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

Georg Shabad, BNS, writes about Russia’s intentions concerning Russians residing abroad -- in particular, in the Baltic states. He states that Russia still uses the issue of Russian speakers in the Baltic states as a universal card against the Baltic countries and is not going to give it up. This unnatural situation gives Russians residing in Latvia a hope that they can rely on a “big brother,” and on the other hand, it also gives a reason for some people to suspect Russians for allegiance to a different country. However, Russia’s domestic policy is becoming more pragmatic and western, the author concludes.

Georg Shabad, BNS, writes about Russias intentions concerning Russians residing abroad -- in particular, in the Baltic states. He states that Russia still uses the issue of Russian speakers in the Baltic states as a universal card against the Baltic countries and is not going to give it up. This unnatural situation gives Russians residing in Latvia a hope that they can rely on a big brother, and on the other hand, it also gives a reason for some people to suspect Russians for allegiance to a different country. However, Russias domestic policy is becoming more pragmatic and western, the author concludes. Diena

Jauna publishes comments of several politicians regarding the recent announcements of the Russian government concerning its “compatriots” abroad. FF/LNNK chairman Maris Grinblats believes that Latvia should take the opportunity and launch negotiations with Russia about repatriation of non-Latvians who want to leave Latvia. He believes that a national mechanism should be introduced to deal with this issue. People’s Party member Dzintars Abikis says that the announcements of the Russian government are just empty words.

Jauna publishes comments of several politicians regarding the recent announcements of the Russian government concerning its compatriots abroad. FF/LNNK chairman Maris Grinblats believes that Latvia should take the opportunity and launch negotiations with Russia about repatriation of non-Latvians who want to leave Latvia. He believes that a national mechanism should be introduced to deal with this issue. Peoples Party member Dzintars Abikis says that the announcements of the Russian government are just empty words.

Chas

criticises the decision of the national TV administration to ban airing the new clips of the Freedom Party election campaign where the party uses the previous clips, which threatened with the influx to Latvia of dark-skinned people after the country becomes an EU member. The new clips are based on the previous ones, only now the faces of dark skin persons are covered and there is a question Why it is not allowed to talk about this? The newspaper believes that the refusal of the administration of national TV to air the clip is a violation of freedom of expression. criticises the decision of the national TV administration to ban airing the new clips of the Freedom Party election campaign where the party uses the previous clips, which threatened with the influx to Latvia of dark-skinned people after the country becomes an EU member. The new clips are based on the previous ones, only now the faces of dark skin persons are covered and there is a question “Why it is not allowed to talk about this?” The newspaper believes that the refusal of the administration of national TV to air the clip is a violation of freedom of expression. Vesti Segodnja, Panorama LatviiVesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvii

Vesti Segodnja,

when commenting on the ticket of FHRUL for the 8th Saeima elections, says that it is the only party whose election candidates represent 7 different ethnic groups. The newspaper notes that Ingrida Podkolzina and Antonina Ignatane – two persons who have been fighting for their rights in the European Court of Human Rights – are also included on FHRULs ticket. FHRUL is ready to form its own government in the 8th Saeima and names the former leader of the Latvian Communist Party Alfreds Rubiks as a possible candidate for the post of prime minister. when commenting on the ticket of FHRUL for the 8th Saeima elections, says that it is the only party whose election candidates represent 7 different ethnic groups. The newspaper notes that Ingrida Podkolzina and Antonina Ignatane – two persons who have been fighting for their rights in the European Court of Human Rights – are also included on FHRUL’s ticket. FHRUL is ready to form its own government in the 8th Saeima and names the former leader of the Latvian Communist Party Alfreds Rubiks as a possible candidate for the post of prime minister. Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii, TelegrafVesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii, Telegraf