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 New Era, the Latvian First Party, the Union of Greens and Farmers and FF/LNNK agreed yesterday to form the new government, headed by leader of the New Era Einars Repse.The four parties have a total of 55 seats in the parliament. Today Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga announced that she approves the candidacy of Einars Repse for the post of the Prime Minister.

The New Era, the Latvian First Party, the Union of Greens and Farmers and FF/LNNK agreed yesterday to form the new government, headed by leader of the New Era Einars Repse.The four parties have a total of 55 seats in the parliament. Today Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga announced that she approves the candidacy of Einars Repse for the post of the Prime Minister. Diena, Neatkariga

In the first sitting of the 8th Saeima for the first time newly elected MPs will swear an oath as provided for by amendments to the Satversme (constitution) passed in spring. However, there are concerns that the oath could cause certain problems for a number of MPs, as it contains several promises which could be against their beliefs, for instance, MPs have to promise to strengthen the Latvian language as the sole state language. Political scientist Nils Muiznieks recalls that OSCE experts already expressed their concern about the freedom of expression of MPs just before adoption of the amendments. However, Muiznieks notes that it would be complicated to argue against the text of the pledge because the Constitution which is implemented in accordance with international standards has higher judicial power than international treaties

In the first sitting of the 8th Saeima for the first time newly elected MPs will swear an oath as provided for by amendments to the Satversme (constitution) passed in spring. However, there are concerns that the oath could cause certain problems for a number of MPs, as it contains several promises which could be against their beliefs, for instance, MPs have to promise to strengthen the Latvian language as the sole state language. Political scientist Nils Muiznieks recalls that OSCE experts already expressed their concern about the freedom of expression of MPs just before adoption of the amendments. However, Muiznieks notes that it would be complicated to argue against the text of the pledge because the Constitution which is implemented in accordance with international standards has higher judicial power than international treaties. Diena

Vesti Segodnya and

Vesti Segodnya and Panorama Latvii report that MPs of FHRUL will say I promise.. instead of I swear.. They explain that the word swear (zveret) sounds like a beast in Latvian.

According to the latest study conducted by the company SKDS Latvian residents believe that social integration issues are much more important and topical than ethnic integration issues. Head of the Integration Department at the Ministry of Justice Reinis Aboltins states that the results of the poll could change the Government’s priorities in the field of integration. He says, “Ethnic problems appear to be secondary problems, because people are more concerned about their work, family and security.”

According to the latest study conducted by the company SKDS Latvian residents believe that social integration issues are much more important and topical than ethnic integration issues. Head of the Integration Department at the Ministry of Justice Reinis Aboltins states that the results of the poll could change the Governments priorities in the field of integration. He says, Ethnic problems appear to be secondary problems, because people are more concerned about their work, family and security. Diena, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya,

Vesti Segodnya

reports that LATO (Latvian Transatlantic Organisation) held a seminar for teachers from Latvian and Russian schools about Latvias move towards NATO. The newspaper looks at the booklet Lets Protect Our Future and draws attention to a number of differences in the Latvian and Russian editions. reports that LATO (Latvian Transatlantic Organisation) held a seminar for teachers from Latvian and Russian schools about Latvia’s move towards NATO. The newspaper looks at the booklet “Let’s Protect Our Future” and draws attention to a number of differences in the Latvian and Russian editions.

Vesty Segonyas

columnist, MP of the 8th Saeima Nikolay Kabanov sums up the key tasks of FHRUL which the party should implement during the 8th Saeima. According to Kabanov, none of political parties except for FHRUL is interested in promoting naturalisation, therefore it is the number one task of the party. Second is postponement of the education reform in 2004 and, third, the Russian language should be used in television and radio broadcasting without any restrictions. columnist, MP of the 8th Saeima Nikolay Kabanov sums up the key tasks of FHRUL which the party should implement during the 8th Saeima. According to Kabanov, none of political parties except for FHRUL is interested in promoting naturalisation, therefore it is the number one task of the party. Second is postponement of the education reform in 2004 and, third, the Russian language should be used in television and radio broadcasting without any restrictions.

Panorama Latvii

talks to one of experts of the Latvian Human Rights Committee Gennady Kotov. The Committee provides legal consultations concerning human rights issues free of charge since 1992. Kotov says that since then the situation has changed – in 1993 more than 160 thousand people were refused to be acknowledged as permanent residents of Latvia, now there are no more than 100 such persons in the country. He adds that 10 years ago there were more attempts to expel people from Latvia. Kotov notes that now the Committee files claims not only with domestic but international organisations as well. Kotov reports that in 10 years about 40,000 people turned for the help to the Committee. talks to one of experts of the Latvian Human Rights Committee Gennady Kotov. The Committee provides legal consultations concerning human rights issues free of charge since 1992. Kotov says that since then the situation has changed – in 1993 more than 160 thousand people were refused to be acknowledged as permanent residents of Latvia, now there are no more than 100 such persons in the country. He adds that 10 years ago there were more attempts to expel people from Latvia. Kotov notes that now the Committee files claims not only with domestic but international organisations as well. Kotov reports that in 10 years about 40,000 people turned for the help to the Committee.