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

Yesterday 67 new and 33 re-elected MPs convened for the first session of the 8th Saeima yesterday. President Vaira Vike-Freiberga asked leader of the New Era Einars Repse to set up the new Cabinet of Ministers. Representatives of the prospective ruling coalition signed the government’s declaration already after the Saeima’s session. They plan to ask the Saeima to give a vote of confidence to the new Cabinet on Thursday. Diena provides the list of candidacies for all posts of ministers except for the post of the Minister of Societal Integration.

Yesterday 67 new and 33 re-elected MPs convened for the first session of the 8th Saeima yesterday. President Vaira Vike-Freiberga asked leader of the New Era Einars Repse to set up the new Cabinet of Ministers. Representatives of the prospective ruling coalition signed the governments declaration already after the Saeimas session. They plan to ask the Saeima to give a vote of confidence to the new Cabinet on Thursday. Diena provides the list of candidacies for all posts of ministers except for the post of the Minister of Societal Integration. Diena, Neatkariga, Rigas Balss, Vechernaya Riga, Chas

The public policy portal

The public policy portal www.politika.lv publishes the national declaration of the new government. One of the top priorities of the new government is an integrated civic society, strong modern ethnic identity. The issues concerning the rights of national minorities are discussed in the chapter Education. Article 14.5 states We will strengthen bilingual education at all national minority schools. We will intensify preparatory tasks to ensure a gradual switch of minority secondary schools to Latvian as a main instruction language as of 2004. In the chapter on culture article 15.7. provides for We will preserve and foster diversity of the cultures of ethnic groups in Latvia and will promote development of national cultures.

Chapter 17 discusses ethno-political issues:

Chapter 17 discusses ethno-political issues:

“17.1. We will implement such ethno-political principles which will consider the interests of the state and all members of society, including Latvians and national minorities. We will improve legislation in the realm of ethnic policy and determine the fields of competence of the responsible institutions. We will assign a high level, politically responsible official having the requisite authority who will be responsible for the implementation of ethnic policy.

17.1. We will implement such ethno-political principles which will consider the interests of the state and all members of society, including Latvians and national minorities. We will improve legislation in the realm of ethnic policy and determine the fields of competence of the responsible institutions. We will assign a high level, politically responsible official having the requisite authority who will be responsible for the implementation of ethnic policy.

17.2. We will ensure consistent securing of the Latvian language in all spheres of life and its development as a communication language among all Latvian residents. We will support the activities of the President’s Official Language Commission and the adoption of the national programme for the development of the Latvian language.

17.2. We will ensure consistent securing of the Latvian language in all spheres of life and its development as a communication language among all Latvian residents. We will support the activities of the Presidents Official Language Commission and the adoption of the national programme for the development of the Latvian language.

17.3. We will foster the integration of Latvian society, learning of the Latvian language and the qualitative implementation of naturalisation processes.

17.3. We will foster the integration of Latvian society, learning of the Latvian language and the qualitative implementation of naturalisation processes.

17.4. We will support the activities of national societies and communities and the Association of Latvian National Culture Organisations and ensure adequate funding for these organisations. We will provide special support for the Association of Livs - the second core nation in Latvia, while facilitating preservation and promotion of their unique language and culture in the world in the framework of the national long term target programme “Livs in Latvia.”

17.4. We will support the activities of national societies and communities and the Association of Latvian National Culture Organisations and ensure adequate funding for these organisations. We will provide special support for the Association of Livs - the second core nation in Latvia, while facilitating preservation and promotion of their unique language and culture in the world in the framework of the national long term target programme Livs in Latvia.

17.5. We will educate society on ethnopolitical issues, while lessening prejudices and stereotypes. We will foster a dialogue on relations among nations and languages in Latvia. We will reduce the gap between two information spaces on the basis of common values and mutual respect.”

17.5. We will educate society on ethnopolitical issues, while lessening prejudices and stereotypes. We will foster a dialogue on relations among nations and languages in Latvia. We will reduce the gap between two information spaces on the basis of common values and mutual respect. Chas

When holding a speech on the occasion of the first session of the 8th Saeima, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga named social integration as one of the key tasks for the new Saeima. She said that ethnic background should not be the reason for any discrimination. The President also wished the new Saeima to join all “important documents in the sphere of human rights.”

When holding a speech on the occasion of the first session of the 8th Saeima, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga named social integration as one of the key tasks for the new Saeima. She said that ethnic background should not be the reason for any discrimination. The President also wished the new Saeima to join all important documents in the sphere of human rights. Vesti Segodnya, Latvijas Vestnesis

Yesterday all MPs including FHRUL gave a solemn oath or promise. Leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans stated that the oath is not against their beliefs, as “we have always been for the Latvian language as a sole state language.” However, he believes that the oath is illogical and FHRUL will suggest striking the oath from the Constitution.

Yesterday all MPs including FHRUL gave a solemn oath or promise. Leader of FHRUL Janis Jurkans stated that the oath is not against their beliefs, as we have always been for the Latvian language as a sole state language. However, he believes that the oath is illogical and FHRUL will suggest striking the oath from the Constitution. Diena

Rigas Balss

interviews new director of the State Language Centre Agris Timuska. According to Timuska the situation in the language realm is satisfactory in Riga although it is not as good as the situation in the countryside. The situation in Daugavpils is unsatisfactory. Regarding the State Language Law, he says that the most serious stumbling rock is the term legitimate public interests – they are clearly defined in the Law, however, the existence of these interests should be proved over and over again. interviews new director of the State Language Centre Agris Timuska. According to Timuska the situation in the language realm is satisfactory in Riga although it is not as good as the situation in the countryside. The situation in Daugavpils is unsatisfactory. Regarding the State Language Law, he says that the most serious stumbling rock is the term “legitimate public interests” – they are clearly defined in the Law, however, the existence of these interests should be proved over and over again.

Telegraf

ironically comments that recently adopted amendments to the regulations on the state language stipulate a higher (II) state language proficiency level for a number of professions, including circus artists and shepherds. ironically comments that recently adopted amendments to the regulations on the state language stipulate a higher (II) state language proficiency level for a number of professions, including circus artists and shepherds.