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.

• Chas prints opinions of several MPs about the role of the Russian-language press in todays Latvian society
• Vesti Segodnya and Telegraf print articles about activities of the LASHOR
• NRA: Latvian-oriented parties are afraid to address Russian-speaking electorate
• Chas features an interview with the members of FHRUL on issues concerning ethnic policy in Latvia
• Saeima has declined the proposals of the political party FF/ LNIM and FHRUL

Chas prints opinions of several MPs about the role of the Russian-language press in todays Latvian society. Indulis Emsis (Union of Greens and Farmers) believes that the coverage of national events is not sufficient in the Russian press and argues that it is influenced by Russias policy. Boriss Cilevics (Concord Centre) notes that the Russian press plays a crucial role in uniting the Russian speaking community in Latvia. Maris Gulbis (New Democrats) believes that the Russian press writes about the issues that Russians want to read.

Vesti Segodnya and Telegraf print articles about activities of the Latvian Association for Support of Russian Language Schools (LASHOR in its Russian acronym) which celebrates its 10th anniversary. The head of the LASHOR Igors Pimenovs in an interview with Telegraf stated that the mission of the organisation has not changed: all children have to study in their native languages as it is not only educational issue, but also concerns ones identity and culture.

According to experts interviewed by the daily

According to experts interviewed by the daily NRA so-called Latvian-oriented parties do not address Russian-speaking electorate in their pre-election campaigns because these parties are afraid to receive criticism by Latvian-speaking electorate and competitive parties.

Chas features an interview with the members of the political party For Human Rights in United Latvia (FHRUL) Tatyana Zdanoka and Elina Cujanova on issues concerning ethnic policy in Latvia. Tatyana Zdanoka criticizes the government for its policy towards Russian speaking residents and believes that the real aim of national integration policy is assimilation of Russian speakers. Elina Cujanova believed that the aim of the governing elite is to prevent participation of Russians in decision making at high governmental level.

Yesterday the Saeima declined the proposals of the political party For Fatherland and Freedom/ LNIM to close the Naturalisation Board; to stop granting citizenship to residents of Latvia who arrived to Latvia during the Soviet period and to promote voluntary departure of these persons from Latvia. The Saeima also declined the proposal of another party For Human Rights in United Latvia to abolish all reservations introduced to the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities.

Yesterday the Saeima declined the proposals of the political party For Fatherland and Freedom/ LNIM to close the Naturalisation Board; to stop granting citizenship to residents of Latvia who arrived to Latvia during the Soviet period and to promote voluntary departure of these persons from Latvia. The Saeima also declined the proposal of another party For Human Rights in United Latvia to abolish all reservations introduced to the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities. Chas, Latvijas Avize