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 has supported draft amendments to the Administrative Violations Code stipulating fines for provision of information in foreign languages
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not support widening of list of posts and professions which would require obligatory Latvian language proficiency and usage
• Vesti Segodnya prints an interview with political scientist ex-Minister of Integration Nils Muiznieks
• Chas reports about a study on promotion and preservation of culture in ethnic minority schools
• Representatives of ethnic Russian NGOs from Latvia will take part in a round-table discussion concerning interaction of Russian Diasporas in Europe

The Saeima has supported and forwarded to the Saeima’s commissions the draft amendments to the Administrative Violations Code prepared by the Ministry of Justice stipulating fines for provision of information in foreign languages. Particularly, the draft amendments concern fining house management companies which provide information to their tenants in Latvian and in Russian languages. Vesti Segodnya

The Saeima has supported and forwarded to the Saeimas commissions the draft amendments to the Administrative Violations Code prepared by the Ministry of Justice stipulating fines for provision of information in foreign languages. Particularly, the draft amendments concern fining house management companies which provide information to their tenants in Latvian and in Russian languages. Vesti Segodnya

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not support widening of list of posts and professions which would require obligatory Latvian language proficiency and usage. As reported, such list is prepared by the Ministry of Justice and it contains about 250 posts and professions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that such amendments contradict the State Language Law, moreover, significant increase of number of post and professions required for higher state language proficiency would not promote wider usage of Latvian language. Latvijas Avize

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not support widening of list of posts and professions which would require obligatory Latvian language proficiency and usage. As reported, such list is prepared by the Ministry of Justice and it contains about 250 posts and professions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that such amendments contradict the State Language Law, moreover, significant increase of number of post and professions required for higher state language proficiency would not promote wider usage of Latvian language. Latvijas Avize

Vesti Segodnya prints an interview with political scientist ex-Minister of Integration Nils Muiznieks. Mr. Muiznieks believes that serious discussions about granting Latvia’s non-citizens voting rights in municipal election will start only in about 5 years when the number of non-citizens will decrease while the number of new ethnic Russian citizens of Latvia will grow. Mr. Muiznieks considers that if non-citizens elect municipal governments that would radically change attitude of politicians, while some parties would lose their influence at all. Nils Muiznieks also believes that ethnic Russians in Latvia will be able to change situation in the country only in co-operation with ethnic Latvians.

Vesti Segodnya prints an interview with political scientist ex-Minister of Integration Nils Muiznieks. Mr. Muiznieks believes that serious discussions about granting Latvias non-citizens voting rights in municipal election will start only in about 5 years when the number of non-citizens will decrease while the number of new ethnic Russian citizens of Latvia will grow. Mr. Muiznieks considers that if non-citizens elect municipal governments that would radically change attitude of politicians, while some parties would lose their influence at all. Nils Muiznieks also believes that ethnic Russians in Latvia will be able to change situation in the country only in co-operation with ethnic Latvians.

Chas reports that the Bilingual Centre of Riga in co-operation with the Education Contents and Examination Centre of the Ministry of Education have held a study on promotion and preservation of culture in ethnic minority schools. The aim of the study was to reveal whether the schools affords opportunities to learn about culture, languages and history of ethnic minorities in Latvia and whether they help to maintain ethnic identity of students. According to the newspaper, the study has showed that promotion and preservation of culture in ethnic minority schools is poor due to the luck of support of the Ministry of Education. Also, issues concerning culture of ethnic minorities in Latvia are not sufficiently presented in school programs and standards.

Chas reports that representatives of ethnic Russian NGOs from Latvia will take part in a round-table discussion concerning interaction of Russian Diaspora with other ethnic Diasporas in Europe. The discussion is planned to be held in Luxemburg on 16 to 18 May.