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 refused the draft Constitutional amendments stipulating granting Russian language status of a state language in Latvia
• Ministry of Culture presented integration plan
• MP Nikolajs Kabanovs excluded from the Latvian delegation in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly for signing in support of Russian language

 

Yesterday, the Saeima refused the draft Constitutional amendments stipulating granting Russian language status of a state language in Latvia. This means that the national referendum on the issue will be initiated. The MPs from the Concord Centre left the Parliaments hall before the beginning of voting in such a way abstaining from the voting. According to the opinion poll conducted by TNS Latvia, 38% of Latvian residents would vote for the initiative granting Russian status of a state language at the national referendum, while 57% of respondents would vote against it. Telegraf, Latvijas Avize, Diena, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Neatkariga

Despite the fact that there is no common agreement between the Ministry of Culture (MC) and the Ministry of Education and Science the division of responsibilities regarding integration issues, the MC yesterday presented its plan on integration of the society. The MC is planning to work in several directions and the main direction is Latvian language. It is planned to provide state language courses for non-citizens and recently arrived immigrants and promote usage of Latvia language. The second direction concerns promotion of civic participation of students and young people. The third direction: inclusion of ethnic minorities in the traditionally ethnic Latvian cultural events. The fourth direction: establishment of common social memory promoting sense of belonging to Latvia and Europe. The fifth direction is strengthening of connections with Latvians living abroad. The sixth direction concerns integration particularly in Latgale region (the Eastern part of Latvia). And the seven direction concern ethnic Roma residents. Diena, Latvijas Avize

Yesterday, the Saeima excluded the MP Nikolajs Kabanovs (Concord Centre) from the Latvian delegation in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. The MPs argued that their decision is justified by the fact the Mr Kabanovs broke the deputys oath signing for the Constitutional amendments granting Russian language status of a state language in Latvia. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya