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.

• Saeima rejected proposal of the FHRUL to soften state language proficiency requirements for certain professions
• FF/LNIM wants higher fines for violations of the State Language Law
• Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the head of the LASHOR Igors Pimenovs
• Chas prints an article on integration in Latvia
• Diena reports that three organisations have asked permission to hold public events on 16 March

Yesterday, the Saeima rejected draft amendments developed by the Saeima’s faction For Human Rights in United Latvia (FHRUL) which stipulated annulment of amendments to regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers which stiffer state language requirements for certain professions including fire-fighters.

Yesterday, the Saeima rejected draft amendments developed by the Saeimas faction For Human Rights in United Latvia (FHRUL) which stipulated annulment of amendments to regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers which stiffer state language requirements for certain professions including fire-fighters. Chas, Telegraf

The Saeima has forwarded to its committees draft amendments to the Administrative Violation Code proposed by FF/LNIM. The proposed draft amendments set higher fines for violations of the State Language Law.

The Saeima has forwarded to its committees draft amendments to the Administrative Violation Code proposed by FF/LNIM. The proposed draft amendments set higher fines for violations of the State Language Law. Latvijas Avize

Vesti Segodnya features an interview with the head of the Latvian Association for Support of Russian Language Schools (LASHOR in its Russian acronym) Igors Pimenovs why three organisations - the LASHOR, the Latvian Association of Russian Language Teachers and Literature and the Russian Community in Latvia - were not included in the new Consultative Council on Ethnic Minority Education of the Ministry of Education under auspices of the Ministry of Education. Igors Pimenovs believes that the composition of the current body show incompetence of Ministrys officials in the field of minority education. Though his organisation is not included in the Council, Mr. Pimenovs says that the LASHOR will continue to work for improvement of education in Russian schools.

Chas prints an article on ethnic integration in Latvia. The columnist believes that national integration policy is ineffective due to counter-activities of a number of politicians. However, the columnist believes that society is integrated in individual areas which are not politicised, such as economy, culture and everyday life.

Diena reports that three organisations have asked the Riga City Council to issue a permission to hold public events on 16 March (unofficial commemoration day of Latvian WWII legionaries). The extreme ultra-right organisations the National Power Union and Perkonkrusts are planning to hold a processions, while the Latvian Anti-fascistic Committee is planning to hold a meeting against neo-Nazism in the centre of Riga.