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.

• President of Latvia: everyone is welcomed in this country
• PACE will decide about the continuation of the post-monitoring dialogue with Latvia
• Language Auditors will analyse the effective language learning system and naturalization process in Latvia in 2007
• Ambassador of Russia criticizes naturalization process in Latvia
• Russia will give funding to public organizations in the Baltic States
• Swastika and anti-Russian slogans in Daugavpils
• Defender of human rights Vladimir Bukovskiy: Latvian and Russian communities must come together

The President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga in her speech on the occasion of the National Independence Day stated that all Latvia’s residents are a part of the country and the today’s Latvia is the heritage of the past. The President called to be tolerant towards each other, because “the fate and time have made us very different and diverse.” The President said that in the past decades “many people of different religions, convictions and blood have come to the country, however, we all may become patriots of this country… Everybody who respects Latvia, its order, legislation and democratic system, is needed, everybody is welcomed – both who are not citizens yet and those who have left for foreign countries to search for better lives.”

The President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga in her speech on the occasion of the National Independence Day stated that all Latvias residents are a part of the country and the todays Latvia is the heritage of the past. The President called to be tolerant towards each other, because the fate and time have made us very different and diverse. The President said that in the past decades many people of different religions, convictions and blood have come to the country, however, we all may become patriots of this country… Everybody who respects Latvia, its order, legislation and democratic system, is needed, everybody is welcomed – both who are not citizens yet and those who have left for foreign countries to search for better lives.

The Monitoring Committee of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) will listen to the report on the situation of ethnic minorities in Latvia on Wednesday. The Committee will decide whether to stop the post-monitoring dialog with Latvia after listening to the report.

The Monitoring Committee of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) will listen to the report on the situation of ethnic minorities in Latvia on Wednesday. The Committee will decide whether to stop the post-monitoring dialog with Latvia after listening to the report. Diena

In 2007, the European Association of Professional Language Auditors will analyse the Latvian language learning system and naturalization process in Latvia. A representative of the Naturalization Board stated if the results of the audit are positive, Latvia will receive the State Language Learning Process Quality Certificate.

In 2007, the European Association of Professional Language Auditors will analyse the Latvian language learning system and naturalization process in Latvia. A representative of the Naturalization Board stated if the results of the audit are positive, Latvia will receive the State Language Learning Process Quality Certificate. Chas

The Ambassador of Russia to Latvia Victor Kalyuzhniy  met with students form the Netherlands. The group of students came to Latvia to study  the situation in the field of ethnic integration  and compare it with the situation in their country.  The Ambassador criticized naturalization process in Latvia and stated that many Russians do not want to pass the naturalization test in the Latvian history because they do not want to acknowledge that Russia has occupied Latvia. Victor Kalyuzhniy also pointed that a number restrictions on the rights of Russian-speaking residents of Latvia lead to tense  relations between Latvia and Russia.

The Ambassador of Russia to Latvia Victor Kalyuzhniy met with students form the Netherlands. The group of students came to Latvia to study the situation in the field of ethnic integration and compare it with the situation in their country. The Ambassador criticized naturalization process in Latvia and stated that many Russians do not want to pass the naturalization test in the Latvian history because they do not want to acknowledge that Russia has occupied Latvia. Victor Kalyuzhniy also pointed that a number restrictions on the rights of Russian-speaking residents of Latvia lead to tense relations between Latvia and Russia. Chas

Russia is planning to provide funding for non-profit public organizations in those countries which violate the rights of Russia’s citizens. A representatives of the Russian government stated that it will refer also to the Baltic States.

Russia is planning to provide funding for non-profit public organizations in those countries which violate the rights of Russias citizens. A representatives of the Russian government stated that it will refer also to the Baltic States. Vesti Segodnya

The slogan in Latvian “Russian Pigs” and the swastika appeared on a fence near one of the schools in the centre of Daugavpils after the celebratory fireworks on 18 November. The Russian Community of Daugavpils protested against the slogan and reproached the police in hesitating to take any measures.

The slogan in Latvian Russian Pigs and the swastika appeared on a fence near one of the schools in the centre of Daugavpils after the celebratory fireworks on 18 November. The Russian Community of Daugavpils protested against the slogan and reproached the police in hesitating to take any measures. Vesti Segodnya

In a seminar "Twenty Years of Baltic Peace and Freedom Cruise" in London, defender of human rights Vladimir Bukovskiy stated that the government of Latvia should not force national minorities to learn the Latvian language. Vladimir Bukovskiy believes that pressure results in a negative reaction and resistance. He also stated that the two communities - Latvians and Russians - should be united, and Latvians have to understand that national minorities are the part of multi-cultural Latvia.

In a seminar "Twenty Years of Baltic Peace and Freedom Cruise" in London, defender of human rights Vladimir Bukovskiy stated that the government of Latvia should not force national minorities to learn the Latvian language. Vladimir Bukovskiy believes that pressure results in a negative reaction and resistance. He also stated that the two communities - Latvians and Russians - should be united, and Latvians have to understand that national minorities are the part of multi-cultural Latvia. Telegraf