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.

Press Report

Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane said at a press-conference that a test in the Latvian history cannot be considered "a stumbling block" accountable for a small number of applicants for naturalization. OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel during his visit to Latvia criticized the test for being too complicated. Mrs. Aldermane pointed at the broad choice of text books in history available to applicants. She also pointed out the opportunity to choose between an oral and a written test. The Head of the Naturalization Board told the press about a brochure published in Latvian and Russian explaining the essence of citizenship and terms and procedures of applying for citizenship (300,000 copies). The Naturalization Board has also released a brochure on naturalization in the English language to be circulate among foreign diplomats. Mrs. Aldermane said that the Naturalization Board was not going to force Latvia's inhabitants to apply for naturalization and sees its duty in making precise information on how to obtain citizenship available to non-citizens. The pace of naturalization remained the same as last year. The Board received 225 applications in January,274 -- in February, and 245 -- in March. The total number of applications received by the Board as of February 28 is 5,945. The number of requests for naturalization received is 6191. Currently, 124 thousand individuals have the right to obtain citizenship through naturalization. Only 4,544 have received citizenship.

Head of the Naturalization Board Eizenija Aldermane said at a press-conference that a test in the Latvian history cannot be considered "a stumbling block" accountable for a small number of applicants for naturalization. OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel during his visit to Latvia criticized the test for being too complicated. Mrs. Aldermane pointed at the broad choice of text books in history available to applicants. She also pointed out the opportunity to choose between an oral and a written test. The Head of the Naturalization Board told the press about a brochure published in Latvian and Russian explaining the essence of citizenship and terms and procedures of applying for citizenship (300,000 copies). The Naturalization Board has also released a brochure on naturalization in the English language to be circulate among foreign diplomats. Mrs. Aldermane said that the Naturalization Board was not going to force Latvia's inhabitants to apply for naturalization and sees its duty in making precise information on how to obtain citizenship available to non-citizens. The pace of naturalization remained the same as last year. The Board received 225 applications in January,274 -- in February, and 245 -- in March. The total number of applications received by the Board as of February 28 is 5,945. The number of requests for naturalization received is 6191. Currently, 124 thousand individuals have the right to obtain citizenship through naturalization. Only 4,544 have received citizenship. Diena, Neatkariga

Natalya Lebedeva (

Natalya Lebedeva ("SM") in her report on OSCE High Commissioner van der Stoel's visit noted that the High Commissioner usually avoided interviews and press-conferences. Mr. van der Stoel during his brief meeting with the press said that "the window mechanism" was one of the reasons for the slowness of naturalization processes in Latvia. Still, he does not believe that abolishing the "mechanism" will bring a tangible increase in the number of applicants. According to "SM", Mr. van der Stoel "was astonished" by a complicated test in the Latvian history. N. Lebedeva noted that the High Commissioner did not pay much attention to education for minorities and applied the term "Russian community" to all non-Latvian inhabitants of Latvia. SM

"Tevzemei un Brivibai"

Secretary General Aigars Kimenis in an article in Secretary General Aigars Kimenis in an article in "DIENA""DIENA" criticized the President for "rocking the boat" and jeopardizing political stability in the Cabinet. Mr. Kimenis expressed concern about President Ulmanis' suggestion to "open windows" to non-citizens willing to obtain citizenship through naturalization. criticized the President for "rocking the boat" and jeopardizing political stability in the Cabinet. Mr. Kimenis expressed concern about President Ulmanis' suggestion to "open windows" to non-citizens willing to obtain citizenship through naturalization. "Tevzemei un Brivibai""Tevzemei un Brivibai" sees the Citizenship Law in force as the best possible compromise and would not agree to amend it. Mr. Kimenis believes increasing the percentage of non-Latvians among citizens may lead to Latvia's incorporation into Russia's sphere of influence. sees the Citizenship Law in force as the best possible compromise and would not agree to amend it. Mr. Kimenis believes increasing the percentage of non-Latvians among citizens may lead to Latvia's incorporation into Russia's sphere of influence. DienaDiena