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.

Press Report

Diena published excerpts from Mr. Modris Lujans' ("People's Harmony") interview for a Latvian TV program. He said that his party initiated a discussion of amendments to the Citizenship Law hoping to start negotiations on the issue. Mr. Lujans had to admit that the Saeima majority did not have any intentions to see into the matter. He believes that the best solution to the problem of non-citizens would be a "zero option". Mr. Lujans expects the President to support "People's Harmony" initiative and is confident that the party will further on put a special emphasis on the issue of naturalization. He also pointed to juridical problems that appear because of the differences in the legal status of citizens, non-citizens, foreigners permanently residing in Latvia and foreigners who are not permanent residents of the country. He explained objections to changes in the naturalization procedure by "Tevzemei un Brivibai" fearing to lose its seats in the Saeima. Mr. Lujans quoted his colleague Mr. Dozortsev who said that thirty thousand non-Latvians (who could receive citizenship if not for the "window mechanism") would not vote for "TB". Diena