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
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

• Janis Jurkans, the leader of Peoples Harmony Party, about possible collaboration with the Prime Minister
• The party For Human Rights in United Latvia requests that the Minister of Education and Science explain his statements in Lauku Avize
• Czech Prime Minister believes that Latvias EU membership will improve relations between Latvia and Russia
• Appeal of the leader of Roma NGO Gloss to the government to support Roma social integration
• Two leaders of minority NGOs discuss minority situation after Latvias accession to the EU

Janis Jurkans, leader of People’s Harmony Party (PHP), believes that this party could cooperate with the Prime Minister within the government. However, Jurkans points to the contradictions between the Prime Minister and PHP on the education reform, naturalization procedure and integration of society. He believes that more attention should be paid to the quality of education in minority schools, enhancing the preparation of teachers for teaching in Latvian and promoting better Latvian language training among students. He also argues for the cancellation of the naturalization fee except for applicants with the highest level of income.

Janis Jurkans, leader of Peoples Harmony Party (PHP), believes that this party could cooperate with the Prime Minister within the government. However, Jurkans points to the contradictions between the Prime Minister and PHP on the education reform, naturalization procedure and integration of society. He believes that more attention should be paid to the quality of education in minority schools, enhancing the preparation of teachers for teaching in Latvian and promoting better Latvian language training among students. He also argues for the cancellation of the naturalization fee except for applicants with the highest level of income. Lauku avize

The party For Human Rights in the United Latvia has sent a request to Karlis Sadurskis, the Minister of Education and Science to explain his published opinions in the recent interview with

The party For Human Rights in the United Latvia has sent a request to Karlis Sadurskis, the Minister of Education and Science to explain his published opinions in the recent interview with Lauku Avize. The party questions the truthfulness of some statements, including that no criticism of the education reform was expressed by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Vesti Segodnya

L. Gindra, the head of Roma NGO “Gloss,” appeals to the government to promote integration of Roma into society. Gindra argues that the Roma in Latvia are economically and politically vulnerable. The NGO is planning to resubmit its elaborated program for Roma to the government.

L. Gindra, the head of Roma NGO Gloss, appeals to the government to promote integration of Roma into society. Gindra argues that the Roma in Latvia are economically and politically vulnerable. The NGO is planning to resubmit its elaborated program for Roma to the government. Neatkariga Rita Avize

Telegraf reports on the visit of Vladimir Spidla, the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic. The Prime Minister expressed his belief that Latvias EU membership will elevate the prestige of Latvia and therefore could improve relations between Latvia and Russia.

The internet public policy portal www.politika.lv publishes a discussion between two leaders of minority NGOs -- Dmitrij Nikolajev and Vjacheslav Altuhov -- about the situation of minorities after Latvia’s accession to the EU.

The internet public policy portal www.politika.lv publishes a discussion between two leaders of minority NGOs-- Dmitrij Nikolajev and Vjacheslav Altuhov -- about the situation of minorities after Latvias accession to the EU.