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

The Constitutional Protection Office does not see any violations and incitement of national hatred in the clip of Freedom Party’s pre-election campaign and leaflets, which depict a dark skinned man in a Latvian military uniform standing at the Freedom Monument with a caption that reads: "Today - Latvia's Defender, Tomorrow - Your Son-In-Law?" Whereas Sandra Veinberga, a media expert currently working in Sweden, believes that BP's ad campaign is a blatant example of incitement. In the Nordic countries, the guilty parties would be held liable for such an ad, she said. Political scientist Artis Pabriks also agrees that the ad contains discriminatory features against Africans. Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks does not detect incitement, pointing out that the advertisement does not call for discrimination or violence against other races. Muiznieks called the advertisement "typical right-wing populism." Ojars Kalnins, director of the Latvian Institute, told LETA that he believes that the advertisement would not produce a broader reaction because there are parties in the European Union (EU) expressing similar views. BP does not have a high rating in Latvia and the party's ad is based on emotions and addressed to Euroskeptics, without any logical arguments, Kalnins believes

The Constitutional Protection Office does not see any violations and incitement of national hatred in the clip of Freedom Partys pre-election campaign and leaflets, which depict a dark skinned man in a Latvian military uniform standing at the Freedom Monument with a caption that reads: "Today - Latvia's Defender, Tomorrow - Your Son-In-Law?" Whereas Sandra Veinberga, a media expert currently working in Sweden, believes that BP's ad campaign is a blatant example of incitement. In the Nordic countries, the guilty parties would be held liable for such an ad, she said. Political scientist Artis Pabriks also agrees that the ad contains discriminatory features against Africans. Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies Nils Muiznieks does not detect incitement, pointing out that the advertisement does not call for discrimination or violence against other races. Muiznieks called the advertisement "typical right-wing populism." Ojars Kalnins, director of the Latvian Institute, told LETA that he believes that the advertisement would not produce a broader reaction because there are parties in the European Union (EU) expressing similar views. BP does not have a high rating in Latvia and the party's ad is based on emotions and addressed to Euroskeptics, without any logical arguments, Kalnins believes. Diena, Vechernaya Riga, Vesti Segodnja, LETA

Latvijas Vestnesis

reports on a presentation of the booklet The Implementation of Language Policy in Latvia: the State Language Centre 1992-2002. The booklet is an overview of 10 years of activities of the State Language Centre. The presentation will take place today and in the framework of the presentation an informal discussion about the place and role of the Centre in Latvia will take place. The newspaper also provides the key conclusions and achievements concerning the implementation of language policy in Latvia. The final conclusion is that there are many difficult issues to be tackled concerning language policy in Latvia. However, the key goal is to create motivation to speak the state language, to bring nearer the two big language communities and to create conditions to promote and preserve the languages of ethnic minorities as well. reports on a presentation of the booklet “The Implementation of Language Policy in Latvia: the State Language Centre 1992-2002.” The booklet is an overview of 10 years of activities of the State Language Centre. The presentation will take place today and in the framework of the presentation an informal discussion about the place and role of the Centre in Latvia will take place. The newspaper also provides the key conclusions and achievements concerning the implementation of language policy in Latvia. The final conclusion is that there are many difficult issues to be tackled concerning language policy in Latvia. However, the key goal is to create motivation to speak the state language, to bring nearer the two big language communities and to create conditions to promote and preserve the languages of ethnic minorities as well.

Lauku Avize

interviews head of the European Commission Delegation in Latvia Andrew Rasbash. When asked about the future of small countries in the EU, ambassador Andrew Rasbash states that the cultures of small countries are protected in the context of the EU, however, in Latvia it is more a domestic issue, as many Russians in Latvia still believe that Riga is a city of Russians and a part of the Russian Empire. interviews head of the European Commission Delegation in Latvia Andrew Rasbash. When asked about the future of small countries in the EU, ambassador Andrew Rasbash states that the cultures of small countries are protected in the context of the EU, however, in Latvia it is more a domestic issue, as many Russians in Latvia still believe that Riga is a city of Russians and a part of the Russian Empire.

Chas

interviews FHRUL member Vladlen Dozorcev. His forecast for the 8th Saeima is the following: FHRUL will have at least 20 seats, the social democrats, FF/LNNK and Repses New Era party will get 20 seats each as well, the remaining 20 seats will be divided among the current governing parties. Vladlen Dozorcev states that Repse has shown a deep interest about the Russian electorate, but will not get their votes, as he is not going to address the top ten problems of Russian-speakers. interviews FHRUL member Vladlen Dozorcev. His forecast for the 8th Saeima is the following: FHRUL will have at least 20 seats, the social democrats, FF/LNNK and Repse’s New Era party will get 20 seats each as well, the remaining 20 seats will be divided among the current governing parties. Vladlen Dozorcev states that Repse has shown a deep interest about the Russian electorate, but will not get their votes, as he is not going to address the top ten problems of Russian-speakers.

Vesti Segodnja

talks to FHRUL deputy Alexandr Bartashavich who states that the work of the 7th Saeima should be considered completed, as MPs do not want to make any sharp moves till the 8th Saeima elections in October. He notes that MPs are very involved in getting ready for the NATO summit in Prague and under the positive influence of NATO several positive laws concerning national minorities could be adopted. He is convinced that the 8th Saeima will be more oriented to the left. talks to FHRUL deputy Alexandr Bartashavich who states that the work of the 7th Saeima should be considered completed, as MPs do not want to “make any sharp moves” till the 8th Saeima elections in October. He notes that MPs are very involved in getting ready for the NATO summit in Prague and “under the positive influence of NATO several positive laws concerning national minorities could be adopted.” He is convinced that the 8th Saeima will be more oriented to the left.

Vesti Segodnja

refers to the statements of Peoples Party MP Aleksandrs Kirshteins about Latvias readiness to join NATO. The newspaper in particular stresses Kirshteins statement that Latvia should get compensation from Russia for the losses brought by the Soviet occupation regime. refers to the statements of People’s Party MP Aleksandrs Kirshteins about Latvia’s readiness to join NATO. The newspaper in particular stresses Kirshteins’ statement that Latvia should get compensation from Russia for the losses brought by the Soviet occupation regime.