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.

• Education Minister about education reform in 2004
• Discussion about ratification of the Framework Convention in the Parliament

Neatkariga interviews Education Minister Karlis Sadurskis. Regarding education reform in 2004, he says that the Latvian language should be both the subject and the language of instruction at minority schools. He notes that unfortunately at many schools there is only a discussion about the reform and no actual work, therefore the situation is not as good as it could be. The Minister states that 166 minority schools in Latvia have some problems concerning the implementation of the reform. He admits that probably there will be schools where the reform will not take place in 2004.

Special Task Minister of the Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks believes that Latvia should ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities

Special Task Minister of the Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks believes that Latvia should ratify the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities as soon as possible. The Minister believes that Latvia should make only one reservation in the Convention – concerning the spelling of street names as street names in Russian are not acceptable for the majority of Latvians and are not needed for the representatives of other minorities. However, the majority of MPs are against ratification. Head of the New Era faction Krisjanis Karins is convinced that national interests are more important than ratification. FF/LNNK MP Inese Vaidere says that the issue is not topical for the Saeima. Head of the Latvian First Party Oskars Kastens states that the Saeima will have to discuss the issue, however, not in the closest future. Vechernaya Riga, Vesti Segodnya