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.

• State Duma of Russian Federation has ratified a border agreement between Latvia and Russia
• Chas prints an article about illegal immigration to Latvia
• Minister of Justice Gaidis Berzins criticizes the FHRUL for proposed draft amendments to the State Language Law
• Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools decided to support Russian March
• MP Juris Dobelis is planning to come with a proposal to grant privileged status to Latvian WWII legionnaires
• Minister of Justice Gaidis Berzins has received a report evaluating functions, funding, staff and plans of the Naturalisation Board and the State Language Centre
• Prosecutors Office has forwarded a criminal case on hate speech to the Riga Regional Court

Yesterday, the State Duma of Russian Federation has ratified a border agreement between Latvia and Russia. Further the agreement has to be ratified by the Council of Federation and signed by the President of Russia. As reported, Latvia has ratified the agreement in May. The Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Artis Pabriks believes that ratification of the border agreement will improve mutual relations between both countries and ensure security of Latvia.

Yesterday, the State Duma of Russian Federation has ratified a border agreement between Latvia and Russia. Further the agreement has to be ratified by the Council of Federation and signed by the President of Russia. As reported, Latvia has ratified the agreement in May. The Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Artis Pabriks believes that ratification of the border agreement will improve mutual relations between both countries and ensure security of Latvia. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf, Diena, Latvijas Avize, NRA

Chas prints an article about illegal immigration to Latvia. Columnist of the newspaper argues that business on illegal transportation of migrants through Latvian border is not topical anymore. According to columnist, more topical becomes illegal migration of wealthy persons from Russia or Belarus who in fictive way are trying to receive residency permit in Latvia with an aim to have visa-free travel within the Schengen countries (Latvia will join the Schengen agreement as of 1 January 2007), but are not planning to live in Latvia. The columnist also argues that there are two ways in which foreigners are trying to receive the permit – fictive marriages with Latvian residents and purchase of fictive real estate in Latvia.

Vesti Segodnya reports that the Minister of Justice Gaidis Berzins has criticized the political party For Human Rights in United Latvia (FHRUL) for proposed draft amendments to the State Language Law, which will be reviewed by the Saeima today. The draft amendments stipulate granting official status to ethnic minorities languages in territories inhabited by ethnic minorities in substantial numbers. The Minister has stated that fluency in Latvian language is an indicator of attitude of a person towards the state. Therefore, the Minister believes that on the contrary, positions of the state language must be strengthened. Historian Ilga Kreituse in an interview with Latvijas Avize also has criticized the draft amendments. According Mrs. Kreituse, submission of such proposals is a waste of time because it will be refused in any case. Vesti Segodnya, Latvijas Avize

Vesti Segodnya reports that the Headquarters for the Defence of Russian Language Schools decided to support Russian March planned by radical political organisations in Riga on 8 September. However, the Headquarters demanded to remove several slogans and emblem of the march – a bear with grenade and bloody arm. Only one of the members of the Headquarters disagreed with the decision arguing that the march is analogous with Russian Marches held in Russia, which were pro-fascist. As reported, the Riga City Council has decided to forbid the march due to the security reasons. However, the decision of was appealed in the court which has to review the complaint today.

The MP Juris Dobelis (For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM) is planning to come with a proposal to grant Latvian WWII legionnaires special status equal with the status of the members of the National resistance movement.

The MP Juris Dobelis (For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM) is planning to come with a proposal to grant Latvian WWII legionnaires special status equal with the status of the members of the National resistance movement. Latvijas Avize

The Minister of Justice Gaidis Berzins received a report evaluating functions, funding, staff and plans of the Naturalisation Board and the State Language Centre. The report was prepared by a working group of the Ministry and is a basis for elaboration of restructuring plan of both institutions. As reported, Gaidis Berzins has come with a proposal to merge the Naturalisation Board and the State Language Centre into one institution.

The Minister of Justice Gaidis Berzins received a report evaluating functions, funding, staff and plans of the Naturalisation Board and the State Language Centre. The report was prepared by a working group of the Ministry and is a basis for elaboration of restructuring plan of both institutions. As reported, Gaidis Berzins has come with a proposal to merge the Naturalisation Board and the State Language Centre into one institution. Latvijas Avize

The Prosecutor’s Office has forwarded a criminal case on hate speech to the Riga Regional Court. The case was initiated regarding insulting statement towards Latvia, ethnic Latvians and Latvian legionnaires published on an internet forum. The Security Police has found that an author of the statements is a 23 year-old woman. A woman has admitted her guilt.

The Prosecutors Office has forwarded a criminal case on hate speech to the Riga Regional Court. The case was initiated regarding insulting statement towards Latvia, ethnic Latvians and Latvian legionnaires published on an internet forum. The Security Police has found that an author of the statements is a 23 year-old woman. A woman has admitted her guilt. Latvijas Avize