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 proposal to include Orthodox Christmas into the list of public holidays
• LVL 700,000 (EUR 996,010) have been allocated for Latvian NGOs projects aimed at society integration and strengthening civil society

Yesterday, the Saeima has supported proposal of the political party “The Concord Centre” to include Orthodox Christmas 6

Yesterday, the Saeima has supported proposal of the political party The Concord Centre to include Orthodox Christmas 6th and 7th January into the list of public holidays. As reported, such proposals on Orthodox Christmas were made trough past several years, however, every time they were refused by the majority of the MPs. Now the draft amendments are forwarded to the Saeimas Commissions for revision. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Latvijas Avize, Telegraf

Latvijas Avize reports that soon Latvian NGOs could apply for financial support for projects aimed at society integration and strengthening of civil society. The total amount allocated for these purposes is nearly LVL 700,000 (EUR 996,010); 85% of this amount is contributed by Island, Lichtenstein and Norway. The Head of the Secretariat of the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Juris Asars criticised funding conditions, stating it is wrong that only ethnic minority NGOs can apply for funding aimed at capacity building and cultural events, because integration process cannot be based only on preservation of culture of ethnic minorities.