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

Newspapers report on the Riga visit of Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov. In one of the first press conferences, Yuri Luzhkov said, "The process of naturalisation actually has stopped, and this is not normal." When asked about how the situation in Latvia has changed since he had in the past compared it to Pol Pot’s regime in Cambodia, Luzhkov said that there have been certain positive changes over three-four years, however, "the same problems still exist." Luzhkov admitted that he had expected such a question, and stressed that he is ready to openly discuss the situation concerning Russian-speakers in Latvia. Besides his scheduled events while visiting Riga, Mayor Yuri Luzhkov met yesterday with the left-wing leader Janis Jurkans. They discussed the left wing's successful results in the 8th Saeima elections. Jurkans made the comment that if his party were a part of the Latvian government "the ice between Moscow and Latvia would melt completely." Luzhkov also met with Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Stoudennikov in Jurmala.

Newspapers report on the Riga visit of Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov. In one of the first press conferences, Yuri Luzhkov said, "The process of naturalisation actually has stopped, and this is not normal." When asked about how the situation in Latvia has changed since he had in the past compared it to Pol Pots regime in Cambodia, Luzhkov said that there have been certain positive changes over three-four years, however, "the same problems still exist." Luzhkov admitted that he had expected such a question, and stressed that he is ready to openly discuss the situation concerning Russian-speakers in Latvia. Besides his scheduled events while visiting Riga, Mayor Yuri Luzhkov met yesterday with the left-wing leader Janis Jurkans. They discussed the left wing's successful results in the 8th Saeima elections. Jurkans made the comment that if his party were a part of the Latvian government "the ice between Moscow and Latvia would melt completely." Luzhkov also met with Russian Ambassador to Latvia Igor Stoudennikov in Jurmala. Diena, Neatkariga, Lauku Avize, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Panorama Latvii

Lauku Avize

asks a number of language and integration experts about the possible duties and authority of the Social Integration Minister. Linguist Ina Druviete believes that this ministry should harmonise interests of all groups of society and coordinate the activities and responsibilities of all institutions which are responsible for integration. Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane states that no new ministries should be formed. It would suffice if a post of Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Affairs would be established. The key task of the Minister would be the coordination of the activities and responsibilities of institutions dealing with aspects of integration. Former Minister of Justice Ingrida Labucka says that she is not sure what should be the tasks of such a Ministry, but believes that it would have more authority than the Integration Department. asks a number of language and integration experts about the possible duties and authority of the Social Integration Minister. Linguist Ina Druviete believes that this ministry should harmonise interests of all groups of society and coordinate the activities and responsibilities of all institutions which are responsible for integration. Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane states that no new ministries should be formed. It would suffice if a post of Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Affairs would be established. The key task of the Minister would be the coordination of the activities and responsibilities of institutions dealing with aspects of integration. Former Minister of Justice Ingrida Labucka says that she is not sure what should be the tasks of such a Ministry, but believes that it would have more authority than the Integration Department.

Lauku Avize

asks the first secretary of the British Embassy Nick Carter to comment on the visit to Riga of the British Embassy to Moscow representatives. Nick Carter says that it is very important for British diplomats to understand the situation in a region, therefore British diplomats from Moscow came to Latvia to see the situation concerning Russian-speakers in Latvia. He stresses that the visit in no way should be perceived as lack of trust in British diplomats in Riga. Minister of Foreign Affairs Sandra Kalniete comments that such practice does exist, however, it is somewhat ambiguous. Member of the New Era Grigorijs Krupnikovs is convinced that such visits should be very welcomed as they represent a possibility for Latvia to promote the country. asks the first secretary of the British Embassy Nick Carter to comment on the visit to Riga of the British Embassy to Moscow representatives. Nick Carter says that it is very important for British diplomats to understand the situation in a region, therefore British diplomats from Moscow came to Latvia to see the situation concerning Russian-speakers in Latvia. He stresses that the visit in no way should be perceived as lack of trust in British diplomats in Riga. Minister of Foreign Affairs Sandra Kalniete comments that such practice does exist, however, it is somewhat ambiguous. Member of the New Era Grigorijs Krupnikovs is convinced that such visits should be very welcomed as they represent a possibility for Latvia to promote the country. Last week the Board of the Association of Latvian National Culture Organisations discussed candidatures for the post of the Societal Integration Minister. The Board did not support the candidature of the Latvian First Party Aleksandrs Brandavs. The Board suggested the following candidatures: head of the Board of the Integration Foundation Ramona Umblija, advisor to the President Olgerts Tipans, long-lasting head of the Department of Ethnic Affairs Ilmars Geigis, linguist Ina Druviete and chairperson of the Association of Latvian National Culture Organisations Rafi Haradzanjans. The Board suggests to eliminate the post if parties are not able to reach an agreement on a candidature for the post.

Last week the Board of the Association of Latvian National Culture Organisations discussed candidatures for the post of the Societal Integration Minister. The Board did not support the candidature of the Latvian First Party Aleksandrs Brandavs. The Board suggested the following candidatures: head of the Board of the Integration Foundation Ramona Umblija, advisor to the President Olgerts Tipans, long-lasting head of the Department of Ethnic Affairs Ilmars Geigis, linguist Ina Druviete and chairperson of the Association of Latvian National Culture Organisations Rafi Haradzanjans. The Board suggests to eliminate the post if parties are not able to reach an agreement on a candidature for the post. Chas

In October and November a number of schools held information days to share their practices and knowledge about bilingual education, integration and multiculturalism at schools. The information days were organised in the framework of the Soros programme “Open School 1999-2002.”

In October and November a number of schools held information days to share their practices and knowledge about bilingual education, integration and multiculturalism at schools. The information days were organised in the framework of the Soros programme Open School 1999-2002. Chas provides a detailed reflection of such an information day at Riga Secondary School No 1. School director Aleksandr Makarov believes that children along with studies in the Latvian language should have a possibility to study in their native language. He praises the Soros programme which ensures diversity of methods in the study process.