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 Andris Berzins: Russian language should be used in communication with the Russian speaking residents in order to understand each other
• 112 persons requested asylum in Latvia during the first six months of 2011

Neatkariga prints an interview with the new President Andris Berzins. The Presidents states that if necessary he will speak with Russian speaking residents of Latvia in the Russian language. According to the President, the status of the Latvian language as the only state language is fixed in the Constitution and it is the states foundation-stone which is much more stable than politics. Mr Berzins says: Russian language should be used in communication with Russian speaking residents in order to understand each other, explain them what we do, and how we can become closer to one other for the states benefit.

Neatkariga reports about the influx of asylum seekers in Latvia. According to the State Border Guard Service, 112 persons requested asylum in Latvia during the first six months of 2011. It is almost twice more that during all 2011 when there were 64 asylum seekers. The majority of asylum seekers come from Georgia, Congo, and other African and also Asian countries. The refugee status has been granted only to three asylum seekers and nine persons have received alternative status. Political scientist Nils Muiznieks believes that the country should be also ready for the influx of asylum seekers from Belarus where crisis is deepening.