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.

• MP Valerijs Agesins has prepared draft amendments to the Punishment Execution Code which stipulate granting interpreter for prisoners if necessary
• Telegraf reports on a new mathematics manual for first grade
• Latvijas Avize reports that the MPs doubt the usefulness of the merge the Naturalisation Board and the State language proposed by the Minister of Justice Gaidis Berzins
• Latvijas Avize features an interview with the MEP, member of the political party FF/LNIM Inese Vaidere
• NRA features an interview with the EMP from Latvia Girts Valdis Kristovskis and other EMPs on issues concerning integration and racism in Europe

The MP Valerijs Agesins (the Concord Centre) has prepared draft amendments to the Punishment Execution Code which stipulate granting interpreter for prisoners if necessary. Valerijs Agesins believes that every persons must be granted a chance to defend her/him self even if s/he does not speak Latvian.

The MP Valerijs Agesins (the Concord Centre) has prepared draft amendments to the Punishment Execution Code which stipulate granting interpreter for prisoners if necessary. Valerijs Agesins believes that every persons must be granted a chance to defend her/him self even if s/he does not speak Latvian. Chas

Telegraf reports on a new mathematics manual for first grade. The manual was edited by two mathematics teachers from Russian language schools and is designed to help teachers implementing bilingual programs in minority schools.

Latvijas Avize reports that the MPs doubt the usefulness of the merge of the Naturalisation Board and the State language centre into one institution proposed by the Minister of Justice Gaidis Berzins. The Head of the Naturalsation Board Eizenija Aldermane also doubts the proposal. Mrs. Aldermane considers that the NB has to remain as a separate institution because it has sufficient workload at the moment and in the future the workload might increase because the guest workers arriving in Latvia today will probably like to naturalize. Mrs. Aldermane also believes that the State Language Centre could be strengthen and developed into full-fledge institution.

Latvijas Avize features an interview with the MEP, member of the political party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM (FF/LNIM) Inese Vaidere. Ms. Vaidere believes that the FF/LNIM has to change its policy so that it would be supported by the majority of ethnic Latvians and which would strengthen ethnic aspect, especially, state language. As reported, according to the latest opinion poll, rating of the FF/LNIM is only 2,9%.

NRA features an interview with the EMP from Latvia Girts Valdis Kristovskis and EMPs from Estonia, the United Kingdom and Ireland on issues concerning integration and racism in Europe. According to Mr. Kristovskis, Latvian residents are suspicious about guest workers because Latvians are afraid that foreigners might endanger them as titular nation. Mr. Kritovskis believes that Latvia has to develop skilful policy at this field for prevention of possible further social conflicts between immigrants and domestic residents. NRA (12.09)