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.

• Conference Russian-speaking residents in the EU: occupational and social integration
• Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration: appeal to use Russian in public space complies with legislation
• Diena features views on the draft amendments to the Citizenship law proposed by FF/LNIM

Chas features an article about a conference Russian-speaking residents in the EU: occupational and social integration held in Brussels. The conference was organised by the European Russian Alliance with support of Latvias MEP Tatyana Zhdanok and faction Greens/European Free Alliance. Participants discussed issues concerning integration of Russian-speaking residents in various European countries. The Chairman of the International Council of Russian Compatriots Petr Sheremetev stated that it is a shame that a big part of Latvian and Estonian residents, who have lived there for many years or were born there, are called non-citizens. Participants also adopted a draft the Partnership & Co-operation Agreement between Russia and EU which suggests to take into account specific interests of Russian-speakers in EU.

The Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Karina Petersone stated that an appeal of the Union of Russian Entrepreneurs in Latvia and several NGOs for active use of the Russian language in public space and communication do not contradict legislation, therefore it is not negotiable. Karina Petersone believes that “whether to pursuance of the appeal depends personally on an entrepreneur’s business plans.”

The Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Karina Petersone stated that an appeal of the Union of Russian Entrepreneurs in Latvia and several NGOs for active use of the Russian language in public space and communication do not contradict legislation, therefore it is not negotiable. Karina Petersone believes that whether to pursuance of the appeal depends personally on an entrepreneurs business plans.

Diena features an article about the draft amendments to the Citizenship Law developed by the party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM to halt naturalisation and close the Naturalisation Board. The director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights Ilze Brands-Kehre argues that it is a part of FF/LNIMs pre-election campaign and reproaches the party for being irresponsible. The Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane states that both right and left wing radicals take advantage of such proposals. The head of the International and European Rights Unit of the Latvian University Kristine Kruma states that if Latvia halts naturalisation it would break several international agreements and would lost its international reputation.