing these agreements and their contents to voters. According to the agreements the parties should not support the Peoples Party in forming the government. Leader of the New Party Ainars Slesers admits that he signed such an agreement, but hopes that by announcing this information he will prevent such deals before the 8th Saeima elections. FF/LLNK chairperson Maris Grinblats denies that FF/LNNK has signed any agreements with Aivars Lembergs. Diena

Lauku Avize

reports on a visit of President Vaira Vike-Freiberga to the small Latvian town Livani. The newspaper publishes the Presidents discussion with local people of Livani. People were interested in the Presidents opinion about political processes in the country as well as her advice on how to improve each individual life. reports on a visit of President Vaira Vike-Freiberga to the small Latvian town Livani. The newspaper publishes the President’s discussion with local people of Livani. People were interested in the President’s opinion about political processes in the country as well as her advice on how to improve each individual life.