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.

• FF/LNIM drafted amendments to the Criminal Law stipulating criminal liability for public denial of Latvias occupation by the Soviet Union in 1940
• Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane: speed of naturalisation will decrease
• FHRUL supports the proposals to grant non-citizens rights to participate municipal elections
• LASHOR holds a festivity of Russian culture and education in Latvia
• Vesti Segodnya prints an article on a book Latvian-Russian Relations: Internal and International Dimensions
• About 300 residents of Latvia are planning to leave for Russia
• Rigas Balss prints an article on use of the Latvian and Russian language in Latvia

The right-wing political party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM (FF/LNIM) has drafted amendments to the Criminal Law stipulating criminal liability for public denial of Latvia’s occupation by the USSR in 1940. The proposed sentence for the denial of occupation is up to three year imprisonment or up to 60 times minimal wage. The head of the FF/LNIM Saeima’s faction Maris Grinbalts has stated that there must be a common understanding of the key facts in the Latvian history.

The right-wing political party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM (FF/LNIM) has drafted amendments to the Criminal Law stipulating criminal liability for public denial of Latvias occupation by the USSR in 1940. The proposed sentence for the denial of occupation is up to three year imprisonment or up to 60 times minimal wage. The head of the FF/LNIM Saeimas faction Maris Grinbalts has stated that there must be a common understanding of the key facts in the Latvian history. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf, Latvijas Avize

Yesterday, at the meeting of the Saeima’s Citizenship Law Implementation Committee the Head of the Naturalisation Board (NB) Eizenija Aldermane has stated that the speed of naturalisation probably will decrease because of cancelling of visa requirements for non-citizens to travel within the EU. Therefore the NB is planning to reduce the number of its examination commissions by one as well as other units which were formed due to the increased number of applicants for citizenship. Eizenija Aldermane considered that the number of naturalised persons might decrease by 800 persons a year. In total, about 11,000 persons were granted citizenship through naturalisation in 2006, and more than 100, 000 persons since the process was launched in 1998.

Yesterday, at the meeting of the Saeimas Citizenship Law Implementation Committee the Head of the Naturalisation Board (NB) Eizenija Aldermane has stated that the speed of naturalisation probably will decrease because of cancelling of visa requirements for non-citizens to travel within the EU. Therefore the NB is planning to reduce the number of its examination commissions by one as well as other units which were formed due to the increased number of applicants for citizenship. Eizenija Aldermane considered that the number of naturalised persons might decrease by 800 persons a year. In total, about 11,000 persons were granted citizenship through naturalisation in 2006, and more than 100, 000 persons since the process was launched in 1998. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Latvijas Avize

The Saeima’s faction for Human Rights in United Latvia (FHRUL) has reviewed an application of the NGOs “The Union of Citizens and Non-citizens” and “Humanitarian Perspective” sent to all Saeima’s factions. The NGOs propose to grant Latvian non-citizens the rights to participate in municipal elections. The FHRUL argues that the proposal complies with practices implemented by a majority of EU countries as well the recommendations of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

The Saeimas faction for Human Rights in United Latvia (FHRUL) has reviewed an application of the NGOs The Union of Citizens and Non-citizens and Humanitarian Perspective sent to all Saeimas factions. The NGOs propose to grant Latvian non-citizens the rights to participate in municipal elections. The FHRUL argues that the proposal complies with practices implemented by a majority of EU countries as well the recommendations of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Chas

Newspapers report that the Latvian Association for Support Russian Language Schools (LASHOR in its Russian acronym) in cooperation with several Russian NGOs holds the Days of the Russian culture and education in Latvia. A number of activities will be organised till 27 January. The aim of the activities and events is promotion of education in the Russian language and preservation of the Russian culture in Latvia.

Newspapers report that the Latvian Association for Support Russian Language Schools (LASHOR in its Russian acronym) in cooperation with several Russian NGOs holds the Days of the Russian culture and education in Latvia. A number of activities will be organised till 27 January. The aim of the activities and events is promotion of education in the Russian language and preservation of the Russian culture in Latvia. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf

Vesti Segodnya prints an article on a book Latvian-Russian Relations: Internal and International Dimensions edited by the former Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Nils Muiznieks. The book tells about mutual problems between Latvia and Russia and Eastern-Slavic minorities in Latvia.

Telegraf reports that according to the Russias Migration Service about 300 residents of Latvia are planning to leave permanently for Russia through the Russias repatriation program for compatriots.

Rigas Balss prints an article on use of the Latvian and Russian language in Latvia. The columnist argues that the Russian languages positions in Latvia become more secure thus endangering use of the Latvian language. According to the market research company TNS Latvia 94 % of Latvian residents speaks the Latvian language and 96 % are able to communicate in Russian.