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.

• President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Rene van der Linden: situation where ethnic minorities are deprived of rights to participate in political and social life is inappropriate for Europe
• Minister of Justice Gaidis Berzins considers that Latvia has to continue protecting its labour market
• Chas reports that representatives of Latvia are taking part in the European Russian Forum
• Days of Russian Culture in Ventspils

After an official visit to Latvia and Estonia, the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Rene van der Linden has stated: “situation where ethnic minorities are deprived of rights to participate in political and social life is inappropriate for Europe. In contemporary civilised society millions of people cannot be deprived of rights.”

After an official visit to Latvia and Estonia, the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Rene van der Linden has stated: situation where ethnic minorities are deprived of rights to participate in political and social life is inappropriate for Europe. In contemporary civilised society millions of people cannot be deprived of rights. Vesti Segodnya

The Minister of Justice Gaidis Berzins criticizes the position of the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia according to which Latvia must simplify procedure for legal employment of foreigners. The Minister has stated that Latvia has to continue protecting its labour market, therefore, attraction of guest workers must remain expensive and time consuming procedure. Gaidis Berzins considers that influx of cheep labour force would have negative impact on several social and economical issues. The Minister also considers that Latvia has to attract qualified guest workers from the EU countries who are ready to learn Latvian language and to respect Latvia culture and traditions.

The Minister of Justice Gaidis Berzins criticizes the position of the Employers Confederation of Latvia according to which Latvia must simplify procedure for legal employment of foreigners. The Minister has stated that Latvia has to continue protecting its labour market, therefore, attraction of guest workers must remain expensive and time consuming procedure. Gaidis Berzins considers that influx of cheep labour force would have negative impact on several social and economical issues. The Minister also considers that Latvia has to attract qualified guest workers from the EU countries who are ready to learn Latvian language and to respect Latvia culture and traditions. Vesti Segodnya

Chas reports that representatives of Latvia are taking part in the European Russian Forum Russian Speaking Society in Europe and its Role in EU - Russia Relations held in Brussels from 1-2 October.

Chas reports on the Days of Russian Culture in Ventspils (city in the North-western part of Latvia). Various concerts and cultural events were held in the framework of the festivity.