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

Leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans comments on his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He believes that criticism of the majority of ruling parties is simple “political jealousy,” and states “we are close to power and it drives them crazy.” According to Janis Jurkans, Vladimir Putin is positive about Latvia, however, without any improvements in the situation of non-citizens there will be no positive developments in relations between the two countries.

Leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans comments on his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He believes that criticism of the majority of ruling parties is simple political jealousy, and states we are close to power and it drives them crazy. According to Janis Jurkans, Vladimir Putin is positive about Latvia, however, without any improvements in the situation of non-citizens there will be no positive developments in relations between the two countries. Diena, Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Lauku Avize, Vechernaya Riga, Chas, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins will hold a meeting with Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov who will be on a visit to Riga this weekend. The spokesperson of the Latvian President did not disclose whether Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will have a meeting with the Moscow Mayor as well.

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins will hold a meeting with Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov who will be on a visit to Riga this weekend. The spokesperson of the Latvian President did not disclose whether Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will have a meeting with the Moscow Mayor as well. Diena, Chas

Telegraf

reports on a three-day visit of Moscow journalists to Latvia. Moscow journalists met with representatives of the mass media of Latvia and leading business people. Prime Minister Andris Berzins was the only politician in the list. reports on a three-day visit of Moscow journalists to Latvia. Moscow journalists met with representatives of the mass media of Latvia and leading business people. Prime Minister Andris Berzins was the only politician in the list. Telegraf Telegraf publishes a number of the Prime Ministers answers to journalists questions. When asked about the situation of non-citizens in Latvia, the Prime Minister states that anybody who wants to become a Latvian citizen can do it - our requirements are in compliance with international standards. Andris Berzins believes that many people do not naturalise because of practical considerations, such as, it is easier to have business with Russia with a non-citizen passport, young men do not have to go to the Latvian army if they are not Latvian citizens, etc. publishes a number of the Prime Minister’s answers to journalists’ questions. When asked about the situation of non-citizens in Latvia, the Prime Minister states that anybody who wants to become a Latvian citizen can do it - “our requirements are in compliance with international standards.” Andris Berzins believes that many people do not naturalise because of practical considerations, such as, it is easier to have business with Russia with a non-citizen passport, young men do not have to go to the Latvian army if they are not Latvian citizens, etc. The 8th Saeima elections are the first ones after the state language requirement for persons running for public office was abolished.

The 8th Saeima elections are the first ones after the state language requirement for persons running for public office was abolished. Diena analyses the situation concerning language skills of election candidates and the objectivity of the required self-assessment of a persons state language skills. Dienas reporter Dita Araja concludes that the self-assessment of language skills is very often subjective and higher than the actual language proficiency level.

Yesterday Minister of Education Karlis Greiskalns reported to the Saeima’s FF/LNNK faction about the planned switch of minority secondary schools to instruction in Latvian in 2004. The Minister stressed that he did not see any reasons why minority schools could not start the reform in 2004.

Yesterday Minister of Education Karlis Greiskalns reported to the Saeimas FF/LNNK faction about the planned switch of minority secondary schools to instruction in Latvian in 2004. The Minister stressed that he did not see any reasons why minority schools could not start the reform in 2004. Lauku Avize, Chas, Telegraf

FHRUL submitted to the Saeima a draft law on the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minority Rights.

FHRUL submitted to the Saeima a draft law on the ratification of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minority Rights. Diena, Panorama Latvii

The Soros Foundations in Latvia and Moldova organised a visit of a delegation of Moldova to Latvia. The delegation studied Latvias experience in the field of integration.

Panorama Latvii

Yesterday more than 1,000 people came to the first free of charge Latvian language class organised by the anti-NATO NGO Prata Speks. Public interest exceeded expectations, however, neither Latvian language teachers nor school directors nor the Latvian authorities responded to a prior call of Prata Speks to help with Latvian language teachers and space. Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf