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

• Transition to professional army could promote naturalisation

• NGO Prata Speks continues providing Latvian language courses

• Head of the Union of the Latvian Citizens and Non-Citizens Vladimir Sokolov about education reform

The decision to introduce a professional army could increase naturalisation among young men, agree both Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks and Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane. There are more than 63,000 male non-citizens younger than 27. Many of them do not apply for citizenship because of obligatory military service for citizens.

The decision to introduce a professional army could increase naturalisation among young men, agree both Special Task Minister for Societal Integration Nils Muiznieks and Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane. There are more than 63,000 male non-citizens younger than 27. Many of them do not apply for citizenship because of obligatory military service for citizens. Telegraf, 11.07.2003.

Chas

reports that the NGO Prata Speks continues providing Latvian language courses free of charge. About 1,000 people are on the NGOs waitlist.

Vesti Segodnya

prints the opinion of the Head of the Union of the Latvian Citizens and Non-Citizens Vladimir Sokolov regarding the education reform. He believes that the best solution would be if the government and the Headquarter of opponents against the education reform agree on the following comprimise: 50% of classes are taught in Latvian and these classes would include Latvian language and literature, English and 50% of classes are taught in other languages.