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.

• European Parliament held debates on voting rights for non-citizens of Latvia in municipal elections

The European Parliament (EP) held debates on voting rights for non-citizens of Latvia in municipal elections during its session on 3 February. Several MEPs criticized Latvia for fact that a part of its residents has no rights to participate civil processes of society. The Vice President of the European Commission in charge of Justice, Freedom and Security Jacques Barrot stated that situation in Latvia is very peculiar, however, there should be a political will of Latvian officials to solve the problem of voting rights infringement of particular group of residents.

The European Parliament (EP) held debates on voting rights for non-citizens of Latvia in municipal elections during its session on 3 February. Several MEPs criticized Latvia for fact that a part of its residents has no rights to participate civil processes of society. The Vice President of the European Commission in charge of Justice, Freedom and Security Jacques Barrot stated that situation in Latvia is very peculiar, however, there should be a political will of Latvian officials to solve the problem of voting rights infringement of particular group of residents. Telegraf reports that the MEP from Latvia Tatjana Zdanoka (one of the initiators of the debates) says that it is a first time when problem of voting rights for non-citizens is discussed on such high level and because of that, Latvian officials will have to do something about it soon. Director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights Ilze Brands Kehris in an interview with the newspaper states that it is false to compare Latvian non-citizens with foreigners residing in European countries because non-citizens have closer ties with Latvian state. Mrs. Brands Kehris also believes that the debates in the EP are important signal for Latvia which will be heard. Telegraf, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Latvijas Avize