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.

• Newspapers comment on the speech delivered by the USA President George W. Bush
• Articles about the meeting of the USA President George Bush with representatives of the Latvian civic society

Newspapers report on the visit of the USA President George W. Bush to Latvia. Newspapers mainly pay attention to and comment on the USA President’s speech delivered in Riga, in particular, two issues mentioned in the President’s speech: occupation of the Baltic States at the end of the World War II and minority rights. In his speech the USA President noted that ‘the promise of democracy starts with national pride, and independence and elections. But it does not end there. The promise of democracy is fulfilled by minority rights, and equal justice under the rule of law, and an inclusive society… A country that divides into factions and dwells on old grievances cannot move forward, and risks sliding back into tyranny.’ The USA president recognised that ‘Latvia is facing the challenges that come with ethnic diversities’ and called to reach out to all who share the future of Latvia. Several state officials and experts believe the Bush’s statements on minority issues may be interpreted as a signal that Latvia should improve the situation of minorities. They note that the statements may be as well an attempt to soften the USA President’s statements which recognised the occupation of the Baltic States. The President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga in her interview for Russian journalists stressed that the USA President did not analyse the Latvia’s policy on national minorities. While the Foreign Affairs Minister of Latvia Artis Pabriks believes that the USA President meant that the experience of Latvia in the area of minority rights is a good practice in this field and should be followed by other countries.

Newspapers report on the visit of the USA President George W. Bush to Latvia. Newspapers mainly pay attention to and comment on the USA Presidents speech delivered in Riga, in particular, two issues mentioned in the Presidents speech: occupation of the Baltic States at the end of the World War II and minority rights. In his speech the USA President noted that ‘the promise of democracy starts with national pride, and independence and elections. But it does not end there. The promise of democracy is fulfilled by minority rights, and equal justice under the rule of law, and an inclusive society… A country that divides into factions and dwells on old grievances cannot move forward, and risks sliding back into tyranny. The USA president recognised that ‘Latvia is facing the challenges that come with ethnic diversities and called to reach out to all who share the future of Latvia. Several state officials and experts believe the Bushs statements on minority issues may be interpreted as a signal that Latvia should improve the situation of minorities. They note that the statements may be as well an attempt to soften the USA Presidents statements which recognised the occupation of the Baltic States. The President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga in her interview for Russian journalists stressed that the USA President did not analyse the Latvias policy on national minorities. While the Foreign Affairs Minister of Latvia Artis Pabriks believes that the USA President meant that the experience of Latvia in the area of minority rights is a good practice in this field and should be followed by other countries. Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize, Latvijas Avize, Rigas Balss, Vesti Segodnya, Chas, Telegraf

Newspapers feature articles about the meeting of the USA President George Bush with representatives of the Latvian civic society. Representatives of minorities, such as Russians, Poles, Roma and others were also invited to participate in the discussion with the USA President. In the discussion the representative of the Afro-Latvian Association pointed to difficulties faced by dark-skin people to find a job in Latvia, as well as indifference of the Police towards attacks based on racial grounds. While representatives of other minorities indicated to difficulties experienced by their members, for instance difficulties of Roma to integrate into society. The member of the Riga City Council and representative of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools Igors Pimenovs pointed to problems in the area of minority rights – mass non-citizenship and the implementation of the minority education reform.

Newspapers feature articles about the meeting of the USA President George Bush with representatives of the Latvian civic society. Representatives of minorities, such as Russians, Poles, Roma and others were also invited to participate in the discussion with the USA President. In the discussion the representative of the Afro-Latvian Association pointed to difficulties faced by dark-skin people to find a job in Latvia, as well as indifference of the Police towards attacks based on racial grounds. While representatives of other minorities indicated to difficulties experienced by their members, for instance difficulties of Roma to integrate into society. The member of the Riga City Council and representative of the Latvian Association for the Support of Russian-language Schools Igors Pimenovs pointed to problems in the area of minority rights – mass non-citizenship and the implementation of the minority education reform. Diena, Chas, Telegraf