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.

• Riga City Council issued permission to hold public celebration events on 9 May
• Ombudsman Romans Apsitis: Latvian state must preserve ethnic Latvian identity

Yesterday, the Riga City Council issued permission to hold public celebration events on 9 May (Victory Day) near the Monument for Liberators of Riga from Nazi Invaders. The permission was issued despite the objections of the city Mayor Janis Birks who believed that such event is arranged by Russian left-wing extremists.

Yesterday, the Riga City Council issued permission to hold public celebration events on 9 May (Victory Day) near the Monument for Liberators of Riga from Nazi Invaders. The permission was issued despite the objections of the city Mayor Janis Birks who believed that such event is arranged by Russian left-wing extremists. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf, Latvijas Avize, Diena

Latvijas Avize prints an interview with the Ombudsman Romans Apsitis. According to Mr. Apsitis, Latvia cannot exist without Latvian language and Latvian traditions and it is obligation of Latvian state to preserve ethnic Latvian identity.