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

• The Saeima adopts education law amendments restricting the use of Russian in minority secondary schools
• 1,500 people participate in demonstration against the amendments to the Law on Education
• Interview with the head of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools Igor Pimenov
• Director of the Latvian Institute of International Affairs Atis Lejins on the relationship between Latvia and Russia and the draft report of European Parliament deputy Elisabeth Schrodter

Saeima has adopted the amendments to the Law on Education in the second reading, stipulating that all instruction in minority secondary schools from grade 10 must be in the Latvian language, with the exception of minority languages as subjects in themselves and those subjects which relate to the maintenance of minority identity. The Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis claims that these amendments are not in conflict with the ratio 60-40% of Latvian and Russian language use in minority schools, accepted by the Cabinet of Ministers last summer. Saeima MP Boris Tsilevitch (People’s Harmony Party) brings up the ambiguity regarding which subjects could be defined as relating to the maintenance of minority identity.

Saeima has adopted the amendments to the Law on Education in the second reading, stipulating that all instruction in minority secondary schools from grade 10 must be in the Latvian language, with the exception of minority languages as subjects in themselves and those subjects which relate to the maintenance of minority identity. The Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis claims that these amendments are not in conflict with the ratio 60-40% of Latvian and Russian language use in minority schools, accepted by the Cabinet of Ministers last summer. Saeima MP Boris Tsilevitch (Peoples Harmony Party) brings up the ambiguity regarding which subjects could be defined as relating to the maintenance of minority identity. Diena commentator Askolds Rodins reflects that the Saeima, by the substantial change of the education reforms provisions nine months before its implementation, is causing not only practical problems but also results in the distancing of the main objective of the reform - social integration. The commentator believes that reform will not be acceptable for a substantial part of society because the action of the state could be perceived as a breach of promise. Diena, Rigas Balss, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Telegraf, Veshernaya Riga, Vesti Segodnya

Yesterday approximately 1, 500 people participated in a picket near the Saeima building, organized by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-Language Schools against the amendments to the Law on Education. They asked for the resignation of the Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis and the free choice of the language of instruction.

Yesterday approximately 1, 500 people participated in a picket near the Saeima building, organized by the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian-Language Schools against the amendments to the Law on Education. They asked for the resignation of the Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis and the free choice of the language of instruction. Chas and Telegraf informs that in order to protest against the amendments to the law a strike at some eight Riga secondary schools is planned for today. Diena, Rigas Balss, Latvijas Avize, Chas, Telegraf, Vechernaya Riga, Vesti Segodnya

Rigas Balss interviews the head of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-Language Schools Igor Pimenov about the statements of the organization about the education reform and social integration. Igor Pimenov points to the necessity develop a third community, members of which would be able to speak both languages.

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the director of the Latvian Institute of International Affairs Atis Lejins about the relationship between Latvia and Russia and the latest draft report prepared by the European Parliament deputy Elisabeth Schrodter about the preparedness of Latvia to join the European Union. Atis Lejins states that until now Latvia has held an appropriate and stable position with regard to Russia, while Russias reluctance to sign the boarder agreement with Latvia shows the necessity to stay attentive to the position also in the future. Commenting the draft report about the preparedness of Latvia to join the European Union, Atis Lejins points to the political membership of the Elisabeth Schrodter (Germanys Green Party), stating that the report reflects only her political sympathies which are not favorable to Latvia.